Yielding Patents (Class 280/283)
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Patent number: 12134439Abstract: A tiltable vehicle (100) is described comprising a vehicle frame (102, 108), one front wheel (124), two rear wheels (112A, 112B) and two swing arms. The swing arms are pivotably coupled to a pivot point (121) on the vehicle frame at a first end, and to one of the rear wheels at an opposing end. A swing arm (41) is rotatable around a rotational axis (42) lying in a plane of symmetry of the vehicle frame (102, 108). Each of two linkages (63, 64) is coupled at a first end to one of the swing arms at the pivot point. The vehicle comprises two connection arms (53, 56) arranged between the linkages (63, 64) and one outer end of the rocker arm (40). The connection arms comprise resilient members (61, 62) comprising a number of Belleville springs arranged in at least two groups of rings so as to create a non-linear spring characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: YOUSEE B.V.Inventors: Machiel Gerardus Theodorus Marie Barenbrug, Alexander Plul Johannus De Visser, Pel Ariesen
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Patent number: 12054220Abstract: Rear suspension system for a bicycle in which there are two links pivotally interconnecting the front triangle (being, the bicycle component having the seat and bottom bracket) and the rear triangle (being, the component to which the rear wheel is mounted), configured such that at a designer determined percentage of suspension compression, the link pivots on the front triangle are on, or in the vicinity of, a notional line passing through the bottom bracket axis of rotation and the rear wheel axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Inventor: Christopher Hudec
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Patent number: 11993339Abstract: The motor vehicle (1) comprises a forecarriage frame (11) to which a steering tube (13) is constrained, inside which a steering column (15) is rotatingly housed. The motor vehicle also comprises a four-bar linkage (23) connected to the forecarriage frame (11) and that supports a first front wheel (5?) by means of a first supporting member (35) and a second front wheel (5?) by means of a second supporting member (35?). The four-bar linkage comprises two crossbars (25, 27). A steering linkage (19) transmits the steering movement, controlled by means of the steering column, to the first front wheel (5) and to the second front wheel (5?). The motor vehicle also comprises suspensions (71?) for the first front wheel (5?) and for the second front wheel (5?). The two suspensions are at least partially housed in cavities (41) of the respective uprights (29?, 29?) of the four-bar link-age (23).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: PIAGGIO & CO. S.P.A.Inventor: Andrea Raffaelli
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Patent number: 11975790Abstract: A main frame has a pair of left and right main rails that respectively include left and right front portions, left and right middle portions, and left and right rear end portions. One end portion of the left main rail and one end portion of the right main rail are connected to each other, whereby a head pipe is formed. A first coupling member is attached to the left and right front portions with a plurality of the first bolts, so that the front portions are coupled to each other. A second coupling member is attached to the left and right middle portions with a plurality of the second bolts, so that the middle portions are coupled to each other. A third coupling member is attached to the left and right rear portions with a plurality of the third bolts, so that the rear portions are coupled to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tomohito Maeda
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Patent number: 11919602Abstract: A rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: KNOLLY BIKES, INC.Inventor: Noel Buckley
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Patent number: 11845510Abstract: A rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2023Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: KNOLLY BIKES, INC.Inventor: Noel Buckley
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Patent number: 11840303Abstract: A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle includes a suspension system configured to dampen up-and-down motion of a board relative to the axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles (e.g., bumps) on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems include a shock absorber and a swingarm that couple the axle to the board. The suspension system may be disposed completely below a foot deck of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: FUTURE MOTION, INC.Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Matthew Michael O'Brien
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Patent number: 11718137Abstract: A shock assembly with automatically adjustable ride height is disclosed. The assembly includes a main chamber including a fluid therein. A pump tube within the main chamber, the pump tube having a fluid flow path internal thereto, the pump tube disposed axially along a center of the main chamber. A damping piston coupled to a shaft, the damping piston and a portion of the shaft disposed axially about the pump tube, the damping piston disposed in the main chamber to divide the main chamber into a compression side fluid chamber and a rebound side fluid chamber. An automatic ride height adjustment assembly including a tube-in-shaft pump assembly and a spring preload piston assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Nick D'Orazio, Michael R. Labbe, Rick Strickland, Connor Randall
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Patent number: 11661134Abstract: A bicycle can include a forward frame triangle that can include a top tube, a bottom tube, a bottom bracket, a structural seat tube, a compliant seat tube, and a pair of seat stays. The top tube can have a first end connected to a head tube and a second end. The bottom tube can have a first end connected to the head tube. The bottom bracket can be connected to the bottom tube. The structural seat tube can be connected to the bottom bracket and the top tube. The compliant seat tube can extend in an upward direction from the bottom bracket to the top tube and within the structural seat tube. The compliant seat tube can be coupled to the forward frame triangle such that the compliant seat post can bend within the structural seat tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Trek Bicycle CorporationInventors: Reggie Lund, Steven Moechnig
