Abstract: A non-uniform steerer tube. The non-uniform steerer tubes includes an axis-symmetric outer surface and a non axis-symmetric inner surface. The axis-symmetric outer surface and the non axis-symmetric inner surface defining a wall thickness therebetween. The wall thickness varying along an axial length of the non-uniform steerer tube.

Abstract: A cable routing system of a bicycle, including a stem having a receiving space and an engaging hole communicating with the receiving space, a frame, a fork, an expander, and at least one cable. A head tube of the frame has a top portion having an upper mounting hole and a bottom portion having a lower mounting hole. The fork sequentially passes through the lower mounting hole, the upper mounting hole, and the engaging hole to be connected to the stem. The expander is disposed in a steering tube of the fork and has at least one cable passage communicating with the receiving space and the engaging hole. The cable extends into the steering tube from outside by passing through the receiving space and the cable passage. An end of the cable is connected to a bicycle controller, and another end thereof is connected to a bicycle component.

Abstract: A steering assembly for a bicycle includes a front fork that includes an upper crown, a lower crown, and a rigid crown connector that connects the upper crown to the lower crown. The steering assembly also includes an upper cone configured to mount to the upper crown of the front fork. The upper cone includes an upper cone bearing interface configured to interact with an upper bearing assembly seated in an upper portion of a head tube of a bicycle frame. The steering assembly also includes a lower cone configured to mount to the lower crown of the front fork. The lower cone includes a lower cone bearing interface configured to interact with a lower bearing assembly seated in a lower portion of the head tube of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A vehicle component, comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a yoke portion that connects the first arm and the second arm, wherein at least one of the first arm, the second arm and the yoke portion comprises a tubular structure and an interior wall that divides the tubular structure into a first tubular chamber and a second tubular chamber.

Abstract: According to the invention, a fork crown for connecting fork tubes of a motorbike or bicycle includes clamping collars with at least two clamping tongues which extend from a collar base in opposite peripheral directions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bicycle front fork having a wheel clamping base. The method includes the steps of extruding an aluminum alloy substrate having three rectangular bars, wherein the two of the rectangular bars have assembling segments; cutting the substrate for a blank and placing it into a mold for forging the three rectangular bars into three round bars; placing the blank into another mold for extruding and punching the three round bars to have guide holes; drilling the round bars along the guide holes to form three round tubes; flattening and shrinking openings of two of the three round tubes; molding the assembling segments; downwardly bending the two round tubes having the assembling segments into two fork tubes of a bicycle front fork; punching the assembling segments into locking connection portions for a clamping base of the bicycle front fork.

Abstract: A spacer for positioning between a head tube of a bicycle frame and a front wheel fork of the bicycle. The spacer includes an annular body defines a center axis and extends axially between annular upper and lower spacer surfaces. A bore extends axially through the body concentrically with the center axis between a first opening in the annular upper spacer surface and a second opening in the annular lower spacer surface. The annular upper spacer surface includes a radially outer planar rim and an engagement flange disposed radially inwardly from the planar rim, the engagement flange projecting axially upwardly from the planar rim and circumscribing the opening. The planar rim and the engagement flange abut complementary surfaces on a lower mating surface of the head tube and form a seal with the head tube upon being engaged therewith.

Abstract: The saddle-ride vehicle includes: a front fork that rotatably supports a front wheel; a steering shaft that is coupled to the front fork and is steerably supported by a vehicle body frame; a steering handlebar holder that includes a lower holder and an upper holder and is provided above the steering shaft, the upper holder being in contact with the lower holder from above and fastened to the lower holder; a portable terminal holder that is fastened to the upper holder or the lower holder and capable of holding a personal digital assistance; and a steering system in which a steering handlebar pipe sandwiched between the lower holder and the upper holder is fixed to the steering handlebar holder.

Abstract: A head parts assembly for a bicycle includes two bowls, a plurality of inserting members, two bead nests, and two end caps. The two bowls each are a circular structure and include a pipe-inserting hole, and a plurality of cable-inserting holes around the pipe-inserting hole. Each of the bowls further includes a receiving cavity in communication with the pipe-inserting holes, and the two bowls are disposed at two ends of the front frame pipe. The inserting members each are a hollow tubular structure with a cable hole for insertion of cables of the bicycle, and are screwed in the cable-inserting holes. The bead nests are rotatably disposed in the receiving cavities and abutted against the close ends, respectively. The two end caps are disposed in the open ends of the receiving cavities, and capable of rotating by abutting against the balls of the bead nests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a suspension. In one embodiment, a method includes altering a temperature of a first suspension component and then pressing the first suspension component and a second suspension component into engagement while the temperature remains substantially altered.

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.

Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.

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.

Abstract: A compression coupler contains a robust and simple mechanism to couple threadless tubes in bicycles and/or scooters. Particulrly, the handlebar/stem tube-to-fork joint is coupled with a compression sleeve. The coupler provides more surface area for binding and is tightened along a slot on the length of the coupler. The coupler can include a headtube bearing preloading mechanism, a keyway for aligning the handlebar/stem tube to the fork, and shims to accommodate different sized tubing.

Abstract: A handlebar support structure for sandwiching a steering handlebar (12) between a lower holder (25) and an upper holder (28) includes an instrument mounting area (30) for supporting an instrument panel unit (14) fitted removably thereto and a shield mounting area (32) for supporting a windshield (16) fitted removably thereto. The instrument mounting area (30) and the shield mounting area (32) are formed integrally with each other. The instrument mounting area (30) and the shield mounting area (32) altogether represent a forwardly pursed shape along a direction conforming to a forwardly tilted direction (D).

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An active bolster for passenger crash protection in a vehicle comprises a base wall and a front wall, the walls having first and second facing surfaces to form an inflatable bladder with an initial open space between the surfaces. The bladder includes a plurality of tear joints. Each tear joint is comprised of first and second upstanding ribs wherein the first upstanding rib extends from the first surface part way into the open space and extends end-to-end along a first direction. The second upstanding rib extends from the second surface part way into the open space to contact the first upstanding rib and extends end-to-end substantially along a second direction that is substantially transverse to the first direction so that the first and second upstanding ribs contact at an intersection.

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.

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.

Abstract: A double bridge bicycle fork with integrated brake unit, suited especially for racing bicycles and time-trial machines, comprises two fork legs connected by a fork crown. Further, a bottom bearing seat is connected with the fork crown. A steer tube is provided in front of the rotational axis of the fork, seen in the direction of travel, said axis being defined by the bottom bearing seat and the upper bearing seat. The steer tube is connected with the stem by means of screws. This makes it possible not to provide a rigid head tube between the two bearing seats, but to arrange a sleeve in the embodiment illustrated that has an opening for passing actuation elements therethrough, such as switching or brake cables.

Abstract: An arrangement is utilized for reducing the manual steering force associated with steering a motorcycle. A steering assist for a vehicle includes a handlebar, and the handlebar being rotatable around a center of rotation. The steering assist further includes a damping device that includes a damping chamber, and a hydraulic valve being in fluid communication with the damping chamber and includes a first shaft section and a second shaft section. The hydraulic valve also includes a bearing mounting, and a bearing mounted in the bearing mounting. The steering assist further includes an upper fork crown attached to the first shaft section of the hydraulic valve, and a lower handlebar mounting attached to the second shaft section via the bearing arranged in the bearing mounting of the hydraulic valve. The handlebar being attached to the lower handlebar mounting, and the damping device being attached to the bearing mounting and the upper fork.

Abstract: A set of angle-adjusting head parts includes upper and lower head parts respectively mounted on top and bottom ends of a bicycle's head tube holding a front fork stem. The upper head parts include an upper bearing cup having an axially extending oval slot and two retaining surfaces arranged parallelly with the major axis of the oval slot at laterals, an upper bearing having an eccentric slot for receiving the front fork stem and an eccentric seat for engaging into the oval slot, and an adjusting washer mounted in the upper bearing cup and movable along the minor axis of the oval slot and having a circular opening for receiving the upper bearing. Rotating the upper bearing forces the eccentric seat to stop against the retaining surfaces and synchronously move the adjusting washer along the major axis of the oval slot, thereby biasing the angle of the front fork stem.

Abstract: An uncomplicated bicycle device for fastening a steering tube with a stem tube includes two compression rings and a fastening set. The compression ring is fixed on a stem opening by inserting the lateral surface portion into the stem tube and the protruding portion abutted against the stem opening. The steering tube is inserted into the compression rings. A fastening set includes a star nut placed into the steering tube, a cap covering the stem opening and abutted against the compression ring, a cap bolt for screwing the cap and the star nut together. The present invention only uses the compression rings and the fastening set instead of any thread structure and lock nuts for fastening the steering tube within the stem tube. Thus, the adjuster can quickly calibrate and assemble the steering tube within the stem tube again.

Abstract: A mounting device is shown for mounting components to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar axis. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket mountable to the handlebar about the handlebar axis. The mounting bracket includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion hingedly connected to the first clamp portion to interiorly receive the handlebar. An interior channel is defined by spaced sidewalls and formed in a portion of the circumferential length of one of the first and second clamp portions, and a hole is formed through the clamp portion and opens to the channel.

Abstract: A system and method comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for authenticating and encrypting and decrypting information transferred over a public network between a client application program running in a client computer and a server application program running in a server computer and a directory service application program running in a server computer. A method for secure communication by a processor with a server includes generating a message to the server by employing a one pass key generation probabilistic authentication process using a predetermined session master key and sending the message to the server. A method for secure communication between an application executable on a computer and a web server coupled to the computer includes participating by the application in an initial authentication process with the server and wrapping every GET and POST request message to the server in an SSLX-EA exchange after the initial authentication process.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer tube assembly having an oblong asymmetric cross section formed along a portion of the steerer tube. The asymmetric portion of the steerer tube has a first diameter that is generally aligned with an axis of rotation of the front wheel and a second diameter that is generally aligned with a plane of rotation of the front wheel. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and provides lateral stiffness to the wheel assembly and the second diameter accommodates longitudinal impact absorption of the fork and wheel assembly.

Abstract: The headset includes upper and lower rolling bearings (8, 9) housed inside the head tube so as to allow relative rotation of the steering tube, and clamping elements (18, 21) for axially clamping the lower and upper bearings (8, 9) against, respectively, a lower end and an upper end of the head tube. The axial-clamping elements include a threaded sleeve slipped over the steering tube. This sleeve is secured to the steering tube by connecting elements including a pin extending through two diametrically opposed holes in the threaded sleeve and through two diametrically opposed holes provided in the steering tube. The sleeve collaborates with a tapped annular cap slipped over the steering tube so as to force the upper bearing downward as the annular cap is screwed onto the sleeve.

Abstract: A tensioner nut includes a preload adjusting assembly settled on an upper end of a steering tube of a bicycle, a fixing anchor settled below the steering tube, a cable connecting between the preload adjusting assembly and the fixing anchor, and a bolt of the preload adjusting assembly for tensioning the cable. Thereby, when the bolt is tightened, it tensions the cable and the preload adjusting assembly is pulled downward to give a preload to a stem mounted around the steering tube.

Abstract: An adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes a base member, a support member, a left handlebar and a right handlebar. The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member and each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar is attached to the support member. The support member is configured to permit the left handlebar and the right handlebar to be selectively moved relative to the support member and the base member, independently of one another, to selectively adjust each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar in respective, generally longitudinal directions along a saddle-type vehicle, when the adjustable handlebar assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the saddle-type vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system of the present invention generally includes a bicycle suspension and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a fluid pump, a fluid responder and a fluid path. The fluid pump is mountable to a bicycle handlebar. The fluid responder is mountable to the bicycle suspension. The fluid path links the fluid pump and the fluid responder. The fluid responder is operatively connected to the bicycle suspension to operate the bicycle suspension between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between the fluid pump and the fluid responder.

Abstract: A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.

Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle comprising a pair of spaced-apart blade operatively connected to one another by at least one of a crown plate and a stem plate. The fork assembly comprises a steer assembly for connecting the fork assembly to a head tube of a frame of a bicycle. The head tube of the bicycle comprises openings for allowing routing control cables from a handlebar through the frame of the bicycle. A method for routing the control cables from a handlebar through the frame of the bicycle is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body including a head pipe, a lower side bracket disposed below the head pipe for supporting the head pipe upward in a substantial center of the bracket in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of legs of a front fork fixed in vicinities of the ends of the lower side bracket. The lower side bracket is formed to have a downward sloping shape, which slopes from the ends of the lower side bracket toward its center.

