Abstract: A shock-absorbing and height-adjusting assembly for mounting a seat onto the seat-supporting framework tubing of a bicycle frame. A standard, commercially available, adjustable-length gas spring (hydropneumatic spring), of the type used for the control column of adjustable height chairs, is slideably contained within a hollow receiver attached alongside or within a lower portion of the bicycle seat supporting framework to which the gas spring piston rod is affixed with the upper end of the gas spring in underlying contact with the lower end of a vertically extending elongated cylindrical seat supporting guide tube supported in alignment with the gas spring for axial and non-rotational movement within a bushing assembly affixed to the uppermost portion of the bicycle seat supporting framework.

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. 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.

Abstract: A bicycle comprising: a frame comprising a down tube with a crank assembly coupled thereto; a front wheel; a front fork assembly for coupling the front wheel to the frame; a rear wheel; and a suspension assembly for coupling the rear wheel to the frame. The suspension assembly is comprised of a swing arm having a first end coupled to the rear wheel and a second end having a first connection point and an intermediate point between the first and second ends having a second connection point. The suspension assembly is further comprised of a first link coupled to the first connection point and to the frame and a second link coupled to the second connection point and to the frame, wherein the frame, the swing arm and the first and second links form an effective pivot point of the suspension assembly that is above the crank assembly and that moves in a forward direction when the rear wheel moves in an upward direction.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a suspension device for a bicycle comprising a center frame for supporting a saddle; a front frame for supporting a front wheel at a first end of the front frame, the front frame being secured to the center frame at a second end of the front frame so as to pivot about a first pivot axis; a rear frame for supporting a rear wheel at a first end of the rear frame, the rear frame being secured to the center frame at a second end of the rear frame so as to pivot about a second pivot axis different from and spaced from the first pivot axis; and a plate spring which is secured to the front frame at a first end of the plate spring, is secured to the rear frame at a second end of the plate spring, and is fixed to the center frame at an intermediate portion of the plate spring, whereby the front and rear frames are resiliently supported relative to the center frame by means of the plate spring.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a saddle body with a front converging portion and a rear diverging portion, a front mounting socket member formed at the bottom side of the front converging portion, a pair of spaced rear mounting posts which project downwardly from the bottom side of the rear diverging portion, a support rod with a converging bent front end to be mounted to the front mounting socket member and two diverging arms with bent hook portions to be mounted on the rear mounting posts respectively, and a pair of hook engaging members, each of which has a peripheral groove. Each hook portion extends around the respective hook engaging member and is received in the peripheral groove thereof. The hook engaging members are mountable on the mounting posts respectively after engaging the hook portions.

Abstract: A folding bicycle is formed with a front frame and a rear frame connected rotatably with one another by a joint and capable of being completely separated and with a suspension system including a flexible element extending between a sprocket mounted on the second frame and the first frame and pretensioned by a spring which is engaged with the joint.

Abstract: An improved bicycle includes a handlebar which may be moved such that the handlebar remains essentially unmoved when the bicycle frame moves when encountering an obstacle and/or irregularity. Various embodiments provide different degrees of movement of the handlebars and linear or arcoidal types of movement. In one embodiment, movement of the handlebar with respect to the bicycle frame results in a movement of the bicycle's seat to allow for an improved posture for the rider.

Abstract: A wheelchair frame includes a pair of side frame assemblies, a connector connecting the two side frame assemblies, a seat, caster wheel mountings, drive wheel mountings, and a leg rest mounting. Each of the side frame assemblies have an upper frame member and a lower frame member. The upper frame member is pivotally connected at its forward end to the forward portion of the lower frame member and supported at its rearward end by a suspension support member (i.e., shock absorber) connected to the rearward end of the lower frame member. The seat is attached between the upper frame members of each side frame assembly. With this configuration, the upper frame members and the seat are free to pivot about the pivotal connection between the upper frame member and the lower frame member. In operation, the upper frame members and seat "float" up and down on the shock absorber to provide cushioning to the user.

Abstract: A bicycle shock-absorbing assembly is composed of a connection rod, a position restricting nut, a coil spring, a dustproof jacket, a resilient locating ring, a front reinforcing member, and a rear reinforcing member. The bicycle shock-absorbing assembly is arranged such that it is capable of alleviating the impact force which is transmitted from the bicycle wheels to the top tube, the seat tube, and the down tube of the bicycle.

Abstract: A shock vibration transmission reducing suspension device includes an outer tube for mounting to a bicycle frame, a lower guide element having a rectangular bore and stationarily secured in the outer tube between and spaced from an open top end and closed bottom end thereof, an upper guide element having a circular opening and fixedly secured in the outer tube adjacent to its open top end, an inner shaft disposed within the outer tube and extending upwardly through the open top end thereof to support a bicycle seat mounting assembly above the bicycle frame and being received through the lower and upper guide elements such that the inner shaft is disposed and guided to undergo sliding movement axially along the outer tube such that an upper portion of the inner shaft can progressively extend from and retract into the open top end of the outer tube, and a stack of resiliently compressible elastomeric elements disposed in the outer tube below a lower end of the inner shaft so as to support the inner shaft and ab

Abstract: A suspension for a bicycle having a unified rear triangle pivotably connected to a Y shaped frame. The unified rear triangle provides a fixed chain length, isolating rear wheel movement from pedaling motion. A shock absorbing means is connected to the Y shaped frame at the intersection of the arms of the frame and to the rear triangle. A pivot is preferably connected near the bottom bracket of the bicycle in order to reduce movement of the bottom bracket.

Abstract: A seat post assembly attaching a seat to a bicycle is provided. The assembly includes an elastomeric shock absorbing subassembly bonded to a curved bar which is received in a tube of the bicycle at one end and attaches to a seat at the other. The subassembly is also retained on the inside of the tube.

Abstract: A swing arm is pivoted to the pedal housing of the bicycle frame and extends rearwardly from the seat post. The rear bicycle wheel is carried by the rear end of the swing arm. A follower is guided and is moveable along the seat post for up and down movement. A brace arm interconnects the swing arm rear end and the follower and an elastic tension cord biases the follower towards the pedal housing. The bicycle has also a front suspension. The front wheel carrying fork of the bicycle is telescopic and upward movement of the front wheel causes elongation of an elastic tension cord. A stabilizer system is also provided whereby upward movement of the front wheel causes upward movement of the rear wheel and vice and versa. Finally, a damper prevents any up-and-down oscillation of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A pedalling device, notably usable for all-surface bikes, comprises a pair of cranks in mechanical connection with a crank-gear spindle, and actuating means able to occupy a first pedalling state allowing direct mechanical transmission of the torque exerted by the pedals in the pedalling direction by means of a rigid coupling in rotation of the two cranks with respect to the transmission means, and a second shock-absorbing state making use of a suspension device procuring flexible coupling in rotation of the two cranks with respect to the frame when the user is pressing on both pedals exerting opposing forces without pedalling. The actuating means comprise a half-moon securedly united to the crank-gear spindle, and a cradle securedly united to the corresponding crank, in such a way as to be securedly united in the first conventional pedalling state, and independent from one another in the second state following a relative rocking movement determined by operation of the suspension device.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a bicycle. The system directs the rear wheel along a predetermined, S-shaped path as the suspension is compressed. The path is configured to provide a chainstay lengthening effect only at those points where this is needed to counterbalance the pedal inputs of the rider; at those points in the wheel travel path where there is a chainstay lengthening effect, the chain tension which results from the pedal inputs exerts a downward force on the rear wheel, preventing unwanted compression of the suspension. The system employs a dual eccentric crank mechanism mounted adjacent the bottom bracket shell to provide the desired control characteristics.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with shock absorbing system is used to eliminate the shocking force occurring on the connecting portion of a seat tube fixedly mounted on a bottom bracket and a down tube. The system includes a shock absorber mounted between the seat tube and the down tube. A pair of brackets are integrally formed with bottom bracket and extend toward the down tube. A pivot is fixedly secured to the brackets. A pivot mounting tube is integrally formed on a rear end of the down tube and pivotably mounted on the pivot.

Abstract: A suspended, gravity centering, shock absorbing seat mount includes a pair of elongated mounting brackets (2) for attaching the seat mount to a vehicle. An upper pivot shaft (5) extends laterally between the mounting brackets. A shackle (3) is mounted at an upper end thereof to each opposite end of the upper pivot shaft (5). A lower pivot shaft (7) is mounted to a lower end of each shackle, and extends laterally outwardly therefrom. A casing (14) is mounted at a bottom end thereof to each of the lower pivot shafts, and a seat mounting member (15) extends laterally between upper ends of the casings. The shackles are free to move in an arc about the upper pivot shaft, and the casings are free to move in an arc about the lower pivot shafts, thus allowing the seat mounting member to move forwardly and rearwardly in response to forward and rearward motion of the vehicle, and returning the seat mounting member to a central position by gravity.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a bicycle. The system directs the rear wheel along a predetermined, S-shaped path as the suspension is compressed. The path is configured to provide a chainstay lengthening effect only at those points where this is needed to counterbalance the pedal inputs of the rider; at those points in the wheel travel path where there is a chainstay lengthening effect, the chain tension which results from the pedal inputs exerts a downward force on the rear wheel, preventing unwanted compression of the suspension. The system employs a dual eccentric crank mechanism mounted adjacent the bottom bracket shell to provide the desired control characteristics.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing apparatus for a bicycle frame maintains critical spatial relationships by allowing the seat and the pedal assembly to move slightly, together as a unit, relative to the bicycle frame proper. A telescoping portion of the apparatus has an inner tube housed inside an outer tube. The inner tube has a seat post connected to its top end and a pedal crank axle housing connected to the bottom end. The outer tube is in a fixed, integral relationship with the other frame members. Any of a number of combinations and variations of adjustable spring/damper means isolate the inner tube from the outer tube. Numerous features, including dust boots and a rider-activated keyway lock, can be incorporated into the frame design. The telescoping design reduces impact forces without causing undesirable changes in frame geometry or undesirable changes in the distance between the seat and pedals.

Abstract: A composite bicycle frame containing a hollow slanted-Y-shaped front frame portion, a hollow upper support paw and a hollow lower support paw. The hollow slanted-Y-shaped front frame portion comprises: (1) a generally common junction; (2) a main tube connected between the front fork assembly of the bicycle and a middle portion of the common junction in a slanted manner; (3) an upper branch tube connected between the seat assembly of the bicycle and an upper portion of the common junction in a slanted manner; and (4) a lower branch tube connected between the pedal support assembly of the bicycle and a lower portion of the common junction in a slanted manner. The hollow upper support paw is connected between the seat assembly and the rear wheel shaft assembly of the bicycle, and the hollow lower support paw connected between the pedal support assembly and the rear wheel shaft assembly.

Abstract: Vertical and longitudinal shocks imparted to a bicycle seat are absorbed by a compression spring disposed between the seat and the seat strut, with one end of the spring being mounted to a seat retainer that is moveably secured to a pair of slide plates which are in turn slidably engaged with a stationary strut head. A semi round seat secured to the strut head permits the angle of inclination of the bicycle seat to be adjusted. The compression strength of the spring may also be adjusted by urging a cover towards and away from the moveable end of the spring.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a front frame having a bottom bracket secured to the bottom portion. A middle frame is pivotally coupled to the bottom bracket and is rotatable relative to the front frame. A chain stay has one end pivotally coupled to the bottom bracket and has the other end coupled to the middle frame by a shock absorbing device. Another shock absorbing device is secured between the front frame and the middle frame so as to allow relative movement-between the middle frame and the front frame and so as to absorb shocks transmitted between the middle frame and the front frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer 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 transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of a new bicycle seatpost with an integrated suspension system are disclosed in which the seatpost may be mounted on a bicycle and upon which a seat may mounted and in which a rider is cushioned from bumps by two parallel linkages with resilient means interposed allowing the seat to react to bumps by resiliently rocking to the rear and downward while maintaining constant saddle angle and minimizing change in seat to pedal distance due to suspension movement.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel suspension is disclosed, which comprises two front fork assemblies capable of being elongated and contracted, each having an inner and an outer tube and slidable relative to each other. The lower ends of these front fork assemblies can support an axle. The front fork assemblies include respective attenuating mechanisms and. The attenuating mechanism in one front fork assembly can adjust the attenuating force during the contraction stroke of this front fork assembly. The attenuating mechanism in the other front fork assembly can adjust the attenuating force during the elongation stroke of this front fork assembly.

Abstract: An improved cantilevered-beam seat particularly suitable for a tubular-metal bike-frame, wherein the essential generic TitanFlex.TM. embodiment includes four generic variances. The first embodiment comprising a titanium-frame, having an integrally-formed cantilevered tubular-beam projecting aft from top of head-tube, which length and intermediate fulcrum-stanchion are tuned to deliver a fixed degree of deflection for an average rider whose seat is adjustable fore/aft thereto. The second version embodies the same structure, wherein is provided a special concealed carbon-fiber dampener-tube having a finely tapered trailing-end, fitted within the titanium beam; -lending a suitable amount of resonate-dampening to the natural cantilivered-beam springiness. The third version adding a special ASAP (adjustable shock-absorption platform) DialRide.TM. device; enabling rider to advantageously fine-tune the longitudinal spring-rate position of the previously mentioned internal dampener-tube, -on-the-fly.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar mounting hardware including a coupling fixed to the stem on the head tube of a bicycle, an extension bar pivoted to the coupling to hold a handle bar and having a downward lug, and a shock absorbing device connected between the downward lug of the extension bar and the coupling to absorb shock waves from the stem, wherein when the shock absorbing device is loosened, the extension bar can be turned relative to the coupling to adjust the elevation of the handlebar; the handlebar is fixed at the adjusted elevation when the shock absorbing device is fixed again.

Abstract: A bicycle seatpost with an integrated pivotal suspension system. The seatpost has a lower piece and an upper piece joined by a pivot pin which allows the upper piece to rotate in a rearward and downward direction. A spring is interposed between the upper piece and the lower piece to provide resilient suspension.

Abstract: Shock absorbing fork, especially a front fork, for a two-wheeled vehicle, particularly a bicycle, of the type having a pair of telescoping struts and a hydraulically damped shock absorbing arrangement disposed within each of the telescoping struts, the shock absorbing arrangement having a piston which divides a hydraulic fluid containing cylinder into upper and lower chambers, a valve regulating flow of hydraulic fluid through the piston between the upper and lower chambers, and a piston rod connected to the piston. Among the improvements of the invention is the provision of a spring for absorbing shocks that acts on the piston of the hydraulic shock damping arrangement upon compression of the telescopic struts, and a location sensitive flow control arrangement having a flow path extending between opposite sides of said piston and a flow adjusting element which is displaceable into and out of said flow path as a function of the extent which the spring is compressed by compression of the telescopic struts.

Abstract: A bicycle frame for bicycles with an upper cross bar is provided wherein the upper cross bar does not injure the rider as the rider straddles the cross bar after a stop. The bicycle frame also has an upper cross bar comprising an inner moiety slidably disposed within an outer moiety such that the first end of the inner moiety is outside the outer moiety. A spring is disposed within the upper cross bar to urge the second end of the inner moiety away from the outer moiety. The front end of the upper cross bar is hinged to the head post and the rear end of the upper cross bar is slidably attached to the seat post. A second spring is attached to the frame and adapted to urge the upper cross bar upwards. The springs are chosen so that no discomfort is caused to a rider of a bicycle having the bicycle frame when the rider dismounts the bicycle, straddles the upper cross bar and, by the weight of the rider's body, pivots the rear end of the upper cross bar downward until both feet of the rider touch the ground.

Abstract: A suspension assembly that is formed of an essentially horizontal swing arm which is pivotally attached at one end to the underside of a bicycle frame by a pair of short links and which carries the rear wheel at an opposite end. The geometry of the suspension assembly is designed to produce a substantially straight line trajectory of the rear wheel in an upward and rearward direction at an angle that is preferably 20.degree.-30.degree. with respect to a vertical line through the wheel axis of rotation to increase traction, making the acceleration forces apply an upward vertical force component to the frame, and a downward component to the frame under braking, independent of wheel position, that reduces rear frame lift (pitch). Furthermore, to obtain a constant pedal "feel," the suspension geometry is also designed so that the maximum vertical height movement of the pedal crank axis of rotation can be kept to less than 5% of the vertical wheel travel (e.g., a 0.

Abstract: A bicycle frame comprises a tapered nose portion having a front sleeve adapted to receive a front wheel-mounting member, a center portion having a tapered upper arm adapted to support a seat and a tapered lower arm having a bottom sleeve adapted to support a bottom bracket/crank assembly, and a tail portion having a rear sleeve adapted to support a rear wheel. The frame may be modular, and some or all of the portions may be of monocoque construction.

Abstract: A pedal cycle is disclosed, which has a rear wheel suspension pivoted to the main frame and a front wheel suspension pivotally and slidably mounted to the main frame. Front and rear suspensions are provided and are interconnected, for example, by a rod to transmit forces between them. Any load on one wheel, tending to lift that wheel by movement of its suspension relative to the main frame, is transmitted to the other suspension thereby tending to lift that suspension relative to the main frame. Further, load placed on the front suspension by a rider pushing downward on a forward pedal causes a force to be transmitted to the rear suspension in opposition to a force applied to the rear suspension by a tension developed in the transmission chain owing to the force applied by the rider to the forward pedal. The interaction between transmission and suspension provides for a cycle with better responsiveness than in a conventional cycle.

Abstract: An improved bicycle suspension system and method are disclosed which provides a fully, or rear wheel only, suspended bicycle having improved shock absorbing characteristics. The system utilizes a portion of the hollow, horizontally disposed linear main frame member which extends from just below the seat to the handle bar assembly as an integral part of a hydraulic or pneumatic shock absorber. The portion is sealed against fluid leakage and has a piston assembly slidably positioned therein, the piston assembly being linked by a single link unit to a rear wheel supporting framework which is also pivotably connected with the main frame above the chain line at a structural support joined to the two lower structural main frame members adjacent to the foot crank assembly. A load adjustable spring assembly is positioned in the portion and connected with the piston assembly, with spring preload being adjustable from the exterior of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A bicycle having an improved suspension system including a rotary damper and composite springs. Springs which closely control the direction of allowable movement in the suspension preclude rocking, twisting or unwanted lateral deflections.

Abstract: A suspension system for the drive wheel or wheels of a human powered vehicle provides a direct and rigid connection between the mounting of a driving pulley and the mounting of a driven pulley for rotating the drive wheel or wheels. A single and simple pivot junction allows the swing necessary for suspension of a rigid rear triangle carrying both of these mountings. A pressurized gas bag or a spring system is used to provide a biasing force between the rear triangle and a front triangle. This allows the maximum efficient use of human effort and avoids compromising the ideal operator position on the vehicle, as well as providing adjustable shock absorbing capabilities.

Abstract: An intra-hub suspension system for a wheel, particularly a motorcycle wheel although it can be adapted for use in other vehicles, e.g., airplane wheels, etc. The wheel is provided with an outer hub that is rotationally mounted on a stationary inner hub. The inner and outer hubs have a substantial diameter, e.g., from about 50% to 80% of the wheel diameter to provide an inner hub chamber of sufficient dimension for housing of an intra-hub suspension system. The intra-hub suspension system is received within the inner hub compartment and is fixedly secured thereto. The suspension system comprises a stationary frame having, on its opposite vertical interior sides, an arcuate cam with a curvature substantially equal to the radius about the drive sprocket of the motorcycle. Received within the frame is a carrier mechanism having a plurality of bearings that serve as rolling followers of a cam surface.

Abstract: The shock absorber device comprises a flexible absorber placed within the tube (1) which supports the sleeve holding the saddle. The rear fork is pivoted corresponding to its front extremities to the lower part of the front tubular structure (9) of the frame. The two arms of the fork, corresponding to their intermediate part, are pivoted to a pin fixed to the extremity of the shaft of the shock absorber. Two slits are formed in the tube (1) so that the pin may slide through the slits.

Abstract: A suspension device is provided for a seat of a bicycle which consists of a telescoping seat post for carrying the seat. The bicycle has a frame with a generally upright seat tube for receiving the seat post. A structure is for securing the seat post to the seat tube. An apparatus is within the seat post for absorbing a shock received to the frame, thereby eliminating a jarring condition normally caused to a rider sitting on the seat, while the bicycle travels over rough surfaces.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shock absorber which is contained within the head tube of a bicycle. The shock absorber has an outer cylinder that is rotationally received within the head tube and secured at its upper end to a handlebar support member, such as a gooseneck. An inner cylinder is slidably received within the outer cylinder and secured at its lower end to the fork that supports the front wheel. Each of the cylinders has longitudinal grooves, the inner cylinder having longitudinal grooves on its outer surface which align with longitudinal grooves on the inside wall of the outer cylinder. A plurality of bearing balls are received in the tracks which are formed by the longitudinal grooves of the cylinders and a thin-wall bearing retainer is concentrically received between the inner and outer cylinders having a plurality of apertures at predetermined spacing which are aligned along the bearing tracks, each of the apertures capturing one of the bearing balls.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly includes a block securely mounted in a bicycle seat tube and having a vertical threaded bore through which an adjusting bolt passes. A fixed block is mounted in the seat tube above the block, having an upper side and a lower side to which a distal end of the adjusting bolt is securely attached. An upper block is slidably mounted in the seat tube above the fixed block. A spring is mounted between the fixed block and the upper block. A seat post is received in the seat tube with a bottom end thereof resting on the upper side of the movable upper block. A transverse bore is formed in the seat post at a section above the seat tube. A seat mechanism includes an upper ring element, a lower ring element, and a pair of guiding rods extending therebetween. A balance rod passes through the transverse bore in the seat post and has two vertical holes through which the guiding rods pass.

Abstract: A low frontal area, aerodynamic drag reducing and adjustable mounting device and bicycle saddle including, an integral saddle or interchangable saddle and fastening mechanism, and a horizontally running open rectangular shaped tube with an over sleeve, the rectangular tube and over sleeve having vertical and horizontal grooves respectively with common fasteners, that allow vertical, horizontal, and inclination adjustments and that are fastened to a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A bicycle, motorcycle or the like is fabricated from a pair of frame sections. A front frame section includes the front fork and wheel, handlebar assembly and seat. A rear frame section includes the crank assembly, pedal assembly and the rear stays and wheel. A shock absorber resiliently couples the front and rear frames to one another intermediate the crank assembly and seat. The lower terminus of the shock absorber is secured to a center support stay of the rear frame, the upper terminus of the shock absorber being coupled to one plurality of selectable locations on a diagonal support of the front frame. The point of coupling alters the relative stiffness of the suspension to compensate for the load imposed on the bicycle seat. The front and rear frames are pivotally coupled to one another forwardly from the lower terminus of the shock absorber in a manner which will permit adjustment of the force required to activate the suspension.

Abstract: A pivoting seat system that enhances performance, convenience, safety, and the general appeal toward comfort as well as control of targeted muscle groups to exercise. The stationary bike, recreational, and avid professional bicycle rider can utilize this system as it maintains proper seating positions and optimum leg pedaling lengths throughout its rearward movements, and also offers both rearward and forward seat clearances while standing on the pedals in adverse terrain conditions, such as varying downhills, and downhill with obstructions, turns, curves, etc. The seat locking and releasing system is controlled by activation of a release lever on the handlebar, and is body weight driven in the rearward positions and spring loaded toward movement in the forward positions. Its unique parallel bar technology allows for the seat to remain in the same orientation throughout all its desired positional movements.

Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly permits a bicycle seat to rotate or be laterally displaced short distances in order to absorb movement by the user's body and to increase the comfort of the user while riding a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle frame has a triangular frame structure formed by bracket, seat and head lugs linked together by a seat tube, an upper tube and a lower tube. A chain stay is pivotally connected at a front end to the bracket lug and has a rear end fixed to a rear axle support to which a lower end of a rear fork member is pivotally connected. A triangular link is pivotally connected at a first point adjacent a first apex thereof to the seat lug and also pivotally connected at a second point adjacent a second apex to the upper end of the rear fork member. The triangular link is further pivotally connected at a third point ajacent a third apex to a free end of a cylinder rod of a shock absorbing assembly having a cylinder pivotally connected to the upper tube of the triangular frame structure, whereby the shock absorbing cylinder assembly is operative not only to absorb a shock on the rearwheel but also to provide a "progressive effect" to enhance running performance and suspension and assure a frame rigidity.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a front frame having a cross bar, a rear frame including a center post, and a leaf-spring-like flexible plate interconnecting the cross bar to the center post. A shock-absorbing member is pivotally secured at its ends to the front end of the cross bar and to the bottom of the center post in a triangular arrangement. The shock-absorbing member includes a coil spring that stores energy as the shock absorber member is extended in a first direction and the frame is expanded, which energy is returned to the bicycle frame upon relaxation of the coil spring. However, the shock-absorbing member is substantially incompressible in the opposite direction so that it prevents the front and rear frames from collapsing undesirably. This also allows forces to be transmitted from the front frame to the rear frame through the shock-absorbing member in the second opposite direction thus taking some stress off of the flexible plate.

Abstract: A bicycle seat frame having a seat post receiving a cylindrical first tube reciprocatably and slidably mounted within a second tube, with the first tube arranged to receive an adjustor rod and valve dampening structure that extends from the second tube into the first tube, with the adjustor rod having a valve plate operative within a fluid oil bath to dampen impact directed through the bicycle frame to the associated bicycle seat. A spring is interposed between the first tube and the second tube floor to bias the second tube relative to the first tube in a projected relationship.

Abstract: The aerodynamic bicycle comprises a bar or beam which connects at the rear to the rear wheel hub and at the front to a exoskeletal handlebar and downward extension which attaches to the front wheel. Just forward of the rear wheel, a vertical tube is attached to the bar so that it has limited pivoting capability. At the top of the vertical tube, a second tube inserts slidably within the vertical tube and is supported therein by a shock-absorbing device or material. The bottom of the second tube provides the attachment means for the pedal crank and chain rings. Hand-holds and arm rests are integrated into the exoskeletal handlebar so the exoskeletal handlebar itself is used for steering. To permit a complete tuck for racing, a pair of mirrors is provided so the rider can keep his or her head down and rest his or her helmet on the exoskeletal handlebar but still see forward.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer 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 transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.