U.S. patent application number 14/664608 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for bicycle frames and bicycles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Volagi, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Volagi, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert Choi, Barley A. Forsman.
Application Number | 20150191212 14/664608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45805907 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150191212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; Robert ; et
al. |
July 9, 2015 |
BICYCLE FRAMES AND BICYCLES
Abstract
Bicycle frames having rear stays that extend past the seat
region and connect directly to the top region without being rigidly
connected to the seat region. Some bicycle frames according to the
present disclosure have a greater vertical compliance than
comparably sized standard diamond frames having seat stays that are
connected directly and rigidly to a seat tube.
Inventors: |
Choi; Robert; (Ogden,
UT) ; Forsman; Barley A.; (Cotati, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Volagi, LLC |
Ogden |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Volagi, LLC
Ogden
UT
|
Family ID: |
45805907 |
Appl. No.: |
14/664608 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14243806 |
Apr 2, 2014 |
9010790 |
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14664608 |
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13230629 |
Sep 12, 2011 |
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14243806 |
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61382283 |
Sep 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/281.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 19/16 20130101;
B62K 19/02 20130101; B62K 19/00 20130101; B62K 3/02 20130101; B62K
19/18 20130101; B62K 3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62K 19/18 20060101
B62K019/18 |
Claims
1. A bicycle frame, comprising: a top region; a seat region
extending downward from the top region and configured to receive a
seat post; a pair of rear stays extending past the seat region and
rigidly connected to the top region to form a unitary structure
with the top region, wherein the rear stays are not connected
directly and rigidly to the seat region, and wherein the rear stays
have perpendicular cross-sectional profiles that vary along a
length of the rear stays; a down region; a head region
interconnecting the top region and the down region; a pair of chain
stays; a bottom bracket interconnecting the seat region, the down
region, and the chain stays; and a pair of rear drop-outs
interconnecting the rear stays and the chain stays.
2. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the bicycle frame has a
vertical compliance of 2-10 mm/1 kN.
3. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the bicycle frame has a
vertical stiffness of 1-50% of a vertical stiffness of a comparable
frame having seat stays that are connected directly and rigidly to
a seat tube but that otherwise is configured identically to the
bicycle frame.
4. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the bicycle frame has a
vertical compliance that is 1.1-2 times greater than a vertical
compliance of a comparable frame having seat stays that are
connected directly and rigidly to a seat tube but that otherwise is
configured identically to the bicycle frame.
5. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays are narrower proximal
the top region than distal the top region.
6. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays are narrower adjacent to
the seat region than distal the top region.
7. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have widths that
decrease from distal the top region to proximal the top region.
8. The bicycle frame of claim 7, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have heights that
increase from distal the top region to proximal the top region.
9. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have widths that are
generally constant for a substantial length of the rear stays
distal the top region, and wherein the widths decrease from the
substantial length to proximal the top region.
10. The bicycle frame of claim 9, wherein the substantial length is
within the range of 40-80% of an overall length of the rear
stays.
11. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have heights that
increase from distal the top region to proximal the top region.
12. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have heights that are
generally constant for a substantial length of the rear stays
distal the top region, and wherein the heights increase from the
substantial length toward the top region.
13. The bicycle frame of claim 12, wherein the substantial length
is within the range of 40-80% of an overall length of the rear
stays.
14. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein when viewed from a
lateral side of the bicycle frame, the rear stays are connected to
the top region in a generally asymptotic manner.
15. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the rear stays are
connected to the top region at 2-20% of an overall length of the
top region forward of the seat region.
16. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the rear stays are
connected to the top region at 1-30.degree. relative to a
longitudinal axis of the top region.
17. The bicycle frame of claim 16, wherein the 1-30.degree.
corresponds to a distance away from an apex defined between the
rear stays and the top region in the range of 5-80 mm.
18. The bicycle frame of claim 16, wherein the 1-30.degree.
corresponds to a distance away from an apex defined between the
rear stays and the top region in the range of 2-20% of an overall
length of the rear stays.
19. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein a substantial portion of
the rear stays have a radii of curvature of at least 600 mm as
viewed from a side of the frame.
20. The bicycle frame of claim 19, wherein the substantial portion
is within the range of 40-100% of an overall length of the rear
stays.
21. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the bicycle frame is
constructed predominantly of a carbon fiber composite material.
22. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the rear stays are
constructed predominantly of a carbon fiber composite material.
23. The bicycle frame of claim 22, wherein the top region and the
seat region are not constructed predominantly of a carbon fiber
composite material.
24. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the rear stays do not
engage the seat region.
25. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein when the seat region is
under a vertical load, an upper portion of the seat region bends
rearward relative to the rear stays.
26. The bicycle frame of claim 25, wherein when the seat region is
under the vertical load, the bottom bracket does not substantially
move vertically.
27. A bicycle frame, comprising: a top region; a seat region
extending downward from the top region and configured to receive a
seat post; a pair of rear stays extending past the seat region and
connected to the top region, wherein the rear stays are not
connected directly to and do not engage the seat region, wherein
the rear stays have perpendicular cross-sectional profiles that
vary along a length of the rear stays, wherein the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have widths and heights
that are generally constant for a substantial length of the rear
stays distal the top region, wherein the widths decrease and the
heights increase from the substantial length to proximal the top
region, wherein the substantial length is within the range of
40-80% of an overall length of the rear stays; a down region; a
head region interconnecting the top region and the down region; a
pair of chain stays; a bottom bracket interconnecting the seat
region, the down region, and the chain stays; and a pair of rear
drop-outs interconnecting the rear stays and the chain stays.
28. The bicycle frame of claim 27, wherein the rear stays have a
perpendicular cross-sectional profile proximal to the top region,
in which the height is greater than the width.
29. The bicycle frame of claim 27, wherein the rear stays are not
pivotally connected to the top region.
30. The bicycle frame of claim 27, wherein the rear stays are
rigidly connected to the top region.
31. The bicycle frame of claim 27, wherein the rear stays
transition into the top region to form a unitary structure.
32. The bicycle frame of claim 27, wherein the rear stays
transition into the top region in an asymptotic manner, when viewed
from a lateral side of the bicycle frame, to form a unitary
structure.
33. A bicycle frame, comprising: a top region; a seat region
extending downward from the top region and configured to receive a
seat post; a pair of rear stays extending past the seat region and
rigidly connected to the top region to form a unitary structure
with the top region, wherein the rear stays are not rigidly
connected to the seat region; a down region; a head region
interconnecting the top region and the down region; a pair of chain
stays; a bottom bracket interconnecting the seat region, the down
region, and the chain stays; a pair of rear drop-outs
interconnecting the rear stays and the chain stays; and means for
having a vertical compliance of the frame of 2-10 mm/1 kN.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of and claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. Non-Provisional patent
application Ser. No. 14/243,806, which is entitled "BICYCLE FRAMES
AND BICYCLES," and was filed on Apr. 2, 2014, which is a
continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent
application Ser. No. 13/230,629, which is entitled "BICYCLE FRAMES
AND BICYCLES," and was filed on Sep. 12, 2011, and which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/382,283, which is entitled "BICYCLE FRAMES AND
BICYCLES," and was filed on Sep. 13, 2010. The complete disclosures
of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present application is directed to velocipedes, and more
particularly to bicycles and bicycle frames.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Bicycles, or bikes, and other velocipedes come in a variety
of shapes and sizes and are designed and used for a variety of
purposes. For example, velocipedes may be used for leisure
activity, for exercise, for touring, for entertainment, for sport,
for business, for cargo hauling, for commuting, for general
transportation, etc. Typical bicycles are often classified as one
or more of BMX, road, cyclocross, racing, track, touring, utility,
commuter, mountain, off-road, downhill, time-trial, triathlon,
cruiser, etc.; however, such classifications, or types, of bicycles
are certainly not exhaustive and a given bicycle may be used for a
variety of purposes regardless of a so-called classification or
type for which it is designated or designed to be used.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical, standard bicycle frame 10,
which also may be referred to as a diamond frame due to the side
profile of such frames. As indicated in FIG. 1, a standard diamond
frame includes a top tube 12, seat tube 14, and a down tube 16. The
top tube, seat tube, and down tube are often described as forming a
front, or main, triangle 18; however, as seen in at least the
illustrated example, these three frame structures may not form a
true triangle. For example, a standard diamond frame also typically
includes a head tube 20, which in the illustrated example generally
forms a quadrilateral together with the top tube, the seat tube,
and the down tube. The head tube defines a connection and pivot
point (and/or axis of rotation) for a corresponding front fork, to
which a bicycle's handlebar and front wheel are coupled. A diamond
frame typically also includes a pair of seat stays 22 and a pair of
chain stays 24, both terminating at a pair of rear drop-outs 26 at
the lower ends thereof. The seat stays typically are coupled
directly to the seat tube 14 at the upper ends thereof, as seen in
FIG. 1. The seat stays, together with the chain stays and the seat
tube form what is often described as a rear triangle 28, again, not
necessarily forming a true triangle. The drop-outs are structures
that are configured to receive an axle of a corresponding rear
wheel of a bicycle to rotationally couple the rear wheel to the
frame. A bottom bracket 30 is positioned at the junction of the
down tube, the seat tube, and the chain stays, and is where a
corresponding crank set of a bicycle is attached. All of the top
tube, the seat tube, down tube, seat stays, and chain stays of a
typical diamond frame are linear, or at least predominantly
linear.
[0005] In a traditional diamond frame, such as in the example
illustrated, the top tube generally extends at least approximately
parallel to the ground surface, when the frame is part of a
complete bicycle with front and rear wheels. This frame geometry
may be referred to as a traditional geometry. Somewhat recently for
road bike frames, a so-called compact geometry has become popular.
In a compact geometry bicycle frame, the top tube slopes downward
from the head tube to the seat tube, and generally the seat stays
connect to the seat tube at approximately the same height as the
top tube. Various other non-traditional, or non-standard, frame
designs have been used throughout the history of the bicycle.
[0006] The aforementioned structural components of bicycle frames
are referred to as tubes because historically, these structures
were in fact constructed of cylindrical tubes. For example, steel
tubing has long been used to construct bicycle frames. More
recently aluminum, titanium, and other metal alloys have been used
to construct frames, with such materials not necessarily being
formed in cylindrical tubes. For example, ovular tubes, or even
rectangular tubes are sometimes used. Various other materials also
are used to construct frames, such as wood and bamboo.
[0007] Somewhat recently, carbon fiber has been used to construct
bicycle frames, and in particular high performance road bicycle
frames, including frames constructed completely of carbon fiber, as
well as composite frames with only portions constructed of carbon
fiber. Composite materials that include boron fibers and/or Kevlar
fibers also have been used to construct bicycle frames. Such
composite materials lend themselves to being formed into a variety
of shapes and constructions for bicycle frames. Therefore, frames
constructed of such composite materials do not necessarily include
linear sections of tubing, and a variety of frame geometries have
been employed utilizing composite materials.
[0008] Some bicycles may be described as having active suspension
systems, such as including pivot points between frame members,
shock absorbers, springs, etc. Mountain bikes and downhill bikes
are examples of bicycles that may include active suspension
systems. When including active suspension systems, such bicycle
frames may resemble, or include aspects of, a typical diamond frame
with a top tube, a down tube, and a seat tube, while others may not
resemble typical diamond frames and may not include one or more of
a top tube, a down tube, a seat tube, and seat stays.
[0009] Bicycles without active suspension systems may be described
as having passive suspension systems, in so far as the various
frame members are rigidly (and/or directly or permanently)
connected to each other and do not include pivot points, shock
absorbers, springs, etc. Performance bicycle frames (e.g., road
frames) with passive suspension systems are sometimes described in
terms of stiffness to weight (STW) ratios. Various stiffnesses of
frames may be measured, including the vertical stiffness, or
compliance, of a frame, the lateral (or torsional) stiffness of a
frame, as well as the stiffness of individual frame members, such
as the bottom bracket of a frame. For performance bicycle frames,
manufacturers attempt to optimize these various STW ratios, so that
the frame is lightweight, yet highly stiff in certain directions,
for example, to ensure that the rider's pedal stroke is efficiently
transferring power to the bicycle's wheels and ultimately to the
ground.
[0010] With reference to FIG. 2, a schematic illustration of a
suitable (but not exclusive) test for measuring the lateral (or
torsional) stiffness of a frame is provided. As illustrated, the
frame is positioned on its side (i.e., with the head tube in a
horizontal orientation), and the rear drop-outs are immobilized. A
bar, rod, or similar stiff shaft (with an illustrative
non-exclusive example being a two-meter steel bar) is positioned
through and centered in the head tube, and a predetermined force
(such as a one-Newton force) is applied to one end of the shaft.
The predetermined force also may be applied by coupling and
suspending therefrom a preselected mass 32 to the shaft to thereby
apply a known force at a known distance away from the top tube. The
deflection 33 of the opposite end of the shaft is measured to
provide the lateral stiffness of the frame. This stiffness also may
be presented relative to the weight of the frame and may be
expressed in terms of a STW ratio.
[0011] With reference to FIG. 3, a schematic illustration of a
suitable (but not exclusive) test for measuring the vertical
stiffness, or compliance, of a frame is provided. The initial
set-up for the test may correspond to section 4.8.4.3 of the
European Standard for racing bicycle safety (EN 14781 November
2005). More specifically, a frame together with a front fork is
positioned in its normal position of use, with the front and rear
axles being horizontal with respect to each other, with the rear
axle being able to pivot, and with the front fork supported on a
flat steel anvil. A mass 34 of 70 kg is positioned on a seat post
so that the distance 35 along the seat-post from its center of
gravity to the seat post's insertion point in the frame is 75 mm.
The deflection of the mass in the vertical direction is measured
and may then be expressed in terms of distance per unit force
(e.g., mm/kN). With typical diamond frames, the ratio of the
vertical displacement of the bottom bracket to the vertical
displacement of the mass is close to one. The displacement of the
bottom bracket corresponds to the stiffness of the frame, and thus
affects the performance, or efficiency, of a performance bicycle.
For example, the greater the displacement of the bottom bracket,
the more the forces of a rider's pedal stroke are absorbed by the
frame as opposed to being transferred to the bicycle's wheels.
Conversely, the lesser the displacement of the bottom bracket, the
less the forces of a rider's pedal stroke are absorbed by the
frame, and the more the forces are efficiently transferred to the
bicycle's wheels and ultimately to the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a prior art bicycle
frame.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a test used to measure
the lateral, or torsional, stiffness of a bicycle frame.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a test used to measure
the vertical compliance, or stiffness, of a bicycle frame.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a bicycle and a bicycle
frame according to the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of illustrative,
non-exclusive examples of bicycle frames according to the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a portion of a bicycle frame according to
the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a portion of
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of bicycle frames according to
the present disclosure, generally corresponding to the section
identified at 7 in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic rear view of the portion of
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of bicycle frames according to
the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of cross-sectional
profiles of illustrative, non-exclusive examples of rear stays of
bicycle frames according to the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of cross-sectional
profiles of illustrative, non-exclusive examples of rear stays of
bicycle frames according to the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of rear stays of bicycle
frames according to the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of rear stays of bicycle
frames according to the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of rear stays of bicycle
frames according to the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of rear stays of bicycle
frames according to the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of a bicycle frame
according to the present disclosure, illustrating deformation of
the frame under a load.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a top rear perspective view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a bicycle frame according to the present
disclosure, illustrated together with an associated fork.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a top view of the bicycle frame of FIG. 16.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the bicycle frame of FIG.
16.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a rear view of the bicycle frame of FIG. 16.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a right side view of the bicycle frame of FIG.
16.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a front view of the bicycle frame of FIG. 16.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a left side view of the bicycle frame of FIG.
16.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional profile view of the bicycle
frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 19.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 24-24 in FIG.
19.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 25-25 in FIG.
19.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 26-26 in FIG.
19.
[0038] FIG. 27 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 27-27 in FIG.
20.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 28-28 in FIG.
20.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 29-29 in FIG.
20.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 30-30 in FIG.
20.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 31-31 in FIG.
20.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 32-32 in FIG.
20.
[0044] FIG. 33 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 33-33 in FIG.
20.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 34-34 in FIG.
20.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 35-35 in FIG.
20.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 36-36 in FIG.
20.
[0048] FIG. 37 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 37-37 in FIG.
20.
[0049] FIG. 38 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 38-38 in FIG.
20.
[0050] FIG. 39 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 39-39 in FIG.
20.
[0051] FIG. 40 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 40-40 in FIG.
20.
[0052] FIG. 41 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 41-41 in FIG.
20.
[0053] FIG. 42 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 42-42 in FIG.
20.
[0054] FIG. 43 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 43-43 in FIG.
20.
[0055] FIG. 44 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 44-44 in FIG.
20.
[0056] FIG. 45 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 45-45 in FIG.
20.
[0057] FIG. 46 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 46-46 in FIG.
20.
[0058] FIG. 47 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 47-47 in FIG.
20.
[0059] FIG. 48 is a perpendicular cross-sectional profile view of
the bicycle frame of FIG. 16, taken along line 48-48 in FIG.
20.
[0060] FIG. 49 is a right side view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a bicycle according to the present
disclosure including the bicycle frame of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] Bicycle frames according to the present disclosure are
schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 and are indicated generally
at 50. A portion of frames 50 generally corresponding to the
circled portion indicated at 7 in FIG. 5 also is illustrated
schematically in FIGS. 7-8. Frames 50 according to the present
disclosure include at least a top region 52, a seat region 54, and
a pair of rear stays 56. Also within the scope of the present
disclosure are bicycles 36 that include a frame 50 according to the
present disclosure. Bicycles 36 are schematically illustrated in
FIG. 4, and as illustrated may include (but are not required to
include) such typical components as a front wheel 38, a rear wheel
40, seat structure 42, a front fork 44, a drive train 46, a brake
system 48, and a handlebar or other steering assembly 49. Other
bicycle components are also within the scope of bicycles 36
according to the present disclosure.
[0062] The structural regions of frames 50 may be referred to as
tubes, such as frame sections are generally referred to in the
bicycle industry, due to the fact that historically bicycle frames
were (and continue to be in some examples) constructed of
cylindrical or other tubing. The structural regions of frames 50
also may be referred to as members, as opposed to regions or tubes,
because it is within the scope of the present disclosure that one
or more of such members are not necessarily hollow. That is, it is
within the scope of the present disclosure that various structural
members of frames 50 may be hollow or may not be hollow. It is also
within the scope of the present disclosure that portions of a
respective structural member are hollow while other portions of the
respective structural member are not hollow.
[0063] It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that
the various structural members may not be separate and distinct
from other of the various structural members. For example, in a
typical prior art diamond frame constructed of steel tubing, each
of the top tube, the seat tube, and the down tube are constructed
of individual steel tubes that are welded together, and a visual
inspection of the completed frame clearly shows where each steel
tube starts and stops and where each steel tube is connected to an
adjacent steel tube. Bicycle frames 50 according to the present
disclosure, on the other hand, are not required to be constructed
of individual tubes or members coupled together. For example,
frames 50 according to the present disclosure may (but are not
required to) be constructed of carbon fiber composite material, or
other composite material or materials, and molded as a single unit
or multiple individual units that are subsequently coupled
together. Accordingly, structural members, as used herein with
respect to bicycle frames 50 according to the present disclosure,
also may be referred to as, or be described as, structural regions
of a bicycle frame. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, a
top member, or region, and a seat member, or region, may be
constructed of carbon fiber in a single molding process, in which
case the top region refers to the region of the frame generally
extending forward of the seat member, or region. As used herein,
relative directions and terms, such as forward, rearward, left,
right, top, bottom, etc. are used with respect to the typical
forward direction of a bicycle having a front wheel and a rear
wheel contacting a ground surface and in an upright
orientation.
[0064] Typically, bicycle frames 50 according to the present
disclosure will include a down tube, member, or region, 58, a pair
of chain stays 60, a bottom bracket 62, a head tube, member, or
region, 64, and a pair of rear drop-outs 66. When present, down
region 58 together with top region 52, seat region 54, and head
region 64 form a front, or main, triangle 68. As similarly
discussed in the background of the present disclosure with respect
to standard diamond frames, however, the front triangle may not in
fact be a triangle, as is the case in the schematic illustration of
FIGS. 4-5, having a head region 64. With reference to FIG. 6, it is
within the scope of the present disclosure that the chain stays 60
may not individually extend from bottom bracket 62, and a bottom
member, region, or tube 61 may extend rearward directly from the
bottom bracket, and the chain stays 60 may extend from the bottom
region 61 terminating with the rear drop-outs.
[0065] Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is an optional rear brake
mounting bracket, or bridge, 70 extending between the rear stays,
which may be provided in frames 50 according to the present
disclosure that are configured for the mounting of caliper-style
rear brakes. Additionally or alternatively, a bridge 70 may be
provided, and a specific configuration thereof may be selected, to
select, or tune, a desired torsional stiffness of a frame 50
according to the present disclosure. Bridge 70, when present, also
may be used to mount an optional rear fender or other
accessory.
[0066] Various other brake configurations are equally within the
scope of the present disclosure, including frames configured for
use with disc brakes, and the illustrations of FIGS. 4-6 are simply
schematic representations without various optional structures that
one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as being within
the scope of bicycle frames. For example, a seat post 72 is
schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, but various other optional
structure, such as water bottle mounts, drive train mounts, and
cable mounts, to name a few, are not schematically illustrated in
FIGS. 4-7.
[0067] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7-8, the rear stays 56 of
frames 50 according to the present disclosure may not be fixedly
secured to seat region 54, as is the case with a standard diamond
frame. Rather, as schematically illustrated, rear stays 56
according to the present disclosure extend past, or bypass, the
seat region and are coupled directly to top region 52, forward of
the seat region. It is within the scope of the present disclosure
(but not required) that the rear stays may engage (i.e., touch) the
seat region without being affixed to the seat region. In some
embodiments according to the present disclosure, as schematically
illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 8, the rear stays do not touch
the seat region at all, and thus may be described as being spaced
apart from the seat region. However, as illustrated schematically
in dashed lines in FIG. 8, it is within the scope of the present
disclosure that the rear stays may be affixed to the seat region,
such as by one or more connecting members 73. Connecting members
73, when present, may take any suitable form, and in some
embodiments may include and/or be formed by an elastomeric
material. Additionally or alternatively, the optional connecting
members 73, when present, may be constructed of a material that has
a greater elasticity than the material from which the rear stays
and/or the seat region are constructed. Illustrative, non-exclusive
examples of suitable elastomeric materials for construction of
optional connecting members 73 include (but are not limited to)
rubber, synthetic rubber, polymers, etc. Accordingly, whether the
optional connecting members 73 are present or not in a frame 50
according to the present disclosure, when a frame 50 is under load,
such as when a bicycle 36 is being ridden, rear stays 56 may bend,
bow, and/or otherwise move relative to seat region 54 at least to
an extent greater than in a comparable typical diamond frame with
rear stays connected directly and rigidly to a seat tube.
[0068] Rear stays 56 according to the present disclosure may
connect with, or otherwise be coupled to or transition into, top
region 52 at any suitable distance away from, or forward of, seat
region 54. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, rear stays 56
may connect to the top region at approximately 2-20%, 2-17%, 2-14%,
2-11%, 2-8%, 2-5%, 5-20%, 5-17%, 5-14%, 5-11%, 5-8%, 8-20%, 8-17%,
8-14%, 8-11%, 11-20%, 11-17%, 11-14%, 14-20%, 14-17%, or 17-20% of
the overall length of the top region away from the seat region,
based on a longitudinal axis extending from the center of area of
seat region 54 at the rear end of the top region to the center of
area of head region 64 at the forward end of the top region. Other
percentages and ranges of percentages are also within the scope of
the present disclosure, including values and ranges that are less
than, greater than, and within the values and ranges enumerated
herein. When referring to lengths of members, or regions, herein,
such lengths may be defined by the longitudinal, or central, axis
of the respective region as measured from where the axis intersects
adjacent regions. Additionally or alternatively, such lengths may
be defined along an outer surface of a respective region from a
point of noticeable transition or intersection with an adjacent
region of one end to a point of noticeable transition or
intersection with an adjacent region of an opposite end.
Additionally or alternatively, such lengths may correspond to a
side profile view of frames 50.
[0069] Rear stays 56 according to the present disclosure may
connect with, or otherwise be coupled to or transition into, top
region 52 at any suitable angle relative to the top member. As
illustrative, non-exclusive examples, rear stays 56 may connect to
the top region at approximately 1-45.degree., 1-40.degree.,
1-35.degree., 1-30.degree., 1-25.degree., 1-20.degree.,
1-15.degree., 1-10.degree., 1-5.degree., 5-40.degree.,
5-35.degree., 5-30.degree., 5-25.degree., 5-20.degree.,
5-15.degree. or 5-10.degree. relative to a longitudinal axis of the
top member. Other angles and ranges of angles also are within the
scope of the present disclosure, including angles and ranges that
are less than, greater than, and/or within the values and ranges
enumerated herein. It is also within the scope of the present
disclosure that the rear stays may connect to the top region in an
asymptotic, or at least generally asymptotic, manner, such that an
angle of connection between the rear stays and the top region
cannot be determined and/or does not in fact exist. Accordingly,
the above enumerated suitable ranges of angles between the rear
stays and the top region in some embodiments may correspond to an
angle 75 between the top region and the rear stays at a distance 77
away from an apex 79 between the top region and the rear stays. For
example, the above enumerated ranges of angles may correspond to a
distance away from the apex in the range of 5-80, 5-55, 5-30,
30-80, 30-55, or 55-80 mm. Additionally or alternatively, such a
distance away from an apex between the top region and the rear
stays may be described in terms of a percentage of an overall
length of the rear stays, including (but not limited to) distances
in the range of 2-20%, 2-17%, 2-14%, 2-11%, 2-8%, or 2-5% of the
overall length of the rear stays away from the apex. Other
distances and percentages outside of the enumerated ranges also are
within the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 schematically
illustrates a distance 77 away from the apex 79 at which an angle
75 may be measured.
[0070] Rear stays 56 according to the present disclosure may be
generally linear along their entire length (e.g., when viewed from
the side), or they may be only predominantly linear across their
length. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that
the rear stays of a frame 50 according to the present disclosure
are curved, predominantly curved, and/or partially curved along
their lengths (e.g., when viewed from the side). In some frames
according to the present disclosure, the rear stays may be
described as including at least one curved region, with this curved
region in some embodiments permitting greater vertical flexing than
a corresponding linear stay without at least one curved region.
When the stays include a curved region, or are curved along the
entire length thereof, the curve may be concave, convex, or
concavo-convex (i.e., include concave and convex portions), with
concave referring to concave in a forward and downward direction
and with convex referring to convex in a rearward and upward
direction. It also is within the scope of the present disclosure
that the stays may include regions of different (or no) curvature.
In some embodiments that include curved rear stays, a predominant
portion of the rear stays may have a constant or approximately or
nearly constant radius of curvature, for example corresponding to
an arc of a circle. The various curved rear stays, or curved rear
stay portions, described and/or illustrated herein additionally or
alternatively may be referred to as being non-linear and/or arcuate
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0071] Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments of frames 50
according to the present disclosure may include rear stays with
varying radii of curvature along their lengths, as viewed from the
side of the frame. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples,
suitable radii of curvature include radii of curvature in the range
of 500-1200 mm, including 600-1100 mm, 670-950 mm, etc. In some
embodiments, the radii of curvature may be more that 600 mm for a
substantial portion of the rear stays, and as illustrative,
non-exclusive examples, such a substantial portion may be in the
range of 40-100%, 40-80%, 40-60%, 60-100%, 60-80%, or 80-100% of
the overall length of the rear stays. Other lengths, including
lengths less that 40% of the overall length of the rear stays also
are within the scope of the present disclosure for having radii of
curvatures greater than 600 mm, as well as for having radii of
curvatures less than or equal to 600 mm.
[0072] The aforementioned radii of curvature may be appropriate for
various suitable sizes of frames, as typically identified in the
bicycle industry. For example, road bicycle frames having a compact
geometry are often sized as extra small, small, medium, large, and
extra-large. Additionally or alternatively, frames having a
traditional frame geometry, as well as frames having a compact
frame geometry, may be sized generally corresponding to a length
from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the top tube
(or member or region) along the seat tube (or member or region),
and/or to the center of an imaginary top tube (or member or
region), if the top tube (or member or region) were horizontal. For
example, typical frames sizes may be in the 50-60 cm range,
including sizes of 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60
cm. Frames 50 according to the present disclosure may be sized
according to any of the aforementioned frame sizes, as well as
other frame sizes and ranges of sizes that are less than, greater
than, and within the values and ranges enumerated herein.
Furthermore, the aforementioned radii of curvature with respect to
the rear stays 56 of frames 50 according to the present disclosure
may be suitable for any of the enumerated or other frame sizes
discussed herein, and/or may be appropriately increased or
decreased to be shaped and sized to a specific frame geometry
and/or size.
[0073] In FIG. 8, perpendicular cross-sectional profiles 74 of rear
stays 56 are schematically illustrated as circular; however, rear
stays according to the present disclosure may have any suitable
cross-sectional profiles, including (but not limited to)
cross-sectional profiles that are hollow, that are not hollow, that
are symmetrical, that are not symmetrical, that are elliptical,
that are ovoid, that include a concave cross-sectional dimension,
that include no corner regions, that include at least one corner
(or edge) region, that are regular, and/or that are not regular.
With reference to FIG. 7, various perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles 74 are schematically indicated at lines A-A, B-B, C-C,
D-D, and E-E. Referring to FIGS. 9-10, various illustrative,
non-exclusive examples of profiles 74 of rear stays 56 according to
the present disclosure are schematically illustrated. For example,
as indicated at 76, 78, and 80 in FIG. 9, a cross-sectional profile
of a rear stay may be rectangular, circular, or ovular,
respectively, and as indicated at 82 in FIG. 10, a perpendicular
cross-sectional profile of a rear stay may be somewhat irregular or
symmetrical with respect to only a single axis. Other
configurations of rear stays are also within the scope of the
present disclosure, and the rear stays according to the present
disclosure are not limited to the various optional profiles that
are schematically, or otherwise, illustrated herein. A
"perpendicular cross-sectional profile," as used herein, refers to
a cross-sectional profile that is within a plane that is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective component,
such as of a rear stay 56.
[0074] As indicated in FIGS. 9-10, perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles 74 of rear stays 56 may be described in terms of a width
84 and a height 86 at any given position along the lengths of the
rear stays. Such a width refers to a dimension of the profile
generally corresponding between a left-most side of the profile to
the right-most side of the profile, and such a height refers to a
greatest dimension of the profile that is perpendicular to the
width; however, because a given perpendicular cross-sectional
profile may not be (and likely is not) vertically aligned with
respect to the overall frame and corresponding bicycle, such a
height does not necessarily correspond to a vertical direction.
Profiles 74 also may be described with respect to a center of area,
or mass, 88.
[0075] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles 74 may change over the
length of a rear stay 56. That is, a rear stay 56 may have a
plurality of perpendicular cross-sectional profiles 74, with such
plurality of profiles having one or more shapes, heights, widths,
thicknesses, cross-sectional areas, dimensions, centers of area,
symmetries, etc. For example, as a non-limiting example with
reference to FIG. 7, a first profile corresponding to line A-A may
have a shape with a first width, while a second profile
corresponding to line E-E may have a shape with a second width that
is less than (or greater than) the first width of profile A-A.
Other configurations are equally within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0076] Turning now to FIGS. 11-14, schematic representations of
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles 74 that vary over a length of a rear stay
are provided. With reference to FIG. 7, the schematically
illustrated profiles of FIGS. 11-14 may (but are not required to)
correspond approximately to the perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles indicated at lines A-A through E-E. That is, FIGS. 11-14
may be interpreted such that the profile A-A is further away from
the top region of a frame than the profile E-E (i.e., closer to the
rear drop-outs); however, it is also within the scope of the
present disclosure that the schematically illustrated profiles of
FIGS. 11-14 represent transitions in the opposite direction
relative to the top region of a frame.
[0077] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example in which a
profile A-A transitions to a profile E-E, with the height 86
remaining the same, but with the width 84 decreasing. FIG. 12
schematically illustrates an example in which a profile A-A
transitions to a profile E-E, with the height 86 increasing, and
the width 84 decreasing. FIG. 13 schematically illustrates an
example in which a profile A-A transitions to a profile E-E, with
both the height 86 and the width 84 decreasing. Each of FIGS. 11-13
schematically illustrate the transition in dimensions from a
profile A-A to a profile E-E to be generally linear in nature;
however, such a configuration is not required to all embodiments of
frames 50 according to the present disclosure, and it is within the
scope of the present disclosure that such a transition may be
non-linear according to any suitable configuration.
[0078] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates yet another example of a
rear stay in which a profile A-A transitions to a profile E-E, with
the height 86 increasing and the width 84 decreasing, but with the
transition between the two being schematically represented in a
non-linear fashion. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, such
a configuration may be described as having a rear stay profile that
rotates, or twists, along its length. Other configurations are also
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0079] FIGS. 11-14 schematically represent that the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays may change over the
length of the rear stays. That said, it is within the scope of the
present disclosure, that portions, regions, or sections of the rear
stays may include a length, and in some embodiments a substantial
length, with perpendicular cross-sectional profiles that do not
change, or that are constant or generally constant, over such a
length or substantial length. For example, it is within the scope
of the present disclosure that rear stays may include generally
constant perpendicular cross-sectional profiles for lengths in the
range 20-100%, 20-80%, 20-60%, 20-40%, 40-100%, 40-80%, 40-60%,
60-100%, 60-80%, or 80-100% of the overall length of the rear
stays. Lengths less than 20% of the overall length of the rear
stays also are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0080] Additionally or alternatively, it is within the scope of the
present disclosure that one or both of the width and height of the
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays remain
constant or generally constant over a length, and in some
embodiments over a substantial length, of the overall length of the
rear stays. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, such lengths
of constant or generally constant widths and/or heights may be in
the range of 20-100%, 20-80%, 20-60%, 20-40%, 40-100%, 40-80%,
40-60%, 60-100%, 60-80%, or 80-100% of the overall length of the
rear stays. Lengths less than 20% of the overall length of the rear
stays also are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0081] Examples of perpendicular cross-sectional profiles 74 in
which the width 84 of the profile decreases as it extends by the
seat region and toward the top region may be advantageous in some
configurations of frames 50, for example, to ensure that the rear
stays do not interfere with the legs of a rider of a bicycle having
a frame 50. Additionally or alternatively, by having a profile
width 84 that decreases and/or a height 86 that increases as the
rear stay extends by the seat member and toward the top member may
result in a rear stay that is vertically stiffer toward the top
region and vertically less stiff away from the top region and
toward the rear drop-outs 66. Accordingly, a rear stay profile
transition may be selected to optimize, or otherwise select a
desired, ride comfort (or vertical compliance) of a frame 50, while
also optimizing, or otherwise selecting a desired, lateral
stiffness of a frame 50.
[0082] Various configurations of perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles 74 and profile transitions may be selected for use in an
embodiment of a frame 50 to optimize, tune, or otherwise select a
ride comfort value, and the present disclosure is not limited to
configurations in which the width of a rear stay decreases as it
approaches the top member. The perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles of the rear stays may directly correlate with, or
otherwise contribute to, the stiffness of the frame, and by having
the rear stays extend forward of the seat region and not be
connected directly to the seat region, a more vertically compliant
frame is provided, without necessarily resulting in a decrease in
lateral stiffness of the frame.
[0083] Accordingly, a frame 50 according to the present disclosure
when compared to a traditional diamond frame of similar geometry
(e.g., size, weight, etc.) may result in a more comfortable ride
(less vertical stiffness, or more vertical compliance) but with an
approximately equal lateral stiffness, resulting in a more
comfortable, but high performance, bicycle frame. Optimizing the
transition of the rear stay profiles as they transition along their
length further enables optimization, tuning, and/or selecting of a
desired ride comfort and performance.
[0084] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a frame 50 according to
the present disclosure with rear stays 56 that bypass seat region
54 and that are coupled directly to top region 52, with the frame
schematically illustrated in solid lines in a neutral, unloaded
condition and in dashed lines in a vertically loaded condition.
While not drawn to scale, it can be seen that when the frame is
under a vertical load (such as when a rider is seated on a
bicycle), the rear stays bow, or bend, rearward and upward relative
to their neutral position, the upper portion of seat region 54
bows, or bends, rearward from its neutral position, and the chain
stays 60 pivot upward from the bottom bracket 62 relative to their
neutral positions and with very minimal vertical movement, if any
at all, of the bottom bracket. As a result, a rider of a bicycle
including a frame 50 experiences a comfortable vertical compliance
of the frame, while at the same time the rider's pedal strokes may
be efficiently transferred to the drive chain. In other words, the
forces applied to the pedals by a rider almost exclusively are used
to rotate the drive train, and do not serve to deform the frame in
an inefficient manner. This result is evident from the minimal
vertical movement of the bottom bracket, even when the frame is
experiencing significant forces applied by the weight of a rider,
as well as by the pedal strokes of the rider.
[0085] As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, a frame 50
according to the present disclosure may have a vertical stiffness
that is approximately 1-50%, 1-30%, 1-20%, 1-10%, 1-5%, 5-50%,
5-30%, 5-20%, 5-10%, 10-20%, 10-30%, 0.1-1%, 0.1-2%, 1-2%, 1-5%,
1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, or 30% of the vertical stiffness of
a corresponding and comparable frame having the rear stays (or seat
stays) that are connected directly and rigidly to the seat tube,
member, or region. By this it is meant that the frame 50, such as
due to the configuration and construction of the frame, including
the frame's rear stays 56, may enable a greater degree of vertical
movement, or vertical compliance, in response to a predetermined
loading, or applied force, than a corresponding conventional, or
standard diamond, frame having rear stays (or seat stays) that are
connected directly to the seat tube, member, or region, while at
the same time having equal or even greater lateral stiffness than
the corresponding conventional frame. Additionally or
alternatively, a frame 50 may have a vertical compliance that is
approximately 1.1-2 times greater than the vertical compliance of a
comparably sized frame with a standard diamond configuration having
seat stays that connect directly and rigidly to a seat tube. Other
ranges and values of vertical stiffness and vertical compliance
also are within the scope of the present disclosure, including
values and ranges that are less than, greater than, and within the
values and ranges enumerated herein. Although not required to all
embodiments, a frame 50 according to the present disclosure may
(but is not required in all embodiments to) have a vertical
stiffness, or vertical compliance, that permits vertical movement
of 2-10 mm/1 kN, including such illustrative vertical stiffnesses
(or compliances) of at least 2-8, 2-6, 2-4, 4-10, 4-8, 4-6, 6-10,
6-8, 8-10, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 6.0, at least 5, at
least 6, and at least 7, and greater than 10 mm/1 kN, utilizing a
typical test for measuring vertical stiffness (e.g., as described
in the background of the present disclosure with reference to FIG.
3), which additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a
test for measuring the vertical compliance and/or the vertical
movement per unit of applied force. It is within the scope of the
present disclosure that frames 50 may have a vertical compliance,
or movement, that is greater or less than the above-presented
illustrative, non-exclusive examples.
[0086] Aspects and characteristics of various configurations of
rear stay profiles and profile transitions also may be selected for
aesthetic purposes, and not solely based on the functional
correlation to the stiffness (whether vertical or lateral) or
aerodynamics of the frame, and thus the performance, of a bicycle
frame 50. Similarly, aspects and characteristics of various
configurations of other members, or regions, of frames 50,
including respective profiles and profile transitions thereof, may
be selected for aesthetic purposes, and not solely based on the
functional correlation to the stiffness or aerodynamics, and thus
the performance, of a bicycle frame 50.
[0087] Frames 50 according to the present disclosure may be
constructed of any suitable material, utilizing any suitable
process. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of suitable materials
include (but are not limited to) steel, aluminum, titanium, wood,
bamboo, carbon fiber composite, and other composite materials. Some
frames 50 according to the present disclosure may be constructed of
a combination of materials. For example, as an illustrative,
non-exclusive example, a frame 50 according to the present
disclosure may be constructed with a top region, a head region, a
down region, a seat region, and chain stays all constructed of
aluminum (or other metal or alloy such as steel or titanium), but
with the rear stays constructed of a carbon fiber composite, or at
least primarily constructed of carbon fiber composite. Additionally
or alternatively, a frame 50 according to the present disclosure
may be constructed with a top region, a head region, a down region,
and a seat region all constructed of aluminum (or other metal or
alloy such as steel or titanium), but with the rear stays and the
chain stays constructed of carbon fiber composite, or at least
primarily constructed of a carbon fiber composite. Other composite
frames and combinations of materials are also within the scope of
the present disclosure. As used herein a carbon fiber composite
material should be understood to include at least an epoxy or other
polymer or binding material together with carbon fibers. Other
fibers (e.g., boron, Kevlar) other than carbon fibers are also
within the scope of the carbon fiber composites, as used
herein.
[0088] Frames 50 according to the present disclosure may be
constructed utilizing a traditional frame geometry, utilizing a
compact frame geometry, or utilizing any other suitable
configuration of frame geometry.
[0089] Frames 50 may be constructed generally to be categorized as
one or more of (but not limited to) BMX, road, cyclocross, racing,
track, touring, utility, commuter, mountain, off-road, downhill,
time-trial, triathlon, cruiser, performance, etc. Frames 50 may be
particularly well suited for performance road bicycles.
[0090] Turning now to FIGS. 16-49, an illustrative, non-exclusive
example of a frame 50 according to the present disclosure is
illustrated and indicated generally at 100. Where appropriate, the
reference numerals from the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 4-15
are used to designate corresponding parts, members, or regions of
frames 50 according to the present disclosure; however, the example
of FIGS. 16-49 is non-exclusive and does not limit the present
disclosure to the illustrated embodiment. That is, neither frames
nor various portions thereof are limited to the specific embodiment
disclosed and illustrated in FIGS. 16-49, and frames 50 according
to the present disclosure may incorporate any number of the various
aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc.
illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 16-49, in the schematic
representations of FIGS. 4-15, as well as variations thereof,
without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects,
configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose
of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion,
region, aspect etc. or variants thereof, may not be discussed again
with respect to FIGS. 16-49; however, it is within the scope of the
present disclosure that the previously discussed features,
materials, variants, etc. may be utilized with the illustrated
embodiments of FIGS. 16-49.
[0091] Frame 100 is an example of a frame 50 that may be
particularly well suited for construction from a carbon fiber
composite material; however, other materials also may be used to
construct frame 100.
[0092] As seen with reference to FIGS. 23-26, which illustrate
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays of frame
100, as indicated in FIG. 19, frame 100 is an example of a frame 50
having rear stays 56 with perpendicular cross-sectional profiles
that vary along their length. Specifically, the rear stays of frame
100 include perpendicular cross-sectional profiles whose widths 84
decrease toward the top region of the frame relative to the rear
drop-outs, and whose heights 86 increase toward the top region of
the frame relative to the rear drop-outs. Stated differently, the
cross-sectional width of the rear stays of frame 100 decreases as
the rear stays transition from the rear drop-outs 66 toward the top
region 52, and in particular, where the rear stays bypass the seat
region 54. Additionally, the cross-sectional height of the rear
stays of frame 100 increases as the rear stays transition from the
rear drop-outs toward the top region. That said, as seen with
reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, illustrating two identical
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays at
different points along the rear stays, the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles do not change for a substantial portion of
their lengths, for example, between adjacent the rear drop-outs 66
and adjacent the rear drop-out side of the optional rear brake
mounting bridge 70. This substantial portion, or length, of the
rear stays of frame 100 is in the range 40-80%, and specifically is
approximately 60%, of the overall length of the rear stays;
however, as discussed herein, other lengths and substantial lengths
of constant, or generally constant, perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles also are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0093] From the rear drop-out side of the optional rear brake
mounting bridge to where the rear stays bypass the seat region, the
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays of frame
100 generally correspond to the schematic illustration of FIG. 12.
Accordingly, frame 100 provides the benefits of the bypassing rear
stays, but without an excessive width of the frame in the region
where the rear stays bypass the seat region when compared to a
standard diamond frame. Therefore, the legs of a rider of a bicycle
including frame 100 will not engage the rear stays during normal
pedal strokes of a typical bicycle rider. On the other hand, a
frame 50 in which the widths of the rear stays do not decrease in
the region of where the rear stays bypass the seat region may not
prevent a rider's legs from engaging the seat stays, although such
a configuration is expressly within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0094] The perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays
illustrated in FIGS. 23-24 and 26 may be described as generally
ovular or elliptical, whereas the perpendicular cross-sectional
profile of the rear stays illustrated in FIG. 25 may be described
as being generally circular or having a generally rounded square
shape. Additionally or alternatively, the perpendicular
cross-sectional profiles of FIGS. 23-26 may be described as having
generally squashed circular shapes, with at least one central axis
of symmetry.
[0095] Also, as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 17 and 19, frame 100 is
an example of a frame 50 in which the rear stays do not engage, or
otherwise contact, seat region 54 at all.
[0096] In the illustrative, non-exclusive example of frame 100, the
rear stays connect to, or transition into, the top region at
approximately 8.8% of the length of the top region forward of the
seat region, and at an angle of approximately 7.degree..
[0097] The perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of FIGS. 27-29
correspond to the region of the frame 100 where the rear stays 56
transition into and connect to top region 52, as indicated in FIG.
20. As seen in FIGS. 27-29, the overall width of the lower portion
of the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles within this region
reduces, as the profiles transition forward from the rear stays. In
other words, the spacing of the rear stays initially define the
width of the profiles toward the rear of this region, and then the
width of the profiles significantly reduces toward the front of
this region.
[0098] With reference to FIGS. 29-32, which illustrate the
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the top region, as
indicated in FIG. 20, the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles
forward of the rear stays may be described generally as having an
upside-down tear drop shape, with a taper and narrower width toward
the bottom of the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles. The
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of this region of the top
region forward of the rear stays additionally or alternatively may
be described as having shapes similar to typical guitar picks.
[0099] As indicated in FIG. 20, FIG. 33 illustrates the
perpendicular cross-sectional profile of the head region 64 at
approximately the middle thereof, and FIG. 34 illustrates the
perpendicular cross-sectional profile of the down region 58
adjacent to the head region. As indicated in FIG. 20, FIGS. 34-40
illustrate the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the down
region. As seen in FIGS. 34-40, within the down region, the
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles do not vary much in height,
but the width transitions from wider, to narrower, to wider along
the length of the down region from adjacent the head region to
adjacent the bottom bracket. The perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles of the down region may be described generally as having a
tear drop shape, with a taper and narrower width toward the top of
the cross-sectional profiles. The perpendicular cross-sectional
profiles of the down region additionally or alternatively may be
described as having shapes similar to typical guitar picks.
[0100] As indicated in FIG. 20, FIGS. 41-44 illustrate
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the chain stays 60 of
frame 100, with these profiles having a generally rounded
rectangular shape and decreasing in height from adjacent the bottom
bracket to adjacent the rear drop-outs.
[0101] As indicated in FIG. 20, FIGS. 45-48 illustrate
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the seat region 54 of
frame 100, with these profiles having a generally tear-drop, or
guitar pick, shape, with a taper and narrower width toward the rear
of the seat region. The overall width of the seat region decreases
from adjacent the bottom bracket to adjacent the top region.
[0102] Turning finally to FIG. 49, an illustrative, non-exclusive
example of a bicycle 36 is illustrated and is indicated generally
at 200. Bicycle 200 includes frame 100 of FIGS. 16-48, and also
includes such optional components as a front wheel 38, a rear wheel
40, seat structure 42, a front fork 44, a drive train 46, a brake
system 48, and a steering assembly 49. Of particular note is the
brake system 48 of bicycle 200, which may be described as a disc
brake system. An illustrative, non-exclusive example of a suitable
disc brake system for use with a bicycle 36 according to the
present disclosure, including bicycle 200, includes AVID.RTM. BB7
ROAD.TM. mechanical disc brakes and TEKTRO.RTM. rotors.
[0103] The following enumerated paragraphs represent illustrative,
non-exclusive ways of describing inventions according to the
present disclosure.
[0104] A A bicycle frame, comprising a top region; a seat region
extending downward from the top region and configured to receive a
seat post; and a pair of rear stays extending past the seat region
and connected to the top region, wherein the rear stays are not
connected directly and rigidly to the seat region.
[0105] A2 The bicycle frame of paragraph A, wherein the rear stays
have perpendicular cross-sectional profiles that vary along a
length of the rear stays.
[0106] A2.1 The bicycle frame of paragraph A2, wherein the
perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays are
narrower proximal the top region than distal the top region.
[0107] A2.2 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.1, wherein
the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays are
narrower adjacent to the seat region than distal the top
region.
[0108] A2.3 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.2, wherein
the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have
widths that decrease from distal the top region to proximal the top
region.
[0109] A2.4 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.3, wherein
the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have
widths that are generally constant (or that are constant) for a
substantial length of the rear stays distal the top region, and
wherein the widths decrease from the substantial length to proximal
the top region.
[0110] A2.4.1 The bicycle frame of paragraph A2.4, wherein the
substantial length recited in paragraph A2.4 is within the range of
40-80% of an overall length of the rear stays.
[0111] A2.5 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.4.1,
wherein the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear
stays have heights that increase from distal the top region to
proximal the top region.
[0112] A2.6 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.5, wherein
the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have
heights that are generally constant (or that are constant) for a
substantial length of the rear stays distal the top region, and
wherein the heights increase from the substantial length toward the
top region.
[0113] A2.6.1 The bicycle frame of paragraph A2.6, wherein the
substantial length recited in paragraph 2.6 is within the range of
40-80% of an overall length of the rear stays.
[0114] A2.7 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.6.1,
wherein the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear
stays have a generally rounded rectangular shape over a substantial
length of the rear stays.
[0115] A2.8 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.7, wherein
the perpendicular cross-sectional profiles of the rear stays have a
generally ovular shape over a substantial length of the rear
stays.
[0116] A2.9 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2-A2.8, wherein
the perpendicular cross-section profiles of the rear stays have a
generally elliptical shape over a substantial length of the rear
stays.
[0117] A2.10 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A2.7-A2.9,
wherein the substantial length recited in paragraph A2.7, A2.8,
and/or A2.9 is in the range of 40-100% of an overall length of the
rear stays.
[0118] A3 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A2.10, wherein
the rear stays are connected to the top region in an asymptotic
manner or at least in a generally asymptotic manner.
[0119] A4 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A3, wherein the
rear stays are connected to the top region within the range of at
2-20%, 2-17%, 2-14%, 2-11%, 2-8%, 2-5%, 5-20%, 5-17%, 5-14%, 5-11%,
5-8%, 8-20%, 8-17%, 8-14%, 8-11%, 11-20%, 11-17%, 11-14%, 14-20%,
14-17%, or 17-20% of an overall length of the top region forward of
the seat region.
[0120] A5 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A4, wherein the
rear stays are connected to the top region at 1-45.degree.,
1-40.degree., 1-35.degree., 1-30.degree., 1-25.degree.,
1-20.degree., 1-15.degree., 1-10.degree., 1-5.degree.,
5-40.degree., 5-35.degree., 5-30.degree., 5-25.degree.,
5-20.degree., 5-15.degree., or 5-10.degree. relative to a
longitudinal axis of the top region.
[0121] A5.1 The bicycle frame of paragraph A5, wherein the angles
enumerated in paragraph A5 correspond to a distance away from an
apex defined between the rear stays and the top region in the range
of 5-80, 5-55, 5-30, 30-80, 30-55, or 55-80 mm.
[0122] A5.2 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A5-A5.1, wherein
the angles enumerated in paragraph A5 correspond to a distance away
from an apex defined between the rear stays and the top region in
the range of 2-20%, 2-17%, 2-14%, 2-11%, 2-8%, or 2-5% of an
overall length of the rear stays away from the apex.
[0123] A6 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A5.2, wherein a
substantial portion of the rear stays have a radii of curvature of
at least 600 mm as viewed from a side of the frame.
[0124] A6.1 The bicycle frame of paragraph A6, wherein the
substantial portion recited in paragraph A6 is within the range of
40-100%, 40-80%, 40-60%, 60-100%, 60-80%, or 80-100% of an overall
length of the rear stays.
[0125] A7 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A6.1, wherein
the frame is constructed predominantly of a carbon fiber composite
material.
[0126] A8 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A7, wherein the
rear stays are constructed predominantly of a carbon fiber
composite material.
[0127] A9 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A8, wherein the
top region and the seat region are not constructed predominantly of
a carbon fiber composite material.
[0128] A10 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A1-9, wherein the
frame has a vertical compliance (and/or is configured to provide
for vertical movement) of 2-10 mm/1 kN, and optionally of at least
5 mm/1 kN, and optionally of at least 5.5 mm/1 kN.
[0129] A10.1 The bicycle frame of paragraph A10, wherein the frame
has a vertical compliance (and/or is configured to provide for
vertical movement) in the range of 5.5-6 mm/1 kN.
[0130] A11 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A10.1, wherein
the frame has a vertical stiffness of 1-50% of a vertical stiffness
of a comparably sized standard diamond frame having seat stays that
are connected directly and rigidly to a seat tube.
[0131] A12 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A11, wherein
the frame has a vertical compliance that is 1.1-2 times greater
than a vertical compliance of a comparably sized standard diamond
frame having seat stays that are connected directly and rigidly to
a seat tube.
[0132] A13 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A12, further
comprising a down region; a head region interconnecting the top
region and the down region; a pair of chain stays; a bottom bracket
interconnecting the seat region, the down region, and the chain
stays; and a pair of rear drop-outs interconnecting the rear stays
and the chain stays.
[0133] A14 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A13, wherein
the rear stays do not engage the seat region.
[0134] A15 The bicycle frame of any of paragraphs A-A14, further
comprising: one or more elastomeric connecting members
interconnecting the rear stays and the seat region.
[0135] A16 A bicycle, comprising: the bicycle frame of any of
paragraphs A-A15; a front fork; a drive train; a front wheel; and a
rear wheel.
[0136] A16.1 The bicycle of paragraph A16, further comprising disc
brakes.
[0137] B A bicycle frame substantially as disclosed herein.
[0138] C A bicycle frame substantially as disclosed herein and
illustrated in FIGS. 16-48.
[0139] D A bicycle comprising a bicycle frame substantially as
disclosed herein.
[0140] E A bicycle comprising a bicycle frame substantially as
disclosed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 16-48.
[0141] E1 The bicycle of paragraph E, further comprising disc
brakes.
[0142] As used herein the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean
that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed
and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the
terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be construed to mean
that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply
"capable of" performing a given function but that the element,
component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected,
created, implemented, utilized, and/or designed for the purpose of
performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present
disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject
matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular
function may additionally or alternatively be described as being
configured to perform that function, and vice versa.
[0143] The disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct
inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions
has been disclosed in its preferred form or method, the specific
alternatives, embodiments, and/or methods thereof as disclosed and
illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, as
numerous variations are possible. The present disclosure includes
all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the
various elements, features, functions, properties, methods, and/or
steps disclosed herein. Similarly, where any disclosure above or
claim below recites "a" or "a first" element, step of a method, or
the equivalent thereof, such disclosure or claim should be
understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements or
steps, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements or
steps.
[0144] It is believed that the following claims particularly point
out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to
one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious.
Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of
features, functions, elements, properties, methods, and/or steps
may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or
presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such
amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different
invention or directed to the same invention, whether different,
broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, also
are regarded as within the subject matter of the inventions of the
present disclosure.
* * * * *