Yielding Patents (Class 280/283)
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Patent number: 5308030Abstract: A seat suspension assembly is disclosed for a bicycle having an upper horizontal frame member. A boom member is pivotally attached at its front end adjacent the front end of the bicycle frame member. A support assembly having a seat mounted adjacent its upper end is connected to the boom member at its rear end. A tension member extends between the boom member and the bicycle frame member for applying a tension force when the bicycle hits a bump to urge the boom toward a position generally horizontal to the horizontal frame member.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1992Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Mobitech, IncorporatedInventor: David W. Bales
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Patent number: 5301974Abstract: The invention comprises a system for a bicycle or similar vehicle to allow shock isolation at the location of the seat or handle bar mounting or other locations. The suspension system includes a hydraulically actuated system as well as a variable rate progressive dampening assembly. The hydraulic fluid is also utilized to lubricate the moving portions of the system to promote proper function and extend the useful life thereof. The system also has a variable spring preload to accommodate different sized riders. The system is cost effective and yet extremely durable and may be retrofit for use with existing bicycles.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1991Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: Knapp EngineeringInventor: Thomas D. Knapp
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Patent number: 5279383Abstract: A suspension in a motorcycle or similar vehicle having a frame relative to which a rear fork with a rear wheel is moveable. The suspension is characterized by an elongated composite spring mounted at the front end on the lower front part of the frame and loaded at the rear end by one end of a link member the other end of which is mounted on the rear fork. The frame is provided on its underside with at least one deflecting member which is arranged in such a manner that it bears against the composite spring upon a relative low loading of the rear fork relative to the frame to change the spring rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Ohlins Racing ABInventor: Leif Gustafsson
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Patent number: 5271635Abstract: This invention relates to a front wheel resilient suspension system for a chainless bicycle where a horizontal bar member extends between a main bar member located under the bicycle seat to a horizontal bar connector mechanism which is resiliently mounted to both the horizontal bar member and the handlebar of the chainless bicycle. A buckle mechanism located on the horizontal bar member allows for pivotal displacement of the handlebar with respect to the bicycle seat and provides for a responsive displacement of the center of gravity of a bicycle rider on rough terrain which adds to the cushioning effect and the comfort of the bicycle rider.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Inventor: Teng-Hui Lu
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Patent number: 5269552Abstract: A bicycle frame having shock absorbing characteristics. The bicycle frame generally comprises a head tube and a seat tube having an elongate crossbar rigidly attached thereto and extending therebetween. Rigidly attached to and extending between the seat tube and the crossbar is a shock absorber. The bicycle frame further includes first and second chain stay members having front ends pivotally connected to the opposed sides of an axle receiving sleeve attached to the lower end of the seat tube and rear ends adapted to support a tire axle therebetween. Additionally, first and second seat stay members are rigidly attached to and extend between the shock absorber and the rear ends of the chain stay members. Upon the exertion of a downward force to the seat tube, the chain stay members are caused to pivot upwardly thereby compressing the shock absorber via the movement of the seat stay members.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignee: GT Bicycles, Inc.Inventor: Forrest Yelverton
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Patent number: 5242184Abstract: A bicycle carrying accessory for use in connection with a conventional bicycle having a frame, a seat post extending upwardly from the frame, and a seat mounted on top of the post. The accessory includes an arcuate cushion having a forward end and a lower end, a fastening mechanism for detachably affixing the lower end of the cushion to the front side of the seat post, and another fastening mechanism for attaching the forward end of the cushion to the underside of the front section of the bicycle seat. From such front section of the seat, the cushion thus curves rearwardly and downwardly to a location in front of and adjacent to the seat post. In this position, the bicycle may be readily lifted to position the pad over the shoulder to allow for carrying the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1991Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Inventor: William J. Nicholls
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Patent number: 5240268Abstract: A bicycle including a novel bicycle frame and seat support as disclosed. Bicycle frame includes a top tube as a first section extends substantially vertically from the second section extends diagonally downward towards the rear tube to which two frame stays which are joined to chain stays adjacent the rear wheel hub are attached. A center tube extends from a bottom bracket to the top tube section adjacent where the frame stays are joined to the top tube. A beam seat support formed out of a pair of elongated beams is attached to the frame top tube first section. A bicycle seat is attached to the end of the beam seat support.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1992Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: Allsop, Inc.Inventors: James D. Allsop, Paul Barkley, David E. Calapp
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Patent number: 5228710Abstract: A gear transmission mechanism for driving a bicycle to run, comprising a base supporting frame attached to the down tube, the seat tube and the seat stay; a first axle inserted through the rear wheel hub of a bicycle into one hole on said base supporting frame with the two opposite ends thereof respectively coupled with two cranks; a first gear mounted on said first axle and carried by it to rotate; a second axle fastened in another hole on said base supporting frame to carry a second gear, which is engaged with said first gear, and a third gear, which is engaged with a one-way gear on said rear wheel hub, to rotate. Rotating the cranks causes the wheel hub to carry the bicycle wheels to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1991Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Inventor: Teng-Hui Lu
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Patent number: 5226674Abstract: A rear suspension system for a two wheel cycle such as a bicycle or motorcycle having a main frame which includes a rearwardly or downwardly inclined down tube. A vertically pivotable rear frame assembly includes a pair of swing arms which extend rearwardly from pivotal connections on the main frame. Rear wheel fitments are carried by the swing arms. A pair of elongated tubelike or rodlike chain stays extend forwardly from the rear fitments at a fixed angle relative to the swing arms. A tubular shock absorber assembly is supported on the down tube and has a spring urging a coupler portion thereof in a forward and upward direction. A double-pivoted link is pivotally connected between the forward ends of the chain stays and a bell crank assembly which is pivotally connected to the underside of the frame, and in turn, connects the double-pivoted link to the coupler portion of the shock absorber assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1991Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Assignee: Schwinn Bicycle CompanyInventors: Erik F. Buell, Marc Muller
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Patent number: 5209319Abstract: A motorcycle front wheel suspension assembly for interconnecting the main frame and the front wheel of a motorcycle includes a main strut having upper and lower portions with the lower portion connected to the front wheel and a secondary strut that is substantially parallel with and offset from the main strut member with its lower end terminating at a point outside the circumference of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1992Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Assignee: Buell Motor Co.Inventor: Erik F. Buell
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Patent number: 5156231Abstract: A suspension-correcting device for a motorcycle having at least one wheel-axle supporting arm pivoted on its chassis, the arm also supporting at least one disk-brake caliper, through which passes a brake disk fixed to a wheel mounted rotatably on the axle, and suspension parts and shock-absorbers connecting the arm to the chassis, wherein the brake caliper mounted on the supporting arm is capable of rotating relative to the supporting arm within limits allowed by a mechanical connection which connects the caliper to an upper reaction portion of the motorcycle chassis, the assembly being used for limiting the foward dive of the motorcycle during braking.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1991Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Assignee: Elf FranceInventor: Daniel Trema
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Patent number: 5094424Abstract: A bicycle seat supporting device is of the type having a shock absorber mounted within an elongated tubular housing which telescopingly receives a lower end of a shaft opposite to the upper seat mounting portion, a roller bearing being positioned to engage a flat surface portion on the shaft to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and housing, and an adjustable locking member effectively renders the shock absorber unit inoperative by preventing longitudinal movement between the shaft and the housing member.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Inventor: James W. Hartway
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Patent number: 5080384Abstract: A bicycle frame having a front frame portion with a rearwardly extending crossbar of elliptical cross-section, the major elliptical axis of which is vertically oriented. The rear of the crossbar is gradually tapered by flattening and widening into a substantially equilateral triangular configuration and then sharply reduced to an oblong horizontally extending opening where it is connected to a rear frame by a flexible spring connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1990Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: Greendale Bicycle CompanyInventors: Mark L. Groendal, Robert E. Shook
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Patent number: 5062495Abstract: A rigid motorcycle frame comprises a pair of spaced swingarms attached to a shock absorber which comprises a shock absorber casing or housing pivotally mounted on the swingarms and having a shock absorber rod which is pivotally attached to the motorcycle frame at a point below the housing whereby the movement of the rear wheel of the motorcycle causes the outer housing of the shock absorber to move upwardly relative to the shock absorber, rod which is attached to the motorcycle frame and which is opposite from the normal operation of a shock absorber. The shock absorber may include a spring means and/or hydraulic means to provide the usual resistance provided by a cushioning arrangement. In operation swing arms are moving downwardly the shock absorber moves its mounting points closer together which is different from most shock absorbers which move their mounting points further apart.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1990Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Inventor: Ray T. Padgett
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Patent number: 5044648Abstract: The invention comprises a suspension system for a bicycle or similar vehicle to allow shock isolation at the location of the seat or handle bar mounting or other locations. The suspension system as well as a variable rate progressive dampening assembly. The hydraulic fluid is also utilized to lubricate the moving portions of the system to promote proper function and extend the useful life thereof. The system also has a variable spring preload to accommodate different sized riders. The system is cost effective and yet extremely durable and may be retrofit for use with existing bicycles.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1989Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Inventor: Thomas D. Knapp
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Patent number: 5029888Abstract: A seat support for a bicycle including a combination beam interconnected with a bicycle frame at one end and having a seat mounted on its opposite end. The combination beam includes longitudinally extending load support members of relatively high modulus of elasticity spaced from each other along at least a portion of their length to define a gap. An elastomeric shock absorbing material is positioned in the gap. The material being deformed responsive to relative movement of the structural members of the beam when the beam is bent under load such that the material absorbs shock and vibration.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Assignee: Allsop, Inc.Inventors: James D. Allsop, David E. Calapp
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Patent number: 4997197Abstract: A soft suspension bicycle including a pivotal front wheel mounted fork pivotally connected to the steerable fork and a rear pivotal structure having three pivotally interconnected cooperating components including an intermediate fork connected to a pivotal rear wheel mounted fork in adjacent relation to the axis of the rear wheel, the pivotal front wheel mounted fork and the pivotal intermediate fork are scalene quad triangular forks structurally efficient in the verticcal and transverse planes, and having front and rear brakes to produce a frame shifting torque simultaneously with braking, both front and rear pivotal comonents are suspended from the bicycle frame with resilient elastic suspenders and include front and rear indicators for indicating optimum tension of the suspenders after tension adjustments according to the weight of a rider.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1989Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Inventor: G. Merle Shultz
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Patent number: 4934724Abstract: A seat support for a vehicle including a combination beam interconnected with the vehicle at one end and having a seat mounted on its opposite end. The combination beam includes longitudinally extending load support members of relatively high modulus of elasticity spaced from each other along at least a portion of their length to define a gap. An elastomeric shock absorbing material is positioned in the gap. The material being deformed responsive to relative movement of the structural members of the beam when the beam is bent under load such that the material absorbs shock and vibration.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1989Date of Patent: June 19, 1990Assignee: Allsop, Inc.Inventors: James D. Allsop, David E. Calapp
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Patent number: 4792150Abstract: A bicycle frame has front and rear frame portions interconnected at their top by a flexible spring connection, that allows relative vertical flexing of the frame portions, and by a tension cable and compression spring between a forward portion of the front frame portion and a lower portion of the rear frame portion. Integral stiffening means included with the vertical center post member of the rear frame portion and with the horizontal crossbar assembly of the front frame portion are provided to minimize the tendency of the front portion of the frame to yaw laterally from side to side relative to the rear frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1987Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: Greendale Bicycle CompanyInventors: Mark L. Groendal, Robert E. Shook
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Patent number: 4775025Abstract: An adjustable ride height motorcycle is provided which automatically compensates for lean by raising the motorcycle as leaning occurs, by reversibly increasing the displacement of front and rear suspension swing arms as a function of leaning into turns by rotating through an angle the upper portion of the shock absorbers acting upon the swing arms.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1986Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Inventors: James Parker, Jeff Karr
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Patent number: 4744579Abstract: The axle of the front wheel of a motorcycle is carried on a pivotable member articulated about the same axis of articulation as the pivotable fork which supports the rear wheel. Single shock-absorbers are interposed between the frame and the rear fork and between the frame and the front pivotable member respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1987Date of Patent: May 17, 1988Inventor: Renato Roatta
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Patent number: 4732404Abstract: This invention relates to a bicycle. The bicycle includes a frame joining the front and rear wheels where the frame comprises a leaf spring suspension which enables the front and rear wheels to resiliently pivot relative to one another. The saddle and pedal mechanism are attached to the suspension.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1986Date of Patent: March 22, 1988Inventor: Abel O. Coetzee
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Suspension device for a vehicle wheel support arm and front-rear coupling system for said suspension
Patent number: 4702338Abstract: A suspension device of a rotary support arm of a vehicle wheel, in particular of a motorcycle, cooperating with a compression springs and front-rear coupling system of the suspension, wherein a bearing end of the compression spring is hinged at the free end of a long arm of a lever having two arms and three points of pivoting and free end of the short arm is connected to the end of a reaction rod, the device being applied to the design of a motorcycle suspension with linear characteristics and where the front-rear suspension coupling is simple to carry out.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1986Date of Patent: October 27, 1987Assignee: Elf FranceInventor: Daniel Trema -
Patent number: 4669747Abstract: A bicycle has a front frame portion including a front wheel and handlebars and a rear frame portion including a crank housing, a pedal crank, a rear wheel, and a seat with a flexible fiberglass spring plate removably mounted between upper portions of the front and rear frame portion and a steel cable extending from the crank housing of the rear frame portion to the upper portion of the front frame portion. During operation of the bicycle, the front frame portion can flex with respect to the rear frame portion by flexing the fiberglass spring plate and tensioning the cable against the bias of compression springs holding the cable in tensioned condition. The fiberglass spring plate can be removed and replaced with another plate having different flexibility characteristics for accommodating rider of varying weights.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1981Date of Patent: June 2, 1987Inventor: Mark L. Groendal
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Patent number: 4666015Abstract: A front and rear wheel drive vehicle having straddle-type seating. A power train is located beneath the seat and between the footpegs of the vehicle. The engine employs parallel output shafts located on either side of the crankshaft to drive power transmission means to the front and rear axles. A speed change mechanism is contained within the engine case along with the output shafts and includes a first transmission shaft between the crankshaft and one of the output shafts. In one embodiment, the cylinder block of the engine is illustrated as being inclined toward the speed change transmission such that the cylinder block, cylinder head and head cover do not extend laterally outwardly beyond the engine case. To employ both output shafts, sprockets are arranged on each shaft with a coupling chain. The orientation of the output shafts provides for a narrower engine profile.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1983Date of Patent: May 19, 1987Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Minoru Matsuda, Takashi Shinozaki
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Patent number: 4583612Abstract: An anti-pitch system for a motorcycle having a rear swing arm suspension and a front suspension of the type including a control arm which is hinged to the chassis and which extends forwardly therefrom. The anti-pitch system includes a torsion rod which links the rear swing arm to the forward control arm. The torsion rod resists unequal angular displacements of the control arm and the swing arm relative to the chassis, thereby resisting pitching motions such as normally occur during hard braking of the front wheel or during hard acceleration. The torsion rod does not however affect substantially equal displacements of the front and rear suspensions, that is, substantially vertical motions of the motorcycle chassis, such as occur in response to varying weight loads on the motorcycle or in response to dips or rises in a road. The system is particularly adapted to a motorcycle having a one-sided front suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1984Date of Patent: April 22, 1986Inventor: James G. Parker
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Patent number: 4456277Abstract: Human-powered, front-wheel drive tricycle of a 2DS-1IS (2 driven, steerable-1 independent suspension) format having two steerable front wheels in a fully engineered front end, a multi-triangulated space frame and a single trailing rear wheel mounted in an independent swing-arm type suspension. A chain drive system (21+speeds) includes a crank assembly mounted on a prow ahead of the front wheels driving a transfer gear and differential to the split front axle. A transfer gear caliper/disc braking system ahead of the differential provides braking force equally distributed to both front wheels regardless of road conditions, resulting in anti-skid properties. Track/wheelbase ratios above 0.45 provide stability and excellent handling; FWD provides excellent traction. Preferably, all wheels are of the same 20" diameter. Rider is in a semi-recumbent, supine position with handlebars, having shift and braking controls, mounted beneath a rigid seat. Shoulder harness and seat belt system are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1982Date of Patent: June 26, 1984Assignee: Cyclodynamics of Colorado, Inc.Inventor: Alan E. Carpenter
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Patent number: 4445702Abstract: An improved super bike, including a bicycle with a third wheel located between the bicycle front and rear wheels and means for the third wheel to selectively engage the ground, the third wheel carrying the foot pedals for powering the vehicle travel.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1981Date of Patent: May 1, 1984Inventor: Daniel Reyes
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Patent number: 4444406Abstract: A front wheel suspension for motorcycles including a pair of first linkages each having link members for interconnecting an upper fork pivotably supported on a motorcycle body and a lower fork supporting a front wheel thereon, and a pair of second linkages for restraining the deformation of the first linkages through a damper, the upper fork having a hollow formed therein in which at least a part of the second linkage is accommodated. The suspension has the moment of inertia relative to the handlebar substantially reduced and has a simplified and favorable appearance.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1981Date of Patent: April 24, 1984Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tokio Isono
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Patent number: 4433850Abstract: A link type front wheel suspension system comprising an upper fork, a lower fork, links connecting between the upper fork and the lower fork, a shock absorber for a front wheel, and a transmission system for transmitting a load received by the front wheel to the shock absorber through the lower fork and the connecting links. The shock absorber of the suspension system is supported by a vehicle body frame and the transmission of load to the shock absorber is performed through a fluid circuit, whereby reduction in weight of the system and reduction in the moment of inertia in the steering operation is attained.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1982Date of Patent: February 28, 1984Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Miyakoshi, Tokio Isono
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Patent number: 4427209Abstract: A bicycle frame for bicycles designed for structural strength and for positioning of a chain sprocket above the lowermost portion of the frame. The frame is constructed with a looped tube assembly with a front tube loop connected to a head tube and wheel fork assembly forming a quadrilateral structure of generally triangular shape, and a pair of rear tube loops forming a pair of parallel quadrilateral structures of generally diamond shape, with the front tube loop and rear tube loops being mutually interconnected on a sprocket shell. The looped tube assembly has seat and chain stay bracing, and brackets for mounting a rear wheel between the pair of rear tube loops.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1982Date of Patent: January 24, 1984Inventor: Norimasa Morita
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Patent number: 4410196Abstract: Suspension system for a motorcycle wheel, comprising two upright swinging arms disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the wheel pivoted at their upper ends to a supporting structure of the vehicle and at their lower ends to a wheel-carrying element which, through a prolongation, extends beyond the two pivotal connections between the two swinging arms and the wheel-carrying element. The wheel is mounted on the prolongation, and the wheel axle is located on, or slightly above or below, an ideal straight line passing through the pivotal connections of the two swinging arms to the wheel-carrying element.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1980Date of Patent: October 18, 1983Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Valentino Ribi
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Patent number: 4398741Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for preventing the nose dive produced when a motorcycle is sharply braked. The motor cycle includes a frame, front and rear wheels, and front and rear mounting means for connecting the wheels to the frame. The anti-nose-dive apparatus includes a generally U-shaped torsion bar having a center portion and front and rear arms. The center portion is rotatably mounted on the frame, the front arm is connected to the front mounting means, and the rear arm is connected to the rear mounting means. When the vehicle is moving and is sharply braked, the front end of the frame tends to move down relative to the front wheel. This action twists the torsion bar causing the rear mounting means to tend to rise. The reaction on the torsion bar causes the rear end of the frame to move down relative to the rear wheel, thereby reducing the amount of the nose dive.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1981Date of Patent: August 16, 1983Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kinuo Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 4388978Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for the chassis of motorcycles and like vehicles comprising:(a) a support frame adapted to receive a wheel axle at the lower portion thereof, and being movably mounted with respect to the chassis both in the longitudinal median plane of the cycle as a result of movement of the suspension system as well as in rotation around an axis for steering;(b) upper and lower frames for controlling the position of the support frame in the longitudinal median support plane positioned between the chassis and the support frame;(c) a shock absorber positioned to elastically maintain the support frame with respect to the chassis in the longitudinal median plane whereby the wheel axle moves along a trajectory determined by the frames as a function of the forces being exerted on the cycle; and(d) an independent mechanical element connecting the support frame to handlebars, and being independent of the frames to allow control of the rotational position of the support frames around its axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1981Date of Patent: June 21, 1983Inventor: Claude Fior
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Patent number: 4378857Abstract: The main frame member of a motor-cycle mounts a steering head supporting the front fork, and at its rear end also a rear fork. Both forks are provided with shock absorbers and especially with motor-cycles suited for moto-cross running the movements of the forks in action may be considerable. The combined center of gravity of motorcycle and rider will change due to road and driving conditions, which means that the load upon the shock absorbers will change continuously. Undue compression or expansion of the front fork shock absorbers will alter the inclination of the front fork in relation to the plane of the ground, which makes steering difficult. To counteract such alterations the steering head includes a hoirzontal pivot and lever means connected to the rear fork for adjusting the position of the vertical axis of the steering head by causing a rotation of the head about the horizontal pivot in response to the swinging of the rear fork.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1981Date of Patent: April 5, 1983Inventor: Erland Andersson
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Patent number: 4353570Abstract: This disclosure provides an oil brake device for use in the bicycle in which a saddle support is resiliently suspended independent of a main body frame so as to prevent the transmission of shock and vibrations of front and rear wheels in bicycle riding. The brake device is designed to prevent sharp elevation of the saddle support when the bicycle is stopped, or sharp downward movement of the support when starting from the halted position. The device works in cooperation with the wheel brake.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1980Date of Patent: October 12, 1982Inventor: Kuniyoshi Kanazawa
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Patent number: 4287960Abstract: A bolt-on kit for converting conventional two-wheel motorcycles to three wheel form. The kit comprises an elongated axle assembly which is adapted to be coupled to the motorcycle and which receives the original equipment drive gear for rotation, a pair of spaced apart mounting plates coupled to the axle, support means for rigidly coupling the mounting plates to the motorcycle frame, a pair of drive hubs for mounting drive wheels at opposite ends of the axle assembly, and unique stabilizer means. The stabilizer includes a vertically, upwardly extending brace which is yieldably, slideably received within appropriate bearing structure to allow vertical suspension displacement while preventing damage to the motorcycle frame from torsional or twisting forces.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1979Date of Patent: September 8, 1981Inventor: Harold McConnell
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Patent number: 4227589Abstract: A combined engine and pedal-powered multipassenger, multipurpose four-wheel vehicle constructed by operatively connecting any two compatibly configured, commercially available bicycles and powering at least one of its four wheels with auxiliary propulsion apparatus for optional power assist of such vehicle. The two bicycles are operatively interconnected into side by side, spaced apart and aligned relationship by plural, specifically configured members, each bent to form a longer mid-portion and two shorter end-portions; each mid-portion positioned substantially horizontally and transversely between the two bicycles and each shorter end-portion operatively attached to correspondingly positioned frame members of the two bicycles at two spaced-apart points. A steering assembly based on modified trapezium linkage principle of king-pin with track-arm and track-rod connection of the front wheels of the two bicycles to provided efficient steering from either bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1977Date of Patent: October 14, 1980Inventor: John J. Chika
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Patent number: 4226435Abstract: An oscillating pedal bicycle in which the downward force exerted by a rider is converted from the oscillating motion of the pedals into a unidirectional rotation of the drive wheel. The oscillating motion of the pedals is transmitted by flexible tension members to a conversion mechanism for converting the linear motion of such tension members into the rotary motion of the drive wheel. Maximum utilization of the motive power of the rider is achieved through the use of a quick-release, variable position body restraint and a variable height seat, both of which are adjustable while the bicycle is in motion, while maximum transfer and conversion of such motive power is achieved by an improved pedal return and tension member rewind mechanism and an improved drive mechanism. Pedal stabilizers, rotatable foot restraints and foot actuated lever control mechanisms are provided to maximize motive power and efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1979Date of Patent: October 7, 1980Inventor: Boris Efros
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Patent number: 4182508Abstract: A bicycle seat support comprises an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member telescopically slidable therein, the inner tubular member protruding from the open upper end of the outer tubular member and having the bicycle seat clamped thereto. A compression spring is located within the outer tubular member to urge the inner tubular member upwards and resiliently resist downward movement of the inner tubular member and bicycle seat, to act as a cushion for the bicycle seat. A lock is provided, at the top end of the outer tubular member, whereby the inner and outer tubular members can be locked together to render the spring inoperative, the lock being manually operable and within easy reach of the user riding the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1978Date of Patent: January 8, 1980Assignee: Hamilton Mould Tool & Die LimitedInventors: Charles Kallai, Valerie Kallai, Charles Kallai, Jr.
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Patent number: 4118045Abstract: A bicycle having its saddle support inclusive of a saddle and a crank means elastically suspended from an upper frame independently of its upper and its lower frame in which front and rear wheels are journalled so as to prevent transmission of vertical motion therefrom to the saddle support and also so as to protect, in conjunction with the saddle support, the handle itself against the vertical motion of the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1976Date of Patent: October 3, 1978Inventor: Kuniyoshi Kanazawa
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Patent number: 4114460Abstract: An improved protective boot particularly suited for use in protecting the shaft of a shock absorber for the front fork of a motorcycle. The boot is characterized by an axially collapsible tubular body formed of substantially impervious, resilient material having multiple series of annular convolutions of mutually unique diameters for facilitating mutual nesting, each series comprising two pairs of convolutions of a truncated configuration adjacently related to a cylindrical annular convolution characterized by opposite walls defining an annular orifice the axial dimension of which varies in response to changes in the length of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1977Date of Patent: September 19, 1978Assignee: Roto Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Takao R. Oto
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Patent number: 4111446Abstract: This invention relates to a tricycle for children which comprises a main rod, handle rods provided at the front end of the main rod, a front wheel provided between the lower ends of the handle rods, a pair of rear legs pivotally provided at the back portion of the main rod by an attachment, a pair of rear wheels provided at the lower ends of the rear wheels respectively, and a spring which is provided between the back end of the main rod and the attachment.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1977Date of Patent: September 5, 1978Assignee: Kassai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenzou Kassai
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Patent number: 3989263Abstract: This invention relates to bicycle and tricycle seat posts and more particularly to shock-absorbing seat posts. This unique device, which fits in place of the conventional rigid seat post, supports the rider and absorbs all shock produced from traversing over small bumps, holes, etc., in the road. Another unique feature is that the seat is allowed to swing slightly from side to side, which not only produces a comforting effect, but also increases peddling efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1975Date of Patent: November 2, 1976Inventors: Gregory A. Stuck, Albert C. Stuck
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Patent number: 3982770Abstract: A bicycle suspension has a suspension frame unit and a shock absorber. The suspension frame unit comprises a pair of parallel triangular members each including a horizontal rear fork arm and a pair of inclined stays with their upper joined portion disposed in a space defined in the main frame of a bicycle. The shock absorber has its one end pivoted to the joined portion of the inclined stays and the other end pivoted to a portion of the main frame a little rearward of the steering head of the bicycle such that the shock absorber is disposed in the space defined within the main frame so as to be operated without being obstructed by the seat tube of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1975Date of Patent: September 28, 1976Assignee: Yamaha, Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Satoh, Kazutaka Horino
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Patent number: 3931989Abstract: A tricycle having a front frame supported with one front wheel and a rear frame supported with two rear wheels, wherein the front frame is connected with the rear frame on the axis longitudinal of the tricycle in the relation that the front frame is capable of being inclined to one side or the other with respect to the rear frame. The tricycle is provided with a torsion bar arranged between the front frame and the rear frame on the axial line so that the torsion bar is subjected to only torsion not to complicated stresses of bending and tension.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1974Date of Patent: January 13, 1976Assignee: Daihatsu Motor Company LimitedInventor: Toshiaki Nagamitsu
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Patent number: 3931990Abstract: A bicycle is provided having front and rear frames pivotally connected together near the pedal bearings and resiliently coupled by a shock absorber, in which the rear frame has a pair of inclined structural members extending on either side of the seat-supporting tube of the front frame and holding a rear end of the shock absorber at a position directly in front of the seat-supporting tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1974Date of Patent: January 13, 1976Assignee: Yamaha International CorporationInventor: Ronald Ralph Knapp