Bicycle front forks having features to distribute lubricant

Abstract

This article discloses a bicycle fork having a morphology for distributing lubricant. An example fork includes: a lower tube having a first top end and a first bottom end, the lower tube defining an interior region to contain a volume of oil; a bushing coupled to an inner surface of the lower tube; and an upper tube having a second top end and a second bottom end opposite the second top end, the second bottom end being disposed in the lower tube, the upper tube being in sliding contact with the bushing, the upper and lower tubes being configured in a telescopic configuration and movable between a fully extended and a fully retracted position, the upper tube having a recess for collecting oil when the upper tube moves into the lower tube, and distributing the oil to the bushing when the tubes move toward the fully extended position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure is generally about bicycle components, and more specifically about bicycle forks having a morphological body for distributing lubricant. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Bicycles are known to have suspension components. Suspension components are used in various applications, such as cushioning impacts, vibrations, or other disturbances experienced by the bicycle during use. A common application of suspension components on bicycles is to cushion the impacts or vibrations experienced by the rider when the bicycle travels over road bumps, ruts, stones, potholes, and / or other obstacles. These suspension components include rear and / or front wheel suspension components. For example, some bicycles include a front fork with telescopic feet that incorporate a spring and / or damper system. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] An exemplary front fork for a bicycle includes a lower tube having a first tip and a first bottom end relative to the first tip. The lower tube defines an interior region. The interior region is to contain a volume of oil. A bushing in the lower tube is coupled to an inner surface of the lower tube. An upper tube has a second tip and a second bottom end relative to the second tip. The second bottom end of the upper tube is disposed in the lower tube. The upper tube is to slide in contact with the bushing. The upper and lower tubes are configured in a telescopic configuration and are movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The upper tube has a recess extending partially into an outer surface of the upper tube. The recess is to collect a quantity of oil when the upper tube moves into the lower tube. The recess is to distribute the quantity of oil to the bushing when the upper and lower tubes move toward the fully extended position.

[0004] An exemplary front fork for a bicycle includes a lower tube having an inner surface extending from a first top end of the lower tube to a first bottom end of the lower tube. The first top end is opposite to the first bottom end. The lower tube contains a volume of oil. A bushing in the lower tube is coupled to the inner surface. An upper tube will have an outer surface extending from a second top end of the upper tube to a second bottom end of the upper tube. The second bottom end is opposite to the second top end. The upper tube and the lower tube will be assembled into a telescopic configuration, wherein the second bottom end of the upper tube is inserted into the lower tube. The upper tube and the lower tube will be movable between a loaded position and a fully retracted position. The upper tube will have a morphology on its outer surface to carry a quantity of oil when the upper and lower tubes move toward the fully retracted position. The morphology in the loaded position is attached to or above the bushing.

Implementation Method

[0022] This document discloses an exemplary front fork that can be implemented on a vehicle such as a bicycle. One exemplary front fork disclosed herein connects a front wheel and handlebars to the frame of the bicycle (e.g., via a head tube). The fork is a suspension assembly comprising first and second legs, which are formed by first and second top tubes (sometimes referred to as leg portions) telescopically configured with individual first and second down tubes. The first and second top tubes are coupled to the frame (e.g., via a crown and control tube), and the first and second down tubes are coupled to the front wheel. The top and down tubes extend and retract as the bicycle rides over road bumps and obstacles. The fork includes a bushing inside the down tube. The bushing is used to align the top and down tubes and to provide a low-friction sliding interface between the top and down tubes. The fork may have a damper and a spring, such as an air spring, which work together to absorb impact forces. In some examples, the damper is disposed in the first upper and lower tubes of the first foot, and the air spring is disposed in the second upper and lower tubes of the second foot.

[0023] A suspension fork functions as a filter between a cyclist and their body on rough terrain. Fine-tuning the filter in a suspension fork involves controlling damping, spring rate, and stiffness / vibration. The suspension fork may suffer from altered damping forces due to increased system friction, making the filter less effective and resulting in unwanted, unpleasant riding feedback. A significant contributor to system friction in a suspension fork is the interface between the top tube and the bushing. This interface results in a specific initiating force that must be overcome before the top and bottom tubes can move. Over time, this friction can cause the engagement between the top tube and the associated bushing to loosen. Frictional feedback at these interfaces (between the top tube and the associated bushing) can be felt by the rider at the handlebars. Therefore, some forks include a quantity of lubricant, such as oil, added to the internal area of ​​the bottom tube of the fork. The oil provides lubrication to the sliding surfaces to ensure smooth sliding movement between the top and bottom tubes. However, as a structural interface, the upper tube and bushing are sized to fit tightly together, leaving only a small (e.g., minimal) amount of space for lubricating oil. Therefore, the oil in the lower tube is not always efficient enough to properly lubricate the interface between the upper tube and the bushing.

[0024] This document discloses an exemplary fork having one or more morphologies (e.g., recesses, cavities, grooves, etc.) for the distribution of lubricant (e.g., oil) to the interface between a top tube and an associated bushing. These exemplary morphologies are defined by a discontinuous and / or interrupted geometry on the outer surface of the top tube, which can support a quantity of lubricant. An internal region of the bottom tube may retain or otherwise contain a volume (e.g., pool) of lubricant. When the top and bottom tubes compress or move toward a fully retracted position (e.g., in response to a compression impact on the fork), the top tube is immersed in lubricant, and the morphology system on the top tube collects and retains a quantity of lubricant. The exemplary morphologies disclosed herein may be recesses, etc., shaped to retain a quantity of oil (e.g., oil will flow / overflow into the recess). The morphology (on the outer surface of the top tube) retains a quantity of oil as the top tube moves relative to the bottom tube. Therefore, as the top and bottom tubes extend or move toward a fully extended position, the portion of the top tube with the morphology slides along the bushing, thereby transferring the applied amount of lubricant to the inner surface of the bushing. This ensures proper lubrication at the interface between the bushing and the outer surface of the top tube. Over time, as the fork continues to extend and retract, the exemplary morphology disclosed herein continuously delivers lubricant to the interface between the top tube and the associated bushing. This lubrication effect reduces friction, which could otherwise deteriorate bushing engagement as the top tube moves relative to the bottom tube. Consequently, riders experience a smoother ride throughout the lifespan of their bicycles.

[0025] Turning now to the figures, Figure 1 is a side view of an example of a human-powered vehicle that utilizes the example fork disclosed herein. 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 fork 108. A forward and / or forward riding direction or orientation of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow A in Figure 1. Thus, a forward movement direction of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow A.

[0026] In the example illustrated in Figure 1, bicycle 100 includes a seat 110 coupled to frame 102 via a lever 112 (e.g., near the rear end of frame 102 relative to forward direction A). Bicycle 100 also includes handlebars 114 coupled to fork 108 (e.g., near the front end of frame 102 relative to forward direction A) for operating bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 is shown on a riding surface 116. Riding surface 116 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.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 has a drive chain 118 including a crank assembly 120. The crank assembly 120 is operatively coupled via a chain 122 to a sprocket assembly 124 mounted on a hub 126 of the rear wheel 106. The crank assembly 120 includes at least one, and generally two, crank arms 128 and pedals 130, and at least one front sprocket or chain link 132. A rear gearshift device 134, such as a derailleur, is mounted on the rear wheel 106 to move the chain 122 through the different sprockets of the sprocket assembly 124. Additionally or alternatively, the bicycle 100 may include a front gearshift device for moving the chain 122 through the gears on the chain link 132.

[0028] The exemplary bicycle 100 includes a suspension system having one or more suspension assemblies. In this example, the fork 108 is implemented as a front suspension assembly. The fork 108 is or integrated into a shock absorber, which includes a spring and a damper. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 includes a rear suspension assembly 136, which is a shock absorber, referred to herein as rear shock absorber 136. The rear shock absorber 136 is coupled between two portions of the frame 102 and includes a rocker arm 138 coupled to the rear wheel 106. The fork 108 and the rear shock absorber 136 absorb shocks and vibrations when riding the bicycle 100 (e.g., when riding on rough terrain). In other examples, the fork 108 and / or the rear shock absorber 136 can be integrated into the bicycle 100 in other configurations or arrangements. In other examples, in addition to or in lieu of the fork 108 and the rear shock absorber 136, the suspension system may use only one suspension component (e.g., only the fork 108), or more than two suspension components (e.g., an additional suspension component on the seatpost 112).

[0029] Although the example bicycle 100 shown in Figure 1 is a type of mountain bike, the example fork disclosed herein can be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, the disclosed fork 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 disclosed fork can also be implemented on other types of two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled human-powered vehicles. In addition, these example forks can be used on other types of vehicles such as motorized vehicles (e.g., a motorcycle, a car, a truck, etc.).

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary front fork 200 (a suspension assembly), which can be implemented as the front fork 108 on the bicycle 100 of Figure 1. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the front fork 200 includes a control tube 201, a crown portion 202, a first foot 203, and a second foot 205. The first foot 203 includes a first tube 204 and a second tube 208, and the second foot 205 includes a third tube 206 and a fourth tube 210. Based on the orientation shown in Figure 2, the first and third tubes 204, 206 are referred to herein as the first and second upper tubes 204, 206 (sometimes referred to as foot portions or pillars), and the second and fourth tubes 208, 210 are referred herein as the first and second lower tubes 208, 210 (sometimes referred to as foot portions or lower portions). The first and second top tubes 204, 206 can be collectively referred to as a top tube assembly, and the first and second bottom tubes 208, 210 can be collectively referred to as a bottom tube assembly. The control tube 201 is coupled to the frame 102 (FIG. 1) and the handlebars 114 (FIG. 1). The first and second top tubes 204, 206 are coupled via the crown 202. The first and second bottom tubes 208, 210 are coupled via an arch 211 (sometimes referred to as a fork bracket or stabilizer). The first and second bottom tubes 208, 210 include individual front wheel attachment portions 212, 214, such as holes (e.g., eyelets) or hooks, for attaching an example wheel (e.g., front wheel 104 (FIG. 1)) to the fork 200. The first and second top tubes 204, 206 are slidably received within the individual first and second bottom tubes 208, 210. Thus, the first and second upper tubes 204, 206, together with the individual first and second lower tubes 208, 210, form a telescopic configuration. During a compression stroke, the first and second upper tubes 204, 206 move into or toward the individual first and second lower tubes 208, 210 (e.g., to a fully retracted position). During a rebound stroke, the first and second upper tubes 204, 206 move out of or away from the individual first and second lower tubes 208, 210 (e.g., to a loaded position or a fully extended position).

