Patent ID: 8360911

Claim:
A multiple sprocket assembly for receiving a chain and transferring torque therefrom to a rear wheel hub of a bicycle, the multiple sprocket assembly comprising: a plurality of different-sized multiple-toothed sprockets arranged coaxially about the rear wheel hub; and a plurality of annular support elements extending between the sprockets and having a plurality of openings disposed circumferentially on the annular support element, the openings aligned with tooth gaps of an adjoining smaller sprocket of said plurality of sprockets, a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors formed of part of one of the plurality of annular support elements; the sprockets and the annular support elements configured to transmit torque from the smaller sprocket of said plurality of sprockets to a larger sprocket of said plurality of sprockets, and wherein the connectors are substantially aligned along a hub axis with, the teeth of the adjoining smaller sprocket, wherein each annular support element includes an annular cylinder and an annular disc, the plurality of annular support elements and the plurality of sprockets embodying a single piece.