WO1996025319A1 - Support pour cadre de bicyclette - Google Patents

Support pour cadre de bicyclette Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996025319A1
WO1996025319A1 PCT/GB1996/000350 GB9600350W WO9625319A1 WO 1996025319 A1 WO1996025319 A1 WO 1996025319A1 GB 9600350 W GB9600350 W GB 9600350W WO 9625319 A1 WO9625319 A1 WO 9625319A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
support member
bicycle
resilient
obstacle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1996/000350
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Edward James Harding
Original Assignee
Edward James Harding
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9502952.6A external-priority patent/GB9502952D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB9509545.1A external-priority patent/GB9509545D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB9520310.5A external-priority patent/GB9520310D0/en
Application filed by Edward James Harding filed Critical Edward James Harding
Priority to AU46727/96A priority Critical patent/AU4672796A/en
Priority to GB9717287A priority patent/GB2313098B/en
Priority to TW085107836A priority patent/TW307724B/zh
Publication of WO1996025319A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996025319A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J23/00—Other protectors specially adapted for cycles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J13/00—Guards for chain, chain drive or equivalent drive, e.g. belt drive

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to improvements in or relating to two wheeled vehicles
  • d e present invention provides a method of improving the ability of a wheeled vehicle having at least one front and one rear wheel to ride over an obstacle.
  • the method comprises providing a resilient member extending substantially between the front and rear wheels, the resilient member being adapted to prevent the frame or body of the vehicle from contacting the obstacle as it is traversed.
  • the resilient member is preferably shock-absorbing.
  • the present invention provides a bicycle having a frame and front and rear wheels; characterised in that the bicycle further comprises an elongate resilient shock absorbing support member secured to the frame and extending between the two wheels, at least a portion of the resilient member being disposed at a level below the lowermost part of the frame, the resilient support member at least partially supporting the frame as the front wheel surmounts the crest of an obstacle having a height exceeding the clearance between the frame and the ground.
  • the bicycle is a pedal cycle and the frame includes at least one chainring.
  • a resilient shock absorbing frame support member adapted for mounting onto the frame of a bicycle between the front and rear wheels thereof such that, in use, as the front wheel of the bicycle surmounts the crest of an obstacle in the path of the cycle, the obstacle having a height exceeding the normal clearance of the cycle, the resilient frame support member engages the obstacle, the forward momentum of the cycle thereafter slidably advancing the support member over the crest while the front wheel drops down on the opposite side of the obstacle.
  • the resilient frame support member has a generally bow-shaped form and presents a generally flat profile to the obstacle.
  • the frame support member includes a runner having a flat lower surface or a surface of generally arcuate cross-section.
  • the runner is further provided with a boot.
  • the lower surface of the runner (or boot where provided) is provided with a series of parallel longitudinal ridges; or a series of teeth, such teeth preferably being arranged in longitudinal rows or in an interlinked fish-scale like manner.
  • the present invention covers both a resilient frame support member when provided as an integral part of a bicycle (such as during manufacture) or as a separate component for subsequent addition to a bicycle.
  • the resilient member of the present invention in addition to assisting a cycle rider to traverse an obstacle, also provides a certain degree of protection to the chainrings.
  • Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a bicycle incorporating a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 2 secured to the frame of a bicycle
  • Figure 4 shows a sequence of seven views illustrating a bicycle having a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention traversing an obstacle
  • Figure 5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention mounted on the frame of the bicycle;
  • Figure 6 is a part sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective, part sectional, view of a boot for a resilient support member in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 8 shows an alternative form of boot
  • Figures 9 and 10 show preferred surface textures provided to the resilient support member or boot in accordance witii the present invention
  • Figures 11-14 show exploded side views of a quick-release mechanism suitable for mounting a frame support member onto the frame of a bicycle
  • Figures 15 and 16 show a modified mounting allowing adjustment of a resilient frame member with respect to the frame;
  • Figure 17 shows a further embodiment of a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention incorporating a tensioning wire
  • Figure 18 shows a yet further embodiment of a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention, incorporating a shock absorber
  • Figure 19 shows a yet further embodiment of a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 20 illustrates schematically the application of the present invention to a motorcycle
  • Figures 21 and 22 illustrate alternative surface textures to those of Figures 9 and 10, in the form of teeth.
  • Figure 1 shows a pedal bicycle 12 having front 15 and rear 16 wheels, and a conventional frame including a down tube 11, a seat tube 24 and a crossbar 19.
  • a resilient shock absorbing frame support member 10 is mounted on the down tube 11.
  • a typical embodiment of a frame support member 10 has a generally bow or triangular shaped form (Figure 2), having side elements 17, 18 and having an elongate, substantially straight, lower edge forming a runner 14 which, when in position on a bicycle frame, extends substantially between the front 15 and rear 16 wheels ( Figure 1).
  • the runner 14 of the support member 10 extends beyond the lowermost extent of the largest chainring 20.
  • the cranks 21 and pedals 22 will extend lower than the runner 14 of the support member 10 ( Figure 1).
