Height adjustable seat posts and apparatuses for bicycles and spacers for height adjustable seat posts

Abstract

This document describes a height-adjustable seatpost for bicycles. An example seatpost includes an upper tube and a lower tube, which are configured in a telescopic configuration and movable between at least a first position and a second position. The seatpost includes: an upper seal; a lower seal; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower seal and into the upper tube; and a piston in the upper tube and coupled to the shaft. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber between the piston and the upper seal, and a second chamber between the piston and the lower seal. The seatpost also includes a spacer in the second chamber between the piston and the lower seal to reduce the length of the height-adjustable seatpost in at least one of the first and second positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure is generally about bicycle components, and more specifically about height-adjustable seatposts and spacers for height-adjustable seatposts. Prior Technology

[0002] A bicycle is known to have a seat or saddle to support a rider in a seated position. The seat is typically connected to the bicycle frame by a post. On most bicycles, the seat height can be manually adjusted to raise or lower the seat to accommodate riders of different heights. The height can also be adjusted to suit different riding conditions. Usually, the seat post is mechanically clamped to a tube in the bicycle frame. When the clamp is released, the seat and post can slide up and down relative to the bicycle frame tube to adjust the seat height. However, on some modern, higher-end bicycles, the seat post is height-adjustable during riding using some type of hydraulic assist mechanism. For example, manually actuated hydraulic height-adjustable or "drop-down" seat posts utilize a hydraulic pressure differential within the post and require manual operation to adjust the seat post height. Some products use ANT+ wireless communication technology to allow riders to adjust the seat post wirelessly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An example height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle includes an upper tube to be coupled to a seat. The upper tube has an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end. The height-adjustable seatpost includes a lower tube to be coupled to a frame of the bicycle. The upper tube and the lower tube are configured in a telescopic configuration and are movable between at least a first position and a second position. The height-adjustable seatpost includes: an upper seal coupled to the upper tube at or near the upper end; a lower seal coupled to the upper tube at or near the lower end; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower seal and into the upper tube; and a piston in the upper tube, the piston being coupled to the shaft. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber between the piston and the upper seal, and a second chamber between the piston and the lower seal. The height-adjustable seat post also includes a spacer in the second chamber between the piston and the lower sealing head to reduce the length of one of the height-adjustable seat posts in at least one of the first and second positions.

[0004] An example device for a bicycle includes a height-adjustable seatpost comprising an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic configuration and movable between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the upper tube extends outwardly from the lower tube by a first length. The height-adjustable seatpost includes: a lower sealing head located at or near its lower end within the upper tube; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower sealing head into the upper tube; and a piston within the upper tube, coupled to the shaft. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is defined between the piston and the lower sealing head. The device also includes a spacer having a first end, a second end, and a central channel extending between the first and second ends. The spacer is sized to be installed in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seat rod, wherein the shaft extends through the central channel, and wherein when the spacer is installed in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seat rod, the upper tube extends outward from the lower tube by a second length in the first position, the second length being less than the first length. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0005] Figure 1 is a side view of an example bicycle that can utilize any of the height-adjustable seatposts disclosed herein.

[0006] Figure 2 is a side view of an example height-adjustable seat post in one of its fully extended positions.

[0007] Figure 3 is a side view of the example height-adjustable seat post of Figure 2 in a partially retracted position.

[0008] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of an example control module, which can be implemented on the example height-adjustable seat pole of Figure 2.

[0009] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example height-adjustable seat post of Figure 2 in its fully extended position.

[0010] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the example height-adjustable seat post of Figure 3 in the partially retracted position.

[0011] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area circled in Figure 5, showing an example piston assembly.

[0012] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the example height-adjustable seat post of Figure 2 in its fully extended position, and includes an example spacer in an example negative chamber of the example height-adjustable seat post.

[0013] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the example circled in Figure 8.

[0014] Figure 10 shows the example height-adjustable seat post of Figure 8 in a partially retracted position.

[0015] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the example circled in Figure 10.

[0016] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the example spacer shown in Figure 8.

[0017] Figure 13 is a top view of the example spacer in Figure 12.

[0018] Figure 14 is a side view of the example spacer in Figure 12.

[0019] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the example spacer in Figure 14 taken along line AA.

[0020] Figure 16 is a perspective view of two exemplary spacers that can be installed in the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Figure 8.

[0021] Figure 17 is a side view of the two example spacers of Figure 16 in a stacked configuration.

[0022] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the two example spacers in Figure 17 taken along line BB.

[0023] Figure 19 is a partial exploded view of the height-adjustable seat post of the example in Figure 8.

[0024] Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the circled area in Figure 19.

[0025] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the height-adjustable seat post of Figure 2, which includes a sample spacer in a sample lower chamber of a sample lower tube of the height-adjustable seat post.

[0026] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the height-adjustable seat post of Figure 2, which includes a spacer in a typical positive chamber of the height-adjustable seat post.

[0027] The drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or areas may be enlarged in the drawings. Generally speaking, the same component symbols will be used throughout the drawings and accompanying text to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0028] When identifying multiple elements or components that can be individually mentioned, the prepositions “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on the context of their use, these prepositions are not intended to imply any priority or chronological order, but merely serve as labels for individually mentioning multiple elements or components to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the preposition “first” may be used to refer to an element in a detailed description, while the same element may be mentioned in a claim with a different preposition such as “second” or “third.” In such cases, it should be understood that the use of these prepositions is solely for the purpose of facilitating the mention of multiple elements or components. Implementation

[0029] Some modern bicycles include a height-adjustable seatpost, often called a dropper seatpost. This type of seatpost allows a rider to change the height of their seat while riding the bicycle. For example, the rider can actuate a lever actuator on the handlebars and then push the seat down (e.g., with their hips) to retract or compress the seatpost, thereby lowering the seat height. When the rider stops actuating the seatpost actuator, the seatpost remains in the retracted position. Then, when the rider wants to raise the seat, they can actuate the seatpost actuator again, and the seatpost extends or retracts to move the seat back to its original height. This descent capability can be advantageous when a rider is preparing to ride down a steep slope. For example, when riding downhill, it is often desirable to lower the seat so that the rider can stand and shift their body towards the rear of the bicycle (for better weight distribution), without the seat touching their hips. This descent capability can also be used to lower the seat before the rider encounters a downhill section, where the rider is typically standing and pedaling. This adjustability can also be used in many other situations.

[0030] A height-adjustable seatpost includes a top tube and a bottom tube, which are assembled into a telescopic configuration. The bottom tube inserts into the bicycle frame and is secured by a clamp. The top tube extends upward from the bottom tube and supports the seat or saddle. The top tube can move into and out of the bottom tube between a fully extended position (also known as the top position) and a fully retracted position (also known as the bottom position). These height-adjustable seatposts have a fixed travel or range between the fully extended and fully retracted positions, determined by the internal components and size of the seatpost. For example, a typical seatpost has a travel range of 50 mm to 250 mm. When riding a bicycle, the rider can actuate the seatpost (e.g., by pushing a seatpost actuation button) to push the top tube into the bottom tube to lower the seat height. The seatpost can be locked in any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. When the rider wishes to raise the seat, the rider can stand on the pedals and actuate the seatpost. The seatpost automatically extends back to its fully extended position. Therefore, when the seatpost is in the fully extended position, it establishes one of the seat's defined top heights. However, even when the downtube is fully inserted into the bicycle frame (e.g., with the top collar against the frame), the seat height in the fully extended position may be too high for some riders to ride properly or comfortably. For example, some shorter riders or riders with a small inseam may expect the seatpost to reach its top at a lower height.

[0031] This article discloses an example height-adjustable seatpost with an example spacer, which can be used to reduce the overall height or length of the seatpost in its fully extended position. This allows the seat to reach its top at a lower height in the fully extended position, which is advantageous for some riders. In some examples, a seatpost and a spacer can be pre-assembled. In other examples, the seatpost and one or more spacers can be sold as a set or assembly. A user or rider can then install the spacers themselves as needed.

[0032] One example of a height-adjustable seatpost disclosed herein includes an upper tube and a lower tube, which are configured in a telescopic configuration and movable between a fully extended (top) position and a fully retracted (bottom) position. The lower tube is coupled to or mounted to a bicycle frame, and the seat is coupled to the upper tube. The upper tube is slidable relative to the lower tube to adjust the seat height. Both ends of the upper tube are sealed by upper and lower sealing heads to form a pneumatic chamber filled with a pressurized gas (e.g., air, nitrogen). In some examples, the upper sealing head includes a filling valve (e.g., a Schrader valve) for adding or removing pressurized gas from the pneumatic chamber. The seatpost includes a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube. The seatpost includes a piston assembly housed in the upper tube and coupled to the shaft. The piston assembly includes a piston that divides the pneumatic chamber into an upper chamber (a positive gas chamber) and a lower chamber (a negative gas chamber). The upper chamber biases the upper and lower tubes away from each other, and the lower chamber biases the upper and lower tubes toward each other. The piston assembly includes a valve that controls the flow of fluid across the piston between the upper and lower chambers. When the valve is in a closed state, it blocks or prevents gas flow between the two chambers. Regarding the use of the terms "block" or "prevent," for the purposes of the following discussion, "block" or "prevent" refers to the most limited gas flow that can be achieved or is desired. Thus, in one example, "block" or "prevent" means a complete cessation of all gas flow between the two chambers. However, in another example, "block" or "prevent" means that substantially all gas flow ceases between the two chambers. The pressure in the upper pneumatic chamber is sufficient to support the rider's weight. When it is desired to raise or lower the seat, the valve is switched to an open position, allowing gas to flow across the piston between the upper and lower chambers. This enables the rider to move the upper tube up or down relative to the lower tube, thereby raising or lowering the seat height.

[0033] As the seat rod extends or retracts to its fully extended position, the upper tube moves out of the lower tube, and the piston moves toward the lower seal head. In known seat rods, the piston contacts or engages the lower seal head, stopping the seat rod extension and thereby defining the fully extended (top) position. Typically, a top-end buffer is used to cushion the stop. In the example disclosed herein, the seat rod includes a spacer in a lower chamber between the piston and the lower seal head. The spacer reduces the piston's travel toward the lower seal head. As the seat rod extends or retracts, the piston eventually engages one of the top ends of the spacer, while the bottom end of the spacer engages the lower seal head (and / or the buffer on the lower seal head). Thus, the piston stops (e.g., against the lower seal head and / or the top-end buffer) at an earlier position along its travel. This reduces the overall height or length of the seat rod in the fully extended position. This results in a lower or reduced height for the seat or saddle in its fully extended position, which is advantageous and / or desirable for some riders. For example, without spacers, the seatpost may have a first length in its fully extended position, and with spacers, it may have a second length less than that first length. Spacers may have any desired height or length. In some examples disclosed herein, multiple spacers may be configured in a stacked configuration within the lower chamber. Different numbers of spacers result in different height reductions.

[0034] In some examples, a seatpost can be pre-assembled with a spacer. In other examples, the spacer can be supplied separately from the seatpost. For instance, the seatpost and one or more spacers can be sold as a set or assembly, or as completely separate components. A user or rider can then install one or more spacers themselves as needed. This allows a manufacturer to produce a seatpost of a size that can be easily adjusted to the rider's desired height / length.

[0035] Turning now to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates an example of a human-powered vehicle on which the exemplary seatpost disclosed herein can be implemented. In this example, the vehicle is a possible type of bicycle 100, such as a mountain bike. In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 includes a frame 102 and a front wheel 104 and a rear wheel 106 rotatably coupled to the frame 102. In the illustrated example, the front wheel 104 is coupled to the front end of the frame 102 via a front fork 108. One of the forward and / or forward riding directions or orientations of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow A in Figure 1. Thus, one of the forward movement directions of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow A.

[0036] In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the bicycle 100 includes a seat 110 (sometimes referred to as a saddle) coupled to the frame 102 via a seatpost 112 constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure (e.g., near the rear end of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A). In the illustrated example, the seatpost 112 is coupled to a seatpost 114 of the frame 102. In some examples, the seatpost 112 is coupled to the seatpost 114 by a clamp 116 surrounding an opening in the seatpost 114. The seatpost 112 is height-adjustable to raise or lower the seat 110. In some examples, the bicycle 100 includes a seatpost actuation button 113 to control the seatpost 112, the exemplary operation of which is disclosed in further detail herein. The bicycle 100 also includes handlebars 118 coupled to the frame 102 and fork 108 (e.g., one of the forward-facing ends of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A) for maneuvering the bicycle 100. In some examples, a seatpost actuation button 113 is mounted on the handlebars 118 so that a rider can interact with the seatpost actuation button 113 while riding the bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 is shown on a riding surface 120. The riding surface 120 can be any riding surface, such as the ground (e.g., a dirt path, a walkway, a street, etc.), a man-made structure above the ground (e.g., a wooden ramp), and / or any other surface.

[0037] In the illustrated example, bicycle 100 has a drive chain 122 including a crank assembly 124. The crank assembly 124 is operatively coupled via a chain 126 to a sprocket assembly 128 mounted on a hub 130 of the rear wheel 106. The crank assembly 124 includes at least one, and generally two, crank arms 132 and pedals 134, and at least one front sprocket or chain link 136. A rear gearshift device 138, such as a derailleur, is disposed at the rear wheel 106 to move the chain 126 through the different sprockets of the sprocket assembly 128. Alternatively or additionally, bicycle 100 may include a plurality of front chain links and a front gearshift device for moving the chain 126 between these plurality of chain links.

[0038] The exemplary bicycle 100 may include a suspension system having one or more suspension components. In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 includes a rear suspension assembly 140. In this example, the rear suspension assembly 140 is implemented as or includes a shock absorber. In some examples, the front fork 108 is also implemented as a front suspension assembly. For example, a spring may be integrated into one foot, and a damper may be integrated into the other foot. The front fork 108 and the rear suspension assembly 140 absorb shocks and vibrations when riding the bicycle 100 (e.g., when riding on rough terrain). In other examples, the front fork 108 and / or the rear suspension assembly 140 may be integrated into the bicycle 100 in other configurations or arrangements.

[0039] In some examples, one or more components of bicycle 100 may include electronic components for controlling and / or monitoring various states of bicycle 100. For example, bicycle 100 of FIG. 1 includes a control device or bicycle computer 142 mounted on handlebar 118. Bicycle computer 142 can wirelessly communicate with seatpost 112, rear gear shifter 138, front fork 108 and / or rear suspension assembly 140 to collect data and / or control the operation of individual components. Bicycle computer 142 can also wirelessly communicate with power meter 144 of crank assembly 124. The aforementioned components can be paired to a wireless network.

[0040] Although the example bicycle 100 shown in Figure 1 is a type of mountain bike, the height-adjustable seatpost system disclosed herein can be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, the example seatpost disclosed herein can be used on road bicycles, as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired, wireless) drive systems. The example seatpost disclosed herein can also be implemented on other types of two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled human-powered vehicles. In addition, the example seatpost disclosed herein can be used on other types of vehicles such as motorized vehicles (e.g., a motorcycle).

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary height-adjustable seatpost 112, which can be implemented on the bicycle 100 of Figure 1. This seatpost 112 can also be referred to as a drop-down seatpost or seatpost assembly. The length or height of the exemplary seatpost 112 is adjustable, allowing the height of the seat 110 (Figure 1) to be raised or lowered. In the illustrated example, the seatpost 112 includes a first tube 202, referred to herein as a lower tube 202, and a second tube 204, referred herein as an upper tube 204. These lower and upper tubes 202 and 204 can also be referred to as seatpost sections or segments. As shown in Figure 2, these lower and upper tubes 202 and 204 are assembled in a coaxial configuration and aligned along an axis 206. Axis 206 corresponds to a central or longitudinal axis of the seatpost 112. The lower tube 202 has: a first end 208, referred to herein as an upper end 208; and a second end 210 relative to the upper end 208, referred herein as a lower end 210. Similarly, the upper tube 204 has: a first end 212, referred herein as an upper end 212; and a second end 500 relative to the upper end 212 (shown in Figures 5 and 6), referred herein as a lower end 500. The upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 are assembled in a telescopic configuration. Specifically, in this example, the upper tube 204 extends into an opening 213 in the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202. In this way, the upper tube 204 is at least partially housed within the lower tube 202. The upper tube 204 can slide into and out of the opening 213 in the lower tube 202, allowing the overall height or length of the seat post 112 to be changed. In other examples, the lower and upper tubes 202, 204 can be assembled such that the lower tube 202 extends into the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204.

[0042] In the illustrated example, seat post 112 includes a seat clamp 214 coupled (e.g., welded, bolted, threaded, etc.) to the upper end 212 of upper tube 204. The seat clamp 214 is used to couple seat 110 (FIG. 1) to seat post 112. In this example, seat clamp 214 includes two threaded fasteners 216, 218 (e.g., bolts), which can be tightened to secure seat 110 to upper tube 204. In other examples, seat post 112 may include other mechanisms for attaching to seat 110. In the illustrated example, seat post 112 includes a lower cap assembly 220 coupled to the lower end 210 of lower tube 202.

[0043] When the seatpost 112 is mounted on the bicycle 100 (FIG. 1), the downtube 202 is coupled to the frame 102 (FIG. 1). For example, the downtube 202 can be inserted into the seatpost 114 (FIG. 1) and secured by a clamp 116 (FIG. 1). The top tube 204 extends upward from the downtube 202 and supports the seat 110 (FIG. 1). As disclosed in further detail herein, the seatpost 112 has an internal piston and valve that allows the top tube 204 to move downward (e.g., slide) relative to the downtube 202 and provides a restoring force to move the top tube 204 upward relative to the downtube 202. This allows a rider to easily lower or raise the height of the seat 110. The seat post 112 is adjustable between a fully extended position (also referred to as a top position) and a fully retracted position (also referred to as a bottom position) as shown in Figure 2, in which the upper tube 204 moves into the lower tube 202 until a stop or limit is reached. The seat post 112 can also extend / retract to any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions and remain in the appropriate position. For example, Figure 3 shows an example where the upper tube 204 has partially moved into the lower tube 202. In this way, the seat 110 (Figure 1) will be lowered or closer to the ground compared to the position in Figure 2. Therefore, the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 can move between at least a first position and a second position, wherein the first position may correspond to the fully extended position and the second position may correspond to the fully retracted position or any position in between.

[0044] In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the seatpost 112 includes a control module 222, which may also be referred to as a controller or control unit. The control module 222 includes a power supply (e.g., a battery pack) and a circuitry (e.g., a processor circuitry, logic circuitry, etc.) for operating internal valves of the seatpost 112. In this example, the control module 222 is coupled to an outer surface 224 of the lower tube 202 at or near the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202. Some known drop-down lifters position the control module on the seat clamp. However, this position may interfere with rear tire clearance. Therefore, positioning the control module 222 at the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202, near the overlap area, helps to improve rear wheel clearance. This position also helps maintain a minimum ratio of drop height to overall length.

[0045] As an example operation, if a rider wishes to lower the seat 110 (Figure 1), the rider actuates a seat post actuator, such as, in this example, seat post actuation button 113 (Figure 1). In Figure 1, seat post actuation button 113 is mounted on handlebar 118 so that the rider can actuate seat post actuation button 113 using one of their fingers (e.g., their thumb). Alternatively, seat post actuation button 113 may be a lever or other type of user interface, such as a display device with a touch screen. When seat post actuation button 113 is pressed, it transmits a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) to control module 222. Control module 222 receives the signal from seat post actuation button 113 and actuates an actuator or motor to open an internal valve, which is located in a pneumatic chamber in upper tube 204, as disclosed in further detail herein. When the internal valve is open, the rider can push the seat 110 downwards, causing the upper tube 204 to slide into the lower tube 202 (e.g., as shown in Figure 3), thereby lowering or reducing the height of the seat 110. In some examples, the rider can apply this force by sitting on the seat 110 and using their hips to apply downward force. When the seat 110 reaches the desired height, the rider can release the seat post actuation button 113. In response, the control module 222 closes the internal valve, which holds the upper tube 204 in the appropriate position relative to the lower tube 202. When the rider wishes to raise the seat 110, the rider can press the seat post actuation button 113 again. The control module 222 receives the signal and opens the internal valve. When minimal or zero downward force is applied to the seat 110 (e.g., the rider is standing on the pedals and not resting their buttocks on the seat 110), the internal pneumatic system pushes the upper tube 204 upward from the lower tube 202, thereby moving the seat 110 upward. The upper tube 202 moves upward until it reaches its fully extended position. Otherwise, when the desired position is reached, the rider can release the seatpost actuation button 113. When the seatpost actuation button 113 is released, the internal valve closes and holds the seatpost 112 in the current position. Therefore, the rider can easily adjust the seatpost height.

[0046] In some examples, to actuate the internal valve, the rider presses and holds the seatpost actuation button 113. As long as the seatpost actuation button 113 is pressed, the valve is held open, allowing the upper tube 204 to slide up or down relative to the lower tube 202. When the rider releases the seatpost actuation button 113, the internal valve closes, holding the upper tube 204 in place. However, in other examples, the system can be configured such that the rider can press and release the seatpost actuation button 113 to open the valve, and then press the seatpost actuation button 113 again to close the valve.

[0047] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the control module 222 on the lower tube 202. In the illustrated example, the control module 222 includes a collar 400, a control housing 402 coupled to the collar 400, and a power supply (in this example, a battery pack 404 coupled to the control housing 402). The collar 400 surrounds the lower tube 202 and couples the control module 222 to the lower tube 202. In this example, the collar 400 includes a first portion 406a and a second portion 406b, which are coupled together and thus clamped around the lower tube 202. In some examples, the first and second portions 402a, 402b are coupled by a snap-fit ​​and / or threaded fastener (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). The control housing 402 contains electronic components for receiving control signals and operating internal valves (e.g., opening valves, closing valves, etc.). For example, Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a control housing 402. The control housing 402 includes a processor circuitry 408 and a wireless communication device 410. The wireless communication device 410 includes a receiver. The wireless communication device 410 can receive wireless control / command signals from the seatpost actuation button 113 and / or another bicycle component such as the bicycle computer 142. Additionally, in some examples, the wireless communication device 410 may include a transmitter (e.g., a transceiver) and can send wireless control / command signals to the seatpost actuation button 113 and / or other bicycle components such as the bicycle computer 142. In response to, for example, receiving a command, the processor circuitry 408 actuates a motor (e.g., by applying a current or voltage to the motor) to open an internal valve, allowing the seatpost 112 to extend or retract. When the seatpost actuation button 113 is released, no control / command signal is received, and the processor circuitry 408 actuates the motor to close the valve, thereby maintaining the seatpost 112 in its current position. In other examples, a second or separate control / command signal is received when the seat lever actuation button 113 is released. Wireless communication device 410 is configured for wireless communication and therefore includes one or more antennas. Wireless communication device 410 provides wireless communication in any known or subsequently developed format. While this specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in specific embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the examples disclosed herein are not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet-switched network transmissions (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS) represent examples of current technological levels. These standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents with essentially the same functionality. Bluetooth®, ANT+™, ZigBee, WiFi, and / or AIREA™ standards may also be used or used alternatively. Accordingly, alternative standards and protocols having the same or similar functionality as disclosed herein are considered their equivalents.

[0048] As used herein, a "processor circuit system" is defined as including (i) one or more special-purpose circuits configured to perform specific operations and including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors), and / or (ii) one or more general-purpose semiconductor-based circuits programmable with instructions to perform specific operations and including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors). Examples of processor circuit systems include: programmable microprocessors, instruction-instantiable field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), XPUs or microcontrollers, and integrated circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). For example, an XPU can be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system that includes multiple types of processor circuitry (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more DSPs, and / or a combination thereof) and an application programming interface (API) that can assign computing tasks to the most suitable processor circuitry among these multiple types of processor circuitry to perform the computing task.

[0049] Battery pack 404 supplies power to the electronic components of control housing 402, which control the motor to operate the valve. Battery pack 404 also supplies power to energize or actuate the motor. In some examples, battery pack 404 is removable, such as by pressing a release lug or button or by sliding battery pack 404 away from control housing 402 in a certain direction (Figure 4). In some examples, battery pack 404 can be removed, charged, and reattached to control housing 402. In other examples, battery pack 404 can be secured to the seat 112 in a manner that requires removal (e.g., removing one or more screws). In some examples, battery pack 404 is rechargeable while attached to control housing 402. Battery pack 404 can be charged wired or wirelessly. For example, battery pack 404 may have a charging port or charging surface for charging. In other examples, the battery pack 404 may not be rechargeable and must be replaced with a new battery pack. In this example, the power supply for powering the motor is attached to the collar 400 at the upper end 208 of the downtube 202. In some examples, the battery pack 404 is fixed relative to the downtube 202 (via the collar 400) and is fixed relative to the downtube 202 when mounted on the bicycle 100 (FIG. 1). In other examples, the battery pack 404 may be located in various positions, such as the clamp 116 (FIG. 1), the collar 400 (FIG. 4), or the lower end 210 of the downtube 202. The battery pack 404 may also be mounted at a remote location on the seatpost 112 and connected to the seatpost 112 by electrical wiring (e.g., one or more wires passing through or extending along the frame 102).

[0050] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the seat post 112 in the fully extended position corresponding to Figure 2, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the seat post 112 in the partially retracted position corresponding to Figure 3. Figures 5 and 6 show an example of a seat post 112 without a spacer. Figures 8 and 9 show an example of a seat post 112 with an exemplary spacer, which is disclosed in further detail herein.

[0051] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper tube 204 has a lower end 500. The lower end 500 is disposed within the lower tube 202. Thus, the lower and upper tubes 202 and 204 overlap in an overlapping region or area. In Figure 5, the amount by which the upper tube 204 extends outward (e.g., upward) from the lower tube 202 is defined by a first length L1, and in Figure 6, the amount by which the upper tube 204 extends outward from the lower tube 202 is defined by a second length L2, which is less than L1. Therefore, the overall height or length of the seat rod 112 in Figure 6 is less than the height or length of the seat rod 112 in Figure 5.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper tube 204 defines a chamber 502. The chamber 502 is filled with fluid (e.g., pneumatic gas), as described further herein. The seat rod 112 includes an upper sealing head 504 (e.g., a plug or bushing) coupled to the upper tube 204 at or near its upper end 212. In this example, the upper sealing head 504 is located inside the upper tube 204, but in other examples, it may be located outside the upper tube 204. The seat rod 112 also includes a lower sealing head 506 coupled to the upper tube 204 at or near its lower end 500. In this example, the lower sealing head 506 is located inside the upper tube 204, but in other examples, it may be located outside the upper tube 204. These upper and lower sealing heads 504, 506 seal the end of the upper tube 204 to maintain fluid in the chamber 502.

[0053] In the examples illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the seat rod 112 includes a shaft 508, which may be referred to as a rod. The shaft 508 is disposed in and coupled to the lower tube 202 (e.g., near the lower end 210) such that the shaft 508 is fixed relative to the lower tube 202. For example, the lower cap assembly 220 includes a mounting member 509 disposed at the lower end 210 in and coupled to the lower tube 202. One bottom end of the shaft 508 is coupled to the mounting member 509. The shaft 508 extends upward through the lower tube 202 and through the lower sealing head 506 into the upper tube 204. Specifically, the shaft 508 extends through the lower sealing head 506 and into a chamber 502 defined in the upper tube 204. When the seat rod 112 extends or retracts, the lower sealing head 506 can slide up and down along the shaft 508.

[0054] In the examples illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the seat rod 112 includes a piston assembly 510 housed within the upper tube 204. The piston assembly 510 may also be referred to as a valve assembly or flow control assembly. The piston assembly 510 is housed within a chamber 502 of the upper tube 204 and coupled to a shaft 508. As the seat rod 112 extends or retracts, the piston assembly 510 moves closer to or further away from the upper and lower ends 212, 500 of the upper tube 204. The piston assembly 510 includes a piston 512 that seals against an inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. When the seat rod 112 extends or retracts, the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204 can slide upwards and downwards along the piston 512. The piston assembly 510, and particularly the piston 512, divides the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204 into a first chamber 516 (between the piston 512 and the upper sealing head 504) and a second chamber 518 (between the piston 512 and the lower sealing head 506). These first and second chambers 516 and 518 may also be referred to as upper and lower chambers, or positive and negative chambers 516 and 518, respectively. The first chamber 516 is defined by the piston assembly 510, the upper sealing head 504, and the upper tube 204. The second chamber 518 is defined by the piston assembly 510, the lower sealing head 506, the upper tube 204, and the shaft 508. The volumes of the first and second chambers 516 and 518 change as the upper tube 204 moves upward and downward relative to the piston assembly 510. The first and second chambers 516 and 518 are filled with a fluid. In this example, the seat rod 112 is based on a pneumatic platform. Therefore, the first and second chambers 516, 518 can be filled with a pressurized gas, such as air or nitrogen. In other examples, the first and second chambers 516, 518 can be filled with another type of compressible gas. The piston assembly 510 controls the flow of fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) across the piston 512 and between the first and second chambers 516, 518.

[0055] In the examples illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the seat lever 112 includes a valve 520 and a motor 522 for controlling the state of the valve 520. In this example, the valve 520 and motor 522 are part of the piston assembly 510 and are incorporated into and / or integrated with the piston 512. Thus, the valve 520 and motor 522 are housed in the upper tube 204 and at least partially in an overlap area (e.g., L1 or L2) between the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202. In this example, the valve 520 is a lifting valve, including a lifting portion movable in a linear direction to open or close the valve 520. However, in other examples, other types of valves may be used. The valve 520 can be operated (e.g., opened or closed) to control the flow of gas across the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. Specifically, valve 520 can operate between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) is blocked from flowing across piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518, which holds the lower and upper tubes 202, 204 in their current positions. In the open state, fluid can flow across piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518, which allows upper tube 204 to move relative to lower tube 202 to adjust the height of seat 110 (FIG. 1). Although in this example, valve 520 is operated by motor 522, in other examples, seat lever 112 may include a solenoid or other type of actuator to control valve 520. Furthermore, although in this example, motor 522 is integrated into piston assembly 510 in upper tube 204, in other examples, motor 522 may be located at another point. For example, motor 522 can be coupled to the lower end 210 of lower tube 202.

[0056] In some examples, the upper sealing head 504 includes and / or is otherwise implemented as a valve 523 that allows a user to add pneumatic fluid to or remove from the chamber 502 in the upper tube 204. In this example, the valve 523 is implemented as a Schrader valve. However, in other examples, the valve 523 may be implemented as another type of valve, such as a Presta valve. A user can remove the seat clamp 214 and access the valve 523 to add pneumatic fluid to or remove from the chamber 502. In some examples, the valve 523 may be located on one side of the upper tube 204 near the upper end 212.

[0057] In the examples illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the first chamber 516 is a positive pressure chamber, and the second chamber 518 is a negative pressure chamber. Both chambers 516 and 518 are pressure-sealed chambers. The lower tube 202 defines a third chamber 526 between the lower sealing head 506 and the lower cap assembly 220. The third chamber 526 is considered a pressure-controlled chamber. The volume of the third chamber 526 changes based on the actuation position. In some examples, the third chamber 526 is vented to the atmosphere and therefore contains air at atmospheric pressure. However, in other examples, the third chamber 526 is also a pressure-sealed chamber (e.g., containing pressurized air or nitrogen). In this example, the fluid (e.g., air) in the third chamber 526 can be compressed as the upper tube 204 moves downward. This compressed fluid can provide a bias pressure to return the seat rod 112 to its fully extended position. In other examples, the third chamber 526 may have additional mechanisms for compensating for volume changes, such as a floating piston or a deformable sac. The first chamber 516, the second chamber 518, and the third chamber 526 can be of various shapes and / or sizes. For example, the first chamber 516, the second chamber 518, and the third chamber 526 may be cylindrically shaped (e.g., having an outer diameter between 27 mm and 35 mm, respectively) and sized to be adjustable for a specific maximum rod (e.g., 150 mm).

[0058] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, piston 512 has a first side 528 (e.g., a top side) facing upward sealing head 504 and a second side 530 (e.g., a bottom side) opposite the first side 528 and facing downward sealing head 506. The axial surface area of ​​the first side 528 of piston 512 (as viewed along axis 206) is greater than the axial surface area of ​​the second side 530 of piston 512. This is because a portion of the axial surface area of ​​the second side 530 is reduced due to the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft 508. When valve 520 is in the closed state and seat rod 112 is in the fully extended position (Figure 5), the first chamber 516 acts as a spring and is configured to bias the upper tube 204 toward the fully extended position of seat rod 112. The first side 528 and the second side 530 of the piston 512 are of a fixed size and shape, and the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518 are individually compressed when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, so that the gas in the first chamber 516 supports the rider's weight. In some examples, when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, the weight of the rider on the seat 110 (FIG. 1) causes the seat 110 to sink by less than 10 mm. Based on force calculations, the seat post 112 operates because the axial surface area of ​​the first side 528 of the piston 512 supports the rider against a pneumatic pressure ratio between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. This also depends on the volume of the second chamber 518 when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, the volume of the first chamber 516 is greater than the volume of the second chamber 518. In some examples, when the seatpost 112 is in the fully extended position, the volume of the second chamber 518 may not exceed 20 percent of the volume of the first chamber 516. In other examples, the first and second chambers 516, 518 may have different volume ratios in the fully extended position. For example, when the seatpost 112 is in the fully extended position, the volume of the second chamber 518 may not exceed 10 percent, 5 percent, or 3 percent of the volume of the first chamber 516. This causes the seatpost 112 to act like a zero-pressure preloaded pneumatic spring. This is the main reason why it supports the rider and provides a firm feel. In the fully extended position of the seatpost 112, the seat 110 may move slightly, but the rider will not usually perceive this movement.

[0059] As an example operation, assume the seatpost 112 is in the fully extended position as shown in Figure 5, and the rider wishes to lower the seat 110 (Figure 1). The rider presses a lever actuation button 113 (Figure 1) on the handlebar 118 (Figure 1), and the control module 222 actuates the motor 522 to open the valve 520. When the valve 520 is open, a force can be applied downward to the seat 110 to compress the seatpost 112. For example, the rider can sit (or partially sit) on the seat 110 to apply downward pressure with his / her hips. This downward pressure forces fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) to flow from the first chamber 516 through the valve 520 and over the piston 512 into the second chamber 518. This allows the upper tube 204 to move downward and into the lower tube 202, thereby lowering the seat 110. As the upper tube 204 moves downward, the volume of the first chamber 516 decreases, and the volume of the second chamber 518 increases. The rider can move (e.g., lower) the seat 110 to any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. Figure 6 shows the seat post 112 in an intermediate position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions.

[0060] When the seat 110 is in a desired position, such as the position shown in Figure 6, the rider can release the seat post actuation button 113 (Figure 1). The control module 222 actuates the motor 522 to close the valve 520. When the valve 520 is closed, fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) is prevented from flowing across the piston assembly 510 between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. This limits or prevents further relative movement of the upper tube 204 relative to the lower tube 202. When the valve 520 is closed, the force balance in the system ensures that the axial pressure acting on the first side 528 of the piston 512 is approximately equal to the axial pressure acting on the second side 530 of the piston 512. Using a compressible flow system such as air allows the pressure chamber to act as a compression spring when a downward force is applied to the upper tube 204. Therefore, when the rider is seated on the seat 110, the seat post 112 supports the rider's weight. In some examples, when the seatpost 112 is in an intermediate position (between the fully extended and fully retracted positions), the rider's weight may cause the seat 110 to sink slightly (e.g., 40 mm or less). The seatpost 112 may also remain in any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. If the seatpost 112 moves to the fully retracted position, the seat clamp 214 contacts the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202, and / or the lower seal head 506 contacts the lower cap assembly 220. This provides a hard stop to prevent further movement. When the seatpost 112 is in the fully retracted position, the seat 110 may not sink due to this hard stop.

[0061] When the rider wishes to raise the seat post 112 back to the fully extended position, they press the seat post actuation button 113 (FIG. 1), and the control module 222 actuates the motor 522 to open the valve 520. Without any external downward force acting on the seat 110 (FIG. 1), the pressure in the first chamber 516 of the upper tube 204 causes the upper tube 204 to move upward relative to the lower tube 202 back to the fully extended position. This is because the axial surface area of ​​the first side 528 of the piston 512 is greater than the axial surface area of ​​the second side 530 of the piston 512. Thus, the force exerted by the pressure in the first chamber 516 on the first side 528 of the piston 512 is greater than the force exerted by the pressure in the second chamber 518 on the second side 530 of the piston 512. Therefore, the upper tube 204 is forced upward to the fully extended position. As the upper tube 204 moves upward, the fluid system flows across the valve 520 from the second chamber 518 to the first chamber 516. Therefore, the imbalance of axial pressure biases the seat lever 112 toward the fully extended position. This allows the seat lever 112 to automatically extend back to the fully extended position shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, the upper tube 204 moves upward relative to the lower tube 202 until the top of the lower sealing head 506 engages with the second side 530 of the piston 512. This forms a limit or stop defining the fully extended (top) position. When the seat lever 112 is in the fully extended position, the rider can release the seat lever actuation button 113, which actuates the motor 522 to close the valve, thereby maintaining the seat lever 112 in the fully extended position. Therefore, the pressurized gas system in the first chamber 516 biases the upper and lower tubes 204, 202 away from each other, and the pressurized gas system in the second chamber 518 biases the upper and lower tubes 204, 202 toward each other.

[0062] As disclosed above, in some examples, the third chamber 526 is vented to the atmosphere. This provides minimal bias pressure (if any) on the upper tube 204. However, in other examples, the third chamber 526 may be sealed and pressurized to have a positive pressure. In this example, as the upper tube 204 moves downward, the volume of the third chamber 526 decreases, increasing the pressure within it. This pressure acts upward on the lower sealing head 506 to help bias the upper tube 204 to its fully extended position.

[0063] As disclosed above, control module 222 includes processor circuitry 408 (FIG. 4), which is configured to control and operate motor 522 to open and close valve 520. In the examples illustrated in FIG. 5 and 6, control module 222 is located on or near the upper end 208 of lower tube 202 on the outer surface 223 of lower tube 202, while motor 522 is located in piston assembly 510 within chamber 502 of upper tube 204. The seat lever 112 may include one or more wires and / or electrical connection structures to form an electrical path between control module 222 and motor 522. This allows electrical and / or command signals to be transferred between control module 222 and motor 522. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 and 6, seat lever 112 includes first and second wires 532, 534 disposed in lower tube 202. In some examples, the first and second outer tube wires 532, 534 are positive and negative wires, respectively. The first and second outer conduit wires 532, 534 are electrically coupled to the control module 222. The first and second outer conduit wires 532, 534 extend through the lower conduit 202 to the lower cap assembly 220. In other words, in this example, the first and second outer conduit wires 532, 534 extend between the upper end 208 and the lower end 210 of the lower conduit 202. In some examples, the first and second outer conduit wires 532, 534 are positioned along one of the inner surfaces 536 of the lower conduit 202 (e.g., in one or more channels positioned along the inner surface 536).

[0064] In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 also includes first and second inner tube conductors 538 and 540. The first and second inner tube conductors 538 and 540 are housed in the shaft post 508 and extend between the lower cap assembly 220 and the motor 522. The lower cap assembly 220 includes one or more electrical connectors or wire bridging structures to electrically couple the outer tube conductors 532 and 534 to the individual inner tube conductors 538 and 540. The outer and inner tube conductors 532, 534, 538, and 540 can be soldered or crimped to the electrical connectors in the lower cap assembly 220. Therefore, the outer tube conductors 532 and 534, the inner tube conductors 538 and 540, and the electrical connectors form an electrical path between the control module 222 and the motor 522. In this way, positive and negative electrical connection structures are formed between the control module 222 and the motor 522. The control module 222 can actuate the motor 522 by applying power through an electrical connection structure. Although in this example the state of the seat post 200 is changed electronically by the control module 222, in other examples the seat post 200 can be configured to change its state via a hydraulic line or a mechanical cable or linkage.

[0065] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area marked 542 in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7, the lower sealing head 506 is threadedly coupled to the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204, sealing the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204. The seat rod 112 includes a lower bushing 700 in a groove of the lower sealing head 506, which is slidably engaged with the inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202. When the upper tube 204 extends or retracts relative to the lower tube 202, the upper tube 204 is radially supported by the lower bushing 700. A static seal 702 (e.g., an O-ring) is disposed in a groove in the lower sealing head 506, forming a seal between the lower sealing head 506 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204.

[0066] The lower sealing head 506 has a first end 704, a second end 706 opposite to the first end 704, and a channel 708 extending through the lower sealing head 506 between the first end 704 and the second end 706. The first end 704 faces and / or is exposed to fluid in the second chamber 518, and the second end 706 faces and / or is exposed to fluid in the third chamber 526. A shaft 508 extends through the channel 708. The lower sealing head 506 has a first inner bore 710 extending into the first end 704 and a second inner bore 712 extending into the second end 706, forming a portion of the channel 708. In the illustrated example, the seat 112 includes a shaft seal 714 disposed in the second inner bore 712. The shaft seal 714 forms a pressure tight seal between the lower sealing head 506 and the shaft 508 to prevent fluid leakage through the lower sealing head 506. When the seat rod 112 extends and retracts, the shaft seal 714 also allows the lower sealing head 506 to slide smoothly up and down along the shaft 508.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the seat rod 112 includes a buffer 716 (which may be referred to as an apex buffer) coupled to the lower sealing head 506. When the seat rod 112 is in the fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 7, the second side 530 of the piston 512 engages or contacts the buffer 716. When the seat rod 112 is actuated by an apex, the buffer 716 reduces the impact load. In some examples, the buffer 716 is constructed of a compliant or elastic material such as rubber. For example, the buffer 716 may be constructed of a softer or harder rubber in the range of 40A to 90A on the Shore A scale, but in other examples it may be harder or softer. As another example, the buffer 716 may be constructed of a viscoelastic material such as urethane or buna-nitrile. In the illustrated example, the buffer 716 is disposed within the first inner bore 710 and along one shoulder 718 of the first inner bore 710. In the illustrated example, the buffer 716 is disposed in a gland or groove to hold the buffer 716 in place. Additionally or alternatively, the buffer 716 may be coupled to the lower sealing head 506 via other techniques (e.g., a threaded fastener, an adhesive, friction engagement).

[0068] Piston assembly 510 includes piston 512. Piston 512 may also be referred to as a valve body. In the illustrated example, piston 512 includes an upper body portion 720, an intermediate body portion 722, and a lower body portion 724 coupled together. For example, in FIG. 7, the upper and lower body portions 720 and 724 are threadedly coupled to the intermediate body portion 722. However, in other examples, piston 512 may be constructed from more or fewer body portions (e.g., a single body portion). In the illustrated example, lower body portion 724 is threadedly coupled to shaft 508. In other examples, piston 512 may be coupled to shaft 508 via other attachment techniques (e.g., welding, fasteners, etc.). In some examples, piston 512 is constructed from metal and / or a plastic polymer.

[0069] The piston 512 has a head 725 that seals against the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. Specifically, in this example, the piston assembly 510 includes a seal 726 (e.g., an O-ring) surrounding the head 725 to seal against the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204; this seal 726 may be referred to as a chamber seal or piston seal. In this way, the piston 512 with the seal 726 divides the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204 into a first chamber 516 (formed above the head 724) and a second chamber 518 (formed below the head 724).

[0070] In the illustrated example, piston 512 defines a fluid passage 728 extending between a first side 528 of piston 512 and a side surface 730 of piston 512. Thus, fluid passage 728 fluidly connects the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. A portion of fluid passage 728 forms a sealing surface or seat 732. In the illustrated example, piston assembly 510 includes a flow control member 734 (e.g., a lifting portion, a plug). Flow control member 734 is slidably disposed in fluid passage 728. In this example, flow control member 734 is movable in a linear direction between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position shown in FIG. 7, flow control member 734 engages with seat 732 and blocks fluid flow through fluid passage 728. This prevents fluid from flowing across piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. In the open position, the flow control member 734 is spaced apart from the seat 732, thus allowing fluid to flow through the fluid passage 728 and across the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. The fluid passage 728 and the flow control member 734 form a valve 520. Thus, the valve 520 is disposed in and / or at least partially formed by the piston 512. The valve 520 is operable between a closed state to block fluid flow across the piston 512 and an open state to allow fluid flow across the piston 512.

[0071] In the illustrated example, motor 522 is housed in the lower body portion 722 below piston 512. As shown in FIG7, inner wires 538, 540 extend through shaft 508 and enter the lower body portion 722 below piston 512, and are electrically connected to motor 522. When actuated, motor 522 moves flow control member 734 between closed and open positions. In the illustrated example, piston assembly 510 includes a gear system 736 in piston 512, operatively coupled between motor 522 and flow control member 734. Gear system 736 transfers electrical and / or motion from motor 522 to flow control member 734. In some examples, gear system 736 includes one or more gear configurations (e.g., a planetary gear system) to provide speed reduction between output shaft and flow control member 734. In some examples, motor 522 has a rotatable output shaft, while flow control member 734 is movable in a linear direction. Therefore, the gear system 736 is used to convert the rotational motion of the output shaft into linear movement of the flow control member 734. In other examples, the valve 520 can be configured as a rotary valve. In this example, the flow control member 734 will rotate between a closed position and an open position. In other examples, the motor 522 can be implemented as a linear type motor or solenoid having a linearly moving output shaft.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the second side 530 of the piston 512 has a shoulder 738 and an extension 740 extending downward from the shoulder 738. When the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, the extension 740 extends into the first inner bore 710 of the lower seal head 506 and engages with the cushion 716. In this position, the shoulder 738 is spaced apart from the first end 704 of the lower seal head 506. Thus, in this position, the second chamber 518 is formed by the space below the seal 726 and between the outer surface 730 of the piston 512 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204, and the space below the shoulder 738 and between the extension 740 and the inner surface of the inner bore 710. It is desirable that the second chamber 518 be relatively small in the fully extended position to reduce its compressibility or crushability. This provides the rider with a firmly fixed saddle height for better (e.g., maximum) pedaling efficiency.

[0073] In some cases, the seatpost 112, when in its fully extended position, may be too high for some riders. For example, the maximum dropper bar insertion portion into a bicycle frame is limited by the seatpost collar or internal frame features. Even when the seatpost is fully inserted into the frame (with the collar against the frame), the position of the top tube 204 may still cause the seat to be placed too high, making it difficult for some riders to pedal properly.

[0074] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a seat post 112 including an exemplary spacer 800. The seat post 112 in Figure 8 is shown in the fully extended position. The spacer 800 is used to reduce the height or length of the seat post 112 in the fully extended position. This is advantageous for shorter riders who desire a lower top height. In the illustrated example, the spacer 800 is disposed in the second chamber 518. Specifically, the spacer 800 is disposed in the upper tube 204, between the piston assembly 510 and the lower seal head 506. In this way, when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, the spacer 800 separates the piston assembly 510 and the lower seal head 506, but by a certain distance. In the fully extended position, the upper tube 204 extends outward (e.g., upward) from the lower tube 202 by a third length L3. The third length L3 of the seat post 112 in its fully extended position in Figure 8 (with spacer 800) is less than the first length L1 of the seat post 112 in its fully extended position in Figure 5 (without spacer 800). Therefore, with spacer 800, the overall height or length of the seat post 112 in its fully extended position is less than without spacer 800. As a result, the height reached by the seat post 112 has been reduced or lowered.

[0075] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of 802 (circled) in Figure 8, showing a spacer 800 in the second chamber 518 between the piston 512 and the lower sealing head 506. In the illustrated example, the spacer 800 engages with the buffer 716. In some examples, the spacer 800 remains in the lower portion of the second chamber 518 and engages with the buffer 716 as the seat rod 112 extends and retracts. When the seat rod 112 extends, the piston 512 engages with the spacer 800, defining the fully extended (top) position. The spacer 800 consumes at least a portion of the space in the second chamber 518, thereby preventing the piston 512 from moving further toward the lower sealing head 506.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the spacer 800 has: a first end 900; a second end 902 opposite to the first end 900; an outer surface 904 between the first and second ends 900 and 902; and a central channel 906 extending through the spacer 800 between the first and second ends 900 and 902. A shaft 508 extends through the central channel 906 of the spacer 800. When the seat rod 112 extends and retracts, the shaft 508 can slide along the inner surface of the central channel 906. In the illustrated example, the second end 902 of the spacer 800 is engaged with a buffer 716. In other examples, the buffer 716 may be omitted, and the second end 902 of the spacer 800 may be directly engaged with the lower sealing head 506.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9, the outer surface 904 of the spacer 800 has or forms a shoulder 908. The spacer 800 has: a first portion 910 having a first outer diameter between the first end 900 and the shoulder 908; and a second portion 912 having a second outer diameter between the shoulder 908 and the second end 902, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter (labeled in Figure 14). The spacer 800 has an inner hole 914 extending into and / or otherwise formed in the first end 900 of the spacer 800, forming a portion of a central channel 906. The inner hole 914 has a bottom surface 916.

[0078] Briefly referring to Figures 12-15, Figure 12 is a perspective view of spacer 800, Figure 13 is a top view of the first end 900 of spacer 800, Figure 14 is a side view of spacer 800, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 14. As shown in Figure 14, the first portion 910 has a first outer diameter D1, and the second portion 912 has a second outer diameter D2, which is smaller than the first outer diameter D1. Furthermore, the first portion 910 has a first length X1, and the second portion 912 has a second length X2. In this example, the second length X2 is smaller than the first length X1, but in other examples it may be the same as or greater than the first length X1. As shown in Figure 15, a third length X3 is defined by the distance between the bottom surface 916 of the inner hole 914 and the second end 902 of spacer 800. The third length X3 corresponds to the difference between L1 and L3. Therefore, the third length X3 corresponds to the height or length reduced by the spacer 800 when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position.

[0079] Referring back to Figure 9, the spacer 800 is positioned within the upper tube 204 such that a first portion 910 is positioned above the first end 704 of the lower sealing head 506, and a second portion 912 extends into the first inner bore 710 within the first end 704 of the lower sealing head 506. The first outer diameter D1 (Figure 14) of the first portion 910 substantially fills the inner diameter of the upper tube 204. In some examples, the first outer diameter D1 (Figure 14) is sized to form a transitional engagement (sometimes referred to as a sliding engagement or push engagement) between the outer surface 904 of the first portion 910 of the spacer 800 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. In this way, the first outer diameter D1 may be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the upper tube 204. In other examples, the first outer diameter D1 (Figure 14) may be sized to form a clearance engagement between the outer surface 904 of the first portion 910 of the spacer 800 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. In some examples, the first outer diameter D1 may be 15 mm to 40 mm, and the diameter gap between the outer surface 904 of the first portion 910 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204 may be 0 mm to 1 mm. In other examples, the first diameter D1 may be larger or smaller than the range disclosed above, and / or the diameter gap may be greater than 1 mm.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the second portion 912 of the spacer 800 extends into the first inner bore 710 of the lower sealing head 506 and engages with the buffer 716. The second outer diameter D2 (Figure 14) and the second length X2 (Figure 14) are designed to allow the second portion 912 to be inserted into and substantially fill the first inner bore 710 of the lower sealing head 506. In some examples, the second portion 912 forms a sliding engagement or clearance engagement within the lower sealing head 506. In the illustrated example, the second length X2 (Figure 14) is sized such that the shoulder 908 of the spacer 800 remains spaced from or not engaged with the first end 704 of the lower sealing head 506. However, in other examples, the second length X2 may be shortened such that the shoulder 908 of the spacer 800 engages with the first end 704 of the lower sealing head 506. In the illustrated example, a transition or corner 918 between the shoulder 908 and the second portion 912 is chamfered or pushed, and the lower sealing head 506 has a chamfered or pushed edge 920 at the opening of the first inner hole 710 in the first end 704. In some examples, these surfaces are joined together to form a tight interface between the spacer 800 and the lower sealing head 506.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, the inner bore 914 of the spacer 800 is sized to accommodate the extension 740 of the piston 512. When the seat rod 112 is in the fully extended position, the extension 740 extends into the inner bore 914, and one bottom 922 of the extension 740 engages with the bottom surface 916 in the inner bore 914 of the spacer 800. In some examples, the piston 512 has a chamfer or push-out angle 924 between the shoulder 738 and the extension 740, and the spacer 800 has a chamfer or push-out edge 926 at the opening of the inner bore 914 at the first end 900 of the spacer 800. In some examples, when the piston 512 engages with the spacer 800, the push-out angle 924 engages with the push-out edge 926. However, in other examples, these push-out surfaces may not be in contact with each other. As disclosed above, the third length X3 (FIG. 15) between the bottom surface 916 of the inner bore 914 and the second end 902 of the spacer 800 defines the amount of linear travel consumed by the spacer 800 (e.g., reduced height to the top). This distance X3 is equal to the difference between L1 and L3 shown in FIG. 5 and 8. The spacer 800 can be sized to have any desired distance X3. The distance X3 can be set by a manufacturer. In some examples, the spacer 800 is sized such that the distance X3 is in the range of 10 mm to 25 mm. In other examples, the third length X3 can be in the range of 1 mm to 100 mm.

[0082] In the fully extended position shown in Figure 9, the fluid (e.g., pneumatic gas) in the second chamber 518 fills the space below the seal 726 and between the outer surface 730 of the piston 512 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204, as well as the space between the shoulder 738 of the piston 512 and the first end 900 of the spacer 800. In some examples, the space between the shoulder 738 of the piston 512 and the first end 900 of the spacer 800 ensures that the piston 512 does not become stuck on the first end 900 of the spacer 800. In some examples, the outer surface 904 of the first portion 910 of the spacer 800 is in close contact with the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. In this way, the volume of the second chamber 518 is formed only by the space above the spacer 800. However, in other examples, the interface between the spacer 800 and the inner surface 514 can be relatively loose, allowing fluid to fill a one-diameter gap between the spacer 800 and the upper tube 204. In some examples, the spacer 800 may have one or more chamfers, bevels, radii, and / or profiles to minimize negative volume fluid space. As disclosed above, it is generally desirable to keep the volume of the second chamber 518 relatively small in the fully extended position to reduce or limit movement of the upper tube 204.

[0083] Figure 10 shows a seat rod 112 having a spacer 800 in a partially retracted position. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of 1000 circled in Figure 10. As disclosed above, in some examples, the spacer 800 is held in the bottom portion of the second chamber 518 and engages with the buffer 716. In some examples, the spacer 800 is held in this position due to gravity. In other words, the spacer 800 can move freely within the upper tube 804 (e.g., slide), but is held in the bottom portion due to gravity. Additionally, in some examples, the spacer 800 may be frictionally and / or mechanically held in this position. For example, the spacer 800 may be sized to form an interference engagement (sometimes referred to as a friction engagement) with the lower sealing head 506 and / or the upper tube 204, which holds the spacer 800 in the position shown in Figure 11. Alternatively or additionally, the spacer 800 may be held in this position by a mechanical coupling, such as via an O-ring, a tolerance ring, a snap ring, a threaded connection, a threaded fastener, and / or a magnet. In some examples, the seat rod 112 may include a spring to bias the spacer 800 into the lower sealing head 506.

[0084] In some examples, spacer 800 is constructed via an injection molding process. In other examples, spacer 800 may be constructed using other manufacturing processes, such as additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), machining, etc. In some examples, spacer 800 is constructed from a polymer, such as polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin®) or polyamide. In other examples, spacer 800 may be constructed from other materials, such as a polymer or a metal. The spacer material may be rigid, elastic, or easily deformable. In some examples, spacer 800 may have surface features such as molding, laser marking, pad printing, etc., indicating its size, component identification, and / or installation orientation or indication with text and / or images.

[0085] The spacer 800 can be constructed to achieve any length to reach the desired height. For example, the spacer 800 can be sized such that the length x3 is 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, etc. In some examples, the seat post 112 can be sold as a device, kit, or assembly with multiple spacers of different sizes. The user can then select the desired spacer to achieve their desired height.

[0086] In some examples, the seat post 112 may include a plurality of spacers arranged in a stacked configuration. For example, Figure 15 shows two exemplary spacers, including a first spacer 800a and a second spacer 800b. Portions of spacers 800a and 800b are numbered the same as those disclosed above in relation to Figures 8-15, but have a corresponding "a" or "b". The second spacer 800b may be added to further reduce the length of the seat post 112 in its fully extended position. Figure 16 is a side view of the two spacers 800a and 800b arranged in a stacked configuration. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 16 taken along line BB. As shown in Figure 17, the first and second spacers 800a and 800b are stacked such that a second portion 910b of the second spacer 800b extends into the inner bore 914a of the first spacer 800a and engages with the bottom surface 916a of the inner bore 914a. In this way, the first and second spacers 800a and 800b are nested together. In some examples, the first and second spacers 800a and 800b are held in this nested position by gravity, but they may also be held together frictionally or mechanically (e.g., via an O-ring, a tolerance ring, a snap ring, a threaded connection structure, a threaded fastener, a magnet), and / or include a spring to bias the stack toward the lower sealing head 506. In some examples, the seat rod 112 may include a spring to bias the spacer 800 into the lower sealing head 506. The first and second spacers 800a and 800b may be mounted in the second chamber 518 and stacked in the axial configuration shown in Figures 16 and 17. In this example, a fourth height X4 is defined between the bottom surface 916b of the second spacer 800b (top spacer) and the second end 902a of the first spacer 800a (bottom spacer). The fourth height X4 corresponds to the reduced top height of the seat post 112. In some examples, one or more additional spacers may be stacked on top of the second spacer 800b. In some examples, the first and second spacers 800a, 800b (and / or any additional spacers) have the same size and shape. In this example, the fourth length X4 corresponds to twice the third length X3 (Figure 15). A user can configure two or more spacers together to achieve the desired top height. For example, each of the spacers may have a third length X3 of 10 mm (Figure 15). If a reduction of 40 mm in the top height is required, the user can stack four spacers together. In other examples, the first and second spacers 800a, 800b (and / or additional spacers) may have different sizes and shapes. In some examples, one or more spacers may be pre-installed in the seat post 112. In other examples, the seat post 112 (without a spacer installed) may be sold as a device, kit or assembly with one or more spacers, and / or the spacers may be sold separately from the seat post 112.The user or rider can detach the seat post 112 and install one or more spacers to achieve their desired summit height.

[0087] Figure 19 is an exploded view of a portion of the seat rod 112 of Figure 8 with a spacer 800, and Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the circled area 1900 in Figure 19. An exemplary method or procedure for installing or assembling the spacer 800 in the seat rod 112 is illustrated in connection with Figures 19 and 20. First, valve 520 (Figure 5) is switched to the open state, and valve 523 (Figure 5) is used to depressurize or remove fluid from the first and second chambers 516, 518 (Figure 5). Next, collar 400 is removed by disconnecting the first and second portions 406a, 406b, such as by removing one or more threaded fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts). Next, lower cap assembly 220 is removed from lower tube 202 by removing a spring ring 1902 and further pushing upper tube 204 and shaft 508 into lower tube 202. Next, the fastener is removed from the lower cap assembly 200 to separate it from the shaft 508. Then, the upper tube 204 is pulled out of the lower tube 202, exposing the lower sealing head 506. The lower sealing head 1902 shown is screwed into the upper tube 204 using a hexagonal external interface. The lower sealing head 506 is released from the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204. In some examples, the upper tube 204 may have its own interior near the Schrader valve or external wrench interface to resist the release of the lower sealing head 506. The lower sealing head 506 is removed from the shaft 508. Next, spacer 800 or more spacers (e.g., the first and second spacers 800a, 800b of FIG. 16) are guided by a first outer diameter D1 (FIG. 14) to slide onto the shaft 508. Then, all steps are reversed to reassemble the seat 112. The seat post 112 now has a top height that is reduced by dimension X3 (Fig. 15) or X4 (Fig. 18).

[0088] In addition to or replacing the spacer 800 installed in the second chamber 518, the seat rod 112 may include one or more spacers at other locations. For example, Figure 21 shows an example of the seat rod 112 that includes a spacer 2100 in the third chamber 526 within the lower tube 202. In this example, the spacer 2100 reduces the amount of retraction of the seat rod 112. In the illustrated example, the spacer 2100 is positioned on the shaft 508 between the lower seal head 506 and the lower cap assembly 220. When the seat rod 112 retracts or compresses, the upper tube 204 having the lower seal head 506 moves downward and finally engages the spacer 2100, defining or forming a fully retracted (bottomed) position. The spacer 2100 restricts or reduces the amount of travel. In some examples, the spacer 2100 remains at the bottom of the third chamber 526 and engages with the lower cap assembly 220. Spacer 2100 may be disc-shaped, having a central opening for receiving shaft 508. Spacer 2100 may be constructed from any of the same materials disclosed herein in conjunction with spacer 800. Spacer 2100 may be used simultaneously with one or more spacers 800, or may be used independently of spacers 800.

[0089] Figure 22 shows another example in which the seat rod 112 includes a spacer 2200 located in a first chamber 516 within the upper tube 204, between the piston assembly 510 and the upper seal head 504. When the seat rod 112 retracts or compresses, the upper tube 204 with the upper seal head 504 moves downward, and the spacer 2200 eventually engages the top of the piston assembly 510, defining or forming a fully retracted (bottomed) position. The spacer 2200 restricts or reduces the amount of travel. The spacer 2200 may be disc-shaped. The spacer 2100 may be constructed from any of the same materials disclosed herein in conjunction with spacer 800. The spacer 2200 may be used simultaneously with one or more spacers 800 and / or spacer 2100, or independently of spacers 800 and 2100.

[0090] Although the exemplary seat post is disclosed as having a pneumatic platform, it can also be used in conjunction with a hydraulic platform. For example, instead of having a pneumatic chamber filled with pressurized gas, chambers 516 and 518 can be filled with a hydraulic fluid, such as oil. Therefore, the examples disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with valves for compressible or incompressible fluids. Furthermore, although the examples disclosed herein utilize one of the battery packs in the control module as a power supply for actuating the motor, in other examples, the motor can be actuated from another power supply, such as an electric bicycle battery pack, or from another battery pack attached to the bicycle.

[0091] The exemplary spacers disclosed herein can also be used in other types of bicycle components. For example, any of the exemplary spacers can be used in suspension components (e.g., a shock absorber, a fork). A suspension component typically includes first and second tubes configured in a telescopic configuration. The exemplary spacers disclosed herein can be similarly inserted into a chamber within the first or second tube to reduce the height of the top position and / or the length of the bottom travel.

[0092] This document discloses exemplary systems, devices, methods, and articles for use in bicycles (and / or other vehicles). The examples and combinations of examples disclosed herein include the following:

[0093] Example 1 is a height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle. The height-adjustable seatpost includes an upper tube to be coupled to a seat. The upper tube has an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end. The height-adjustable seatpost includes a lower tube to be coupled to a frame of the bicycle. The upper tube and the lower tube are configured in a telescopic configuration and are movable between at least a first position and a second position. The height-adjustable seatpost includes: an upper seal coupled to the upper tube at or near the upper end; a lower seal coupled to the upper tube at or near the lower end; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower seal and into the upper tube; and a piston in the upper tube, the piston being coupled to the shaft. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber between the piston and the upper seal, and a second chamber between the piston and the lower seal. The height-adjustable seat post also includes a spacer in the second chamber between the piston and the lower sealing head to reduce the length of one of the height-adjustable seat posts in at least one of the first and second positions.

[0094] Example 2 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 1, wherein the spacer has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the spacer has a shoulder. The spacer has: a first portion having a first outer diameter between the first end and the shoulder; and a second portion having a second outer diameter between the shoulder and the second end. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0095] Example 3 includes the height-adjustable seat bar of Example 2, wherein the lower sealing head has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the lower sealing head faces the second chamber, and the lower sealing head has an inner hole extending into the first end of the lower sealing head.

[0096] Example 4 includes the height-adjustable seat bar of Example 3, wherein the first portion of the spacer is positioned above the first end of the lower sealing head, and the second portion of the spacer extends into the inner hole of the first end of the lower sealing head.

[0097] Example 5 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 4, wherein the first outer diameter is fixed to form a transitional engagement between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and one of the inner surfaces of the upper tube.

[0098] Example 6 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 4 or 5, further including a buffer member disposed in the inner bore of the lower sealing head. The second end of the spacer is connected to the buffer member.

[0099] Example 7 includes a height-adjustable seat post of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the spacer has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end facing the second chamber, and wherein the spacer has an inner hole extending into one of the first ends of the spacer.

[0100] Example 8 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 7, wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the inner bore and the second end of the spacer corresponds to a reduction in length of the height-adjustable seat post by the spacer when it is in its fully extended position.

[0101] Example 9 includes the height-adjustable seat rod of Example 8, wherein the piston has a shoulder and an extension extending from the shoulder, and wherein when the height-adjustable seat rod is in the fully extended position, the extension of the piston extends into the inner bore of the spacer and engages with the bottom surface of the inner bore.

[0102] Example 10 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 9, wherein when the height-adjustable seat post is in the fully extended position, the shoulder of the piston is spaced apart from the first end of the spacer.

[0103] Example 11 includes a height-adjustable seat post of any of Examples 7-10, wherein the spacer has a push-out edge at one of the openings of the inner hole at the first end of the spacer.

[0104] Example 12 includes a height-adjustable seat post of any of Examples 1-11, wherein the post extends through a central channel in the spacer, and wherein the post is slidable within the central channel in the spacer.

[0105] Example 13 includes a height-adjustable seat post of any of Examples 1-12, wherein the spacer is a first spacer and further includes a second spacer in the second chamber to further reduce the length of the height-adjustable seat post.

[0106] Example 14 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 13, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are stacked in the second chamber in an axial configuration.

[0107] Example 15 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 14, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer have the same size and shape.

[0108] Example 16 includes a height-adjustable seat post of any of Examples 1-15, wherein the first position is a fully extended position and the second position is a fully retracted position.

[0109] Example 17 includes a height-adjustable seat rod of any of Examples 1-16, wherein the upper sealing head includes a valve.

[0110] Example 18 is a device for a bicycle. The device includes a height-adjustable seatpost comprising an upper tube and a lower tube, the upper and lower tubes being configured in a telescopic configuration and movable between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the upper tube extends outward from the lower tube by a first length. The height-adjustable seatpost includes: a lower sealing head located in or near the lower end of the upper tube; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower sealing head into the upper tube; and a piston in the upper tube, the piston being coupled to the shaft. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is defined between the piston and the lower sealing head. The device also includes a spacer having a first end, a second end, and a central channel extending between the first and second ends. The spacer is sized to be installed in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seat rod, wherein the shaft extends through the central channel, and wherein when the spacer is installed in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seat rod, the upper tube extends outward from the lower tube by a second length in the first position, the second length being less than the first length.

[0111] Example 19 includes the device of Example 18, wherein one outer surface of the spacer has a shoulder. The spacer has: a first portion having a first outer diameter between the first end and the shoulder; and a second portion having a second outer diameter between the shoulder and the second end. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0112] Example 20 includes the device of Example 19, wherein the lower sealing head has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end faces the second chamber. The spacer has an inner bore extending into the first end, and wherein the second portion of the spacer is sized to insert into the inner bore of the lower sealing head.

[0113] Example 21 includes the device of Example 20, wherein the first outer diameter is sized to form a transitional fit between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and one of the inner surfaces of the upper tube when the spacer is installed in the second chamber.

[0114] Example 22 includes the device of any of Examples 18-21, wherein the spacer is a first spacer. The device further includes a second spacer to be installed in the second chamber, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer have the same size and shape.

[0115] The embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to constitute a complete description of all elements and features of devices and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, these embodiments are representative only and may not be drawn to scale. Some scales in these embodiments may be enlarged, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, this disclosure and the drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0116] While this specification contains numerous details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the content that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features described in this specification within the context of separate embodiments may also be combined and implemented in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even claimed so at the outset, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be omitted from that combination, and the claimed combination may be for a sub-combination or a variation thereof.

[0117] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent configurations designed to achieve the same or similar purposes may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. After reviewing this description, combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0118] This summary of disclosure is provided to comply with 37 CFR §1.72(b) and is intended not to be construed as limiting the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining this disclosure. This disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require features beyond those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may address all features less than any of those in the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the embodiments, wherein each claim is independently defined as a separate subject matter.

[0119] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be construed as limited to the described order or elements unless stated otherwise. Therefore, all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the following claims and their equivalents are claimed as part of the invention.

[0120] 100: Bicycle 102: Chassis 104: Front wheel 106: Rear wheel 108: Front Fork 110: Seat 112: Height-adjustable seat post, seat post 113: Seat post actuation button 114: Seat tube 116: Fixture 118: Handle 120: Riding Surface 122: Drive Chain 124: Crank assembly 126: Chain 128: Sprocket Assembly 130: Wheel hub 132: Crank arm 134: Pedal 136: Chain Link 138: Rear Gear Transformer 140: Rear suspension components 142: Bicycle Computer 144: Power Meter 202: First pipe, lower pipe 204: Second pipe, upper pipe 206: Axis 208, 212: First end, top end 210,500: Second end, lower end 213: Opening 214: Seat clamps 216, 218: Threaded fasteners 220: Lower Cap Assembly 222: Control Module 224,904: Outer surface 400: Collar 402: Control Housing 404: Battery pack 406a,910: Part 1 406b, 912, 910b: Part Two 408: Processor Circuit System 410: Wireless communication device 502: Chamber 504: Upper sealing head 506: Lower sealing head 508: Shaft 509: Installation Components 510: Piston Assembly 512: Piston 514, 536: Inner surface 516: First chamber, main chamber, chamber 518: Second chamber, negative chamber, chamber 520, 523: Valves 522: Motor 526: Third Chamber 528: First side 530: Second side 532: First outer conduit conductor, first conductor, outer conduit conductor 534: Second outer conduit conductor, second conductor, outer conduit conductor 538: First inner conduit conductor, inner conduit conductor, inner conductor 540: Second inner conduit conductor, inner conduit conductor, inner conductor 542,802,1000,1900: Marked area 700: Lower bushing 702: Static seal 704,900: First end 706, 902, 902a: Second end 708: Channel 710: First inner hole, inner hole 712: Second inner hole 714: Shaft Seal 716: Buffer 718,738,908: Shoulder 720: Upper Body Part 722: Lower Body Part 724: Intermediate Body Part 725: Head 726: Seals 728: Fluid Pathway 730: Outer surface, side surface 732: Seats 734: Flow control components 736: Gear System 740: Extension 800, 2100, 2200: Spacers 800a: First spacer, spacer 800b: Second spacer, spacer 906: Central Passage 914, 914a: Inner hole 916, 916a, 916b: Bottom surface 918: Corner 920, 926: Pushing the edge 922: Bottom 924: Push-pull corner 1902: Spring Ring A: Forward direction, arrow AA, BB: lines D1: First outer diameter D2: Second outer diameter L1,X1: First length L2,X2: Second length L3: Third Length X3: Third length, distance, length, size X4: Fourth height, fourth length, dimension

Claims

1. A height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle, the height-adjustable seatpost comprising: a top tube for coupling to a seat, the top tube having an upper end and a lower end opposite to the upper end; a bottom tube for coupling to a frame of the bicycle, the top tube and the bottom tube being configured in a telescopic configuration, the top tube being movable relative to the bottom tube and movable between at least a first position and a second position; an upper seal head coupled to the top tube at or near the upper end; a lower seal head coupled to the top tube at or near the lower end; and a shaft coupled to the bottom tube and extending through the lower seal head and into the top tube; A piston in the upper tube, the piston being coupled to the shaft, the piston dividing the upper tube into a first chamber between the piston and the upper sealing head, and a second chamber between the piston and the lower sealing head; and a spacer in the second chamber between the piston and the lower sealing head to reduce the length of one of the height-adjustable seat rods in at least one of the first and second positions.

2. The height-adjustable seat post as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spacer has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the spacer has a shoulder, and the spacer has: a first portion having a first outer diameter between the first end and the shoulder; and a second portion having a second outer diameter between the shoulder and the second end, the second outer diameter being smaller than the first outer diameter.

3. The height-adjustable seat bar as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lower sealing head has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the lower sealing head facing the second chamber, and the lower sealing head has an inner hole extending into the first end of the lower sealing head.

4. The height-adjustable seat post as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first portion of the spacer is disposed above the first end of the lower sealing head, and the second portion of the spacer extends into the inner hole of the first end of the lower sealing head.

5. The height-adjustable seat post as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first outer diameter is fixed to form a transitional fit between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and one of the inner surfaces of the upper tube.

6. The height-adjustable seat post as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a buffer element disposed in the inner bore of the lower sealing head, wherein the second end of the spacer is connected to the buffer element.

7. The height-adjustable seat post of claim 1, wherein the spacer has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end facing the second chamber, and wherein the spacer has an inner hole extending into one of the first ends of the spacer.

8. The height-adjustable seat post of claim 7, wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the inner bore and the second end of the spacer corresponds to a length reduction of the height-adjustable seat post by the spacer in the fully extended position.

9. The height-adjustable seat rod of claim 8, wherein the piston has a shoulder and an extension extending from the shoulder, and wherein when the height-adjustable seat rod is in the fully extended position, the extension of the piston extends into the inner bore of the spacer and engages with the bottom surface of the inner bore.

10. The height-adjustable seat post of claim 9, wherein when the height-adjustable seat post is in the fully extended position, the shoulder of the piston is spaced apart from the first end of the spacer.

11. The height-adjustable seat post as claimed in claim 7, wherein the spacer has a push-out edge at one opening of the inner bore at the first end of the spacer.

12. The height-adjustable seat post of claim 1, wherein the shaft extends through a central channel in the spacer, and wherein the shaft is slidable within the central channel in the spacer.

13. The height-adjustable seat post of claim 1, wherein the spacer is a first spacer, which further includes a second spacer in the second chamber to further reduce the length of the height-adjustable seat post.

14. The height-adjustable seat post of claim 13, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are stacked in an axial configuration in the second chamber.

15. The height-adjustable seat post as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer have the same size and shape.

16. The height-adjustable seat post of claim 1, wherein the first position is a fully extended position and the second position is a fully retracted position.

17. The height-adjustable seat rod as requested in item 1, wherein the upper sealing head includes a valve.

18. A device for a bicycle, the device comprising: a height-adjustable seatpost, which includes: An upper tube and a lower tube are assembled into a telescopic configuration and are movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein the upper tube extends outward from the lower tube by a first length in the first position; and a lower sealing head is located in the upper tube at or near its lower end. A shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower sealing head into the upper tube; and a piston in the upper tube, the piston being coupled to the shaft, the piston dividing the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber being defined between the piston and the lower sealing head; and a spacer having a first end, a second end, and a central channel extending between the first end and the second end, the spacer being sized to be installed in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seat rod, wherein the shaft extends through the central channel, and wherein, when the spacer is installed in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seat rod, the upper tube extends outward from the lower tube by a second length in the first position, the second length being less than the first length.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein one outer surface of the spacer has a shoulder, the spacer having: a first portion having a first outer diameter between the first end and the shoulder; and a second portion having a second outer diameter between the shoulder and the second end, the second outer diameter being smaller than the first outer diameter.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the lower sealing head has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end facing the second chamber, the spacer has an inner bore extending into the first end, and wherein the second portion of the spacer is sized to be inserted into the inner bore of the lower sealing head.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the first outer diameter is sized to form a transitional fit between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and one inner surface of the upper tube when the spacer is installed in the second chamber.

22. The device of claim 18, wherein the spacer is a first spacer, the device further comprising a second spacer to be installed in the second chamber, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer have the same size and shape.

Images