Abstract:
A fender system for a bicycle has a first base member, a second base member, a fender, and at least one return member. The first base member is secured relative to the bicycle. The second base member is rotatably supported by the first base member. The fender is secured to the second base member. The at least one return member biases the second base member into an initial position relative to the first base member.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to bicycle fender systems and methods and, more particular, to bicycle fender systems adapted to be used on full suspension bicycles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Suspension systems for bicycles allow significant movement between the front wheel, the rear wheel, and/or the seat with respect to the main bike frame and the handle bar and the pedal assembly supported by the main bike frame. The suspension system thus inhibits transmission of shocks to the rider holding the handle bar and standing on the pedals when the bicycle lands after dropping or jumping. 
     The term “full suspension bicycle” typically refers to a bicycle having at least a front suspension that allows movement of the front wheel relative to the main frame and a rear suspension that allows movement of the rear wheel relative to the main frame. Certain types of full suspension bicycles (e.g., downhill bikes) are designed to resiliently oppose a significant range of movement between the wheels and the main frame. 
     Further, certain types of bikes employ dynamically adjustable seat posts that allow the height of the seat relative to the frame to be adjusted while the bicycle is being ridden to accommodate for different riding conditions (e.g., riding uphill or riding downhill). 
     Traditional bicycle fender systems do not work well with full suspension bicycles because the significant variability of the relative positions of the frame, seat, front wheel, and rear wheel make it difficult to find a location to which the fender assembly can be mounted and not interfere with the movement of the various components of the bicycle. 
     Further, the position of the rider is also highly variable during the riding of full suspension bicycles. For example, on steep downhill terrain, the rider may move his rear end significantly behind and even below the seat to adjust the center of gravity to accommodate the downhill slope. 
     And on technical terrain, the rider may need to dismount and remount the bicycle frequently. In particular, the placement of rear fenders can interfere with the dismounting and remounting of the bicycle, or the rider dismounting or remounting the bicycle may kick and break or twist the rear fender. 
     The need thus exists for fender systems and methods for full suspension bicycles that accommodate the wide range of movement of the various components of the bicycle and of the rider, especially during extreme riding conditions. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention may be embodied as a fender system for a bicycle comprising a first base member, a second base member, a fender, and at least one return member. The first base member is secured relative to the bicycle. The second base member is rotatably supported by the first base member. The fender is secured to the second base member. The at least one return member biases the second base member into an initial position relative to the first base member. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a method of supporting a fender relative to a bicycle having a seat assembly comprising the following steps. A first base member is secured relative to the bicycle. A second base member is rotatably supported by the first base member. The fender is secured to the second base member. The second base member is biased into an initial position relative to the first base member. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a fender system for a bicycle comprising a fork system defining an arch brace. The fender system comprises a mounting member comprising a collar portion adapted to fit around the arch brace, a first plate portion extending from the collar portion forward of the brace arch, and a second plate portion extending from the collar portion rearward of the brace arch. A clamp system clamps the collar member onto the arch brace. A first front fender is secured to the first plate portion. A second front fender is secured to the second plate portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view depicting a first example fender system of the present invention as mounted on a full suspension bicycle; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view depicting the major components of a first example rear fender mounting system used by the first example fender system; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first pivot member member and a stand-off member used by the first example rear fender mounting system; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second pivot member of the of the first example rear fender mounting system; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view illustrating a first example vertical pivot system that allows the first degree of movement by the first example rear fender mounting system; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view illustrating a first example lateral pivot system that allows the second degree of movement by the first example rear fender mounting system; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan section view illustrating the first example lateral pivot system in a centered position; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan section view illustrating the first example lateral pivot system in a first side position; 
         FIG. 9  is a section view illustrating a seat mounting system for securing the first example rear fender mounting system to a seat of the full suspension bicycle; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view depicting the major components of a first example front fender mounting system used by the first example fender system; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation view illustrating engagement of the first example front fender mounting system with a fork system of the example full suspension bicycle; 
         FIG. 12  is a section view illustrating details of the engagement of the first example front fender mounting system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of a second example lateral pivot system that may be used by the first example rear fender assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan section view illustrating the second example lateral pivot system in a centered position; 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan section view illustrating the second example lateral pivot system in a first side position; 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan section view illustrating a third example lateral pivot system in a centered position; and 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan section view illustrating the third example lateral pivot system in a first side position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1  of the drawing, depicted therein is a first example fender system  20  constructed in accordance with, and embodying the principles of the present invention. The first example fender system  20  is adapted to be mounted to an example full suspension bicycle  22 . The first example fender system  20  comprises a rear fender assembly  30  and a front fender assembly  32 . The full suspension bicycle  22  is not per se part of the present invention but will now be described herein to that extent helpful for a complete understanding of the first example fender system  20 . 
       FIG. 1  illustrates that the example bicycle  22  comprises a main frame  40 , a seat assembly  42 , a handle bar assembly  44 , a rear suspension system  46 , and a fork system  48 .  FIG. 1  further illustrates that the rear suspension system  46  supports a rear wheel assembly  50  relative to the main frame  40  and that the front suspension system  48  supports a front wheel assembly  52  relative to the main frame  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the main frame  40  defines a seat post tube  60  and a steering cylinder  62 . As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the example seat assembly  42  comprises a seat member  70 , a seat post  72 , a pair of seat rails  74   a  and  74   b  connected to the seat member  70 , and a seat bracket  76  connected to the seat post  72 . The seat bracket  76  connects the seat post  72  to the seat rails  74   a  and  74   b . The seat post tube  60  receives the seat post  72  to support the seat assembly  42  relative to the frame  40 . In the example bicycle  22 , the seat post  72  is dynamically adjustable to allow a position of the seat assembly  42  relative to the frame  40  to be adjusted, as shown by solid and broken lines in  FIG. 1 , while the bicycle  22  is being ridden. 
     The example rear suspension system  46  comprises a rear suspension frame  80  and a shock absorber  82  ( FIG. 1 ). The rear suspension frame  80  supports the rear wheel assembly  50  and is pivotably connected to the main frame  40 . The shock absorber  82  is configured to resiliently oppose movement of the rear suspension frame  80  relative to the main frame  40  when upward forces are applied to the rear wheel assembly  50 . 
     The example fork system  48  comprises a fork  90  comprising a steerer tube  92  and first and second legs  94   a  and  94   b . First and second sliders  96   a  and  96   b  are supported for sliding movement along the first and second legs  94   a  and  94   b , respectively. A brace arch  98  extends between the first and second sliders  96   a  and  96   b  to rigidify the fork system  48  and coordinate movement of the first and second sliders  96   a  and  96   b . The sliders  96   a  and  96   b  are in turn connected to the front wheel assembly  52 . The fork system  48  is configured to resiliently oppose movement of the sliders  96   a  and  96   b  along the legs  94   a  and  94   b  to inhibit transmission of upward forces on the front wheel assembly  52  to the fork  90 . The steerer tube  92  is received by the steering cylinder  62  and supports the handle bar assembly  44 . 
     Full suspension bicycles are produced in many dimensions and geometries, and the example bicycle  22  is described herein merely to define certain reference points relevant to the construction and use of the first example fender system  20 . The first example fender system  20  is designed to be used with many geometries and configurations of full suspension bicycles that define similar reference points as will be described in detail below. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2  of the drawing, depicted therein is a first example rear fender mounting system  120  used by the example rear fender assembly  30  to mount a rear fender  122  to the bicycle  22 . As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 5  of the drawing, the first example rear fender mounting system  120  comprises a vertical pivot system  124  for allowing movement of the fender  122  about a first pivot axis A1 and a first example lateral pivot system  126  for allowing movement of the fender  122  about a second pivot axis A2. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2  of the drawing, it can be seen that the first example rear fender mounting system  120  comprises a first base member  130 , a second base member  132 , a spacing member  134 , and an anchor member  136 .  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7 , and  8  illustrate that the first example lateral pivot system  126  comprises a return system  140  comprising a return spring  142 . The example rear fender mounting system  120  further comprises a first bolt assembly  150  for connecting the first base member  130  to the spacing member  134 , a second bolt assembly  152  for connecting the second base member  132  to the first base member  130 , an anchor bolt assembly  154  for attaching the spacing member  134  to the anchor member  136 , and a pair of attachment bolt assemblies  156   a  and  156   b  for attaching the fender  122  to the second base member  132 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the first base member  130  used by the first example rear fender mounting system  120  will now be described in further detail. The example first base member  130  comprises a first base arm  160   a  and a second base arm  160   b  that define a base notch  162 . The example first base member  130  further defines a spring socket  164 , a first lateral pivot opening  166 , and first and second vertical pivot openings  168   a  and  168   b.    
     The example second base member  132  is depicted in  FIG. 4 . First and second spring posts  170  and  172  protrude from the example second base member  132 , and a second lateral pivot opening  174  extends through the second base member  132 . First and second fender bolt holes  176   a  and  176   b  are also formed in the example second base member  132 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates that the spacing member  134  comprises a seat portion  180 , a spacing portion  182 , and a spacing arm  184 . A third vertical pivot opening  186  is formed in the spacing arm  184 , and a corresponding set of first and second seat bolt holes  188   a  and  188   b  is formed in the seat portion  180  and the anchor plate  136 , respectively. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  7 , and  8  show that the example return spring  142  is a torsion spring having a helical portion  190  and first and second spring arms  192  and  194  extending from the helical portion  190 . 
     The first example rear mounting system  120  is assembled according to the following method. The bolt of the second bolt assembly  152  is passed through the second lateral pivot opening  174  and through the helical portion  190  of the spring  142 . The first and second spring arms  192  and  194  are arranged between, and engage, the first and second spring posts  170  and  172 , respectively. 
     The second base member  132  is then displaced until the bolt of the second bolt assembly  152  passes through the first lateral pivot opening  166 . At this point the return spring  142  should be located within the spring socket  164 . The second bolt assembly  152  is then formed to secure the first and second base members  130  and  132  together with the return spring  142  securely held within the spring socket  164 . 
     The bolt of the first bolt assembly  150  is next inserted through the first vertical pivot opening  168   a , third vertical pivot opening  186 , and the second vertical pivot opening  168   b . Assembly of the first bolt assembly  150  secures the first base member  130  for pivoting movement relative to the spacing member  134 . 
     The seat bolt assembly  154  is then extended through the seat bolt holes  188   a  and  188   b  to clamp the seat rails  74   a  and  74   b  between the seat portion  180  and the anchor plate  136 . The seat portion  180  and anchor plate  136  are adapted to frictionally engage the seat rails  74   a  and  74   b  as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 9  such that movement of the seat portion  180  relative to the rails  74   a  and  74   b  is substantially prevented when the seat bolt assembly  154  is tightened. A position of the seat portion  180  relative to the rails  74   a  and  74   b  can be adjusted to obtain some angular and height adjustment of the rear fender assembly  30  relative to the seat member  70 . 
     Additionally, a length of the intermediate portion  182  determines a distance between the first and second base members  130  and  132  (and thus the fender  122 ) relative to the seat assembly  42 . Different spacing members  134  may be provided with different lengths of intermediate portions  182  to provide a choice of distances between the first and second base members  130  and  132  relative to the seat assembly  42 . Alternatively, the spacing member  134  may be formed of first and second parts that engage each other to allow linear sliding movement relative to each other to allow the length of the intermediate portion  182  to be adjusted to a desired length. In this case, a locking mechanism would be provided to secure the first and second parts together to fix the desired length. 
