Folding Or Adjustable Patents (Class 74/551.3)
  • Patent number: 11685462
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly comprises a base bar, a v-shaped stem selectively removable from the base bar, and a bicycle fork assembly. Control cables from the bicycle may be routed from the base bar into hollow diverging stem members of the v-shaped stem. The bicycle fork assembly comprises an external-steerer fork having a load-bearing member and a preload tensioning rod. The preload tensioning rod fits within a head tube of the bicycle, and a hollow space around the preload tensioning rod accommodates control cables passing from the v-shaped stem into a hollow portion of the bicycle frame. The v-shaped stem is secured against the base bar by a pair of nut plates. In some examples, an engagement portion of an accessory such as an aerobar extension assembly is configured to secure the v-shaped stem and an aerobar extension against the base bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: PON BICYCLE I B.V.
    Inventors: David Killing, Jonathan Edward Max Strack, Robert James Pike
  • Patent number: 11311998
    Abstract: An extension tool extends a device. The extension tool includes a first pole slidably receiving a second pole. A collar is secured to the first pole having a pin aperture. A platform is pivotably coupled to the collar. A pin is coupled to the platform. A retainer is coupled to the collar and engages with the platform for maintaining the platform in the closed position and disengaging with the platform for positioning the platform in the open position. The closed position positions the pin in one of the plurality of apertures for fixing the position of the second pole relative to the first pole. The open position disengages the pin from one of the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the second pole relative to the first pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Robert G. Lofley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11313411
    Abstract: A folding device for folding or disassembling rigid objects is provided with engaged toothed rows on opposing surfaces of two connecting plates. Opposite surfaces of protruded teeth of the toothed rows are provided with toothed grooves meshing with each other. When a locking mechanism perpendicular to a direction of the toothed rows is locked, the two connecting plates are driven by the locking mechanism to move toward each other in opposite directions along a pulling rod, so that the toothed grooves on the toothed rows tightly engage with one another, and the two connecting plates are pressed tightly and fixedly connected. When the folding device is in a connected state, meshing surfaces of the two connecting plates tightly mesh with each other through the corresponding toothed grooves, so that the two connected parts are combined together to form a whole rigid combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: DAHON TECHNOLOGIES. LTD
    Inventors: Jinzhong Li, David Tak Wei Hon
  • Patent number: 10946924
    Abstract: A folding bicycle and method for folding the folding bicycle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Richard Priest, Warren Fu, Julian Casablancas
  • Patent number: 10633052
    Abstract: An adjustable riser assembly for mounting a handle bar assembly on a bicycle comprising a riser post; a tilt adjustment plate; the riser post including a curved mounting surface for receiving the tilt adjustment plate and the curved mounting surface being configured to support the tilt adjustment plate in a range of adjustable angular positions; and a bolt fastener for securing the tilt adjustment to the riser post in an angular position or a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: VROOMEN-WHITE DESIGN INC.
    Inventors: David Killing, Kevin Nelson
  • Patent number: 10569823
    Abstract: A stem for a two-wheeled vehicle, including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is provided with a mounting section which is suitable and configured to be fastened to at least one fork column. Furthermore, a holding device for a handlebar device is disposed between the first end and the second end. A stem length is provided between the mounting section and the holding device for the handlebar device. Moreover, an adjustment section with an adjustment member is provided between the first end and the second end wherein the holding device for the handlebar device is provided in portions by the adjustment member. Depending on the arrangement of the adjustment member in the adjustment section, two different stem lengths can thus be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Morgan Nicol
  • Patent number: 10513306
    Abstract: An adjustable riser assembly for mounting a handle bar assembly on a bicycle comprising a riser post; a tilt adjustment plate; the riser post including a curved mounting surface for receiving the tilt adjustment plate and the curved mounting surface being configured to support the tilt adjustment plate in a range of adjustable angular positions; and a bolt fastener for securing the tilt adjustment to the riser post in an angular position or a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: VROOMEN-WHITE DESIGN INC.
    Inventors: David Killing, Kevin Nelson
  • Patent number: 10472018
    Abstract: A split handlebar assembly for an aerodynamic bicycle having a handlebar stem for attaching said split handlebar assembly, comprising a right handlebar and a left handlebar; the right handlebar having a mounting section at one end, and a right grip section at the other end; the left handlebar having a mounting section at one end, and a left grip section at the other end; the right handlebar mounting section being configured to engage with the left handlebar mounting section; and the engaged mounting sections being configured to secure the right handlebar and the left handlebar to the handlebar stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: VROOMEN-WHITE DESIGN INC.
    Inventors: David Killing, Robert Pike, Richard Matthews
  • Patent number: 10266225
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar system is described. The system includes a wing-shaped handlebar for a bicycle that is attached to at least one of the rider's forearms. A sleeve, worn by the rider is included in some embodiments. The system also includes a remote control system incorporated into the rider's glove to control the derailleur and brakes of the bicycle without the need for the rider to move his hands to a new position. Multiple positions of the rider's forearms are possible for varying degrees of aerodynamic performance and control of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Neal Henderson
  • Patent number: 10060162
    Abstract: A closed loop handlebar locking device is securely coupled to a bike allowing safe and accurate steering of the bike. Device is further suitable for locking the bike when not in use. Device is configurable to lock a bike to a fixed object, such as a signpost while still attached to the stem of the bike. The device is also configurable to lock the bike when a suitable object is not available. In such a situation the device may be removed from the stem, passed around the frame and through one or both wheels. The device is attached to the stem via a stem piece that remains attached to the stem when the device is detached. Brakes, lights, computer and other accessories and components are attached to the stem piece. The bike is unsuitable for operation if the handlebar locking device is defeated by a would-be thief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: TEAGUE ASSOCIATES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John D. Mabry, Taylor Sizemore, Clement Gallois, Oliver Mueller, Kay Kim, Michael Charles
  • Patent number: 9994281
    Abstract: A handle position-adjustment structure of a straddle type vehicle for improving maintainability improving the appearance of the vehicle. A handle position-adjustment structure of a straddle type vehicle includes a top bridge having fork insertion holes into which a right and left pair of front forks are inserted, and connecting the right and left pair of front forks with each other; a right and left pair of handle holders arranged below the fork insertion holes, and having cylinder portions inserted into the front forks in such a manner so as to be rotatable around axes of the front forks; and an adjustment hole allowing adjustment of the position of the handle holder. The position of the handle holder is adjustable by a position adjustment bolt inserted into the adjustment hole and the top bridge. The position adjustment bolt is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the front fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kishi, Dai Takakuwa
  • Patent number: 9038500
    Abstract: An arrangement for adjusting the position of handlebars on a vehicle including a first mechanism for effecting rotation of the handlebars about a first axis in response to a first control signal; a second mechanism for effecting translation of the handlebars along a longitudinal axis in response to a second control signal; and a control system for providing the first and second control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Oravecz
  • Patent number: 8839692
    Abstract: A work machine having a loop-shaped operating handle connected to an upper end part of a handle post. The operating handle pivots to positions in the longitudinal direction of the work machine across a longitudinal axis of the handle post as a baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyomi Yanai, Ai Habuka, Misako Hamani, Mai Ohba
  • Patent number: 8825322
    Abstract: A bicycle component controlling includes at least a first sensor and a controller. The first sensor detects a first operating condition, whether a rider is sitting on a bicycle seat. A second sensor is provided that detects a second operating condition. The sensors output signals indicative of the respective operating conditions. The controller is operatively connected to at least the first sensor and possibly the second sensor. The controller is configured to generate a component control command to control a bicycle component based on at least the first signal and the possibly the second signal. The bicycle component is a component other than an automatic transmission and a suspension when the second sensor is not provided. If the second sensor is provided, a suspension and automatic transmission is controlled, or components other than an automatic transmission and a suspension is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hideki Ikemoto, Tadashi Ichida, Nobukatsu Hara, Toyoto Shirai