Abstract: A device is described, for adjusting the inclination of a front fork of a two- or three-wheeled vehicle having a steering assembly (S) including a frame tube (3) and a steering tube (4) rotatable in the frame tube. The adjusting device comprises an upper connecting unit (10a) and a lower connecting unit (10b), for rigidly connecting the steering tube (4) to two substantially parallel fork rods (5). The connecting units (10a, 10b) are prearranged for enabling to vary in an adjustable manner the inclination of the fork rods (5) relative to the steering tube (4), without the need of relative separation or disassembling among the units, the fork rods and the steering tube.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer tube assembly having an oblong asymmetric cross section formed along a portion of the steerer tube. The asymmetric portion of the steerer tube has a first diameter that is generally aligned with an axis of rotation of the front wheel and a second diameter that is generally aligned with a plane of rotation of the front wheel. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and provides lateral stiffness to the wheel assembly and the second diameter accommodates longitudinal impact absorption of the fork and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A triple tree system for mounting the front fork of a motorcycle to the handlebars and to the frame thereof. The system includes upper and lower triple tree members. The upper triple tree member includes a pair of apertures, each containing a threaded connector member fastened at one end to an internally threaded end of one handlebar member, and fastened at an opposite end to an internally threaded end of one fork tube. The lower triple tree member includes a pair of apertures, each accepting one of the fork tubes there through. Threaded apertures, each of which intersect an aperture holding a fork tube, contain a set screw that advances a rod into the fork tube aperture, thereby contacting one of the fork tubes therein, to lock the fork tubes to the lower triple tree member. A stem member is attached between the upper and lower triple tree members and attached to the frame of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle includes a pair of forks and a steerer tube that extend in generally opposite directions from a fork crown. The assembly includes first and second means for securing the steerer tube to the fork crown. Preferably, the steerer tube is threaded and bonded to the fork crown. The fork crown includes a pair of cavities that each slidably receives a respective fork. Preferably, each fork is formed of a carbon fiber material and has an end whose shape substantially matches a shape of a respective cavity formed in the crown. The forks and crown cavities cooperate to efficiently communicate loads between the forks and the fork crown while maintaining a lightweight and robust fork, fork crown, and steerer tube assembly.

Abstract: A wheel assembly, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a hub, a pair of laterally spaced bearings, and is constructed to cooperate with a frame of a bicycle. The bearings include an outer race that is directly engaged with the hub. An inner race of each bearing is constructed to directly receive a portion of the bicycle frame such that the wheel is supported by direct interaction of the bicycle frame and the bearing members. Optionally, a hollow axle may extend between adjacent bearings to further enhance the lateral stiffness of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A motorcycle in which a central axis of a shaft and a central axis of front forks are not parallel to each other, and assembly work of the shaft, front forks and an upper bracket is not complicated. A steering shaft is rotatably supported by a head pipe. An upper bracket supports the steering shaft and front forks. The steering shaft includes upper and lower steering shafts. The upper steering shaft is inserted in the upper bracket and then fixed to the lower steering shaft.

Abstract: A combination bicycle fork and steering tube assembly is formed with a pair of downwardly directed, mutually converging end closure tabs that are bent over into abutment and welded together to define peripherally enclosed fork openings at the ends of the steerer tube. The upper ends of the hollow fork legs are configured to follow the surface contours of the lower end of the steerer tube and are welded to the end closure tabs about the circumferences of the enclosed fork openings at the lower end of the steering tube. The front wheel axle dropouts are formed directly in the lower ends of the fork legs, which include internal dropout support inserts. The dropout support inserts are sandwiched in between a pair of flat, mutually parallel dropout tabs defined directly in the lower ends of the fork legs.

Abstract: A head tube assembly for a bicycle has a frame, a lower tube, an upper tube and a cover. The lower tube is mounted in the front end of the frame and has a top, a bottom and a lower bearing mounted in the bottom of the lower tube. The upper tube has a top, a bottom detachably connected to the top of the lower tube and an upper bearing mounted in the top of the upper tube. The cover is detachably mounted on the top at the front end of the frame and has a through hole mounted around the top of the upper tube.

Abstract: A handle stem for a bicycle, having a body and a lid, which can be fixed to the body, the body and the lid forming together a handle bar receptacle for receiving the handle bar of the bicycle, has a clamping ring being formed separate from the body and being inserted into a ring receptacle of the body for receiving the forked shaft of a fork of the bicycle.

Abstract: A tensioner nut includes a preload adjusting assembly settled on an upper end of a steering tube of a bicycle, a fixing anchor settled below the steering tube, a cable connecting between the preload adjusting assembly and the fixing anchor, and a bolt of the preload adjusting assembly for tensioning the cable. Thereby, when the bolt is tightened, it tensions the cable and the preload adjusting assembly is pulled downward to give a preload to a stem mounted around the steering tube.

Abstract: A steering system for a motorcycle includes a head pipe, a steering stem, a top bridge, a bottom bridge, a front fork, and a steering handlebar. The steering stem is supported by the head pipe. The top bridge has a center portion, a side portion extending from the center portion, and a holding portion provided at the side portion. The top bridge is supported by the steering stem at the center portion to steerably move around the head pipe. The bottom bridge is supported by the steering stem to steerably move around the head pipe. The front fork is held by the top bridge through the holding porting and is held by the bottom bridge. The top bridge has a protruding portion provided on an upper face of the top bridge and extending from the holding portion toward the center portion of the top bridge.

Abstract: The head cap of a bicycle headset is configured with a shoulder sized to releasably receive an uncrimped bottle crown to cover a headset adjustment bolt in a decorative fashion.