[0031] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of an example fork 200 taken along line AA of Figure 2 in a fully extended position. Figure 3B is an enlarged view of 300 marked in Figure 3A, showing the second top tube 206 positioned relative to the second down tube 210. Figure 3C is another cross-sectional view of the example fork 200 in a fully retracted position. Figure 3D is an enlarged view of 301 marked in Figure 3C, showing the lubricant 302 positioned between the second top tube 206 and the second down tube 210. The fork 200 can be compressed or extended to any position between the fully extended position (Figure 3A) and the fully retracted position (Figure 3C). When the fork 200 is mounted on a bicycle, the fork 200 is generally not in the fully extended position, but is instead always slightly compressed under the weight of the frame 102 and / or the rider. This slightly compressed position is referred to herein as a loaded position, but may also be referred to as a normal operating position or a depressed position. The fork 200 thus typically extends and retracts between a loaded position and a fully compressed position. In some examples, the fork 200 includes one or more internal stops or structures that limit the movement of the tubes 204, 206, 208, 210 beyond the fully extended and retracted positions.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3A and 3C, the first upper tube 204 has: a first end 303, referred to herein as a first tip 303; and a second end 304 relative to the first tip 303, referred herein as a first bottom end 304. The first upper tube 204 is coupled (e.g., pressed) to the crown 202 at or near the first tip 303. The first lower tube 208 has opposing first and second ends 306, 308, referred herein as a second tip 306 and a second bottom end 308 relative to the second tip 306. The first bottom end 304 of the first upper tube 204 is disposed within the first lower tube 208. The first tip 303 of the first upper tube 204 and the second bottom end 308 of the first lower tube 208 form the first and second distal ends of the suspension assembly. During compression (e.g., movement toward the fully retracted position of FIG. 3C), the first tip 303 (first distal end) and the second bottom end 308 (second distal end) move toward each other, and during extension or rebound (e.g., movement toward the fully extended position of FIG. 3A), the first tip 303 and the second bottom end 308 move away from each other. Thus, the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208 form a telescopic configuration. The first upper and lower tubes 204, 208 are movable along a first translation axis 310 between the fully extended position (FIG. 3A) and the fully retracted position (FIG. 3C). The first upper and lower tubes 204, 208 define an inner region 312. In the illustrated example, the fork 200 includes a volume of oil 302 within the inner region 312. This volume of oil 302 is positioned near the second bottom end 308 of the first lower tube 208. Furthermore, one inner surface 314 of the first downtube 208 extends from the second top end 306 to the second bottom end 308, and one outer surface 316 of the first toptube 204 extends from the first top end 303 to the first bottom end 304. The fork 200 includes one or more bushings, which are disclosed in further detail herein, forming a seal between the inner surface 314 of the first downtube 208 and the outer surface 316 of the first toptube 204.

[0033] The second upper and lower tubes 206 and 210 are similarly configured. The second upper tube 206 has a first tip 318 (e.g., a first end) and a first bottom end 320 (e.g., a second end) opposite to the first tip 318. The second lower tube 210 has a second tip 322 (e.g., a first end) and a second bottom end 324 (e.g., a second end) opposite to the second tip 322. The second upper tube 206 is coupled to the crown 202 at or near the first tip 318, and the first bottom end 320 of the second upper tube 206 is disposed (e.g., inserted into, extended into, etc.) within the second lower tube 210. Thereby, the second upper and lower tubes 206 and 210 form a telescopic configuration. The second upper and lower tubes 206 and 210 are movable along a second translation axis 326. The second upper and lower tubes 206 and 210 define an internal region 328 containing a volume of oil 302. This volume of oil 302 is adjacent to the second bottom end 324 of the second lower tube 210. Furthermore, an inner surface 329 of the second lower tube 210 extends from a second top end 322 to a second bottom end 324, and an outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206 extends from a first top end 318 to a first bottom end 320. The fork 200 includes one or more bushings, which are disclosed in further detail herein, and which form a seal between the inner surface 329 of the second lower tube 210 and the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3A and 3C, the fork 200 includes upper and lower bushings 332 and 334 in a first lower tube 208. These upper and lower bushings 332 and 334 are coupled to an inner surface 314 of the first lower tube 208. For example, the upper and lower bushings 332 and 334 can be press-fitted into individual caps formed on the inner surface 314. In this way, the upper and lower bushings 332 and 334 are held in a fixed position relative to the first lower tube 208. The upper bushing 332 is positioned between a second tip 306 of the first lower tube 208 and the lower bushing 334. Furthermore, the upper and lower bushings 332 and 334 are axially spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the first lower tube 208 (e.g., a first translational axis 310). The upper and lower bushings 332 and 334 are in contact with an outer surface 316 of the first upper tube 204. Upper and lower bushings 332 and 334 form two contact points to ensure that the first upper and lower tubes 204 and 208 remain axially aligned and to provide a low-friction interface so that the upper and lower tubes 204 and 208 can slide smoothly relative to each other. Similarly, the fork 200 includes upper and lower bushings 336 and 338, which are located in the second lower tube 210 and coupled to the inner surface 329 of the second lower tube 210. The upper bushing 336 is positioned between the second tip 322 of the second lower tube 210 and the lower bushing 338. Furthermore, the upper and lower bushings 336 and 338 are axially spaced apart from each other along one of the longitudinal axes of the second lower tube 210 (e.g., the second translation axis 326). The upper and lower bushings 336 and 338 are in contact with the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206.

[0035] In the illustrated example, the fork 200 includes both a spring 340 and a damper 342. In this example, the spring 340 is housed in and / or integrated into the second upper and lower tubes 206, 210, and the damper 342 is housed in and / or integrated into the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208. In other examples, the spring 340 may be housed in and / or integrated into the first upper and lower tubes 204, 208, and the damper 342 may be housed in and / or integrated into the second upper and lower tubes 206, 210. Springs 340 are assembled to resist compression of the first and second top ends 303, 318 toward the first and second bottom ends 308, 324, and to return the tubes 204, 206, 208, 210 to their fully extended positions (Figure 3A) after compression occurs (Figure 3C). Dampers 342 are assembled to limit the speed of compression / extension and / or absorb vibrations.

[0036] As shown in the enlarged views of Figures 3B and 3D, the second upper tube 206 includes a morphological body for improving oil distribution. Specifically, in this example, the second upper tube 206 has a plurality of recesses 344 that extend equally into the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. These recesses 344 may have various shapes, sizes, and / or patterns, as further detailed herein. As shown in Figure 3D, when the second upper tube 206 moves into the second lower tube 210 (e.g., toward the fully retracted position), the recesses 344 collect (e.g., carry, support, collect, etc.) a quantity of oil 302. The second lower tube 210 contains a certain amount or level of oil 302 such that when the second upper tube 206 moves into the second lower tube 210, the bottom portion of the second upper tube 206 is at least partially immersed in the oil 302. The insertion of the second upper tube 206 causes at least some of the oil 302 to move into the annular space or gap between the inner surface 329 of the second lower tube 210 and the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. In this way, a portion of the second upper tube 206 (having the recess 344) is coated or covered with oil 302. Accordingly, the oil 302 can flow / overflow into the recess 344 in response to the insertion of the second upper tube 206 into the second lower tube 210.

