Abstract:
A bicycle seat suspension suitable for use on other vehicles and equipment which is both lightweight and durable and can be constructed from inexpensive material such as steel or aluminum. The seat suspension consists of a top frame and a bottom frame joined together at the front by a pinned hinge and at the rear by a triple hinge slightly elevated at the top. Suspension is provided by various sprung configurations, one of which is a centrally located spring operated by means of an adjustable push rod, another by means of dual shock absorbing Springs. The actual configuration dependant on frame construction and or rider weight.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a vehicle seat suspension system particularly suitable for Use on a bicycle and adaptable to other types of vehicles. 
         [0002]    Seat suspension systems have been around probably right after the invention of the wheel Evolving with complex mechanisms on horse drawn wagons then on motorized vehicles. 
         [0003]    Many of the designs used on present day bicycles which have springs located in the seat Post tube and travel in a straight up and down motion have somewhat limited travel and because most modern day bicycles seat post down tubes are inclined at an angle at the top towards the rear of the bicycle the shock incurred to the rider tends to be felt sharply Because it is not incurred at a 90 degree angle with respect to the spring. 
         [0004]    Other designs used in the past, most notably a hinge mount located at the front or forward of The seat with springs located at the rear of the seat or in the down tube and used on motor cycles, tractors, snow mobiles and many more vehicles are actually somewhat better at shock absorption on a moving vehicle. 
         [0005]    I submit for patent consideration a design with a forward hinge with the addition of a Rear triple hinge which greatly adds to the lateral strength of the seat suspension, also with the Addition of adjustable up and down seat movement capability and various springing methods Which Makes for a very functional and versatile seat suspension. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In the presented invention of a seat suspension suitable for use on a bicycle or other type of Moving vehicles. 
         [0007]    Presented is a seat suspension comprised of a bottom frame, a top frame, a front hinge, a triple rear hinge and various springing arrangements of which configuration is dependant by the Type of vehicle frame constraints, rider weight and or aesthetics. The triple rear hinge of the said seat suspension provides for improved strength especially in the lateral plane which on a bicycle making curving maneuvers is greatly appreciated. The said triple rear hinge can be made of steel or aluminum and is slightly elevated at the top rail with reference to the bottom rail to provide for wheel clearance in the down position as would be incurred upon hitting a large bump. The seat suspension is fully adjustable to accommodate taller riders by adjusting in an up and down fashion just as done on a standard type bicycle by raising or lowering the seat post and clamping in position. Also a forward and rearward positioning can be accomplished by using a standard type bicycle seat which has built in fore and aft adjustment. 
         [0008]    The scope of the invention, a fully adjustable seat suspension suitable for use on a bicycle or other type vehicle can be fitted with various types of suspension spring methods one being a centrally located spring shock positioned low and slightly ahead of the rear wheel when fitted on a bicycle, this centrally located spring is clamped at the top of the spring shock to the bicycle frame and at the bottom of the spring shock to the bicycle frame by means of a removable clamp so as to accommodate spring replacement, this spring shock is also fitted with an adjustment at the bottom to accommodate minor spring tension adjustment, major adjustment is accomplished by spring replacement with a stronger spring. As can be viewed in the drawings this said centrally located spring is fitted with an adjustable push rod so as to transfer the rider weight to The spring shock and is adjustable by shortening or lengthening so as to make spring contact and be able to raise or lower the height of the seat suspension frame to accommodate taller riders. The adjustable push rod can be configured singly or in a dual configuration to accommodate differences in various vehicles. The described adjustable push rods upper end is attached to the upper flame of the seat suspension by means of a pin and bushing so as to provide a bearing surface and permit movement when the upper frame member moves downward as would be encountered upon hitting a bump. The lower end of the said push rod is attached to the body of the spring shock by means of a pin and bushing arrangement fitted thru a long slot in the body of the spring shock, this provides connection and to permit movement of the spring in a up and down plane. 
         [0009]    In the presented invention of an adjustable seat suspension suitable for use on a bicycle one method of providing suspension was explained, another method of springing is to fit to each side of the upper flame member a standard type shock absorber to which the bottom of the shock absorbers is mounted to the bottom flame member of the seat suspension by means of a bracket as can be seen in the drawings. Still another springing method as shown in the drawings is a Spring contained inside the seat post tube, on a standard bicycle the tube is of small diameter and does not permit the use of a spring of sufficient size to be able to carry sufficient load but could be used to supplement spring load, otherwise the use of a larger seat post tube and spring would be needed to carry the weight of an average person. Another method of springing is to mount a large diameter die spring forward of the seat post and use the method described previously in the centrally located spring shock and with a push rod mounted to the upper frame member by means of a pin and bushing type bearing, and to mount the spring shock body directly to the under side of the lower frame member of the seat suspension and similarly as in the centrally located spring shock, the lower portion of the push rod is attached to the body of the spring shock by means of a pin and bushing arrangement fitted thru a long slot in the body of the shock spring, this spring method is also dependant on mounting clearance of the vehicle frame. 
         [0010]    One last spring method must be mentioned and that involves the use of extension type springs this method of providing a means of suspension involves mounting the top of the extension spring to the lower frame member of the seat suspension and with the use of an adjustable push rod attached to the upper frame member of the seat suspension by means of a pin and bushing arrangement, and the lower portion of the push rod attached to the lower portion of the extension type spring but with the addition as viewed in the drawings of a swivel type sliding bearing through which the bottom portion of the push rod slides down and up and is allowed to tilt, this captures and holds the bottom of the extension spring so as to have a predicable movement. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The drawings presented are intended to illustrate, but not limit the invention&#39;s potential. 
           [0012]    The drawings contain fifteen views. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a view of seat suspension fitted on a bicycle in the up position using centrally located spring over hydraulic shock with dual adjustable push rods. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a view of seat suspension in the down position as would be encountered upon hitting A bump, using centrally-located spring over hydraulic shock with dual adjustable push rods. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a view of seat suspension in the up position using centrally located spring shock with centrally located single Adjustable push rod. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of seat suspension with a central located spring shock and dual adjustable push rods also shown is an optional internally located gas or hydraulic shock. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a view of centrally located spring over shock with associated parts 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a view of seat suspension with front located spring shock in the up position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a view of seat suspension with front located spring shock in the down position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a view of seat suspension with dual rear mounted spring over hydraulic shocks in the up position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a rear view of seat suspension equipped with dual rear mounted spring over hydraulic shocks in the up position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a view of seat suspension fitted with dual rear mounted spring over hydraulic shocks in the down Position 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a view of seat suspension in the up position fitted with dual extension springs fitted with a single central adjustable push rod and swivel bearing fitting. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a view of seat suspension in the down position as would be encountered upon hitting a bump fitted with a single central adjustable push rod and swivel bearing fitting. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a rear view of seat-suspension the up position fitted with a single central adjustable push rod and swivel bearing fitting. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a view of seat suspension in the up position fitted with a central spring, push rod and plunger in the up position located in the seat post tube. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a view of seat suspension in the down position fitted with a central spring, push rod And plunger in the down position located in the seat post tube. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE ITEMS 
       [0028]      1 , Triple Hinge 
         [0029]      2 , Central Spring Shock 
         [0030]      3 , Central Adjustable Length Push Rod 
         [0031]      3 A, Left Adjustable Length Push Rod 
         [0032]      3 B, Right Adjustable Length Push Rod 
         [0033]      4 , Upper Arm Frame 
         [0034]      4 A, Bicycle Seat Post Tube 
         [0035]      4 B, Front Split Bushing 
         [0036]      4 C, Middle Split Bushing 
         [0037]      4 D, Rear Split Bushing 
         [0038]      5 , Lower Arm Frame 
         [0039]      5 A, Bicycle Down Post Tube 
         [0040]      6 , Seat Suspension Complete 
         [0041]      7 , Bicycle Frame 
         [0042]      7 A, Bicycle Seat 
         [0043]      8 , Front Hinge 
         [0044]      8 A, Front Hinge Pin 
         [0045]      9 , Clamp 
         [0046]      10 , Central Spring Over Shock 
         [0047]      10 A, Extension Spring 
         [0048]      10 B, Compression Spring 
         [0049]      10 C, Compression Spring Inside Down Tube 
         [0050]      10 D, Spring Over Shock Absorber 
         [0051]      11 , Central Slotted Spring Shock Tube 
         [0052]      11 A, Pin For Single Push Rod 
         [0053]      11 B, Pin For Dual Push Rods 
         [0054]      11 C, Bushing 
         [0055]      11 D, Spacer 
         [0056]      11 E, Clip 
         [0057]      11 F, Top Collar 
         [0058]      11 G, Bottom Collar And Spring Adjustment 
         [0059]      11 H, Pin 
         [0060]      11 I, Bearing Washer 
         [0061]      12 , Gas type Shock Absorber 
         [0062]      13 , Slide Swivel Bushing 
         [0063]      14 , Front Spring Shock Tube 
         [0064]      14 A, Front Spring 
         [0065]      14 B, Front Push Rod 
         [0066]      14 C, Pin 
         [0067]      15 , Yoke Type Shock Top 
         [0068]      16 , Bushing Shock Top 
         [0069]      17 , Mount for dual shock absorbers 
         [0070]      18 , Adjustable push rod for extension spring 
         [0071]      19 , Upper Mounting Pin for extension spring 
         [0072]      20 , Piston Plunger and Guide Rod 
         [0073]      21 , Guide Tube 
         [0074]      22 , Push Rod for Spring inside Down Tube 
         [0075]      23 , Upper Pin for Push Rod 
         [0076]      24 . Lower Pin for Push Rod to Piston 
         [0077]      25 , Spring Land Stop 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0078]    Referring to the drawings of  FIG. 1  thru  FIG. 15  illustrates the seat suspension suitable for use 
         [0079]    On a bicycle as shown in items  1  thru  15 . The illustrations are to provide a means of description and are not intended to limit the invention. 
         [0080]    Further descriptions in  FIG. 1  to one who has knowledge in such areas describes the seat suspension system  6 , and to simplify its understanding, it is attached to a bicycle frame. Shown is the triple rear hinge  1 , left side adjustable push rod  3 A, right side adjustable push rod  3 B, and central spring shock  2 . The purpose of the adjustable push rods  3 ,  3 A,  3 B,are to provide a means of up and down adjustment for seat suspension  6  as would be encountered on a bicycle with the use of central spring shock  2 . 
         [0081]    The Right side view seat suspension system  6  as viewed in  FIG. 2  shows it in the down position or as would be encountered upon hitting a large bump it is fitted with a central spring shock  2  that is operated by means of two outer adjustable push rods left adjustable push rod  3 A and right adjustable push rod  3 B also a long pin  11 B is used to attach the lower bushing of the dual push rods to the top of central spring shock  2 , the upper bushing of the push rods are attached to rear split bushing  4 D,with a standard nut and bolt the split bush  4 D is secured to upper arm frame  4 , by means of welding also shown is triple rear hinge l,which is also welded to upper arm frame  4  and lower arm frame  5 , removable clamp  9 , seat post tube for bicycle seat  4   a , and post down tube  5 a to fit inside a bicycle frame tube. Upper arm frame  4  and lower arm frame  5  (inset) are constructed of C channel one frame arm smaller in width so as to collapse inside the other so as to-provide a thinner profile and more travel. 
         [0082]    The seat suspension system  6 , as viewed in  FIG. 3  shows it in the up or normal position, it is fitted with a central spring shock  2 , this view shows a single central adjustable push rod  3  which is fitted to middle split bushing  4 D through a slot in upper frame  4  and a slot not shown in lower arm  5  and connected at the spring shock  2  with short pin  11 A. 
