Depressed Portion Spaces Body Supporting Surfaces Patents (Class 297/202)
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Patent number: 7478871Abstract: An improved bicycle seat or exercise bicycle seat comprised of a narrow anterior portion leading to a wider posterior portion. The improved bicycle seat accommodates, supports, protects, and relieves the male genitals from the pressure of the rider's weight. The posterior portion includes two support surfaces divided by an indented channel. The support surfaces properly remove the weight of the rider from the soft tissues of the perineal area and distribute it to the ischial bones of the pelvis. Located between the narrow anterior portion and the wider posterior portion are two recessed concave cavities separated by a sloped raised ridge and a perineal support projection. The rider's external genitalia are properly supported and protected in the recessed cavities.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: Raffaele Martini Pandozy
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Patent number: 7478872Abstract: A seat assembly includes a pad body having front and rear end portions, and a supporting member secured to the pad body. The supporting member includes a frame having front and rear end portions, a front resilient unit extending from the front end portion of the frame and disposed between the pad body and the frame, and a rear resilient unit extending from the rear end portion of the frame and disposed between the pad body and the frame. The front and rear resilient units support the front and rear end portions of the pad body, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: Daniel Lee
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Publication number: 20080265636Abstract: A bicycle seat is provided having a small front-end section formed by a bifurcated nose with a longitudinally extending gap therebetween, the bifurcated nose having elongated protrusions being substantially parallel to each other and having a substantially constant width and providing a substantially flat pubis bone support surface. The small front-end section can transition to a medial section having a top, a bottom, and sides and the medial section can transition to a rear-end section that is substantially flat. The seat can widen from the transition of the front-end section to the medial section as the seat extends to the rear-end section and the longitudinally extending gap can be approximately 30% to less than approximately 40% of a total length of the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: STEVE TOLL
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Patent number: 7441836Abstract: A bicycle saddle and means for mounting the saddle body on a bicycle seat post. The bicycle saddle comprises a saddle body including a wide rear portion, a narrow front portion, a middle portion and a hollowed mounting portion extending downwardly from the underneath side of the saddle body. The mounting means includes upper and under devices to cooperate with the saddle body in such a way that a part of the mounting portion of the saddle body can be sandwiched between the upper and under devices to mount the saddle body on a bicycle seat post.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Inventors: Jia-Pin Chen, Kuo-Chin Chao
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Patent number: 7367619Abstract: A support structure having a seat surface (2), particularly for bicycles and other pedal operated machines, comprises a substantially rigid or semirigid frame (3), means for connecting the frame (3) to the bicycle or a pedal operated machine, a yieldable padding (7) secured to the top face of the frame (3), a covering layer (8) superimposed to the yieldable pad (7), characterized in that the frame (3) has one or more differential rigidity portions (11, 11?) adapted to facilitate the pedaling motion. The differential rigidity portions (11, 11?) are situated at an outer peripheral edge (13) of the frame (3), along which at least one recess (12) is provided. Each differential rigidity portion (11, 11?) comprises a plurality of projections (14) extending outwardly of recesses (12) formed in the frame (3).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Selle Royal SpAInventors: Massimo Fregonese, Branko Lukic, Thomas Overthun, Chris Cowart
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Patent number: 7341308Abstract: An improved molded leather bicycle saddle is provided with a carefully designed slot between the nose of the saddle and the rear of the seat portion. The slot has a circular area at the front of the saddle nose, converges slightly then diverges to a middle area before the saddle widens into the seat area. In alternative embodiments, each suited to a different rider type, the slot then converges to a triangular shape, a narrow line or a “T” shaped area. In preferred embodiments, the saddle is reinforced with a leather lamina layer bonded to the underside of the saddle to increase life and retain support. The slot, in some embodiments, may extend through the lamina layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventor: Tom Milton
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Publication number: 20070273184Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventor: Louis Garneau
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Patent number: 7273250Abstract: A method and a device are provided for individually adapting the saddle of a two-wheeled vehicle, especially bicycle saddles. The local pressing pressure of the buttocks of a test subject is measured on a adapting device (1) with a measuring saddle (2) and a pressure-measuring device (4) arranged on or in the seat surface at individual points or over a large area and in a localizing manner and evaluated. The two-wheeled vehicle saddle (8) is specifically adapted to the shape of the individual buttocks corresponding to the measuring results and is additionally cushioned where the contact pressure is higher.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Claus Oehler
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Publication number: 20070210625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Jia-Pin Chen, Kuo-Chin Chao
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Publication number: 20070210624Abstract: A bicycle saddle and means for mounting the saddle body on a bicycle seat post. The bicycle saddle comprises a saddle body including a wide rear portion, a narrow front portion, a middle portion and a hollowed mounting portion extending downwardly from the underneath side of the saddle body. The mounting means includes upper and under devices to cooperate with the saddle body in such a way that a part of the mounting portion of the saddle body can be sandwiched between the upper and under devices to mount the saddle body on a bicycle seat post.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Jia-Pin Chen, Kuo-Chin Chao
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Patent number: 7249800Abstract: The present invention relates to a chair for eliminating problems of sedentary origin, which chair consists a saddle-shaped seat part (13) supporting the pelvis and the thigh muscles of the seated person which seat part has two curved thigh troughs (113, 115), which both have a bottom section (101, 102) and its opposite sides there is an inner side section (103 and 104) and outer side section (105 and 106) in relation to the other thigh trough, and which mentioned sections form lengths (L) to the mentioned thigh troughs and within this length there are front sections (107) and back sections (108) for the thigh troughs; when the inner side sections rise from their front sections towards each other, thus forming a central ridge (110) longitudinal to the seat part and mentioned back sections form a back section (A), where from the mentioned lengths reach down-wards and at the same time away from each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Easydoing OyInventor: Veli-Jussi Jalkanen
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Patent number: 7121622Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle seat providing comfort during both leisure and high performance riding. The invention comprises a suspension frame system, an adjustable nose pad, an arcuate seat pad with a center opening, a movable nose pad, and a gap between the nose pad and the seat pad.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Raymond F. Mendez
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Patent number: 7108667Abstract: An improved bicycle saddle having a shell which supports at least one battery operated vibrator. When the vibrator is energized, its vibration causes the shell and therefore the bicycle seat to vibrate. The vibrator has an on/off switch so that it may be turned on periodically by the rider to improve the comfort of the bicycle saddle. The bicycle saddle is preferably supported by a rail which has two arms which extend from the front of the underside of the shell to near the back of the shell. A bearing is affixed about the end of each of the arms so that the arms may move inwardly and outwardly along the underside of the shell as the shell is flexed. The shell preferably has a central, angled valley and the saddle is flexible to provide further comfort.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Inventor: Bob Turudich
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Patent number: 7083229Abstract: A bicycle seat design that comprises appropriately spaced and configured depressions that conform to the body of variously-sized male riders, thereby reducing pressure normally present on the lumbar back region, the ischial buttocks regions, and groin. Superior safety features provide comfort and support to vulnerable parts of the body. The preferred embodiment contains a round seating platform with raised rear and lateral edges and a left and right depression shaped to accommodate and support the buttocks. It also contains a depression in the central front area of the seating platform suitably shaped to accommodate and support the scrotal region, for preventing damage commonly associated with jarring or snagging the scrotum. Optionally, turning-signals, brake lights, and reflective lights positioned on the rear portion of the seating platform are included for enhancing visibility of the bicycle and for promoting safe operation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventor: Janice Story Cope
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Patent number: 7077469Abstract: In this piece of furniture, which is taller than a normal chair, the seat as such is located at a such height as to allow the user to rest the user's feet on the floor or on a footrest and is constituted by a body that is differentiated at the top by a rear seat portion for the user's buttocks and a higher front portion that, inserted between the user's thighs, allows the user to sit astride it, this front portion being differentiated, lengthwise down the centre, into two parallel portions that, being mirror images, are spaced apart to define therebetween an open space located in correspondence with the user's genital area.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Jordi Badia i Farré
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Patent number: 7059674Abstract: The invention includes a bicycle saddle whose seating surface is made of a stretched membrane, where the membrane is stretched into a vaulted shape from the nose extending at least partially through the rider's crotch toward the cantle at the rear of the seat. The invention further includes at least one carrier member acting upon the membrane to create, at least partly, the vaulted shape, and an attachment of at least part of a perimeter of the membrane to at least one of the carrier members. The attachment further provides the vaulted shape to the membrane and/or a tension to the membrane. The invention also further includes a saddle undercarriage attached to at least one of the carrier members providing at least part of the tension to the membrane, whenever the saddle undercarriage flexes. The saddle undercarriage is further comprised of a means for mounting to a seat post. An embodiment of the invention includes a ventilation path through the seating surface to the rider.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventors: Tylor Garland, Aldia Rauda, Geoffrey Craig Pittfield
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Patent number: 7055900Abstract: A ventilated support structure for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, comprises a seat surface supported on a rigid or semi-rigid frame. The seat surface having a slot extending along the top surface of the support structure. The slot has at least one opening disposed therein. The support structure further comprises an air intake component positioned at the anterior of the support structure. The air intake component may be oriented at least partly in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. A channel communicates the air intake component with the at least one opening in the slot so that air enters through the slot via the air intake component.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Selle Royal S.p.A.Inventors: Massimo Losio, Thomas Overthun, Christopher Cowart
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Patent number: 7044540Abstract: Saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle, which comprises a support structure (2) provided with a padding (3) having, associated above it, a seating surface (7). The support structure (2) comprises a plurality of first layers (8) of high-rigidity composite material having an opening (11) formed centrally therein and a second layer (9) of composite material with a rigidity less than that of the first layers (8), fixed to the latter along a superimposed surface covering the opening (11) so as to form an elastically yielding zone which is preferably located in the prostatic and ischiatic zones of the seat (7) of the saddle (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Selle Royal, S.p.A.Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
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Patent number: 7025417Abstract: A load deformable bicycle seat comprising a unique substantially flat posterior body section (PS) on which the rider sits, a unique load deformable elongated hollow nose section (NS) of the seat (20). The posterior section (PS) of the seat supports and is designed to promote pressure distribution around the ischael tuberosities. The seat surface is substantially flat or shaped slightly concave to avoid pushing into the perineal region of the groin. The nose (NS) comprises an integrated hollow tubular piece of deformable plastic, rubber, or other material having a rounded and sealed anterior portion (21).Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventor: Joshua Dov Cohen
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Patent number: 7024712Abstract: A seat pad is provided with a lower pad member and a upper pad member that is attached to the lower pad member by an adhesive. A pair of projections is formed at the front portion of the seat pad. A concave is defined between the projections. The upper surface of the seat pad is inclined to be lower toward the front end of the seat pad when the seat pad is put on a seat of a chair. When a person sits on the seat pad, a pelvis is held in a proper position, which improves the flow of blood and the behavior of nerve.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Foot Techno, Inc.Inventors: Minoru Fujita, Ryoko Murotani
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Patent number: 6886887Abstract: A bicycle saddle is constructed to have a hard bottom shell, a first elastic layer made of foamed plastics and arranged at the top side of the hard bottom shell, a first covering covered on the first elastic layer over the hard bottom shell, and a second elastic layer covered on the first covering, the second elastic layer being formed of a layer of gel arranged at a top side of the first covering and a second covering covered on the layer of gel.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
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Patent number: 6880885Abstract: A seat (chair, stool, etc.) has a seat base with a contoured front that is recessed in the middle. The recess extends towards a seating center and/or in a downward direction, creating an open area for seated person. The open area is located under the body part around the testes of a seated male person so that the dispersion of body heat from that area via air circulation will not be blocked by the seat base, and at the same time, the pressure between the testes area and the seat base will be reduced or eliminated, thereby improving the physiological condition for sperm, and in turn, may increase sperm activity and may reduce the possibility of infertility.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Inventor: Jianqing Lan
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Publication number: 20040239158Abstract: A pedaling apparatus (10) including a frame assembly having a front and a rear sections with a hollow seat tube (12), and a seat post (18) supported by said seat tube (12). The seat post (18) has attachment means for attaching a seat (16. The seat post (18) and the seat tube (12) are supporting the seat (16) at an adjustable position relative to the rear section. The seat tub (12) has a substantially curved part to accommodate therein a compatible curved part of the seat post (18). The curved parts of the seat tube (12) and the seat post (18) are configured for telescopic adjustment of the position of the attached seat (16) along a curved trajectory path extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to said rear section to suit users of different heights and physiques. The apparatus (10) may have a pair of pedals (26) arranged so that the user is sitting in a substantially upright pedaling position on the seat and is far enough behind the pedals (26) to give the legs an uncramped and efficient pedaling action.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Peter David Clutton
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Patent number: 6783176Abstract: A bicycle seat that provides increased comfort during extended periods of use, due to a redistribution of the rider's weight. The primary components of the bicycle seat include a support shell/frame, a lightweight layer of padding, and a vinyl or plastic outer cover. A two-part front end section is designed to provide support for the upper, back portion of the rider's thighs. Allowing the thighs to bear part of the rider's weight, thereby reducing the amount left to be supported by the buttocks and groin area, is a novel aspect of the present invention. This front end section, combined with the angle of the seat's mounting on the bicycle's frame, is such that, when pedaling, the inside of the rider's thighs do not rub against the front end of the seat. The relatively broad tail section is designed to support the entire posterior of the rider in a manner that eliminates the rocking motion normally associated with the pedaling of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Norman N. Ladson, III
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Publication number: 20040113470Abstract: The prostate protecting bicycle seat (10) having a seat (12) which has a vertically or vertically angled positioned seat left lower (12LL) securely connected at a top distal end to a front distal end of a horizontally positioned seat left upper (12LU) securely connected at a rear distal end to a left distal end of a U-Shaped seat back (12B) connected at a right distal end to a rear distal end of a horizontally positioned seat right upper (12RU) connected to at a front distal end to a top distal end of a vertically or vertically angled positioned seat right lower (12RL) forming a seat opening (12B) between the seat right (12RU, 12RL) and the seat left (12LU, 12LL).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Kevin S. Tobias
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Patent number: 6739656Abstract: A base of a bicycle saddle comprises a main body made of a rigid plastic material. The main body is provided with at least one receiving space corresponding in location to the sitting area of bicyclist and a plurality of supporting bars suspended in the receiving space and defining a plurality of hollows. The base further comprises an elastic body made of a plastic material having a hardness smaller than the hardness of the plastic material of which the main body is made. The elastic body is filled in the receiving space by molding such that the hollows are enclosed by the elastic body, and the elastic body is firmly connected to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
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Patent number: 6709052Abstract: A saddle seat (1) which has a rounded center part (2), and side parts (3) which at least partially curve downwards at an angle from the center part in order to support the pelvis and thigh muscle of the seated person, the side parts (3) having front edges (4) which form an acute angle and between them is formed a space (5). The central edge section of the front edges (4) of the seat are curved backwards at an angle towards the center part of the seat (1) in order to form a space in between the edges which extends backwards.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Easydoing OyInventor: Veli-Jussi Jalkanen
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Patent number: 6672660Abstract: A chair having a seat plate supported by legs, the seat plate having a top side with two concaves therein below where a seated person's hip bones project and optionally an additional concave rearward of the two concaves and below where the seated person's coccyx projects. The positions of the concaves are selected to be where a performer on a drum is likely to be seated when playing a drum while seated. The two concaves may be circular or may be elongated in the forward-rearward direction. The seat plate may be circular or it may be a bicycle seat shaped with downward and outward sloping concaves for the femoral thigh regions at the sides and toward the front.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino
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Patent number: 6669283Abstract: A frame of a bicycle saddle includes a rigid main body molded from rigid plastics and an elastic member molded on the main body from elastic material of hardness lower than the rigid plastics of the main body. The main body has a narrow front portion and a wide rear portion. The elastic member is bounded to a front end of the front portion of the main body and has a smoothly arched front side edge, which provides a cushion in the front end of the saddle to decrease the uncomfortable feeling of the bicyclist when the bicyclist is in contact with the front end of the saddle.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
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Patent number: 6629728Abstract: A ventilated support structure for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, comprising an upper side having a seat surface which is supported on a rigid or semi-rigid frame on which is anchored elastically flexible padding there between. The support structure may further comprise an aperture in an anterior portion of the frame. The aperture may be oriented at least partly in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. An air distribution channel is connected to the aperture and is also connected to a plurality of air discharge openings to ventilate the seat surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Selle Royal, S.p.A.Inventors: Massimo Losio, Thomas Overthun, Christopher Cowart
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Patent number: 6523891Abstract: A bicycle saddle system includes a plurality of molded bottom shells, each having a different resiliency, a plurality of molded top shells, each having a different resiliency and rails for attaching the bicycle saddle to a bicycle. Grooves in the top and bottom shells are provided for releasably fixing the rails therebetween and a cushion is removably attached to one of the top and one of the bottom shells. Selection of top and bottom molded shells provides for tailoring resiliency of the bicycle saddle.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventor: Paul M. Yates
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Publication number: 20030034678Abstract: In this piece of furniture, which is taller than a normal chair, the seat as such is located at a such height as to allow the user to rest the user's feet on the floor or on a footrest and is constituted by a body that is differentiated at the top by a rear seat portion for the user's buttocks and a higher front portion that, inserted between the user's thighs, allows the user to sit astride it, this front portion being differentiated, lengthwise down the centre, into two parallel portions that, being mirror images, are spaced apart to define therebetween an open space located in correspondence with the user's genital area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Jordi Badia i Farre
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Publication number: 20030025364Abstract: An improved saddle, in particular for sports bicycles, mountain trail bicycles, city bicycles and others is of the type which has an opening with a longitudinal profile. This opening engages substantially the central portion of the bearing body and partially also the front portion which is more tapered. The saddle is characterized by the fact that the longitudinal opening is padded with a material different with respect to the material which constitutes the padding of the remainder of the saddle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Girardi Antonio
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Publication number: 20030025363Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ventilated bicycle saddle which enables air to flow along the top surface of the saddle while the bicycle is in motion. Specifically, the saddle of the present invention has a seat surface on which a rider sits. The top of the seat surface has a vent recess. An air distribution channel is positioned underneath the seat surface. The air distribution channel is engaged with one or more discharge openings disposed within the vent recess so that while the bicycle moves forwardly, air flows through the air distribution channel, through the air discharge openings disposed within the vent recess and then through the rear portion of the seat surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Raffaele Gaggiola
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Publication number: 20020167206Abstract: A saddle seat (1) which has a rounded center part (2), and side parts (3) which at least partially curve downwards at an angle from the center part in order to support the pelvis and thigh muscle of the seated person, the side parts (3) having front edges (4) which form an acute angle and between them is formed a space (5). The central edge section of the front edges (4) of the seat are curved backwards at an angle towards the center part of the seat (1) in order to form a space in between the edges which extends backwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: EASYDOING OYInventor: Veli-Jussi Jalkanen
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Patent number: 6450572Abstract: A total comfort bicycle saddle that is adapted to provide a rider with both a comfortable cushion surface as well as a firm support surface to enhance the rider's comfort and provide adequate support of the rider's weight. The bicycle saddle includes a relatively hard foam extending over a rigid base, a relatively soft foam extending over the relatively hard foam, and a region of gel located on top of the relatively soft foam. The relatively soft foam is adapted to provide a comfortable cushion surface for the seated rider. The relatively hard foam lying below the relatively soft foam is adapted to prevent the rider from sinking into the soft foam and engaging the rigid base. The gel on top of the relatively soft foam is adapted to undergo a change in shape in response to a seated rider shifting his position so as to evenly distribute the rider's weight over the top of the saddle.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Inventor: Raymond J. Kuipers
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Publication number: 20020096917Abstract: A bicycle seat which has right and left side portions, each having a rear area and an intermediate area, and a nose portion. The right side nose portion is spaced apart from the left side nose portion to provide a gap at the front of the seat of at least 1½ inches.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Bob Turudich
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Patent number: 6422647Abstract: A bicycle seat which has right and left side portions, each having a rear area and an intermediate area, and a nose portion. The right side nose portion is spaced apart from the left side nose portion to provide a gap at the front of the seat of at least 1½ inches.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Bob Turudich
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Patent number: 6378938Abstract: A cycle seat such as a bicycle seat which comprises an abutment section which is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The abutment section is formed from two abutment segments which are connected together. The segments are dimensioned to support the gluteus maximus muscles adjacent the ischial bones so that the majority of the gluteus maximus muscles are not in contact with the seat and wherein the segments do not allow the rider to permanently sit in a vertical position without other support so that the rider is permanently supported in a generally standing position on the bicycle pedals so as to be in a position to deliver substantially maximum pedal power.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: Paul Damian Nelson
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Patent number: 6371554Abstract: A bicycle saddle which controls the force oppressing the perineal region of a human body, which enables to support the weight of a rider mainly by the hipbone and thighbone by means of reducing the force oppressing the genital region. The saddle also provides excellent ventilation, thereby minimizing the bad effects of the rider and provides for a comfort riding. The bicycle saddle is divided into at least two parts. A central part of the saddle contacting the sensitive parts of a human body is made of an elastic substance to be compressed more than the peripheral part. Further, the central part includes a level adjuster that adjusts the height of the variable saddle part from the peripheral saddle part by adjusting the height properly to the body shape of a rider. Therefore, most of the weight of the rider is supported by the peripheral part of the saddle while the weight and oppression concentrated on the central part is released.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Jin Yok Ko
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Patent number: 6361108Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly having a functional surface area comprising a main support surface region and a center tactile surface region. At the center tactile surface region there is a raised center surface portion and outwardly facing side tactile surface portions to engage upper rear and side thigh surface portions of the person. There are right and left and primary support zones spaced on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to support the right and left ischial-tuberosities of the person who is in a seated pedaling position. The forward support surface portions on opposite sides of the center tactile surface region are contoured so that the leading edge thereof has an upward and rearward slope. The seat is arranged to accommodate 95% of the adult population in the U.S., enables the cyclist to operate effectively in the seated pedaling, the seated non-pedaling mode and the stand-up pedaling mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Inventor: Thomas H. White
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Publication number: 20020003364Abstract: A bicycle seat with a base having a front which broadens towards a rear that has a notched groove. A connector is attached to the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: Roger Minkow, Lance J. Bohlen, Robert F. Egger
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Patent number: 6322139Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a recessed portion in an upper side thereof, the recessed portion including a bottom having at least one opening. At least one guide plate is mounted in the bicycle saddle and includes an inlet that faces a front of the bicycle saddle. The guide plate and the bottom of the recessed portion of the bicycle saddle together defining a channel that communicates the inlet with the opening of the recessed portion of the bicycle saddle. A side vent is defined in each lateral side of the bicycle saddle. Thus, ambient air enters the recessed portion via the opening in the recessed portion and the side vents of the bicycle saddle during cycling to thereby provide a ventilation effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventor: Louis Chuang
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Patent number: 6257662Abstract: A springless bicycle saddle is provided which includes a molded unitary shell and pad. Rails attached to the shell enable the saddle to be mounted on a bicycle seat and a resilient component disposed between the shell and the pad provides for cushioning. In addition, the three components may be assembled through the use of screws which also provide adjustment of the resiliency of the resilient component disposed between the pad and shell. The shell may include two pods with an arched member interconnecting the pods providing enhanced resiliency without contact with the rails. Upturned edges of the pod enables nesting of the pad and resilient component in the pods which eliminates stapling or sewing steps, thus reducing production costs.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Paul M. Yates
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Patent number: 6254180Abstract: A bicycle seat is shown which includes a shell (11) formed from plastics material which has two buttock support portions (12 and 14) separated by a slot (16). The shell (18) includes a nose portion (18) and the transition between the support portions (12 and 14) and the nose portions (18) forms hinges (20 and 22) for allowing the support portions (12 and 14) to move independently with respect to one another in arcuate fashion during pedalling motion of the bicycle. A support rail (40) is coupled to the underside of the shell (18) and may have free ends (145) which act as stops to limit the amount of movement of the support portions (12 and 14). Springs (184, 190) may be provided between the mounting rail (40) and the shell (11). In other embodiments (FIGS. 42 to 80), the seal may include chambers for receiving air to cushion and provide support for a rider.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Nelson Seating Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Paul Damien Nelson
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Patent number: 6244655Abstract: A bicycle seat with a base having a front which broadens towards a rear that has a notched groove. A connector is attached to the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.Inventors: Roger Minkow, Lance J. Bohlen, Robert F. Egger
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Patent number: 6224151Abstract: A bicycle saddle in which the rear one third of the saddle is an elevated level platform supports the cyclist's weight on the ischial tuberosities, while forward of the platform the saddle's surface steps down and then continuously slopes downward towards the saddle's nose. Thus the only points of the rider's anatomy in weight bearing contact with the saddle are the ischial tuberosities, as the rider's soft perineal tissue is positioned above the stepped down and downward sloping portion of the saddle. Additionally, to guard against soft tissue contact with the saddle for some riders having a lowered or forward cycling position, a groove runs from the middle of the level platform along the saddle surface to the saddle's nose. The shell of the saddle is supported by an armature rail fabricated from rigid rod, which connects the saddle to the bicycle frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Allan McMullen, Jr.
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Patent number: 6193309Abstract: A bicycle seat for supporting the buttocks of a bicycle rider when the rider shifts his position on the seat between three positions, a touring position, a performance position, and a racing position. The seat eliminates pressure on the perineum and is designed for both men and women.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventors: Steven M. Gootter, Thomas D. Williams
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Patent number: 6158806Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly having a functional surface area comprising a main support surface region and a center tactile surface region. At the center tactile surface region there is a raised center surface portion and outwardly facing side tactile surface portions to engage upper rear and side thigh surface portions of the person. There are right and left and primary support zones spaced on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to support the right and left ischial-tuberosities of the person who is in a seated pedaling position. The forward support surface portions on opposite sides of the center tactile surface region are contoured so that the leading edge thereof has an upward and rearward slope. The seat is arranged to accommodate 95% of the adult population in the U.S., and enables the cyclist to operate effectively in the seated pedaling mode, the seated non-pedaling mode and the stand-up pedaling mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventor: Thomas H. White
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Patent number: 6152524Abstract: A hornless saddle for a pedal-operated machine is disclosed, the saddle having an upwardly concave semi-circular shape including two adjacent quadrant-shaped planar surfaces for supporting a rider's buttocks. Each surface is bounded by upstanding embankments to the side and rear thereof which embrace and retain the rider's buttocks on the saddle. The saddle is capable of limited lateral pivotal movement about a fore and aft axis to accommodate and mimic the lateral rolling action of the rider's pelvis as the pedals are rotated.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventor: Brian Anthony Cox