Lightweight self-adjusting semihydraulic suspension system
US5248159A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62K25/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bicycle shock absorber system employs a rubber sleeve trapped between two bushings which are spring loaded so as to increase the force on the rubber sleeve as spring force increases with travel. The rubber sleeve and bushings move with the fork stem which is rigidly attached to the fork and wheel and which slide inside an oil coated steerer tube which in turn rotates inside the outermost head tube which is integral with the bicycle frame. Upper and lower drive flexures permit relative sliding motion but rigidly prevent relative rotary motion so that steering forces are rigidly transferred into the fork stem. The internal elements operate in a bath of heavy oil which coats all the sliding elements providing complete lubrication and the viscous "feel" of a hydraulic shock absorber. Any combination of spring and damping rates may be achieved by changing springs and the oil viscosity. The system is designed to be small and compact enough to fit in a common "oversize" bicycle headtube. The design is easily adapted to make use of an air spring by adding a small sealed piston and air charging valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.