Living hinge member and suspension
US7140628B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62K25/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structural member (38, 40) is designed to have a first portion having a first composite layup, a second portion having a second composite layup, and at least one center portion having at least a third composite layup such that it can flex near a desired point of the structural member. The structural member may be used as a chain stay (26) in a bicycle frame (10). The chain stays are designed to have a geometry that will allow for flexing or bending at or in the vicinity of a desired point. They may be pre-loaded for flex in both a positive and negative direction. The chain stays are designed having a varying cross sectional area. The bending or flexing location of the chain stays has a narrower height from the side view than the ends of the chain stay allowing the chain stay to flex. Additionally, the bending or flexing location has a wider width from the top view than the ends of the chain stay for additional torsional and lateral stiffness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.