AU2016102059A4 - Suspension for a bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a suspension for a bicycle. The suspension has a swingarm having a front and rear end and wherein the rear end is configured to attach to a rear wheel of a 5 bicycle, an upper and lower link both adapted to pivotally connect the swing arm to the frame of a bicycle, and a jackshaft having a drive side and a non drive side sprocket and being connected to the front end of the swingarm, the suspension configured such that when in use with a bicycle, a chain connects a drive side front crankset to the drive side jackshaft sprocket and a second chain connects the non drive side jackshaft 10 sprocket to a rear wheel sprocket and wherein the arrangement allows the rear wheel of the bicycle to move rearward and upward in use. N \ N x >1 ~ 1/~ ~ v :~.. - / A,, \ \> 'N / \ ~~&xc / ~ft' K&\ // /

Description

1 2016102059 30 Nov 2016

TITLE

Suspension for a bicycle.

FIELD OF INVENTION 5 The invention generally relates to suspension for a bicycle. More particularly it relates to a rear suspension for a bicycle.

BACKGROUND

Some bicycles have rear suspension systems to improve rider comfort and control as 10 the bicycle travels over uneven riding surfaces. Bicycles equipped with suspension systems result in increased rider comfort, enhanced wheel contact and control, and less net rolling resistance. The primary design consideration for suspension systems is to design the system so that it responds to bumps but does not respond to rider induced forces. If the suspension responds to the rider's forces, it may be absorbing 15 valuable energy which could otherwise be helping to propel the rider and bike faster. In addition, such a suspension system could result in a strange, uncomfortable ride.

Typically a rear suspension system may include a rear rotatable wheel carrier, a frame chassis, carrier manipulation linkages, and a shock-absorbing mechanism that 20 cooperate to dampen the jarring effects that small and large bumps can have on a rider. When a bump force is applied to the rear wheel carrier, the rear wheel carrier and carrier manipulation linkages control the direction of the rear wheel carrier, the shock absorber controls how much force it takes to move the rear wheel carrier, and the damper controls how fast the rear wheel carrier can move in each direction. 25

While bump damping may improve rider comfort, prior suspension designs have undesirably wasted rider energy by extending or compressing the rear wheel carrier in response to rider acceleration or deceleration. 30 It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing one or some of these problems. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 20 25 2

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, 5 and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country. 10

The term “comprising” and derivatives thereof, eg “comprises”, if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement “comprises” certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, 15 optionally, have additional parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a rear suspension for a bicycle comprising: • a swingarm having a front and rear end and wherein the rear end is configured to attach to a rear wheel of a bicycle; • an upper and lower link both adapted to pivotally connect the swing arm to the frame of a bicycle; and • a jackshaft having a drive side and a non drive side sprocket and being connected to the front end of the swingarm; the suspension configured such that when in use with a bicycle, a chain connects a drive side front crankset to the drive side jackshaft sprocket and a second chain connects the non drive side jackshaft sprocket to a rear wheel sprocket and wherein the arrangement allows the rear wheel of the bicycle to move rearward and upward in use.

Preferably there is substantially no chain lengthening of the chain connecting the non drive side jackshaft sprocket and the rear wheel sprocket when in use. 3 2016102059 30 Nov 2016

Preferably the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connected to the frame and a rear pivot that is connected to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connected to the frame and rear pivot that is connected to the swingarm. 5

Preferably wherein a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the upper carrier manipulation linkage and a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the lower carrier manipulation linkage both intersect at an instant centre and wherein the instant centre is forward of the centre of rotation of the jackshaft and remains ahead of an 10 centre of rotation of the jackshaft as the suspension compresses and decompresses in use.

Preferably wherein in use compression of the suspension rotates both the upper carrier manipulation linkage and the rear carrier manipulation linkage clockwise. 15

Preferably wherein the upper carrier manipulation link is pivotally connected the upper end of a rear shock and the lower end of the shock is pivotally connected to the frame of a bicycle when in use. 20 Preferably wherein in use with a bicycle the rear wheel path moves rearward and upward.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a rear suspension for a bicycle comprising: 25 · a swingarm having a front and rear end and wherein the rear end is configured to attach to a rear wheel of a bicycle; • an upper and lower link both adapted to pivotally connect the swing arm to the frame of a bicycle; and • a jackshaft idler having a drive side sprocket and being connected to the 30 front end of the swingarm; the suspension configured such that when in use with a bicycle, a chain connects a drive side front crankset to the drive side jackshaft sprocket and to a rear wheel sprocket and wherein the arrangement allows the rear wheel of the bicycle to move rearward and upward in use. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 4

Preferably the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connected to the frame and a rear pivot that is connected to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is 5 connected to the frame and rear pivot that is connected to the swingarm.

Preferably wherein a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the upper carrier manipulation linkage and a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the lower carrier manipulation linkage both intersect at an instant centre and wherein the instant 10 centre is forward of the centre of rotation of an idler and remains ahead of the idler as the suspension compresses and decompresses in use.

Preferably wherein in use compression of the suspension rotates both the upper carrier manipulation linkage and the lower carrier manipulation linkage clockwise. 15

Preferably wherein the upper carrier manipulation link is pivotally connected the upper end of a rear shock and the lower end of the shock is pivotally connected to the frame of a bicycle when in use. 20 Preferably wherein in use with a bicycle the rear wheel path moves rearward and upward.

Preferably wherein in use with a bicycle the rear wheel path moves substantially equally between rearward and upward. 25

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle having a rear suspension as previously described.

Preferably the bicycle is a mountain bike. 30

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings and claims. 5 2016102059 30 Nov 2016

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings and graphs, of which: FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle with a rear suspension; FIG. 2 is a side view of the non drive side of the rear suspension; FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the drive side of the rear suspension; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the non drive side of the rear suspension; FIG. 5 is an alternative perspective view of the drive side of the rear suspension; FIG. 6 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating how anti-squat can be determined; FIG. 7 is a detailed side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating how antisquat can be determined; FIG. 8 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 0mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 9 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 0mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 10 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 0mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 11 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 20mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 12 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 20mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 13 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 20mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side 6 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 14 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 40mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 15 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 40mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 16 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 40mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 17 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 60mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 18 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 60mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 19 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 60mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 20 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 80mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 21 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 80mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; 7 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 FIG. 22 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 80mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 23 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 100mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 24 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 100mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 25 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 100mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 26 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 120mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 27 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 120mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 28 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 120mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 29 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 140mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 30 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 140mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side 8 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 31 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 140mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 32 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 160mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 33 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 160mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 34 is a side view of a bicycle with rear suspension illustrating anti-squat at 160mm compression for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration; FIG. 35 is a graph illustrating acceleration response and deceleration response of a bicycle with rear suspension according to one embodiment; FIG. 36 is a graph illustrating acceleration response and deceleration response of a bicycle with rear suspension according to a second embodiment; FIG. 37 is a graph illustrating acceleration response and deceleration response of a bicycle with rear suspension according to a third embodiment; FIG. 38 is a side view of bicycle with rear suspension illustrating the rear wheel path, jackshaft path and the instant centre path; and FIG. 39 Is a side view illustrating the detailed rear wheel path, jackshaft path and the instant centre path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a rear suspension for a bicycle. References to bicycle throughout the specification relate to any type of bicycle including but not limited to 5 mountain bicycles, utility bicycles, racing bicycles, touring bicycles, BMXs etc. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 9

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the term “conventional drive train design” is used to generally describe a suspension mountain bike frame that has a chain set that extends from the front chassis drive chain ring to the rear wheel drive 5 sprocket and incorporates a rear derailleur to maintain chain tension. The chain set generally forms one single continuous loop.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a full suspension mountain bike frame in accordance with the present disclosure that includes; a frame chassis (1), a head tube 10 (2), a seat tube (3), a top tube (4), a down tube (5), a bottom bracket (6), a derailleur hanger (7), a fork (8), a front wheel (9), a rear wheel (10), a seat post (11), a stem (12), a seat (13), a handlebar (14), a upper carrier manipulation link upper shock pivot (15), a lower frame shock pivot (16), a rear shock (17), a rear rotatable wheel carrier (18), a rear rotatable wheel carrier seat stay (19), a rear rotatable wheel carrier chain stay 15 (20), non-drive side crank (22), rear wheel centre (23). Although referred to as a rear rotatable wheel carrier (18) those skilled in the art will realise that this can also be referred to as a swingarm (18) and is referred to a swingarm (18) in other parts of the specification and claims. 20 Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a full suspension mountain bike frame in accordance with the present disclosure that includes; a non drive side crank (22), a bottom bracket centre (24), a upper carrier manipulation link (26), a lower carrier manipulation link (27), a upper carrier manipulation link rear pivot (28), a upper carrier manipulation link forward pivot (29), a lower carrier manipulation link rear pivot (30), a 25 lower carrier manipulation link forward pivot (31), a non-drive side jackshaft sprocket (34), a rear wheel drive sprocket (35), a chainset connecting the non drive side jackshaft sprocket to the rear wheel drive sprocket (36), a non drive side chain return pulley (38). 30 Figure 3 show an embodiment of the present disclosure that includes; a drive side crankset (21), a frame chassis drive chainring (32), a drive side jackshaft sprocket (33), a chainset connecting the drive side jackshaft sprocket to the frame chassis drive chainring (37). 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 10

