Height-adjustable seatposts for bicycles and spacers for height-adjustable seatposts

Abstract

Height-adjustable seatposts for bicycles are described herein. An exemplary seatpost includes an upper tube and a lower tube that are telescopically arranged and movable between at least a first position and a second position. The seatpost includes an upper seal head, a lower seal head, a stem coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower seal head and into the upper tube, and a piston in the upper tube and coupled to the stem. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber between the piston and the upper seal head and a second chamber between the piston and the lower seal head. The seatpost also includes a spacer in the second chamber between the piston and the lower seal head to reduce a length of the height-adjustable seatpost in at least the first and second positions, respectively.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to bicycle components and, more particularly, to height-adjustable seatposts for bicycles and spacers for height-adjustable seatposts. BACKGROUND

[0002] Bicycles are known to be equipped with a seat or saddle that supports a rider in a seated position. The seat is usually connected to the bicycle frame via a seat post. On most bicycles, the seat post can be manually adjusted to raise or lower the seat height to suit riders of different heights. The height can also be adjusted to suit different riding conditions. Typically, the seat post is mechanically clamped to a tube of the bicycle frame. When the clamp is released, the seat and post can be moved up and down relative to the bicycle frame tube to adjust the seat height. On some newer, higher-end bicycles, the seat post can be adjusted on the fly using some type of hydraulic assist mechanism.For example, manually operated hydraulic height-adjustable seatposts, or "dropper" seatposts, utilize a hydraulic pressure differential within the post, allowing the seatpost height to be adjusted manually. Some products utilize ANT+ wireless communication technology, allowing the rider to wirelessly adjust the seatpost. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0003] An exemplary height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle includes an upper tube that is coupleable to a seat. The upper tube has an upper end and a lower end disposed opposite the upper end. The height-adjustable seatpost includes a lower tube that is coupleable to a frame of the bicycle. The upper tube and the lower tube are telescopically arranged and movable between at least a first position and a second position. The height-adjustable seatpost includes an upper seal head coupled to the upper tube at or near the upper end, a lower seal head coupled to the lower tube at or near the lower end, a stem coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower seal head and into the upper tube, and a piston in the upper tube and coupled to the stem.The piston divides 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. The height-adjustable seatpost also includes a spacer in the second chamber between the piston and the lower sealing head to reduce a length of the height-adjustable seatpost in at least the first and second positions, respectively.

[0004] An exemplary device for a bicycle includes a height-adjustable seatpost having an upper tube and a lower tube that are telescopically arranged and movable between at least a first position and a second position. The upper tube extends outwardly from the lower tube a first length in the first position. The height-adjustable seatpost includes a lower seal head at or near the lower end of the lower tube, a stem coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower seal head and into the upper tube, and a piston in the upper tube and coupled to the stem. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is located between the piston and the lower seal 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 mountable within the second chamber of the height-adjustable seatpost with the stem extending through the central channel, and wherein the upper tube extends outwardly from the lower tube a second length in the first position, the second length being shorter than the first length when the spacer is mounted within the second chamber of the height-adjustable seatpost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of an exemplary bicycle in which one of the exemplary height-adjustable seatposts disclosed herein may be used. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of an exemplary height-adjustable seatpost in a fully extended position. Fig. 3 is a side view of the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 2 in a partially retracted position. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of an exemplary control module mounted on the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 2 can be used. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 2 in the fully extended position. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 3 in the partially retracted position. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the section in Fig. 5, which shows an exemplary piston arrangement. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 2 in the fully extended position and includes an exemplary spacer in an exemplary negative chamber in the exemplary height-adjustable seat post. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the exemplary section of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 shows the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 8 in a partially retracted position. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the exemplary section of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the exemplary Fig. 8 shown spacer. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the exemplary spacer of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a side view of the exemplary spacer of Fig. 12. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary spacer of Fig. 14 along line AA. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of two exemplary spacers used in the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 8 can be attached. Fig. 17 is a side view of the two exemplary spacers of Fig. 16 in a stacked configuration. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the two exemplary spacers of Fig. 17 along line BB. Fig. 19 is a partially exploded view of the exemplary height adjustable seat post of Fig. 8. Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of the exemplary section of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 2 and includes an exemplary spacer in an exemplary lower chamber of an exemplary lower tube of the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary height-adjustable seat post of Fig. 2 and includes an exemplary spacer in an exemplary positive chamber in the exemplary height-adjustable seat post.

[0005] The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions in the drawings may be exaggerated. In general, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawing(s) and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0006] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used herein to refer to multiple elements or components that may be referred to separately. Unless otherwise indicated or apparent from the context of use, these terms have no significance as to priority or chronological order, but are merely used to identify multiple elements or components to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. According to some examples, the term "first" may be used to refer to one element in the detailed description, while a different term, such as "second" or "third," may be used for the same element in a claim. In such cases, such terms are used to refer to multiple elements or components merely for convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Some modern bicycles are equipped with height-adjustable seatposts, often referred to as dropper seatposts. This type of seatpost allows the rider to change the seat height while riding. For example, the rider can operate a seatpost actuator on the handlebars and then push down on the seat (e.g., with the buttocks) to cause the seatpost to retract, or contract, thereby lowering the seat height. If the rider stops operating the seatpost actuator, the seatpost remains in the retracted position. If the rider then wants to raise the seat, they can operate the seatpost actuator again, and the seatpost will extend, or expand, to return the seat to its original height. This lowering option can be advantageous if the rider intends to ride the bike down steep hills.For example, when descending a hill, the seat is often lowered so the rider can stand up and lean back on the bike (for better weight distribution) without the seat touching the buttocks. This lowering feature can also be used to lower the seat before the rider reaches an incline where they would normally stand up and pedal. This adjustability can also be used in many other scenarios.

[0008] Height-adjustable seatposts consist of an upper tube and a lower tube that are arranged telescopically. The lower tube is inserted into the bicycle frame and secured by a clamp. The upper tube extends upward from the lower tube and supports the seat or saddle. The upper tube can be moved in and out of the lower 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 range of travel between the fully extended and fully retracted positions, which is determined by the internal components and the size of the seatpost components. Seatposts, for example, typically have a travel range between 50 millimeters (mm) and 250 mm.While riding the bike, the rider can activate the seat post (e.g., by pressing a seat post activation button) so that the upper tube is pushed into the lower tube to lower the seat height. The seat post can be locked in any position between the fully extended and the fully retracted positions. If the rider wishes to raise the seat, the rider can stand on the pedals and activate the seat post. The seat post automatically returns to the fully extended position. Therefore, the seat post sets a specific final height for the seat when the seat post is in the fully extended position. However, even if the lower tube is fully inserted into the bike frame (e.g.,The seatpost's top clamp (the upper clamp ring rests against the bicycle frame) may be too high in the fully extended position for some riders to ride the bike properly or comfortably. For example, shorter riders or riders with a short inseam may prefer a lower seatpost height.

[0009] Disclosed herein are exemplary height-adjustable seatposts with exemplary spacers that can be used to reduce the overall height or length of the seatpost in the fully extended position. This allows the seat to have a lower final height in the fully extended position, which is advantageous for some riders. According to some examples, a seatpost may be pre-assembled with a spacer. According to further examples, the seatpost and one or more spacers may be sold as a kit or assembly. The user or rider can then install the spacers themselves as desired.

[0010] An exemplary height-adjustable seatpost disclosed herein includes an upper tube and a lower tube that are telescopically arranged and movable between a fully extended (upper) position and a fully retracted (lower) position. The lower tube is coupled to or attached to the bicycle frame, and the seat is coupled to the upper tube. The upper tube can be moved relative to the lower tube to adjust the height of the seat. The upper tube is sealed at both ends by upper and lower sealing heads to form a pneumatic chamber filled with a pressurized gas (e.g., air, nitrogen). According to some examples, the upper sealing head includes a fill valve (e.g., a Schrader valve) that can be used to add or remove pressurized gas from the pneumatic chamber. The seatpost includes a stem that is coupled to the lower tube and extends into the upper tube.The seatpost includes a piston assembly disposed within the upper tube and coupled to the stem. 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 fluid flow via the piston between the upper and lower chambers. When the valve is in a closed position, it blocks or prevents gas flow between the two chambers. Regarding the terms "block" or "prevent," for the purposes of the following discussion, the terms "block" or "prevent" refer to the most restricted gas flow that can be achieved or is desired.For example, the term "block" or "prevent" means that all gas flow between the two chambers is interrupted. However, according to another example, the term "block" or "prevent" means that essentially all gas flow between the two chambers is interrupted. The pressure in the upper pneumatic chamber is sufficient to support the rider's weight. When the seat needs to be raised or lowered, the valve opens, allowing gas to flow over the piston between the first and second chambers. This allows the rider to move the upper tube up or down relative to the lower tube, thereby increasing or decreasing the seat height.

