IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,505,947
Granted Patent B2
US 8,505,947 · App. 12/763,776 · Granted Aug 13, 2013

Single-speed bicycle conversion apparatus, methods, and kits

Inventor: Christopher L. Burdick (Dallas, TX)
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,505,947
App. No.
12/763,776
Granted
Aug 13, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

Methods, apparatus, and kits for converting multiple speed bicycles to single speed are disclosed. The methods include removing a cassette of gears from the hub of a bicycle gear and installing a single gear between two clamps that are releasably secured to the hub. In some embodiments, the clamps may be split-ring clamps with ends that are connected by a fastener. Kits according to embodiments of the invention may include a gear and one or more clamps.

Claims (14)

1. A method for converting a multi-speed bicycle to single speed, comprising:

removing a cassette of gears from a hub of a bicycle wheel, the hub being sized and adapted to accommodate the cassette of gears; and

securing a single gear on the hub between two clamps in a position previously occupied by the cassette of gears, the clamps being releasably and adjustably secured to the hub;

wherein the single gear is positioned between the two clamps such that it is in substantial alignment with, receives, and is driven by a chain of the bicycle's drive train.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting the position of the single gear on the hub by

at least partially releasing the clamps;

shifting the position of the clamps and gear on the hub; and

securing the clamps to the hub.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the clamps comprises a split-ring clamp having ends connected by an adjustable fastener.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein, as secured by the two clamps, the single gear is in at least substantial alignment with a driving gear coupled to a crank assembly on the bicycle.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the two clamps has an interior circumference with engaging structure that matches hub engaging structure provided on the hub.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the engaging structure comprises a set of teeth arrayed around the interior circumference.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the two clamps maintain the lateral position of the gear on the hub without spacers.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising securing a second gear between the two clamps on the hub.

Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61179491 · May 19, 2009
Related Publication 20100295265A1 · Nov 25, 2010