Adjustable To Plural Use Positions Patents (Class 297/215.13)
  • Patent number: 11780522
    Abstract: A bicycle seat post structure includes an upper tube and a lower tube. The lower tube includes an inserted space and a wire passage. The inserted space is configured for the upper tube to be movably disposed therein. The wire passage is located at one side of the inserted space and is configured to receive at least one wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: LIMOTEC METAL INDUSTRY LIMITED
    Inventors: Tzu-Chien Tso, Yao-Chin Yang, Chih-Cheng Cheng
  • Patent number: 11649002
    Abstract: A seat post assembly includes a seat post that is electrically adjustable in height. The adjustability may be based on one or more pressures sensed by one or more sensors within the seat post assembly, respectively. The disclosed seat post assembly includes an electronics module. The electronics module may be carried under the seat or saddle and may include a pressure sensor or pressure sensor circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan, Sage Hahn
  • Patent number: 11572964
    Abstract: A pneumatic-hydraulic type control valve includes a cable attached to a fixed base, a valve base disposed in the fixed base, and a valve stem disposed in the valve base and driven by the cable to be opened. First and second oil guiding holes of the valve base communicate with each other when the valve stem is opened, and the first and second oil guiding holes of the valve base do not communicate with each other when the valve stem is closed. Further, the valve stem has a first stressed portion for bearing a fluid closing force and a second stressed portion for bearing a fluid opening force. The outer diameter of the first stressed portion is larger than that of the second stressed portion. Thus, the present invention achieves effects of simplifying structure and accurate actuation without affecting the sealing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: J.D COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-An Lin
  • Patent number: 11548580
    Abstract: A telescopic apparatus for a human-powered vehicle comprises a first hydraulic chamber, a second hydraulic chamber, a valve member, a cam member, and an actuator. The second hydraulic chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with the first hydraulic chamber. The valve member is configured to control a fluid communication between the first hydraulic chamber and the second hydraulic chamber. The cam member is rotatable about a rotational axis to move the valve member in a movement direction. The actuator is configured to rotate the cam member. The actuator includes an output shaft rotatable about an actuation rotational axis. The actuation rotational axis is offset from the rotational axis as viewed in the movement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Yuki Sakagawa, Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 11518477
    Abstract: An actuation controller for a rider posture changing device of a human-powered vehicle comprises a detector and a controller. The rider posture changing device includes a first member, a second member, and an electrical actuator configured to move the second member relative to the first member. The detector is configured to detect actuation information relating to an actuation state in which the electrical actuator moves the second member relative to the first member. The controller is configured to evaluate the actuation state in accordance with the actuation information detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toyoto Shirai, Yuki Sakagawa, Norikazu Taki, Akihiro Nozaki, Noor Ashyikkin Binti Mohd Noor
  • Patent number: 10807667
    Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle has a first tube with a first distal end and a second tube with a second distal end. The first and second tubes are movable relative to one another to establish a distance between the first and second distal ends. A first pressure chamber has a loaded pressure proportional to a load applied along the tube axis. A second pressure chamber has a second pressure not proportional to the load. A flow path connects the first and second pressure chambers. A valve is disposed along the flow path and is configured to move between a closed position closing the flow path and an open position opening the flow path between the first and second pressure chambers. An isolator of the valve is configured to nullify any resultant force produced by the loaded pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 10752308
    Abstract: A telescopic seat post for a bicycle frame has a tubular telescopic element for supporting a seat. The telescopic element is mounted so as to be slidable along a longitudinal axis of a seat tube of the bicycle frame. A tubular supporting element is mounted so as to be slidable within the telescopic element, the supporting element has a fastening section that can be connected to the seat tube by a fastener which can be inserted transversely to the longitudinal axis of the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Lupaan GmbH
    Inventor: Lukas Eberlberger
  • Patent number: 10752307
    Abstract: A positioning device for a telescoping seat post of a bicycle frame includes a tubular telescopic element having a longitudinal axis, a locking device located on an inner surface of the telescopic element, and a tubular supporting element, which is supported in the telescopic element in a rotationally fixed and slidable manner. At least one locking device having at least one locking element is provided and, which can be brought into engagement with the locking device. The locking device has radial grooves, which are arranged in the inner surface of the telescopic element and are bounded in the circumferential direction. The at least one locking element can be actuated by at least one control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Lupaan GmbH
    Inventor: Lukas Eberlberger
  • Patent number: 10604201
    Abstract: A telescopic apparatus comprises a first tube, a second tube, a movable member, and an actuator. The second tube is telescopically and movably coupled to the first tube. The movable member is movable relative to the first tube in a telescopic direction. The actuator is configured to be deformable so as to move the movable member relative to the first tube in the telescopic direction. The actuator is provided in at least one of the first tube and the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Toyoto Shirai, Yuki Sakagawa, Yoshimitsu Miki
  • Patent number: 10568417
    Abstract: A telescopic leg and method of assembly for the telescopic leg, which is generally configured to raise and lower a work surface while supporting it. The telescopic leg includes at least two segments, one of which includes a visible cap through which one of the segments is inserted to trim an opening that matches the profile of the segment doing the trimming and can create an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: RAPID-LINE, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel DeGroot
  • Patent number: 10472013
    Abstract: A system including: a seat post; a user interface operatively connected with the seat post, the user interface configured for receiving instructions associated with a height of the seat post and for communicating received instructions to at least one controller coupled with a motive source of the seat post; and a valve assembly in communication with the motive source, the valve assembly regulating fluid flow within a variable finite positioning seat post height mode in response to a translation of the received instructions by the motive source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Sante Pelot, David M. Haugen, Wes Allinger, Mario Galasso, Andrew Laird
  • Patent number: 10370056
    Abstract: A bicycle operation device includes a clamp and an operation unit. The clamp is attachable to a handlebar of a bicycle. The operation unit includes a wireless communicator configured to communicate with a bicycle component and an electric switch configured to transmit a signal to the wireless communicator. The operation unit is attachable to the clamp in a manner allowing for adjustment of the position of the operation unit relative to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takehiko Nakajima, Takafumi Nishino
  • Patent number: 10246155
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a lower tubular support configured to be attached to a bicycle frame; an upper tubular support configured to be attached to a bicycle saddle; an expansion portion support member positioned within an interior space of the lower tubular support; an expansion portion disposed at an upper end of the expansion portion support member; and a resilient member configured to provide an upwardly-directed force to the upper tubular support to provide movement of the upper tubular support away from the lower tubular support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence McAndrews, Ronald Powers
  • Patent number: 10085910
    Abstract: A safety walker has a support extension that extends from the front of the moveable support frame toward the back end opening and is centrally located. A user may enter the safety walker and straddle the support extension and the actuate the support extension up to a secure position, whereby in the event of a fall the support extension will support the user. The support extension may be coupled with an actuator system having a motor to raise or pivot the support extension. A safety strap may be attached to the extended end of the support extension and extend above the support extension towards the front of the movable support frame. The safety strap may provide a flexible support that is more comfortable for support in the event of a fail. A gate may be coupled with an actuator system and automatically close as the support extension is lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Safety Walker LLC
    Inventor: Michel Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 9707436
    Abstract: A connector apparatus connects a first component of an exercise machine to a second component of the exercise machine. The connector apparatus comprises a rack coupled to the first component; a pinion gear coupled to the second component, the pinion gear being configured to mate with the rack such that the pinion gear can roll along the rack; a one-way bearing that allows the pinion gear to roll along the rack in a first direction and prevents the pinion gear from rolling along the rack in an opposite, second direction; and a handle that is coupled to the one-way bearing. The handle is configured to move back and forth between a first position wherein the pinion gear is mated with the rack and allowed by the one-way bearing to roll along the rack in the first direction and prevented by the one-way bearing from rolling along the rack in the second direction; and a second position wherein the pinion gear is separated from the rack and is freely movable in the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Lee M. Atwood, Matthew Alan Newkirk
  • Patent number: 9637195
    Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first movable member, an operating structure, and a changing structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle part. The first movable member is movable relative to the base member. The operating structure is configured to operate a bicycle component in response to movement of the first movable member. The changing structure includes a second movable member configured to be movable relative to the first movable member. The changing structure is configured to change an amount of movement of the first movable member relative to the base member in accordance with movement of the second movable member relative to the first movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Fukao, Yasuhisa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9616953
    Abstract: An adjustable seat post for bicycles has a control assembly, an installing tube assembly, a connecting tube assembly, and an adjustable element. The control assembly has a control-wheel and a curved-portion formed on an external surface of the control-wheel. The installing tube assembly is connected to the control assembly. The connecting tube assembly is movably mounted in the installing tube assembly and has a connecting tube. The connecting tube is mounted in the installing tube assembly. The adjustable element is assembled in the connecting tube assembly and has a trigger element formed in a bottom end of the adjustable element and abutting the control-wheel. The curved-portion is arc-shaped, such that the curved-portion abuts the trigger element at one point of contact. Therefore, the contact area between the control-wheel and the trigger element is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Tsai
  • Patent number: 9550543
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers
  • Patent number: 9511810
    Abstract: A bicycle seat tube assembly includes an arced component, a bottom bracket positioned below the arced component, and a seat tube including a pivot attachment at a lower end of the seat tube. The arced component includes a lower curved surface with a plurality of holes. The pivot attachment is coupled to the bottom bracket so that the arced component is pivotable relative to the seat tube about the bottom bracket, resulting in multiple seat tube positions between a fully forward position and a fully back position. A locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the seat tube to the arced component. The locking mechanism includes a lock ring with a plurality of lock pins and a spring that pushes the lock ring towards the arced component. The lock ring and the spring surround the seat tube The lock ring is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ARC BIKES, LLC.
    Inventor: Loren Lee Alan
  • Patent number: 9403568
    Abstract: An adjusting structure for a seatpost of a bicycle includes a telescopic post and at least one adjusting module. The telescopic post includes at least one switch disposed on one end of the telescopic post, wherein the switch is for lengthening or shortening the telescopic post. The adjusting module is disposed on the telescopic post corresponding to the switch and for pushing the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei-Han Tseng
  • Patent number: 9375379
    Abstract: A crutch extension upper body support assembly is provided. The crutch extension upper body support assembly includes a crutch extension member secured to rails of a crutch by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes an inner plate having a pair of vertical channels for receiving the rails of the crutch. A hollow tubular member on the inner plate is adapted to receive the crutch extension member and an outer plate is affixed to the inner plate for securing the locking mechanism and the crutch extension member in place. A harness may be placed on the upper torso of an individual and attached to one or more crutch extension members by a pair of loops located on shoulder straps of the harness. When adjusted properly, placing the loops onto the one or more crutch extension members causes the weight of an individual to be distributed throughout the entire upper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Morier
  • Publication number: 20150145294
    Abstract: An adjustable cycle seat includes a seat post configured as an I-beam with front and rear flanges and a web therebetween defining side channels. A sleeve about the post is attached to the cycle. At least one spring is interconnected between the post and the sleeve biasing the post upward. An actuatable locking mechanism releasable secures the post to the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Rase Components, LLC
    Inventor: Stanley F. Kench, III
  • Patent number: 8998232
    Abstract: A powered unicycle device for use upon a riding surface. The unicycle device includes a single wheel rotatably coupled to an axle, the wheel extending substantially in a fore-aft direction. A motor for driving the wheel is provided and electronic equipment, in communication with the motor, is configured to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device while being ridden. An elongated curved rail, defining a curved path, is coupled to a support frame of the unicycle device and extends laterally in a side-to-side direction substantially transverse to the fore-aft direction. A seat is disposed above the wheel and is movably coupled to the rail such that the seat is capable of moving laterally along the curved path of the rail, in the side-to-side direction substantially transverse to the fore-aft direction, while the unicycle device is being ridden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8905474
    Abstract: A motorcycle backrest assembly includes a base assembly having first and second ends and a back rest rotatably connected to the first end of the base assembly such that the back rest is movable between first and second positions. A mounting plate has the second end of the base assembly rotatably connected thereto such that the base assembly is movable between first and second positions. The backrest assembly includes a first configuration as a passenger back rest where the backrest is in the first position and the base assembly is in the first position, and a second configuration as a driver backrest where the backrest is in the second position and the base assembly is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kuryakyn Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Parvey
  • Patent number: 8894025
    Abstract: A multi-position adjustable height seat post comprises an inner tube, an outer tube, a locking assembly, a triggering device, a first extending element, and a second extending element disposed between the tubes. The locking assembly comprises an actuating unit, a plurality of parallel grooves located in the outer tube, a plurality of spherical detent elements located, in the grooves, and a plurality of spherical elements located in the inner tube. The triggering device connects to the actuating unit. The first extending element constantly pushes the to actuating unit moving in a first direction. The second extending element disposes between the tubes. Once the triggering device is triggered, the actuating unit moves in a second direction contrary to the first direction and makes the spherical elements to move inward laterally to let the inner tube and outer tube move relative to each other freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kristopher Wehage, Jason Miles
  • Patent number: 8845017
    Abstract: A combination instrument stand and seat has a support structure having at least one leg, and a seat pivotally mounted on the support structure with a seat pivot element to pivot between a horizontal position and a tilted position. A latch mechanism is adapted for locking the seat in the horizontal position. An instrument support extends from the support structure and is shaped to cradle a bottom of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Peter Lach
  • Patent number: 8833848
    Abstract: A bicycle seat height adjustment method is provided for changing a height of a bicycle seat. The method includes operating an operating device to output a seat raising command which is received by a motorized seat height adjustment mechanism to adjust the seat height. The method further includes releasing the operating device after the operating of the operating device. The method further includes raising the bicycle seat using the electric motor to a higher seat position that is higher than a previous seat position existing immediately prior to the seat raising command, the raising of the bicycle seat occurring only after the releasing of the operating device such that the bicycle seat remains stationary until the operating device is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 8820765
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a seating platform featuring a first pair of seat mounting holes, a second pair of seat mounting holes positioned rearward of the first pair of seat mounting holes and a third pair of seat mounting holes positioned rearward of the second pair of seat mounting holes. A seatback is provided with a pair of hooks and a pair of snaps. Each of the snaps includes a catch portion. The hooks and snaps are adapted to engage the first and second pair of seat mounting holes to secure the seatback in a first position. The hooks and snaps are also adapted to engage the second and third pair of seat mounting holes to secure the seatback in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Agati, Edward Paramadilok
  • Patent number: 8814109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8764106
    Abstract: An ergonomic saddle structure for bicycles and pedal machines comprises a shell (2) made of relatively rigid material, a pronged connection (15) anchorable on the lower part to the shell (2) and having a central body (16) with a slotted through hole (23) provided with flared or smoothed longitudinal edges (23?), connection means which comprise a fork (24) with a pair of lateral wings (25, 26) adapted to house the central body (16) and provided with respective cylindrical through openings (27, 28) as well as locking means for locking the fork (24) with respect to the pronged connection (15), which means comprise a first pair of inserts (30, 31) insertable in one portion of the through openings (27, 28), a second pair of inserts (39, 40) insertable in the remaining portion of the circular through openings (27, 28), are first screw means (37) operating on the first pair of inserts (30, 31) and second screw means (43) operating on the second pair of inserts (39, 40) in order to longitudinally and angularly lock t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Selle Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bigolin
  • Patent number: 8752893
    Abstract: An adjusting method and a structure for a seat post of a bicycle are provided. The structure of the seat post includes an adjusting tube, four pulleys, a pushing member, a main tube, an elastic member, and a cord. The adjusting tube is coaxially movably disposed in the main tube, while the pushing member is coaxially movably disposed in the adjusting tube and coaxially fixed with the main tube. One of the pulleys is pivotally disposed in the adjusting tube, and the other pulleys are pivotally disposed in the pushing member. Two of the pulleys inside the pushing member are movable along the pushing member. The cord is wound around the four pulleys. The elastic member is disposed in the pushing member and can push the pulleys to move. Pulleys moving along the pushing member push the adjusting tube moving outwardly form the main tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Durashox Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsu-Hiko Chien, Yan-Ting Wu
  • Patent number: 8727436
    Abstract: A bicycle seat clamp assembly is disclosed herein which comprises upper and lower members to provide a vertical clamping force to the rails of a seat to attach a seat to the seat post. The upper and lower members are actuated by a horizontal fastening device which can be tightened or loosened with one hand. The bicycle seat clamp assembly provides for fine tuning of a front to back angular tilt as preferred by the user. Moreover, the seat post can be rotated to the forward direction or the rearward direction to increase a front to back adjustment range of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Felt Racing, LLC
    Inventor: Brendan Connors
  • Patent number: 8702167
    Abstract: A bicycle frame, particularly a racing bicycle frame, comprises two bars. The bars are connected to a head member for connection to a saddle member. In their frame-side end region, the two bars are formed as a hollow profile. In this region, the two bars have a semicircular cross section so that a common contact face is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8702116
    Abstract: An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Felt Racing, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Soucek
  • Patent number: 8702336
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers
  • Patent number: 8668259
    Abstract: This invention relates to bicycle saddles. Several scientific studies have pointed to the risks of damage to the pudendal nerves and arteries associated with extended bicycle riding with conventional bicycle seats. It is the object of this invention to to provide a bicycle seat that can support the rider's weight while minimizing the pressure on the region near the pudendal canal. A further object of the invention is to allow the rider's legs to pedal without interference with the seat. A further object of the invention is to provide comfortable seating while bicycling. The invention consists of a relatively wide, flat seating surface—with no nose—that supports the sit bones of the rider and that pivots about a vertical axis to allow the seating surface to move out of the way of the rider's legs when pedaling on the down stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nexride LLC
    Inventor: Karl Thatcher Ulrich
  • Patent number: 8641073
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for adjusting the height of a saddle for a bicycle. The apparatus includes a saddle lift device that moves the saddle upwards or downwards to adjust the height of the saddle, and a controller that controls the operation of the saddle lift device. In the present invention, even when a bicycle is traveling, the height of the saddle can be automatically adjusted to an appropriate height depending on the travel conditions, thus enhancing the safety of a rider and providing convenience. Moreover, the present invention stores information about the body type of the rider and automatically adjusts the height of the saddle to a height suitable for the body type, thus making it markedly easy to adjust the height of the saddle, and enhancing the safety of the rider while riding the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Chang-Yong Lee, Jung-Uk Park, Kyung-Il Jung
  • Publication number: 20140021753
    Abstract: An adjusting method and a structure for a seat post of a bicycle are provided. The structure of the seat post includes an adjusting tube, four pulleys, a pushing member, a main tube, an elastic member, and a cord. The adjusting tube is coaxially movably disposed in the main tube, while the pushing member is coaxially movably disposed in the adjusting tube and coaxially fixed with the main tube. One of the pulleys is pivotally disposed in the adjusting tube, and the other pulleys are pivotally disposed in the pushing member. Two of the pulleys inside the pushing member are movable along the pushing member. The cord is wound around the four pulleys. The elastic member is disposed in the pushing member and can push the pulleys to move. Pulleys moving along the pushing member push the adjusting tube moving outwardly form the main tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: DURASHOX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsu-Hiko CHIEN, Yan-Ting WU
  • Publication number: 20130307299
    Abstract: Adjustable seat post assembly for bicycles and the like, comprising a bushing (3), a quill (6) slidingly inserted in said bushing (3) and supporting the seat, jam means (8), inserted along said quill (6) and having a portion (9) which is pivotally coupled to said bushing (3). The jam means (8) are pivotable from an unlocked position, in which said quill (6) can freely slide inside said jam means (8) and relative to said bushing (3), to at least a locked position in which said jam means (8) blocks said quill (6) relative to said bushing (8) in at least one direction of displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Carl Winefordner, Frank Hermansen
  • Publication number: 20130300163
    Abstract: A bicycle seat height adjustment method is provided for changing a height of bicycle seat, The method includes operating an operating device to output a seat raising command which is received by a motorized seat height adjustment mechanism to adjust the seat height. The method further includes releasing the operating device after the operating of the operating device. The method further includes raising the bicycle seat using the electric motor to a higher seat position that is higher than a previous seat position existing immediately prior to the seat raising command, the raising of the bicycle seat occurring only after the releasing of the operating device such that the bicycle seat remains stationary until the operating device is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Toyoto SHIRAI
  • Patent number: 8573624
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle and handlebar height adjustment device including a tubular element provided with elements for its connection to the saddle, and presenting a portion cooperating with a support element for the tubular element. The support element is associated with a ring nut rotating thereon and presenting a first thread cooperating with a corresponding first counter-thread provided on the tubular element. An alignment element is present to maintain the angular position between the tubular element and the support element. The ring nut is associated with the support element by way of a second thread cooperating with a corresponding second counter-thread provided on the support element. The first and second threads are counter-rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Angelo Morelli
  • Patent number: 8550551
    Abstract: A bicycle seat height adjustment method is provided for changing a height of a bicycle seat. The method includes operating an operating device to output a seat raising or lowering command to adjust the seat height. The method further includes releasing the operating device after the operating of the operating device. If a raising command has been outputted, then the method further includes raising the bicycle seat to a higher seat position than a previous seat position existing immediately prior to the seat raising command after releasing the operating device. If a lowering command has been outputted, then the method further includes lowering the bicycle seat to a lower seat position that is lower than a previous seat position existing immediately prior to the seat lowering command after releasing the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 8544947
    Abstract: An apparatus for fitting a bicycle saddle comprises a mounting rod secured to a bicycle frame, a height adjuster mounted upon the mounting rod, a lateral adjuster mounted upon the height adjuster, a tilt orientation adjuster mounted upon the lateral adjuster, and a clamp securing the saddle to the tilt orientation adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: William Sloan
  • Patent number: 8540268
    Abstract: An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Felt Racing, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Soucek
  • Publication number: 20130221713
    Abstract: A system including: a seat post; a user interface operatively connected with the seat post, the user interface configured for receiving instructions associated with a height of the seat post and for communicating received instructions to at least one controller coupled with a motive source of the seat post; and a valve assembly in communication with the motive source, the valve assembly regulating fluid flow within a variable finite positioning seat post height mode in response to a translation of the received instructions by the motive source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: FOX FACTORY, INC.
    Inventor: FOX FACTORY, INC.
  • Patent number: 8485598
    Abstract: A pitch adjusting mechanism for a bicycle saddle is arranged between a saddle and a seat post of the bicycle and includes: a base beneath the saddle; a connecting member being fixed to the seat post; a washer being removably assembled to a top or a bottom of the connecting member; and a fastener combining the connecting member, the washer and the base as a whole. When the washer is arranged on the top and beneath the bottom of the connecting member, a pitch of the saddle with respect to the seat post is different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Flybikes S.L.
    Inventor: Ching-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 8480170
    Abstract: A saddle-positioning apparatus includes a first positioning unit for positioning a saddle in a first dimension, a second positioning unit for positioning the saddle in a second dimension, and a lever connected to both of the first and second positioning units. The lever is movable from a neutral position in a direction to move the first positioning unit from a locking position to a releasing position to allow movement of the saddle in the first dimension. The lever is movable from the neutral position in an opposite direction to move the second positioning unit from a locking position to a releasing position to allow movement of the saddle in the second dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Jet Sport Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai-Yang Lu, Ying-Pin Chiang
  • Publication number: 20130113242
    Abstract: A bicycle seat clamp assembly is disclosed herein which comprises upper and lower members to provide a vertical clamping force to the rails of a seat to attach a seat to the seat post. The upper and lower members are actuated by a horizontal fastening device which can be tightened or loosened with one hand. The bicycle seat clamp assembly provides for fine tuning of a front to back angular tilt as preferred by the user. Moreover, the seat post can be rotated to the forward direction or the rearward direction to increase a front to back adjustment range of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Brendan Connors
  • Patent number: 8424963
    Abstract: An angle adjusting device for a bicycle saddle is disclosed. The device includes a frame coupling block, which is coupled at a lower end thereof to an upper portion of a height adjustment unit. A saddle coupling post is coupled at a lower end thereof to an upper end of the frame coupling block and is coupled at an upper end thereof to the saddle, with a through hole formed in the upper portion of the saddle coupling post. An angle fixing unit includes a pair of fan-shaped plates attached to left and right sides of the frame coupling block, and a pair of rectangular plates coupling front and rear edges of the fan-shaped plates to each other. An angle adjusting unit is coupled to the saddle coupling post, and is detachable from holes in the angle fixing unit to control the rotation of the saddle coupling post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Chun Choo Kim
  • Publication number: 20130093159
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.