  • the precise dimensions will be selected depending upon the size of the frame and the normal clearance of the chainrings off the ground.
  • the support member 10 will be of a similar thickness to that of the tubes of the frame.
  • the frame support member 10 is secured to the down tube 11 of the frame of the bicycle 12 by means of a clamp 23.
  • a clamp 23 One or more clamps may be used.
  • the clamp includes a seat-tube engaging cup 25 to prevent rearward movement of the resilient member as the cycle engages an obstacle.
  • the clamp may, as shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6 comprise a two-part body which is clamped around the down tube 11. A first part 26 of the clamp body is secured to the resilient support member 10, suitably with bolts or screws 27. The second body part 28 is then similarly secured to the first body part, again suitably by screws 29.
  • the clamp may be welded to the frame of the bicycle for added rigidity, or the clamp may simply comprise two or more studs welded to the down tube 11 which locate in key-hole apertures in the resilient support member.
  • Such an arrangement is used in securing a drinks-container cage to a down tube.
  • Numerous designs of clamp will be appropriate and known arrangements for securing other products to bicycle frames will be suitable with due consideration to the increased strength required of such clamps.
  • me support member 10 may be secured to the chainstays 110, directly or by means of a clamp.
  • a chainstay fixing is additional to a down tube 11 fixing.
  • Figure 4 shows a sequence of views illustrating the operation of a resilient frame support member in accordance with the present invention.
  • the sequence of events is as follows.
  • the rider approaches an obstacle 30 (view a).
  • the rider raises the front wheel 15 up onto the crest of the obstacle (view b).
  • the forward momentum of the bicycle continues to carry it forward such that the front wheel surmounts the crest (view c).
  • the frame support member 10 comes into contact with the obstacle 30.
  • the runner 14 of the frame support member 10 being substantially straight, the bicycle slides forwards on the support member (views c,d and e) until the bicycle pivots about the crest of the obstacle and the rear wheel 16 comes into contact with the obstacle and the bicycle continues on its way over and down the other side of the obstacle (views /and g).
  • the frame support member 10 should be positioned as close as possible to the front wheel as the higher the obstacle, the further forward on the frame support member is contact made with the obstacle.
  • the lower edge of the support member is also horizontal or perhaps tilted forward a few degrees as this provides a flatter approach to the obstacle when the front wheel is lifted off the ground ( Figure 4b).
  • a balance has to be made between the advantage of such an approach and the increased likelihood of debris such as twigs becoming entangled between the leading edge of support member 10 and the front wheel 15.
  • a sufficient space should be allowed between the rear of the frame support member 10 and the rear wheel 16 to allow the support member to flex without contacting the rear wheel when hitting an obstacle.
  • Figure 2 further shows a protective cushion 31 on the resilient support member 10.
  • the cushion serves to protect the frame (particularly the bottom bracket 13) from potential damage from the support member as it flexes and also ensures close contact between these two elements thereby smoothing sudden shock transmissions when the support member first contacts an obstacle.
  • Suitable materials include glass fibre/resin, composites such as carbon fibre, boron or graphite reinforced resin, kevlar or potentially certain metals or alloys. Calculations have suggested that a moulded thermoplastic construction would be more effective than steel.
  • the runner 14 may be formed of the same or a different material from that from which the side elements 17 and 18 are formed. Runner 14 may be substantially rigid, wherein flexing of the side elements absorbs the shocks from contact with an obstacle. Alternatively, runner 14 (alone or together with side elements 17,18) may be flexible to absorb such shocks.
  • the resilient suppo ⁇ member can be considered to be a loop of resilient material with a generally flat base forming the runner 14.
  • Figures 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of a resilient support member wherein the support member comprises an outer loop or frame, substantially as described above, but with a flexible outer skin 32.
  • the cavity defined by the outer skin 32 and frame has an inflatable air chamber 33 at the base of thereof (supplied with air through valve 34) and the remainder of the cavity is preferably filled with a deformable solid material (optionally, formed integrally with the frame and outer skin). Expanded foam or polystyrene is suitable for this purpose.
  • the air chamber 33 can be effectively a sealed section of bicycle inner tube.
  • the flexibility of the runner 14 of the resilient member is fixed for a resilient member of a particular composition and dimensions. With this alternative arrangement the degree of deformation or flexing of the flat runner 14 can be adjusted to suit a
  • Figure 5 also shows a protective sheath 40 fitted to the runner 14 of the resilient support member 10.
  • a sheath 40 prevents surface damage to the runner 14 itself.
  • the sheath 40 can be easily replaced when worn without the need to detach the entire resilient support member 10 from the bicycle frame.
  • Figure 7 shows one form of sheath 40 including a generally flat sheath runner 41; a first housing 42 which locates around one end of runner 14 of the resilient support member 10; and a further housing 43 to engage the other end of runner 14 and including a strap 44 to secure the sheath 40 to the runner 14 of the resilient frame support member 10.
  • sheath runner of this embodiment has a generally semicircular cross-section.
  • the sheath 40 may be injection moulded from a resilient, but deformable, plastics material such that the sheath simply clips or snaps onto the frame of the resilient suppo ⁇ member 10.
  • this form of sheath may be provided with ridges 45 which locate in corresponding channels provided in the upper surface of the runner 14.
  • runner 14 does not have a smooth lower surface.
  • the runner 14,41 has a series of parallel ridges 50 and channels 51 along its length ( Figures 7 to 10). These longitudinal ridges 50 tend to reduce or prevent sideways movement of the bicycle when supported by the frame support member 10 on an obstacle.
  • the ridges 50 will be interchangeable (for example, by use of interlocking rails 51 and channels 53 - Figure 10) dependent upon terrain.
  • rubber may be the preferred material for primarily rock obstacles, whereas metal ridges will be preferred for tree stumps etc.
  • metal will generally be preferred.
  • the metal ridges 50 will be tipped with TiN or similar material typically used to tip masonry drill bits.
  • the ridges 50 reduce in size from the middle outwards and the outermost ridges are turned outwardly slightly. Such an arrangement ensures that adequate grip is maintained when sliding over an obstacle even if the rider "hits" the object off the vertical - even up to an angle of 45° or so.
  • the semicircular sheath of Figures 8 and 9 has die same effect.
  • a series of teeth 55 are provided in place of the ridges. Such teeth are angled towards the rear of the bicycle thereby tending to prevent the cycle from slipping backwards whilst allowing unimpeded forward movement.
  • the teeth are arranged in longitudinal rows corresponding to ridges 50.
  • the rearward facing teeth are interlinked in a fish-scale like manner.
  • the arrows indicate the forward direction of motion (ie., towards the front of the cycle).
  • Such an arrangement has been shown to be particularly helpful in overcoming tall obstacles as the teeth prevent any rearward sliding and allow the rider to adjust his weight over the handle bars, raising the rear wheel and thus over-riding the obstacle in a see-saw
  • the teeth may be TiN tipped.
  • the resilient frame-support member 10 is mounted on the bicycle frame using a quick-release type mechanism, so that it can be readily removed when not required - such as for on-road cycling.
  • the frame of support member 10 is secured to the bicycle frame at two fixing points - a first fixing point 60, typically on the bottom bracket 13 and a second fixing point 70, further up down tube 11.
  • the first fixing point 60 comprises a frame attachment point 62 secured to the bottom bracket 13.
  • frame attachment point 62 is made of the same metal or alloy as the frame itself and is welded in position (during manufacture or subsequently) or is bolted onto or through the down tube.
  • First fixing point 60 further comprises a bracket 63 which is embedded or otherwise secured to the frame support member 10.
  • a coupling 64 secures bracket 63 to frame attachment point 62.
  • Coupling 64 fits on to frame attachment point 62 with a mortice and tenon type fit and is secured in place with bolts or screws 65. By being removable, coupling 64 can be replaced if damaged or updated or upgraded as necessary.
  • Bracket 63 is provided with tongues 66 which slidably engage in corresponding grooves 67 in coupling 64.
  • the second fixing point 70 has corresponding components 72,73 and 74. As shown, bracket 73 engages coupling 74 with a dovetail joint. Bracket 73 further includes a sprung bolt 75 which engages an indentation 76 in bracket 73 to secure the bracket and thus the frame suppo ⁇ member in place. Depressing the spring bolt 75 allows bracket 73 to be removed. Such mechanisms are common place and will be readily adapted for use with the present invention.
  • Figures 13 and 14 show respectively details of slightly modified first and second frame fitting point 60,70. Slidable engagement of the respective brackets 63,73 in couplings 64,74 is effected by means of T-section lugs on the brackets and corresponding T-section channels in the couplings.
  • the elongate nature of the edges of 63,73 serves to act, to a certain extent, as stress dispersers and also help to ensure a strong bond witii the frame of the frame suppo ⁇
  • Figures 15 and 16 show a further modification applicable either to the quick-release system described above with respect to Figures 11 to 14; or any other type of removable arrangement.
  • a toothed shoe 80 is embedded in the upper surface of the frame-suppo ⁇ member 10 at the point where it fixes to the down tube 11 of the cycle frame.
  • the teeth 81 cooperate with corresponding teeth (not shown) on the clamp 23 or frame fixing points 60,70 as appropriate.
  • Elongate bolt holes 82 pass through the shoe 80 and the frame of the resilient frame suppo ⁇ member 10. In use, bolts 27 are passed through these elongate holes, which locate in threaded apertures provided on the clamp 23 or brackets 63,73.
  • the elongate bolt holes 82 allow fine adjustment of the resilient frame suppo ⁇ member 10 with respect to the bicycle frame fixing.
  • the toothed shoe 80 and cooperating toothed po ⁇ ion of claim 23 or frame fixing points 60,70 ensure that once adjusted, there will be no movement between these component.
  • Figures 17 to 19 illustrate alternative embodiments of frame suppo ⁇ members in accordance witii the present invention.
  • Figure 17 shows such a suppo ⁇ member including a tensioning wire 90.
  • An adjustment screw 91 alters the length of the wire and thus adjusts the tension in much the same fashion as a bow string tensions a bow.
  • the tensioning wire runs from the rear corner to a point mid-way along the front edge of the suppo ⁇ member 10.
  • Figure 18 shows an embodiment including a shock-absorber 92 or other spring-loaded device.
  • a similar effect can be achieved with a resilient circular band (typically of a composite material) which fits inside the "triangle" of the frame suppo ⁇ member 10 and contacts the three sides of the frame of the suppo ⁇ member. By contacting the three sides, the circular band spreads the load of any impact over the whole of the suppo ⁇ member 10.
  • a resilient circular band typically of a composite material
  • Figure 18 also shows a modification to include a bottom bracket mounting 93. Inclusion of such a mounting will, of course, determine the positioning of the suppo ⁇ member 10 with respect to the cycle frame.
  • Figure 19 illustrates that a resilient frame supporting member in accordance with the present invention may have many forms.
  • the embodiment shown comprises a runner 14 mounted onto a bicycle frame by two extendable rods 100, 101 secured to the down tube 11 and bottom bracket 13 respectively.
  • Coil springs 102,103 provide suitable shock abso ⁇ tion.
  • a leaf spring preferably with tensioning wire
  • a spring-loaded tail-runner 104 is provided to give further assistance in overcoming obstacles.
  • Figure 20 illustrates that the present invention is equally applicable to motor cycles 105 as it is to pedal cycles - with suitable modification. Provision of a frame (in this case, strictly an engine) suppo ⁇ member is pa ⁇ icularly advantageous to motor-cross

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un support pour cadre de cycle, notamment à un élément (10) de support de cadre, destiné à absorber des chocs, et qui aide un cycliste à passer au-dessus d'un obstacle (30). On décrit en particulier une bicyclette (12) présentant un cadre ainsi que des roues avant (15) et arrière (16), caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre un élément (10) flexible de support de cadre, destiné à absorber des chocs, fixé sur le cadre, s'étendant entre les deux roues, dont une portion au moins est placée à un niveau situé en dessous de la partie la plus basse du cadre, et supportant au moins partiellement le cadre au moment où la roue avant (15) dépasse la crête d'un obstacle (30) dont la hauteur excède la distance au sol du cadre. Cette bicyclette est généralement un cycle à pédales qui possède au moins une chaîne (20) et dont une portion au moins de l'élément (10) flexible de support de cadre est placée à un niveau situé au-dessous de la partie la plus basse de la ou des chaîne(s) (20).
PCT/GB1996/000350 1995-02-15 1996-02-15 Support pour cadre de bicyclette WO1996025319A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU46727/96A AU4672796A (en) 1995-02-15 1996-02-15 Frame support member for bicycles
GB9717287A GB2313098B (en) 1995-02-15 1996-02-15 Frame support member for bicycles
TW085107836A TW307724B (fr) 1995-02-15 1996-06-28

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9502952.6A GB9502952D0 (en) 1995-02-15 1995-02-15 Chainset protector
GB9502952.6 1995-02-15
GB9509545.1 1995-05-11
GBGB9509545.1A GB9509545D0 (en) 1995-05-11 1995-05-11 Obstacle traverser
GBGB9520310.5A GB9520310D0 (en) 1995-10-05 1995-10-05 Obstacle traverser
GB9520310.5 1995-10-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996025319A1 true WO1996025319A1 (fr) 1996-08-22

Family

ID=27267589

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1996/000350 WO1996025319A1 (fr) 1995-02-15 1996-02-15 Support pour cadre de bicyclette

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4672796A (fr)
TW (1) TW307724B (fr)
WO (1) WO1996025319A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2341161A (en) * 1998-08-01 2000-03-08 Peter Robert Evans A chain wheel guard
DE20120370U1 (de) * 2001-12-17 2003-04-24 Puky Gmbh & Co Kg Roller
DE10208849A1 (de) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Sturzbügel für ein Einspurfahrzeug

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3012406B1 (fr) * 2013-10-25 2015-12-18 Decathlon Sa Kit de personnalisation pour cadre de bicyclette, et cadre de bicyclette comportant un tel kit de personnalisation

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4515386A (en) * 1983-06-27 1985-05-07 Kanji Tsujimura Guard for chain wheel
US5067930A (en) * 1990-12-20 1991-11-26 Robert Morales Bicycle sprocket protector
DE4126156A1 (de) * 1990-08-09 1992-03-05 Martin Eder Fahrradkettenschutz

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4515386A (en) * 1983-06-27 1985-05-07 Kanji Tsujimura Guard for chain wheel
DE4126156A1 (de) * 1990-08-09 1992-03-05 Martin Eder Fahrradkettenschutz
US5067930A (en) * 1990-12-20 1991-11-26 Robert Morales Bicycle sprocket protector

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2341161A (en) * 1998-08-01 2000-03-08 Peter Robert Evans A chain wheel guard
EP0978445A3 (fr) * 1998-08-01 2000-10-11 Peter Robert Evans Garde-boue
GB2341161B (en) * 1998-08-01 2002-04-03 Peter Robert Evans Mudguard
DE20120370U1 (de) * 2001-12-17 2003-04-24 Puky Gmbh & Co Kg Roller
DE10208849A1 (de) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Sturzbügel für ein Einspurfahrzeug

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW307724B (fr) 1997-06-11
AU4672796A (en) 1996-09-04

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