Patent ID: 6471229
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B62K

Abstract:
An apparatus assembly for dampening the steering of a cycle, the cycle having a lower steering mechanism connecting the handlebar of the cycle to the front wheel and having a frame, the frame being coupled with the lower steering mechanism, the apparatus assembly comprising:a cartridge having a passage and having a dampening material located within the passage, the dampening material having an axial length and having an opening along its axial length, the cartridge being configured to be coupled to the frame of the cycle and to impart a plurality of different compressive forces to the dampening material independent of lower steering mechanism position; and a rod being substantially arc-shaped and being adapted to couple to the lower steering mechanism of the cycle, the rod passing through the opening of the dampening material of the cartridge; wherein the dampening material provides a variable frictional resistance to the rod as the rod runs through the opening of the dampening material that is a function of the compressive force imparted by the cartridge.