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 rugged but inexpensive bicycle frame comprises a tubular head post welded to the flattened forward end of a relatively large diameter tubular crossbar. The rear end of the crossbar is flattened laterally and provided with a concave rear edge. A tubular rear fork has a rounded bridge portion which is fitted to the crossbar rear edge so that the nominal plane of the rear fork is perpendicular to the headpost. Welds permanently connect the front and rear ends of the crossbar to the headpost and rear fork bridge portion respectively. There are openings in the top and bottom walls of the crossbar just forward of the rear end thereof for receiving a tubular seat post so that the lower end of set seat post extends appreciably below the crossbar. Welds permanently connect the seat post to the crossbar. A short tube is welded to the lower end of the seat post to support the pedal crank.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, a motor mounted on the frame and operatively connected to drive the front wheel and the wheel rear, and the gearbox connected to the motor and having an output shaft. A front suspension arm operatively supports the front wheel and is pivotally mounted about the output shaft for pivotal movement in the plane of the front wheel. A rear suspension arm operatively supports the rear wheel and is pivotally mounted about the output shaft of the gearbox for pivotal movement in the plane of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bicycle fork including forming a manufactured blank comprising a metallic steering spigot 11, two fork arms 13 and a pair of metallic axle mounts 14. Each fork arm 13 includes a hard foam core 19 at the lower straight portion of each fork arm 13 and a flexible foam core 22 at the upper end of each fork arm 13. Alternatively, a single flexible foam core having an internal pressurization may be advantageously used. The axle mounts 14 have a connection spigot 21 which is inserted into the free ends of each fork arm 13. A polymer impregnated flexible foam sheath 20 is laid around foam core 19, flexible foam core 22 or 37 and connection spigots 21. Subsequently, various polymer impregnated fiber reinforced sleeves 15, 16, 17, 18 are laid around the foam sleeve 20. The upper parts of the fork arms 13 are brought together to form a fork head 12 having a single steering spigot connection part 12a and fork arm transition parts 12b.

Abstract: A metal drop-out is attached to a receiving tube of a bicycle frame. The drop-out includes a slotted axle-retaining section and a mounting section which is of one-piece integral construction with the axle-retaining section. The mounting section is bent relative to the axle-retaining section along a transverse band region by an angle by about 10 to 90 degrees. An end edge of the mounting section is machined to a generally cylindrical configuration defining a first longitudinal axis. The machined end edge of the mounting section is inserted into an end of a receiving tube and is welded thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises at least two wheels, a front wheel and a rear wheel. A driving motor is connected as a unit to a framework, the framework being made up of a number of tubular members forming two trapezium structures. The wheels are connected to the motor-framework unit by further members, as well as dampening devices. A transmission between the driving motor and both of the front and rear wheels is also provided. A steering assembly is connected to the front steering wheel and the framework. A strut, which may be part of the transmission, is adjustably connected between the motor-framework unit and the steering assembly. Furthermore, the vehicle can adjust the castor angle of the front wheel.

Abstract: A stem is fixed to a head tube of a bicycle by a fixing device. The stem has an aperture formed in a center. A hole is formed in an upper end of the vertical tube for receiving a spring and a bolt. Two holes are laterally and oppositely formed in a lower portion of the stem, and each receives a piston. The aperture and the holes are filled with oil. The pistons are pushed to engage with an inner surface of the head tube when the bolt is threaded into the upper hole so that the stem can be firmly fixed to the head tube.

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 a bearing raceway seat 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, round blade tubes are welded to the crown miter tubes and have dropouts welded to the lower ends of the blades. A one-piece aluminum bar, neck and large diameter stem is provided.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar that connects to a steering post foreward of the bicycle seat has an adjustable support pad assembly for the rider on which to support his body at his forearms or elbows including a support member having a top side and a bottom side, of which the top side is adapted with cushioning to accommodate the rider's forearm or elbow in support thereof and clamped to the bicycle handlebar by a clamp assembly at said bottom side of said support member. The clamp assembly has a clamp band, a nut member within said band, a bolt member that engages said nut member and a hood member that spaces the band member from said bottom of the support member so that the support pad assembly is attachable to said handlebar and is adjustable thereon in two degrees of translational freedom and two degrees of rotational freedom.

Abstract: A frame fork for a bicycle includes a main tube, two support tubes, a fork head including a bracing tube and two legs integrally formed together, and a sleeve including a sleeve body and two limbs integrally formed together. A center hole is formed in the sleeve body. The bracing tube passes through the center hole of the sleeve body and the lower end of the main tube. The sleeve body embraces the lower end of the main tube. Each leg of the fork head and a respective limb of the sleeve are force fitted into each upper end of the support tube.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar attachment includes a stem adapted at one end for connection to the head tube and having an eyelet at its opposite end for receiving the handlebar crossbar. The eyelet is divided by a slit into two jaws, one of which defines a threaded blind hole and the other of which has a partially-threaded through-hole aligned with the blind hole for receiving a screw for clamping the jaws together to tighten the eyelet on the crossbar. When the screw is released from the blind hole, an abutment plate can be inserted in the slot and the screw tightened aginast it to force the jaws apart to allow the crossbar to be inserted in or removed from the eyelet.

Abstract: A coupling for securing a handlebar to a bicycle frame, the coupling includes a compression nut and a bowl. An inner thread is formed in an upper end of the compression nut. A sealing ring has an outer thread formed on a lower end. The sealing ring is secured in place by a threaded engagement between the sealing ring and the compression nut when the handlebar standpipe is inserted through the sealing ring into the compression nut.

Abstract: A safety device for bicycles, for preventing unscrewing, comprises a ring element which can be mounted coaxially on the outer ring of the upper steering bearing and on the lock nut to lock them in position on the tubular sleeve of the fork mounted rotatably in the steering tube of the frame. The ring element is clamped onto the ring of the bearing and the lock nut so as to prevent the accidental unscrewing of the lock nut. It also has a radial appendage which is adapted to act as an abutment for the end of the sheath of a flexible brake-operating cable.

Abstract: A handlebar assembly for a cycle includes a column member which is securable to a cycle so that it is rotatable about the steering column axis thereof, a pivot arm which is pivotably mounted on the column member so that it extends forwardly therefrom, a spring assembly for resiliently resisting pivoting movement of the pivot arm and a handlebar element of the forward end of the pivot arm. The handlebar element is adapted and mounted so that the hands of an operator of the cycle are positioned forward of the steering column axis, and the spring assembly is operative for resiliently resisting pivoting movement of the pivot arm to cushion shocks which are transmitted to the column member when bumps are encountered in an irregular roadway or off-road surface.

Abstract: A stem assembly for securing the handlebars of a bicycle to the frame of the bicycle, which stem comprises a barrel and a head, the head being formed from a sheet metal stamping comprising a neck section and a handlebar clamping section. The neck section of the head is of generally annular cross-sectional configuration and is characterized by a longitudinal seam extending for the length of the neck. The seam of the neck section of the head is welded along the seam so as to impart to the stem resistance to torsional failure of the neck.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting vehicle handlebars includes a lower hub intergral with a vehicle steering column, and an upper hub formed as an integral part of the handlebars. Two opposed diamond-shaped plates rotationally receive both hubs. Two locking gears, one integral with each hub, form various interlocking engagement with one of the plates, corresponding to different handlebar position settings. A release lever, pivotally attached to one of the plates, is pivotable to urge the plates away from one another to release the locking engagment of the gears and projection groove, enabling movement of the handlebars to different settings. A spring loaded detent prevents inadvertent release of the mechanism, and must be moved against the force of a torsion spring prior to the pivoting of the release lever.

