US3907332A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Suspension system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-11-25
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1994-11-25
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a suspension system for two wheeled vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles, in which the rear wheel is sprung by a single spring member connected to a swing arm via a linkage. The spring is located within the frame and does not add to the width of the vehicle, and the linkage is so connected that the force of the spring increases with increasing deflection of the rear wheel. The spring and linkage cooperate with the frame which provides the reference point for the linkage and spring system.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald G Richardson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:21
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62K; B62K25/00; B62K25/04; B62K25/12; B62K25/22; B62K25/26; B62K25/28; B62K25/283; B62K25/286; B60; B60G; B60G2204/00; B60G2204/10; B60G2204/12; B60G2204/127
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A suspension for two wheeled vehicles comprising: a frame for the vehicle comprising a generally closed shape including upper and lower portions and a swing arm pivotally connected to the lower portion of said frame; said swing arm comprising a pair of arms rotatably supporting a wheel about a horizontal axis generally at the end of said swing arm; the pivotal mounting of said arm to said frame being about a generally horizontal axis whereby said wheel is both rotatable about its own horizontal axis and deflectable in a generally vertical direction about the axis of said swing arm; spring means having a first end pivotally secured to said frame; a link member including an intermediate point pivotally mounted on said frame about an axis, parallel to the axis of said swing arm at a point spaced therefrom; pivotal connection means between said link member and the second end of said spring; a bar pivotally connected at one end to said swing arm and at the opposite end to said link member at a position spaced from said spring connection; said spring, bar, swing arm and link connected whereby deflection of said swing arm displaces said bar and rotates said link member to compress said spring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
A suspension for two wheeled vehicles comprising: a frame for the vehicle comprising a generally closed shape including upper and lower portions and a swing arm pivotally connected to the lower portion of said frame; said swing arm comprising a pair of arms rotatably supporting a wheel about a horizontal axis generally at the end of said swing arm; the pivotal mounting of said arm to said frame being about a generally horizontal axis whereby said wheel is both rotatable about its own horizontal axis and deflectable in a generally vertical direction about the axis of said swing arm; spring means having a first end pivotally secured to said frame; a link member including an intermediate point pivotally mounted on said frame about an axis, parallel to the axis of said swing arm at a point spaced therefrom; pivotal connection means between said link member and the second end of said spring; a bar pivotally connected at one end to said swing arm and at the opposite end to said link member at a position spaced from said spring connection; said spring, bar, swing arm and link connected whereby deflection of said swing arm displaces said bar and rotates said link member to compress said spring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spring is located within said closed structure of said frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein rotation of said link member produced rotational movement as well as deflection of said spring with the deflection a function of the sine of the angle of rotation of said link member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bar is connected to said swing arm between the axis of said wheel and the axis of said swing arm connection to said frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said frame includes a generally horizontal upper member and a lower apeX and said link member is secured intermediate said horizontal member and said apex of said frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said swing arm extends rearward of said frame and said wheel constitutes the rear wheel of the vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spring member encloses shock absorber means coupled to the ends of said springs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spring member is generally aligned with the plane of said wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said assembly provides a rising spring rate as a function of deflection of said swing arm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
60 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said link is positioned wherey said spring and a line between the point of securement of said link to said frame and the point of securement of said link to said spring is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spring for zero or maximum negative deflection of said swing arm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB191010179A
Cited
GB191016077A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |