CA2270336C - Bicycle frame - Google Patents
Bicycle frame Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2270336C CA2270336C CA002270336A CA2270336A CA2270336C CA 2270336 C CA2270336 C CA 2270336C CA 002270336 A CA002270336 A CA 002270336A CA 2270336 A CA2270336 A CA 2270336A CA 2270336 C CA2270336 C CA 2270336C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support member
- rear end
- bicycle frame
- sidewalls
- substantially vertical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K3/00—Bicycles
- B62K3/02—Frames
- B62K3/04—Frames having a substantially horizontal top bar
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)
- Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
Abstract
A bicycle frame includes a first support member having a front end and a rear end. A head tube is secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the front end of the first support member. A seat tube is secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the rear end of the first support member. A second support member is spaced from the first support member. A bottom bracket tube is supported by the second support member in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation in relation to the first support member.
Forks extend rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube. A hollow body connects the first support member and the second support member. The body has spaced apart sidewalls defining an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member.
Forks extend rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube. A hollow body connects the first support member and the second support member. The body has spaced apart sidewalls defining an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Bicycle frame NAME ( S ) OF INVENTOR ( S
Tim To FIEhD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bicycle frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a trend in the manufacture of bicycles to move to alternate designs for various components. The nature of the alternate designs vary depending upon whether the object is improved aerodynamics, making the component lighter, enhancing strength, shock absorbing capability or other properties. To this point in time there have been very few 2o alternative designs for the bicycle frame.
SU1~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an alternative frame design.
According to the present invention there is provided a bicycle frame which includes a first support member having a front end and a rear end. A head tube is secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the front end of the first support member. A seat tube is secured in a 3o substantially vertical orientation to the rear end of the first support member. A second support member is spaced from the first support member. A bottom bracket tube is supported by the second support member in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation in relation to the first support member. Forks extend rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube. A hollow body connects the first support member and the second support member to maintain the first support member in spaced relation to the second support member. The body has spaced apart sidewalls defining an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member.
The bicycle frame, as described above, provides aerodynamic performance with a free air flow through the body reducing wind resistance.
1o Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the bicycle frame, as described above, further refinements can be made to the design to improve performance depending upon the performance qualities desired. Where the comfort of the rider is of paramount concern, the sidewalls of the body can be made from materials that have resilient properties. This provides the body with shock absorbing properties. Where strength is of concern, the sidewalls can be made to diverge from the first support member to the second 2o support member providing a stable triangular structure. Where weight is of concern, openings can be provided in the sidewalls. This reduces the amount of material in the body, thereby reducing its weight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of a bicycle frame constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a front perspective view of the bicycle frame illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a rear perspective view of the bicycle frame illustrated in FIGURE 1.
DETAINED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E1~ODIMENT
Bicycle frame NAME ( S ) OF INVENTOR ( S
Tim To FIEhD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bicycle frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a trend in the manufacture of bicycles to move to alternate designs for various components. The nature of the alternate designs vary depending upon whether the object is improved aerodynamics, making the component lighter, enhancing strength, shock absorbing capability or other properties. To this point in time there have been very few 2o alternative designs for the bicycle frame.
SU1~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an alternative frame design.
According to the present invention there is provided a bicycle frame which includes a first support member having a front end and a rear end. A head tube is secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the front end of the first support member. A seat tube is secured in a 3o substantially vertical orientation to the rear end of the first support member. A second support member is spaced from the first support member. A bottom bracket tube is supported by the second support member in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation in relation to the first support member. Forks extend rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube. A hollow body connects the first support member and the second support member to maintain the first support member in spaced relation to the second support member. The body has spaced apart sidewalls defining an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member.
The bicycle frame, as described above, provides aerodynamic performance with a free air flow through the body reducing wind resistance.
1o Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the bicycle frame, as described above, further refinements can be made to the design to improve performance depending upon the performance qualities desired. Where the comfort of the rider is of paramount concern, the sidewalls of the body can be made from materials that have resilient properties. This provides the body with shock absorbing properties. Where strength is of concern, the sidewalls can be made to diverge from the first support member to the second 2o support member providing a stable triangular structure. Where weight is of concern, openings can be provided in the sidewalls. This reduces the amount of material in the body, thereby reducing its weight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of a bicycle frame constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a front perspective view of the bicycle frame illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a rear perspective view of the bicycle frame illustrated in FIGURE 1.
DETAINED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E1~ODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a bicycle frame generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3-Bicycle frame 10 includes a first support member 12 having a front end 14 and a rear end 16. A head tube 18 is secured in a substantially vertical orientation to front end 14 of first support member 12. A seat tube 20 is secured in a substantially vertical orientation to rear end 16 of first to support member 12. A second support member 22 is spaced from first support member 12. A bottom bracket tube 24 is supported by second support member 22 in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation relative to first support member 12. Forks 26 extending rearwardly from second support member 22 past seat tube 20. A hollow body 28 connects first support member 12 and second support member 22 maintaining them in spaced relation to each other. Body 28 has spaced apart sidewalls 30 defining an open ended air flow passage 32 that extends in parallel spaced relation from front end 14 to rear end 16 of first support member 12. Sidewalk 30 are resilient, thereby providing body 28 with shock absorbing properties. To increase the strength of body 28, it is preferred that sidewalls 30 diverge from first support member 12 and converge toward second support member 22. It is also preferred that openings 34 are cut in sidewalls 30 of body 28, thereby reducing the weight of body 28. A suitable material for the construction of bicycle frame 10 is titanium.
Titanium is widely used in high performance bicycle frames.
It is a metal with high fatigue resistance, is resistant to 3o corrosion and has a density lower than the density of many other metals from which bicycle frames are constructed.
The use and operation of bicycle frame 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. In bicycle frame 10 sidewalls 30 of body 28 can flex. Bicycle frame 10 thereby acquires the properties of passive suspension and can absorb shock resulting from the passage of the wheels of the bicycle over small obstacles or rough road surfaces. When bicycle frame 10 is used under track racing conditions its passive suspension properties enable the use of stiff aerodynamic wheels with less loss of comfort to the rider.
When bicycle frame 10 is used for racing or tour bicycling on roads, or under off-road conditions, its passive suspension properties allow a cyclist to experience less fatigue resulting from road shock.
1o It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Titanium is widely used in high performance bicycle frames.
It is a metal with high fatigue resistance, is resistant to 3o corrosion and has a density lower than the density of many other metals from which bicycle frames are constructed.
The use and operation of bicycle frame 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. In bicycle frame 10 sidewalls 30 of body 28 can flex. Bicycle frame 10 thereby acquires the properties of passive suspension and can absorb shock resulting from the passage of the wheels of the bicycle over small obstacles or rough road surfaces. When bicycle frame 10 is used under track racing conditions its passive suspension properties enable the use of stiff aerodynamic wheels with less loss of comfort to the rider.
When bicycle frame 10 is used for racing or tour bicycling on roads, or under off-road conditions, its passive suspension properties allow a cyclist to experience less fatigue resulting from road shock.
1o It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (5)
1. A bicycle frame, comprising:
a first support member having a front end and a rear end;
a head tube secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the front end of the first support member;
a seat tube secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the rear end of the first support member;
a second support member spaced from the first support member;
a bottom bracket tube supported by the second support member in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation relative to the first support member;
forks extending rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube; and a hollow body connecting the first support member and the second support member to maintain the first support member in spaced relation to the second support member, the body having spaced apart sidewalls which diverge away from the first support member and converge toward the second support member to define an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member.
a first support member having a front end and a rear end;
a head tube secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the front end of the first support member;
a seat tube secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the rear end of the first support member;
a second support member spaced from the first support member;
a bottom bracket tube supported by the second support member in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation relative to the first support member;
forks extending rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube; and a hollow body connecting the first support member and the second support member to maintain the first support member in spaced relation to the second support member, the body having spaced apart sidewalls which diverge away from the first support member and converge toward the second support member to define an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member.
2. The bicycle frame as defined in Claim 1, wherein sidewalls are resilient thereby providing the body with shock absorbing properties.
3. The bicycle frame as defined in Claim 1, wherein openings are cut in the sidewalk of the body, thereby reducing the weight of the body.
4. A bicycle frame, comprising:
a first support member having a front end and a rear end;
a head tube secured in a substantially vertical
a first support member having a front end and a rear end;
a head tube secured in a substantially vertical
5. orientation to the front end of the first support member;
a seat tube secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the rear end of the first support member;
a second support member spaced from the first support member;
a bottom bracket tube supported by the second support member in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation relative to the first support member;
forks extending rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube; and a hollow body connecting the first support member and the second support member to maintain the first support member in spaced relation to the second support member, the body having spaced apart sidewalls which diverge from the first support member and converge toward the second support member to define an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member, the sidewalls being resilient, thereby providing the body with shock absorbing properties, openings being cut in the sidewalls of the body, thereby reducing the weight of the body.
a seat tube secured in a substantially vertical orientation to the rear end of the first support member;
a second support member spaced from the first support member;
a bottom bracket tube supported by the second support member in a substantially horizontal transverse orientation relative to the first support member;
forks extending rearwardly from the second support member past the seat tube; and a hollow body connecting the first support member and the second support member to maintain the first support member in spaced relation to the second support member, the body having spaced apart sidewalls which diverge from the first support member and converge toward the second support member to define an open ended air flow passage that extends in parallel spaced relation from the front end to the rear end of the first support member, the sidewalls being resilient, thereby providing the body with shock absorbing properties, openings being cut in the sidewalls of the body, thereby reducing the weight of the body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002270336A CA2270336C (en) | 1999-04-28 | 1999-04-28 | Bicycle frame |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002270336A CA2270336C (en) | 1999-04-28 | 1999-04-28 | Bicycle frame |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2270336A1 CA2270336A1 (en) | 2000-10-28 |
| CA2270336C true CA2270336C (en) | 2004-07-13 |
Family
ID=29588886
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002270336A Expired - Fee Related CA2270336C (en) | 1999-04-28 | 1999-04-28 | Bicycle frame |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2270336C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009030051A1 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2010-12-23 | Morgan Nicol | Frame for a bicycle |
-
1999
- 1999-04-28 CA CA002270336A patent/CA2270336C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2270336A1 (en) | 2000-10-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |