Straddle Seat (e.g., Saddle Type, Etc.) Patents (Class 297/195.1)
  • Patent number: 8042823
    Abstract: A bicycle seat post assembly that dampens movement between a seat and a bicycle frame. The seat post assembly includes a seat post, a collar that passes through the seat post, and a dampener that is disposed between the collar and the seat post. The collar is pivotably connected to the seat post so that the collar can rotate relative to the seat post. The collar rotates about an axis that extends in a crossing direction relative to both a longitudinal axis of the bicycle frame and a longitudinal axis of the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas A. Cusack
  • Publication number: 20110241389
    Abstract: A cushion structure for a bicycle contains a body and a bottom tube, wherein the body includes a circular inserting seat, the inserting seat includes a plurality of crossed support ribs extending radially from a center thereof and connecting with an outer rim thereof and formed in a cross shape, the bottom tube includes a connecting portion disposed on one end thereof, and the connecting portion includes a circularly inner hole corresponding to the inserting seat, and includes a plurality of retaining slots formed therein corresponding to the support ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: An-Ting Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110210231
    Abstract: A bicycle seat support that resiliently supports a bicycle seat. The support comprises an upper engagement member adapted to support a bicycle seat, a lower engagement member adapted to engage a bicycle frame, and a compliant support assembly coupling the upper engagement member to the lower engagement member. The compliant support assembly includes a first and second cantilevered springs defining a gap, and a resilient member (e.g., an elastomer) positioned in the gap. The bicycle seat support can include an elbow joint coupling the lower engagement member to the compliant support assembly. Preferably, the elbow joint comprises an upper portion that sandwiches the first and second cantilevered springs, and a lower portion positioned in a recess in the lower engagement member. The lower engagement member can also include a resilient bump stop adapted to limit downward movement of the upper engagement portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Patent number: 8007041
    Abstract: A lightweight, adjustable seat clamping assembly for attaching a seat to a bicycle or like cycle comprised of three links assembled together to create three parallel pivotal axes that form a triangular pattern. One link contains the seat post. Another link contains the seat. The third link provides support between the first two. With respect to the seat post, angular position and horizontal clamping offset are adjusted by altering the positions of the three pivotal axes. Horizontal seat position is adjusted by shifting the seat horizontally within the assembly. The assembly can incorporate a calibration scale that assists the rider in determining and remembering the seat's angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin Tisue
  • Patent number: 8002345
    Abstract: An ultra light multilayer saddle structure, particularly for pedal-driven vehicles, includes a support frame optionally covered with a resilient padding. The frame has a first skin and a second skin, between which a spacer core is interposed. The first and the second skin include at least one layer of a first material and one layer of a second material respectively, selected among those having a predetermined density and a relatively high compressive and shear strength. The core has at least one layer of a third material whose density is lower than that of the first and second materials. The core is adapted to keep the skins spaced-apart, to increase the stiffness and mechanical strength of the frame, while reducing the overall weight thereof. A process for making a frame for the saddle structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Selle Royal SpA
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Patent number: 8002347
    Abstract: The cycle seat with adjustable sides includes laterally adjustable side wings for increased rider stability. The seat is mounted on arcuately articulating arms that pivot from the lower forward frame of the cycle. The arms are biased upwardly by a spring, thus urging the seat into contact with the rider. A latch mechanism allows the rider to latch the seat position in a lower range for normal riding, or to latch the seat in a higher range to support the rider as he or she stands on the pedals to exert greater force during acceleration or uphill riding. The greater support provided by the raised seat and articulating support mechanism during such riding greatly reduces the amount of upper body exertion the rider would otherwise need to stabilize him or herself using the cycle handlebars, thus freeing the rider to exert greater pedal force during such extreme cycling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: James B. Geyer, Thomas C. Geyer
  • Patent number: 7997603
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas H. Petrie, Ross Shafer
  • Publication number: 20110193375
    Abstract: A motorcycle seat is provided, the seat being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle and having a spring-damper system under the seat surface that absorbs and reduces impacts and vibrations of the motorcycle on the rider or passenger. The seat may include regulating/control electronics that adjust the damper of the spring-damper system to the present riding situation in conjunction with a sensor placed near the front wheel. The spring-damper system is arranged between a seat top plate and a seat floor plate or in the level of one of the two seat plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christoph DOHMEN
