Patents by Inventor Christopher Paul Cox

Christopher Paul Cox has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11890908
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
  • Patent number: 11833878
    Abstract: An anti-roll bar link for a vehicle suspension may be positioned between an anti-roll bar and an articulating arm. The link selectively transfers movement of the arm to the anti-roll bar, depending on a locked or unlocked state. The link includes a body interfacing a slidable shaft. A physical feature selectively locks or unlocks the slidable shaft with respect to the body. The physical feature may include a locking pin, interference with a locking ball, etc. In the locked state, translation of the slidable shaft is restricted, and movement of the arm is transferred through the link to the bar. In the unlocked state, translation of the slidable shaft is permitted, and movement of the arm causes the shaft to translate with respect to the body such that at least a portion of the movement is not transferred to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Christopher Cox Creative
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11796028
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed that provide position sensitive suspension damping. A damping unit includes a piston mounted in a fluid-filled cylinder. A vented path in the piston may be fluidly coupled to a bore formed in one end of the piston rod, creating a flow path for fluid to flow from a first side of the piston to a second side of the piston during a compression stroke. The flow path may be blocked by a needle configured to engage the bore as the damping unit is substantially fully compressed, thereby causing the damping rate of the damping unit to increase. In one embodiment, the piston includes multiple bypass flow paths operable during the compression stroke or the rebound stroke of the damping unit. One or more of the bypass flow paths may be restricted by one or more shims mounted on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Sante M. Pelot
  • Patent number: 11794543
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
  • Publication number: 20230296027
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle assembly for use in a turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes an inner barrel and a turbine nozzle support ring. The inner barrel has a forward end and an aft end. The turbine nozzle support ring includes an annular body that defines a forward end, an opposite aft end, an inner surface, and an opposite outer portion. The forward end of the annular body is coupled to the aft end of the inner barrel. The annular body includes a first arcuate segment and a second arcuate segment removably coupled to the first arcuate segment. The first arcuate segment has a first arcuate length and the second arcuate segment has a second arcuate length. The second arcuate length is shorter than the first arcuate length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11731728
    Abstract: A compression damper of a shock absorber includes: a single adjustable fluid circuit configured for controlling a damping rate associated with multiple compression speeds of the shock absorber, wherein the single adjustable fluid circuit includes a fluid passageway through a base valve; and a positionally adjustable floating shim stack positioned at one end of the fluid passageway, the positionally adjustable floating shim stack configured for selectively blocking a flow of fluid through the fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Gilbert, Christopher Paul Cox
  • Publication number: 20230256788
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a suspension comprising a spring having a threaded member at a first end for providing axial movement to the spring as the spring is rotated and the threaded member moves relative to a second component. In one embodiment, the system includes a damper for metering fluid through a piston and a rotatable spring member coaxially disposed around the damper and rotatable relative to the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul COX, Michael David MARQUEZ, Everet ERICKSEN
  • Patent number: 11660924
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
  • Publication number: 20230131078
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Everet Owen ERICKSEN, Christopher Paul COX, Philip TSIARAS, Mark LARSON, Mario GALASSO, Matt McLellan
  • Publication number: 20230113046
    Abstract: A damper is provided having a twin tube construction interconnected to a gas reservoir. The connection of each of the inner and outer volumes of the twin tube to the gas reservoir is independently valved, and each of these valves are independently settable to change the differential pressure thereacross at which they open. The damper provides flow passages directly from the inner and outer volumes to enable flow form the compression to rebound sides thereof, as well as through the valved connections to the gas reservoir and at least one valved opening in the damper piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Paul COX
  • Publication number: 20230071038
    Abstract: An anti-roll bar link for a vehicle suspension may be positioned between an anti-roll bar and an articulating arm. The link selectively transfers movement of the arm to the anti-roll bar, depending on a locked or unlocked state. The link includes a body interfacing a slidable shaft. A physical feature selectively locks or unlocks the slidable shaft with respect to the body. The physical feature may include a locking pin, interference with a locking ball, etc. In the locked state, translation of the slidable shaft is restricted, and movement of the arm is transferred through the link to the bar. In the unlocked state, translation of the slidable shaft is permitted, and movement of the arm causes the shaft to translate with respect to the body such that at least a portion of the movement is not transferred to the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11560806
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle assembly for use in a turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes an inner barrel and a turbine nozzle support ring. The inner barrel has a forward end and an aft end. The turbine nozzle support ring includes an annular body that defines a forward end, an opposite aft end, an inner surface, and an opposite outer portion. The forward end of the annular body is coupled to the aft end of the inner barrel. The annular body includes a first arcuate segment and a second arcuate segment removably coupled to the first arcuate segment. The first arcuate segment has a first arcuate length and the second arcuate segment has a second arcuate length. The second arcuate length is shorter than the first arcuate length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Publication number: 20230019929
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for position sensitive dampening with an active valve. In one aspect a fluid damper is provided comprising a damper chamber divided by a piston into a primary compression and a primary rebound chamber; a secondary compression chamber in fluid communication with the damper chamber; and an active valve controlling fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul COX, John MARKING, Everet Owen ERICKSEN
  • Publication number: 20220389983
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for position sensitive dampening with an active valve. In one aspect a fluid damper is provided comprising a damper chamber divided by a piston into a primary compression and a primary rebound chamber; a secondary compression chamber in fluid communication with the damper chamber; and an active valve controlling fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul COX, John MARKING, Everet Owen ERICKSEN
  • Publication number: 20220324283
    Abstract: A wrench and nut combination, including: a wrench lug including: a wrench lug feature that substantially mates with a nut feature of a nut of a shock absorber during a first rotation of said nut, relative to external body threads on a body of the shock absorber, in a first direction, wherein the wrench lug feature and the nut feature release during a second rotation of said nut, relative to the external body threads, in a second direction, wherein at least one of the first rotation and the second rotation causes an adjustment to a compressive coil spring pre-load of a set of coil springs disposed in the shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11413924
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a suspension comprising a spring having a threaded member at a first end for providing axial movement to the spring as the spring is rotated and the threaded member moves relative to a second component. In one embodiment, the system includes a damper for metering fluid through a piston and a rotatable spring member coaxially disposed around the damper and rotatable relative to the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Cox, Michael David Marquez, Everet Ericksen
  • Patent number: 11400783
    Abstract: A damper is provided having a twin tube construction interconnected to a gas reservoir. The connection of each of the inner and outer volumes of the twin tube to the gas reservoir is independently valved, and each of these valves are independently settable to change the differential pressure thereacross at which they open. The damper provides flow passages directly from the inner and outer volumes to enable flow form the compression to rebound sides thereof, as well as through the valved connections to the gas reservoir and at least one valved opening in the damper piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11390133
    Abstract: An anti-roll bar link for a vehicle suspension may be positioned between an anti-roll bar and an articulating arm. The link selectively transfers movement of the arm to the anti-roll bar, depending on a locked or unlocked state. The link includes a body interfacing a slidable shaft. A physical feature selectively locks or unlocks the slidable shaft with respect to the body. The physical feature may include a locking pin, interference with a locking ball, etc. In the locked state, translation of the slidable shaft is restricted, and movement of the arm is transferred through the link to the bar. In the unlocked state, translation of the slidable shaft is permitted, and movement of the arm causes the shaft to translate with respect to the body such that at least a portion of the movement is not transferred to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Christopher Cox Creative
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 11351834
    Abstract: A wrench and nut combination, including: a wrench lug including: a wrench lug feature that substantially mates with a nut feature of a nut of a shock absorber during a first rotation of said nut, relative to external body threads on a body of the shock absorber, in a first direction, wherein the wrench lug feature and the nut feature release during a second rotation of said nut, relative to the external body threads, in a second direction, wherein at least one of the first rotation and the second rotation causes an adjustment to a compressive coil spring pre-load of a set of coil springs disposed in the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
  • Patent number: D1023238
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Christopher Cox Creative
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox