TWI855475B - Seat dropper remote device - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat dropper remote device has a base portion, central portion and paddle portion. The base portion has a mounting plate for mounting to a bar clamp on a bicycle handlebar and a base bolt hole. The mounting plate has a mounting slot to receive a mounting bolt. The central portion is connected with the base portion, receives an actuation cable, and includes a body having a body bolt hole. The device includes a paddle portion that is connected with the central portion, actuates the actuation cable, and has an assembly bolt cavity and an assembly bolt. The assembly bolt passes through the assembly bolt cavity, body bolt hole, and base bolt hole. The assembly bolt provides rotational adjustment of the paddle portion and the mounting bolt provides lateral adjustment of the paddle portion. The lateral adjustment, rotational adjustment, and actuation of the actuation cable operate independent of one another.

Description

Seat tube lift control device

The present invention belongs to the field of bicycle components, especially the height adjustment parts of bicycle seats.

In the performance bicycle industry, particularly downhill and mountain bike racing, the ability to reposition the body to adapt to riding conditions (e.g., going up a steep hill, down a steep hill, or riding on flat terrain) and produce optimal bicycle control, pedaling power, and/or comfort, for example, by adjusting the height of the seat to adjust the rider's center of gravity.

Many existing height-adjustable bicycle seatposts allow the rider to adjust the seat height to different positions while riding. The seatpost typically includes a telescoping tube structure mounted on the bicycle frame. These tubes are secured in the desired position by hydraulic (e.g., gas/oil) or mechanical mechanisms (e.g., pins passing through the tubes and aligned with alignment holes), and a spring is used to apply a restoring force to return the seat height to the adjusted position. For example, in a mechanical mechanism, the lock pin may be activated by actuating an actuator (e.g., a pull button directly connected to the lock pin), or a remotely located switch/paddle control device (e.g., an actuator mounted directly to the handle or mounted thereto) may be connected from the lock pin via a flexible transmission cable (e.g., a hydraulic cable). For example, in a hydraulic mechanism, the valve may be opened (via the drive cable) by pressing the switch/paddle control device to allow the pipe to move freely, and once the valve is closed (transmission cable is released), the spring may lock in place using opposing pressure.

The rider's weight on the seat applies a shear force between the telescoping tube structure, which is resisted by the locking pin; when the rider wishes to adjust the position of the seat, he or she activates the mechanism to remove the locking pin from the alignment hole in the telescoping tube, while simultaneously lifting his or her weight off the seat to reduce the shear force and withdraw the locking pin from the alignment hole.

It is also a plus that the bicycle controls and parts are light and easy to use, especially since riders are sensitive to invariance on the grips. It is desirable for components to take up as little space as possible for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Riders also appreciate ergonomic equipment that conforms to their hand position during riding. Many conventional seat adjustment controls have limited adjustment capabilities and cannot be adequately adjusted to suit the rider's preferences or body structure.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved adjustable bicycle control seat that is portable, lightweight, ergonomic and adaptable to existing bicycle components.

This article describes devices, systems, and methods that can be used to control the height adjustment of a bicycle seat.

One embodiment relates to a seat lift control device having a base portion, a center portion, and an extension. The base portion has a rod fixing plate and a base bolt hole for mounting to a bicycle handlebar. The fixing plate has a receiving groove for receiving a bolt.

The center portion is connected to the base portion, can accommodate the drive cable, and includes a body with a bolt hole. The device includes an extension portion connected to the center portion, driving the drive cable, and having a bolt chamber and an assembly bolt. The assembly bolt passes through the bolt chamber, the body bolt hole and the base bolt hole. The assembly bolt can be used to rotationally adjust the extension portion, and the assembly bolt can be used to horizontally adjust the extension portion. The horizontal adjustment, rotational adjustment and driving of the drive cable are independent of each other.

In one embodiment, lateral adjustment includes repositioning the assembly bolts to any point along the length of the receiving slot.

In another embodiment, the rotational adjustment includes loosening the assembly bolt, rotating the extension to a desired position within the rotational range of the extension, and tightening the assembly bolt.

In another embodiment, the receiving slot has a length of about 10 mm, and the base can be fixed to the rod clamp at any point along the length of the receiving slot by adjusting it laterally.

In another embodiment, the extension has a rotation range of approximately 45 degrees.

In another embodiment, the extension portion accommodates a cable clamp bolt, which is used to fix the drive cable in the extension portion, and the cable clamp bolt is fixed to, adjacent to and coplanar with the assembly bolt.

In another embodiment, the assembly bolts are used to allow for lateral adjustment of the extension, center portion and fixing plate relative to the rod clamp.

Another embodiment is a seat lift control device having a base, a connector, a center portion and an extension portion. The base has a fixing plate, an adjustment chamber and a base bolt hole, and the fixing plate has a receiving groove for receiving bolts. The connector is used to receive assembly bolts, and the connector is connected to the fixing plate through the assembly bolts, and the connector is used to connect the base to the clamp of the brake system. The center portion is connected to the base and includes a body that can receive a drive cable adjuster, and the center portion is used to receive the drive cable. The body includes a body plate, and the body plate has a body bolt hole. The extension portion is connected to the center portion, used to fix and drive the drive cable, and includes a bolt receiving chamber and an assembly bolt.

The assembly bolt passes through the bolt hole of the extension, the bolt hole of the center body and the bolt hole of the base. The assembly bolt is used to make rotational adjustment of the extension relative to the base, wherein the assembly bolt is used to make lateral adjustment of the extension relative to the connector, and the lateral adjustment, rotational adjustment and driving the drive cable are operated independently of each other.

In one embodiment, the connector includes a proximal connecting plate and a distal connecting plate, and the proximal connecting plate is used to accommodate the assembly bolts.

In another embodiment, the distal connection plate is located below the proximal connection plate.

In another embodiment, lateral adjustment includes repositioning the assembly bolts to any point along the length of the receiving slot.

In another embodiment, the rotational adjustment includes loosening the assembly bolt, rotating the extension to a desired position within its rotational range, and tightening the assembly bolt.

In another embodiment, the receiving slot has a length of about 10 mm, and the base can be secured to the bar clamp at any point along the length of the receiving slot by being adjusted laterally.

In another embodiment, the range of rotation of the extension is approximately 45 degrees.

In another embodiment, the extension portion accommodates a cable clamp bolt, which is used to fix the drive cable in the extension portion, and the cable clamp bolt is fixed to, adjacent to and coplanar with the assembly bolt.

In another embodiment, the assembly bolts are used to provide lateral adjustment of the extension, the center portion, and the mounting plate relative to the rod clamp.

It must be understood that all combinations of the aforementioned concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming these concepts are not mutually contradictory) are considered to be part of the subject matter of the present invention. In particular, all combinations of the subject matter of the patent scope disclosed at the end of this article are considered to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein.

100: Seat tube lifting control device

105:Assembly bolts

110: Extension

111: Grip

112: Tighten the bolts

120: Center

125: Cable adjuster

130: Base

131:Mounting plate

132:Fixing nut

133:Fixing bolt

200: Seat tube lifting control device

205:Assembly bolts

210: Extension

211: Grip

212: Tighten the bolts

220: Center

221:Entity

222: Motherboard

225: Cable adjuster

230: Base

231:Mounting plate

233:Fixing bolt

236: Storage tank

300: Seat tube lifting control device

301: Arrow

302: Arrow

305:Assembly bolts

310: Extension

311:Handle

312: Tighten the bolts

320: Center

321:Entity

322: Motherboard

325: Cable Conditioner

330: Base

331:Mounting plate

332:Fixing nut

333:Fixing bolt

336: Storage tank

400: Seat tube lifting control device

401:arrow

402:arrow

405:Assembly bolts

410: Extension

411:Handle

412: Tighten the bolts

420: Center

425: Cable Conditioner

430: Base

431:Mounting plate

432:Fixing nut

433:Fixing bolt

436: Storage tank

500: Seat tube lifting control device

505:Assembly bolts

510: Extension

511:Handle

521:Entity

520: Center

522: Motherboard

525: Cable Conditioner

530: Base

531:Mounting plate

533:Fixing bolt

600: Seat tube lifting control device

605:Assembly bolts

606: lining

610: Extension

611:Handle

612: Tighten the bolts

613: Channel

614: Cable bolt room

615: Bolt chamber

616: Internal thread hole

620: Center

621:Entity

622: Motherboard

623: Bolt hole

624: Adjustment pin

625: Cable Conditioner

626: Hollow rod

627: Adjustment tube

630: Base

631:Mounting plate

632:Fixing nut

633:Fixing bolt

634: screw hole

635: Adjustment room

636: Storage tank

700: Seat tube lifting control device

701: Arrow

702: Arrow

705:Assembly bolts

710: Extension

711:Handle

712: Tighten the bolts

720: Center

725: Cable Conditioner

730: Base

731:Mounting plate

732:Fixing nut

740: Clamp

741: proximal half

742: Distal half

743: Rod clamp bolt

750:Bicycle

751:Bicycle grip

752: Grip

755: Drive cable

800: Seat tube lifting control device

801:arrow

805:Assembly bolts

810: Extension

811:Handle

812: Tighten the bolts

820: Center

825: Cable Conditioner

830: Base

831:Mounting plate

832: Assembly nut

840: Clamp

841: proximal half

842: Distal half

843: Rod clamp bolt

850:Bicycle

851:Bicycle grip

852: Grip

855: Drive cable

900: Seat tube lifting control device

901:arrow

902: Arrow

905:Assembly bolts

910: Extension

911:Handle

912: Tighten the bolts

920: Center

925: Cable Conditioner

930: Base

931:Mounting plate

940: Clamp

941: proximal half

942: Distal half

943: Rod clamp bolt

950:Bicycle

951:Bicycle grip

952: Grip

955: Drive cable

1000: Seat tube lifting control device

1010: Extension

1011:Handle

1012: Tighten the bolts

1020: Center

1025: Cable Conditioner

1030: Base

1031:Mounting plate

1050:Bicycle

1051:Bicycle grip

1052: Grip

1053: Latch lever

1054: Drive cable

1055: Drive cable

1060: latch connector

1061: Proximal connection plate

1062: Remote connection board

1063:Assembly bolts

1065: Clamp

1100: Seat tube lifting control device

1130: Base

1131:Mounting plate

1132: Assembly nut

1170: Connector

1171: Proximal connection plate

1172: Remote connection board

1173:Assembly bolts

1200: Seat tube lifting control device

1210: Extension

1211:Handle

1212: Tighten the bolts

1220: Center

1225: Cable Conditioner

1230: Base

1231:Mounting plate

1250:Bicycle

1251:Bicycle grip

1252: Grip

1253: Latch lever

1254: Brake cable

1255: Drive cable

1270: Connector

1271: Proximal connection plate

1272: Remote connection board

1273:Assembly bolts

1280:Brake clamp

The details of one or more embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, purposes and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings and the scope of the patent application, among which: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the seat tube lifting control device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of the seat tube lifting control device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a front view of the seat tube lifting control device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the seat tube lifting control device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a right side view of the seat tube lifting control device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the seat tube lifting control device of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the seat tube lifting control device of an embodiment of the present invention installed on a bicycle handlebar via a 22.2 mm clamp.

FIG8 shows that the seat tube lifting control device of the embodiment of the present invention is installed on the bicycle handlebar via a 22.2 mm clamp and adjusted laterally inward.

FIG9 shows that the seat tube lifting control device of the embodiment of the present invention is installed on the bicycle handlebar via a 22.2 mm clamp and adjusted laterally and downwardly.

FIG. 10 shows the seat tube lift control device of an embodiment of the present invention installed on a SRAM clamp via a Matchmaker connector.

FIG. 11 shows the seat tube lift control device of an embodiment of the present invention connected to the I-Spec EV connector.

FIG. 12 shows the seat tube lift control device of an embodiment of the present invention installed on the brake clamp via the I-Spec EV connector.

It should be noted that some or all of the drawings are shown in embodiments for illustrative purposes. The drawings are provided to illustrate one or more embodiments, but it should be clearly understood that they will not be limited to the scope of the patent application or its meaning.

In the following discussion, many specific details are set forth to provide a better understanding of the present invention. However, a person skilled in the art can understand and practice the present invention without these specific details. In other cases, well-known components, processes, or techniques are briefly mentioned and not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention in unnecessary details and descriptions. In addition, specific details may be omitted because these details are deemed not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are deemed to be within the scope of understanding of a person of ordinary skill in the relevant field.

Please refer to FIG. 1 , which is a perspective view of a seat tube lift control device 100 of an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the seat tube lift control device 100 is suitable for structural and operational integration with a standard bicycle (also referred to herein as a "bicycle"), which is integrated with an adjustable height seat post using a control-actuated component adjustment system. Typically, with respect to structural integration, a number of specialized clamps and optional connectors are provided to connect the seat tube lift control device 100 to a bicycle handlebar (see FIGS. 7 to 10 and 12 ). In the following discussion, unless otherwise stated, references to directional movement and spatial orientation (e.g., up/down, above/below, top/base, front/back, left/right) apply to orientation and for mounting the seat tube lift control device 100 on a bicycle, but not necessarily relative to the specific orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The following discussion will refer to a specific example of a bicycle installation in which the user contact area or thumb receiving area of the seat tube rise control 100 is associated with the top region thereof, and the width axis of the device (as a whole) is substantially parallel to the ground. However, it should be noted that the seat tube rise control 100 and the structurally associated clamp and optional connector can be completely rotated about the handlebar to implement an alternative arrangement during installation, so that in another embodiment, the thumb receiving area can be considered to be the front region, and the width axis of the device is substantially perpendicular to the ground. Additionally, references to rotational adjustment of the seat tube lift control device 100 may correspond herein to the range of rotation and may be equated to "paddle rotation" and "reach adjustment," both in reference to the device itself and in the context of a bicycle mount, particularly relative to the rider/user's thumb. Likewise, the term "pivot" may be used in the context of rotational adjustment and further describe its aspects relative to the origin of rotation, i.e., the apex of the angle indicating the range of rotation, and the associated assembly components pivoting about it.

The seat tube lift control device 100 also includes an extension 110, a center portion 120, and a base 130. All three portions are rotationally pivoted to one another about a single longitudinal axis through which an assembly bolt 105 is inserted proximally, and a clamping bolt 112 is inserted through the extension 110 adjacent and above the assembly bolt 105, and entirely within the same proximal region of the extension 110, which also has a grip 111 on its distal top surface. As described herein, the use of the words "upward" or "downward" in the discussion of rotational movement refers to movement over the surface of the grip 111 extension 110 distal to the area that is available to the user. The grip 111 overlaps the thumb receiving area described above. As shown in FIG1 , the clamping bolt 112 and the assembly bolt 105 are on the same side and in the same plane of the extension 110, that is, the clamping bolt 112 and the assembly bolt 105 are coplanar. The center portion 120 cooperates with the proximal region of the extension 110 through the assembly bolt 105, and has a cable adjuster 125 at its distal end, which is used to transmit precise adjustment of the drive cable by movement (see cable 755 in FIG7 ). In one embodiment, the extension 110 is made of aluminum, and the cable adjuster 125 is made of plastic material. The base 130 is also connected to the central portion 120 by means of assembly bolts 105, and further comprises a mounting plate 131 having a fixing bolt 133 and a fixing nut 132, which cooperate with each other by means of a receiving slot (see the receiving slot 236 in FIG. 2 ), which is provided on the mounting plate 131. The receiving slot 236 is also used to accommodate mounting hardware, in this embodiment, the fixing bolt 133 and the fixing nut 132. The fixing nut 132 is loosened by the fixing bolt 133, providing a slidable lateral movement along the receiving slot, which is almost along the entire length of the mounting plate 131 body. The fixing bolt 133 is directly tightened to the mounting plate 131. Although the complete installation process of the mounting plate is not fully described in one embodiment, some features of the mounting plate that can highlight the seat tube lift control device 100 are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the assembly bolts 105 and the clamping bolts 112 are made of stainless steel.

As discussed below and disclosed in the drawings, the installed seat tube lift control device 100 has a bolt connected to the mounting plate 131 via a connector and/or a clamp and passes through one or more different components before entering the receiving slot of the mounting plate 131. Therefore, the type of bolt that cooperates with the fixing nut 132 can vary and depends on the specific handlebar connection arrangement used. The user can use different length bolts with different head shapes and can be used for this purpose. According to the purpose of the present invention, loosening the fixing bolt 133 can be moved laterally and the fixing bolt 133 can be repositioned to any point along the length of the receiving slot. In this case, the operation will cause the installed seat tube rise control device 100 (including the extension portion 110, the central portion 120 and the base 130, but not including the fixing bolt 133 and the fixing nut 132. That is, they will be fixed) to move side to side relative to the connector and/or clamp fixed to the handlebar/bicycle. When considering the seat tube rise control device 100 alone (outside of the bicycle context), the reference to lateral movement refers to the movement/repositioning of the fixing bolt 133 relative to the mounting plate 131 and the receiving slot.

