Non-uniform thickness bushing for telescopic assembly,telescopic suspension and dropper seat post

Abstract

This document provides a telescopic assembly with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness. The telescopic assembly includes a second telescopic member slidably coupled to a first telescopic member. The non-uniform thickness sleeve is coupled to an end of the second telescopic member and located between the second and first telescopic members. The non-uniform thickness sleeve includes: a sleeve body forming a ring having a aperture extending therethrough; a first portion extending from the sleeve body on one side of the ring, the first portion having a first thickness; and a second portion extending from the sleeve body on a side of the ring opposite to the side of the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness, thereby positioning the axis of the second telescopic member in a position that is not aligned with the axis of the first telescopic member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a telescopic assembly for use in a vehicle, and more particularly to a telescopic assembly having a sleeve of non-uniform thickness for use in a vehicle. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Currently, the best technology is the use of telescopic assemblies in vehicles for various reasons. Telescopic assemblies often include inner and outer rods that can slide relative to each other. Such telescopic assemblies often require force to move the sliding components. In some cases, the applied load is not applied to the telescopic assembly axially, but at an angle, thereby generating an axial force and at least one lateral load force in another direction. If the fit between the inner and outer rods is loose, the lateral load force can cause the inner and outer rods to stick together and hinder the normal function of the telescopic assembly.

[0003] An example of this type of telescopic assembly is a dropper seatpost. When riding a dropper seatpost, the sleeve ensures that the post can slide freely during extension and compression. Due to a loose fit, the seatpost may vibrate or make noise. Additionally, if the fit is too loose, the upper post (inner post) may shift in the lower post (outer post) and come into contact with components that should not be on the load path when the dropper seatpost extends or compresses. This can result in a high-friction riding feel, causing the seatpost to stick and not extend or compress freely, or damaging internal components. This experience is worse when the rider sits on the seatpost and attempts to actuate the dropper seatpost. The rider's weight is not applied axially to the seat or seatpost and applies lateral loads to the system. Under greater lateral loads, the sticking caused by the loose fit can become more severe, causing the seatpost not to compress fully. The rider may have a negative feeling about this, making the seatpost feel "cheap" or experiencing excessive / dispersed movement during variable pedaling. This is an inherent problem with all dropper seatposts and is usually designed around this issue. One solution is to make the sleeve fit tightly, but this can cause other problems. If the sleeve fits too tightly, the stem will also experience greater operating friction. This may result in a stem that cannot freely extend or compress.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved telescopic assembly with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness, such as a lifting seat rod. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] One embodiment includes a non-uniform thickness sleeve for a telescopic assembly used in a vehicle, the non-uniform thickness sleeve comprising: a sleeve body forming a ring having a aperture extending therethrough; a first portion extending from the sleeve body on one side of the ring, the first portion having a first thickness; and a second portion extending from the sleeve body on a side of the ring opposite to the side of the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0006] Another embodiment includes a telescopic suspension device comprising: a telescopic assembly including a first telescopic member having an axis and a second telescopic member having an axis, the second telescopic member being slidably coupled to the first telescopic member; a non-uniform thickness sleeve coupled to one end of the second telescopic member and located between an outer surface of the second telescopic member and an inner surface of the first telescopic member, wherein the non-uniform thickness sleeve includes: a sleeve body forming a ring having a aperture extending therethrough; a first portion extending from the sleeve body on one side of the ring, the first portion having a first thickness; and a second portion extending from the sleeve body on a side of the ring opposite to the side of the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness; and wherein when there is no load on the second telescopic member, the non-uniform thickness sleeve positions the axis of the second telescopic member at a position that is not aligned with the axis of the first telescopic member.

[0007] Another embodiment may include a dropper post comprising: a first post having an axis; a second post having an axis, the second post being slidably coupled to the first post; a non-uniform thickness sleeve coupled to one end of the second post and located between an outer surface of the second post and an inner surface of the first post, wherein the non-uniform thickness sleeve comprises: a sleeve body forming a ring having a hole extending therethrough; a first portion extending from the sleeve body on one side of the ring, the first portion having a first thickness, the first portion facing a front portion of a bicycle coupled to the dropper post when coupled to the second post; and a second portion extending from the sleeve body on a side of the ring opposite to the side of the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness; and wherein when there is no load on the second post, the non-uniform thickness sleeve positions the axis of the second post in a position that is not aligned with the axis of the first post.

[0008] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention.

Implementation Method

[0034] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a telescopic assembly with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness, such as a lifting seat rod.

[0035] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 depicts, in a non-limiting manner, an example of a dropper post 30 coupled to a bicycle 50. As shown, when a rider sits on a seat 52 coupled to the dropper post 30, he or she applies a load force 100 to the seat 52. This load 100 is not applied axially downward along the axis of the dropper post 30, thus generating an axial force 102 downward along the post 30 and a lateral load force 104 toward the rear of the bicycle 50. This generates a lateral load on the sleeve. This generates a load on the upper and lower sleeves of the dropper post 30. The direction of the applied lateral load is predictable because, in the most common load scenarios, the rider typically sits on the rear side of the seat, which may cause the dropper post 30 to stick under load. This applies a load to the rear side of the upper sleeve and the front side of the lower sleeve, wherein the rear side is the side positioned toward the rear of the bicycle and the front side is the side positioned toward the front of the bicycle.

[0036] Referring to Figures 2 through 5B, an embodiment of the telescopic assembly 30 is depicted. In this embodiment, the telescopic assembly 30 shown is a dropper rod 30. Although this disclosure discusses the dropper rod 30, the elements and components of the dropper rod 30 are applicable to other telescopic assemblies used in vehicles (such as, but not limited to, bicycles). The dropper rod 30 may include a first rod 32 (lower rod), a second rod 34 (upper rod), a sleeve 36, and a non-uniform thickness sleeve 10. The second rod 34 is slidable within the first rod 32, and the first rod 32 is removably coupled to the bicycle 50 (or other vehicle) and held in a fixed position, wherein the second rod 34 slides relative to the first rod 32. The non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 includes a first portion 12 having a first thickness 13 and a second portion 14 having a second thickness 15, wherein the first thickness 13 is greater than the second thickness 15. The first thickness 13 of the first portion 12 may be a continuously variable thickness when viewed from cross-sections at different locations on the first portion 12. Viewed from cross-sections at different locations on the second part 14, the second thickness 15 of the second part 14 can be a continuously variable thickness. Even with the variable thickness of the first thickness 13 and the second thickness 15, the first thickness 13 is generally greater than the second thickness 15.

[0037] The non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 may also include a gap 20 located between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14. The gap 20 is configured not to interfere with internal features on the first rod 32. The non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 may include a hole 16 extending therethrough and an opening 18 that facilitates mounting the non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 onto the bottom portion of the second rod 34. Additional ease-of-installation aids include a direction indicator 40 that points to the first portion 12 of the sleeve, thereby helping to orient the first portion 12 in a normal orientation.

[0038] In an embodiment, the first portion 12 may include a first plane 22, and the second portion 14 may include a second plane 24, wherein the first plane 22 is located on the side of the sleeve 10 opposite to the second plane 24. The first plane 22 and the second plane 24 can be used to facilitate the molding of the sleeve 10, but also provide additional benefits. The first plane 22 and the second plane 24 are located at the front and back, respectively, to help prevent adhesion when the sleeve 10 passes through the seat post clamp on the frame.

[0039] The dropper post 30 includes a space 38 between the outer surface of the bottom portion of the second post 34 and the inner surface of the first post 32. Once installed on the bottom portion of the second post 34, the first portion 12 of the non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 has a thickness (first thickness 13) to contact the inner surface of the first post 32 and deflect it away from the front of the bicycle 50. The second portion 14 has a thickness (second thickness 15) smaller than the size of the space 38.

[0040] Referring also to Figures 3C and 3D, an embodiment of the dropper post 30 is depicted, wherein the second rod 34 is at an exaggerated angle to the first rod 32, in order to better depict and describe the operation of the dropper post 30 having a non-uniform thickness sleeve 10. The first thickness 13 of the first portion 12 and the second thickness 15 of the second portion 14 cause the bottom portion of the second rod to be biased toward the rear of the bicycle 50. Therefore, the angle of the second rod 34 relative to the first rod 32 is biased before the application of the load 100, so that the axis 35 of the second rod and the axis 33 of the first rod are not coaxial. As the load 100 is applied to the seat 52 and the dropper post 30, the rear lateral load force 104 operates to move the upper portion of the second rod 34 toward the rear of the bicycle 50 to compress the first portion 12 of the non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 and to move the axis 35 of the second rod to be as close as possible to coaxiality with the axis 33 of the first rod. The improved operation of the dropper post 30 with its non-uniform sleeve 10 enhances the axial alignment of the second post 34 and the first post 32 under rider load. This improved axial alignment reduces operational friction, minimizes adhesion, and decreases the likelihood of wear on internal parts.

[0041] Although the non-uniform thickness sleeve 12 is depicted as being located in the position of the lower sleeve, it will be understood that the non-uniform thickness sleeve can be used in the position of the upper sleeve, wherein the first portion 12 faces the rear of the bicycle 50 so as to deflect the second rod 34 in the correct direction according to the direction of the lateral load force 104. In an additional embodiment, the non-uniform thickness sleeve can be used as both the upper and lower sleeves, wherein the first portion of the upper sleeve faces the rear of the bicycle 50 and the first portion of the lower sleeve faces the front of the bicycle 50.

[0042] Figures 6A to 11B depict additional embodiments of the non-uniform sleeve 10. Figures 6A to 6B depict first portions 12 and second portions 14 of different sizes without openings 18; Figures 7A to 7B depict a continuous decrease in thickness from first portion 12 to second portion 14; Figures 9A to 9B depict first portions 12 and second portions 14 as two components with a space between them; and Figures 10A to 10B are similar to Figures 9A to 9B, depicting first portions 12 and second portions 14 as two components with a space between them, the portions of first portions 12 and second portions 14 being smaller than the same components shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Figures 11A to 11B depict slightly different embodiments illustrating a telescopic assembly 30 that may include lateral loads in two different directions. In this embodiment, the non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 includes a first portion 12, a second portion 13, a fourth portion 26, and a fifth portion 28, wherein the thickness of the first portion 12 is greater than that of the second portion 13, and the thickness of the fourth portion 26 is greater than that of the fifth portion 28. This applies a load to the second rod 34, causing it to be misaligned with the first rod 32 in two directions as shown in FIG. 11A. Then, when two lateral load forces are applied, the axis of the second rod 34 and the axis of the first rod 32 can be moved to be as close as possible to coaxiality.

[0043] The non-uniform sleeve 10 may be a single component according to some embodiments, or it may be a plurality of separate components. For example, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, an embodiment of the non-uniform sleeve 10 includes a first portion 12 that is spaced apart from and separated from a second portion 14 to form an aperture 16. The non-uniform sleeve 10 may include a gap 20 located on and between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 on opposite sides, thereby separating the first portion 12 and the second portion 14.

[0044] An embodiment may include a telescopic assembly having a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member slidably coupled within the first telescopic member. A first portion 12 and a second portion 14 may be coupled to an end of the second telescopic member and are located between an outer surface of the second telescopic member and an inner surface of the first telescopic member. In an embodiment, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 may be axially offset from each other along the axis of the second telescopic member. In operation, when there is no load on the second telescopic member, the first portion 12 of the non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 positions the axis of the second telescopic member in a position that is not aligned with the axis of the first telescopic member. In response to a lateral load applied to the second telescopic member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first portion 12 of the non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 is oriented, the second telescopic member is moved relative to the first telescopic member such that the axes of the second telescopic member and the first telescopic member are in a nearly coaxial position.

[0045] Although the telescopic assembly depicted in the figures is a lifting seat rod 30, it will be understood that other telescopic assemblies 30 may use the same non-uniform sleeve 10. Such a telescopic assembly 30 is particularly suitable for vehicles. A specific telescopic assembly may be a telescopic suspension device 30, which includes a non-uniform thickness sleeve 10 and operates in the same manner as described above, so as to position the second telescopic member or second rod 34 in a position that is not aligned with the first telescopic member or first rod 32 when the sleeve 10 is unloaded, and then, once a load 100 is applied to generate an axial load 102 and a lateral load 104, the second telescopic member 32 moves relative to the first telescopic member 34 such that the axis of the second telescopic member 32 and the axis of the first telescopic member 32 are in a position close to coaxial.

[0046] Another embodiment may include a method of operating a telescopic assembly having a sleeve of non-uniform thickness. The method may include: biasing the bottom portion of a second rod in a direction opposite to the direction of the applied lateral load force, thereby deviating the axis of the second rod from a coaxial position relative to the axis of the bottom rod; applying an axial force and a lateral load force to the second rod; and moving the second rod to a position nearly coaxial with the first rod, thereby allowing the axial force to move the second rod relative to the first rod. The step of biasing the bottom portion of the second rod is performed in response to coupling the non-uniform thickness sleeve to the bottom portion of the second rod. Additional method steps are clearly discussed above in the description of the telescopic assembly 30 having a sleeve of non-uniform thickness 10.

[0047] Additionally, embodiments of various telescopic assemblies on vehicles (such as bicycles) include the use of uniform sleeves, such as the uniform sleeve 110 shown in Figures 12A and 12B. The uniform sleeve 110 may include a sleeve body 111 having an aperture 116 extending therethrough. The sleeve body 11 may include a first plane 122 and a second plane 124, wherein the first plane 122 is located on the side of the sleeve body 111 opposite to the second plane 124. The first plane 122 and the second plane 124 can be used to facilitate molding of the sleeve 110, but also provide additional benefits. The first plane 122 and the second plane 124 are located at the front and back, respectively, to help prevent adhesion when the sleeve 110 passes through the seatpost clamp on the frame. The uniform sleeve 110 may include an opening 118 extending through the sleeve body 111, which facilitates mounting the uniform sleeve 110 to the seatpost or other telescopic members.

[0048] The embodiments and examples presented herein are provided to best explain the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing descriptions and examples are for illustrative and exemplary purposes only. The descriptions are not exhaustive and are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0009] When considered in conjunction with the drawings, the present invention can be more fully understood by referring to the embodiments and the claims, wherein the same element symbols in the drawings refer to similar parts, and:

[0010] [Figure 1] is a side view of a bicycle with a dropper seat post according to an embodiment;

[0011] [Figure 2] is a perspective view of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0012] [Figure 3A] is a cross-sectional view of a lifting seat rod with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness according to an embodiment;

[0013] [Figure 3B] is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lifting seat rod with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness according to an embodiment;

[0014] [Figure 3C] is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lifting rod with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness according to an embodiment, when there is no load on the lifting rod;

[0015] [Figure 3D] is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lifting rod with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness according to an embodiment under load;

[0016] [Figure 4A] is a side view of the inner rod of a lifting seat rod with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness according to an embodiment;

[0017] [Figure 4B] is an end view of a lifting rod with a sleeve of non-uniform thickness according to an embodiment;

[0018] [Figure 5A] is a top view of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0019] [Figure 5B] is a perspective view of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0020] [Figure 6A] is a top view of another embodiment of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to one embodiment;

[0021] [Figure 6B] is a perspective view of the non-uniform thickness sleeve of Figure 6A used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0022] [Figure 7A] is a top view of another embodiment of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to one embodiment;

[0023] [Figure 7B] is a perspective view of the non-uniform thickness sleeve of Figure 7A used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0024] [Figure 8A] is a top view of another embodiment of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to one embodiment;

[0025] [Figure 8B] is a perspective view of the non-uniform thickness sleeve of Figure 8A used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0026] [Figure 9A] is a top view of another embodiment of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to one embodiment;

[0027] [Figure 9B] is a perspective view of the non-uniform thickness sleeve of Figure 9A used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0028] [Figure 10A] is a top view of another embodiment of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to one embodiment;

[0029] [Figure 10B] is a perspective view of the non-uniform thickness sleeve of Figure 10A used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0030] [Figure 11A] is a top view of another embodiment of a non-uniform thickness sleeve used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to one embodiment;

[0031] [Fig. 11B] is a perspective view of the non-uniform thickness sleeve of Fig. 11A used in conjunction with a lifting seat rod according to an embodiment;

[0032] [Figure 12A] is a top view of an embodiment of a uniform sleeve according to another embodiment; and

[0033] [Fig. 12B] is a perspective view of the uniform sleeve of Fig. 112A according to an embodiment.

Claims

1. A non-uniform thickness sleeve for a telescopic assembly used in a vehicle, the non-uniform thickness sleeve comprising: a first portion located on one side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve, the first portion having a first thickness; a second portion located on a side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve opposite to the side of the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness; and a gap located on the non-uniform thickness sleeve and between the first portion and the second portion.

2. The non-uniform thickness sleeve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gap is located on the opposite side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve.

3. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve body forming a ring having a aperture extending therethrough, wherein the first portion and the second portion extend from the sleeve body.

4. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a telescopic assembly having a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member slidably coupled to the first telescopic member, wherein the non-uniform thickness sleeve is coupled to one end of the second telescopic member and is located between an outer surface of the second telescopic member and an inner surface of the first telescopic member.

5. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 4, wherein when there is no load on the second telescopic member, the non-uniform thickness sleeve positions an axis of the second telescopic member at a position that is not aligned with an axis of the first telescopic member.

6. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 5, in response to a lateral load applied to the second telescopic member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first portion of the non-uniform thickness sleeve is oriented, causing the second telescopic member to move relative to the first telescopic member such that the axis of the second telescopic member and the axis of the first telescopic member are in a nearly coaxial position.

7. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 1, wherein the gap is located on the opposite side of the first portion and the second portion, thereby separating the first portion and the second portion.

8. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 7 further includes a telescopic assembly having a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member slidably coupled to the first telescopic member, wherein the first portion and the second portion are coupled to an end of the second telescopic member and located between an outer surface of the second telescopic member and an inner surface of the first telescopic member.

9. The non-uniform thickness sleeve as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first portion and the second portion are axially offset from each other along an axis of the second telescopic member.

10. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 8, wherein when there is no load on the second telescopic member, the first portion of the non-uniform thickness sleeve positions an axis of the second telescopic member at a position that is not aligned with an axis of the first telescopic member.

11. The non-uniform thickness sleeve of claim 10, in response to a lateral load applied to the second telescopic member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first portion of the non-uniform thickness sleeve is oriented, moves the second telescopic member relative to the first telescopic member such that the axis of the second telescopic member and the axis of the first telescopic member are in a nearly coaxial position.

12. A telescopic suspension device comprising: a telescopic assembly including a first telescopic member having an axis and a second telescopic member having an axis, the second telescopic member being slidably coupled to the first telescopic member; a non-uniform thickness sleeve coupled to one end of the second telescopic member and located between an outer surface of the second telescopic member and an inner surface of the first telescopic member, wherein the non-uniform thickness sleeve includes: a first portion located on one side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve, the first portion having a first thickness; a second portion located on a side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve opposite to the side of the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness; and a gap located on the non-uniform thickness sleeve and between the first portion and the second portion; and wherein when there is no load on the second telescopic member, the non-uniform thickness sleeve positions the axis of the second telescopic member at a position that is not aligned with the axis of the first telescopic member.

13. The telescopic suspension device of claim 12, wherein the gap is located on the opposite side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve.

14. The telescopic suspension device of claim 12, further comprising a sleeve body forming a ring having an opening extending therethrough, wherein the first portion and the second portion extend from the sleeve body.

15. The telescopic suspension device of claim 12, in response to a lateral load applied to the second telescopic member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first portion of the non-uniform thickness sleeve is oriented, moves the second telescopic member relative to the first telescopic member such that the axis of the second telescopic member and the axis of the first telescopic member are in a nearly coaxial position.

16. A dropper post comprising: a first post having an axis; a second post having an axis, the second post being slidably coupled to the first post; a non-uniform thickness sleeve coupled to one end of the second post and located between an outer surface of the second post and an inner surface of the first post, wherein the non-uniform thickness sleeve comprises: a first portion located on one side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve, the first portion having a first thickness, the first portion facing a front portion of a bicycle coupled to the dropper post when coupled to the second post; and a second portion located on a side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve opposite to the side of the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness; and a gap located on the non-uniform thickness sleeve and between the first portion and the second portion; and wherein when there is no load on the second post, the non-uniform thickness sleeve positions the axis of the second post in a position that is not aligned with the axis of the first post.

17. The lifting seat rod of claim 16, wherein the gap is located on the opposite side of the non-uniform thickness sleeve.

18. The lifting rod of claim 16, further comprising a sleeve body forming a ring having an aperture extending therethrough, wherein the first portion and the second portion extend from the sleeve body.

19. The lifting rod of claim 18 further includes a direction indicator that indicates the side of the first portion of the sleeve body that extends from the sleeve body.

20. The dropper post of claim 16, in response to a lateral load applied to the second post toward a rear of the bicycle, moves the second post relative to the first post such that the axis of the second post and the axis of the first post are in a nearly coaxial position.

Images