Patent ID: 6604886
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: B62K,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
An adjustable telescoping assembly used for bicycle suspension fork systems comprising:an elongated inner tube and outer tube co-axially mounted together to telescope with respect to each other, the inner tube having an outer wall with at least three or more axially extending longitudinal flat surfaces, the outer tube having an inner wall with a like number of corresponding flat surfaces as the inner tube, a like number of inner race shims located longitudinally along the flat surfaces of the inner tube, a like number of outer race shims located longitudinally along the flat surface of of the outer tube, one or more of which is adjustable, a like number of needle bearings located longitudinally between inner and outer race shims whereby the flat surfaces of the inner and outer tubes in combination with the needle bearings allow the inner and outer tubes to telescope smoothly with respect to each other, an adjustable outer race shim-set comprised of two saw-tooth races that are adjusted longitudinally relative to each other to expand or contract a combined thickness of the outer race shim-set which, in combination with the inner race and the needle bearings, provides a mechanism of varying a desired pre-load of the needle bearings, a collar with smaller chords assembled onto the outer tube in a bayonet-style fashion which when twisted onto the outer tube prevent the needle bearings from exiting the telescoping assembly, a cam or plurality of cams which mate with the adjustable outer race shim sets allowing expansion or contraction of adjustable outer race shim sets providing a means of adjusting bearing pre-load in the field.