Frames And Running Gear Patents (Class 280/281.1)
  • Patent number: 9346516
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electric bicycle and a control method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joon-Kyu Song
  • Patent number: 9315229
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a main frame having a bottom bracket area to receive a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket area can be made of carbon fiber with one or more embedded seat blanks to serve as bearing surfaces within the bottom bracket area. The disks may be machined to a high tolerance to receive a bottom bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SPEACIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason L. Chamberlain, Robb H. Jankura, Brian Daniel Robinson, Bradley L. Paquin
  • Patent number: 9254885
    Abstract: A frame unit for a bicycle includes: a left frame body in which a part of a head tube, a part of a seat tube, a part of a frame, and a left stay are integrally formed; and a right frame body in which a part of the head tube, a part of the seat tube, a part of the frame, and a right stay are integrally formed, in which the left frame body and the right frame body are coupled so as to integrally form the head tube, the seat tube, and the frame, and a support ring is installed to the head tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jungnam Choi, Myungjin Seo
  • Patent number: 9120519
    Abstract: An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Felt Racing, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Soucek
  • Patent number: 9056646
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame, a fork rotationally coupled to the frame within a head tube of the frame, and a wheel rotationally coupled to the fork. The fork has a steerer tube, and the bicycle further includes a stem that is coupled to the steerer tube, and a handlebar coupled to the stem for steering the wheel. The handlebar supports an actuator adapted to control a bicycle component. The bicycle also includes a cable housing that is disposed in the handlebar, and a cable that is coupled to the actuator and routed internally within the handlebar and the stem toward the head tube. The portion of the cable within the handlebar is routed through the cable housing, and the portion of the cable within the stem is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Jeffrey K. Bowers
  • Patent number: 9039024
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost includes a first part and a second part. A curvature radius of the first part is r1, and an arc length of the first part is equal to or greater than ?r1 and smaller than 2?r1, the first part is set toward a head of a bicycle. The second part is connected to the first part, wherein a curvature radius of the second part is greater than the curvature radius of the first part, the second part is set toward an end of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui-Yuan Su, Owen Chang, Che-Wei Hsu
  • Publication number: 20150123377
    Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly that includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member that each extend between a head tube and a dropout. A seat tube extends between the upper frame member and the lower frame member. The seat tube is preferably connected to a bottom bracket of the lower frame member and is connected by a pivot to the upper frame member so that the seat tube can deflect from a rest position without altering an orientation of a top tube to a bottom tube of the upper and lower frame members, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Trek Bicycle Coporation
    Inventors: Reggie Lund, Christopher Pomering
  • Publication number: 20150123376
    Abstract: A bicycle seat tube assembly includes an arced component, a bottom bracket positioned below the arced component, and a seat tube including a pivot attachment at a lower end of the seat tube. The arced component includes a lower curved surface with a plurality of holes. The pivot attachment is coupled to the bottom bracket so that the arced component is pivotable relative to the seat tube about the bottom bracket, resulting in multiple seat tube positions between a fully forward position and a fully back position. A locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the seat tube to the arced component. The locking mechanism includes a lock ring with a plurality of lock pins and a spring that pushes the lock ring towards the arced component. The lock ring and the spring surround the seat tube The lock ring is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Loren Lee Alan
  • Publication number: 20150123446
    Abstract: A wheelchair rear wheel support assembly and a detachable arm assembly is described. The rear wheel support assembly is adjustable by finite adjustment both in the horizontal and vertical planes whereby to adjust the position of the rear wheels at a center of gravity to suit a user person to optimize the efforts of propulsion of the wheelchair by the user and thereby significantly increasing its quality of life. The detachable armrest is easily adjustable in height and can be pivoted away from its position of use by simple hand-operating levers easily accessible to the user person. It can also be easily removed with little effort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: David Gingras, Michael Archambault, Pierre-Andre Couture, Jacques Desbiens
  • Patent number: 9022407
    Abstract: A composite bicycle frame which comprises of a main frame including interconnected tubes and substantially composed of a composite material and having a composite layup structure. At least one electric wire electrically interconnects electrical components mounted to or in the frame. The at least one electric wire is embedded in the composite material structure forming the composite main frame. The electric wire has connectable conductive ends at each of the opposed ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Industries Rad Inc.