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Patent number: 11634191Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a swing arm configuration and, more specifically, a swing arm that is supported by a shaft of a motor, such as an electric motor of a motorcycle. The configuration includes a swing arm assembly that is supported by a shaft of a motor at one end and a rear axle at the other end. Advantageously, the shaft of the motor may be a structural component of an electric motorcycle and serve as the swing arm pivot as well as the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Curtiss Motorcycle Company, Inc.Inventor: James Thomas Nesbitt, III
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Patent number: 11603153Abstract: A vibration isolator can be configured to provide improved vibration isolation performance, such as in connection with a bicycle saddle. A vibration isolator can be operatively connected to a bicycle saddle. The vibration isolator can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile. The non-linear stiffness profile can include a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The vibration isolator can include one or more movable body members and one or more super elastic material members.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Christian Arthur Trager, Paul A. Gilmore, Umesh N. Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta, Michael Paul Rowe
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Patent number: 11560196Abstract: A method of modifying the rake angle on a motorcycle having a double wishbone front suspension. The motorcycle has a tubular steering housing connected to a non-telescoping fork assembly by a straight body steering stem. The method includes the step of replacing the straight body steering stem with a canted body steering stem. The canted body steering stem includes (i) a primary section having a steering axis corresponding to a steering axis of the motorcycle; and (ii) a secondary section having a cant axis which varies from the steering axis by between 1° and 16°.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Motor Trike, Inc.Inventor: Ryan Reineck
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Patent number: 11548587Abstract: A vehicle includes a forward frame portion, a rear frame portion, and a motion control system that movably interconnects the forward frame portion and the rear frame portion. A forward acceleration of the rear frame portion resulting from a driving force imparted by a wheel supported by the rear frame portion imparts a first force onto the motion control system that counters a second force imparted on the motion control system by an acceleration of a payload supported by the forward frame portion as a result of the forward acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Inventor: Darrell W Voss
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Patent number: 11358673Abstract: A tube for a bicycle has a body, an indented portion, and a machined hole. The indented portion is radially recessed in the body and has an outer bottom surface, an outer annular surface, and a first round corner being a curved surface smoothly connecting an outer tube surface of the body and the outer annular surface. The machined hole is formed through the outer bottom surface of the indented portion and has an area being less than an area of the outer bottom surface. The indented portion formed around the machined hole distributes stress to prevent cracking occurring from an edge of the machined hole. The structural strength of the tube is increased under a same total weight.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Puretek Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuang-Yen Lo, Jonas Mueller
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Patent number: 11312447Abstract: A rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: KNOLLY BIKES, INC.Inventor: Noel Buckley
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Patent number: 11180211Abstract: A bicycle telescopic apparatus includes a first tube, a second tube, a positioning structure, a memory, and a controller. The second tube is telescopically received in the first tube and configured to be adjustably movable with respect to the first tube in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle telescopic apparatus. The positioning structure includes an electrical actuator to adjustably position the second tube relative to the first tube in the longitudinal direction. The memory is configured to store setting information for a predetermined relative position of the first tube and the second tube, and the setting information is changed via an electrical setting operation. The controller is configured to control the electrical actuator to position the second tube relative to the first tube at the predetermined relative position.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2017Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Satoshi Shahana, Toyoto Shirai, Yuki Sakagawa, Yuta Kurokawa
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Patent number: 11143360Abstract: An accessory mounting device for removably mounting an accessory or fixture to a wall, ceiling, or other supporting surface. The device includes a bracket or clip which is affixable to the wall or other surface. The device further includes a cover which releasably mounts to the bracket or clip. The cover is configured to support and anchor various accessories and devices to the wall, ceiling, or other surface. The cover is mounted to and removed from the bracket by overcoming a biasing force provided between members of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Horatio Booststrap Entrepreneurs LLCInventor: Alan Scott Brownstone
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Patent number: 11136083Abstract: A bicycle telescopic apparatus includes a first tube having a receiving space, a second tube telescopically received in the receiving space of the first tube, a position detector configured to detect a relative position between the first tube and the second tube in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle telescopic apparatus, and an output device configured to output a signal based on a detected result of the position detector. The signal can control a bicycle component other than the bicycle telescopic apparatus. A detecting point of the position detector is located in the receiving space of the first tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
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Patent number: 11104398Abstract: A frame assembly includes a central shaft with forward and rearward ends and a central extent, a forward sleeve at the forward end, a central sleeve at the central extent, and left and right brackets adjacent to the rearward end. A steering assembly has central, upper, and lower sections. The upper section is received in the central section with left and right handlebars extending laterally. The lower section extends through the forward sleeve. A forward bracket pivotably couples the central and lower sections. A seating assembly has a support post received in the central sleeve and an upper end supporting a seat. A drive assembly has left and right brackets, left and right wheels, a brace extending through the brackets supporting the wheels, a motor positioned adjacent to one of the wheels, and a source of potential.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Inventor: Fred E. Peace
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Patent number: 11077913Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle frame (1) with a remote-controlled shock absorber (2) connected to the frame (1). The shock absorber (2) comprises two dials (3, 4) for adjusting the compression and rebound. The frame (1) is characterised in that it comprises a depression (9; 25) communicated with the outside of the frame (1) and provided with a window (12; 28) that communicates the depression (9; 25) with an inner part (8b; 18b) of the frame (1). An actuator element (7) for adjusting the compression dial (3) extends from the outside of the frame (1) towards the window (12; 28) passing through the inner part (8b; 18b) of the frame (1). The invention improves the integration of the rear suspension of the bicycle while simultaneously allows for easy adjustment of the compression dial (3) and the rebound dial (4).Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: ORBEA, S. COOPInventor: Mikel Bergara Urcelai
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Patent number: 10981620Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension system includes two relatively movable portions and a resilient blade that includes two means for mechanical connection to both relatively movable portions, respectively. The blade has a flexural resilience at least 100 times greater than the tensile resilience, and is resiliently deformable between: a resting state in which the blade has an inwardly curved profile, and a maximally extended state in which the blade has an elongate profile, the length of which corresponds to that of the neutral fiber of the blade, while passing through intermediate extension states in which the blade has profiles that are less and less inwardly curved. The suspension system is deformable between an initial state in which the relatively movable portions are in a close configuration, and a compressed state in which the relatively movable portions are in a separated configuration and bias the blade.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: M-otion EngineeringInventor: Matthieu Alfano
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Patent number: 10933941Abstract: An improved rear suspension for a two wheeled vehicle. The improved rear suspension includes a rear triangle connected to a wheel. The rear triangle is connected to the front triangle by an upper linkage. A biasing member, such as a shock absorber, typically a spring and damper, is connected to the front triangle and functionally connected to the rear triangle, either directly or indirectly. The rear triangle is further connected to the front triangle by a pivoting connection. The pivoting connection can be a eccentric pivot. Alternatively the pivoting connection can be a pivot connection located on the front triangle and a pivot connection located on the rear triangle and connected by a lower linkage.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Inventor: Damon Madsen
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Patent number: 10926830Abstract: A two-wheel vehicle suspension linkage, including a shock and a shock extension assembly, is provided. The shock may include first and second mounting axes operably connected to two linkage bodies. The shock may be positioned to provide linear resistance between the two linkage bodies having relative motion with respect to one another. The shock extension assembly may include a first extension body and a second extension body. Each of the first extension body and the second extension body may include a first mounting axis and a second mounting axis positioned with respect to one another in a non-parallel mounting orientation. The extension bodies may be pivotally connected to the suspension linkage so that the first mounting axis of the first extension body is collinear with the first mounting axis of the second extension body.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: YETI CYCLING, LLCInventor: Peter Zawistowski
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Patent number: 10821794Abstract: A suspension structure of a utility vehicle includes: a shock absorber; a knuckle; and an upper arm and a lower arm which connects the knuckle to a vehicle body frame of the utility vehicle, wherein a recessed portion which is recessed downward is formed on the upper arm, and a lower end of the shock absorber is supported by the recessed portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yusuke Nakashima, Takashi Hisamura
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Patent number: 10814932Abstract: A frame for a bicycle includes a front frame, a rear frame, an upper linkage, and a shock absorber. The rear frame is pivoted to the front frame at a main pivot axis. The upper linkage is pivoted to the front frame at a first pivot axis and is pivoted to the rear frame at a second pivot axis. The shock absorber is pivoted to the upper linkage at a third pivot axis and is pivoted to the front frame. When a compression ratio of the shock absorber is in a range between 0% and 60%, a distance variation between a pivot location of the rear frame at the second pivot axis and a pivot location of the rear frame at the main pivot axis reaches a maximum value thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ching-Sung Yi, Shao-Chieh Liu, Tzu-Pin Wu
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Patent number: 10806929Abstract: A system and method for performing deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy are provided. The method and system include pre-operatively acquiring at least one pre-operative image of the brain with at least one imaging sub-system and determining a location of a Nucleus Basalls of Meynert (NBM) for therapy in the at least one pre-operative image, and intra-operatively acquiring at least one intra-operative image of the brain after obtaining an access opening through the skull. The method and system further provide performing surgical planning based on the pre-operative image in the intra-operative image, advancing a lead having DBS electrodes on the lead to a target position proximate to or within the NBM area, and coupling the lead to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) configured to deliver DBS pulses through the DBS electrodes to the NBM. Further, the IPG is configured to deliver DBS pulses for treating symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Lalit Venkatesan
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Patent number: 10745078Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved rear suspension for a two wheeled vehicle. The improved rear suspension includes a rear triangle connected to a wheel. The rear triangle is connected to the front triangle by an upper linkage. A biasing member, such as a shock absorber, typically a spring and damper, is connected to the front triangle and functionally connected to the rear triangle, either directly or indirectly. The rear triangle is further connected to the front triangle by a pivoting connection. The pivoting connection can be a eccentric pivot. Alternatively the pivoting connection can be a pivot connection located on the front triangle and a pivot connection located on the rear triangle and connected by a lower linkage.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Inventor: Damon Madsen
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Patent number: 10689048Abstract: A bicycle comprises a main frame and a suspension assembly coupled to the main frame. The suspension assembly includes a dynamic crank support and a spring mechanism. The dynamic crank support is movable from an uncompressed position to a compressed position. The spring mechanism biases the dynamic crank support toward the uncompressed position. The suspension assembly further comprises a dynamic seat support coupled for movement with the dynamic crank support. For example, the dynamic seat support and the dynamic crank support can be rigidly coupled to each other and cooperatively form one bar of a four-bar linkage. An eccentric assembly is supported by the main frame and rotates about a first axis. The eccentric assembly pivotally supports the dynamic crank support for rotation about a second axis offset from the first axis. The spring mechanism preferably comprises a spring secured between the main frame and the eccentric assembly to rotationally bias the eccentric assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
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Patent number: 10562477Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sensor supporting structure for a saddled vehicle capable of accurately detecting a front of the vehicle by an optical sensor without affecting usability of accessories at a front portion of the vehicle. The optical sensor supporting structure for a saddled vehicle includes left and right cameras which are configured to detect an object in front of the vehicle, and a support stay which is fixed to a head pipe of a vehicle body frame and supports accessories at the front of the vehicle on the head pipe, wherein the left and right cameras are supported by the support stay.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Oliver Fuchs, Joerg Deigmoeller, Herbert Janssen
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Patent number: 10556633Abstract: A seat and motorized stem fit device is designed for fitting a cyclist on a bicycle having a seat post and a seat, with the seat post being an original seat post provided by a seat post manufacturer. The motorized seat post fit device comprises a drive assembly and an adjustable seat assembly coupled to the drive assembly and providing an interface between the seat post and the seat. The drive assembly controls the adjustable seat assembly to provide at least one of a vertical displacement and a horizontal displacement of the seat relative to the seat post.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: MAELSTROM INNOVATIONSInventor: Mathieu Fagnan
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Patent number: 10457349Abstract: A vehicle component that can include a suspension system for bicycles, electric bicycles, or electric scooters. The vehicle component can include a sliding four-bar system with a link pivotally connecting a swing arm to the front triangle and a sliding link slidably connecting the swing arm to a front triangle bottom portion. The resulting suspension system can be optimized to balance forces of generate a balance of forces between of drive and driven loads against the mass of the rider and inertia while still free for the rear wheel to trace the ground.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Inventor: Darrell W. Voss
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Patent number: 10336397Abstract: A motorcycle having a motorcycle frame that includes one or more frame members with an adjustable mechanism for increasing or decreasing the stiffness of the frame member. By adjusting the stiffness of one or more frame members, the overall stiffness of the motorcycle frame may be increased or decreased. The adjustable mechanism may be controlled by an actuator, such as a hydraulic pump, that is, in turn, controlled by a computer control system. The control system may include sensors for determining performance parameters while the motorcycle is in use. For example, a speedometer may sense motorcycle speed and a gyrometer may sense the orientation of the motorcycle when in turns. Thus, in one example, the stiffness of the motorcycle frame may be increased if the motorcycle speed reaches a threshold speed. Further, the stiffness may be increased if the gyrometer senses that the motorcycle is engaged in a power slide.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Inventor: Peter Tristan Ridet
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Patent number: 10252768Abstract: A mountain bike comprises: —a frame (10); —a rear wheel (2) having its axle mounted in rear dropouts (16) of the frame; —a front wheel (3) having its axle mounted in front dropouts (18) of the frame; —a pedal set (20) comprising a spindle mounted for rotation in a bottom bracket shell (19) of the frame, two cranks (22) mounted at the opposite ends of the spindle, and two pedals (21) mounted for rotation at the free ends of the respective cranks; wherein each crank (22) has a crank length L of 164 mm or less; wherein the bottom bracket shell (19) has a Practical Bracket Height PBH of 294 mm or less, wherein PBH=BH??·(?·FST+(1??)·RST), wherein BH indicates bracket height, FST indicates Front Suspension Travel, and RST indicates Rear Suspension Travel.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Inventors: Johannes Marie Quirinus Goes, Pascal Tribotté
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Patent number: 10071785Abstract: System, method, and assembly for controlling a vehicle. In one example, the system includes a first suspension system and a first controller. The first controller is configured to receive an input signal representing vehicle operating parameters. The first controller is also configured to receive a first target displacement determined by a second controller for a second suspension system of the vehicle. The first controller is further configured to determine a second target displacement for the first suspension system of the vehicle based on the first target displacement and the input signal. The first controller is also configured to set a height of the first suspension system based on the second target displacement.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLCInventors: Brian Ginther, Joseph P. Lomonaco, Maxim Kolesnikov, Bryan Fulmer
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Patent number: 10023186Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle having a first spring device of a front wheel and a second spring device of a rear wheel, and at least one acceleration and rate-of-rotation sensor, which are situated on a vehicle frame and are operationally connected to a control device, wherein the first and the second spring devices are provided with a spring travel sensor in each case, which are operationally connected to the control device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Matthias Moerbe
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Patent number: 9988122Abstract: A bicycle frame (100) includes: a front triangle (110); a rear frame (130) articulated to the front triangle (110); a body (21) associated to the front triangle (110) and mobile with respect thereto; and a bottom bracket (22) rotatably associated to the body (21) about a first rotation axis (B). The rear frame (130) is articulated to the body (21) about a second rotation axis (C) parallel to the first rotation axis (B).Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Inventor: Andrea Pedretti
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Patent number: 9873477Abstract: An electric scooter is disclosed that includes a concaved-shaped center frame comprising a first and second curved members, a concaved-shaped rear frame hingebly attached to the center frame about a first axis, a front frame portion hingeably attached to the center frame about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and support cables coupled at a first end to the front frame portion and at a second end to the rear frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Inventor: Matthias Wunderlin
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Patent number: 9359039Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a substantially rigid front frame portion and a substantially rigid rear frame portion. A link is connected to the rear frame portion by a first pivot and to the front frame portion by a second pivot. A frame segment is rigidly connected at a first end to one of the rear frame portion and the front frame portion and pivotably connected at a second end to other of the rear frame portion or the front frame portion by a third pivot. The frame segment is flexible parallel to an axis of the third pivot.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Inventor: Wayne Lumpkin
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Patent number: 9334011Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
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Patent number: 9249849Abstract: A device with stiffness adjustment has a housing having a plurality of passageways, each defining an axis. The device has a plurality of stiffness devices each having a plurality of flat springs elongated in the direction of the passageway axis. The plurality of stiffness devices are each rotatable about their respective passageway axis. In an embodiment, the device has a casing interposed between the wall of the passageway of the housing and the stiffness devices. The casing is a spring.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Inventor: Darrell J Hartwick
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Patent number: 9221513Abstract: A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Yeti Cycling, LLCInventor: Steven W. Hoogendoorn
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Patent number: 9085337Abstract: A suspension system disposed in a bicycle fork. The suspension system includes inner and outer tubes, first and second bushings, a steering mechanism and a shock-absorbing mechanism. The first and second bushings are disposed between the inner and outer tubes to facilitate the sliding of the inner tube within the outer tube. The steering mechanism prevents relative rotation between the inner and outer tubes and is disposed between the first and second bushings. With this configuration, the ratio of the bushing length to the inner tube diameter is greater than 4, resulting in the suspension fork handling most lateral loads without binding.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Brian Jordan, Kevin Wesling
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Patent number: 9039026Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a three-component rear-wheel suspension system for interconnecting to a bicycle frame and a shock absorbing device. The three components are an upper stay pivotally attached to the frame, a lower stay having a rear wheel mount and pivotally connected to the upper stay at a location generally above the rear wheel mount, and a link pivotally connected to the frame at a location below where the upper stay is attached to the frame and pivotally coupled to the lower stay. The general arrangement of the linkages between the three components permit compression of the suspension system (i.e. relative upward movement of the rear wheel) with limited chainstay lengthening.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Inventor: Christopher Hudec
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Publication number: 20150137478Abstract: A bicycle suspension comprises a cylinder element, a piston element, and a stroke adjustment structure. The cylinder element includes an internal space extending in an axial direction of the cylinder element. The piston element is provided in the internal space to define a first air chamber and a second air chamber in the cylinder element. The second air chamber is opposite to the first air chamber with respect to the piston element. The stroke adjustment structure is configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension and includes an axially movable member configured to initiate a stroke adjustment of the bicycle suspension. The axially movable member is configured to be entirely disposed in the first air chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Toyoto SHIRAI
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Publication number: 20150137477Abstract: A bicycle including front and rear wheels and a frame supported by the front and rear wheels. The rear wheel defines a central plane of the bicycle. The frame includes a main frame and a rear frame that is movable relative to the main frame. The main frame has a seat support with an offset portion that is offset from the central plane. The bicycle also includes a seat supported by the seat support, and a suspension unit coupled between the rear frame and the main frame to inhibit relative movement between the rear frame and the main frame. The suspension unit is positioned with the offset portion of the seat support laterally aligned with a first side of the suspension unit, and a second side of the suspension unit opposite the first side is not laterally aligned with the seat support.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
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Patent number: 9004518Abstract: A shock-absorbing seat post for a bicycle includes a connecting mount, a rod member, a shock-absorbing member and a fastening unit. The connecting mount has two connecting lugs each having a first through hole, and a receiving space defined between the two connecting lugs. The rod member has a connecting insert received in the receiving space and provided with a second through hole aligned with the two first through holes. The shock-absorbing member has two lateral walls, a tube portion located between the two lateral walls and provided with an axial hole aligned with the two first though holes. The fastening unit is inserted in the two first through holes, the second through hole and the axial hole for combining the connecting mount, the rod member and the shock-absorbing member together.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
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Patent number: 8991846Abstract: The present invention reduces or eliminates suspension induced lower portion chain grow for rear derailer equipped bicycle drive trains using a pivoting mount for the common chain guide pulley. Attached about or near concentric with the chain ring and bottom bracket this mounting plate has a pivotally connected link to the suspension. The chain guide pulley is positioned to “take-up” or store some lower portion of chain length around the chain ring. Suspension activation creates pivotal movement of the guide mounting plate to relieve suspension induced chain grow by releasing some or the entire taken-up length of the lower portion of the drive chain.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Inventor: Eric Raymond Twers
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Patent number: 8991848Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Alter Cycles, Ltd.Inventor: Mark L. Groendal
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Publication number: 20150076790Abstract: The vehicle has a first clamp unit which fixes a harness for a wheel speed sensor above an outer tube on the side on which a wheel speed sensor. The vehicle has a second clamp unit which bundles the harness and a brake hose at substantially the same height as that of the first clamp unit above an outer tube on the side on which a caliper is provided. The second clamp unit includes a harness second cramp for fixing the harness and also a harness third cramp which changes the orientation direction of the harness so as to be oriented along the brake hose. The harness and the brake hose form a swing part which is curved in the horizontal direction between the second clamp unit and a bottom bridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Koichiro Sugimoto, Kota Matayoshi, Chihiro Iida
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Patent number: RE45503Abstract: A suspension structure includes a pair of right and left cushion units. The right cushion unit is constituted of a compression coil spring and a right damper, and the left cushion unit is constituted of only a left damper having an outer diameter smaller than a diameter of the compression coil spring and larger than a diameter of the right damper. The left cushion unit is constituted of only the left damper and does not include the compression coil spring and hence, the suspension structure can be simplified. Further, in the left cushion unit, the left damper does not slide relative to the compression coil spring in performing a stroke and hence, no friction is generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Kazuhiko Gogo