3226results about "Cycle frames" patented technology

An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle. In other arrangements, the first bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycle portion comprises a handlebar assembly.

A straddle-type vehicle, or all terrain vehicle, has an engine located towards the rear of the vehicle such that a main portion of the engine, or power unit, is disposed beneath the seat. The fuel tank extends generally vertically beneath the steering member. The radiator is located at a rear portion of the vehicle rearwardly of the engine where it is protected from collisions and objects striking the front grille. A front storage compartment is also provided in the front portion of the vehicle. The vehicle also has a pivotally connected and removable seat for easy access to the engine. There is also a gap between the seat and the front wheel well through which the driver can pass his feet or where an optional container or auxiliary fuel tank can be secured.

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.

According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle comprises a first support and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support, such that one of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. In some embodiments, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be selectively moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the expansion portion is configured to contact and engage at least one portion of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position, and the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.

An adjustable-height bicycle seat post assembly comprises a hollow seat post for supporting a bicycle seat slidably on plastic guides or shims inside a hollow tube. The hollow tube clamps into the frame of a bicycle. A mainspring forces the post upward, but a locking mechanism interconnects the post with the tube in various fixed positions relative to the tube. The locking mechanism includes a housing, which supports a plunger for reciprocating movement into and out of engagement with holes on the post. The locking mechanism is affixed to the outside of the tube to bear shearing forces on the plunger. An endcap on the locking mechanism and a topcap on the tube protect the assembly from foreign debris. The locking mechanism may be manipulated remotely using a magnetic switch assembly or manually using a mechanical assembly. A lost motion coupling is integrated into the locking mechanism and / or actuator assembly to enable the remote actuator to be moved or deployed while the latch remains trapped under the influence of a dominant shear load. The lost motion coupling is also effective to allow an operator to deploy the remote actuator at any convenient time prior to a desired change in seat height.

An adjustable bicycle seat assembly includes an adjusting unit which includes a top end member connected to the seat post and an adjusting tube is connected to a lower end of the top end member. An inner space is defined in the adjusting tube and an outer space is defined between the adjusting tube and the seat post. A path is defined between the adjusting tube and the top end member so as to communicate with the inner space and the outer space. An axle is movably received in the path and removably seals the path. An anti-rotation device is located between the seat post and the seat tube so as to prevent the seat post from rotating relative to the seat tube.

An adjustable height bicycle seat post assembly comprises a hollow seat post for supporting a bicycle seat slidably supported on plastic shims inside a hollow tube. The hollow tube clamps into the frame of a bicycle. A main spring forces the post upward, but a locking mechanism interconnects the post with the tube in various fixed positions relative to the tube. The locking mechanism includes a foundation and a projection extending from the foundation having a counterbore for guiding a plunger into holes on the post. The locking mechanism adheres to the outside of the tube to bear shearing forces on the plunger. An endcap on the locking mechanism and a top cap on the tube protect the assembly from foreign debris. The locking mechanism may be manipulated remotely using a magnetic switch assembly or manually using a manual assembly.

A height adjustable seatpost assembly is provided with first and second tubes, a ratchet mechanism and a drive source. The first and second tubes are telescopically arranged. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet tooth structure and a pawl structure. The pawl structure is engaged with the ratchet tooth structure in a lock position. The pawl structure is movably coupled with respect to the ratchet tooth structure in a movable position such that the first and second tubes are movably arranged relative to each other in at least one axial direction of the first and second tubes. The drive source moves the pawl structure between the lock position and the movable position in response to operation of the drive source. The drive source further axially moves the first and second tubes relative to each other in response to operation of the drive source.

A control system is operable to selectably activate shock damping devices associated with a bicycle so as to eliminate bobbing encountered under extreme pedaling conditions. The system includes a crank axle torque detector which operates to detect a level of torque applied to a crank axle and provide a control signal corresponding to the level of torque. A shock damping device is coupled to the frame of the cycle, and functions to absorb and dampen mechanical shocks communicated to the frame. The shock damping device includes an activator for controlling its damping function. The activator is operable to receive the control signal from the crank axle torque detector and control the shock damping device in response thereto. The control signal may be an electrical or a mechanical signal.

Various embodiments of a saddle type vehicle are described. Configurations are shown in which the engine is located more towards the rear of the vehicle and in which the fuel tank extends generally vertically beneath the steering member. A radiator may also be located at a rear portion of the vehicle, rearwardly of the engine. A front storage compartment is also provided in the front portion of the vehicle. The resulting vehicle has improved access and storage capabilities and also has a lower center of gravity.

An electric powered self-balancing unicycle may include a single wheel assembly having a drive system substantially contained within the wheel, a frame and handlebars including a four-bar linkage mechanism pivotably connected to the wheel assembly by a fork.

An three-wheel vehicle including a modular front structure having a storage compartment therein. The modular front structure is adapted to be mounted onto the chassis of the three-wheel vehicle and to support bodywork elements thereby providing ease of assembly of the vehicle and ease of disassembly for packaging the vehicle.

A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.

An adjustable air cushion bicycle seat hydraulic ram system mounted within the seat post of a bicycle with one end of the ram attached to the bicycle seat, and the other end of the ram in communication with an internal reservoir associated with an adjustable pressurized air / oil reservoir to selectively fill the internal reservoir with a pressurized air column to form an air cushion within the ram to provide the desired ride cushion.

A height adjustable seat tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. An end cap is fixed to the inner tube and a valve unit in the inner tube extends through the end cap and co-movable linearly with the inner tube. An inlet valve is connected to the inner tube. An oil tube is connected between the inlet valve and the valve unit. A first oil room is defined between the oil tube and the valve unit. An oil storage member is connected between a connection member and the end cap. A first air room is defined between the inlet valve, the oil storage member and the inner tube. A second oil room is defined between the oil tube, the oil storage member and the end cap. An oil path is in communication between the first and second oil rooms.

A motorized bicycle seatpost assembly is basically provided with a first tube, a second tube, a motor and a movement mechanism. The first tube has a first end and a second end. The second tube has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second tube is open such that the second end of the first tube is telescopically disposed in the first end of the second tube. The motor is arranged in at least one of the first tube and the second tube. The movement mechanism is connected to the motor to change a relative axial position between the first and second tubes.

Adjustable height bicycle seat mounting assemblies, bikes using such assemblies, and methods of use are provided. One such adjustable height bicycle seat mounting assembly includes first and second tubes in telescoping arrangement. The first tube is adapted to be coupled to a bicycle frame and the second tube is adapted to be coupled to a bicycle seat. A bulkhead is disposed in one of the first and second tubes. The bulkhead has an orifice therethrough, with a rod extending through the orifice and coupled to a movement device disposed near an end of the second tube. The first and second tubes are axially adjustable relative to one another by regulating a flow of a fluid disposed in the first and second tubes.

An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle. In other arrangements, the first bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycle portion comprises a handlebar assembly.

An adjustment device for bicycle seat includes a connection portion located close to a top of the seat post and at least one through hole is defined through a wall of the connection portion. An adjustment device is located between the seat connector and the seat post so as to adjust the seat post relative to the seat tube. The adjustment device includes an adjustment path which can communicate with the at least one through hole or be sealed from the at least one through hole. A balance unit is connected to the connection portion and includes a cylinder and a piston ring is movably received in the cylinder to define an inner space of the cylinder into a liquid space and an air space. The cylinder includes a supply path which communicates with the liquid space and the at least one through hole.

A longitudinally adjustable assembly for a bicycle seat has a seat tube, a seat post and an auxiliary hoop device. The seat tube has an inner surface and multiple longitudinal grooves formed in the inner surface of the seat tube. The seat post is slidably inserted into the seat tube and has an outer surface and multiple protrusions. The protrusions are formed on and protrude out from the outer surface of the seat post. The protrusions are respectively slidably mounted in the longitudinal grooves to allow the seat post to longitudinally move along the seat tube. The auxiliary hoop device is mounted securely with the seat tube and around the seat post. Because the protrusions are slidably mounted in the longitudinal grooves and the auxiliary hoop device provides a pressing force for the seat post, a relative rotation between the seat post and the seat tube can be avoided.

An integrally-formed single-piece flexible light strip includes a substrate populated with at least one LED light circuit. A clear flexible plastic housing is molded around the LED light circuit to completely encapsulate the light circuit. A flexible electrical cable and contoured strain relief for the electrical cable are also integrally formed as part of the light strip to maintain complete environmental and physical protection and eliminate any non-flexible portions of the light strip such as when a connector is used. The light strip is manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration and highly resistant to physical damage, thereby allowing the light strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments. The shape of the illustrated light strip is specially designed for attachment to the round tubing of a bicycle frame. The light strip includes an electrical circuit allowing a reduction in the number of wires between the strip and its associated external control and power.

A multi-position adjustable height seat post comprises an inner tube, an outer tube, a locking assembly, a triggering device, a first extending element, and a second extending element disposed between the tubes. The locking assembly comprises an actuating unit, a plurality of parallel grooves located in the outer tube, a plurality of spherical detent elements located, in the grooves, and a plurality of spherical elements located in the inner tube. The triggering device connects to the actuating unit. The first extending element constantly pushes the to actuating unit moving in a first direction. The second extending element disposes between the tubes. Once the triggering device is triggered, the actuating unit moves in a second direction contrary to the first direction and makes the spherical elements to move inward laterally to let the inner tube and outer tube move relative to each other freely.

A recess is defined in one of the top tube, the down tube and the seat tube of a bicycle frame and a power supply unit is engaged with the recess. The power supply unit includes an engaging frame engaged with the recess and a battery is removably engaged with a main space defined in the engaging frame. The engaging frame includes a chamber defined in an end thereof and a control box is received in the chamber so as to be electrically connected with the control box. The top surface of the battery is in flush with the one of the top tube, the down tube and the seat tube. An ON / OFF switch is installed on a top of the engaging frame and an indication bulb is installed on a top of the battery for convenience of observation by the user.

A saddle adjusting device is slidably disposed on a seat tube and comprises a seat body. The seat body is provided on a top end thereof with a saddle and includes a through portion for insertion of the seat tube. The seat body is provided with at least one seat tube clamp for clamping the seat body on the seat tube and further provided in a middle portion of the through portion with a hollow portion laterally penetrating the seat body and plural engaging grooves. The seat tube is fixedly provided with a bolt for cooperating with the engaging assembly. The engaging assembly can move along the bolt in a direction vertical to the axial direction of the seat tube to make protruding portions of the engaging assembly engage into or disengage from the engaging grooves for adjusting the position of the seat body relative to the seat tube.