    Inventor: Guillaume Senechal
  • Publication number: 20150115568
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a front derailleur to a bicycle frame. The mounting device includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be adjustably mounted such that it is positioned around an axis that is defined by a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame, and an indicator configured to indicate an orientation of the mounting portion relative to a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Emura, Kazuya Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 9010790
    Abstract: Bicycle frames having rear stays that extend past the seat region and connect directly to the top region without being rigidly connected to the seat region. Some bicycle frames according to the present disclosure have a greater vertical compliance than comparably sized standard diamond frames having seat stays that are connected directly and rigidly to a seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Volagi, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Choi, Barley A. Forsman
  • Patent number: 8998236
    Abstract: A bicycle frame with an improved suspension system. The bicycle frame includes an adjustable dropout assembly that provides adequate shock absorption without affecting or being affected by the chain length or the pedaling action of the bicycle. The bicycle frame includes a uni-axis system that increases the efficiency and performance of the bicycle while eliminating latter movement found in traditional frames. The bicycle frame includes a micro-adjustable suspension system that allows the rider to easily adjust the suspension of the frame to precise measurements quickly and without additional tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Morpheus Cycles
    Inventors: James Trimble, Michael Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8998233
    Abstract: A multi-use vehicle assembly provides a means for entertainment and mobilization. The vehicle assembly includes a frame assembly having a first frame coupled to a second frame. The frame assembly has a center frame coupled to and extending between the first frame and the second frame. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame assembly. The plurality of wheels comprises a left back wheel, a right back wheel, and a central front wheel. The left back wheel is coupled to the first frame. The right back wheel is coupled to the second frame. The central front wheel is coupled to the center frame. A steering mechanism is coupled to the frame assembly. The steering mechanism is mechanically coupled to the central front wheel. A drive system is operationally coupled to one of the plurality of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Jose M. Eirin
  • Publication number: 20150091273
    Abstract: A valve unit (1) with a single-piece valve body (4) includes a cylindrical collar (5), a valve seat (7), a main duct (9) and an auxiliary duct (10). The cylindrical collar (5) projects from a reference plane (12) obtained in the valve body (4) and is configured so that it can be arranged against a rim (2) when the cylindrical collar (5) is inserted in a hole (6). The cylindrical collar (5) has an end (5a) configured so that it can be deformed and can define a flared portion (13) of the main duct (9) which interferes with the rim (2) at the level of the hole (6) thus providing a mechanism (11) for fixing the valve unit (1) to the rim (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Alberto Deanesi, Gabriele Tezza
  • Patent number: 8991848
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved bicycle frame according to one embodiment of this invention has a top tube that allows the wheel base to lengthen by resiliently flexing or pivotally deflecting vertically while resisting torsional flex This feature is combined with a resilient, flexible, arcuate down tube extending between the bottom bracket of the bicycle and the bicycle head tube or the intermediate connection points The down tube has at least one arc and springs back to its original position from forces of tension as well as compression The combination of the two flexing members gives the bicycle a smoother ride and may also enhance the delivery of pedal” power to the rear wheel The down tube is replaceable in order to modify the flex characteristics of the frame and physical characteristics, such as head tube and seat tube angle, wheel base, and bottom bracket height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alter Cycles, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark L. Groendal
  • Patent number: 8991845
    Abstract: Vehicular system, including front wheel having user-interface assembly configured to selectively permit user to operate between limb-operating mode and side-by-side limb cruising mode. In side-by-side limb cruising mode, first and second crank arms are free to float and position by themselves while front wheel is steered to cause vehicular system to turn in such a way that first pedal and second pedal are positioned slightly offset from each other. In side-by-side limb cruising mode, control of vehicular system is improved because rider position is more balanced and an unnatural sensation of steering involving hands and feet becomes neutralized while: user maintains hands coupled to steering assembly and also maintains feet coupled to first pedal and second pedal; steering assembly turns front wheel toward one side; first crank arm and second crank arm freely float and position themselves; and first pedal and second pedal are positioned slightly offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Henry Chong
  • Patent number: 8985608
    Abstract: There is provided a frame structure for a saddle-ridden type vehicle. A pair of tank rails are jointed to a head frame and extend rearward of a vehicle body from the head frame. The head frame includes a head pipe portion and a pair of arm portions being continuous with the head pipe portion and extending rearward of the vehicle body. Each of upper surfaces of at least one of rear end portions of the arm portions and front end portions of the tank rails are formed into a convex surface having an arc-shaped cross section. The rear end portions of the arm portions and the front end portions of the tank rails are respectively welded to each other so that end portions of weld beads are positioned at side surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Oikawa
  • Publication number: 20150076789
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame that has upper tubes spaced apart from each other; and an inlay spaced between the upper tubes. The frame of the bicycle may further include a pair of tubes spaced apart by the upper tubes. The inlay may extend between the pair of tubes. The inlay may be comprised of wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Amit Singh, Robert Charles Kahler, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150068829
    Abstract: A body frame structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a pair of left and right main frames extending rearward from a head pipe. A down frame extends downward from the head pipe, and a pair of left and right reinforcement members range between the main frame and the down frame. Each of the reinforcement members is formed in a roughly U-shaped form in sectional view, and ranges between the main frame and the down frame in the state where an opening portion of its roughly U-shaped sectional form is oriented inward in the vehicle width direction. Its end portions are welded respectively to the main frame and the down frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shinichiro ISHIDA, Kota NOGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150054249
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cardboard-based unit, structural elements comprising said unit and land-vehicles comprising said units and structural elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Izhar GAFNI
  • Patent number: 8960702
    Abstract: An electric bicycle and electric bicycle frame including batteries or a battery pack stored in one or more tubes of the frame. In some cases, a pair of top tubes extend rearward of the bicycle seat tube, and an electronics housing may be disposed between the rearward extending top tube portions. Alternatively or in addition, a removable bottom bracket shell portion and a removable bottom bracket insert may be provided, to allow convenient access to the interior portions of the down tube and/or seat tube of the frame. A battery pack and/or a battery electronics management unit may be conveniently within one or both of the down tube and the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Faraday Bicycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Patrick Vollmer, Andrew Justin Taylor
  • Publication number: 20150042064
    Abstract: A vehicle having a rear fender disposed above a rear wheel and formed of a plate member having an upward projecting shape, includes a cover member which covers a portion of a lower open part of the rear fender on a lateral side of the rear wheel. The rear fender and the cover member are provided as separate bodies to keep the moldability of the rear fender favorable. The mud-guard performance can be enhanced by covering part of the lower open part of the rear fender by the cover member. Such configuration provides a vehicle in which the mud-guard performance can be enhanced while keeping the moldability of a rear fender favorable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Daisuke TOKUMURA, Akira OMAE, Shigeki SAKAGUCHI, Yoshihiro INOUE, Yukari WATANABE
  • Patent number: 8950771
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a bicycle frame (1) comprising a seat tube (4) in which a saddle pillar (2) for a saddle is at least partially held, wherein the saddle pillar (2) or the main tube (12) thereof is adapted for translatory movement and height-adjustment relative to the bicycle frame (1). In this case, a rotation prevention device and a locking device, in particular a seat device, are fastened on the seat tube (4). Both securing devices act between the seat tube (4) and the main tube (12) in a form-fitting manner. In this case, the device for securing against rotation engages permanently in the main tube and the latching device can engage in, and can be disengaged from, the main tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: B-Labs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Felsl, Jorg Poppe, Dirk Lude
  • Publication number: 20150014958
    Abstract: The body frame has a head pipe 2 supporting a steering shaft, a main frame 3 extended rearward of a vehicle body from the head pipe 2, and a down frame 5 extended downward of the vehicle body from the head pipe 2, wherein the down frame 5 includes a front down frame member 70 forming at least a front portion of the down frame 5, and a rear down frame member 80 forming at least part of a rear portion of the down frame 5, which are joined. The rear down frame member 80 integrally has an arm 85 supporting the main frame 3 and a gusset 83 reinforcing a joined portion of the main frame 3 to the head pipe 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Seiji HIRAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8925949
    Abstract: A bicycle frame comprising a front triangle and a rear triangle. The front triangle comprises, in turn, the following tubular elements: a seat tube; a top tube; a down tube; and a steering tube. Whereas the rear triangle comprises, in turn, the following tubular elements:—two inclined seat stays and two horizontal chain stays. The frame is characterized in that the elements comprised in the front triangle are manufactured as one single piece, and in that the two chain stays are joined to said front triangle by means of a bushing, which is inserted into a seat, which is obtained in correspondence to a bottom bracket axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Diamant S.R.L.
