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).
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Publication number: 20190291529Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Paul COX
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Patent number: 10422372Abstract: A rotatable bushing for use in automotive suspension, steering, and other suitable joints is provided. The rotatable bushing includes a housing, an elastomeric portion engaging the outer surface of the housing, and a sleeve positioned within the housing. The sleeve is configured to rotate with respect to the housing and generally includes a central bore for receiving a rod or fastener therethrough. The elastomeric portion is configured to deform such that the sleeve is moveable in at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction with respect to an outer surface of the elastomeric portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: MF IP Holding, LLCInventor: Christopher Paul Cox
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Publication number: 20190283519Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen ERICKSEN, Christopher Paul COX, Philip TSIARAS, Mark LARSON, Mario GALASSO, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10414236Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Paul Cox, Michael David Marquez, Everet Ericksen
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Publication number: 20190275853Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen ERICKSEN, Christopher Paul COX, Philip TSIARAS, Mark LARSON, Mario GALASSO, Matt McLellan
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Publication number: 20190271373Abstract: Generally described, dampers having shimmed pistons are configured for use with vehicle suspensions. The dampers generally include a shaft having a piston with compression and rebound valves extending therethrough. The piston interfaces a shim assembly at the valve outlets such that damping fluid flow is controlled through a set of valves in one direction, and the damping fluid flow is limited through the same set of valves in the opposite direction. In this regard, the shim assembly is configured to provide bleed relief of the hydraulic damping fluid at lower shaft speeds and deflect away from the piston higher shaft speeds. The shim assembly generally includes a ring shim that interfaces a shim stack to provide a configurable preload for the deflectable shims and a flow path for the hydraulic damping fluid during bleed relief.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
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Patent number: 10363987Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Damon Gilbert, Christopher Paul Cox
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Patent number: 10344820Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to dampers having shimmed pistons. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the dampers generally include a shaft having a piston with compression and rebound valves extending therethrough. The piston interfaces a shim assembly at the valve outlets such that damping fluid flow is controlled through a set of valves in one direction, and the damping fluid flow is limited through the same set of valves in the opposite direction. In this regard, the shim assembly is configured to deflect away from the piston as a result of damping fluid flow through the first valve. The shim assembly generally includes a ring shim that interfaces a shim stack to provide a configurable preload for the deflectable shims.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: MF IP Holding, LLCInventor: Christopher Paul Cox
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Publication number: 20190203798Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2018Publication date: July 4, 2019Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Paul COX, John MARKING, Everet Owen ERICKSEN
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Patent number: 10336151Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
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Patent number: 10336148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10336149Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
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Patent number: 10337583Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to through-shaft dampers. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the through-shaft dampers generally include a shaft having a piston traveling within a body, a first chamber for a damping fluid, and a second chamber for a gas. The chambers are separated by a movable wall associated with an insert and configured to provide a volumetric change of the second chamber that is inverse to a volumetric change of the damping fluid. The insert is configured such that the sealing surfaces of the movable wall do not interface the shaft during use of the damper. In this regard, a significant reduction in the total displacement traveled by the seals is realized.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: MF IP Holding, LLCInventor: Christopher Paul Cox
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Publication number: 20190128320Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a rotatable bushing, such as, for example, a bushing for use in automotive suspension and steering joints. The rotatable bushing includes a housing, an elastomeric portion engaging the outer surface of the housing, and a sleeve positioned within the housing. The sleeve is configured to rotate with respect to the housing and generally includes a central bore for receiving a rod or fastener therethrough. The elastomeric portion is configured to deflect such that the sleeve is moveable in at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction with respect to an outer surface of the elastomeric portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Applicant: TeraFlex, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Paul Cox
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Publication number: 20190101178Abstract: A damper having a hydraulically-adjustable preload. The damper includes a main damper cylinder, a damping piston and a damping rod movable within the main damper cylinder. A surface feature and a sleeve with a preload flange are coupled to a portion of an exterior surface of the main damper cylinder. The sleeve is movable with respect to the surface feature in a direction along the axis of the main damper cylinder. A spring is located surrounding a portion of the external surface of the main damper cylinder, and has one end abutting the preload flange and another end coupled to the damper. The sleeve and the surface feature are disposed such that a change in an amount of hydraulic fluid between the sleeve and the surface feature causes the preload flange to change a preload on the spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Grant Skognes, Christopher Paul Cox
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Publication number: 20190048964Abstract: A vehicle damper comprises a fluid filled cylinder, a piston for movement within the cylinder, at least two fluid ports formed in the piston and at least one shim at least partially blocking the ports. In one embodiment, a fluid collection area is formed between the ports and the shim, the collection area permitting communication between fluid in the ports. In another embodiment, the piston includes at least one aperture constructed and arranged to receive a threaded bleed valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Wesley E. Allinger
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Publication number: 20180355943Abstract: Methods and apparatus for position sensitive dampening. 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 adjustable fluid meter controlling fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Paul COX
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Publication number: 20180339566Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen ERICKSEN, Christopher Paul COX, Philip TSIARAS, Mark LARSON, Mario GALASSO, Matt McLellan
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Publication number: 20180339565Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen ERICKSEN, Christopher Paul COX, Philip TSIARAS, Mark LARSON, Mario GALASSO, Matt McLellan
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Publication number: 20180339567Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Everet Owen ERICKSEN, Christopher Paul COX, Philip TSIARAS, Mark LARSON, Mario GALASSO, Matt McLellan