Rockshox, Inc.

Everest & Jennings International, Ltd.

Kevan L Chu

Paul H Turner

Robert L Cobene, Ii

Douglas M Garven, Jr

A suspension system having first and second elements telescopingly engaged and being biased apart by a positive spring, such biasing being counteracted by a negative spring. In one embodiment, the positive spring and negative spring are disposed in the first element, which is in the form of a tube, and separated by a damping system, and a damping piston is fixed with respect to the first element. In another embodiment in which the suspension system comprises two legs of a bicycle suspension fork, a positive spring is disposed in both legs, and a negative spring and damping system are disposed in separate legs. In another embodiment in which the suspension system comprises a rear shock absorber for a bicycle, the negative and positive springs are disposed in a first tubular element, and a damping system is disposed in a second tubular element. The positive and negative springs preferably comprise air or other gas springs, and the negative spring preferably performs the additional function of resisting top-out impacts.

Adjustable suspension system having positive and negative springs

A wheelchair frame includes a pair of side frame assemblies, a connector connecting the two side frame assemblies, a seat, caster wheel mountings, drive wheel mountings, and a leg rest mounting. Each of the side frame assemblies have an upper frame member and a lower frame member. The upper frame member is pivotally connected at its forward end to the forward portion of the lower frame member and supported at its rearward end by a suspension support member (i.e., shock absorber) connected to the rearward end of the lower frame member. The seat is attached between the upper frame members of each side frame assembly. With this configuration, the upper frame members and the seat are free to pivot about the pivotal connection between the upper frame member and the lower frame member. In operation, the upper frame members and seat 'float' up and down on the shock absorber to provide cushioning to the user. With this novel configuration, the drive wheels, caster wheels and the lower frame members remain relatively rigid and therefore maintain stability, wheel alignment and maneuverability of the wheelchair. The invention also includes a foldable embodiment of the suspension wheelchair.

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Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America

Kevan L Chu