Shock absorption device and shock-absorbing seat

Abstract

A shock-absorbing device is suitable for installation between the saddle and the seatpost of a bicycle. The device includes a support mechanism and a rear shock-absorbing mechanism. The support mechanism includes a first support unit on the seatpost and a second support unit disposed under the saddle. The rear shock-absorbing mechanism includes an elastic unit and a rotating unit. The elastic unit includes two spaced-apart elastic elements connecting the rear sides of the first and second support units. The rotating unit is rotatably connected between the first and second support units and located between the elastic elements. The design of the bilaterally symmetrical elastic elements and rotating unit effectively increases the load-bearing capacity of the shock-absorbing device and extends its service life. This invention also provides a shock-absorbing seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shock absorber, and more particularly to a shock-absorbing device suitable for bicycles, and a shock-absorbing seat. Prior Technology

[0002] Cycling is a popular sport suitable for adults and children. To reduce vibrations from the road surface while riding a bicycle, shock absorbers are usually installed between the bicycle seatpost and the saddle to reduce the vibrations felt by the rider when sitting on the saddle.

[0003] Since shock absorbers need to support the weight of the rider on the saddle, developing durable shock absorbers with a long service life is one of the key research focuses for researchers in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a shock-absorbing device that can overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0005] Therefore, the shock absorption device of the present invention is suitable for installation between a seat and a chair post of a bicycle. The shock absorption device includes a support mechanism and a rear shock absorption mechanism.

[0006] The support mechanism includes a first support unit adapted to be mounted on the chair post, and a second support unit spaced above the first support unit and adapted to be mounted under the seat cushion, each of the first support unit and the second support unit extending in a first direction.

[0007] The rear shock absorption mechanism includes an elastic unit and a rotating unit. The elastic unit includes two elastic members respectively connected between the rear sides of the first support unit and the rear sides of the second support unit. The elastic members are spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The rotating unit is rotatably connected between the first support unit and the second support unit and is located between the elastic members.

[0008] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a shock-absorbing seat that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The shock-absorbing seat is suitable for mounting on a bicycle frame and includes a shock-absorbing device suitable for mounting on the frame and a seat cushion mounted on the shock-absorbing device.

[0010] The shock-absorbing device includes a support mechanism and a rear shock-absorbing mechanism. The support mechanism includes a first support unit adapted for mounting on the chair post, and a second support unit spaced above the first support unit and adapted for mounting under the seat cushion, each of the first and second support units extending in a first direction. The rear shock-absorbing mechanism includes an elastic unit and a rotating unit. The elastic unit includes two elastic members connected between the rear sides of the first and second support units. The elastic members are spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The rotating unit is rotatably connected between the first and second support units and located between the elastic members.

[0011] The seat cushion includes a seating surface for sitting and a bottom surface opposite to the seating surface and connected to the shock-absorbing device.

[0012] The advantages of this invention are: by utilizing the symmetrical design of the elastic element of the rear shock absorption mechanism and the innovative design of the rotating unit, the weight that the shock absorption device can bear can be greatly increased, and the service life of the shock-absorbing seat can be significantly improved. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0013] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a side view schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the shock-absorbing seat of the present invention applicable to a bicycle; Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating that the shock-absorbing seat in this embodiment includes a shock-absorbing device and a seat cushion; Figure 3 is a side view illustrating that the shock-absorbing seat of this embodiment can be mounted on a seat post of the bicycle; Figure 4 is a rear view illustrating that the two elastic elements of an elastic unit in the shock-absorbing seat of this embodiment are symmetrical from left to right; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the shock-absorbing device and seat cushion of the shock-absorbing seat in this embodiment; Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the shock-absorbing device of the shock-absorbing seat in this embodiment; Figure 7 is a top view illustrating the shock-absorbing device of the shock-absorbing seat in this embodiment; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the shock-absorbing device of the shock-absorbing seat in this embodiment; Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the shock-absorbing seat of this embodiment; and Figure 10 is another longitudinal sectional view illustrating a rotating unit of the shock-absorbing seat in this embodiment. Implementation

[0014] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, one embodiment of the shock-absorbing seat 100 of the present invention is suitable for installation on a seat post 91 of a bicycle 90. The shock-absorbing seat 100 includes a shock-absorbing device 101 mounted on the top side of the seat post 91 and a seat cushion 102 mounted on the shock-absorbing device 101, such that the shock-absorbing device 101 is disposed between the seat post 91 and the seat cushion 102.

[0015] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the shock absorption device 101 includes a support mechanism 1, a front shock absorption mechanism 2, a rear shock absorption mechanism 3, and an auxiliary shock absorption component 4. The support mechanism 1 includes a first support unit 11 that can be installed on the chair post 91, and a second support unit 5 that is spaced above the first support unit 11 and can be disposed on the bottom side of the seat cushion 102.

[0016] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the first support unit 11 extends forward and backward in a first direction X1, and includes two support rods 111 extending forward and backward in the first direction X1 respectively, a first front mounting member 112, and a first rear mounting member 113. The first rear mounting member 113 can be welded to the support rods 111.

[0017] In the first support unit 11, the support rod 111 can be installed on the top side of the chair arm (as shown in Figure 3, number 91), and is spaced apart on the left and right in a second direction X2 intersecting the first direction X1. The first front mounting member 112 is connected to the front end of the support rod 111 and forms two first insertion holes 114. The first insertion holes 114 are spaced apart on the left and right in the second direction X2, and each of the first insertion holes 114 faces forward. The first rear mounting member 113 includes a first rear main plate portion 115 that is generally elongated and spaced apart below the support rod 111, two first rear positioning groups 116 that extend upward from the first rear main plate portion 115, and two first rear extension portions 117 that are connected to the first rear positioning groups 116. The first rear main plate portion 115 has an upward-facing first top support surface 118. The first rear positioning group 116 is spaced left and right in the second direction X2, and each first rear positioning group 116 includes two first rear positioning portions 119 extending upward from the front and rear sides of the first rear main board portion 115, respectively. Each first rear positioning portion 119 is fixedly sleeved on the rear end of the corresponding support rod 111. Each first rear extension portion 117 extends forward from its respective first rear positioning portion 119 located on the front side of the first rear main board portion 115 and abuts against the opposite side of the support rod 111. Each first rear extension portion 117 forms a first pivot hole 110 penetrating left and right in the second direction X2.

[0018] Referring to Figures 5, 8, and 10, the second support unit 5 extends forward and backward in a first direction X1 and includes a mounting bracket 51, and a second front mounting member 52 and a second rear mounting member 53 respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the mounting bracket 51. The second front mounting member 52 and the second rear mounting member 53 can be welded to the mounting bracket 51.

[0019] Referring to Figures 7, 8, and 10, in the second support unit 5, the mounting bracket 51 includes a bent section 511 and two support sections 512 extending rearward from the bent section 511 in the first direction X1. The bent section 511 includes a bent insertion section area 513 and two inclined section areas 514 extending rearward and downward from the insertion section area 513. The support sections 512 extend rearward and upward from the inclined section areas 514 and also extend outward in the second direction X2. Each support section 512 includes a front end portion 515 and a rear end portion 516 spaced apart. A first distance D1 between the rear end portions 516 of the support sections 512 is greater than a second distance D2 between the front end portions 515. The rear end portion 516 is higher than the front end portion 515, and the height of the insertion section area 513 of the bent section 511 is higher than the height of the front end portion 515.

[0020] Referring to Figures 6-9, the second front mounting member 52 is generally in the shape of a long strip plate, mounted on the bottom edge of the front end 515 of the support section 512, and has two second insertion holes 521 spaced apart on the left and right sides in the second direction X2 and facing forward. The second rear mounting member 53 includes a second rear main plate portion 531 located below the rear end 516 of the support section 512, a sheet-like second rear top support portion 532 extending upward from the front side edge of the second rear main plate portion 531, and two second rear extension portions 533 extending upward from the rear side edge of the second rear main plate portion 531. The second rear main plate portion 531 includes a downward-facing second top support surface 534.

[0021] The second rear support portion 532 extends upward from the leading edge of the second rear main plate portion 531 by bending, and forms two left and right spaced apart second positioning grooves 535 on which the support section 512 is reliably placed. In some embodiments, the support section 512 may be welded into the second positioning grooves 535 of the second rear support portion 532.