         [0083]      FIG. 4  shows a rear view of seat suspension with a centrally located spring shock  2 , the rear triple hinge  1  fitted with dual adjustable push rods  3 A,  3 B, and an internally located gas spring or hydraulic shock absorber  12  which is fitted inside long spring shock tube  11 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 5  is a view of centrally located spring over shock and associated parts. Shown is adjustable length push rods  3 ,  3 A,  3 B,used in both dual and single configurations, bottom collar and spring adjustment  11 G and pin  11 H for bottom collar and shock mount which is removable, clamp  9  which attaches the bottom of central spring shock assembly is also removable to facilitate spring removal. Top collar  11 F as shown is machined to accommodate bushing  11 C also shown are top views of pin assemblies long pin  11 B for dual push rods  3 A, 3 B, and  11 A for single central push rod  3 , also tubular spacers  11 D can be of varied length to accommodate differences in pin length configurations bushings  11 C are constructed to fit into the slot machined into spring shock tube  11  and let pins  11 A, 11 B, rotate slightly, bearing washer  11 I gives support for side to side movement. Also shown is spring shock assembly  11  and a gas or hydraulic type shock absorber  12  that fits inside spring shock tube  11  which can be of different load strength to accommodate various weights, the top of the internal shock  12  varies with push rod configuration yoke type bushing  15  for single central push rod and single bushing  16  for dual push rod configuration, clip  11 E holds pin assembly. 
         [0085]      FIG. 6  shows the seat suspension fitted with front spring shock tube  14 , short spring  14 A, push rod  14 B, pin  14 C, split type bushing  4 B,(not shown) located in under side of upper frame  4 , all other parts are the same or similar to parts illustrated for central spring shock  2 .illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 7  shows seat suspension as in  FIG. 6  but as would be compressed or upon encountering a bump. 
         [0087]      FIG. 8  is a right side view of the seat suspension  6  fitted with dual spring over shock absorbers  10 D (Left side not shown) the top of which are mounted to the upper frame arm  4  by means of a standard bolt and nut to rear bushing  4 D. 
         [0088]      FIG. 9  is a rear view of seat suspension  6  equipped with dual spring over shock absorbers  10 D, also shown is bottom spring over shock mount  17  which is bolted to lower frame arm  5  also shown is triple hinge  1 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 10  is a right side view of seat suspension  6  fitted with dual spring over shock absorbers  10 D as in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  but shown in the down position. 
         [0090]      FIG. 11  is a right side view of seat suspension  6  in the up position fitted with dual extension type springs  10 A (left spring not shown) also shown is adjustable push rod and lower spring mount  18  for fitting with different length Extension springs, slide swivel bushing  13 , its purpose is to capture the lower portion of adjustable push rod and lower spring mount  18  and provide a controlled movement, clamp  9  purpose is to attach slide swivel bushing  13  by mean of nut and bolt (not shown) and loosely clamp to the down tube of a bicycle frame or similar arrangement and for the purpose of seat suspension  6  up and down movement to provide for taller riders and or different length springs, clamp  9  is moved up or down accordingly. 
         [0091]      FIG. 12  is right side view of seat suspension  6  fitted with dual extension type springs  10 A (left side not shown) as in  FIG. 11 , but situated in the down position as would be encountered hitting a bump, the slide swivel bushing  13  allows the lower portion of adjustable push rod  18  to slide and swivel in accordance with seat suspension  6  movement. 
         [0092]      FIG. 13  is a rear view of seat suspension  6  shown is post for bicycle type seat  4 A, triple hinge  1 , bicycle type down post tube  5 A, extension spring  10 A, upper mount pin  19 , which is attached to lower arm frame  5 , (not visible in  FIG. 13 ). Adjustable push rod and extension spring lower mount  18 ,its purpose is to transfer the weight of the person to the lower part of the extension spring and is adjustable to provide for different length springs and variation in frame configurations, also shown is slide swivel bushing  13 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 14  shows a right side view of seat suspension  6  fitted with A Compression Spring  10 C inside down tube  5 A, its diameter and rate in proportion to the amount of load incurred also shown are Push Rod  22 , upper pin  23 , and Middle Split Bushing  4 C (inset) also Piston Plunger and Guide Rod  20 , push rod to piston Pin  24 , Guide Tube  21 , and Spring Stop  25 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 15  show a right side view of seat suspension  6  as in  FIG. 14  but in the compressed position also illustrated is angle of push rod  22  upon compression.