[0011] When the seatpost is extended or extended to the fully extended position, the upper tube moves out from the lower tube, causing the piston to move toward the lower seal head. In known seatposts, the piston may contact or engage the lower seal head, preventing the seatpost from extending and thereby defining the fully extended (upper) position. Often, an end-of-travel bumper is used to cushion the stop. In the example disclosed herein, the seatpost includes a spacer in the lower chamber between the piston and the lower seal head. The spacer reduces the travel of the piston to the lower seal head.As the seatpost is extended or lengthened, the piston eventually engages an upper end of the spacer, while the lower end of the spacer engages the lower seal head (and / or bumper on the lower seal head). The piston is therefore stopped at an earlier point along its stroke (e.g., against the lower seal head and / or end-of-travel bumper). This reduces the overall height or length of the seatpost in the fully extended position. The seat or saddle therefore has a lower or reduced height in the fully extended position, which is advantageous and / or desired by certain riders.For example, without the spacer, the seatpost may have a first length in the fully extended position, and with the spacer, the seatpost may have a second length in the fully extended position that is less than the first length. The spacer may have any desired height or length. According to some examples disclosed herein, multiple spacers may be arranged in a stacked configuration in the lower chamber. A different number of spacers will result in a different reduction in height.

[0012] According to some examples, a seatpost may be pre-assembled with a spacer. According to further examples, the spacer(s) may be provided separately from the seatpost. According to further examples, the seatpost and one or more spacers may be sold as a kit or assembly, or as completely separate parts. A user or rider can then install one or more spacers as desired. This allows a manufacturer to produce a seatpost size that can be easily adjusted to the rider's desired height / length.

[0013] About the characters: Fig. 1 shows an example of a human-powered vehicle in which the exemplary seatposts disclosed herein may be employed. In this example, the vehicle is a possible type of bicycle 100, e.g., 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. A frontward and / or forward direction of travel or orientation of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow A in Fig. 1. A forward direction of movement for the bicycle 100 is therefore indicated by the direction of arrow A.

[0014] In the Fig. 1, the bicycle 100 includes a seat 110 (sometimes referred to as a saddle) coupled to the frame 102 (e.g., near the rear end of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A) via a seat post 112 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 is coupled to a seat tube 114 of the frame 102. According to some examples, the seat post 112 is coupled to the seat tube 114 via a clamp 116 surrounding the opening in the seat tube 114. The seat post 112 is height adjustable to raise or lower the seat 110. According to some examples, the bicycle 100 includes a seat post actuation button 113 for controlling the seat post 112, the operation of which is disclosed in detail herein, by way of example. The bicycle 100 further includes a handlebar 118 connected to the frame 102 and the front fork 108 (e.g.near a front end of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A) to allow the bicycle 100 to be steered. According to some examples, the seat post activation button 113 is mounted on the handlebar 118 to allow the rider to interact with the seat post activation button 113 while riding the bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 is depicted on a riding surface 120. The riding surface 120 may be any riding surface, such as the ground (e.g., a dirt path, sidewalk, road, etc.), a man-made structure above the ground (e.g., a wooden ramp), and / or other surface.

[0015] In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 has a drivetrain 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, typically two, crank arms 132 and pedals 134, and at least one front sprocket or chainring 136. A rear gear changing device 138, such as a derailleur, is disposed on the rear wheel 106 to move the chain 126 between various sprockets of the sprocket assembly 128. Additionally or alternatively, the bicycle 100 may include a plurality of front chainrings and a front gear changing device to move the chain 126 between the plurality of chainrings.

[0016] The example bicycle 100 may include a suspension system having one or more suspension components. In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 includes a rear suspension component 140. In this example, the rear suspension component 140 is configured as or includes a shock absorber. According to some examples, the front fork 108 is also configured as a front suspension component. For example, a spring may be integrated into one of the legs and a damper may be integrated into the other leg. The front fork 108 and the rear suspension component 140 absorb shocks and vibrations during travel of the bicycle 100 (e.g., when traveling over rough terrain). According to further examples, the front fork 108 and / or the rear suspension component 140 may be integrated into the bicycle 100 in other configurations or arrangements.

[0017] According to some examples, one or more components of the bicycle 100 may include electronic components for controlling and / or monitoring various aspects of the bicycle 100. For example, the bicycle 100 of Fig. 1, a control device or bicycle computer 142 mounted on the handlebar 118. The bicycle computer 142 can wirelessly communicate with the seatpost 112, the rear gear change device 138, the front fork 108, and / or the rear suspension component 140 to collect data and / or control the operation of the respective components. The bicycle computer 142 can also wirelessly communicate with a power meter 144 of the crank assembly 124. The aforementioned components can be coupled to a wireless network.

[0018] Although the Fig. 1 is a mountain bike, the exemplary height-adjustable seatposts disclosed herein may also be used on other types of bicycles. For example, the exemplary seatposts disclosed herein may 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 exemplary seatposts disclosed herein may also be used on other types of human-powered two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles. Furthermore, the exemplary seatposts disclosed herein may be used on other types of vehicles, such as motor vehicles (e.g., motorcycles).

[0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary height adjustable seat post 112 used on the bicycle 100 of Fig. 1. The seat post 112 may also be referred to as a dropper seat post or seat post assembly. The length or height of the exemplary seat post 112 is adjustable such that the height of the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) can be increased or decreased. In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 includes a first tube 202, referred to herein as the lower tube 202, and a second tube 204, referred to herein as the upper tube 204. The lower and upper tubes 202, 204 may also be referred to as seat post sections or segments. As in Fig. 2, the lower and upper tubes 202, 204 are arranged coaxially and aligned along an axis 206. The axis 206 corresponds to a central or longitudinal axis of the seat post 112. The lower tube 202 includes a first end 208, referred to herein as the upper end 208, and a second end 210, referred to herein as the lower end 210, opposite the upper end 208. The upper tube 204 also includes a first end 212, referred to herein as the upper end 212, and a second end 500 (in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6), referred to herein as lower end 500. The upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 are telescopically arranged. More specifically, in this example, the upper tube 204 extends into an opening 213 in the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202. Thus, the upper tube 204 is at least partially disposed within the lower tube 202. The upper tube 204 can be slid in and out of the opening 213 in the lower tube 202, thereby altering the overall height or length of the seatpost 112. According to further examples, the lower and upper tubes 202, 204 can be configured such that the lower tube 202 extends into the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 includes a seat clamp 214 that is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted, threaded, etc.) to the upper end 212 of the upper tube 204. The seat clamp 214 is used to secure the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) to couple to the seat post 112. In this example, the seat clamp 214 includes two threaded fasteners 216, 218 (e.g., bolts) that can be tightened to secure the seat 110 to the top tube 204. According to further examples, the seat post 112 may include other mechanisms for attaching to the seat 110. In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 includes a bottom cap assembly 220 coupled to the lower end 210 of the down tube 202.

[0021] Is the seat post 112 on the bike 100 ( Fig. 1) is installed, the lower tube 202 is connected to the frame 102 ( Fig. 1). For example, the lower tube 202 can be inserted into the seat tube 114 ( Fig. 1) and connected through terminal 116 ( Fig. 1). The upper tube 204 extends upward from the lower tube 202 and holds the seat 110 ( Fig. 1). As disclosed in detail herein, the seat post 112 includes an internal piston and valve that allows the upper tube 204 to move downward (e.g., slide) relative to the lower tube 202 and provides a recoil force to move the upper tube 204 upward relative to the lower tube 202. This makes it easy for a rider to decrease the height of the seat 110 or increase the height of the seat 110. The seat post 112 is adjustable between a fully extended position (also referred to as the top end position), as shown in Fig. 2, and a fully retracted position (also referred to as the bottom end position), in which the upper tube 204 is moved into the lower tube 202 until a stop or limit is reached. The seat post 112 can also be extended / retracted and held in any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. Fig. For example, Figure 3 shows an example in which the upper tube 204 has been partially moved into the lower tube 202. This would cause the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) compared to the position in Fig. 2 lowered or brought closer to the ground. The upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 can therefore be moved 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 therebetween.

[0022] In the Fig. 2, the seat post 112 includes a control module 222, which may also be referred to as a control device or control unit. The control module 222 includes a power supply (e.g., a battery) and circuitry (e.g., a processor circuit, a logic circuit, etc.) for actuating the internal valve of the seat post 112. In this example, the control module 222 is coupled to an outer surface 224 of the down tube 202 at or near the upper end 208 of the down tube 202. In some known dropper posts, the control module is located on the seat clamp. However, this location may impair rear tire clearance. Therefore, it may be advantageous to locate the control module 222 at the upper end 208 of the down tube 202 adjacent to the overlap area to improve rear wheel clearance. This location also helps maintain a minimal drop height to total length ratio.

[0023] If a driver wants to use the seat 110 ( Fig. 1), it operates, for example, a seat post actuator such as the button for operating the seat post 113 ( Fig. 1). In Fig. 1, the seatpost actuation button 113 is mounted on the handlebar 118 such that the rider can actuate the seatpost actuation button 113 with a finger (e.g., the thumb). Alternatively, the seatpost actuation button 113 may be a lever or some type of user interface, such as a display device with a touchscreen. When the seatpost actuation button 113 is pressed, the seatpost actuation button 113 transmits a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) to the control module 222. The control module 222 receives the signal from the seatpost actuation button 113 and activates an actuator or motor to open the internal valve disposed within a pneumatic chamber in the upper tube 204, as disclosed in detail herein. As long as the internal valve is open, the rider can push the seat 110 downwards, thereby pushing the upper tube 204 into the lower tube 202 (such asin the position of . Fig. 3), thereby lowering or reducing the height of the seat 110. According to some examples, the rider can apply this force by sitting on the seat 110 and applying the downward force with their buttocks. Once the seat 110 has reached the desired height, the rider can release the seatpost actuation button 113. The control module 222 then closes the internal valve, thereby holding the upper tube 204 in position relative to the lower tube 202. If the rider wishes to raise the seat 110, the rider can press the seatpost actuation button 113 again. The control module 222 receives the signal and opens the internal valve. When there is little or no downward force on the seat 110 (e.g., when the rider is standing on the pedals and his or her buttocks are not 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 the fully extended position is reached. Once the desired position is reached, the rider can release the seatpost operation button 113. When the seatpost operation button 113 is released, the internal valve closes and holds the seatpost 112 in the current position. The seatpost height can therefore be easily adjusted by the rider.

[0024] According to some examples, the rider presses and holds the seatpost actuation button 113 to activate the internal valve. 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 is closed, holding the upper tube 204 in position. However, according to further examples, the system may 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 a second time to close the valve.

[0025] Fig. 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 clamp ring 400, a control housing 402 coupled to the clamp ring 400, and a power supply, in this example, a battery 404 coupled to the control housing 402. The clamp ring 400 encloses the lower tube 202 and serves to couple the control module 222 to the lower tube 202. In this example, the clamp ring 400 includes a first portion 406a and a second portion 406b that are coupled together and thus clamped around the lower tube 202. According to some examples, the first and second portions 402a, 402b are coupled by a snap fit and / or threaded fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). The control housing 402 contains electronic components for receiving control signals and operating the internal valve (e.g., opening the valve, closing the valve, etc.). Fig. For example, Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the control housing 402. The control housing 402 includes a processor circuit 408 and a wireless communication device 410. The wireless communication device 410 includes a receiver. The wireless communication device 410 may receive wireless control / command signals from the seatpost actuation button 113 and / or another bicycle component such as the bicycle computer 142. According to some examples, the wireless communication device 410 may additionally include a transmitter (e.g., a transceiver) and 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 receiving a command, the processor circuit 408 activates, for example, a motor (e.g., by applying current or voltage to the motor) to open the internal valve to allow the seatpost 112 to extend or retract.When the seat post actuation button 113 is released, no control / command signals are received, and the processor circuit 408 activates the motor to close the valve, thereby holding the seat post 112 in its current position. According to further examples, a second or separate control / command signal is received when the seat post actuation button 113 is released. The wireless communication device 410 is configured to communicate wirelessly and therefore includes one or more antennas. The wireless communication device 410 enables wireless communication in any format known or later developed. Although the present description describes components and functions that may be implemented in certain embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the examples disclosed herein are not limited to such standards and protocols.For example, standards for transmission over the Internet and other packet-switched networks (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS) represent examples of the state of the art. These standards are periodically replaced by faster or more efficient equivalents that perform substantially the same functions. Bluetooth®, ANT+™, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and / or AIREA™ standards may also be used or used alternatively. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols with the same or similar functions as disclosed herein are considered equivalents.

[0026] As used herein, the term “processor circuit” includes (i) one or more special-purpose electrical circuits structured to perform particular 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 electrical circuits programmable with instructions to perform particular operations and including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors).Examples of processor circuits include programmable microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that can instantiate instructions, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processor 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 computer system that includes multiple types of processor circuits (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more DSPs, etc.).and / or a combination thereof) and application programming interface(s) (API(s)) that can assign a computational task(s) to the one(s) of the plurality of types of processor circuitry that is / are best suited to perform the computational task(s).

[0027] The battery 404 supplies power to the electronic components of the control housing 402, which controls the motor to operate the valve. The battery 404 also supplies power to energize or activate a motor. According to some examples, the battery 404 is removable, e.g., by pressing a release tab or button or by sliding the battery 404 in a particular direction away from the control housing 402 ( Fig. 4). According to some examples, the battery 404 can be removed, charged, and reattached to the headset 402. According to further examples, the battery 404 may be fixed to the seatpost 112 such that it must be disassembled for removal (e.g., by removing one or more screws). According to some examples, the battery 404 can be charged while the battery 404 is attached to the headset 402. The battery 404 can be charged via cable or wirelessly. For example, the battery 404 may have a charging port or a charging pad for charging. According to further examples, the battery 404 may not be rechargeable and must be replaced with a new battery. In this example, the power supply for the motor is attached to the clamp ring 400 at the top end 208 of the down tube 202.According to some examples, the battery 404 is fixed relative to the lower tube 202 (via the clamp ring 400) and relative to the lower tube 202 when mounted to the bicycle 100 (. Fig. 1). According to further examples, the battery 404 may be arranged at various locations, for example, at the terminal 116 ( Fig. 1), the clamping ring 400 ( Fig. 4) or the lower end 210 of the down tube 202. The battery 404 may also be mounted remotely from the seat post 112 and connected to the seat post 112 via electrical wires (e.g., one or more wires extending through or along the frame 102).

[0028] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the seat post 112 in the fully extended position according to Fig. 2, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the seat post 112 in a partially retracted position according to Fig. 3. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show an example of the seat post 112 without a spacer. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show an example of the seat post 112 with an example spacer disclosed in detail herein.

[0029] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the upper tube 204 has a lower end 500. The lower end 500 is disposed within the lower tube 202. The lower and upper tubes 202, 204 overlap in an overlap region or area. In Fig. 5, the portion of the upper tube 204 extending outwardly (e.g., upwardly) from the lower tube 202 is defined by a first length L1 and in Fig. 6, the portion of the upper tube 204 extending outward from the lower tube 202 is defined by a second length L2 that is less than L1. Thus, the overall height or length of the seat post 112 in Fig. 6 less than the height or length of the seat post 112 in Fig. 5.

[0030] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the upper tube 204 defines a chamber 502. The chamber 502 is filled with fluid (e.g., pneumatic gas), as detailed herein. The seat post 112 includes an upper sealing head 504 (e.g., a plug or bushing) coupled to the upper tube 204 at or near the upper end 212. In this example, the upper sealing head 504 is located within the upper tube 204, but in other examples, it may be located outside the upper tube 204. The seat post 112 also includes a lower sealing head 506 coupled to the upper tube 204 at or near the lower end 500. In this example, the lower sealing head 506 is located within the upper tube 204, but in other examples, it may be located outside the upper tube 204. The upper and lower sealing heads 504, 506 seal the ends of the upper tube 204 to keep the fluid in the chamber 502.

[0031] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the seat post 112 includes a stem 508, which may also be referred to as a rod. The stem 508 is disposed within the lower tube 202 and coupled to the lower tube 202 (e.g., near the lower end 210) such that the stem 508 is fixed relative to the lower tube 202. The lower cap assembly 220 includes, for example, a bracket 509 disposed or coupled to the lower tube 202 at the lower end 210. A lower end of the stem 508 is coupled to the bracket 509. The stem 508 extends upwardly through the lower tube 202 and through the lower seal head 506 and into the upper tube 204. In particular, the stem 508 extends through the lower seal head 506 and into the chamber 502 defined in the upper tube 204. The lower seal head 506 is slidable up and down along the stem 508 as the seatpost 112 extends or retracts.

[0032] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the seat post 112 includes a piston assembly 510 disposed 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 disposed within the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204 and coupled to the stem 508. As the seat post 112 extends or retracts, the piston assembly 510 moves toward or away from the upper and lower ends 212, 500 of the upper tube 204. The piston assembly 510 includes a piston 512 sealed against an inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. The inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204 is slidable up and down along the piston 512 as the seat post 112 extends or retracts.The piston assembly 510, specifically 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). The first and second chambers 516, 518 may also be referred to as upper and lower chambers, or as positive and negative chambers 516, 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 stem 508. The volumes of the first and second chambers 516, 518 change as the upper tube 204 moves up and down relative to the piston assembly 510. The first and second chambers 516, 518 are filled with a fluid. In this example, the seat post 112 is based on a pneumatic platform.Therefore, the first and second chambers 516, 518 may be filled with a pressurized gas, e.g., air or nitrogen. According to further examples, the first and second chambers 516, 518 may be filled with another 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.

[0033] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the seat post 112 includes a valve 520 and a motor 522 to control the state of the valve 520. In this example, the valve 520 and the motor 522 are part of the piston assembly 512 and are built into and / or integrated with the piston 510. The valve 520 and the motor 522 are disposed within the upper tube 204 and at least partially within an overlap region (e.g., L1 or L2) between the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202. In this example, the valve 520 is a poppet valve having a poppet that is movable in a linear direction to open or close the valve 520. However, other types of valves may be used according to further examples. The valve 520 can be actuated (e.g., opened or closed) to control the flow of gas via the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. In particular, the valve 520 is actuated between a closed state in which the fluid (e.g.,Pressurized gas) is prevented from flowing over the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518, thereby holding the lower and upper tubes 202, 204 in the current position, and an open state in which the fluid can flow over the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518, thereby allowing the upper tube 204 to move relative to the lower tube 202 to adjust the height of the seat 110 (. Fig. 1). While the valve 520 in this example is operated by the motor 522, in other examples, the seatpost 112 may include a solenoid or other type of actuator to control the valve 520. While in this example the motor 522 is integrated into the piston assembly 510 in the upper tube 204, in other examples the motor 522 may be further disposed at a different location. For example, the motor 522 may be coupled to the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202.

[0034] According to some examples, the upper sealing head 504 may include and / or otherwise implement a valve 523 that allows a user to add or remove pneumatic fluid from the chamber 502 in the upper tube 204. In this example, the valve 523 is embodied as a Schrader valve. However, according to further examples, the valve 523 may also be embodied as a different type of valve, such as a Presta valve. A user may remove the seat clamp 214 and access the valve 523 to add or remove pneumatic fluid from the chamber 502. According to some examples, the valve 523 may be located on one side of the upper tube 204 near the top end 212.

[0035] According to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the first chamber 516 is a positive pressure chamber and the second chamber 518 is a negative pressure chamber. The first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518 are pressure-tight 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 control chamber. The volume of the third chamber 526 changes depending on the actuation position. According to some examples, the third chamber 526 is vented to the atmosphere and therefore contains air at atmospheric pressure. However, according to other examples, the third chamber 526 is also a pressure-tight chamber (e.g., with compressed air or nitrogen). In this example, the fluid (e.g., air) in the third chamber 526 may be compressed when the upper tube 204 is moved downward. This compressed fluid can generate a preload force to return the seat post 112 to the fully extended position.According to further examples, the third chamber 526 may include other mechanisms for compensating for the volume change, such as a floating piston or a deformable bladder. The first chamber 516, the second chamber 518, and the third chamber 526 may have any number of 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., with outer diameters between 27 millimeters (mm) and 35 mm) and sized for a specific maximum support setting (e.g., 150 mm).

[0036] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the piston 512 has a first side 528 (e.g., a top side) facing the upper sealing head 504 and a second side 530 (e.g., a bottom side) opposite the first side 528 and facing the lower sealing head 506. An axial surface area (as viewed along the axis 206) of the first side 528 of the piston 512 is larger than an axial surface area of ​​the second side 530 of the piston 512. This is because a portion of the axial surface area of ​​the second side 530 is reduced by the cross-sectional area of ​​the stem 508. When the valve 520 is in the closed state and the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position ( Fig. 5), the first chamber 516 acts as a spring and is configured to bias the upper tube 204 toward the fully extended position of the seat post 112. The first side 528 and the second side 530 of the piston 512 are sized and shaped, and the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518 are respectively pressurized when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, such that the gas in the first chamber 516 supports the weight of the rider. According to some examples, the seat 110 lowers ( Fig. 1) by the weight of the rider on the seat 110 by less than 10 mm when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position. The seat post 112 functions because the axial surface of the first side 528 of the piston 512, against a pneumatic pressure ratio between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518, keeps the rider upright based on the force calculation. This also depends on the volume of the second chamber 518 in the fully extended position of the seat post 112. In the Fig. 5, the volume of the first chamber 516 is greater than the volume of the second chamber 518 when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position. According to some examples, the volume of the second chamber 518 may be no more than twenty percent of the volume of the first chamber 516 when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position. According to further examples, the first and second chambers 516, 518 may have a different volume ratio in the fully extended position. For example, the volume of the second chamber 518 may be no more than ten percent, five percent, or three percent of the volume of the first chamber 516 when the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position. This allows the seat post 112 to act like a preloaded pneumatic spring without negative pressure. This is the principle that keeps the rider upright and provides a sense of stability.When the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, the seat 110 may move slightly, but this movement is generally not noticeable to the rider.

[0037] For example, it is assumed that the seat post 112 is in the Fig. 5 shown fully extended position and the driver moves the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) The rider presses a button to operate the seat post 113 ( Fig. 1) on the handlebar 118 ( Fig. 1), and the control module 222 activates the motor 522 to open the valve 520. With the valve 520 open, a downward force can be applied to the seat 110 to compress the seat post 112. For example, the rider can sit (or partially sit) on the seat 110 to apply downward pressure with their buttocks. This downward pressure forces the fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) to flow from the first chamber 516, through the valve 520, and via the piston 512 into the second chamber 518. This allows the upper tube 204 to move downward and into the lower tube 202, lowering the seat 110. When the upper tube 204 is moved downward, the volume of the first chamber 516 decreases and the volume of the second chamber 518 increases. The driver can move (e.g., lower) the seat 110 to any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. Fig. 6 shows the seat post 112 in an intermediate position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions.

[0038] If the seat 110 is in a desired position, e.g. Fig. 6, the driver can press the button for operating the seat post 113 ( Fig. 1). The control module 222 activates 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, a force balance exists in the system such that the axial compressive force acting on the first side 528 of the piston 512 is approximately equal to the axial compressive force acting on the second side 530 of the piston 512. By using a compressible fluid such as air, the pressure chamber can act as a compression spring when a downward force is applied to the upper tube 204. When the rider sits on the seat 110, the seat post 112 can therefore support the rider's weight.According to some examples, when the seatpost 112 is in an intermediate position (between the fully extended and fully retracted positions), the seat 110 may lower slightly (e.g., 40 mm or less) due to the weight of the rider. The seatpost 112 may be held in any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. When the seatpost 112 is moved to the fully retracted position, the seat clamp 214 contacts the upper end 208 of the down tube 202 and / or the lower seal head 506 contacts the lower cap assembly 220. This creates a hard stop that prevents further movement. When the seatpost 112 is in the fully retracted position, the seat 110 cannot lower due to this hard stop.

[0039] If the seat post 112 is to be raised back to the fully extended position, the rider presses the seat post activation button 113 ( Fig. 1) and the control module 222 activates the motor 522 to open the valve 520. Without an 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 larger than the axial surface area on the second side 530 of the piston 512. The force of the pressure in the first chamber 516 acting on the first side 528 of the piston 512 is therefore greater than the force of the pressure in the second chamber 518 acting on the second side 530 of the piston 512. As a result, the upper tube 204 is pushed upward to the fully extended position. As the upper tube 204 moves upward, fluid flows from the second chamber 518 into the first chamber 516 via the valve 520. Due to the axial pressure force imbalance, the seat post 112 is therefore biased towards the fully extended position.This allows the seat post 112 to automatically move into the position shown in . Fig. 5. Specifically, the upper tube 204 moves upward relative to the lower tube 202 until the upper end of the lower sealing head 506 engages the second side 530 of the piston 512. This forms a limit or stop that defines the fully extended (upper) position. When the seatpost 112 is in the fully extended position, the rider can release the seatpost actuation button 113, which activates the motor 522 to close the valve and thereby maintain the seatpost 112 in the fully extended position. The pressurized gas in the first chamber 516 therefore biases the upper and lower tubes 204, 202 away from each other, and the pressurized gas in the second chamber 518 biases the upper and lower tubes 204, 202 toward each other.

