Abstract: A single bolt, welded bicycle stem assembly for securing the handlebars to the front fork of a bicycle frame. The stem assembly includes a tubular barrel formed with a top end and side wall, and a sheet metal head section. The head section is formed with a cup-shaped top portion and a bottom portion which are bent in a U-shape so that the top portion overlies the bottom portion to form an annular sleeve therebetween adapted to receive and clamp the bicycle handlebars. The bottom portion is formed with spaced, parallel side sections having outwardly extending edges. The head section is adapted to engage the tubular barrel so that its top portion overlies the top end of the barrel and the outwardly extending edges of the bottom portion abut the side wall of the barrel. The head section is connected to a tubular barrel by vertical welds between the outwardly extending edges of the spaced side sections of the bottom portion of the head section and the side wall of the barrel.

Abstract: For adjusting the angle of inclination of a motorcycle steering column relative to the frame of the motorcycle the tubular steering column support has, near one of its ends, a pivot connection with the frame whereby its other end is swingable forward and rearward relative to the frame. Near the other end of the steering column support is an eccentric connection between it and the frame. Adjustment of the eccentric is effected by means of a swingable arm projecting rearward from one element of the eccentric and a lead screw actuator connected between that arm and the frame. Adjustment can be made while riding, to accommodate riding speed and conditions.

Abstract: In a bicycle frame including a plurality of tubes, at least one sleeve coupling connecting two of these tubes together, a separate pipe socket fastened within the sleeve coupling so as to project therefrom, with one of the two tubes being fitted around the pipe socket to contact the exterior surface of the pipe socket, and a layer of a metal adhesive or the like disposed between, and connecting together, the interior surface of the one tube and the exterior surface of the pipe socket, the exterior surface of the pipe socket is mechanically roughened.

Abstract: In the headset of a bicycle in which a clamping ring connected to the fork stem is compressed by a locknut into engagement with the handlebar stem, to thereby connect the handlebar stem to the fork stem, means are provided for locking the clamping ring to the fork stem to prevent undesired movement of the handlebars with respect to the fork stem.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for motorcycles comprising upper and lower angular ball bearings having a swing angle of at least 50% and retained out of contact with one another by a pressure fitted retainer element. Friction rings are provided at the upper and lower ends of the steering column to permit reduction of pressure on the ball bearings, and the pressure on the upper and lower ball bearings is equalized by selective tightening of a nut mechanism attached to the upper end of the steering column.

Abstract: A front wheel shock absorbing system for motorcycles in which a damper for a front wheel of the motorcycle is disposed on the body frame side and in which forces applied to the front wheel are transmitted to the damper through a force transmitting member included in a front suspension mechanism and further through a slide member which is slidably fitted in a head pipe.

Abstract: Front and rear wheel drop outs for bicycle frames that are specially suited for bicycle frames of the tubular strut type used in light weight high performance high quality bicycles, the frames of which comprise a plurality of tubular strut members interconnected by lugs and brackets to form the well known generally diamond shaped frame that includes the familiar head, top, down, and seat tubes, the familiar pair of seat stay tubes, and the familiar pair of chain stay tubes. The invention provides for a special front wheel fork tip arrangement of the drop out type that is applied and brazed, socket fitted, relation to each fork blade of the front wheel mounting fork assembly, and a special rear wheel drop out bracket arrangement involving right hand side and left hand side drop outs that are formed to receive in brazed, socket fitted, relation the bicycle frame seat stay tube and the frame chain stay tube that is to be made fast to same.

Abstract: A motorcycle fork tree assembly includes a steering axle attached to a top tree piece and a bottom inner tree piece. The bottom inner tree piece is pivotally secured to a bottom intermediate tree piece which is adjustably positioned within a bottom outer tree piece. The fork tubes extend through the bottom outer tree piece and are attached to the top tree piece via plugs having offset bores positioned in one of a number of threaded holes of the top tree piece. The degree of trail of the steering assembly for the motorcycle can be easily and quickly adjusted by the independent adjustment of one or more of the bottom outer tree piece relative to the bottom inner tree piece or the plugs in the top tree piece.

Abstract: An improved upper member for the two-part ball race of a bicycle headset is provided which is light in weight and has a ball engaging surface which follows closely the contours of the balls.

