Bicycle shock with extension arms

Abstract

A bicycle frame can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A linkage connected to the main frame, sub-frame and shock can also be used to regulate the relationships and control the rotation. The shock can further have a pair of extension arms which connect to the linkage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 495,516, filed Jun. 30, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to bicycle suspension systems and frame assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to configurations for rear suspension assemblies and mounting arrangements for rear suspension assemblies suitable for use in connection with off-road bicycles.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Off-road bicycles, or mountain bikes, may be equipped with front and rear suspension assemblies operably positioned between the frame of the bicycle and the front and rear wheels, respectively. Providing front and rear suspension on a mountain bike potentially improves handling and performance by absorbing bumps, and other rough trail c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Certain embodiments of a bicycle assembly can comprise a main frame, a sub-frame configured to rotate with respect to the main frame, a linkage and a shock. The main frame can comprise a seat tube, a head tube and a connecting tube connecting the seat tube and the head tube. The sub-frame can comprise a pair of seat stays and a pair of chain stays. The shock can comprise a shock body and an extension body integral with the shock body. The extension body can comprise a pair of extension arms which straddle the seat tube and connect the shock to the linkage. The linkage can align the shock and the seat stays of the sub-frame.

[0014]In some embodiments of a bicycle frame, an axis of rotation of the adjustment knobs is perpendicular to a plane defined as the plane through the center of the main frame, such that a user sitting on a bicycle with the bicycle frame can reach down under the seat to the shock and adjust the shock, with damping easily accessible with one hand and rebound easily accessible with the other.

Problems solved by technology

However, because mountain bikes are typically pedal-driven, i.e., use the rider's power output to propel the bicycle, the provision of rear suspension, especially, may undesirably absorb a rider's power output, resulting in wasted effort.

Accordingly, rear suspension systems commonly incorporated on engine-driven vehicles, such as motorcycles, have proven undesirable for use with pedal-driven vehicles, such as mountain bikes.

Rear suspension systems of engine-driven vehicles commonly emphasize strength over weight and, therefore, have not been widely incorporated on mountain bikes.

However, one problem associated with prior mountain bike rear suspension designs involves placement of the rear shock absorber.

Due to the relatively complex nature of common mountain bike rear suspension assemblies, the placement of the rear shock absorber has often precluded the use of a traditional triangular main frame of the mountain bike.

However, a disadvantage of such an arrangement is that a clearance space must be provided to accommodate the crossbar portion throughout the range of movement of the link during articulation of the sub-frame.

Such an arrangement can place limitations on the design of the remainder of the frame assembly.

As another example, the rear shock may be positioned within the internal space defined by the main frame and the movement of the link may also take place within this space, thereby limiting the availability of this space for other purposes.

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