Figure 4 show an embodiment of the present disclosure that includes; an upper carrier manipulation link (26), a lower carrier manipulation link (27), a non-drive side jackshaft sprocket (34). 5 Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present disclosure that includes; a drive side jackshaft sprocket (33).

The front chassis and the rear rotatable wheel carrier can be differently configured while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the front 10 triangle need not include a conventional top tube, down tube, and seat tube. Figure 1 shows a bicycle frame having a suspension system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure that does not have a seat tube that extends from the top tube to the bottom bracket as is typical with many suspension frames. 15 As is well understood in the art of bicycle design, a bottom bracket can hold a bottom bracket bearing assembly, which allows a crank assembly to rotate relative to the frame. The crank assembly can be attached to pedals, which a rider can use to rotate the crank assembly. The crank assembly also can be attached to one or more chainrings. The rear wheel insertion slots can be used to hold a rear wheel, which may 20 include one or more drive sprockets. A first chainset connects the frame chassis drive chainring to a drive side jackshaft sprocket, a second chainset connects the non drive side jackshaft sprocket to the rear wheel drive sprocket. The drive side and non drive side jackshaft sprockets are attached to a splined jackshaft axle and these cannot rotate independently of each other. A rider pedalling the crank assembly can drive the 25 chain extending between the chainrings and the drive sprockets, thus causing the rear wheel to rotate. In embodiments that include two or more rear wheel drive sprockets, a rear derailleur can be used to move the chain from one sprocket to another. In this way, the gearing of the bicycle can be changed. This particular embodiment of the design does not include any provision for multiple chainrings or for shifting the chain 30 between multiple chainrings. It is possible however to alter the size of the drive chainring and to alter the size of the drive and non-drive jackshaft sprockets. In this way the overall gearing to the rear wheel can be altered. 11 2016102059 30 Nov 2016

As is well understood in the art of bicycle design when a rider pedals a bicycle the force applied to the pedals tends to be greater at certain parts of the pedal stroke than others. The pedal force varies in a sinusoidal manner from close to zero when the cranks are vertical to some maximum when the cranks are nearly horizontal. This 5 variable output results in the rider and the bicycle accelerating forward in pulses.

These pulses coincide with maximum pedal force output.

When a bicycle accelerates, a weight transfer toward the rear wheel occurs. This is observed by way of the front suspension extending and the rear suspension 10 compressing (squatting). Conversely, under braking, there is a weight transfer toward the front of the bicycle. This is observed by way of the front suspension compressing and the rear suspension extending (rising). The extent to which a suspension design resists these squat and rise tendencies is referred to as anti-squat and anti-rise. 15 Conventional drivetrain designs allow the suspension system to react in such a way that chain tension (from pedalling forces) causes an extension force in the suspension system. This extension force can counteract the compression that would otherwise occur under weight transfer. 20 Anti-squat can be determined quantitatively and indicates the rear suspension systems capacity to resist compression or extension when a bicycle accelerates. Anti-rise can be determined quantitatively and indicates the rear suspension systems capacity to resist compression or extension when a bicycle decelerates. 25 This method of calculating anti-squat and anti-rise graphically is described in Tony Foale’s book ‘Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design: the art and science’, by Dave Weagle’s patent (US7128329), and by i-Track on their website at http://www.i- tracKsuspension.com· 30 A graphical means exists which allows the designer to quantitatively determine the anti-squat and anti-rise performance of a particular suspension design. Anti-squat is expressed as a percentage. 0% anti-squat represents no resistance to accelerative squat. 100% anti-squat represents a design that neither compresses nor extends as a result of acceleration. Normally the percentage anti-squat varies as the suspension 12 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 system compresses. A graphical representation of % anti-squat versus % of rear suspension travel for a particular suspension design is referred to as the acceleration response. The acceleration response varies considerably between suspension designs. The acceleration response varies according to gear selection also. 5

Conventional drivetrain designs allow the suspension system to react in such a way that weight transfer toward the front wheel causes a compression force in the suspension system. This compression force counteracts the extension that would otherwise occur under weight transfer. As indicated above this anti-rise performance 10 can be quantified and this is normally expressed as a percentage. 0% anti-rise represents no resistance to decelerative rise. 100% anti-rise represents a design that neither compresses nor extends as a result of deceleration. Normally the percentage anti-rise varies as the suspension system compresses. A graphical representation of % anti-rise versus % of rear suspension travel for a particular suspension design is 15 normally referred to as the braking response. The braking response varies considerably between suspension designs. 20 25 FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 present a graphical method useful to determine the level of antisquat that an embodiment of the present invention will exhibit at a predetermined level of suspension compression which includes; • A line connecting points A and B and line connecting points C and D and the intersect of these lines being labelled E. • A line connecting points F and G and line connecting points I and E and the intersect of these lines being labelled H. • A line connecting points I and J and line connecting points K and L and the intersect of these lines being labelled M. • A line connecting points J and H and line connecting points M and E and the intersect of these lines being labelled N. • A line connecting points L and N and line connecting points K and E and the intersect of these lines being labelled O. • A line connecting points P and O represents the squat force line. This line intersects at point U and represents the squat definition point. • A line connecting points P and E represents the rise force line. This line intersects at point V and represents the rise definition point. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 13 • A vertical line between points Q an S represents the squat/rise layout line. • The point T represents the centre of gravity of the rider and the bike and the line connecting points T and S represent the distance of the centre of gravity to the squat/rise layout line. 5 · The squat value is calculated as the ratio of the measured squat distance versus the measured centre of gravity distance. • The rise value is calculated as the ratio of the measured rise distance versus the measured centre of gravity. 10 Figure 8 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 15 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 0% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive 20 side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 9 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a 25 squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a 30 squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 0% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 14

Figure 10 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a 5 measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 0% suspension compression and 10 a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 11 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 15 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 20 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 20% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 25 Figure 12 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 30 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 20% suspension compression 15 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 13 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven 5 wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire 10 to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 20% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 15

Figure 14 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a 20 measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 40% suspension compression 25 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 15 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 30 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 16 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 40% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 5

Figure 16 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a 10 measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 40% suspension compression 15 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 17 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 20 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 25 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 60% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 30 Figure 18 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 17 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 60% suspension compression 5 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 19 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 10 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 15 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 60% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 20 Figure 20 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 25 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 80% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-30 drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 21 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 18 squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 5 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 80% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 10 Figure 22 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 15 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 80% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-20 drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 23 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a 25 squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a 30 squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 100% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 19

Figure 24 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a 5 measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 100% suspension compression 10 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 25 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 15 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 20 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 100% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 25 Figure 26 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 30 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 120% suspension compression 20 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 27 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven 5 wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire 10 to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 120% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 15

Figure 28 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a 20 measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 120% suspension compression 25 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 29 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 30 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 21 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 140% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 5

Figure 30 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a 10 measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 140% suspension compression 15 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 31 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 20 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 25 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 140% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 30 Figure 32 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 22 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 160% suspension compression 5 and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 33 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a 10 lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity 15 intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 160% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (nondrive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 20 Figure 34 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention showing; a driven wheel (50), a swinging wheel carrier link (51), a upper carrier manipulation link (52), a lower carrier manipulation link (53), a squat force vector (54), a rise force vector (55), a squat definition point (56), a rise definition point (57), a squat/rise layout line (58), a measured squat distance (59), a measured rise distance (60), a driven wheel 25 suspension travel distance (61), a vehicle chassis (62), a centre of the driven wheel tire to ground contact patch (63), a centre of gravity (64), a horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line (65), a measured centre of gravity distance (66), a squat instant centre (67), a rise instant centre (68), at 160% suspension compression and a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-30 drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. A graphical representation of % anti-squat versus % of rear suspension travel for a particular suspension design is referred to as the acceleration response. The acceleration response varies according to the size of the various chainrings, jackshaft 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 23 sprockets and rear wheel drive sprocket being used and the relative position of the wheel carrier in relation to suspension compression.

Figure 35 shows the acceleration response for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 5 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 36 show the acceleration response for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel 10 drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 37 show the acceleration response for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 15

For conventional drivetrain designs where chain lengthening is utilized to manage antisquat requirements, the desired amount of anti-squat is determined by the designer. If the anti-squat calculation equates to 100% the suspension system will neither compress nor extend under acceleration. Typically for a conventional drivetrain design, 20 utilising a short link four bar design, the instant centre is located in front of and above the front crankset, and the instant centre path moves downward and forward from the initial starting point. This tends to produce an acceleration response which is typically above 100% from 0 to 50% suspension compression. This tends to be the range within which pedalling occurs. Beyond 50% suspension compression the acceleration 25 response tends to reduce quite rapidly. As there is likely to be little pedalling taking place in this range there is not the same requirements for anti-squat. The reduced acceleration response reduces the chain growth that occurs also and hence the counter rotation at the crankset that would take place as a result. As the rear suspension system compresses the rear shock spring force increases. As the spring 30 force increases squat forces have less of a manipulating effect on the rear suspension system. For these reasons it is normal for the designer to reduce the amount of antisquat as the suspension system is compressed. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 24

In an embodiment of the present invention the anti-squat response has an acceleration response that has the following characteristics: • For a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket 5 configuration the antisquat values vary from a maximum of 106% to a minimum of 89% antisquat at full compression. • For a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration the antisquat values vary from a maximum of 107% to a minimum 10 of 97% antisquat at full compression. • For a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration the antisquat values vary from a maximum of 162% to a minimum of 85% antisquat at 0% compression. 15 A graphical representation of % anti-rise versus % of rear suspension travel for a particular suspension design is referred to as the deceleration response.

Figure 35 shows the deceleration response for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel 20 drive sprocket) sprocket configuration.

Figure 36 show the deceleration response for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 25

Figure 37 show the deceleration response for a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration. 30 In an embodiment of the present invention the anti-squat response has an acceleration response that has the following characteristics: • For a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/50 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket 25 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 configuration the antisquat values vary from a maximum of 110% to a minimum of 77% antisquat at full compression. • For a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/30 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket 5 configuration the antisquat values vary from a maximum of 110% to a minimum of 77% antisquat at full compression. • For a 30 (frame chassis drive chain ring)/12 (drive side jackshaft sprocket)/14 (non-drive side jackshaft sprocket)/10 (rear wheel drive sprocket) sprocket configuration the antisquat values vary from a maximum of 110% to a minimum 10 of 77% antisquat at full compression.

Figure 38 presents graphically the rear wheel axle path (40), the instant centre path (41), and the jack shaft sprocket centre (42). 15 Figure 39 shows a detailed view of the instant centre path (41) and the jack shaft sprocket centre (42).

For a conventional drive train when the rear suspension system is compressed the rear wheel path normally rotates upward and generally forward from the starting position in 20 and arc. The direction and curvature of this arc is referred to as the wheel path and is dependent on the placement of the pivot position and whether it is a single pivot or utilises multiple linkages and an instant centre. The reason for this type of axle path is to ensure that chain growth is kept to a minimum. As the rear wheel axle moves upward the distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the centre of the 25 rear wheel increases. When the crankset is being rotated by pedal pressure the only way of extending the chain length is for the front crankset to rotate anticlockwise which gives rise to crankset counter rotation.

The rotation of the rear wheel axle in an arc around a single pivot of virtual pivot of 30 some description also has the effect of shortening the wheel base between the bottom bracket and the rear axle centre. As the front wheel suspension system compresses the front hub to bottom bracket distance reduces also. This combined rear wheel and front wheel base shortening results in the overall wheelbase length decreasing significantly as a result. This is undesirable in terms of the handling characteristics of 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 26 the bike. A more rearward rear wheel path would allow the suspension system to respond better to sharp edged terrain variations much more efficiently. The rearward rear wheel path however would result in significant chainstay and chain lengthening and result in considerable crankset counter rotation. By way of example a conventional 5 multi-link frame configuration typically has a wheelbase reduction of the order of 68mm and chain stay lengthening of 18.4mm.

In comparison an embodiment of the present invention has a rear wheel path normally that rotates upward and generally rearward from the starting position in an arc when 10 the rear suspension is compressed. As a result the overall wheelbase shortening that occurs is only 42.4mm. This is advantageous from a handling perspective.

