US20060273635A1 - Bicycle seat clamp - Google Patents
Bicycle seat clamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060273635A1 US20060273635A1 US11/417,663 US41766306A US2006273635A1 US 20060273635 A1 US20060273635 A1 US 20060273635A1 US 41766306 A US41766306 A US 41766306A US 2006273635 A1 US2006273635 A1 US 2006273635A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- mount
- clamp
- bicycle seat
- bicycle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J1/00—Saddles or other seats for cycles; Arrangement thereof; Component parts
- B62J1/08—Frames for saddles; Connections between saddle frames and seat pillars; Seat pillars
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
- Y10T403/32254—Lockable at fixed position
- Y10T403/32532—Clamped members
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a bicycle seat clamp arrangement and, specifically, to an improved clamp arrangement for a bicycle seat having a beam-style mount.
- a bicycle seat is typically supported on a seat post, which extends upwardly from the bicycle frame.
- the seat is secured to the seat post by a clamp assembly, which is fixed on the upper end of the seat post.
- the clamp assembly is configured to permit both angular adjustment of the seat, as well as fore and aft adjustment of the seat, relative to the seat post.
- the seat may be adjusted relative to the other contact points of the bicycle (e.g., the handlebars and pedals) to enable a rider of the bicycle to achieve a proper fit.
- a common bicycle seat, or saddle includes a pair of tubular members, or seat rails, that extend lengthwise in a spaced apart relation on an underneath side of the seat. Each of the seat rails typically includes a substantially linear intermediate section, a portion of which is received by the clamp assembly.
- the known seat rails, and associated clamp mechanisms are generally adequate to hold the seat in a desired fore and aft position
- numerous disadvantages are associated with the construction of a bicycle seat incorporating seat rails.
- the seat rails must be cut, shaped and assembled to the base of the seat. Such manufacturing steps are labor intensive and result in the final seat assembly being relatively expensive.
- the seat rails often are constructed of a tubular metal material and, accordingly, are relatively heavy.
- the seat rails may become bent and, as a result, the seat may become tilted relative to the seat post. In some cases, the seat may become entirely separated from the seat rails in a crash, thus making the seat unusable.
- a bicycle seat having an beam-style mount may incorporate a beam (such as an I-beam) running lengthwise beneath the seat.
- the beam is integrally formed with the base of the bicycle seat.
- Such beam-style mount is lighter and less expensive to produce than traditional seat rails.
- difficulties have been encountered in providing a clamping mechanism that is capable of holding a bicycle seat having a beam-style mount in a desired fore and aft position relative to the seat post. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved clamping arrangement for use with a bicycle seat having a beam-style mount.
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a bicycle seat clamp arrangement comprising a mounting beam extending below the bicycle seat and defining a first surface.
- a clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mounting beam and defines a second surface.
- the first and second surfaces are configured to interlock in order to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp arrangement.
- the surfaces comprise a plurality of interlocking gear teeth.
- the surfaces comprise a plurality of projections and depressions, which may include a roughened surface texture.
- projecting surface features may be present on only one of the seat mount and the clamp and may deform a surface of the other when a clamping force is applied.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention are also useful with other types of bicycle seat mounts, including traditional seat rails.
- a preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mounting beam adapted to extend below a bicycle seat.
- the mounting beam extends lengthwise along the bicycle seat and defines a first length.
- the mounting beam also defines a first surface.
- a clamp assembly defines a second length less than the first length such that a position of the mounting beam may be adjusted relative to the clamp assembly.
- the clamp assembly is configured to selectively apply a clamping force to the mounting beam to hold the mounting beam in a selected position relative to the clamp assembly.
- the clamp assembly also defines a second surface. Portions of the first surface and the second surface include corresponding interference surface features configured to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp assembly from the selected position when the mounting beam is clamped by the clamp assembly.
- a preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mount adapted to extend in a lengthwise direction below a bicycle seat.
- the mount has a first mounting surface defining at least one protrusion.
- a clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mount to hold the bicycle seat in a desired position relative to the clamp assembly.
- the clamp assembly defines a second mounting surface. which defines at least one depression.
- the at least one depression and the at least one protrusion are sized and shaped to interlock and thereby inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp assembly from the desired position.
- a preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mount adapted to extend in a lengthwise direction below a bicycle seat.
- the mount has a first mounting surface defining at least one depression.
- a clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mount to hold the bicycle seat in a desired position relative to the clamp assembly.
- the clamp assembly defines a second mounting surface, which defines at least one protrusion.
- the at least one depression and the at least one protrusion are sized and shaped to interlock and thereby inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp assembly from the desired position.
- a preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mounting beam configured to support the bicycle seat.
- the mounting beam extends lengthwise along a portion of the bicycle seat and includes a web extending downwardly from the bicycle seat and a transverse section below the web.
- An outer surface of at least one of the web and the transverse section define a first plurality of gear teeth.
- a clamp assembly includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member.
- the first and second clamp members define inward-facing surfaces sized and shaped to correspond with the outer surface of the mounting beam.
- Each of the first and second clamp members define a clamping surface, which together define a second plurality of gear teeth configured to be interlockable with the first plurality of gear teeth.
- the first and second clamp members are configured to selectively apply a clamping force to the mounting beam to interlock the second plurality of gear teeth with at least a portion of the first plurality of gear teeth to secure the bicycle seat in a desired fore and aft position with respect to the clamp assembly.
- a bicycle seat including a mount extending below the seat in a lengthwise direction of the seat.
- the mount has a first non-smooth mounting surface including a plurality of projecting surface features which have a minimum height of about one-half millimeter.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle seat including an I-beam mount.
- FIG. 2 is a seat post including a preferred clamp assembly for applying a clamping force to the mount of the bicycle seat of FIG. 1 , as viewed from a rearward end of the seat.
- FIG. 3 a is a preferred clamp assembly illustrating the clamp in a first angular orientation relative to the seat post.
- FIG. 3 b illustrates the clamp assembly in a second angular orientation relative to the seat post.
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of an inward facing surface of one clamp member of the clamp assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member of FIG. 4 , taken along view line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is an end view of a rearward end of the clamp member of FIG. 4 , taken along view line 6 - 6 of FIG. 4 .
- FIGS. 7 a - 7 c illustrate a modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of gear teeth.
- FIG. 7 a is a side view of the seat mount
- FIG. 7 b is a rear view of the seat mount
- FIG. 7 c is a cross-sectional view of the seat mount taken along line 7 c - 7 c of FIG. 7 b.
- FIG. 8 illustrates another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of X-shaped protrusions.
- FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate yet another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of through holes.
- FIG. 9 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 9 b is a rear view of the seat mount.
- FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate still another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the sides of the lower flange of the mount include a plurality of hemispherical depressions.
- FIG. 10 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 10 b is a rear view of the seat mount.
- FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the lower surface of the bottom flange of the seat mount includes a plurality of gear teeth.
- FIG. 11 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 11 b is a rear view of the seat mount.
- FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate yet another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of hemispherical depressions.
- FIG. 12 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 12 b is a rear view of the seat mount.
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate still another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of hemispherical protrusions.
- FIG. 13 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 13 b is a rear view of the seat mount.
- FIGS. 14 a - c illustrate another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of gear-teeth-shaped depressions.
- FIG. 14 a is a side view of the seat mount
- FIG. 14 b is a rear view of the seat mount
- FIG. 14 c is a cross-sectional view of the seat mount taken along line 14 c - 14 c of FIG. 14 b.
- FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate yet another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the lower surface of the seat mount bottom flange includes a series of alternating semi-cylindrical protrusions and depressions.
- FIG. 15 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 15 b is a rear view of the seat mount.
- FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate still another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the side surfaces of the seat mount bottom flange include a series of alternating semi-cylindrical protrusions and depressions.
- FIG. 16 a is a side view of the seat mount and FIG. 16 b is a cross-sectional view taken with the upper portion of the seat removed.
- FIGS. 17 a and 17 b illustrate a further modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the side surfaces of the seat mount web include a series of alternating semi-cylindrical protrusions and depressions.
- FIG. 17 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 17 b is a cross-sectional view taken with the upper portion of the seat removed.
- FIGS. 18 a and 18 b illustrate another modification of the seat clamp arrangement of FIGS. 1-6 , wherein the lower surface of the seat mount bottom flange includes a plurality of hemispherical depressions.
- FIG. 18 a is a side view of the seat mount and
- FIG. 18 b is a bottom view of the seat mount.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic, side view of a seat and seat post illustrating a condition in which rocking of the seat relative to the seat post may occur.
- FIG. 20 is a side view of an inside surface of a modification of the right seat clamp member of FIGS. 2-6 , a portion of which includes a plurality of gear teeth having a wedge configuration.
- FIG. 21 is a rear view of the right seat clamp member of FIG. 20 .
- FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present seat clamp arrangement.
- a bicycle seat 20 includes an upper surface, or support surface 22 , defined by a seat base 24 .
- the seat base 24 may include padding and a fabric cover, which defines the support surface 22 .
- the support surface may be defined by the upper surface of a unitary seat base structure.
- a vertical, central plane C P generally bisects the seat 20 and extends in a lengthwise direction of the seat 20 , as indicated by the arrow D L in FIG. 1 .
- An elongated beam-style mount 26 extends along a substantial length of the seat 20 on an underneath side of the seat base 24 .
- the mount 26 is generally shaped like an I-beam in transverse cross section and is also bisected by the central plane C P .
- the mount 26 includes a vertically extending portion, or web 28 , which defines a pair of outwardly facing surfaces 30 and 32 .
- the mount 26 includes a lower end portion that forms a lower transverse section, or lower flange 34 , preferably having a greater lateral width than the web 28 . Accordingly, the flange 34 defines upper surfaces 36 , 38 on opposing sides of the web 28 .
- the flange 34 also defines opposing outwardly-facing surfaces 40 , 42 and a bottom, or downwardly-facing surface 44 .
- the seat base 24 preferably is wider in a lateral direction that the web 28 and, thus, generally creates and upper transverse section, or flange, of the I-beam mount 26 .
- a clamp assembly 46 is preferably supported on an upper end of a seat post 48 .
- the clamp assembly 46 includes left and right clamp members 50 , 52 , respectively, which cooperate to selectively apply a clamping force to the mount 26 .
- the clamp members 50 , 52 may be secured to the seat post 48 through any suitable arrangement.
- the clamp members 50 , 52 may be coupled to a sleeve 54 ( FIG. 3 ) which is press-fit onto, or into, the upper end of the seat post 48 .
- the clamp members 50 , 52 preferably are moveable in a lateral direction, as indicated by the arrows L in FIG. 2 , to selectively squeeze, or release, the mount 26 therebetween.
- clamp members 50 , 52 may include one or more through holes, or threaded holes, to accept corresponding threaded fasteners, which may be used to force the clamp members 50 , 52 toward one another.
- Other suitable arrangements apparent to those of skill in the art may also be used.
- the clamp members 50 , 52 include inwardly-facing surfaces 56 , 58 , respectively, which are configured to generally correspond to the shape the outwardly-facing surfaces of the mount 26 .
- the clamp members 50 , 52 define opposing surface portions 60 , 62 , which face surfaces 30 , 32 of the mount 26 .
- surface portions 64 , 66 face surfaces 36 , 38 of the mount 26 ;
- surface portions 68 , 70 face surfaces 40 , 42 of the mount 26 ;
- surface portions 72 , 74 face the downwardly-facing surface 44 of the mount 26 .
- the inwardly-facing surfaces 56 , 58 of the illustrated clamp members 50 , 52 form a generally I-beam shape, in alternative arrangements the surfaces 56 , 58 may be configured to conform to beam-style mounts having other cross-sectional shapes.
- the clamp members 50 , 52 are supported relative to the seat post 48 so as to be angularly adjustable relative to the seat post 48 (in the central plane C P ).
- the clamp members 50 , 52 are pivotable about an axis A defined by a support shaft 80 positioned on a forward end of the clamp assembly 46 .
- the clamp assembly 46 also includes an arcuate cutout 82 at a rearward end of the clamp assembly 46 through which another support shaft 84 may be passed.
- the support shaft 84 also interconnects the members 50 , 52 .
- the clamp members 50 , 52 may be secured relative to the sleeve 54 with the support 84 in any desired position within the cutout 82 to support the seat 20 in a desired angular position relative to the seat post 48 .
- Other suitable arrangements for angular adjustment of the seat 20 may also be used, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an inward-facing surface 58 of the clamp member 52 .
- a plurality of gear teeth 90 are defined at least by the surface portion 70 of the clamp member 52 .
- a pitch distance D P of the plurality of gear teeth 90 is equal to about 1 millimeter.
- D P may also be used. For example, larger pitch distances may be acceptable when precise fore and aft adjustment is not necessary or desired. Conversely, smaller pitch distances may be used when high precision of the fore and aft adjustment is necessary or desired.
- the gear teeth 90 are configured to mate with gear teeth 91 ( FIG. 2 ) provided on the outwardly facing surfaces 40 , 42 of the mount 26 .
- gear teeth 91 FIG. 2
- the gear teeth 90 and gear teeth 91 interlock to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the seat 20 relative to the clamp assembly 46 .
- the gear teeth 90 and gear teeth 91 form a plurality of alternating projections and depressions that mate with one another to inhibit slipping, or creeping, of the seat 20 relative to the seat post 48 .
- the gear teeth 90 have a sufficient depth to provide an interference fit between the gear teeth 90 of the mount 26 and gear teeth 91 of the clamp members 50 , 52 , respectively. That is, the gear teeth 90 , 91 mate with one another to create a sufficient resistance to relative movement between the mount 26 and the clamp members 50 , 52 , along the central plane C P , such that the seat 20 does not move relative to the seat post 48 during normal usage of the bicycle on which they are mounted.
- the preferred depths of the gear teeth 90 , 91 provide a safety factor to inhibit slippage of the mount 26 relative to the clamp members 50 , 52 in the event that the clamp assembly 46 is not adequately tightened.
- the depth of the gear teeth 90 , 91 is at least about one-half millimeter.
- the depth of the gear teeth 90 , 91 is at least about one millimeter and, more preferably, at least about one and one-half millimeters.
- gear teeth 90 may be disposed on other surfaces of the clamp member 52 and corresponding surfaces of the mount 26 in addition to, or in the alternative, of the surfaces on which the gear teeth 91 , 91 are disposed.
- the surfaces 62 , 66 and 74 of the clamp member 52 may also include gear teeth 90 .
- corresponding surface portions 32 , 38 and 44 of the mount 26 similarly may include gear teeth 90 .
- providing gear teeth 90 on the surface 70 of the clamp member 52 and surface 42 of the mount 26 (along with gear teeth 90 on surface 68 of the left clamp member 50 and surface 40 of the mount 26 ) has been determined to be adequate in preventing undesired fore and aft movement of the seat 20 relative to the clamp assembly 46 in common bicycle applications.
- the mount 26 and clamp members 50 , 52 are constructed of a plastic material.
- the overall seat assembly 20 and clamp assembly 46 may be relatively lightweight.
- manufacture of the seat base 24 is cheaper because the seat base 24 may be injection-molded (or otherwise formed) as a unitary structure. Padding and a cover (if desired) may be secured to the seat base 24 to form a complete seat assembly 20 .
- the preferred embodiments advantageously provide an interference fit between the mount 26 and the clamp assembly 46 to inhibit relative fore and aft movement thereof.
- the interference fit desirably comprises surface features on surfaces of at least one of the mount 26 and clamp assembly 46 such that a resistive force is developed in response to relative movement therebetween.
- the resistive force is sufficient to inhibit relative movement of the mount 26 and clamp assembly 46 during normal usage of the bicycle on which they are mounted.
- the surface features may include a non-uniform roughened surface texture.
- the surface feature may be present on only one of the mount 26 or clamp assembly 46 and may deform the surface of the other to create an interference fit therebetween.
- one of the mount 26 or clamp assembly 46 may include a roughened surface texture that deforms the surface of the other under a clamping load.
- a roughened surface would preferably provide the surface with a roughness average of at least about 32 microinches and, more preferably, at least about 63 microinches.
- the deformation need only be sufficient to increase the friction between the surfaces to a greater magnitude than the friction between two smooth surfaces of the same material.
- the surface feature may be provided by a member separate from the mount 26 or clamp assembly 46 , such as a set screw supported by one of the mount 26 or clamp assembly 46 and contacting the other with sufficient force to inhibit movement therebetween.
- a length L of the clamp member 52 is approximately one-third a length of the mount 26 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the length L of the clamp member 52 is approximately one and three-quarters inches and the length of the mount 26 is approximately five inches.
- the length of the clamp member 52 may be a lesser or greater proportion of the length of the mount 26 .
- the clamp member 52 includes a plurality of through holes 92 positioned below the clamping surfaces 62 , 66 , 70 , 74 .
- the through holes 92 are sized and shaped to accommodate the support shafts 80 , 84 to permit angular adjustment of the seat 20 , as described in relation to FIG. 3 .
- the through holes 92 are aligned with threaded cavities (not shown) of the clamp member 50 such that threaded ends of the supports shafts 80 , 84 may be utilized to apply a clamping force to the clamp members 50 , 52 .
- the clamp member 52 includes a threaded cavity 94 , which cooperates with a through hole (not shown) of the clamp member 50 to permit a clamping force to be applied to the clamp members 50 , 52 with, for example, a threaded fastener (not shown).
- a threaded fastener not shown
- an alternate number of through holes 92 and/or cavities 94 may be provided, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art.
- clamp member 50 is configured substantially the same as clamp member 52 , but is a mirror image thereof.
- FIGS. 7-18 illustrate some of the possible alternative arrangements of the mount 26 and the clamp assembly 46 .
- the examples of the surface configurations illustrated in FIGS. 7-18 are not considered to be exhaustive and, accordingly, other surface configurations may be used.
- FIGS. 7 a - 7 c illustrate a plurality of gear teeth 100 that extend outwardly from the surfaces 30 , 32 , or web 28 , of the mount 26 .
- the gear teeth 100 form projections that correspond with depressions 102 of the clamp members 50 , 52 to substantially inhibit undesired fore and aft movement of the seat 20 .
- the gear teeth 100 extend only a portion of the height of the web 28 .
- the gear teeth 100 may extend over a greater portion of the height of the web 28 , including extending the entire height of the web 28 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates the web 28 of the mount 26 having a plurality of X-shaped protrusions 104 .
- Corresponding depressions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 may be provided to interlock with the protrusions 104 and inhibit undesired movement of the seat 20 .
- the web 28 may include depressions and the clamp members 50 , 52 include corresponding protrusions.
- FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate a web 28 of a mount 26 having a plurality of through holes 106 extending laterally therethrough.
- Corresponding protrusions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 may be provided to engage the through holes 106 to inhibit fore and aft movement of the seat 20 .
- the protrusions may be of any suitable shape to interlock with the through holes 106 , including semi-cylindrical or hemispherical shapes, for example.
- the through holes 106 may be replaced with cavities that extend only partially through the web 28 from each side.
- FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate a mount 26 having a plurality of hemispherical depressions, or cavities 108 , formed into an outward facing surface 40 , 42 of the transverse section 34 .
- Corresponding hemispherical projections (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 interlock with the cavities 108 to inhibit, or prevent, undesired fore and aft movement of the seat 20 .
- FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate a mount 26 having a plurality of gear teeth 110 defined by a downwardly-facing surface 44 of the flange 34 .
- Corresponding gear teeth (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 may be provided to interlock with the gear teeth 110 .
- the gear teeth 110 each extend substantially perpendicular to the central plane C P ( FIG. 2 ), that is, across the width of the flange 34 .
- FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate a mount 26 having hemispherical depressions 112 formed by outwardly facing surfaces 30 , 32 of the web 28 .
- Corresponding hemispherical protrusions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 preferably are provided to interlock with the depressions 112 .
- the depressions 112 , and corresponding protrusions may take on shapes other than hemispherical and still function to interlock and inhibit, or prevent, fore and aft movement of the seat mount 26 relative to the clamp members 50 , 52 .
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate a mount 26 having a plurality of hemispherical protrusions 114 defined by outwardly facing surfaces 30 , 32 of the web 28 .
- Corresponding hemispherical depressions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 may be provided to interlock with the protrusions 114 .
- the protrusions 116 , and corresponding depressions may take on shapes other than hemispherical and still function to interlock and inhibit, or prevent, fore and aft movement of the seat mount 26 relative to the clamp members 50 , 52 .
- FIGS. 14 a - 14 c illustrate a mount 26 having a plurality of gear teeth-shaped depressions 116 formed on outwardly facing surfaces 30 , 32 of the web 28 .
- Corresponding gear teeth-shaped protrusions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 interlock with the depressions 116 to inhibit undesired movement of the seat 20 .
- the illustrated depressions 116 extend only a portion of the height of the web 28 , in alternative arrangements the depressions 116 may extend along a greater portion of the height of the web 28 , such as the entire height, for example.
- FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate a mount 26 including a series of semi-cylindrical protrusions 120 defined by a downwardly-facing surface 44 of the transverse section 34 .
- Corresponding depressions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 may be provided to interlock with the protrusions 120 .
- FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate a mount 26 having a plurality of semi-cylindrical protrusions 122 defined by outwardly-facing surfaces 40 , 42 of the transverse section 34 .
- the protrusions 122 extend the entire height of the outwardly-facing surfaces 40 , 42 , however, in other arrangements the protrusions 122 may extend only a portion of the height of the outwardly-facing surfaces 40 , 42 .
- FIGS. 17 a and 17 b illustrate a mount 26 having a plurality of semi-cylindrical protrusions 124 defined by outwardly-facing surfaces 30 , 32 of the web 28 .
- Corresponding depressions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 may be provided to interlock with the projections 122 or 124 .
- valleys 125 between the protrusions 124 extend to a depth beyond the outward surfaces 30 , 32 of the web 28 .
- FIGS. 18 a and 18 b illustrate a mount 26 having a plurality of hemispherical depressions 128 defined by a downwardly facing surface 44 of the transverse section 34 .
- Corresponding hemispherical protrusions (not shown) of the clamp members 50 , 52 may be provided to interlock with the depressions 128 .
- only one row of depressions 128 is shown, alternative arrangements may include more than one row of depressions 128 .
- FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a condition in which the seat 20 may pivot or “rock” with respect to the seat post 48 .
- the rocking motion of the seat 20 takes place in the central plane C P ( FIG. 2 ), as illustrated by the arrow R in FIG. 19 .
- rocking motion may also be present in a direction transverse to the central plane C P .
- the above-described designs may permit such rocking motion of the seat 20 with respect to the seat post 48 . It is suspected that the rocking motion is permitted due to an imperfect fit between the mount 26 and the clamp members 50 , 52 . Such an imperfect fit may be the result of normal manufacturing variations, such as normal machining variations or normal material shrinkage in a molding process. Due to normal manufacturing variations, a space, or gap, may exist between the respective mating surfaces of the mount 26 and the clamp members 50 , 52 . In some instances, the gap may be sufficient to permit rocking motion of the seat 20 with respect to the seat post 48 . Although the movement may be relatively small, it may nonetheless be an aggravation to a rider of the associated bicycle.
- FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a modified clamp member, referred to by the reference number 52 ′.
- the clamp member 52 ′ is substantially similar to the clamp member 52 and, thus, like reference numerals are used to refer to like components or features, except a prime (′) is added.
- the surface 70 ′ of the clamp member 52 ′ includes a plurality of gear teeth 90 ′, which preferably are configured to mate with corresponding gear teeth 91 ′ of a seat mount 26 ′ ( FIG. 21 ).
- other interlocking surface features may be provided on the clamp member 52 ′, such as those disclosed above in connection with FIGS. 7-18 .
- the surface 70 ′ is generally V-shaped and concave when viewing the inward-facing surface 58 ′.
- the surface 70 ′ forms a double-wedge shape. That is, the surface 70 ′ includes two portions that are offset from, or form an angle with, the central plane C P in the vertical direction.
- the double-wedge shape of the surface 70 ′ is configured to cooperate with a convex, V-shaped surface 42 ′ of the seat mount 26 ′, which includes the gear teeth 91 ′.
- the surfaces 42 ′, 70 ′ may include only a single wedge, that is, the surfaces 42 ′, 70 ′ may define only a single angle with respect to the central plane C P (instead of a V-shape) and the surface 42 ′ may be urged to toward the top (or bottom, depending on the direction of the angle) of the surface 70 ′.
- rocking motion would be inhibited, if not prevented, with such a single wedge surface configuration.
- the wedge surface configuration may be provided on other complementary surfaces of the clamp member 52 ′ and mount 26 ′ in addition, or in the alternative, to the surfaces 42 ′ and 70 ′.
- the wedge surface configuration may be provided on separate surfaces than the surfaces that include surface features to inhibit fore and aft movement of the seat 20 relative to the seat post 48 .
Abstract
A bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a bicycle seat having a mounting beam extending lengthwise on an underneath side of the bicycle seat and defining a first surface. A clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mounting beam and defines a second surface. The first and second surfaces are configured to interlock in order to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp arrangement. In one arrangement, the surfaces comprise a plurality of interlocking gear teeth. In another arrangement, the surfaces comprise a corresponding plurality of projections and depressions. The first and second surfaces may cooperate to form a wedge configuration to inhibit rocking of the bicycle seat relative to the clamp assembly.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/795,070, filed Mar. 5, 2004, pending, which is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/494,188, filed Aug. 11, 2003, and 60/452,641, filed Mar. 6, 2003.
- The entireties of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/795,070, filed Mar. 5, 2004, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/494,188, filed Aug. 11, 2003, and 60/452,641, filed Mar. 6, 2003 are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention generally relates to a bicycle seat clamp arrangement and, specifically, to an improved clamp arrangement for a bicycle seat having a beam-style mount.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- A bicycle seat is typically supported on a seat post, which extends upwardly from the bicycle frame. The seat is secured to the seat post by a clamp assembly, which is fixed on the upper end of the seat post. Typically, the clamp assembly is configured to permit both angular adjustment of the seat, as well as fore and aft adjustment of the seat, relative to the seat post. Thus, the seat may be adjusted relative to the other contact points of the bicycle (e.g., the handlebars and pedals) to enable a rider of the bicycle to achieve a proper fit. A common bicycle seat, or saddle, includes a pair of tubular members, or seat rails, that extend lengthwise in a spaced apart relation on an underneath side of the seat. Each of the seat rails typically includes a substantially linear intermediate section, a portion of which is received by the clamp assembly.
- Although the known seat rails, and associated clamp mechanisms, are generally adequate to hold the seat in a desired fore and aft position, numerous disadvantages are associated with the construction of a bicycle seat incorporating seat rails. For example, the seat rails must be cut, shaped and assembled to the base of the seat. Such manufacturing steps are labor intensive and result in the final seat assembly being relatively expensive. In addition, the seat rails often are constructed of a tubular metal material and, accordingly, are relatively heavy. Furthermore, in the event of a crash the seat rails may become bent and, as a result, the seat may become tilted relative to the seat post. In some cases, the seat may become entirely separated from the seat rails in a crash, thus making the seat unusable.
- To overcome these disadvantages associated with a typical bicycle seat incorporating tubular seat rails, it has been suggested to provide a bicycle seat having an beam-style mount. Such an arrangement may incorporate a beam (such as an I-beam) running lengthwise beneath the seat. Preferably, the beam is integrally formed with the base of the bicycle seat. Such beam-style mount is lighter and less expensive to produce than traditional seat rails. However, difficulties have been encountered in providing a clamping mechanism that is capable of holding a bicycle seat having a beam-style mount in a desired fore and aft position relative to the seat post. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved clamping arrangement for use with a bicycle seat having a beam-style mount.
- Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a bicycle seat clamp arrangement comprising a mounting beam extending below the bicycle seat and defining a first surface. A clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mounting beam and defines a second surface. The first and second surfaces are configured to interlock in order to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp arrangement. In one arrangement, the surfaces comprise a plurality of interlocking gear teeth. In another arrangement, the surfaces comprise a plurality of projections and depressions, which may include a roughened surface texture. Furthermore, in certain arrangements, projecting surface features may be present on only one of the seat mount and the clamp and may deform a surface of the other when a clamping force is applied. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are also useful with other types of bicycle seat mounts, including traditional seat rails.
- A preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mounting beam adapted to extend below a bicycle seat. The mounting beam extends lengthwise along the bicycle seat and defines a first length. The mounting beam also defines a first surface. A clamp assembly defines a second length less than the first length such that a position of the mounting beam may be adjusted relative to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly is configured to selectively apply a clamping force to the mounting beam to hold the mounting beam in a selected position relative to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly also defines a second surface. Portions of the first surface and the second surface include corresponding interference surface features configured to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp assembly from the selected position when the mounting beam is clamped by the clamp assembly.
- A preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mount adapted to extend in a lengthwise direction below a bicycle seat. The mount has a first mounting surface defining at least one protrusion. A clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mount to hold the bicycle seat in a desired position relative to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly defines a second mounting surface. which defines at least one depression. The at least one depression and the at least one protrusion are sized and shaped to interlock and thereby inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp assembly from the desired position.
- A preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mount adapted to extend in a lengthwise direction below a bicycle seat. The mount has a first mounting surface defining at least one depression. A clamp assembly is configured to apply a clamping force to the mount to hold the bicycle seat in a desired position relative to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly defines a second mounting surface, which defines at least one protrusion. The at least one depression and the at least one protrusion are sized and shaped to interlock and thereby inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and the clamp assembly from the desired position.
- A preferred embodiment is a bicycle seat clamp arrangement including a mounting beam configured to support the bicycle seat. The mounting beam extends lengthwise along a portion of the bicycle seat and includes a web extending downwardly from the bicycle seat and a transverse section below the web. An outer surface of at least one of the web and the transverse section define a first plurality of gear teeth. A clamp assembly includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The first and second clamp members define inward-facing surfaces sized and shaped to correspond with the outer surface of the mounting beam. Each of the first and second clamp members define a clamping surface, which together define a second plurality of gear teeth configured to be interlockable with the first plurality of gear teeth. The first and second clamp members are configured to selectively apply a clamping force to the mounting beam to interlock the second plurality of gear teeth with at least a portion of the first plurality of gear teeth to secure the bicycle seat in a desired fore and aft position with respect to the clamp assembly.
- A bicycle seat including a mount extending below the seat in a lengthwise direction of the seat. The mount has a first non-smooth mounting surface including a plurality of projecting surface features which have a minimum height of about one-half millimeter.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present seat clamp assembly are described in relation to drawings of preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present invention. The drawings include 21 figures.
-
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle seat including an I-beam mount. -
FIG. 2 is a seat post including a preferred clamp assembly for applying a clamping force to the mount of the bicycle seat ofFIG. 1 , as viewed from a rearward end of the seat. -
FIG. 3 a is a preferred clamp assembly illustrating the clamp in a first angular orientation relative to the seat post.FIG. 3 b illustrates the clamp assembly in a second angular orientation relative to the seat post. -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an inward facing surface of one clamp member of the clamp assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member ofFIG. 4 , taken along view line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is an end view of a rearward end of the clamp member ofFIG. 4 , taken along view line 6-6 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIGS. 7 a-7 c illustrate a modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of gear teeth.FIG. 7 a is a side view of the seat mount,FIG. 7 b is a rear view of the seat mount, andFIG. 7 c is a cross-sectional view of the seat mount taken alongline 7 c-7 c ofFIG. 7 b. -
FIG. 8 illustrates another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of X-shaped protrusions. -
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate yet another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of through holes.FIG. 9 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 9 b is a rear view of the seat mount. -
FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate still another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the sides of the lower flange of the mount include a plurality of hemispherical depressions.FIG. 10 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 10 b is a rear view of the seat mount. -
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the lower surface of the bottom flange of the seat mount includes a plurality of gear teeth.FIG. 11 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 11 b is a rear view of the seat mount. -
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate yet another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of hemispherical depressions.FIG. 12 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 12 b is a rear view of the seat mount. -
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate still another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of hemispherical protrusions.FIG. 13 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 13 b is a rear view of the seat mount. -
FIGS. 14 a-c illustrate another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the web of the seat mount includes a plurality of gear-teeth-shaped depressions.FIG. 14 a is a side view of the seat mount,FIG. 14 b is a rear view of the seat mount, andFIG. 14 c is a cross-sectional view of the seat mount taken along line 14 c-14 c ofFIG. 14 b. -
FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate yet another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the lower surface of the seat mount bottom flange includes a series of alternating semi-cylindrical protrusions and depressions.FIG. 15 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 15 b is a rear view of the seat mount. -
FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate still another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the side surfaces of the seat mount bottom flange include a series of alternating semi-cylindrical protrusions and depressions.FIG. 16 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 16 b is a cross-sectional view taken with the upper portion of the seat removed. -
FIGS. 17 a and 17 b illustrate a further modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the side surfaces of the seat mount web include a series of alternating semi-cylindrical protrusions and depressions.FIG. 17 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 17 b is a cross-sectional view taken with the upper portion of the seat removed. -
FIGS. 18 a and 18 b illustrate another modification of the seat clamp arrangement ofFIGS. 1-6 , wherein the lower surface of the seat mount bottom flange includes a plurality of hemispherical depressions.FIG. 18 a is a side view of the seat mount andFIG. 18 b is a bottom view of the seat mount. -
FIG. 19 is a schematic, side view of a seat and seat post illustrating a condition in which rocking of the seat relative to the seat post may occur. -
FIG. 20 is a side view of an inside surface of a modification of the right seat clamp member ofFIGS. 2-6 , a portion of which includes a plurality of gear teeth having a wedge configuration. -
FIG. 21 is a rear view of the right seat clamp member ofFIG. 20 . -
FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present seat clamp arrangement. Preferably, abicycle seat 20 includes an upper surface, or support surface 22, defined by aseat base 24. Theseat base 24 may include padding and a fabric cover, which defines the support surface 22. In other arrangements, the support surface may be defined by the upper surface of a unitary seat base structure. A vertical, central plane CP generally bisects theseat 20 and extends in a lengthwise direction of theseat 20, as indicated by the arrow DL inFIG. 1 . - An elongated beam-
style mount 26 extends along a substantial length of theseat 20 on an underneath side of theseat base 24. Preferably, themount 26 is generally shaped like an I-beam in transverse cross section and is also bisected by the central plane CP. Thus, themount 26 includes a vertically extending portion, orweb 28, which defines a pair of outwardly facingsurfaces mount 26 includes a lower end portion that forms a lower transverse section, orlower flange 34, preferably having a greater lateral width than theweb 28. Accordingly, theflange 34 definesupper surfaces web 28. Theflange 34 also defines opposing outwardly-facingsurfaces surface 44. Theseat base 24 preferably is wider in a lateral direction that theweb 28 and, thus, generally creates and upper transverse section, or flange, of the I-beam mount 26. - A
clamp assembly 46 is preferably supported on an upper end of aseat post 48. Desirably, theclamp assembly 46 includes left andright clamp members mount 26. Theclamp members seat post 48 through any suitable arrangement. For example, theclamp members FIG. 3 ) which is press-fit onto, or into, the upper end of theseat post 48. Theclamp members FIG. 2 , to selectively squeeze, or release, themount 26 therebetween. Any suitable arrangement may be used to apply a squeezing force to theclamp members clamp members clamp members - Desirably, the
clamp members surfaces mount 26. Thus, theclamp members surface portions mount 26. Similarly,surface portions mount 26;surface portions mount 26; andsurface portions surface 44 of themount 26. Although the inwardly-facingsurfaces clamp members surfaces - With reference to
FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, preferably theclamp members seat post 48 so as to be angularly adjustable relative to the seat post 48 (in the central plane CP). In one arrangement, theclamp members support shaft 80 positioned on a forward end of theclamp assembly 46. Theclamp assembly 46 also includes anarcuate cutout 82 at a rearward end of theclamp assembly 46 through which anothersupport shaft 84 may be passed. Desirably, thesupport shaft 84 also interconnects themembers clamp members sleeve 54 with thesupport 84 in any desired position within thecutout 82 to support theseat 20 in a desired angular position relative to theseat post 48. Alternatively, other suitable arrangements for angular adjustment of theseat 20 may also be used, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. - With reference to
FIGS. 4-6 , theright clamp member 52 is shown in detail.FIG. 4 illustrates an inward-facingsurface 58 of theclamp member 52. As illustrated, preferably, a plurality ofgear teeth 90 are defined at least by thesurface portion 70 of theclamp member 52. Desirably, a pitch distance DP of the plurality ofgear teeth 90 is equal to about 1 millimeter. Such an arrangement permits a sufficiently precise adjustment of the fore and aft position of theseat 20 relative to theseat post 48. However, other suitable pitch distances DP may also be used. For example, larger pitch distances may be acceptable when precise fore and aft adjustment is not necessary or desired. Conversely, smaller pitch distances may be used when high precision of the fore and aft adjustment is necessary or desired. - The
gear teeth 90 are configured to mate with gear teeth 91 (FIG. 2 ) provided on the outwardly facingsurfaces mount 26. When a clamping force is applied to theclamp members gear teeth 90 andgear teeth 91 interlock to inhibit relative fore and aft movement of theseat 20 relative to theclamp assembly 46. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, thegear teeth 90 andgear teeth 91 form a plurality of alternating projections and depressions that mate with one another to inhibit slipping, or creeping, of theseat 20 relative to theseat post 48. - Preferably, the
gear teeth 90 have a sufficient depth to provide an interference fit between thegear teeth 90 of themount 26 andgear teeth 91 of theclamp members gear teeth mount 26 and theclamp members seat 20 does not move relative to theseat post 48 during normal usage of the bicycle on which they are mounted. In addition, the preferred depths of thegear teeth mount 26 relative to theclamp members clamp assembly 46 is not adequately tightened. Desirably, the depth of thegear teeth gear teeth - Furthermore, the
gear teeth 90 may be disposed on other surfaces of theclamp member 52 and corresponding surfaces of themount 26 in addition to, or in the alternative, of the surfaces on which thegear teeth surfaces clamp member 52 may also includegear teeth 90. Thus, correspondingsurface portions mount 26 similarly may includegear teeth 90. However, providinggear teeth 90 on thesurface 70 of theclamp member 52 andsurface 42 of the mount 26 (along withgear teeth 90 onsurface 68 of theleft clamp member 50 andsurface 40 of the mount 26) has been determined to be adequate in preventing undesired fore and aft movement of theseat 20 relative to theclamp assembly 46 in common bicycle applications. - In a preferred embodiment, the
mount 26 andclamp members overall seat assembly 20 and clampassembly 46 may be relatively lightweight. Furthermore, manufacture of theseat base 24 is cheaper because theseat base 24 may be injection-molded (or otherwise formed) as a unitary structure. Padding and a cover (if desired) may be secured to theseat base 24 to form acomplete seat assembly 20. - However, as described above, difficulties have been encountered in accomplishing a sufficient clamp force to inhibit undesired movement of the seat relative to the
clamp assembly 46 with a beam-style mount utilizing smooth clamp surfaces, or planar clamp surfaces. The surface configurations of the preferred embodiments of thepresent seat mount 26 and clampassembly 46 overcome these difficulties. Specifically, the preferred embodiments advantageously provide an interference fit between themount 26 and theclamp assembly 46 to inhibit relative fore and aft movement thereof. The interference fit desirably comprises surface features on surfaces of at least one of themount 26 and clampassembly 46 such that a resistive force is developed in response to relative movement therebetween. Preferably, the resistive force is sufficient to inhibit relative movement of themount 26 and clampassembly 46 during normal usage of the bicycle on which they are mounted. - The surface features may include a non-uniform roughened surface texture. Further, the surface feature may be present on only one of the
mount 26 or clampassembly 46 and may deform the surface of the other to create an interference fit therebetween. For example, one of themount 26 or clampassembly 46 may include a roughened surface texture that deforms the surface of the other under a clamping load. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art in light of the foregoing discussion, such a roughened surface would preferably provide the surface with a roughness average of at least about 32 microinches and, more preferably, at least about 63 microinches. The deformation need only be sufficient to increase the friction between the surfaces to a greater magnitude than the friction between two smooth surfaces of the same material. In addition, the surface feature may be provided by a member separate from themount 26 or clampassembly 46, such as a set screw supported by one of themount 26 or clampassembly 46 and contacting the other with sufficient force to inhibit movement therebetween. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , preferably a length L of theclamp member 52 is approximately one-third a length of themount 26 illustrated inFIG. 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the length L of theclamp member 52 is approximately one and three-quarters inches and the length of themount 26 is approximately five inches. Such an arrangement permits an advantageous amount of fore and aft positioning of theseat 20 relative to theseat post 48 to accommodate a variety of riders of the bicycle on which theseat 20 is mounted. However, in other arrangements, the length of theclamp member 52 may be a lesser or greater proportion of the length of themount 26. In some instances, it may be desirable for theclamp 52 to be substantially the same length as themount 26, such as when fore and aft adjustment is provided by theseat post 48 or by some other means. - Desirably the
clamp member 52 includes a plurality of throughholes 92 positioned below the clamping surfaces 62, 66, 70, 74. Preferably, the throughholes 92 are sized and shaped to accommodate thesupport shafts seat 20, as described in relation toFIG. 3 . In a preferred arrangement, the throughholes 92 are aligned with threaded cavities (not shown) of theclamp member 50 such that threaded ends of thesupports shafts clamp members clamp member 52 includes a threadedcavity 94, which cooperates with a through hole (not shown) of theclamp member 50 to permit a clamping force to be applied to theclamp members holes 92 and/orcavities 94 may be provided, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art. Desirably,clamp member 50 is configured substantially the same asclamp member 52, but is a mirror image thereof. -
FIGS. 7-18 illustrate some of the possible alternative arrangements of themount 26 and theclamp assembly 46. The examples of the surface configurations illustrated inFIGS. 7-18 are not considered to be exhaustive and, accordingly, other surface configurations may be used. -
FIGS. 7 a-7 c illustrate a plurality ofgear teeth 100 that extend outwardly from thesurfaces web 28, of themount 26. Thus, thegear teeth 100 form projections that correspond withdepressions 102 of theclamp members seat 20. As shown, thegear teeth 100 extend only a portion of the height of theweb 28. However, in an alternative arrangement, thegear teeth 100 may extend over a greater portion of the height of theweb 28, including extending the entire height of theweb 28. -
FIG. 8 illustrates theweb 28 of themount 26 having a plurality ofX-shaped protrusions 104. Corresponding depressions (not shown) of theclamp members protrusions 104 and inhibit undesired movement of theseat 20. Alternatively, theweb 28 may include depressions and theclamp members -
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate aweb 28 of amount 26 having a plurality of throughholes 106 extending laterally therethrough. Corresponding protrusions (not shown) of theclamp members holes 106 to inhibit fore and aft movement of theseat 20. The protrusions may be of any suitable shape to interlock with the throughholes 106, including semi-cylindrical or hemispherical shapes, for example. Additionally, the throughholes 106 may be replaced with cavities that extend only partially through theweb 28 from each side. -
FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate amount 26 having a plurality of hemispherical depressions, orcavities 108, formed into an outward facingsurface transverse section 34. Corresponding hemispherical projections (not shown) of theclamp members cavities 108 to inhibit, or prevent, undesired fore and aft movement of theseat 20. -
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate amount 26 having a plurality ofgear teeth 110 defined by a downwardly-facingsurface 44 of theflange 34. Corresponding gear teeth (not shown) of theclamp members gear teeth 110. Preferably, thegear teeth 110 each extend substantially perpendicular to the central plane CP(FIG. 2 ), that is, across the width of theflange 34. -
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate amount 26 havinghemispherical depressions 112 formed by outwardly facingsurfaces web 28. Corresponding hemispherical protrusions (not shown) of theclamp members depressions 112. Alternatively, thedepressions 112, and corresponding protrusions, may take on shapes other than hemispherical and still function to interlock and inhibit, or prevent, fore and aft movement of theseat mount 26 relative to theclamp members -
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate amount 26 having a plurality ofhemispherical protrusions 114 defined by outwardly facingsurfaces web 28. Corresponding hemispherical depressions (not shown) of theclamp members protrusions 114. Alternatively, theprotrusions 116, and corresponding depressions, may take on shapes other than hemispherical and still function to interlock and inhibit, or prevent, fore and aft movement of theseat mount 26 relative to theclamp members -
FIGS. 14 a-14 c illustrate amount 26 having a plurality of gear teeth-shapeddepressions 116 formed on outwardly facingsurfaces web 28. Corresponding gear teeth-shaped protrusions (not shown) of theclamp members depressions 116 to inhibit undesired movement of theseat 20. Although the illustrateddepressions 116 extend only a portion of the height of theweb 28, in alternative arrangements thedepressions 116 may extend along a greater portion of the height of theweb 28, such as the entire height, for example. -
FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate amount 26 including a series ofsemi-cylindrical protrusions 120 defined by a downwardly-facingsurface 44 of thetransverse section 34. Corresponding depressions (not shown) of theclamp members protrusions 120. -
FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate amount 26 having a plurality ofsemi-cylindrical protrusions 122 defined by outwardly-facingsurfaces transverse section 34. In the illustrated arrangement, theprotrusions 122 extend the entire height of the outwardly-facingsurfaces protrusions 122 may extend only a portion of the height of the outwardly-facingsurfaces -
FIGS. 17 a and 17 b illustrate amount 26 having a plurality ofsemi-cylindrical protrusions 124 defined by outwardly-facingsurfaces web 28. Corresponding depressions (not shown) of theclamp members projections protrusions 124 extend to a depth beyond the outward surfaces 30, 32 of theweb 28. -
FIGS. 18 a and 18 b illustrate amount 26 having a plurality ofhemispherical depressions 128 defined by a downwardly facingsurface 44 of thetransverse section 34. Corresponding hemispherical protrusions (not shown) of theclamp members depressions 128. Although only one row ofdepressions 128 is shown, alternative arrangements may include more than one row ofdepressions 128. -
FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a condition in which theseat 20 may pivot or “rock” with respect to theseat post 48. Typically, the rocking motion of theseat 20 takes place in the central plane CP(FIG. 2 ), as illustrated by the arrow R inFIG. 19 . However, in addition, or in the alternative, rocking motion may also be present in a direction transverse to the central plane CP. - In some instances, the above-described designs may permit such rocking motion of the
seat 20 with respect to theseat post 48. It is suspected that the rocking motion is permitted due to an imperfect fit between themount 26 and theclamp members mount 26 and theclamp members seat 20 with respect to theseat post 48. Although the movement may be relatively small, it may nonetheless be an aggravation to a rider of the associated bicycle. -
FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a modified clamp member, referred to by thereference number 52′. Theclamp member 52′ is substantially similar to theclamp member 52 and, thus, like reference numerals are used to refer to like components or features, except a prime (′) is added. - The
surface 70′ of theclamp member 52′ includes a plurality ofgear teeth 90′, which preferably are configured to mate withcorresponding gear teeth 91′ of aseat mount 26′ (FIG. 21 ). Alternatively, other interlocking surface features may be provided on theclamp member 52′, such as those disclosed above in connection withFIGS. 7-18 . - Desirably, the
surface 70′ is generally V-shaped and concave when viewing the inward-facingsurface 58′. Thus, thesurface 70′ forms a double-wedge shape. That is, thesurface 70′ includes two portions that are offset from, or form an angle with, the central plane CP in the vertical direction. The double-wedge shape of thesurface 70′ is configured to cooperate with a convex, V-shapedsurface 42′ of theseat mount 26′, which includes thegear teeth 91′. Thus, despite variations in the size of thesurfaces 42′, 70′ that may result in an imperfect fit between theclamp member 52′ and themount 26′, upon clamping of themount 26′, the points of the V-shapedsurfaces 42′, 70′ are urged into alignment. The interference of the wedges of thesurface 42′ of themount 26′ with the wedges of thesurface 70′ of theclamp member 52′ inhibit, if not entirely prevent, rocking of theseat 20 relative to theseat post 48. - In an alternative arrangement, the
surfaces 42′, 70′ may include only a single wedge, that is, thesurfaces 42′, 70′ may define only a single angle with respect to the central plane CP(instead of a V-shape) and thesurface 42′ may be urged to toward the top (or bottom, depending on the direction of the angle) of thesurface 70′. Similarly, rocking motion would be inhibited, if not prevented, with such a single wedge surface configuration. Furthermore, the wedge surface configuration may be provided on other complementary surfaces of theclamp member 52′ and mount 26′ in addition, or in the alternative, to thesurfaces 42′ and 70′. In some arrangements, the wedge surface configuration may be provided on separate surfaces than the surfaces that include surface features to inhibit fore and aft movement of theseat 20 relative to theseat post 48. - Although the present invention has been described in the context of certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention to the disclosed bicycle seat clamp arrangements. Changes apparent to one of skill in the art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although the illustrated embodiments include surfaces having well-defined gear teeth, or protrusions and depressions, other embodiments may employ roughened (i.e., non-smooth or unfinished) surfaces to increase surface friction between the
mount 26 and theclamp members clamp members
Claims (8)
1. A bicycle seat clamp arrangement, comprising:
a mount adapted to extend in a lengthwise direction below a bicycle seat, said mount having a first mounting surface defining at least one protrusion;
a clamp assembly configured to apply a clamping force to said mount to hold said bicycle seat in a desired position relative to said clamp assembly, said clamp assembly defining a second mounting surface defining at least one depression;
wherein said at least one depression and said at least one protrusion are sized and shaped to interlock and thereby inhibit relative fore and aft movement of the bicycle seat and said clamp assembly from said desired position.
2. The bicycle seat clamp arrangement of claim 1 , wherein said mount comprises a beam having a web and a transverse section below said web, wherein said at least one protrusion is defined by an outer surface of one of said web and said transverse section.
3. The bicycle seat clamp arrangement of claim 1 , wherein said first and second mounting surfaces comprise a wedge configuration to inhibit rocking of said bicycle seat relative to said clamp assembly.
4. A bicycle seat, comprising:
a mount extending below the seat in a lengthwise direction of said seat, said mount having a first non-smooth mounting surface including a plurality of projecting surface features each having a height of at least one-half millimeter.
5. The bicycle seat of claim 4 , wherein said plurality of projecting surface features comprises a plurality of gear teeth.
6. The bicycle seat of claim 4 , wherein said plurality of projecting surface features comprises a roughened surface finish.
7. The bicycle seat of claim 4 , wherein said first non-smooth mounting surface comprises a wedge configuration.
8. The bicycle seat of claim 4 , said seat additionally comprising a seat base defining a support surface on an upward-facing side of said seat.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/417,663 US20060273635A1 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2006-05-03 | Bicycle seat clamp |
US11/694,773 US7578553B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2007-03-30 | Bicycle seat clamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US45264103P | 2003-03-06 | 2003-03-06 | |
US49418803P | 2003-08-11 | 2003-08-11 | |
US10/795,070 US7080879B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2004-03-05 | Bicycle seat clamp |
US11/417,663 US20060273635A1 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2006-05-03 | Bicycle seat clamp |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/795,070 Continuation US7080879B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2004-03-05 | Bicycle seat clamp |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/694,773 Continuation US7578553B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2007-03-30 | Bicycle seat clamp |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060273635A1 true US20060273635A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
Family
ID=44764894
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/795,070 Expired - Fee Related US7080879B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2004-03-05 | Bicycle seat clamp |
US11/417,663 Abandoned US20060273635A1 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2006-05-03 | Bicycle seat clamp |
US11/694,773 Expired - Fee Related US7578553B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2007-03-30 | Bicycle seat clamp |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/795,070 Expired - Fee Related US7080879B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2004-03-05 | Bicycle seat clamp |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/694,773 Expired - Fee Related US7578553B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2007-03-30 | Bicycle seat clamp |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US7080879B2 (en) |
TW (1) | TW200800706A (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7080879B2 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2006-07-25 | Barnett Robert L | Bicycle seat clamp |
US7681947B2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2010-03-23 | Ritchey Design, Inc. | Seat attachment device |
US7431391B2 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2008-10-07 | Lee Chi Enterprises Co., Ltd. | Adjustment assembly for a bicycle seat |
TW200734230A (en) * | 2006-03-08 | 2007-09-16 | guo-zhi Zhao | Bicycle saddle and means for mounting the saddle on a bicycle seat post |
US7874615B2 (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2011-01-25 | Brunswick Corporation | Recumbent seat mechanism |
US9014155B2 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2015-04-21 | Rajarshi Gupta | Access point configuration schemes |
ITVR20120014A1 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2012-11-28 | Roberto Monaco | QUICK RELEASE ANCHORAGE DEVICE FOR BICYCLE OR SIMILAR SEAT. |
ITVI20110232A1 (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2013-02-11 | Selle Italia Srl | MULTIFUNCTIONAL SUPPORT FRAME FOR BICYCLE SEATS OR PEDAL MACHINES AND SETS SADDLE INCLUDING THIS FRAME |
TWM499358U (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2015-04-21 | Lee Chi Entpr Co Ltd | Internal sliding groove type saddle combining and tightening structure |
CA3110475A1 (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2020-02-27 | BCS Group | Seat frame for securement on a support surface |
Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US578399A (en) * | 1897-03-09 | Seat-post for bicycles | ||
US3923409A (en) * | 1975-01-22 | 1975-12-02 | Gen Motors Corp | Adjustable coupling clamp assembly |
US4142813A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1979-03-06 | Les' Usines Laprade | Saddle carriages |
US4357050A (en) * | 1980-11-17 | 1982-11-02 | Fisher Corporation | Silent seat back recliner with quick release |
US4568121A (en) * | 1983-06-22 | 1986-02-04 | Kashima Saddle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Angle-adjustable saddle |
US4616949A (en) * | 1983-12-13 | 1986-10-14 | Andrew Kellner | Steering knuckle for a velocipede |
US5294173A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1994-03-15 | Velo Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Saddle support for a bicycle saddle |
US5664829A (en) * | 1995-08-16 | 1997-09-09 | L.H. Thomson Company, Inc. | Lightweight high strength bicycle seat post and associated clamp including seat angle indicating indicia |
US5695241A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1997-12-09 | Olsen; Douglas G. | Adjustable seat post clamp assembly for human-powered vehicles |
US5755488A (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1998-05-26 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair with adjustable seat |
US5921625A (en) * | 1997-03-05 | 1999-07-13 | Supima Holdings Inc. | Mounting structure for cycle seat |
US5927801A (en) * | 1998-02-17 | 1999-07-27 | Miree; Mallory F. | Auxiliary bicycle seat |
US6164864A (en) * | 1997-09-04 | 2000-12-26 | Beach; Jimmie L. | Cycle seat clamp |
US6561578B1 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2003-05-13 | Jerome Mel | Seat for bicycles |
US20040036327A1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2004-02-26 | Javier Barandiaran Salaberria | Device for regulating the position of bicycle seats |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE511714C2 (en) | 1998-01-16 | 1999-11-15 | Lars Thofelt | Device at a bicycle saddle |
US6561579B1 (en) * | 2002-02-25 | 2003-05-13 | Muchachos International Co., Ltd. | Saddle support having a solid securing structure |
US7080879B2 (en) * | 2003-03-06 | 2006-07-25 | Barnett Robert L | Bicycle seat clamp |
-
2004
- 2004-03-05 US US10/795,070 patent/US7080879B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-05-03 US US11/417,663 patent/US20060273635A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-06-27 TW TW095123121A patent/TW200800706A/en unknown
-
2007
- 2007-03-30 US US11/694,773 patent/US7578553B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US578399A (en) * | 1897-03-09 | Seat-post for bicycles | ||
US3923409A (en) * | 1975-01-22 | 1975-12-02 | Gen Motors Corp | Adjustable coupling clamp assembly |
US4142813A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1979-03-06 | Les' Usines Laprade | Saddle carriages |
US4357050A (en) * | 1980-11-17 | 1982-11-02 | Fisher Corporation | Silent seat back recliner with quick release |
US4568121A (en) * | 1983-06-22 | 1986-02-04 | Kashima Saddle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Angle-adjustable saddle |
US4616949A (en) * | 1983-12-13 | 1986-10-14 | Andrew Kellner | Steering knuckle for a velocipede |
US5294173A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1994-03-15 | Velo Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Saddle support for a bicycle saddle |
US5664829A (en) * | 1995-08-16 | 1997-09-09 | L.H. Thomson Company, Inc. | Lightweight high strength bicycle seat post and associated clamp including seat angle indicating indicia |
US5695241A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1997-12-09 | Olsen; Douglas G. | Adjustable seat post clamp assembly for human-powered vehicles |
US5921625A (en) * | 1997-03-05 | 1999-07-13 | Supima Holdings Inc. | Mounting structure for cycle seat |
US5755488A (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1998-05-26 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair with adjustable seat |
US6164864A (en) * | 1997-09-04 | 2000-12-26 | Beach; Jimmie L. | Cycle seat clamp |
US5927801A (en) * | 1998-02-17 | 1999-07-27 | Miree; Mallory F. | Auxiliary bicycle seat |
US6561578B1 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2003-05-13 | Jerome Mel | Seat for bicycles |
US20040036327A1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2004-02-26 | Javier Barandiaran Salaberria | Device for regulating the position of bicycle seats |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7080879B2 (en) | 2006-07-25 |
TW200800706A (en) | 2008-01-01 |
US20070177934A1 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
US7578553B2 (en) | 2009-08-25 |
US20040174052A1 (en) | 2004-09-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7578553B2 (en) | Bicycle seat clamp | |
EP0842083B1 (en) | Lightweight high strength bicycle seat post and associated clamp | |
US6290291B1 (en) | Adjustable bicycle saddle | |
US5829316A (en) | Universal mount for mounting a handlebar on existing stock handlebar clamps of motorcycles or comparable vehicles | |
US9415824B2 (en) | Device for guiding a saddle pole | |
US5606894A (en) | Clipless bicycle pedal | |
US6402236B1 (en) | Split rail bicycle saddle | |
US7059672B2 (en) | Bicycle seat | |
US5213009A (en) | Cleat for clipless pedals | |
US8267470B2 (en) | Positioning device for mounting a seat on a seat tube of a bicycle | |
JP5591821B2 (en) | Shoe mounting base for bicycle cleats | |
US10399625B2 (en) | Tilt angle adjusting apparatus for bicycle saddle | |
JP4775681B2 (en) | Bicycle pedal | |
US9446807B2 (en) | Seat post assembly with tilt mechanism | |
US6073949A (en) | Slider beam suspension system for a bicycle seat | |
JP5100795B2 (en) | Bicycle saddle support structure | |
JPS6132002B2 (en) | ||
US6685265B1 (en) | Supplemental seat device for a bicycle | |
JP7326190B2 (en) | saddle support structure | |
KR200413836Y1 (en) | Bike saddle assembly | |
US20230192228A1 (en) | Secure Bicycle Drop-Out | |
KR102536976B1 (en) | Assembled bicycle frame with reinforced rigidity | |
CN2908290Y (en) | Regulation structure of bicycle saddle | |
JPH0958560A (en) | Pedal for automobile | |
JP3303252B2 (en) | Chair backrest mounting device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |