US Patent 8342994 Multiple sprocket assembly

A multiple sprocket assembly receives a chain and transferring torque therefrom to a rear wheel hub of a bicycle. The multiple sprocket assembly includes a plurality of different-sized, multiple-toothed sprockets arranged coaxially about the rear wheel hub. Each sprocket has a tooth front face facing an adjoining smaller sprocket. A plurality of annular support elements extend between the sprockets, each annular support element including an annular disc having a disc front face facing the adjoining smaller sprocket. The tooth front face of the sprocket has an offset relative to the disc front face of the annular disc.