Abstract:
A retrofittable, or originally manufactured, shock piston and cylinder protection seal and method of retrofitting to same is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes one to four individual wipers contacting the shock piston thereby maintaining its surface free from debris with minimal friction affecting the intended dampening properties of suspension. Different embodiments are further disclosed that allow for loosening of components by threaded members and replacement with either a collar or a foam seal that can peel away from the cylinder for removal and replacement. The originally manufactured version of the invention incorporates the seal housing to a bottom shock cylinder.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/113,485 filed on Feb. 6, 2015, entitled “Shock Seal,” accordingly, the entire contents of this patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains generally to annular seals configured around rotating or translating shafts. More particularly, the invention relates to a shock seal apparatus coupled to a front fork suspension, improving the longevity of the shock absorption device, particularly in off road environments. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Annular seals, gaskets, rubber boots and bearings configured around a piston/shaft member of some sort are numerous and have been known in the mechanical arts for some time. One particular area of innovation involves the evolution of mountain bikes from makers such as CANNONDALE® and SPECIALIZED®. Included in this was a move from a rigid frame and fork ( FIG. 5A ) to full suspensions. One issue particular to the problem is the rapid degradation of the interface between a shock piston and cylinder in mountain terrain environments due to present of dirt and fine particulate debris. 
         [0006]    Due to the harsh conditions, cyclists are confronted with dirt and dust ridden shock absorbers increasing friction between dampening components. This has led to the more serious riders either replacing used shocks very rapidly or needing special equipment to service the front fork suspension. Furthermore, there is a risk associated with a typical cyclist making a mistake in taking apart multicomponent suspensions. Even if the proper tools are made available, the job is currently very time consuming and can take upwards of three hours to complete. 
         [0007]    Some early examples providing improved seal maintenance and protection include the ROCK SHOX® and the SRAM® fork wiper. However, additional improvements in performance, reliability as well as expense of time and money to replace and maintain. In light of the issues presented herein, the invention seeks to provide a shock seal retrofitable to existing shocks but also available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It is further an object of the present invention to provide a suspension seal that can easily and cost effectively be removed, cleaned and replaced by a cyclist with little or no tool and mechanical experience. Yet further, it is an object of the present invention to provide annular translational support, lubrication and wiping to a suspension shaft. Still further it is an object of the present invention, to provide a system for sealing a shock absorber that has certain key components that peel off for replacement and other components that are not removed but cleaned without complete removal. Furthermore, it is an additional object reduce static friction of current seal designs. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention, in a first aspect, is a suspension seal configured to a shock piston and cylinder arrangement comprising: a seal housing configured concentrically to the shock piston and cylinder arrangement; and a first wiper seal configured circumferentially about an inside edge of the seal housing, the first wiper seal having a leading edge that thinly contacts a surface of a piston of said shock piston and cylinder arrangement preventing dirt and debris from fouling the shock piston and cylinder arrangement. 
         [0009]    The invention herein is additionally characterized as comprising: a lower foam seal configured about an inside wall of the seal housing, a lubricant added to the lower foam seal providing lubrication and capturing dirt; and a top seal cover configured atop the seal housing, the top seal cover having a second wiper seal configured thereto circumferentially about an edge of seal housing, the second wiper seal having a leading edge that thinly contacts the surface of the piston preventing dirt and debris from fouling said shock piston and cylinder arrangement. 
         [0010]    The invention in this aspect additionally comprises an upper flexible seal about an inside of the top seal cover. And, the invention has a retention spring around an outside of the top seal cover, wherein the top seal cover comprises notches configurable to protrusions configured to a wrench device. 
         [0011]    The suspension seal herein further includes the lower foam seal further comprising a diagonal tear extending therethrough providing peel away functionality to the lower foam seal. The suspension seal also includes a dual threaded seal mount having a first set of male threads to mate with the seal housing, the seal housing configured with female threads about an inside thereof. Set further the invention in this aspect includes: a lower foam seal configured about an inside wall of the seal housing; a lubricant added to the lower foam seal providing lubrication and capturing dirt; and a top seal cover configured atop the dual threaded seal mount, the top seal cover having a second wiper seal configured thereto circumferentially about and edge of seal housing, the second wiper seal having a leading edge that thinly contacts the surface of the piston preventing dirt and debris from fouling said shock piston and cylinder arrangement, wherein the dual threaded seal mount has a third wiper configured about an inside edge thereof. 
         [0012]    Additionally in certain aspect the invention includes to the seal housing: a pair of semicircular halves; and a pair of flanges configured to the pair of semicircular halves joining the seal housing, the flanges configured with a pair of setscrews for a coupling of the pair of semicircular halves. 
         [0013]    In an additional embodiment herein, the seal housing is configured inside of a cylinder of said shock piston and cylinder arrangement. 
         [0014]    Also in yet another aspect, the seal housing is further characterized as having a first and a second semicircular halves; and the seal housing also includes a tab configured to an end of the first semicircular halve and a protrusion configured to an end of the second semicircular halve, tab fitting over the protrusion for coupling and uncoupling the first and second semicircular halves for removal of the seal housing. 
         [0015]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC §112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC §112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC §112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a first preferred suspension seal embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a second perspective thereof from an elevated vantage point; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of the preferred embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  is an exploded view thereof; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of a seal housing taken along line  3 B- 3 B in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3C  is an enlarged view of a preferred seal housing wiper embodiment taken about line  3 C in  FIG. 3B ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3D  is an alternative enlarged view of a double wiper embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a forth suspension seal embodiment providing additional wiper capabilities; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view with exploded select components of a fifth preferred embodiment where the seal housing is originally configured to a fork type shock absorber; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5B  is a partial front view thereof; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5C  is a full front view thereof; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 D- 5 D in  FIG. 5C ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5E  is an enlarged view taken about line  5 E in  FIG. 5D ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6A  is a first perspective view of a deficient prior art shock piston and cylinder suspension device; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 6C ,  FIG. 6D  and  FIG. 6E  show method steps in retrofitting the existing suspension device; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates yet an additional embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Initially with regard to  FIG. 1A , a first preferred embodiment of a suspension seal  10  of the present invention wherein a seal housing  18  is configured to an annular seal ring  26  ( FIG. 2B ). As further illustrated in  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 1C , the seal housing  18  comprises two semicircular rings  11 ,  12  that are provided at an interface between shock piston  98  and cylinder  99 . 
         [0036]    Also as shown, a seal housing  18  has a first half  11  and is configured with a tab  13  at an end thereof, the tab  13  is made to fit around a protrusion  14  configured to the second half  12  of seal housing  18 . Conveniently, a thumb of a user can easily remove the seal housing  18  for cleaning or replacement, without tools. 
         [0037]    An additional variation is shown in perspective in  FIG. 2A . Herein, seal housing  28  first  11  and second  12  semi-circular halves have ends configured with flanges  23 ,  24 , the flanges secured by one or two (as shown) setscrews  25 .  FIG. 2B  more clearly illustrates wherein an annular ring  26  is a removable piece secured in a recess  29  to the seal housing  28 . It is important to note that only a thin, leading edge, portion of the seal/ring  26  will contact the shock piston  98  as to minimize effects of excessive friction affecting dampening properties of the shock  98 ,  99 . In certain aspects of the present invention, annular ring  26  is a first wiper to the piston  98 . Also importantly, the present invention will apply to rear shocks, as applicable, additionally for dirt bikes and motocross. 
         [0038]    Additionally regarding  FIG. 2A , a wiper  27  having a thin leading edge may be configured about a lower portion of collar  20 . 
         [0039]    Also with regard to  FIG. 2B , the annular ring  26  (wiper  26 ) can have varying diameters while leaving a constant collar size making it easier to stock in store and mass produce. More specifically, annular rings having 32 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, and 40 mm diameter are provided. 
         [0040]    Yet another embodiment herein combines that of first  10  ( FIG. 1A ) and second  20  ( FIG. 2A ) embodiments. As in  FIG. 2A , an upper portion of the seal housing  18 ,  28  halves  11 ,  12  is fastened with a more permanent mini setscrew  25 . However, a bottom portion simultaneously employs the miniature lever  13  and protrusion  14  fastener. In order to facilitate cleaning the seal housing/wiper and/or annular ring  26 , the collar will no longer have to be removed from the fork  97  completely. Rather in the lower half of the seal housing, (the part that is fastened rigidly to the stock fork) the user simply unsnaps the lower fastener and slides the collar up the fork while leaving the top setscrew alone (since it will not be as snugly secured). In this configuration, the delicate top seal will not be as frequently stressed because the setscrew  25  will not have to be reset. The user can then remove/replace the foam (wiper/annular ring  26 ) without having to fiddle around/remove/deform the wiper itself. After the foam &amp; lubricant is replaced the wiper slides back down the fork and the snap closure is closed quickly and easily around the stock fork wiper. Accordingly the user will not have to negotiate the retention springs  31  or tiny set screws  25  making the product much more user serviceable especially for cyclists riding in wet environments that need to do this more than once a week. 
         [0041]    Yet still alternatively the upper portion can have the setscrew  25  and the bottom portion of the collar is configured with the lever  13  and protrusion  14 . 
         [0042]    With regard to  FIG. 3A , an exploded view of a third preferred embodiment  30  of the present invention is provided. A top seal cover  32  provides a second wiper seal  36  to the tubular shaft  98  (seal housing  38  having the first  37   a ) component translationally configured to a cylinder  99  wherein the interface is desired to be kept lubricated and clean. The top seal cover  32  may be made as a single piece; or alternatively, the top seal mount  32  has soft pliable material for the wiper  36  coupled with harder material providing structural support. A retention spring  31  further holds components in place. Upper  33  and lower  35  foam seals have a tear  34  away (peel) design so that they are easily removed for disposal or cleaning. More specifically, the foam seals  33 ,  35  have a diagonal cut  34  therethrough. Seal housing  38  provides the main lower structural support to the device  30 ; and wiper seal  37   a  provides a lower/first wiper seal. 
         [0043]    The present embodiment  30  compares to the first two  10 ,  20  embodiments in that the annular ring  26  is the first wiper seal  36 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3B  provides a cross-sectional view of a seal housing taken along line  3 B- 3 B in  FIG. 3A . To further illustrate wiper  37   a  configurations of the present invention,  FIG. 3C  provides an enlarged view of a preferred seal housing wiper embodiment taken about line  3 C in  FIG. 3B .  FIG. 3D  accordingly shows a double wiper  37   b  configuration to a bottom of the seal housing  38 . Like the top seal cover  32  wiper  36 , the lower wipers  37   a ,  37   b  could be configured with softer material inserted/attached to the seal housing  38 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  provides an exploded view of a slightly different version  40  as compared to the  FIG. 3A  embodiment  30 . Herein, a special wrench  45  is provided that has protrusions  46  that couple to top seal cover  41  notches  44  allowing loosening of a dual threaded  42  seal mount. Dual threaded seal mount  42  has male threads around an outside thereof to couple to the seal housing  48  female threads  47  and top cover  41  female threads. Notably, in the  FIG. 3A  embodiment  30 , the top cover  32  has the female threads since there is no duel threaded seal mount  42 . As before however, the lower foam seal  35  can be peeled  34  away while other components can be loosened and slid vertically to provide cleaning and maintenance thereto. Also as in other embodiments, components  31 ,  35 ,  37 ,  41 ,  42 ,  43 , are configured concentrically, about axis  91  also corresponding to shock piston  98  and cylinder  99  arrangement. Additionally in this embodiment  40 , multiple wipers  36 ,  37 ,  49 , referred to herein as upper/second  36 , lower/first  37  and center/third  49  wipers, are provided to control passing of dirt and therefore prevent frictional surface therefrom over time. 
         [0046]    Alternatively in this embodiment  40 , upper foam seal  33  is replaced with a rubber seal  43 . Both  33 ,  43  are flexible seals. Also, seal housing  48  has female threads  47  about an inside thereof; and the seal housing  48  is a custom molded semi-permanent insert. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B  and  FIG. 5C  show an additional embodiment  50  for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) utilization rather than retrofitable  10 ,  20 ,  30 ,  40  to existing designs. Components  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  35  in this scenario are simplified and the lower seal housing  58  is configured to the shock cylinder  99 . Additional front views are provided in  FIG. 5B  and  FIG. 5C . The optimum design according to the invention will minimize risk of making a mistake in disassembling and reassembling the shock seal and take less time to complete as compared to earlier designs. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5D  provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 D- 5 D in  FIG. 5C ; and  FIG. 5E  is an enlarged view taken about line  5 E in  FIG. 5D .  FIG. 5E  illustrates components assembled but hidden inside shock cylinder  99 . Initially, top seal cover  32  can be screwed and unscrewed to seal housing  58  having the female threads  47 . Retention spring  31  couples around an outside of the top seal cover  32  to hold components together. Retention spring  31  further provides light constant pressure on top wiper  36  to allow flexing and lighter friction. The wiper  36  ( FIG. 3A ) should also provide initial protection from debris and moisture, using for example, high density, closed cell polyurethane material. Conversely material wise, lower foam seal  35  is the main source of lubrication and is made from softer, lower density lipophilic polyurethane material. 
         [0049]    Now regarding  FIG. 6A , a first perspective view of a deficient prior art shock piston and cylinder suspension device is illustrated.  FIG. 6A  is followed by  FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 6C ,  FIG. 6D  and  FIG. 6E  showing method steps in retrofitting the existing suspension device  98 ,  99 . 
         [0050]    Specifically with regard to  FIG. 6A , a typical shock absorber device  98 ,  99  comprises a shaft  98  translationally configured to a cylinder  99  as shown. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft  98  is on half of a front fork  97  ( FIG. 5A ) on a mountain bike or a motocross dirt bike. At the interface of the shaft and cylinder, a seal spring  61  (O-ring) is provided. The method disclosed herein will provide an improvement to the interface that prevents dirt and debris deposited on the shaft from entering the cylinder  99  and adversely affecting shock absorption properties of the suspension fork. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 6B , a retrofit method according to the present invention, comprises the steps of initially lifting the seal spring  61  off its seat. Next ( FIG. 6B ), a lubricated foam collar  63  is fitted around a shaft and cylinder interface. And subsequently, a wiper with flexible squeegee  62  is configured over the foam collar and the seal spring is replaced with a retention spring  66  according to  FIG. 6D  and  FIG. 6E . 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  illustrates yet another embodiment  70  wherein the lower collar  78  has separate pieces  76 ,  78 ; hence the middle piece  76  can have varying sizes, if needed. 
         [0053]    While the particular Suspension Seal as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0054]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.