Fender and fender assembly for a cycling apparatus

A fender for a cycling apparatus is provided. The fender may include a front portion, a rear portion, and an outer surface and an inner surface that each extend from the rear portion to the front portion. The fender may further include a mount portion disposed between the rear portion and the front portion. The mount portion may include a first engagement part configured to engage with at least one blade of a pair of spaced apart blades of a fork assembly, and a second engagement part. A first engagement part may be configured minimize side-to-side motion of the fender relative to a fork assembly and a second engagement part configured to minimize fore-and-aft motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly. A fender elongated body may have a generally convex outer surface and a generally concave inner surface, the inner surface defining a hollow cavity of the body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fenders and fender assemblies for a cycling apparatus. The present disclosure relates more specifically to a front fender configured to mate with a fork assembly of a cycling apparatus, and to a front fender assembly including the same.

BACKGROUND

Fenders are desirably configured to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by a rotating wheel. To maintain desirable deterrence of wayward road spray, a fender must generally maintain its original shape and its original position relative to the wheel.

Conventional fenders rely on one or more braces or struts to control the shape of the fender (e.g., prevent permanent deformation and breakage of the fender), and/or to aid in the prevention or reduction of undesirably excessive fore-and-aft motion and/or side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the wheel, fork assembly, and/or frame of a cycling apparatus. Such braces or struts generally extend from one or both of the spaced apart blades of a fork assembly, respectively. In particular, each brace is often an elongated member that has a first end that is coupled to one of the spaced apart blades of a fork assembly, and a second end that is coupled to a side or a side edge of the fender.

However, while such braces or struts can adequately control the shape of a fender and/or may reduce or prevent undesirable fore-and-aft motion and/or side-to-side motion for some duration of time, these types of braces or struts add to the total number of components in a fender assembly, which increases the fender assembly's overall complexity. Accordingly, braces and struts undesirably increase the total number of components to be repaired or replaced when a fender assembly component is damaged. Moreover, braces and struts also undesirably increase the time required to repair and/or replace a fender assembly.

Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a fender that can be coupled or otherwise attached to a fork assembly without one or more braces or struts that extend from one or more blades of the fork assembly. In particular, it may be desirable to provide a fender that can be coupled or otherwise attached to a fork assembly without one or more braces or struts as described above, and also control its shape (e.g., prevent permanent deformation and breakage of the fender). Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a fender that can be coupled or otherwise attached to a fork assembly also in a manner that reduces or prevents undesirable fore-and-aft motion and/or side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the wheel, fork assembly, and/or frame of a cycling apparatus. Further, it may be desirable to provide a fender assembly that minimizes the number of components to be manipulated during repair and/or replacement of a fender to decrease time and improve efficiency during such repair and/or replacement.

SUMMARY

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a fender for a cycling apparatus is provided. The fender includes a front portion, a rear portion, and an outer surface and an inner surface that each extend from the rear portion to the front portion. The fender further includes a mount portion disposed between the rear portion and the front portion. The mount portion includes a first engagement part configured to engage with at least one blade of a pair of spaced apart blades of a fork assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a fender includes an elongated body having a generally convex outer surface and a generally concave inner surface. The inner surface defines a hollow cavity of the body. The hollow cavity has a length extending from a front of the body to a rear of the body, a width extending between side edges of the body, and a depth extending between an inner surface of the body and an imaginary line extending centrally between the side edges of the body and generally parallel with the side edges of the body. The depth of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a cycling apparatus includes a fork assembly including a pair of spaced apart blades, each blade comprising a respective wheel receiving portion. The cycling apparatus also includes a wheel with an axle including a pair of axle end portions, each axle end portion being rotatably received in the respective wheel receiving portion. The cycling apparatus further includes a fender comprising an elongated body having a generally convex outer surface and a generally concave inner surface, the inner surface defining a hollow cavity of the body. The hollow cavity includes a length extending from a front of the body to a rear of the body, and a width extending between side edges of the body. A distance between an approximate longitudinal centerline of an inner surface of the body and a radial surface of the wheel varies along a length of the elongated body.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cycling apparatus includes a fork assembly including a pair of spaced apart blades, each blade comprising a respective wheel receiving portion. The cycling apparatus also includes a wheel with a rim and an axle including a pair of axle end portions, each axle end portion being rotatably received in the respective wheel receiving portion. The cycling apparatus further includes a fender. The fender includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a mount portion disposed between the rear portion and the front portion The mount portion includes a first engagement part configured minimize side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly and a second engagement part configured to minimize fore-and-aft motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly.

Additional objects and advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present teachings. The objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain principles of the present teachings.

Although the following detailed description makes reference to exemplary illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure. To the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the exemplary embodiments. In the drawings and the description, similar elements are provided with similar reference numerals. It is to be noted that the features explained individually in the description can be mutually combined in any technically expedient manner and disclose additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates fenders and fender assemblies for a cycling apparatus. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a fender assembly may include a fender and at least one fastener. In accordance with the present teachings, a fender may include a body, such as an elongated body. The fender body may define a hollow cavity, which in turn may be delineated at least partially by a front edge, a rear edge, and a pair of curved side edges of the elongated body. For example, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the fender body may have a generally or substantially convex shape or appearance. The elongated body may have an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may define an interior part of the hollow cavity. For example, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the interior of the fender body/hollow cavity may have a generally or substantially concave shape or appearance. Both the inner and outer surfaces may extend from a front end to a rear end of the elongated body of the fender.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the fender may be formed to be connected to a cycling apparatus in an interlocking manner such that at least one of fore/aft, rotational, and lateral movement is limited with respect to portions of a cycling apparatus to which is connected (e.g., a fork assembly). In one exemplary embodiment, the interlocking connections between the fender and the elements to which it is connected are sufficient to limit at least one of fore/aft, rotational, and lateral (side-to-side) movement relative to the cycling apparatus without use of external supports. In one example, the fender and connections may be formed of materials that are sufficiently rigid to withstand normal use (including anticipated abuse to which rental cycling apparatus may be exposed). In another example, the fender and connections may be formed from materials that will flex and/or deform under anticipated loads (i.e., normal use as described above) and will return to an original form/shape when the load is removed. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, various combinations of materials, differently shaped structures, and interlocking components may be used to achieve such exemplary structures, including, for example, resilient plastics and composite materials, longitudinal components made of spring steel or other materials that will not plastically deform.

As disclosed herein, a fender in accordance with the present teachings may include a front portion, a rear portion, and a mount portion. The mount portion may be disposed between the rear portion and the front portion. The mount portion may include a first engagement part configured to inhibit side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly and the wheel rotatably attached thereto. In one exemplary embodiment and in accordance with the present teachings, the first engagement part may be configured to engage or otherwise interact with at least one blade of a pair of spaced apart blades of a fork assembly. For example, the first engagement part may include one or more recessed areas and/or depressions configured to receive or otherwise engage a blade of the fork assembly. The recessed areas may be, for example, formed in the body of the fender. Such integrally formed recesses may be formed, for example, by injection molding. Such integrally formed recessed may be laminated with another material, for example, a material with a relatively higher damping coefficient than that of the material of the fender. Additionally or alternatively, structures may be connected to the body of the fender for connection to the blades of the fork assembly. For example, straps or intermediate structures containing a recess and formed of a material different from the fender (e.g., a material with a relatively higher damping coefficient than that of the material of the fender) may be attached to the fender.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the mount portion may include a second engagement part configured to inhibit fore-and-aft motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly. In one exemplary embodiment and in accordance with the present teachings, the second engagement part may be configured to engage with a portion of the fork assembly other than a blade of the fork assembly. For example, the second engagement part may include one or more protruding elements, such as post elements, configured to engage with a portion of the fork assembly. The number, shape, and character of the protrusions may vary. For example, it is contemplated that the protrusions may be provided on a plate or an alternative structure of the fork assembly while the fender may include recesses configured to receive the protrusions. Additionally or alternatively, both of the fender and the plate may each include protrusions and recesses configured to correspondingly engage respective recesses and protrusions in the opposing component. Additionally, protrusions and/or recesses may have a variety of shapes and sizes may be tapered or graduated or have other textured elements. The fit between the two may be, for example, a press fit or a snap fit. In addition, mechanical or other components may be used to strengthen the connection between the protrusion and recess. For example, screws or adhesive may be used.

In one exemplary embodiment, each post may extend from an outer surface of the fender. Each post may be hollow and have openings at its opposing ends, such that the post is configured to at least partially receive a fastener. Alternatively, the second engagement part could include recesses configured to receive post elements of the fork assembly. By virtue of the one or more engagement parts, the plurality of posts, and/or the plurality of corresponding fasteners, a fender as disclosed herein can interlock with a fork assembly so as to sufficiently inhibit, limit, or minimize fore-and-aft motion and side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly and wheel without wire braces engaging the blades of fork assembly and the fender. Although disclosed in this embodiment as hollow and having open ends, one of skill in the art will understand that these aspects of the post may be varied depending on the size, material, and shape of the post as well as the manner of connection of the post to the fork assembly.

Further, although described in the above embodiment as not including wire braces engaging the blades of the fork assembly and the fender, it should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure do not prevent the use of such braces, and that the use of the braces in combination with the present teachings is contemplated within this disclosure.

A fender in accordance with the present disclosure may include reinforcement structures such as, for example, reinforcement elements. In various exemplary embodiments, the body of a fender may include a plurality of reinforcement elements such that the plurality of reinforcing elements extend along a length of the body. Reinforcing elements may be molded into the inner surface of the body. Furthermore, a plurality of reinforcement elements in accordance with the present teachings may be disposed in a variety of arrangements such as, for example, along a centered midline of the fender and/or angulated therefrom. In one example, ribbing may be used in a variety of patterns and proportions. Additional or alternative reinforcement elements may be incorporated into the core of the body, for example, a hollow core or honeycomb core. Reinforcements may be incorporated into the fender or other components in a variety of ways, for example, through lamination, 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and material processes such as metal matrix. The structure, size, shape, and material of the reinforcement structure and method of incorporating the same may be dependent, at least in part, on the specific component to be reinforced and its intended use. Also, additional or alternative reinforcement elements may be incorporated onto the exterior of the body, such as, for example, through the use of laminates.

A fender in accordance with the present disclosure generally may be formed via a molding process, such as injection molding. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the fender be made of from a uniform material, and that the material is one that is capable of being molded, such as, for example, a thermoplastic material. Alternatively, a fender in accordance with the present disclosure may be vacuum-formed (e.g., thermoforming,) compression molded, blow-molded with a hollow core, rotomolded, or bladder molded. The present disclosure contemplates that other suitable materials may be selected as appropriate for the particular method of molding the fender, as would be understood by those of skill in the art.

The material of manufacture may have certain properties. Particularly, it is desirable that the material exhibits high strength and high durability at a wide range of temperatures (e.g., a range encompassing all ambient temperatures that a cycling apparatus equipped with the fender is expected to be exposed to during use and/or storage). Additionally, it is desirable that the fender material be sufficiently rigid so as to not require braces to sufficiently inhibit, limit, or minimize fore-and-aft and side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly and wheel of the cycling apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that braces may be used with the fender of the present disclosure, which may also provide additional options for material selection beyond those conventionally selected, as the combination of the fender of the present disclosure and the braces may further resist any relative motion between the fender and the fork assembly. Further, it also is desirable that the fender material be elastic enough so that permanent plastic deformation and/or rupture does not occur when the fender is bent or subject to a sudden impact. Moreover, it is desirable that the fender be made from a material that is resistant to corrosive effects of salts and other corrosive agents that a fender that it is reasonably foreseeable to be exposed to through the course of regular usage and storage of the cycling apparatus such as, for example, sweat, sun, ozone, UV rays, etc. For example, the inventors have identified various polypropylene impact copolymer materials that may be used as the uniform material of the fender and sufficiently exhibit many, if not all, of the above properties. Additional examples of suitable materials include thermoplastic polymers such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC). Fenders and fender assemblies of the present disclosure are less susceptible to damage in part because the uniform material that the fender is from exhibits at least one of the properties set forth above.

Although discussed primarily herein with respect to pedal-powered bicycle applications, the present disclosure contemplates that the various fenders disclosed herein may be suitable for many pedal-powered cycling apparatuses, including, for example, tricycles, unicycles, quadricycles, tandems, recumbents, bear/pub cycles, pedal-cabs, etc. Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates that the various fenders disclosed herein may be suitable for motorized cycling apparatuses, including, for example motorcycles, motorbikes, scooters, electric bicycles (e-bikes), etc. Moreover, the present disclosure contemplates that the various fenders disclosed herein may be suitable for various other types of wheeled vehicles, including, for example automobiles, ATVs, etc.

Turning now to the drawings, with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, a side perspective view and side view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a bicycle100in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The bicycle100includes a frame102and a saddle assembly104, the saddle assembly104being adjustably mounted to the frame102and configured for a rider to sit on the bicycle100. A rear wheel106is rotatably mounted to the frame102. The bicycle100further includes a fork assembly108operatively mounted to the frame102and a front wheel110rotatably mounted to the fork assembly108. A handle bar112is mounted on the fork assembly108for allowing the rider to control the moving direction of the bicycle100while riding it. Additionally, mounted to the fork assembly108is a fender200that acts as a guard for the front wheel110and prevents sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by wheel110, as it will become apparent below.

