WO1992015477A1 - Cycle suspension system - Google Patents

Cycle suspension system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1992015477A1
WO1992015477A1 PCT/GB1992/000397 GB9200397W WO9215477A1 WO 1992015477 A1 WO1992015477 A1 WO 1992015477A1 GB 9200397 W GB9200397 W GB 9200397W WO 9215477 A1 WO9215477 A1 WO 9215477A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
chainstay
cycle
flexible member
joined
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1992/000397
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Ronald Sacheverell Browning
Original Assignee
Browning Michael Ronald Sachev
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
Application filed by Browning Michael Ronald Sachev filed Critical Browning Michael Ronald Sachev
Publication of WO1992015477A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992015477A1/en

Links

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
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • 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
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K2025/041—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork the cycle frame being made of a flexible material
    • 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
    • B62K2201/00—Springs used in cycle frames or parts thereof
    • B62K2201/02—Rubber springs

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a suspension system for a pedal cycle, and in particular to a rear wheel suspension system.
  • Rear wheel suspension systems for pedal cycles are known in which the chainstay is pivotally articulated to the cycle frame.
  • Such arrangements although generally effective, are disadvantageous in that the pivot structure increases the weight and cost of the cycle and, since it requires moving or sliding parts, is subject to wear and potential failure.
  • the present invention provides a cycle having a rear suspension system comprising, resilient means located between the seat stays and the cycle frame, and a flexible member joining the. chainstay to the frame, whereby said flexible member permits pivotal movement of said chainstay relative to said frame.
  • the flexible member may be formed as a separate element that is joined to both the frame and the chainstay, or alternatively may be formed as an extension of either the chainstay or the frame.
  • the flexible member may be a plate of high-grade steel, and may preferably be provided with a shaped cut-out to provide the desired flexing characteristics.
  • the chainstay may be joined to the frame via the flexible member at the bottom of the frame in the region of the pedal crank housing.
  • the chainstay may be raised and joined to the frame via the flexible member at a point along the seat tube.
  • the resilient means provides the principal damping of the suspension system and preferably comprises a resilient elastomeric member such as a rubber bush.
  • the resilient means is chosen and shaped so as to give a desired spring characteristic, e.g. non-linear.
  • the resilient means may comprise a hydraulic damping unit.
  • the resilient means may be secured between the seat stays and the frame in any of a number of conventional ways.
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of a rear portion of a bicycle frame of a first embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of the flexible member of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a detail showing the chainstay joined to the frame by an alternative flexible member;
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment;
  • Fig. 5 is a sectional view through a resilient means, and
  • Figs. 6 and 7 are views along arrow A of Fig. 4 showing alternative configurations for the resilient means.
  • Fig. 1 there is shown the rear part of a bicycle frame 1.
  • the frame 1 includes a front tube 2, a seat tube 3 and a cross bar 4.
  • the front tube 2 and seat tube 3 meet at the bottom of the frame at a pedal crank housing 5.
  • Extending rearwardly from the main frame 1 are chainstays 6 and seat stays 7 that form a triangle with seat tube 3.
  • the chainstays 6 and seat stays 7 are formed as forks to permit accommodation of the rear wheel (not shown) .
  • the rear wheel is mounted by means of a pair of mounting brackets 8 provided at the junction of the distal ends of the chainstays 6 and seat stays 7.
  • the seat stay 7 is fixed to an upper part of frame 1 via a resilient member 9 to provide the principal damping for the suspension system.
  • This resilient member can take one of a number of forms as discussed further below.
  • the chainstay 6 is fixed to the frame 1 by a flexible member 10.
  • flexible member 10 in this embodiment is in the form of a plate of high-grade steel.
  • the flexible member 10 has a cut ⁇ out central portion 14 that provides the plate with the required flexibility.
  • One end of the flexible plate 10 is fixed to the chainstay 6 by welding, via screw holes 11, or by any other suitable means.
  • the other end of the flexible plate 10 is divided by a pair of slots into a central 12 and two outer 13 portions.
  • the central and outer portions are then bent out of the plane of the plate so that the end of the plate may engage and be similarly secured to, the curved surface ⁇ f the pedal crank housing 5.
  • the central portion may be bent upwardly and the outer portions downwardly, or vice versa.
  • Fig. 3 shows an alternative arrangement in which the flexible plate member 10' is formed integrally with the pedal crank housing 5. Similarly, the flexible plate could be formed integrally with the chainstay and then fixed to the crank housing.
  • Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment featuring a raised chainstay arrangement.
  • Raised chainstays can be advantageous in certain circumstances in that they can prevent mud gathering on the chain and can facilitate chain removal.
  • the chainstay 6 is fixed to the seat tube 3 at a point above the pedal crank housing via a flexible plate member 10.
  • an additional reinforcing strut 15 may be provided joining the front tube 2 with the seat tube 3 at the point where the chainstay 6 joins the seat tube.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates one possible configuration for the resilient member 9.
  • This embodiment comprises an elastomeric, e.g. rubber, bush 16 surrounding a threaded spigot 17. The bush 16 is in turn clamped in a metal ring 18.
  • the resilient member may be fitted between the frame and the seat stay in a number of ways, two of which are suggested by Figs. 6 and 7.
  • Fig. 6 the spigot is threadedly connected to the base of the TJ of the seat stay 7 and the metal ring is connected to the seat tube 3 by a pair of extending arms, while in fig. 7 this arrangement is reversed with the threaded spigot connecting to the seat tube 3.
  • the elastomeric material is chosen and shaped ⁇ so as to provide a desired non-linear spring characteristic.
  • the principal damping of the suspension is provided by the resilient member 9, and the chainstay is allowed to move in a pivotal manner by virtue of being joined to the frame via the flexible member.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

A bicycle has a suspension system for the rear wheel comprising a resilient member (9) located between the seat stays (7) and the frame (1). The chainstay (6) is pivotally connected to the frame via a flexible member (10), e.g. plate steel appropriately shaped, either to the pedal crank housing (5), or to a point along the seat tube (3).

Description

- 1 -
Cycle Suspension System
This invention relates to a suspension system for a pedal cycle, and in particular to a rear wheel suspension system.
Rear wheel suspension systems for pedal cycles are known in which the chainstay is pivotally articulated to the cycle frame. Such arrangements, although generally effective, are disadvantageous in that the pivot structure increases the weight and cost of the cycle and, since it requires moving or sliding parts, is subject to wear and potential failure. Viewed from one broad aspect the present invention provides a cycle having a rear suspension system comprising, resilient means located between the seat stays and the cycle frame, and a flexible member joining the. chainstay to the frame, whereby said flexible member permits pivotal movement of said chainstay relative to said frame.
Such an arrangement provides a simple and advantageous method of allowing the chainstay to pivo't. The flexible member can be cheap, light, robust and has no sliding parts subject to wear.
The flexible member may be formed as a separate element that is joined to both the frame and the chainstay, or alternatively may be formed as an extension of either the chainstay or the frame. In one possible arrangement the flexible member may be a plate of high-grade steel, and may preferably be provided with a shaped cut-out to provide the desired flexing characteristics.
The chainstay may be joined to the frame via the flexible member at the bottom of the frame in the region of the pedal crank housing. Alternatively the chainstay may be raised and joined to the frame via the flexible member at a point along the seat tube.
The resilient means provides the principal damping of the suspension system and preferably comprises a resilient elastomeric member such as a rubber bush. The resilient means is chosen and shaped so as to give a desired spring characteristic, e.g. non-linear. Alternatively, the resilient means may comprise a hydraulic damping unit. The resilient means may be secured between the seat stays and the frame in any of a number of conventional ways.
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 is a side view of a rear portion of a bicycle frame of a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the flexible member of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a detail showing the chainstay joined to the frame by an alternative flexible member; Fig. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment; Fig. 5 is a sectional view through a resilient means, and
Figs. 6 and 7 are views along arrow A of Fig. 4 showing alternative configurations for the resilient means.
Referring firstly to Fig. 1 there is shown the rear part of a bicycle frame 1. The frame 1 includes a front tube 2, a seat tube 3 and a cross bar 4. The front tube 2 and seat tube 3 meet at the bottom of the frame at a pedal crank housing 5. Extending rearwardly from the main frame 1 are chainstays 6 and seat stays 7 that form a triangle with seat tube 3. Although not readily visible from the side view of Fig. 1,-it will be appreciated that the chainstays 6 and seat stays 7 are formed as forks to permit accommodation of the rear wheel (not shown) . The rear wheel is mounted by means of a pair of mounting brackets 8 provided at the junction of the distal ends of the chainstays 6 and seat stays 7.
The seat stay 7 is fixed to an upper part of frame 1 via a resilient member 9 to provide the principal damping for the suspension system. This resilient member can take one of a number of forms as discussed further below. The chainstay 6 is fixed to the frame 1 by a flexible member 10. As shown in Fig. 2, flexible member 10 in this embodiment is in the form of a plate of high-grade steel. The flexible member 10 has a cut¬ out central portion 14 that provides the plate with the required flexibility. One end of the flexible plate 10 is fixed to the chainstay 6 by welding, via screw holes 11, or by any other suitable means. The other end of the flexible plate 10 is divided by a pair of slots into a central 12 and two outer 13 portions. The central and outer portions are then bent out of the plane of the plate so that the end of the plate may engage and be similarly secured to, the curved surface αf the pedal crank housing 5. For example, the central portion may be bent upwardly and the outer portions downwardly, or vice versa.
