Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to terrain-tracking or vehicle suspension systems that include travel at least one of the front or the rear of the vehicle. Various embodiments include a suspension above the vehicle (upper suspension). Embodiments include a suspension or travel in at least one of t he upper vehicle (rear and/or front), middle vehicle (rear and/or front), or below vehicle (rear and/or front). Various embodiments included a combination thereof.
Abstract:
A center of gravity (C/G) control system for a vehicle includes sensors to measure the center of gravity shift and mass shift of the human body in relation to the vehicle, a controller to determine outputs, a dynamically adjustable vehicle system, and a power supply. The sensor measures the direction and rate of shift of the center of gravity and mass shift of the human and creates a representative input signal. The controller determines the appropriate outputs in response to the relative center of gravity shift data received. The dynamically adjustable vehicle system receives the controller output and performs the expected action.
Abstract:
The invention disclosed herein is a very durable, lightweight, front fork assembly for use on competition bicycles. The invention provides improved fatigue and impact resistance compared to prior art designs. The invention makes maximum use of advanced, high strength composite materials and high strength, lightweight metal alloys, improving its stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios. The superior structural performance of the invention is provided by a unique section geometry and ply configuration that efficiently utilizes the material to maximize bending and torsional stiffness while minimizing weight. The improved strength also comes from the superior control of the molding process, made possible with a removable pressure bladder that remains connected to the pressure source, and is regulated, during the molding process. The invention is produced using an efficient, "cigar" roll-up procedure where the fiber lay-up is first made in a flat pattern and later rolled up into the final "cigar" roll-up configuration.
Abstract:
The subject brake block comprises a cup shaped metal component and an elastomeric component formed in a two part mold. The method involves using the metal component of each brake block as one of the parts used in molding the elastomeric component of the brake block. This decreases the accuracy required in making and aligning the mold parts. The metal component is shaped so that the elastomeric component is mechanically locked in place in it when the elastomeric component is formed.
Abstract:
A vehicle (300), comprising: a frame (310) comprising a head tube (314) and a rear driven axle support (312); a motion control system; and a payload support (320) movably connected to the frame (310) via the motion control system such that the payload support (320) moves non-linearly relative to the frame (310), wherein the payload support (320) comprises a seat support, and in a first operating state of the vehicle (300), the motion control system, in response to a driven acceleration of the frame (310) in a forward direction, imparts a force onto the payload support (320) that accelerates the seat support (320) in the forward direction at an acceleration no less than an acceleration of the rear driven axle support (312) in the forward direction.
Abstract:
A vehicle includes a forward frame portion with a seat support portion. The vehicle also includes a motion control system and a rear frame portion movably interconnected to the forward frame portion by the motion control system. The motion control system, in response to a forward acceleration of the rear frame portion resulting from a driving force imparted by a wheel supported by the rear frame portion, imparts a force onto the forward frame portion that immediately accelerates the seat support portion in a forward direction.
Abstract:
A tensioning device for bicycle front and rear wheel assemblies. A skewer assembly with a thumbnut is securable to the wheel assembly with a quick-release assembly. Portions of the skewer assembly are removable from the quick-release assembly by turning the thumbnut a partial turn, such as a quarter of a turn. Removal of the skewer assembly allows the front wheel to be removed. In another embodiment, the skewer assembly is able to be removed by turning the quick-release assembly by a partial turn, such as a quarter of a turn.
Abstract:
A bicycle frameset having a front frame portion and a rear triangle swing arm portion, a head tube mounted don the forward end and a seat tube mounted on the trailing end. The rear triangle swing arm incorporates a rigid channel member having a pair of reinforced legs joined by an integral base piece. The lower end of the channel has a shaped edge which is shaped complementary to the shape of the external surface of the bottom bracket. The swing arm bearing and pivot connection to the front frame portion utilizes a clevis-like member bridging the upper ends of the legs of the rigid channel member.
Abstract:
A high efficiency bicycle front fork suspension system in which the front fork and wheel assembly are isolated from the remaining parts of the bicycle frame by a leading, 3-point linkage arrangement configured to produce a trailing link action at the wheel. The suspension system, in its preferred configuration, includes one or more fluid logic, rotary dampers and one or more high performance elastomeric or conventional spring elements carried in rear stub or shortened fork blades.