Abstract: Two embodiments of motorcycle suspension systems that are particularly adapted for use with the steered front wheel. Each embodiment achieves a non-linear suspension rate through the use of a linkage system for loading the suspension element upon relative movement between the wheel and the frame. Each embodiment reduces unsprung weight by loading the suspension element from an intermediate portion of a link that is pivoted to a sprung portion of the motorcycle. In one embodiment of the invention, the linkage system is disposed so as to minimize bending forces on the wheel supporting element that would otherwise be encountered due to the castor angle.

Abstract: A link motion type suspension system for a front road wheel of a motorcycle which includes an upper fork supported on a body frame, a lower fork supporting the front road wheel thereon, and a shock absorber connected for operation between the upper and lower forks through links. In order to minimize the weight of the forks, component parts of at least one of the upper fork and the lower fork of the suspension system is hollow.

Abstract: A head parts assembly for use in a two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle and a motorbike includes a head pipe, a front fork pipe which extends through the head pipe and a pair of ball bearings to support the head pipe and the front fork pipe to be relatively rotatable from each other. The present head parts assembly also includes a self-adjusting mechanism which allows to maintain the head pipe and the front fork pipe in alignment at all times.

Abstract: A handlebar stem assembly is provided for securing the handlebars to the frame of a motocross bicycle consisting of top and bottom plates formed with arcuate grooves to receive and secure the handlebars therebetween. The bottom plate is welded to a stem which attaches to the bicycle frame, and at least one generally arcuate shaped relief opening is formed in the bottom plate adjacent its welded connection to the stem for reducing the stress concentration at such connection.

Abstract: The mechanical strength and torsional rigidity of the front forks of a motorcycle are improved by a connector rigidly joining brackets attached to the lower casings.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem assembly for securing the handlebars to the front fork of a bicycle frame. The stem assembly includes a separate tubular barrel and a sheet metal head section which are made in separate operations and connected by welding longitudinally extending edges of the head to opposite sides of the barrel to form the completed stem assembly.

Abstract: In a bicycle frame including a plurality of tubes, at least one sleeve coupling connecting two of these tubes together, a separate pipe socket fastened within the sleeve coupling so as to project therefrom, with one of the two tubes being fitted around the pipe socket to contact the exterior surface of the pipe socket, and a layer of a metal adhesive or the like disposed between, and connecting together, the interior surface of the one tube and the exterior surface of the pipe socket, the exterior surface of the pipe socket is mechanically roughened.

Abstract: A fork bar for motorcycles with two clamps surrounding the fork halves of the front wheel fork, which are connected to one another by two bar parts running essentially parallel to each other. The two bar parts are rigidly connected with one clamp each. The bar parts contact one another along a surface and are connected to one another by means of at least one connecting bolt running at right angles to this surface which is led through a through-hole running at right angles, on one of the bar parts. The through-hole has a larger diameter than the shaft of the connecting bolt.

Abstract: An improved bicycle headset is disclosed having ball bearing races sealed by O-rings against contamination by dust, dirt, moisture and the like. This bicycle headset includes a lower assembly comprising a lower cup fitted to the lower end of a head tube, a crown cone upon which the shoulder of a front fork bears, a lower ball bearing race positioned between the lower cup and the crown cone, and a lower O-ring seal mounted on the crown cone to isolate the lower ball bearing race from the external environment. Also included, is an upper headset assembly comprising an upper stationary cone fitted to the upper end of the head tube and an upper cup threadedly attached to the upper end of a fork tube. A weatherproof lock nut is tightened down against the top portion of said upper cup so as to lock the position of the upper cup on the fork tube about a handlebar stem, and seal the upper part thereof.

Abstract: A front fender and fork assembly for a two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a front fender disposed over the front wheel, and a pair of leg comprising the front fork provided one on each side of the wheel, and is characterized by a pair of gently curved lateral projections formed on either side of the fender intermediate the ends thereof, and covering the front side of the legs in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension for a motor tricycle comprising a frame having a head pipe, a pair of front forks steerably supported on the head pipe, and a pair of bottom cases slidably fitted on lower portions of the front forks to support a front wheel. Within a closed space formed within the front forks and the bottom cases are arranged a damper to connect the forks and cases and a coil spring for biasing the forks and cases in extended direction to the damper and the coil spring thereby being protected from obstacles and considerably improving the riding comfort.