  • Publication number: 20110193376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary support for a bicycle saddle wherein concave and convex parts of the auxiliary support provide support to the left and right and rear parts of a hip area to erect the pelvic bones so that the spinal column is made straight, and a vertical resistive force is generated to withstand the load on the hip joint, and to an auxiliary support for a bicycle saddle, wherein a light frame comprises a flat plate part that consists of a convex part and a curved part of a plane that is formed with a curved part of a curve form connecting both ends of said convex part; and a projection/protrusion part that is formed with said flat plate part into one body so that it may project vertically along said convex part, and a pair of said frames are located at both ends of the top rear part of the saddle symmetrically so that they may surround the edges of the hip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Hyun Hee Cha
  • Publication number: 20110193315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tricycle having one front wheel and two rear wheels, the tricycle including: a seat frame mounted on a support frame to which the rear wheels are coupled, and having a concave seat formed at the front center thereof; side plates and a rear plate fixed at the bottom ends thereof to the both sides and the rear side of the seat frame; a plurality of space bars disposed spaced apart from each other between the side plates formed on the both sides of the seat frame; and a canopy mounted supportedly onto the plurality of space bars disposed between the side plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Laura Hija J. Kim
  • Publication number: 20110185692
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide outdoor power equipment including a frame, a seat and at least one leg support angled from a horizontal plane. The outdoor power equipment can include one or more handles, a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat. In some embodiments, the seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: James F. Marshall, Matthew R. Hatch, Derrick R. Camenga, Joshua S. Williams, William J. Decker
  • Patent number: 7918500
    Abstract: A quick-mount frame structure, particularly for bicycle saddles and similar supports. The structure comprises at least one shell (2) having a top user-supporting surface (6) and a bottom surface (7), said shell (2) having a front portion (8) and a rear portion (9), saddle rails (3) for attachment of said shell (2) to a movable or stationary support, said rails (3) having an outer peripheral edge (10) and means for stable connection between said rails (3) and said shell (2). The connection means include snap engagement means (11) at least at one of said front (8) and rear (9) portions of said shell (2) for quick connection between the shell (2) and the rails (3). A process for making the above structure, and a saddle incorporating such structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Selle Royal S.p.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Patent number: 7909348
    Abstract: An adjustable-length seat post has a stanchion with first and second openings. The seat post has a sliding tube, a locking device and an energy transmission device. The sliding tube is guided through the first opening into the stanchion and is displaceable along a longitudinal direction of extension of the stanchion. The sliding tube is movable relative to the stanchion. An overlap between stanchion and sliding tube in a first position is greater than in a second position. The locking device can be transferred between a locking position and a releasing position, wherein in the locking position the sliding tube is fixed. The energy transmission device can transmit energy from an external actuating element to be provided to the locking device for releasing or locking. When the sliding tube is in the second position, the energy transmission device arranged guided from an external actuating element to be supplied through the second opening of the stanchion as far as the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Publication number: 20110049945
    Abstract: A motorized bicycle seatpost assembly is basically provided with a first tube, a second tube, a motor and a movement mechanism. The first tube has a first end and a second end. The second tube has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second tube is open such that the second end of the first tube is telescopically disposed in the first end of the second tube. The motor is arranged in at least one of the first tube and the second tube. The movement mechanism is connected to the motor to change a relative axial position between the first and second tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Seiji MOURI, Toshikuni SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 7866744
    Abstract: A chronometer and triathlon bicycle saddle construction having a bodywork supported by a frame to be coupled to a supporting tubular element of a bicycle, the bodywork having an enlarged bearing region operating for supporting the ischiatic tuberosities of a bicycle user, where the enlarged bearing region substantially corresponds to a middle central zone of the saddle bodywork, the saddle construction further having a water-bottle supporting element at the rear part of the saddle and integral with the saddle bodywork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Selle Italia S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bigolin
  • Patent number: 7866431
    Abstract: To ensure that a fuel supply port or hydrogen gas charge port located on the lower side of a seat for a rider in a motorcycle can be opened and closed with less burden. A crosswise groove is provided between a driver's seat and a pillion of the seat for a rider. The pillion is provided with a longitudinal groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A charge port is located on the lower side of the crosswise groove. A pad to be fitted in the crosswise groove covers the charge port. An arm as a support member of the pad is contained in the longitudinal groove. In the condition where the arm is set upright and the pad is set upright, the pad is inverted and a cushion part thereof faces forward, thereby providing a backrest for the passenger at the pillion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masamoto Ito
  • Patent number: 7841654
    Abstract: A universal exercise bicycle seat adapter device for use with an after market bicycle seat and an exercise bicycle is provided. The bicycle seat has a tightenable mounting bracket and the exercise bicycle has a mounting plate secured to a seat post with the mounting plate having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The adapter device comprises a base plate and a stem extending from the base plate and receivable and releasably securable within the mounting bracket. A plurality of slots are formed in the base plate with at least one of the slots alignable with at least one of the apertures formed in the mounting plate. A fastening mechanism is insertable through the aligned apertures and slots for releasably securing the base plate to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Cardana
  • Publication number: 20100289246
    Abstract: A bicycle 10 providing increased power transfer and improved aerodynamic characteristics. The bicycle includes a seat assembly 70 that supports the anterior pelvic region so the rider extends forwardly over the bicycle instead of in an upright position. The bicycle also includes a rear mounted drive assembly 80 to increase the power transfer from the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Publication number: 20100244508
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle structure includes a load-bearing shell having an elongate front portion, a widened rear portion and a bottom surface with a front seat and a rear seat which are formed at a predetermined minimum distance (dMu\l) therebetween, rails with a rear end portion, and a front end portion which is designed to interact with the front seat of the shell. The rails have a maximum longitudinal extension (Ir) longer than the predetermined minimum distance (dMu\l) between the seats. The structure includes a cam linkage member which is designed to be interposed between the front seat of the shell and the front portion of the rails to cause the shell to be snap fitted to the rails. A method of assembly of the above bicycle saddle structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Publication number: 20100237668
    Abstract: A holding assembly for a seat of a bicycle has a securing base and an engaging block. The securing base has a connecting segment, an engaging segment, a securing hole and a securing bolt. The connecting segment has a connecting device connected with the seat of the bicycle. The engaging segment is formed on and protrudes from the bottom of the connecting segment and has an engaging recess having an inclined top surface. The securing bolt is slidably and rotatably mounted in the securing hole, extends into the engaging recess and has a threaded portion. The engaging block is moveably mounted in the engaging recess and has an inclined top surface abutting with the inclined top surface of the engaging recess and a threaded portion engaging the threaded portion on the securing bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Peng-Yu Tseng
  • Publication number: 20100225148
    Abstract: A seating structure, particularly for bicycle saddles, includes a load-bearing shell with at least one differently deformable portion proximate to its outer periphery, a substantially annular protective rim with a first portion formed of a first material of predetermined elastic rigidity and at least one second portion formed of a second base material having a different elastic rigidity from that of said first material. The second portion is located at said at least one differently deformable portion and is separated from said first portion to define at least one substantially transverse end wall facing towards and distinct from at least one respective end wall of said first portion. A method is provided for making a seating structure as above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Publication number: 20100163329
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: BEAMCO
    Inventors: James Bergman, Larry Holter, Rick Nelson, Dave Paschke
  • Patent number: 7735916
    Abstract: A detachable saddle and a pad-replaceable saddle set are provided. The detachable saddle comprises a base, a pad and a fastening device, wherein the base has a top surface, the pad has a bottom surface, and the fastening device, disposed between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the pad, is adapted to detachably assemble and substantially form a cushion space between the base and the pad. The pad-replaceable saddle set comprises said base, said fastening device and a plurality of pads, wherein each pad is assembled with the base to form a complete detachable saddle. Thereby, cyclists may conveniently and readily detach and replace the pads of the pad-replaceable saddle set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: International Bicycle Products Corporation
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 7722115
    Abstract: In a bicycle seat assembly a fastener driver is rotatable in first and second directions. Upon rotating the driver in the first direction, it threadably engages a shaft of an adjusting member causing tightening of a connection between a bicycle seat, a seat post and the adjusting member and producing simultaneous adjustment of a wedge sub-assembly provided at an interface between a distal end of the adjusting member and the seat post. Rotation of the fastener driver in the second direction causes at least partial disengagement of the threadable connection between the driver and the adjusting member, resulted in loosening connection between the seat post and the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Animal Bikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic Biro
  • Patent number: 7712828
    Abstract: The device includes a tubular fitting (6) that is part of a bicycle frame and able to accommodate a saddle post (7), elements (19,20) for locking the saddle post (7) in rotation, and members (8) for holding the saddle post (7) in a longitudinal position that is determined relative to the tubular fitting (6). The holding members comprise a stop surface (7a) that is provided on the saddle post (7) and able to work with a stop (8) that is provided on the fitting (6) so as to delimit the insertion length of the saddle post (7) in the latter. The holding members also include at least one annular crosspiece (9, 10) that can be arranged between the stop surface and the stop so as to allow the adjustment of the insertion length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Look Cycle International
    Inventors: Eric Julliard, Frederic Roudergues
  • Patent number: 7712827
    Abstract: A cycle saddle structure comprising a base and a container is provided. The base has a front crotch portion and a rear supporting portion. The container is adapted to slide on the bottom portion of the rear supporting portion between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: International Bicycle Products Corporation
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 7703846
    Abstract: The cycle seat with adjustable sides includes a base plate having a forward and optionally a rearward guide plate thereon. Each guide plate includes laterally adjustable left and right arm extensions, with each arm having a generally vertical wing extending upwardly therefrom. The arms of each pair simultaneously adjust inwardly and outwardly opposite one another, permitting a single adjustment to adjust both wings of a set equally. Each wing pair includes a latch mechanism, which is adjustable as the cyclist rides the cycle. The seat may be installed per se upon a bicycle or other cycle, or may be installed in combination with a longitudinal and/or arcuate and vertical adjustment mechanism for the seat. The cycle seat greatly reduces or eliminates the need for a pommel, while assuring that the seat remains in contact with the hips and/or thighs of the cyclist at all times to assure more complete control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: James B. Geyer, Thomas C. Geyer
  • Patent number: 7681947
    Abstract: A seat attachment device is provided that uses a single bolt to secure the seat rails to the seat attachment device and the seat attachment device to a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ritchey Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 7681899
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle lifter is provided which is safe and simple in structure and which can raise the saddle of a bicycle while a bicycle driver is sitting on the saddle. The biasing force of a stroke spring 10 which biases the saddle upwardly is determined such that when the weight of a bicycle driver directly acts on the saddle, the saddle lowers, and when the driver applies force to pedals of the bicycle while sitting on the saddle, and the load on the saddle decreases, the saddle rises. While the driver is not sitting on the saddle, resistance resulting from the biasing force of the stroke spring prevents a ratchet pawl 13b for checking the ascent of the saddle from being disengaged from the corresponding ratchet gear 14 even by switchover operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fujiwara Wheel Incorporated
    Inventor: Hisao Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20100066134
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle (1) has a saddle bar (3) to be introduced into a cycle frame and a seating area (2) having a seat surface, in which the saddle bar (3) at its end region closest to the seating area comprises a polygonal outer profile (6), the seating area (2) being at least partially formed by a base body (4), in which a passage opening (5) is provided, the passage opening (5) having a polygonal inner profile (7) at least in a sub-area, and the polygonal inner profile (7) of the passage opening (5) corresponds to the polygonal outer profile (6) of the saddle bar (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Wolfgang Goring
    Inventor: Thomas GÖRING
  • Patent number: 7669930
    Abstract: A lockable pressure adjustment seat of a fitness apparatus includes a base, a seat back, and an adjustment unit. The base is disposed with a slide track and a locating hole. The seat back is pivotally connected to the base. The seat back includes an extension rod. One end of the extension rod is linked and fixed to the seat back. A through hole is disposed adjacent to the other end of the extension rod. The adjustment unit includes a lever, a pressure bar, and a locking set. The lever penetrates the slide track. The pressure bar includes a push rod and a fixation base. The push rod holds against the lever. The fixation base is secured to the other end of the extension rod. The locking set is fixed to the fixation base, and comprises an elastic member and a locating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Long-chuan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100045084
    Abstract: A human body supporting structure, particularly a bicycle saddle, includes a load-bearing shell having a topside designed to face towards a user and an underside designed to face a bicycle frame. The shell includes at least one continuous sheet element having at least one differently deformable portion located at particularly stressed regions of the user's body. The sheet element is formed of a thermoplastic resin matrix with reinforcement fibers embedded therein. The differently deformable portions have a smaller thickness (Si) and a locally greater average density (pi) than the rest of the extension of the shell, said portions are formed in a thermoforming step wherein a local thickness reduction is carried out by compression and by heating said sheet element to a temperature near the melting temperature of the thermoplastic matrix. A method of making such support structure is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Patent number: 7661756
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle assembly comprises a saddle body including a wider posterior portion for supporting bicycle rider's buttocks and a narrow anterior portion which fits between bicycle rider's crotch. The saddle body further includes a concave portion provided between the wider posterior portion and the narrow anterior portion. The saddle body has a highest area located on the wider posterior portion and a lowest area located on the concave portion to define an opening space with a sufficient depth above the concave portion so that, as riding, bicycle riders can arrange his perineal areas comfortably on the saddle body to relieve pressure placed thereon and dissipate heat generated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jia-Pin Chen, Kuo-Chin Chao
  • Publication number: 20100032996
    Abstract: A saddle assembly includes a saddle body and a support bracket. The saddle body has a bottom side and includes a front converging portion and a rear diverging portion. The rear diverging portion is formed with rear socket holes spaced apart from each other and opening downwardly in the bottom side of the saddle body. The support bracket has a converging front end connected to the front converging portion at the bottom side of the saddle body, a pair of diverging arms that extend rearwardly from the converging front end and that have distal ends opposite to the converging front end, and a pair of rear coupling blocks. The rear coupling blocks are provided on the distal ends of the diverging arms and are inserted upwardly into and engage the rear socket holes to retain the diverging arms on the rear diverging portion at the bottom side of the saddle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: CIONLLI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daniel LEE
  • Patent number: 7651162
    Abstract: A customizable seating structure, designed to be connected to a movable or stationary frame. The structure comprises a seat element (2) which has a top surface, designed to at least partly contact a user, and a support element (4) underlying the seat element (2) and designed to be connected to the movable or stationary frame (T). The seat element (2) is removably attached to said support element (4) to allow removal and/or replacement thereof by a user. The seat element (2) is attached to the support element (4) by screws (7) and nuts (9) or press-fit of pins (13) in holes (8). The seat element (2) is composed of a resilient upper body (15) removably connected to a semirigid lower body (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Selle Royal SpA
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Patent number: 7635161
    Abstract: A seat includes a bladder assembly having a plurality of pneumatic bladders arranged one within another. The compressibility of each pneumatic bladder is based at least in part on a pressure within the pneumatic bladder, and/or on a thickness of an outer layer that defines the shape of the pneumatic bladder. In a configuration, an inner bladder is inflatable independently from an outer bladder, for adjustable, targeted support and compressibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Air Seat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Donaghey
  • Publication number: 20090308039
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a lawn mower including a frame, a seat or operator station, one or more handles, and a suspension unit coupled between the frame and the seat or operator station. The lawn mower can include one or more pivot members with a first portion coupled to the frame at a pivot location forward of the seat or operator station and a second portion coupled to the seat or operator station. The one or more pivot members can allow the seat or operator station and the one or more handles to move with respect to the frame while the suspension unit absorbs a portion of shock caused by riding over the uneven terrain. The seat can be positioned at least partially between a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel and at least partially along a drive axis. The seat can be declined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the operator's upper torso leans forward at an angle with respect to a vertical plane when the operator is sitting on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: James F. Marshall, Matthew R. Hatch, Derrick R. Camenga, Joshua S. Williams, William J. Decker
  • Patent number: 7625041
    Abstract: A multifunction saddle structure, designed to be anchored to a bicycle frame. Includes a tapered front portion and a widened rear portion. Quick-connection means are provided for connection of bicycle accessories to the rear portion. The structure further has an ergonomically shaped peripheral edge, which is at least partly beveled and rounded and has no sharp edges, to define a comfortable and safe grip for a user to enable lifting and handling of the bicycle. The quick-connection means are located along the shaped edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Selle Royal SpA
    Inventor: Barbara Bigolin
  • Patent number: 7611194
    Abstract: The present invention finds application in the field of sport and leisure accessories, and particularly relates to a seat structure having controlled and customizable elasticity, particularly for vehicles. The structure, which is designed to be connected to a movable or stationary frame, includes a support element having a bottom surface and a top surface, which is designed to support at least partly a user, a connection member to be associated to the support element for anchorage thereof to the movable or stationary frame, and at least one shock absorbing element, which is designed to absorb shocks and vibrations transmitted from the frame to the support element. The shock absorbing element includes an elastic member, which has a first elasticity modulus, and which is provided between the bottom surface of the support element and the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Selle Royal SpA
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Patent number: 7578553
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20090206626
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile, personal watercraft, or all-terrain vehicle has a removable straddle-type seat that includes a base having a flexible portion that includes an aperture. The base is used in conjunction with a fuel tank or vehicle frame having a protrusion protruding therefrom. The flexible portion is flexed to allow the aperture therein to pass over the protrusion on the fuel tank or vehicle frame such that removal of the seat is quick, easy and requires no tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Yvon Bedard
  • Patent number: 7572498
    Abstract: The present invention provides a viscoelastic support structure having improved energy absorption properties. The support structure generally comprises a frame, at least one resilient filler layer, a flexible covering, and at least one gel insert interposed between the covering and the frame. The support structure finds particular use in vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Selle Royal S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
  • Publication number: 20090189421
    Abstract: A saddle assembly and a venting device thereof are provided. The venting device comprises a body and an air-passage structure, wherein the body has an upper surface and a peripheral portion, while the air-passage structure is at least partially formed on the upper surface and connects at least one portion of the peripheral portion. The venting device is preferably made of a shock-absorbing material, so that the venting device and the saddle assembly are heat dissipative and shock-absorbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsai-Yun Yu, Wei-Min Huang
  • Patent number: 7562932
    Abstract: A seat support structure of a bicycle comprises a seat supporting tube; a seat supporting rod received in the seat supporting tube; a lower lateral side of the seat supporting rod having a first inclined surface; the seat supporting rod being formed with an upper hole and a lower tapered hole; a tightening assembly received in the seat supporting tube; the tightening assembly having a tightening unit, an embedding unit; and a stud; in assembly, a screw post of a stud passes through the upper hole, the lower tapered hole, the stud hole of the tightening assembly and the embedding hole of an embedding hole so as to combine the tightening assembly to the seat supporting rod; then the seat supporting rod and the tightening assembly are placed within the seat supporting tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Indistries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Chiang
  • Patent number: 7562933
    Abstract: A bicycle seat device includes a seat post having a passage formed through a seat supporting base, a lower clamp member disposed on the seat supporting base and having an oblong hole aligned with the passage of the seat supporting base, a saddle having a space formed by a casing, an upper clamp member engaged into the space of the saddle and having a pathway and one or more recesses for receiving a pole. A fastener may clamp the saddle between the clamp members. The lower clamp member includes a curved surface for rotating relative to the seat supporting base to selected angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: Kuo Chih Chao, Chia Pin Chen
  • Patent number: 7552967
    Abstract: A base for a bicycle saddle includes a body having a narrow anterior portion, a wider posterior portion, a longitudinal axis dividing the body into a right portion and a left portion, and an opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the body. Two supporting plates extend respectively and downwardly from the underside of each of the portions of the body in such a way that two cushion means are defined under the body. A coupling member is disposed on a free end of each of the supporting plates and corresponds to the opening to define an open receiving room between the two supporting plates for receiving means for coupling the base to a bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Velo Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Fu Hung
  • Publication number: 20090152912
    Abstract: A cycle saddle structure comprising a base and a container is provided. The base has a front crotch portion and a rear supporting portion. The container is adapted to slide on the bottom portion of the rear supporting portion between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 7547064
    Abstract: A ventilated saddle includes a seat plate having an upper face and a plurality of seat plate vents extending therethrough; and a covering member having a plurality of covering member vents extending therethrough. The covering member is mountable to the upper face of the seat plate in a single predetermined position relative thereto and in which the seat plate vents are in register with the covering member vents to provide continuous aeration paths throughout the ventilated saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Louis Garneau Sports Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Garneau
  • Publication number: 20090114466
    Abstract: A seat mounting structure having a seat rail for supporting a seat of a motorcycle includes seat rail members having front end portions thereof supported by an intermediate portion of a vehicle body frame. Each of the seat rail members extends rearwardly from the intermediate portion of the vehicle body frame. Each of the seat rail members has a slotted opening formed thereon at a rear portion thereof. The slotted openings are formed inwardly and upwardly from an outer portion of the seat rail members in a vehicle width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Nishijima, Noriyoshi Tsutsui
  • Publication number: 20090108642
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle seat assembly includes an adjusting unit which includes a top end member connected to the seat post and an adjusting tube is connected to a lower end of the top end member. An inner space is defined in the adjusting tube and an outer space is defined between the adjusting tube and the seat post. A path is defined between the adjusting tube and the top end member so as to communicate with the inner space and the outer space. An axle is movably received in the path and removably seals the path. An anti-rotation device is located between the seat post and the seat tube so as to prevent the seat post from rotating relative to the seat tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jung Yu Hsu