Telescopic bicycle seatpost with adjustable uncompressed resting height

A telescopic bicycle seatpost is adjustable to fit on many different bicycle sizes, for riders of different heights and leg length. The telescopic length of the seatpost is able to be adjusted after the seatpost has been installed on the bicycle and without removing the seatpost from the frame, which enables the frame and seatpost combination to be quickly adjusted for different users of the same bicycle, in instances where the bicycle is shared between two or more riders or is used as part of a rental fleet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a bicycle seatpost. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a bicycle seatpost structure and a method of setting an uncompressed resting length of the bicycle seatpost.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many bicycles today use a telescopic seatpost, which allows for the height of the seat to be varied or adjusted during the course of a ride to suit riding over different kinds of terrain. For instance, on steep and/or rocky descents a cyclist might compress the seatpost on the fly, without stopping forward progress and lower the saddle so that the rider is able to move their body rearward over the bicycle to obtain better leverage or riding position. Conversely, the rider might raise the saddle to its full height while on riding on flat terrain and while climbing to enable full leg extension while the rider is in the seated position on the saddle.

For a given bicycle frame, it is advantageous for a rider to use a telescopic seatpost with a maximum amount of height adjustment for the bicycle frame. However, because the saddle height is often set to accommodate the length of the rider's legs, if a telescopic seatpost with a fixed telescoping length is used, then some telescoping length must be sacrificed to allow a varying length of insertion of the seatpost into the frame for the optimal bicycle fit.

Consequently, seatpost manufacturers must frequently make the telescopic seatposts in different lengths to enable riders of different heights to fit their bicycle properly. Additionally, regardless of which seatpost is selected, some telescopic length must be sacrificed because the seatposts are typically manufactured with 2-4 length choices in 20-30 mm increments as it becomes impractical to make such seatposts in finer graduations of length.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A telescopic bicycle seatpost that may be fit on many different bicycle sizes, for riders of different heights and leg length, while maximizing the telescoping length of the seatpost for each situation and without requiring many different lengths of seatposts to be manufactured. The telescoping length of the seatpost may be adjusted for riders of different heights, fit many different frame sizes and enable each rider to maximize the telescoping length of the seatpost for their particular bike and desired setup. The telescopic bicycle seatpost enables the telescopic length of the seatpost to be adjusted after the seatpost has been installed on the bicycle and without removing the seatpost from the frame, which enables the frame and seatpost combination to be quickly adjusted for different users of the same bicycle, in instances where the bicycle is shared between two or more riders or is used as part of a rental fleet.

In a first aspect, a telescopic bicycle seatpost comprises an outer tube, an adjustable bushing assembly fitted into the outer tube, wherein the adjustable bushing assembly comprises a plurality of graduation grooves and a moveable height band movable between the plurality of graduation grooves to move an uncompressed resting height of the telescopic bicycle seatpost. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of graduation grooves comprises a groove upper surface, a groove cylindrical surface and lower groove surface for locking the moveable height band in one of the plurality of graduated grooves. In some embodiments, the moveable height band comprises a band slot that is opened to free the moveable height band from one of the plurality of grooves to move the moveable band to a different graduation groove. In further embodiments, the moveable height band comprises a left band ear and a right band ear which fit into a groove bushing slot of the adjustable bushing assembly to lock the moveable height band in place. In some embodiments, the moveable height band comprises a band lock tab which fits within one of a plurality of groove bushing index holes aligned with the graduation groove that is in use.

In another aspect, a method of setting an uncompressed resting height of a bicycle seatpost comprises removing a seal cap assembly from an outer tube of the bicycle, activating an actuation cable of the seatpost so that a spring cartridge extends to its full length in a position where an adjustable bushing assembly extends from the outer tube, installing a moveable height band on one of a plurality of graduation grooves of the adjustable bushing assembly to set the bicycle seat at a desired uncompressed resting height and reinstalling the bushing assembly down onto a headtube of the bicycle. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of graduation grooves comprises a groove upper surface, a groove cylindrical surface and lower groove surface for locking the moveable height band in one of the plurality of graduated grooves. In some embodiments, the moveable height band comprises a band slot that is opened to free the moveable height band from one of the plurality of grooves to move the moveable band to a different graduation groove. In some embodiments, the moveable height band comprises a left band ear and a right band ear which fit into a groove bushing slot of the adjustable bushing assembly to lock the moveable height band in place. In further embodiments, the moveable height band comprises a band lock tab which fits within one of a plurality of groove bushing index holes aligned with the graduation groove that is in use. In some embodiments, the seatpost is not removed from the bicycle as the uncompressed resting height is set.

In a further aspect, a telescopic bicycle seatpost comprises an outer tube and an adjustable bushing assembly fitted into the outer tube, wherein a length of the adjustable bushing assembly is altered to change an uncompressed resting height of the telescopic bicycle seatpost. In some embodiments, the adjustable bushing assembly comprises a plurality of stacking adjustment rings. In some of these embodiments, the uncompressed resting height of the telescopic bicycle seatpost is adjusted by including one or more of the plurality of stacking adjustment rings. In further embodiments, the plurality of stacking adjustment rings are affixed to a stacking base bushing by flexing open the stacking adjustment rings at an adjustment ring slot and snapping the adjustment ring over a head tube shaft surface below a stacking base bushing. In some embodiments, the adjustable bushing assembly comprises a knock-out height adjustment bushing. In some of these embodiments, the knock-out height adjustment bushing comprises a plurality of knock-out bushing segments that are removed to change an uncompressed resting height of the telescopic bicycle seatpost. In further embodiments, the plurality of knock-out bushing segments are permanently removed. In some embodiments, the adjustable bushing assembly comprises a snap-together height adjustment bushing. In some of these embodiments, the snap-together height adjustment bushing comprises a snap-together bushing base and a snap-on travel stop. In further embodiments, the snap-on travel stop comprises a plurality of snap-in bosses for removably coupling with a plurality of bushing snap-holes of the snap-together bushing base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments are directed to a telescopic bicycle seatpost that may be fit on many different bicycle sizes, for riders of different heights and leg length, while maximizing the telescoping length of the seatpost for each situation and without requiring many different lengths of seatposts to be manufactured. The telescoping length of the seatpost may be adjusted for riders of different heights, fit many different frame sizes and enable each rider to maximize the telescoping length of the seatpost for their particular bike and desired setup. The telescopic bicycle seatpost enables the telescopic length of the seatpost to be adjusted after the seatpost has been installed on the bicycle and without removing the seatpost from the frame, which enables the frame and seatpost combination to be quickly adjusted for different users of the same bicycle, in instances where the bicycle is shared between two or more riders or is used as part of a rental fleet.

Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of a telescopic bicycle seatpost with adjustable uncompressed resting height. In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions can be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application and business related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring now toFIG.1, a complete bicycle assembly10is shown therein. The bicycle assembly10comprises a bicycle seat tube12, a bicycle seat tube axis14and a bicycle saddle16. A telescopic seatpost18is installed in the bicycle seat tube12and is shown in an extended configuration. A bicycle crank assembly20is also shown installed on the bicycle frame22.

FIG.2illustrates a detail view showing the telescopic seatpost18of the complete bicycle assembly10. As shown withinFIG.2, the telescopic seatpost18comprises a seatpost clamp24and a seatpost clamp screw26.

FIG.3shows a right side view of a complete seatpost assembly40, in a fully extended position. The complete seatpost assembly40is comprised of an outer tube assembly42, an inner tube assembly44, a dummy cable housing assembly46coupled to the seatpost, and a saddle clamp assembly60.

FIG.4shows the right side view of the complete seatpost assembly40in the fully compressed condition.

FIG.5shows a top-right isometric view of the complete seatpost assembly40, and a seatpost long axis48.

FIG.6shows a detail isometric view of the saddle clamp assembly60. As shown withinFIG.7, the saddle clamp assembly60comprises a saddle rail cradle62which rests on a saddle cradle seat74, part of the seatpost head tube90, and a saddle rail clamp64. The assembly is clamped together by a front saddle clamp screw68and a front saddle clamp nut72in the front, and a rear saddle clamp screw66and rear saddle clamp nut70in the rear.

FIG.8shows an isometric right-front exploded view of the seatpost base assembly210(the complete seatpost assembly40with the saddle clamp assembly60removed). From topmost component to bottom,FIG.8shows the cartridge top screw92, then the seatpost head tube90, around which are arranged the left key92, right key94and bottom bushing96. When assembled, the cartridge top screw92passes through the seatpost head tube90and secures the gas spring cartridge98to the head tube90. The lower portion of the seatpost head tube90passes through the seal cap assembly110, on through the stepped bushing140and into the outer tube160. The outer tube160is fixed to the bottom cap assembly180.

FIG.9shows a top right isometric view of the inner tube assembly44, with the left key92and bottom bushing96installed in their respective operating positions.FIG.10shows an exploded view of inner tube assembly44. The seatpost head tube90comprises a saddle cradle seat74, rear saddle screw slot76, a front saddle screw slot78, and a lower bushing annular groove80. A left key92comprises a left key seat surface260aand the right key94comprises a right key seat surface260b. Also shown withinFIG.9is the bottom bushing96.

FIG.11shows a right view of the seatpost head tube90. Shown at the bottom end of the tube the lower bushing annular groove80comprises an annular groove top surface118, annular groove bottom surface120, and an annular groove inside surface122.FIG.12illustrates a front section view of the seatpost head tube90. At the top of the tube is a cartridge top locating hole106, centered above a cartridge top locating surface108. Inside the head tube is the head tube inner bore110, and the outside surface of the tube defines a head tube shaft surface112. At the bottom of the seatpost head tube90are a left key slot116and a right key slot114.

FIG.13is an isometric view of the complete seal cap assembly220in the assembled condition.FIG.14shows an exploded view of the seal cap assembly220, with the retaining ring222separated rom the shaft seal230. With the shaft seal230removed, the retaining ring seal pocket224is visible. The outside diameter of the retaining ring222comprises a retaining ring outer knurl228to aid assembly and disassembly by hand. As seen in right cross section viewFIG.15, the lower portion of the retaining ring222comprises a retaining ring outer tube thread226, a ring outer tube stop238, a ring bushing flange stop surface234and a ring bushing flange radial pocket236. As shown withinFIG.15, a shaft seal230is shown fitted into the retaining ring seal pocket224.

FIG.16shows a top front isometric view of the bottom cap assembly180, including a bottom cap body182, the bottom cap outer thread184and a cap outer thread stop surface204.FIG.17shows an exploded view of the bottom cap assembly180, including a cartridge actuation cam194, which comprises a cam pivot pin hole196, and a cam actuation surface200. As also shown withinFIG.17, is a cam pivot pin202, which passes through a bottom cap pivot pin hole192and the cam pivot pin hole196.

FIG.18is a partial cross section view of the bottom cap assembly180installed in the outer tube160. The bottom cap outer thread184is threaded into an outer tube bottom inside thread176such that the cap outer thread stop surface204contacts the outer tube bottom surface178. The dummy cable housing assembly46is shown in section, and includes a cable housing52, cable ferrule54and a actuation cable50comprising a cable lug56. The cable ferrule54is seated in the bottom cap cable stop hole206, and the actuation cable50passes through the bottom cap cable through hole208. The cable lug56is fitted in a cam cable seat198, and an unlock shaft radiused end126contacts a cam actuation surface200. A cartridge shaft thread104is threaded into a bottom cap inner threaded hole186, until a cartridge shaft stop surface105contacts a bottom cap gas cartridge stop surface188.

FIG.19shows a top view of the outer tube160, and includes12outer tube locating detents168athrough168l, a left keyway164and a right keyway166, and an outer tube inner bore174.FIG.20shows a right rear isometric view of the outer tube160.FIG.21shows a detail right rear isometric view of the outer tube160, and shows the outer tube upper thread162, the left keyway164, an outer tube top surface170and the outer tube locating detent168a, and outer tube outer diameter172.

FIG.22shows a right view of the stepped bushing140, including a stepped bushing outside diameter144, and stepped bushing seats first series146a-f.FIG.22also shows stepped bushing center axis143.FIG.23shows a front view of the stepped bushing140, including a stepped bushing flange149, comprised of a bushing flange top surface150, bushing flange bottom surface152, and bushing flange outside diameter154, and a stepped bushing center axis143.

FIG.24is a bottom right isometric view of the stepped bushing140, showing the stepped bushing seats second series148a-f.FIG.25shows a bottom view of the stepped bushing140, including stepped bushing slot158, bushing locating protrusions156athrough156l, and stepped bushing inner bore142.

FIG.26shows a front view of the right key94. In some embodiments, the right key94and the left key92are identical in design. As shown withFIG.26, the right key94comprises a right key left edge262a, a right key right edge264a, and a right key seat surface260a.FIG.27shows a right side view of the right key94, a right key outer face266aand a right key inner face268a.FIG.28shows a front right isometric view of the right key94.

FIG.29shows a front view of the seatpost base assembly210.FIG.30shows a right section view of the seatpost base assembly210, including the stepped bushing140.

FIG.31is a right detail section view of the seatpost base assembly210, showing the seal cap assembly220assembled together with stepped bushing140and outer tube160. The head tube90passes through the seal cap assembly220, and the head tube shaft surface112is supported by and moves inside the stepped bushing inner bore142. The stepped bushing flange149is constrained between the ring bushing flange stop surface234and the outer tube top surface170. The bushing locating protrusion156ais shown settled into the outer tube locating detent168a.

FIG.32is a right side partial section view of the complete seatpost assembly40, with the outer tube42cut away to reveal the stepped bushing140and the right key94.FIG.32shows the complete seatpost assembly40configured for maximum resting height A, with the right key seat surface260acontacting the stepped bushing seat first series146a.FIG.33is a right side partial section view of the complete seatpost assembly40.FIG.33shows the complete seatpost assembly40configured for an intermediate resting height C, with the right key seat surface260acontacting the stepped bushing seat first series146d.FIG.34is a right side partial section view of the complete seatpost assembly40.FIG.34shows the complete seatpost assembly40configured for a minimum resting height F, with the right key seat surface260acontacting the stepped bushing seat first series146f.

FIG.35is a front right isometric view of the gas spring cartridge98in the fully extended condition, showing a gas spring cartridge body99, a cartridge top screw hole100and a cartridge top end surface101. Extending out from the bottom of the gas spring cartridge98is a movable cartridge shaft102, which comprises a cartridge shaft thread104. Extending slidably through and protruding from the end of the cartridge shaft102are a cartridge unlock shaft124, which includes an unlock shaft radiused end126.FIG.36shows a front isometric view of the gas spring cartridge98in the fully compressed condition.

FIG.37shows a right view of stepped bushing140, specifying the step distances Xa through Xf corresponding to stepped bushing seat first series146athrough146f.

FIG.38shows a bottom isometric view of a stepped bushing280. The bushing280employs an array of locating protrusions282in the shape of triangular wedges.

FIG.39is a top isometric view of an outer tube286in accordance with further embodiments. This outer tube286receives a locating protrusion282in a first locating groove284.FIG.40is a top isometric view of a stepped bushing280assembled with an outer tube286.

FIG.41shows a bottom isometric view of a stepped bushing290in accordance with further embodiments. The stepped bushing290employs an array of locating protrusions292comprising tabs cut from the bushing flange.FIG.42is a top isometric view of an outer tube296. The outer tube receives the locating protrusion292in an array of locating slots294.FIG.43is a top isometric view of the stepped bushing290assembled with the outer tube296.

FIG.44is a bottom isometric exploded view of a stepped bushing assembly310in accordance with further embodiments. The stepped bushing assembly comprises two pieces, an upper stepped bushing312, and a lower stepped bushing314. The lower stepped bushing comprises a lower stepped bushing keyway boss316.FIG.45is an isometric view of the stepped bushing assembly310configured in the lowest height setting.FIG.46is an isometric view of the stepped bushing assembly310configured in a middle height setting.FIG.47is an isometric view of the stepped bushing assembly310configured in the highest height setting.

In some embodiments, to assemble the telescopic bicycle seatpost, the complete bicycle seatpost assembly40is slid into a bicycle seat tube12, such as described above and an actuation cable is attached to the bottom of the seatpost. The actuation cable is attached to the bottom of the seatpost in lieu of the dummy cable housing assembly46and operates an actuation cable in the same manner as the actuation cable50, such as described above.

A gas spring cartridge, such as the gas spring cartridge98acts as a spring between the cartridge shaft stop surface105and the cartridge top locating surface108. The cartridge shaft102is normally locked in place until the cartridge unlock shaft124is depressed into the cartridge shaft102at which time the gas spring cartridge98may be compressed as the cartridge shaft102slides into the gas spring cartridge body.

To operate the seatpost and lower the bicycle saddle16while riding the bicycle, a rider applies tension to the actuation cable50using a lever button or other appropriately desired mechanism. The cable lug50applies downward pressure on the cam cable seat198of the cartridge actuation can194and rotates it about the cam pivot pin202. Then, the cam actuation surface200presses against the unlock shaft radiused end125moving the cartridge unlock shaft124upward through the cartridge shaft102allowing the gas spring cartridge98to compress.j9 Once the gas spring cartridge98is unlocked, the rider applies body weight to the bicycle saddle16, which causes the complete seatpost assembly40to reduce in length. The seatpost assembly40is able to telescope to a fully compressed, such as shown withinFIG.4, or to an intermediate length chose by the rider. Releasing tension on the actuation cable50enables the cartridge unlock shaft124to release, locking the gas spring cartridge98in place and locking the bicycle saddle16in a new, lower position.

To return the bicycle saddle to a top resting height, protrusion height DP, the rider removes their weight from the bicycle saddle16and activates the actuation cable50. On activation of the cable50, the gas spring cartridge98extends to its full length or other length as determined by the rider.

Based on the height and leg length of the rider and the distance from the top of the bicycle seat tube12to the bicycle crank assembly20, a preferred seatpost protrusion height DP may be calculated such that the saddle16is positioned properly for the rider when the seatpost is at full extension. Once the seatpost position DP is known, the telescoping height DT may be adjusted using the step bushing140such that the telescoping height DT may be maximized for the seatpost protrusion height DP.

In operation, the telescoping height DT of the complete seatpost assembly40is controlled by the left key92, the right key94and the stepped bushing140. In some embodiments, the stepped bushing140may be clocked about the stepped bushing center axis143into one of six positions as determined by the relationship between the outer tube locating detents168athrough168land the bushing locating protrusions156athrough156l. In some embodiments, the stepped bushing seats first series146athrough146fcorrespond in height to the stepped bushing seats second series148athrough148f, such that the stepped bushing seat first series146amatches the height of the stepped bushing seat second series148a, only rotated 180 degrees around the stepped bushing axis143.

To adjust the telescoping height DT, the first seal cap assembly220is unthreaded from the outer tube upper thread162and slid upward on the head tube shaft surface112. Once the seal cap assembly220is out of the way, the actuation cable50may be activated so that the gas spring cartridge98extends to its full length and forces the stepped bushing140to extend out from the top of the outer tube160.

At this point, the stepped bushing140is accessible above the outer tube160and may be slid up the head tube shaft surface112to free the bushing location protrusions156athrough156lfrom the outer tube locating detents168athrough168l. Once the protrusions are free, the stepped bushing140may be rotated to align the bushing locating protrusions156athrough156lwith the outer tube locating detent168ato align the stepped bushing first series146athrough146fwith the left keyway164and the left key92depending on a preferred telescoping height DT.

In some embodiments, there are six telescoping heights DT and the total internal height adjustment fo the seatpost is determined by the step distances Xa through Xf.

Once a step distance is chosen, the actuation cable50is activated and the gas spring cartridge98is compressed by pushing down on the bicycle saddle16such that the left key92and the right key94are moved down into the outer tube160to make room for the stepped bushing140to be reinserted. Then, the stepped bushing seat first series146athrough146fis aligned with the left key92and the stepped bushing140is slid back down the outer tube160until the stepped bushing flange bottom surface152contacts the outer tube top surface170and the bushing locating protrusions156athrough156lare seated in the outer tube locating detents168athrough168l. Now, the seal cap220may be slid back down the head tube shaft surface112and threaded back onto the outer tube upper thread162.

In some embodiments, a stepped bushing280and an outer tube286are able to be used. As shown withinFIGS.38-40, an array of triangular shaped locating protrusions are used. The array of locating protrusions282fit into an array of triangular shaped locating grooves to manage the clocking between the stepped bushing and outer tube286.

In further embodiments, such as shown withinFIGS.41-43, a stepped bushing290and the outer tube296are able to be used. On or more tabs are cut into the bushing flange and the locating protrusions292are fit into one or more locating grooves294to control the clocking between the stepped bushing290and the outer tube296.

In still further embodiments, such as shown withinFIGS.44-47, a two piece bushing assembly is able to be used. A stepped bushing310comprises an upper stepped bushing312and a lower stepped bushing314. On or more steps are cut into the upper stepped bushing312and the lower stepped bushing314to vary the height of the bushing assembly. The lower stepped bushing314comprises a lower stepped bushing keyway boss316to keep the lower stepped bushing314from rotating relative to the outer tube while the upper stepped bushing312is rotated relative to the outer tube to adjust the resting height of the seatpost.

In some embodiments, the stepped bushing such as described above, comprises only one set of bushing seats, such that for any particular telescoping height, the telescoping, movable head assembly of the seatpost contacts only one surface on the stepped bushing.

In some embodiments, the stepped bushing comprises three, four, five or more stepped bushing seats, such that the telescoping, moveable head assembly of the seatpost contacts three, four, five or more bushing seats when extended to its full height, in order to spread the top-out load from the gas spring cartridge more evenly over the stepped bushing.

In further embodiments, the retaining ring is configured so that the stepped bushing is fixedly attached to the lower portion of the retaining ring, and the retaining ring could be rotatably attached to the top of the outer tube with an integrated locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the resting height of the seatpost could be adjusted by lowering the saddle of the seatpost, unlocking the retaining ring, rotating the ring to align the preferred stepped bushing seat or seats with the key or keys in the head tube, then re-locking the retaining ring. This embodiment allows the resting height of the seatpost to be adjusted without opening the sealed portion of the seatpost to the elements, allowing trail-side adjustment of the resting height.

In another embodiment, the stepped bushing contacts some part of the telescoping, movable head assembly of the seatpost other than the keys to control the resting height of the seatpost. For instance a stop surface or multiple stop surfaces could be formed into the seatpost head tube itself, such that these additional stop surfaces contact a seat or seats on the stepped bushing.

In some embodiments, the stepped bushing is made without a flange, inverted, and slides inside the outer tube such that the stepped bushing seats point towards the head of the seatpost. In this configuration, the retaining ring assembly could be formed such that the stepped bushing seats variably interface with the inside surface of the retaining ring, so that rotating the stepped bushing relative to the retaining ring varies the distance the stepped bushing extends down into the outer tube, thereby varying the extended length of the seatpost.

In some embodiments, the outer tube of the seatpost is merged with the seat tube of the bicycle, such that one piece is removed from the bicycle assembly. In this embodiment, the retaining ring would thread onto the top end of the bicycle seat tube, and the inner tube assembly slides down into the seat tube of the bicycle to save weight and complexity of the bicycle. In this embodiment the stepped bushing function allows the seatpost extended length to be adjusted in lieu of using a seatpost clamp and seatpost clamp screw.

In further embodiments, the saddle clamp assembly is formed into the outer tube, and the inner tube assembly is constructed to fit into the bicycle seat tube, effectively inverting the entire assembly. In this embodiment the stepped bushing and seal ring assembly would slide up and down with the outer tube.

FIG.48shows a top view of an outer tube400in accordance with further embodiments. The outer tube400comprises a left keyway402, a right keyway404and a simplified outertube inner bore406.FIG.49shows a right rear isometric view of the outer tube400. The outer tube400comprises a tube upper thread408, the left keyway402, an outer tube top surface410an outer tube outer diameter412.