Abstract: A head set arrangement for a bicycle comprises a crown ball race provided with an annular groove in its outer periphery close to its bottom, a circular ring formed of a resilient material and fitted into said groove, a bottom ball head cup provided with an annular groove in its inner periphery close to its bottom. The circular ring is then placed in the second-mentioned annular groove in non-contact position.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension for motorcycles including a pair of first linkages each having link members for interconnecting an upper fork pivotably supported on a motorcycle body and a lower fork supporting a front wheel thereon, and a pair of second linkages for restraining the deformation of the first linkages through a damper, the upper fork having a hollow formed therein in which at least a part of the second linkage is accommodated. The suspension has the moment of inertia relative to the handlebar substantially reduced and has a simplified and favorable appearance.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a chain stay structure, a seat tube extending from the chain stay structure, an inclined down tube pivotally connected to the chain stay structure and disposed forward of the seat tube, a top longitudinally extending element connected between the seat tube and the down tube, a head pipe mounted on the down tube, and an eccentric device connecting the top element to at least one of the tubes to thereby provide for adjusting the pivotal position of the down tube and thereby the position of the head pipe relative to the seat tube.

Abstract: In a ball head lock nut as a component element of bicycle head parts, a split clamping ring is received within an annular groove formed in a threaded, cylindrical internal wall of a substantially annular nut body; a deformable fixing piece, which has a diametrically extending slot formed in its inner end wall, is disposed within a radially extending threaded through hole formed in the annular nut body, with the slot engaged with a part of the split clamping ring; and a set screw is screwed into the radially extending threaded through hole to push the deformable fixing piece axially inwardly for forcible compression and deformation.

Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.

Abstract: A link type front wheel suspension system comprising an upper fork, a lower fork, links connecting between the upper fork and the lower fork, a shock absorber for a front wheel, and a transmission system for transmitting a load received by the front wheel to the shock absorber through the lower fork and the connecting links. The shock absorber of the suspension system is supported by a vehicle body frame and the transmission of load to the shock absorber is performed through a fluid circuit, whereby reduction in weight of the system and reduction in the moment of inertia in the steering operation is attained.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension system for motorcycles which cooperates with a front wheel suspension including an upper fork supported by a motorcycle frame and a lower fork supporting the front wheel. The system includes a rotary lever type damper operatively coupled to the lower fork. The rotary lever type damper is disposed between a pair of side members comprising the upper fork, thus reducing unsprung weight.

Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.

Abstract: An axle assembly for the mounting of wheels in vehicle forks with a tensioning member over which inner pre-load nuts apply axial force to spaced bearings and characterized by shear sleeves transferring loads from the forks and into the inner pre-load nuts and tensioning member for support through inner races of the bearings, the shear sleeves closely coupling forces in shear and protecting threaded engagements enabling the use of light alloy parts of reduced configuration.

Abstract: A height adjusting system for a motorcycle body 1 comprises front and rear telescopic suspensions 2, 6 and 3, 7 respectively connected to the axles of the two wheels 4, 5 and a high pressure air tank 18 connected to the two suspensions and pressurized by an air pump 19 driven by a motor 20 supplied by a battery 23. A movable contact 25 driven by the speedometer of the motorcycle engages a fixed contact 26 when the motorcycle is either stopped or running at a low speed and completes a circuit to leak valves 10 and 11 to exhaust the suspensions 2 and 3. Electro-magnetic valves 16 and 17 also exhaust the tank 18 through check valves 14 and 15. When the motorcycle runs at a higher speed the movable contact 25 engages a second fixed contact 27 to energize the motor 20 to drive the pump 19 to pressurize the tank 18.

Abstract: An upper fork for a front fork assembly of a motorcycle comprising a pair of left and right fork member units and a bridge for interconnecting said pair of units. In order to improve the strength and rigidity of the upper fork with reduction of the weight taken into consideration, each fork member unit includes two pipes having upper and lower ends welded to each other, and a cross member welded to mid portions of the two pipes to interconnect them. The bridge is welded to the two pipes and the cross member of each of the pair of fork member units. The cross member and the bridge are formed to be hollow.

Abstract: Suspension system for a motorcycle wheel, comprising two upright swinging arms disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the wheel pivoted at their upper ends to a supporting structure of the vehicle and at their lower ends to a wheel-carrying element which, through a prolongation, extends beyond the two pivotal connections between the two swinging arms and the wheel-carrying element. The wheel is mounted on the prolongation, and the wheel axle is located on, or slightly above or below, an ideal straight line passing through the pivotal connections of the two swinging arms to the wheel-carrying element.

Abstract: A device is provided for extending the height of the stem of a bicycle fork for the purpose of increasing the height adjustability for the handle bar neck. The device consists of an extender shaft threaded to the top of the fork stem and an inner reinforcing rod which extends through axially aligned passages in the extender shaft and stem and locks into engagement with each member.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension system for motorcycles wherein only one front shock absorber is provided and is arranged adjacent the upper part of the front surface of an upper fork. The shock absorber and at least one link mechanism forming a quadrilateral on the side are connected with each other through a rod functioning as a load transmitting member. The number of shock absorbers is thus reduced, the weight of the suspension system is reduced, the moment of inertia required to rotate the suspension system to the right and left is reduced, and the shock absorber is protected from being adversely affected by mud or the like.

Abstract: A wheel hub for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, includes a quick clamping device for securing the hub axle in the fork of a bicycle frame. The device includes a clamping unit at each end of the hub axle. Each clamping unit contains an adjusting nut screwed onto one end of the axle, a thrust ring inboard of the nut, and a pivotally movable clamping member with eccentric cams positioned between facing surfaces on the nut and thrust ring. By pivoting the clamping member the position of the cams is changed for displacing the clamping device from the release position to the locking position where the hub axle can be tightly clamped in the fork without any special shaping of the axle.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension for a motorcycle including at least one first linkage in the form of a four-bar linkage having an upper fork assembly pivoted to the vehicle frame and a lower fork assembly supporting the front wheel, the upper fork assembly and the lower fork assembly being connected with each other through front and rear arms which are both pivotable, and at least one shock absorber, wherein at least one second linkage is interposed between the first linkage and the shock absorber, the second linkage having an input part pivotably connected to the first linkage and an output part pivotably connected to one of the ends of the shock absorber, the output part being movable by a progressive displacement additional to a displacement of the input part with respect to a direction substantially effective for the shock absorber to exhibit the function thereof.

Abstract: A system for vertically adjusting bicycle handlebars comprising a handlebar-carrying, tubular stem slidably receivable within the front fork tube of a bicycle which latter internally is provided with a stationary tube for disposition between the stem and the front fork tube. There is a vertically presented lever within the stem and adapted for swingable movement intermediate its length by means of a transverse pivot pin; there being a latching pin at the lower end of said lever for selected locking reception within openings formed in stationary tube. A pull link having a control knob externally of the stem is secured to the upper end of the lever to control the movement of the latter.

Abstract: A toy remote-control bicycle of the type is disclosed wherein a rear wheel is mounted on the rear portion of a chassis and a front wheel is mounted on the front portion of a chassis via a front fork portion in a manner switchable in either the clockwise or the counterclockwise directions and wherein said front wheel is supported by an improved front wheel mechanism that does not transmit a shock caused by a collision to the directional steering mechanism when the said front wheel collides against an obstacle.

Abstract: An operator powered vehicle configured to be ridden by an operator in an upright or forced weight position wherein muscle force provided to pedals is augmented by the weight of the operator and by an upward force provided by the operator's arms on the handle bars. Lever-type pedal arms having an up and down motion are employed and the pedal arms are coupled to the rear wheel by one or two flexible drive cables. The cables are wrapped about the rear wheel hub in unsecured relation thereto so that the bicycle may be moved backwardly without damage to the drive cable or to the wheel. The ends of the cables are tensioned to prevent the cables from becoming unwrapped from the rear wheel hub. Means are provided to permit disassembly of the steering assembly and the front wheel from the frame to provide for ease of carrying and storage of the vehicle when it is not being used.

Abstract: A front suspension system for a motorcycle wheel, comprising a downwardly and forwardly inclined suspension structure mounted on the steering column, two swinging arms both disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the motorcycle wheel and pivoted at one end to the suspension structure and at the other end to a wheel-carrying element, so that the suspension structure, the two swinging arms and the wheel-carrying element form an articulated quadrilateral, a shock absorber acting on the articulated quadrilateral to oppose relative movement between the suspension structure and the wheel-carrying element, due to a load applied to the motorcycle.

Abstract: A fork head for a motorcycle comprises an integral, pressure diecast body formed with two sockets for receiving respective fork blades, an upper and a lower cross-piece interconnecting the sockets, a centrally arranged bearing sleeve for receiving an upstanding pin carried by the frame of the motorcycle, lateral walls extending obliquely between the bearing sleeve and the sockets, and at least one bearing surface for conforming engagement by at least one accessory including a trim covering a front portion of the fork head above the bearing sleeve and the sockets.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a bicycle, which starting from a kit of components is very simple to mount, and which in mounted condition in spite of a low price produces a stable bicycle, which is resistant to rough handling and negligence, and which has the requirements for good functioning also after a long time of use.The assembly of bicycle components according to the invention comprises a frame member (1). Furthermore, the assembly comprises a front fork component (2), which is provided with a shank portion (18), which forms axially acting thrust stops (17, 19a) engaging the upper and lower ends respectively of the steering hub, one of the thrust stops being formed by outwards pointing spring pawls (19) adapted to directly or indirectly cam into the corresponding end portion of the steering hub by snap action when the shank portion is being inserted into the steering hub.

Abstract: A two-wheeled motorcycle having a frame carrying a drive motor, a radio, a servo mechanism controlled by the radio, and a power source for driving the motor, radio, and servo. The servo mechanism includes a weight which may be moved to one side or the other of a generally vertical plane extending through the motorcycle when it is in an upright position. The steering crown is arranged so that a plane including the axes of the down tube and the fork is behind the main pivot. The axle of the front wheel is in the plane of the fork axes. The plane including these axes intersects the surface upon which the motorcycle rests at an angle in the range of about 20.degree.-25.degree. relative to vertical. The arrangement of the steering crown is such that, when the servo mcves the weight to one side of the generally vertical plane, the front wheel will tend to turn into the direction in which the weight is moved.

Abstract: A foot propelled land craft is provided with a steering post and body section coupled together by a resilient, elastic length of material which serves as both a hinge for steering and as a shock absorber. The body section has a seat located above a deck. Preferably fenders are provided at either side of the front of the body section to fend off branches or foliage which may project into the path of travel.

Abstract: A connection between the handlebars and the steering fork of a bicycle wherein the handlebar stem is positioned within the steering fork. The connection includes a contractile clamping ring surrounding and connected by threads to the upper end of the fork stem. The clamping ring has an internal unthreaded surface surrounding the adjacent part of the handlebar stem and a frusto-conical external surface. A locknut loosely surrounds the handlebar stem and is connected by threads to the clamping ring. The locknut has a frusto-conical internal surface which engages the frusto-conical external surface of the clamping ring for causing engagement of the unthreaded internal surface of the clamping ring with the fork of the handlebar stem. The clamping ring has a plurality of radial cuts, and the internal surface of the upper part of the locknut is provided with a circumferential series of spaced notches which may be aligned with the cuts.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a device for connecting the handlebars to the steering fork of a bicycle.

Abstract: The handlebar for a bicycle or similar vehicle is clamped by a pair of pillow blocks which are bolted to a first plate which in turn is attached to the bicycle stem. The first plate has a portion stamped outwardly to form a second plate connected to the first plate and angularly disposed with respect to it. A rim is also pressed out of the plane of the first plate along the edge of the opening formed by stamping out the second plate, and an upper portion of the bicycle stem is received in the opening in the first plate and permanently attached to it by means of a fillet weld around the opening at the lower surface of the first plate. The undersurface of the second plate bears against the upper end of the stem and is bolted to it by a bolt that extends through the second plate and the stem.

Abstract: A bicycle operated by a rider in a reclining position. The frame of the bicycle is constructed of a forward section, a middle section and a rear section. The rear section supports the rear wheel and the back of the seat. An X member behind the seat connected to the rear section provides further support for the back of the seat. The forward section is reinforced by a pair of more or less parallel crank assembly braces extending from the rear of the middle section to a crank assembly positioned at the front of the forward section. A chain extends from the crank assembly to the rear wheel to drive the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle front fork assembly includes a steer tube which extends through and above the head tube on the bike frame so that a handlebar may be attached to the front fork by means of a bracket-like clamp which directly grips the exterior upper end of the steer tube.

Abstract: A bicycle handle bar connector is provided for connecting a handle bar to the front fork of a bicycle. The connector comprises an upper and lower sheet metal member, each formed with an arcuate middle portion and flat end portion. The lower sheet metal member has one of its flat end portions welded to the top of a tubular stem. A plastic coating is molded about the back and the end portions of the lower sheet metal member and including the upper end portion of the tubular stem, and a plastic coating is also molded about the back and the end portions of the upper sheet metal member. The inner surfaces of the arcuate middle portions of the upper and lower sheet metal members are not covered with the plastic coating so that these surfaces can engage the surface of the handle bar. The connector is connected by a locking cam mounted on the bottom of the stem to the upper end of the front fork of the bicycle.