By comparison the chain stay lengthens by 63.7mm. This represents and increase of around 3.5 times the increase associated with a conventional drive train system. This 15 is as a result of a rear wheel path that is upward and rearward during suspension compression. This wheel path is also advantageous from a handling perspective in that it provides better capacity for the rear wheel to roll over square edged bumps on the trail surface. The rear wheel being able to move upward and rearward is more efficient than a wheel path that only allows the wheel to move vertically. 20

Conventional frame - chain stay increase = 18.4mm Conventional frame - wheelbase decrease = 68mm Present invention frame - chain stay increase = 63.7mm Present invention frame - wheelbase decrease = 42.4mm 25

In an embodiment of the present invention there is chainstay lengthening between the centre of the bottom bracket and the rear wheel centre. There is however no chain lengthening for the chainset connecting the jackshaft sprocket to the rear wheel drive sprocket. There is a small amount of lengthening in the chainset that connects the 30 chainring sprocket to the jackshaft sprocket. The magnitude of this lengthening is approximately 12.9mm. There is therefore a 30% reduction in crankset counter rotation when compared to a conventional multi-link frame configuration. 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 27

In an embodiment of the present invention the instant centre path starts at a point above and forward of the centre of the jackshaft sprocket and moves downward in an arc around the jackshaft sprocket. This projected instant centre being forward of the jackshaft sprocket provides for the required anti-squat needed to counteract pedalling 5 induced accelerations and the impact that would otherwise have on the rear suspension system. Pedalling forces apply a downward force on the rear swingarm via the chainset connecting the front chainring sprocket to the jackshaft sprocket.

In use the chain between the crankset and jackshaft sprocket directs a force on the 10 swingarm and this force is directed just rearward of the instant centre. The chain force therefore tries to rotate the swingarm counter clockwise. This force counteracts the tendency for acceleration to try to compress the rear swinger.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown) instead of a jackshaft with 15 two sprockets at the front of the swingarm there is a swingarm mounted idler with one sprocket. In this embodiment there is only one chainset and this runs from the front crankset (on the right hand side of the frame) to the idler sprocket and then to the rear cluster. This embodiment produces the same result as the previously described embodiment. 20

The present invention has a number of advantages over known rear suspension systems. In use as the rear wheel can be directed upward and rearward and this improves the way the rear suspension can handle bumps without creating significant chain lengthening and crankset counter rotation. The anti-squat response (% anti-25 squat versus rear wheel travel) is far more consistent and operates within a much smaller range than does a conventional bike. The anti-squat response does not vary significantly between various gear combinations. The wheelbase length (distance between the front and rear wheel) reduction is less than for a conventional frame. This is advantageous from a handling perspective. Also a user can provide for different gear 30 ratios by using different sized jackshaft sprockets. Furthermore, the braking response is very good. Additionally from a geometry perspective the design allows for relatively short chainstays, longer travel for 29er bikes with larger wheels in that the rear wheel travels rearward and upward and the rear wheel is not as likely to contact the frame or 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 28 seat as with other designs. The design also allows for a very low top tube which helps with standover clearance.

While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it 5 should be appreciated that the spirit and scope of the invention is not limited to those embodiments. Furthermore, the above disclosure uses relative terms for position and orientation. For example, front, rear, top, bottom, up, down, clockwise, counterclockwise, drive side, non-drive side and the like are used to describe the illustrated bicycle frame. It should be understood that these terms are used in relation to how the 10 bicycle frame is drawn in the figures, and that other terms may be appropriate when looking at the bicycle frame from a different perspective.

Furthermore, it is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range 15 (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8,1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing 20 description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example the particular elements of the bicycle frame, the swingarm, the links, the jackshaft, jackshaft sprockets, jackshaft idler may vary dependent on the particular 25 application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to a rear suspension, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and 30 modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Key to numbered parts and/or elements of the invention: 1

