Front Forks And Heads Patents (Class 280/279)
  • Patent number: 8684386
    Abstract: A head tube assembly suitable for a bicycle and comprising an open steerer configuration and cable routing. The head tube assembly comprises a head tube configured to connect with the top tube and down tube of the bicycle. The head tube includes a lower bearing component and an upper bearing component configured to rotatably engage the fork assembly. The fork assembly comprises an external steerer configured to rotate externally to the head tube. The head tube assembly includes an upper steerer section configured to secure the external steerer, and an internal chamber configured with an aperture for receiving one or more cables and being coupled to the top tube or the down tube. The internal chamber includes one or more guide tubes configured to route the cable(s) through the interior portion of the top tube or the down tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Peter Matthews, Robert James Pike
  • Patent number: 8684387
    Abstract: A steering system for a cycle that facilitates the placement of a horizontal cargo platform above and in close proximity to the front wheel. The steering system may be applied to numerous types of cycles including bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, three wheeled vehicles, etc. The steering system comprises a fork assembly that is rotatably mounted to the frame near the top of said fork. The fork is supported in its lower portion by pushrods that both steer and structurally support the fork assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NTS Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Tate Saiki
  • Patent number: 8662517
    Abstract: A steering bearing assembly includes a cap and a bearing element that define an axial force transmission path therethrough. A compression ring is moveably coupled to the cap and is disposed radially inwardly of the bearing assembly outside of the axial force transmission path. The compression ring includes an inner annular surface adapted to transmit a radial compressive force from the cap to a steerer element. A steering assembly, and method for assembling the steering assembly, also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: King Cycle Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Dale King, Erik Steven Drews, Brian Keith Schultz
  • Publication number: 20140049022
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle is provided as well as an adjustable frame assembly and an adjustable steering column assembly. The frame assembly includes a seat tube, a head tube and a top tube assembly connecting the seat tube to the head tube. The top tube assembly includes a female tube and a male tube having a front attached to the head tube and the rear telescopically engaging with the female tube. The female tube telescopically slides within the first male tube. A locking mechanism fixes the position of the female tube relative to the male tube. The adjustable steering column assembly includes a steerer tube having a top and a bottom, the bottom being operatively engaged within the head tube. A telescopic tube having a bottom telescopically engages within the steerer tube. A steering column locking mechanism fixes the position of the telescopic tube within the steerer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Brazen Bikes Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony Robert DOPF
  • Publication number: 20140049023
    Abstract: A bicycle stern has a steering tube clamp with a bore for receiving a steer tube and a pair of parallel spaced arms each having an elongate slot at a distal end. An extension has a proximal end, receivable between the clamp arms, and a bore extending transversely through its proximal end. A pin, extends through the elongate slot in each arm and through the bore in the extension for securing the extension to the steering rube clamp. The pin slots and bore are in non-rotational engagement to prevent rotation of the extension relative to the clamp, and the pin is selectively movable longitudinally within the slots for adjusting reach of the extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Neil Pryde Limited
    Inventor: Michael Pryde
  • Publication number: 20140035255
    Abstract: A bicycle apparatus with interchangeable front fork is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a frame and a quick release assembly for securing the removable front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame's head tube. The interchangeable front fork attachment assembly and quick release assembly allows for the quick interchanging of front fork with varying attachments which utilize different methods to achieve motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Allen Erickson
  • Publication number: 20140027998
    Abstract: A steering mechanism may include a four-bar linkage having a ground link, a coupler link, and a pair of follower links. The ground link may be connected to a vehicle having a wheel defining a wheel centerline. The coupler link may be connected to the wheel and may be located aft of the ground link. The pair of follower links may pivotally connect the ground link to the coupler link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Thiers
  • Publication number: 20140021695
    Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes a steering stem coupled to a handle; a head pipe into which the steering stem is inserted; and a ring-shaped seal member provided at an end portion of the head pipe to seal a gap between the head pipe and the steering stem; wherein the seal member has a lip portion provided on an inner peripheral portion thereof and an engagement portion provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof; wherein the engagement portion is engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the head pipe; and wherein the lip portion is biased to slidably contact an outer peripheral portion of the steering stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Daisuke Watanabe, Taiga Takahashi, Shinsuke Nakazato, Takakiyo Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8632090
    Abstract: A coaxial tube holder is provided, which essentially has a holder major body having an aperture for tightening and holding fork tube of bicycle. The holder major body has an abutment segment provided on the bottom side thereof, which is abutted against bearing seat body of head tube. An ornamental cover is inserted outside the holder major body. Then the assembly can be finished very easily and securely between the head tube and the fork tube by the holder major body. Further, the ornamental cover can be made in different color or to be transparent, or to have decorative body having pattern, veins or characters images thereon, so that the overall design can be more novel and dazzling to attract more consumer groups to purchase. Hence, benefit of enhancing competitiveness of industry can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Chih-Hsien Chen
  • Publication number: 20130320648
    Abstract: A scooter includes a frame having a leading portion and a trailing portion. A front wheel is attached to the leading portion of the frame. The leading portion of a swing arm is pivotally attached to the trailing portion of the frame. A rear wheel is attached to the trailing portion of the swing arm. A rear fender is also attached to the swing arm. A shock absorber is positioned between the swing arm and the frame so that the shock absorber is compressed when the swing arm pivots in a first direction. A downward swing arm stop limits pivoting of the swing arm in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: CAMERON ECKERT, Ian Grout, Ross Bartels, Tyler Cross
  • Patent number: 8596727
    Abstract: An assembly for the primary fastening of a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle wheel to wheel mount(s), as is commonly done by a cam operated quick release, incorporating a uniquely formed drawbar and a rotation handle wherein primary fastening is accomplished by simple rotation of the rotation handle about the drawbar axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Clix Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Montague, Harry Montague
  • Patent number: 8584711
    Abstract: An outer tube for a front fork having an FRP pipe body which is subjected to braiding processing using a braider, wherein the FRP pipe comprises a combination of braids interlacing with each other at an interlacing angle ±?° with respect to a center axis of the pipe and warp fibers having an angle 0° with respect to the pipe center axis, rigidity of the plurality of warp fibers disposed at positions in a circumferential direction of the pipe is varied depending upon the positions in the circumferential direction of the pipe, and bending rigidity of the FRP pipe in the longitudinal direction is varied in the circumferential direction of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Toda, Makoto Hayashi, Masao Hirukawa
  • Patent number: 8585069
    Abstract: A telescopic suspension fork leg, such as may be used in a motorcycle. The fork leg has an inner tube and an outer tube and a damping arrangement and a spring arrangement, which is arranged within a first chamber which is formed in the outer tube and is supported against a second chamber formed by the damping arrangement and arranged beneath the first chamber, which is constructed to receive a damping fluid. The damping arrangement has a piston, on a piston rod, with upper and lower piston surfaces. The piston is displaceable within a damping tube arranged largely concentrically to the inner tube, and the damping tube is surrounded by an annulus chamber arranged largely concentrically to the damping tube, and a sealing arrangement, displaceable along the piston rod, is provided between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: WP Performance Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Wimmer
  • Patent number: 8579316
    Abstract: A bicycle frame comprising a first tubular member having a first main portion and a first interface portion (e.g., a rounded taper), and a second tubular member having a second main portion and a second interface portion engaged with the first interface portion to create a joint. The joint includes a peripheral channel defined between the first interface portion and the second interface portion, and a weld is positioned in the peripheral channel. The second interface portion is defined at least partially by a substantially flat face wall. Preferably, the first tubular member includes an open end at the first interface portion, while the flat face wall at the second interface portion is substantially closed. In addition, it is preferred that the face wall lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head tube (e.g., within ten degrees of the longitudinal axis).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Andrew Frasca
  • Patent number: 8573623
    Abstract: A front fork includes a damper that generates a damping force, a cylinder body that houses the damper, a reservoir formed on an exterior of the cylinder body, a rod body that is inserted into the cylinder body to be capable of advancing and retreating, a piston portion that defines an upper chamber and a lower chamber within the cylinder body, a through hole allows a working fluid to flow from the cylinder body into the reservoir, a flow rate control mechanism that is disposed in the vehicle body side tube to face an upper end opening of the through hole, and applies a resistance to a flow of the working fluid flowing toward the reservoir from the rod body, and a driving mechanism that drives the flow rate control mechanism to adjust an expansion side damping force and a contraction side damping force generated by the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Amano, Takahisa Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20130285345
    Abstract: A vehicle steering head for a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head including a support tube fixed to the frame of the tricycle. An upper bearing support mounted to the support tube. A lower bearing support is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube. A connecting element is mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports. A wheel fork is arranged at a lower end of the connecting element. A mudguard is arranged between the wheel fork and the lower bearing support. The steering also includes non-axially movable angularly spaced stop surfaces and movable stop surfaces that can rotate with the connecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Heinz KETTLER, Joachim Kettler, Reinhard Rocholl
  • Patent number: 8550484
    Abstract: A bicycle headstock assembly may include a lower member adapted to be attached to a steering rod of the bicycle, and an upper member adjustably connected to the lower member. A pivot joint may be formed at a connection of the lower and upper members respectively. A handle bar clamp may be connected to the upper member and extending away therefrom. A primary fastener may pass through a first location of the pivot joint while an auxiliary fastener may pass through a second location of the pivot joint respectively. In this way, the primary and auxiliary fasteners may cooperate to permit the upper member to selectively pivot and lock at alternate positions relative to the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Draper
  • Patent number: 8550483
    Abstract: A locking collar capable of coupling a hub-and-axle subassembly to a fork dropout of a bicycle for locking an antifriction bearing in place includes an outward pressed surface adapted to confront a pressing surface of the fork dropout, an inward abutting surface adapted to confront the antifriction bearing, an axially extending female threaded surface adapted to be screwed on a threaded end segment of an axle, a tubular extension extending from the outward pressed surface to be insertable into the fork dropout, and a plurality of circumferentially extending rib segments which are disposed on the outward pressed surface to be in pressing engagement with the pressing surface of the fork dropout in a tightened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Hsiu-Mei Chung
  • Publication number: 20130257013
    Abstract: A head tube reset mechanism for a scooter includes a connector for installing rear wheels and a head tube for installing a front wheel and a handle. A front end of the connector is a jacket tube and a filling slot keeping a predetermined spacing from the jacket tube. The head tube includes a pivot sheathing into the jacket tube and a limiting unit extending into the filling slot. An elastomer is installed between the filling slot of the connector and the limiting unit. The handle and the front wheel on the head tube swing left and right against the pivot along with the head tube to achieve the effects of exercise and entertainment, when the scooter glides forward. Moreover, a buffering and resetting effect is formed by the elastomer. Therefore, a head tube reset mechanism for a scooter, being simple in structure and assembled conveniently, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Yvolve Sports Ltd.
    Inventor: HSUEH - SEN LIAO
  • Patent number: 8543291
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a three-wheeled motorcycle or “trike” includes parallel wheels mounted on vertically pivoting suspension arms governed by hydraulic pistons. The pistons have upper liquid reservoirs that are interconnected through a valve system, which interconnects the upper reservoirs when the trike is in motion, allowing opposing vertical wheel movements when banking through turns, and prevents liquid exchange when the trike is stopped, thereby holding the motorcycle upright, Embodiments include a manual and/or automatic valve control. A threshold switching speed for an automatic controller can be factory set and/or user adjustable. The pistons can include directly interconnected lower fluid reservoirs. A shock-absorbing reservoir can allow transient vertical movement of both wheels to absorb shocks. A cover system can emulate the appearance of saddle bags and can appear to be covering only a single wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Steven P Young
  • Publication number: 20130241171
    Abstract: A lower leg (1) for a suspension fork has two tubes (2, 3) with, in each case, a receptacle device (4, 5) for receiving a stanchion tube displaceably mounted in the receptacle device. Two stabilizers (6, 7) connect those end regions of the two tubes which are opposite the dropouts of the tubes to one another. The lower leg (1) has a stiffening member (8, 9) which connects the two stabilizers to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Lüde, Reiner Künstle
  • Publication number: 20130241170
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame, a bottom bracket coupled to the frame and adapted to support a crankset, and a battery pack supported by the frame. The battery pack has a powered end cap with a tapered protrusion and a battery connector on an end of the tapered protrusion. The bicycle also includes a receiver supported by the frame and including a tapered socket in which the tapered protrusion is positioned. The tapered socket includes a power connector detachably coupled to the battery connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Talavasek, Amber R. Lucas, Ian Hamilton, Robert F. Meyer, Holger Krauss
  • Patent number: 8528927
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a stem pipe disposed in a head pipe by upper and lower bearings interposed therebetween, a seal member for covering the upper bearing, and bottom and top bridges mounted on lower and upper ends of the stem pipe, respectively. A single fastening bolt, having a step formed between a head and a threaded surface thereof, is fitted in a pipe insertion hole of the top bridge and the upper threaded portion of the stem pipe. The stem pipe is firmly tightened and supported by a stem pipe slot-tightening mechanism of the top bridge. The fastening bolt is tightened by only a tightening force required to keep the fastening bolt from loosening. Also, a number of components required for the inventive steering apparatus is reduced, since an additional component, previously used for preventing loosening of a fastening bolt, is made unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yotaro Mori, Mikio Uchiyama, Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 8528926
    Abstract: A bicycle is provided having a unitary steering tube-crown member and a unitary crank arm-spindle member. A multistage aluminum 3D forging process is used to form the unitary members. This may allow the fabrication of components with substantially hollow interior areas to reduce weight, reduce part count while maintaining high strength and ductility. The multistage 3D forging process provided also allows the combination of multiple components into a single unitary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Dodman, Stephen B. Metz, Morten Kristiansen
  • Patent number: 8517406
    Abstract: A movable vehicle includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and a biasing mechanism. The first frame member includes a front wheel and a handlebar configured to turn the front wheel in various directions. The second frame member has at least one rear wheel and is coupled to the first frame member such that the first frame member can rotate with respect to the second frame member. The biasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the first and second frame members and biases the front wheel in a preferred direction, such as a straight direction. The biasing mechanism may include a resilient gasket and a cavity having at least partially corresponding polygonal cross sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Diekman, Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130214505
    Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing a model of bicycles in such a manner that the size (e.g., diameter) of the head tube bearings and/or the stiffness of the forks varies between frame sizes. The method includes selecting a first and second lower headset bearing sizes for the first and second frame sizes, respectively, wherein the first lower headset bearing size is different size than the second lower headset bearing size. The method further includes manufacturing first bicycles of the first frame size and second bicycles of the second frame size, and coupling the first and second lower headset bearings to the first and second bicycles, respectively. The same model designations are then attached to each of the first and second bicycles. The difference in size of the lower headset bearings and/or fork steerer tubes can be substantially proportional to the difference in length of the seat tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8511701
    Abstract: A tricycle steering head having a limited steering, including a hollow support tube and a member connecting a wheel fork to a handlebar. The member is rotatably mounted to the hollow support tube via upper and lower bearing supports. A projection is oriented vertically and extends into an arc-shaped recess. The limited steering utilizes contact with one stop surface to limit rotational movement of the member in one direction and contact with another stop surface to limit rotational movement of the member in another direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kettler International, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz Kettler, Joachim Kettler, Reinhard Rocholl
  • Patent number: 8511700
    Abstract: A master device for a closed hydraulic system of handlebar-steered vehicles includes a basic body and a pressure chamber in which, in the event of actuation of the master device in order to actuate a slave device, hydraulic fluid is placed under pressure. The master device includes a hydraulic line connecting element having a connecting piece for connecting a hydraulic line and a thread section for screwing into the basic body. An air bleed opening bleeds the hydraulic system. The hydraulic line connecting element and the basic body form a valve that closes the connection between the pressure chamber and the air bleed opening when the hydraulic line connecting element is fully screwed in to the basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Eberlein, Joachim Hujer
  • Patent number: 8499905
    Abstract: A front fork for easily optimizing an oil quantity in a damper cylinder with a relatively simple structure without affecting operability of a free piston even in an assembled state. An escape portion is formed on an outer periphery of a piston rod at a position where a seal member mounted on a sealing cap faces in an opposed manner when a front fork extends to the maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Uchiyama, Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Publication number: 20130187358
    Abstract: A bicycle fork with an integrated brake unit, in particular for racing bicycles and time-trial machines, comprises a fork crown connecting two fork legs with each other. A bottom bearing seat is connected with the fork crown. A brake unit is arranged below the fork crown, wherein an activation element, such as a Bowden cable or the like, for activating or actuating the brake unit is passed through the bottom bearing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kohl, Vincenz Thoma, Lutz Scheffer
  • Patent number: 8490996
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing handlebar mount includes a yoke assembly, and a first and a second clamping mechanism coupled to the yoke assembly and configured to attach the handlebar mount to a steering stem in an off-road vehicle. Each of the clamping mechanisms includes an upper and a lower clamping block, and an upper and a lower shock absorber. The first and second clamping mechanisms each further include a bolt extending through the blocks and shock absorbers, and being rotatable to clamp the steering stem between the corresponding blocks. Each clamping mechanism further includes an alignment key coupling together the corresponding blocks to inhibit non-axial displacement thereof, such that shearing forces on the shock absorbers are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Ryan Ferguson, Tony Zupancic
  • Publication number: 20130175782
    Abstract: A head tube assembly suitable for use with a bicycle or similar wheeled vehicle. The head tube assembly comprises a head tube configured for adjoining to a top tube and to a down tube in a bicycle frame. The head tube includes a lower bearing component and an upper bearing component, the lower and upper bearings being configured for rotatably engaging a fork assembly. The fork assembly comprises an external steerer configured to rotate externally to the head tube. The head tube assembly includes an upper steerer section configured to secure the external steerer; and an internal chamber configured with an aperture for receiving one or more cables, and the internal chamber is coupled to the top tube or to the down tube for routing one or more cables through the interior space of the top tube or the down tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: PON BICYCLE HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: RICHARD PETER MATTHEWS, ROBERT JAMES PIKE
  • Patent number: 8474564
    Abstract: A wheel with a self-contained drive mechanism is provided to propel (or assist in propulsion of) bicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles. The wheel preferably takes the form of a detachable wheel, which is readily received within the dropouts of a bicycle frame or fork. Thus, the wheel may be added to (or removed from) preexisting standard bicycles and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Radtke
  • Publication number: 20130161925
    Abstract: A front end device (1) for a vehicle comprising: a steering shaft (2) capable of being connected to a steering column (3) of the chassis of the vehicle by a connection having a degree of freedom in rotation, an upper fork crown (4) connected to the steering shaft, a lower fork crown (5) connected to the steering shaft, an upper fork arm (6a, 6b) fixed to said upper and lower fork crowns, a lower fork arm (7a, 7b), connected to the upper fork arm, by means of a deformable parallelogram-type connection, by means of one upper middle arm (8) and two lower middle arms (9a, 9b), articulated at their two ends on said upper fork arm and the lower fork arm, respectively, a single steered front wheel (10), rotatably mounted on the lower fork arm, suspension means (11) providing a damped elastic connection between the lower fork arm and the upper fork arm, the articulated upper middle arm (8) and the articulated lower middle arm (9a, 9b) being arranged below the lower fork crown (5) and extending to the front of said
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: EXCENT FRANCE
    Inventor: Vincent Lavabre
  • Publication number: 20130154234
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle in which at least a portion of a control cable is routed internally. In particular, a bicycle according to the invention comprises a frame, the frame including a head tube; a fork assembly carried by the frame; and a cable guide positioned at least partially within the head tube and connected to the fork assembly, the cable guide adapted for receiving the portion of the control cable. The invention extends to a method of routing the control cables through a bicycle frame to minimize aerodynamic losses that are caused by control cables. More particularly, the method includes the steps of providing a bicycle frame comprising a head tube, providing a fork steerer including a groove formed in the fork steerer at least partially within the head tube, and positioning a portion of the cable within the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas Gregg Shadwell
  • Patent number: 8459418
    Abstract: A bicycle fork includes a pair of fork leg assemblies, each of the leg assemblies having an upper leg telescopingly engaged with a lower leg. A damping assembly is provided in at least one of the legs. The damping assembly includes lock-out and blow-off compression circuits. These compression circuits are externally adjustable without tools. Furthermore, these two compression circuits may be adjusted independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Becker, Brian Lampman
  • Patent number: 8449157
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel hub assembly having a number of light emitting diodes (LED's) that are powered by rotation of the wheel during use of the bicycle. The hub assembly includes a magnet and a coil that are both internal to the hub. The light emitting diodes are powered by current induced in the coil and controlled so as to preferably prevent illumination of discrete LED's when the respective LED's are directed toward a user during rotation of the hub. The LED's are supported by the hub and rotate with the hub during rotation of the wheel. In some embodiments, the LED's are attached to the hub at locations that are both laterally inboard and laterally outboard relative to a spoke flange of the hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corp.
