Bicycle wheel travel path for selectively applying chainstay lengthening effect and apparatus for providing same

A rear suspension system for a bicycle. The system directs the rear wheel along a predetermined, S-shaped path as the suspension is compressed. The path is configured to provide a chainstay lengthening effect only at those points where this is needed to counterbalance the pedal inputs of the rider; at those points in the wheel travel path where there is a chainstay lengthening effect, the chain tension which results from the pedal inputs exerts a downward force on the rear wheel, preventing unwanted compression of the suspension. The system employs a dual eccentric crank mechanism mounted adjacent the bottom bracket shell to provide the desired control characteristics.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to bicycles, and more particularly 
to a rear suspension system which provides efficient energy transmission 
but still provides compliant suspension action when the bicycle is ridden 
over rough terrain. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Shock absorbing rear suspensions for bicycles are known. In general, 
however, these have not proven entirely satisfactory in practice. 
In most rear suspension assemblies, the rear axle pivots about a single 
point when subjected to bump forces, as when traversing rough terrain. In 
these designs, the pedaling forces which are exerted by the rider tend to 
either compress or extend the spring/damper assembly of the rear 
suspension. In this respect, the spring/damper assembly of the rear 
suspension is affected by the pedal force and some of the rider's energy 
is needlessly wasted. 
This effect manifests itself by the common tendency of rear suspension 
systems to either lock up or "squat" when the rider pedals. Since most of 
these systems have a single lever arm which pivots about a single axis, 
the lock up or squat generally occurs as a result of chain tension acting 
on the single lever arm. If the single pivot line is above the chain line, 
the suspension will typically lock up and/or "jack", thereby providing 
compliance only when the shock or bump force exceeds the chain tension. 
Conversely, if the single pivot point of the suspension system is below 
the chain line, the system will typically squat, since the chain tension 
is acting to compress the spring/damper assembly of the rear suspension 
system, similar to a shock or bump force. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention has solved the problems cited above, and is a 
controlled wheel travel path for a bicycle having a chain drive and 
compressible rear suspension, in which the distance from the axis of a 
drive sprocket to the axis of a rear wheel hub is represented by a 
variable value CSL, and in which the position of the hub along the path 
from a predetermined starting point is represented by a variable value D. 
Broadly, the controlled wheel travel path comprises: (a) a preferred 
pedaling position at a predetermined position Dp which is located along 
the rear travel path; (b) a lower curve segment extending below the 
position Dp in which there is an increasing rate of chainstay lengthening 
with increasing compression of the suspension system, such that the first 
derivative relationship 
##EQU1## 
is a curve having a generally positive slope, so that the second 
derivative relationship 
##EQU2## 
is generally positive; and (c) an upper curve segment extending above the 
position Dp in which there is a decreasing rate of chainstay lengthening 
with increasing compression of the suspension system, such that the first 
derivative relationship 
##EQU3## 
is a curve having a generally negative slope, so that the second 
derivative relationship 
##EQU4## 
is generally negative. 
Preferably, the lower curve segment of the controlled wheel travel path 
comprises a first lower arc segment having a forwardly extending averaged 
radius which is greater than that of an arc of constant radius from the 
drive sprocket axis to the rear hub axis. The upper curve segment, in 
turn, preferably comprises an arc segment having a forwardly extending 
averaged radius which is somewhat smaller than that of the lower arc 
segment, the lower arc segment meeting the upper arc segment at an 
inflection point proximate the position Dp, so that there is a peak in the 
rate of chainstay lengthening as D reaches and moves above the position 
Dp. 
The first lower arc segment may comprise an arc segment having a forwardly 
extending averaged radius which approaches infinity, so that the lower 
curve segment approximates a forwardly sloped straight-line path. Also, 
the lower curve segment may further comprise a second arc segment below 
the first, the second arc segment having a rearwardly extending averaged 
radius so that the second arc segment is inversely curved relative to the 
first arc segment, so that there is a relatively rapid increase in the 
rate of chainstay lengthening as D moves toward a lower end of the lower 
curve segment, so as to tend to force the hub upwardly along the path 
toward position Dp. 
The present invention also provides a bicycle comprising: a chain drive, in 
which the distance from the axis of the drive sprocket to the axis of a 
rear wheel hub is represented by a variable value CSL, and a compressible 
rear suspension having means for moving the hub along a controlled wheel 
travel path as the suspension is compressed, the controlled wheel travel 
path comprising: (a) a preferred pedaling position at a predetermined 
position Dp which is located along the rear travel path; (b) a lower curve 
segment below the position Dp in which there is an increasing rate of 
chainstay lengthening with increasing compression of the suspension 
system, such that the first derivative relationship 
##EQU5## 
is a curve having a generally positive slope, so that the second 
derivative relationship 
##EQU6## 
is generally positive; and (c) an upper curve segment above the position 
Dp in which there is a decreasing rate of chainstay lengthening with 
increasing compression of the suspension system, such that the first 
derivative relationship 
##EQU7## 
is a curve having a generally negative slope, so that the second 
derivative relationship 
##EQU8## 
is generally negative. 
The means for moving the hub along the controlled wheel travel path may 
comprise: (a) a control arm member having a rearward end to which the hub 
is mounted and a forward end, and (b) a pivot assembly mounted to the 
forward end of the control arm member, the pivot assembly comprising cam 
means interconnecting the pivot assembly and a forward frame section of 
the bicycle, the cam means being configured to direct the wheel along the 
controlled wheel travel path in response to compression of the suspension. 
The cam means may comprise a forward eccentric cam member pivotally 
mounted to the forward frame section forwardly of the drive sprocket, a 
rear eccentric cam member pivotally mounted to the forward frame section 
proximate to and rearwardly of the drive sprocket, and a framework mounted 
to the forward end of the control arm member and being interconnected with 
the forward frame section by the eccentric cam members. 
Each of the eccentric cam members may comprise a spindle portion which is 
mounted in the forward frame section for rotation about a first axis, and 
a load portion which extends at an angle therefrom and defines a second 
axis of rotation which is offset from and extends parallel to the first. 
The load portions of the eccentric cam members are preferably received for 
rotation in the framework of the pivot assembly. Also, the cam means may 
further comprise friction means for engaging the eccentric cam members so 
as to reduce compliance of the compressible suspension to external bump 
forces which do not exceed a predetermined minimum bump force, and a 
friction means may comprise friction bushings for pivotally supporting the 
eccentric cam members for rotation relative to the forward frame section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
a. Overview 
The present invention provides a rear suspension system which effectively 
absorbs forces which are received due to irregular terrain, but which 
minimizes the compression/extension of the suspension by forces which are 
applied by the rider during vigorous and/or uneven pedaling. This is 
accomplished by means of a dual eccentric crank mechanism which moves the 
rear wheel along a predetermined path as the suspension is compressed, so 
that the chain tension works to counteract the downward forces on the 
frame during selected phases of the compression cycle. 
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle 01 having a frame 10 which 
incorporates a rear suspension system 12 in accordance with the present 
invention. The frame and suspension system have attachment fittings for 
the following components, which are of generally conventional 
configuration and therefore do not themselves form a part of the present 
invention: Front and rear wheels 02, 03, handle bar assembly 04, seat 
assembly 05, crank set 06, chain drive/deraileur system 08. 
FIG. 2 shows the bicycle frame 10 and rear suspension system 12 in enlarged 
detail. As can be seen, the example frame which is shown in FIG. 2 is 
generally similar to a traditional "diamond" frame in overall 
configuration: The forward frame section 13 comprises a generally vertical 
seat tube 14 for supporting the rider's mass, while a shorter, generally 
parallel head tube 16 supports the front fork assembly 18 and handle bars. 
