Abstract: A fork blade for a bicycle front fork includes a lower cylindrical casing, an upper cylindrical casing having a reduced bottom end inserted into the lower cylindrical casing, a forked tip member welded to the lower cylindrical casing at the bottom, a double end screw rod having a top end screwed up with locknuts to hold a buffer spring above a hollow screw member being fastened to the bottom end of the upper cylindrical casing and a bottom end connected to the forked tip member, a shock spring retained between the hollow screw member and the forked tip member, wherein the forked tip member has a circular upright wall welded to the inside wall of the lower cylindrical casing at the bottom and welding holes through the circular upright wall into which the melted metal for joining the forked tip member and the lower cylindrical casing fills.

Abstract: A bicycle comprises a frame having a sleeve portion adapted to support a headset assembly and having an annular opening having its axis located substantially in a vertical-longitudinal center plane of the bicycle. The opening has an internal bearing seat surface that supports the outer race of a thin wall large diameter angular contact bearing. A handlebar support member and a front wheel-mounting leg member are joined end to end at a juncture proximate to the bearing by removable fasteners. One of the members has an external bearing seat surface receiving an inner race of the bearing such that the joined members are rotatable within the sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable handlebar mounting assembly adapted to mount above the head tube of a bicycle frame includes a pair of inserts, each of which has a generally cylindrical inner surface formed and adapted to at least in part encircle the bicycle steerer tube. Each of the inserts has a generally arcuate exterior surface, the axis of which is generally perpendicular to the axis of the generally cylindrical interior surfaces. There is a front cap and a back cap, each of which has an interior surface which mates with the exterior surface of an insert. Fasteners secure the caps together and in tight engagement with the exterior of the inserts. A stem extension tube is attached to the front cap and a handlebar is mounted to the stem extension tube. The mating surfaces of the inserts and caps are adjustable in their relative positions, whereby the position of the caps relative to the inserts and the bicycle frame, and thus the angle of the stem extension relative to the frame, is adjustable.

Abstract: A bicycle front fork shock absorbing device includes a shock absorbing spring and a set of tubular elastomers mounted around a guide rod being linked to a headed locating screw rod in either fork blade of a bicycle front fork, the improvement including a plurality of protective caps mounted around the guide rod and separated by the tubular elastomer and the shock absorbing spring, a buffer spring received in a sleeve around the headed locating screw rod and retained between the head the headed locating screw rod and a lock screw, and wherein each protective cap has two recesses at two opposite sides respectively covered around either a tubular elastomer or the shock absorbing spring or the head of the headed locating screw rod.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a durable, lightweight, bicycle dropout-fitting design for use on high strength fiber reinforced composite frames and forks of competition bicycles. The invention provides improved fatigue and impact resistance compared to prior art designs. The invention is configured to make maximum use of modern cold metal forming methods to produce the connecting part and adhesive bonding and/or co-curing methods to join the part to the primary structure. The superior structural performance of the invention is provided by a unique geometry that efficiently utilizes the material properties of the part to maximize the rigidity and strength of the joint.

Abstract: A bicycle head tube assembly includes a connecting device connected between a handlebar lug thereof and a head tube thereof to absorb shocks, the connecting devices comprised of a soft covering and a stack of resilient steel plates covered within the soft covering, the resilient steel plates including a fixed steel plate at the top having two opposite ends welded to the lug and the head tube respectively, and stack of suspension steel plates alternatively welded to the lug or the head tube and having a respective free end spaced from the lug or the head tube at a distance.

Abstract: A bicycle front fork shock absorbing mechanism includes a lower cylindrical casing having a lower rubber ring above an inside screw hole thereof and a friction lining around the inside wall thereof, and upper cylindrical casing inserted into the lower cylindrical casing to hold a stack of upper rubber rings by a locating block, a friction ring mounted around the lower cylindrical casing in contact with the friction lining through a slide contact, a shock absorbing conical spring retained between the upper rubber rings and the lower rubber ring, and a screw rod having a head stopped above the locating block and a screw rod inserted in proper order through a hole on the locating block, the upper rubber rings, the shock absorbing conical springs, and the lower rubber ring and then threaded into the screw hole on the lower cylindrical casing.

Abstract: A body frame (2) for a vehicle (1) of a straddle type, such as a motorcycle or a motorized tricycle, which has integrally formed, on a head tube (3) steerably suspending a front suspension (5), a reinforcement tongue (42; 142) for reinforcing the fastening between the head tube and a down tube (12) made of pipe. The reinforcement tongue is formed on a forged lower end piece (33) of the head tube and extends therefrom so as to asymptotically approach the underside surface of the down tube. The reinforcement tongue may additionally have fitted thereon a fish piece (146; 246) provided either in a pair with one at each side or as a single member, in accordance with necessary strength requirements.

Abstract: Preferred and alternative embodiments of a locking apparatus are described for use on bicycles with quick release mechanisms on the wheels or seat. The lock consists of three attachable components, a locking platform, lock housing and bridge, and lock. When fitted together and onto the bicycle, the locking apparatus components secure the lever arm of a quick release mechanism, preventing any rotation thereof and blocking access thereto with cutting devices. A gripless nut is also provided for use on a bicycle wheel axle opposite the quick release mechanism.

Abstract: In bicycles that have the front fork and handle bars attached to a steering tube that rotates within a frame mounted head tube, a bearing system wherein a compression ring slides over and about the steering tube to trap the bearing against the head tube. Lock nuts surround the tapered compression ring so that when they are threaded together they squeeze the ring against the steering tube. Threads or barbs on the inside of the ring dig into the steering tube to resist movement away from the bearing and allow the ring to be moved against the bearing and establish a proper bearing end load. Further tightening of the lock nuts holds the ring permanently in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotatably fitting a fork stem (4) in a head tube (5) of a bicycle. This apparatus has a first race element (1) fitted on the fork stem, and a second race element (2) opposed to the first race element and inserted into an annular space defined between the fork stem and the head tube. The first race element (1) defines a first contact surface (1b). A first ring element (7) defining a first rolling body supporting surface (7b) is fitted on the first race element (1). The second race element (2) defines a second contact surface (2b). A second ring element (8) defining a second rolling body supporting surface (8b) is fitted on the second race element (2). The first contact surface (1b) is shaped to have a component of reaction force acting radially inwardly of the fork stem from the first ring element to the first race element when rolling bodies (6) are clamped between the first supporting surface and second supporting surface.

Abstract: A handle assembly is to be mounted detachably on one end of a bicycle handlebar and includes a resilient sleeve member that is sleeved on the bicycle handlebar, an integrally formed handle unit that is made of a composite plastic material, and a bolt unit. The integrally formed handle unit has a clamping portion and a handle portion that extends upwardly from the clamping portion. The handle portion has a generally vertical section that extends from the clamping portion, and a generally horizontal section that extends from a distal end of the vertical section. The vertical section of the handle portion is formed with at least one longitudinally extending reinforcing strip that is connected to the clamping portion. The clamping portion has a generally C-shaped section that confines a through-hole and that is sleeved on the first resilient sleeve member.

Abstract: A steering bearing assembly includes a head tube, a steerer tube that has a first end which is connected to a front fork of a bicycle and which extends through the head tube, and a bearing assembly disposed between the head tube and the steerer tube. A truncated cone-shaped inserter is disposed in a second end of the steerer tube and has an axially extending threaded bore formed therethrough. A C-shaped resilient member with an inner tapered wall is press-fitted into the steerer tube above the inserter. A threaded bolt is disposed on the second end of the steerer tube and is threaded into the inserter. When the threaded bolt is tightened, the resilient member expands radially to abut frictionally against the steerer tube and to compress downward simultaneously a stem that is disposed on the head tube around the steerer tube.

Abstract: A longitudinal bar is mountable on a drop-style bicycle handlebar to provide additional comfortable hand positions conducive to the improvement of the cyclist's aerodyanamic profile. The bar is attached to the drop-style handlebar either in, or above, the substantially horizontal plane defined by the rearwardly extending handgrip section of the drop-style handlebar. The ends of the bar are provided with longitudinally slidable clamps for adjusting the length of the bar in attaching it to the drops or to the handgrips of the drop-style handlebar.

Abstract: A headset for bicycle having external forks. The headset allows the use of small standard sealed radial ball bearings, and allows for easy fork replacement by removing and replacing only two screws. Ball bearings with outer and inner races are inserted into bearing bores of the head tube of a bicycle frame. A pair of internally threaded bushings insert through the bearing inner races and are drawn together by a stud. Fasteners, such as screws, insert through mounting holes in spaced-apart mounting brackets of the external forks and engage the two bushings to secure the forks to the headset.

Abstract: An upper steering assembly for a bicycle includes a head tube, a steerer tube passing through the head tube, a bearing assembly mounted on a top of the head tube and around the steerer tube, a rotational socket having a threaded inner periphery and including an upper clamping portion and a lower skirt portion which has an annular groove in an underside thereof for retaining the bearing assembly, and a compression socket mounted around the steerer tube and having a longitudinal slit and including an upper clamping section and a lower tubular section which is in threading connection with the inner periphery of the rotational socket allowing an adjustment of vertical position of the rotational socket relative to the compression socket.

Abstract: A bicycle having post couplings, e.g., a coupling of a handle post to a binding cylinder of a handle clamp, and a coupling of a seat post to a binding cylinder of a frame. The binding cylinder has an extension formed on a side of it. Two slanting holes perforate the extension in slanting directions toward the inner cylindrical opening of the binding cylinder. Two skew blocks are inserted into the respective slanting holes so that the ends touch the post member. The bolt penetrates bolt bores formed in the skew blocks. A nut is fitted to an end of the bolt and tightened. As the nut is tightened, the skew blocks move in the slanting direction of the holes to secure the post member. Since the direction of separation of the skew blocks deviates from that of the axis of the bolt, the friction between the blocks and the slanting holes resists vibrational forces tending to loosen the coupling.

Abstract: A front suspension for a bicycle includes lower swing arms, upper swing arms and hub plates connected to the front forks in a substantially rhomboidal arrangement, and communicating with a shock absorber through a stabilizer tube, wherein the geometries of the trapezoid are balanced to provide substantially the same trail through the travel of the suspension.

Abstract: A dropout for a bicycle receiving tube includes an integral consumable ring which is melted upon the application of heat thereto to form a weld joint between the tube and the dropout. A one-piece dropout for a front axle includes a cylindrical mounting portion, a slotted front portion, and a tapered transition portion. The dropout can be cast or machined from a single piece of barstock such that the slotted front portion is offset radially inwardly relative to a largest outer diameter of the dropout. A three-piece dropout for receiving a rear axle includes two transition elements and a slotted plate welded to the transition elements.

Abstract: An upper steering assembly for a bicycle includes a lower race mounted on an upper end of a head tube of a bicycle, an upper race above the lower race, ball bearings between the lower and upper races, a compression socket, a ratchet wheel, an outer socket, a compression ring, and an actuating socket. The steerer tube has a longitudinal groove on an upper section thereof. The compression socket is mounted around the steerer tube and has a longitudinal slit in alignment with the longitudinal groove. The ratchet wheel is mounted around the compression socket and has a protrusion projecting radially and inwardly through the slit and received in the longitudinal groove. The outer socket is mounted around the ratchet wheel and has a radial threaded through hole through which a bolt passes to abut on a tooth of the ratchet wheel, such that the ratchet wheel cannot rotate.

Abstract: A mechanically joined steering assembly for supporting the wheel of a wheeled vehicle for steering movement relative to the frame of the vehicle. The steering assembly includes a crown attached by mechanical fasteners to blades and to a central steering portion joining the assembly to the frame of the vehicle. The parts joined are the blades (16), steerer (14), crown (12), and reinforcements (24). Mechanical fasteners serviceable with common tools provide a reinforced steering assembly of greater strength than welded or brazed constructions. This assembly allows the use of metallic, advanced composite, or thermoplastic components. Adjustments of axle location and steering geometry are made by sliding blades (16) up or down in crown (12). Blades (16), steerer (14), and crown (12) retain the original cold drawn strength of the metal used by mechanically joining without brazing or welding.