  • Publication number: 20140165773
    Abstract: Bicycle handlebar set comprising: a lower part (9) of the power bar rotably mounted onto the chassis tube (6) that supports the front wheel; an upper part (2) of the power bar joined to the lower part (9) so that it can swing between a raised position and a collapsed position; a handlebar bar made up of two half bars (1) mounted on the end of upper part (2) so that they are collapsible towards the central plane of the handlebar set, being able to swing between a raised position and a collapsed position; and relating means that relate half bars (1) and lower part (9), configured so that they impose a biyective relationship between the collapsed position of upper part (2) and the collapsed position of half bars (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Joaquín Montero Basqueseaux
  • Patent number: 8739653
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Fasst Company
    Inventor: Dan Hissam
  • Patent number: 8661935
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a head tube. The bicycle also includes a fork that is rotationally coupled to the head tube and that has a steerer tube extending upward through the head tube, a wheel rotationally coupled to the fork, a handlebar, and a stem assembly. The stem assembly is coupled to and extends from the steerer tube to attach the handlebar to the fork. The stem assembly includes a stem, a shim that is coupled to the stem, and a clamp contacting both the shim and the handlebar to secure the handlebar to the stem assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Cote, Aaron J. Foley, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8590418
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for the handle position of a bicycle includes an upper cover (2) and a lower cover (3), which clamp the handle, and a handle vertical pipe (5) fastened on the front fork by a retaining mechanism. One side of the upper cover and one side of the lower cover for clamping the handle are connected with each other, and the other sides can be interlocked by an independent retaining mechanism. The top of the handle vertical pipe is provided with steps (6), and the lower cover is sleeved outside the handle vertical pipe and arranged below the steps at the top of the handle vertical pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dahon Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Jianhua Wu, Hanxin Zheng, Yiping Mo
  • Patent number: 8578814
    Abstract: The stem (1) is provided with elements (3) for attaching the stem to the upper end of a pivoting tube and elements (25) for attaching a handlebar to the stem. The rear attachment elements (3) include articulation members (8) that make it possible to adjust the tilt of the stem (1) and tightening elements (10, 11, 19, 21) that make it possible to lock the stem in an angular position. The tightening elements are of a semi-cylindrical shape extending crosswise into a housing (12) that has an opening (12?) downward that makes it possible to insert the pivoting tube (4). The tightening elements at their upper and lower ends are provided with a receiving recess (13, 14) that is adapted to the pivoting tube and extend crosswise in the housing that has a cylindrical wall (15) cooperating with the first tightening element (10) so as to define the articulation members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Look Cycle International
    Inventor: Sébastien Servet
  • Patent number: 8534683
    Abstract: A mobility device including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a pair of telescopically arranged assemblies and a pair of handgrips. The plurality of wheels are rotatably coupled to the frame. The pair of telescopically arranged assemblies are coupled to the frame. The pair of handgrips are each coupled to a corresponding one of the pair of telescopically arranged assemblies. The pair of handgrips are arranged to adjust a height of the pair of telescopically arranged assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Brookefield Hunter, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd L. Lautzenhiser, Wade Wolf
  • Publication number: 20130220066
    Abstract: A bike auxiliary handle connection device includes a main body and an adjustment unit. The main body has a guide trough and adjustment holes. The adjustment unit includes two receiving seats and two adjustment bolts. The two receiving seats have guide blocks at inner sides thereof. The guide blocks are inserted in the guide trough the main body. The guide blocks have threaded holes thereon. The two adjustment bolts are inserted through the main body and screwed to the threaded holes of the guide blocks. The two receiving seats of the adjustment unit are fitted on the front ends of the two parallel auxiliary handles. The connection device can be adjusted along with the adjustment of the distance of the two auxiliary handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: YAO-CHING HUANG
  • Patent number: 8408573
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a stem for bicycle handlebar and the like includes an arm joining the handlebar with a fork. The arm includes a three-piece wedge on each end that is adjustable by a screw to tighten and loosen a middle clamp of the wedge. The wedge is moved to release and tighten the fork and the handlebar independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Crank Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Hermansen, Carl Winefordner
  • Patent number: 8402861
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a snowmobile, includes a handlebar assembly for steering the vehicle. The handlebar assembly includes a riser pivotally secured to a steering shaft and handlebars pivotally secured to the riser. A clamp selectively engages both handlebars and steering shaft to fix the position of the riser relative to the handlebars and steering shaft. The clamp includes upper and lower clamps selectively drawn toward one another by a locking member embodied as a cam-lock including a rod having a cam eccentrically and pivotally connected to one end and an enlargement secured to the opposite end. A lever pivots the cam to shorten or lengthen the distance between a lower surface of the cam and the enlargement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse W. Olson
  • Patent number: 8398107
    Abstract: The bicycle angle adjustment device according to the invention is suitable for rotationally adjusting a first bicycle part in relation to a second bicycle part. The first bicycle part is provided with a hole with an internal toothing. Also, an intermediate ring is provided with an external and internal toothing, wherein the intermediate ring's external toothing, when 5 mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the first bicycle part. In this way, a first set of meshing toothings is formed. The second bicycle part is provided with an external toothing which, when mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the intermediate ring, in such a way that a second set of meshing toothings is formed. The first set of toothings has a first minimum angular rotation and the second set of toothings has a second minimum angular 0 rotation. The first minimum angular rotation of the first set of toothings differs from the second minimum angular rotation of the second set of toothings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3T Design Limited
    Inventor: Richard McAinsh
  • Patent number: 8382133
    Abstract: A foldable device is adapted to connect a front fork to a handlebar of a bicycle, and includes a linking member hingedly connected to lower and upper hingeable flanges about first and second hinge axes, respectively. The first and second hinge axes are transverse to each other. The upper and lower hingeable flanges are respectively coupled with the handlebar and the front fork. The handlebar is turned relative to the front fork about the first and second hinge axes to permit a handlebar line of the handlebar to be parallel to a longitudinal direction in which the bicycle extends so as to fold the bicycle and to minimize the entire width of the folded bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Che-Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 8381858
    Abstract: A handlebar folding mechanism for a foldable motorized vehicle comprising: (a) a mounting base, (b) a first connecting member and a second connecting member, each having a connection portion and a locking portion, (c) a first locking lever and a second locking lever, (d) a steering axial rod and (e) a first steering handlebar and a second steering handlebar, each of the steering handlebar having an inside end and outside end, wherein the connection portions of the connecting members are connected to the inside end of the first steering handlebar, the locking portions of the connecting members are pivoted on the mounting base, the locking levers are retractably mounted in the mounting base to control the rotation of the connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Chichun Wu, Zhao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130042719
    Abstract: A Multi-Level Handlebars Stem device for bicycles or stationary bicycles or other vehicles comprising a steerer bracket, such steerer bracket connecting to a steerer tube or stem adaptor, wherein the steerer bracket is connected to an upper bar and a lower bar at their first ends with through pins, wherein the upper and lower are connected to a handlebar clamp at their second ends by through pins, whereby a lock pin housed in the lower bar engages a notched wheel of the steerer bracket allowing the upper and lower bars to rotate with respect to the steerer tube or stem adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Josef Tuma
  • Patent number: 8327737
    Abstract: A bicycle is disclosed. A direction control device thereof comprises a handlebar, a steering stem, two adjusting stems, and a quick switch device. The steering stem is connected to the main frame and comprises a longitudinal rod and a horizontal rod. Each adjusting stem comprises an adjusting main body, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. Both ends of the horizontal rod are clamped by each first clamping portion; the handlebar is clamped by each second clamping portion. There are two clamping states of the first and second clamping portions: a fastening state and a non-fastening state. The quick switch device is coupled to each adjusting stem and controls the clamping state of each first clamping portion and each second clamping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dahon and Hon Industrial Labs, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joakim Uimonen
