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US 6,799,772 B2Granted
Vehicle steering head
AssigneeHeinz Kettler GmbH & Co. KG
InventorsHeinz Kettler, Joachim Kettler, Reinhard Rocholl
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Vehicle steering head including a connecting element adapted to engage a handlebar. A support tube rotatably supports the connecting element. A fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar. The fork member is rotatable with respect to the support tube. A mechanism limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions. A lower bearing support is mounted to the support tube. The mechanism and the lower bearing support cooperate to limit the rotational movement of the fork member.
Claims69
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the fork member being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a latch element movably disposed within the support tube;
- and
- a linkage element being movable and comprising at least one stop surface,
- wherein the at least one stop surface limits the rotation of the fork member with respect to the support tube, and
- wherein the latch element moves in a direction parallel to an axis of the fork member.
5 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a cylindrical member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the cylindrical member being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a latch element movably disposed within the support tube;
- and
- a linkage element being movable and comprising at least two stop surfaces,
- wherein one of the at least two stop surfaces limits the rotation of the cylindrical member in one direction,
- wherein another of the at least two stop surfaces limits the rotation of the cylindrical member in another direction,
- wherein the latch element is connected to a slide, the slide being disposed within the support tube, and
- wherein the slide is moveable substantially parallel to the axis of the cylindrical member.
7 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a linkage element being movable and comprising at least two stop surfaces;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a latch element that is movable parallel to an axis of the connecting element between at least a first position and at least a second position,
- wherein, when the latch element is in the first position, the connecting element is rotatable, and wherein, when the latch element is in the second position, the connecting element is prevented from rotating.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mechanism that is rotatable and comprises at least two stop surfaces;
- a mudguard;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- and
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction,
- wherein the mechanism is coupled to the mudguard.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mechanism that is rotatable and comprises at least two stop surfaces;
- a mudguard;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- and
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction,
- wherein the mechanism and the mudguard comprise a one-piece structure.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mechanism that is rotatable and comprises at least two stop surfaces;
- a mudguard;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a device that engages the mechanism to prevent movement thereof,
- wherein the device that engages the mechanism comprises a pin, and
- wherein the pin is movable.
8 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mechanism that is rotatable and comprises at least two stop surfaces;
- a mudguard;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- and
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction,
- wherein the mudguard comprises the mechanism.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mudguard;
- a first stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- a second stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a device that engages the mudguard to prevent movement thereof,
- wherein the device that engages the mudguard comprises a pin, and
- wherein the pin is movably mounted.
7 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mudguard;
- a first stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- a second stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a device that engages the mudguard to prevent movement thereof,
- wherein the device that engages the mudguard comprises a pin, and
- wherein the pin can move parallel to an axis of the connecting element.
7 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mudguard;
- a first stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- a second stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a device that engages the mudguard to prevent movement thereof,
- wherein the device that engages the mudguard comprises a pin, and
- wherein the pin engages an opening in the mudguard.
7 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mudguard;
- a first stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- a second stop surface limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a device that engages an opening that moves when the mudguard moves, wherein, when the device engages the opening, the mudguard is prevented from moving.
5 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the fork member being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- and
- a system which limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions,
- wherein the system includes one part which is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube and another part which rotates with the fork member, and
- wherein the one part which is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube comprises a lower bearing support.
4 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the fork member being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- and
- a system which limits the rotational movement of the fork member in each of two directions,
- wherein the system includes one part which is non-rotatably mounted to the support tube and another part which rotates with the fork member, and
- a device that engages an opening that moves when the fork member moves, wherein, when the device engages the opening, the fork member is prevented from moving.
4 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the fork member being rotatably mounted to the support tube;
- a locking system comprising a pin and an opening configured to receive the pin;
- the pin being movably mounted;
- and
- the opening being arranged on a surface that can rotate in each of two directions,
- wherein, when the pin engages the opening, the fork member is prevented from rotating, and
- wherein, when the pin does not engage the opening, the fork member is free to rotate in each of two directions.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the fork member being rotatably mounted to the support tube;
- a locking system comprising an opening and a locking device;
- the locking device comprising a button portion and an engaging portion;
- the locking device being movably mounted and being capable of moving in a direction that is parallel to an axis of the support tube;
- the opening being arranged on a surface that can rotate in each of two directions and being capable of receiving the engaging portion of the locking device,
- wherein, when the engaging portion engages the opening, the fork member is prevented from rotating, and
- wherein, when the engaging portion does not engage the opening, the fork member is free to rotate in each of two directions.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head for one of a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, said steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to the frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mechanism that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the mechanism comprising at least two stop surfaces;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- and
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction,
- wherein the mechanism is coupled to a mudguard, and
- wherein the mechanism and the mudguard comprise a one-piece structure.
7 more elements
A vehicle steering head for one of a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, said steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to the frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mechanism that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the mechanism comprising at least two stop surfaces;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a device that engages the mechanism to prevent movement thereof,
- wherein the device that engages the mechanism comprises a pin, and
- wherein the pin is movable parallel to an axis of the connecting element.
8 more elements
A vehicle steering head for one of a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, said steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to the frame;
- a fork member adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the fork member being rotatably mounted to the support tube;
- a locking system comprising a pin and an opening configured to receive the pin;
- the pin being movably mounted;
- and
- the opening being arranged on a surface that can rotate in each of two directions,
- wherein, when the pin engages the opening, the fork member is prevented from rotating, and
- wherein, when the pin does not engage the opening, the fork member is free to rotate in each of two directions.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support non-movably mounted to the support tube;
- a lower bearing support non-movably mounted to the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess formed in the lower bearing support and a protrusion that rotates when the connecting element rotates;
- the protrusion comprising at least two stop surfaces;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a locking system that prevents rotational movement of the connecting element.
9 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support non-movably mounted to the support tube;
- a lower bearing support non-movably mounted to the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess and a projecting portion which movably engages with the recess;
- the recess having two stop surfaces and being arranged on the lower bearing support;
- the projecting portion being movable with the connecting element and being configured to engage each of the two stop surfaces;
- one of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction when the projecting portion engages one of the two stop surfaces;
- and
- another of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction when the projecting portion engages another of the two stop surfaces,
- wherein the projecting portion extends into the recess and rotates with the connecting element about an axis that runs through the connecting element.
10 more elements
A vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube adapted to be fixed to a frame;
- a connecting element adapted to connect a wheel fork to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatable with respect to the support tube;
- a mechanism that is rotatable and comprises at least two stop surfaces;
- a mudguard;
- one of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction;
- another of the at least two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction;
- and
- a device that engages an opening in the mechanism to prevent movement of the mechanism.
6 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support mounted to an upper end of the support tube;
- a lower bearing support mounted to a lower end of the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess and a projecting portion which movably engages with the recess;
- the recess comprising two stop surfaces and being arranged on the lower bearing support;
- the projecting portion being rotatable with the connecting element and being configured to engage each of the two stop surfaces;
- one of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction when the projecting portion engages one of the two stop surfaces;
- and
- another of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction when the projecting portion engages another of the two stop surfaces,
- wherein the projecting portion extends into the recess and rotates with the connecting element about an axis that runs through the connecting element.
10 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support mounted to an upper end of the support tube;
- a lower bearing support mounted to a lower end of the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess and a projecting portion which movably engages with the recess;
- the recess comprising two stop surfaces and being arranged on the lower bearing support;
- the projecting portion being arranged on a mudguard and being configured to engage each of the two stop surfaces;
- one of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction when the projecting portion engages one of the two stop surfaces;
- and
- another of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction when the projecting portion engages another of the two stop surfaces,
- wherein the projecting portion extends into the recess and rotates with the connecting element about an axis that runs through the connecting element, and
- wherein the projecting portion and the mudguard comprise a one-piece member.
11 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess and a projecting portion which moves within the recess;
- the recess having two stop surfaces and being arranged on the lower bearing support;
- one of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction when the projecting portion engages one of the two stop surfaces;
- and
- another of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction when the projecting portion engages another of the two stop surfaces,
- wherein the projecting portion rotates with the connecting element about an axis that runs through the connecting element.
9 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess and a projecting portion which moves within the recess;
- the recess having two stop surfaces and being arranged on the lower bearing support;
- the projecting portion being movable with the connecting element and being configured to engage each of the two stop surfaces;
- one of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction when the projecting portion engages one of the two stop surfaces;
- and
- another of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction when the projecting portion engages another of the two stop surfaces,
- wherein the projecting portion rotates with the connecting element about an axis that runs through the connecting element.
10 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess and a projecting portion which moves within the recess;
- the recess having two stop surfaces and being arranged on the lower bearing support;
- the projecting portion being arranged on a mudguard;
- the projecting portion being movable with the connecting element and being configured to engage each of the two stop surfaces;
- one of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction when the projecting portion engages one of the two stop surfaces;
- and
- another of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction when the projecting portion engages another of the two stop surfaces,
- wherein the projecting portion rotates with the connecting element about an axis that runs through the connecting element, and
- wherein the projecting portion and the mudguard comprise a one-piece member.
12 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a mudguard;
- a movement limiting system that limits rotational movement of the connecting element;
- the movement limiting system comprising a recess and a projecting portion which moves within the recess;
- the recess having two stop surfaces and being arranged on the lower bearing support;
- the projecting portion being movable with the connecting element and being configured to engage each of the two stop surfaces;
- one of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in one direction when the projecting portion engages one of the two stop surfaces;
- and
- another of the two stop surfaces limiting the rotation of the connecting element in another direction when the projecting portion engages another of the two stop surfaces,
- wherein the projecting portion rotates with the connecting element about an axis that runs through the connecting element.
11 more elements
A vehicle steering head for a bicycle or a tricycle having a frame, the vehicle steering head comprising:
- a support tube fixed to the frame;
- an upper bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a lower bearing support mounted to the support tube;
- a connecting element having one end connected to a wheel fork and another end adapted to be connected to a handlebar;
- the connecting element being rotatably mounted to the support tube via the upper and lower bearing supports;
- a locking system comprising a pin and an opening configured to receive the pin;
- the pin being movably mounted within the support tube;
- and
- the opening being arranged on a surface that can rotate with the connecting element in each of two directions,
- wherein, when the pin engages the opening, the connecting element is prevented from rotating, and
- wherein, when the pin does not engage the opening, the connecting element is free to rotate in each of two directions.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.