As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the fender200is mounted to fork assembly108without one or more elongated braces extending from either of the pair of spaced apart blades116,118of the fork assembly108(blade118being obscured from view by blade116inFIG. 1B). Rather, the fender200has a mount portion that includes a first engagement part configured to engage with first spaced apart blade116and a second engagement part configured to engage with second space apart blade118. By engaging the first engagement part with first blade116and/or engaging the second engagement part with second blade116, at least side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly108and wheel110is inhibited or limited. Fore-and-aft motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly108and wheel110may also be inhibited or limited by engaging the blades116and118with the first and second engagement parts as described herein.

Turning now toFIG. 1C, a detailed side view of a portion of the bicycle ofFIGS. 1A and 1Bis shown. InFIG. 1C, the fender200includes dashed broken lines which represent portions and surfaces of the fender along a longitudinal center cross section of the finder that are obstructed from view.FIG. 1Cshows an engagement part in the form of a protrusion, e.g., post212, configured to engage with a portion of the fork assembly108and inhibit, limit, or minimize at least fore-and-aft motion of the fender200relative to the fork assembly108and wheel110. In particular, post212is configured to engage with an upper plate, i.e., a fork crown120of the fork assembly108. For example, fork crown120may include a corresponding recess, a depression, or a hole configured to receive and retain a protrusion such as, for example, post212. In various exemplary embodiments, the post212may be retained in a recess, depression, or hole of the fork crown120via a press fit or other type of friction fit. An exemplary embodiment may further include a post212and corresponding recess, depression, or hole of plate120each having mechanical features configured to further enhance the fit such as, for example, ridges, notches, and/or steps. Enhancing the fit between post212and plate120in this manner may further inhibit, limit, or minimize at least fore-and-aft motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly108and wheel110. Additionally, or alternatively, as will be understood by those of skill in the art, the fork crown120may contain one or more posts and the fender may be configured to contain recesses, depressions, or holes to receive those posts.

It is noted that post212is centered along the longitudinal midline of the fender200, and thus a cross section of the post212is shown inFIG. 1Cin dotted line. Fender200may include additional protrusions or posts (e.g., posts214and216shown inFIGS. 2A-2F) that are disposed along one or more other longitudinal planes of the fender200. Side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly108and wheel110may also be inhibited, limited, or minimized by engaging one or more posts (e.g., posts212,214and/or216) with a portion of the fork assembly (e.g., fork crown120). By virtue of the collective effect of having one or more engagement parts and/or one or more posts which are configured to engage multiple parts of the fork assembly in multiple planes, both fore-and-aft motion and side-to-side motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly and wheel is effectively inhibited, limited, or minimized.

With reference now toFIGS. 2A-2F, various views of the exemplary fender200are shown. Fender200includes an elongated body201that is curved from a front edge203to a rear edge205. Also, the body201is curved from a first side edge207of a pair of side edges to a second side edge209of the pair of side edges. Thus, the outer body of the fender provides an overall convex shape which defines within the fender a hollow cavity in a concave shape. The elongated body201includes an outer surface208and an inner surface210. Both the outer surface208and the inner surface210extend from a rear end218of the fender200to a front end220of the fender200. The rear end218of the fender may also be referred to as the rear end of the rear portion204, and the front end220may also be referred to as the front end of the front portion206. The side edges207,209may be curved such that such that at least a portion of each side edge has a substantially circular arc shape when viewed straight on from a side, as shown inFIG. 2C(see also the side view ofFIGS. 1B and 1Cshowing fender200having a circular arc shaped side edge). Rather than a smooth curve as shown, a fender in accordance with the present disclosure can be faceted, or the arc may not have the same center as the wheel.

Additionally, fender200includes a front portion202, a rear portion204, and a mount portion206disposed between the rear portion204and the front portion202. Dashed broken lines that denote the divisions between the rear portion204, mount portion206, and front portion206are shown inFIG. 2C. The mount portion206includes the one or more engagement parts and one or more posts described herein.

As best shown inFIG. 2D, the fender200further includes an uncovered portion exposing a hollow interior cavity. The uncovered portion being at least partially defined by the front edge203, rear edge205, and pair of side edges207and209. In an assembled condition, for example as shown inFIGS. 1A-1C, a portion of a wheel may be housed within the hollow interior cavity of a fender in accordance with the present disclosure.

