U.S. patent application number 13/911861 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for bicycle frame.
The applicant listed for this patent is SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Jason L. Chamberlain.
Application Number | 20130341886 13/911861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44486200 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130341886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chamberlain; Jason L. |
December 26, 2013 |
BICYCLE FRAME
Abstract
A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a
main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can
move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to
regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to
establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some
embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the
length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
Inventors: |
Chamberlain; Jason L.;
(Morgan Hill, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC. |
Morgan Hill |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44486200 |
Appl. No.: |
13/911861 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13219465 |
Aug 26, 2011 |
8459680 |
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13911861 |
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12780710 |
May 14, 2010 |
8006993 |
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13219465 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/284 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 25/26 20130101;
B62K 25/22 20130101; B62K 3/02 20130101; B62K 19/30 20130101; B62K
25/286 20130101; B62K 25/20 20130101; B62K 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/284 |
International
Class: |
B62K 25/26 20060101
B62K025/26 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A bicycle assembly comprising: a main frame comprising a seat
tube, a head tube and an intermediate tube connecting the seat tube
and the head tube; a sub-frame configured to rotate with respect to
the main frame; a shock absorber having first and second opposing
ends and a first eyelet connected to the main frame at the first
end and a second eyelet at the second end, the shock absorber
defining an axis between the first and second end; an extension
body comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the second
eyelet at the second end of the shock absorber is positioned within
the first end of the extension body and the second end of the
extension body is connected to the sub-frame forming a rear pivot
of the shock absorber; and a fastener to secure the shock absorber
within the first end of the extension body, the first end of the
extension body configured to prevent rotation about the axis
between the second eyelet of the shock absorber and the extension
body.
3. The bicycle assembly of claim 2, wherein the fastener extends
through a top of the extension body, the second eyelet, and a
bottom of the extension body to secure the second eyelet in place
within the extension body.
4. The bicycle assembly of claim 2, further comprising a space that
extends along a side portion of the extension body to allow the
extension body to be clamped down on the second eyelet.
5. The bicycle assembly of claim 2, wherein the extension body is
substantially U-shaped.
6. The bicycle assembly of claim 2, wherein the extension body
comprises a pair of outwardly extending arms.
7. The bicycle assembly of claim 2, wherein the shock absorber
further comprises an adjustment knob on the second eyelet.
8. The bicycle assembly of claim 8, wherein the extension body
comprises a slot sized to accommodate the adjustment knob.
9. The bicycle assembly of claim 2, further comprising a fork, a
saddle and two wheels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/219,465, filed Aug. 26, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,680,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/780,710,
filed May 14, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,993, the entire
contents of all of the above applications are hereby incorporated
by reference herein and made a part of this specification. Any and
all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is
identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present
application, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR
1.57.
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 conditions, which may be encountered
while riding off-road. 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.
[0006] 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. In addition, because a mountain bike is propelled solely by
power output from the rider, it is desirable that the rear
suspension assembly be lightweight. Rear suspension systems of
engine-driven vehicles commonly emphasize strength over weight and,
therefore, have not been widely incorporated on mountain bikes.
[0007] Mountain bike rear suspension designs, utilizing multiple
linkage members, are currently used and are often effective at
isolating pedal-induced and brake-induced forces from acting on the
rear suspension. 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 rear shock absorber
cannot always be placed in an optimal position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] There exists a continuing need to develop new configurations
for the placement and mounting of rear suspensions on bicycle
frames. Along with this need, there also exists a need to develop
new designs for shock absorbers and shock absorber mounting
equipment to facilitate the new configurations for the placement
and mounting of rear suspensions on bicycle frames.
[0009] According to some embodiments, a bicycle assembly can
comprise a main frame, a sub-frame configured to rotate with
respect to the main frame, and a shock absorber. The main frame can
include a seat tube, a head tube and an intermediate tube
connecting the seat tube and the head tube. The shock absorber can
have first and second opposing ends and first and second eyelets at
each end. The first eyelet at the first end is preferably connected
to the main frame. The bicycle assembly may further include an
extension body comprising a first end connected to the shock
absorber at the second eyelet and a second end comprising a pair of
extension arms, each extension arm connected to the sub-frame,
wherein a rear pivot of the shock absorber is defined by a
connection point between each extension arm and the sub-frame, and
the rear pivot configured to be at the sides of a rear wheel.
[0010] The first end of the extension body in some embodiments can
receive the second eyelet within the extension body and the axis of
the center of the second eyelet is at least about 15 degrees offset
from the axis of the center of the first eyelet, such that the
extension body forms a rigid, non-rotating connection with the
second eyelet.
[0011] The bicycle assembly according to some embodiments can
further include a fastener securing the extension body and the
second eyelet of the shock absorber. A spacer can also be provided
to be within the second eyelet, the spacer having a hole to receive
the fastener. In some embodiments, the hole in the spacer is
off-center such that the position of spacer within the eyelet
allows for the adjustment of the length of combined shock absorber
and extension body.
[0012] According to some embodiments the bicycle assembly can
further comprise a fork, a saddle, the rear wheel and/or a front
wheel and the sub-frame can comprise a pair of seat stays and a
pair of chain stays. Further in some embodiments, the axis of the
center of the second eyelet is at least about 45, 60, or 80 degrees
offset from the axis of the center of the first eyelet.
[0013] A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame and the
bicycle frame can include various components. Some of these
components can include a main frame, a sub-frame configured to
rotate with respect to the main frame, a shock absorber configured
to regulate the relationship between the main frame and the
sub-frame, and an extension body. Certain main frames have a seat
tube, a head tube and a top tube connecting the seat tube and the
head tube. The shock absorber can include a first eyelet to connect
to the main frame and a second eyelet. The extension body can have
various configurations. For example, a first portion can be
configured to connect to the second eyelet of the shock absorber
and form a rigid non-rotating connection, and a second portion can
comprise a pair of extension arms. Further in some embodiments, the
extension arms can be configured to straddle a rear wheel such that
a rear pivot of the shock absorber is at the sides of the rear
wheel, the front pivot being at the first eyelet of the shock
absorber.
[0014] In some embodiments, the second eyelet of the shock absorber
is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of both the front and rear
pivots. The second eyelet can be offset 90 degrees from the first
eyelet.
[0015] According to some embodiments, the bicycle assembly can
further comprise a fastener to secure the extension body and the
second eyelet of the shock absorber. Further a spacer can be used
within the second eyelet. The spacer can have a hole to receive the
fastener. The hole in the spacer can in centered or off-center.
Where hole in the spacer is off-center, the position of spacer
within the eyelet can allow for the adjustment of the length of
combined shock absorber and extension body. Further, the extension
body can also be configured to be adjustable. For example, the
extension body can include two or more extension body holes for
receiving the fastener and allowing for further adjustment of the
length of combined shock absorber and extension body by selection
of the extension body hole.
[0016] Some embodiments of a bicycle assembly can comprise a main
frame having a seat tube, a head tube and a top tube connecting the
seat tube and the head tube. The bicycle assembly may further
include a sub-frame configured to rotate with respect to the main
frame, the frame being configured to regulate the relationship
between the main frame and the sub-frame with a shock absorber
having a first eyelet for connecting to the main frame and a second
eyelet. In some embodiments, the bicycle assembly can also include
an extension body, a fastener and a spacer. The extension body can
have a first portion configured to connect to the second eyelet of
the shock absorber and a second portion. The fastener can be used
to secure the extension body and the second eyelet of the shock
absorber. The spacer can be configured to reside within the second
eyelet. The spacer can have an off-center hole to receive the
fastener, such that the position of spacer within the eyelet allows
for a user to adjust a length of the shock absorber and extension
body.