According to another object of the present invention, since the extension 110, the center portion 120 and the base 130 share a common assembly bolt 105, loosening the assembly bolt 105 allows the extension and the center portion to rotate relative to the assembly rotation portion of the base, around the aforementioned longitudinal axial cable overlapping with the assembly bolt 105. This operation can significantly change the position of the extension 110 within the rotation range of the extension, providing the user with rotation/extension adjustment. Each of the above-mentioned lateral and rotational movements is completely independent and infinitely adjustable, so that one adjustment will not affect the other, and there are no preset adjustment points within the available range. In addition, since they are operated independently of each other, the lateral and rotational adjustments can occur simultaneously or at different times, and will not affect each other due to the use of different structural components. This allows the device to be lightweight, economical to assemble, maximize lateral and rotational adjustment options, and minimize its footprint when installed by including only the components required for this operation. Furthermore, these operations can be performed almost instantly, without the need for disassembly or additional components. In one embodiment, the center portion 120 and the base 130 are made of aluminum.

Referring to FIG. 2, a top view of a seat tube lift control device 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The top surface of the extension 210 is depicted along with a grip 211 occupying a majority of the surface area at the distal end of the extension. The heads of the clamping bolt 212 and assembly bolt 205, shown in outline, protrude slightly from the proximal region of the extension 210 and are coplanar with each other. Similarly, the overall shape and location of the center portion 220 further includes a body 221, a main plate 222, and a cable adjuster 225, all of which are clearly visible in this view. The body 221 is a streamlined, slightly irregular shape that accommodates adjacent assembly components. The transverse portion of the body 221 extends longitudinally approximately parallel to the extension 210, extending a distance away from the body and toward the distal end of the extension 210 to form the main plate 222. The main plate 222 has a minimum thickness and is located between the adjacent extension 210 (at its transverse proximal region) and the mounting plate 231 of the base 230. The surface of the main plate 222 abutting the mounting plate 231 is a generally flat common surface with the body 221. The plane is bounded by the circular contour of the main plate 222 while minimally spanning the side of the body 221, that is, the body 221 has several angular variations in its form, but is generally cylindrical in other respects. The end of the body 221 opposite the main board 222 terminates in a connected cable adjuster 225. The base 230 also includes a mounting plate 231, a fixing bolt 233 and a receiving groove 236, which are connected to the central portion 220 and the extension portion 210 through the common assembly bolts 205. Like the body 221, the mounting plate 231 is an ergonomically shaped structure that corresponds to and accommodates the adjacent form of assembly. The receiving groove 236 is an elongated elliptical opening in the flat surface of the mounting plate 231, which is defined by a generally rectangular outline. The fixing bolt 233 can slide and be repositioned to any point along the length of the receiving groove 236 to facilitate lateral adjustment operations, that is, the lateral adjustment of the seat tube lifting control device 200 relative to the handle can use a hardware component.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a front view of a seat tube lift control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. An extension 310 is formed from a lever (also referred to as a grip or thumb switch) that is approximately half the length of the entire device 300. In a preferred embodiment, a grip 311 near the distal end of the grip includes a series of parallel ridges and/or grooves that are generally evenly spaced and extend away from the grip surface with minimal thickness to provide ergonomic operation of the device. As shown in FIG. 3 , the extension 310 maintains a generally curved profile that terminates at a proximal end at an angled shape corresponding to the body 321 of the center portion 320 to facilitate smooth independent rotation of the extension relative to the body during actuation of the drive cable. It should be noted that in the case of drive cable drive, the extension compression is completely independent of the extension, and the rotation operation is performed in the case of a range of adjustments, the latter requiring combined extension/center rotation and providing a method of fixing the adjusted position in place (by loosening/tightening the assembly bolts 305). The two sides of the proximal region of the extension 310 are essentially flat, that is, the back surface is particularly suitable for surface contact with the main board 322 of the center 320. The main board 322 has a curved profile similar to the above height, so that it can be matched with the proximal region of the extension 310 by a common assembly bolt 305. The clamping bolt 312 is located above and coplanar with the assembly bolt 305, which is of smaller size and is used to fix the drive cable. Similarly, the cable adjuster 325 connected to the right end of the seat tube lifting control device 300 at the far side and on the right surface of the end of the body 321 can be used for more precise drive cable adjustment, while improving the ergonomic overall profile of the device 300. The base 330 includes a mounting plate 331, a receiving groove 336, a fixing bolt 333 and a fixing nut 332, which cooperate with the rear surface of the main plate 322 through the general assembly bolt 305. Figure 3 shows the chamber in the mounting plate 331, which is a part of the fixing bolt 333 and the fixing nut 332, and its top surface is connected to the receiving groove 336.

With respect to the shared rotation between the extension 310 and the center portion 320, arrow 302 indicates the range of rotation; the range is represented by the angle θr. The vertex of the angle is approximately located at the center of the longitudinal axis of the general assembly bolt 305 described above, and the line of sight of the angle (along with arrow 302) is for ease of explanation only, and in the embodiment only the approximate range of rotation is shown, rather than the exact position of the range relative to the device 300. Loosening the assembly bolt 305 can drive the extension to rotate, and then tightening it again to complete the rotation adjustment operation. This rotational activity occurs without interference, between the extension 310 and the center portion 320, and between the mounting components of the base 330. In one embodiment, the rotation range of the infinite range adjustment is approximately 30 degrees. In another embodiment, the rotation range of the infinite range adjustment is up to 45 degrees.

With respect to the lateral movement of the seat tube lift control 300 as a whole, arrow 301 shows the range of side-to-side movement along the length of the receiving slot 336. The exemplary embodiment shown allows for infinite adjustment along the entire length of the receiving slot 336, so that (in a bicycle environment) the fixing bolt 333 can be loosened, the seat tube lift control 300 can be repositioned, and the bolt can be tightened to thereby re-fix the system at any point along the length of the receiving slot. This lateral movement occurs between the base 330 and extension 310 and the central portion 320 and the components thereon (including any components further contained therein) without interference. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 10 mm of infinite lateral adjustment is possible by this operation.

Please refer to Figure 4, which is a rear view of the seat tube lift control device 400 of an embodiment of the present invention. The insertion/threaded end of the assembly bolt 405 is visible, protruding from the rear surface of the mounting plate 431 in this view. By loosening the assembly bolt 405, the user can rotate the extension 410 and the center portion 420 around the assembly bolt 405 to change the distance between the extension (especially the area of the grip 411) and the grip, thereby taking advantage of the wide range of adjustment, as shown by arrow 402, tightening the assembly bolt 405 to complete the stroke adjustment operation. Similarly, the angle θr shows the approximate range of rotation of the extension in one embodiment.

The inserted/threaded end of the clamping bolt 412 extends partially from the proximal region of the extension 410, which is flat and abuts the center portion 420. The distal end of the extension 410, having a handle 411, is more curved. As shown, the largely obscured center portion 420 and the base 430 have a generally similar profile, especially around its proximal region near the assembly bolt 405. The center portion 420 terminates on the right side of the connected cable adjuster 425 mounting plate 431. Like the center portion 420, the base 430 is irregularly shaped, which corresponds to the shape of the adjacent portion to conform to ergonomics. For example, the mounting plate 431 is bent around the common assembly bolt 405 and has a profile that is approximately flush with the center portion 420 and the extension portion 410 in the same area, and almost in the middle of its height, the mounting plate 431 gradually becomes more rectangular and terminates in a wider upper mounting area of a large rectangle with rounded edges and corners and a flat upper surface, where the receiving groove 436 receives the fixing bolt 433. The receiving groove 436 has a minimum depth of the above-mentioned chamber that terminates in the receiving portion of the fixing bolt 433 and the fixing nut 432. Arrow 401 indicates that the fixing bolt 433 is moved/repositioned laterally along the receiving groove 436, that is, the lateral adjustment of the device 400 when the mounting member is fixed to the handle.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a right side view of the seat tube lift control device 500 of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The rotational and lateral positions shown in the figure can be understood as a standard mounting arrangement (as shown in FIG. 7 ) or a rest position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the extension 510 is approximately parallel to the handlebar (with the vertical axis of the base 530 approximately perpendicular thereto), and the fixing bolt 533 is centered along the length of the receiving slot in the mounting plate 531. In the rest position, the height of the entire seat tube lift control device 500 is approximately equal to the height of the single base 530. Due to the relative size and shape of the assembly components, the streamlined shape of the seat tube lift control device 500 can be further emphasized. The assembly is configured to be as light and portable as possible, while also improving the ergonomic characteristics, especially the characteristics of the extension 510. The handle 511 can be seen occupying a majority of the top surface of the extension 510. The cable adjuster 525 housing is shown, and movement allows the drive cable to be inserted into the housing during installation. The cable adjuster 525 is pivotally pivoted into the assembly, connected to the body 521. The assembly bolt 505 passes completely through the proximal region of the extension 510, the main plate 522 of the center section 520, and the mounting plate 531 of the extension. The base 530 protrudes from the rear of the mounting plate 531 through the axially aligned openings (see Figure 6).

Referring to FIG. 6 , a perspective exploded view of a seat tube lift control device 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The extension 610 further includes a grip 611 , a channel 613 , a bolt chamber 615 , a cable bolt chamber 614 and an internal threaded hole 616 . The extension 610 further includes a plurality of inserts, including a clamping bolt 612 , a channel 613 for assembly bolt 605 , which extends longitudinally along the entire proximal region of the extension 610 , and has an opening on the opposite side of the region through which a drive cable (see drive cable 755 in FIG. 7 ) can be inserted. The opening through which the cable enters can be seen in FIG. 2 . The passage 613 visible in the cable bolt chamber 614 is a cylindrical concave surface of approximately half (circumference) that supports the inserted drive cable. When the clamping bolt 612 is rotated and fixed, most of the surface of the inserted cable clamp is in contact with it. The cylindrical cable bolt chamber 614 basically accommodates the entire clamping bolt 612 or its head. The threaded portion of the clamping bolt 612 is threadedly engaged with the internal threaded hole 616, and the adjacent surface of the bolt head can be in close contact with the drive cable, thereby fixing its position. The cylindrical bolt chamber 615 for accommodating the assembly bolt 605 has a bidirectional recess around its front and rear end regions, which is located on the side of the inner opening of the smaller diameter to accommodate the two layers of each bushing 606. Specifically, each bushing 606 has a large diameter layer and a small diameter layer, each small diameter layer is approximately in the middle of the bolt chamber 615, close to the longitudinal axis of the extension 610, or on a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the extension 610. The embodiment of the present invention is to choose to use a bushing or a sliding bearing, thereby significantly reducing weight, rather than choosing a bearing with a rolling element. In addition, the bushing is lighter and more durable, and is also cost-effective to produce. The bushing 606 may be lubricated or non-lubricated, depending on the bushing composition and other factors, as known in the art, and reduces friction and wear between the inserted assembly bolt 605 and the bolt chamber 615. In one embodiment, the bushing 606 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The center portion 620 further includes a body 621 having a main plate 622, and an insertable cable adjuster 625 having a hollow rod 626 and an adjustment cylinder 627. The adjustment cylinder 627 is a mostly tubular structure having a concave and convex surface for gripping and adjustment. The cable adjuster 625 is inserted through an opening located in the central passage of the body 621. The main plate 622 has a bolt hole 623 located in the center of the main plate, and when the device 600 is assembled, the assembly bolt 605 can pass through the bolt hole 623, extend outward from the rear side of the main plate 622 and the rotatable adjustment pin 624 (shown in dashed lines in this view because it is not visible in this view), and be inserted into the adjustment chamber 635 located at the front end of the mounting plate 631. The free end of the adjustment pin 624 has a cylindrical projection with a circular rim and a flat end surface. The adjustment chamber 635 is an elliptical opening with a width similar to the diameter of the adjustment pin 624 and a length of about two to three times the same size. When the extension 610 and the center portion 620 rotate respectively, the adjustment pin 624 moves along the length of the adjustment chamber 635 and is bounded by two opposite sides (longitudinal) of the adjustment chamber. The structure between the adjustment pin 624 and the adjustment chamber 635 prevents the device 600 from continuously rotating around the base 630 during the rotational adjustment. The base 630 further includes a fixing bolt 633, a fixing nut 632, a receiving groove 636 and a base screw hole 634 contained therein, and the base screw hole 634 is screwed to the common assembly bolt 605. After the assembly bolt 605 is fully tightened, the components can be assembled together, and then the seat tube lifting control device 600 is prepared for installation on the bicycle handlebar or to complete the adjustment operation.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a seat tube lift control device 700 of an embodiment of the present invention is shown mounted on a bicycle handlebar 751 via a 22.2 mm stem clamp 740. A conventional bicycle 750 having a standard 22.2 mm diameter bicycle handlebar 751 and a grip 752 can accept a stem clamp 740 that can fit that diameter at its inner diameter. The conventional stem clamp 740 also includes a proximal half 741, a distal half 742, and a stem clamp bolt 743. The two halves of the stem clamp 740 are tightened together by the stem clamp bolt 743 to apply circumferential pressure on the contact surface of the grip, secure the clamp, and connect to the seat tube lift control device 700. The clamp bolt 743 passes through the opening in the distal half 742, is inserted into and completely passes through the tubular structure of the proximal half 741, extends out of the proximal half 741 and passes through the receiving groove (see the receiving groove 636 in FIG. 6). In the structure of the present invention, the clamp bolt 743 is structurally associated with the mounting plate 731 and the fixing nut 732 of the base 730 in the same manner as the assembly bolt (see the assembly bolt 605 in FIG. 6). Therefore, the threaded clamp bolt 743 is fixed to the mounting plate 731 by the fixing nut 732, and the proximal/distal components of the clamp 740 are fixed together. The lever clamp bolt 743 is then loosened to allow lateral adjustment of the seat tube lift control 700, as indicated by arrow 701, which shows the side-to-side movement of the mounting plate 731. This movement causes the drive cable 755 to be inserted into the cable adjuster 725, pass through the center portion 720 and the extension 710, and protrude somewhere near the bottom surface of the extension. The clamp bolt 712 is tightened to completely secure the cable 755, and the assembly bolt 705 is loosened/tightened to control an unlimited range of adjustment, and the rotational action is shown as arrow 702. The range of rotation indicated by arrows 701 and 702 is approximate and is provided as an example only of the range of extension rotation and the exact position of the range relative to the seat tube lift control 700. Typically, the user places their thumb on the grip 711 of the extension 710 and applies pressure to actuate the drive cable. This operation is similar to the rotational adjustment, causing the device to pivot about the mounting bolt 705, in this case affecting only the extension 710. By tightening the clamping bolt 712, the compression of the extension pulls the drive cable. Again, it should be noted that the cable actuation and rotational extension adjustment are independent operations. Each uses different structural components and both can be executed simultaneously or non-simultaneously without interfering with the other structure/function.

See Figure 8, which shows the seat tube lifting control device of the embodiment of the present invention installed on the bicycle handlebar 851 via a 22.2 mm rod clamp 840 and adjusted laterally inward.

A perspective view of an exemplary seat dropper remote seat tube lift control device 800 is depicted according to the present invention, mounted on a bicycle handlebar 851 via a 22.2 mm stem clamp 840 and adjusted laterally inwardly. The terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" as used herein refer to locations along the length of the bicycle handlebar 851, respectively close to and away from the longitudinal axis of the bicycle 850. To achieve this setting, the user can loosen the stem clamp bolt 843 from the assembly nut 832 fixed to the mounting plate 831. If necessary, the distal half 842 and the proximal half 841 of the stem clamp 840 can be separately adjusted. The user may then freely adjust the seat tube lift control 800, which has the extension 810, the center portion 820, and the base 830, laterally, as indicated by arrow 801, to the right (toward the center or longitudinal axis of the bicycle). This action may cause one or more top surfaces of the mounting plate 831 to slide along the distal bottom region of the proximal half 841. The clamp bolt 843 may then be re-tightened after the desired position is achieved. For example, a user with longer fingers may benefit from this inboard arrangement because it increases the distance between the grip 852 of the extension 810 and the grip 811. As a result of the change in arrangement, the user may wish to readjust the drive cable 855 via the cable adjuster 825 and/or the clamp bolt 812. The assembly bolts 805 are not affected by the operations associated with this arrangement.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the seat tube lift control device 900 of the present invention is shown mounted on a bicycle handlebar 951 via a 22.2 mm stem clamp 940 and adjusted laterally outward and downwardly. To achieve this outward setting, the user repeats the above-described loosening of the stem clamp bolt 943 through the distal half 942 and the proximal half 941, and then slides the mounting plate 931 outward to move the seat tube lift control device 900 away from the center of the bicycle 950 and toward the handlebar 952. Arrow 901 indicates the adjustment. Once the lateral position is changed as desired, the stem clamp bolt 943 can be re-tightened. The user may also choose to change the rotational position of the seat tube lift control 900 by loosening the assembly bolt 905 and pivoting the extension 910 and the center portion 920 about the bolt separately, thereby rotating these portions together relative to the base 930 which remains stationary. In this arrangement, the extension 910 is rotated downwardly away from the grip 952 as indicated by the arrow 902. This allows the grip 911 to be moved laterally closer to but vertically away from the grip 952, providing the user with a unique combination of position changes and making the seat tube lift control 900 suitable for a variety of grip styles and finger lengths. For example, such an arrangement may be beneficial to a user with shorter fingers but a looser grip. In any case, the addition of infinite-to-reach adjustment to the benefits of infinite-to-lateral adjustment allows for a wider range of fine adjustments of the seat tube lift control 900. As with the above-described actions associated with the inboard arrangement, the user may then choose to adjust the drive cable 955 via the cable adjuster 925 and/or the clamping bolt 912.

10 , the seat tube lift control device 1000 of the present invention is shown mounted on a SRAM clamp 1065 via a Matchmaker clamp connector 1060. Similar to the above-mentioned 22.2 mm clamp (see FIGS. 7 to 9 ), the SRAM clamp 1065 is connected to a bicycle handlebar 1051 of a bicycle 1050, adjacent to a handlebar 1052. The SRAM latch clamp 1065 includes a seat tube lift control device for connecting to a so-called "Matchmaker" connector (i.e., Matchmaker latch connector 1060), which further includes a proximal connector plate 1061 and a distal connector plate 1062. The latch clamp 1065 is used in a conventional manner known in the art on the side of the bicycle handlebar 1051 opposite the device/connector assembly. The latch connector 1060 is connected to the base 1030 of the seat tube lift control device 1000 by a drive cable 1054 that passes through the latch system. The latch connector 1060 is connected to the base 1030 of the seat tube lift control device 1000 by an assembly bolt 1063. The assembly bolt 1063 passes through the proximal connecting plate 1061 and is inserted into the mounting plate 1031 of the seat tube lift control device 1000. In one embodiment, Matchmake The latch connector 1060 is made of aluminum and the assembly bolt 1063 is made of stainless steel. As with the 22.2 mm clamp arrangement described above, the seat tube lift control 1000 can be adjusted laterally inwardly or outwardly by loosening the assembly bolt 1063. Similarly, the extension 1010 and the center portion 1020 can each pivot relative to the base 1030 to achieve an infinite range of approximately 30-45 degrees. In this connection arrangement, due to the possible increased thickness of the assembly/connection components, the user may wish to more easily position the extension 1010, especially the handle 1011, and this can be achieved through the dual adjustment capabilities of the seat tube lift control device 1000. That is, the fine adjustment and fixing operations of the drive cable 1055 can be performed by the cable adjuster 1025 and the clamping bolt 1012, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 11 , there is shown a perspective view of a seat tube lift control device 1100 having a connector 1170 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the connector 1170 is used to facilitate the connection of the seat tube lift control device 1100 to a Shimano I-Spec EV brake system (as shown in FIG. 12 ). Therefore, the connector 1170 can be configured for different types of brake connections. The connector 1170 also includes a proximal connection plate 1171 and a distal connection plate 1172, wherein the distal connection plate 1172 is located below and to the right of the proximal connection plate and extends in a direction away from the mounting plate 1131 and toward the clamp (see the Shimano brake clamp 1280 in FIG. 12 ). Therefore, in this embodiment, the distal connecting plate 1172 is positioned below the proximal connecting plate 1171 and is substantially offset from the proximal connecting plate 1171. Conversely, the proximal connecting plate 1171 is oriented toward the mounting plate 1131 and is positioned in a direction distal from the detent clamp. The connector 1170 is manufactured to conform to the contour of the mounting plate 1131 of the base 1130. The assembly bolt 1173 is inserted into the socket in the proximal connecting plate 1171 and passes through the mounting plate 1131. The assembly bolt 1173 is fixedly connected to the assembly nut 1132. The seat tube lift control device 1100 fixed by the connector 1170 can be connected to a Shimano brake lever assembly, as shown in the figure below. In one embodiment, connector 1170 is made of aluminum and assembly bolts 1173 are made of stainless steel.

Please refer to FIG. 12, which shows the seat tube lift control device 1200 of the present invention being mounted on a brake clamp 1280 via a connector 1270 (such as the connector 1170 of FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 10 (referring to the SRAM brake clamp 1065), the Shimano brake clamp 1280 is connected to the bicycle handlebar 1251 of the bicycle 1250, close to the handlebar 1252. It is connected to the connector 1270, which includes a proximal connecting plate 1271 and a distal connecting plate 1272. As shown in FIG. 12, the distal connecting plate 1272 is located below the proximal connecting plate 1271. On the side of the bicycle handlebar 1251 opposite the device/connector, the brake clip 1280 is connected to the detent lever 1253, which has a brake cable 1254 leading to the brake system in the usual way. The connector 1270 is fixed to the base 1230 of the device 1200 by the assembly bolt 1273. The assembly bolt 1273 passes through the proximal connecting plate 1271 and enters the mounting plate 1231 of the control device 1200. As with the SRAM detent arrangement described above, the seat tube lift control device 1200 can be adjusted laterally inwardly or outwardly by loosening the assembly bolt 1273. Likewise, the extension 1210 and the center portion 1220 can each pivot relative to the base 1230 to provide an unlimited range of adjustment within a range of approximately 30 to 45 degrees. As with the actuator connection arrangement described above, due to the increased thickness of the mounting/connection components, the user desires to more easily position the extension 1210, particularly the handle 1211, and to use the dual adjustment force of the control device 1200. Likewise, fine adjustment and securing of the drive cable 1255 can be performed by the cable adjuster 1225 and the clamping bolt 1212, respectively. The mounting bolt (see mounting bolt 905 of FIG. 9) passes through the extension 1210, the center portion 1220, and the base portion 1230, respectively, adjacent to and coplanar with the clamping bolt 1212. Various sizes and shapes of other brake connectors and clamps can be connected to different brake levers with the control 1200. New connectors can be manufactured to match new brake systems/brake levers, and the control 1200 can be highly adaptable to such products while maintaining the unlimited dual adjustment feature mentioned above.

Although what are considered to be preferred and embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, other modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on what is disclosed herein. It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments are illustrative in nature and not restrictive, and that a wide range of variations, modifications, alterations, substitutions, and in some cases, features of the present invention may be used without limitation and may also be used in conjunction with other functions. Based on the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art may foresee a variety of variations and modifications based on the present invention.

The foregoing description is intended to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations disclosed herein. Although the subject matter of the invention has been specifically described with reference to various drawings and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the invention.

As used herein, elements or steps described in singular form and beginning with the word "a"/"an" should be understood to exclude multiple elements or steps unless an exclusion is explicitly stated. In addition, references to "an embodiment" are not to be interpreted as excluding the existence of the listed features and additional embodiments. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly stated, embodiments that "include" or "have" an element or multiple elements having a specific attribute may include additional elements, whether or not they have that attribute.

The words "substantially" and "approximately" are used in this specification to describe and explain small variations, for example, due to process variations. For example, They can mean less than or equal to 5%. For example, less than or equal to 2%. For example, less than or equal to ±1%. For example, less than or equal to +0.5%. For example, less than or equal to +0.2%. For example, less than or equal to +0.1%. For example, less than or equal to ±0.05%.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology. The various functions and components described herein may be divided differently from the illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the subject technology, a person of ordinary skill in the art may make many changes and modifications to the subject technology. For example, different numbers of given modules or units may be used, different types or different types of given modules or units, given modules or units may be added, or given modules or units may be omitted.

It should be understood that all combinations of the aforementioned concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming these concepts are not mutually contradictory) are considered part of the invention disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claims appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered part of the invention disclosed herein.

1000: Seat tube lifting control device

1010: Extension

1011:Handle

1012: Tighten the bolts

1020: Center

1025: Cable Conditioner

1030: Base

1031:Mounting plate

1050:Bicycle

1051:Bicycle grip

1052: Grip

1053: Stuck lever

1054: Drive cable

1055: Drive cable

1060: Card connector

1061: Proximal connection plate

1062: Remote connection board

1063:Assembly bolts

1065: Card clip

Claims (14)

A seat tube lifting control device comprises: (a) a base, including a mounting plate for fixing a rod clamp to a bicycle handlebar, an adjustment chamber and a screw hole, wherein the mounting plate has a receiving groove for accommodating a fixing bolt, and the fixing bolt is used to connect the base to the rod clamp; (b) a central part connected to the base, the central part includes a body for accommodating a cable adjuster, and the central part is used to accommodate a drive cable, wherein the body includes a main plate, which has a bolt hole, and the main body has an adjustment pin, one end of which is inserted into the elongated (c) an extension connected to the central part, which is used to fix and drive the drive cable, the extension includes a bolt chamber and an assembly bolt, wherein the assembly bolt passes through the bolt chamber of the extension, the bolt hole of the main body and the screw hole of the base, wherein the assembly bolt is used for rotational adjustment of the extension relative to the base, and the fixing bolt is used for lateral adjustment of the extension, the central part and the mounting plate relative to the rod clamp, wherein the lateral adjustment, rotational adjustment and the actuation of the drive cable are operated independently of each other. A seat tube lift control device as described in claim 1, wherein the lateral adjustment includes repositioning the assembly bolt to any point along the length of the receiving slot. A seat tube lift control device as described in claim 1, wherein the rotational adjustment includes loosening the assembly bolt, rotating the extension to a desired position within the extension rotation range, and tightening the assembly bolt. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 2, wherein the length of the receiving slot is approximately 10 cm, and the base can be fixed to the rod clamp at any point along the length of the receiving slot by lateral adjustment. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 3, wherein the rotation range of the extension portion is approximately 45 degrees. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 1, wherein the extension portion accommodates a clamping bolt, the clamping bolt is used to fix the drive cable in the extension portion, and the clamping bolt is fixed adjacent to and coplanar with the assembly bolt. A seat tube lifting control device comprises: (a) a base, including a mounting plate, an adjustment chamber and a screw hole, wherein the mounting plate has a receiving groove for receiving a fixing bolt; (b) a connector for receiving the fixing bolt, wherein the connector is connected to the mounting plate by the fixing bolt, and the connector is used to connect the base to a clamp of a brake system; (c) a central part connected to the base, wherein the central part comprises a body for receiving a cable adjuster, wherein the central part is used to receive a drive cable, wherein the body comprises a main plate having a bolt hole, and the main body having a (d) an adjustment pin, one end of which is inserted into the adjustment chamber in the shape of a long hole; and (e) an extension connected to the central part, which is used to fix and drive the drive cable, the extension part includes a bolt chamber and an assembly bolt, wherein the assembly bolt passes through the bolt chamber of the extension part, the bolt hole of the body and the screw hole of the base, wherein the assembly bolt is used for rotational adjustment of the extension part relative to the base, and the fixing bolt is used for lateral adjustment of the extension part, the central part and the mounting plate relative to the connector, wherein the lateral adjustment, rotational adjustment and the actuation of the drive cable are operated independently of each other. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 7, wherein the connector includes a proximal connecting plate and a distal connecting plate, and the proximal connecting plate is used to accommodate the fixing bolt. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 8, wherein the distal connecting plate is located below the proximal connecting plate and is offset from the proximal connecting plate. A seat tube lift control device as described in claim 8, wherein the lateral adjustment includes repositioning the fixing bolt at any point along the length of the receiving slot. A seat tube lift control device as described in claim 8, wherein the rotational adjustment includes loosening the assembly bolt, rotating the extension paddle to a desired position within the rotation range of the extension, and tightening the assembly bolt. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 10, wherein the length of the receiving groove is about 10 cm, and the base can be fixed to the connector at any point along the length of the receiving groove by lateral adjustment. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 11, wherein the rotation range of the extension is approximately 30 degrees. A seat tube lifting control device as described in claim 7, wherein the extension portion accommodates a clamping bolt, the clamping bolt is used to fix the drive cable in the extension portion, and the clamping bolt is fixed adjacent to and coplanar with the assembly bolt.

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