     With the rear fender assembly  30  so secured to the seat assembly  42 , further adjustment of an angle of the fender assembly  30  may be obtained using the first pivot system  124  as follows. When the first bolt assembly  150  is inserted along the bolt base openings  168   a ,  186 , and  168   b  as described above and left untightened, the first and second base members  130  and  132  and fender  122  attached thereto may be pivoted about the first pivot axis A1 as shown in  FIG. 5 . When the fender  122  is at a desired orientation selected based on bicycle dimensions and geometry and an expected set of riding conditions, the first bolt assembly  150  is tightened such that the spacing arm  184  is clamped between the first and second base arms  160   a  and  160   b.    
     With the spacing arm  184  securely clamped between the first and second base arms  160   a  and  160   b , the base arms  160   a  and  160   b  frictionally engage the spacing arm  184  to inhibit pivoting of first and second base members  130  and  132 , and thus the fender  122 , about the first pivot axis A1. The mating surfaces of the spacing arm  184  and base arms  160   a  and  160   b  may be textured, or radial grooves and projections may be formed in or on these mating surfaces, to increase friction and/or provide a positive mechanical engagement between these mating surfaces that further inhibits pivoting of the fender  122  about the first pivot axis A1. 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , it can be seen that the second bolt assembly  152  secures the first and second base members  130  and  132  together such that these members  130  and  132  rotate relative to each other about the second pivot axis A2. With the spacing member  134  secured to the seat assembly  42  and the first base member  130  secured to the spacing member  134  as described above, the second base member  132 , and thus the fender  122  attached thereto, pivot relative to the rear wheel assembly  50  as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates that the arms  192  and  194  of the return spring  142  act on the walls of the spring socket  164  and on the first and second spring posts  170  and  172  such that the second base member  132  is biased into a centered position in which the fender  122  is aligned with the rear wheel assembly  50 .  FIGS. 6 and 8  illustrate that, when a force F is applied to the fender  122  in a first direction such that the fender  122  is displaced out of the centered position, the first spring arm  192  engages a wall of the spring socket  164  and the second spring arm  194  engages the second spring post  172  such that the second base member  130  is biased back towards the centered position in which the fender  122  is aligned with the rear wheel assembly  50 . The return spring  142  will apply a similar return force when the fender  122  is displaced in the direction opposite of that of the force F depicted in  FIG. 6 . The first example lateral pivot system  126  thus is self-centering such that, if the fender  122  is kicked or otherwise moved out of its normal, aligned position, the fender will automatically be returned to the normal, aligned position. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10-12  of the drawing, the example front fender assembly  32  will now be described. The example front fender assembly  32  comprises a fender mounting system  220  comprising a mounting member  222  for securing first and second front fender members  224  and  226  relative to the fork system  48 . The example mounting member  222  comprises a collar portion  230  and first and second plate portions  232  and  234 . A collar gap  236  is formed between the plate portions  232  and  234 . 
     The collar portion  230  defines a collar plate  240 , a first collar arm  242 , and a second collar arm  244 . First and second collar arm openings  250  and  252  are formed in the first and second collar arms  242  and  244 , respectively. A collar bolt assembly  254  is sized and dimensioned to extend through the collar arm openings  250  and  252 . Fender plate bolt assemblies  256  are used to secure the fenders  224  and  226  to the first and second first and second plate portions  232  and  234  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 11 , the brace arch  98  of the example fork system  48  extends over the front wheel assembly  52 . And because the brace arch  98  is secured to the first and second sliders  96   a  and  96   b , a position of the brace arch  98  with respect to the front wheel assembly  52  is fixed. The collar portion  230  of the mounting member  222  is sized and dimensioned to fit around the brace arch  98  with the first collar arm  242  in front of the brace arch  98  and the second collar arm  244  behind the brace arch  98 . The collar plate  240  also engages a bottom surface portion of the brace arch  98 . The collar bolt assembly  254  engages the first and second collar arms  242  and  244  above the brace arch  98  such that, when the collar bolt assembly  254  is fully tightened, the brace arch  98  is firmly clamped between the first and second collar arms  242  and  244 . 
