The Patent Thread - New and Wild Mountain Bike Inventions

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bturman
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bturman 3/30/2016 3:45pm
3/30/2016 3:45pm
Looks like VP Components has come up with a way to make wide range cassettes a little more affordable while still using the XD driver body.





USPTO Application #20160083045 by Vp Components Co., Ltd. - Chain wheel assembly and chain wheel device using it

The present invention provides a chain wheel assembly and chain wheel device using it, wherein the chain wheel device includes a driver, a switching sleeve, plural chain wheels with different diameter sizes, plural connectors, and a fastener. Therein, the driver is connected to a wheel hub of a back wheel of a bicycle for transmitting a torque. One end of the switching sleeve is screwed to the driver. The chain wheels, axially stacked from the largest one to the smallest...

Read more here.
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bturman 3/30/2016 4:03pm
3/30/2016 4:03pm
What is Yeti Cycles up to? This patent application details a linkage system that is far from traditional. Note how the links are crooked in the frame. The patent shows a number of possible designs with various axle paths.



















USPTO Application #20160083043 by Yeti Cycling, Llc - Link suspension system

A bicycle includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first member, and a first pivot link assembly including a first link configured to rotate around a first pivot point. The first pivot point may have a first axis of rotation that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first frame, and the first frame may be coupled with the first member through the first pivot link assembly. Some examples also include a second pivot link assembly including a second link...

Read more here.
Varaxis
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Varaxis 3/30/2016 4:19pm
3/30/2016 4:19pm Edited Date/Time 3/30/2016 4:20pm
Regarding the VP cassette patent, it's interesting, but not sure how that supposed to be any more affordable than a GX cassette, when everything's still pinned, but just less hollowed out. Does leaving the cogs excessively long contribute to anything? Is the GX 1150 still overpriced at 108.99 street price, considering its manufacturing methods? Think it's just a matter of business, charging what the market's willing to pay. Penny pinching weight weenies would say otherwise, comparing it to XTR and XT.
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vinny4130 3/31/2016 8:03pm
3/31/2016 8:03pm
Part of me thinks this is weird for the sake of being different. The other part of me says.... Yeti DH bike!!!!
The Enginerd 4/1/2016 12:37pm
4/1/2016 12:37pm
We'll be heading down to the patent office this afternoon for this bad boy:

Primoz
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Primoz 4/2/2016 8:45am
4/2/2016 8:45am
The Yeti linkage probably gives them a very (maybe even pure) linear motion without the use of custom sliders, as with Switch Infinity.
bturman
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bturman 4/2/2016 11:47am
4/2/2016 11:47am
bturman wrote:
Where to put that pesky shock reservoir? CSG, owners of Cannondale, plans to hide it in the top tube of what may be a new Scalpel...
Where to put that pesky shock reservoir? CSG, owners of Cannondale, plans to hide it in the top tube of what may be a new Scalpel or Habit. The patent mentions the use of electro mechanical actuators and accelerometers to activate a lockout with a blow-off, and the possibility of connecting it to the Lefty fork.







USPTO Application #20160046346 by Cycling Sports Group, Inc. - Bicycle suspension system

A bicycle includes a frame having a plurality of frame members that includes a first frame member, and a suspension system. The suspension system includes a first portion and a second portion fluidly coupled via hydraulic fluid to the first portion. The first portion is disposed external of the first frame member, and the second portion is disposed internal to the first frame member.

Read more here.

From patent to product... MTB Mag spotted Marco Aurelio Fontana on the new Cannondale Scalpel:



More photos here.
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kc358 4/5/2016 5:18pm
4/5/2016 5:18pm
Varaxis wrote:
Regarding the VP cassette patent, it's interesting, but not sure how that supposed to be any more affordable than a GX cassette, when everything's still pinned...
Regarding the VP cassette patent, it's interesting, but not sure how that supposed to be any more affordable than a GX cassette, when everything's still pinned, but just less hollowed out. Does leaving the cogs excessively long contribute to anything? Is the GX 1150 still overpriced at 108.99 street price, considering its manufacturing methods? Think it's just a matter of business, charging what the market's willing to pay. Penny pinching weight weenies would say otherwise, comparing it to XTR and XT.
I would think the point wouldn't be to make it cheaper than the (though still expensive) GX cassette, but to make something at the GX price that is at the X1-XX1 performance/weight. That's the tough thing right now. You can get an affordable 11-speed cassette, but it is very heavy compared to a cassette from 2 years ago, or you can get a super awesome light weight 11-speed cassette but have no money left for gas to get to the trails.
bturman
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bturman 4/5/2016 8:02pm
4/5/2016 8:02pm
Varaxis wrote:
Regarding the VP cassette patent, it's interesting, but not sure how that supposed to be any more affordable than a GX cassette, when everything's still pinned...
Regarding the VP cassette patent, it's interesting, but not sure how that supposed to be any more affordable than a GX cassette, when everything's still pinned, but just less hollowed out. Does leaving the cogs excessively long contribute to anything? Is the GX 1150 still overpriced at 108.99 street price, considering its manufacturing methods? Think it's just a matter of business, charging what the market's willing to pay. Penny pinching weight weenies would say otherwise, comparing it to XTR and XT.
kc358 wrote:
I would think the point wouldn't be to make it cheaper than the (though still expensive) GX cassette, but to make something at the GX price...
I would think the point wouldn't be to make it cheaper than the (though still expensive) GX cassette, but to make something at the GX price that is at the X1-XX1 performance/weight. That's the tough thing right now. You can get an affordable 11-speed cassette, but it is very heavy compared to a cassette from 2 years ago, or you can get a super awesome light weight 11-speed cassette but have no money left for gas to get to the trails.
The VP patent states this method was devised to reduce manufacturing costs. Given the size of each cog, there's no way it'll be as light as X1/XX1 unless it's made of unobtanium.
kc358
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kc358 4/5/2016 8:17pm
4/5/2016 8:17pm
Varaxis wrote:
Regarding the VP cassette patent, it's interesting, but not sure how that supposed to be any more affordable than a GX cassette, when everything's still pinned...
Regarding the VP cassette patent, it's interesting, but not sure how that supposed to be any more affordable than a GX cassette, when everything's still pinned, but just less hollowed out. Does leaving the cogs excessively long contribute to anything? Is the GX 1150 still overpriced at 108.99 street price, considering its manufacturing methods? Think it's just a matter of business, charging what the market's willing to pay. Penny pinching weight weenies would say otherwise, comparing it to XTR and XT.
kc358 wrote:
I would think the point wouldn't be to make it cheaper than the (though still expensive) GX cassette, but to make something at the GX price...
I would think the point wouldn't be to make it cheaper than the (though still expensive) GX cassette, but to make something at the GX price that is at the X1-XX1 performance/weight. That's the tough thing right now. You can get an affordable 11-speed cassette, but it is very heavy compared to a cassette from 2 years ago, or you can get a super awesome light weight 11-speed cassette but have no money left for gas to get to the trails.
bturman wrote:
The VP patent states this method was devised to reduce manufacturing costs. Given the size of each cog, there's no way it'll be as light as...
The VP patent states this method was devised to reduce manufacturing costs. Given the size of each cog, there's no way it'll be as light as X1/XX1 unless it's made of unobtanium.
If that's their aim, then I wouldn't see the point. Sure, if they could produce a cassette competitive in weight with GX for $50 then great, otherwise, I would hope to see something around $100 for closer to XX1 weight, the missing segment right now. But, we will have to see what they do (if anything).
bturman
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bturman 4/6/2016 12:38pm
4/6/2016 12:38pm
Haha, here's a fun one! This serves as both a bike pump and an exercise machine. The resistance can be adjusted for "better muscular training."



USPTO Application # 20160090972 by Kun Yuan Tong: Dual function bicycle air hand pump

The dual function bicycle air hand pump has functions of bicycle air pump and exerciser. The piston of the dual function bicycle air hand pump has installed a piston which has an off-center threaded canal, which can be closed either by a one-way valve threaded tube and or by a bolt. By simply exchanging the one-way valve threaded tube with a bolt and vice versa, the dual function bicycle air hand pump can be used as a bicycle air pump or an exerciser.

Read more.
bturman
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bturman 5/11/2016 1:25pm
5/11/2016 1:25pm Edited Date/Time 5/11/2016 1:26pm
Shimano to enter the dropper post game? Looks like it!





USPTO Application # 20160121952 by Shimano Inc.: Bicycle seatpost assembly

A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a positioning structure. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is configured to relatively position the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The positioning structure includes a receiving member, a first seal member, and a movable member. The first seal member is configured to provide a first gate of a first passageway...

Read more.

bturman
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bturman 6/8/2016 2:37pm
6/8/2016 2:37pm
bturman wrote:
Where to put that pesky shock reservoir? CSG, owners of Cannondale, plans to hide it in the top tube of what may be a new Scalpel...
Where to put that pesky shock reservoir? CSG, owners of Cannondale, plans to hide it in the top tube of what may be a new Scalpel or Habit. The patent mentions the use of electro mechanical actuators and accelerometers to activate a lockout with a blow-off, and the possibility of connecting it to the Lefty fork.







USPTO Application #20160046346 by Cycling Sports Group, Inc. - Bicycle suspension system

A bicycle includes a frame having a plurality of frame members that includes a first frame member, and a suspension system. The suspension system includes a first portion and a second portion fluidly coupled via hydraulic fluid to the first portion. The first portion is disposed external of the first frame member, and the second portion is disposed internal to the first frame member.

Read more here.

Anyone wanting to get super nerdy can dive into the proposed inner workings of the Cannondale shock here.



bturman
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bturman 6/22/2016 11:57am
6/22/2016 11:57am
This inventor seems to have a death wish. Good luck steering!





USPTO Application # 20160167728 by Jin-woo Cha: Bicycle having front wheel driving means

The present invention relates to a bicycle having a front wheel driving means. The bicycle having the front wheel driving means according to the present invention includes a frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a steering part, and a chain part, wherein opposite sides of the front wheel are provided with respective recoilers having respective one-way clutches therein, and the steering part is provided with a driving means for pulling a wire connected to each of the recoilers.

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bturman
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bturman 6/22/2016 11:58am
6/22/2016 11:58am
The saddle that moves with you...





USPTO Application # 20160167726 by Jackson C. Dudley, Ii: Bicycle saddle

A saddle for peddle operated devices such as bicycles, tricycles, stationary bikes comprises a pair of rider supports sized to support the regions of the ischium and upper femur of the rider, each rider support being pivotally mounted to a normally horizontal mounting member (i.e., an “axel”) so as to provide a limited amount of free tilting movement about a common axis of rotation thus enabling unobstructed pedaling motion of the legs. The unique curvature...

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bturman
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bturman 7/13/2016 5:34pm
7/13/2016 5:34pm
Yeti Cycles is at it again. This time they're considering moving your hub bearings to your frame.







USPTO Application #20160194050 by Steven W. Hoogendoorn / Yeti Cycling - Outboard axle bearing structure for a bicycle or motorcycle

In one example, a structure for attaching a wheel to one of a frame of a motorcycle or a bicycle may include an axle having first and second opposing end portions and supporting a wheel, a left axle support collar structure configured to support the first opposing end portion of the axle, and a right axle support collar structure configured to support the second opposing end portion of the axle. A first bearing is positioned in the left axle support collar structure...

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Varaxis
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Varaxis 7/13/2016 6:07pm
7/13/2016 6:07pm
Nice, a major redesign of the rear hub! Love outside-the-box thinking.

Wonder if Yeti will run this standard somewhat exclusively on their bikes... well, if Cannondale can do it...
bturman
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bturman 9/7/2016 3:07pm
9/7/2016 3:07pm
Here's the patent for the suspension design used on Spot Brands' new Rollik 557:







USPTO Application # 20160251053 by Wayne Lumpkin - Bicycle frame rear suspension with flexing frame segment

A bicycle frame includes a substantially rigid front frame portion and a substantially rigid rear frame portion. A link is connected to the rear frame portion by a first pivot and to the front frame portion by a second pivot. A frame segment is rigidly connected at a first end to one of the rear frame portion and the front frame portion and pivotably connected at a second end to other of the rear frame portion or the front frame portion by a third pivot. The frame segment is flexible proximate the second end.

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bturman
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bturman 9/7/2016 3:09pm
9/7/2016 3:09pm Edited Date/Time 9/7/2016 3:09pm
This looks like an interesting way to clean up your cockpit!







USPTO Application # 20160251056 by Chao-kung Chen - Hidden oil tube structure for a bicycle

A hidden oil tube structure for a bicycle is disclosed. A brake body has a first and a second ends arranged oppositely. The first end is connected to a predetermined position of a handlebar of a bicycle. A lever is pivotably connected to the second end of the brake body. And an oil tube is connected to the brake body and arranged inside the handlebar totally or partially exposed outside the handlebar.

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Primoz 9/8/2016 1:36pm
9/8/2016 1:36pm
People are bitching about internally routed hoses in the frames, this would be a new world of hurt for them Tongue
bturman
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bturman 9/14/2016 9:18am
9/14/2016 9:18am
Tandem the tandem!







USPTO Application # 20160257368 by Ceferino Aponte-rivera - Side-by-side flexible twin bicycles

Various embodiments of side-by-side flexible adjacent vehicles, such as twin bikes, are disclosed including includes two vehicles joined together side-by-side by means of a plurality of interconnecting pivoted link bars. One or more driver riders may simultaneously or independently operate said side-by-side flexible adjacent vehicles. The side-by-side flexible twin bicycle may be configured employing different size bicycles, in-line multi-rider tandem bicycles, recumbent...

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bturman
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bturman 9/14/2016 9:27am
9/14/2016 9:27am
Shimano's Di2 system to go wireless? Looks like it...





USPTO Application # 20160257269 by Shimano Inc. - Bicycle electrical system

"There is a demand for a bicycle electrical system having greater convenience regarding the connections between the operating devices, the control devices, the electric components, and the power source, as well as attachment to a bicycle. One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle electrical system which can contribute to an improvement of convenience."

Abstract: "A bicycle electrical system is provided with a first electric component, a second electric component, a first wireless communication unit, a first power source, and a second wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit and the first power source are electrically connected to at least the first electric component. The second wireless communication unit is electrically connected to at least the second electric component. The first electric component can communicate with the first wireless communication unit. The second electric component can communicate with the second wireless communication unit. At least the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are attached to the bicycle without interposing the first electric component and the second electric component."

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syngltrkmnd
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syngltrkmnd 9/14/2016 8:51pm
9/14/2016 8:51pm
bturman wrote:
Shimano's Di2 system to go wireless? Looks like it... [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/09/14/4330/s1200_Screen_Shot_2016_09_14_at_10.23.03_AM.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/09/14/4331/s1200_Screen_Shot_2016_09_14_at_10.24.53_AM.jpg[/img] [b]USPTO Application # 20160257269 by Shimano Inc. - Bicycle electrical system[/b] "There is a demand...
Shimano's Di2 system to go wireless? Looks like it...





USPTO Application # 20160257269 by Shimano Inc. - Bicycle electrical system

"There is a demand for a bicycle electrical system having greater convenience regarding the connections between the operating devices, the control devices, the electric components, and the power source, as well as attachment to a bicycle. One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle electrical system which can contribute to an improvement of convenience."

Abstract: "A bicycle electrical system is provided with a first electric component, a second electric component, a first wireless communication unit, a first power source, and a second wireless communication unit. The first wireless communication unit and the first power source are electrically connected to at least the first electric component. The second wireless communication unit is electrically connected to at least the second electric component. The first electric component can communicate with the first wireless communication unit. The second electric component can communicate with the second wireless communication unit. At least the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are attached to the bicycle without interposing the first electric component and the second electric component."

Read more.
Can I get prompted when to shift via my $160 wireless Apple Airpod headphones?
shmity
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shmity 9/15/2016 8:41pm
9/15/2016 8:41pm
syngltrkmnd wrote:
Can I get prompted when to shift via my $160 wireless Apple Airpod headphones?
Who needs that when you can just shift with your brain instead?

bturman
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bturman 2/23/2017 10:35am
2/23/2017 10:35am
Based on this public patent application, Specialized is working on a new dropper post that automatically adjusts the angle of your saddle as it lowers. We all know a saddle is best when angled up slightly when it's lowered, just like a downhill bike. Pretty slick!





USPTO Application # 20170043833 - Saddle adjustment system by Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.

"In certain situations, it may be desirable for a cyclist to selectively raise or lower a saddle while he or she is riding a bicycle. For example, it may be advantageous to lower the saddle when going downhill. Further, it may be advantageous to raise the saddle when climbing a hill. The height of the bicycle saddle may be important in determining a rider's power efficiency."

"One aspect of one embodiment is that it may be desirable for a cyclist to change the angle of a saddle while he or she is riding a bicycle. For example, it may be advantageous to angle the saddle forwards when the saddle is in a raised position and to angle the saddle rearwards when the saddle is in a lowered position."

Read more.
dirtworks911
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dirtworks911 2/23/2017 1:26pm
2/23/2017 1:26pm
Question is, will it castrate you like their command post does?
sirtet
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sirtet 2/23/2017 1:33pm
2/23/2017 1:33pm
Funny, just last week i asked in a german forum if people had thought about a dropper with anjustable saddle angle, after carrying the idea in my head for a couple of years... Hope this will be available soon.
Can this patent application be seen anywhere? Could not find it myself.
bturman
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bturman 2/23/2017 1:36pm
2/23/2017 1:36pm
sirtet wrote:
Funny, just last week i asked in a german forum if people had thought about a dropper with anjustable saddle angle, after carrying the idea in...
Funny, just last week i asked in a german forum if people had thought about a dropper with anjustable saddle angle, after carrying the idea in my head for a couple of years... Hope this will be available soon.
Can this patent application be seen anywhere? Could not find it myself.
Yup. Click the "read more" link below the photos.
gregberry 2/23/2017 2:22pm
2/23/2017 2:22pm
Perhaps this is why the new Enduro's have a bigger seat tube that takes a 38.5 clamp and are currently shimming their 30.9 command posts. At the Enduro launch before it went public last year, they did hint to me that there was something new coming for this bigger seat tube but nothing further.

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