Spring Biased Or Supported Patents (Class 74/551.2)
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Patent number: 11840304Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem or stem/handlebar assembly has an inclined linear travel approximately 45 degrees from horizontal. This inclined path mimics a rider's natural arm inclination and pitching moment. 45 degrees is nearly ideal for most dropped bar road bicycles but different style bicycles may have an ideal angle between 30 and 60 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Inventor: Christopher William Huber
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Patent number: 10464629Abstract: A bicycle grip, comprising a grip element that has a support part, a holding element and a spring element, wherein the spring element and the holding element can be arranged inside a steering tube of a bicycle handlebar, wherein the spring element can be non-rotatably connected to the holding element and the grip element such that, when the support part exerts force against a spring force of the spring element, a rotational movement of the grip element can be performed around the tube central axis of the steering tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Inventor: Klaus Mildenberger
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Patent number: 10207766Abstract: A handlebar mount assembly for isolating a cycle handlebar from vibrations emanating from operation of a cycle, the assembly including a bottom bracket assembly configured for attachment to a cycle steering mechanism, a top bracket assembly configured for attachment to the bottom bracket assembly, a pair of polymer sleeves configured for placement around the handlebar, a tension clamp configured for clamping the handlebar and a clamp bushing configured for placement between the tension clamp and the top bracket assembly. The sleeves prevent direct contact between the top bracket assembly and the bottom bracket assembly, and the bushing prevents direct contact between the tension clamp and the top bracket assembly. In this manner, the handlebar mount assembly prevents direct and indirect contact of the steering mechanism to the handlebar through the metal components of the handlebar mount assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Inventor: Lance Smith
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Patent number: 10189530Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly that includes a body having at least two grip areas positioned for interaction with the hands of a rider. The grip portions or grip areas are preferably spaced apart by a center portion that secures the assembly to a bicycle steerer tube. A channel or detent is formed in the body proximate at least one, and preferably proximate each grip portion or grip area. A dampener formed of a different material than the body is disposed in the detent and dissipates at least a portion of vibration of the body to reduce vibrations communicated to the hands of the rider from handlebar vibration. An optional grip assembly cooperates with the handlebar assembly and is constructed to further dampen handlebar vibration.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Trek Bicycle CorporationInventors: Ryan Galstad, Jeffery Staszak, Michael Leighton, Allen Hu
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Patent number: 9981710Abstract: A shock absorber has an inner tube embedded in a steering stem shaft and an outer tube provided slidably. A front fork is fixed to a lower end of the outer tube, and the inner tube is fixed to an upper end of the steering stem shaft. The steering stem shaft is provided with a guide trench extending in a telescoping direction and having a long hole shape. A roller bearing is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and is inserted into the guide trench movably along the guide trench. As a result, relative movement between the steering stem shaft and the outer tube in the telescoping direction is permitted while relative rotation is restricted.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Tetsuo Muraoka
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Patent number: 9745017Abstract: A handlebar fixing structure enabling a handlebar to be attached to a high position to provide high vibration absorbency. The handlebar fixing structure includes a handlebar, a handlebar post supported above a steering system, and a handlebar clamper for fixing the handlebar to the handlebar post. The handlebar clamper includes a first damper member and a second damper member disposed so as to sandwich a cylindrical portion of the handlebar post and the handlebar from a direction orthogonal to the vehicle widthwise direction. An elastic member is interposed between the first clamper member and the handlebar post and between the second damper member and the handlebar post. The first damper member and the second clamper member are coupled with each other by a bolt and include abutting faces for abutting with each other so as to receive an axial force of the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kineo Tomura, Yotaro Mori
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Patent number: 9061728Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly that includes a body having at least two grip areas positioned for interaction with the hands of a rider. The grip portions or grip areas are preferably spaced apart by a center portion that secures the assembly to a bicycle steerer tube. A channel or detent is formed in the body proximate at least one, and preferably proximate each grip portion or grip area. A dampener formed of a different material than the body is disposed in the detent and dissipates at least a portion of vibration of the body to reduce vibrations communicated to the hands of the rider from handlebar vibration. An optional grip assembly cooperates with the handlebar assembly and is constructed to further dampen handlebar vibration.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Trek Bicycle CorporationInventors: Ryan Galstad, Jeffrey R. Staszak, Michael Leighton, Allen Hu
