Abstract:
A pivot joint for a bicycle frame is described, which includes an inner bearing sleeve concentrically disposed within an outer bearing sleeve. The inner bearing sleeve has an outer bearing surface in rotatably sliding contact with an inner bearing surface of the outer bearing sleeve, such that the inner and outer bearing sleeves are rotatable relative to each other about a central pivot axis to permit relative rotation of the frame components joined by the pivot joint. Each of the inner and outer bearing surfaces includes a substantially axially extending region and at least one angled bearing region that defines an angled raceway surface thereon. The angled raceway surfaces are disposed at an angle relative to the central pivot axis and meet in bearing engagement with each other to define a slip plane disposed at the same angle.
Abstract:
In a bicycle comprising a frame having at least a bottom bracket (22), and a rear wheel having a center axis, the improvement including a rear wheel suspension linkage comprising: an upper link member (26), a lower link member (28), and a rear stay member (30); a shock absorber (24) providing compression resistance for said suspension linkage and having first and second ends; said rear stay member (30) having upper and lower ends (38, 35), and being adapted to have the rear wheel engaged at said lower end (35); said lower link member (28) having front (32) and rear (34) ends, said rear end (34) of said lower link member (28) being pivotally engaged with said rear stay (30) member at a point between said lower (35) and upper ends (38), and said front end (32) of said lower link member (28) being pivotally engaged with the frame at a first point vertically spaced from the bottom bracket (22); said upper link member (26) having a front end (42), a rear end, and a middle portion, said front end (42) of said upper link member (26)being pivotally engaged with said first end of said shock absorber (24), said rear end being pivotally engaged with said upper end of said rear stay member (30), and said middle portion (40) being pivotally engaged with the frame at a second point vertically spaced from said first point(32); and said second end of said shock absorber (24) being pivotally engaged with the frame.