Abstract: A shock absorbing device is mounted between a stem and a front wheel axle of a bicycle to reduce shock that is transmitted to a handlebar, and includes a support leg disposed to swivel with the stem, a lever with a proximate end anchored relative to the axle and a distal end fitted to the support leg, a crank member with a journalled end journalled on the axle and a web portion coupling with one of the proximate end and the intermediate portion of the support leg and terminating at a coupling end.

Abstract: A pivoting suspension seat post comprising a tubular post which is adapted to be inserted into a bicycle frame tube for supporting a bicycle seat thereon. A lower body member is secured to the upper end of the post and has the lower ends of front and rear parallel arms pivotally secured thereto. An angular upper body member is pivotally secured to the upper ends of the front and rear parallel arms. A pin is pivotally secured at its upper end to the front parallel arm and has its lower end in engagement with a suspension guide which is slidably received in the upper end of the post. A spring or elastomer members are positioned in the post with the upper end of the spring or the elastomers being received by the suspension guide. A seat mount is provided at the upper end of the upper body member for mounting a bicycle seat thereon. The downward and rearward pivotal movement of the upper body member and the bicycle seat operatively secured thereto is resisted by the spring or elastomer members in the post.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for increasing motorcycle riding comfort. It is particularly designed for use with Harley Davidson SofTail motorcycles. The engine and transmission are mounted on a main engine mount of the present invention which is attached to a pair of main engine vibration isolators which are bolted to an engine base plate. The engine base plate is welded to the bottom of the frame. The main engine vibration isolators allow longitudinal rocking of the engine and transmission while minimizing energy transfer to the frame. A front engine vibration isolator is affixed between a front engine anchor bracket, which is bolted to the engine, and a front engine mount bracket, which is welded to the front of the frame. This provides additional support to the engine while allowing the engine to rock with minimal energy transfer to the frame. A front hyme and a top hyme provide for obtaining and maintaining proper alinement of the engine and transmission.

Abstract: A bicycle with a torsional shock absorber comprised of a torsion spring assembly. The elements of the torsion spring assembly include: housing, a shaft positioned within the housing, a rubbery substance positioned between the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the shaft. The torsional shock absorber is mounted on the bicycle such that shock forces are converted into rotational forces tending to rotate the shaft within the housing. These rotational forces are resisted by the spring force created by the rubbery substance within the torsion spring assembly; thereby absorbing the shock forces. In a preferred embodiment, the rubbery substance is bonded to the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear portions of the bicycle frame pivot about the pedal spindle axis.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use with a cycle comprises elongated first and second tubular members and a biasing assembly. The first tubular member is associated with the cycle's frame and has a longitudinal axis. The second tubular member has a lower end portion adapted for connection to foot supports and an opposite upper end portion for connection to the cycle's seat assembly such that the foot supports and the seat assembly are interconnected for common movement. The second tubular member is slidably disposed with respect to the first tubular member for movement along the longitudinal axis away from an initial position as determined by a pre-impact condition.

Abstract: An improved torsion shock absorber has a curved clevis rocker arm and a solid rocker arm. Mounting holes are formed through one rounded end each of the rocker arms and bush holes through opposite rounded ends, each having symmetrical notches respectively machined along the inner circumferences. A torsion shaft of a spring steel is inserted into the bush holes of the rocker arms, and into the holes of corresponding mounting rings and a torque seat, a faced washer and a bushing are placed in the bush hole opening of the solid rocker arm, and a C-shaped circlip is fitted into each of the two ends of the torsion shaft. The mounting holes of the clevis rocker arm and the solid rocker arm are then attached to different force receiving entities.

Abstract: A brazed bicycle frame and method for making. At least two bicycle frame half-shells are fabricated. A filler metal is then placed between the bicycle frame half-shells to form a two-part hollow frame section. The two-part hollow frame section is inserted into a hot volume at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the filler metal but lower than the melting temperature of the two bicycle frame half-shells. The filler metal is allowed to melt. The filler metal is then allowed to cool and harden to form a rigid joint. In one preferred embodiment the bicycle frame half-shells each have a flange that facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two-part hollow frame sections. In another preferred embodiment the filler metal and the bicycle frame half-shells are placed in an extruded or formed grooved section. The grooved section also facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two part hollow frame sections, and helps to strengthen the braze joint.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use with a cycle comprises elongated first and second tubular members and a biasing assembly. The first tubular member is associated with the cycle's frame and has a longitudinal axis. The second tubular member has a lower end portion adapted for connection to foot supports and an opposite upper end portion for connection to the cycle's seat assembly such that the foot supports and the seat assembly are interconnected for common movement. The second tubular member is slidably disposed with respect to the first tubular member for movement along the longitudinal axis away from an initial position as determined by a pre-impact condition.

Abstract: A suspension system for isolating a load (L) independently from two separate inputs (IA, IB), such as a pair of wheels. A slider (19) is slidably mounted to a frame member (11) supporting the load and pivotable supports a common swing-arm (23). Each end of the common swing-arm is coupled to corresponding input swing-arms by a linkage assembly (24) comprising a pair of link-arms (25A, 25B) in a manner that an input disturbance will be transferred by the corresponding input swing-arm to its link-arm which will cause a positive translation and rotation movement of the the common swing-arm relative to the the frame member, such that the common swing-arm will pivot a certain degree about the other link-arm but without substantially moving the latter, thereby maintaining the undisturbed input independent from the disturbed input. The suspension system may be applied to bicycles, motor-cycles, automobile axles and rolling vehicles in general.

Abstract: The parallelogram suspension system can be used for both the front and rear wheels of a bicycle, individually or together. A rear parallelogram suspension system will absorb less propulsive energy than most large travel rear suspension systems, while offering greater travel and better adjustability than “pivotless” rear suspension systems. A front parallelogram suspension system will move in constant geometric alignment to the main frame of the bicycle, can have no play in the fore/aft or lateral directions, and can have no stiction, all characteristics that will give the bicycle better handling and control compared to the common telescopically compressing suspension fork. Front parallelogram suspensions will also have a much lower mass than these suspension forks, both in total mass and in moving mass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stabilizing a bicycle handle from vibration and wobbling while the bicycle is ridden over rough terrain or ridden at high speed. The present invention includes an adapter coupled to the front wheel of the bike. An arcuate rod that is substantially a half-circular rod with two free ends is coupled to the adapter, along the two free ends. The arcuate rod also runs through a dampening cartridge, which stabilizes the bike handle. Furthermore, the dampening cartridge is coupled to the connector via a universal joint along the lowermost frame of the bike. Within the dampening cartridge is a dampening material, and on one end of the cartridge is a cap and on the opposing end is an adjustable nut. Both the cap and the adjustable nut have a concave inner surface facing the dampening material, such that when the adjustable nut is tightened, the dampening material is compressed both radially and axially.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing joint includes a tubular casing connected securely to the front wheel-carrying frame member of a bicycle, and confining an accommodating space with a central axis that is disposed horizontally and that extends in a transverse direction relative to a riding direction of the bicycle. A coupling shaft is disposed in the accommodating space, and extends along the central axis of the accommodating space. A spiral spring plate is disposed in the accommodating space, and has an innermost end connected to the coupling shaft and an outermost end connected to the tubular casing. The spiral spring plate is wound about the coupling shaft to form a series of interconnected turns of increasing radius. A connecting bracket is connected securely to a rear wheel-carrying frame member of the bicycle. The tubular casing is mounted rotatably on the connecting bracket, while the coupling shaft is mounted non-rotatably on the connecting bracket.

Abstract: Suspension system for a bicycle has a damper assembly coupled to a first portion of the bicycle relatively movable to a second portion of the bicycle and includes a hydraulic damper made of polyurethane material. The damper assembly has an outer casing from which extends an arm for applying a torque to the damper. The arm may be segmented or include a series of apertures for coupling to the second portion of the cycle so that the effective length of the arm and the torque applied to the damper can be adjusted to suit the rider's requirements. A link couples the arm to the second portion of the bicycle and the link maybe adjustable in length so that the bicycle geometry can be adjusted.