Abstract: A device for discouraging theft of a bicycle includes a first tube member attached to the bicycle handlebar and a second tube member attached to the bicycle fork. One of the tube members has apertures carrying rolling bodies, and the other of the tube members has recesses for receiving the rolling bodies. The tube members are concentrically rotatable. A cam member is provided for urging the rolling bodies into the recesses to fix the tube members against relative rotation, thereby enabling steering of the bicycle. The cam member is operable to a position wherein the rolling bodies are free to become retracted into the apertures, thereby decoupling the tube members and disabling steering of the bicycle.

Abstract: An improved steering assembly for a tricycle comprises a front fork whose tubular stem is received in a head tube and has a flat area which is engaged by an internal projection extending from the wall of the head tube toward the head tube axis so as to limit the angular excursions of the fork about that axis and thereby prevent the tricycle from tipping over due to oversteering.

Abstract: An integral front fork and handlebar unit for attachment to the head tube of a bicycle includes a unitary member which is arranged into a handlebar portion for use in steering the bicycle, a front fork portion attaching to the front wheel of the bicycle and a connecting portion for joining together the handlebar portion and the front fork portion. The entire unit has a forward protruding wedge shape and is continuous in nature without any openings or voids with the exception of the front fork which splits into two front wheel support arms disposed on opposite sides of the front bicycle wheel. As part of the unitary and integral construction, a generally cylindrical post is provided on the center line of the unit and this post is received by the head tube of the bicycle in order to provide the rotational pivot for transferring steering forces from the handlebar portion to the front fork portion.

Abstract: A light weight aluminum bicycle fork with positive feel and improved control in rough conditions, and is stiffer in torsional stiffness, fore and aft stiffness and side-to-side stiffness and has a higher overall rigidity than prior art forks. A large diameter steering tube has an hourglass external surface and bearing raceway seats formed therein and a very large diameter head tube has a corresponding bearing raceway seat formed in the lowered end thereof to receive, by way of a press-fit, aircraft-type torque tube bearings. An upper bearing assembly is seated in a raceway seat formed in the upper end of the head tube. Adhesive is used to maintain the bearings in position and prevent their loosening. A pair of large diameter crown miter tubes are welded to the lower end of the steering tube and a pair of large diameter, tapered, blade tubes are welded to the crown miter tubes and have dropouts welded to the lower ends of the blades.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle stem is disclosed for use on a bicycle having a handlebar and a stem sleeve. The bicycle stem comprises a substantially vertical member having a first end and a second end, the first end being removably receivable within the sleeve. A first substantially horizontal member is attached to the vertical member second end, and a second substantially horizontal member is pivotably connected to the first horizontal member. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the second horizontal member with respect to the first horizontal member. A mechanism is also provided for securing the handlebar to the second horizontal member.

Abstract: A headset for rotatably attaching a fork stem to a head pipe of a frame of a bicycle or the like. The headset includes an inner tube fitted on an outer surface of the fork stem, an outer tube coaxially surrounding the inner tube and fitted in an inner surface of the head pipe, and a ball bearing mounted between the inner tube and outer tube for allowing relative rotation about an axis thereof and restricting relative axial movement between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube, outer tube and ball bearing are assembled into an integral unit attachable to and detachable from the head pipe and fork stem.

Abstract: A bicycle of the "mountain bike" type having two aligned foldable joints in the frame, a folding handlebar assembly and a foldable pedal. Each of the frame joints is mounted in a gap in a tubular frame member and includes two disks disposed flushly against the ends of the tubular members with smaller plugs fast in the members, and two hinge leaves extending across the gap longitudinally of the frame. A rivet on one side of the joint joins two ears on the leaves to form the hinge axis, and a headed fastener with a hexagonal socket is recessed into the thickened central portion of the upper leaf and threaded into the lower leaf to clamp the leaves together. Interlocking ribs between two ears on the other side of the joint prevent relative pivoting movement when the leaves are clamped together. The handlebar assembly has upper and lower tubular adjustment sections for both upward and forward adjustment of the handlebar, and an angled hinge between these sections.