    Inventor: Philippe Zecchetto
  • Publication number: 20150001828
    Abstract: A bicycle having a bicycle frame comprising a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a bottom bracket and at least one chain stay. A single, tubular member has a first portion that forms the top tube and extends downwardly from the head tube toward the bottom bracket and a unitary second portion that extends upwardly from the bottom bracket to form the seat tube. A plurality of struts extends between the tubular member and the down tube, bottom bracket or at least one chain stay. In some arrangements, the down tube and the at least one chain stay are the only frame members that contact the bottom bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Silva
  • Publication number: 20140375017
    Abstract: In a device for introducing at least one lengthwise extended technical functional part in a frame section of a vehicle, in particular a bicycle, including an insert section that is to be abutted against an opening in the frame section, through which the functional part can be guided, it is provided that at least one lengthwise extended receiving section for the functional part be attached to the insert section. This device makes it possible to hold or guide the technical functional part during its introduction into a frame section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Mario Pöss
  • Patent number: 8915511
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a bicycle frame that includes a plurality of square cross-section tubing members, wherein all tubing members are straight, and are consistent in cross-sectional dimensions along their length and wherein each tubing member is cut to length with a straight cut defining a tubing opening formed by an edge that extends along a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cheetah Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Brown, Mark Stonich, Lloyd Keleny, John Hehre, Raymond Menard
  • Patent number: 8905422
    Abstract: A brake system is disclosed. The brake system includes a front brake mechanism, a rear brake mechanism, a front brake wire, a rear brake wire, a link, a support, and an interlocking brake wire. The link is rotatable around a fulcrum on one end thereof as measured in a longitudinal direction thereof. The support elastically supports the link at the fulcrum. The interlocking brake wire is connected with the link so as to pull the front brake wire and rear brake wire. The front brake wire, the interlocking brake wire, and the rear brake wire are connected with the link in this order, starting from the end of the link with the support, as measured in a longitudinal direction of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Inoue
  • Patent number: 8899606
    Abstract: A bicycle frame with removable dropouts includes a bicycle frame having a left seat stay and a left chain stay joined at a left junction, and a right seat stay and a right chain stay joined at a right junction. A left dropout is removably connected to the bicycle frame at the left junction, the left dropout including a body defining an opening for receiving a rear wheel. A right dropout is removably connected to the bicycle frame at the right junction, the right dropout including a body defining an opening for receiving the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Chris Cocalis
  • Publication number: 20140333045
    Abstract: An ergonomic wheelchair with ventral support has an ergonomic shape where the person is placed in a position with support areas at the person's frontal area. The wheelchair is provided with a frame made of a reticular structure as a main support, mounted over four wheels, with the two rear wheels being much smaller and free to move in any direction. The structure has three main support surfaces: thoracic, femoral and tibial, each perfectly padded to achieve a proper distribution of pressure. The thoracic level can vary its length and inclination, the tibial support surface can modify its verticality, and the support surface of the thighs can be regulated for better anthropometric suitability. It is equipped with armrests for when the vehicle is self-propelled, and has two handles to allow another person to push it. A headrest with a visor avoids the tensions of having to hold the head up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Luis Sananes, Renzo Bucca Puy, Matias Fernando Canton
  • Patent number: 8882125
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a main frame having a bottom bracket shell to receive a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket shell can be made of carbon fiber with one or more metal rings to serve as bearing surfaces within the bottom bracket shell. The metal rings may also be split metal rings with a gap between two spaced apart ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Paquin, Jean-Luc Callahan, Robb Jankura, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8882126
    Abstract: A bicycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a bicycle frame assembly supported on the front and rear wheels. The bicycle frame assembly includes a front fork supported by the front wheel, and a main frame that has a head tube and a down tube extending rearward and downwardly relative to the head tube. The down tube has a front wall, a rear wall, and an internal strut connecting the front wall and the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Publication number: 20140327227