Abstract: A seat suspension assembly for a bicycle has a movable and cushioning intermediate section between a lower seat post part and an upper seat attachment part. The intermediate section comprises parallel bars journalled to a head on top of the seat post, and to the seat attachment part. A springing mechanism is equipped with a system for adjusting the effective spring rate of the springing mechanism.

Abstract: A recumbent cycling apparatus is provided that includes a frame structure, wheels rotatably attached to supporting the frame structure, and a central frame element configured to absorb and reduce the forces transmitted through the frame structure to a user. The frame structure has a front frame section and a back frame section that are substantially parallel to the ground. The central frame element is a curved elongated member composed of chromoly steel that is attached to the front frame section and the back frame section and extends therebetween. The central frame element is configured to allow the front frame section and the back frame section to move substantially independently in response forces exerted on the wheels. The central frame element is disposed in a substantially vertical plane above the back frame section and the front frame section and is substantially perpendicular thereto. A pair of recumbent seats are mounted on the back frame section in a side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle has a frame having a wheel support member at the rear of the frame. A rear wheel is spring-supported at the wheel support member. A first lever is rotatably mounted by a first rotary bearing at the frame and by a second rotary bearing at the wheel support member. A second lever is rotatably mounted at an upper end portion of the wheel support member and the frame, respectively. A spring element is rotatably mounted at the frame and/or the wheel support member and/or the first lever and/or the second lever, respectively. The second rotary bearing is positioned above the axle of the rear wheel and is positioned at the wheel support member, when viewed from the axle of the rear wheel toward a front end of the vehicle, at a distance of between 0.045 to 0.8 times the length of the wheel support member from the axis of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A cycle adapted to travel in an upright position along a support surface comprises a rigid frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably journaled with respect to the frame, a suspension tube mounted to the frame for reciprocal movement in upward and downward directions, a seat assembly disposed on an upper end portion of the suspension tube, a drive assembly disposed on a lower end portion of the suspension tube for common movement with the seat assembly, a steering mechanism, and a biasing assembly disposed between the frame and the suspension tube. The biasing assembly is operative to bias the suspension tube into a pre-impact position relative to the frame such that movement of the suspension tube in the downward direction is resisted by the biasing assembly through exertion of a restorative force which urges the suspension in a upward direction toward the pre-impact position, thereby cushioning the seat assembly and the drive assembly relative to impacts occurring during operation of the cycle.

Abstract: An adjustable, telescoping seat support allows the height of a bicycle seat to be adjusted to a number of seat height positions safely while bicycle is in motion. An elongated tubular seat post is clamped to a bicycle frame in a stationary position. A bicycle seat is attached to an end of a tubular seat holder that is slidably posited over the stationary tubular seat post. A coil spring placed inside the tubular seat holder provides an extending force on the tubular seat post and the tubular seat holder such that the seat support is capable of extending to a raised seat position and compressing to a lowered seat position. The seat is locked into raised and lowered seat positions by a plunger locking portion that is attached to the elongated tubular seat holder and which remains at a fixed position relative to the seat for all seat height positions.

Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system providing rearward relative motion of the rear axle includes a chain stay, seat stay, chain stay link, seat stay link and shock absorber, with those components being assembled to a main front frame. The frame includes a head tube for supporting a front steering fork, a seat tube for supporting a seat, and a bottom bracket for supporting a pedal crank and chain drive mechanism, the seat tube and bottom bracket being supported so that there is a vertical space between them. The components of the rear suspension system are assembled to the frame within the space between the seat tube and bottom bracket. The chain stay link is pivotally attached to the frame so that, upon upward movement of the chain stay, the chain stay link pivots to cause the chain stay and thus the rear axle supported thereon to move slightly rearwardly relative to the frame.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motorcycle, including a motorcycle mainframe, a swing arm pivotally mounted to the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air bag suspension unit. The air bag suspension unit includes at least one air bag constructed of an elastomeric material. Without tools, the rider can adjust the air pressure in the air bags while operating the motorcycle by use of a power switch operably connected to a small compressor mounted on the motorcycle. The air bag(s) are housed within a slidable housing and which is mounted at one end to the slidable housing and its other end to mounting brackets on the motorcycle main frame. The housing is attached at its front end to the motorcycle main frame and at its back end to the swing arm. The housing also includes slide rods fixed to its forward end which slide within a pair of bushings. One alternative embodiment incorporates a conventional shock absorber along with the air bags to improve the handling of the motorcycle on rough or uneven terrain.

Abstract: A shock absorbing post assembly includes an outer tube, inner shaft, guide elements, and spring member. The outer tube has an exterior surface with circumferential portions along an outer cylinder encompassing the outer tube and outer races formed longitudinally between opposite ends of and spaced apart circumferentially about the outer tube. The outer races are within the outer cylinder between and inwardly of the circumferential portions of exterior surface. The inner shaft is received in and partially extends above the outer tube and has an exterior surface with circumferential portions along an inner cylinder encompassing the inner shaft and inner races formed longitudinally between opposite ends of and spaced apart circumferentially about the inner shaft in alignment with outer races of the outer tube so as to provide pairs of aligned outer and inner races. The inner races are within the inner cylinder between and inwardly of the circumferential portions of the exterior surface of the inner shaft.

Abstract: The invention discloses a mountain bike frame. In this mountain bike frame, a connection plate is fixed onto one end of the rear fork and is connected to the frame by two rotatable joints and a shock absorber. The main objective of the invention is to provide a mountain bike frame which is able to effectively lower the impact of shocks, to get rid of the phenomena of chain slip and reversal, and is able to reduce the "vibration" by a strong structure.

Abstract: An electronically controlled bicycle suspension apparatus includes a suspension system, a sensor such as a biaxial accelerometer, an electronics module, at least one actuator and at least one battery for powering the sensor, electronics module and actuator. The suspension system mounted to and between first and second parts of a bicycle movable relative to one another in response to a shock applied to the bicycle, includes a cylinder having telescoping members defining an interior cavity and respectively connected to the first and second relative movable bicycle parts and movable toward and away from one another between predetermined limits, an extendable and contractible spring disposed within the interior cavity being biased to force the telescoping members away from one another, a fluid contained in the interior cavity and a partition fixed across the interior cavity inside of a telescoping members to divide the interior cavity into separate chambers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for shock-absorbingly supporting a bicycle seat on a bicycle frame. A longitudinal beam means is pivotably attached via transverse bearings a first end to the frame, the beam bearings being configured to permit pivot motion only in a plane containing the bicycle frame. The beam is supportive of seat device near an opposite end of the beam. Shock absorbing means, preferably an adjustable gas strut, is disposed below the beam, and is connected at a first strut end to the frame and at an opposite strut end to the beam adjacent the seat device to form a triangular strut shock-absorbing suspension for the seat device wherein the triangle side comprising the strut is variable in length. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the strut may be remotely adjusted by the rider to vary the distance between the seat and the pedals or ground. In a further preferred embodiment, the beam includes a control to adjust the attitude of the seat in accordance with the height thereof.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a rear wheel on a rigid bicycle frame comprises a rear swing arm assembly pivotally mounted on the main frame member, and a shock absorbing arm assembly having a first end pivotally mounted on the rear swing arm assembly and a second end pivotally mounted on the main frame member. The shock absorbing arm assembly includes a first spring and damper assembly presenting a first spring resistance, and a second spring and damper assembly presenting a second spring resistance having a substantially different magnitude than the first spring resistance. The first and second spring and damper assemblies are mounted in seriatim in the shock absorbing arm assembly in force transmitting relation between the first and second ends of the shock absorbing arm assembly.

Abstract: A shock absorbing seat post structure for a bicycle includes a seat post having a lug defining a pivot hole and an opening located under the pivot hole, a fixed rod mounted in the opening, a supporting base pivotally mounted to the lug and having a front end defining a first receiving space and a rear end pivotally mounted to the pivot hole and defining a second receiving space, a shoulder formed in the supporting base and defining a through hole, an adjusting rod having a front end passing through the through hole of the shoulder and a rear end mounted to the fixed rod, an annular shoulder mounted on the adjusting rod, and an elastic tube having a front end urged on the shoulder of the supporting base and a rear end urged on the annular shoulder of the adjusting rod.

Abstract: A bicycle having an independent equilibrium sensing suspension system for its crank assembly. The bicycle comprises a main frame having a rear assembly pivotally connected thereto. Rotatably connected to the rear assembly is an eccentric link, while attached to and extending between the eccentric link and the main frame is a sensing link. Rotatably connected to the eccentric link is the crank assembly of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the rear wheel via a chain extending therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a vehicle frame having at least two (2) frame members. The flexible joint comprises a resilient, flexible member defining a longitudinal axis. Attached to the flexible member is a pair of adaptor members. The adaptor members are attachable to respective ones of the frame members such that the flexible member extends between and interconnects the frame members in a manner wherein the resilient bending of the flexible member along its longitudinal axis facilitates the pivotal movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members. The flexible member is further adapted to resist torsional movement along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bicycle frame is provided with a steering tube, a saddle tube, a top tube and an inclined tube as well as a fork for a front wheel held on the steering tube and another fork or swing unit for a rear wheel as well as a pedal bearing unit held on the frame. The top tube has a forward first tube section fastened to the steering tube and connected with a second saddle tube section fastened on the saddle receiving tube. The forward tube section may comprise an elongated tube part of the inclined tube and, between the sections and the inclined tube, has a junction in a plane below the connection of the saddle tube section on the saddle receiving tube and the connection of the additional tube section on the steering tube.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes an independent suspension system having a spring and a shock absorber located between the chair and the wheel. The load exerted by the spring and the damping provided by the shock absorber are both variable in order to tune the independent suspension to various conditions.

Abstract: A bicycle having an independent equilibrium sensing suspension system for its crank assembly. The bicycle comprises a main frame having a rear assembly pivotally connected thereto. Rotatably connected to the rear assembly is an eccentric link, while attached to and extending between the eccentric link and the main frame is a sensing link. Rotatably connected to the eccentric link is the crank assembly of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the rear wheel via a chain extending therebetween.

Abstract: A bicycle (10) including a novel suspension system (30) for supporting a bicycle seat (32). The suspension system (30) includes an elongate beam (34) rotatably attached at one end to the down tube (26) of the bicycle (10) and extending upwardly and rearwardly therefrom. The seat (32) is attached to the distal end of the elongate beam (34). A slider (36) is attached to the down tube (26) at a location below the attachment of the elongate beam (34) to the down tube. The slider (36) includes a sleeve (38) that extends around the elongate beam (34). A shock absorber (40) is juxtaposed between the sleeve (38) and the elongate beam (34). By pressing downward on the seat (32), elongate beam (34) and the slider (36) rotate along their respective attachments to the down tube (26) and the sleeve (38) slides along the elongate beam (34). The shock absorber (40) slows and controls this sliding motion so that a shock absorber is created for the seat (32).

Abstract: A suspension device for use in mounting a bicycle seat on a bicycle frame. The device has an upper guide member telescopically, non-rotatability mounted in a lower guide member. An air cushion is provided between the guide members for use in cushioning movement of the guide members toward each other. First connecting members are provided on the upper portion of the upper guide member for use in connecting a bicycle seat to the upper member. Second connecting members are provided on the front, top of the lower guide member for use in connecting the lower guide member to a seat post with the lower guide member affixed in cantilever fashion, behind the seat post. The seat post is adapted to be mounted on the bicycle frame. The second connecting members are adjustably mounted to the lower guide member and the upper portion of the guide member extends at an angle of between fifty and seventy fifty degrees to the second connecting members.

Abstract: An electronically controlled bicycle suspension apparatus includes a suspension system, a sensor such as a biaxial accelerometer, an electronics module, at least one actuator and at least one battery for powering the sensor, electronics module and actuator. The suspension system mounted to and between first and second parts of a bicycle movable relative to one another in response to a shock applied to the bicycle, includes a cylinder having telescoping members defining an interior cavity and respectively connected to the first and second relative movable bicycle parts and movable toward and away from one another between predetermined limits, an extendable and contractible spring disposed within the interior cavity being biased to force the telescoping members away from one another, a fluid contained in the interior cavity and a partition fixed across the interior cavity inside of a telescoping members to divide the interior cavity into separate chambers.

Abstract: A bicycle in accordance with the present invention has a main frame with front and rear frame portions. A handlebar and front wheel is mounted on the front frame portion. A rear wheel is mounted on the rear frame portion. A body support member is pivotally connected to the main frame. The body support member further comprises a seat that supports a rider and a torso engaging member for engaging the torso of a rider to place the rider in a substantially prone riding position. Shock absorbing means is pivotally connected between the main frame and body support member for supporting the body support member and absorbing shocks upon the torso and seat of a rider.

Abstract: A swing arm for customizing the rear wheel of a motorcycle. The swing arm of the present invention is made of a right triangular structure defining a right mounting plane, a left triangular structure defining a left mounting plane, an upper and lower spanner bars joining the forward corners of the right and left triangular structures, and a right arcuated plate joining the right upper and lower corners of the right triangular structure. The right arcuated plate comprises a right pivotal connection along a pivotal axis of the swing arm, and this right pivotal connection is connectable to the frame of the motorcycle. There is further provided a left arcuated plate connected to the upper and lower spanner bars at a distance from the left mounting plane. The left arcuated plate comprises a left pivotal connection along the pivotal axis, and this left pivotal connection is connectable to the frame of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorption system is provided. The shock absorption system includes a frame having an axially extended bracket portion for coaxially supporting the bicycle's chain wheel; at least one elongate chain stay extending between the bicycle's rear hub sprocket and the frame's bracket portion; and, a revolving shaft for pivotally coupling the chain stay to the bracket portion. The revolving shaft is coupled in coaxially rotatable manner to the bracket portion, and includes a pair of axially offset locating ring portions disposed respectively adjacent the axially opposed bracket ends of the bracket portion. The locating rings serve to stop a relative axial displacement of the adjacent bracket end. The revolving shaft is secured to one end of the chain stay.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a vehicle frame having at least two (2) frame members. The flexible joint comprises a resilient, flexible member defining opposed ends and a longitudinal axis. Attached to respective ones of the opposed ends of the flexible member is a pair of adaptor members. The adaptor members are attachable to respective ones of the frame members such that the flexible member extends between and interconnects the frame members in a manner wherein the resilient bending of the flexible member along its longitudinal axis facilitates the pivotal movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members. The flexible member is further adapted to resist torsional movement along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A volume spring element 152 is located inside the piston 10 which is open to the cylinder 20. The spring element 152 is surrounded by hydraulic liquid on all sides except at its surface 1521 at which the element 152 is attached to the piston 10. When the hydraulic pressure increases, the volume spring element is compressed thereby decreasing its volume. When the hydraulic pressure decreases, the volume spring element expands again. When the hydraulic cylinder is closed off by a valve, then the hydraulic liquid in the piston 10 and in the cylinder 20 is disposed in a closed-off space or chamber. Axial pressures on the cylinder cause a pressure increase in the hydraulic medium. This causes the volume of the volume spring element to be decreased and the piston to be moved axially by the amount corresponding to the decrease of the equally large oil volume in the piston.

Abstract: A cushion device includes two lugs extending from the seat post of the bicycle and two positioning members respectively extend through the two lugs. A connecting member is pivotally connected between the two lugs and has two cone-shaped recesses defined in the two ends thereof Each of the two positioning members has a cone-shaped end which is received in the corresponding cone-shaped recess. A pin extends through the two positioning members and the connecting member with two anti-thrust bearings mounted to the two positioning members. Two ring members are respectively connected to the two lugs and let the two bearings be located between the two ring members and the two positioning members.

Abstract: A seat suspension system for a bicycle comprises an outer generally elongate hollow tube and an inner generally elongate hollow tube telescopingly received within the outer tube. Ball bearing races are provided as by metal forming in the inner and outer tubes, and ball bearings are disposed in the races. The inner tube has an inner end fitted with a bushing such that the bushing is slidingly engaged with the outer tube. A compression spring is disposed between the inner end of the inner tube and a stop pin extending through the outer tube. The bearings and bushing cooperate to permit longitudinal movement of the inner tube within the outer tube but prevent relative lateral and rotational movement of the tubes. By this construction, a seat suspension system can be constructed with standard readily available materials and without costly manufacturing procedures yet will provide a highly functional and reliable product.

Abstract: A new bicycle seat post shock absorber for dampening impacts and vibrations directed though the bicycle frame to a bicycle seat. The inventive device includes a cylindrical seat post plunger inserted into the hollow interior of a tubular sleeve member designed for insertion into the lumen of a tubular frame member of a bicycle. A spring member disposed around the seat post plunger functions as a biasing means biases the seat post plunger away from the sleeve member. A movement limiting shoulder included on the seat post plunger limits the amount of insertion of said seat post plunger into the sleeve member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for adjusting a saddle of a cycle in elevation. The arrangement includes a saddle support 1 which can be adjusted in elevation and which is mounted in an inclined frame tube 8 of the cycle. The saddle support 1 can be subjected to hydraulic pressure. A hollow body 20 is fixed in the frame tube 8 and receives the support tube 10 of the saddle support 1. The hollow body 20 and the support tube 10 conjointly define a pressure space 201 which is variable in volume. This pressure space 201 can be connected to a pressure medium storage vessel 40 via a remotely-manipulated actuating valve 403.

Abstract: A flex joint for a vehicle frame has a flexible member fabricated of a durable material and a body formed upon the flexible member. The body is configured to define a desired bending of the flexible member at a bending site which is surrounded by a longitudinally flexible, substantially non-twistable encasement. Either the flexible member or the body is configured for attachment to two vehicle frame members so as to interconnect the frame members relative to each other and so as to facilitate movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members substantially according to the desired bending defined by the body and substantially without torsion.

Abstract: A kind of improved bicycle shock absorption structure, specifically referring to a kind of improved bicycle shock absorption structure featuring a unitary configuration of the bicycle crankset with rider's saddle of the seat cluster that, furthermore, provides direct elastic characteristics upward and downward during operation. Utilizing the force of human physical weight and pedaling power, whenever the wheels are subjected to impact, the unified structure automatically responds by absorbing the shock by elastically rising and falling, the obvious shock absorption effects of which are not only immediately apparent to the rider while seated or standing, but the bicycle does not lose speed, the bicycle frame does not flex and forceful brake application does not adversely affect the effective performance of the shock absorption structure.

Abstract: A wheel chair has a rear swing axle pivotally connected to the seat frame and a spring shock absorber controls the relative movement therebetween. A front suspension is connected to the seat frame separately from the rear suspension and includes a floating beam carrying the front castor wheels and pivotally connected to the seat frame by four link control arms. Three shock absorbers acting between the front of the seat frame and the floating beam allow controlled vertical movement of the floating beam. A second embodiment has the rear wheels each connected by a separate swing arm pivotallty connected to the seat frame at their front end and each swing also connected to the rear of the seat frame by a pair of control arms and a shock absorber.

Abstract: Flexible frame for bicycles, mopeds or motorcycles, that enables the cycle to absorb road flawness, by means of smooth deformations of the system.

Abstract: A bicycle seat suspension includes a parallelogram linkage having one end mounted to a seat post and another end supporting a saddle. A resilient member between opposed members of the parallelogram linkage deforms during linkage displacement to absorb shocks and to provide a restoring force to the linkage. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the initial preload on the resilient member to adapt the suspension system to varying terrain and riding conditions. The resilient member is also configured to provide varying restoring forces at varying degrees of compression to further adapt the suspension to varying riding conditions. The various members of the parallelogram linkage are configured for strength, light weight and manufacturing economy. A universal sleeve and shim arrangement is provided for adapting the seat suspension for use with bicycles having frames formed of tubing of different diameters.