Abstract: An upper bearing assembly for a bicycle steerer tube which generally includes a lower race, a ball bearing integral with an upper race and mounted in the lower race, a watertight cover mounted above the ball bearing, a compression nut mounted above the watertight cover, a compression washer mounted around a top portion of a substantially inverted T-shaped cutout of the compression nut, a compression cap mounted above the compression washer and having a skirt portion surrounding the compression washer. The compression washer includes a thinner portion and a thicker portion which has a substantially V-shaped groove formed in an outer periphery thereof. The skirt portion of the compression cap has a threaded hole extending obliquely therein in which a compression bolt locates. The oblique threaded hole aligns with the V-shaped groove in the compression washer.

Abstract: A skewer assembly for holding the front fork of a bicycle. The fork has a pair of clevises each with a pair of arms. A skewer housing body has a pair of end faces extending around opposite ends of a passage which extends between them. A skewer rod adjustment and clamp act to hold the clevises against the end faces. The diameter of the skewer rod is substantially equal to the spacing between the clevis arm so the rod can fit closely over the rod.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel axle dropout member includes a body portion adapted to be joined to a wheel axle-supporting member of a bicycle and a pair of arm portions extending from the body portion and defining a slot adapted to receive a portion of the bicycle wheel axle in seated relation at the base of the slot. At least one arm portion of the dropout member has a distal part projecting outwardly with respect to the perimeter of the fastener, a hole in the distal part closely adjacent the perimeter of the fastener, and a stop member detachably received in the hole and having a stop head portion positioned abreast of the fastener such as to be engaged by the fastener if the wheel axle should unseat from the base of the slot and to thereby stop the wheel from detaching from the dropout member.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly for dampening and reducing the shock to which a cyclist is normally exposed is disclosed. The assembly includes a mounting block attached to the head of a bicycle front fork assembly. An upper linkage member and a lower linkage member that are parallel and spaced apart from each other are pivotally attached at their tail ends to the mounting block. A handlebar clamp for securing a handlebar thereto is pivotally attached to the front ends of the upper and lower linkage members. A dampening element is disposed against one of the linkage members for slowing the downward movement of the linkage members and serving as a sink for a downward force applied to the linkage members when the handlebars are urged downwards. In some preferred embodiments of the invention the dampening member is a layer of elastomeric material disposed between the upper and lower linkage members. In other embodiments of the invention the dampening members include a spring element.

Abstract: A head set includes a sleeve threadedly engaged on a steerer tube, a ratchet gear engaged on the steerer tube and including a key extended radially inwards for engagement with the steerer tube, and a compression nut threadedly engaged on the steerer tube in order to compress the ratchet gear in place. The compression nut includes a screw threadedly engaged in a screw hole for engagement with the ratchet gear so that the compression nut is prevented from rotating in a reverse direction relative to the steerer tube.

Abstract: A simple, direct stem fixing device of minimal weight and material. The stem fixing device utilizes an expansion nut and a fixing bolt which connects the expansion unit to the stem. The fixing bolt connects to the stem by a mount set within the lower portion of the vertical tube, thereby minimizing the necessary length and weight of the fixing bolt. Alternate embodiments of this invention also allow the upper end of the vertical tube to be permanently closed, and provide a separating bolt to free the expansion nuts from its tightened position.

Abstract: A journal includes a lower cap engaged on a head tube, a bearing engaged on the lower cap, a ring engaged on the bearing and having a tapered surface formed in an inner peripheral portion, a upper cap having an annular groove formed in the lower portion, a tapered surface formed in the annular groove of the upper cap and engaged with the tapered surface of the ring. The upper cap applies a downward and radially outward force against the ring when the upper cap moves toward the lower cap such that lower cap, the bearing, the ring and the upper cap can be stably retained in place.

