Straddle Seat (e.g., Saddle Type, Etc.) Patents (Class 297/195.1)
  • Patent number: 7140679
    Abstract: A snowmobile seat with a substantially rigid foam base disposed over a track tunnel of a snowmobile. A flexible seat section is disposed over at least a portion of the rigid base. The flexible seat section is formed of an open cell foam that is different than the substantially rigid foam base, and has an upper surface. A seat cover covers at least a portion of the flexible seat section and extends under the rigid foam base to cover at least a portion of the rigid foam base. At least one fastener is disposed on a portion of the seat cover extending under the rigid foam base to removably secure the seat cover to the snowmobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: James Atherley
  • Patent number: 7125072
    Abstract: A seat rail for a bicycle seat and a method of fabricating same are disclosed. The seat rail comprises a rod having one or more flutes formed along the length of the rod. The seat rail provides support for a bicycle seat and provides means for securing the seat to the frame of a bicycle. The flutes in the rod reduce the effective cross-sectional area of the rod which results in a significant decrease in the weight of the seat rail, but without a significant loss of rigidity and strength. The fabrication method comprises providing an elongated rod-shaped feedstock, forming at least one flute along the length of the rod-shaped feedstock, and then bending the fluted feedstock to form the seat rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Dynamet Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford M. Bugle, Robin L. Pesa, Jill R. McGibbney
  • Patent number: 7125030
    Abstract: A bicycle designed to reduce the transfer of vibrations to the rider. The bicycle includes a seatpost assembly comprising an inner member, an outer member at least partially surrounding a portion of the inner member, and a damping member disposed between the inner member and the outer member. The damping member provides vibration damping between the frame and the seat. Preferably, the inner member includes a necked portion positioned within the damping member. In addition, the damping member can include a body portion positioned inside the outer member and a head portion positioned longitudinally adjacent the outer member. The concepts of the present invention are also applicable to frame members of the bicycle frame, such as the chainstays, the seatstays, and the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Jeremy Thompson, Jean-Luc Callahan, Mark Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7093684
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a motorcycle that includes a frame. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a seat pan coupled to the seat cushion, and a front mount that extends from a forward portion of the seat pan. A rear mount extends from a rearward portion of the seat pan and a central mounting portion is located on the seat pan between the front and rear mounts. The central mounting portion defines a frame mount that latches to the frame when the seat assembly is in a first position with respect to the frame, and that releases from the frame when the seat assembly is in a second position with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignees: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc., Milsco Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John S. Scott
  • Patent number: 7083229
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Janice Story Cope
  • Patent number: 7080879
    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 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Robert L. Barnett
  • Patent number: 7059673
    Abstract: A seat device includes a seat body converging from rear to front portion and having top and bottom faces, a bent frame having a bent front end and two diverging arms, a front connecting unit molded over the front end of the bent frame, a rear connecting unit molded over the diverging arms of the bent frame, and front and rear fixing units to fix the front and rear connecting units to the front and rear portions of the seat body, respectively. The front fixing unit includes a stud, and a socket to receive fittingly the stud of the front fixing unit. The rear fixing unit includes a stud, and a socket to receive fittingly the stud of the rear fixing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel Lee
  • Patent number: 7059674
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Tylor Garland, Aldia Rauda, Geoffrey Craig Pittfield
  • Patent number: 7059672
    Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly includes a tubular seat post having an upper serrated surface, a threaded aperture formed in the upper serrated surface and aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tubular seat post, a saddle support structure having a lower serrated surface adapted to mate with the upper serrated portion of the tubular seat post, the lower serrated portion including a slot through which a bolt can extend and mate with the threaded aperture, and a saddle adapted to mate with an upper surface of the saddle support, the saddle having a slit formed therein that allows access to the head of the bolt from above the saddle via the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: MacNeil Bikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Darcy Saccucci
  • Patent number: 7055900
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Selle Royal S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Losio, Thomas Overthun, Christopher Cowart
  • Patent number: 7044542
    Abstract: In one form of the invention, a rounded bicycle seat is provided. The seat has no front pommel that is a significant factor in causing most pressure and pain to the crotch area of a rider. As such, the bicycle seat is designed to relieve numbness. In one embodiment of the current invention, the seat is provided with a rounded dome portion that minimizes or makes no contact with the crotch area of the rider when the bicycle seat is in use. Further, the seat may pivot in multiple directions in connection with the rider's movement, giving the rider proper coordination and alignment with the seat and the bicycle pedals. The seat is anatomically correct and provides support for the rider with a snug comfortable fit, while at the same time improves balance, flexibility and improves body strength with the least amount of friction and pain experienced by the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Armond Muscat
  • Patent number: 7044540
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Selle Royal, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
  • Patent number: 7025417
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Joshua Dov Cohen
  • Patent number: 7008012
    Abstract: A conveniently removable bicycle seat with interior storage space that converts into a carrying case is disclosed. The bicycle seat is comprised of upper and lower support members which are attached to a hinged plate in a clamshell design. The bicycle seat is removably attached to a bicycle frame with an attachment means in the underside of the lower support member. When removed from the bicycle frame, the bicycle seat acts as a carrying case for the storage and transport of various personal items. The upper and lower support members may be removed from the hinged plate and interchanged with other support members of varying shapes, sizes and designs to suit the physical and aesthetic needs of the bicyclist. The seat includes an indentation in the front center region of the seat to alleviate any potential pressure on the genitalia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas Chang
  • Patent number: 6988740
    Abstract: A suspension device for disposition between a support post of a bicycle and a suspended member, such as a bicycle seat and bicycle handlebars, having an invertible connector body with a support post mounting, a horizontal median and two shoulder surfaces disposed above the median or below the median. The connector body has at least two sleeves with two slide pins slidably mounted in and passing through the two sleeves, and a top bracket and a bottom bracket fixed to top and bottom ends of said slide pins, with two springs disposed between the shoulder surfaces and the brackets and a seat or handlebar mounting connected to the top bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Bert Bobrovniczky
  • Patent number: 6971715
    Abstract: The motorcycle seat saddle is a motorcycle passenger seat extension device designed to widen the seat to increase the passenger's comfort and sense of security while riding and ultimately enable longer rides. The seat saddle has two covered, cylindrical pads attached to the ends of a sturdy but flexible, rectangular panel member. In use, the panel rests on top of the motorcycle passenger seat with the cylindrical pads on either side, comfortably expanding the total surface area of the top of the seat. When the passenger mounts the seat saddle, the passenger's weight presses the cylindrical pads both downward and inward, securing the saddle to the seat. When not in use, the seat saddle can be easily removed and the two cylindrical pads rolled inwards together beneath the flexible rectangular member to render the seat saddle more compact for storage purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Randel W. Hankins
  • Patent number: 6957857
    Abstract: A shell construction for a bicycle seat includes a woven structure and a rigid cover. The woven structure is made of a high strength thread. The rigid cover is formed of a plastic material, and is molded over the woven structure. The plastic material penetrates the woven structure. The rigid cover has a top wall and a skirt member projecting from a periphery of the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Ching-Song Lee
  • Patent number: 6957856
    Abstract: A bicycle seat post includes two arcuate plates and a reinforcement board sandwiched between the two arcuate plates. Each arcuate plate has two lengthwise end surfaces and each end surface includes an inner corner edge and an elongate surface defined in an outer corner edge thereof. The two lengthwise end surfaces contact two opposite sides of the reinforcement board. Each of lengthwise top surface and lengthwise bottom surface of the reinforcement board is connected between the two respective elongate surfaces of the two arcuate plates so as to form two longitudinal grooves in an outer surface of the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Tien Hsin Industries Co., LTD
    Inventors: Douglas Chiang, David Michael Anthony
  • Patent number: 6957855
    Abstract: A seat for a bicycle includes two suspended seat straps which support the buttocks of a rider. The straps are attached to front and rear support arms which are attached to two points on the frame of the bicycle. The front support arms form an inverted bifurcated assembly which is attached to the bicycle frame via a shock absorber. A ball and socket fitting permits the inverted bifurcated assembly to move in pitch, yaw, and roll, thereby conforming to the movements of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Philip R. Weary
  • Patent number: 6948770
    Abstract: A supporting frame for mounting a seat device on a bicycle seat post includes a frame body and a connecting piece. The frame body is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, and has a stem portion, and two support arms branching from the stem portion. The connecting piece is made of metal, and is connected between the support arms. The connecting piece includes two wing plates insert-molded with the support arms, and a through hole formed between the wing plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel Lee
  • Patent number: 6942290
    Abstract: A seat support platform is pivotally supported on a base member. A rotatable locking element is provided on the platform to selectively lock frame members of a saddle thereonto. The base is adapted to be mounted to a support frame/chassis such as that of a stationary bicycle or the like. A resilient biasing arrangement enables the saddle to move from side to side relative to the base member to enable a user to sway from side to side in a more natural manner when riding on the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: G & W Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Gootter, Thomas D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6913099
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a frame and a seat mounting stud extending upwardly from a seat support of the frame. A seat assembly includes a seat pan having a forward mounting tab that is coupled to the frame adjacent a fuel tank, a rearward mounting tab extending rearwardly from the seat pan and coupled to a rear fender, and a mounting aperture positioned between the forward and rearward mounting tabs. The mounting stud is received within the mounting aperture and cooperates with the forward and rearward mounting tabs to couple the seat assembly to the frame. A method for installing the seat assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Harley Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Scott
  • Patent number: 6899389
    Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly includes a tubular seat post having an upper serrated surface, a threaded aperture formed in the upper serrated surface and aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tubular seat post, a saddle support structure having a lower serrated surface adapted to mate with the upper serrated portion of the tubular seat post, the lower serrated portion including a slot through which a bolt can extend and mate with the threaded aperture, and a saddle adapted to mate with an upper surface of the saddle support, the saddle having a opening formed therein that allows access to the bolt through a top surface of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: MacNeil Bikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Darcy Saccucci
  • Patent number: 6889789
    Abstract: A seat rail extending rearwardly from a vehicle body frame to support a seat. The seat rail is formed of a left-and-right two-split cast product having a substantially flat upper surface and, at the same time, includes cross members. These cross members can be mounted later using bolts. The seat can be arranged above the seat rail and the cross members and, at the same time, a seat engaging member which engages the seat with the cross member can be formed on the cross member. The seat rail is constituted of the left and right seat rails which are divided with respect to a vehicle width center. This seat rail structure provides for simple manufacture and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kurayoshi, Satoshi Hirayanagi, Shin Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6886887
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 6883865
    Abstract: A bicycle seat and adjustable mount includes an arcuate rail extending generally upward and backward from a base mounted on a bicycle seat post, and a seat support slidably mounted on the rail and capable of being positioned at various positions along the rail. The seat support preferably carries a seat having a planar laterally elongated base with terminal upstanding hip restraints to position the rider on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas C. Geyer, James B. Geyer
  • Patent number: 6874849
    Abstract: A saddle for a bicycle, tricycle, exercise cycle or the like has a mounting arrangement which permits the saddle to rock from side to side as a rider pedals the cycle. The rocking motion has an effective centre above the surface of the saddle and the saddle is resiliently biased so as to return to its central position when the cycle is not being ridden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Brian Anthony Cox
  • Patent number: 6871907
    Abstract: The opposite side faces of a seat face of a bicycle saddle or seat on which a driver is to be seated expand rearward. The expanded, side faces also expand downward to form a pair of left and right knee grip portions such that the knee grip portions may be held between the inner sides of the knees and/or the inner parts of the thighs of the driver. While the bicycle is moving, the driver can support the bicycle at the handle bar, the pedals and the knee grip portions. Therefore, the driver can improve the stability of the bicycle and maintain a good posture. Further, if the surface area of the knee grip portions is increased, then the knee grip portions can be held readily between the inner sides of the knees and the inner parts of the thighs. Accordingly, a wide range of beneficial operating positions is provided for the aggressive use of the bicycle in applications such as mountain bike racing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Morita, Koji Mizuta
  • Patent number: 6851746
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a shock-absorbing bicycle seat mount, including a post fixedly attached to a bicycle seat at a proximal end of the post, a distal end of the post being inserted into a bicycle seat tube for axial movement therein; biasing apparatus disposed within the seat tube to support the post; an axial movable platform disposed within the seat tube to support the biasing apparatus and the post; biasing apparatus external of the seat tube disposed to connect the support platform to an upper portion of the seat tube; apparatus to prevent rotational movement of the post within the seat tube; and means to manually fix a minimum height of the post and attached saddle with dis-engagement of the shock-absorbing apparatus at that point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: John P. Faltings
  • Patent number: 6845835
    Abstract: A seat holding mechanism for a two-wheel vehicle for holding a seat rotatably in the horizontal direction at a predetermined height. The seat holding mechanism is disposed on the side of the seat. The seat holding mechanism allows the seat to be to be fixed at another height, so that when the vehicle is in a driving mode, the seat is prevented from rotating and the riding state can be assured. By adjusting the seat at the predetermined height in a non-driving mode, the seat can rotate in the horizontal direction. Consequently, in the non-driving mode the seat can be used as a chair, thereby improving the attractiveness of the vehicle. The two wheel vehicle with the seat holding structure has a foldable body, allowing it to be easily mounted in a four wheel-vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiichi Kurohori, Hiromi Furuhashi, Yutaka Murata
  • Publication number: 20040232742
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Claus Oehler
  • Publication number: 20040183343
    Abstract: A bicycle seat that vibrates/oscillates/kneads/massages the riders anatomy via intermittent digitally controlled frequencies or by way of an on-off activation switch or by sensor/weight activation. This allows rider seat massage to maximize comfort, minimize soreness/numbness at the perineum, ischial tuberosities and/or gluteus maximus muscles when on seat for varying periods of time. A vibratory or oscillatory lightweight tube is integrated within the underside of the seat front to back, so as to be one with the hard plastic shell-undercarriage and/or metal rod infrastructure of the seat. Seat massage can be vibratory/oscillatory Rpm's or frequencies similar to frequency vibration/oscillation of hand held vibrators up to ultrasonic toothbrushes having much higher strokes per minute. The massage frequencies are conducted within the tube and seat therefore the entire seat vibrates/oscillates thus massaging the seated rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Paul C. Probst
  • Publication number: 20040174051
    Abstract: A saddle for pedal-powered devices, especially bicycles, with two spaced apart seat halves (1) each of which supports one half of the buttocks and has a cup joint arrangement on its bottom. The cup joint arrangement (5) has an essentially hollow spherical socket (6) and a cup element (7) which can be moved in it. A support rod (11) has two supports (10) each of which is attached to a respective cup element (7) for connecting the saddle to a saddle support (13) by the support rod (11). The cup joint arrangements (5) each have a device for limiting the range of motion of the cup element (7) in the socket (6). The cup joint axes around which the cup elements (7) can be moved in their respective socket (6), are each outwardly inclined. Thus, a solid seat on the saddle and ergonomic pedaling are enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Scholz
  • Patent number: 6786542
    Abstract: An improved design in bicycle, unicycle or tricycle seats as related an articulating, adjustable resistance seat, which acts in reducing perineal pressure, providing support to proper parts of the pelvis while allowing variable seat resistance adjustments and width adjustments according to the anatomy of the rider. The ability to allow an upward/downward movement of the seat with downward resistance provides the rider with an energy assist when the leg is moving in the upward position. This action will result in less fatigue to the rider especially when engaged in racing over long periods. Resistance can be applied by a spring, spring-hinge, torsion bar or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Nuzzarello
