Patent Publication Number: US-2022227442-A1

Title: Bash guard device and system for bicycle components

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/138,013, filed on Jan. 15, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Generally, a bash guard, sometimes referred to as a cover or bash ring, is used to protect components of a bicycle from damage in case the bicycle is involved in a crash or the component is struck by an object on the ground or trail. Typically, the components protected are components of the drive train of the bicycle, such as the chainring and the chain. Bash guards are most commonly found on mountain bikes, as the chainring and chain of the bicycle are more likely to be hit by miscellaneous objects such as rocks, logs, and twigs. 
     Bash guards may be attached to a frame mount that is secured to the bicycle frame. These types of mountings have several limitations. A bash guard mounted to a frame mount may not rotate with the chainring, thereby potentially interfering with the operation of the bicycle drive train and/or providing imprecise protection of appropriate elements. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one example, a chainring protection system includes a chainring having a torque input section and a torque output section. The torque output section is radially outer relative to the torque input section and has a plurality of teeth. The chainring protection system also includes a cover connected to the chainring, such that the cover at least partially covers a circumferential portion of the torque output section of the chainring. The circumferential portion of the torque output section includes less than all teeth of the plurality of teeth. 
     In one example, the cover is a first cover, and the circumferential portion is a first circumferential portion. The chainring protection system further includes a second cover connected to the chainring, such that the second cover covers a second circumferential portion of the torque output section of the chainring. 
     In one example, the first cover at least partially covers a first group of teeth of the plurality of teeth, and the second cover at least partially covers a second group of teeth of the plurality of teeth. The second group of teeth is different than the first group of teeth. 
     In one example, the second cover is connected to the chainring, such that the second cover is opposite the first cover. 
     In one example, the chainring protection system further includes a backplate. The cover is configured to interface with the backplate, such that the cover is connected to the chainring. 
     In one example, the chain ring includes at least one vacancy. The backplate and the cover interface via a vacancy of the at least one vacancy. 
     In one example, the chainring further includes a flange disposed around and extending into the vacancy. The backplate is supported within the vacancy by the flange. 
     In one example, the chainring protection system further includes a fastener configured to connect the backplate to the cover, such that the cover is connected to the chainring via the flange around the vacancy. 
     In one example, the chainring protection system further includes a fastener. The chain ring includes at least one vacancy. The cover includes a threaded opening. The fastener is configured to directly connect the cover to the chain ring via a vacancy of the at least one vacancy and the threaded opening of the cover. 
     In one example, a cover for a chainring of a bicycle includes a body including a circumferential portion and at least one radial portion. The at least one radial portion extends radially inner relative to the circumferential portion. The cover further includes an opening extending at least partially through a radial portion of the at least one radial portion, and a raised surface at least partially surrounding the opening. The raised surface is positionable within a vacancy of a chain ring. 
     In one example, the cover further includes a threaded insert positioned within the opening. 
     In one example, the threaded insert is made of a metal material, and the body is made of a non-metal material. 
     In one example, the opening is a tapped hole. 
     In one example, the body is made of a metal material. 
     In one example, the raised surface completely surrounds the opening. 
     In one example, the opening is a first opening, and the radial portion is a first radial portion. The at least one radial portion of the body includes two radial portions. The cover further includes a second opening extending at least partially through a second radial portion of the two radial portions. The first radial portion and the second radial portion of the body extend radially inner relative to the circumferential portion at opposite sides of the circumferential portion, respectively. 
     In one example, the body has an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the outboard side. The outboard side is outboard relative to a frame of the bicycle when the cover is attached to the chainring. The opening extends from the inboard side partially into the radial portion of the body. 
     In one example, the body also has a front side extending between the outboard side and the inboard side. The circumferential portion of the body has a radially outer side, and the radial portion of the body has a radially inner side. The radially inner side of the radial portion is radially inner relative to the radially outer side of the circumferential portion. The cover further includes a chamfer feature at the outboard side and the front side of the body, and the radially inner side of the radial portion. 
     In one example, the chamfer feature is a first chamfer feature. The cover further includes a second chamfer feature at the inboard side and the front side of the body, and the radially outer side of the circumferential portion. 
     In one example, a chainring protection system includes a chainring having a torque input section, a torque output section, and at least two openings through the chainring. The torque output section is radially outer relative to the torque input section and includes a plurality of teeth. The chainring protection system also includes at least two covers connected to the chainring. A first cover of the at least two covers at least partially covers a first group of teeth of the plurality of teeth, and a second cover of the at least two covers at least partially covers a second group of teeth of the plurality of teeth. The chainring protection system also includes at least two fasteners configured to connect the first cover and the second cover to the chainring via a first opening of the at least two openings and a second opening of the at least two openings, respectively. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a chainring protection system according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  is a front view of the chainring protection system of  FIG. 2  assembled; 
         FIG. 3B  is a rear view of the chainring protection system of  FIG. 2  assembled; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of a cover or bash guard of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear view of a bash guard of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a bash guard of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front view of a chainring of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a rear view of a chainring of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a front view of a backplate of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6B  is a rear view of a backplate of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective sectional view of the chainring protection system of  FIG. 2  assembled, taken along cross section B-B as shown in  FIG. 3B ; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the chainring protection system of  FIG. 2  assembled, taken along cross section B-B shown in  FIG. 3B ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a chainring protection system according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a chainring protection system according to a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the chainring protection system of  FIG. 10  assembled; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the chainring protection system of  FIG. 10  assembled, taken along cross-section Z-Z shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of an embodiment of a bash guard; and 
         FIG. 14  is a rear view of the bash guard of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar or identical structures have similar reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides examples of bash guard devices and systems that solve or improve upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other disadvantages with prior known bash guard devices. The present disclosure provides a bash guard or cover that assembles to a chainring through windows of the chainring, such that the bash guard rotates with the chainring. The bash guard itself may include threads or threaded inserts allowing for backplates and fasteners to secure the bash guard to the chainring, from the other side of the chainring. The present disclosure may integrate the bash guard into an outboard side of the chainring, which may allow a user to have a ready-protected chainring. The bash guard may be easily removed to provide a fully functioning chainring. Further, the bash guard may be removed without removing the crankset/crank assembly. 
     Various embodiments of the invention will be described herein with reference to the drawings. It will be understood that the drawings and the description set out herein are provided for illustration only and do not limit the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto and any and all their equivalents. For example, the terms “first” and “second”, “front” and “rear”, “left” and “right” are used for the sake of clarity and not as terms of limitation. Moreover, the terms referred to bicycle mechanisms conventionally mounted to a bicycle and with the bicycle orientated and used in a typical fashion unless otherwise indicated. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , a bicycle  100  includes a seat  110  coupled to a frame  102  (e.g., near a rear end of the frame  102  relative to a forward direction A) via a seat post  112 . The bicycle  100  also includes handlebars  114  coupled to the frame  102  and a front fork  108  (e.g., near a forward end of the frame  102  relative to the forward direction A) for steering the bicycle  100 . A front wheel  104  of the bicycle  100  is at the forward end of the frame  102 . The bicycle  100  is shown on a riding surface  116 . The riding surface  116  may be any riding surface such as the ground (e.g., a dirt path, a sidewalk, a street, etc.), a man-made structure above the ground (e.g., a wooden ramp), and/or any other surface. 
     In the illustrated example, the bicycle  100  has a drivetrain  118  that includes a crank assembly  120 . The crank assembly  120  is operatively coupled via a chain  122  to a rear sprocket assembly  124  mounted to a hub  126  of the rear wheel  106 . The crank assembly  120  includes at least one crank arm  128  (e.g., two crank arms) and at least one pedal  130  (e.g., two pedals), along with a front sprocket assembly having at least one front sprocket, or chainring  202 . A rear gear change device  134 , such as a derailleur, is disposed at the rear wheel  106  to move the chain  122  through different sprockets of the rear sprocket assembly  124 . Additionally or alternatively, the bicycle  100  may include a front gear change device to move the chain  122  through gears on the front sprocket assembly if the front sprocket assembly includes more than one front sprocket or chainring. 
     Located on the chainring  202  are two bash guards  204  that nest in and around an outboard side of the chainring  202 . The two bash guards  204  protect areas of the chain  122  and the chainring  202  that are most likely to be impacted by debris during a ride. Two backplates, for example, are associated with each of the two bash guards  204 . The two backplates attach to an inboard side of the chainring  202  via molded insert threads within the respective bash guard  204 , which is outboard relative to the two backplates and the chainring  202 . The respective bash guard  204  and the two associated backplates may be secured together by fasteners. 
     The example bicycle  100  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a suspension system having one or more suspension components. In this example, the front fork  108  is implemented as a front suspension component. Further, in the illustrated example, the bicycle  100  includes a rear suspension component  136 . The rear suspension component  136  is, for example, a rear shock absorber. The rear shock absorber  136  is coupled between two portions of the frame  102 , one being, for example, a swing arm  138  coupled to the rear wheel  106 . The front fork  108  and the rear shock absorber  136  absorb shocks and vibrations while riding the bicycle  100  (e.g., when riding over rough terrain). In other examples, the front fork  108  and/or the rear shock absorber  136  may be integrated into the bicycle  100  in other configurations or arrangements. Further, in other examples, the suspension system may employ only one suspension component (e.g., only the front fork  108 ) or more than two suspension components (e.g., an additional suspension component on the seat post  112 ) in addition to or as an alternative to the front fork  108  and the rear shock absorber  136 . 