Frame chassis 29 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 2 Head tube 3 Seat tube 4 Top tube 5 Down tube 6 Bottom bracket 7 Derailleur hanger 8 Fork 9 Front wheel 10 Rear wheel 11 Seat post 12 Stem 13 Seat 14 Handlebar 15 Upper carrier manipulation link upper shock pivot 16 Lower frame shock pivot 17 Rear shock 18 Rear rotatable wheel carrier 19 Rear rotatable wheel carrier seat stay 20 Rear rotatable wheel carrier seat stay 21 Drive side crankset 22 Non-drive side crank 23 Rear wheel centre 24 Bottom bracket centre 25 Rear wheel insertion slot 26 Upper carrier manipulation link 27 Lower carrier manipulation link 28 Upper carrier manipulation link rear pivot 29 Upper carrier manipulation link forward pivot 30 Lower carrier manipulation link rear pivot 31 Lower carrier manipulation link forward pivot 32 Frame chassis drive chain ring 33 Drive side jackshaft sprocket 34 Non-drive side jackshaft sprocket 30 2016102059 30 Nov 2016 35 Rear wheel drive sprocket 36 Chain set connecting the non-drive side jackshaft sprocket to the rear wheel drive sprocket 37 Chain set connecting the drive side jackshaft sprocket to the frame chassis chain ring 38 Non-drive side chain return pulley 39 Bottom bracket centre to rear wheel centre distance 40 Rear wheel axle path 41 Instant centre path 42 Jackshaft sprocket centre path 50 A driven wheel 51 A swinging wheel carrier link 52 A upper carrier manipulation link 53 A lower carrier manipulation link 54 A squat force vector 55 A rise force vector 56 A squat definition point 57 A rise definition point 58 A squat/rise layout line 59 A measured squat distance 60 A measured rise distance 61 A driven wheel suspension travel distance 62 A vehicle chassis 63 A centre of the driven wheel tire ground contact patch 64 A centre of gravity 65 A horizontal centre of gravity intersect with the squat layout line 66 A measured centre of gravity distance 67 A squat instant centre 68 A rise instant centre 31 2016102059 30 Nov 2016

Line Line Intersect Name AB CD E FG IE H IJ KL M JH ME N LN KE 0

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A rear suspension for a bicycle comprising: • a swingarm having a front and rear end and wherein the rear end is configured to attach to a rear wheel of a bicycle; • an upper and lower link both adapted to pivotally connect the swing arm to the frame of a bicycle; and • a jackshaft having a drive side and a non drive side sprocket and being connected to the front end of the swingarm; the suspension configured such that when in use with a bicycle, a chain connects a drive side front crankset to the drive side jackshaft sprocket and a second chain connects the non drive side jackshaft sprocket to a rear wheel sprocket and wherein the arrangement allows the rear wheel of the bicycle to move rearward and upward in use.
2. 2. A rear suspension according to claim 1, wherein: • there is substantially no chain lengthening of the chain connecting the non drive side jackshaft sprocket and the rear wheel sprocket when in use; and/or • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm; and/or • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm and wherein a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the upper carrier manipulation linkage and a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the lower carrier manipulation linkage both intersect at an instant centre and wherein the instant centre is forward of the centre of rotation of the jackshaft and remains ahead of an centre of rotation of the jackshaft as the suspension compresses and decompresses in use.
3. 3. A rear suspension according to claim 1, wherein: • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm and wherein in use compression of the suspension rotates both the upper carrier manipulation linkage and the lower carrier manipulation linkage clockwise; and/or • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm and wherein the upper carrier manipulation link is pivotally connectable the upper end of a rear shock and the lower end of the shock is pivotally connectable to the frame of a bicycle when in use.
4. 4. A rear suspension for a bicycle comprising: • a swingarm having a front and rear end and wherein the rear end is configured to attach to a rear wheel of a bicycle; • an upper and lower link both adapted to pivotally connect the swing arm to the frame of a bicycle; and • a jackshaft idler having a drive side sprocket and being connected to the front end of the swingarm; the suspension configured such that when in use with a bicycle, a chain connects a drive side front crankset to the drive side jackshaft sprocket and to a rear wheel sprocket and wherein the arrangement allows the rear wheel of the bicycle to move rearward and upward in use.
5. 5. A rear suspension according to claim 4, wherein: • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm; and/or • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm and wherein a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the upper carrier manipulation linkage and a line intersecting the forward and rear pivot of the lower carrier manipulation linkage both intersect at an instant centre and wherein the instant centre is forward of the centre of rotation of an idler and remains ahead of the idler as the suspension compresses and decompresses when in use; and/or • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm and wherein in use compression of the suspension rotates both the upper carrier manipulation linkage and the lower carrier manipulation linkage clockwise; and/or • the upper link is an upper carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and a rear pivot that is connectable to the swing arm and the lower link is a lower carrier manipulation link having a forward pivot that is connectable to the frame and rear pivot that is connectable to the swingarm and wherein the upper carrier manipulation link is pivotally connected the upper end of a rear shock and the lower end of the shock is pivotally connected to the frame of a bicycle when in use.