Abstract: A front wheel shock absorbing system for a bicycle wherein the legs of the front wheel fork includes struts slidable in tubes. The struts are attached at one end to the wheel axle using a quick release clamping mechanism. Brackets on the strut ends are U shaped and simply drop over the axle and as a result of the clamping action are clamped onto the axle. To avoid upsetting of the parallel relation of the struts, one of the brackets is equipped with an axially slidable U shaped shoe. Thus, the clamping action merely moves the shoe of the one bracket closer to or farther from the other bracket but without affecting the spacing between the brackets and, thus, the struts. Fasteners fasten the shoe to the bracket following the clamping action.

Abstract: A removal preventing mechanism for preventing unexpected removal of a bicycle hub assembly comprises a latch member pivotally mounted to each fork end having a hub mounting cutout which receives a hub shaft. The latch member is pivotable between a locking position for preventing removal movement of the hub shaft from the hub mounting cutout of the fork end and an unlocking position for allowing movement of the hub shaft from and into the hub mounting cutout. The latch member is normally urged to the locking position by a spring.

Abstract: The steering wheel of the vehicle is comprised of an annular roller bearing (22) having an interior annular element (23) which is integral with, for example, an interior element (26) of a second roller bearing (24) and an exterior annular element (21) of the annular roller bearing (22) supports a rim (19) and a tire (20). An exterior element (25) of the second roller bearing (24) is mounted via a pivot (40) supported by an articulated arm (17). The inclination of the second roller bearing and, consequently a caster angle of the steering wheel, is variable by way of a double-acting hydraulic actuator (42) which is supplied with hydraulic fluid by a hydraulic pump (46) driven by a motor (47) and controlled by an electronic circuit (48) coupled to a gear selector mechanism of the vehicle.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a front fork wheel suspension of a bicycle has two telescoping suspension assemblies, one on each leg of the front fork. Each of the suspension assemblies includes a pair of telescoping tubes having a hydraulic fluid and an airspace therein, as well as a spring-loaded valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the two tubes of the telescoping assembly. To control the point at which the assemblies change from a rigid, locked condition, in which the valve plate is closed, to a shock absorbing, telescopically displaceable condition, in which the valve plate is open, an adjustor rod is provided by which the degree of precompression of the valve spring can be changed.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a vehicular frame element against denting, scratching and gouging includes a plurality of detachably attachable standoffs extending from the frame element for supporting a protective member displaced from and generally aligned with the frame element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bicycle fork comprising a steel steering spigot 11, a fork head 12 of fibre reinforced plastic, two fork arms 13 which likewise consist of fibre reinforced plastic and which are formed in one piece with the fork head 12 and axle mounts 14 inserted into the free ends of the fork arms 13 is characterized in that connection spigots provided on the axle mounts 14 are extended by a hard foam core 19; in that the hard foam core 19 is extended in the region of the fork head 12 by a plastic impregnated flexible foam core 22; in that a plastic impregnated flexible foam sheath 20 is laid around the connection spigots 21, around the hard foam core 19 and around the flexible foam core 22; in that subsequently various fibre reinforced sleeves 15, 16, 17, 18 are laid around the foam sleeve 20; in that then the upper parts of the fork head 12 containing the foam cores 22 are combined together into a single steering spigot connection parts 12a and are introduced, at least substantially into the lo

Abstract: A headset assembly attached to a bicycle for journaling a steering tube or a fork assembly within a head tube of the frame of the bicycle. The headset comprises upper and lower headset cups which are press fit within respective ends of the head tube. Each of the headset cups has a bore for receiving a respective cartridge bearing. Each of the headset cups has a rim with a radial slot and is designed such that the rim may clamp about a periphery of the respective cartridge bearings.

Abstract: A journal including a lower cap engaged on an end portion of a head tube of a bicycle, the lower cap having an annular recess, a bearing engaged in the annular recess of the lower cap, an upper cap threadedly engaged on the upper portion of the front fork and engaged on the bearing so that the front fork is rotatable relative to the head tube, and a compression nut threadedly engaged above the upper cap so that the upper cap can be stably retained in place.