Abstract: A fork stem is formed of material having large hardness while a fork shoulder is formed of material having hardness smaller than that of the fork stem. A plurality of projection lines are formed in an end of the fork stem. The end is forcedly inserted into a through hole of the fork shoulder and an expansion portion is formed in the end forcedly inserted into the through hole to prevent the fork stem from getting out from the through hole.

Abstract: A front fork of a bicycle including outer cases disposed above on the side of a vehicle body, inner tubes disposed below on the side of a wheel and telescopically inserted into said respective outer cases, and brake callipers provided at the rear of the bottom end of said inner tube. A protector covering the front of the inner tube therealong, is provided, and the bottom end of this protector is fixedly secured to an axle support member connected to the inner tube. A hose holding member for holding a brake hose is formed on the front surface of the protector, and also there is provided a hose guide member for guiding a brake hose portion extending from the hose holding member up to the brake callipers so as to detour by the side of the inner tube along a route having a larger radius than that of the outer case.

Abstract: Wheel suspension for a steerable wheel having a support plate to which two hinge joints are attached. These hinge joints are connected with their other ends to a support structure. To the support plate the inner ring or rings of the wheel bearing or wheel bearings are attached. The hinge joints are located at a distance from the axial center-line of the wheel bearing means that is smaller than the distance from the wheel inner bearing inner ring or rings to the axial center line.

Abstract: A fork stabilizer for the front-end fork of a motorcycle is provided. The fork stabilizer includes an elongate member, comprised of unitary metallic material having a substantially solid cross-sectional area, the elongate member also having transverse curved areas disposed at each end of the elongate member, said curved areas being closely machined to make a net fit between the prongs of the front-end fork of the motorcycle, having bolt holes disposed at each corner thereof, said bolt holes having an expanded region adapted to receive the heads of said bolts and also having a restricted region adapted to retain the elongate portion of said bolts whereby the twisting forces are substantially reduced, thereby assuring smooth and continuous operation and steering of said front-end fork.

Abstract: A supporting and steering device for a front wheel of a motorcycle includes a single arm having a bent portion enveloping a portion of the periphery of the front wheel, a lower portion holding the wheel axle and an upper extension; a lower guiding arm having a first end rotatively mounted on the chassis in a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane of the motorcycle and a second end; a first ball and socket joint which pivotally connects the second end of the lower guiding arm with the lower portion of the single arm; an upper connecting arm having a first end rotatively mounted on the chassis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane of the motorcycle and the second end; a second ball and socket joint which pivotally connects the second end of the upper connecting arm with the upper extension of the single arm; an imaginary line extending between centers of the first and second ball and socket joints constituting the steering axis of the front wheel about which

Abstract: A sliding assembly which is slidably urgeable upwards or downwards by brake cables on a sleeve. The sleeve is fixed on the stem of a bicycle. The sliding assembly includes a slip cylinder with holes for receiving ball bearings. An outer ring encompasses the slip cylinder and an upper and a lower ring encompass and are retained by the outer cylinder. The upper ring is upwardly urgeable by a fixing piece which protrudes from an outer circumference thereof. The lower ring receives the head of the lower brake cable and is downwardly urgeable by the lower brake cable.

Abstract: A motorcycle [1; 50] having a front wheel [23] and a rear wheel [5] includes a motorcycle body [4, 2] including an engine [2], the engine [2] having an engine body [6] and a cylinder [6] disposed on a rear portion of the engine body [6] to define a space [S] forwardly of the cylinder [7] and forwardly and upwardly of the engine body [6]. Upper and lower front swing arms [19, 20] extend horizontally and forwardly from the motorcycle body [4, 2] substantially parallel to each other, the front wheel [23] being operatively supported on front portions of the upper and lower front swing arms [19, 20]. The upper and lower front swing arms [19, 20] have rear portions [19a, 19b, 20a, 20b] pivotally mounted on the motorcycle body [4, 2] for vertical swinging movement with respect thereto. The rear portions [19a, 19b] of the upper front swing arm [19] are pivotally mounted on the motorcycle body [4, 2] within the space [S].

Abstract: This invention relates to a bicycle fork based on a resin reinforced by a textile reinforcement, in the form of a moulded assembly in one piece, forming the pivot, the fork head and the two blades, wherein the textile reinforcement is disposed around a previously formed core, the core having the configuration of the fork to be produced and being of slightly smaller dimensions in order to take into account the thickness of the reinforcement disposed around this core; and wherein the textile reinforcement is constituted, at least partly, by a superposition of bidirectional braided tubes imprisoning therebetween longitudinal yarns disposed parallel to the generatrices of said fork, said longitudinal yarns being distributed regularly over the whole periphery of the core defining the fork, both around the blades and around the fork head and the steering pivot.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine is disposed between the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle, and has a pair of cylinders. A front wheel suspension mechanism has a swing arm assembly extending forwardly, the front wheel being steerably supported on a front end of the swing arm assembly. The front wheel suspension mechanism has a damper or upper and lower arms disposed between the cylinders of the engine. Since the damper is positioned in the space between the engine cylinders, the damper may be of an increased length.

Abstract: Device for a steering wheel having a hub (2) with an axial bore (3) having a portion (4) defining a frustoconical surface adapted to cooperate with a portion (5) of the column (1) of complementary shape and first splines (6) arranged angularly in accordance with a given pitch. A screw (7) is provided for clamping the hub (2) to the column (1). The column is in the form of a tube in which is disposed an intermediate member (8) including a portion (9) defining a frustoconical surface adapted to cooperate with a portion (10) of the inner surface of the column having a complementary shape and second splines (13) adapted to cooperate with the first splines (6) forming splines of the hub (2) for preventing rotation between the hub and the intermediate member. The screw (7) clamps the hub (2) and the intermediate member (8) in such manner as to jam the column (1) between the hub and the intermediate member (8) and thus lock the steering wheel in the desired position of adjustment of the steering wheel on the column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping steering movements, especially of a motorcycle, in which a steering damper is activated by an electronic evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit receives signal from an angle sensor, an acceleration sensor and a velocity sensor. It compares the measured values of these sensors with predetermined constant values. If the measured value of the angle sensor and of the velocity sensor exceed their respective threshold value, then the evaluation circuit activates a damping device and increases the damping value of the steering damper. Independently or in conjunction therewith, the evaluation circuit activates the damping device when the measured value of the acceleration sensor exceeds a predetermined value. The method and apparatus prevents steering chatter and steering flutter.

Abstract: A quick-release wheel retainer consisting of a hooked-shaped member having a generally planar shaped tab attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom approximately perpendicular to the hook-shaped member. The member is pivotally connected to a vertical drop-out of a bicycle front fork and the pivot connection is positioned directly above the drop-out slot such that, once in a locked position about a bicycle axle, the weight of the axle against the member causes the retainer to remain in that locked position.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem assembly for securing a handlebar of a bicycle to a bicycle frame. The stem comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, a barrel and threaded nuts and bolts for securing the bottom plate to the underside of the top plate. The plates have opposed transverse arcuate grooves formed thereon for the reception of a handlebar therebetween. The top plate has a gusset punched upwardly from the underside to define a hole for the reception of the upper end of the barrel. The upper end of the barrel is welded to the top plate by a weld which extends between the side of the gusset, the barrel, and the top side of the top plate. Another weld surrounds the barrel and secures it to the underside of the top plate.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel improved recumbent vehicles having a frame comprising an elongate tubular support means adapted to substantially entirely enclose within its interior the vehicle's primary drive means thereby eliminating risk of rider entanglement. Other features of recumbent vehicles according to the invention include a steering assembly including handlebars selectively positionable along the frame and diametrically interconnected by steering cable means to a front fork selectively positionable along the frame and rotatably supporting a front wheel providing for nearly 90.degree. steering movement of the front wheel, and a seat means selectively positionable along the frame to accommodate various size riders and adapted to support a rider without the need for complicated seat bracing apparatus.

Abstract: An improved freestyle bicycle construction is disclosed, featuring an improved rear wheel caliber brake linkage which can be preassembled while the bicycle is in relatively unassembled condition, thereby facilitating assembly by a merchant or the ultimate user.

Abstract: A rear wheel brake cable arrangement for a free style bicycle comprises a first cable connected between a rear wheel brake lever and a rocking member mounted for swiveling movement to a stem pipe, and a second cable connecting the rear wheel brake mechanism to a vertically movable member coaxially mounted on the stem pipe. Depressing of the rear wheel brake lever causes swiveling movement of the rocking member which moves a pair of links that transmit a uniform force to move the vertically movable member and thereby a rotary member along the stem pipe to cause movement of the second cable connected to the rotary member.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a motorcycle including a relatively stable member and a swingable member swingably connected with the stable member and supporting thereon a road wheel. The wheel suspension system comprises at least one torsion bar arranged on the stable member, a force transmission route adapted to transmit forces acting thereon, the force transmission route being connected with the swingable member and the torsion bar, and a lever type damper having an operation shaft adapted to provide damping forces when rotated, the operation shaft being engaged with the force transmission route.The system is substantially free from restrictions with respect to configuration and damping force producing direction.

Abstract: A fork stabilizer for the front-end fork of a motorcycle is provided. The fork stabilizer includes an elongate member, comprised of unitary metallic material having a substantially solid cross-sectional area, the elongate member also having transverse curved areas disposed at each end of the elongate member, said curved areas being closely machined to make a net fit between the prongs of the front-end fork of the motorcycle, having bolt holes disposed at each corner thereof, said bolt holes having an expanded region adapted to receive the heads of said bolts and also having a restricted region adapted to retain the elongate portion of said bolts whereby the twisting forces are substantially reduced, thereby assuring smooth and continuous operation and steering of said front-end fork.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for use with a motorcycle including a frame, a front wheel and a suspension system connecting the front wheel with the frame, the suspension system including a fork slider, a fork tube which is movable within the slider, and a force device for urging the slider and the tube apart. The apparatus comprises first device adapted to be connected to the slider, second device adapted to be connected to the tube, latch apparatus for engaging the first and second devices, and releasable force means for moving the first and second devices together and thereby moving said suspension system to a lowered position during acceleration of the motorcycle. A control is provided for disabling the apparatus and enabling the motorcycle to operate in its normal level after the period of acceleration has passed.

Abstract: A front suspension for a vehicle having a pair of swing arms and steering arm. The swing arms are mounted to the steering arm in a manner such that savings in weight and material are realized. The swing arms are pivotally mounted forwardly at upper and lower locations on said steering arm and pivotally mounted rearwardly on the vehicle, said forward mounting location of said upper swing arm being outside the circumference of the front wheel and said forward mounting location of said lower swing arm being above and rearward of the front wheel axle, said upper and lower swing arms extending upwardly from said rearward mounting locations. Accordingly, the front wheel can take a wide steering angle and the swing arm does not become too heavy.

Abstract: A quick-release hub retention device includes a pair of protrusions respectively provided on the outward surface of the lower end portion of each front fork leg, and a pair of rigid clips each pivotally mounted on the axle and having a curved free end for hooking over the protrusion to mount the hub on the front fork. The axle is received in the open-ended slots in lower ends of a bicycle's front fork legs in a known manner. Each clip includes parallel upper and lower portions extending radially of the axle, and a middle portion bridging the upper and lower portions of the clip and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the axle. The bridging portions are of a length so that the upper and lower portions respectively abut on the opposite surfaces of the lower end portions of the front fork legs. The clips are incorporated with a main retaining device to prevent accidental separation of the wheel from the fork even if the main retaining device on the axle becomes loose.

Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus is provided for a telescopic type front fork having a pair of right and left movable fork members supporting a front wheel of a vehicle. The stabilizer apparatus comprising a stabilizer member having an end connected to each of the fork members and a resiliently deformable strength adjustment member positioned between each of the fork members and the corresponding end of the stabilizer member. The strength adjusting member comprises a bushing formed of a resilient material. The bushing is mounted in and fixed to a connecting opening in each end of the stabilizer member and is fastened to the movable fork member at an attaching base portion projecting from an upper end portion of the movable fork member.

Abstract: A pair of right and left main pipes and or a pair of right and left down tubes, or a main pipe and a down tube are formed of one piece of continuous pipe material with its intermediate portion warped. The head pipe has a supporting surface portion corresponding to the surface of the aforementioned warped intermediate portion. This supporting surface portion is integrally cast together with a tubular main body portion of the headpipe. The warped intermediate portion of the pipe material is fixed to the supporting surface portion of the head pipe by welding. According to the present invention, the constructions and shapes of the welded portions are simplified. Thus, the invention is best suited to robot welding in order to improve productivity. Also, the head pipe is formed at its front surface or its both sides of its tubular main body portion with an opening in order to reduce the weight.

Abstract: A convertible wheeled vehicle which is capable of assembly into any one of a plurality of different vehicles includes a front wheel frame assembly. A wheel is mounted to the front wheel frame assembly. A chassis assembly has at least one wheel. A pair of vertically spaced plates extends from the front wheel assembly and a tubular connector associated with the chassis assembly is disposed therebetween. A pin extends between the plates and through the tubular connector for securing the chassis in any one of a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for adjusting the steering column and handlebars of a snowmobile. The steering column has upper and lower sections, pivotable with respect to one another about a first lateral axis. A first pawl and cylinder, mounted respectively to the upper and lower sections, rigidly connect these sections when engaged, but permit these sections to pivot relative to each other when the pawl is retracted from the cylinder. A second pawl and cylinder are mounted at the top of the steering column upper section and rigidly connect the upper section and handlebars. Retraction of the second pawl from engagement with the second cylinder frees the handlebars for rotation, relative to the upper steering column section, about a second lateral axis parallel to the first axis. A single lever, pivotally mounted to the column upper section, has a cam which engages and retracts the first and second pawls simultaneously, for maximum ease in steering system adjustment.

Abstract: A front fork for a bicycle includes a cylindrical fork tube adapted to mount to the bicycle frame and support the handlebars, and a pair of spaced fork legs connected to the fork tube which straddle the front bicycle wheel and mount to its axle. Each fork leg comprises an upper section of substantially circular cross section welded at one end to the fork tube and integrally connected at the other end to the upper end of an elongated lower section. The elongated lower section of each fork leg is formed with a longitudinally extending crease formed by bending a portion of the outer wall of the fork leg radially inwardly in a U-shape toward its hollow center. The depth of the crease increases from the upper end to the lower end of the elongated lower section so that the fork legs taper inwardly from top to bottom for mounting to the front wheel axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle, the frame (31) of which is connected to a single-arm drive extension (30) which, at its rear end, has firmly connected to it a rear wheel axle (11a) which is rotatably mounted and can be driven by a drive device (38,33,34,35), onto which rear wheel axle (11a) the rear wheel can be attached from one side. Moreover, the front wheel holder connected to the bicycle frame (31) is designed as a monospar fork (1), with the front wheel axle (11) being firmly connected to the monospar fork (1) for accommodating the front wheel on one side. The wheels (8a,8b) have wheel hubs (9a,9b) which are designed in half shell shapes and are open towards the axle bearing devices (12,13,14), with a break device (22), which is firmly connected to the axle bearing device, being arranged within at least one half shell shaped wheel hub, which brake device (22) can be pressed against the inner peripheral surface of a wheel hub (9a, 9b) for braking the bicycle.

Abstract: A pair of upper and lower relatively rotatable collar members are mounted on the upstanding neck portion of a bicycle from which the handlebars supported and which is rotatable relative to the frame of the bicycle with the front fork assembly of the bicycle about an upstanding axis concentric with the neck portion. The collar members are slidable along and rotatable relative to the neck portion and interconnected against axial shifting. The frame of the bicycle includes a pull cable actuated rear wheel brake and the handlebar of the bicycle includes a shiftable pull cable actuator. A first pull cable section is operatively connected between the rear wheel brake and the lower collar member and a second pull cable section is operatively connected between the brake actuator and the upper collar member.

Abstract: A body structure for a motorcycle with a front wheel and a rear wheel, including a body frame assembly having an engine mounted thereon and having vertically swingably joined thereto a front leading arm for supporting the front wheel and a rear trailing arm for supporting the rear wheel. The front leading arm as viewed from the side thereof is curved upwardly in the direction of a steering axis of the front wheel. The body frame assembly is shaped in a concave form having front standing portions and rear standing portions to thereby surround the engine. The engine is a V-type with at least a pair of internal combustion cylinders substantially vertically arranged to be respectively forwardly and rearwardly inclined, and may be secured at a front part thereof to the front standing portions of the body frame assembly and at a rear part thereof to the rear standing portions of the body frame assembly.

Abstract: A hub and fork ends of bicycle includes a pair of annular bearings each fixed within an annular bearing shell fixed on the fork end and each composed of an outer race and an inner race formed by engaging a first ring with a second ring, a hub formed with several grooves and a spindle formed with several lengthy extensions corresponding to the grooves on the hub so that after passing the spindle through the two bearings and the hub, the hub with a bike wheel can be instantly mounted on the front fork of a bicycle.

Abstract: A suspension system for the front wheel of a motorcycle having a frame assembly for supporting the suspension system, which includes a pair of upright bars having upper and lower ends and adapted to rotatably mount a wheel between their lower ends, a brace assembly is attached to said bars adjacent the upper ends thereof to hold the bars in spaced and parallel position, a parallelogram mechanism is affixed to the cycle frame and to the pair of upright bars to control up and down movement and to allow rotary movement of said pair of bars, a pair of semi-handlebars are movably mounted on the cycle frame, and a steering linkage operatively connects each semi-handlebar with the bar pair, both linkages pivot about a common pivot pin whereby the pair of bars may be rotated by movement of either semi-handlebar independent of the other semi-handlebar.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a motorcycle is disclosed. The mechanism includes a steering head assembly and a front steered wheel. A front fork assembly carries the steered wheel of the motorcycle at one end thereof. The front fork assembly is adapted for rotational movement about a generally upright axis to turn the steered wheel. A mechanism is provided for variably controlling the fork angle of the front fork assembly as a function of the turning of the steered wheel.

Abstract: A recumbent vehicle having a frame which includes an elongate tubular support adapted to substantially entirely enclose within its interior the vehicle's primary drive mechanism thereby eliminating risk of rider entanglement. Other features of recumbent vehicles according to the invention include a steering assembly including handlebars selectively positionable along the frame and diametrically interconnected by steering cable means to a front fork selectively positionable along the frame and rotatably supporting a front wheel providing for nearly 90.degree. steering movement of the front wheel, and a seat selectively positionable along the frame to accommodate various size riders and adapted to support a rider without the need for complicated seat bracing apparatus.

Abstract: A brake cable coupling means for a rear wheel scissor hand brake activated by a cable which is pulled away from the brake to cause the scissoring against the rear wheel rim. The brake cable coupling means includes an inner rotatable member slidably mounted on the stem of the front fork of the bicycle and a separate cable portion extending to a hand brake handle mounted on the handle bar. An outer sleeve member surrounds the inner rotatable member with another cable portion secured thereto and extending to said brake. Alternatively bearing means may be interposed between the inner member and the outer sleeve or form a part of said outer sleeve. The inner sleeve member includes means to move said outer sleeve and said bearing means vertically upwardly therewith to activate said brake. The brake cable coupling means is activatable no matter what degree of rotation the front wheel of the bicycle is turned relative to the location of the respective cable portions.