FIG.50is a top rear right isometric view of an adjustable bushing assembly420. The adjustable bushing assembly420comprises a graduated groove bushing422comprising a movable height band424. The adjustable bushing assembly420also comprises a groove bushing slot425.FIG.51shows an exploded view of the bushing assembly420showing the graduated groove bushing422and the movable height band424in a disassembled condition. As shown withinFIG.51, the bushing assembly420comprises a groove bushing stanchion bearing surface421and a groove bushing bearing support cylinder423.

FIG.52shows a rear view of the graduated groove bushing422. The graduated groove bushing422comprises a groove bushing center axis426and six graduation grooves430(a-f). In some embodiments, a typical graduation groove430acomprises a groove upper surface432a, a groove cylindrical surface434a, a groove lower surface436a, and a groove bushing index hole438a.FIG.53is a left side view of the graduated groove bushing422, comprising a groove bushing flange top440, a groove bushing flange outside diameter442and a groove bushing flange bottom surface444. As shown withinFIG.53, the graduated groove bushing also comprise the left side key slot446aand the left side key slot end surface448a.

FIG.54is a section view of the adjustable bushing assembly420, including the graduated groove bushing422and moveable height band424.FIG.55is a detail view of the adjustable bushing assembly420showing a close up view of the graduated groove bushing422and moveable height band424, including the left band ear455aand right band ear455b. The moveable height band424wraps around the groove cylindrical surface434aand the ears fit into the groove bushing slot425.

FIG.56is a left lower rear isometric view of the graduated groove bushing422, showing the groove bushing right key boss450b, the groove bushing left keyway strakes452aand452band the groove bushing index holes438(a-f).FIG.57is a bottom view of the graduated groove bushing422, showing the groove bushing slot425, the groove bushing flange outside diameter442and groove bushing flange bottom surface444. Also shown withinFIG.57are the groove bushing right key boss450b, groove bushing left key boss450aand groove bushing stanchion bearing surface421.

FIG.58is a top front right isometric view of the moveable height band424. As shown withinFIG.58, the moveable height band424comprises a left band ear455a, right band ear455band band slot451.FIG.58also shows the left band stop tab452a, right band stop tab452b, left band stop surface453a, right band stop surface453b, and band lock tab458.FIG.59is a front view of the moveable height band424, showing a left band stop tab452a, right band stop tab452b, left band stop surface453a, right band stop surface453b, and band lock tab458.

FIG.60is a right side partial section view of a complete seatpost assembly460, with the simplified outer tube400cut away to reveal the graduated groove bushing422and the right key94. The complete seatpost assembly460is configured for maximum resting height G, with the right key94contacting the right band stop tab452b.FIG.61is a right side partial section view of the complete seatpost assembly460configured for an intermediate resting height J, with the right key94contacting the right band stop tab452b.FIG.62is a right side partial section view of the complete seatpost assembly460configured for a minimum resting height L, with the right key94contacting the right band stop tab452b.

FIG.63shows a right rear isometric view of a stacking adjustable bushing assembly470.FIG.64shows an exploded assembly view of the stacking adjustable bushing assembly470, comprising one stacking base bushing472, and six identical stacking adjustment rings474(a-f).

FIG.65shows a right rear isometric view of the stacking base bushing472comprising a stacking base bushing top flange surface476, a stacking base bushing flange outside diameter478, a stacking base bushing stanchion support surface482, a stacking base bushing right locating boss486aand a stacking base bushing right key seat488a. Also shown withinFIG.65is a stacking base bushing slot484, and a stacking base bushing sleeve diameter490.FIG.66shows a right view of the stacking base bushing472, including a stacking base bushing bottom flange surface480.

FIG.67shows a right section view of the stacking base bushing472, indicating once again stacking base bushing stanchion support surface482, stacking base bushing left key seat488band stacking base bushing ring surface491. Circled and indicated is the stacking shim receiving lock feature492.FIG.68is a detail section view of the stacking base bushing472, focused on the individual features of the stacking shim lock receiving feature492. The stacking shim lock receiving feature comprises a lock receiving end face494, a lock receiving external groove496, a lock receiving clearance cylindrical face498and a stacking base bushing ring surface490.

FIG.69is a right rear top isometric view of the stacking adjustment ring474a.FIG.69shows an adjustment ring inner surface500, an adjustment ring top surface502, an adjustment ring slot503, an adjustment ring outside diameter504, a stacking ring right locating boss506a, an adjustment ring right key support507aand an adjustment ring right key seat508a.FIG.70shows a rear view of the stacking adjustment ring474a, adjustment ring right key support507a, adjustment ring left key support507b, and adjustment ring slot503.FIG.71shows a right section view of the stacking adjustment ring474acomprising an adjustment ring protruding lock feature510and adjustment ring receiving lock feature512.FIG.72is a detail cross section view of the stacking adjustment ring474a, showing adjustment ring top surface502and adjustment ring bottom surface514. Also shown is ring lock receiving end face524, a ring lock receiving external groove526, and a ring lock receiving clearance cylindrical face528. On the upper end of the ring are ring lock flange518, ring internal clearance face520, and ring lock support surface522.

FIG.73is a top front right isometric view of a knock-out height adjust bushing530. The bushing comprise a knock-out bushing stanchion support surface532, a knock-out bushing slot534, a knock-out bushing flange536and a knock-out bushing right locating boss538a. Also shown withinFIG.73are right knock-out segments542(a-f), and knock-out bushing sleeve diameter540.FIG.74shows a top front right isometric view of modified knock-out height adjust bushing546, which is knock-out height adjust bushing530with knock-out bushing segment542fand knock-out bushing segment544fremoved.FIG.75is a top front right isometric view of knock-out bushing segment542fand knock-out bushing segment544f.

FIG.76is a top rear right view of snap-together adjustable bushing assembly550, comprising a snap-together bushing base552and snap-on travel stop554.FIG.77is an exploded view of the snap-together adjustable bushing assembly550, the snap-together bushing base552and snap-on travel stop554.

FIG.78is a top rear right isometric view of the snap-together bushing base552, comprising a snap-together bushing stanchion support surface560, a snap-together top surface562, a snap-together bushing flange564, a snap-together bushing sleeve diameter566and a snap-together bushing slot568. Also shown are right bushing snap-holes570(a-e) and bushing snap ear groove572a.FIG.79is a top rear right isometric view of the snap-on travel stop554, which comprises a left snap ear580band right snap ear580a, an snap-on stop ring586, a snap-on stop ring outer surface590, a left snap-on ring key stop592band right snap-on ring key stop592a, and a snap-on stop ring inner bore588. The left snap ear580bcomprises left snap-in bosses594(a-e), and right snap ear580acomprises analogous right snap-in bosses595(a-e).

In some embodiments, to assemble the telescopic seatpost, the adjustable bushing assembly420is fitted into the outer tube400. A resting height of the seatpost is set by adjusting a location of the moveable height band424to one of the plurality of graduation grooves430(a-f). When the seatpost is extended, at least the right key94contacts the right band stop surface453b, which is prevented from moving upward by the groove upper surface432a.

The moveable height band424is prevented from moving once the seatpost height is set by the groove upper surface432a, the groove cylindrical surface434aand a groove lower surface436a. The groove cylindrical surface434aand the groove lower surface436aare sized such that the band424fits into place but cannot slide up and down relative to the groove bushing center axis426. When the bushing is fixed inside the simplified outer tuber inner bore406, the moveable height band424is fully constrained and therefore cannot expand to slide over the bushing in either direction.

To adjust a telescoping height G, the seal cap assembly220is unthreaded from the outer tube upper thread408and slid up the head tube shaft surface112. Once the seal cap assembly220is out of the way, the actuation cable50may be activated so that the gas spring cartridge98extends to its full length, which forces the adjustable bushing assembly420to extend out of the top of the simplified outer tube400.

With the adjustable busing assembly420accessible to the user, the moveable height band424may be opened at the band slot451, freeing it from the graduation groove430a. Once the band424is freed from the graduation groove430a, the moveable height band may be reinstalled on any one of the graduation grooves430(a-f) to select a new resting height.

After the moveable height band424is reinstalled on the graduated groove bushing422, the bushing422is slid down the head tube shaft surface112and engages the groove bushing right key boss450binto the alternative right keyway404.

The moveable height band424has additional features to control the movement of the band424relative to the graduated groove bushing422in addition to the relative size of the groove and the band424. First, the left band ear455aand the right band ear455bfit into the groove bushing slot425. Additionally, the moveable height band424may be made from thin, flexible material to allow the left band ear455aand the right band ear455bto snap into place over the graduated groove bushing422so that once the bushing422is slid into the outer tube400, the left band ear455aand the right band ear455bare constrained by the simplified outer bore406leaving no room for the ring to expand.

On the opposite side of the moveable height band424is a band lock tab458, which fits into one of the groove bushing index holes438(a-f) aligned with the graduation grooves430(a-f) when in use. With the tab458inserted into one of the index holes438(a-f), the tab458is constrained by the outer tube inner bore406, the band424is fixed in place relative to the bushing.

As would be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the dimensions of the band424and the number of index holes and grooves are able sized and designed according to engineering and product design considerations. For example, the number of graduations on the bushing and the height of the adjustment ring may be altered to allow for more or less steps of adjustment and to allow coarser or finer adjustment of the seatpost height as appropriately desired. For example, although two keys are shown to control the seatpost height, any number of appropriately desired keys such as one, two, three, four or more may be incorporated to improve seatpost function as necessary and to deal with localized stress in the height adjustment ring where the key contacts the ring.

In some embodiments, the topmost height setting is used by removing the moveable height band424entirely from the assembly.

In some embodiments, a stacking adjustable bushing assembly is fitted into the outer tube400. A resting height of the seatpost is able to be set by including more or less stacking adjustment rings474(a-f) once the assembly is freed from the outer tube400.

In some embodiments, the stacking base bushing472and the stacking adjustment rings474(a-f) are made from a compliant material such that the stacking adjustment rings474(a-f) may be removed from the head tube shaft surface112by flexing the bushings or rings open at their respective slots, stacking base bushing slot484and adjustment ring slot503. However, when the stacking adjustable bushing assembly470is fitted into the outer tube400the rings are constrained on the outside by the simplified outer tube inner bore406, and cannot open. Therefore the vertical force applied on the stacking adjustment rings474(a-f) applied by the right key94is transferred directly upward from each adjustment ring right key seat508ato each adjustment ring right key support507aand ultimately into the stacking base bushing right key seat488a.

The stacking base bushing472and stacking adjustment rings474(a-f) are keyed to the outer tube400using at least one of the stacking base bushing right locating boss486aand stacking ring right locating boss506a. The resting height of the seatpost is controlled by contact between the right key94and one of either the adjustment ring right right key seat508(a-f) or stacking base bushing right key seat488aif all of the stacking rings are removed.

A stacking adjustment ring474amay be affixed to the stacking stacking base bushing472by flexing open the base bushing at stacking base bushing slot484, flexing open the adjustment ring at adjustment ring slot503and snapping it over head tube shaft surface112below the stacking base bushing472and fitting the ring lock flange518into the lock receiving external groove496.

Once the bushing assembly470is slid into the outer tube400the pieces will be locked together and constrained by the simplified outer tube inner bore406on the outside and the head tube shaft surface112on the inside. To adjust the resting height of the seatpost stacking rings may be added or subtracted from the assembly. In some embodiments, a height of the stacking rings and a number of the stacking rings may be varied as appropriately desired to allow coarser or finer adjustment in the seatpost height.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the bushing pieces are fabricated from any appropriate desired material such as engineering plastics, which may provide suitable bearing properties for the sliding motion in the seatpost, and also allow the individual bushing pieces to be flexed open to fit over, and be removed from, head tube shaft surface112as necessary for adjustment.

In further embodiments, a knock-out height adjust bushing530is fitted into the outer tube400. The resting heights of the seatpost may then be set by removing one or more knock-out bushing segment542(a-f) in order to adjust the contact of right key94and knock-out bushing segment542f.

In some embodiments, a knock-out height adjust bushing530is included with the seatpost, and permanently modified by the user to set the resting height of the seatpost. Once altered, the seatpost height may not be lowered again without replacing the entire knock-out height adjust bushing530.

To set the height of the seatpost, the knock-out height adjust bushing530is slid up head tube shaft surface112and the knock-out bushing segment542fand knock-out bushing segment544fmay be cut away from the now modified knock-out height adjust bushing530. A right knock-out bushing right locating boss538ais fitted into an alternative right keyway404such that the right key94always contacts one of the knock-out bushing segment542(a-f) as they are removed.

In some embodiments, if the knock-out height adjust bushing530is made from a plastic polymer material, knock-out bushing segment542(a-f) may be easily removed with commonly available cutting tools such as diagonal pliers or a utility knife.

In some embodiments, the adjustable bushing assembly550fitted into the outer tube400. The resting heights of the seatpost may be set by adjusting the relative position of snap-on travel stop554to snap-together bushing base552.

To adjust the resting height of the seatpost, the snap-together adjustable bushing assembly550is slid out of the second alternative outer tube400along the head tube shaft surface112, then the right snap ear580ais flexed away from the head tube shaft surface112so that one or more left snap-in bosses595(a-e) disengage from one or more right bushing snap-holes570(a-e). If more than one ear is present in the assembly, all ears would be flexed in such a manner as to disengage each snap from it's corresponding hole.

To set the resting height of the seatpost, more or less snap bosses are engaged with snap holes to raise or lower the resting position of a right snap-on ring key stop592a. The resting location of the snap-on travel stop554controls the resting height of the seatpost through contact between the right snap-on ring key stop592aand right key94.

In operation, a telescopic bicycle seatpost is able to be installed on many different bicycle sizes, for riders of different heights and leg length, while maximizing the telescoping length of the seatpost for each situation and without requiring many different lengths of seatposts to be manufactured. The telescoping length of the seatpost may be adjusted for riders of different heights, fit many different frame sizes and enable each rider to maximize the telescoping length of the seatpost for their particular bike and desired setup.

Additionally, the telescopic bicycle seatpost enables the telescopic length of the seatpost to be adjusted after the seatpost has been installed on the bicycle and without removing the seatpost from the frame. Particularly, because many bicycle framed require routing seatpost control cables inside the frame, adjusting a telescopic length of the seatpost without removing it from the frame saves a significant amount of time and frustration for the user. This also enables the frame and seatpost combination to be quickly adjusted for different users of the same bicycle, in instances where the bicycle is shared between two or more riders or is used as part of a rental fleet. As such, the telescoping bicycle seatpost with adjustable uncompressed resting height as described herein has many advantages.