A suspension system for a fork includes a first tube and a second tube that telescopically interfit with one another. A damping system is in one leg of the fork. The damping system includes an air chamber having a first portion and a second portion separated by a check valve. A Schrader valve permits the addition and removal of air from the air chamber. Actuation of the Schrader valve actuates the check valve and allows air to flow into both the first portion and second portion simultaneously. The air volume in the air chamber is sufficient to allow a standard pump pressure gauge to read the pressure in the air chamber.
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes an inboard leg and an outboard leg. The outboard leg is configured to slide vertically relative to the inboard leg. A fastener passes through the inboard leg and outboard leg and defines the upper and lower limit of sliding of the outboard leg.
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/00 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like
3.
Valves For Changing The Pressure Of A Fluid In A Suspension And Retainer For Retaining Fluid In A Suspension
A suspension system for a fork includes a first tube and a second tube that telescopically interfit with one another. An atmospheric release valve allows a compressible fluid to move from the interior of the first tube to the exterior of the first tube when the pressure of the compressible fluid exceeds a release valve threshold. A fluid introduction valve is spaced from the atmospheric release valve and allows the introduction of a compressible fluid and an incompressible fluid from the exterior of the first tube to the interior of the first tube. A fluid retainer is positioned adjacent the fluid introduction valve to retain the fluid introduced.
A suspension system includes a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber with a damping chamber therebetween. The compression chambers may be independently filled with a compressible fluid, and the relative pressures may govern the rebound rate of the suspension. Seals that minimize friction, an adjustment system, and a stop are also included to enhance rider joy.
F16F 9/46 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance
B62K 25/28 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay
B62K 25/30 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay pivoted on pedal crank shelf
F16F 9/02 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only
Bicycle accessories, namely, bicycle rollers and bicycle roller assemblies for training and exercising, and accessories thereto for training and exercising, namely, resistance devices, flywheels, fans driven by bicycle rollers for use in creating air flow and resistance, and bicycle trainer fork stands for stationary trainers.
6.
Chain ring with teeth oppositely laterally engaging a drive chain
A drive system for a vehicle includes a chain ring and a drive chain. The chain ring has a plurality of teeth serially arranged and joined to one another. A first subset of teeth has a first outer face that applies a lateral pressure to a link of a drive chain in a first direction. A second subset of teeth has a second outer face that applies a lateral pressure to another link of a drive chain in a second direction. The teeth all have substantially the same width. The top surfaces of the teeth are offset from the centerline of the drive chain. The centerlines of the top surfaces of the teeth are arranged asymmetrically on one side of the centerline of the drive chain.
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes an inboard leg and an outboard leg. The outboard leg is configured to slide vertically relative to the inboard leg. A fastener passes through the inboard leg and outboard leg and defines the upper and lower limit of sliding of the outboard leg.
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/00 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like
B62M 9/02 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of unchangeable ratio
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes an inboard leg, an outboard leg, and a lock. The lock may be configured to allow a rider to remove the outboard leg of the chain guide assembly without tools.
The present disclosure relates to a chain ring having teeth positioned in one of three lateral positions. At least one tooth may be placed in each lateral position. At least half the teeth may be positioned in a middle lateral position. The teeth in the first and third lateral positions may apply opposing lateral forces to a bicycle drive chain.
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes an inboard leg and an outboard leg. Rotation of the outboard leg relative to the inboard leg locks the inboard leg in place relative to the outboard leg. Relative rotation locks the assembly onto a shaft. The assembly may include an outboard leg that snaps into place on the inboard leg and is capable of rotating between two extreme positions.
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes an inboard leg, an outboard leg, and a lock. The lock may be configured to allow a rider to remove the outboard leg of the chain guide assembly without tools.
A drive system for a vehicle includes a chain ring and a drive chain. The chain ring has a plurality of teeth serially arranged and joined to one another. A first subset of teeth has a first outer face that applies a lateral pressure to a link of a drive chain in a first direction. A second subset of teeth has a second outer face that applies a lateral pressure to another link of a drive chain in a second direction. The teeth all have substantially the same width. The top surfaces of the teeth are offset from the centerline of the drive chain. The centerlines of the top surfaces of the teeth are arranged asymmetrically on one side of the centerline of the drive chain.
A front fork of a bicycle may include a suspension system that includes a damper. The damper may include a hollow tube with orifices that may be partially blocked by an adjustable blocker. A free end of the adjuster that adjusts the blocker may maintain its axial position in any rotational position. Ambient air may be introduced through a valve and retained in the suspension system. The suspension may include a mechanical spring in a chamber away from the valve that introduces the ambient air.