[0040] As disclosed above, according to some examples, the third chamber 526 is vented to atmosphere. Therefore, the third chamber 526 exerts minimal, if any, preload force on the upper tube 204. However, according to further examples, the third chamber 526 may be sealed and pressurized. In such an example, as the upper tube 204 is moved downward, the volume of the third chamber 526 decreases, thereby increasing the pressure in the third chamber 526. This pressure acts upward on the lower sealing head 506 and helps bias the upper tube 204 to the fully extended position.

[0041] As disclosed above, the control module 222 includes the processor circuit 408 ( Fig. 4) which is configured to control and operate the motor 522 to open and close the valve 520. In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the control module 222 is disposed on the outer surface 223 of the lower tube 202 at or near the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202, while the motor 522 is disposed in the piston assembly 510 in the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204. The seat post 112 may include one or more wires and / or electrical connections to form an electrical path between the control module 222 and the motor 522. This enables the transmission of power and / or command signals between the control module 222 and the motor 522. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the seat post 112 includes first and second conduits 532, 534 disposed within the down tube 202. According to some examples, the conduits of the first and second outer tubes 532, 534 are positive and negative conduits. The first and second outer conduits 532, 534 are electrically coupled to the control module 222. The first and second conduits 532, 534 extend through the lower tube 202 to the lower cap assembly 220. In other words, in this example, the first and second outer conduits 532, 534 extend between the upper end 208 and the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. According to some examples, the first and second outer conduits 532, 534 are disposed along an inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202 (e.g., in one or more channels disposed along the inner surface 536).

[0042] In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 further includes first and second inner conduits 538, 540. The first and second inner conduits 538, 540 are disposed within the shaft 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 jumpers to electrically couple the outer conduits 532, 534 and the corresponding inner conduits 538, 540. The outer and inner conduits 532, 534, 538, 540 may be soldered or crimped to the electrical connectors in the lower cap assembly 220. Therefore, the outer tubing 532, 534, the inner tubing 538, 540, and the electrical connectors form an electrical path between the control module 222 and the motor 522. Thus, positive and negative electrical connections are formed between the control module 222 and the motor 522.The control module 222 may activate the motor 522 by applying power through the electrical connections. While the orientation of the seatpost 200 is changed electronically by the control module 222 in this example, in other examples, the seatpost 200 may be configured to change its orientation through a hydraulic line or a mechanical cable or linkage.

[0043] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of detail 542 of Fig. 5. As in Fig. 7, the lower sealing head 506 is threadedly coupled to the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204, thereby sealing the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204. The seatpost 112 includes a lower bushing 700 in a groove in the lower sealing head 506 that slidably engages an inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202. As the upper tube 204 translates 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.

[0044] The lower seal head 506 has a first end 704, a second end 706 opposite the first end 704, and a channel 708 extending through the lower seal head 506 between the first end 704 and the second end 706. The first end 704 faces and / or is exposed to the fluid in the second chamber 518, and the second end 706 faces and / or is exposed to the fluid in the third chamber 526. The stem 508 extends through the channel 708. The lower seal head 506 has a first bore 710 extending into the first end 704 and a second bore 712 extending into the second end 706, which forms a portion of the channel 708. In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 includes a stem seal 714 disposed in the second bore 712.The shaft seal 714 forms a pressure-tight seal between the lower seal head 506 and the shaft 508 to prevent fluid from leaking into the lower seal head 506. The shaft seal 714 also allows the lower seal head 506 to smoothly slide up and down along the shaft 508 as the seat post 112 extends and retracts.

[0045] In the illustrated example, the seat post 112 includes a bumper 716 (which may be referred to as an end position bumper) connected to the lower sealing head 506. When the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, as shown in Fig. 7, the second side 530 of the piston 512 engages or contacts the bumper 716. The bumper 716 reduces the shock load when the seat post 112 is lowered from an upper actuation. According to some examples, the bumper 716 is made of a compliant or resilient material, such as rubber. For example, the bumper 716 may be made of a softer rubber or a harder rubber between 40A and 90A on the Shore A scale, but in other examples, it may be harder or softer. In another example, the bumper 716 may be made of a viscoelastic material such as urethane or Buna-Nitrile. In the illustrated example, the bumper 716 is disposed within the first bore 710 and along a shoulder 718 of the first bore 710. In the example shown, the bumper 716 is arranged in a stuffing box or groove to hold the bumper 716 in position.Additionally or alternatively, the bumper 716 may be coupled to the lower sealing head 506 via other techniques (e.g., a threaded fastener, an adhesive, friction fit).

[0046] The piston assembly 510 includes the piston 512. The piston 512 may also be referred to as a valve body. In the illustrated example, the piston 512 includes an upper body portion 720, a middle body portion 722, and a lower body portion 724 that are coupled together. Fig. 7, for example, the upper and lower body portions 720, 724 are threadedly coupled to the middle body portion 722. However, according to further examples, the piston 512 may be constructed from more or fewer body portions (e.g., one body portion). In the illustrated example, the lower body portion 724 is threadedly coupled to the stem 508. According to further examples, the piston 512 may be coupled to the stem 508 via other attachment techniques (e.g., welding, fasteners, etc.). According to some examples, the piston 512 is constructed from metal and / or a plastic polymer.

[0047] The piston 512 has a head portion 725 that is sealed 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) around the head portion 725, which may be referred to as a chamber seal or piston seal, to seal the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. Thus, the piston 512, with the seal 726, divides the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204 into the first chamber 516 (formed above the head portion 724) and the second chamber 518 (formed below the head portion 724).

[0048] In the illustrated example, the piston 512 defines a fluid passage 728 that extends between the first side 528 of the piston 512 and a side surface 730 of the piston 512. Thus, the fluid passage 728 establishes fluid communication between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. A portion of the fluid passage 728 forms a sealing surface or seat 732. In the illustrated example, the piston assembly 510 includes a flow control element 734 (e.g., a poppet or plug). The flow control element 734 is slidably disposed within the fluid passage 728. In this example, the flow control element 734 is movable in a linear direction between a closed position and an open position. In the illustrated Fig. 7, the flow control element 734 engages the seat 732 and blocks the flow of fluid through the fluid passage 728. This prevents fluid from flowing over the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. In the open position, the flow control element 734 is spaced from the seat 732 and therefore allows fluid flow through the fluid passage 728 and over the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. The fluid passage 728 and the flow control element 734 form the valve 520. The valve 520 is therefore disposed within and / or at least partially formed by the piston 512. The valve 520 is operable between the closed state, in which fluid flow over the piston 512 is blocked, and the open state, in which fluid can flow over the piston 512.

[0049] In the example shown, the motor 522 is arranged in the lower body portion 722 of the piston 512. As in Fig. 7, the internal conduits 538, 540 extend through the shaft 508 and into the lower body portion 722 of the piston 512 and are electrically connected to the motor 522. When the motor 522 is activated, the flow control element 734 moves between the closed and open states. In the illustrated example, the piston assembly 510 includes a gear system 736 within the piston 512 that is operably coupled between the motor 522 and the flow control element 734. The gear system 736 transmits power and / or motion from the motor 522 to the flow control element 734. According to some examples, the gear system 736 includes one or more gear assemblies (e.g., a planetary gear system) to reduce the speed between the output shaft and the flow control element 734.According to some examples, the motor 522 has a rotatable output shaft, while the flow control element 734 is movable in a linear direction. The gear system 736 is therefore used to convert rotary movements of the output shaft into linear movements of the flow control element 734. According to further examples, the valve 520 may be configured as a rotary valve. In such an example, the flow control element 734 would rotate between the closed position and the open position. In further examples, the motor 522 may be configured as a linear motor or solenoid having a linearly moving output shaft.

[0050] As in Fig. 7, the second side 530 of the piston 512 includes a shoulder 738 and an extension 740 extending downwardly from the shoulder 738. When the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, the extension 740 extends into the first bore 710 of the lower sealing head 506 and engages the bumper 716. In this position, the shoulder 738 is spaced from the first end 704 of the lower sealing head 506. In this position, therefore, the second chamber 518 is formed by the space below the seal 726 and between the outer side 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 bore 710. The second chamber 518 should be relatively small in the fully extended position to reduce its compressibility or compliance.This results in a firmly fixed saddle height so that the rider can improve (e.g. maximize) pedaling efficiency.

[0051] In some cases, the seatpost 112 may be too high for some riders in the fully extended position. The maximum insertion depth of a dropper seatpost into a bicycle frame is limited, for example, by a seatpost clamp ring or by internal features of the bicycle frame. Even when the seatpost is fully inserted into a bicycle frame (clamp ring against the frame), the position of the top tube 204 may make the seat too high for some riders to properly pedal the bicycle.

[0052] Fig. 8 shows an example of the seat post 112 including an example spacer 800. The Fig. The seatpost 112 illustrated in Figure 8 is shown in the fully extended position. The spacer 800 is used to reduce the height or length of the seatpost 112 in the fully extended position. This is advantageous for shorter riders who desire a lower top height. In the example illustrated, 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. Therefore, when the seatpost 112 is in the fully extended position, the spacer 800 separates the piston assembly 510 and the lower seal head 506 by a certain distance. The portion of the upper tube 204 that extends outward (e.g., upward) from the lower tube 202 is a third length L3 in the fully extended position.The third length L3 of the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position in . Fig. 8 (with the spacer 800) smaller than the first length L1 of the seat post 112 in the fully extended position in Fig. 5 (without the spacer 800). Therefore, the overall height of the seatpost 112 in the fully extended position with the spacer 800 is lower than without the spacer 800. Therefore, the final height of the seatpost 112 has been reduced or lowered.

[0053] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of section 802 of Fig. 8, which shows the spacer 800 in the second chamber 518 between the piston 512 and the lower sealing head 506. In the example shown, the spacer 800 engages the bumper 716. According to some examples, the spacer 800 remains in the lower portion of the second chamber 518 and engages the bumper 716 as the seatpost 112 extends and retracts. When the seatpost 112 is extended, the piston 512 engages the spacer 800, defining the fully extended (end) position. The spacer 800 occupies at least a portion of the second chamber 518, preventing the piston 512 from moving further toward the lower sealing head 506.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the spacer 800 has a first end 900, a second end 902 opposite the first end 900, an outer surface 904 between the first and second ends 900, 902, and a central channel 906 extending through the spacer 800 between the first and second ends 900, 902. The shaft 508 extends through the central channel 906 of the spacer 800. The shaft 508 is slidable along the inner surface of the central channel 906 as the seatpost 112 extends and retracts. In the illustrated example, the second end 902 of the spacer 800 engages the bumper 716. In other examples, the bumper 716 may be omitted and the second end 902 of the spacer 800 may directly engage the lower sealing head 506.

[0055] As in Fig. 9, the outer surface 904 of the spacer 800 includes or forms a shoulder 908. The spacer 800 includes 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, the second outer diameter being smaller than the first outer diameter (in Fig. 14). The spacer 800 has a bore 914 extending and / or otherwise formed into the first end 900 of the spacer 800, which forms a portion of the central channel 906. The bore 914 has a bottom surface 916.

[0056] Briefly to Fig. 12-15: Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the spacer 800, Fig. 13 is a plan view of the first end 900 of the spacer 800, Fig. 14 is a side view of the spacer 800 and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig. 14. As in Fig. 14, the first portion 910 has a first outer diameter D1 and the second portion 912 has a second outer diameter D2 that is smaller than the first outer diameter D1. Further, 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 shorter than the first length X1, but in other examples, it may be equal to or longer than the first length X1. As shown in Fig. 15, a third length X3 is defined by the distance between the bottom surface 916 of the bore 914 and the second end 902 of the spacer 800. The third length X3 corresponds to the difference between L1 and L3. The third length X3 therefore corresponds to the height or length of the seat post 112 in the fully extended position, which is reduced by the spacer 800.

[0057] Back to Fig. 9: The spacer 800 is arranged in the upper tube 204 such that the first portion 910 is located above the first end 704 of the lower sealing head 506 and the second portion 912 extends into the first bore 710 in the first end 704 of the lower sealing head 506. The first outer diameter D1 ( Fig. 14) of the first portion 910 substantially fills the inner diameter of the upper tube 204. According to some examples, the first outer diameter D1 ( Fig. 14) is dimensioned to form a transition fit (sometimes referred to as a sliding fit or push-fit) between the outer surface 904 of the first portion 910 of the spacer 800 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. The first outer diameter D1 may therefore substantially correspond to the inner diameter of the upper tube 204. In another example, the first outer diameter D1 ( Fig. 14) may be sized to form a transition fit between the outer surface 904 of the first portion 910 of the spacer 800 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. According to some examples, the first outer diameter D1 may be 15 mm to 40 mm, and a diametric 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 further examples, the first diameter D1 may be greater or less than the range disclosed above, and / or the diametric gap may be greater than 1 mm.

[0058] As in Fig. 9, the second portion 912 of the spacer 800 extends into the first bore 710 of the lower sealing head 506 and engages the bumper 716. The second outer diameter D2 ( Fig. 14) and the second length X2 ( Fig. 14) allow the second portion 912 to be inserted into and substantially fill the first bore 710 of the lower seal head 506. According to some examples, the second portion 912 forms a sliding fit or a clearance fit in the lower seal head 506. In the illustrated example, the second length X2 ( Fig. 14) such that the shoulder 908 of the spacer 800 remains spaced from or not engaged by 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 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 tapered, and the lower sealing head 506 has a chamfered or tapered edge 920 at the opening for the first bore 710 in the first end 704. According to some examples, the surfaces engage each other to form a sealed interface between the spacer 800 and the lower sealing head 506.

[0059] As in Fig. 9, the bore 914 of the spacer 800 is sized to receive the extension 740 of the piston 512. When the seat post 112 is in the fully extended position, the extension 740 extends into the bore 914, and a bottom 922 of the extension 740 engages the bottom surface 916 in the bore 914 of the spacer 800. According to some examples, the piston 512 has a chamfered or tapered corner 924 between the shoulder 738 and the extension 740, and the spacer 800 has a chamfered or tapered edge 926 at the opening of the bore 914 at the first end 900 of the spacer 800. According to some examples where the piston 512 engages the spacer 800, the tapered corner 924 engages the tapered edge 926. However, in other examples, these tapered surfaces do not necessarily touch. As disclosed above, the third length X3 ( Fig. 15) between the bottom surface 916 of the bore 914 and the second end 902 of the spacer 800, how much travel is taken up by the spacer 800 (e.g., the reduced final height). The distance X3 corresponds to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 8. The spacer 800 may be sized to have any distance X3. The distance X3 may be specified by a manufacturer. According to some examples, the spacer 800 is sized such that the distance X3 is between 10 mm and 25 mm. In further examples, the third length X3 may be between 1 mm and 100 mm.

[0060] In the Fig. 9, the fluid (e.g., pneumatic gas) in the second chamber 518 fills the space below the seal 726 and between the outer side surface 730 of the piston 512 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204, and the space between the shoulder 738 of the piston 512 and the first end 900 of the spacer 800. According to 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. According to 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. Therefore, the volume of the second chamber 518 is formed only by the space above the first spacer 800.In further examples, the interface between the spacer 800 and the inner surface 514 may be relatively loose, allowing fluid to fill a diametrical gap between the spacer 800 and the upper tube 204. According to some examples, the spacer 800 may include one or more chamfers, bevels, radii, and / or contours 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 restrict the movement of the upper tube 204.

[0061] Fig. 10 shows the seat post 112 with the spacer 800 in a partially retracted position. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of section 1000 of Fig. 10. As disclosed above, the spacer 800 remains in the lower portion of the second chamber 518 and engages the bumper 716. According to some examples, the spacer 800 remains in this position due to gravity. In other words, the spacer 800 may be freely movable (e.g., slidable) within the upper tube 804, but remains in the lower portion due to gravity. Furthermore, according to 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 fit (sometimes referred to as a friction fit) with the lower sealing head 506 and / or the upper tube 204, which holds the spacer 800 in the Fig. 11. Additionally or alternatively, the spacer 800 may be held in this position by a mechanical coupling, such as an O-ring, a tolerance ring, a retaining ring, threaded engagement, a threaded fastener, and / or a magnet. According to some examples, the seat post 112 may include a spring to bias the spacer 800 into the lower seal head 506.

[0062] According to some examples, the spacer 800 is manufactured by an injection molding process. According to further examples, the spacer 800 may be manufactured using other manufacturing processes, such as additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), machining, etc. According to some examples, the spacer 800 is made of a polymer, such as polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin ®) or polyamide. According to further examples, the spacer 800 is made of other materials, such as a polymer or a metal. The spacer material may be rigid, elastic, or easily deformable. According to some examples, the spacer 800 may include surface features such as text and / or images of a size description, part identification, and / or installation specification or instruction through molding, laser marking, pad printing, etc.

[0063] The spacer 800 can be formed to any length to achieve the desired final height. For example, the spacer 800 can be sized such that the length X3 is 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, etc. According to some examples, the seatpost 112 can be sold with multiple spacers of different sizes as a jig, kit, or assembly. The user can select the desired spacer to achieve the desired final height.

[0064] According to some examples, the seat post 112 may include multiple spacers in a stacked arrangement. Fig. 15 shows, for example, two exemplary spacers comprising a first spacer 800a and a second spacer 800b. The parts of the spacers 800a, 800b are as disclosed above in connection with Fig. Numbered 8-15, but with a corresponding "a" or "b." The second spacer 800b can be added to further reduce the length of the seatpost 112 in the fully extended position. Fig. 16 is a side view of the two spacers 800a, 800b in a stacked arrangement or configuration. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 16 along line BB. As in Fig. 17, the first and second spacers 800a, 800b are stacked such that the second portion 910b of the second spacer 800b extends into the bore 914a of the first spacer 800a and engages the bottom surface 916a of the bore 914a. Thus, the first and second spacers 800a, 800b are nested. According to some examples, the first and second spacers 800a, 800b are held in this nested position due to gravity, but may also be frictionally and / or mechanically held together (e.g., by an O-ring, a tolerance ring, a retaining ring, threaded engagement, a threaded fastener, a magnet) and / or include a spring to bias the stack toward the lower threaded head 506. According to some examples, the seat post 112 may include a spring to bias the spacer 800 into the lower seal head 506.The first and second spacers 800a, 800b can be installed in the second chamber 518 and in the position shown in . Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. In this example, a fourth height X4 is defined between the bottom surface 916b of the second spacer 800b (the upper spacer) and the second end 902a of the first spacer 800a (the lower spacer). The fourth height X4 corresponds to the reduced final height of the seat post 112. According to some examples, one or more additional spacers may be stacked on the second spacer 800b. According to some examples, the first and second spacers 800a, 800b (and / or additional spacers) have the same size and shape. In such an example, the fourth length X4 corresponds to twice the third length X3 ( Fig. 15). A user can arrange two or more of the spacers together to achieve the desired final height. Each of the spacers can, for example, have a third length X3 ( Fig. 15) of 10 mm. If the final height is to be reduced by 40 mm, the user can stack four of the spacers on top of each other. According to further examples, the first and second spacers 800a, 800b (and / or the additional spacers) can have different sizes and shapes. According to some examples, the one or more spacers can be pre-installed in the seat post 112. According to further examples, the seat post 112 (without a spacer installed) can be sold as a device, kit, or assembly with one or more spacers, and / or the spacer(s) can be sold separately from the seat post 112. The user or rider can disassemble the seat post 112 and install one or more of the spacers to achieve the desired final height.

[0065] Fig. 19 is a partial exploded view of the seat post 112 of Fig. 8 with a spacer 800 and Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of the 1900 section of Fig. 19. An exemplary method or process of installing or removing the spacer 800 in the seat post 112 is described in connection with Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. First, the valve 520 ( Fig. 5) is changed to the open state and the valve 523 ( Fig. 5) is used to release pressure or fluid from the first and second chambers 516, 518 ( Fig. 5). The clamp ring 400 is then removed by separating the first and second portions 406a, 406b, e.g., by removing one or more threaded fasteners (e.g., screw, bolt). The lower cap assembly 220 is then removed from the lower tube 202 by removing a retaining ring 1902 and pushing the upper tube 204 and stem 508 further into the lower tube 202. The fasteners are then removed from the lower cap assembly 200 to release it from the stem 508. The upper tube 204 is then pulled out of the lower tube 202, exposing the lower sealing head 506. The lower sealing head 1902 shown is threaded into the upper tube 204 using an external hex interface. The lower sealing head 506 is unscrewed from the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204.According to some examples, the upper tube 204 may have its own internal or external wrench interface around the Schrader valve to counteract the unscrewing of the lower sealing head 506. The lower sealing head 506 is removed from the stem 508. Then, the spacer 800 or multiple spacers (e.g., the first and second spacers 800a, 800b of FIG. Fig. 16) starting with the first outer diameter D1 ( Fig. 14) onto the shaft 508. To reassemble the seat post 112, all steps are performed in reverse order. The seat post 112 now has a final height that is increased by the dimension X3 ( Fig. 15) or X4 ( Fig. 18) was reduced.

[0066] In addition to or alternatively to the spacer 800 installed in the second chamber 518, the seat post 112 may include one or more spacers at other locations. Fig. For example, Figure 21 shows an example of the seatpost 112 including a spacer 2100 in the third chamber 526 in the down tube 202. In this example, the spacer 2100 reduces the amount by which the seatpost 112 can be retracted. In the illustrated example, the spacer 2100 is disposed on the stem 508 between the lower seal head 506 and the lower cap assembly 220. As the seatpost 112 is retracted or compressed, the upper tube 204 with the lower seal head 506 moves downward and eventually engages the spacer 2100, thereby defining or forming the fully retracted (bottom) end position. The spacer 2100 limits or reduces the travel. According to some examples, the spacer 2100 remains in the lower portion of the third chamber 526 and engages the lower cap assembly 220.The spacer 2100 may be disc-shaped with a central opening to receive the shaft 508. The spacer 2100 may be made of any material disclosed herein in conjunction with the spacer 800. The spacer 2100 may be used simultaneously with one or more spacers 800 or independently of the spacers 800.

[0067] Fig.22 shows another example in which the seatpost 112 includes a spacer 2200 in the first chamber 516 of the first tube 204 between the piston assembly 510 and the upper sealing head 504. When the seatpost 112 is retracted or compressed, the upper tube 204 moves downward with the upper sealing head 504, and eventually the spacer 2200 engages the upper end of the piston assembly 510, thereby defining or forming the fully retracted (lower) end position. The spacer 2200 limits or reduces the suspension travel. The spacer 2200 may be disc-shaped. The spacer 2100 may be made of any material disclosed herein in connection with the spacer 800. The spacer 2200 can be used simultaneously with one or more of the spacers 800 and / or the spacer 2100 or independently of the spacers 800, 2100.

[0068] While the example seatposts are disclosed with a pneumatic platform, the example seatposts may also be used in conjunction with hydraulic platforms. For example, instead of pneumatic chambers filled with pressurized gas, the chambers 516, 518 may be filled with hydraulic fluid, e.g., oil. Therefore, the examples disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with valves for compressible or incompressible fluids. While the examples disclosed herein use a battery in the control module as the power supply to activate the motor, according to further examples, the motor may be activated by a different power supply, e.g., from an electric bicycle battery or from another battery attached to the bicycle.

[0069] The exemplary spacers disclosed herein may also be used for other types of bicycle components. For example, the exemplary spacers may be used for suspension components (e.g., a shock absorber, a front fork). A suspension component often includes a first tube and a second tube that are telescopically arranged. The exemplary spacers disclosed herein may similarly be inserted into a chamber in the first or second tube and used to reduce the height of the top end position and / or the bottom stroke length.

[0070] Exemplary systems, devices, methods, and articles of manufacture for bicycles (and / or other vehicles) are disclosed herein. Examples and combinations of examples disclosed herein include the following:

[0071] Example 1 is a height-adjustable seat post for a bicycle. The height-adjustable seat post includes an upper tube that is coupleable to a seat. The upper tube has an upper end and a lower end arranged opposite the upper end. The height-adjustable seat post includes a lower tube that is coupleable to a frame of the bicycle. The upper tube and the lower tube are telescopically arranged and movable between at least a first position and a second position. The height-adjustable seat post includes an upper sealing head coupled to the upper tube at or near the upper end, a lower sealing head coupled to the lower tube at or near the lower end, a stem coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower sealing head and into the upper tube, and a piston in the upper tube and coupled to the stem.The piston divides 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. The height-adjustable seatpost also includes a spacer in the second chamber between the piston and the lower sealing head to reduce a length of the height-adjustable seatpost in at least the first and second positions, respectively.

[0072] Example 2 includes the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 1, wherein the spacer has a first end, a second end opposite 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.

[0073] Example 3 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 2, wherein the lower sealing head has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the lower sealing head facing the second chamber, and the lower sealing head has a bore extending into the first end of the lower sealing head.

[0074] Example 4 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 3, wherein the first portion of the spacer is disposed over the first end of the lower sealing head and the second portion of the spacer extends into the bore in the first end of the lower sealing head.

[0075] Example 5 includes the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 4, wherein the first outer diameter is sized to form a transition fit between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and an inner surface of the top tube.

[0076] Example 6 includes the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 4 or 5, further comprising a bumper disposed within the bore in the lower seal head. The second end of the spacer engages the bumper.

[0077] Example 7 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the spacer has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end facing the second chamber, and the spacer has a bore extending into a first end of the spacer.

[0078] Example 8 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 7, wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the bore and the second end of the spacer corresponds to a length of the height-adjustable seat post in the fully extended position minus the spacer.

[0079] Example 9 includes the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 8, wherein the piston has a shoulder and an extension extending from the shoulder, and wherein the extension of the piston extends into the bore of the spacer and engages the bottom surface of the bore when the height-adjustable seatpost is in the fully extended position.

[0080] Example 10 includes the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 9, wherein the shoulder of the piston is spaced from the first end of the spacer when the height-adjustable seatpost is in the fully extended position.

[0081] Example 11 includes the height-adjustable seat post of any one of Examples 7 to 10, wherein the spacer has a tapered edge at an opening of the bore at the first end of the spacer.

[0082] Example 12 includes the height-adjustable seat post of any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the shaft extends through a central channel in the spacer and wherein the shaft is slidable into the central channel in the first spacer.

[0083] Example 13 includes the height-adjustable seatpost of any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the spacer is a first spacer further comprising a second spacer in the second chamber to further reduce the length of the height-adjustable seatpost.

[0084] Example 14 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 13, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are stacked in an axial configuration in the second chamber.

[0085] Example 15 includes the height-adjustable seat post of Example 14, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are of the same size and shape.

[0086] Example 16 includes the height adjustable seat post of any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the first position is a fully extended position and the second position is a fully retracted position.

[0087] Example 17 includes the height adjustable seat post of any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the upper sealing head includes a valve.

[0088] Example 18 is a device for a bicycle. The device includes a height-adjustable seat post having an upper tube and a lower tube that are telescopically arranged and movable between at least a first position and a second position. The upper tube extends outwardly from the lower tube a first length in the first position. The height-adjustable seat post includes a lower seal head at or near the lower end of the lower tube, a stem coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower seal head and into the upper tube, and a piston in the upper tube and coupled to the stem. The piston divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is located between the piston and the lower seal 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 mountable within the second chamber of the height-adjustable seatpost with the stem extending through the central channel, and wherein the upper tube extends outwardly from the lower tube a second length in the first position, the second length being shorter than the first length when the spacer is mounted within the second chamber of the height-adjustable seatpost.

[0089] Example 19 includes the device of Example 18, wherein the outer surface of the spacer includes a shoulder. The spacer includes 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.

[0090] Example 20 includes the device of Example 19, wherein the lower sealing head has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end includes the second chamber. The spacer has a bore extending into the first end, and the second portion of the spacer is sized to be inserted into the bore of the lower sealing head.

[0091] Example 21 includes the device of Example 20, wherein the first outer diameter is sized to form a transition fit between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and an inner surface of the upper tube when the spacer is mounted in the second chamber.

[0092] Example 22 includes the device of any one of Examples 18 to 21, wherein the spacer is a first spacer. The device further includes a second spacer mountable within the second chamber, and wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are of the same size and shape.

[0093] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not a complete description of all elements and features of devices and systems employing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, so that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced.Accordingly, the revelation and the figures are to be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0094] While this description contains numerous details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or the claimed subject matter, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features described in this description in connection with individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in connection with a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.Furthermore, where features are described above as operating in certain combinations and even originally claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be taken out of the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0095] Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, any arrangement that achieves the same or a similar purpose may be substituted for the illustrated embodiments. This disclosure is intended to cover all subsequent adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the specification.

[0096] The Summary of the Disclosure is provided in accordance with 37 CFR § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment to simplify the disclosure. This disclosure should not be construed to imply that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as will be apparent from the following claims, the inventive subject matter may be directed to fewer than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own and separately defining the claimed subject matter.

[0097] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims are not to be construed as limiting the described order or elements unless expressly stated. Therefore, all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the following claims and their equivalents are claimed as the invention.

Claims

[1] Height-adjustable seat post for a bicycle, the height-adjustable seat post comprising: an upper tube engageable with a seat, the upper tube having an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a lower tube that is coupleable to a frame of the bicycle, the upper tube and the lower tube being telescopically arranged and movable at least between a first position and a second position; an upper sealing head coupled to the upper tube at or near the upper end; a lower sealing head coupled to the upper tube at or near the lower end; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower sealing head and into the upper tube; a piston in the upper tube, the piston 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 a length of the height-adjustable seat post in at least the first and second positions, respectively. [2] The height adjustable seat post of claim 1, wherein the spacer has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outer surface, the outer surface of the spacer having 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. [3] Height adjustable seat post according to claim 1 or 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, the lower sealing head having a bore extending into the first end of the lower sealing head. [4] The height adjustable seat post of claim 3, wherein the first portion of the spacer is disposed over the first end of the lower sealing head and the second portion of the spacer extends into the bore in the first end of the lower sealing head. [5] The height adjustable seatpost of claim 4, wherein the first outer diameter is sized to form a transition fit between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and an inner surface of the top tube. [6] The height adjustable seat post of claim 4 or 5, further comprising a bumper disposed in the bore in the lower sealing head, the second end of the spacer engaging the bumper. [7] Height-adjustable seat post according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer has a first end and a second end arranged opposite the first end, the first end facing the second chamber and the spacer having a bore extending into a first end of the spacer. [8] The height-adjustable seat post of claim 7, wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the bore and the second end of the spacer corresponds to a length of the height-adjustable seat post in the fully extended position minus the spacer. [9] A height adjustable seat post according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the piston has a shoulder and an extension extending from the shoulder, and wherein the extension of the piston extends into the bore of the spacer and engages the bottom surface of the bore when the height adjustable seat post is in the fully extended position. [10] The height adjustable seat post of claim 9, wherein the shoulder of the piston is spaced from the first end of the spacer when the height adjustable seat post is in the fully extended position. [11] Height adjustable seat post according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the spacer has a tapered edge at an opening of the bore at the first end of the spacer. [12] A height-adjustable seat post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft extends through a central channel in the spacer and wherein the shaft is slidable into the central channel in the first spacer. [13] A height-adjustable seat post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer is a first spacer further comprising a second spacer in the second chamber to further reduce the length of the height-adjustable seat post. [14] The height adjustable seatpost of claim 13, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are stacked in an axial configuration in the second chamber. [15] Height-adjustable seat post according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are of the same size and shape. [16] A height adjustable seat post according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first position is a fully extended position and the second position is a fully retracted position. [17] Height adjustable seat post according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper sealing head comprises a valve. [18] Device for a bicycle, the device comprising: a height-adjustable seat post, comprising: an upper tube and a lower tube telescopically arranged and movable at least between a first position and a second position, the upper tube extending outwardly from the lower tube a first length in the first position; a lower sealing head at or near the lower end of the upper tube; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending through the lower sealing head and 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 located 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 and second ends, the spacer being sized to be mounted in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seatpost with the stem extending through the central channel, and the upper tube extending outwardly from the lower tube a second length in the first position, the second length being shorter than the first length when the spacer is mounted in the second chamber of the height-adjustable seatpost. [19] The device of claim 18, wherein an outer surface of the spacer includes a shoulder, the spacer including 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 18 or 19, wherein the lower sealing head has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end facing the second chamber, the spacer having a bore extending into the first end, and the second portion of the spacer being dimensioned to be inserted into the bore of the lower sealing head. [21] The device of claim 20, wherein the first outer diameter is sized to form a transition fit between the outer surface of the first portion of the spacer and an inner surface of the upper tube when the spacer is mounted in the second chamber. [22] The device of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the spacer is a first spacer, the device further comprising a second spacer mountable in the second chamber, the first spacer and the second spacer being of the same size and shape.

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