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Patent number: 8967020Abstract: A shock absorbing handlebar brace attached between handlebar sides. The shock absorbing handlebar brace includes a telescoping center section with a compressible rubber insert to allow the brace to slightly extend upon impacts to reduce rider fatigue.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Edge Plastics, IncInventor: Kevin Stevens
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Publication number: 20140174247Abstract: A handlebar shock absorber is provided. The handlebar shock absorber includes a shock-absorbing cylinder, a knuckle having a lower pivot mount for attachment to the cylinder, and an arm assembly pivotably coupled to the knuckle and including an upper pivot mount for attachment to the cylinder. The cylinder includes an adjustable pre-stressed length to elevate or lower the position of the arm assembly relative to the knuckle. The knuckle is adapted for attachment to a bicycle steering tube, and the arm assembly is adapted for attachment to a bicycle handlebar. In use, the shock-absorbing cylinder dampens movement of the handlebar relative to the steering tube to provide an enhanced ride to the cyclist over rough terrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: ZYOOM LLCInventors: Judson L. Kovalak, JR., Charles E. Brickey
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Patent number: 8739653Abstract: A handlebar assembly including a pair of handgrip portions extending outwardly from a mounting portion and configured for generally vertical, arcuate movement relative to the mounting portion. One or more shock absorbing arrangements may be provided to produce a force tending to resist downward movement of the handgrip portions. Desirably, the handgrip portions are adjustable in height relative to the mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Fasst CompanyInventor: Dan Hissam
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Publication number: 20140116195Abstract: A bicycle stern with a shock absorber which is mounted between a handlebar and a steering tube includes a stem body, a clamping member and an elastomer. The stem body has a clamping portion formed at one end thereof, and two fork portions formed at another end of the stein body. The clamping member is connected with the clamping portion for clamping the handlebar, and the elastomer is disposed between the two fork portions. Under this arrangement, when a shock is generated from the rough road, the elastomer is compressed by the two fork portions, so that the elastomer is deformed appropriately and absorbs the shock from the road. Therefore, a rider could hold the handlebar comfortably.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventor: HUNG-MAO GU
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Patent number: 8528445Abstract: A remote control for a shock absorber has a gripping body with a first positioning element, a pivoting handle and a positioning assembly. The pivoting handle pivotally connects with the gripping body and has a proximal part and a distal part. The proximal part has an abutting surface facing and selectively abutting the gripping body and a core-fastening hole corresponding to the passing hole of the gripping body. The distal part has a communicating recess formed longitudinally through the distal part and also formed in a bottom of the distal part. The positioning assembly is movably mounted in the communicating recess and has a second positioning element exposed from the bottom of the distal part and corresponding to and detachably engaged with the positioning assembly. A rider is able to conveniently control a shock absorber during riding by using the remote control so that facilitates riding.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventor: Jung-Yu Hsu
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Patent number: 8490996Abstract: A shock-absorbing handlebar mount includes a yoke assembly, and a first and a second clamping mechanism coupled to the yoke assembly and configured to attach the handlebar mount to a steering stem in an off-road vehicle. Each of the clamping mechanisms includes an upper and a lower clamping block, and an upper and a lower shock absorber. The first and second clamping mechanisms each further include a bolt extending through the blocks and shock absorbers, and being rotatable to clamp the steering stem between the corresponding blocks. Each clamping mechanism further includes an alignment key coupling together the corresponding blocks to inhibit non-axial displacement thereof, such that shearing forces on the shock absorbers are reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventors: Ryan Ferguson, Tony Zupancic
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Patent number: 8424893Abstract: A shock absorption system for a bicycle that is simple, flexible and compatible with the many sections of a bicycle where adequate shock absorption is sought. The shock absorption properties are provided through a C-shaped compliant structure. C-shaped compliant structure may be removable such that it may be installed and removed as per the desire of the end user of the bicycle for post market modification and personalization purposes.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Brevets Futek-MSM LTEEInventor: Marcel Guillemette
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Publication number: 20120304804Abstract: A shock-absorbing handlebar mount includes a yoke assembly, and a first and a second clamping mechanism coupled to the yoke assembly and configured to attach the handlebar mount to a steering stem in an off-road vehicle. Each of the clamping mechanisms includes an upper and a lower clamping block, and an upper and a lower shock absorber. The first and second clamping mechanisms each further include a bolt extending through the blocks and shock absorbers, and being rotatable to clamp the steering stem between the corresponding blocks. Each clamping mechanism further includes an alignment key coupling together the corresponding blocks to inhibit non-axial displacement thereof, such that shearing forces on the shock absorbers are reduced or eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Ryan Ferguson, Tony Zupancic
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Patent number: 8262114Abstract: A tool-less coupling of a child vehicle having a front frame and a rear frame includes a post coupled to one of the front or rear frames; a locking insert having at least one flexible table coupled to the post, and a head tube coupled to the other of the front or rear frame, wherein an opening in a first end of the head tube is sized to cause inward flexing of the flexible tab as the post is inserted through the head tube, and the flexible tab flexes back outwardly after passing through the opening in the head tube so that a portion of the flexible tab is adjacent an end surface of the head tube such that the flexible tab cannot move back through the opening. Accordingly, the removal of the post from the head tube is prohibited and the front and rear frames are coupled together. A method for a tool-less assembly of a child vehicle is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Huffy CorporationInventor: Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120013100Abstract: A shock absorption system for a bicycle that is simple, flexible and compatible with the many sections of a bicycle where adequate shock absorption is sought. The shock absorption properties are provided through a C-shaped compliant structure. C-shaped compliant structure may be removable such that it may be installed and removed as per the desire of the end user of the bicycle for post market modification and personalisation purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Marcel Guillemette
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Publication number: 20110239814Abstract: A shock and vibration damping handlebar mounting assembly, for vehicles that utilizes handlebar assisted steering, where the handlebar and its clamping components are suspended by shock and vibration damping springs and materials. The suspended components are allowed to travel along a guide, in a predetermined beneficial path, while maintaining the rider preferred handlebar angles, as the vehicle encounters shock due to rough terrain. Springs dampen the motion of the suspended components reducing the effects of the rough terrain to the rider's hands. The suspended components are isolated from the vehicle's steering mechanism by isolation components made of deadening materials thus reducing the transfer of vibration from the vehicle to the rider's hands.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: George John Athanasiou
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Patent number: 8029011Abstract: An adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes a base member, a support member, a left handlebar and a right handlebar. The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member and each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar is attached to the support member. The support member is configured to permit the left handlebar and the right handlebar to be selectively moved relative to the support member and the base member, independently of one another, to selectively adjust each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar in respective, generally longitudinal directions along a saddle-type vehicle, when the adjustable handlebar assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the saddle-type vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.Inventors: Darin D. King, Robert S. Zimmerman, Daniel T. Sellars, Scott D. Batdorf
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Patent number: 7997603Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventors: Thomas H. Petrie, Ross Shafer
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Patent number: 7896378Abstract: A motorcycle with reduced fatigue due to vibrations in travel. A handle bracket is connected to an upper end of a steering shaft through a damper member, and left and right handle bodies are fixed to left and right ends of the handle bracket.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshikazu Suita
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Patent number: 7870809Abstract: A handlebar assembly (100) is disclosed comprising a lower base portion (101) which is adapted to support a handlebar (202) through a guide means which is so constructed and arranged to permit the handlebar (202) to move along a path relative to the base portion (101) whereby upon movement of the handlebar (202) along the path to the left or the right relative to a central position the handlebar (202) tilts and the center of the handlebar (202) moves downwards relative to the base portion (101) as well as horizontally from the central position. The assembly allows the handlebars to move in a way which mimics the movement of the handlebars of a bicycle. In a modification, the guide means may restrain the handlebar for movement up/down or forwards/backwards or side to side, again to provide a more realistic range of movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Inventor: Michael Joseph Patrick Rice
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Patent number: 7789351Abstract: A flexible clamping insert for adapting the clamping contour of a clamping device to correspond to an outer contour of a bicycle frame. The clamping insert includes a mounting section, a pivoting section and a biasing section connecting the mounting section and the pivoting section. The clamping insert is formed as one piece from a flexible material. The mounting section includes at least one attachment feature for securing the mounting section to a fixed clamping arm of the clamping device. The mounting and pivoting sections have a concave contour and the biasing section has a convex, resulting in the clamping insert, in the uninstalled state, having a C-shaped contour. When installed on the clamping device, the biasing section biases the pivoting section toward an open position, resulting in the pivoting arm to open and allow the clamping insert and device to be mounted on to the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbHInventor: Marcus Auer
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Patent number: 7699331Abstract: A motorcycle-stance alteration kit is described. The kit includes a handlebar clamp, a fork clamp, and a footpeg extension. The handlebar clamp is formed to connect with a motorcycle's fork clamp and reposition the motorcycle's handlebar to alter a user's riding stance. The fork clamp is configured to be attached with motorcycle forks to the motorcycle's frame. The fork clamp includes a horizontal mounting surface that is formed to offset the fork's rake angle to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially horizontal alignment with respect to a ground surface. Finally, the footpeg extension is formed to connect with and between a motorcycle frame and footpeg. Thus, the footpeg extension effectively repositions the footpeg to alter the user's riding stance.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Matthew McVickar
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Patent number: 7607676Abstract: A bicycle handlebar shock absorbing assembly includes a core connected with the front fork of a bicycle and a first flat surface is defined in an outside of the core. A bead sleeve is mounted to the core and includes a second flat surface in which a plurality of rollers are embedded. A resilient member has an end rested on a top of the bead sleeve. A driving tube has a recess defined in a first end thereof and a second end of the driving tube is connected with a handlebar. A third flat surface is defined in an inner periphery of the recess. The resilient member and the bead sleeve are received in the recess, the rollers are in contact with the first and third flat surfaces. The core pushes the bead sleeve upward to compress the spring when shocks are transferred from the roads.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventor: En-Te Chu
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Publication number: 20090255365Abstract: Piezoelectric vibration absorption system and method. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rider interface that includes a surface. A vibration dampening assembly is affixed to the surface. The vibration dampening assembly includes a piezoelectric element. A load element is electrically connected to the vibration dampening assembly such that the vibration dampening assembly dampens vibrations of the rider interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: BUELL MOTORCYCLE COMPANYInventor: Jonathan Mark Bunne
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Patent number: 7540516Abstract: A apparatus for a shock absorbing handlebar steering mechanism for vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: John Arnce
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Patent number: 7475896Abstract: A shock absorbable handlebar riser assembly is provided for use with a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile or ATV. The shock absorbable handlebar riser assembly includes a pair of riser arms and a shock absorbable member. The riser arms are rotatably coupled between a steering shaft and handlebars. The shock absorbable member is fixedly coupled between the steering shaft and the handlebars.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Jeffery W. Ignacio
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Patent number: 7146877Abstract: A handlebar shock absorbing system for bicycles, utilizing a pair of side plates attached to a handlebar mounting bracket with rotational movement of a handlebar against a torsional spring. Where the handlebar can be adjustable for torsional spring force and/or for rotational travel and positioning of handlebar grips, either forward tilting, level or rearward tilting.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventor: Yen-Jen You
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Patent number: 7143860Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar tilting apparatus having upper and lower pivotally attached brackets, a lever, and appropriate connectors to fasten the brackets and lever to each other in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the brackets each adopt a generally U-shaped configuration with opposing side members and a transition member extending therebetween and integral therewith. The lower bracket is stationary and is attached to the steering column of a vehicle using a handlebar for steering. The upper bracket is attached to the handlebar of the vehicle. The lever is pivotally attached to the upper bracket by a lever pin and supports a latch pin that selectively engages notches disposed in the lower bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventors: Dennis R. Marks, John R. Lind
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Patent number: 7093698Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a motorcycle comprises a tubular cushion made of soft materials and a cover body made of hard materials. The shock-absorbing device is mounted on the middle section of a motorcycle handlebar, whereby the recoil force by a bumpy road on the motorcycle will be transmitted and absorbed by the front shock absorbing springs as well as the shock-absorbing device of the motorcycle handlebar. Further, the two ends of the motorcycle handlebar are respectively provided with rubber handgrips; the trio forming a three-stage type shock-absorbing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventor: Kun-Tien Chen
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Patent number: 6953201Abstract: A handlebar shock and vibration damper triple clamp (20) for a motorcycle or a bicycle is taught which comprises a handlebar triple clamp body (22) with a pair of clamps that holds the handlebar in isolation from the body. The body has a pair of integral front fork mounting rings (24) positioned on opposite ends, and a pair of upright cradles (26) adjacent to the rings. A lower handlebar clamp (44) is positioned within each cradle such that the clamp is completely segregated from the triple clamp body. Resilient isolation strips (50) and cylinders (52) engage the upright cradles and lower handlebar clamps, thereby providing a pliant interface therebetween. An upper handlebar bridge clamp (60) is disposed above each lower handlebar clamp such that a handlebar may be inserted and compressably retained therebetween, thus decreasing vibration and shock impulses upon the handlebar during operation of the cycle due to the elastic nature of the interface.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Inventor: Dennis R. VanDeMortel
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Patent number: 6860500Abstract: A handlebar assembly including a pair of handgrip portions extending outwardly from a mounting portion and configured for generally vertical, arcuate movement relative to the mounting portion. One or more shock absorbing arrangements may be provided to produce a force tending to resist downward movement of the handgrip portions. Desirably, the handgrip portions are adjustable in height relative to the mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: FASST CompanyInventor: Dan Hissam
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Patent number: 6834565Abstract: The present invention relates to a retrofit safety handlebar. A handlebar is modified to include a threaded portion on an exterior end thereof. The handlebar can be a conventional handlebar. The retrofit safety handlebar includes a threaded portion on an interior thereof. The retrofit safety handlebar can be threaded to the conventional handlebar. A bias member is associated with a shaft of the retrofit safety handlebar for biasing the shaft away from a frame. A dampener is associated with the shaft so as to dampen movement of the shaft toward the frame after impact of the retrofit safety handlebar with a rider. For example, the frame can be a bicycle frame or a frame for other forms of personal transportation and toys that are pushed or ridden.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: The Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaInventors: Jeremy Mark Cohen, Luis Otoya, Kristy Bittenbender Arbogast, Flaura Koplin Winston
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Publication number: 20040250647Abstract: The head lock ring device comprises a seat being installed at one end of an outer sleeve for locating the bearing; an upper cover covering the seat for firmly securing the bearing; an upper end of the upper cover being formed with a retaining surface for being engaged with an spanner; and a seal cover engaged to one end of the upper cover; the seal cover having an enclosing ring and a driving end; the enclosing ring exactly enclosing the retaining surface; the driving end being engaged with a spanner; an inner wall of the seal cover being formed with an inner thread; the inner thread being engaged to the respective thread of the front fork tube so that the seal cover being aligned to the center of the upper cover and the front fork tube; thus the head lock ring can be assembled to the front fork tube easily.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: Wen-Hwa Lin
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Publication number: 20040237702Abstract: An adjustable handlebar mounting device includes a frame mounting member, a front pivot member, a rear pivot member, and a releasable fastening unit. The frame mounting member is formed with front and rear lug units. The front pivot member has a front lower section connected pivotally to the front lug unit, a front upper section to be connected to a handlebar, and an intermediate coupling part. The rear pivot member has a rear lower section connected pivotally to the rear lug unit, and a rear upper section. The coupling part and the rear upper section are respectively formed with a slot unit and a hole unit for extension of the fastening unit therethrough. The fastening unit is operable so as to press the coupling part and the rear upper section firmly against each other for supporting the handlebar.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Joe Chou
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Publication number: 20030121358Abstract: A handlebar assembly including a pair of handgrip portions extending outwardly from a mounting portion and configured for generally vertical, arcuate movement relative to the mounting portion. One or more shock absorbing arrangements may be provided to produce a force tending to resist downward movement of the handgrip portions. Desirably, the handgrip portions are adjustable in height relative to the mounting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventor: Dan Hissam