초록 ▼

A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that i

A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A seat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A bicycle including a front wheel and a rear wheel, comprising: a bicycle frame;a first member coupled to the bicycle frame at a first pivot axis;a second member coupled to the bicycle frame at a second pivot axis; anda third member coupled to the second member at a third pivot axis and pivotable

1. A bicycle including a front wheel and a rear wheel, comprising: a bicycle frame;a first member coupled to the bicycle frame at a first pivot axis;a second member coupled to the bicycle frame at a second pivot axis; anda third member coupled to the second member at a third pivot axis and pivotable relative to the first member at a fourth pivot axis;wherein: the first member, the second member, and the third member are configured such that a contact patch of the rear wheel has a translation range of 0 degrees to about 7 degrees;the first member includes an insert at the fourth pivot axis;a portion of the insert is mated to an opening of the first member defined by a first contour that opens to a ground-facing side of the first member;the third member is configured to rotate around a stem of the insert; andthe insert includes a vertical pocket configured to cradle a hub end of the rear wheel. 2. The bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a shock absorber coupled to the second member. 3. The bicycle of claim 2, wherein the shock absorber comprises at least one of a spring, a gas charge, and a fluid. 4. The bicycle of claim 2, wherein the shock absorber is coupled to the first member at a fifth pivot axis. 5. The bicycle of claim 4, wherein the first pivot axis, a rear wheel axis, and the fifth pivot axis form a triangle. 6. The bicycle of claim 2, wherein the shock absorber is coupled to the bicycle frame at a fifth pivot axis. 7. The bicycle of claim 1, wherein the first member, the second member, and the third member are configured such that the rear wheel has a vertical translation range of 0 mm to about 250 mm while the contact patch of the rear wheel has the translation range of 0 degrees to about 7 degrees. 8. The bicycle of claim 1, wherein the first member is configured to straddle the rear wheel, and the rear wheel is coupled to the third member and the first member at a rear wheel axis of the rear wheel. 9. The bicycle of claim 1, wherein the third member is configured to straddle the rear wheel, and the rear wheel is coupled to the third member and the first member at a rear wheel axis of the rear wheel. 10. The bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a brake caliper coupled to the third member and a rotor associated with the rear wheel. 11. The bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a rear axle associated with the rear wheel, wherein: the insert is configured to support the rear axle;the vertical pocket of the insert is configured to align the rear wheel with an axle opening of the insert;the vertical pocket of the insert is configured to allow the rear wheel to drop out when the rear axle is removed;the stem is configured to support an inner race of a bearing; andthe third member is fixedly coupled to an outer race of the bearing. 12. The bicycle of claim 11, wherein the vertical pocket is located around the axle opening and extends to the ground-facing side of the one of the second member or the third member. 13. The bicycle of claim 12, wherein the vertical pocket tapers from the ground-facing side to the portion located around the axle opening. 14. The bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a rear axle associated with the rear wheel, wherein the first member is pivoted with the third member. 15. The bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a derailleur pivotable about a rear wheel axis of the rear wheel. 16. The bicycle of claim 1, wherein the third member is pivotable relative to the first member at a rear wheel axis of the rear wheel. 17. An apparatus, comprising: a bicycle frame;a chain stay structure coupled to the bicycle frame at a first rotation point;at least one seat stay element configured to rotate relative to the chain stay structure at a rear wheel axis;an insert removably secured in an opening of the chain stay structure;a brake coupled to the at least one seat stay element; anda rotor concentric with a rear wheel axis;wherein: the at least one seat stay element is linked to the bicycle frame such that the rotor has a translation range of 0 degrees to about 7 degrees during a translation of the rear wheel axis;the at least one seat stay element rotates about a stem of the insert; andthe insert includes a vertical tapered pocket configured to support a rear wheel hub. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a shock absorber linked to the at least one seat stay element and the bicycle frame, wherein the brake comprises a caliper adapted to the rotor. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the shock absorber is coupled to the chain stay structure at a second pivot point. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the shock absorber is coupled to the bicycle frame at a second pivot point. 21. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a rear axle at the rear wheel axis, wherein the rear axle is pivotably coupled to the chain stay structure and the at least one seat stay element. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the rear axle comprises a quick-release skewer. 23. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a rear axle wherein the insert comprises a hole for the rear axle. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: the pocket of the insert is configured to align the rear wheel hub with the hole of the insert;the rear axle is configured to be inserted through rear wheel hub and the hole; andthe pocket of the insert is configured to allow the rear wheel hub to drop out when the rear axle is removed. 25. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the chain stay structure and the at least one seat stay element linked to the bicycle frame are configured such that the rear wheel axis has a vertical translation range of 0 mm to about 250 mm while the rotor has a translation range of 0 degrees to about 7 degrees during a translation of the rear wheel axis.