The maximum depth of the hollow interior cavity varies along a length of the elongated body, where the length extends from the elongated body front end220to the elongated body rear end218. Additionally, or alternatively, a width and/or radius of curvature of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity. In various exemplary embodiments, the maximum depth of the hollow interior cavity along the length of the elongated body201from its front end220to its rear end218is at least about 1.0 inch. More specifically, the maximum depth in some various exemplary embodiments varies from about 1.0 inch to about 18.0 inches along the length extending from the front end to the rear end. In some exemplary embodiments, a large maximum depth may be representative of a large (or long) sidewall of the fender, which allows, for example, space for advertising. The depth of the hollow interior cavity will vary depending on tire size, wheel construction and tolerance. Another factor affecting depth of the hollow interior cavity is whether a suspension system is to be incorporated.

FIGS. 4A-4Gshow how the depth of the hollow interior cavity varies along a length of the elongated body of exemplary fender200.FIG. 4Ashows a side view of exemplary embodiment of fender200with lines B-B through G-G indicating the points at which cross-sectional views shown inFIGS. 4B-4Gare taken. The depth of the hollow cavity of the fender200differs at each of the lateral cross sections shown inFIGS. 4B-4G. In particular, as shown inFIGS. 4B-4G, an elongated body of fender200can have a depth D that varies from about 0.75 inches to about 8.0 inches along a length of the elongated body.

FIGS. 4B-4Galso show that elongated body201can have a width W that varies from about 3.0 inches to about 4.0 inches along a length of the elongated body. More generally, it is contemplated that various embodiments of a fender, in accordance with the present teachings, may have a width that ranges from about 1.0 inches to about 5.0 inches. In addition,FIGS. 4B-4Gillustrate that elongated body201can have a lateral thickness T (i.e., a thickness of the wall forming fender body201as shown inFIGS. 4B-4G) of about 0.08 to about 0.3 inches.

The variability of the depth of the hollow cavity along the length of the elongated body, from its front end to its rear end, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, may also be characterized in terms of the radial distance from the axle of the wheel of the bike on which the fender is mounted to an imaginary centerline of the elongated body on the inner surface of the fender. For example, with reference toFIG. 1C, the variability of the depth of the hollow cavity along the length of the elongated body201of fender200from its front end220to its rear end218may also be illustrated or described as a variable radial distance between the axle122of the wheel110and the imaginary centerline of the elongated body on the inner surface210of the elongated body201of the fender200. Thus, as the depth varies along the length of the cavity of the fender body, the distance of the inner surface of the hollow from the wheel and tire thereof varies as well.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a fender may have a front radial distance defined as an axle-to-front-portion radial distance extending between the axle122of the wheel110and a portion of the inner surface of the elongated body201within the front portion202of the fender200; a rear radial distance defined as an axle-to-rear-portion radial distance extending between the axle122of the wheel110and a portion of the inner surface210of the elongated body201within the rear portion204of the fender200; and a mount portion radial distance defined as an axle-to-mount-portion radial distance extending between the axle of the wheel and a portion of the inner surface of the elongated body within the mount portion of the fender. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, the axle-to-mount-portion radial distance is greater than the maximum axle-to-front-portion radial distance and/or the maximum axle-to-rear-portion radial distance.

In some exemplary embodiments of a cycling apparatus with a fender in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, a maximum axle-to-fender radial distance extends between the axle of the wheel and a peak point or peak portion of the inner surface of the elongated body, the peak point or peak portion being that which is disposed furthest from the axle, i.e., a greater distance from the axle than any other portion of the of the inner surface of the elongated body. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the peak point or peak portion is between the elongated body front end and the elongated body rear end, rather than at either of the elongated body front end or the elongated body rear end. For example, as shown inFIG. 1C, a maximum axle-to-fender radial distance126extends between the axle122of the wheel110and a peak point290of the inner surface210of the elongated body201of fender200, with peak point290being between the elongated body front end220and the elongated body rear end218. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the maximum axle-to-fender radial distance126may vary based on the fork design. The peak portion or peak point of the inner surface of the elongated body may be at about the convergence of the rear portion and the mount portion of the fender. For example, peak point290of the inner surface210of the elongated body201of fender200is at the convergence of the rear portion204and the mount portion206. The maximum radial depth at the peak point or peak portion of a fender in accordance with the present disclosure may range about 0.25 inches to about 10.0 inches. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the maximum radial depth Dppat the peak point290of fender200is about 2.8 inches and the minimum depth is about 0.4 inches.

The variability of the radial depth of the hollow cavity along the length of the elongated body from its front end to its rear end of a fender, in accordance with the present teachings, may also be characterized in terms of the radial clearance between the inner surface of the elongated body of the fender and the radially curved surface of the rim of the wheel. For example, with reference toFIG. 1C, the variability of the radial clearance of the inner surface210along the length of the elongated body201of fender200from its front end211to its rear end213has a variable radial clearance between the surface128of the rim130of the wheel110and the inner surface210of the elongated body201of the fender200.

In some exemplary embodiments of a cycling apparatus with a fender in accordance with the present disclosure, a maximum rim-to-fender radial clearance extends from the rim of the wheel to a peak point or peak portion of the inner surface of the elongated body, the peak point or peak portion being that which is disposed further from the radially curved surface of the rim than any other portion of the inner surface of the elongated body. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the peak point or peak portion is between the elongated body front end and the elongated body rear end, rather than at either of the elongated body front end or the elongated body rear end. For example, as shown inFIG. 1C, maximum rim-to-fender radial clearance132extends from the surface128of rim130of the wheel110to a peak point290of the inner surface210of the elongated body201of fender200, with peak point290being between the elongated body front end220and the elongated body rear end218. More particularly, the peak portion or peak point of the inner surface of the elongated body may be at about the convergence of the rear portion and the mount portion of the fender. For example, peak point290of the inner surface210of the elongated body201of fender200is at the convergence of the rear portion204and the mount portion206. The maximum radial clearance at the peak point or peak portion of a fender in accordance with the present disclosure may range about 1.75 inches to about 6.0 inches. For example, the maximum radial clearance Cppat the peak point290of fender200is about 4.7 inches.

The maximum radial clearance Cppmay be determined by the axle-to-fender radial distance126, minus the outside radius of the rim130of the wheel110. Accordingly, a desired axle-to-fender radial distance126may be chosen based on one or more factors including fork design, the diameter of the rim130, the size (e.g., diameter) of the tire, and any desired clearance between the outer diameter of the tire and the inner surface210of the fender200. Clearance between the inner surface210of the fender200and the tire may be provided to prevent the tire from rubbing on the fender200if the wheel is damaged (e.g., bent or otherwise out of round relative to the axle122), or to reduce or eliminate interference between the tire and fender200caused by a buildup of mud or other debris on the tire and/or inner surface210of the fender200.

Referring again toFIGS. 2A-2F, the mount portion206of the fender200includes a first engagement part including one or more engaging structures. The first engagement part of fender200may include, for example, a structure configured to engage a blade of a fork assembly such as a first recess222. The first engagement part of fender200may also include a second recess224. The first recess222is configured to engage the first blade116of the fork assembly108. The first recess222is configured to engage the first blade116of the fork assembly108, for example, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1C. The second recess224is configured to engage the second blade118of the fork assembly108, for example, as shown inFIG. 1A. Although other mechanisms for engagement are contemplated, in the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2F, first recess222is configured to engage first blade116by partially surrounding the first blade116, and the second recess224is configured to engage second blade118by partially surrounding the second blade118. Fender200interlocks with the blades116and118of the fork assembly when the first recess222and second recess224are fitted to partially surround the first blade116and second blade118, respectively, so as to at least inhibit, limit, or minimize side-to-side motion of the fender200relative to the fork assembly108and/or wheel110. As will be understood, the recesses224,224may vary in shape or size depending on a given cycling apparatus model or style. In general, the recesses may be sized and shaped to receive a blade of a fork assembly therein and to limit/minimize motion of the blade relative to the fender of the fork assembly. Further, each recess may be a depression or contour in the body of the fender, or may alternatively be created by a structure attached to the fender body such as, for example, a metal truss, a reinforced rim of the fender body, or straps in tension. In any of these configurations, the fit between the recess and the blade may be a “snap fit” or may be another type of engagement.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, a fender may include one or more engaging structures that are each configured to engage the first and/or second spaced apart blades of a fork assembly, respectively, by, completely or substantially surrounding a respective blade116or118. Such structures need not be permanently attached. In another alternative embodiment, not shown, a fender may include a single engaging structure that is configured to simultaneously partially, substantially, or completely surround both the first and second spaced apart blades of a fork assembly. In yet another alternative embodiment, not shown, one or more engaging structures may be configured to engage one or more spaced apart blades in a different manner, such as, for example, via mechanical fasteners (e.g., screw, nuts/bolts, press fittings, plugs, hooks, loops, snap fits, pins, etc.), adhesives, mating surface features (e.g., ridges, steps, etc.), and/or magnets. Such other mechanisms for engagement between engaging structures and one or more spaced apart blades may be used in addition to, or in alternative to, the partial or complete surrounding engagement shown and/or described herein.

In another exemplary embodiment of a fender, and as best shown inFIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2F, the mount portion206of the fender200may include a second engagement part configured to engage with the fork assembly. The second engagement part may include, for example, one or more protrusions such as a plurality of posts212,214, and216. Each of the posts212,214, and216is configured to engage with a portion of the fork assembly to inhibit, limit, and/or minimize fore-and-aft motion of the fender relative to the fork assembly. It also is contemplated that the post and recess connection between the fender and fork assembly may further limit other types of motion between the components. Each of the posts212,214, and216is configured to engage with a fork crown (e.g., fork crown120inFIGS. 1A-1C) of a fork assembly. The plurality of posts of fender200are arranged such that there is a front center post212, a rear right post214, and a rear left post216. Alternative arrangements and quantities of posts are also contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that the protrusions may be provided on plate120or an alternative structure of the fork assembly while the fender may include recesses configured to receive the protrusions. Both the fender and the crown may each include protrusions and recesses configured to correspondingly engage respective recesses and protrusions in the opposing component. Additionally, protrusions and/or recesses may have a variety of shapes and sizes may be tapered or graduated or have other textured elements. The fit between the two may be, for example, a press fit or a snap fit. In addition, mechanical or other components may be used to strengthen the connection between the protrusion and recess. For example, screws or adhesive may be used.

Advantageously, the front center post212, rear right post214, and rear left post216are arranged along more than one lateral plane with respect to the fender200to provide more effective inhibition, limiting, or minimizing of fore-and-aft movement of an interlocked fender200with respect to the fork assembly and wheel of the bicycle. Likewise, the front center post212, rear right post214, and rear left post216are arranged along more than one longitudinal plane with respect to the fender200to provide more effective inhibition, limiting, and/or minimizing of side-to-side movement of an interlocked fender200with respect to the fork assembly and wheel of the bicycle. Thus, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, to provide the advantages associated with multiplanar post arrangement, the arrangement of a plurality of posts includes at least one front post and at least on rear post, and/or at least one right post and at least one left post. Furthermore, in yet another exemplary embodiment, to provide further stability, at least a second front post or at least a second rear post, and/or at least a second right post or at least a second left post is contemplated. Also, although discussed herein with respect to three posts, it is contemplated that fewer or additional posts may be used. Arrangements having fewer posts may include, for example, a single post or two posts. Arrangements having additional posts may include, for example, four posts, five posts, six posts, seven posts, eight posts, nine posts or ten or more posts.

As best shown inFIGS. 2A-2E, each post212,214, and216of the plurality of posts extends distally from the outer surface208of the fender200. Further, each post212,214, and216is hollow and each post212,214, and216includes a distal end opening and a proximal end opening, the proximal end opening being at an opposite end of the post from the distal end opening and is also contiguous with the mount portion206. Front center post212includes a distal end opening226and a proximal end opening228, rear right post214includes a distal end opening230and a proximal end opening232, and rear left post216includes a distal end opening234and a proximal end opening236. Additionally or alternatively, the posts may be solid or may be filled with another material.

Further, as best shown inFIG. 2E, each post212,214, and216includes a respective lateral wall238,240, and242defining a passage extending from the proximal end opening228,232, and326, respectively, to the distal end opening226,230, and234, respectively, of each respective post212,214, and216. As shown and as contemplated in one exemplary embodiment, the posts may have a stepped or tapered configuration. For example, inFIG. 2E, each lateral wall238,240, and242has a respective first step forming a tapered portion244,246, and248, a respective step forming a second tapered portion,250,252, and254, and a respective flat portion256,258, and260between the tapered portions to form a stepped configuration. Each first tapered portion244,246, and248extends distally from a respective first tapered portion wide end262,264, and266, to a respective first tapered portion narrow end268,270, and272. Each second tapered portion250,252, and254extends distally from a respective second tapered portion wide end274,276, and278, to a respective second tapered portion narrow end280,282, and284. Each flat portion256,258, and260extends from the first tapered portion narrow end268,270, and272, respectively, to the second tapered portion wide end274,276, and278, respectively. As best shown inFIGS. 2B and 2E, the outer lateral dimensions of the first tapered portion narrow end268,270, and272are larger than the outer lateral dimensions of the second tapered portion wide end274,276, and278.

In another exemplary embodiment of a fender in accordance with the present teachings, the fender may include reinforcing elements within the body of the fender. For example, the bottom view of the fender200shown inFIG. 2D, shows that fender200may include a plurality of reinforcing elements286,288. Reinforcing elements286,288may be raised or protrude outwardly from a surface of the fender. For example, as shown inFIG. 2D, the reinforcing elements286,288extend at least partially through/outward from the inner surface210of the fender. In such a configuration, the reinforcing elements may be characterized as being “raised,” i.e., extending beyond or above the surface of the fender. AlthoughFIG. 2Dshows a plurality of reinforcing elements286,288extending from a portion of the inner surface210within the rear portion206of exemplary fender200, it is also contemplated that reinforcing elements could extend from a portion of the inner surface210of the mount portion206and the front portion202of the fender200. Further, although not shown, it is contemplated that reinforcing elements could extend from an upper surface of a fender or may be completely encompassed within the body of the fender such that the reinforcements do not protrude from the body.

As shown inFIG. 2D, the plurality of reinforcing elements may include crosshatched elongated elements286. Additionally, the plurality of reinforcing elements may include a middle elongated element288disposed substantially along a centered midline of the fender200. Reinforcing elements disposed in various other orientations are also contemplated, such as, for example, laterally oriented elements, additional angulated elongate elements that intersect with or extend from the middle elongated element288, and additional longitudinally oriented elements. Such elements may be included alternatively, or in addition to, the middle elongated element288. In accordance with one aspect of the present teachings, various reinforcing elements may extend between about 0.01 and about 0.3 inches from a surface of a fender. It also is contemplated that the reinforcing elements may extend beyond 0.3 inches from a surface of a fender in accordance with the present disclosure.

Both crosshatched elongated elements286and the middle elongated element288are raised splines with rectangular cross-sectional profiles. Raised splines with alternatively shaped cross-sectional profiles are also contemplated, such as, for example, rounded, or triangular cross-sectional profiles. Raised spline reinforcing elements286,288may be integrally formed with the fender, for example, by being co-molded with the fender during production of the fender. Alternatively, the plurality of reinforcing elements may not be integrally formed with the fender, and may instead be joined to the fender by, for example, adhesion, mechanical fastening, chemical bonding, welding, etc. For example, raised reinforcing elements that are not integrally formed with the fender may include wires, fibers, etc.

Turning now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of a fork assembly108and an exemplary embodiment of a fender assembly300in accordance with the present disclosure are shown. A fender assembly includes a fender and a plurality of fasteners. Moreover, neither a fender assembly nor a fork assembly in accordance with the present disclosure includes one or more braces extending from one or more of the spaced apart blades of the fork assembly. Rather, in various exemplary embodiments, one or more engaging structures of a fender in accordance with the present disclosure engage with one or more of the spaced apart blades, and/or a plurality of protrusions or posts of a fender engage with a portion of the fork assembly, as described herein.

For example,FIGS. 3A and 3Bshow how first and second engagement parts may engage various parts of the fork assembly. For example, the first engagement part may include recesses222and224. As shown, recesses222and224are configured to engage with spaced apart blades116and118, respectively. For example, recesses222and224may be configured to partially surround blades116and118such that when the fender200is mounted on the fork assembly, it interlocked between the blades116and118. Further, as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, the second engagement part may include a plurality of posts212,214, and216which are configured to engage with a portion of the fork assembly. In particular, posts212,214, and216(undersides thereof being shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B) are configured to engage with fork crown120of at the fork assembly108. Fork crown120may have corresponding fasteners122,124, and126such as, for example, holes or recesses that receive posts212,214, and216, further securing fender200to fork assembly108. In addition, fasteners312,314, and316may be inserted at least partially through the openings of posts212,214, and216, and into fork crown120, to enhance the retention of fender200with fork assembly108. Although fasteners312,314, and316are shown as bolts inFIGS. 3A and 3B, other types of fasteners may be used, such as, for example, screws, plugs, press-fittings, hooks, ratchet type engagements, glue, adhesive, magnets, etc. Likewise, although corresponding fasteners122,124, and126are shown as holes inFIGS. 3A and 3B, other types of fasteners may be used such as recesses, depressions, threads, loops, adhesive, glue, magnets, etc.

Fender assemblies of the present disclosure, such as, for example fender assembly300, can be repaired and replaced more efficiently in part because the fender assembly does not include one or more braces extending from one or more of the spaced apart blades of the fork assembly. Moreover, fender assemblies of the present disclosure, such as, for example fender assembly300, are less susceptible to damage in part because the fender assembly does not include one or more braces extending from one or more of the spaced apart blades of the fork assembly.

It is to be understood that the examples and embodiments set forth herein are non-limiting, and modifications to structure, dimensions, materials, and methodologies may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.