  • Publication number: 20120297922
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a head tube. The bicycle also includes a fork that is rotationally coupled to the head tube and that has a steerer tube extending upward through the head tube, a wheel rotationally coupled to the fork, a handlebar, and a stem assembly. The stem assembly is coupled to and extends from the steerer tube to attach the handlebar to the fork. The stem assembly includes a stem, a shim that is coupled to the stem, and a clamp contacting both the shim and the handlebar to secure the handlebar to the stem assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Cote, Aaron J. Foley, Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8307736
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a cylinder having two collars formed on each end portion, two arms each having a barrel disposed between the collars, two bars engaged through the collars and the barrels of the arms for pivotally connecting the arms to the cylinder, and two followers engaged into the cylinder and movable relative to the cylinder for moving the barrels of the arms to clamp and retain the bars to the cylinder at the selected position and to retain the barrels of the arms at the selected angular position relative to the cylinder, the arms are adjustable relative to the cylinder to the selected angular position and the bars are movable relative to the cylinder to the selected position when the followers are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 8307735
    Abstract: A bicycle stem includes a steerer tube base including a pivotal end having a pivotal hole and two blocking devices provided in the pivotal end and slightly protruding from an inner side of the pivotal hole. A clamp arm includes a coupled end pivotally coupled to the pivotal end. A lock unit includes two lock sleeves, an engaged bolt disposed in the pivotal hole of the pivotal end and a blocking element for preventing the engaged bolt from detaching from the pivotal end. The lock unit is operable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the lock unit, the clamp arm is fixed and can not pivot with respect to the steerer tube base, and in the second position of the lock unit, the clamp arm is able to pivot with respect to the steerer tube base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kristopher Wehage
  • Publication number: 20120272777
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a folding handlebar to allow the rider to adopt an aerodynamic riding position without superfluous bars protruding left and right and a control system so the rider has full access to braking and gear changing whether riding in the aero or non aero position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: John Irven Tolhurst
  • Patent number: 8262114
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventor: Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8230758
    Abstract: A multi-adjustable handlebar and handlebar mounting riser assembly that rotates and pivots about multiple axes. This offers a high degree of adjustability by utilizing multiple adjusting members while integrating a number of elements to enhance safety and control. These include alignment keys, anti-separation grooves, caps, and stops as well as rotation stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Harry Greb Eddy
  • Patent number: 8215203
    Abstract: A handlebar clamp which can be removably affixed to the transverse clamping plate of any type of bicycle thereby allowing the bicycle to accommodate a multiplicity of handlebars. The handlebar clamp can be fitted to accommodate a multiplicity of different transverse clamping plates. The clamp is held in position by a quick-release attachment to the transverse clamping plate of a bicycle. The clamp has two jaws, the lower of which has at least two different sized partial openings, one each on its upper and lower sides, so that the lower jaw, upon rotation, accommodates different sized handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Swift
  • Patent number: 8205903
    Abstract: Each side of an adjustable handlebar assembly has a hand grip assembly receiving portion having one of an elongated hollow member and an elongated member, a hand grip assembly and at least one releasable fastener. The hand grip assembly has the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member, and a hand grip disposed on the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The at least one releasable fastener is disposed on one of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The elongated member is received coaxially in the elongated hollow member. The hand grip is axially movable and pivotable relative to the hand grip assembly receiving portion. The at least one releasable fastener is operative to selectively and releasably fix the elongated member relative to the elongated hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Simard, Etienne Girard, Andre Denis, Andre Cote, Steve Tetreault
  • Patent number: 8177249
    Abstract: A bicycle stem includes a stem body (2) that is provided with first elements (3) adapted to attach the bicycle stem to a pivoting tube and second elements (25) adapted to attach a handlebar to the stem. The handlebar include a U-shaped cap (27) that has first connecting elements (32) that connect to second connecting elements (33) that are provided at the front end of the stem body (2) to attach the U-shaped cap (27) opposite a recess (30) provided on the front end of the stem body to receive the handlebar. The length of the stem can be modified using a crescent-shaped spacer (35) that is placed in a U shape for obtaining a reduced length of the stem or in the recess (30) to obtain a more significant length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Look Cycle International
    Inventor: Sébastien Servet
  • Patent number: 8152190
    Abstract: A stem connecting the handlebars and steerable fork of a cycle has one tube attached to the handlebars and another tube attached to the steerable fork with the tubes capable of being rotated and locked with respect to one another. This arrangement allows for various configurations of the handlebars and fork including the typical riding configuration as well as an alternate configuration where the handlebars are folded with respect to the fork. Change in configuration is accomplished without tools by way of a biased locking arrangement for the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Alejandro Lacreu
  • Publication number: 20120079911
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for the handle position of a bicycle includes an upper cover (2) and a lower cover (3), which clamp the handle, and a handle vertical pipe (5) fastened on the front fork by a retaining mechanism. One side of the upper cover and one side of the lower cover for clamping the handle are connected with each other, and the other sides can be interlocked by an independent retaining mechanism. The top of the handle vertical pipe is provided with steps (6), and the lower cover is sleeved outside the handle vertical pipe and arranged below the steps at the top of the handle vertical pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Jianhua Wu, Hanxin Zheng, Yiping Mo
  • Publication number: 20120062003
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle and handlebar height adjustment device including a tubular element provided with elements for its connection to the saddle, and presenting a portion cooperating with a support element for the tubular element. The support element is associated with a ring nut rotating thereon and presenting a first thread cooperating with a corresponding first counter-thread provided on the tubular element. An alignment element is present to maintain the angular position between the tubular element and the support element. The ring nut is associated with the support element by way of a second thread cooperating with a corresponding second counter-thread provided on the support element. The first and second threads are counter-rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Angelo Morelli
  • Patent number: 8123242
    Abstract: A foldable steering column of vehicle including a steering member with a steering fork. The foldable steering column includes a base coupleable to the steering fork; a steering tube pivotally coupled to the base between at least a first position aligned with the base and second position not aligned with the base; and a sleeve operably associated with the base and the steering tube for positioning between a first position where the steering tube is secured to and aligned with the base and a second position where the steering tube is free to pivot relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: PT Motion Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent C. Teal, Bryan L. Pate
  • Patent number: 8061235
    Abstract: A handlebar assembly is provided for a vehicle such as a motorcycle. The handlebar assembly includes a base, a left arm, a left handle, a right arm, and a right handle. The left and right arms are attached to the base and are rotatable with respect to the base about respective left and right arm axes. The left and right handles are respectively attached to the left and right arms and are respectively rotatable with respect to the left and right arms about left and right handle axes. Vehicles including the handlebar assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nagao, Kenji Tamura
  • Patent number: 8029011
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Robert S. Zimmerman, Daniel T. Sellars, Scott D. Batdorf
  • Patent number: 8024992
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle and handlebar height adjustment device comprising a tubular element (5) provided with means (2) for its connection to said saddle (3) and presenting a portion (4) to cooperate with a support element (6, 7) for said tubular element, said support element being associated with locking means (8) for said first tubular element which maintain the tubular element (5) in a determined position relative to the support element (6, 7), in which alignment means (16) are present between said support element (6, 7) and said tubular element (5) to maintain a determined angular position between the tubular element (5) and the support element (6, 7), said locking means (8) comprising a threaded (132A) ring (132) rotatably fixed to one from among the support element (6, 7) and the tubular element (5), the other from among the support element (6, 7) and the tubular element (5) presenting a thread (5A) cooperating with the thread (132A) of said ring (132).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Angelo Morelli
  • Publication number: 20110132135
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for rotating a handle frame of a bicycle. In order to facilitate the manipulation of a brake lever or a gear shift lever and further improve the convenience of the product, the apparatus for rotating the handle frame is mounted on the handle frame of the vehicle to allow the handle frame to rotate in a rotation direction identical to that of a handle and at a rotation angle identical to that of the handle, so that the handle frame rotates according to road conditions. A rider is protected from impact occurring according to the road conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Ja Kyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20110107872
    Abstract: The stem (1) is provided with elements (3) for attaching the stem to the upper end of a pivoting tube and elements (25) for attaching a handlebar to the stem. The rear attachment elements (3) include articulation members (8) that make it possible to adjust the tilt of the stem (1) and tightening elements (10, 11, 19, 21) that make it possible to lock the stem in an angular position. The tightening elements are of a semi-cylindrical shape extending crosswise into a housing (12) that has an opening (12?) downward that makes it possible to insert the pivoting tube (4). The tightening elements at their upper and lower ends are provided with a receiving recess (13, 14) that is adapted to the pivoting tube and extend crosswise in the housing that has a cylindrical wall (15) cooperating with the first tightening element (10) so as to define the articulation members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: LOOK CYCLE INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Sébastien Servet
  • Patent number: 7926386
    Abstract: My invention is an apparatus, that adjusts the vertical position of a bicycle handlebar assembly, through the use of an adjustable telescoping gooseneck; which adjusts by the use of a sliding shaft; IE gooseneck, through a sleeve, which replaces the original stem or gooseneck of a bicycle; allowing the rider to raise or lower the handlebar position, while still riding, through the use of a retractable locking pin, that is actuated remotely, by a lever that is mounted on the handlebar. My invention does not pivot in any way and the complete handlebar/gooseneck assembly is completely removable from the bicycle frame, for ease of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Lee Godfrey
  • Patent number: 7900948
    Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle includes a pair of forks and a steerer tube that extend in generally opposite directions from a fork crown. The assembly includes first and second means for securing the steerer tube to the fork crown. Preferably, the steerer tube is threaded and bonded to the fork crown. The fork crown includes a pair of cavities that each slidably receives a respective fork. Preferably, each fork is formed of a carbon fiber material and has an end whose shape substantially matches a shape of a respective cavity formed in the crown. The forks and crown cavities cooperate to efficiently communicate loads between the forks and the fork crown while maintaining a lightweight and robust fork, fork crown, and steerer tube assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Barry Lewis
  • Publication number: 20100327552
    Abstract: Each side of an adjustable handlebar assembly has a hand grip assembly receiving portion having one of an elongated hollow member and an elongated member, a hand grip assembly and at least one releasable fastener. The hand grip assembly has the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member, and a hand grip disposed on the other of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The at least one releasable fastener is disposed on one of the elongated hollow member and the elongated member. The elongated member is received coaxially in the elongated hollow member. The hand grip is axially movable and pivotable relative to the hand grip assembly receiving portion. The at least one releasable fastener is operative to selectively and releasably fix the elongated member relative to the elongated hollow member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard SIMARD, Etienne GIRARD, Andre DENIS, Andre COTE, Steve TETREAULT
  • Publication number: 20100326232
    Abstract: A steering system for a bicycle includes a steering post; a primary set of handlebars secured to the steering post; and a supplemental set of handlebars comprising a plate including two forward opposite extensions each having at least one groove, and two rear wings; a U-shaped handle element adjustably secured to the at least one groove by threading; and a clamp for securing the plate to the primary set of handlebars. A bicycle rider may rest the elbows on the wings with the hands gripping the handle element in a relatively comfortable riding manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Jen Wang