Crowns Patents (Class 280/280)
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Publication number: 20100096830Abstract: A top cover for a headset of a bicycle includes a bottom ring, a side wall, a C-shaped clip and a fastening unit. The side wall extends upwards from the bottom ring. The C-shaped clip extends upwards from a top end of the side wall and has a through hole at each of two distal ends thereof. The fastening unit passes through the through holes of the C-shaped clip for tightening the C-shaped clip. Thus, the top cover of the present invention can enhance convenience of assembly and disassembly of the bicycle, and prevent components of the headset from getting lost during assembly and disassembly of the bicycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: TANGE SEIKI TAICHUNG CO., LTD.Inventor: Satoshi TANGE
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Patent number: 7699331Abstract: A motorcycle-stance alteration kit is described. The kit includes a handlebar clamp, a fork clamp, and a footpeg extension. The handlebar clamp is formed to connect with a motorcycle's fork clamp and reposition the motorcycle's handlebar to alter a user's riding stance. The fork clamp is configured to be attached with motorcycle forks to the motorcycle's frame. The fork clamp includes a horizontal mounting surface that is formed to offset the fork's rake angle to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially horizontal alignment with respect to a ground surface. Finally, the footpeg extension is formed to connect with and between a motorcycle frame and footpeg. Thus, the footpeg extension effectively repositions the footpeg to alter the user's riding stance.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Matthew McVickar
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Patent number: 7637521Abstract: A bracket attaches rigidly to the steering head tube member at the front of a motorcycle frame, so that the fork steering assembly can be relocated and pivotally attached to the front of the bracket. This bracket permits the fork steering assembly to be mounted in a new position which is ahead of, and higher, or lower than its former, manufacturer's specified position. The steering axis can be positioned such that it is tilted at a greater angle of inclination from the vertical, permitting use of longer fork tubes. The bracket permits any motorcycle to be reversibly modified to have the appearance and handling characteristics of a chopper style motorcycle. No modifications to the motorcycles frame are needed, in order to relocate the fork steering assembly. Thus, the originality and value of the motorcycle, if the owner decides to, later, revert to the original appearance, is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: Robert William Grant
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Patent number: 7614633Abstract: In a rotor system, in particular for a bicycle (1), on which a frame (3) bears a fork (8) for the front wheel (10), and a handle bar (18) is connected to the fork (8) by means of a handle stem (14) on a fork shaft (12) of the fork (8), with a first line (52), for a fluid, associated with the handle bar (14), with a second line (55), for a fluid, associated with the frame (3), and a rotor that contains two components (14, 41) that can rotate relative to each other without limits and that, by intimate contact against each other, create a closed fluid connection between the first line (52) attached to one component (14) and the second line (55) attached to the second component (41) in order to transmit the actuation of an actuation mechanism (50) associated with the handle bar (18), the handle stem (14) is one of the two components (14, 41) that can rotate relative to each other without limits and contains at least one chamber (30) included in the fluid connection between the two lines (52, 55).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Inventor: Thomas Göring
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Patent number: 7596440Abstract: A steering apparatus for an automotive vehicle is provided with an electric drive unit that varies a steering ratio between a road wheel angle and a steering wheel angle of the vehicle, a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the electric drive unit, and a control unit including a steering ratio characteristic setting block that sets a characteristic of the steering ratio including a steering gain and a steering response rate in accordance with an operating state of the vehicle and, when the temperature of the electric drive unit exceeds a first temperature threshold, adjusts the steering response rate in such a manner that the steering response rate comes closer to a base steering response rate level as the temperature of the electric drive unit becomes increased and a drive block that drives the electric drive unit to vary the steering ratio according to the steering ratio characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Ono
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Patent number: 7591474Abstract: 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. The preload bolt has an internal partition that defines a wrench socket that is radially displaced from the axial center of the preload bolt.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Bear CorporationInventor: George French
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Patent number: 7566065Abstract: A cable installation aiding device is used to aid in the installation of cable members (e.g., brake cables or the like) in a steerer tube of a bicycle. The cable installation aiding device has an attachment part and a first cable guide part. The attachment part is preferably attached to the inner circumferential surface of the steerer tube. The first cable guide part is configured and dimensioned to guide cable members passing through the steerer tube between a first axial end of the steerer tube and an outer circumferential side opening of the steerer tube that is spaced from a second axial end of the steerer tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Seiji Fukui
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Publication number: 20090146390Abstract: A fork crown, fork for a bicycle and a method of manufacturing a fork crown including a body having a center portion and a center hole provided thereat for receiving and connection with a steering shaft. Furthermore the body includes two end portions, each of which has a mounting hole for receiving and connection with a fork shaft. The end portions are arranged symmetrically to the center portion and connected with the center portion through elongated legs provided with a hollow space. The legs are provided with a hollow space having an undercut at an accessible end thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventor: Martin Achenbach
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Patent number: 7537231Abstract: A bicycle fork and frame assembly comprising a frame having a head tube including an outer dimension, a fork including a fork crown and a steerer tube positioned in the head tube, an upper bearing, and a lower bearing having a diameter. The upper and lower bearings are configured to rotatably support the fork within the head tube. The head tube includes a first end proximal to the fork crown and a second end distal to the fork crown. A ratio is defined by a distance from the first end of the head tube to the lower bearing divided by the diameter of the lower bearing, and the ratio is at least about 0.20, preferably at least about 0.25 and more preferably at least about 0.30. The assembly can further include a transition coupling the fork crown to the steerer tube and defining a transition point between the transition and the steerer tube. The transition has an outer dimension that increases from the steerer tube toward the fork crown, and the lower bearing is located adjacent to the transition point.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Luc Callahan, Jan Talavasek
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Patent number: 7520520Abstract: A bicycle fork assembly that includes a fork having a fork crown, a steerer tube, and a transition that couples the fork crown to the steerer tube to define a transition point between the transition and the steerer tube. The transition has an outer dimension that increases from the steerer tube toward the fork crown. A bearing is configured to rotatably support the fork within a head tube of a bicycle frame, and the bearing is located adjacent the transition point.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Luc Callahan, Christopher Paul D'Aluisio
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Patent number: 7506891Abstract: The present invention provides an airbelt inflator (10) designed primarily for supplying and directing gas from the combustion of gas generant materials into a vehicle airbelt. Inflator (10) includes a substantially cylindrical inflator body (12), having a first end (11) and a second end (13). A unique booster cup (22) is positioned within inflator body (12), and is preferably press fit with initiator body (15), suspending cup (22) within inflator body (12). Cup (22) facilitates consistent burn of the main propellant, imparting repeatable bag performance. A cylindrical mesh filter (38) is positioned in inflator body (12). A nozzle (36) is preferably positioned adjacent a disc (30). A variety of different nozzles giving inflator (10) varying gas output characteristics can be utilized with inflator (10), for example thrusting inflators or thrust-neutral inflators, depending on the operating requirements of the airbelt system.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory Inc.Inventors: Eduardo L. Quioc, David S. Whang, Paresh S. Khandhadia
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Patent number: 7503576Abstract: A molded assembly for a unique combination of a steering tube and crown for use in a two vehicle fork such as a bicycle fork, wherein the steering tube transversely connects to the crown at the crown's center position. The crown is further connected to the fork leg housings. The steering tube is comprised of a bottom neck portion and a main round body portion, wherein the bottom neck is varies in shape from a round to non-round exterior which is used to eliminate rotation when the tube is molded into the crown. The interior of the crown at the location where it is molded into the steering tube is also formed in a matching non-round shape. The steering tube is chemically made of uncured resin blended with carbon fiber composites, which can be cured under heat after the assembly is molded.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Answer Products, Inc.Inventor: Brady Matthew Schroeder
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Patent number: 7438306Abstract: A motorcycle fork rake extension kit provides an increased fork rake without welding and maintains a favorable trail. The extension kit includes an upper adapter block fixedly attached to an upper end of a steering head of a motorcycle frame and a lower adapter block fixedly attached to a lower end of the steering head of the motorcycle frame. Triple trees are rotatably attached to triple tree ends of the adapter blocks through steering head bearings. The triple tree ends of the adapter blocks are spaced away from the frame, the lower adapter block having a greater spacing to increase fork rake. The lower triple tree may further space the fork tubes forward to further increase fork rake. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 45 degrees of rake is provided with favorable trail.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventors: Matthew Mrdeza, Joseph Gschweng
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Publication number: 20080246247Abstract: An electrical device mounting structure on a motorcycle which includes a resilient support member having a spring-flexural resilience and supporting an electrical device unit. The resilient support member has a first portion secured to a vehicle body or a member connected to the vehicle body. The resilient support member also has a second portion provided separate from the first portion and closer to the electrical device. The second portion is supported on the vehicle body or the member connected to the vehicle body via an elastic member having an attenuating property.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: HONDA ACCESS CORP.Inventor: Tomohiro HOSHI
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Patent number: 7407176Abstract: A bicycle stem includes a handlebar clamping portion and handlebar clamping member having respective first and second clamp surfaces defining interlocking joints. Each interlocking joint may include a recess and a projection therein to resist relative sliding motion in a direction generally parallel to an axis of a handlebar-receiving passageway to thereby resist torsional loading. A plurality of fasteners may secure the handlebar clamp member to the handlebar clamping portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: L.H. Thomson Company, Inc.Inventors: Mark P. McJunkin, Robert J. DeRose, Brian H. Thomson, Loronzo H. Thomson
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Publication number: 20080164674Abstract: A front fork includes two first leg units between which a crown is connected. One of the two leg units includes a sleeve fixedly inserted in the inner tube and a battery case is received in the sleeve. The battery case is connected with a positioning member which is fixed to a lower end of the sleeve with a spring set biased between the lower end of the battery case and the positioning member. A photoelectric module is connected to a top end of the battery case and powered by the batteries in the battery case. The photoelectric module is activated to light up or generates light beam during nights.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Chen
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Publication number: 20080100028Abstract: A motorcycle fork rake extension kit provides an increased fork rake without welding and maintains a favorable trail. The extension kit includes an upper adapter block fixedly attached to an upper end of a steering head of a motorcycle frame and a lower adapter block fixedly attached to a lower end of the steering head of the motorcycle frame. Triple trees are rotatably attached to triple tree ends of the adapter blocks through steering head bearings. The triple tree ends of the adapter blocks are spaced away from the frame, the lower adapter block having a greater spacing to increase fork rake. The lower triple tree may further space the fork tubes forward to further increase fork rake. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 45 degrees of rake is provided with favorable trail.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Matthew Mrdeza, Joseph Gschweng
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Publication number: 20080073870Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Timothy Saul Lane
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Patent number: 7322589Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for a motor vehicle, including a first stabilizer and a second stabilizer, which are rotatable relative to each other, is characterized in that each stabilizer is engaged by one linear actuator each.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Dirk Kesselgruber, Martin Boecker
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Patent number: 7255359Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle adjusting device, in particular an adjusting device for adjusting the height of the front wheel suspension, the rear wheel suspension, the saddle or of the steering mechanism of a bicycle, e.g. of a mountain bike, a bicycle with at least one bicycle adjustment device, as well as a bicycle-steering head bearing system, whereby the adjustment has at least one double-acting piston-cylinder assembly with a first cylinder space (14a, 34a) and a second cylinder space (15a,35a) in each case, and whereby the two cylinder spaces of the two adjustment devices are interconnectable by means of a fluid duct fitted for that purpose.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Inventors: Andreas Felsl, Stephan Albrecht
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Patent number: 7222869Abstract: A crown portion for bicycles includes a first tube through which the steerer tube of a front fork extends, and two arms which are connected to the first tube and two second tubes are respectively connected to two distal ends of the two arms so that two leg portions of the front fork extend through the second tubes. Two passages are defined through each of the two arms and a separation ridge is located between the two passages to maintain the structural strength of the arms. The two passages communicate with the first tube so as to define two openings in an inner periphery of the first tube, and communicating with the second tubes so as to define two openings in an inner periphery of the second tubes at the conjunction of the second tubes and the arms.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: Hui Hsiung Chen
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Patent number: 7216881Abstract: A cable guide routing a control cable that extends between an actuator and a suspension system having a crown connecting two parallel tubular bodies to a steerer tube. The cable guide includes a housing formed on the crown and having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the control cable. The suspension system includes a spool located on an end of one of the tubular bodies for winding and unwinding the control cable. The housing is configured on the suspension system such that a portion of the control cable extending between the housing and the spool lies substantially in a plane of the spool. So configured, friction is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: SRAM CorporationInventor: Kevin Wesling
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Patent number: 7204502Abstract: A steering bearing assembly for a vehicle for connecting a steering tube and a frame of the vehicle is disclosed to include a head tube for mounting on the frame of the vehicle and having a tapered face in one end thereof, a bearing mounted in the head tube and formed of an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of balls mounted in between the outer race and the inner race, the outer race having a protruded retaining portion pressed on the tapered face of the head tube, and a connecting structure for connecting the inner race of the bearing and the steering tube together.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Tange Seiko Taichung Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoshi Tange
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Patent number: 7195266Abstract: A frame assembly is configured to enhance control and maneuverability of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator. The frame assembly includes a fork assembly mounted on a single front wheel assembly having a single front floatation tire. The front floatation tire generally includes a tread having a central crown, a first tread face extending in one direction from the crown, and a second tread face extending in a second direction from the crown opposite the first tread face. The frame assembly includes a spindle housing having an opening with a central axis aligned at an angle from vertical and configured to receive a kingpin extending upward from the fork assembly. When turning the agricultural applicator at a turn angle from a straight-forward direction of travel, the angle of the kingpin causes the vertical alignment of the crown of the front tire to roll a roll angle from vertical.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Keith M. Ricke, Rex L. Ruppert
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Patent number: 7195257Abstract: A cargo cart system with a cradle assembly includes a pair of support rails with generally sinuous upper and lower surfaces and at least one cross bar spanning the support rails. The sinuous upper and lower surfaces are maintained in mirrored relation with one another to define pairs of laterally spaced upper and lower support surfaces to support containers in a stabilized position. A method of assembling and retaining containers includes providing a plurality of the cradle assemblies; placing a first cradle assembly on the cart; placing a first row of containers upon the first cradle assembly; placing a second cradle assembly over the first row of containers; and, placing a second row of containers upon the second cradle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Magline, IncInventors: Virginia Lynn Stoneback, Jeffry R. Frahm
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Patent number: 7195265Abstract: A motorcycle chassis component, such as a fork bridge of a front wheel fork, is provided with an integrated partial section of a fluid system circuit, such as a hydraulic brake circuit. By providing a partial section of the fluid system in the chassis component, the chassis component functions as a portion of the fluid system, thereby simplifying the fluid system, lowering manufacturing and component costs, and reducing fluid system vulnerability to damage from external impacts.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Markus Lederer
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Patent number: 7192044Abstract: A bicycle headset has an adjustment member and a fastening member. A bicycle fork column passes through the adjustment member and the fastening member. The fastening member is fastened securely to the bicycle fork column by applying pressure to the outer peripheral side of the bicycle fork column. The fastening member non-rotatably mates with the adjustment member in such a way so as to move freely in the axial direction of the bicycle fork column.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Koken Ueno
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Patent number: 7121568Abstract: Handlebars for a motorcycle and a system for mounting the handlebars on the front fork tubes of the motorcycle. When mounted on the motorcycle, the handlebars extend the line of the fork tubes to terminate laterally in handgrips. The handlebars provide the illusion that the front fork tubes continue upwardly through the upper triple tree to form the handlebars. The handlebars and mounting system comprise a pair of handlebars attached to a base plate that anchors flush into a recess in the upper triple tree. The handlebars and mounting system provide means for concealing wiring, bolts, nuts, stem and fork tube plugs from sight while retaining the functionality of the handlebars.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Johnny Law
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Patent number: 7018126Abstract: An intermediate device that clamps the front suspension of a two-wheeled and/or motorized vehicle as part of the steering system that attaches to the frame structure and provides a mounting area for the handlebar and controls. This multiple point mounting area comprises of Acrylonitrile/Butadiene polymer or Urethane dampeners positioned above and below the clamp plane. A shoulder bolt passing through from the lower side captures these dampeners against a step washer backed against the lower portion of the threaded handlebar clamp. This assembly provides a contained system of absorption of impact to the operators' forearms and hands while protecting against handlebar position relocation in the event of a collision, crash or aggressive rider input.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Inventor: Rob William Henricksen
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Patent number: 6994366Abstract: A flush mount fork tube cap nut for a triple tree of a motorcycle, having a cap nut that is threadedly engaged to the end of the fork tubes of a triple tree of a motorcycle steering assembly so that the top of the cap nut is flush with the top of the triple tree.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Inventor: Peter G. Rambo
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Patent number: 6976692Abstract: A bicycle fork crown cover including an upper cover and a lower cover connected to the upper cover. The upper cover defines at lease one setting aperture and the lower cover includes at least one flexible setting post dimensioned to engage with the setting aperture, and wherein the lower cover is connected to the upper cover by engaging the flexible setting post with the setting aperture.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyoshi, Masao Kojima
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Patent number: 6976691Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a triple clamp with a central recess contained therein. In combination with a removable cover, the recess can be utilized to conceal a steering stem nut of the motorcycle, as well as to contain and hold a variety of items if so desired.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: Michael M. Song, Kevin Nelson, Danny Jay Fredrickson
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Patent number: 6966570Abstract: A bike handle tightening device after separated from a bike frame includes a fix tube fixed on a bike frame and having a hollow interior, a vertical rod of a handle, a threaded rod inserting in the vertical rod from top and having a lower end protruding out of the vertical rod, and a tightening member screwing with the threaded rod and having a sloped end surface. The vertical rod and the tightening member are inserted in the fix tube, and the threaded rod is rotated to force the tightening member to move nearer to and contact and rotate along a sloped bottom end surface of the vertical rod so as to let the axis of the vertical rod and the tightening member move away from each other so that the vertical rod and the tightening member push against opposite portions of an inner wall of the fix tube to tighten the handle therein, reducing the size of the bike collapsed for convenience of transporting and storing and helping stabilize the bike after collapsed.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: Ping-Tien Wang
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Patent number: 6923453Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type required to carry heavy loads over uneven ground conditions, it is oftentimes desirable to provide the work machine with a way to automatically maintain the chassis in a substantially horizontal condition. The present invention provides a work machine having a chassis and at least one elongate member having a first end rotatably coupled with the chassis. Also provided is a controller and a position sensor coupled to at least one of the elongate members which generates a position signal indicative of an orientation of the elongate member relative to the chassis and relays the position signal to the controller. The controller, in response to the position signal, determines an actual height of the chassis from the position signal and adjusts the actual chassis height to conform to a controller-inputted desired chassis height.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Mark J. Pivac
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Patent number: 6805372Abstract: A bicycle includes fork head (2) from which two sleeves (3a,3b) branch off and, on the side opposite to the sleeves, a tubular pivot (4) including a lower cylindrical portion (4a) integral with the fork head, and an upper cylindrical portion (4b) for fixing a stem. The external diameter (Da) of the lower cylindrical portion (4a) of the pivot is larger than the external diameter (Db) of the upper cylindrical portion (4b) of the pivot, and a transitional zone (4c) links the two parts (4a,4b) with different diameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Time Sport InternationalInventor: Jean-Marc Gueugneaud
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Publication number: 20040183273Abstract: A clamping stem is provided for concurrently securing a bicycle fork frame steering tube and a bicycle handlebar together. The clamping stem has a mounting bracket formed as a U-shaped structure with a pair of opposing mutually parallel legs with coaxial openings defined through the legs near the free ends thereof. A steering tube saddle block having a vertically oriented concave surface is disposed between the mounting bracket legs facing the steering tube openings therein. A handlebar saddle block having a horizontally oriented concave surface faces the concave surface of the mounting bracket yoke. A steering tube fits through the apertures in the mounting bracket legs while the handlebar fits through the space located between the mounting bracket yoke and the curved surface of the handlebar saddle block. The sides of the saddle blocks facing each other are formed with inclined surfaces that meet at apices centered between the lateral edges of the mounting bracket legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: George French
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Patent number: 6698781Abstract: In a wheeled cycle, including a bicycle, having a headtube supporting a front handlebar stem and front wheel fork yoke, a tool-free stem-to-yoke mounting assembly and method is provided for mounting the front handlebar stem to the front wheel fork yoke in mating relation rotationally supported in the headtube, the tool-free stem-to-yoke mounting assembly mounting the stem to the yoke within the headtube with an insertion motion requiring no tools. Disassembly desirably requires a tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Pacific Cycle LLCInventor: T. Gregory Blake
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Patent number: 6682088Abstract: A bicycle head tube and ball bearing mounting arrangement in which two gasket rings are respectively mounted in expanded top and bottom receiving portions of a head tube to support a respective ball bearing assembly in each end of the head tube, which ball bearing assembly supports a handlebar stem and front fork assembly in the head tube, the gasket rings each having a curved inner diameter fitted over the bottom edge of the respective ball bearing assembly to prevent direct contact of the bottom edge of the respective ball bearing assembly from direct contact with the respective expanded receiving portion of the head tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
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Publication number: 20040007849Abstract: A bicycle head tube and ball bearing mounting arrangement in which two gasket rings are respectively mounted in expanded top and bottom receiving portions of a head tube to support a respective ball bearing assembly in each end of the head tube, which ball bearing assembly supports a handlebar stem and front fork assembly in the head tube, the gasket rings each having a curved inner diameter fitted over the bottom edge of the respective ball bearing assembly to prevent direct contact of the bottom edge of the respective ball bearing assembly from direct contact with the respective expanded receiving portion of the head tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
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Publication number: 20040007850Abstract: The headset for bicycles, cycles and the like of the type comprising, in a one-piece cartridge, a bearing assembly (3) inserted between an outer cup (2) and an inner cup (4), the outer cup bearing against the interior wall of a bore in the head tube, is notable in that it comprises, as one piece,said cartridge including a floating reinforced seal, on which there is positioned a ring which itself on the outside has a seal bearing against the outer cup,said ring being in contact with the inner cup of the cartridge, the ring housing, in its upper part, an O-ring and a compression ring in order to give compression stresses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Raymond Crozet, Michel Jaligot
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Patent number: 6609722Abstract: A bicycle fork crown (10) or a fork crown cover (100) is disclosed having a connector holder (14, 114) with an inlet (18, 118) for receiving electrical cables (16a, 116a), and an outlet (20, 120) for receiving an electrical connector (22, 122). The connector holder (14, 114) retains the electrical connector (22, 122) and the electrical cables (16a, 16b) in a fixed position to facilitate installation and maintenance of the cables and the connection. The fork crown (10) or the fork crown cover (100) also includes a setting boss (12, 112) dimensioned to receive a connector cable terminal (28, 128). The connector cable terminal (28, 128) can be securely fastened to the setting boss (12, 112) by a fastening device (36, 136), such as a setting screw. In one embodiment of the invention, the fork crown (10) includes a rubber cover (150) that covers the terminal (28) and the electrical connector (22). In another embodiment of the invention, the fork crown cover (100) includes a pre-load adjuster cap (140).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyoshi, Masao Kojima
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Patent number: 6547269Abstract: A steering assembly for a motorcycle is provided, comprising a front fork assembly, a handlebar assembly, and one or more riser assemblies connecting the handlebar assembly to the fork assembly. The front fork assembly comprises a pair of elongated fork legs. Each of the fork legs has an upper end and a lower end, and a cross-member extending between the fork legs adjacent the upper ends. Each of the riser assemblies comprises a riser extending between the handlebar assembly and the cross-member, an upper bushing, and a lower bushing. Each of the upper and lower bushings comprises an inner member comprising a tubular stem and a collar extending radially outwardly from an end of the stem, and an outer member comprising a tubular portion surrounding the stem and a lip extending radially outwardly from an end of the tubular portion adjacent the collar. The upper bushing extends from above the cross-member into a hole provided through the cross-member.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Alloy Art, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Lane
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Patent number: 6523847Abstract: A head set positioning device includes a positioning tube having a rack portion defined in an outer periphery thereof and the position tube movably extends through a crown portion of a front fork and is fixedly connected to a lower head set which is connected to a lower end of the head tube. An upper head set is fixedly connected to an upper end of the head tube and a handlebar stem is mounted to the positioning tube. An extension tube extends from the handlebar stem and a gear member is rotatably received in the extension tube and is engaged with the rack portion. The handlebar stem is pulled to press the upper head set by rotating the gear member.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Jenss International Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jimmy Chien
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Publication number: 20030034628Abstract: A head set positioning device includes a positioning tube having a rack portion defined in an outer periphery thereof and the position tube movably extends through a crown portion of a front fork and is fixedly connected to a lower head set which is connected to a lower end of the head tube. An upper head set is fixedly connected to an upper end of the head tube and a handlebar stem is mounted to the positioning tube. An extension tube extends from the handlebar stem and a gear member is rotatably received in the extension tube and is engaged with the rack portion. The handlebar stem is pulled to press the upper head set by rotating the gear member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Jimmy Chien
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Patent number: 6352276Abstract: A lightweight bicycle fork which includes a crown, a stem and a pair of opposed tubular struts. The stem is fitted into a bore in a central position of the crown and extends above the top surface of the crown. The pair of opposed struts are disposed to extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the crown. The struts are attached to the crown by being disposed within opposed bores within the crown and secured within the crown by threadable end caps. To prevent the rotation of the struts within the crown, longitudinal ribs can be disposed within the external surface of the struts which mate with matching grooves within the internal surface of the bores. The struts are reenforced with an internal web to strengthen the struts with respect to axial and lateral forces. The bicycle fork is made from lightweight materials such as aluminum.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Marzocchi, USA, Inc.Inventor: Gregory A. Hill
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Patent number: 6332625Abstract: A steering system of a motorcycle in which a top bridge is rotatably attached to a head pipe. An approximately flat plate handle bracket is attached to the top bridge through cushioning members. The flat plate handle bracket covers substantially the entire upper surface of the top bridge. Right and left handlebars are attached to the handlebar bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirofumi Fukunaga, Mitsuru Yokoyama
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Patent number: 6234506Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem and front fork mounting arrangement includes a front fork, a head tube mounted on the front fork, a ball bearing mounted on the front fork and supported on the head tube, a ball bearing cap mounted on the front fork and covered on the ball bearing, a tapered rubber ring mounted in a []-shaped locating groove in the ball bearing cap at the top, a gasket ring mounted on the rubber ring and retained between a top flange of the rubber ring and the front fork, a handlebar stem coupled to the front fork and supported on the gasket ring, and a headset installed in an inner diameter of the front fork and fastened tight to the front fork to secure the handlebar stem to the front fork, the headset including a screw cap threaded into a screw hole in the front fork, a tightening up member and an expansible positioning ring, a screw bolt, and a pressure member threaded onto the screw bolt and moved to compress the tightening up member and the expansible positioning ring and to force theType: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Ching Chang Li
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Patent number: 6176339Abstract: The present invention directed to a motorcycle that includes a frame, a steering fork, a triple clamp and a motorcycle accessory mounted to a bottom surface of the triple clamp. The triple clamp rotatably couples the motorcycle frame to a pair of fork tubes that are part of the steering fork such that the steering fork and triple clamp rotate with respect to the motorcycle frame. Mounting a motorcycle accessory to the bottom surface of the triple clamp locates the mounting hardware beneath the triple clamp such that the mounting hardware is hidden from casual viewing. Hidden mounting hardware increases the aesthetic appearance of a motorcycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyInventor: Douglas D. Reichardt
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Patent number: 6135477Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer tube which is mounted via brackets to the steering tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner tube that telescopes within the outer tube. A shock absorbing system, preferably in the form of a cartridge is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to maintain torsional rigidity between the outer tube to the inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Cannondale CorporationInventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Mario M. Galasso, Ross P. Collins, Mark S. Farris, Michael A. Harrison, John M. Loftus, Aaron K. Taylor, Christoph E. Mack
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Patent number: RE38669Abstract: This invention relates to front fork, telescoping type suspension systems for bicycles. The main focus of the invention is the brake bridge assembly, the fork crown assembly and the joinder of these assemblies to form the fork suspension. The brake bridge assembly serves two main functions: 1) it provides a stiff structural connection between the right and left telescoping struts, to reduce wheel wobble during high speed wheel impacts, and 2) it provides a structural support for the brake cable stop. The invention provides for increased stiffness and lower stresses in the brake bridge, which translates into improved directional stability for the front wheel, less displacement for the brake cable stop .(when the brake loads are applied) and improved fatigue life for the assembly. It also provides for a simpler and less expensive means for mounting the brake bridge to the fork assembly. The invention also encompasses the fork crown producing a lightweight structure with high torsional and bending rigidity.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventors: Darrell W. Voss, Gary G. Klein