[0017] In some embodiments, the second portion of the extension
body can comprise a pair of extension arms configured to straddle a
rear wheel such that a rear pivot of the shock absorber is at the
sides of the rear wheel, the front pivot being at the first eyelet
of the shock absorber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and other features, aspects and advantages are
described below with reference to drawings of preferred
embodiments, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a bicycle
frame.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the bicycle frame
of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shock
absorber and an extension body.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows an exploded partial view of the shock absorber
and extension body of FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connected shock
absorber and extension body of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] A bicycle, as shown in FIG. 1, has a bicycle frame 10 with a
rear suspension system. The bicycle frame 10 is made-up of a main
frame 2, a shock absorber 4 and a sub-frame 6. A main frame 2,
according to some embodiments, has a seat tube 21, a top tube 23
and a head tube 25. The top tube 23 can connect the seat tube 21
and the head tube 25. A seat post 8 with an attached saddle 12 can
be installed in the seat tube 21. A steering post or column 14
which connects the handle bars 16 and the fork 18 can be installed
in the head tube 25. The fork can support the front wheel 30. Some
embodiments may further include a down tube 27 and a bottom bracket
29. The down tube 27 can connect the bottom bracket 29 and the head
tube 25. A crank 20 can be installed into the bottom bracket 29 to
which pedals 22 can be attached.
[0025] According to some embodiments, the main frame 2 can further
include one or more gussets or cross tubes 24. The cross tubes can
connect various parts of the main frame 2. For example, in FIGS.
1-2, the cross tube 24 connects the seat tube 21 and the top tube
23. Cross tubes 24 can increase the frame's stability and allow for
additional design features, such as a downward sloping top tube
23.
[0026] As mentioned, the bicycle frame 10 can also include a
sub-frame 6 and a shock absorber 4. The sub-frame 6 is movable
relative to the main frame 2. The shock absorber 4 regulates
movement between the sub-frame 6 and the main frame 2. A pivot axis
P is shown in FIGS. 1-2 to illustrate the various points of
rotation on the bicycle frame 10.
[0027] The sub-frame 6 can include a pair of seat stays 32 and a
pair of chain stays 34. Each seat stay 32 can connect with a
corresponding chain stay 34 and can support a rear wheel 30. This
connection can be fixed or pinned to allow for rotation. In some
embodiments, the chain stays 34 are hingedly connected to the main
frame at or near the bottom bracket 29.
[0028] A link 36 can also be used to connect the main frame 2 and
sub-frame 6. In some embodiments, the link 36 is pivotally
connected to the main frame 2 and sub-frame 6. In some embodiments,
the link 36 can be attached to the shock absorber 4, instead of, or
in addition to, either the main frame 2 or the sub-frame 6.
[0029] A forward end of the shock absorber 4 is shown rotatably
coupled to the main frame 2 for a rotation about a pivot axis P.
This pivot axis P can be defined by a shock mount 38. A rearward
end of the shock absorber 4 is coupled to an extension body 40
which is rotatably coupled to the sub-frame 6 and, more
specifically, to a shock mount assembly 42 for a rotation about a
pivot axis P. The shock mount assembly 42 can include a first arm
44 and a second arm 46 that, along with the chain stays 34, define
an essentially triangular shape in plan view. The shock absorber 4
can be used to control the amount of movement between the main
frame 2 and the sub-frame 6 and the rate of change in their
relationships.
[0030] Further relating to the movement of the different parts of a
bicycle frame, pivot axis P is used in some of the figures, such as
FIG. 2, to show the various pivot points where some of the
different components of the bicycle frame 10 are connected. The
pivot axis P can define connection points which in some embodiments
and in some locations can include bushings, or bearings, though
this is not required. For example, in some embodiments there are
cartridge ball bearings at the pivot axis P, where the extension
body 40 connects to the sub-frame 6.
[0031] Though one configuration of a bicycle frame 10 is shown,
those skilled in the art understand that various configurations are
possible and may also be desirable.
[0032] Turning now to FIGS. 3-4, a shock absorber 4 and extension
body 40 are shown. The shock absorber 4, according to some
embodiments, can be a commonly available fluid and/or coil spring
shock absorber. In some embodiments, the fluid can be oil and/or
air.
[0033] The shock absorber 4 shown has an eyelet 48, 50 at either
end to attach the shock absorber 4 to a bicycle frame as part of a
rear suspension. Though the shock absorber can be a commonly
available shock, the shock absorber 4 used here has been adjusted
or modified, such that the rear eyelet 50 is perpendicular to the
typical axis of rotation and, in fact, the rear eyelet 50 is not
used for rotation. Thus, as can best be seen in FIG. 4, the center
axis A.sub.1 of the opening of the rear eyelet 50 is offset 90
degrees from the center axis A.sub.2 of the opening of the front
eyelet 48. This can generally be done by simply rotating the eyelet
50 and shaft of the shock absorber by hand in relation to the other
eyelet 48 to reach the desired position and orientation.
[0034] The shock absorber 4 can also have adjustment controls 52.
The adjustment controls 52 can include adjustments for dampening,
rebound, pressure and other adjustments. The adjustment controls
can include adjustment knobs, a Schrader or Presta valve, and/or a
preloading ring as are known in the art.
[0035] The extension body 40 has a first end 54 and a second end
56. The first end 54 can be configured to receive an eyelet 48, 50
of a shock absorber 4 and the second end 56 can be configured to
connect to a bicycle frame 10. In some embodiments, the second end
of the extension body 40 and the bicycle frame 10 can be pivotally
connected. The connection point may include bearings, bushings or
other features to reduce friction and allow for smooth rotation and
movement. The extension body 40 can be used to effectively increase
the length of the shock absorber 4. This increased length of the
shock 4 can change the pivot points at which the shock absorber 4
is attached to the bicycle frame 10 and can thereby change the
relative motions that the shock absorber 4, main frame 2 and
sub-frame 6 experience in relation to one another.
[0036] In some embodiments, the second end 56 of the extension body
includes a pair of extension arms 58. Each extension arm 58 can
have an eyelet 60. The extension arms 42 can allow the shock
absorber 4 to span part, or all, of the rear wheel, the seat tube
or other parts of the bicycle. In this way, extension arms 58 allow
the extension body to, not only move the rear the pivot location of
the shock absorber 4 to a more distant location, but also to locate
the rear pivot to a spot not previously available or possible. For
example, the extension arms can move the pivot location to the
sides of the wheel, where previously, the rear pivot of the shock
absorber could only be located in front of the rear wheel. The
extension arms also provide additional benefits as detailed
below.
[0037] Another feature of certain embodiments of extension bodies
40, is an inner surface 62 defining a cavity configured to receive
an eyelet 48, 50 of the shock absorber 4. The inner surface 62 can
be contoured or shaped to receive the eyelet. Preferably, the inner
surface 62 can be shaped to receive the eyelet of any of the many
commonly available or custom shock absorbers. In some embodiments,
the inner surface can be contoured, such as to form a round cavity
shaped to closely match the outside surface of the eyelet. In other
embodiments, the extension body 40, and/or the first end 54 of the
extension body can be hollow to allow for various different
configurations of eyelets and shock absorber ends to fit within the
extension body 40. In some embodiments, the inner surface can
closely fit the eyelet so as to restrict rotation and/or other
movement between the extension body and the shock absorber. In some
embodiments, a looser fit can be provided. This can permit the
selection of a wider variety of shape of mating eyelets and/or
shock absorbers.
[0038] In some embodiments, the inner surface 62 can be configured
to receive an eyelet 50 of a shock absorber 4 that has been rotated
or modified to be offset 90 degrees from the typical orientation of
the eyelet, such as 90 degrees from the orientation of the other
eyelet 48. In some embodiments, the inner surface 62 is formed to
create a cavity closed at all but one end. In some embodiments, the
inner surface 62 forms a cavity that is open at the front and back
of the cavity, where the cavity passes through the extension body
40 (FIG. 5).
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the first end 54 of the extension
body 40 can be hollow and can include an opening or slit 64. The
slit 64 can extend from the first end 54 to the second end 56. In
some embodiments, the slit 64 extends into at least part of the
extension arms 58. The slit 64 can allow the top and bottom of the
first end 54 of the extension body 40 to be clamped down on the
eyelet, and/or end of the shock absorber, to secure the same in
place within the extension body 40. This can allow a rigid
connection to be formed between the shock absorber 4 and the
extension body 40. A fastener 66, such as a bolt and nut, can be
used to secure the shock absorber 4 and extension body 40
together.
[0040] Features of the extension body and shock absorber can
substantially prevent rotation between these two mating bodies. For
example, the inner surface 62 and/or the fastener 66 can be used to
substantially prevent rotation. Substantially prevent rotation can
include rotating less than 25.degree., 20.degree., 15.degree.,
10.degree., 5.degree., 3.degree., 2.degree., and 1.degree..
[0041] The extension body 40 can also include one or more slots or
holes, to accommodate certain features on or near the eyelet and
the end of the shock absorber 4. For example, a slot 68 can be
located at the first end 54 to accommodate an adjustment control 52
such as a rebound knob, located near the eyelet. In some
embodiments, a stock or custom shock absorber 4 is provided,
wherein an adjustment control 52 near an eyelet or shock end is
replaced with a modified adjustment control 52, designed for use
with an extension body 40. For example, the new adjustment control
52 can be smaller, larger, longer, etc. or some other shape
different from the original.
[0042] Some embodiments of shock absorber 4 can have an additional
outside fluid reservoir (not shown). A hole or slot in the
extension body 40, such as slot 68, can be configured to
accommodate a hose for connecting the shock absorber 4 to the fluid
reservoir.
[0043] The use of an extension body 40 that can receive a number of
commonly available or custom shock absorbers provides great
benefits to both the manufacturer and the end consumer. The
extension body is interchangeable with different shocks and
therefore can be used on different bicycles and those bicycles can
be upgraded, modified or repaired to incorporate different or
similar shocks depending on consumer preference or as required.
This also reduces cost for the manufacturer because different
extension bodies do not need to be manufactured for use with
different shocks and/or bikes, and custom shocks do not have to be
manufactured.
[0044] The use of an extension body 40 with extension arms 58 can
also be beneficial. Extension arms can beneficially allow a bicycle
manufacturer to create its own pivot point for the shock absorber,
rather than being required to use the rear shock absorber eyelet.
For example, the surface of the extension arms can be used to
create a stronger, more durable, and smoother connection and pivot.
Instead of using the DU bushings provided with the stock shock,
cartridge ball bearings, which are smoother and more durable, can
be used at the interface between the extension arm and the
sub-frame. In addition and as mentioned previously, the extension
arms also beneficially allow the rear shock absorber pivot to be
placed in locations that were previously impossible, for example,
at the sides of the tires. Also, the extension arms allow the shock
pivot points to be placed in more optimal locations. The shock
absorber 4 can be placed in a compact, lower profile orientation
within the frame and still achieve a shock leverage motion which
matches that of other bikes with a higher or not as compact
orientation.
[0045] The extension body 40 can provide a robust shock
absorber-extension body interface. With the extension body 40 as
shown and discussed above, the connection between the extension
body and the eyelet is strengthened by rotating the eyelet 90
degrees to its typical orientation. In some embodiments, the
extension body can be configured to receive an eyelet rotated
between 80-100.degree., 60-120.degree., 40-140.degree.. This can
include angle between the axis of at least 15.degree., 30.degree.,
45.degree., 60.degree., 75.degree., 80.degree., 85.degree.. This
can reduce the interface strength requirements and prevent the
tendency of the shock absorber-extension body interface to rotate
or buckle. There is a reduced propensity to rotate about the
typical eyelet axis (parallel to A.sub.2) at the interface because
the eyelet is perpendicular, or at least not parallel, to its
typical orientation.
[0046] In addition, the extension arms further reduce the
propensity of the interface to rotate about the axis A.sub.1 of the
new eyelet orientation. This is because of the wide bracing
provided by the extension body which can form a wide v-shaped or
y-shaped yoke. The wide bracing reduces the tendency of the
interface to rotate about the new eyelet axis A.sub.1.
[0047] Rotating or modifying the shock absorber 4, so that the
eyelet 50 is rotated 90 degrees from its typical position, can also
beneficially move certain of the adjustment controls 52 to the
side. Having adjustment controls 52 on the side of the bicycle can
have many benefits. For example, the user can visually and clearly
see the adjustments being made. If the user is standing next to the
bicycle making the adjustments, they are likely to be on the side
of the bike and will be able to easily see the adjustments being
made. They will have a clear unobstructed view of the adjustment
control 52 plus any setting markings. If the user is on the bike,
it is easy for them to reach down and make an adjustment with a
normal rotational movement of their hand.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5, a system for securing the shock
absorber 4 and the extension body 40 is shown. In some embodiments,
a fastener 66, such as a bolt can be used to secure the eyelet 50
within the extension body 40. The fastener 66 can have an outside
diameter that fills or is smaller than the eyelet 50. As shown, the
fastener 66 is smaller than the eyelet 50 and a spacer 70 is used
to create a tight fit between the fastener and the eyelet. It can
be desirable to provide a rigid and secure connection between the
shock absorber 4 and the extension body 40. The fastener, the
fastener and spacer and/or other features can be used to create a
rigid and secure connection.
[0049] The extension body 40 can include a hole 74 for the fastener
to pass through (See FIG. 4). The hole 74 can pass through all or
part of the extension body 40 and can pass through any of the top,
bottom and/or sides of the extension body 40. As shown, the hole 74
passes from the top to the bottom. In other embodiments, the hole
74 can pass through the side or at an angle. In some embodiments,
part or all of the hole 74 is threaded or unthreaded.
[0050] The spacer 70 can be placed within the eyelet 50 and the
eyelet 50 can then be advanced into the cavity defined by the inner
surface 62 in the extension body 40. The spacer 70 can also have a
hole 72 for the fastener 66 to pass through. As already mentioned,
the fastener 66 can secure the spacer 70, and thereby the eyelet
50, within the extension body 40.
[0051] The hole 72 in a spacer 70 can determine where the fastener
66 passes through the eyelet. Generally, the eyelets of a typical
shock absorber are round. The spacer 70 can also be round or other
shapes that can fit within the eyelet. The hole 72 in the spacer 70
can be centered with the spacer or off-center. Thus, with a fixed
hole 74 in the extension body 40, the hole 72 in the spacer and
within the eyelet can determine where the fastener passes through
the eyelet and can thereby determine a spatial relationship between
the shock absorber and the extension body.
[0052] A spacer 70 with an off-center hole 72 can also be used to
adjust the relationship of the shock absorber 4 and the extension
body 40. The spacer in some embodiments can be placed within the
eyelet so as to line up with the hole 74 in one of two positions.
The two positions of the spacer can be about 180.degree.apart. In
one position, the hole 72 can be positioned to be closer to the
first end 54 and in another position, the hole 72 can be positioned
to be closer to the second end 56. In this way, the position of the
hole 72 within the eyelet 50 can be used to lengthen or shorten the
total length of the shock/extension body combination. In some
embodiments, the spacer 70 can include more than one hole 72. The
different holes can be different distances away from the center or
sides of the spacer. Selection of which hole 72 in the spacer 70 to
use can then determine the total length of the shock/extension body
combination.
[0053] In some embodiments, the extension body 40 can include two
or more holes 74, so that the selection of the particular hole 74
can be used to adjust the relationship of the extension body 40 and
shock absorber 4. In addition, a spacer 70 with an off-center hole
72 can be used to further increase the adjustability of the
extension body and shock absorber positions within the particular
selected hole 74.
[0054] By changing the length of the shock/extension body
combination, the rear suspension linkage extends or compresses its
neutral static state. The byproduct of this is the raising or
lowering of the crank height, or steepening or slackening the
steering geometry. These geometry adjustments are favorable to
setting up the handling characteristics to individual rider
preferences.
[0055] In these ways, a simple, light weight, and unobtrusive
system can be provided to simply and cleanly adjust the frame
geometry.
[0056] In some embodiments, the fastener 66 and hole 74 can be used
to prevent rotation of the extension body and shock absorber,
instead of or in addition to the inner surface 62. In some
embodiments, the inner surface 62 can be used simply to maintain
the eyelet within the cavity defined by the inner surface 62. As
disclosed, both the fastener 66/hole 74 combination and the inner
surface 62 are used to prevent rotation and distribute forces over
a wider surface area.
[0057] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is contemplated that
various aspects and features of the invention described can be
practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one
another, and that a variety of combination and sub-combinations of
the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the
scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the
present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the
particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be
determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
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