Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
10011 METHOD AND APPARATU S FOR
BICYCLE SEAT ADJUSTMENT
FIELD OF INVENTION
10021 The invention relates to bicycles in general, more specifically it
relates to a
method and apparatus for bicycle seat adjustment.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[003) In the prior art to provide adjustment of a bicycle seat and a bicycle
seat
post with respect to a bicycle frame, typically one or more bolts are used. An
additional independent clamp is also typically provided for securing the
bicycle
seat post to the tube of the bicycle seat frame.
10041 U.S. Patents 6,899,389 and 7,059,672 to Saccucci disclose a bicycle seat
assemblies concentrating on the adjustment and fixing the angular position of
the
seat with respect to the frame. However, these patents neither interested nor
capable of providing simultaneous adjustment of the seat/seat post with
respect to
the frame. A special additional device is required for this purpose.
[005] U.S. Patent 5,618,052 to Rendall disclose an angle-shaped clamp
facilitating vertical adjustment of the seat post within the bicycle frame and
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fixation thereof after the predetermined elevation is achieved. The Rendall
Patent
requires a separate independent mechanism for angular adjustment position of
the
seat with respect to the frame.
[006] In both, the Rendall and the Saccucci references there are separate and
independent mechanisms are provided for adjustment of the seat with respect to
the frame and for adjustment of the post relative to the frame of a bicycle.
Provision of two separate mechanisms increases the weight of the bicycle and
makes manufacturing of the bicycles more expensive. Furthermore, use of the
separate mechanisms complicates adjustment and fixation of the seat as well as
adjustment of the seat post within the frame.
[007] Thus, it has been long felt and unsolved need for a bicycle seat
arrangement
which is capable of providing a simple adjustment of the seat as well as the
seat
post relative to the frame, wherein both actions are carried out
simultaneously by
using a single integrated mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] One aspect of the invention provides a method of adjustment a bicycle
seat
assembly which comprises a bicycle seat, a hollow seat post adapted to receive
an
elongated adjusting member thereinside. A wedge sub-assembly is formed at an
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interface between a distal end of the adjusting member and a distal end of the
seat
post. A fastener driver is associated with the bicycle seat and adapted for
engagement with a proximal end of the elongated adjusting member. In the
method, the fastener driver is engaged with the proximal end of the elongated
adjusting member. Then the fastener driver can be rotated in two opposite
directions. Upon rotation of the fastener driver in a first direction
tightening
connection between the bicycle seat, the seat post and the elongated adjusting
member occurs which causes fixing the bicycle seat in a predetermined
position.
Such rotation in the first direction causes simultaneous tightening of the
wedge
sub-assembly resulted in fixing position of the seat post within the bicycle
frame.
Upon rotation of the fastener driver in the second direction loosening of the
connection between the bicycle seat, the seat post and the elongated adjusting
member occurs allowing repositioning of the bicycle seat. Rotation of the
driver in
the second direction simultaneously causes loosening of the wedge sub-assembly
so as to allow movement of the seat post within the bicycle frame.
10091 As to another aspect of the invention, the engagement between the
fastener
driver and the proximal end of the adjusting member is a threadable
engagement.
In this manner, when the fastener driver is rotated in the second direction, a
threadable connection is at least partially disengaged and in the step of
rotating the
fastener driver in the first direction, the threadable connection is engaged.
The
wedge sub-assembly consists of a wedge-shaped element provided at the distal
end
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of the seat post. The distal end of the adjusting member is formed with a
wedge-
shaped member adapted for engagement for engaging the wedge-shaped element
of the seat post. Upon rotation of the fastener driver in the first direction,
the
wedge-shaped element and member of the wedge sub-assembly are drawn against
each other causing misalignment thereof within the bicycle frame. In this
manner,
the seat post is fixed within an interior of the bicycle frame.
10101 As to the a further aspect of the invention, upon rotation of the
fastener
driver in the second direction, an engagement between the wedge-shaped element
and member is minimized resulted in the reduced friction between the wedge-
assembly and the interior of the frame so as to allow movement of the seat
post
thereinside.
[011] As to still another aspect of the invention, the bicycle seat assembly
further
comprises a seat support structure positioned between the proximal end of the
seat
post and the bicycle seat. Thus, in the step of rotation the fastener driver
in the
second direction, position of the seat relative to the support structure is
adjustable.
On the other hand, when the fastener driver is rotated in the first direction,
position
of the seat with respect to the seat support structure is fixable.
[012] The main purpose of this invention is to reduce the weight of the
bicycle
and to simplify assembly and adjustment of the bicycle seat. Previously, the
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bicycle seat is adjusted by using multiple bolts to tighten the seat at the
desired
angle. Furthermore, in the prior art, an additional single bolt or a pair of
bolts are
utilized to tighten the seat onto the bicycle frame at the desired height. The
present invention utilizes a single fastener driver to simultaneously tighten
the
angle of the seat as well as the height of the seat post within the bicycle
frame. In
this manner, only one tool is used to simplify adjustment, removal and or
installation of the seat to the bicycle frame. Utilization of the single
fastener
driver reduces weight of the bicycle and performs the same task.
10131 The design of the bicycle frame associated with the invention eliminates
the
seat tube or a receptacle extension above the top tube of the bicycle frame.
This
further reduces the weight and improves the appearance of the bicycle
providing
the assembly with a better esthetic appearance when installed into the bicycle
frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] The invention will be further discussed and illustrated in the drawings
in
which:
[015] FIG 1 is a view showing the apparatus for adjustment of bicycle seat
assembly of the invention;
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10161 FIG 2A is a view of the bicycle seat assembly illustrating rotation of
a fastener driver in the first direction;
[017] FIG 2B is a view of the bicycle seat assembly illustrating rotation of
a fastener driver in the second direction;
10181 FIG 3 is a partial section view of the apparatus of the invention;
[019] FIG 4 is a front elevational view of a seat post with an elongated
adjusting member;
10201 FIG 5 is a section view according to section line 5-5 of FIG 4;
[021]FIG 6 is a top plan view of FIG 4;
10221 FIG 7 is a front elevational view of the seat post;
[023] FIG 8 is a section view according to section line 8-8 of FIG 7;
[024] FIG 9 is a top plan view of FIG 7;
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[025] FIG 10 is a front elevational view of the elongated adjusting
member;
[026] FIG 11 is a top plan view thereof; and
[027] FIG 12 is a section view according to section line 12-12 of FIG 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[028] Referring now to the drawings in general and more specifically to FIGS.
1-
12 which show a bicycle seat assembly 10 in accordance with the present
invention. The seat assembly 10 consists of a tubular seat post 12, and a seat
sub-
assembly which includes a seat support structure 14 and a seat 16. The seat
post
tube 12 has a distal end 18 adapted to be installed into a tube or receptacle
20 in a
bicycle frame 22, and a proximal end 24 provided for connection to the seat
support structure. A shaft or adjusting member 40 is formed with a threaded
central aperture 48 provided at a top area 46 and extends along a longitudinal
axis
thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the seat post 12 is substantially hollow
and
the distal end 18 is formed having wedge-shaped configuration. The elongated
adjusting member 40 is movably positioned within the hollow interior of the
post
tube 12. A bottom area 42 of the adjusting member 40 is formed with a wedge-
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shaped member 44 adapted for engagement with the wedge-shaped distal end 18
of the seat post 12. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the member
44
is formed having tubular-shaped configuration with the top angle-shaped
portion
45 positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The central
aperture
48 is formed with internal threads and is adapted to receive a driver or
fastener 30
having a threaded stem 32 and a head 34. The external threads of the stem 32
are
provided for threadable engagement with the internal threads of central
aperture
48. When inserted into the threaded aperture, the fastener 30 is a co-axial
relationship with the threaded aperture 48, the adjusting member 40 and the
seat
post 12. Further, when screwed into the threaded aperture 48 of the adjusting
member 40, the fastener 30 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the seat
post 12.
Such arrangement maximizes the strength and durability of the seat assembly
10.
This is because the fastener 30 is not exposed to any lateral moments (e.g.,
forces)
during use.
[029] A wedge sub-assembly 50 is formed at an interface between the bottom
area 42 of the adjusting member and the distal end 18 of the seat post. More
specifically, the wedge sub-assembly consists of the wedge-shaped member 44 of
the adjusting member adapted for engagement with the wedge-shaped distal end
18 of the seat post. The wedge-shaped distal portion 18 of the seat post 12
can be
cut approximately at 37 degree angle at the bottom of the post, so as to
accept the
wedge-shaped top surface 45 of the adjusting member formed with a mating 37
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degree angle. These two angle-shaped members are engaged by tightening the
fastening driver 30 associated with the seat. In this manner, the wedge-shaped
surface 45 and the wedge-shaped end 18 are forced against one another inside
of
the seat tube of the bicycle effectively expanding (see FIGS. 2A and 3, for
example) and clamping the seat post 12 within the interior of the tube
receptacle
20.
[030] During the rotational motion of the fastener driver 30 in the first
direction,
(illustrated by the arrow A in FIG. 2A) the adjusting member 40 moves
longitudinally within the longitudinal aperture 28 of the seat post toward the
seat
16. In this manner, the wedge-shaped elements 18 and 44 are drawn against each
other causing tightening and misalignment of the sub-assembly 50 within the
interior of the tube receptacle 20. This motion causes fixation of the seat
post 12
within the receptacle 20. On the other hand, during rotational motion of the
fastener driver 30 in the second direction, opposite to the first direction,
(illustrated by the arrow B in FIG. 2B) the adjusting member 40 moves
longitudinally within the hollow interior of the seat post 12 in the opposite
direction, away from the seat 16. Thus, the wedge-shaped elements 18 and 44
are
drawn away from each other causing relaxation of the sub-assembly 50, allowing
alignment of the wedge-shaped elements 18 and 44 with respect to each other.
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[031] One embodiment of the present invention is adapted for use with a seat
16
formed with a slit 17 adapted for passage the fastener driver 30. This
arrangement
facilitates quick and easy attachment, removal and re-adjustment of the seat
16 and
support structure 14 from the seat post 12, or to adjust the seat angle.
[032] Although, the threadable connection between the fastener driver 30 and
the
adjusting member 26 has been described hereinabove, it should be obvious to a
person skilled in the art that any conventional connection between these two
elements is within the scope of the invention.
[033] The cross-sectional shape of the seat post tube 12, can be of any
conventional configuration. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention,
the
cross-sectional shape of seat post tube 12 is circular on both its interior
and
exterior. The cross-sectional shape of seat post may also be non-circular, and
may
include shapes such as ellipsoidal, square, rectangular, triangular, and
higher order
polygonal shapes.
[034] The seat post 12 can be made from any strong, durable, and lightweight
material including, for example, a composite material, aluminum, alloys,
titanium,
or other materials, and can be of any dimensions suitable for use with a
bicycle.
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[035) In the method of the invention, there are two independent functions
accomplished by engaging and the fastener driver 30 within the central
aperture 28
of the adjusting member. Upon insertion of the rotating tool into the head 34
(shown in phantom in FIGS. 2A and 2B ), rotation of the fastener driver 30 in
the
first direction (according to the arrow A) causes tightening connection
between the
bicycle seat, the seat post and the elongated adjusting member, so that the
bicycle
seat is fixed in a predetermined position. Simultaneously, tightening of the
wedge
sub-assembly 50 occurs resulted in fixing position of the seat post 12 within
the
bicycle frame. More specifically, during the rotational motion of the fastener
driver 30 in the first direction, the wedge-shaped elements 18 and 44 are
drawn
against each other causing misalignments thereof within the interior of the
tube
receptacle 20. As a result, frictional engagement of the wedge sub-assembly
fixably attaches the seat post 12 at a predetermined elevation or angular
position
with the receptacle 20 of the frame 22.
[036] When the fastener driver 30 is rotated in the second direction (see the
arrow
B in FIG. 2B), a connection between the adjusting member 12, the seat post 12
and seat 16 is loosened. This allows repositioning of the seat with respect to
the
seat post. Simultaneously, a wedging action between wedge-shaped elements 18
and 44 is loosened. Thus, the wedge-shaped elements 18 and 44 are aligned with
respect to each other. This reduces friction between the wedging mechanism and
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to the interior of the frame, facilitating motion of the seat post 12 within
the inner
space of the frame receptacle 20.
[037] One of the essential features of the method of invention is that a
single
operational step which is based on a single integrated mechanism, is used not
only
for adjustment of the position of the seat 16 relative to the seat post 12 and
the
bicycle frame receptacle 20, but also provides simultaneous adjustment of the
seat
post position relative to the bicycle frame receptacle.
[038] Thus, the method and device of the invention do not require two
independent mechanisms for angular adjustment of the seat with respect to the
seat
post and another mechanism for adjustment and fixation of the seat post
within the bicycle frame.
[039] The seat assembly 10 of the invention includes a minimum number of
parts,
which advantageously reduces manufacturing costs as well as labor costs
associated with assembly. For example, reducing the labor costs associated
with
simultaneous adjusting of the seat assembly and seat post allows a bicycle
shop or
manufacturer to spend minimal time on these operations, and advantageously
reduces overhead. Also, the reduced number of parts minimizes the weight of
seat
assembly 10, and provides riders with further important competitive
advantages.
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10401 By utilizing the device and method of the invention, an operator can
easily
adjust the angle of seat 16 and simultaneously elevate the seat post with
respect to
the bicycle frame by simply inserting an elongated wrench (not shown) through
the slit in the seat 16 to engage and rotate the fastener 30, loosening the
fastener
and allowing re-positioning of the seat 16 so as to achieve a desired angle.
At the
same time, the wedge-shaped sub-assembly 50 is also being loosened allowing
adjustment of the seat post within the bicycle frame 20 and 22. When the
fastener
30 is tightened, the seat 16 and support structure 14 are securely attached to
the
seat post 12 in the pre-selected position. Simultaneously, the seat post is
fixed
within the frame receptacle 20.
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