     While the example bicycle  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is a type of mountain bicycle, the example components disclosed herein may be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, the disclosed components may be used on road bicycles, as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired, wireless) drive systems. The disclosed components may also be implemented on other types of two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled human powered vehicles. Further, the example components may be used on other types of vehicles, such as motorized vehicles (e.g., a motorcycle, a car, a truck, etc.). 
     It is to be understood that the specific arrangement and illustrated components of the frame  102 , the front wheel  104 , the rear wheel  106 , and the drivetrain  118  are nonlimiting to the disclosed embodiments. Further, although not specifically mentioned, the bicycle  100  may use at least one of hydraulic rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, mechanical rim brakes, or mechanical disk brakes, as well as other electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems, or combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an example chainring protection system  200 , according to a first embodiment.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are front and rear views of the chainring protection system  200  assembled, respectively. The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B  include a chainring  202 , two bash guards  204 , four backplates  206 , and four fasteners  208 . The chainring  202  includes teeth  210 . The teeth  210  may not all be identical. For example, the teeth  210  around the chainring  202  may vary in height, thickness, shape, etc. The teeth  210  are configured to interact with the chain  122  of the bicycle  100 . 
     In the embodiment, the chainring  202  includes a torque output section  212  including the teeth  210  configured as a sprocket, for example, a power output sprocket for the chainring  202 . The chainring  202  also includes a torque input section  214  that is attachable to the crank assembly  120  of the bicycle  100 . 
     In the embodiment, the torque output section  212  and the torque input section  214  of the chainring  202  are formed as a unitary single piece. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3B , viewing the chainring  202  from the rear, the chainring  202  includes a debossed portion  218 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , when viewing the chainring  202  from the front, opposite the debossed portion  218  of the chainring  202 , the chainring  202  includes an embossed portion  232 . The embossed portion  232  and debossed portion  218  are optional features. Further, the chainring  202  includes windows  216  (e.g., vacancies or openings). In the present embodiment, there are a total of twelve windows, however there are four windows  216  for attaching the bash guards  204  to the chainring  202 . In an alternate embodiment, there may be more windows (e.g., sixteen windows) or fewer windows (e.g., four windows) and there may be more (e.g., six) or fewer (e.g., two) windows used for attaching the bash guards to the chainring. 
     In the embodiment, the bash guard  204  includes an outer edge  222  (e.g., a radially outer edge) and an inner edge  224  (e.g., a radially inner edge). In the present embodiment, the outer edge  222  has a rounded curvature that follows a radially outer curve of the chainring  202 . The inner edge  224  may follow a contour of the embossed portion  232  and fit with a protruding surface of the embossed portion  232 . In alternate embodiments, the outer edge and the inner edge may take on different shapes. In the present embodiment, the bash guard  204  includes bash-guard openings  226  that may include threads and/or threaded inserts  270 , respectively. The threaded inserts  270  may be molded into the bash guard  204 . In an embodiment, the outer edge  222  is a tooth protective portion configured to protect teeth of a chainring from impact. 
     The backplates  206  have backplate openings  228 , through which the fasteners  208  may extend. During assembly, the bash guards  204  are placed on the outboard side of the chainring  202  and the backplates  206  are placed on the inboard side of the chainring  202 . The fasteners  208 , having threads  230 , secure the backplates  206  to the bash guards  204  by extending through the backplate openings  228  and are secured in the threaded inserts  270 , respectively. The fasteners  208  may be any fastener available to secure the backplate  206  to the bash guard  204 . The fasteners  208  may include nuts, screws and/or bolts (e.g., M5 bolts). Alternatively, the bash guard  204  and the backplate  206  may be secured together in any number of other ways (e.g., bolting, screwing, clamping, gluing, etc.). 
     The backplates  206  may be sized and shaped to mate with and fill corresponding windows  216 , respectively. For example, the chainring  202  may include extensions (e.g., lips or flanges) that extend around perimeters of the windows  216 , respectively. The backplates  206  may abut the flanges around the windows  216 , respectively, such that when the backplates  206  are secured to the bash guards  204 , respectively, the backplates  206  are supported by the flanges around the windows  216 , respectively, are flush with one or more portions of the chainring  202 . 
     The bash guards  204  are shown having openings  220  (e.g., gaps or through-holes). The openings  220  may be sized and shaped to follow the rounded curvature of the outer edge  222  of the bash guard  204 . In the present embodiment, the bash guard  204  includes four openings  220 . In one embodiment, the bash guard  204  include more (e.g., six openings  220 ), fewer (e.g., a single continuous opening  220 ), and/or different openings  220  through the bash guard  204 . In another embodiment, the bash guard  204  does not include any openings  220 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the backplate openings  228  may be threaded. In yet another alternate embodiment, more or fewer bash guards  204 , windows  216 , backplates  206 , fasteners  208 , and/or threaded inserts  270  may be provided. For example, another embodiment of a chainring protection system may include four bash guards  204 , eight windows  216 , eight backplates  206 , eight fasteners  208 , and eight threaded inserts  270 . 
     An axis E is shown in  FIG. 3A . The axis E represents a centerline of the crank arm  128 . Thus, the crank arm  128  may be located along the axis E. When counting in a counterclockwise direction from the axis E, the protected areas of the bash guards  204  are the teeth  210  numbered 7-14 and 23-30 (e.g., circumferential portions). Generally, by not covering all of the teeth  210  of the chainring  202 , and covering the likely impact zones of the chainring  202 , the bash guards  204  are lighter in weight. In an alternate embodiment, more or less teeth  210  may be protected by the bash guards  204 . In a further alternate embodiment, the bash guards  204  may protect a different set of teeth  210  on a different area of the chainring  202 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A , and  3 B, two bash guards  204  are shown. In an alternate embodiment, only one bash guard may be used, which may cover the same, more, or fewer teeth  210 . In an alternate embodiment, the crank arm  128  may not be located along the axis E. 
       FIG. 4A  is a front view of a bash guard  204 . From the front, the bash guard  204  has a flat outer surface  314  radially inward from the openings  220  and radially outward from the inner edge  224 . Thus, the fasteners  208  and the bash-guard openings  226  (see  FIG. 4C ) are depicted in the example as extending into the bash guard  204  and/or the threaded insert  270 , but do not extend all the way through the bash guard  204 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a rear view of the bash guard  204 , and  FIG. 4C  is a rear perspective view of the bash guard  204 . The bash guard  204  includes a flat inner surface  316 . Extending away from the flat inner surface  316  are two main protruding portions  260  (e.g., corresponding to the number of the fasteners  208 ) and several small protrusions  306   a - 306   g  (e.g., six small protrusions) that are located across the flat inner surface  316 . The main protruding portions  260  and the small protrusions  306   a - 306   g  are raised surfaces that may interface with the backplates  206  and/or the chainring  202 . Some of the small protrusions  306   a - 306   g  are located adjacent to a perimeter of the flat inner surface  316 , though the small protrusion  306   a  is located closer to one of the main protruding portions  260 . The small protrusions  306   a - 306   g  generally include rounded edges, and have a curved, straight, or angled shape. Further, at least one of the small protrusions  306   a - 306   g  generally follows the direction and/or orientation of a wall of the main protruding portion  260 . For example, the small protrusion  306   d  matches a curve and orientation of a wall of the main protruding portion  260  closest to the small protrusion  306   d . In other embodiments, more, fewer, and/or differently shaped and/or oriented small protrusions  306  may be provided. 
     The main protruding portions  260  each have a perimeter  308 . The perimeter  308  has rounded edges in the present embodiment and may be generally triangular and/or angular in shape. Different main protruding portions  260  may have different sized and/or shaped perimeters. Alternatively, different main protruding portions  260  may each have a same size and shape perimeter. 
     Generally, the main protruding portion  260  and the perimeter  308  may be sized and shaped to fit within a corresponding window  216  of the chainring  202 . The main protruding portions  260  may have at least one side/edge of the perimeter  308  that generally follows a shape and/or outline of one of the walls of the bash guard  204  (e.g., defining one of the windows  216 ). Further, the main protruding portions  260  may protrude a greater distance from the flat inner surface  316  than the small protrusions  306   a - 306   g.    
     In the embodiment shown, the main protruding portions  260  include holes  310   a - 310   d  (e.g., through-holes). The holes  310   a - 310   d  are bean shaped or triangularly shaped. The holes  310   a - 310   d  are optional. Alternatively, the main protruding portion(s)  260  and the perimeter(s)  308  of the main protruding portion(s)  260 , respectively, may take on any other shape and/or size, and the holes  310   a - 310   d  my take on any other shape and/or size. In one embodiment the main protruding portions  260  do not include any holes  310 . 
     For example,  FIG. 9  depicts an example chainring protection system  300 , according to a second embodiment.  FIG. 9  includes some of the same features of the chainring protection system  200 , indicated by the same numbering. However, the chainring protection system  300  of  FIG. 9  includes a bash guard  604  that differs from the bash guard  204  due to a different shape of main protruding portions  660 . In the example of  FIG. 9 , the main protruding portions  660  are smaller, and shaped like a boomerang. The main protruding portion  660  is not sized and/or shaped to match the full shape of a corresponding chainring window  216 , respectively, but does match the shape of part of the window  216 . In an alternate embodiment, a main protruding portion of a bash guard may not match the size and/or shape of the window  216  at all. Further, in the embodiment, though openings  626  extend away from a flat inner surface  616 , the main protruding portions  660  do not extend all the way around the openings  626 , and instead, only partially surround the openings  626 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the main protruding portions  260  include the bash-guard openings  226  in a generally central location, between the holes  310   a - 310   d . The bash-guard openings  226  include an angled section  264  that includes a first surface  264   a , a second surface  264   b , a third surface  264   c , a central hole  302 , and a threaded region  312 . In the example, the first surface  264   a  is a flat inner most surface of the bash-guard opening  226 , adjacent to the central hole  302 . In the embodiment, the threaded region  312  is adjacent to the first surface  264   a . The threaded region  312  may optionally be included to secure the fasteners  208  or the threaded inserts  270  to the bash guard  204 . Adjacent to the threaded region  312  is the second surface  264   b . The second surface  264   b  may be an angled surface (e.g., angled relative to the first surface  264   a ) in order to help guide a fastener  208 , a threaded insert  270 , or a region of a backplate  206  into the bash-guard opening  226 . Adjacent to the second surface  264   b  is third surface  264   c . The third surface  264   c  may also be an angled surface (e.g., angled relative to the second surface  264   b ), with a less steep gradient than the second surface  264   b . In an alternate embodiment, the third surface  264   c  is a flat surface rather than an angled surface and is of the same flatness and/or level as the remainder of the main protruding portion  260 . In a further alternate embodiment, the bash-guard opening  226  may be located anywhere in relation to the respective main protruding portion  260  and the corresponding perimeter  308 . In an additional further alternate embodiment, the angled section  264  does not include each and every one of the first surface  264   a , the second surface  264   b , and the third surface  264   c . For example, the section  264  may not be angled in that the section  264  only includes the first surface  264   a.    
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the inner edge  224  includes a surface  304 . The surface  304  may be an angled surface that fits a contour of the embossed portion  232  of the chainring  202 . The angling of the surface  304  may be useful in this particular embodiment because the embossed portion  232  is also angled (See  FIG. 5A ). Therefore, the angling of the surface  304  may allow the bash guard  204  to rest against (e.g., abut) the embossed portion  232  more securely. In an alternate embodiment, the surface  304  and/or the embossed portion  232  of the chainring  202  is not angled. In other embodiments, the inner edge  224  may be any number of different shapes. 
     The bash guards  204  may be made of a composite material (e.g., glass-filled nylon). However, the bash guards  204  may be made of any number of other materials (e.g., carbon, plastics, polycarbonate, metals such as aluminum, etc.). The bash guards  204  may be injection molded. Alternatively, the bash guard  204  may be manufactured by any other known method. For example, the bash guard  204  may be manufactured by stamping or three-dimensional (3D) printing. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are front and rear views of the chainring  202 , respectively. The chainring  202  may be a fully stamped chainring  202  made of, for example, steel or aluminum. Alternatively, the chainring  202  may be made of any number of other materials including, for example, another metal or carbon, manufactured using any known method. 
     The chainring  202  includes the windows  216  outside the embossed portion  232 /debossed portion  218 , but radially inward from the teeth  210 . Referring to  FIG. 5B , each of the windows  216  includes a window opening  402  and a pocket  404 . The pocket  404  is created by the edge  406  of the window  216  and a surface  408  (e.g., a lip or flange) extending inward, towards the window opening  402 , that allows the backplate  206  to rest within the window  216  without passing through the window  216 . In manufacturing, the pocket  404  may be created by a stamped recess in the inboard side of the chainring  202 . The pocket  404  may, however, be formed by any number of other known methods. A surface of the backplate  206  may rest against the surface  408 , within the pocket  404 . The design of the chainring  202  in the present embodiment allows for the chainring  202  to be a fully stamped chainring. In other embodiments, the windows  216 , the window openings  402 , and the pockets  404  may be any number of other shapes, and the chainring  202  may be manufactured by any number of other known methods. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are front and rear views of a backplate  206 . The backplate  206  includes a backplate perimeter  502  that is sized and shaped to fit within a window  216 . In the present embodiment, the backplate perimeter  502  is made of the same material as the backplate  206  and has a flat edge. In an alternate embodiment, the backplate perimeter  502  may have an angled edge or rounded edge, and/or may be made of a different material in order to nest better within the window  216  of the chainring  202 . The backplate  206  includes a flat region  254  and an inner region  256 . A portion of the flat region  254  may rest against the surface  408  of the window  216  of the chainring  202 . In one embodiment, the backplate  206  includes an extension around the backplate perimeter  502  that interfaces with the surface  408  of the window  216  of the chainring  202 . 
     The inner region  256  and a backplate hole  504  (e.g., through-hole) form the backplate opening  228 . The inner region  256  may include a tapered region  256   b  and a straight region  256   a . The tapered region  256   b  is shown in  FIG. 6A  as tapering inward, extending three-dimensionally into the page. The tapered region  256   b  is shown in  FIG. 6B  as tapering outward, extending three-dimensionally out of the page. In the present embodiment, the straight region  256   a  is a smooth flat section that surrounds the backplate hole  504 . The tapered region  256   b  is adjacent to the straight region  256   a  and guides a fastener  208  to the backplate hole  504 . In one embodiment, the inner region  256  does not include a tapered region  256   b  (e.g., only includes the straight region  256   a ). In another embodiment, the inner region  256  includes more than one tapered region  256   b  (e.g., at different angles relative to the straight region  256   a ). 
     In an alternate embodiment, the backplate  206  may be any shape. In the present embodiment the backplate  206  may be made of a metal, such as steel or aluminum. In an alternate embodiment, however, the backplate may be made of another material capable of providing the rigidity and stiffness necessary to keep from deforming and traveling through the window  216  of the chainring  202  (e.g., carbon, plastic, etc.). 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective sectional view of the chainring protection system  200  taken along cross section B-B shown in  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the chainring protection system  200  taken along the cross-section B-B. When the chainring protection system  200  is assembled, the backplate  206 , the chainring  202 , and the bash guard  204  may fit together in a tight and compact manner. In an alternate embodiment, the backplate  206 , the chainring  202 , and the bash guard  204  may be assembled loosely, having a clearance fit. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the fastener  208  secures the backplate  206  to the bash guard  204 . The backplate  206  fits snugly in the pocket  404  of the chainring  202 . The chainring  202  fits securely against the bash guard  204 , sitting against the perimeter  308  of the main protruding portions  260  and supported by at least one small protrusion  306  of the flat inner surface  316 . The inner region  256  of the backplate  206  rests against the angled section  264  of the bash guard  204 . The flat region  254  of the backplate  206  rests against the main protruding portion  260  of the bash guard  204 . 
     The back of the central hole  302  of the bash guard opening  226  may be a square opening  262  that receives the fastener  208  and/or the threaded insert  270 . The angled surface  304  of the inner edge  224  of the bash guard  204  may be shaped to match the embossed portion  232  of the chainring  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the bash guard  204  varies in thickness, having a number of different thicknesses at different locations on the bash guard  204 . In the present embodiment, a thin portion  244  may be located behind the square opening  262  and may be thinner than most of the bash guard  204 , but not all. In another embodiment, the thin portion  244  may be the thinnest portion of the bash guard  204 . 
     Vertically, the tallest point of the bash guard  204  (e.g., the outer edge  222  when at a topmost position during rotation of the chainring  202  and the bash guard  204 ) is shown along a plane P. The tallest point of the teeth  210  of the chainring  202  is shown by a plane T h . The bash guard  204  extends a distance D above the plane T h . The teeth  210  may, however, have varying heights. Thus, the distance D may vary depending on the height of a particular tooth. The distance D may be between 2-5 mm, depending on the tooth height. Specifically, the distance D may be between 3-4 mm. For one tooth of the teeth  210 , the distance D may be 3.3 mm. Other distances dimensions for the bash guard  204  and the distance D may be provided. 
     The distance D to be provided for protection of the chain  122  may be determined by a number of factors. For example, the distance D may be determined based on a certain amount of clearance to be provided for the chain  122 , as well as an angle of impact of an object C. For example, the distance D may be tall enough to protect the teeth  210  from objects traveling at various angles. Specifically, the distance D may be tall enough to protect the teeth  210  from objects approaching the chainring protection system  200  within a predetermined angle. For example, protection may be provided against an object approaching the chainring protection system  200  at an angle of between 0-20 degrees from a horizontal reference, such as plane T h . In another embodiment, the distance D may be adapted such that the distance is tall enough to protect the teeth  210  from objects traveling at an angle between 0-10 degrees from a horizontal reference. In an alternate embodiment, the horizontal reference may be plate P. When an object C hits the bash guard  204 , for example, at the outer edge  222 , the load of the impact may transfer through the bash guard  204  to the main protruding portion  260 . 
     In the chainring protection system  200 , the securing of the backplate  206  to the bash guard  204  through a window  216  of the chainring  202  allows for a user to easily mount the bash guard  204  on the chainring  202  without needing to take the chainring  202  off the bicycle  100 . 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of an example chainring protection system  1000 , according to a third embodiment.  FIG. 11  is a front view of the chainring protection system  1000  assembled, and  FIG. 12  is a section view of the chainring protection system  1000  assembled. The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12  includes a chainring  1002 , two bash guards  1004 , and four fasteners  1008 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-12  does not include any back plates, as the two bash guards  1004  are fastened directly to the chainring  1002  with the fasteners  1008 . The chainring  1002  includes teeth  1010 . The teeth  1010  may not all be identical. For example, the teeth  1010  around the chainring  1002  may vary in height, thickness, shape, etc. The teeth  1010  are configured to interact with the chain  122  of the bicycle  100 . 
     In the embodiment, the chainring  1002  includes a torque output section  1012  including the teeth  1010  configured as a sprocket (e.g., a power output sprocket for the chainring  1002 ). The chainring  1002  also includes a torque input section  1014  that is attachable to the crank assembly  120  of the bicycle  100 . 
     In the embodiment, the torque output section  1012  and the torque input section  1014  of the chainring  1002  are formed as a unitary single piece. As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , viewing the chainring  1002  from the front, the chainring  1002  includes a flat portion  1016  and front recessed portions  1018 . The front recessed portions  1018  are recessed relative to the flat portion  1016 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , when viewing the chainring  1002  from the rear, the chainring  1002  includes a flat portion  1020  and rear recessed portions  1022 . The rear recessed portions  1022  are recessed relative to the flat portion  1020 . The rear recessed portions  1022  may mirror the front recessed portions  1018 . Alternatively, the rear recessed portions  1022  may be sized, shaped, and/or positioned differently compared to the front recessed portions  1018 . 
     The chainring  1002  also includes windows  1026  (e.g., openings). The windows  1026  may be disposed within the recessed portions  1018 ,  1022  and extend through the chainring  1002 . The chainring  1002  may include any number of windows  1026  of any number of sizes and/or shapes. For example, as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-12 , the chainring  1002  may include a number of windows  1026  of varying size and shape disposed around the chainring  1002 . The varying size and shape of the windows  1026  may allow for different numbers, sizes, and/or shapes of bash guards to be used with a single chainring  1002 . In the present embodiment, there are fourteen total windows  1026 , with seven different sized and shaped windows  1026 . In an alternate embodiment, there may be more windows  1026  (e.g., twenty windows) or fewer windows  1026  (e.g., ten windows). 
     In the embodiment, each of the bash guards  1004  includes an outer edge  1028  (e.g., a radially outer edge, part of a radially outer side) and an inner edge  1030  (e.g., a radially inner edge, part of a radially inner side). In the present embodiment, the outer edge  1028  has a rounded curvature that follows a radially outer curve of the chainring  1002 . The inner edge  1030  may correspond to positioning of one or more of the windows  1026  within the chainring  1002 . In alternate embodiments, the outer edge  1028  and the inner edge  1030  may take on different shapes. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the bash guard  1004  includes at least one bash guard opening  1032  (e.g., two bash guard openings) that may include threads  1034  and/or threaded inserts (e.g., molded into the bash guard  1004 ). In an embodiment, the outer edge  1028  is a tooth protective portion configured to protect teeth of the chainring  1002  from impact. 
     The bash guards  1004  are shown having openings  1036  (e.g., gaps, recesses, or through-holes). The openings  1036  may be sized and shaped to follow the rounded curvature of the outer edge  1028  of the bash guard  1004 . In the present embodiment, the bash guard  1004  includes two openings  1036 . In one embodiment, the bash guard  1004  include more (e.g., three openings  1036 ), fewer (e.g., a single continuous opening  1036 ), and/or different openings  1036  through the bash guard  1004 . In another embodiment, the bash guard  1004  does not include any openings  1036 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 12 , each of the bash guards  1004  has a first side  1038  (e.g., an outer side or outboard side) and a second side  1040  (e.g., an inner side or inboard side) opposite the first side  1038 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , the second side  1040  of the respective bash guard  1004  includes a flat portion  1042  and one or more extensions  1044  (e.g., raised surfaces) extending away from the flat portion  1042 . For example, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-12  includes two extensions  1044  extending away from opposite sides of the flat portion  1042  (e.g., at radial portions of the bash guard  1004  extending away from a circumferential portion of the bash guard  1004 ). Each of the two extensions  1044  houses a bash guard opening  1032  (e.g., including threads  1034 ). In other embodiments, the bash guard  1004  may include more, fewer, and/or different (e.g., differently sized and/or shaped) extensions compared to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . For example, the bash guard  1004  may include one extension  1044  or three extensions  1044 . Other numbers of extensions  1044  may be provided. 
     Each of the two extensions  1044  is positioned within a respective one of the front recessed portions  1018 . An outer surface  1046  of the respective extension  1044  may be sized and shaped to match a profile (e.g., a perimeter) of the respective front recessed portion  1018 . Alternatively, the outer surface  1046  may be smaller and/or shaped differently than the profile of the respective front recessed portion  1018 . 
     The fasteners  1008  extend through windows  1026  respectively sized and shaped for the fasteners  1008 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , a first extension  1044   a  of a first bash guard  1004   a  is positioned within a first front recessed portion  1018   a  at the front side of the chainring  1002 , and a first fastener  1008   a  extends through a first window  1026   a . The first window  1026   a  extends through a wall  1048  (e.g., a flange or an extension) formed between the first front recessed portion  1018   a  and a first rear recessed portion  1022   a , respectively, such that a head  1050  of the first fastener  1008   a  is disposed at least partially within the first rear recessed portion  1022   a  when the first fastener  1008   a  is connected to the first bash guard  1004   a  via the threads  1034  at the first extension  1044   a . The head  1050  of the first fastener  1008   a  may have a larger diameter than the first window  1026   a , such that the head  1050  may not move through the first window  1026   a . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the head  1050  of the first fastener  1008   a  is positioned entirely within the first rear recessed portion  1022   a  when the first fastener  1008   a  is connected to the first bash guard  1004   a  via the threads  1034  at the first extension  1044   a . This positioning and attachment may be repeated a number of times for additional fasteners  1008  and extensions  1044 . 
     The bash guards  1004  may be made of any number of materials. For example, the bash guards  1004  may be made of aluminum. In other embodiments, the bash guards  1004  are made of a different material (e.g., steel). 
     In other embodiments, more or fewer bash guards  1004 , windows  1026 , fasteners  1008 , and/or extensions  1044  may be provided. For example, another embodiment of a chainring protection system  1000  may include four bash guards  1004 , eight windows  1026 , eight fasteners  1008 , and eight extensions  1044 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , each of the bash guards  1004  may protect eight teeth  1010  (e.g., a circumferential portion of the chainring  1002  including less than all teeth  1010 ). Generally, by not covering all of the teeth  1010  of the chainring  1002  and covering the likely impact zones of the chainring  1002 , the bash guards  1004  are lighter in weight. In an alternate embodiment, more or fewer teeth  1010  may be protected by the bash guards  1004 . In a further alternate embodiment, the bash guards  1004  may protect a different set of teeth  1010  on a different area of the chainring  1002 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-12 , two bash guards  1004  are shown. In an alternate embodiment, only one bash guard  1004  may be used, which may cover the same, more, or fewer teeth  1010 . 
     If the chain  122  of the bicycle  100  falls off a chainring (e.g., the chainring  1002 ) while riding, the chain  122  may jam around a bash guard (e.g., the bash guard  1004 ) and possibly damage the rear gear change device  134 , for example. Accordingly, the bash guard  1004  may include a chamfer feature that prevents the chain  122  from jamming. The bash guard  1004  may also include a leading edge chamfer that is able to guide the chain  122  back onto teeth of the chainring  1002 . 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate an example embodiment of such chamfer features.  FIG. 13  is a front view of a bash guard  1300 , and  FIG. 14  is a rear view of the bash guard  1300 . A body of the bash guard  1300  has a circumferential portion  1302  and at least one radial portion  1304  (e.g., two radial portions). The two radial portions  1304  extend radially inwards relative to the circumferential portion  1302 . The two radial portions  1304  may extend radially inwards further compared to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , so that the chain  122  may be guided at a correct time and jamming may be prevented. 
     The bash guard  1300  has a first side  1306  (e.g., an outer side or an outboard side; see  FIG. 13 ) and a second side  1308  (e.g., an inner side or an inboard side; see  FIG. 14 ) opposite the first side  1306 . The bash guard  1300  also has a leading side  1310  (e.g., part of a first radial portion  1304   a  of the two radial portions  1304 ). The leading side  1310  of the bash guard  1300  is in front or leads when the crank assembly  120  is being driven. Referring to  FIG. 13 , the bash guard  1300  may include a first chamfer feature  1312  at the leading side  1310 , the first side  1306 , and a radially inner side  1314  of the first radial portion  1304   a  of the bash guard  1300 . In other embodiments, the first chamfer feature  1312  may be disposed at more, fewer, and/or different sides of the bash guard  1300  (e.g., the leading side  1310  and the first side  1306 ). The first chamfer feature  1312  prevents the chain  122  from jamming around the bash guard  1300 , as the chain  122  may move up onto the first side  1306  of the bash guard  1300  when the chain  122  falls off the chainring  1002  instead of jamming up around the bash guard  1300  due to the first chamfer feature  1312 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the bash guard  1300  may also include a second chamfer feature  1316  at the leading side  1310 , the second side  1308 , and a radially outer side  1318  of the bash guard  1300 . The second chamfer feature  1316  may bias the chain  122  towards the chainring  1002  and guide the chain  122  back onto the chainring  1002  as the crank assembly  120  continues to be driven. 
     The first chamfer feature  1312  and the second chamfer feature  1316  may help the chain  122  on the chainring  1002  when the bicycle  100  is being ridden over rough terrain. The bash guard  1300  may be configured, such that the bash guard  1300  protrudes more radially compared to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-12 . Large motions of the chain  122  may contact the bash guard  1300  instead of falling to the outboard side of the chainring  1002 . In one embodiment, a radially outer portion of the bash guard  1300  is made of or includes a different material than the rest of the bash guard  1300 . For example, the radially outer portion of the bash guard  1300  is made of or includes a rubber material to improve chain retention and to damp chain motion. In an example, when the outer portion of the bash guard is made of rubber, has rubber added, or has rubber over molded onto the bash guard/cover, the rubber portion may go on the surface of the bash guard and may be impacted/contacted by debris during a ride, reducing the impact and vibration felt by a user of the bicycle. 
     The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. 
     Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.