[0037] Specifically, when the fork 200 moves back toward the fully extended position, the recess 344 may retain a quantity of oil 302. For example, when the second upper tube 206 and the second lower tube 210 return / move toward the fully extended position (FIG. 3A), the second upper tube 206 carries the oil 302 retained in the recess 344. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, when moving to the fully extended position or a loaded position, at least some of the recesses 344 move beyond the upper and lower bushings 336, 338, thereby wiping the bushings 336, 338 with oil 302. In this way, the recesses 344 facilitate the delivery (e.g., distribution, dispersion, carrying, etc.) of oil 302 to the bushings 336, 338, which ensures that the bushings 336, 338 remain lubricated and provide a smooth interface for sliding motion. In the fully extended position or any other loaded position, the lower bushing 338 at least partially covers at least one of the recesses 344. In the fully extended position or any other loaded position, at least one of the recesses 344 is located at or above the lower bushing 338 (e.g., at the same radial location). This ensures that at least one of the recesses 344 encounters or moves beyond the lower bushing 338 to distribute oil to the lower bushing 338 when the fork 200 is extended. In some examples, in the fully extended position or any other loaded position, at least one of the recesses 344 may be located at or above the upper bushing 336. This ensures that at least one of the recesses 344 encounters or moves beyond the upper bushing 336 to distribute oil to the upper bushing 336 when the fork 200 is extended.

[0038] Although the recess 344 is described in relation to the second upper tube 206 and the second lower tube 210, the first upper tube 204 may also include the recess 344 to carry and distribute oil 302 to the bushings 332, 334. Therefore, in some examples, both the lower tubes 208, 210 may have recesses. Over time, as the fork 200 continues to experience impacts that cause the upper tubes 204, 206 and the lower tubes 208, 210 to move between a fully extended position (FIG. 3A) and a fully retracted position (FIG. 3C), the recess 344 continuously delivers oil 302 to the bushings 332, 334, 336, 338. As shown in FIG. 3B and 3D, the recess 344 extends radially from the outer surface 330 toward one of the central axes of the second upper tube 206 (e.g., the second translation axis 326). In the illustrated example, the size of the recess 344 tapers or decreases in the radial direction toward the central axis of the second upper tube 206. Thus, the cross-section of the recess 344 presents a generally triangular or conical shape. In one embodiment, the recess 344 may present other shapes, cross-sectional shapes, orientations, sizes, etc., as further detailed below with reference to Figures 4A-9B.

[0039] Figure 4A illustrates the second upper tube 206 in its fully extended position as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, and the upper and lower bushings 336, 338 at individual positions relative to the second upper tube 206. For clarity, the second lower tube 210 (Figure 2) has been removed. Figure 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view at the circled area 400 in Figure 4A, illustrating some recesses 344 positioned relative to the upper bushing 336. Figure 5 illustrates the second upper tube 206 in its fully retracted position as shown in Figures 3C and 3D, and the upper and lower bushings 336, 338 at individual positions relative to the second upper tube 206. The oil level indicator is also shown in Figure 5.

[0040] In the examples of Figures 4A, 4B, and 5, the recesses 344 are configured in an array distributed across the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. In some examples, the second upper tube 206 may include only one of the recesses 344. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 5, the second upper tube 206 may include a plurality of or an array of recesses 344. For example, the second upper tube 206 has a plurality of recesses 344 distributed circumferentially around the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. In some examples, the plurality of recesses 344 are located at different points around the circumference of the outer surface 330. The second upper tube 206 may include any number of recesses 344 (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 100, 500, etc.). In some examples, the array of recesses 344 is configured in a pattern. For example, as shown in detail in Figures 4A and 5, the array of recesses 344 is arranged in a spiral pattern 402. Specifically, the recesses 344 are distributed around and axially along the periphery of the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. Pattern 402 ensures that there are a sufficient number of recesses 344 to distribute oil to the upper and lower bushings 336, 338 along all or most of the circumferential points. In some examples, the array of recesses 344 extends a distance along one length of the second upper tube 206 in a direction from the first bottom end 320 toward the first top end 318, as illustrated with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. In one embodiment, and in other examples, the second upper tube 206 has a plurality of recesses 344 equally positioned at a circumferential point between the first bottom end 320 and the first top end 318, as illustrated with reference to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4A, when the second upper tube 206 and the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 2) are in the fully extended position, the pattern 402 of the recess 344 extends along a portion of the second upper tube 206 from the lower bushing 338 (e.g., a bottom edge 404 of the lower bushing 338) to the upper bushing 336 (e.g., a top edge 406 of the upper bushing 336). Thus, as the second upper tube 206 and the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 2) move toward the fully extended position, the recess 344 can dispense oil 302 (FIG. 3A, 3C, and 3D) to both the upper bushing 336 and the lower bushing 338. Specifically, the recess 344 can dispense oil 302 to an interface between the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206 and the inner surfaces of the bushings 336 and 338. As shown in detail in FIG. 4B, the upper bushing 336 is radially aligned with or overlaps at least one of the recesses 344. Therefore, when the second upper tube 206 and the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 2) are moved to the fully extended position, the recesses 344 allow oil 302 to be dispersed along the inner surfaces (e.g., an inner surface 408) of the bushings 336 and 338. When the second upper tube 206 and the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 2) move toward the fully retracted position (FIG. 5), the recesses 344 can collect oil 302 from the inner region 328 of the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 3C). In some examples, when the second upper tube 206 and the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 2) are in the fully extended position, the array of recesses 344 does not extend over the upper bushing 336 (FIG. 4A). In these examples, none of the recesses 344 are moved out of or beyond the scraper on the second tip 322 (FIG. 3) of the second lower tube 210 (FIG. 3A) and exposed to the atmosphere.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the recesses 344 are configured such that at least two of the recesses 344 overlap along a radial plane. For example, FIG5 shows an exemplary plane 500 extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis of the second upper tube 206. At least two of the recesses 344 intersect the radial plane 500. Bushings 336, 338 uniquely form discrete annular contact rings that contact the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. For example, the bottom edge 404 of the lower bushing 338 forms an annular contact ring that contacts the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. By spacing the recesses 344 as described above, it is ensured that while one of the recesses 344 is leaving the annular contact ring, the other of the recesses 344 is entering the contact ring. If there are separate interruptions or gaps between these recesses 344, this reduces or eliminates the possibility of generating audible noise.

[0043] Each of the recesses 344 is formed by an edge at the outer surface 330 and an inner surface extending radially inward to a recess depth. The edge may be a continuous edge, such as if the recess 344 is circular, or may include multiple discrete edges (e.g., an upper edge, a lower edge, a side edge), such as a triangular or square recess. Similarly, the inner surface of the recess 344 may be a continuous surface or multiple discrete surfaces. In the example illustrated in FIG5, the recess 344 is implemented as a dimple, which is a small, discrete recess in the outer surface 330 of the second upper tube 206. In this example, the recess 344 is circular, but in other examples it may be formed differently. In some examples, the recess 344 may have a diameter of 0.2-3 mm and a depth of about half the diameter. For example, recess 344 may have a diameter of about 1 mm (e.g., ± 0.1 mm) and a depth of about 0.5 mm (e.g., ± 0.1 mm). In some examples, the above range ensures that recess 344 is large enough to capture a quantity of oil, but not so large that it fails to retain sufficient oil. In other examples, recess 344 may be larger or smaller than the above range. In some examples, the depth of recess 344 may be based on the wall thickness of the first and / or second upper pipes 204, 206. For example, if the second upper pipe 204 includes a wall thickness of 2 mm, the depth of recess 344 may not be greater than 2 mm. In some examples, the depth of recess 344 may be proportional to the wall thickness of the first and second upper pipes 204, 206. For example, the depth of recess 344 may be designed as a percentage of the wall thickness of the second upper pipe 206, such as 10%, to be large enough to capture a quantity of oil. Thus, the second upper tube 206, having a wall thickness of 5 mm, may include a recess 344 with a depth of 0.5 mm (e.g., (5)(0.1) = 0.5). In some examples, the recess 344 is formed by a pressing process, such as by using a ball press, a single-point hammer, a rotary press, or a stamping press. In other examples, the recess 344 may be formed by a subtractive machining process, such as using a drilling machine, a laser etching machine, or a waterjet cutter. In other examples, the recess 344 may be formed by casting during the manufacture of the second upper tube 206.

[0044] Figure 6A is a side view of the second upper tube 206 of Figures 3A-5. Figure 6B is an enlarged view of the circled area 600 in Figure 6A. Specifically, Figure 6B illustrates an array of recesses 344 arranged in a spiral pattern 402. As shown in Figure 6A, the second upper tube 206 has an integral or total length 601. In this example, the array of recesses 344 is formed on a bottom portion of the second upper tube 206 starting from the first bottom end 320 and extending a length (e.g., distance, range, etc.) 602. The length 602 is less than the length 601. Therefore, only a portion of the second upper tube 206 has recesses 344, while the rest of the second upper tube 206 is smooth and has no recesses. In this example, the recesses 344 are distributed across approximately one-third (1 / 3) of the length 601 of the second upper tube 206. In other examples, the recess 344 may be distributed across approximately half (1 / 2), three-quarters (3 / 4), or any other amount or portion of the length 601. Alternatively, in some examples, the entire length 601 of the second upper tube 206 may have the recess 344.

[0045] Figure 7A is a side view of the second upper tube 206, which has a smaller portion or length of recess 344. Figure 7B is an enlarged view of the circled area 700 in Figure 7A. In this example, the array of recesses 344 does not extend to the bottom end 320 of the second upper tube 206. Thus, the second upper tube 206 has a portion 701a without recesses above the array and a portion 701b without recesses below the array. In this example, the array of recesses 344 extends along a length 702 of the overall length 601, which is shorter than the length 602 of the examples in Figures 6A and 6B. Thus, a first portion of the outer surface 330 includes the array of recesses 344. A second portion of one of the outer surfaces 330 extends in a first direction away from the first portion (e.g., along a second translation axis 326 (FIG. 3A)), and a third portion of one of the outer surfaces 330 extends in a second direction away from the first portion, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0046] Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F illustrate tube portions 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 having various recessed shapes and patterns, which can be implemented on the first upper tube 204 and / or the second upper tube 206 of Figures 3A-3D. In some examples, tube portions 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 represent a full length of a tube (e.g., the second upper tube 206 from the first bottom end 320 to the first top end 318). In other examples, tube portions 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 may represent a portion of the length of a tube. For example, tube portions 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 may represent a portion of the second upper tube 206 extending from the first bottom end 320 toward the first top end 318. In one embodiment, and in other examples, tube portions 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 may represent a portion of the second upper tube 206 at a circumferential point between the first bottom end 320 and the first top end 318. Similar to the embodiments illustrated above with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B, an array or plurality of recesses (e.g., recess 344) may extend only along a portion of the upper tubes 204 and 206.

[0047] Figure 8A illustrates an array of recesses 812 having an oval shape in the tube portion 800. Furthermore, the recesses 812 are configured with respect to an outer surface 814 of the tube portion 800 in a first orientation (e.g., angle, tilt, etc.). Specifically, the recesses 812 are oriented in a direction in which the oval shape aligns with the axial direction of the tube portion 800. In Figure 8B, the tube portion 802 includes an array of recesses 816 having an oval shape, similar to the recesses 812 in Figure 8A. In this illustrated embodiment, each of the recesses 816 in Figure 8B is configured with respect to an outer surface 818 of the tube portion 802 in a second orientation, which differs from the first orientation. Specifically, the recesses 816 are oriented in a direction in which the oval shape is angled (e.g., at 45 degrees (°)) relative to the axial direction of the tube portion 802. In the example of Figure 8B, one of the first recesses 820 and one of the second recesses 822 in the 816 at least partially overlap or intersect with a radial plane 824 associated with the tube body portion 802. In some examples, the radial plane 824 may be defined by an annular contact ring of one of the contact bushings 336, 338 (Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A and 5) and the outer surface 818 of the tube body portion 802. In some examples, when the tube body portion 802 is in the fully extended position (Figures 3A and 4A), both the first recess 820 and the second recess 822 in the 816 can carry oil 302 to the lower bushing 338 (Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A and 5) that defines the annular reference line or radial plane 824. Oil 302 (Figures 3A, 3C, and 3D) may be drained from the first recess 820 of the recess 816 before being drained from the second recess 822 (e.g., overflow, flow, etc.). Alternatively, different amounts of oil 302 may be retained in the first and second recesses 820 and 822 when the first and second recesses 820 and 822 contact / reach the radial plane 824.

[0048] Figure 8C shows an array of hexagonal recesses 825 in tube portion 804. Figure 8D shows an array of circular recesses 826 of different sizes in tube portion 806. For example, a first group of recesses 826 has a first size (e.g., circumference, depth, etc.) larger than a second size of a second group of recesses 826. The recesses 826 of the first group are paired with the recesses 826 of the second group, and these pairs are distributed across an outer surface 828 of tube portion 806. For example, each of the recesses 826 in the first group is adjacent to each of the recesses 826 in the second group.

[0049] The tube portion 808 of FIG8E includes a first group of recesses 830 arranged in an array, a second group of recesses 832 arranged in an array, and a third group of recesses 834 arranged in an array. The recesses 830, 832, and 834 have different sizes and / or shapes. For example, the first group of recesses 830 and the second group of recesses 832 have a circular shape (e.g., a circular opening). The first group of recesses 830 is smaller in diameter than the second group of recesses 832. The third group of recesses 834 has an oval shape (e.g., an oval opening), which is different from the shape of the first and second groups of recesses 830 and 832. The third group of recesses 834 of FIG8E is similar to the recesses 812 and 816 of FIG8A-8B, but the third group of recesses 834 of FIG8E is arranged in a third orientation, which is different from the first orientation of recess 812 (FIG. 8A) and the second orientation of recess 816 (FIG. 8B). Furthermore, the third orientation associated with the third set of recesses 834 is approximately perpendicular (e.g., 2 degrees) to the first orientation of the recess 812 in FIG8A.

[0050] Furthermore, a first set of recesses 830 is located at a first point on an outer surface 836 of one of the tube body portions 808, a second set of recesses 832 is located at a second point on the outer surface 836, and a third set of recesses 834 is located at a third point on the outer surface 836. The first point associated with the first set of recesses 830 is adjacent to the second point associated with the second set of recesses 832 (in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis of one of the tube body portions 808). Similarly, the second point associated with the second set of recesses 832 is adjacent to the third point associated with the third set of recesses 834 (in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis of one of the tube body portions 808). In some examples, the first point may be spaced apart from the second point. In other words, a portion of the outer surface 836 may separate the first set of recesses 830 from the second set of recesses 832. In some examples, a first set of recesses 830 may extend along one length of the tube body portion 808 for a first length 837a, a second set of recesses 832 may extend along one length of the tube body portion 808 for a second length 837b, and a third set of recesses 834 may extend along one length of the tube body portion 808 for a third length 837c. In some examples, the first length 837a, the second length 837b, and the third length 837c are approximately equal (e.g., + / - 1 mm). In some examples, the first length 837a differs from the second length 837b, the second length 837b differs from the third length 837c, and so on.

[0051] Figure 8F illustrates an array of first recesses 838 and second recesses 840 in the tube portion 810. In this example, the first recesses 838 have a circular shape and the second recesses 840 have an oval shape. The first and second recesses 838 and 840 in Figure 8F are similar to the recesses 826 in Figure 8D, but the two in the first recesses 838 are paired with the two in the second recesses 840 to define a group of recesses 838 and 840. The group of recesses 838 and 840 is distributed across an outer surface 842 of the tube portion 810.

[0052] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate tube portions 900 and 902 with other morphologies, which can be implemented on the first upper tube 204 and / or the second upper tube 206 of Figures 3A-3D. Referring back to Figure 9A, the tube portion 900 includes an array or a plurality of annular recesses 904 (e.g., grooves, channels, etc.) extending around the periphery of one of the outer surfaces 906 of the tube portion 900 (e.g., traces, traverses, etc.). The annular recesses 904 are arranged in an array and distributed across the outer surface 906. In addition, the annular recesses 904 are axially spaced apart from each other along one of the longitudinal axes of the tube portion 900. As shown in Figure 9A, the annular recesses 904 are generally circular (surrounding the outer surface 906). In other examples, the annular recess 904 may have any general shape or path around the outer surface 906 (e.g., swooping, swinging, serrated, etc.).

[0053] The tube portion 902 of FIG. 9B includes an annular recess 908 that traverses one of the outer surfaces 910 of the tube portion 902 in a helical direction. In other words, the annular recess 908 forms a continuous helix along the outer surface 910. In other examples, the tube portion 902 may include a plurality of annular recesses 908 that equally span the outer surface 910 to form a discontinuous (e.g., dashed) helix. In the example of FIG. 9B, the annular recess 908 spirally travels along the outer surface 910 in a clockwise direction. In one embodiment, the annular recess 908 may spirally travel along the outer surface 910 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0054] Any of the exemplary morphologies (e.g., recesses, grooves, etc.) disclosed in Figures 8A-8F and 9A-9B can be formed by a pressing process, such as by using a ball press, a single-point hammer, a rotary press, or a stamping press. In other examples, the morphology can be formed by a subtractive machining process, such as using a drilling machine, a laser etching machine, or a waterjet cutter. In other examples, the morphology can be formed by casting during the manufacture of the second upper tube.

[0055] Although the exemplary fork 200 of Figure 2 includes two feet, in other examples, the fork 200 may be configured as a single-sided fork including only one of these feet. In this example, a single foot may include a damper, a spring, or a combination of a spring and a damper. Any of the exemplary oil distribution profiles disclosed herein can be implemented on this single-foot fork configuration. Similarly, although the oil distribution profile system disclosed herein is illustrated in relation to a front suspension fork, any of the examples disclosed herein can be similarly implemented in relation to another type of suspension assembly, such as the rear shock absorber 136. For example, the rear shock absorber has two retractably configured tube or body portions. Any of the exemplary oil distribution profiles can be similarly implemented on one of the tubes of the shock absorber.

[0056] As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subject / value to identify possible variations that may occur in real-world applications. For example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may be inaccurate due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world defects. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate that such dimensions are within a tolerance of + / - 10%, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0057] As will be understood from the foregoing, exemplary systems, devices, articles, and methods have been disclosed for reducing friction in a bicycle fork by delivering lubricating oil to the interface between the top tube and the associated bushing. The disclosed examples mitigate frictional effects that could otherwise deteriorate bushing engagement as the top tube moves relative to the down tube. Therefore, the rider will experience a smoother ride.

[0058] This article has disclosed exemplary front forks for bicycles. The following paragraphs provide various examples and combinations of examples disclosed herein.

[0059] Example 1 is a fork for a bicycle. The fork includes: a lower tube having a first top end and a first bottom end opposite the first top end, the lower tube defining an interior region containing a volume of oil; a bushing in the lower tube and coupled to an inner surface of the lower tube; and an upper tube having a second top end and a second bottom end opposite the second top end, the second bottom end of the upper tube being disposed in the lower tube, the upper tube being in sliding contact with the bushing, the upper and lower tubes being configured in a telescopic configuration and movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, the upper tube having a recess extending partially into an outer surface of the upper tube, the recess being for collecting a quantity of oil when the upper tube moves into the lower tube, and distributing the quantity of oil to the bushing when the upper and lower tubes move toward the fully extended position.

[0060] Example 2 includes the fork of Example 1, wherein in the fully extended position, the bushing at least partially covers the recess.

[0061] Example 3 includes the fork of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the recess is a dimple.

[0062] Example 4 includes the fork of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the recess has a hexagonal shape, a triangular shape, an oval shape or a circular shape.

[0063] Example 5 includes the fork of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the recess extends in a radial direction toward one of the central axes of the upper tube, and wherein the size of the recess tapers in the radial direction toward the central axis.

[0064] Example 6 includes the fork of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the recess is a first recess in an array of recesses distributed circumferentially across the outer surface of the upper tube.

[0065] Example 7 includes the fork of Example 6, wherein the array of recesses is configured in a spiral pattern.

[0066] Example 8 includes the fork of any of Examples 6-7, wherein the first recess and a second recess in the recess array have different shapes.

[0067] Example 9 includes the fork of any of Examples 6-8, wherein the first recess and a second recess of the recess array intersect a radial plane perpendicular to one of the central axes of the upper tube.

[0068] Example 10 includes the fork of Example 9, wherein the bushing overlaps with the first and second recesses in the fully extended position.

[0069] Example 11 includes the fork of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the recess is an annular recess that extends around the periphery of the outer surface of the upper tube.

[0070] Example 12 includes the fork of Example 11, wherein the annular recess is a first annular recess in an array of annular recesses distributed across the outer surface of the upper tube, and the annular recesses are axially spaced apart from each other along one of the longitudinal axes of the upper tube.

[0071] Example 13 includes the fork of any of Examples 1-11, wherein the bushing is a first bushing and further includes a second bushing coupled to the inner surface of the lower tube, the second bushing being positioned between the first bushing and the first tip, the first and second bushings being axially spaced apart from each other along one of the longitudinal axes of the lower tube, and the recess distributing the amount of oil to the second bushing when the upper and lower tubes are moved to the fully extended position.

[0072] Example 14 includes the fork of Example 1, further including at least one of a damper or a spring disposed in the upper and lower tubes.

[0073] Example 15 includes a fork for a bicycle. The fork includes: a lower tube having an inner surface extending from a first top end of the lower tube to a first bottom end of the lower tube, the first top end being relative to the first bottom end, the lower tube containing a volume of oil; a bushing in the lower tube, the bushing being coupled to the inner surface; and an upper tube having an outer surface extending from a second top end of the upper tube to a second bottom end of the upper tube, the second bottom end being relative to the second top end, the upper tube and the lower tube being configured in a telescopic configuration, wherein the second bottom end of the upper tube is inserted into the lower tube, the upper tube and the lower tube being movable between a loaded position and a fully retracted position, the upper tube having a morphology on the outer surface for carrying a quantity of oil when the upper and lower tubes move toward the fully retracted position, wherein the morphology is at or above the bushing in the loaded position.

[0074] Example 16 includes the fork of Example 15, wherein the bushing is a first bushing and further includes a second bushing coupled to the inner surface of the lower tube, the second bushing being positioned between the first bushing and the top body in the fully retracted position, the first and second bushings being axially spaced apart from each other along one of the longitudinal axes of the lower tube.

[0075] Example 17 includes the fork of any of Examples 15-16, wherein the morphology is a groove in the outer surface that traverses the outer surface in a helical direction.

[0076] Example 18 includes the fork of any of Examples 15-16, wherein the topography includes an array of recesses distributed around the periphery of the outer surface.

[0077] Example 19 includes the fork of Example 18, wherein the recess array includes a first set of recesses having a first shape and a second set of recesses having a second shape, the first set of recesses being located at a first point on the outer surface, and the second set of recesses being located at a second point on the outer surface, the second point being adjacent to the first point in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the upper tube.

[0078] Example 20 includes the fork of any of Examples 18-19, wherein a first portion of one of the outer surfaces includes the array of recesses, further including a second portion of one of the outer surfaces extending in a first direction away from the first portion, and a third portion of one of the outer surfaces extending in a second direction away from the first portion, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Although 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 in the context of separate embodiments may also be 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.

[0081] 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. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0005] Figure 1 is a side view of an example bicycle that can use any of the example forks disclosed herein.

[0006] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example fork that can be incorporated into the exemplary morphological body disclosed herein.

[0007] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the example fork of Figure 2 taken along line AA of Figure 2 and shown in a fully extended position.

[0008] Figure 3B is an enlarged view of the area circled in Figure 3A, showing an example upper tube positioned relative to an example lower tube.

[0009] Figure 3C is another cross-sectional view showing the example fork of Figure 2 in a fully retracted position.

[0010] Figure 3D is an enlarged view of the area circled in Figure 3C, showing the example lubricating oil placed between the example upper pipe and the example lower pipe.

[0011] Figure 4A illustrates an example of an upper tube, an example shape, and an example bushing in the fully extended position.

[0012] Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the area circled in Figure 4A, showing the exemplary shape positioned relative to one of the exemplary bushings.

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates an example of an upper tube, an example shape, and an example bushing in the fully retracted position.

[0014] Figure 6A is a side view of the example upper tube in Figure 3A-5.

[0015] Figure 6B is an enlarged view of the area circled in Figure 6A, showing an array of exemplary morphological bodies.

[0016] Figure 7A is a side view of an example upper tube with an array of morphological bodies, which is smaller than the array shown in Figure 6.

[0017] Figure 7B is an enlarged view of the area circled in Figure 7A, showing an example of a topographical object arranged in an array.

[0018] Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F show exemplary morphologies of different shapes and / or sizes that can be implemented on the exemplary tube.

[0019] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate tube portions having other morphological features that can be implemented on the tube in the example.

[0020] Generally speaking, the same component symbols will be used throughout the drawings and accompanying text descriptions to refer to the same or similar parts. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. On the contrary, the thickness of layers or areas may be enlarged in the drawings. Although the drawings show layers and areas with clear lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In fact, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular.

[0021] In 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 the 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.

Claims

1. A fork for a bicycle, the fork comprising: a lower tube having a first tip and a first bottom end opposite the first tip, the lower tube defining an interior region containing a volume of oil; a bushing in the lower tube and coupled to an inner surface of the lower tube; and an upper tube having a second tip and a second bottom end opposite the second tip, the second bottom end of the upper tube being disposed in the lower tube, the upper tube being in slidable contact with the bushing, the upper tube and the lower tube being configured in a telescopic configuration and movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, the upper tube having a recess extending partially into an outer surface of the upper tube, the recess being for collecting a quantity of oil when the upper tube moves into the lower tube, and distributing the quantity of oil to the bushing when the upper tube and the lower tube move toward the fully extended position.

2. As requested in item 1, the bushing at least partially covers the recess in the fully extended position.

3. As in request item 1, the fork, wherein the recess is a dimple.

4. As in request item 1, the recess has a hexagonal, triangular, oval, or circular shape.

5. As requested in item 1, wherein the recess extends in a radial direction toward one of the central axes of the upper tube, and wherein the size of the recess tapers in the radial direction toward the central axis.

6. As requested in item 1, wherein the recess is a first recess in an array of recesses distributed circumferentially across the outer surface of the upper tube.

7. As in request item 6, the array of recesses is configured in a spiral pattern.

8. As in request 6, wherein the first recess and a second recess in the recess array have different shapes.

9. As requested in item 6, wherein the first recess and a second recess of the recess array intersect a radial plane perpendicular to one of the central axes of the upper tube.

10. As requested in item 9, the bushing overlaps with the first recess and the second recess in the fully extended position.

11. As requested in item 1, wherein the recess is an annular recess that extends around the periphery of the outer surface of the upper tube.

12. As requested in claim 11, wherein the annular recess is a first annular recess in an array of annular recesses distributed across the outer surface of the upper tube, the annular recesses being axially spaced apart from each other along one of the longitudinal axes of the upper tube.

13. As claimed in claim 1, wherein the bushing is a first bushing, further comprising a second bushing coupled to the inner surface of the lower tube, the second bushing being positioned between the first bushing and the first tip, the first bushing and the second bushing being axially spaced apart from each other along one longitudinal axis of the lower tube, the recess dispensing the amount of oil to the second bushing when the upper tube and the lower tube are moved to the fully extended position.

14. The fork as claimed in claim 1 further includes at least one of a damper or a spring located in the upper tube and the lower tube.

15. A fork for a bicycle, the fork comprising: a lower tube having an inner surface extending from a first top end of the lower tube to a first bottom end of the lower tube, the first top end being relative to the first bottom end, the lower tube containing a volume of oil; a bushing in the lower tube, the bushing being coupled to the inner surface; and an upper tube having an outer surface extending from a second top end of the upper tube to a second bottom end of the upper tube, the second bottom end being relative to the second top end, the upper tube and the lower tube being configured in a telescopic configuration, wherein the second bottom end of the upper tube is inserted into the lower tube, the upper tube and the lower tube being movable between a loaded position and a fully retracted position, the upper tube having a morphology on the outer surface for carrying a quantity of oil when the upper tube and the lower tube are moved toward the fully retracted position, wherein the morphology is located at or above the bushing in the loaded position.

16. The fork of claim 15, wherein the bushing is a first bushing and further includes a second bushing coupled to the inner surface of the lower tube, the second bushing being positioned between the first bushing and the top body in the fully retracted position, the first bushing and the second bushing being axially spaced apart from each other along one of the longitudinal axes of the lower tube.

17. As requested in claim 15, wherein the topographic feature is a groove in the outer surface that traverses the outer surface in a helical direction.

18. As requested in claim 15, wherein the topographic body includes an array of recesses distributed around the periphery of the outer surface.

19. As claimed in claim 18, wherein the recess array includes a first set of recesses having a first shape and a second set of recesses having a second shape, the first set of recesses being located at a first point on the outer surface, and the second set of recesses being located at a second point on the outer surface, the second point being adjacent to the first point in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the upper tube.

20. The fork as claimed in claim 18, wherein a first portion of one of the outer surfaces includes the array of recesses, further including a second portion of one of the outer surfaces extending in a first direction away from the first portion, and a third portion of one of the outer surfaces extending in a second direction away from the first portion, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

Images