Patents by Inventor Charles Dunlap

Charles Dunlap 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: 12291297
    Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The height adjustable seat post also includes a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and disposed in the upper tube. The piston assembly includes a piston dividing the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. The piston assembly includes a valve operable between a closed state in which the fluid is blocked from flowing between the first and second chambers and an open state to enable the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers. The height adjustable seat post also includes a solenoid to control the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Rafer Chambers, Christopher Eric Golkiewicz, Chi Hui Su, Donald Frederick Coffman, Alex Kyle McGee, Charles Dunlap
  • Patent number: 12286180
    Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle includes a first tube having a first distal end and a second tube having a second distal end. A distance between the first distal end of the first tube and the second distal end of the second tube is at a maximum when the first tube is in a first position relative to the second tube. The seat post assembly also includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are fluidly coupleable. The first chamber is a positive fluid chamber, and the second chamber is a negative fluid chamber. The seat post assembly includes a fluid volume disposed in the first chamber and the second chamber. The fluid volume includes a compressible fluid. The first chamber is configured to act as a spring configured to bias the first tube towards the first position relative to the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Rafer Chambers, Charles Dunlap
  • Publication number: 20250128783
    Abstract: A control line router for a headset of a bicycle includes a barrier disposed between a component of the bicycle and a segment of a control line within a headtube of the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2024
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, KEVIN WESLING
  • Publication number: 20250115323
    Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The height adjustable seat post also includes a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and disposed in the upper tube. The piston assembly includes a piston dividing the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. The piston assembly includes a valve operable between a closed state in which the fluid is blocked from flowing between the first and second chambers and an open state to enable the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers. The height adjustable seat post also includes a solenoid to control the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: RAFER CHAMBERS, CHRISTOPHER ERIC GOLKIEWICZ, CHI HUI SU, DONALD FREDERICK COFFMAN, ALEX KYLE MCGEE, CHARLES DUNLAP
  • Patent number: 12269547
    Abstract: A seat post assembly includes a first tube moveable along an axis between a first position and a second position and a second tube telescopically moveable along the axis relative to the first tube between a retracted position and an extended position. A positioning assembly configured to adjustably position the second tube relative to the first tube. An electric actuator is adapted to be automatically electrically connected to a power source when the first tube is moved from the first position to the second position, and automatically electrically disconnected from the power source when the first tube is moved from the second position to the first position. The electric actuator is movable to actuate the positioning assembly in response to an electrical current adapted to be transmitted from the power source when the first tube is in the first position to adjustably position the second tube relative to the first tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Jordan, Charles Dunlap, Sage Hahn
  • Publication number: 20250083762
    Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle includes a first tube having a first distal end, and a second tube having a second distal end. The first tube is movable relative to the second tube to establish a distance between the first distal end and the second distal end. The distance is at a maximum distance when the first tube is in a first position relative to the second tube. The seat post assembly includes a seal disposed within the second tube and connected to the first tube or the second tube. The seat post assembly includes a piston coupled to the seal when the first tube is in the first position. A position of the seal relative to the second distal end is adjustable, such that the first position of the first tube relative to the second tube is adjustable via the coupling between the piston and the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, RAFER CHAMBERS
  • Publication number: 20250074539
    Abstract: Brake mounts for bicycles are described herein. The brake mounts are for coupling a brake caliper to a bicycle. An example brake mount includes a bracket having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The bracket has bores to receive fasteners to couple the brake caliper to the bracket. The brake mount includes a sleeve extending from the first side of the bracket. An opening extends through the sleeve and the bracket. The opening is to receive an axle of a hub assembly of the bicycle. The sleeve is to extend into an axle opening in a frame of the bicycle. A distal end of the sleeve is threaded. The brake mount also includes a nut to be threadably coupled to the distal end of the sleeve when the sleeve is inserted into the axle opening in the frame e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: SEBASTIAN HEYNA, HENRIK BRAEDT, CHARLES DUNLAP
  • Publication number: 20250042490
    Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The height adjustable seat post includes a piston in the upper tube that divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The piston defines a fluid passageway between the first chamber and the second chamber. The height adjustable seat post also includes a plug in the fluid passageway. The plug is moveable in a linear direction between an open position to enable fluid flow through the fluid passageway and a closed position to block fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The height adjustable seat post further includes a motor and a cam assembly to convert rotational motion of the motor to linear movement of the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, KOSTYANTYN KOZIY
  • Publication number: 20250042501
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension system with automatic venting and/or pressurizing of a scaled chamber that minimizes the pressure differential between the sealed chamber and the ambient environment. Methods for making and using the bicycle suspension system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, III, BRENT PACKER, KEVIN WESLING
  • Patent number: 12187377
    Abstract: Brake mounts for bicycles are described herein. The brake mounts are for coupling a brake caliper to a bicycle. An example brake mount includes a bracket having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The bracket has bores to receive fasteners to couple the brake caliper to the bracket. The brake mount includes a sleeve extending from the first side of the bracket. An opening extends through the sleeve and the bracket. The opening is to receive an axle of a hub assembly of the bicycle. The sleeve is to extend into an axle opening in a frame of the bicycle. A distal end of the sleeve is threaded. The brake mount also includes a nut to be threadably coupled to the distal end of the sleeve when the sleeve is inserted into the axle opening in the frame e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Sebastian Heyna, Henrik Braedt, Charles Dunlap
  • Patent number: 12179877
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension system with automatic venting and/or pressurizing of a sealed chamber that minimizes the pressure differential between the sealed chamber and the ambient environment. Methods for making and using the bicycle suspension system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunlap, III, Brent Packer, Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 12179870
    Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle includes a first tube having a first distal end, and a second tube having a second distal end. The first tube is movable relative to the second tube to establish a distance between the first distal end and the second distal end. The distance is at a maximum distance when the first tube is in a first position relative to the second tube. The seat post assembly includes a seal disposed within the second tube and connected to the first tube or the second tube. The seat post assembly includes a piston coupled to the seal when the first tube is in the first position. A position of the seal relative to the second distal end is adjustable, such that the first position of the first tube relative to the second tube is adjustable via the coupling between the piston and the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunlap, Rafer Chambers
  • Publication number: 20240425138
    Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example suspension component includes an air spring including an air spring body and a piston in the air spring body. The piston divides the air spring body into a first chamber and a second chamber. The air spring also includes a shaft extending into the air spring body. The shaft extends through the piston. The piston is slidable along the shaft. The air spring further includes a spring to bias the piston in a first direction relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, III, KEVIN WESLING
  • Publication number: 20240417013
    Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement and a piston in the upper tube. The piston divides the upper tube into first chamber and second chambers. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. The height adjustable seat post also includes a valve including a fixed member and a rotatable member forming a face seal between a first face of the fixed member and a second face of the rotatable member. The fixed member has a fluid flow passageway. The rotatable member is rotatable relative to the fixed member between a closed position in which the rotatable member blocks the fluid flow passageway to prevent fluid flow between the first and second chambers and an open position to enable fluid flow through the fluid flow passageway and between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, BRIAN JORDAN
  • Publication number: 20240409178
    Abstract: A control device for a hydraulic brake for a bicycle includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The reservoir has a variable volume. The control device also includes a reservoir cover at least partially defining the reservoir, and a support that is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle via an inner annular surface of the support. A handlebar proximity zone is radially outer relative to the inner annular surface of the support and is within two centimeters of the inner annular surface of the support. At least part of the reservoir cover is within the handlebar proximity zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, BRIAN JORDAN, BRADEN SNEAD
  • Patent number: 12151772
    Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example suspension component includes an air spring including an air spring body and a piston in the air spring body. The piston divides the air spring body into a first chamber and a second chamber. The air spring also includes a shaft extending into the air spring body. The shaft extends through the piston. The piston is slidable along the shaft. The air spring further includes a spring to bias the piston in a first direction relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunlap, III, Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 12135064
    Abstract: Brake rotors for bicycles are described herein. An example brake rotor for a bicycle includes a carrier to be coupled to a hub of the bicycle. The brake rotor also includes a brake track having braking surfaces to be engaged by brake pads. The brake track is disposed radially outward of the carrier. The brake track has a first thickness and the carrier has a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The brake track is coupled to the carrier such that the brake track is axially movable relative to the carrier while being radially and circumferentially constrained relative to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Henrik Braedt, Brian Jordan, Charles Dunlap, Sebastian Heyna
  • Patent number: 12097927
    Abstract: A control device for a hydraulic brake for a bicycle includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The reservoir has a variable volume. The control device also includes a reservoir cover at least partially defining the reservoir, and a support that is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle via an inner annular surface of the support. A handlebar proximity zone is radially outer relative to the inner annular surface of the support and is within two centimeters of the inner annular surface of the support. At least part of the reservoir cover is within the handlebar proximity zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunlap, Brian Jordan, Braden Snead
  • Publication number: 20240286706
    Abstract: A brake caliper includes a caliper housing having a first cavity. A piston is reciprocally moveable in the cavity. The piston is configured with a non-circular outer periphery defining a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the first axis. A portion of the outer periphery may be defined by a linear portion. The outer periphery may be disposed within an outer periphery of a brake pad coupled to the piston when the outer periphery of the piston is superimposed on a cross-sectional area of the brake pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: CHARLES DUNLAP
  • Publication number: 20240166286
    Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The height adjustable seat post also includes a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and disposed in the upper tube. The piston assembly includes a piston dividing the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. The piston assembly includes a valve operable between a closed state in which the fluid is blocked from flowing between the first and second chambers and an open state to enable the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers. The height adjustable seat post also includes a solenoid to control the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: RAFER CHAMBERS, CHRISTOPHER ERIC GOLKIEWICZ, ERIC SU, DONALD FREDERICK COFFMAN, ALEX KYLE MCGEE, CHARLES DUNLAP