Modular composite bicycle frame

Patent 5415423 Issued on May 16, 1995. Estimated Expiration Date:

September 18, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

D45219

631282

1580414

2244709

2493037

2854249

3121575

Monocoque bicycle frame
Patent #: 4613146
Issued on: 09/23/1986
Inventor: Sharp , et al.

Composite bicycle frame and production method
Patent #: 4850607
Issued on: 07/25/1989
Inventor: Trimble

Integral seamless composite bicycle frame
Patent #: 4900048
Issued on: 02/13/1990
Inventor: Derujinsky

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Inventors

Assignee

Softride, Inc.

Application

No. 947274 filed on 09/18/1992

US Classes:

280/281.1, Frames and running gear280/288.2, Combined with bodyD12/111, Bicycle or frameD12/119Saddle post or support (17)

Examiners

Primary: Hill, Mitchell J.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Christensen, O'Connor, Johnson & Kindness

Foreign Patent References

336181 DE 04/13/2012
4101998 DE 07/13/1992
286486 JP 11/13/1990
352342 GB 07/13/2012

International Class

B62K 019/16

Abstract

A bicycle (10) with a frame (12) formed out of composite material is disclosed. The frame of this bicycle includes a head unit or module (34) that is attached to two body units (36, 38). The head unit and body unit are formed out of a urethane core and can be formed of stiffened fiberglass, carbon fibers, or like nonmetallic material. The head unit and body units are formed with bores (78, 81, 83, 90) in which sleeves and cables are seated to accommodate the installation of the other components of the bicycle to the frame. The body is further formed with a set of rearwardly extending members that form the chain stays (22) of the bicycle. Dropouts (104) are seated in recesses formed in the chain stays. The bicycle includes a front derailleur/rear brake assembly (30) with a front derailleur (134) that can be both selectively moved up and down and selectively pivoted along a lateral axis of the bicycle. By selecting an appropriately sized head unit, the frame of the bicycle can built to a specific size. Components of specific dimension can then be attached to the frame to facilitate the construction of a bicycle of this invention so that it is built for a cyclist of a specific size.