    Abstract: A wheel assembly quick release lever pivots against a thrust washer to apply a force along the length of an axle. The thrust washer is pressed toward a sleeve nut at the opposite end of the axle, which displaces the thrust washer relative to the axle, drawing the sleeve nut and a pair of compression rings toward one another deeper into conical cavities of dropouts. The radially outwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the tapered cavities of the closed bore dropouts, and the radially inwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the axle to provide resistance to rotational movement of the axle relative to the dropouts. The inboard surfaces of the dropouts seat against the load-bearing axle faces of the hub, which provides resistance to lateral movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Darek C. Barefoot
  • Patent number: 8876137
    Abstract: A frame for a bicycle and a bicycle equipped therewith, wherein the frame includes a frame body having a top tube and a down tube, and at least one supporting device connecting the top tube to the down tube. A supporting device includes a flow-through opening through which, when used as intended, at least part of the arriving air flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Morgan Nicol
  • Patent number: 8876136
    Abstract: A bicycle design includes a seat tube affixed to the chain stay at a fixed distance rearward of the bottom bracket so that the rider sitting on the saddle can comfortably fully extend one leg to place a foot flat on the ground or to use the proper full leg extension for pedaling. The rider sits comfortably upright on the saddle while pedaling and can pedal while standing up. The fixed distance may be on the order of about the height above ground of a heel of the rider's foot sitting on a properly adjusted conventional frame when the foot is outstretched to reach the ground and/or on the order of about a radius of a circle through which the pedals are moved during pedaling of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Electra Bicycle Company, LLC
    Inventor: Benno Baenziger
  • Patent number: 8857838
    Abstract: A dual drive system for a non-motorized vehicle comprising a first drive unit disposed on a vehicle frame, wherein the first drive unit has a rotary action and is operatively associated with a first wheel assembly for turning a wheel; and, a second drive unit disposed on the vehicle frame, wherein the second drive unit has a lever action and is operatively associated with the first wheel assembly for turning the wheel. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are independently operable for turning the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Scolari, George Reiter
  • Patent number: 8857843
    Abstract: A bicycle including a main frame, a front wheel mounted for rotation relative to the main frame. a rear dropout, and a rear wheel mounted for rotation relative to the rear dropout about an axis. The rear wheel defines a center plane of the bicycle and is driven by a chain. The bicycle also includes a seat stay coupling the rear dropout to the main frame. The seat stay has an inner surface facing the rear wheel and an outer surface facing away from the rear wheel. The seat stay includes a steep portion having an outer surface disposed at a steep angle of between about 25 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the center plane, and at least a portion of the steep portion is disposed outboard of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Callahan, Christopher D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8851496
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a first frame having a steering head and a first mount, an engine-transmission assembly coupled to the first frame, a steering assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably coupled to the steering assembly, a swing arm assembly pivotably coupled to the first frame, a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the swing arm assembly, a second frame having a second mount coupled to the first mount with a threaded fastener, and a suspension component having a first end coupled to the swing arm assembly and a second end coupled to the second frame. Forces exerted by the suspension component on the first frame are directed through the second frame and the second mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Hedtke
  • Publication number: 20140265229
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle that possesses desirable properties associated with a front-to-rear direction with respect to the vehicle and a twisting direction includes a bracket including a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion and a coupling portion. The first attachment portion is attached to a down frame. The second attachment portion is attached to an engine and is located rearward of the first attachment portion. The coupling portion is located between the first and second attachment portions and couples the first attachment portion with the second attachment portion. The first and second attachment portions extend in the front-to-rear direction. The first attachment portion is offset relative to the second attachment portion in a vehicle width direction. In a plan view of the vehicle, the coupling portion is oriented in or substantially in a front-to-rear direction with respect to the vehicle and extends in a direction different from that of the first and second attachment portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki MURAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140265222
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle having front and rear wheels, a frame supported by the wheels, and a brake system. The brake system includes a caliper arm pivotally coupled to the frame at a pivot point, a pad secured to the caliper arm at a location spaced from the pivot point by a first distance, and an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic piston) positioned to apply a force to the caliper arm at a location that is spaced from the pivot point by a second distance less than the first distance. Preferably, the actuating location is positioned between the pivot axis and the pad. In addition, it is preferred to have a ratio of the first distance to the second distance be at least 4.0, preferably at least 6.0, and more preferably about 8.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Publication number: 20140265230
    Abstract: There is provided a frame structure for a saddle-ridden type vehicle. A pair of tank rails are jointed to a head frame and extend rearward of a vehicle body from the head frame. The head frame includes a head pipe portion and a pair of arm portions being continuous with the head pipe portion and extending rearward of the vehicle body. Each of upper surfaces of at least one of rear end portions of the arm portions and front end portions of the tank rails are formed into a convex surface having an arc-shaped cross section. The rear end portions of the arm portions and the front end portions of the tank rails are respectively welded to each other so that end portions of weld beads are positioned at side surfaces thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuichi OIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20140265221
    Abstract: Various bicycle brake assemblies are described. In some embodiments, a bicycle brake assembly for applying a braking force to a wheel comprises a brake arm comprising a frame pivot joint and a brake pad pivot joint, the frame pivot joint configured to pivotally connect the brake arm to a bicycle frame to enable pivoting of the brake arm about a first axis of rotation; and a brake pad pivotally coupled to the brake arm at the brake pad pivot joint to enable pivoting of the brake pad about a second axis of rotation, the brake pad comprising a braking surface for engaging a wheel rim to apply a frictional force to the wheel rim, the frictional force having a frictional direction, wherein the first axis of rotation is not parallel to the frictional direction of the frictional force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, David Tyson Buckenberger
  • Publication number: 20140265227
    Abstract: A tensioning device for bicycle front and rear wheel assemblies. A skewer assembly with a thumbnut is securable to the wheel assembly with a quick-release assembly. Portions of the skewer assembly are removable from the quick-release assembly by turning the thumbnut a partial turn, such as a quarter of a turn. Removal of the skewer assembly allows the front wheel to be removed. In another embodiment, the skewer assembly is able to be removed by turning the quick-release assembly by a partial turn, such as a quarter of a turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Darrell W. Voss
  • Publication number: 20140265228
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle comprising front and rear wheels and a frame including a main frame having a head tube and a top tube secured to the head tube at an intersection spaced from an upper end of the head tube. The intersection has a first lateral width, and the head tube above the intersection includes a tapered portion that tapers to a second lateral width narrower than the first lateral width. For example, the first lateral width can be at least three percent wider than the second lateral width. In one embodiment, the head tube above the tapered portion includes a flared portion that flares to a third lateral width wider (e.g., at least ten percent wider) than the second lateral width. In addition, the tapered portion can include a length that is larger (e.g., at least one hundred percent larger) than the second lateral width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8833786
    Abstract: An apparatus including an upper post, a main post, a control tube, a tension spring, and a hydraulic reset. The upper post can include a compression spring. The main post can be configured to telescopically mate with the upper post. The control tube can be rotably coupled to the main post. The tension spring can be configured to pull the upper post to the main post. The hydraulic reset can be configured to compress the compression spring. The upper post and the control tube can be configured to selectively lock the upper post to the control tube at at least two positions. In a first position of the control tube, the control tube can be configured to engage the compression spring. In a second position of the control tube, the control tube can be configured to disengage the compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: David Camp, Jose Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20140252745
    Abstract: An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: FELT RACING, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Soucek
  • Patent number: 8820764
    Abstract: A bicycle frame comprising: a head, top, down and seat tubes along with a bottom bracket; a pair of seat and lower chain stays; and a pair of upper chain stays, the upper chain stays attached to at least one frame component selected from the down tube, the seat tube, and the bottom bracket, whereby, the addition of the upper chain stays adds rigidity to the frame to resist torque forces applied to the bottom bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Robert M Deily
  • Patent number: 8814195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding bicycle assisted by an electric motor, comprising a frame with a down tube (4) with a back end with a seat tube (7) and a front end with a steering tube (10) housing a stem (9) connected in the upper zone to a handlebar (101) and in the lower zone to a front fork (11), a back fork (2) coupled to the back end of the down tube (4), a folding mechanism which allows folding the bicycle (1) about an articulating pin (12) to at least one folded position, and a locking mechanism for keeping the bicycle in said folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Beistegui Hermanos, S.L.
    Inventors: José Luis Beistegui Chirapozu, Javier Cuñado Landa