Suspension pivot assemblies having a retention feature

Abstract

A pivot assembly for a cycle linkage suspension is provided that includes first and second members and a pivot. The first and second members include lateral openings extending therethrough and the pivot includes a rod portion that is configured to be disposed within the lateral openings to pivotably couple the first and second members together. The rod portion further includes an opening that extends through an intermediate portion thereof. The pivot assembly can further include a pin configured to be removably inserted at least partially into the opening in the rod portion to thereby restrict lateral movement of the rod portion within the first and second members.

1 . A pivot assembly for a cycle linkage suspension, the pivot assembly comprising:
 first and second members including lateral openings extending therethrough;   a pivot including a rod portion configured to be disposed within the lateral openings of the first and second members to pivotably couple the first and second members together;   the rod portion further including a recess extending through an intermediate portion thereof; and   a pin configured to be removably inserted at least partially into the recess in the rod portion in an inserted position, the pin in the inserted position restricting lateral movement of the rod portion within the first and second members,   wherein the recess is shaped such that the pin can be inserted into the inserted position with the rod portion in any one of a plurality of angular positions about an axis of the rod portion with respect to at least one of the first or second members.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first member comprises a link and the second member comprises a frame member. 
     
     
         4 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second members comprise links. 
     
     
         5 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes an inner pivot portion and the second member comprises outer pivot portions configured to receive the inner pivot portion of the first member therebetween. 
     
     
         6 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot assembly includes a pin bore extending through a portion thereof sized to receive the pin therein, the pin bore aligning with the recess in the rod portion with the rod portion disposed within the lateral openings of the first and second members. 
     
     
         7 . The pivot assembly of  claim 6 , wherein a distal end of the pin projects through a distal opening of the pin bore. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the rod portion includes a tool interface. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pin comprises one or more of: a deflectable portion; a bendable portion, a scalloped portion; a threaded portion; or a bent portion. 
     
     
         13 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a wheel carrier coupled to one of the first or second members. 
     
     
         14 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a fork; and
 wherein the first and second members comprise links in a front linkage suspension pivotably coupled to the fork; and one of the first and second members comprise a front wheel carrier such that the front linkage suspension is configured to operably couple a front wheel to the fork.   
     
     
         15 . The pivot assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a frame; and
 wherein the first and second members comprise links in a rear linkage suspension pivotably coupled to the frame; and one of the first and second members comprise a rear wheel carrier such that the rear linkage suspension is configured to operably couple a rear wheel to the frame.   
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled)