Patents by Inventor Robert C. Fox
Robert C. Fox 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).
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Patent number: 11920655Abstract: Methods and apparatus of a system for vehicles comprising a vehicle suspension, a sensor operable to measure an operational characteristic of the vehicle suspension, and a processor in communication with the sensor that is operable to suggest an operational setting of the vehicle suspension in response to an input from the sensor corresponding to the operational characteristic. A method for adjusting a suspension of a vehicle may comprise receiving suspension data with a processor, calculating a suspension setting suggestion with the processor, communicating the suspension setting suggestion to a user interface device, and adjusting the suspension based on the suspension setting suggestion.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Mario Galasso, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Laird, Robert C. Fox
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Patent number: 11866120Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper is described. The vehicle suspension damper includes: a pilot valve assembly; a primary valve; and an adjuster, wherein the pilot valve assembly meters fluid to the primary valve, and the adjuster moves the primary valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Ericksen, Robert C. Fox, David Batterbee, John Marking
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Publication number: 20230332663Abstract: Methods and apparatus of a system for vehicles comprising a vehicle suspension, a sensor operable to measure an operational characteristic of the vehicle suspension, and a processor in communication with the sensor that is operable to suggest an operational setting of the vehicle suspension in response to an input from the sensor corresponding to the operational characteristic. A method for adjusting a suspension of a vehicle may comprise receiving suspension data with a processor, calculating a suspension setting suggestion with the processor, communicating the suspension setting suggestion to a user interface device, and adjusting the suspension based on the suspension setting suggestion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Joseph FRANKLIN, Andrew LAIRD, Robert C. FOX
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Patent number: 11679641Abstract: Altering the damping rate of a vehicle suspension damper. A pressure of a damping fluid is exerted against a second valve mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension damper. The pressure of the damping fluid is increased beyond a threshold of the second valve mechanism that is adjustable by an adjustment member. The adjustment member is exposed through a high pressure side of the vehicle suspension damper. The second valve mechanism is then opened.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, Robert C. Fox
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Patent number: 11619278Abstract: Methods and apparatus of a system for vehicles comprising a vehicle suspension, a sensor operable to measure an operational characteristic of the vehicle suspension, and a processor in communication with the sensor that is operable to suggest an operational setting of the vehicle suspension in response to an input from the sensor corresponding to the operational characteristic. A method for adjusting a suspension of a vehicle may comprise receiving suspension data with a processor, calculating a suspension setting suggestion with the processor, communicating the suspension setting suggestion to a user interface device, and adjusting the suspension based on the suspension setting suggestion.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Mario Galasso, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Laird, Robert C. Fox
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Publication number: 20230002002Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper is described. The vehicle suspension damper includes: a pilot valve assembly; a primary valve; and an adjuster, wherein the pilot valve assembly meters fluid to the primary valve, and the adjuster moves the primary valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Ericksen, Robert C. Fox, David Batterbee, John Marking
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Publication number: 20220250703Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle motion is described. The system includes: a first set of sensors coupled with a vehicle, the first set of sensors configured for sensing the vehicle motion; and a vehicle suspension damper coupled with the first set of sensors, the vehicle suspension damper configured for adjusting a damping force therein, the vehicle suspension damper comprising: a primary valve; a pilot valve assembly coupled with the primary valve, the pilot valve assembly configured for metering a flow of fluid to the primary valve, in response to at least the sensing; and an orifice block coupled with the primary valve and comprising a control orifice there through, the control orifice configured for operating cooperatively with the pilot valve assembly in the metering the flow of fluid to the primary valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Ericksen, Robert C. Fox, John Marking
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Publication number: 20220252131Abstract: A damper includes a piston rod, a damping piston, at least one cylinder containing a damping liquid, a fixed partition member for partitioning the interior of the damper into two liquid chambers, a pressure source, and a valve in communication with the pressure source which reacts as a function of the pressure. The valve can also be in communication with additional forces, such as mechanical spring forces, which can be adjustable. The valve can include a pressure intensifier. The valve generates fluid flow resistance during flow of liquid in a first direction through the partition member. The fluid flow resistance in the first direction varies according to the amount of force communicated to the valve by the pressure source and any additional forces. The partition member can include means for providing low-resistance return flow of liquid in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. FOX
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Patent number: 11346422Abstract: A front bicycle suspension assembly having an inertia valve is described. The front bicycle suspension assembly may include at least upper and lower telescoping tubes and include a damping tube containing an inertia valve. The inertia valve may include an inertia mass movable along the outer surface of a valve shaft as the inertia valve moves between first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Fox
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Patent number: 11299233Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper is described. The vehicle suspension damper includes: a pilot valve assembly; a primary valve; and an adjuster, wherein the pilot valve assembly meters fluid to the primary valve, and the adjuster moves the primary valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Ericksen, Robert C. Fox, David Batterbee, John Marking
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Patent number: 11293515Abstract: A damper includes a piston rod, a damping piston, at least one cylinder containing a damping liquid, a fixed partition member for partitioning the interior of the damper into two liquid chambers, a pressure source, and a valve in communication with the pressure source which reacts as a function of the pressure. The valve can also be in communication with additional forces, such as mechanical spring forces, which can be adjustable. The valve can include a pressure intensifier. The valve generates fluid flow resistance during flow of liquid in a first direction through the partition member. The fluid flow resistance in the first direction varies according to the amount of force communicated to the valve by the pressure source and any additional forces. The partition member can include means for providing low-resistance return flow of liquid in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Fox
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Publication number: 20220099154Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: William M. Becker, Robert C, Fox, Dennis K. Wootten
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Publication number: 20220082150Abstract: Pressure-sensitive vales are incorporated within a dampening system to permit user-adjustable tuning of a shock absorber. In one embodiment, a pressure-sensitive valve includes an isolated gas chamber having a pressure therein that is settable by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Robert C. FOX, Joshua Benjamin YABLON, David M. Haugen
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Patent number: 11181163Abstract: Pressure-sensitive vales are incorporated within a dampening system to permit user-adjustable tuning of a shock absorber. In one embodiment, a pressure-sensitive valve includes an isolated gas chamber having a pressure therein that is settable by a user.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Dennis K. Wootten, Robert C. Fox, Joshua Benjamin Yablon, David M. Haugen
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Patent number: 11168758Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle motion is described. The system includes: a first set of sensors coupled with a vehicle, the first set of sensors configured for sensing the vehicle motion; and a vehicle suspension damper coupled with the first set of sensors, the vehicle suspension damper configured for adjusting a damping force therein, the vehicle suspension damper comprising: a primary valve; a pilot valve assembly coupled with the primary valve, the pilot valve assembly configured for metering a flow of fluid to the primary valve, in response to at least the sensing; and an orifice block coupled with the primary valve and comprising a control orifice there through, the control orifice configured for operating cooperatively with the pilot valve assembly in the metering the flow of fluid to the primary valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Robert C. Fox, John Marking
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Publication number: 20210339597Abstract: Altering the damping rate of a vehicle suspension damper. A pressure of a damping fluid is exerted against a second valve mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension damper. The pressure of the damping fluid is increased beyond a threshold of the second valve mechanism that is adjustable by an adjustment member. The adjustment member is exposed through a high pressure side of the vehicle suspension damper. The second valve mechanism is then opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew LAIRD, Robert C. FOX
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Publication number: 20210301899Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper for providing a variable damping rate. The vehicle suspension damper comprises a first damping mechanism having a variable first threshold pressure, a second damping mechanism having a second threshold pressure, and a compressible chamber in communication with a damping fluid chamber, wherein the second damping mechanism is responsive to a compression of said compressible chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Benjamin YABLON, Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Robert C. FOX, David M. HAUGEN, Sante PELOT
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Patent number: 11085503Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: William M. Becker, Robert C. Fox, Dennis K. Wootten
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Publication number: 20210222750Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas spring having a travel control includes positive and negative chambers and a valve mechanism that controls the fluid communication between the chambers. The valve mechanism includes a valve bore that while only moving a small amount, allows for large changes in gas spring travel length.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Franklin, Robert C. FOX
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Patent number: 11065932Abstract: Altering the damping rate of a vehicle suspension damper. A pressure of a damping fluid is exerted against a second valve mechanism connected to the vehicle suspension damper. The pressure of the damping fluid is increased beyond a threshold of the second valve mechanism that is adjustable by an adjustment member. The adjustment member is exposed through a high pressure side of the vehicle suspension damper. The second valve mechanism is then opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, Robert C. Fox