Fig. 3 shows an alternative arrangement in which the flexible plate member 10' is formed integrally with the pedal crank housing 5. Similarly, the flexible plate could be formed integrally with the chainstay and then fixed to the crank housing.
Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment featuring a raised chainstay arrangement. Raised chainstays can be advantageous in certain circumstances in that they can prevent mud gathering on the chain and can facilitate chain removal. In this embodiment the chainstay 6 is fixed to the seat tube 3 at a point above the pedal crank housing via a flexible plate member 10. In such an arrangement an additional reinforcing strut 15 may be provided joining the front tube 2 with the seat tube 3 at the point where the chainstay 6 joins the seat tube. Fig. 5 illustrates one possible configuration for the resilient member 9. This embodiment comprises an elastomeric, e.g. rubber, bush 16 surrounding a threaded spigot 17. The bush 16 is in turn clamped in a metal ring 18. The resilient member may be fitted between the frame and the seat stay in a number of ways, two of which are suggested by Figs. 6 and 7. In Fig. 6 the spigot is threadedly connected to the base of the TJ of the seat stay 7 and the metal ring is connected to the seat tube 3 by a pair of extending arms, while in fig. 7 this arrangement is reversed with the threaded spigot connecting to the seat tube 3. In any case, the elastomeric material is chosen and shapedι so as to provide a desired non-linear spring characteristic. In use, the principal damping of the suspension is provided by the resilient member 9, and the chainstay is allowed to move in a pivotal manner by virtue of being joined to the frame via the flexible member. It will be understood that in the context of this specification the term "flexible" is somewhat relative. The member 10 is flexible in comparison with the frame tubes and the chainstay, but still has sufficient strength and rigidity so as not to compromise the overall strength and rigidity of the frame as a whole. The above specific embodiments have been described with reference to a bicycle, but it will be appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to a tricycle.

Claims

Claims
1. A cycle having a rear suspension system comprising, resilient means located between the seat stays and the cycle frame, and a flexible member joining the chainstay to the frame, whereby said flexible member permits pivotal movement of said chainstay relative to said frame.
2. A cycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flexible member is formed as a separate element that is joined to both the frame and the chainstay.
3. A cycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flexible member is integrally formed as an extension of either said chainstay or said frame, and is joined to the other of said chainstay and said frame.
4. . A cycle as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said flexible member comprises a plate of high- grade steel.
5. A cycle as claimed in claim 4 wherein said plate is provided with a cut-out section.
6. A cycle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the chainstay is joined to the frame at the bottom of the frame in the region of the pedal crank housing.
7. A cycle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the chainstay is joined to the frame at a point along the seat tube.
PCT/GB1992/000397 1991-03-06 1992-03-06 Cycle suspension system WO1992015477A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB919104671A GB9104671D0 (en) 1991-03-06 1991-03-06 Bicycle suspension system
GB9104671.4 1991-03-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992015477A1 true WO1992015477A1 (en) 1992-09-17