[0022] The second rear extensions 533 are respectively curved plate-shaped and extend upward from the rear edge of the second rear main plate 531 after bending. They are spaced apart from each other in the second direction X2. Each second rear extension 533 forms a second auxiliary positioning groove 536 recessed downward from its top edge and a second pivot hole 537 penetrating in the second direction X2 and located below the corresponding support rod 111. The support section 512 rests against the second positioning groove 535 and the second auxiliary positioning groove 536 respectively and can be fixed by welding.

[0023] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the front shock absorber 2 is connected to the front side of the first support unit 11 and the front side of the second support unit 5, and includes a first front shock absorber 21 and a second front shock absorber 22.

[0024] The first front shock absorber 21 includes a first lower extension 211 inserted into one of the first insertion holes 114 and extending forward, a first upper extension 212 inserted into a second insertion hole 521 corresponding to one of the first insertion holes 114 and extending forward, and a first winding 213 connected between the first lower extension 211 and the first upper extension 212 and about an imaginary axis L1.

[0025] The second front shock absorber 22 includes a second lower extension 221 that is inserted into another first insertion hole 114 and extends forward, a second upper extension 222 that is inserted into a second insertion hole 521 that corresponds to the other first insertion hole 114 and extends forward, and a second winding 223 that connects the second lower extension 221 and the second upper extension 222 and is about the axis.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first lower extension 211 is inserted into the first insertion hole 114 on the right side, and the second lower extension 221 is inserted into the first insertion hole 114 on the left side; the first upper extension 212 is inserted into the second insertion hole 521 on the right side, and the second upper extension 222 is inserted into the second insertion hole 521 on the left side.

[0027] Referring to Figures 4, 6, 8, and 9, the rear shock absorption mechanism 3 includes an elastic unit 31 connected between the rear side of the first support unit 11 and the rear side of the second support unit 5, and a rotating unit 32. The elastic unit 31 includes two elastic members 311 that elastically support the first support surface 118 of the first rear main board portion 115 and the second support surface of the second rear main board portion 531. The elastic members 311 are spaced apart in the second direction X2 and symmetrically arranged about a center line L2 of the rotating unit 32, with their respective positions located below the rear end portion 516 of the support section 512. Each elastic member 311 is a compression spring. In this embodiment, each elastic member 311 is fixed to the first rear main board portion 115 and the second rear main board portion 531 using bolts and potentially with washers (not shown).

[0028] Referring to Figures 6, 8, and 10, the rotating unit 32 is rotatably connected between the first support unit 11 and the second support unit 5, and is located between the elastic members 311 in the second direction X2. In detail, the rotating unit 32 includes a first rotating shaft 321 rotatably passing through a first pivot hole 110 of the first rear extension 117; a first connecting member 322, which is rectangular and fixedly sleeved on the first rotating shaft 321 and extends rearward and upward from the first rotating shaft 321; a second rotating shaft 323 rotatably passing through a side of the first connecting member 322 opposite to the first rotating shaft 321; a second connecting member 324, which is generally sheet-like and fixedly connected to two opposite ends of the second rotating shaft 323 and extends upward from the second rotating shaft 323; and a third rotating shaft 325, which is fixedly passing through a side of the second connecting member 324 opposite to the second rotating shaft 323 and rotatably passing through a second pivot hole 537 of the second rear extension 533. Each of the first rotating shaft 321, the second rotating shaft 323, and the third rotating shaft 325 extends approximately in the second direction X2.

[0029] The auxiliary shock absorber 4 is elongated and is disposed on the top surface of the first front mounting part 112 of the first support unit 11, and includes slightly elastic rubber, and can be an elastomer.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the seat cushion 102 is generally triangular in plan view and includes an upward-facing seating surface 61 for sitting, and a downward-facing bottom surface 62 opposite to the seating surface 61. The bottom surface 62 forms a front mounting groove 621 located at the front, and two rear mounting grooves 622 spaced apart on the left and right sides in the second direction X2 and located at the rear. The front mounting groove 621 accommodates at least a portion of the insertion section 513 of the curved section 511. The rear mounting grooves 622 accommodate at least a portion of the rear end portion 516 of the support section 512. Thus, the shock-absorbing device 101 is connected to the bottom surface 62 of the seat cushion 102.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, before using the shock-absorbing seat 100, it is first installed on the top side of the chair post 91. A user (not shown) can sit on the seat cushion 102 of the shock-absorbing seat 100 and ride a bicycle 90. When the bicycle 90 travels over uneven roads, the front shock-absorbing mechanism 2 and the rear shock-absorbing mechanism 3 are used to reduce the vibration of the seat cushion 102 relative to the bicycle 90 in the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions.

[0032] Referring to Figures 4, 9, and 10, specifically, by utilizing the two elastic elements 311 of the elastic unit 31, which are respectively positioned below the rear end 516 of the support section 512, the load and vibration on the left side of the seat 102 in the vertical direction and the load and vibration on the right side of the seat 102 in the vertical direction can be reduced respectively. On the other hand, by utilizing the three-section rotatable design of the rotating unit 32, the second support unit 5 can move slightly forward and backward and up and down relative to the first support unit 11. Combined with the design of the front shock absorption mechanism 2, the relative vibration in the forward and backward direction is reduced, and with the elastic unit 31, the slight oscillation in the vertical direction is further reduced. Therefore, by utilizing the design of the seat 102 and the second support unit 5 being linked, the shock absorption device 101 can drive the seat 102 so that the entire shock-absorbing seat 100 can provide 360-degree shock absorption when the bicycle 90 is in motion.

[0033] It should be noted that, since the elastic elements 311 are located on the left and right sides of the rotating unit 32, and since the elastic elements 311 mainly dampen the vertical swaying of the left and right sides of the seat cushion 102, the rotating unit 32 can move back and forth and up and down. Combined with the front shock-absorbing mechanism 2 and the elastic elements 311, this cushioning effect reduces vibrations in all 360 degrees. Therefore, the innovative design of the rear shock-absorbing mechanism 3 distributes the shocks between the elastic elements 31 and the rotating unit 32, significantly improving the durability of the shock-absorbing device and enabling it to withstand the weight of a relatively large user. Therefore, the shock-absorbing seat 100, including the shock-absorbing device 101, has a relatively long service life.

[0034] Furthermore, the auxiliary shock absorber 4 can also provide elastic buffering force when the second support unit 5 and the first support unit 11 are relatively close vertically.

[0035] In summary, the shock-absorbing seat 100 of the present invention, by utilizing the design of the elastic unit 31 and the rotating unit 32 of the rear shock-absorbing mechanism 3, significantly improves the durability of the shock-absorbing device 101 and can withstand the weight of a larger user, effectively extending the service life of the shock-absorbing seat 100. Furthermore, by utilizing the design of the front shock-absorbing mechanism 2 and the rear shock-absorbing mechanism 3, 360-degree all-around shock absorption can be provided, thus effectively achieving the purpose of the present invention.

[0036] However, the above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the patent specification shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

[0037] 90: Bicycle 91: Chair post 100: Shock-absorbing seat 101: Shock Absorption Device 102: Seat Cushion 1: Support structure 11: First support unit 111: Support rod 112: First front mounting component 113: First rear-mounted component 114: First insertion hole 115: First rear motherboard section 116: First Postpositioning Group 117: First rear extension 118: First Support Surface 119: First Rear Positioning Section 110: First pivot hole 5: Second support unit 51: Mounting bracket 511: Curved section 512: Support Section 513: Insert Section 514: Inclined Section 515: Front end 516: Rear end 52: Second front mounting component 521: Second insertion hole 53: Second rear-mounted component 531: Second rear motherboard section 532: Second rear support section 533: Second rear extension 534: Second Support Surface 535: Second positioning slot 536: Second auxiliary positioning slot 537: Second pivot hole 2: Front shock absorber mechanism 21: First front shock absorber 211: First Lower Extension 212: First upper extension 213: First winding 22: Second front shock absorber 221: Second Lower Extension 222: Second upper extension 223: Second winding 3: Rear shock absorber mechanism 31: Elastic Unit 311: Elastic component 32: Rotating unit 321: First pivot 322: First connector 323: Second pivot 324: Second connector 325: Third pivot 4: Auxiliary shock absorbers 61: Ride 62: Bottom 621: Front mounting slot 622: Rear mounting slot X1: First direction X2: Second direction D1: First spacing D2: Second spacing L1: Imaginary axis L2: Centerline

Claims

1. A shock-absorbing device suitable for installation between a saddle and a seat post of a bicycle, the shock-absorbing device comprising: a support mechanism including a first support unit adapted for mounting on the seat post, and a second support unit spaced above the first support unit and adapted for mounting under the saddle, each of the first support unit and the second support unit extending in a first direction; a rear shock-absorbing mechanism including an elastic unit and a rotating unit, the elastic unit including two elastic members respectively connected between the rear sides of the first support unit and the rear sides of the second support unit, the elastic members being spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the rotating unit being rotatably connected between the first support unit and the second support unit; and a front shock-absorbing mechanism connected to the front sides of the first support unit and the second support unit, wherein, in the first direction, the front shock-absorbing mechanism and the rear shock-absorbing mechanism are spaced apart from each other, wherein... The rotating unit of the rear shock absorber includes a first rotating shaft rotatably connected to the first support unit, a first connecting member connected to the first rotating shaft and extending rearward and upward from the first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft rotatably connected to the first connecting member and opposite to the first rotating shaft, a second connecting member connected to the second rotating shaft and extending upward from the second rotating shaft, and a third rotating shaft connected to one end of the second connecting member and opposite to the second rotating shaft and rotatably connected to the second support unit. In the first direction, the elastic members are located between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and in the second direction, the rotating unit is located between the elastic members.

2. The shock absorption device as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the elastic elements of the rear damping mechanism includes a compression spring.

3. The shock absorption device as described in claim 2, wherein, Each of the first, second, and third rotating shafts of the rotating unit extends in the second direction.

4. The shock absorption device as described in claim 1, wherein, The first support unit of the support mechanism includes two first insertion holes spaced apart in the second direction and opening forward. The second support unit includes two second insertion holes spaced apart in the second direction and opening forward. The front damping mechanism includes a first front damper and a second front damper. The first front damper includes a first lower extension section inserted into one of the first insertion holes and extending forward, a first upper extension section inserted into a second insertion hole corresponding to one of the first insertion holes and extending forward, and a first winding section connecting the first lower extension section and the first upper extension section and about an axis. The second front damper includes a second lower extension section inserted into the other first insertion hole and extending forward, a second upper extension section inserted into a second insertion hole corresponding to the other first insertion hole and extending forward, and a second winding section connecting the second lower extension section and the second upper extension section and about the axis.

5. A shock-absorbing seat suitable for mounting on a seat post of a bicycle, comprising: a shock-absorbing device suitable for mounting on the seat post, and a seat cushion mounted on the shock-absorbing device, wherein, The shock-absorbing device includes a support mechanism, comprising a first support unit adapted to be mounted on the chair post, and a second support unit spaced above the first support unit and adapted to be mounted under the seat cushion. Each of the first and second support units extends in a first direction. A rear shock-absorbing mechanism includes an elastic unit and a rotating unit. The elastic unit includes two elastic members connected between the rear sides of the first and second support units, spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The rotating unit is rotatably connected between the first and second support units. A front shock-absorbing mechanism is connected to the front sides of the first and second support units. In the first direction, the front and rear shock-absorbing mechanisms are spaced apart from each other. The seat cushion includes a seating surface for sitting and a surface opposite to the seating surface connected to the bottom surface of the shock-absorbing device. The rotating unit of the rear shock absorber includes a first rotating shaft rotatably connected to the first support unit, a first connecting member connected to the first rotating shaft and extending rearward and upward from the first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft rotatably connected to the first connecting member and opposite to the first rotating shaft, a second connecting member connected to the second rotating shaft and extending upward from the second rotating shaft, and a third rotating shaft connected to one end of the second connecting member and opposite to the second rotating shaft and rotatably connected to the second support unit. In the first direction, the elastic members are located between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and in the second direction, the rotating unit is located between the elastic members.

6. The shock-absorbing seat as described in claim 5, wherein, The second support unit includes a mounting bracket, which includes a curved section and two support sections extending rearward from two opposite ends of the curved section in a first direction. Each support section includes a front end and a rear end spaced apart from each other. A first distance between the rear ends of the support sections is greater than a second distance between the front ends. The bottom surface of the cushion has two rear mounting grooves located on the rear side and spaced apart in the second direction, and a front mounting groove located on the front side. The rear mounting grooves are for at least a portion of the rear end portion to be inserted into, and the front mounting groove is for at least a portion of the curved section to be inserted into.

7. The shock-absorbing seat as described in claim 6, wherein, Each of the elastic elements of the rear damping mechanism includes a compression spring.

8. The shock-absorbing seat as described in claim 7, wherein, Each of the first, second, and third rotating shafts of the rotating unit extends in the second direction.

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