  • Patent number: 6773061
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing bicycle saddle includes a saddle body, a top saddle frame transversely mounted in the bottom side of the rear part of the saddle body and defining with the bottom side of the saddle body a buffer space, two elastic members bilaterally stopped below the top saddle frame, a bottom saddle frame provided at the bottom side of the elastic members, and a bracket having two shank portions each having a front end respectively fixedly fastened to the bottom side of the front part of the saddle body and a rear end respectively fastened to left and right ends of the bottom saddle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Selle Tech Industrial Co., LTD
    Inventor: Gio Shu
  • Publication number: 20040145222
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing bicycle saddle includes a saddle body, a top saddle frame transversely mounted in the bottom side of the rear part of the saddle body and defining with the bottom side of the saddle body a buffer space, two elastic members bilaterally stopped below the top saddle frame, a bottom saddle frame provided at the bottom side of the elastic members, and a bracket having two shank portions each having a front end respectively fixedly fastened to the bottom side of the front part of the saddle body and a rear end respectively fastened to left and right ends of the bottom saddle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Selle Tech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gio Shu
  • Publication number: 20040140698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle saddle particularly conceived for bicycles providing a prone position for the cyclist. The present saddle provides anatomical abutments that exclusively concern the underside of the glutei and the inguinal ends, eliminating any compression on the perineal zone and on the genital organs, allowing the cyclist to take a bow position and the cyclist's legs to exert force on a pedal group situated in a back position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Ivano Urban
  • Patent number: 6761400
    Abstract: A bicycle seat, including a seat frame; a first cushion joined to the seat frame, the first cushion being adapted to rotate forward and rearward; a second cushion joined to the seat frame, the second cushion being adapted to rotate forward and rearward; at least one first elastomer support joined between the first seat cushion and the seat frame; and at least one second elastomer support joined between the second seat cushion and the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Hobson
  • Patent number: 6755464
    Abstract: A bicycle seat (10) has first and second support members (12, 14) each with a proximal end (12a, 14a) attaching to a seat post (P) of a bicycle (B). The support members extend in opposite directions from the post from their proximal ends to a distal end (12b, 14b) which extends above the post. A pivot pin (16) is located at the distal end of each support member. A seat cover (18) comprises of a web of material extending between the distal ends of the support members, the cover being sufficiently strong to support the weight of a bicycle rider. The material fits on seat frame (20) which pivotally mounts the seat using the pivot pins for the seat to freely move under the weight of a bicycle rider and cushion the rider as the bicycle moves over uneven surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Jacobsmeyer
  • Publication number: 20040090095
    Abstract: A bicycle seat (10) has first and second support members (12, 14) each with a proximal end (12a, 14a) attaching to a seat post (P) of a bicycle (B). The support members extend in opposite directions from the post from their proximal ends to a distal end (12b, 14b) which extends above the post. A pivot pin (16) is located at the distal end of each support member. A seat cover (18) comprises of a web of material extending between the distal ends of the support members, the cover being sufficiently strong to support the weight of a bicycle rider. The material fits on seat frame (20) which pivotally mounts the seat using the pivot pins for the seat to freely move under the weight of a bicycle rider and cushion the rider as the bicycle moves over uneven surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Jacobsmeyer
  • Publication number: 20040056519
    Abstract: Ergonomic Bicycle Seat With Prostate Guard (ERGOSEAT) is an ergonomically designed sitting device for making bicycle riding more comfortable for men and women suffering from loss of blood circulation and loss of sensation at their sexual organs, and from pain at their wrists, as they ride on conventional bicycle seats. The invention creates an air space, Prostate Guard, between the sensitive area of the body and the conventional bicycle seat by eliminating the third forward contact point and by substituting a new contact point, Frontal Support of ERGOSEAT, on lower abdomen. For maintaining proper positioning of the body over the two rear contact points, Bladder Cushions of ERGOSEAT, the Frontal Support arrests forward slide of the body and serves to reduce strain on both arms and wrist. ERGOSEAT is adjustable to fit all body sizes and weights and does not require special details and implements for fastening the Seat to the seat column of the standard bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Bulent Ibrahim Kastarlak
  • Patent number: 6709052
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Easydoing Oy
    Inventor: Veli-Jussi Jalkanen
  • Patent number: 6705674
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle such as a bicycle comprises a clamp for engaging a seat post of the vehicle and a rigid frame supported by the clamp. The preferred rigid frame includes a first and second lateral bar portions; and a cross-bar portion connecting the lateral bar portions. The rigid frame preferably is mounted by parallel bracket plates pivotally supported by the clamp. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the seat includes a support web which is coupled to the first lateral bar portion near a first edge, to the second lateral bar portion near a second edge, and to the cross-bar near a third edge. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the seat includes at least one cushion which at least partially surrounds the lateral bar portions. The invention provides a sturdy, comfortable seat which can either be sold as original equipment or retrofit onto an existing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. McMahan, Robert M. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20040026967
    Abstract: A bicycle seat is disclosed which includes a shell (12) to which a mounting rail (16) is attached. The mounting rail (16) is connected by a mounting plate for securing one end of the rail and amounting hole for securing the other end of the rail. The mounting plate and securing hole allow the shell (12) to rock relative to the rail (16) in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shell (12). The shell (12) also has a rib structure to reinforce the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Damian Nelson
  • Patent number: 6687934
    Abstract: A seat cushion structure of the invention comprises a cushion body, made of a foamed material, that has a top surface provided with two left and right recessed cavities. A flexible filling material is filled within the recessed cavities of the cushion body. A covering skin is stretched to outwardly cover the flexible filling material and the cushion body, wherein an air gap is left between the flexible filling material and the covering skin. With the above seat cushion structure, comfortable seating and good heat dissipation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 6688684
    Abstract: A saddle device includes a saddle member, and a cushioning device disposed between a seat post and the saddle member for cushioning the saddle member and having two frames. The frames each includes an upper leg secured to the saddle member, a lower leg secured to the seat post, and a bent portion formed between the upper leg and the lower leg. Two gaskets are engaged in the bent portions of the frames for changing the cushioning effects of the frames. The lower legs of the frames may be easily secured onto the typical seat posts without changing the structure of the seat posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Chen Hua Huang
  • Publication number: 20040021348
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, or boat has a straddle-type seat that includes a flexible sheet of material pulled tightly over a gap formed in a seat frame. In certain embodiments, a tightening mechanism ensures that the flexible sheet of material is pulled tightly over the gap. The flexible sheet of material forms a hammock-like straddle-type seat. The flexible sheet of material is a mesh material that allows water, snow, dust, and other debris to fall through the mesh to avoid debris buildup on the seat. Because water falls through the mesh material and both the top and bottom sides of the mesh material are exposed to the ambient air, the seat dries quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Luc Bourgeois, Eric Fournier, Germain Cadotte, Martin Pernicka
  • Publication number: 20040021347
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Bob Turudich
  • Publication number: 20040012232
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a shock-absorbing bicycle seat mount, including a post fixedly attached to a bicycle seat at a proximal end of the post, a distal end of the post being inserted into a bicycle seat tube for axial movement therein; biasing apparatus disposed within the seat tube to support the post; an axial movable platform disposed within the seat tube to support the biasing apparatus and the post; biasing apparatus external of the seat tube disposed to connect the support platform to an upper portion of the seat tube; apparatus to prevent rotational movement of the post within the seat tube; and means to manually fix a minimum height of the post and attached saddle with dis-engagement of the shock-absorbing apparatus at that point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: John P. Faltings
  • Publication number: 20040004373
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Tylor Garland, Aldis Rauda, Geoffrey Craig Pittfield