Abstract: A coupling including a sleeve having an annular rib formed on a lower peripheral portion, a bowl having an annular groove formed in an outer peripheral portion, a ball bearing disposed between the sleeve and the bowl, a gap formed between the bowl and the sleeve, and a gasket including an annular flange formed in an upper portion for engagement with the annular groove of the bowl and a member formed in a lower portion for engagement with the annular rib of the sleeve so as to cover and seal the annular gap formed between the sleeve and the bowl.

Abstract: A suspension-correcting device for a motorcycle having at least one wheel-axle supporting arm pivoted on its chassis, the arm also supporting at least one disk-brake caliper, through which passes a brake disk fixed to a wheel mounted rotatably on the axle, and suspension parts and shock-absorbers connecting the arm to the chassis, wherein the brake caliper mounted on the supporting arm is capable of rotating relative to the supporting arm within limits allowed by a mechanical connection which connects the caliper to an upper reaction portion of the motorcycle chassis, the assembly being used for limiting the foward dive of the motorcycle during braking.

Abstract: A quick-release wheel and cam lever retainer device to prevent accidental separation of wheel from bicycle fork consisting of a quick-release cam lever having an opening in the upper end adjacent to an opening in the lower end of a bicycle fork for cooperatively receiving a means for retaining the cam lever to the fork.

Abstract: A steering bearing assembly is provided for connecting the front wheel and handle bars of a bicycle to the frame. The assembly includes a steerer tube, connected to the front wheel and passing through a head tube on the frame. Bearing assemblies on the upper and lower ends of the head tube allow the steerer tube to pivot within the head tube. The upper bearing assembly has a first race connected to the head tube and a second race having a tapered contact surface. Above the second race on the steerer tube is a compression ring having a gap so the ring can be compressed against the steerer tube. The connector of a stem is located on the steerer tube above the compression ring. The handle bars of the bicycle are connected to the stem. An adjuster nut is threaded into the upper end of the steerer tube, exerting a downward force on the connector and the compression ring. The second race compresses the compression ring, locking the upper bearing assembly in place on the steerer tube.

Abstract: A front fork assembly of a motorcycle comprises a pair of inverted type front forks each comprising an upper outer tube and a lower inner tube, upper and under brackets mounted to the front fork which are operatively connected to a body of the motorcycle, an axle bracket secured to the lower end of each of the front forks, a caliper bracket secured to the axle bracket, a caliper mounted to the caliper bracket, a disc plate supported by the axle bracket, a protector disposed in front of the front fork for protecting the front fork and a brake hose extending therealong, and a guide member secured to the front fork to vertically slidably support the front fork protector. The lower end portion of the brake hose is protected by a protector of specific structure so as not to contact to the road surface during the running of the motorcycle.

Abstract: Theft of a bicycle is discouraged by a locking mechanism in the front headstem that controllably engages the handlebar-attached headstem with the front fork or disengages the headstem and fork for free relative rotation. A shaft attached to the fork and a sleeve attached to the handlebar clamp are connected at a locking junction which is rotatable as a whole in the front journal of the frame. A key operated cam moves a locking roller radially outwardly of the shaft to engage a receptacle in the sleeve for engagement or allows the roller to retract into an aperture for disengagement. The shaft and sleeve have complementary conical tapers axially positioned by a split conical bushing. A cylinder lock operates the cam via a key having a substantially tubular configuration with a uniquely configured axial end for positioning lock pins against axial spring pressure.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a front shock absorbing unit for motorcycles, whose main characteristic is that the shock absorbing element (22), pivoted to the frame (23), is located in such a way as to correspond to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the frame, and is connected by means of a pin (20) to an articulated structure (5, 6, 11, 13, 16, 18) which includes in particular two forks (5 and 6) pivoted to the stanchions (1) which in turn are pivoted to the hub (2) of front wheel (3) (FIG. 1).