     With the collar portion  230  of the mounting member  222  so secured to the brace arch  98 , the fender connecting plates  232  and  234  extend from the first and second collar arms  242  and  244 , respectively, such that the first and second fender connecting plates  232  and  234  extend above the rear wheel assembly  52  and to the rear of the fork system  48  and above the front wheel assembly  52  and the front of the fork system  48 , respectively. With the mounting member  222  attached to the brace arch  98  and the fenders  224  and  226  connected to the fender connecting plates  232  and  234 , the first and second fenders  224  and  226  also extend above the front wheel assembly  52  and to the rear of the fork system  48  and above the front wheel assembly  52  and the front of the fork system  48 , respectively. The mounting member  222  and the fenders  224  and  226  attached thereto are held in a desired relationship with the front wheel assembly  52  even as the fork system  48  allows the front wheel assembly  52  to move relative to the frame  40 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 13 ,  14 , and  15  of the drawing, depicted therein is a second example lateral pivot system  320  that may be used in place of the first example lateral pivot system  126  described above. The second example lateral pivot system  320  comprises a first base member  330  and a second base member  332 . The first base member  330  is adapted to be connected to the example spacing member  134  to form a vertical pivot system like the vertical pivot system  124  described above. The second base member  332  is adapted to be attached to a fender such as the example fender  122  defined above. 
     The example first base member  330  further defines a base chamber  340 , a main opening  342 , and first and second side slots  344   a  and  344   b . First and second latch members  350   a  and  350   b  lie within the first and second side slots  344   a  and  344   b , respectively. First and second latch projections  352   a  and  352   b  extend from the first and second latch members  350   a  and  350   b , respectively, and into the base chamber  340 . A pivoting projection  356  and a centering projection  358  extend from the first base member  330  into the base chamber  340 . The example second base member  332  defines first and second latch notches  360   a  and  360   b , a pivoting recess  362 , and a centering recess  364 . 
     The second base member  332  is sized and dimensioned such that at least a portion thereof may be inserted into the base chamber  340 . The first and second latch projections  352   a  and  352   b  are received by the first and second latch notches  360   a  and  360   b  when the second base member  332  is fully inserted into the base chamber  340 . The first and second latch members  350   a  and  350   b  are resiliently deformable (as generally shown in  FIG. 15 ) to allow the second base member  332  to be inserted to a position in which the latch notches  360   a  and  360   b  receive the latch projections  352   a  and  352   b  as shown in  FIG. 14 . Engagement of the latch projections  352   a  and  352   b  and the latch notches  360   a  and  360   b  inhibits inadvertent movement of the second base member  332  out of the base chamber  340 . It should be apparent that the positions of the latch members  350   a  and  350   b  and the latch projections  352   a  and  352   b  may be changed such that the latch members  350   a  and  350   b  are formed on the second base member  332  and the latch projections  352   a  and  352   b  are formed on the first base member  330 . 
     Additionally, when the second base member  332  is fully inserted into the base chamber  340 , the pivoting recess  362  receives the pivoting projection  356  to define the second pivot axis A2 of the second lateral pivot system  320 . To facilitate insertion of the second base member  332  into the base chamber  340 , the pivoting projection  356  and pivoting recess  362  take the form of a portion of a sphere. The rounded surface of the pivoting projection  356  provides a cam surface that forces the walls of the first base member  330  defining the main opening  342  slightly apart to allow the pivoting recess  362  eventually to receive the pivoting projection  356 . A that point, the walls of the first base member  330  return to their original, substantially parallel configuration, and the pivoting projection  356  and pivoting recess  362  cooperate to inhibit inadvertent movement of the second base member  332  out of the base chamber  340 . 
     Further, when the second base member  332  is fully inserted into the base chamber  340  and in an aligned position as shown in  FIG. 14 , the centering cavity  364  receives the centering projection  358 . The centering cavity  364  receives the centering projection  358  to require that a predetermined release force be applied to the second base member  332  or the fender  122  supported thereby before the second base member  332  is displaced out of the aligned position. The centering cavity  364  comprises walls that are curved or slanted in a direction tangential to a circle centered at the second pivot axis A1. The depth of the centering cavity  364  and the contour of the walls formed thereby can be adjusted to modify the predetermined release force required to displace the centering projection  358  out of the centering cavity  364 . The centering projection  358  and centering cavity  364  ensure that the minor forces below the release force do not cause flutter or wagging of the second base member  332  during normal riding of the bicycle  22 . 
     When forces exceeding the predetermined release force are applied to the fender  122 , the fender  122  and the second base member  332  rotate or pivot about the second pivot axis A2 and out of the centered position as shown in  FIG. 15 . In the situation depicted in  FIG. 15 , the first latch notch  360   a  acts on the first latch projection  352   a  such that the first latch member  350   a  is resiliently deformed and at least a portion of the first latch member  350   a  is forced out of the side slot  344   a . The resilient deformation of the latch member  350   a  creates a return biasing force that, when the force on the fender  122  is removed, causes the second base member  332 , and fender  122  attached thereto, to move back into the centered position. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 16 and 17  of the drawing, depicted therein is a third example lateral pivot system  420  that may be used in place of the first example lateral pivot system  126  described above. The third example lateral pivot system  420  comprises a first base member  430  and a second base member  432 . The first base member  430  is adapted to be connected to the example spacing member  134  to form a vertical pivot system like the vertical pivot system  124  described above. The second base member  432  is adapted to be attached to a fender such as the example fender  122  defined above. 
     The example first base member  430  further defines a base chamber  440  and a main opening  442 , and first and second side cavities  444   a  and  444   b . First and second return members  450   a  and  450   b  lie partly within the first and second side cavities  444   a  and  444   b , respectively. A pivot member  452  such as a bolt assembly, pin, or the like secures the second base member  432  for pivoting or rotating about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the first base member  430 . 
     The second base member  432  is sized and dimensioned such that at least a portion thereof may be inserted into the base chamber  440 . The second base member  432  defines first and second latch notches  460   a  and  460   b , and the first and second return members  450   a  and  450   b  engage the first and second latch notches  460   a  and  460   b  when the second base member  432  is fully inserted into the base chamber  440 . 
     Engagement of pivot member  452  with the first and second base members  430  and  432  prevents inadvertent movement of the second base member  432  out of the base chamber  440 . To provide positive support of the second base member  432  in the center position, a centering projection like the centering projection  358  and centering cavity like the centering cavity  364  may be formed on the first and second base members  430  and  432 . 
     The second base member  432  further comprises a center guide rod  462  and first and second hook members  464  and  466 . A catch housing  470  defining first and second catch slots  472  and  474  is secured to the fender  122 . The center guide rod  462  and hook members  464  and  466  form a hook end of a side release buckle assembly  480 , while the catch housing  470  and catch slots  472  and  474  form a catch end of the buckle assembly  480 . The use of the side release buckle assembly  480  facilitates attachment of the fender  122  to and detachment of the fender  122  from the third example lateral pivot system  420 . A similar buckle assembly  480  may be used with the first and second example lateral pivot systems  126  and  320  described above. 
     When forces are applied to the fender  122 , the fender  122  and the second base member  432  rotate or pivot about the second pivot axis A2 and from the centered position as shown in  FIG. 16  and into an angle position as shown in  FIG. 17 . In the situation depicted in  FIG. 17 , the first latch notch  460   a  acts on the first return member  450   a  such that the first return member  450   a  is resiliently deformed. The resilient deformation of the return member  450   a  creates a return biasing force that, when the force on the fender  122  is removed, causes the second base member  432 , and fender  122  attached thereto, to move back into the centered position.