Fork chassis air bleeder

Abstract

A fork assembly (100) includes a linearly fixed tube (110) and a linearly moving stanchion (116). An air bleed mechanism (128) is located in an upper portion of the fork assembly (100), preferably in a chassis crown (106) of the fork assembly (100). The air bleed mechanism (128) is configured to permit the equalization of pressure between an internal cavity (306) located in the linearly fixed tube (110) and / or the linearly moving stanchion (116).

Description

W O 2 0 2 4 / 1 9 2 1 1 0 A 2 (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (43) International Publication Date 19 September 2024 (19.09.2024) (51) International Patent Classification: B62K 19 / 18 (2006.01) (10) International Publication Number WO 2024 / 192110 A2 WIPO PCT (21) International Application Number: PCT / US2024 / 019710 (22) International Filing Date: 13 March 2024 (13.03.2024) (25) Filing Language: English (26) Publication Language: (30) Priority Data: 63 / 451,838 13 March 2023 (13.03.2023) US English (71) Applicant: PUSH INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED [US / US]; 1520 Taurus Ct., Loveland, CO 80537 (US). (72) Inventor: WHITE, Matt; 5417 Carriage Hill Ct., Timnath, CO 80547 (US). (74) Agent: INDIANO, E., Victor; Indiano Law Group, LLCС, 9795 Crosspoint Boulevard, Suite 185, Indianapolis, IN 46256 (US). (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO. CR, CU, CV, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM. (84) DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IQ, IR, IS, IT, JM, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MU, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, WS, ZA, ZM, ZW. Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, CV, GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SC, SD, SL, ST, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU. LV. MC. ME, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT. RO. RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW., KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). Declarations under Rule 4.17: - as to the identity of the inventor (Rule 4.17(i)) - as to applicant's entitlement to apply for and be granted a patent (Rule 4.17(ii)) - as to the applicant's entitlement to claim the priority of the earlier application (Rule 4.17(iii)) - of inventorship (Rule 4.17(iv)) (54) Title: FORK CHASSIS AIR BLEEDER 101 (57) Abstract: A fork assembly (100) includes a linearly fixed tube (110) and a linearly moving stanchion (116). An air bleed mechanism (128) is located in an upper portion of the fork assembly (100), preferably in a chassis crown (106) of the fork assembly (100). The air bleed mechanism (128) is configured to permit the equalization of pressure between an internal cavity (306) located in the linearly fixed tube (110) and / or the linearly moving stanchion (116). 108 100 102 106 132 134 130 128 110 124 114 116 121 116 120 122 103 FIG. 1 110 126 [Continued on next page] WO 2024 / 192110 A2 Published: - without international search report and to be republished upon receipt of that report (Rule 48.2(g)) WO 2024 / 192110 PCT / US2024 / 019710 FORK CHASSIS AIR BLEEDER Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to suspension systems for vehicles, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an air bleed assembly located at an upper portion of a bicycle fork Background

[0002] Bicycles commonly include suspension systems. These suspension systems increase rider comfort and can enable a more effective power transfer to the ground, as is known with automotive suspensions. Air-sprung suspension systems are commonly utilized with mountain bikes. A front bicycle suspension system frequently includes a telescopic fork having two legs which straddle the front wheel of the bicycle.

[0003] The wheel rotates around an axle which is coupled to a lower portion of the telescopic fork. The telescopic fork includes the bump absorbing internal components, typically include at least one damper and a spring. Prior art forks frequently locate the damper in one leg and include the spring in the other leg.

[0004] As the wheel encounters uneven terrain, forces from the axle are transmitted to the sliding stanchions (e.g., the telescoping tubes). These stanchions are operably coupled with the spring and damper. The spring and damper serve to reduce the harshness of these forces and are typically structured to keep the wheel firmly coupled to the ground, enabling an efficient transfer of power. As the wheel travels up and down over bumps in the ground, the sliding stanchions travel inwardly and outwardly in a linear fashion from non-moving tubes of the fork with the spring and damper providing bump absorption and damping.

[0005] Current fork designs include internal cavities that are sealed to retain lubricating fluid and to exclude debris from contaminating the suspension system. Known conventional forks, such as Right Side Up or Standard forks, and inverted forks include such sealed internal cavities.

[0006] Manufacturers can include an air spring within the spring leg. This can be accomplished via the incorporation of a partition and plunger within the spring leg. In this design, the plunger divides the internal cavity into a spring cavity on a first side of the plunger and a non-spring cavity on a second side of the plunger. An air adjustment port can be utilized to adjust the pressure within the spring cavity, and therefore the spring effect provided by the plunger acting on the air spring cavity. The non-spring cavity is typically viewed as trapped air.

[0007] Pressure within the non-spring cavity (also known as the trapped air cavity) influences the overall spring rate. The non-spring cavity can negatively impact the suspension characteristics of 1 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 2024 / 192110 PCT / US2024 / 019710 the fork depending upon the air pressure confined within the non-spring cavity. Significant changes in temperature or elevation, relative those in the manufacturing facility where the non- spring cavity was sealed, will impact the pressure within the non-spring cavity. The pressure within the trapped air cavity can be positive (i.e., greater than atmospheric pressure) or negative (i.e., less than atmospheric pressure).

[0008] Positive pressure trapped within the non-spring cavity will be compressed further when the stanchions are moved into the fixed tubes, as will occur during a ride when a bump is encountered. This increased pressure within the non-spring cavity exerts an increased force on the sliding seals, located between the stanchions and the non-moving tubes. The increased force pressing against the seals usually results in increased friction between the stanchions and the fixed tubes which reduces overall system performance.

[0009] To minimize such undesirable system performance and characteristics, riders of prior art systems having fork designs with a tool-free air adjustment port will often adjust the pressure within the spring cavity in an attempt to compensate for the change in pressure within the non- spring cavity. In fork designs that do not have tool free adjustment parts, riders will often not adjust the air, and will just manage with this less than desirable spring rate and / or suspension characteristics.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 9,739,331, U.S. Patent No. 10,746,250, and U.S. Patent No. 11,293,513 teach of the integration of a bleeder valve into the lower, moving portion of a fork assembly. Fox Factory, ROCKSHOX / Sram, and MRP presently offer mountain bike forks having bleeder valves located at the lower portion of the fork. These bleeder valves extend outwardly from the lower tubes and function via a push to bleed system (e.g., a user depresses a button and the valve opens and bleeds air).

[0011] Although these prior art bleeder valves function in a workmanlike manner to release pressure from sealed cavities within the fork, there are numerous drawbacks to these designs. For example, these prior art bleeder valves are known to undesirably permit oil to escape from the assembly as air is bled therefrom.

[0012] These prior art bleeder valves are also frequently damaged and inadvertently activated due to contacting obstacles, debris, etc. on the trail. Riders have been known to inadvertently block the bleed passageway when they depress the bleed button, because while doing so, their finger extends over the bleed passageway.

[0013] Some motorcycles include bleeder valves located in the top sealing caps of the fork. These bleeder valves often require tools to operate. This bleeder location is believed to be suitable for motorcycles due to the large diameter of the telescoping tubes and overall large fork size. However, this bleeder location would not be desirable for a bicycle having adjustment knobs above the sealing caps as the adjustment knobs would probably be too small to be easily operated, 2 WO 2024 / 192110 PCT / US2024 / 019710 since the adjustment knob would have to be scaled down considerably to accommodate a bleed valve in the limited space available above the sealing caps of a typical bicycle.

[0014] Therefore, further technological developments are desirable. Summary

[0015] One form of the present application is directed to a fork assembly including an air bleeder located at the upper, non-moving portion of the fork assembly. The air bleeder is configured to permit trapped air to be bled from a sealed cavity located internally of the fork assembly. The air bleeder can be located in the chassis crown. A first air bleeder can be located in the chassis crown at a first leg of the fork, and a second air bleeder can be located in the chassis crown at a second leg of the fork.

[0016] A further form of the present application is directed to an air bleeder assembly. This air bleeder assembly is configured to permit air to bleed from a sealed cavity in the fork assembly when a bleeder control member, such as a knob is pulled outwardly. This air bleeder assembly can include a plunger located in a fluid passageway.

[0017] The plunger can slide in the fluid passageway between a first position and a second position. The air bleeder assembly can be placed a closed configuration when a proximal end of the sliding plunger is slid inwardly to the first position in which the proximal end blocks the fluid passageway.

[0018] The air bleeder assembly can be placed in an open configuration (e.g., bleed configuration) by sliding the plunger outwardly to a second position in which the plunger fails to fully block the fluid passageway to thereby allow air to travel through the fluid passageway. The air bleeder assembly can include an automatic bleed that is configured to bleed air from the sealed internal cavity absent user intervention.

[0019] Further forms of the present application include unique bicycle fork air bleed apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods. Further embodiments, inventions, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application are otherwise set forth or become apparent from the description and drawings included herein. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0019] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary bicycle fork assembly according to a first form of the present application;

[0020] Fig. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of an upper portion of the fork assembly, depicting exemplary bleed valves located at a chassis crown of the fork assembly;

[0021] Fig. 3 depicts a cut-away view of an exemplary spring leg of the fork assembly; 3 WO 2024 / 192110 PCT / US2024 / 019710

[0022] Fig. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary air bleeder assembly according to a further form of the present application, the air bleeder assembly being depicted in an open configuration;

[0023] Fig. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view of the air bleeder assembly of Fig. 4A in a closed configuration;

[0024] Fig. 5 depicts an enlarged view of the chassis crown of Fig. 3, including the cut-away view of the spring leg:

[0025] Fig. 6 depicts a rear biased perspective view of the chassis crown of the fork assembly, depicting the damper leg at the chassis crown partially cut-away;

[0026] Fig. 7 depicts top view of the fork assembly of Fig. 1;

[0027] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary crown ring having a threaded aperture;

[0028] Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary plunger of the air bleeder assembly of Figs. 4A-4B:

[0029] Fig. 10A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary valve body of the air bleeder assembly;

[0030] Fig. 10B depicts a cross-sectional view of the valve body of Fig. 10A, taken along a lengthwise axis of the valve body;

[0031] Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the bicycle fork taken at the bleeders;

[0032] Fig. 12 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the bicycle fork taken at the bleeders; and

[0033] Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the fork highlighting the damper cart ridge.

[0034] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate various forms and features of the present application; however, the present application should not be construed as being limited to those specific embodiments depicted in the drawings. Detailed Description

[0035] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Rather, alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "fixed", "linearly fixed", and "non-moving" with regard to various components are intended to encompass components which are substantially fixed relative the linearly moving stanchions. Generally, these fixed components are considered fixed with regard to the shock absorbing system of the fork assembly. However, it should be understood that such "fixed" and "linearly fixed" components can move during steering and can include various 4 WO 2024 / 192110 PCT / US2024 / 019710 movements in response to forces which are exerted upon the fixed component especially those forces that are encountered during rides on rough terrain.

[0037] Referring now to Fig. 1, an exemplary bicycle fork assembly 100 includes a forward surface 102, a rearward surface 104, an upper portion 101, and a lower portion 103. The fork assembly 100 includes a chassis crown 106, a steering tube 108, and two legs 124, 126. The first leg 124 extends substantially parallel to the second leg 126.

[0038] An axle 122 is configured to rotatably receive a wheel (not shown) thereon. The axle 122 passes through a hub (not shown) of the wheel so that the wheel can rotate around the axle 122. The axle may comprise a removable skewer (not shown). The axle 122 extends between, and is coupled to, the first leg 124 and the second leg 126. Near their 124, 126 distal ends or lower ends the first leg 124 and the second leg 126 each include a fixed component 110 and a moving component 116. When fully assembled on a bicycle, the first leg 124 and the second leg 126 straddle opposing sides of the wheel (not shown).

[0039] The bicycle fork assembly 100 is depicted as taking the form of an inverted design. In this inverted design, the moving components 116 are located at the lower portion 103 of the fork assembly 100 while the fixed or stationary components 110 are located at an upper portion 101 of the fork assembly 100.

[0040] The fixed components 110 are depicted as taking the form of linearly fixed hollow tubes 110. Referring now to Figs. 1, 3, and 5, each fixed tube 110 is depicted as extending between a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114. The proximal end 112 of each fixed tube 110 is fixedly coupled with the chassis crown 106. The fixed tubes 110 can be fixedly coupled with the chassis crown 106 via adhesive. However, it is also contemplated that the fixed tubes 110 can be fixedly coupled with the chassis crown 106 through various joining techniques including welding.

[0041] Also, mechanical fasteners can be integrally formed with the chassis crown 106, or the like. The steering tube 108 can be fixedly coupled to the chassis crown 106. In this manner, the non- moving upper portion 101 of the fork assembly 100 includes the chassis crown 106, the hollow tubes 110, and can include the steering tube 108.

[0042] The linearly moving components 116 are depicted as taking the form of hollow tubes and will be referred to as stanchions 116.

[0043] Although the tubes are usually cylindrical, they may take other cross-sectional shapes such as ovaloid or hexagonal. Referring now to Figs. 1 and 12, the stanchions 116 extend between a proximal end 118 and a distal end 120 (Fig. 3). The axle 122 is affixed to the stanchions 116 at the distal end 120. The proximal end 118 of each stanchion 116 is depicted as being interiorly, slidably received within the interior passageway of the distal end 114 of the fixed tube 110.

[0044] As is best shown in Figs. 3 and 12, an outer diameter of the proximal end 118 of the stanchions 116 can be closely received by an inner diameter of the hollow passageway of the fixed tubes 110. A sliding seal (not shown) can be located where the stanchions 116 and the fixed 5 WO 2024 / 192110 PCT / US2024 / 019710 tubes 110 interact, and be located between an inner wall of the linearly fixed tube 110, and an outer wall of the linearly moving tube 116. The stanchions 116 are configured to move in an inwardly and outwardly direction relative the fixed tubes 110 along axis 121, which can be described as a linear reciprocating motion having irregular timing and distance intervals.

[0045] The fork assembly 100 has a suspension assembly operably coupled between the linearly moving stanchions 116 and the fixed chassis crown 106. As is illustrated in Figs. 3, 5, and 6, the suspension assembly can include a spring assembly located in the hollow internal cavity of the first leg 124 and can include a damper assembly located in the hollow internal cavity of the second leg 126.

[0046] The first leg 124 will be referred to hereinafter as the spring leg 124 and the second leg 126 will be referred to hereinafter as the damper leg 126.

[0047] Referring back to Fig. 1, a damper adjustment knob 132 can be located atop the damper leg 126 and a spring adjustment knob 134 can be located above the spring leg 124, as is known.

[0048] As the wheel encounters obstacles, such as bumps and uneven terrain, Y-axis forces, along axis 121 are transferred from the wheel to the axle 122 and to the stanchions 116. As the movable stanchions 116 are pushed upwardly into the fixed tubes 110, the suspension system, which includes the spring assembly in the spring leg 124 and the damper assembly in the damper leg 126 absorbs the harsh impacts or "shocks" which helps to keep the wheel firmly planted to the ground, provides efficient power transfer, and increases user comfort.

[0049] Inappropriate amounts of an air pressure within the sealed internal cavities of the fork assembly 100 can be caused by changes in temperature and / or elevation. Such inappropriate air pressures can negatively impact the suspension characteristics, especially spring rate. The air bleeder assemblies 128, 130 are configured to selectively permit fluid flow between the sealed internal cavities and the external atmosphere, thus providing for the pressure internal to the sealed internal cavities to be equalized with atmospheric pressure.

[0050] The fork assembly 100 includes an air bleeder assembly 128 which is located in the non- moving upper portion 101 of the fork assembly 100. The air bleeder assembly 128 can be located at the chassis crown 106.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the air bleeder assembly 128 is depicted as being located on the spring leg 124 and is configured to selectively permit the bleeding of air from a sealed internal cavity of the spring leg 124 to the external atmosphere. The sealed internal cavity can take the form of non-spring trapped air cavity 306.

[0052] An air bleeder assembly 130 can be located at the chassis crown 106 on the damper leg 126 to selectively permit the bleeding of air from a sealed internal cavity of the damper leg 126 to the external atmosphere. The sealed internal cavity of the damper leg 126 can take the form of trapped air cavity 602 as is best illustrated in Fig. 6. 6 WO 2024 / 192110 PCT / US2024 / 019710

[0053] Applicants have discovered that locating the air bleeder assemblies 128, 130 into the chassis crown 106 prevents the leakage of oil therefrom. Applicants have found that oil disposed internally of the fork assembly 100 will migrate downwardly to the lower portion 103 of the legs 124, 126, while the air bleeder assemblies 128, 130 are located toward the top of the legs 124, 126. Moreover, the location of the bleeder assemblies 128, 130 into the chassis crown 106 provides users ease of access to the bleeder assemblies 128, 130 and reduces the likelihood of damage from contacting obstacles and debris during a ride. This occurs because of the increased height of the bleeder assemblies 128, 130 relative to bleeder assemblies in known prior art devices.

[0054] As best shown in Fig. 2, the air bleeder assemblies 128, 130 each include an externally accessible actuator 206. This actuator 206 is depicted as taking the form of pull knob 206. The pull knobs 206 are preferably located adjacent to, and are oriented substantially perpendicular to the damper adjustment knob 132 and the spring adjustment knob 134.

[0055] This location of the pull knobs 206 is believed to be highly advantageous as users are familiar with the adjustment knobs 132, 132 and will readily locate the pull knobs 206 nearby. This pull knob 206 location permits the damper adjustment knob 132 and the spring adjustment knob 134 to fill the limited space in the chassis crown above the damper leg 126 and the spring leg 124, respectively.

[0056] The air bleeder assemblies 128, 130 can include an outward protection flare 202. The protection flare 202 protrudes outwardly from the chassis crown 106 toward an outward surface of the pull knob 206, and extends substantially around an outer diameter of the pull knob 206.

[0057] The protection flare 202 is configured to protect the pull knobs 206 and air bleeder assemblies 128, 130 from impacts and debris which can be encountered during use. The protection flare 202 includes finger grooves 204 on opposing sides of the pull knob 206. The finger groves 204 are configured to permit a user to grip the pull knob 206 easily.

[0058] Referring briefly to Figs. 3 and 12, the spring leg 124 includes an air spring assembly that includes a shaft 308, a partition 304, a spring plunger 312, and a spring 310. An air spring cavity 314 is located below the spring plunger 312, and a trapped air non-spring cavity 306 is created above the spring plunger 312. The air bleeder assembly 128 enables a user to equalize the pressure within the non-spring cavity 306 of the spring leg 124 with the atmosphere.

[0059] For example, if the air pressure within the non-spring cavity 306 is greater than atmospheric pressure it can negatively impact suspension characteristics and increase suspension system friction. The air bleeder assembly 128 can enable a user to vent air from the non-spring cavity 306 to the atmosphere, thereby releasing pressure from within the non-spring cavity 306 to counteract the negative impact.

[0060] It has been discovered that negative pressure within the non-spring cavity 306, relative atmospheric pressure, can be advantageous. Negative pressure within the non-spring cavity 306 7 摘要 一種前叉組件（100）包括線性固定的管體（110）和線性移動的內管（116）。排氣機 構（128）位於前叉組件（100）的上部，優選位於前叉組件（100）的叉肩（106）處。 此排氣機構（128）被配置為允許位於線性固定管體（110）和 / 或線性移動內管（116） 內的內腔（306）之間實現壓力平衡。

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An air bleed system, comprising: a fork (100) including a linearly fixed component (110), wherein the linearly fixed component includes a linearly fixed tube (110); a linearly moving component (110) including a linearly moving tube (110), wherein the linearly moving tube (110) extends downwardly from the linearly fixed tube (110), wherein a proximal end (118) of the linearly moving tube (116) slidingly engages with the linearly fixed tube (110), wherein the linearly moving tube (116) is configured to linearly move relative the linearly fixed component (110), and wherein a distal end (120) of the linearly moving tube (116) is configured to retain a wheel; an internal cavity (306) defined internal to the linearly fixed tube (110) and / or the linearly moving tube (116); and an air bleed assembly (128) located at the linearly fixed component (110), wherein the air bleed assembly (128) is configured to selectively place the internal cavity (306) in fluid communication with an external atmosphere in response to the air bleed assembly (128) being in an open configuration.

2. The air bleed system of claim 1, further comprising a spring cavity (314) fill port, in fluid communication with an air spring cavity (306).

3. The air bleed system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the air bleed assembly (128) extends through an outer wall (302) of the linearly fixed tube (110), and wherein the air bleed assembly (128) is in fluid communication with a trapped air non-spring cavity (306).

4. The air bleed system of claim 3, wherein the air bleed assembly (128) extends through a chassis crown (106).

5. The air bleed system of claim 1, wherein the air bleed assembly (128) further includes a control knob (206), wherein at least a portion of the control knob (206) extends outwardly from linearly fixed tube (110), and wherein moving the control knob (206) to an outward orientation, away from the internal cavity (306), transitions the air bleed assembly (128) to the open configuration.

6. The air bleed system of claim 5, wherein the air bleed assembly (128) includes: a valve body (408) extending between a first end (410) and a second end (412), wherein the valve body defines a fluid passageway (414) extending between the first end (410) and the second end (412);a plunger (420) having a proximal end (422) and a distal end (424), the plunger (420) being slidingly disposed within the fluid passageway (414), wherein the control knob (206) is operably coupled with the distal end (424) of the plunger (420); and wherein the proximal end (422) of the plunger (420) is configured to obstruct the fluid passageway (414) when the air bleed assembly (128) is in a closed configuration, wherein fluid communication between the internal cavity (306) and the atmosphere is prevented when the air bleed assembly (128) is in the closed configuration.

7. The air bleed system of claim 6 wherein the plunger (420) has a circumference, further comprising a seal (428) extending around the circumference of the plunger (420) at a location near the proximal end (422) of the plunger (420), and wherein the seal (428) is configured to sealingly engage between the plunger (420) and valve body (408) when the air bleed assembly (128) is in the closed configuration.

8. The air bleed system of claim 7, wherein the proximal end (118) of the linearly moving tube (116) is slidably interiorly received by a distal end (114) of the linearly fixed tube (110), and wherein a sliding seal is located between an inner wall of the linearly fixed tube (110) and an outer wall of the linearly moving tube (116).

9. The air bleed system of claim 1, wherein the internal cavity (306) comprises a trapped air cavity located in a damper leg, wherein the air bleed assembly (128) is located at the chassis crown (106) of the damper leg (126), further comprising a second air bleed assembly (128) located at the chassis crown (106) of a spring leg (124), and wherein the second air bleed assembly (128) is configured to selectively permit air to bleed from a trapped air cavity of the spring leg (124).

10. The air bleed system of claim 9, wherein the fork (100) comprises a bicycle fork, further comprising an air adjustment knob (134) located above a non-spring cavity (306) of the spring leg, and further comprising a damper adjustment knob (132) located above the damper leg (126).

11. A bicycle air bleed assembly, comprising: a bicycle fork assembly (110) including an internal cavity (306); a valve body (408) extending between a first end (410) and a second end (412); a fluid passageway (414) extending internal to the valve body (408), wherein the passageway (414) is in fluid communication with the internal cavity (306) toward the first end (410) of the valve body (408), and wherein the passageway (414) is in fluid communication with an external atmosphere toward the second end (412) of the valve body (408); anda plunger (420) having a proximal end (422) and a distal end (424), wherein the proximal end (422) of the plunger (420) is slidably disposed in the fluid passageway (414) internal to the valve body (408), wherein the plunger (420) is configured to slide between a first closed position and a second bleed position, wherein when the plunger (420) is located in the first position fluid flow through the passageway (414) is obstructed, and wherein when the plunger (420) is located in the second position fluid flow is permitted through the passageway (414) between the internal cavity (306) and the external atmosphere.

12. The bicycle air bleed system of claim 11, wherein in the first position the proximal end (422) of the plunger (420) is slid inwardly toward the first end (410) of the valve body (408), and wherein in the second position the proximal end (422) of the plunger is slid toward the second end (412) of the valve body (408).

13. The bicycle air bleed system of claim 12, wherein the upper portion of the fork includes a chassis crown (106), and wherein valve body (408) extends through the chassis crown (106).

14. The bicycle air bleed system of claim 12, further comprising a spring (434) configured to act upon the plunger (420) and bias the plunger (420) to the first position.

15. The bicycle air bleed system of claim 14, further comprising an automatic bleed.

16. The bicycle air bleed system of claim 15, wherein the plunger (420) moves from the first position to the second position without user intervention when a force exerted on the proximal end (422) of the plunger by the pressure within the internal cavity (306) exceeds a force exerted on the plunger by the spring (434).

17. The bicycle air bleed system of claim 11, further comprising a main bleed seal (428) that extends around the plunger (420), and wherein when in the first position the plunger (420) and main bleed seal (428) cooperate to obstruct the passageway.

18. The bicycle air bleed system of claim 12, further comprising a dust seal (433) that extends around the valve body (408) toward the second end (412) of the valve body (408), wherein when in the first position, a cooperating sealing engagement between the dust seal (433), the valve body (408), and a dust cover (430) prevents fluid flow through the passageway (414).

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