Timothy W Sharp

US Patent:

46131469, Sep 23, 1986

Filed:

May 3, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/606649

Inventors:

Timothy M. Sharp - Carlsbad CA
Donald C. Stephan - Reno NV

International Classification:

B62K 314

US Classification:

280281B

Abstract:

A monocoque bicycle frame having a body defined by right and left side panels, top and bottom panels, and a bifurcated rearward portion defined by such panels and also by a rear wheel well insert. The body panels and insert completely enclose a continuous internal space which is compression loaded or tensile prestressed with a rigid foam plastic for increased torsional rigidity and resistance to impact distortion. The pedal sprocket and chain are both external of the hollow frame so as to not interrupt the continuity of the body cavity and its compression loading, and also enabling the body to have minimal weight and an optimum aerodynamic configuration. The frame is diamond-shaped in side profile enabling the monocoque to be constructed as a pair of triangles connected back-to-back for optimum strength, both torsionally and against vertical loading.