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
F16F 9/02 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only
F16F 9/43 - Filling arrangements, e.g. for supply of gas
F16F 9/06 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using both gas and liquid
F16F 13/00 - Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
F16F 9/46 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance
A shock absorber includes a compensator and a variable volume chamber. The compensator contains a compressible fluid and the variable volume chamber contains a substantially incompressible fluid. During a compression stroke, an increase in the volume of the incompressible fluid in the variable volume chamber compresses the compensator and thereby increases the available volume in the variable volume chamber.
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
F16F 13/00 - Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
B62K 21/02 - Front wheel forks or equivalent, e.g. single tine
A suspension system includes a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber with a damping chamber therebetween. The compression chambers may be independently filled with a compressible fluid, and the relative pressures may govern the rebound rate of the suspension. Seals that minimize friction, an adjustment system, and a stop are also included to enhance rider joy.
F16F 9/02 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only
F16F 9/46 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance
B62K 25/28 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay
B62K 25/30 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with pivoted chain-stay pivoted on pedal crank shelf
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes a chain guide, a first lock and a second lock. The first lock and the second lock are capable of being actuated separately to lock the chain guide into a position in each of a first and second orientation relative to the bracket.
The present disclosure relates to a chain ring having teeth positioned in one of three lateral positions. At least one tooth may be placed in each lateral position. At least half the teeth may be positioned in a middle lateral position. The teeth in the first and third lateral positions may apply opposing lateral forces to a bicycle drive chain.
A drive system for a vehicle includes a chain ring and a drive chain. The chain ring has a plurality of teeth serially arranged and joined to one another. A first subset of teeth has a first outer face that applies a lateral pressure to a link of a drive chain in a first direction. A second subset of teeth has a second outer face that applies a lateral pressure to another link of a drive chain in a second direction. The teeth all have substantially the same width. The top surfaces of the teeth are offset from the centerline of the drive chain. The centerlines of the top surfaces of the teeth are arranged asymmetrically on one side of the centerline of the drive chain.
A suspension unit for a front fork of a vehicle includes an annular tube. The first tube defines a compression chamber and a damping chamber. A damper includes a first valve allowing gas to variably flow from the compression chamber to the damping chamber and a second valve allowing gas to flow from the damping chamber to the compression chamber. An external adjuster allows a rider to adjust the first valve to improve ride conditions.
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
F16F 9/00 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
A shock absorber includes a first end and a second end that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber, a damping chamber, and a floating piston. The first side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the gas spring chamber. The second side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the damping chamber. The gas in the gas spring chamber applies pressure against the floating piston, which applies pressure to the substantially incompressible fluid in the damping chamber. This pressure transfer may be adequate to minimize or prevent cavitation.
B60G 15/12 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having fluid spring and fluid damper
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
F16F 9/36 - Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
B62K 25/06 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms
21.
Suspension including coil spring and ambient air cushion
A front fork of a bicycle may include a suspension system that includes a damper. The damper may include a hollow tube with orifices that may be partially blocked by an adjustable blocker. A free end of the adjuster that adjusts the blocker may maintain its axial position in any rotational position. Ambient air may be introduced through a valve and retained in the suspension system. The suspension may include a mechanical spring in a chamber away from the valve that introduces the ambient air.
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
F16F 9/02 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only
F16F 13/00 - Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
F16F 9/46 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance
F16F 9/43 - Filling arrangements, e.g. for supply of gas
F16F 9/06 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using both gas and liquid
A shock absorber includes a first end and a second end that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber, a damping chamber, and a floating piston. The first side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the gas spring chamber. The second side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the damping chamber. The gas in the gas spring chamber applies pressure against the floating piston, which applies pressure to the substantially incompressible fluid in the damping chamber. This pressure transfer may be adequate to minimize or prevent cavitation.
B60G 15/12 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having fluid spring and fluid damper
F16F 9/36 - Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
F16F 9/06 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using both gas and liquid
B62K 25/06 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms
A shock absorber has a valve controlling the flow rate of fluid between a first chamber and a second chamber. The shock absorber may include a blocker that has a variable profile. The blocker may be rotatable using an external adjuster to position the blocker to variably occlude an aperture and vary the damping of the suspension. A bias may also be positioned adjacent the blocker to allow force from the fluid to move the blocker and expose the aperture, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the entirety of the aperture.
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
F16F 9/34 - Special valve constructions; Shape or construction of throttling passages
F16F 9/46 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance
F16F 9/44 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction
A shock absorber includes a first end and a second end that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber, a damping chamber, and a floating piston. The first side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the gas spring chamber. The second side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the damping chamber. The gas in the gas spring chamber applies pressure against the floating piston, which applies pressure to the substantially incompressible fluid in the damping chamber. This pressure transfer may be adequate to minimize or prevent cavitation.
F16F 9/36 - Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
F16F 9/02 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
F16F 9/44 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction
B60G 15/12 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having fluid spring and fluid damper
The present disclosure relates to a chain ring having teeth positioned in one of three lateral positions. At least one tooth may be placed in each lateral position. At least half the teeth may be positioned in a middle lateral position. The teeth in the first and third lateral positions may apply opposing lateral forces to a bicycle drive chain.
The present disclosure relates to a rear shock absorber for a vehicle. The shock absorber may include a first end and a second end that slide telescopically relative to one another. A piston may be placed in fixed position relative to one of the ends. The first side of the piston may partially define a first chamber filled with a compressible fluid. The second side of the piston may partially define a second chamber filled with a substantially incompressible fluid. The substantially incompressible fluid may be under pressure and may lubricate a seal substantially surrounding a periphery of the piston.
F16F 9/06 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using both gas and liquid
F16F 9/02 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only
B60G 15/12 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having fluid spring and fluid damper
F16F 9/44 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details such means combined with temperature correction
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
F16F 9/32 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium - Details
A shock absorber includes a first end and a second end that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber, a damping chamber, and a floating piston. The first side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the gas spring chamber. The second side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the damping chamber. The gas in the gas spring chamber applies pressure against the floating piston, which applies pressure to the substantially incompressible fluid in the damping chamber. This pressure transfer may be adequate to minimize or prevent cavitation.
B62K 25/06 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms
F16F 9/36 - Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
B60G 15/12 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having fluid spring and fluid damper
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
A suspension unit for a front fork of a vehicle includes an annular tube. The first tube defines a compression chamber and a damping chamber. A damper includes a first valve allowing gas to variably flow from the compression chamber to the damping chamber and a second valve allowing gas to flow from the damping chamber to the compression chamber. An external adjuster allows a rider to adjust the first valve to improve ride conditions.
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
F16F 9/00 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
29.
CHAIN RING WITH TEETH OPPOSITELY LATERALLY ENGAGING A DRIVE CHAIN
A drive system for a vehicle includes a chain ring and a drive chain. The chain ring has a plurality of teeth serially arranged and joined to one another. A first subset of teeth has a first outer face that applies a lateral pressure to a link of a drive chain in a first direction. A second subset of teeth has a second outer face that applies a lateral pressure to another link of a drive chain in a second direction. The teeth all have substantially the same width. The top surfaces of the teeth are offset from the centerline of the drive chain. The centerlines of the top surfaces of the teeth are arranged asymmetrically on one side of the centerline of the drive chain.
B62M 9/10 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
30.
Chain ring with teeth oppositely laterally engaging a drive chain
A drive system for a vehicle includes a chain ring and a drive chain. The chain ring has a plurality of teeth serially arranged and joined to one another. A first subset of teeth has a first outer face that applies a lateral pressure to a link of a drive chain in a first direction. A second subset of teeth has a second outer face that applies a lateral pressure to another link of a drive chain in a second direction. The teeth all have substantially the same width. The top surfaces of the teeth are offset from the centerline of the drive chain. The centerlines of the top surfaces of the teeth are arranged asymmetrically on one side of the centerline of the drive chain.
A shock absorber has a valve controlling the flow rate of fluid between a first chamber and a second chamber. The shock absorber may include a blocker that has a variable profile. The blocker may be rotatable using an external adjuster to position the blocker to variably occlude an aperture and vary the damping of the suspension. A bias may also be positioned adjacent the blocker to allow force from the fluid to move the blocker and expose the aperture, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the entirety of the aperture.
F16F 9/34 - Special valve constructions; Shape or construction of throttling passages
F16F 13/00 - Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
A suspension unit for a front fork of a vehicle includes an annular tube. The first tube defines a compression chamber and a damping chamber. A damper includes a first valve allowing gas to variably flow from the compression chamber to the damping chamber and a second valve allowing gas to flow from the damping chamber to the compression chamber. An external adjuster allows a rider to adjust the first valve to improve ride conditions.
B62K 25/08 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
F16F 9/00 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
The present disclosure relates to a chain ring having teeth positioned in one of three lateral positions. At least one tooth may be placed in each lateral position. At least half the teeth may be positioned in a middle lateral position. The teeth in the first and third lateral positions may apply opposing lateral forces to a bicycle drive chain.
The present disclosure relates to a chain ring having teeth positioned in one of three lateral positions. At least one tooth may be placed in each lateral position. At least half the teeth may be positioned in a middle lateral position. The teeth in the first and third lateral positions may apply opposing lateral forces to a bicycle drive chain.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
Bicycle suspensions and parts, including suspension shock absorbers, front forks, and rear shocks; Bicycle drive trains and parts, including cranks, chain rings, chain guards, chain guide; and Rigid bicycle forks.
A shock absorber includes a first portion and a second portion that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber defined between an interior wall and a plunger. A seal including a lip portion minimizes gas pressure loss and friction between the two portions.
F16F 9/36 - Special sealings, including sealings or guides for piston-rods
B60G 11/27 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having fluid springs only, e.g. hydropneumatic springs wherein the fluid is a gas
B62K 25/04 - Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
B60G 15/12 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having fluid spring and fluid damper
A wheel assembly quick release lever pivots against a thrust washer to apply a force along the length of an axle. The thrust washer is pressed toward a sleeve nut at the opposite end of the axle, which displaces the thrust washer relative to the axle, drawing the sleeve nut and a pair of compression rings toward one another deeper into conical cavities of dropouts. The radially outwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the tapered cavities of the closed bore dropouts, and the radially inwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the axle to provide resistance to rotational movement of the axle relative to the dropouts. The inboard surfaces of the dropouts seat against the load-bearing axle faces of the hub, which provides resistance to lateral movement.
A wheel assembly quick release lever pivots against a thrust washer to apply a force along the length of an axle. The thrust washer is pressed toward a sleeve nut at the opposite end of the axle, which displaces the thrust washer relative to the axle, drawing the sleeve nut and a pair of compression rings toward one another deeper into conical cavities of dropouts. The radially outwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the tapered cavities of the closed bore dropouts, and the radially inwardly facing surfaces of the compression rings firmly seat against the axle to provide resistance to rotational movement of the axle relative to the dropouts. The inboard surfaces of the dropouts seat against the load-bearing axle faces of the hub, which provides resistance to lateral movement.
A guard for a chain and chain ring of a bicycle includes a bracket and a bracket extension. The bracket extension has a first end and a second end, and at least the second end is integrally formed. The second end includes a U-shaped configuration configured to house a chain retainer. The bracket and the bracket extension may be secured to one another using two fasteners. The bracket and the bracket extension may rotate relative to one another when only one of the fasteners is attached and may be fixed relative to one another when both of the fasteners are attached.
An axle assembly (310) has a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for rotatably mounting a wheel and hub assembly on an axle portion of the axle assembly, the axle portion located between the first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for affixing to first and second structural members (301, 302), at least one of the structural members (302) comprising a substantially closed bore orifice (306) wheel mounting point or dropout, said dropout having a first side configured for the axle portion to extend therefrom when said axle assembly (310) is fixed to said point and a second side, the axle assembly (310) comprising a first fixing means (309) at the first end for releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the first structural member (302) and a second fixing means (311) at the second end for releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the second structural member (301).
A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
A shock absorber having a valve controlling the flow rate of fluid between a compression chamber and a rebound chamber in a housing and separated by a piston. The valve has an orifice component and a blocker component, one of which has a permanent magnet, and the other of which has a magnetically permeable material. Upon the application of sufficient fluid pressure, the blocker component is forced away from the orifice component, despite the magnetic bias that tends to attract the two structures. Because the magnetic force decreases as the two components are spaced farther apart, the shock absorber has excellent performance characteristics. Alternatively, a mechanical spring urges the blocker closed, and magnetic attraction between the blocker and a spaced opener mitigates the increased force of the compressed spring tending to close the valve.
A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
B62J 13/00 - Guards for chain, chain drive or equivalent drive, e.g. belt drive
B62M 9/12 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the chain, belt, or the like being laterally shiftable
An axle assembly (310) has a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for rotatably mounting a wheel and hub assembly on an axle portion or the axle assembly, the axle portion located between the first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for affixing to first and second structural members (301, 302), at least one of the structural members (302) comprising a substantially closed bore orifice (306) wheel mounting point or dropout, said dropout having a first side configured for the axle portion to extend therefrom when said axle assembly (310) is fixed to said point and a second side, the axle assembly (310) comprising a first fixing means (309) at the first end for releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the first structural member (302) and a second fixing means (311) at the second end fog releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the second structural member (301).