    Inventors: David Guzik, Kevin Blake, Tim Clavette
  • Patent number: 8448970
    Abstract: A suspension system for a steerable front wheel of a vehicle such as a motorcycle has two substantially identical, straight, elongate, tubular members that extend forwardly and downwardly from the vicinity of a handlebar of the vehicle along opposite sides of a lower rear quadrant of the front wheel and have open front end regions that at least partially enclose compressible coil suspension system springs. Elongate arms are pivotally connected to brackets that are rigidly secured either above or below the open front end regions of the elongate members, define surfaces that extend across the open front ends of the front end regions to be pressed against by the suspension system springs, and have upper end regions that support opposite ends of a front wheel's axle that extends between the two elongate arms. By adjusting the extent to which the suspension springs are compressed, the ride provided by the suspension system is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas L. Vardon
  • Patent number: 8444164
    Abstract: A pulsar ring includes a portion to be detected and a pulsar ring mounting portions that project in a radially outward direction from an outer peripheral portion of the portion to be detected. The portion to be detected and a pulsar ring mounting portion are arranged so as to form continuous planar surfaces. The pulsar ring is rigidly mounted on a mounting boss of a wheel using a bolt by fastening a brake disc wherein the pulsar ring overlaps with the brake disc mounting portion. Even when the brake disc thermally deforms at the time of braking so that the pulsar ring mounting portion is pulled radially outwardly, the portion to be detected and the pulsar ring mounting portion are arranged on the same plane thus forming the continuous planar surfaces. Thus, the portion to be detected is hardly twisted with hardly any deformation of the portion to be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Mikura, Kenji Kofuji
  • Patent number: 8424975
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a bicycle fork, an adapter and a holding member. The bicycle fork has two axle support portions that are spaced apart for receiving a bicycle hub therebetween. The adapter is disposed in an adapter receiving bore in one of the axle support portions. The adapter includes a threaded axle mounting opening. The holding member is operatively coupled between the adapter and the one of the axle support portions with the adapter. The holding member prevents both rotational movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork and axial movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork along an axis of the axle mounting opening when the holding member is in a retaining position. The adapter is rotatable within the adapter receiving bore without moving axially with respect to the bicycle fork when the holding member is in a releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Inoue, Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 8419137
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes a bicycle fork, an adapter and a holding member. The bicycle fork has two axle support portions that are spaced apart for receiving a bicycle hub therebetween. The adapter is disposed in an adapter receiving bore in one of the axle support portions. The adapter includes a threaded axle mounting opening. The holding member is operatively coupled between the adapter and the one of the axle support portions with the adapter. The holding member prevents both rotational movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork and axial movement of the adapter with respect to the bicycle fork along an axis of the axle mounting opening when the holding member is in a retaining position. The adapter is rotatable within the adapter receiving bore without moving axially with respect to the bicycle fork when the holding member is in a releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Inoue, Takanori Kanehisa
  • Patent number: 8408573
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a stem for bicycle handlebar and the like includes an arm joining the handlebar with a fork. The arm includes a three-piece wedge on each end that is adjustable by a screw to tighten and loosen a middle clamp of the wedge. The wedge is moved to release and tighten the fork and the handlebar independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Crank Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Hermansen, Carl Winefordner
  • Publication number: 20130075999
    Abstract: In an outer tube for a front fork, a metal upper collar to which an upper vehicle body attaching bracket is connected is fitted and attached to an upper end portion of the plastic pipe, a metal sleeve is fitted and attached between an intermediate portion and a lower end portion of the plastic pipe, and the sleeve is provided with a lower collar to which a lower vehicle body attaching bracket is connected, and a seal case for inserting and supporting the inner tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoya TODA
  • Publication number: 20130076000
    Abstract: Discloses methods and apparatus for headset transmissions mounted to a steerer tube rotationally mounted relative to a head-tube and headset of a cycle frame. A first transmission member mounts about a rotational axis of the steerer tube. The first transmission member rotates with the steerer tube about the rotational axis, and can also translate relative to the steerer tube to transmit a first displacement force to or from a handle bar mounted device. The first displacement force is transmitted to the first transmission member from an interior of the steerer tube. A second transmission member mounts about the rotational axis of the steerer tube. The second transmission member is rotationally isolated to rotate relative to the first transmission member, and can translate with the first transmission member. The second transmission member allows transmission of a second displacement force, from the first displacement force, to a cycle frame mounted device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Savy Man
  • Patent number: 8402861
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a snowmobile, includes a handlebar assembly for steering the vehicle. The handlebar assembly includes a riser pivotally secured to a steering shaft and handlebars pivotally secured to the riser. A clamp selectively engages both handlebars and steering shaft to fix the position of the riser relative to the handlebars and steering shaft. The clamp includes upper and lower clamps selectively drawn toward one another by a locking member embodied as a cam-lock including a rod having a cam eccentrically and pivotally connected to one end and an enlargement secured to the opposite end. A lever pivots the cam to shorten or lengthen the distance between a lower surface of the cam and the enlargement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse W. Olson
  • Patent number: 8398106
    Abstract: A master device for a closed hydraulic system of handlebar-steered vehicles includes a basic body and a pressure chamber in which, in the event of actuation of the master device in order to actuate a slave device, hydraulic fluid is placed under pressure. The master device includes a hydraulic line connecting element having a connecting piece for connecting a hydraulic line and a thread section for screwing into the basic body. An air bleed opening bleeds the hydraulic system. The hydraulic line connecting element and the basic body form a valve that closes the connection between the pressure chamber and the air bleed opening when the hydraulic line connecting element is fully screwed in to the basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gustov Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Eberlein, Joachim Hujer
  • Patent number: 8398107
    Abstract: The bicycle angle adjustment device according to the invention is suitable for rotationally adjusting a first bicycle part in relation to a second bicycle part. The first bicycle part is provided with a hole with an internal toothing. Also, an intermediate ring is provided with an external and internal toothing, wherein the intermediate ring's external toothing, when 5 mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the first bicycle part. In this way, a first set of meshing toothings is formed. The second bicycle part is provided with an external toothing which, when mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the intermediate ring, in such a way that a second set of meshing toothings is formed. The first set of toothings has a first minimum angular rotation and the second set of toothings has a second minimum angular 0 rotation. The first minimum angular rotation of the first set of toothings differs from the second minimum angular rotation of the second set of toothings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3T Design Limited
    Inventor: Richard McAinsh
  • Publication number: 20130049322
    Abstract: A hub for a bicycle, including a hub body, and a torque tube disposed in the hub body. A first mating element is disposed at a first end of the torque tube and a second mating element is disposed at a second end thereof. Each of the first mating element and the second mating element includes an anti-rotation hub feature, and the torque tube transfers torque between the first mating element and the second mating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Russell L. Rose, Jesse Jakomait
  • Patent number: 8382134
    Abstract: An axle assembly (310) has a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for rotatably mounting a wheel and hub assembly on an axle portion or the axle assembly, the axle portion located between the first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for affixing to first and second structural members (301, 302), at least one of the structural members (302) comprising a substantially closed bore orifice (306) wheel mounting point or dropout, said dropout having a first side configured for the axle portion to extend therefrom when said axle assembly (310) is fixed to said point and a second side, the axle assembly (310) comprising a first fixing means (309) at the first end for releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the first structural member (302) and a second fixing means (311) at the second end fog releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the second structural member (301).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Charles Bartlett, Nicholas Andrew Hart
  • Patent number: 8366130
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adjustable suspension system for a vehicle comprises at least one strut. In one embodiment, the stanchion (or slider) is non-uniform with a major and minor circumferential stiffness and is adjustable relative to a fore and aft axis of the vehicle in order to provide a differing amount of stiffness relative thereto. In another embodiment, a portion of the stanchion is circular and a reinforcement is annularly disposed therearound with axial retention formations, The reinforcement has a non-uniform circumferential characteristic and is rotatable relative to the fore/aft axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Wesley E. Allinger