Bicycle Frame Assembly
20170355416 · 2017-12-14
Inventors
Cpc classification
B62K19/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62K19/30
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B62K19/30
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A bicycle frame assembly includes a first trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a first plane and a second trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a second plane. The first and second trimmed panels have a predetermined shape configuration and are positioned such that the first plane and second plane intersect. The bicycle frame assembly includes trimmed panels that include planar panels that define two, four, or even six planes.
Claims
1. A bicycle frame assembly for a bicycle having a headset, fork, seat post, chain stay, and seat stay, said bicycle frame assembly comprising: a first trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a first plane; a second trimmed panel laterally symmetrical to the first trimmed panel, the second trimmed panel having a planar configuration and defining a second plane; wherein said first and second trimmed panels have a shape configuration and are situated such that the first plane intersects the second plane; wherein each plane is defined by predetermined widths of a cluster seat, bottom bracket, and a rear hub of the bicycle, respectively.
2. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second trimmed panels include a pattern of apertures not diminishing performance and strength characteristics of the bicycle frame assembly.
3. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second trimmed panels are configured for operatively coupling to the seat post, chain stay, and seat stay of the bicycle.
4. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second trimmed panels include connection features having complementary shape configurations along an intersection line of respective first and second planes so as to form a connection joint.
5. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 2, wherein the first and second trimmed panels are edged with one of a flange, a chamfer, fillet, or a combination thereof.
6. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second trimmed panels are coupled together at the headset of the bicycle via fastening mechanisms so as to house the headset at a seat cluster housing, at the seat post, and at a bottom bracket by means of a bushing so as to axially house the bottom bracket.
7. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second trimmed panels are coupled together via a spike-mortise connection for assembly or disassembly thereof.
8. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second trimmed panels are coupled upwardly at a seat cluster location via a spike-mortise connection.
9. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bottom bracket assembly proximate the first and second trimmed panels having a concentric spacer between respective trimmed panels and an axial bushing fitted to house a bottom bracket with a concentric abutment surface parallel to a vertical center plane suited to house a bearing ring.
10. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 1, further comprising a brace device situated between the first and second trimmed panels to selectively contain accessories.
11. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second trimmed panels include a plurality of geometric patterns and are constructed of material taken from a group that includes alloys of aluminum, magnesium, titanium, organic and inorganic fibers, thermoplastic polymers, synthetic fibers, nanomaterial and nano-cellulose fiber (C.N.F.).
12. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 11, wherein the first and second trimmed panels are constructed by coating, weaving, molding, laminating, extrusion, or co-extrusion, swaging.
13. A bicycle frame assembly for a bicycle having a headset, end forks, seat tube, chain stay, seat stay, seat receiver, and bottom bracket, said bicycle frame assembly comprising: a left rear triangle trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a first plane; a right rear triangle trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a second plane; a left front arm trimmed panel having a planar configuration situated in said first plane; a right front arm trimmed panel having a planar configuration situated in said second plane; wherein respective planes are intersecting planes that are associated with a diameter of the headset, seat receiver, bottom bracket, and end forks of the bicycle.
14. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, wherein the left and right front arm trimmed panels define a front arm profile and wherein the right rear triangle trimmed panel defines a rear triangle profile that is associated with the seat post, a chain stay, and seat stay of the bicycle.
15. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, wherein respective trimmed panels are edged with a flange, a chamfer, fillet, or combinations thereof.
16. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, wherein the left rear triangle trimmed panel and said right rear triangle trimmed panel have planar configurations and are coupled rigidly at the headset of the bicycle with fastening mechanisms.
17. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, wherein the left and right triangle trimmed panels are coupled together via a spike-mortise connection for quick assembly or disassembly.
18. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, wherein the left and right triangle trimmed panels are coupled upwardly at a seat cluster location of the bicycle via a spike-mortise connection.
19. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, wherein the left and right triangle trimmed panels and proximal ends of the left and right front arm trimmed panels are coupled together with a bushing assembly.
20. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 19, wherein said bushing assembly includes: a bushing panel coupled to said left rear triangle trimmed panel and having a plurality of dowels; and another bushing panel coupled to the right rear triangle trimmed panel and defining a plurality of holes selectively receiving the plurality of dowels so as to limit motion of the left and right front arm trimmed panels.
21. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 20, wherein the bottom bracket of the bicycle is coupled to the left and right triangle trimmed panels and to left and right front arm trimmed panels via the bushing assembly.
22. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, further comprising a brace device situated between the left and right rear triangle trimmed panels and configured to house accessories.
23. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 22, wherein said brace device is configured to house mechanical stranding, electrical routing cables, or apparatus to manage air flow and drag.
24. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 13, wherein the left and right triangle trimmed panels include a plurality of geometric patterns and are constructed of material taken from a group that includes alloys of aluminum, magnesium, titanium, organic and inorganic fibers, thermoplastic polymers, synthetic fibers, nanomaterial, nano-cellulose fiber (C.N.F.), thermoformed material, organic or inorganic materials.
25. The bicycle frame assembly of claim 11, wherein the left and right triangle trimmed panels are constructed by coating, weaving, molding, laminating, extrusion, co-extrusion, or swaging.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements.
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] Before the present inventive subject matter is described in further detail, it should be understood that the inventive subject matter is not limited to the particular embodiments described; these may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used here is for describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the inventive subject matter will be limited only by the appended claims.
[0036] A bicycle frame assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to
[0037] One embodiment is shown in
[0038] The bottom bracket (BB) width (denoted in the drawings as A1) has generally a standard spindles lengths value ranging from 72 to 93 mm but optimized in this example for a value of 73 mm, which determines the point 11 on z coordinate. A person skilled in the art knows that the spindle length determines the relationship between the centerline (Plane P0) and the bottom bracket, thus ensuring the correct position of the crankset relative to the plane P0. The fork ends spacing (FE) or O.L.D. (Over-Lock-nut-Distance) connection width (denoted in the drawings as A2) has generally a value ranging from 114 to 135 mm but optimize in this example for a value of 130 mm, which determines the point 12 on z coordinate. The seat cluster width (denoted in the drawings as A3) is determined for housing the diameter of the tube seat, which has generally a value ranging from 25.5 to 32 mm, but optimized in this example for a value of 27.2 mm, which determine the point 13 on z coordinate.
[0039] On the plane P0 (coordinates x and y) the sketch SK0 represents a geometry diamond frame layout comprising the main dimensional elements, for a frame size 52. The chain stays length determinate by axes A1 and A2 positions the seat tube length between axes A1 and A3, and subsequently seat angle, the top tube length, and bottom bracket height, the wheelbase the head angle and its rake. In all sizing frame, the amplitude of the three points defining the plane of the planar element has minimal variations, which can be easily adjusted with the coupling mechanisms design that will be described in detail later. The wheel clearance is not affected by standards wheels sizes and tires.
[0040] The frame structure defining two planes in this embodiment represents only one example. Preferred embodiments defining four and six planes are also possible and can be expanded for a plurality of cycle frames, including a plurality of planes configurations, but are not limited to those. Planar elements are in this instance made of panel type, either of composite material or of alloy metal swaged sheets, for the purpose of this description, but are not limited to those, as explained previously.
[0041] The planar elements can be trimmed in any of suitable ornamental shapes and maintaining respective structural frames' performance and strength characteristics necessary for the determinate bike and its use.
[0042] Determination of the shape of the cutouts will be determined mainly, but not solely, by the specified structural requirements for the use of the frame, in accordance with the selected material for the panel type element and its selected thickness. For an alveolar core type panel, edging process is realized by flange or co-extrusion process with a plurality of shapes. In addition, for homogenous core type panel, can be achieved by a chamfer, fillet, or their combination.
[0043] Turning to
[0044] Turning to
[0045] The interconnection between panels is achieved by coupling mechanisms at spindle axis, seat cluster locations and by means of shape matching join describe further. These coupling mechanisms are designed to integrate a bottom bracket shell components, a headset tube 160 with its components, and a tubing seat post, suitable to receive alternate standard pre-manufactured headset 160 or bottom bracket cartridge. The headset 160 between the planar elements (21, 22 and 41, 42) is a correlative of the three determinate coupling mechanisms. Meanwhile, by a combined association of matching forms of spike-mortise and fasteners, these coupling mechanisms can be dissembled and reassembled with simple tooling. Consequently, the selected planar elements are integral with the frame and can be replaced by another alternate, based on technical or aesthetic design criteria. The planar elements or panels become subsequently a modular component.
[0046]
[0047] Concentric with axis A1, a bushing (BSH) assembly is designed to house the so-called bottom bracket selected. Generally, a standard bottom bracket shell inner diameter value is ranging from 42 to 46 mm but optimize in this example for a value of 46 mm. The wall of the shell is around 5 mm for aluminum material alloy. On the outer cylinder of the bushing, a sleeve spacer 57 is fitted with both ends tapered to mate the panel 65 and 66. The bushing is axially movable and rotationally fixed relative to the panels. Both ends comport an array of keys 54 machined or forged, creating a meshing on the outer diameter of the bushing. This fastener extends through holes 51 and 52 in the support shoulder into engagement with the bushing to prevent rotation of the bushing. Ends are threaded, left-hand threaded for non-drive side 55, and right-hand threaded for drive side 56, on the outer cylindrical surface protruding from the outer fascias panels. The bushing receives a bearing ring 58 and 59 at its two threaded ends, and a lock ring 61 and 62, capturing the cartridge bottom bracket (not shown) and creating a rigid assembly receiving the crank system (not shown).
[0048] The assembly connection of the seat cluster 70 will be described in further detail with references to
[0049] The trimmed panels are shaped at their intersection line to engage by means of shape matching, 63, and a corresponding shape 64 to the secondary trimmed panel element to form a connection joint. In other words, respective trimmed panels include complementary fastening members that engage one another to form a joint connection. In this manner, machined such as sliding lap-joint configuration, with or without an additional means of connection.
[0050] The assembly connection of the seat cluster of the present invention is best seen by references to
[0051] Hence, seat cluster 70 is turned in a coupling device by a combined means of fasteners including a CNC machined block bridging panels 95 and 97 by means of two lateral spike-mortises 73 and 74, a barrel clamp 72, and a load-bearing fastener 93, but not limited to one which captured a tubular seat post 98 by tightening.
[0052] It is understood that the headset 160 is the set of components on a bicycle that provides a rotatable interface between the bicycle fork and the head tube of the bicycle frame. The headset (HS) (
[0053] The headset housing (160), is split between an upper head, and a lower head. The upper head is CNC machined in this detail description, from a semi-solid casting aluminum alloy (SSM), but not limited to this. The upper head shape in an elongated T form comprises from the upper end: a shaped through-hole on the axial headset, receiving on both sides, a mortise. A lip, forming an internal peripheral restraining surface, delimits the shaped mortise. As appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the bicycles arts, the inner surface of the through-hole is designed to be suitable, when assembling to the lower head, and then continuous, to house a threadless headset (e.g., traditional, semi-integrated, or integrated headset). The lower end has a counterbore cylindrical cavity. The mortise outer lip side flares all around at the lower end with the outer planar element surface. At this delineation, a flaring shoulder, start the shaped tenon, machined in the planar element.
[0054] Similarly, the lower head, is partially symmetrical from the top assembly, relative to a plane perpendicular to the headset axis. More precisely comprise a shaped borehole, with the same diameter as borehole on the axial headset, receiving on both sides, a mortise. A lip, forming an internal peripheral restraining surface, delimits the shaped mortise. The outer lip side flares all around at the lower end with the outer planar element surface. At this delineation, a flaring shoulder, start the shaped tenon, machined in the planar element.
[0055] This coupling device includes a combination of different mechanical fastener types, glue or welding not being involved, assembling, disassembling, and reassembling process is straightforward.
[0056] Another alternative embodiment of the two planes frame structure is illustrated in
[0057] Turning to
[0058] Turning to F13, another embodiment shows the exploded assembly system having trimmed panels that define four planes, to interconnect the four panels elements on their reciprocate planes P1 & P3 (drive side) and P2 and P4 (non-drive side) at the axial spindle A1, (bottom bracket location BB).
[0059] The two pairs of panels (P1, P2) and (P3, P4), on axis A1, comprise bore through-holes 121, 122, 123 and 124 each with a diameter that is about the same as the bushing outer diameter.
[0060] At the two outer ends of panels 111 and 121 (axis A1) are CNC machined a shoulder hole 125 (illustrated only on panels 111). On the non-drive side, panel 121 includes a shoulder hole diameter that is flaring with the fascia for creating a complete cylindrical flat surface to receive a bearing ring and a lock ring identical as the drive side in the fastener assembly (described below). On the drive side panel 111, a partial counterbore hole 127 (on axis A1) is machined with a diameter and a depth to create the necessary clearance space for the selected outer diameter front sprockets.
[0061] Concentric with axis A1, a bushing assembly 101 is designed to house the bottom bracket. Generally, a standard bottom bracket shell inner diameter value is ranging from 42 to 46 mm but is optimized in this example for a value of 46 mm. The wall of the shell is around 5 mm for aluminum material alloy. The bushing is axially movable and rotationally fixed relative to the panels. Both ends include an array of keys 102 machined or forged, creating a meshing on the outer diameter of the bushing. This fastener extends through holes 125 (panel 111) and 122 (panel 121) in the support shoulder into engagement with the bushing to prevent rotation of the bushing.
[0062] Ends are a left-hand thread for non-drive side 104 and a right-hand thread for drive side 103 on the outer cylindrical surface protruding from the outer fascia panels. The bushing receives at its two threaded ends a bearing ring 107 and 108 and a lock ring 109 and 110, capturing the cartridge bottom bracket and creating a rigid assembly receiving the crank system.
[0063] The bottom bracket assembly connection (BBA) fastens the front arm elements 130 with a symmetrical concentric undercut 131 parallel to the plane (P0) and the rear triangle pair elements 120 by means of an axial bushing fitted to house a bottom bracket,
[0064] The angular difference relation between the planes (P1, P3) and (P2, P4) is interconnected by means of a wedge connection known as a bushing 133 (for planes P1, P3) and 132 (for planes P2, P4). There are configured in that each contact fascias be parallel to each contact planes and are configured to mate as described below and shown in
[0065] Similarly, to the tridimensional frame structure comprising two planes, the connections at headset (HS) and seat cluster (SC) are identical in the structure comprising two planes (
[0066] The trimmed panels may include a brace device to house accessories or for mechanical purpose or and airflow and drag control. The brace devices are housing conventional stranding brake and or, gear, or electrical cables routing, but are not limited to those. They can be situated in between parallel planar elements (i.e. between trimmed panels) as front arm seat, seat tube location, and or, parts of the portion of the planar element as chain stays and seat stays, but are not limited to those.
[0067] The trimmed panels described above may include a plurality of holes or bores having geometric patterns (
[0068] Thus, specific compositions and methods of cycle frame using only planar elements have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding this technology. It will be apparent, however, that this technology can be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the innovative aspects. For example, the present technology is described in some implementations below with reference to particular hardware.
[0069] Reference in the specification to “one implementation or embodiment” or “an implementation or embodiment” simply means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation or embodiment is included in at least one implementation or embodiment of the technology described. The appearances of the phrase “in one implementation or embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation or embodiment.
[0070] Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.