The seat tube and the head tube are interconnected by a generally 
horizontal top tube 20 and a diagonally extending down tube 22, and at 
their lower ends the down tube 22 and the seat tube 14 are mounted to a 
cylindrical bottom bracket shell 27. The bottom bracket shell extends in a 
horizontal direction and receives a conventional crankset (i.e., pedals, 
crank arms, crankshaft, chain rings, and associated components) by which 
the drive tension is applied to the drive chain; as used in this 
description and the appended claims, the term drive "chain" includes not 
only bicycle chains but also drive belts, toothed belts, and similar 
power-transmission devices. 
Although, as was noted above, the frame assembly which has thus far been 
described is generally conventional in configuration, and therefore has 
the advantage of being suitable for use with more-or-less standardized 
components such as saddles, handlebar stems, and so forth, it will be 
understood that the suspension system of the present invention may also be 
employed with bicycle frames which have configurations other than the 
generally conventional one which is shown herein. 
The rear suspension system 12 of the present invention comprises three 
interconnected subassemblies: (1) a lower pivot assembly 30, (2) an upper 
pivot assembly 32, and (3) a rear swinging arm assembly 34, the rear wheel 
being mounted at the apex of the latter, in axle notches (dropouts) 35a, 
35b. 
As will be described in greater detail below, the lower pivot assembly 30 
comprises a framework 36 which is pivotally mounted to the forward frame 
section by front and rear eccentric crank members 38a, 38b. The upper 
pivot assembly 32, in turn, comprises a rocker frame 40 which is pivotally 
mounted to the seat tube of the frame section by a spindle 42. The rocker 
frame 40 extends both forwardly of and behind the seat tube 14, and at its 
forward end is pivotally mounted to the upper end of a spring/shock 
absorber 44, the lower end of the shock absorber being pivotally mounted 
to a bracket 46 in the seat tube. The rearward end of the rocker frame is 
attached at pivot pins 48a, 48b to the upper end of the upper control arm 
member 50 of the swinging arm assembly. The control arm member is 
bifurcated so as to form first and second rearwardly extending legs 52a, 
52b which correspond somewhat to conventional seat stays in general 
orientation. At their lower ends, the two leg portions 52a, 52b are 
attached at pivot points 54a, 54b to the rearward ends of the two leg 
portions 56a, 56b of the lower arm member 58, the forward ends of which 
are fixedly mounted to the framework of lower pivot assembly 30. 
The actual wheel travel path which is provided by the system of the present 
invention is relatively complex, and will be described in detail below. 
However, the general direction of the suspension motions will be 
summarized here for the purposes of this overview. As the bicycle is 
ridden over rough terrain, impact loading which is received at the rear 
wheel causes the rearward end of the swinging arm assembly 34 to move up 
and down and along a curved path, as is indicated by arrow 60. 
Simultaneously, the joint between the arm member 50 and the rearward end 
of the upper pivot assembly 32 moves up and down and along an arcuate 
path, as indicated by arrow 62, causing the rocker frame of the upper 
pivot assembly to pivot around spindle 42. This in turn compresses and 
unloads the shock absorber 44, between the end of the upper pivot assembly 
32 and fixed frame bracket 46. 
Simultaneously with these motions, the framework of the lower pivot 
assembly 30 pivots about the bottom bracket shell on the eccentric crank 
members 38a, 38b, as indicated by arrows 66, 68. As will be described in 
greater detail below, this movement prescribes the curve which the wheel 
axle follows as the suspension is compressed, and this motion falls 
generally into three phases: during the first phase, the combined motion 
of the eccentrics is such that the effective pivot point of the assembly 
is near the rear eccentric member; during the second phase both eccentrics 
move together so as to add a rearward component to the motion of the 
assembly, the pivot point moving to a point above the bottom bracket; 
during the final phase, the pivot point moves toward the front eccentric 
member. 
The result is that these combined motions provide a "virtual pivot point" 
which shifts so as to define a complex curve which is followed by the rear 
wheel as the suspension is compressed. As will be described in greater 
detail below, this allows the system to employ what is known as a 
"chainstay lengthening effect" (i.e., an effective increase in the 
distance between the bottom bracket shell 24 and the axle of the rear 
wheel at 35) at selected points in the compression cycle. In those phases 
where the chainstay lengthening effect increases, tension on the drive 
chain causes the suspension assembly to provide an upward force on the 
frame in response to the application of downward force on the pedals. 
Below the position (referred to herein as the "preferred pedaling 
position") to which the suspension is compressed by the mass of the rider 
resting on the seat tube, there is a lesser chainstay lengthening effect, 
with the result that there is a lesser or minimal effect of chain tension 
on the suspension below the preferred pedaling position so that it remains 
compliant to unpowered vertical inputs by the rider (i.e., rider weight) 
and to bump forces caused by the terrain. The net effect of this is that 
the system is able to "isolate" pedal inputs from terrain inputs, i.e., 
the suspension will not compress/extend due to pedal forces which are 
exerted by the rider, but will remain compliant to irregularities of the 
terrain. 
Having provided an overview of the system of the present invention, each of 
the subassemblies will now be described in greater detail, and this will 
be followed by a description of the motion which these elements cooperate 
to provide. 
b. Subassemblies 
i. Lower Pivot Assembly 
FIG. 3 provides an enlarged view of the lower pivot assembly 30. As can be 
seen, this comprises two, essentially identical planar side plate members 
70a, 70b which may be machined, cast or forged, as desired. Each plate 
member is provided with generally central opening 72 which is sized to 
receive the bottom bracket shell 24 and to accommodate the range of motion 
which the dual eccentric mechanism provides relative to the frame. The 
plate members are also preferably formed with several relief openings or 
cutouts 74a-74d for the purpose of minimizing weight; these cutouts may 
have any suitable size and shape, the generally triangular openings with 
radiused internal webbing which are shown in FIG. 3 having been selected 
as being structurally superior, but also as providing a distinctive and 
aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
The rearward ends of the two side plate members 70a, 70b are fixedly 
mounted to the forward end of the lower control arm member 58, which is 
provided with a mounting block 76 which fits between the side plate 
members. The two leg portions 56a, 56b of the lower arm member extend 
rearwardly from this, more or less parallel to the side plate members, so 
as to form an open area 59 which accommodates the rear wheel. 
Circular openings 80a, 80b are provided proximate the forward and rearward 
ends of each side plate member 70 to receive the ends of the eccentric 
crank members 38a, 38b and their associated bearings 82a, 82b; in the 
embodiment which is illustrated, the ends of the eccentric crank members 
and the bearings are retained in the framework by pinch bolts 84a, 84b. 
The main spindles of the eccentric crank members are supported for 
pivoting motion in forward and rear frame lugs 86, 88 (see also FIG. 7B) 
and bearings 89a, 89b, these being mounted respectively to the down tube 
22 and seat tube 14. The specific relationship and orientation of the 
eccentric crank members will be described in greater detail below, 
however, it may be observed from FIG. 3 that the mounting point for the 
front crank member 38a is positioned forwardly and somewhat above the 
cylindrical axis of the bottom bracket shell 24, while the rear eccentric 
crank member is positioned somewhat behind and below this. The spaced 
apart axes of all three (i.e., the bottom bracket shell and the two 
eccentric crank members) thus extend generally parallel to one another. 
ii. Upper Pivot Assembly 
FIG. 4 shows the upper pivot assembly 32 in enlarged detail. As can be 
seen, this somewhat resembles the lower pivot assembly in that the 
framework 30 is made up of first and second side plate members 90a, 90b 
which are arranged parallel to one another and extend in the direction of 
the longitudinal axis of the bicycle. As with the bottom pivot assembly, 
the plate members 90a, 90b are provided with a series of cutouts 92 to 
reduce weight. 
In a middle portion of the framework, the side plate members are provided 
with openings 94 which accommodate the axle or spindle 42 and its 
associated bearing 96, these being retained in the plate members by pinch 
bolts 98. The spindle 42 extends through a cooperating bore in a frame lug 
100 on the seat tube. However, unlike the eccentrics of the lower pivot 
assembly, spindle 42 is a straight axis member which provides a single 
axis of rotation. 
The rearward end of framework 40 is pivotally mounted to the upper end of 
upper control arm member 50. In the embodiment which is illustrated, the 
upper ends of the two leg portions 52a, 52b are joined by a crossbar 102, 
from which first and second plates 104 extend into the gap between the two 
side plate members 90a, 90b. The extension plates 104 are provided with 
cooperating bores (not shown) for the inner ends of the two pivot pins 
48a, 48b, the outer ends of the pins and their associated bearings 106 
being retained in openings 108 by pinch bolts 110. 
At the forward end of the framework, the two side plate members 90a, 90b 
are provided with bores 112 which receive a pivot pin 114 which extends 
through a bore (not shown) formed in the end 116 of the shock absorber. 
The lower end 118 of the shock absorber is mounted to the frame tube by a 
second pivot pin 120 which extends through a bore 122 formed in the 
protruding end of frame bracket 46. 
Spindle 42 and the pivot pins 48, 114, and 120 are arranged so that their 
axes all lie parallel to one another. 
Shock absorber 44 is preferably of a conventional type, such as a FOX.TM. 
or RISSE.TM. bicycle rear spring and damper unit. Other shock absorbing 
mechanisms having suitable spring and damping characteristics may be 
substituted for the exemplary type which has been described above. 
iii. Swinging Arm Assembly 
FIG. 5 shows the rearward end of the swinging arm assembly 34 in enlarged 
detail. The apex of the assembly is provided by left and right axle 
brackets 130a, 130b, which are somewhat similar in overall configuration 
to conventional rear axle dropouts and have slots/notches 35a, 35b in 
which the axle is received. The right axle mount bracket 130b may also be 
provided with a deraileur mounting lug 132. 
The forwardly extending tang portions 134a, 134b of the axle mount brackets 
(dropouts) are received in and fixedly mounted to the leg portions 56a, 
56b of lower arm member 58. The upper corners 136a, 136b, in turn, are 
received in the forked lower ends 138a, 138b of the legs 52a, 52b of upper 
arm member 50, and are mounted thereto by pivot pins 140a (not shown) and 
140b. The pivot axis provided by pins 140a, 140b lies parallel to those of 
the other pivot points in the system. 
c. Operation 
i. Chainstay Lengthening Effect 
In a suspension system which causes the chainstay length to increase when 
the wheel is moved vertically, a downward force will develop on the wheel 
when the chain is tensioned, i.e., by the powered inputs at the pedals, 
this being referred to as a "chainstay lengthening effect". The greater 
the increase in chainstay length for a given vertical wheel displacement, 
i.e., the greater the rate of chainstay lengthening, the greater the 
downward force on the wheel when the chain is tensioned. Chainstay 
lengthening which develops indiscriminately throughout the range of 
suspension travel (as is the case with many prior suspensions), is 
undesirable because it causes the bicycle to "back-pedal" when the wheel 
is moved vertically by the terrain; also, such systems require an 
excessively long chain and rear deraileur so that there will be enough 
slack to make up for the change in distance. With no chain tensioning at 
all, on the other hand, it is not possible to provide any upward force on 
the frame to oppose the downward pedaling force of the rider. However, by 
providing the controlled path for movement of the rear wheel which is 
described herein, the present invention is uniquely able to apply varying 
degrees of "chain lengthening effect" are provided only where these are 
necessary to balance out the forces which are applied by the rider. 
The basic forces which are applied to the suspension are as follows: (1) 
Mass of the rider, or "un-powered" input (vertically downward force on 
seat and/or bottom bracket center axis); (2) Pedal force applied by the 
rider, or "powered input" (vertically downward force and/or turning moment 
about bottom bracket spindle axis which applies a forward force to the 
rear wheel as a result of chain tension); (3) Combined force of spring and 
damper (upward on frame and downward on rear wheel center axis); and (4) 
Vertical terrain input (slightly backward and/or upward on rear wheel 
center axis). The present invention selectively applies the chainstay 
lengthening effect to balance the first three of these forces, so that 
they can be isolated from the fourth; this has been achieved by 
determining which segments of the wheel travel path correspond with the 
greatest compressive force on the suspension from pedal inputs, and 
configuring the wheel path so that the counteracting chainstay lengthening 
effect occurs only at those points where it is needed. 
The first segment of the path is that which is traversed as the mass of the 
rider causes the suspension to compress or "sag", bringing the wheel to 
the optimum position for pedaling, this being referred to herein as the 
"preferred pedaling position". The wheel travel path of the present 
invention is configured to apply an increase in chainstay lengthening at 
this point (i.e., at about the preferred peadling position), so that the 
downward force on the frame is opposed by a downward force on the wheel as 
a result of chain tension; directly above the preferred pedaling position 
is where the greatest degree of chainstay lengthening is applied in most 
embodiments, to oppose vigorous downward pedal inputs which would 
otherwise cause the suspension to compress. 
As the wheel moves over the next segment of the path, above the preferred 
pedaling position, the increasing resistance of the suspension spring unit 
(e.g., the shock absorber) assists the chainstay lengthening effect in 
opposing rider pedal inputs. For this reason, progressively less chainstay 
lengthening is required as the wheel moves toward the top of its path, so 
that the final segment of the path is designed so that minimal chainstay 
lengthening effect occurs towards its top, where the opposing spring force 
is the greatest. 
This wheel path can be contrasted with those which are provided by prior 
art systems. Low pivot suspensions, for example, in which the pivot point 
at or near the bottom bracket, employ very little chainstay lengthening 
and therefore allow undesirable movement of the suspension at wheel 
positions above the preferred pedaling position resulting in a loss of 
pedaling efficiency. High pivot designs, in turn, employ chainstay 
lengthening to oppose the vertical rider inputs, but cause too much 
lengthening, especially when used in long travel (e.g., over three inches) 
suspensions. Furthermore, high pivot systems tend to "over-control" the 
rear wheel under hard pedaling, forcing it toward the bottom of the 
suspension stroke when the wheel is below the preferred pedaling position. 
It might seem from this that a pivot point halfway between the high and 
low positions would result in optimized characteristics, but this is not 
feasible in practice because of the many variations in riding position and 
pedaling techniques (e.g., sitting or standing, "spinning" or "pounding", 
and so forth). The present invention achieves a more encompassing solution 
by employing a "shifting" pivot point which provides characteristics 
resembling those of to a low pivot system at the top and bottom of the 
wheel path, and resembling those of a high pivot system when the wheel is 
located directly above the preferred pedaling position where the greatest 
chainstay lengthening effect is needed. 
ii. Dual Eccentric Linkage 
The dual eccentric linkage which defines the wheel travel path of the 
present invention makes up part of the bottom pivot assembly 30. This 
assembly and the general orientation of the forward and rear eccentrics 
38a, 38b can be seen in FIG. 6, while FIGS. 7A-7B show the assembly with 
the crank members exposed. As can be seen in the enlarged area 150, the 
eccentrics 38a, 38b (the right side of the assembly being mirror-image 
identical to the side which is shown) comprise spindle portions 152a, 152b 
which are supported for rotation about their primary axes in frame 
brackets 86, 88 and bearings 89a, 89b, and offset lobe portions 154a, 154b 
which are received in the corresponding openings 80a, 80b of the framework 
(see FIG. 6). 
Thus, as the suspension is compressed, the spindle portions rotate within 
the frame section, and the offset lobe portions 154 swing through arcuate 
paths, as indicated by arrows 156a, 156b. In the exemplary embodiment 
which is illustrated, the spacings between the primary and secondary axes 
is approximately 7 inches, with the range of possible spacings being from 
about 1" or less to about 23". 
FIG. 7B also shows the orientation of the two crank members when the 
suspension is in its initial, uncompressed condition; in particular, in 
this condition the forward eccentric crank member 38a is aligned in an 
upward and forward direction, so that its lobe portion is at about 
90.degree. from top dead center, while the rear eccentric crank member 38b 
is aligned so that its lobe portion extends approximately 165.degree. 
degrees from top dead center. 
iii. Interaction of the eccentric crank members during the phases Of wheel 
travel 
In the schematic views of FIGS. 8A-8C, the forward eccentric is represented 
by front link 160a, and the rear eccentric is represented by back link 
160b. The arcs of rotation of the links for each phase of the compression 
cycle are indicated by the associated arrows. 
FIG. 8A shows the movement for the first (bottom) third of wheel travel. 
Since there is an approximate 90.degree. difference in angular orientation 
between the two eccentrics in the unloaded condition, the first third of 
wheel movement causes more rotation of the front link 160a (as indicated 
by arrow 164) than at the rear link 160b (arrow 166). This gives this 
segment of the wheel travel path a focus point (referred to as focus point 
"A") which is located near the back link 160. Since the back link is 
mounted near the bottom bracket, this results in minimal chainstay 
lengthening, chainstay lengthening not being desired during this phase 
because the suspension is simply "sagging" down to the preferred pedaling 
position under the rider's weight. 
FIG. 8B shows the linkage operation during the middle third of wheel 
travel. This phase begins at or near the preferred pedaling position, so 
that this is the point at which the suspension needs the greatest 
resistance to compression by the powered inputs. As can be seen in FIG. 
8B, at the beginning of this phase the two links no longer extend at right 
angles to one another, but have moved to a roughly parallel alignment. As 
a result, both links rotate a similar amount during this phase, as 
indicated by arrows 168, 170, and their combined motion causes movement of 
the rear stay in a more generally rearward direction. This results in a 
shift of the "virtual pivot point" to a location significantly above the 
bottom bracket (to focus "B") and results in an enhanced chainstay 
lengthening effect, so that tension which is applied to the chain by the 
pedal inputs causes a downward force on the wheel which counterbalances 
the forces which are exerted on the frame through the bottom bracket. In 
practice, this arrangement has been found to be so effective that the 
rider can apply extremely irregular pedal inputs or even jump on the 
forwardmost pedal without causing significant compression of the 
suspension beyond the preferred pedaling position. 
The final phase of motion is shown in FIG. 8C, during which the suspension 
moves towards its fully compressed condition. At the beginning of this 
phase, at which the wheel is located significantly above the preferred 
pedaling position, the links 160a, 160b have moved back to an orientation 
which is roughly at right angles (90.degree.) to each other, with the 
result that movement of the back link becomes greater relative to movement 
of the front link, as indicated by arrows 174 and 172. This shifts the 
focus of the wheel movement (referred to herein as focus "C") and moves 
the pivot point closer to the front link 160a, reducing the chainstay 
lengthening effect. The downward force which the chain tension produces on 
the wheel therefore tapers off during this phase, although the force which 
is exerted by the spring simultaneously increases to oppose rider powered 
inputs. 
FIGS. 9-11 further demonstrate the manner in which the movements of the 
linkage described above serve to control and define the wheel path. In 
particular, FIG. 9 illustrates the relationship between the eccentric 
crank members at the beginning and end of the compression cycle. The links 
160a, 160b are indicated schematically by circles 180a, 180b, the primary 
axes (i.e., the axes of the spindle portions of the eccentrics) being 
indicated at the centers of the circles, while the secondary axes (i.e., 
those of the eccentric lobe portions) are indicated by points on the 
perimeters thereof. The axis of the bottom bracket assembly is indicated 
at the center of circle 182, which corresponds to the bottom bracket shell 
23. Thus, the distance between the lobe portions of the two eccentric 
members is represented by a first line segment 184 of fixed length, while 
the distance from the rear eccentric to the axis of the rear wheel defines 
a second line segment 186. 
With further reference to FIG. 9, it can be seen that as the suspension 
compresses, the forward and rearward links rotate as indicated by arrows 
188, with the result that the rear axle is moved rearwardly and upwardly 
in the direction of arrow 189; as this is done, the rear wheel axle (at 
the end of 186-186') follows the path described above. 
FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9, except that it shows the sequential positions 
(at roughly 10.degree. intervals) of the two line segments throughout the 
compression cycle. FIG. 11, in turn, shows the path 190 which is followed 
by the wheel axle at the rearward end of the fixed length line segment 
186-186', the general upward direction of the motion of the axle being 
indicated by arrow 194. 
d. Description of wheel travel curve 
i. Basic configuration 
FIG. 12 shows the example compound curve 190 in enlarged detail, and serves 
to illustrate the relative shift in position between the three foci "A", 
"B", and "C" during the three distinct phases of suspension travel which 
have been noted above. Focus "A" of the bottom portion 20 of the wheel 
travel may be on the forward (i.e., chain tensioning) side of the compound 
path 190. Then, during approximately the middle third portion 202 of the 
path, the focus "B" of the compound curve shifts to behind the wheel 
travel path, away from the chain tensioning side. Finally, during the top 
portion 204 of the wheel travel path, the focus "C" again shifts forwardly 
to the chain tensioning side of the curve. For the reasons discussed 
above, this compound curve produces a varying chainstay lengthening effect 
which serves to balance out the rider's pedal inputs. Although the curved 
portions of the wheel path are not simple arcs, each can be considered as 
having an averaged radius, with a smaller radius producing a tighter curve 
and vice-versa. Thus, it can be seen that the middle portion of the path 
(Focus "B") has a smaller averaged radius which may be similar to or 
smaller than the other two portions (Foci "A" and "C"). This yields a 
fairly abrupt transition to the chainstay lengthening phase immediately 
above the preferred pedaling position, precisely where it is most needed 
to counteract the pedal inputs. 
It is also important to note that the primary desirable characteristics of 
the suspension are provided by the pronounced chainstay lengthening effect 
(focus "B") at the preferred pedaling position, followed by the "tapering 
off" of the chainstay lengthening effect in the next phase above this 
(focus "C"). The lower third of the defined wheel travel path (i.e., focus 
"A") may therefore be regarded as somewhat optional (and may consequently 
be deleted in some embodiments), in that the enhancements which it 
provides are incremental as compared to those which are provided by the 
next two segments of the path. Also, the radius of the lower portion of 
the S-shaped path may be selected to approximate infinity, with the result 
that this part of the path may be virtually straight. 
The preferred pedaling position is preferably (although not necessarily in 
all embodiments) located proximate or slightly below the inflection point 
or zone between the upper two segments, so that there is an increase in 
the chainstay lengthening effect (i.e., an increase in the rate of 
chainstay lengthening) as the axle moves upwardly above the preferred 
pedaling position, and then a decrease in the chainstay lengthening effect 
(i.e., a decrease in the rate of increase) as the axle moves into the 
upper portion of the curve. In short, immediately above the preferred 
pedaling position, or "sag" position (at approximately 1 inch of wheel 
travel in the illustrated embodiment), the rate of chainstay lengthening 
increases significantly; then after a predetermined amount of rear wheel 
travel which has been optimized for the particular bicycle (e.g., 1-2 
inches), the rate slows or decreases. 
The slowing or reduction of the chainstay lengthening effect is most 
important for high-travel suspensions; as was noted above, the reason for 
this is that as the wheel moves toward the upper end of its travel the 
spring will be providing increasing resistance, and an excessive rate of 
chainstay lengthening in this area will cause undesirable pedal feedback 
and strain on the drive train. In the case of bicycles having relatively 
modest (e.g., approximately 3 inches or less) amounts of rear wheel 
travel, it may not be necessary to significantly reduce the chainstay 
lengthening effect at the upper end of the wheel travel path: Due to the 
limited amount of suspension travel, a relatively simple curve may suffice 
without developing excessive pedal kickback; for example, a wheel travel 
path which describes a simple concave arc (relative to the bottom bracket 
axis) may be suitable for a road bicycle where large amounts of suspension 
travel are not needed. 
A degree of chainstay lengthening effect is also desirable below the 
preferred pedaling position. This is because when the rider stands up on 
the pedals, the weight transfers from the seat, which is almost directly 
above the rear wheel, to the bottom bracket, which is located well forward 
of the rear wheel. As a result, the load on the rear suspension decreases, 
so that the suspension decompresses slightly and tends to bring the wheel 
axis to a point which is below that of the preferred pedaling position. 
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a wheel travel path in which the 
bottom portion of the curve extends downwardly and forwardly from the 
preferred pedaling position in a relatively straight line (or a shallowly 
concave curve), so that when the wheel drops as the rider stands up, the 
axis will still be at a point along the curve where an opposing force is 
generated in response to the pedal inputs. 
For example, assume that the preferred pedaling position at a 1 inch sag 
point with the rider seated, then as the rider stands up and his weight 
shifts towards the front of the bicycle, with the result that the axis of 
the rear wheel shifts downwardly along the wheel travel path approximately 
2/3 inch; with a forwardly sloping "straight line" bottom part curve, the 
slope of the curve at the first point, i.e., when the rider is standing, 
is similar to that when the rider is sitting. 
ii. Curve variations 
The exemplary "S-shaped" curve described above is highly advantageous for 
many applications, notably extreme off-road riding conditions. It will be 
understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied throughout 
a range of curves, and which may be particularly suited to other specific 
applications, such as road bicycles or bicycles for light-duty trail 
riding, for example. 
As is illustrated by FIGS. 13A-13D, the present invention provides a range 
of wheel travel paths in which the chainstay lengthening effects described 
are applied to varying degrees. In particular, from right to left (i.e., 
from FIG. 13D to FIG. 13A), the curves illustrate wheel travel paths 
having increasingly pronounced applications of the chainstay lengthening 
effect towards the preferred pedaling position. The intermediate 
"S-shaped" path 190 which has been described above is shown in FIG. 13B. 
Also, for reference, curve 208 in each of the figures represents an arc of 
constant radius from the bottom bracket. 
Accordingly, at the far right, FIG. 13D shows a first curve 210 which is 
perhaps best suited to use with systems having relatively limited 
suspension movement, such as (as will be described in greater detail 
below) systems in which relatively high friction bushings are employed 
with the eccentrics to assist in preventing suspension movement in 
conjunction with chain tension pedal forces. This curve comprises 
essential two arcs, with the bottom portion 216 having a significantly 
larger radius than the upper portion 218, i.e., the radius from the bottom 
bracket to the lower portion is greater than that from the bottom bracket 
to the upper portion. As a result, the large-radius lower portion 216, 
although forwardly curved, roughly approximates a forwardly-sloped 
straight line, giving the response described above. 
FIG. 13C, in turn, shows a wheel travel curve 220, which differs from that 
of FIG. 14D in that the bottom portion 222 of the path is a substantially 
straight line slope below the inflection point 224. The effect is similar 
to that of curve 210, in that there continues to be an increase in the 
rate of chainstay lengthening toward the preferred pedaling position, 
although it is slightly more pronounced in the case of curve 220. 
As was noted above, FIG. 13B represents the "S-shaped" curve 190 which has 
been described previously. As can be seen, the inverse curve bottom 
portion 226 of this path is somewhat convex about a fixed point which is 
rearward of the path. As a result, there is a relatively pronounced 
increase in the rate of chainstay lengthening moving upwardly toward the 
inflection point 227. This results in a strong opposing force being 
generated in response to pedal inputs in this range, tending to force or 
"center" the suspension back towards the preferred pedaling position. It 
will be noted, however, that the inverse portion of the curve does not 
start for some distance (e.g., about 1") below the preferred pedaling 
position, because in this range immediately below the preferred pedaling 
position it is desirable for the suspension remain relatively compliant to 
external bump forces. The upper portion 228 of curve 190, in turn, begins 
to bend forwardly and converge with the reference curve 208, representing 
a decreasing rate of increase in chainstay lengthening. As was noted 
above, this is important because beyond a certain point of compression 
(e.g., 1 inch above the preferred pedaling position), the opposing force 
which is generated by the pedal inputs should taper off as the downward 
force of the spring begins to take over. 
Finally, FIG. 13A shows a more exaggerated "S-shaped" curve 230, in which 
the lower portion 232 is formed by a more pronounced inverse curve, while 
the upper portion 234 is substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 13B. 
As a result, the curve which is shown in FIG. 13A provides an even 
stronger, more pronounced tendency to "center" the suspension at the 
preferred pedaling position. For the reasons described above, the 
pronounced "S-shaped" curves which are shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B are best 
suited to bicycles where there is little or no shift in the center of 
gravity due to shifting in rider position, such as (in an extreme example) 
in recumbent-type bicycles where the rider remains seated at all times. 
iii. Graphical analysis 
FIGS. 14A-14C, 15A-15C, and 16A-16C are a series of graphical plots 
corresponding to three of the exemplary wheel travel paths described 
above, further illustrating how the chainstay lengthening effect is 
applied at appropriate points in the suspension travel. 
Specifically, plot 240 in FIG. 14A corresponds to the exaggerated 
"S"-shaped curve of FIG. 13A and shows the distance from the bottom 
bracket versus the vertical displacement of the hub. The plot in FIG. 14B, 
in turn, was produced by fitting a curve to the plot 240 of "CSL" 
(chainstay length) vs. the vertical movement of the wheel center ("Y"). 
From the fitted curve 244, the rate of change of CSL with respect to Y 
(the slope or derivative) was then calculated and plotted to produce the 
second curve 246, which represents the rate of increase of chainstay 
length at each point along curve 244. 
As can be seen in FIG. 14B, the greatest slope, and hence the peak rate of 
increase in chainstay lengthening, occurs at approximately the 1 inch 
"sag" location 242 of the preferred pedaling position. In other words, the 
curve begins with a negative slope, which then increases above 0 and then 
decreases, so that there is a maximum chainstay lengthening effect 
proximate the preferred pedaling position. 
FIG. 14C is somewhat similar to FIG. 14B, but illustrates the corresponding 
curves which are produced when the controlling parameter is the distance 
"S" which is traveled along the curve/path by the hub, instead of the 
vertical displacement "Y" relative to the frame. As before, the derivative 
CSL', i.e., the slope of the curve 250, represents the rate of chainstay 
lengthening for each step of wheel travel: The CSL' vs. S plot is obtained 
by stepping along the curve 250 in increments and calculating 
CSL'=.tangle-solidup.(CSL)/.tangle-solidup.D, where .tangle-solidup.CSL 
and .tangle-solidup.D are the small differences of CSL and D from one 
point to the next. (For smaller and smaller increments, this ratio 
approaches the derivative or slope of the function CSL.) 
The plot of the derivative CSL' produces the curve 252 which is shown in 
FIG. 14C. As can be seen, the peak rate of chainstay lengthening occurs at 
a point 254 approximately 5 units of travel along the curve which is 
approximately at the 1 inch sag point (vertical displacement). The plot of 
CSL & CSL' vs. D thus clearly demonstrates the increasing rate of 
chainstay lengthening which occurs proximate the preferred pedaling 
position. 
FIGS. 15A-15C show corresponding plots for the wheel travel path of FIG. 
13C, i.e., the curve 220 having a relatively straight line slope in the 
area 222 below the point of inflection. As can be seen in FIGS. 15B and 
15C (which correspond to FIGS. 14B and 14C and are, respectively, plots of 
CSL vs. the vertical position of the hub and CSL vs. the distance "D" 
along the curve), the rate of increase in chainstay lengthening reaches 
its peak just above the preferred pedaling position, i.e., at point 262 
along the CSL plot 264 in FIG. 15B and at point 266 along the CSL' plot 
268 in FIG. 15C. However, as is readily apparent from a comparison of FIG. 
15C with the corresponding plot in 14C, the decrease in the rate of 
chainstay lengthening, particularly above the preferred pedaling position, 
is much more gradual with the wheel travel path having the "straight line" 
bottom segment than is the case with the S-shaped path. 
Finally, FIGS. 16A-16C are corresponding plots for the wheel travel path 
210 in which the upper portion of the curve is formed by an arc having a 
radius which is smaller than the radius of the lower arc, and the lower 
portion is formed by an arc having a second radius which is greater than 
the first, and also greater than the radius from the bottom bracket. As 
can be seen in FIG. 16B, this produces a comparatively "straight" 
chainstay length (CSL) plot 270, with the plot 272 showing only a very 
gradual increase and decrease in the rate on either side of the peak 274. 
FIG. 16C shows plots of CSL and CSL' vs. D, similar to FIGS. 14C and 15C. 
The CSL vs. D curve 276 is again almost a straight line, with the slope 
only gradually tapering off toward the upper limit of the suspension 
travel. As a result, the CSL' vs. S curve 278 is also very shallow, with 
only a very gradual increase in the rate of chainstay lengthening to a 
peak 280 near the preferred pedaling position, followed by a very gradual 
tapering off. For this reason, the curve approaches the practical limit of 
a wheel travel path which will provide a chainstay lengthening effect in 
accordance with the present invention. 
FIGS. 17 and 18 correspond to FIGS. 14C, 15C and 18C in that these are 
plots of CSL and CSL' vs. D, but show the curves which are produced two of 
the more advanced suspension systems which exist in the prior art. In 
particular, FIG. 17 is a plot of the curves which are produced by a single 
forward pivot design of a type which is used by several manufacturers, 
while FIG. 18 is a plot of the curves which are produced by a prior art 
four bar linkage-type system. 
As can be seen in FIG. 17, the curve 282 representing the plot of chainstay 
length (CSL) vs. the distance (D) along the wheel travel path which is 
produced by the forward pivot system is a relatively straight-line curve 
of gradually increasing slope. The curve 284 representing the derivative 
CSL' vs. D therefore shows only a constantly increasing rate of chainstay 
lengthening as the suspension compresses. The "peak" in the CSL and CSL' 
vs. D curves--which is a key feature of the present invention--is 
completely absent from curves 282, 284. Moreover, for the reasons 
discussed above, the continuing increase in rate of chainstay lengthening 
toward the maximum point of compression causes undesirable pedal 
"feedback" in such forward pivot systems. 
As can be seen in FIG. 18, the prior art four bar linkage systems suffer 
from essentially the reverse problem. As can be seen, the wheel travel 
path 286 of these systems has a slope which is a negative throughout its 
range. Consequently, there is a lack of any sort of "peak" along the plot 
288 of CSL' vs. D, demonstrating that the prior art four bar linkage 
systems are also incapable of providing the chainstay lengthening effect 
which is a feature of the present invention. 
iv. Mathematical description of curves 
As shown above, the shape of the curve or path which is provided by the 
present invention can be described in terms of two relevant parameters, 
i.e., the chainstay length (CSL) and a distance (D) along the path which 
is traversed by the hub, beginning at the lowest position of the 
suspension. As previously noted, the chainstay length parameter CSL is 
simply the distance from the centerline of the pedal sprocket shaft to the 
center of the rear wheel hub. The distance D, in turn, can be defined by 
selecting a series of closely spaced points along the path and adding up 
the incremental arc lengths to define a total distance along the curve 
that the hub has moved from its initial position. 
The first derivative of CSL with respect to D, (which may also be called 
the slope of the curve CSL vs. D) represents the rate of change of the CSL 
parameter with respect to the distance D along the curve. As the wheel hub 
moves along its path, beginning from the lowest position and moving 
generally upward, this rate first exhibits an increase as D increases, 
reaches a maximum value, and then exhibits a decrease with a further 
increase in the distance D. Therefore, both an increase and a decrease of 
the rate of change of the CSL parameter must be present in order to 
provide the advantages of the present invention. 
In mathematical terms, the rate of change, i.e., the first derivative of 
CSL with respect to the distance D, is defined by: 
EQU rate=d(CSL)/d(D)=CSL', 
The increasing and decreasing of the rate, in turn, can be described in 
terms of the second derivative of CSL with respect to D, i.e.: 
EQU d.sup.2 (CSL)/(d(D)).sup.2 =d(rate)/d(D)=CSL", 
where the term CSL" is positive as the hub moves upwardly along the path, 
goes through zero, and then becomes negative as the hub moves further 
upwards. 
Thus, the wheel travel path which is provided by the present invention can 
be described as comprising the following, wherein D.sub.P is normally 
located proximate to, but not necessarily immediately at, the junction of 
the upper and lower curve portions: 
(a) a preferred pedaling position at a selected position D.sub.P which is 
located along the wheel travel path; 
(b) a lower curve portion extending generally below the position D.sub.P in 
which there is an increasing rate of chainstay lengthening with increasing 
compression of the suspension, such that the relationship 
##EQU9## 
is a curve which exhibits a generally positive slope and the derivative 
##EQU10## 
is positive, i.e., the first derivative is increasing and the second 
derivative is positive; and 
(c) an upper curve portion extending generally above the preferred pedaling 
position D.sub.P in which there is a decreasing rate of chainstay 
lengthening with increasing compression of the suspension, such that the 
relationship 
##EQU11## 
is a curve which exhibits a generally negative slope and the derivative 
##EQU12## 
is negative, i.e., the first derivative is decreasing and the second 
derivative is negative. 
e. Simplified Dual Eccentric Mechanism 
FIG. 19 shows a suspension assembly 300 in accordance with the present 
invention, which is similar to that which has been described above with 
respect to FIGS. 2-10 and provides substantially the same wheel path, but 
in which the assembly, and the eccentric crank mechanism in particular, 
have been somewhat simplified and strengthened. 
Referring to FIG. 19, both of the eccentric crank members 302, 304 are 
positioned below the bottom bracket shell 24, on a downwardly extending 
frame bracket 306, while at the upper end of the assembly there is a 
rocker arm or top link member 310. As with the similar embodiment 
described above, the forward end of the rocker arm member is pivotally 
mounted to the upper end of a spring/damper unit 44; in this embodiment, 
however, the fulcrum of the top-link has been moved down the seat tube so 
as to allow the lower end of the spring/damper assembly to be pivotally 
mounted to a simplified bracket 312 which bridges the lower ends of the 
seat and down tubes 14, 22. This also allows easier adaptation to 
smaller-size frames. 
The lower swing arm member 314, and the upper swing arm member 316 are 
generally similar to the corresponding elements which have been described 
above, although the forgings/castings have been simplified for economy of 
manufacture and enhanced strength. 
FIG. 20 illustrates the combined pivoting motion of the dual eccentrics 
302, 304 which provides the desired wheel travel path. FIG. 20 also shows 
the somewhat bifurcated construction of the downwardly extending frame 
bracket 306 having forwardly and rearwardly extending portions which 
support the two crank members. 
As can be seen in FIGS. 21A-21B, the forward and rearward eccentric members 
302, 304 comprise pivoting links 320, 322, having upper ends which are 
supported for pivoting movement in the frame bracket 306 by bearings 324, 
326, and lower ends which are supported for pivoting movement on the 
forward end of the lower swing arm member 314 by bearings 328, 330. 
As is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the upper ends 332, 334 of the crank links 
320, 322 are bifurcated so as to form a slot for receiving the lower edge 
of frame bracket 306. Pivot pins 336, 338 are threadedly mounted in bores 
339, 340 in the upper ends of the links, and extend through bearings 324 
and 326, which are located in recesses formed in the sides of the frame 
bracket 306. Thrust washers 341a-d are sandwiched between the outer 
surfaces of the bearings 324, 326 and the inner surfaces of the pivoting 
links 320, 322. 
The lower, non-bifurcated ends 342, 344 of the crank links have bores 346, 
348 which provide support for the middle portions of the lower pivot pins 
350, 352. The outer ends of the two lower pivot pins are supported in 
recesses in forward end of the lower swing arm member by bearings 354a-d. 
The pivot pins are provided by hardened bolts, with bolt heads 356, 358 on 
one end and lock nuts 360, 362 on the other which engage the outer 
surfaces of the bearings 354a-d so as to provide a predetermined amount of 
preload. The inner surfaces of the bearings, in turn, engage thrust 
washers 364a-d which abut the outer surfaces of the two pivoting links 
320, 322. To exclude dirt and water from the bearings, the recesses in the 
swing arm member are covered by removable dust caps 366a-d. 
In this embodiment, the eccentrics are positioned closer together on the 
frame than in the configuration which was described above. As a result, 
the difference between the angles of the eccentrics must be significantly 
less; for example, in the particular embodiment which is illustrated, in 
which the spacing between the axes of the two eccentrics is approximately 
2.5 inches, the initial angle between them may be only about 30.degree., 
e.g., 135.degree. and 160.degree. forward of TDC. 
The advantages of the embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 19-23 lie 
primarily in its cost, strength, simplified production, and 
serviceability. For example, the simplified embodiment uses fewer parts 
and requires less welding. Furthermore, by moving the dual eccentrics 
closer together and positioning them underneath the bottom bracket shell, 
it is no longer necessary to construct the chainstay (i.e., the lower 
swing arm member) assembly out of several pieces, but instead both this 
and the linkage attachments (as well as the pivoting top-link) can be 
fabricated as a single unit. Also, the reduction in the number of brackets 
used reduces the amount of welding and bolting which is required. 
The embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 19-23 also provides the 
advantage of increased lateral stability. Firstly, the one-piece, 
shear-stress reinforced design of the top link 310 will resist twisting 
forces applied to the rear wheel. Also, resistance to lateral movement is 
increased by the design of the chainstay/lower swing arm member 314. 
Firstly, the one-piece double cross-braced design is inherently stiff; 
secondly, by moving the dual eccentrics closer together, the front 
eccentric is able to provide a relatively greater percentage of the 
stability of the entire pivot mechanism. 
The simplified assembly 300 is also relatively less sensitive to bearing 
and bushing tolerances, inasmuch as the primary force on the bearings in 
this embodiment is linear rather than radial. The thrust washer bushings 
can be interference fit between the eccentrics, mounting bracket, and 
chainstay assembly to avoid play. Also, while the embodiment which is 
illustrated uses bolts to provide the necessary preload on the eccentric 
shafts, it is possible to machine the desired preload for the thrust 
washers into the parts themselves, thus eliminating the need for bolts and 
allowing for the use of simple and inexpensive shafts and spring clips. 
As yet another advantage, the suspension assembly 300 which is illustrated 
in FIGS. 19-23 enjoys significantly enhanced long-term durability. In 
particular, by distributing the forces of the chainstay member "in 
parallel" between two sets of pivots (as opposed to "in series" as in a 
four-bar linkage or Horst-link design), the noticeable effects of 
long-term wear are greatly reduced. Moreover, the nominal bearings and 
inexpensive bushings can easily be replaced if significant wear does 
occur. 
f. Additional Configurations 
i. Friction Bushing System 
FIG. 24 shows the front part of a lower pivot assembly 400 which is 
generally similar to the lower pivot assembly Which was described above 
with reference to FIG. 22, except that friction bushings have been 
substituted for ball bearings. Accordingly, the assembly 400 comprises the 
same basic lower swing arm member 314, pivoting link member 320, and frame 
bracket 306. However, the upper pivot pin 410 is supported by bushings 
412a, 412b which are mounted in bore 413 in frame bracket 306. The outer 
ends of the pivot shaft, in turn, are supported in friction bearings 414a, 
414b which are mounted in cooperating bores 416a, 416b in the upper 
portion of the crank link 220. The friction bushings have inwardly 
directed thrust flanges 418a, 418b which engage corresponding outwardly 
directed thrust flanges 420a, 420b on the first set of bushings. Snap 
rings 422a, 422b in grooves at the ends of the pivot shaft retain washers 
424a, 424b against the sides of the crank link to hold the assembly 
together. Similarly, where the lower pivot shaft 430 engages the forward 
end of the swinging arm 314, the ends of the pivot rod are carried in 
corresponding bushings 432a, 432b and 434a, 434b, and the pivot shaft is 
retained by snap rings 436a, 436b and washers 438a, 438b. 
It will be understood that substantially identical friction bushing 
assemblies are employed at the rearward crank link, although for the sake 
of clarity these are not shown in FIG. 24. 
The advantage of the friction bushing configuration relative to the more 
"efficient" ball bearing system which has been described above is that the 
plain bushings will provide a slight amount of friction which serves to 
minimize wheel movement during normal riding, while allowing the 
suspension to remain sufficiently compliant to absorb any significant bump 
forces which are encountered. As a result, excessive compliance (or 
"jiggling") which may occur with the more efficient ball bearing 
construction is minimized or eliminated. 
Moreover, increased pedaling forces are accompanied by an increase in the 
horizontal forces on the bushings, as a result of chain tension and the 
opposing force which is generated due to the wheel travel path of the 
present invention. The net effect of this is to increase the resistance 
which is offered by the friction bushings under these conditions, which in 
turn renders the suspension less compliant and consequently more efficient 
at times of increased pedaling effort. 
Still further, if relatively higher friction bushings are used on the 
rearward eccentric, the friction which is offered by the bushings will 
manifest itself to the greatest degree as the wheel approaches the top 
portion of its travel, in other words, as the suspension approaches the 
limit of its compression. This is due to the fact that a greater rotation 
of the rearward eccentric occurs as the wheel hub moves toward the upper 
end of the curve. Thus, by providing a higher coefficient of friction on 
the rearward bushings, an increased friction damping effect is provided at 
the top of the wheel travel path. This "simulates" the variable dampening 
action of a shock absorber, so that models using the friction bushing 
system may employ much cheaper springs without viscous dampening, or a 
simple urethane bumper or a cross frame, without development of excessive 
rebound force of the spring at full compression. 
Any bushings which provide the desired degree of friction may be employed 
in this construction. However, lead-teflon impregnated porous bronze 
bushings are particularly suited for this purpose, bushings of this type 
being available from Garlock, Inc., 1666 Division St. Palmyra, N.Y. 14522 
and Permaglide bushings from INA Bearing Co. Ltd, 2200 Vauxhall Place, 
Richmond, B.C., Canada V6V 1Z9. 
ii. Eccentric Crank Members 
FIGS. 25A and 25B show first and second constructions for the eccentric 
crank members which are used in the suspension system which has been 
described above. 
Specifically, FIG. 25A shows a first form of crank member 510 in which 
there is a spindle portion 512 which passes through a cooperating bore 
formed in the rear frame lug 88. The lobe portions, in turn, are formed by 
end plates 514 which are pressed or keyed onto the outer ends of the 
spindle 512, with offset pin members 516a, 516b being mounted in the 
smaller, offset bores 518 of the end plates. 
FIG. 25B, in turn, shows a form of eccentric crank in which there is a 
U-shaped yoke 520 (which may be, for example, a forged or cast member) 
which fits over the frame bracket 88 and is mounted thereto by a first 
pivot pin 522. The offset mount for attachment to the pivot assembly 
framework is provided by a second pivot pin 524 which is driven through a 
cooperating bore 526 formed in the depending end 528 of the yoke. 
iii. Bottom Pivot Arms 
FIGS. 26A and 26B show embodiments in which the framework of the bottom 
pivot assembly, rather than surrounding the bottom bracket shell 24, 
passes either above or below this. 
In particular, FIG. 26A shows an embodiment in which the forward end of the 
linear control arm 58 is mounted directly to the rear eccentric crank 
member 38b, and extends beyond this underneath the bottom bracket shell 
24. An extension arm portion 530 extends upwardly and forwardly from the 
forward end of the control arm, and provides the mounting point for the 
forward eccentric crank member 38a. Sufficient clearance is provided at 
the inside junction 532 of the support arm and extension arm to clear the 
bottom bracket shell during operation of the assembly. 
FIG. 26B shows a bottom pivot assembly which is essentially similar to that 
of FIG. 27A, except that an extension arm portion 534 is provided which 
passes above, rather than under, the bottom bracket shell 24. 
iv. Eccentric Bearing Mechanism 
FIGS. 27A-C illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the 
rearward eccentric crank mechanism is replaced by an eccentric bearing 
assembly 540. The eccentric bearing assembly is provided with inner and 
outer offset bearing rings 542, 544, and an opening 546 which surrounds 
the bottom bracket shell/crankset of the bicycle. 
As can be seen in FIGS. 27B-27C, the rotational axis of the inner bearing 
ring 542 is offset from that of the outer bearing ring 544. The inner and 
outer bearing rings may suitably be large-diameter rotating ball bearings, 
and are joined by a suitably shaped spacer disk or matrix 548. Inasmuch as 
the bearing structure permits the framework 550 of the lower pivot 
assembly to rotate on an eccentric path about the bottom bracket shell, as 
indicated by arrow 552, this assembly provides a motion which corresponds 
to that which is provided by the rear eccentric crank member in the 
embodiment of the system which has been described above. 
A forward eccentric crank member such as those which have been described 
above can be used in conjunction with the eccentric bearing assembly 540. 
Alternatively, FIG. 27A illustrates a construction in which the eccentric 
crank member is replaced by a frontal cam mechanism 560. As can be seen, 
this comprises a cam surface in the form of a channel 562 which is cut in 
the forward end of the framework, and a cam follower in the form of a pin 
member 564 which is mounted to the forward frame section of the bicycle 
and extends outwardly from this into engagement with channel 562. Thus, 
the rocking motion of the pivot assembly moves the pin member through the 
cam channel, imparting the cam motion indicated by arrow 566, which 
corresponds to that which is imparted by the forward eccentric crank 
member described above. 
v. Cam slot and Follower Mechanism 
FIGS. 28A-28B illustrate two configurations of lower pivot assembly in 
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which the 
correct wheel travel path is provided by a channel or slot or channel 
having a cam face, and a roller or pin which rides in this slot as the 
suspension is compressed so as to impart the desired S-shaped curvature to 
the wheel travel path. 
In particular, in the construction which is shown in FIG. 28A, the pivot 
assembly 570 comprises a cam plate 572 which is mounted to and behind the 
bottom bracket shell 24 and seat tube 14, and a cam follower 574 which is 
mounted to the forward end of the lower swing arm member 576. The cam 
plate 572 is provided with a slot 578 having edges which form a cam face 
580; the shape of the S-shaped cam face 580 corresponds to the S-shaped 
wheel travel path, but in an inverted orientation. 
The cam follower 574, in turn, is formed by a transversely extending roller 
pin 282; this fits closely within the cam slot 578 in engagement with the 
cam surfaces thereof, so that the follower follows the path which is 
prescribed by the cam faces when the pin travels in a vertical direction 
through slot 578. Rearwardly of the cam follower but still towards its 
forward end, the lower swing arm member 576 is supported by a connecting 
arm 584 which is pivotally mounted to the swing arm member at its lower 
end (pivot pin 586), and to a frame bracket 587 on the seat tube at its 
upper end (pivot pin 588). 
Accordingly, as the rearward end of the lower spring arm members is 
displaced vertically in the directions generally indicated by arrow 589, 
the roller pin 574 is driven vertically up and down through the slot 578 
in the cam plate, so that the cam surface forces the rear axle to follow 
the desired wheel travel path. 
FIG. 28B shows a pivot assembly 590 which is generally similar to that 
which has been described with reference to FIG. 28A, with the exception 
that the cam plates 592 and cam slot 594 are formed on the forward end of 
the lower swing arm 596 296, while the cam follower pin 598 is fixedly 
mounted to frame bracket 599 on the bottom bracket shell. Accordingly, in 
this embodiment, the cam plate and slot move downwardly past the follower 
pin as the suspension is compressed, instead of vice-versa as in the 
embodiment which is illustrated in FIG. 28A. 
FIGS. 29A and 29B are top views of the cam plate/cam follower 
configurations of the two pivot assemblies 570, 590. As can be seen in 
FIG. 29A, the two cam plates 572a, 572b flank the forward end of the swing 
arm member 576, and the roller pin 574 extends transversely from this into 
the two cam slots. In FIG. 29B, in turn, the two cam plates 592 on the 
forward end of the swing arm flank the bracket 599 on which the follower 
598 is mounted. The use of first and second cam plates has the advantage 
of increasing the cam surface area so as to reduce wear and increase 
longevity of the assembly, however, it will be understood that the 
arrangements which are illustrated in FIG. 29A and 29B can be "reversed" 
if desired, so that there is a single cam plate member which is flanked by 
first and second brackets supporting the follower pin. 
It is clear from the foregoing that the present invention provides a unique 
wheel travel path having a lower curved portion in which there is an 
increasing rate of chainstay lengthening as the suspension compresses 
toward the preferred pedaling position, and a second curved portion above 
the preferred pedaling position in which there is a decreasing rate of 
chainstay lengthening, which yields the advantages which have been 
discussed above. The inventors have disclosed several embodiments of the 
present invention in which various mechanisms which are employed to 
generate the controlled wheel travel path; it will be understood that 
numerous modifications to and variations on these mechanisms will occur to 
those having ordinary skill in the art, and it should be understood that 
such will fall within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in the 
illustrative embodiments which have been described herein, generation of 
the wheel path is principally a function of the lower pivot assembly; as a 
result, it will be understood that these and other lower pivot mechanisms 
which provide the prescribed path may be used in combination with other 
types of suitable upper suspension mechanisms, in addition to the 
rocker-arm top-link mechanism which has been shown herein. 
It is therefore to be recognized that these and many other modifications 
may be made to the illustrative embodiments of the present invention which 
are shown and discussed in this disclosure without departing from the 
spirit and scope of the invention. As just one example, in some 
embodiments the bearings of the pivot assemblies may be mounted to the 
eccentrics themselves, rather than to the supporting members. Accordingly, 
the present invention is not to be limited except as by the appended 
claims.