Family

ID=10691050

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1992/000397 WO1992015477A1 (en) 1991-03-06 1992-03-06 Cycle suspension system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB9104671D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1992015477A1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5441292A (en) * 1993-09-15 1995-08-15 Gt Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension system
US5797613A (en) * 1996-06-14 1998-08-25 Gt Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle flex joint
GB2329365A (en) * 1997-09-19 1999-03-24 Gerrard Francis Woods Bicycle frame with flexible rear section
US5947499A (en) * 1996-06-14 1999-09-07 Gt Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle flexible joint
AT406364B (en) * 1997-04-24 2000-04-25 Mlekusch Bernd Dipl Ing Bicycle frame comprising a main frame and a rear wheel suspension system
US7066481B1 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-06-27 Felt Racing, Llc Bicycle rear suspension
EP3098149A1 (en) * 2015-05-26 2016-11-30 Cycles Lapierre Bicycle frame
DE102020119315A1 (en) 2020-07-22 2022-01-27 Cotesa Gmbh Muscle-powered vehicle

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR566517A (en) * 1923-05-14 1924-02-15 Advanced elastic suspension system for bicycle and motorcycle frames
GB469354A (en) * 1936-11-04 1937-07-23 Battery Patents Corp Improvements in bicycle frames
CH224337A (en) * 1942-02-20 1942-11-15 Stuber Hans Device for cushioning the rear wheel on bicycles.
FR979160A (en) * 1948-12-01 1951-04-23 Improvements to frames for bicycles, mopeds and similar vehicles
GB1205286A (en) * 1968-07-23 1970-09-16 Moulton Bicycles Ltd Bicycles having resiliently suspended rear wheels
DK24879A (en) * 1978-02-16 1979-08-17 Kabel Metallwerke Ghh PROCEDURE FOR CONTINUOUS MANUFACTURE OF HEAT-INSULATED PIPELINES
EP0399615A2 (en) * 1989-05-25 1990-11-28 Marinus Johannes Meijers Improved bicycle

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR566517A (en) * 1923-05-14 1924-02-15 Advanced elastic suspension system for bicycle and motorcycle frames
GB469354A (en) * 1936-11-04 1937-07-23 Battery Patents Corp Improvements in bicycle frames
CH224337A (en) * 1942-02-20 1942-11-15 Stuber Hans Device for cushioning the rear wheel on bicycles.
FR979160A (en) * 1948-12-01 1951-04-23 Improvements to frames for bicycles, mopeds and similar vehicles
GB1205286A (en) * 1968-07-23 1970-09-16 Moulton Bicycles Ltd Bicycles having resiliently suspended rear wheels
DK24879A (en) * 1978-02-16 1979-08-17 Kabel Metallwerke Ghh PROCEDURE FOR CONTINUOUS MANUFACTURE OF HEAT-INSULATED PIPELINES
EP0399615A2 (en) * 1989-05-25 1990-11-28 Marinus Johannes Meijers Improved bicycle

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5441292A (en) * 1993-09-15 1995-08-15 Gt Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle rear suspension system
US5797613A (en) * 1996-06-14 1998-08-25 Gt Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle flex joint
US5865456A (en) * 1996-06-14 1999-02-02 Gt Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle flex joint with non-torsional encasement
US5947499A (en) * 1996-06-14 1999-09-07 Gt Bicycles, Inc. Bicycle flexible joint
AT406364B (en) * 1997-04-24 2000-04-25 Mlekusch Bernd Dipl Ing Bicycle frame comprising a main frame and a rear wheel suspension system
GB2329365A (en) * 1997-09-19 1999-03-24 Gerrard Francis Woods Bicycle frame with flexible rear section
US7066481B1 (en) 2005-04-13 2006-06-27 Felt Racing, Llc Bicycle rear suspension
EP3098149A1 (en) * 2015-05-26 2016-11-30 Cycles Lapierre Bicycle frame
FR3036679A1 (en) * 2015-05-26 2016-12-02 Cycles Lapierre BIKE FRAME
DE102020119315A1 (en) 2020-07-22 2022-01-27 Cotesa Gmbh Muscle-powered vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9104671D0 (en) 1991-04-17

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