Patent Document

BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to the field of design and construction of bicycle and like cycle seat clamping assemblies. More specifically, the present invention relates to assemblies that attach the rails or wires that form the lower portion of the seat to the seat post.  
         [0003]     2. Discussion of Prior Art  
         [0004]     In general, cycle seat clamping assemblies are used to attach the seat to the seat post.  
         [0005]     This invention is primarily designed for lightweight applications. Weight is a very important design consideration in many types of bicycle and like cycle disciplines.  
         [0006]     The prior art often allows adjustability in seat angle and horizontal position. In some prior art it is desirable to make adjustments with as few fasteners as possible. Other designs use more fasteners but are lighter weight or are easier to adjust. Some prior art states that it is better to adjust the seat angle and horizontal position simultaneously, while others claim independent adjustment is better. It is sometimes desirable to provide calibration scale to indicate the seat angle.  
         [0007]     Another common feature in the prior art is to have rearward offset of the seat clamping assembly in the horizontal direction from the centerline of the post. This is done to put the rider&#39;s weight in a more preferred position while allowing the seat clamping assembly to clamp the seat in a more central position. Some bicycles work better with a horizontal offset and others are designed to work better without this offset. There is no true standard for horizontal offset.  
         [0008]     The horizontal offset described above creates a need for support off the centerline of the seat post. This often leads to cantilevered support structures off the back of the seat post. These cantilevered support structures are often bulky and heavy due to the necessity to design for cantilever bending loads. Some examples of these cantilevered designs are U.S. Pat. No. 2,920,911 (1960) to Campagnolo, U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,922 (1981) to Juy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,121 (1986) to Kashima, U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,753 (1991) to Shook, U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,624 (1993) to Kingsberry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,155 (1996) to Herting, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,864 (2000) to Beach, Mizek, and Paes.  
         [0009]     Some designs use threaded set screws or threaded rods as adjustments to the seat angle. These adjustments are sometimes hard to reach and difficult to adjust. The threaded rods or set screws also provide little structural support in any direction other than along the axis of the threaded shaft. This single direction of structural support necessitates additional weight, strength and stiffness in the other parts of the assembly. Some examples of assemblies with set screw or threaded rod seat angle adjustments are U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,753 (1991) to Shook, U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,624 ( 1993 ) to Kingsberry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,273 (1996) to Saarinen, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,027 (2001) to Lemmens.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,027 to Lemmens uses a seat support pivotably attached to one end of a seat post with a threaded rod and knob as an angular control adjustment between the seat support and the seat post. This example of prior art is not ideal for lightweight applications. The threaded rod adjustment only serves to define the seat angle by separating the seat support and seat post. The threaded rod provides no support in any other direction due to the necessity of the rod to rotate for adjustment. The threaded rod is continuously free to rotate about at least one end. Additionally, the threaded joints that the rod threads into do not provide significant support to resist side and bending loads since they must be kept loose enough to allow free movement of the threads. Furthermore, to make the threaded rod and knob adjustment easily available while the bicycle is being ridden it is located a considerable distance from the seat rails, making the seat support structure carry significant bending loads. This lack of structural support from the angular control adjustment and remote adjustment location with respect to the seat rails creates stress and load conditions that lead to a heavy and bulky assembly.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention is a novel and unique adjustable seat clamping assembly used to attach the seat rails of a bicycle or like cycle seat to a seat post. The invention utilizes three pivotably connected structural links or a truss structure to support the seat. The seat can be adjusted in horizontal position and angular position. Additionally, the assembly can be adjusted in horizontal offset.  
         [0012]     It has been discovered according to the present invention that by using a three-link structure as the seat clamping assembly, both independent and simultaneous seat position adjustment embodiments can be produced.  
         [0013]     It has also been discovered according to the present invention that by using a three-link structure as the seat clamping assembly, a horizontal offset adjustment can be incorporated into the design without altering the seat clamping area.  
         [0014]     It has additionally been discovered according to the present invention that by using a three-link structure as the seat clamping assembly, weight can be reduced by minimizing bending loads in the assembly components.  
         [0015]     It has further been discovered according to the present invention that certain embodiments allow for unique and novel adjustment schemes and mechanisms.  
         [0016]     It has even further been discovered according to the present invention that certain embodiments allow for unique and novel adjustment calibration scales.  
         [0017]     Additionally, it has been discovered according to the present invention that by using links that provide significant structural support in more than one direction, the overall weight of the assembly can be reduced.  
         [0018]     In general, the invention is composed of a triangular three-link structure. The seat post is contained within the first link. The seat is contained within the second link. A third link acts as a support structure between the first and second and completes the triangular structure. Each link or link assembly provides structural support in more than one direction.  
         [0019]     In more detail, the invention is composed of three links. Each link can rotate about two pivot axes. The first link is attached to or contains the seat post. The seat is attached into the second link. One pivot of the first link is attached to one pivot of the second link. The third link is attached between the other pivots of the first and second links. Horizontal position is adjusted by changing the horizontal clamping location of the seat or seat rails. Angular position is adjusted by changing the distance between at least two of the pivot axes. Depending on the type of attachment the pivot axes can remain free to rotate or lock in place. Weight savings can be increased by appropriately locating the pivot attachments of the three-link structure in close proximity to the seat post and/or seat rails. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the first embodiment along with the seat.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the first embodiment showing the primary components of the present invention as well as the three pivot axes (shown perpendicular to the page).  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the first embodiment.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of a seat post.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6 -A is a perspective view of the inside of a pivot spacer.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6 -B is a perspective view of the outside of a pivot spacer.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7 -A is a perspective view of the outside of a seat rail support.  
         [0028]      FIG. 7 -B is a perspective view of the inside of a seat rail support.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8 -A is a perspective view of the outside of a clamping member.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8 -B is a perspective view of the inside of a clamping member.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a support link.  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the second embodiment.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the second embodiment along with the seat.  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of a seat post.  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the third and preferred embodiment.  
         [0037]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the third and preferred embodiment.  
         [0038]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a seat post.  
         [0039]      FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of a seat post reinforcement insert.  
         [0040]      FIG. 18 -A is a top perspective view of the left side of a pivot adjustment collar.  
         [0041]      FIG. 18 -B is a top perspective view of the right side of a pivot adjustment collar.  
         [0042]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of a support link.  
         [0043]      FIG. 20  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment.  
         [0044]      FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment.  
         [0045]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of a seat post.  
         [0046]      FIG. 23 -A is a top perspective view of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0047]      FIG. 23 -B is a bottom perspective view of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0048]      FIG. 24  is a top perspective view of a pivot adjustment collar.  
         [0049]      FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of a support link.  
         [0050]      FIG. 26  is a bottom perspective view of the fifth embodiment.  
         [0051]      FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of the fifth embodiment.  
         [0052]      FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of a seat rail support.  
         [0053]      FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view of a clamping member.  
         [0054]      FIG. 30  is a bottom perspective view of the sixth embodiment.  
         [0055]      FIG. 31  is a top perspective view of the sixth embodiment.  
         [0056]      FIG. 32 -A is a top perspective view of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0057]      FIG. 32 -B is a bottom perspective view of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0058]      FIG. 33 -A is a top perspective view of a seat rail support.  
         [0059]      FIG. 33 -B is a bottom perspective view of a seat rail support.  
         [0060]      FIG. 34 -A is a top perspective view of a clamping member.  
         [0061]      FIG. 34 -B is a bottom perspective view of a clamping member.  
         [0062]      FIG. 35  is a bottom perspective view of a support arm.  
         [0063]      FIG. 36  is a bottom perspective view of a support arm  
         [0064]      FIG. 37  is a bottom perspective view of the seventh embodiment.  
         [0065]      FIG. 38  is a top perspective view of the seventh embodiment.  
         [0066]      FIG. 39  is a top perspective view of a seat post.  
         [0067]      FIG. 40 -A is a top perspective view of the left side of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0068]      FIG. 40 -B is a top perspective view of the right side of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0069]      FIG. 41  is a top perspective view of a seat rail support.  
         [0070]      FIG. 42  is a bottom perspective view of a clamping member.  
         [0071]      FIG. 43 -A is a top perspective view of the left side of a support link.  
         [0072]      FIG. 43 -B is a top perspective view of the right side of a support link.  
         [0073]      FIG. 44  is a bottom perspective view of the eighth embodiment.  
         [0074]      FIG. 45  is a top perspective view of the eighth embodiment.  
         [0075]      FIG. 46  is a top perspective view of a seat post.  
         [0076]      FIG. 47  is a top perspective view of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0077]      FIG. 48 -A is a top perspective view of the left side of a support link.  
         [0078]      FIG. 48 -B is a top perspective view of the right side of a support link.  
         [0079]      FIG. 49  is a top perspective view of the ninth embodiment.  
         [0080]      FIG. 50  is a bottom perspective view of the ninth embodiment.  
         [0081]      FIG. 51  is a top perspective view of a pivot attachment member.  
         [0082]      FIG. 52  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment utilizing an adjustable support link assembly.  
         [0083]      FIG. 53  is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment utilizing an adjustable support link assembly.  
         [0084]      FIG. 54  is top perspective view of an alternate embodiment utilizing an alternate link arrangement.  
         [0085]      FIG. 55  is top perspective view of an alternate embodiment utilizing an alternate link arrangement.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0086]     Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of a few possible specific embodiments that show the essence of the invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention.  
         [0087]     It should be noted that like reference numerals are used to designate like parts throughout all figures and views. The hundreds digit has been used to help distinguish between different embodiments starting with  100  for the first embodiment.  
         [0088]     The reader will appreciate that the terms of relative position, such as upper, lower, front, rear, right(R) and left(L) are used with reference to a bicycle that is standing upright with both wheels on the ground. The reader will also appreciate that these terms are not intended to limit the invention. For example, the invention could be used in a rearward facing direction relative to the following descriptions thus reversing the terms right, left, front and rear.  
       Description—FIGS.  1 - 9 —First Embodiment  
       [0089]     The number  100  has been added to reference numbers to indicate this first embodiment.  
         [0090]     A simple embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . An adjustable seat clamping assembly  101  is used in conjunction with a conventional bicycle or like cycle seat  102 . A quill or seat post  103  is attached to a bicycle or like cycle (not shown) in any conventional method known to one skilled in the art. Two conventional seat rails  104 R and  104 L are attached to and extend below the lower portion of seat  102  to allow them to be clamped into adjustable seat clamping assembly  101 .  
         [0091]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , adjustable seat clamping assembly  101  is composed of three primary elements: a quill link  105 , a clamp link  106 , and a support link  107 , all assembled together to form a simple embodiment of the present invention. Quill link  105  is pivotally assembled to clamp link  106  to create an upper pivot axis  108 . Clamp link  106  is pivotally assembled to support link  107  to create a rear pivot axis  109 . Support link  107  is pivotally assembled to quill link  105  to create a lower pivot axis  110 . These axes are shown perpendicular to the page.  
         [0092]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-4 , quill link  105  primarily contains seat post  103 , two upper pivot spacers  112 R and  112 L, and two lower pivot spacers  113 R and  113 L. Clamp link  106  primarily contains two seat rail supports  114 R and  114 L and two clamping members  11   6 R and  116 L. Additionally, the seat rails are clamped into clamp link  106 .  
         [0093]     Seat post  103  ( FIG. 5 ) has an inner surface  119 , an outer surface  120  and a center axis  121 . Two upper threaded holes  122 R and  122 L are formed through the right and left sides of the seat post. Two lower threaded holes  123 R and  123 L are also formed through the right and left sides of the seat post.  
         [0094]     Upper pivot spacers  112 R and  112 L and lower pivot spacers  113 R (FIGS.  6 -A and  6 -B) and  113 L each have a bore  124 , an inner face  125  and an outer face  126 . Inner face  125  is shaped to contact the outer surface of the seat post. Additionally, pivot spacer  123 R includes an indicating mark  127 .  
         [0095]     Seat rail supports  114 R (FIGS.  7 -A and  7 -B) and  114 L have an inside face  129  and an outside face  130 , a forward bore  131 , a rearward bore  132 , a slanted clamping contact region  133 , a longitudinal groove  134  and a cutout  135 . Inside face  129  is shaped to contact the outer face of the upper pivot spacers  112 R and  112 L. The seat rails rest in the longitudinal grooves. Cutout  135  reduces weight.  
         [0096]     Clamping members  116 R (FIGS.  8 -A and  8 -B) and  116 L have an inside face  137 , an outside face  138 , a forward bore  139 , a rearward bore  140 , a slanted clamping contact region  141 , a longitudinal groove  142  and two cutouts  143   a  and  143   b . Cutouts  143   a  and  143   b  reduce weight.  
         [0097]     Support link  107  ( FIG. 9 ) has a calibration scale  144 , two cutouts  145   a  and  145   b , two bores  146 R and  146 L, and two threaded holes  147 R and  147 L. Cutout  145   a  allows for clearance around the quill link. Cutout  145   b  reduces weight.  
         [0098]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-4 , on the right side of adjustable seat clamping assembly  101 , an upper threaded fastener  149 R passes through the forward bore of clamping member  116 R, the forward bore of seat rail support  114 R, the bore of upper pivot spacer  112 R and threads into the right-side upper threaded hole of the seat post creating the upper pivot axis. A rear threaded fastener  15 OR passes through the rearward bore of clamping member  116 R, the rearward bore of seat rail support  114 R, and threads into the right-side threaded hole of support link  107  creating the rear pivot axis. A lower threaded fastener  151  R is inserted through the right-side bore of support link  107 , the bore of lower pivot spacer  113 R, and threads into the right-side lower threaded hole of seat post  103  creating the lower pivot axis.  
         [0099]     Forward, rearward, upward, and downward seat clamp assembly horizontal offsets can easily be provided by appropriately positioning the upper pivot axis.  
         [0100]     The left side of the assembly is assembled similarly using three threaded fasteners  149 L,  150 L, and  151 L.  
         [0101]     The upper threaded fasteners and the rear threaded fasteners are tightened to hold the clamp link in place at the upper pivot axis and the rear pivot axis. Additionally, when the upper threaded fasteners and the rear threaded fasteners are tightened, a clamping force is applied between the clamping contact region of the seat rail supports and the clamping contact region of the clamping members. Clamping force is also applied to the seat rails at the longitudinal groove of the seat rail supports and the longitudinal groove of the clamping members. The clamping contact region of the seat rail supports, and the clamping contact region of the clamping members contact each other to create a slightly downward clamping force on the seat rails from the clamping members. Additionally, the clamping contact regions keep the outside face of the clamping members generally perpendicular to the upper pivot axis and the rear pivot axis for proper threaded fastener head engagement.  
         [0102]     The lower threaded fasteners hold the support link in place. Additionally, when fully tightened the upper threaded fasteners, the rear threaded fasteners, and the lower threaded fasteners rotationally lock the pivot attachments in place.  
         [0103]     The upper pivot spacers, in combination with the seat rail supports and the outside diameter of the seat post, provide the proper clamp spacing between the seat rails in the clamp link.  
         [0104]     The assembly can be made of numerous materials utilizing numerous manufacturing techniques. By way of example only, this assembly is made of machined aluminum. It will be appreciated that any suitable lightweight material or combination thereof could be used with any corresponding suitable manufacturing technique including but not limited to composites, titanium, steel and magnesium.  
       Operation—FIGS.  1 - 4 —First Embodiment  
       [0105]     Horizontal seat position is adjusted by loosening the upper threaded fasteners and the rear threaded fasteners to allow the seat rails to slide forward and rearward within the clamp link to the desired position. The assembly is then tightened back up. Horizontal seat position can be adjusted independently of angular seat position.  
         [0106]     In this simple embodiment, angular seat position is adjusted by altering the distance between the upper pivot axis and the lower pivot axis. As this distance is increased the angular seat position will be tilted rearward, and as it is decreased the angular seat position will be tilted forward.  
         [0107]     Angular position is adjusted by swapping the seat post with different versions primarily having different vertical locations of the lower threaded holes. Each of these versions of the seat post defines a different distance between the upper pivot axis and the lower pivot axis and defines a new angular position. When the new version of the seat post is in place the assembly is tightened back up.  
         [0108]     Angular seat position is read by interpreting the relative position of the indicating mark of the right-side lower pivot spacer to the calibration scale of the support link.  
         [0109]     Horizontal offset is adjusted in this simple embodiment by swapping the seat post with different versions having different horizontal locations of the upper threaded holes. Additionally, each seat post version has a two position horizontal offset adjustment. Horizontal offset can be adjusted between two positions by removing the seat post, rotating it 180 degrees about the center axis, and assembling it back into the assembly. The exception to this two position offset adjustment is when upper pivot axis  108  intersects the center axis of the seat post.  
         [0110]     It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the threaded hole and fastener pivot attachments described above. Any of a variety of ways known to one skilled in the art can be used to establish the upper pivot axis, the rear pivot axis and the lower pivot axis including but not limited to pins, threaded inserts, t-nuts, sex bolts, and rivets. Pivot attachments can either lock in place or remain free during operation. Furthermore, the pivot axes and the attachment points do not need to be coincident.  
         [0111]     It will also be appreciated that the invention will not be limited to the location of the upper pivot axis and the lower pivot axis within the seat post. These pivot axes can be located by an adapter member attached to a seat post or by other components attached to a seat post. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that with respect to the pivot axes the terms upper, lower and rear have been used for example only and are not meant to limit the location of any one pivot above, below or behind another.  
         [0112]     It will also be appreciated that the present invention will not be limited to the seat rail clamping scheme described above. Any scheme or structure known to one skilled in the art that could be used to attach a seat to the clamp link can be used, including but not limited to schemes with single seat rails or a plurality of seat rails. Furthermore, the seat could be an integral part of the clamp link.  
         [0113]     It will further be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the angular position adjustment described above. This is only a simple form of adjustment. Any type of adjustment that alters the distance between any two of the three pivot axes will result in an angular position adjustment. Alterations of more than one of these distances can also result in angular position adjustment.  
         [0114]     It will still further be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the calibration scale and mark described above. Many other locations including but not limited to any of the pivot attachment locations can make a suitable location for an indicating mark or edge and complimentary calibration scale. Calibration scale locations can vary depending upon what type of angular adjustment scheme is used. The indicating mark and the calibration scale do not necessarily affect the structural performance or function of the adjustable seat clamping assembly and the present invention should not be limited in such a way as to require these elements.  
         [0115]     It will even further be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the right and left seat rail supports, the right and left seat rail clamps, or to the singular part or non-assembly support link. Some of these components can be combined and/or divided.  
       Description—FIGS.  10 - 13 —Second Embodiment  
       [0116]     A second and alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . It is nearly identical to the first embodiment described in  FIGS. 1-9  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only modified components will be described in detail below. The number  200  has been added to reference numbers to indicate parts of this second embodiment.  
         [0117]     This second embodiment is extraordinarily light and primarily demonstrates a novel and unique angular adjustment and calibration scale.  
         [0118]     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-11 , clamp link  206  has additional components. The seat rail supports as described in the first embodiment are divided into two pieces each, creating two upper seat rail supports  214 R and  214 L, and two rear seat rail supports  215 R and  215 L. Additionally, the clamping members as described in the first embodiment are divided into two pieces each, creating two upper clamping members  216 R and  216 L, and two rear clamping members  217 R and  217 L.  
         [0119]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , seat rail  204 L has a calibration scale  252 .  
         [0120]     The pivot spacers as described in the first embodiment are formed integrally into a seat post  203  ( FIG. 13 ) as upper bosses  212 R and  212 L and lower bosses  213 R and  213 L.  
       Operation—FIGS.  10 - 13 —Second Embodiment  
       [0121]     Independent horizontal position is adjusted by fully loosening the upper threaded fasteners, the rear threaded fasteners, and leaving tight the lower threaded fasteners. The seat rails are then slid horizontally to the desired position and the assembly is tightened back up.  
         [0122]     Angular position is adjusted by altering the distance between the upper pivot axis and the rear pivot axis. As this distance is shortened the angular position is tilted forward, and as it is lengthened the angular position is tilted rearward.  
         [0123]     Simultaneous adjustment is done by greatly loosening the assembly at each threaded fastener and pivoting the support link about the lower pivot axis while sliding the rear seat rail supports and the rear clamping members along the seat rails until desired angular position is obtained. At the same time, the seat rails are slid horizontally to the desired position. When both adjustments are at their desired settings, the assembly is tightened back up preferably starting with one of the upper or rear threaded fasteners.  
         [0124]     Independent angular position is adjusted by fully loosening the rear threaded fasteners, the lower threaded fasteners, and partially loosening the upper threaded fasteners just enough to allow the clamp link to pivot about the upper pivot axis without allowing the seat rails to slide within the upper seat rail supports and the upper clamping members. The rear seat rail supports and the rear clamping members are then slid forward or backward along the seat rails until the desired angular position is achieved. The assembly is then tightened back up.  
         [0125]     Angular position is read by interpreting the location of the left side rear clamping member with respect to the calibration scale of the support link.  
         [0126]     It will be appreciated that this embodiment describes only one of many possible schemes for adjusting angular position by altering distance between the upper pivot axis and the rear pivot axis.  
         [0127]     It will also be appreciated that the calibration scale described above is outlined for example only and other locations can be used with similar results.  
       Description—FIGS.  14 - 19 —Third Embodiment  
       [0128]     A third and preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 14-15 . It is nearly identical to the first embodiment described in  FIGS. 1-9  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only additional and modified components will be described in detail below. The number  300  has been added to reference numbers to indicate this third embodiment.  
         [0129]     This third embodiment is very light, and primarily demonstrates an additional novel and unique angular adjustment and calibration scale scheme that is easy to read and highly visible.  
         [0130]     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-15 , quill link  305  has two additional components: a pivot adjustment collar  353  and a seat post reinforcement insert  354 .  
         [0131]     Seat post  303  ( FIG. 16 ) has an inner surface  319 , an outer surface  320 , and two upper threaded holes  322 R and  322 L. Additionally, seat post  303  has a calibration scale  355 .  
         [0132]     Seat post reinforcement insert  354  ( FIG. 17 ) has an outer surface  357  and two threaded holes  358 R and  358 L. Outer surface  357  has a slightly smaller diameter than the inner surface of the seat post.  
         [0133]     Referring to FIGS.  18 -A and  18 -B, pivot adjustment collar  353  has an inside surface  359 , two holes  360 R and  360 L, a cutout  361 , and two bores  362 R and  362 L. The inside surface has nearly the same diameter as the outer surface of the seat post.  
         [0134]     Referring to  FIG. 19 , support link  307  has two cutouts  345   a  and  345   b , a bore  346 , two threaded holes  347 R and  347 L, two bosses  363 R and  363 L, and a lower threaded hole  364 . Cutout  345   b  reduces weight. Bosses  372 R and  372 L are shaped to abut and interlock with the right and left bores of the pivot adjustment collar.  
         [0135]     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-15 , seat post reinforcement insert  354  is inserted and bonded into seat post  303 . The right and left upper threaded holes of the seat post and the right and left threaded holes of the seat post reinforcement insert are then created simultaneously to assure proper thread engagement. The seat post reinforcement insert helps distribute the loads at the upper pivot axis into the seat post, and it provides additional thread engagement length for the upper threaded fasteners.  
         [0136]     The right and left bosses of the support link are inserted into the right and left bores of the pivot adjustment collar. The pivot adjustment collar is placed over the outer surface of the seat post. A lower threaded fastener  351  passes through the bore of the support link, through the right and left holes of the pivot adjustment collar, and threads into the lower threaded hole of the support link. The remainder of the adjustable seat clamping assembly is assembled in a similar manner as the first embodiment.  
         [0137]     The lower threaded fastener serves two main purposes. It attaches the quill link to the support link and it provides clamping force to the pivot adjustment collar locking it in place on the seat post.  
       Operation—FIGS.  14 - 15 —Third Embodiment  
       [0138]     Horizontal seat position is adjusted similarly to the first embodiment and can be adjusted independently of angular position.  
         [0139]     Angular seat position is adjusted by altering the distance between the upper pivot axis and the lower pivot axis. As this distance is increased the angular seat position is tilted forward, and as it is decreased the angular seat position is tilted rearward.  
         [0140]     Angular seat position is adjusted independently by first slightly loosening the upper threaded fasteners, the rear threaded fasteners, and greatly loosening the lower threaded fastener. This allows rotation about the upper pivot axis, the rear pivot axis, and the lower pivot axis. It also allows the pivot adjustment collar to slide along the seat post, altering the distance between the upper pivot axis and the lower pivot axis. As the pivot adjustment collar is moved up the angular position is tilted forward, and as it is moved down the angular position is tilted rearward.  
         [0141]     Angular position is indicated by interpreting the relative position of the adjustment collar to the calibration scale of the seat post.  
         [0142]     It will be appreciated that the present invention should not be limited to the bonded in seat post reinforcement insert described above. Any attachment technique known to one skilled in the art could be used such as but not limited to press-fit, welding, or threading. Alternatively, no attachment technique is needed since upper threaded fasteners  349 R and  349 L will hold the seat post reinforcement insert in place. Additionally, it can be integrally formed as a reinforced section of a seat post.  
         [0143]     It will also be appreciated that this embodiment describes only one of many possible schemes for adjusting angular position by altering distance between the upper pivot axis and the lower pivot axis.  
         [0144]     It will further be appreciated that the present invention should not be limited to the lower fastener as described above. Any technique known to one skilled in the art could be used to clamp the adjustment collar in place including but not limited to quick release mechanisms.  
       Description—FIGS.  20 - 25 —Fourth Embodiment  
       [0145]     A fourth and alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 20-25 . It is nearly identical to the third embodiment described in  FIGS. 14-19  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only additional and modified components will be described in detail below. The number  400  has been added to reference numbers to indicate this fourth embodiment.  
         [0146]     This fourth embodiment primarily demonstrates an adjustable seat clamping assembly with no horizontal offset.  
         [0147]     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-21 , quill link  405  has one additional component: a pivot attachment member  466 . The seat post reinforcement insert as described in the third embodiment is not present in quill link  405 .  
         [0148]     Seat post  403  ( FIG. 22 ) has no threaded holes and an outside surface  420 .  
         [0149]     Pivot attachment member  466  is detailed in  FIG. 23 -A and  FIG. 23 -B. It has an inside surface  467 , a boss  468 , and two threaded holes  469 R and  469 L. Threaded holes  469 R and  469 L locate the upper pivot axis such that the adjustable seat clamping assembly can have no horizontal offset. Inside surface  467  is slightly larger than the outside surface of the seat post.  
         [0150]     Referring to  FIG. 24 , pivot adjustment collar  453  has an inside surface  459 , a hole  460 , a cutout  461 , a threaded hole  470 , a boss  471  and a pivot bore  472 . Inside surface  459  has nearly the same diameter as the outer surface of the seat post. Pivot bore  472  locates the lower pivot axis. The diameter of pivot bore  472  is accurately cut to allow for a press-fit attachment of a lower pin  473  ( FIG. 21 ).  
         [0151]     Referring to  FIG. 25 , support link  407  has two cutouts  445   a  and  445   b , two bores  446 R and  446 L, and two threaded holes  447 R and  447 L. Bores  446 R and  446 L are accurately cut to allow tight pivotal motion around the lower pin.  
         [0152]     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-21 , the pivot attachment member is slid over the upper portion of the seat post and attached using an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive known to one skilled in the art could be used.  
         [0153]     Lower pin  473  passes through the right and left bores of the support link and is press-fit into the pivot bore of the pivot adjustment collar and attaches quill link  405  to support link  407  creating the lower pivot axis. The lower pin allows continuous free rotational motion of the support link about the lower pivot axis. Lower threaded fastener  451  provides clamping force to the pivot adjustment collar, locking it in position on the seat post.  
       Operation—FIGS.  20 - 21 —Fourth Embodiment  
       [0154]     Operation of this embodiment is nearly identical to the third embodiment using the lower threaded fastener to loosen and tighten the clamping force of the pivot adjustment collar on the seat post.  
         [0155]     It will be appreciated that the present invention should not be limited to the bonded on pivot attachment member described above. Any attachment technique known to one skilled in the art could be used such as but not limited to press-fit, welding, or threading. Additionally, it could be an integral portion of a seat post or it could be attached to the inner surface or top surface of a seat post.  
       Description—FIGS.  26 - 29 —Fifth Embodiment  
       [0156]     A fifth and alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 26-27 . It is nearly identical to the third embodiment described in  FIGS. 14-19  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only additional and modified components will be described in detail below. The number  500  has been added to reference numbers to indicate this fifth embodiment.  
         [0157]     This fifth embodiment primarily demonstrates a simpler independent adjustment scheme.  
         [0158]     Referring to  FIGS. 26-27 , clamp link  506  has two additional components: two central threaded fasteners  574 R and  574 L.  
         [0159]     Seat rail supports  514 R ( FIG. 28 ) and  514 L are modified to have a central threaded hole  575 .  
         [0160]     Clamping members  516 R ( FIG. 29 ) and  516 L are modified to allow clearance for and around the upper threaded fasteners and the rear threaded fasteners. They additionally have a central bore  576 .  
         [0161]     Referring now to  FIGS. 26-27 , upper threaded fasteners  549 R and  549 L and rear threaded fasteners  550 R and  550 L attach the clamp link to the quill link and the support link respectively without contacting the clamping members. Central threaded fasteners  574 R and  574 L pass through the central bore of the clamping members, thread into the central threaded hole of the seat rail supports, and clamp the seat rails in place.  
       Operation—FIGS.  26 - 27 —Fifth Embodiment  
       [0162]     Horizontal position is adjusted by loosening the central threaded fasteners until the seat rails slide freely within the clamp link. When the desired position is obtained, the central threaded fasteners are tightened back up.  
         [0163]     Angular position is adjusted independently by loosening the upper threaded fasteners, the rear threaded fasteners, and the lower threaded fastener until all pivots are free to rotate and the pivot adjustment collar is free to slide along the seat post. When the desired angular position is obtained the assembly is then tightened back up.  
       Description—FIGS.  30 - 36 —Sixth Embodiment  
       [0164]     A sixth and alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 30-31 . It is similar the third embodiment described in  FIGS. 14-19  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only additional and modified components will be described in detail below. The number  600  has been added to reference numbers to indicate this sixth embodiment.  
         [0165]     This sixth embodiment primarily demonstrates an alternative seat clamping scheme and a divided support link.  
         [0166]     Referring now to  FIGS. 30-31 , quill link  605  has one additional component: a pivot attachment member  666 . Clamp link  606  has two additional components: central threaded fasteners  674 R and  674 L. Additionally, it has a singular clamping member  616 . Support link  607  has two components: two support arms  677 R and  677 L. Seat post  603  has no threaded holes.  
         [0167]     Referring to  FIG. 32 -A and  FIG. 32 -B, pivot attachment member  666  has an inside surface  667 , a boss  668 , and two threaded holes  669 R and  669 L. Inside surface  667  is slightly larger than the outer surface of the seat post.  
         [0168]     Seat rail supports  614 R (FIGS.  34 -A and  34 -B) and  614 L are modified and have an inside face  629 , an outside face  630 , a forward bore  631 , a rearward bore  632 , a longitudinal groove  634 , a central bore  676 , a clamping tab  679 , and a clamping contact boss  680 .  
         [0169]     Clamping member  616  ( FIG. 35 ) has two longitudinal grooves  642 R and  642 L, two central threaded holes  675 R and  675 L, and a bottom surface  681 .  
         [0170]     Support arms  677 R ( FIG. 35 ) and  677 L ( FIG. 36 ) each have a boss  663  and a threaded hole  647 . Additionally, support arm  677 R has a threaded hole  664  through boss  663 , and support arm  677 L has a bore  646  through boss  663 .  
         [0171]     Referring now to  FIGS. 30-31 , upper threaded fasteners  649 R and  649 L attach the clamp link to the quill link. Rear threaded fasteners  650 R and  650 L attach the clamp link to the support link at the threaded hole of the support arms. The central threaded fasteners pass through the central bore of the seat rail supports, and thread into the central threaded holes of the clamping member.  
         [0172]     The seat rail supports in combination with the clamping member and the central threaded fasteners clamp the seat rails. The clamping contact boss of the seat rail supports contacts the bottom surface of the clamping member just after the central threaded fasteners begin to tighten. This contact prevents twisting of the clamping tabs of the seat rail supports towards the clamping member about the seat rails. To apply clamping pressure to the seat rails the clamping member is designed to flex slightly as the central threaded fasteners are tightened.  
       Operation—FIGS.  30 - 31 —Sixth Embodiment  
       [0173]     The operation of the sixth embodiment is identical to the fifth embodiment but is repeated below for clarity.  
         [0174]     Horizontal position is adjusted by loosening the central threaded fasteners until the seat rails slide freely within the clamp link. When the desired position is obtained, the central threaded fasteners are tightened back up.  
         [0175]     Angular position is adjusted independently by loosening the upper threaded fasteners, the rear threaded fasteners, and the lower threaded fastener until all pivots are free to rotate and the pivot adjustment collar is free to slide along the seat post. When the desired angular position is found the assembly is then tightened back up.  
       Description—FIGS.  37 - 43 -B—Seventh Embodiment  
       [0176]     A seventh and alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 37-38 . It is similar the third embodiment described in  FIGS. 14-19  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only additional and modified components will be described in detail below. The number  700  has been added to reference numbers to indicate this seventh embodiment.  
         [0177]     This seventh embodiment primarily demonstrates a simple independent adjustment scheme. It utilizes one threaded fastener for horizontal position adjustment and one threaded fastener for angular position adjustment.  
         [0178]     Referring to  FIGS. 37-38 , quill link  705  has one additional component: a pivot attachment member  766 . It has no pivot spacers. Clamp link  706  has one additional component: a central threaded fastener  774 . It also includes a singular seat rail support  714  and a singular clamping member  716 .  
         [0179]     Seat post  703  ( FIG. 39 ) has a precision bore  782  through its right and left sidewalls.  
         [0180]     Pivot attachment member  766  ( FIG. 40 -A and  FIG. 40 -B) has an outside surface  783 , and two pivot bores  784 R and  784 L. Pivot bores  784 R and  784 L locate the upper pivot axis. Outside surface  783  has a precisely cut diameter to allow for a press-fit attachment into precision bore  782  of the seat post. The diameter of pivot bores  784 R and  784 L are accurately cut to allow press-fit attachment of two upper pins  748 R ( FIG. 38 ) and  748 L ( FIG. 37 ).  
         [0181]     Referring now to  FIG. 41 , seat rail support  714  has two precision forward bores  731  R and  731  L, two precision rearward bores  732 R and  732 L, a cross beam  785 , a central bore  776 , and two longitudinal grooves  734 R and  734 L. Forward bores  731  R and  731  L, and rearward bores  732 R and  732 L, are accurately cut to allow tight pivotal motion around the upper pins and two rear pins  786 R( FIG. 38 ) and  786 L( FIG. 37 ).  
         [0182]     Clamping member  716  ( FIG. 42 ) has two longitudinal grooves  742 R and  742 L, one central threaded hole  775 , and four side cutouts  787   a ,  787   b ,  787   c , and  787   d . The cutouts all reduce weight. Additionally, cutout  787   a  provides clearance around the quill link.  
         [0183]     Referring to FIGS.  43 -A and  43 -B, support link  707  has one cutout  745 , a bore  746 , two precision holes  788 R and  788 L, two bosses  772 R and  772 L, and a lower threaded hole  764 . Precision holes  788 R and  788 L are cut accurately to allow press-fit attachment of the rear pins.  
         [0184]     As shown in  FIGS. 37-38 , the upper pins attach the clamp link to the quill link. The rear pins attach the clamp link to the support link. The central threaded fastener passes through the central bore of the seat rail support and threads into the central threaded hole of the clamping member.  
       Operation—FIGS.  37 - 38 —Seventh Embodiment  
       [0185]     Horizontal position is adjusted by loosening the central threaded fastener until the seat rails slide freely within the clamp link. When the desired position is obtained, the central threaded fastener is tightened back up.  
         [0186]     Angular position is adjusted independently by loosening the lower threaded fastener until the pivot adjustment collar is free to slide along the seat post. When the desired angular position is reached the lower threaded fastener is tightened back up.  
       Description—FIGS.  44 - 48 -B—Eighth Embodiment  
       [0187]     An eighth and alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 44-45 . It is nearly identical to the first embodiment described in  FIGS. 1-9  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only modified components will be described in detail below. The number  800  has been added to reference numbers to indicate parts of this eighth embodiment.  
         [0188]     This eighth embodiment primarily demonstrates a novel and unique angular adjustment scheme and calibration scale.  
         [0189]     Referring to  FIGS. 44-45 , quill link  805  has one additional component: a pivot attachment member  866 . It has no pivot spacers. Clamp link  806  is modified in a similar manner to the second embodiment. The clamping members are divided into two pieces each creating two upper clamping members  816 R and  816 L, and two rear clamping members  817 R and  817 L.  
         [0190]     Seat post  803  ( FIG. 46 ) has no upper or lower threaded holes and has two upper bores  882 R and  882 L.  
         [0191]     Referring now to  FIG. 47 , upper pivot spacers as described in the first embodiment are formed integrally into pivot attachment member  866  as bosses  812 R and  812 L. Additionally, the pivot attachment member has an inside surface  867 , two pivot bores  884 R and  884 L, a lower pivot clamping boss  889 , an indicating mark  890 , a lower threaded hole  891 , and a lower bore  893 . Inside surface  867  is slightly larger in diameter than the outer surface of the seat post.  
         [0192]     Referring to  FIG. 48 -A and  FIG. 48 -B, support link  807  has two threaded holes  847 R and  847 L, a lower pivot slot  894 , and a calibration scale  895 .  
         [0193]     Referring now to  FIGS. 44-45 , the pivot attachment member is positioned over the upper portion of the seat post, lining up the right and left bores of the seat post and the right and left pivot bores of the pivot attachment member, and is bonded in place.  
         [0194]     A t-nut type upper threaded insert  896 L passes through left side bore of the seat post, through the pivot bore of the pivot attachment member, and into the forward bore of the left seat rail support. Upper threaded fastener  849 L passes through the left upper clamping member and threads into the threaded insert. The right side is assembled in a similar manner.  
         [0195]     Lower threaded fastener  851  passes through the lower bore of the pivot attachment member, through the lower pivot slot of the support link, and threads into the lower threaded hole of the pivot attachment member. When the lower threaded fastener is tightened, the support link is clamped in place at the quill link.  
       Operation—FIGS.  44 - 45 —Eighth Embodiment  
       [0196]     Horizontal seat position is adjusted similarly to the first embodiment and can be adjusted independently of angular position.  
         [0197]     As in the first embodiment, angular seat position is adjusted by altering the distance between the rear pivot axis and the lower pivot axis. As this distance is increased the angular seat position will be tilted forward, and as it is decreased the angular seat position will be tilted rearward.  
         [0198]     Angular seat position is adjusted independently by first slightly loosening the upper threaded fasteners, rear threaded fasteners, and greatly loosening the lower threaded fastener. This allows rotation about the upper pivot axis, the rear pivot axis, and the lower pivot axis. It also allows the support link to slide freely along the lower pivot slot within the lower pivot clamping boss of the pivot attachment member. When the desired angular position is reached the assembly is tightened back up. As the support link is slid in an upward direction the angular position is tilted forward, and as it is slid in a downward direction the angular position is tilted rearward.  
         [0199]     Angular seat position is indicated by interpreting the relative position of the indicating mark of the pivot attachment member to the calibration scale of the support link.  
         [0200]     It will be appreciated that this embodiment describes only one of many possible schemes for adjusting angular position by altering distance between the rear pivot axis and the lower pivot axis.  
       Description—FIGS.  49 - 51 —Ninth Embodiment  
       [0201]     A ninth and alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 40-50 . It is nearly identical to the fourth embodiment described in  FIGS. 20-25  above and the description thereof will not be repeated. Only additional and modified components will be described in detail below. The number  900  has been added to reference numbers to indicate this ninth embodiment.  
         [0202]     This ninth embodiment primarily demonstrates the alteration of the position of more than one of the pivot axes within one seat clamping assembly. In this embodiment, the additional adjustment creates a novel and unique adjustable horizontal offset without altering the seat clamping area.  
         [0203]     Referring to  FIG. 51 , pivot attachment member  966  has two bosses  997 R and  997 L, two upper pivot adjustment slots  998 R and  998 L, and a horizontal offset calibration scale  999 . The upper pivot adjustment slots allow the location of the upper pivot axis to be adjusted horizontally.  
         [0204]     Referring now to  FIGS. 49-50 , two t-nuts or upper threaded inserts  996 R and  996 L pass through the upper pivot adjustment slots of the pivot attachment member and into the forward bore of the right and left seat rail supports. Two upper threaded fasteners  949 R and  949 L pass through the forward bore of the right and left clamping members and thread into the right and left upper threaded inserts.  
       Operation—FIGS.  49 - 50 —Ninth Embodiment  
       [0205]     Horizontal position and angular position are adjusted in a similar manner to the fourth embodiment.  
         [0206]     Horizontal offset is adjusted by shifting the upper pivot axis forward and rearward.  
         [0207]     Horizontal offset is adjusted by loosening the upper threaded fasteners and the rear threaded fasteners. The location of the upper pivot axis is then slid forward or backward along the upper pivot adjustment slots to the desired position. The assembly is then tightened back up. This is also an alternative method of angular position adjustment.  
         [0208]     Horizontal offset is indicated by interpreting the relative position of the left side upper threaded fastener to the horizontal offset calibration scale of the pivot attachment member.  
         [0209]     It will be appreciated that this embodiment describes only one of many possible combinations of altering the distances between the upper pivot axis, rear pivot axis, and lower pivot axis. All three of these distances can be altered independently or simultaneously within any one seat clamping assembly.  
         [0210]     It will also be appreciated that the calibration scale described above is only one example of many possible calibration scale schemes for indicating the horizontal offset.  
       Additional Embodiments—FIGS.  52 - 55   
       [0211]     An additional embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 52 and 53 . This embodiment demonstrates an alternate adjustment scheme between the rear axis and the lower axis. This embodiment uses an adjustable support link assembly.  
         [0212]     Another additional embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 54 and 55 . It demonstrates an alternative link arrangement. In this embodiment, the positions of the clamp link and the support link are exchanged. This embodiment also demonstrates an inserted pivot attachment member and an adjustment collar. CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION  
         [0213]     Thus the reader will see that the present invention provides a lightweight, easily adjustable seat clamping assembly where angular and horizontal positions are adjusted both independently and/or simultaneously. It uses a three-link structure to reduce bending loads in its members and to efficiently reduce weight. It provides novel and unique angular adjustment schemes never seen in the industry. It also provides novel calibration scales and horizontal offset adjustments unique to the industry.  
         [0214]     While the above descriptions contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of certain embodiments. Many other variations are possible. These include but should not be limited to combinations of components of the embodiments described above, different materials of construction, alternate manufacturing techniques, alternate assembly configurations, and different attachment techniques.

Technology Category: 7