Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
  • B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
  • B62K19/32—Steering heads
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K21/00—Steering devices
  • B62K21/18—Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems
  • B62K21/22—Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems adjustable
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K21/00—Steering devices
  • B62K21/18—Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems
  • B62K21/24—Connections between forks and handlebars or handlebar stems readily releasable
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
  • B62M9/00—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like
  • B62M9/16—Tensioning or adjusting equipment for chains, belts or the like

Definitions

• FIG. 1 depicts common measurements of bicycles. Two primary measurements of the rider cockpit include “stack” and “reach.” Stack refers to the vertical distance measured from the bottom bracket of the bicycle to a horizontal datum aligned with the top of the bicycle’s head tube.
• the rider cockpit dimensions define many other performance attributes of the bike.
• wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheel. This is a vehicle performance attribute. A shorter wheelbase results in a more maneuverable, but less stable bike. Conversely, a longer wheelbase results in a more cumbersome (e.g., less maneuverable), but more stable bike.
• Due to the bicycle architecture front wheel connected to fork, connected to head tube, connected to stem, connected to handlebar
• the wheelbase is directly proportional to the rider cockpit.
• a bike designed to fit a shorter rider will have a proportionally shorter wheelbase
• a bike designed to fit a taller rider will have a proportionally longer wheelbase. This means the vehicle performance attributes are directly tied to the size of rider.
• the present disclosure relates to a steering linkage for a bicycle.
• a steering linkage as described herein, the rider cockpit sizing is effectively divorced from the overall bicycle performance geometry parameters so that the dependence on rider size as a factor for bicycle performance characteristic is reduced or eliminated. That is, by use of the steering linkage described herein, rider cockpit dimensions (e.g., reach and stack) may be established to fit a rider while not effecting the geometry of the bicycle that affect vehicle performance.
• the steering linkage disassociates the “rider cockpit” from the “vehicle performance attributes.” For example, a bike using the steering linkage described herein can have a “rider cockpit” to fit a taller rider but have a shorter wheelbase. The rider can now decide what kind of vehicle performance attributes the rider wants, independent of rider cockpit fit.
• the present disclosure generally relates to a steering linkage assembly that is attachable to, or integral with, a head tube of a bicycle frame.
• the steering linkage assembly includes a linkage shell and a removeable and replaceable linkage cartridge configured for receipt in the shell.
• the linkage cartridge receives a fork tube therethrough as well as a handlebar tube, with the fork tube configured to receive a fork steerer therethrough and the handlebar tube configured to receive a handlebar steerer therethrough.
• Each of a steering axis of the fork tube and of the handlebar tube is laterally offset from a head tube axis of the head tube of the bicycle frame, with one of the fork tube and of the handlebar tube offset more than the other.
• At least one linkage extending between the fork tube and the handlebar tube to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebar steerer in the handlebar tube and the fork in the fork tube.
• FIG. 1 depicts example bicycle measures and components.
• FIG. 2 is a detailed side perspective view of an example of a portion of a bicycle having a steering linkage assembly with the handlebars in a “neutral” or straight arrangement.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering linkage assembly of FIG. 2 with the handlebars in a “neutral” or straight arrangement.
• FIG. 4 is a detailed front perspective view of the steering linkage assembly of FIG. 2 with the handlebars in a “neutral” or straight arrangement.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the steering linkage assembly taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the steering linkage assembly of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 7 is a perceptive view of another example of a portion of a bicycle having a steering linkage assembly with the handlebars in a “neutral” or straight arrangement.
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the steering linkage assembly of FIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the steering linkage assembly of FIG. 7.
• FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are perspective views of a stepwise process for removing a linkage cartridge from the steering linkage assembly of FIG. 7.
• FIG. 11 depicts a top cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of a linkage cartridge for use in tensioning a linkage.
• the present disclosure is directed to a steering linkage assembly for a bicycle that allows certain rider cockpit dimensions and vehicle performance attributes to be independently controlled.
• FIG. 1 depicts a conventional bicycle 100 with certain common measurements indicated.
• the bicycle 100 has a frame 102 that includes a head tube 104.
• To the head tube 104 are connected the steering fork 106 and handlebars 108.
• the head tube 104, the steering fork 106 and the handlebars 108 have a common axis 110.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a linkage assembly 200 that may be secured to the bicycle frame 102 at the head tube 104 (the head tube not readily seen in FIG. 2).
• the linkage assembly 200 operably connects the steering fork 106 and handlebars 108 to the frame 102.
• the linkage assembly 200 provides a modification of an offset length between an axis 116 of the steering fork 106 and an axis 110 of the handlebars 108 (as seen in FIG. 3).
• the linkage assembly 200 may be permanently affixed to (e.g., integral with) the head tube 104 or may be removable and replaceable thereto.
• the linkage assembly 200 may securely attach to the head tube 104 via any suitable mating features, e.g., located on the front of the head tube 102.
• the mating features may include threaded holes in the head tube for receipt of fasteners.
• the linkage assembly 200 can be removed and replaced using common tools such as a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, etc.; this allows the user to swap out different length linkage assemblies in order to fine tune the dimensions of the rider cockpit (e.g., reach and/or stack) independently of the vehicle performance attributes such as bicycle wheelbase, which may remain unaffected as the head tube 104 remains unchanged.
• common tools such as a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, etc.
• the linkage chassis 200 is shown in an integral configuration with the bicycle frame 102. As described above, it may be appreciated that the linkage chassis 200 may alternatively be provided in attachable/detachable manner.
• the linkage assembly 200 is shown with the steering fork 106 and handlebars 108. While connection of the linkage chassis 200 with the frame of a bicycle is not shown, it should be appreciated that the linkage assembly 200 may be connected to a headtube 104 of a bicycle frame in any manner described above.
• the linkage assembly 200 includes the linkage chassis 202 and a removable and replaceable chassis cover 204 opposite a backside 205 of the chassis 202.
• the backside 205 of the chassis 202 and the assembly 200 is proximate the head tube 104 when the assembly 200 is installed on or integral with a bicycle frame 102.
• engagement or mating features for connection of the linkage assembly 200 may be provided at or on the backside 205.
• the cover 204 may provide access to an internal cartridge 210 (best seen in the exploded view of FIG. 6).
• the internal cartridge 210 is removable and replaceable from the chassis 202.
• the internal cartridge 210 may be removeable as a unit from the linkage assembly 200 (e.g., via an opening created through removal of the cover 204).
• the internal cartridge 210 may be readily replaceable as a complete unit to provide, for example, different configurations of the internal cartridge 210 to provide different steering characteristics or for easy replacement.
• the internal cartridge 210 includes a fork tube 206 and a handlebar tube 208, for receiving a fork steering tube 224 of the steering fork 106 and a handlebar steering tube 226, respectively.
• the handlebars 108 may be affixed to the handlebar steering tube 226 through a stem or other engagement (e.g. the handlebar steering tube 226 may be provided integrally with the handlebars 108).
• the respective steering tubes 206, 208 may be integral within the cartridge 210, formed as a passage through the cartridge 210, or may be separable elements within the cartridge 210.
• the fork steering tube 224 and/or the handlebar steering tube 226 may extend in the tubes 206, 208 the entire distance through the internal cartridge 210, from the top to the bottom, or may extend only partially therethrough.
• the fork steering tube 224 may extend only partially into the cartridge 210 from the bottom, and/or the handlebar steering tube 226 may extend only partially into the cartridge 210 from the top.
• the fork tube 206 and/or the handlebar tube 208 may include engagement features to capture the fork steering tube 224 and the handlebar steering tube 226, respectively.
• the fork tube 206 and/or the handlebar tube 208 may selectively clampingly engage the fork steering tube 224 or the handlebar steering tube 226.
• the fork tube 206 and/or the handlebar tube 208 may be partially split with a fastener disposed to impart a compressive clamping force once the fork steering tube 224 or the handlebar steering tube 226 is disposed therein.
• the fork tube 206 is generally described as the tube nearest the backside 205 of the chassis 202 (i.e., nearest the bike frame 102), it may be appreciated that this naming convention is for ease of description.
• the described fork tube 206 may accept a handlebar steering tube 226 and the handlebar tube 208 may accept a fork steering tube 224.
• the fork steering tube 224 and the handlebar steering tube 226 may be interchangeably provided between the tubes 204/206 shown.
• the fork steering tube 224 of the fork 106 may be disposed in the tube 206 nearest the bicycle frame 102 and the handlebar steering tube 226 to which the handlebar 108 is attached may be in the offset tube 208 set apart from the tube 206.
• the handlebar steering tube 226 to which the handlebar 108 is attached may be disposed in the tube 206 nearest the bicycle frame 102 and the fork steering tube 224 of the fork 106 may be in the offset tube 208 set apart from the tube 206.
• the reach measure may be altered relative to the wheelbase of the bike. For instance, when in the first configuration, the ratio of the wheelbase to reach may be greater than when in the second configuration.
• the first configuration may provide increased stability (e.g., as is desirable for a downhill style bicycle) and the second configuration may provide increased maneuverability (e.g., as is desirable for a cross country style bicycle).
• the handlebars 108 may be engaged with the fork steering tube 224 (per a traditional bicycle configuration) where the fork steering tube 224 is disposed in one of tube 204 or tube 206.
• the linkage chassis 202 may also facilaite a traditional steering setup in either the tube 204 or tube 206 based on rider preference in addition to the configurations noted above.
• the internal cartridge 210 provides a linkage extending between the fork tube 206 and the handlebar tube 208 to impart co-rotational movement between a handlebar steerer (e.g., handlebar 108) when received in the handlebar tube 208 and a fork steerer (e.g., fork 106) when received in the fork tube 206.
• the linkage between the tubes 206, 208 may be a mechanical linkage composed of any of various bearings, chains, linkages, bands, belts, etc., that imparts the co-rotational movement.
• rotation of the handlebars 108 results in corotation of the fork 106. While described as comprising multiple linkages below, it may be appreciated that the linkage may be a continuous linkage member extending about at least a portion of the fork tube 204 and the handlebar tube 206.
• the handlebar tube 208 and the fork tube 206 are connected by a linkage 220 to effectuate co-rotation of the fork 106 and the handlebars 108.
• the linkage 220 externally connects the fork tube 206 and the handlebar tube 208, by extending around the two tubes 206, 208.
• the linkage 220 has two linkage members, in this example two belts 221, 222, neither of which extends completely around the two tubes 206, 208, but rather, each of the belts 221, 222 extends more than halfway around the two tubes 206, 208. Together, however, the two belts 221, 222 extend fully around the two tubes 206, 208.
• the first belt 221 that extends around the belts 221, 222 extends more than halfway around the two tubes 206, 208.
• the first belt 221 extends from the fork tube 206 to the handlebar tube 208 on the right side of the cartridge 210 (when viewed from the position of a rider seated on the bicycle), with the belt 221 extending around each of the tubes 206, 208 to the left side of the cartridge 210, where each of the ends of the belt 221 is connected to the respective tube 206, 208.
• the belt 221 extends from where it is fixed to the left side of the fork tube 206, around the fork tube 206 to the right side of the cartridge 210, to the handlebar tube 208, around the handlebar tube 208 to the left side of the cartridge 210, wherein the belt 221 is fixed to the left side of the handlebar tube 208.
• this belt 221 is not continuous between the fork tube 206 and the handlebar tube 208 on the left side of the cartridge 210.
• the second belt 222 extends from the fork tube 206 to the handlebar tube 208 on the left side of the cartridge 210 (when viewed from the position of a rider seated on the bicycle), with the belt 222 extending around each of the tubes 206, 208 to the right side of the cartridge 210, where each of the ends of the belt 222 is connected to the respective tube 206, 208.
• the belt 222 extends from where it is fixed to the right side of the fork tube 206, around the fork tube 206 to the left side of the cartridge 210, to the handlebar tube 208, around the handlebar tube 208 to the right side of the cartridge 210, where the belt 222 is fixed to the right side of the handlebar tube 208.
• this belt 222 is not continuous between the fork tube 206 and the handlebar tube 208 on the right side of the cartridge 210.
• the belts 221, 222 can be affixed to the tubes 206, 208 in any suitable manner, e.g., by pinch bolts, screws, pins, rivets, adhesive, etc.
• the belts 221, 222 can be, e.g., rubber, metal, polymeric, fabric or cloth, any of which may be reinforced, e.g., by metal wires, fiberglass strands, etc.
• Adjusting the tension on the linkage 220 will adjust the steering reaction time and precision and can maintain engagement between the tubes 206, 208 and the fork 106 and handlebars 108, respectively, to effectuate proper co-rotation thereof. It is noted that each belt 221, 222 could be independently tensioned, if needed. Having two belts 221, 222 forming the linkage 220 may reduce backlash ( or “slop”) in the steering linkage compared to only one belt when changing steering directions.
• the cartridge 210 is removable from within the chassis 202 via an access aperture 228 covered by the cover 204 after the fork 106 and the handlebars 108 have been removed from the fork tube 206 and the handlebar tube 208, respectively. If the tubes 206, 208 are separable elements that extend above and/or below the top and bottom of the cartridge 210, the tubes 206, 208 are also removed before the cartridge 210 is removed. It is noted that in FIG.
• the cartridge 210 is shown physically proximate and closer to the fork 106 and handlebars 108, with the chassis 202 removed; however in practice, the chassis 202 will typically remain proximate the fork 106 and handlebars 108 (due to the chassis 202 being connected to the headtube 104 of the bicycle frame 102) and the cartridge 210 will be removed from the chassis 202.
• Having the cartridge 210 removeable from and replaceable within the chassis 202 as a single unit allows for adjustment and personalization of the steering control of the bike. For example, different cartridges could be exchanged to adjust the responsiveness of the steering to customize the bicycle to the rider; for example, the leverage rate between the fork tube and the handlebar tube can be different across various cartridges. Additionally, as indicated above, the relative location of the fork 106 and the handlebars 108 to the headtube 104, and thus the rider cockpit, can be adjusted by switching the receipt of the fork 106 and handlebars 108 in the assembly 200.
• the assembly 200 may allow the handlebar height to be adjusted (e.g., the stem length and angle, steerer spacer stack height, and handlebar rise and sweep). While all these adjustments are provided in traditional bicycle geometries relative to the top of the head tube 104 on a traditional bicycle, adjustment of this base position is limited by the structural limitations of the frame and fork.
• the handlebar height adjustment when using the steering linkage assembly 200 may be configured in relation to the offset distance of the linkage chassis 202 between the head tube 104 and the steering axis of the linkage assembly 200 (either axis 116 or axis 110, depending on the arrangement of the fork 106 and the handlebars 108).
• the assembly 200 architecture allows more freedom to adjust handlebar height because the base position for mounting the handlebars can be located significantly lower than the top of the headtube 104.
• FIGS. 7-10 which includes FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C
• FIGS. 7-10 another example of a steering linkage assembly 300 is shown and described herein.
• the example depicted in FIGS. 7-10 may generally include each or any feature recited above in relation to FIGS. 2-6.
• reference numerals for the assembly example shown in FIGS. 2-6 were in the form 2XX, corresponding components are labeled as 3XX in the example shown in FIGS. 7-10.
• FIG. 7 depicts another example of a steering linkage assembly 300.
• the steering linkage assembly 300 may include features as generally described above in relation to the examples of the steering linkage assembly 200.
• the linkage assembly 300 is shown secured to the bicycle frame 102 at the head tube 104 (the head tube 104 being shown as an integral component of the linkage assembly 300 in FIG. 7).
• the linkage assembly 300 operably connects the steering fork 106 and handlebars 108 to the frame 102.
• the linkage assembly 300 provides a modification of an offset length between an axis of the headtube of the frame 102, an axis of the steering fork 106 and an axis of the handlebars 108.
• the assembly 300 has a linkage chassis 302 and a removable and replaceable chassis cover 304 opposite a backside 305 of the chassis 302, the cover 304 being removable to provide access to an internal cartridge 310 via an access aperture 328.
• the internal cartridge 310 is removable and replaceable from the chassis 302 as a unit without having to disassemble or otherwise separate the components of the cartridge 310.
• the internal cartridge 310 includes a fork tube 306 and a handlebar tube 308 for receiving a fork steering tube 324 of the steering fork 106 and a handlebar steering tube 326 to which the handlebars 108 are engaged, respectively.
• the tubes 306, 308 may be integral within the cartridge 310, formed as a passage through the cartridge 310, or may be separable elements from the cartridge 310. In FIG.
• the fork tube 306 is formed as a passage through the cartridge 310 (with a cross-section of the fork steering tube 324 of the steering fork 106 shown positioned within the tube 306) and the handlebar tube 308 is also formed as a passage through the cartridge 310 which has received therein a removable insert 318, configured for receiving a portion of the handlebar steering tube 326 therein.
• the adjustment apertures 330 may be provided in the linkage chassis 302 to allow for access to internal components such as the cartridge 310. For instance, fasteners for clamping the fork steering tube 324, fasteners for clamping the handlebar steering tube 326, and/or fasteners for engaging a tensioning mechanism may all be accessed via the adjustment apertures 330.
• the internal cartridge 310 provides a linkage extending between the fork tube 306 and the handlebar tube 308 to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebar 108 when operably received in the handlebar tube 308 and the fork 106 when operably received in the fork tube 306.
• rotation of the handlebars 108 results in co-rotation of the fork 106.
• the handlebar tube 308 and the fork tube 306 are connected by a linkage 320 to effectuate co-rotation of the fork 106 and the handlebars 108.
• the linkage 320 between the tubes 306, 308 may be a mechanical linkage composed of any of various bearings, chains, linkages, bands, belts, etc., that imparts the co-rotational movement.
• the linkage 320 has two belts 321, 322, neither of which extends completely around the two tubes 306, 308, but rather, each of the belts 321, 322 extends more than halfway around the two tubes 306, 308.
• the first belt 321 extends from the fork tube 306 to the handlebar tube 308 on the right side of the cartridge 310 (when viewed from the position of a rider seated on the bicycle), with the belt 321 extending around each of the tubes 306, 308 to the left side of the cartridge 310, where each of the ends of the belt 321 is connected to the respective tube 306, 308.
• the belt 321 extends from where it is fixed to the left side of the fork tube 306, around the fork tube 306 to the right side of the cartridge 310, to the handlebar tube 308, around the handlebar tube 308 to the left side of the cartridge 310, wherein the belt 321 is fixed to the left side of the handlebar tube 308.
• this belt 321 is not continuous between the fork tube 306 and the handlebar tube 308 on the left side of the cartridge 310.
• the second belt 322 extends from the fork tube 306 to the handlebar tube 308 on the left side of the cartridge 310 (when viewed from the position of a rider seated on the bicycle), with the belt 322 extending around each of the tubes 306, 308 to the right side of the cartridge 310, where each of the ends of the belt 322 is connected to the respective tube 306, 308.
• the belt 322 extends from where it is fixed to the right side of the fork tube 306, around the fork tube 306 to the left side of the cartridge 310, to the handlebar tube 308, around the handlebar tube 308 to the right side of the cartridge 310, where the belt 322 is fixed to the right side of the handlebar tube 308.
• this belt 322 is not continuous between the fork tube 306 and the handlebar tube 308 on the right side of the cartridge 310.
• the belts 321, 322 can be affixed to the tubes 306, 308 in any suitable manner, e.g., by pinch bolts, screws, pins, rivets, adhesive, etc.
• Adjusting the tension on the linkage 320 (e.g., the two belts 321, 322) will adjust the steering reaction time and precision.
• Each belt 321, 322 could be independently tensioned, if needed. Having two belts 321, 322 forming the linkage 320 may reduce backlash compared to only one belt when changing steering directions.
• the cartridge 310 is removable from within the chassis 302 via the access aperture 328 upon removal of the access cover 304 and after the fork 106 and the handlebars 108 have been removed from the fork tube 306 and the handlebar tube 308, respectively.
• Having the cartridge 310 removeable from and replaceable within the chassis 302 allows for adjustment and personalization of the steering control of the bike. For example, different cartridges 310 could be exchanged to adjust the responsiveness of the steering to customize the bicycle to the rider. Additionally, as indicated above, the relative location of the fork 106 and the handlebars 108 to the headtube 104, and thus the rider cockpit, can be adjusted by switching the receipt of the fork 106 and handlebars 108 in the assembly 300.
• a kit may be provided that includes the linkage chassis and a plurality of cartridges 310.
• the plurality of cartridges 310 may be provided as distinct and separate units or may be provided with reconfigurable components to reconfigure one or more cartridges 310.
• FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate stepwise a process for removing the cartridge 310 from the chassis 302.
• FIG. 10 A in the first pane, shows the assembly 300 having the access cover 304 on the chassis 302.
• the second pane of FIG. 10A shows the access cover 304 removed, showing the internal cartridge 310 through the access aperture 328.
• the fork 106 is removed from the fork tube 306, by lowering the fork 106 such that the fork steering tube 324 is removed from the fork tube 306.
• the handlebars 108 are disengaged from the handlebar steering tube 326 that was received in the handlebar tube 308 and that engaged with the handlebars 108 and operably connected the handlebars 108 to the tube 308.
• Any of the handlebars 108, the handlebar steering tube 326, and/or the handlebar tube 308 may include teeth, splines, or other features to facilitate the operable engagement.
• the handlebars 108 are lifted up and off of the cartridge 310 and the insert 307 is lowered from out of the cartridge 310.
• the cartridge 310 can be removed from the chassis 302.
• the cartridge 310 can be replaced with a second, different cartridge in order to, e.g., change the steering or performance characteristics of the bicycle, or the same cartridge 310 may be replaced, e.g., after maintenance or a check-up of the cartridge 310.
• FIG. 11 a cross sectional top view of portions of a cartridge 400 is shown.
• a first tube 402 and a second tube 404 are engaged for co-rotation by a continuous linkage member 406.
• the first tube 402 is concentrically provided with a first component 412.
• the first corresponding component may be a steering fork and/or a handlebar steering tube as described above.
• the second tube 404 is eccentrically arranged relative to a second component 414, which may be a steering fork and/or a handlebar steering tube as described above and which is the opposite to the first component 412.
• the second tube 404 and the second component 414 define an eccentric.
• the second tube 404 may undergo some lateral movement (i.e., nearer or farther from the first tube 402), which may provide a tensioning device for tensioning the continuous linkage member 406.
• the rotation of the eccentric may be controlled by a drive mechanism such as a fastener engaged with the eccentric to provide movement in a direction that is tangent to the rotation.
• a linkage chassis containing the cartridge 400 may be slightly non-symmetric to house the eccentric and/or drive mechanism.
• the steering fork is illustrated closer to the headtube of the bicycle frame, with the handlebars more distal from the headtube.
• the position of the steering fork and the handlebars may be switched, so that the fork is farther from the headtube than the handlebars. Switching the handlebars and steering fork will also adjust the rider cockpit dimensions. Similar to the adjusting the responsiveness of the steering to customize the bicycle to the rider, the length between the steering fork and the handlebars, and their relative position, can be adjusted to customize the bicycle to the rider.
• spatially related terms including but not limited to, “bottom,” “lower”, “top”, “upper”, “beneath”, “below”, “above”, “on top”, “on,” etc., if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another.
• Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if a structure depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath other elements would then be above or over those other elements.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

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• 2021
  • 2021-11-09 EP EP21890269.0A patent/EP4240643A4/de active Pending
  • 2021-11-09 WO PCT/US2021/058563 patent/WO2022099177A1/en active Application Filing

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