Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with a chair having a supporting surface, and includes a bottom member having a cushioning member, the bottom member adapted to be placed above the supporting surface. The bottom member has a rear edge adapted to be placed proximate a rear of the chair and a front edge opposite the rear edge. The apparatus further includes a top member having a bottom surface positioned in confronting relation to the bottom member and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The top member and the bottom member are connected to each other along at least one of the front and rear edges, and at least a portion of the top member is slidable with respect to the bottom member. The apparatus further includes a second cushioning member connected to a rear end of the apparatus and adapted to extend upward from the rear end.

Abstract: A re-configurable item of furniture is provided, and includes at least a first reconfigurable portion having in turn a plurality of deformable cells, each having electrically operated valves to control a gas inflow to the respective cells from a gas inflow source, and a gas outflow from the respective cells, to thereby modify the pressure within respective cells. The gas inflow source includes a high-pressure reservoir cell among the plurality of deformable cells. The item of furniture also includes a control unit arranged to transmit control signals to a plurality of the electrically operated valves, including a valve of the high-pressure reservoir cell, to modify the pressure within a plurality of the cells in a coordinated manner selected to generate a new configuration of support for a user of the furniture.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with a chair having a supporting surface, and includes a cushioning member adapted to be placed above the supporting surface, a bottom sheet connected to the cushioning member and having an engagement surface opposite the cushioning member, a top sheet having a bottom surface positioned in confronting relation to the engagement surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a selective gliding assembly positioned between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet has at least one end connected to the bottom sheet, and the top sheet further has a slip resistant material positioned on the top surface. The selective gliding assembly includes engagement members positioned on the engagement surface and on the bottom surface of the top sheet, and the engagement members engage each other to resist forward sliding of the top sheet and to permit rearward sliding of the top sheet.

Abstract: A cushioning pad for use with cycling shorts comprises an upper pad layer and a lower pad layer fixed to the upper pad layer. An inflatable chamber is formed by and between the upper pad layer and the lower pad layer. The inflatable chamber comprises a first lateral channel which is nonlinear and which has a width which varies along its length, and a second lateral channel which is nonlinear and which has a width which varies along its length. A pump is provided for inflating the chamber with air, and a release valve is provided for releasing air from the chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a seat bladder fastened to a base frame. The seat bladder has one or more cavities that include an internal channel along a portion of the seat bladder's centerline that blocks the flow of fluid from side-to-side along the length of the internal channel. A rear fluid channel allows fluid to flow from side-to-side as the rider's weight shifts from side-to-side during the pedaling cycle. Fluid also flows from side-to-side where the pommel portion flows into the wider seating portion of the set bladder by moving around the forward end of the longitudinal channel. The perimeter of the seat bladder overhangs the perimeter of the base frame by a variable amount throughout the perimeter of the base frame.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a seat bladder fastened to a base frame. The seat bladder has one or more cavities that include an internal channel along a portion of the seat bladder's centerline that blocks the flow of fluid from side-to-side along the length of the internal channel. A rear fluid channel allows fluid to flow from side-to-side as the rider's weight shifts from side-to-side during the pedaling cycle. Fluid also flows from side-to-side where the pommel portion flows into the wider seating portion of the set bladder by moving around the forward end of the longitudinal channel. The perimeter of the seat bladder overhangs the perimeter of the base frame by a variable amount throughout the perimeter of the base frame.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a seat cushion comprising an air chamber with the shape and size corresponding to those of the buttock print of a user. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a seat cushion comprising an air chamber and with an areas corresponding the coccyx, perineum area, left and right thighs of a user when the user is in a standard sitting position. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, no part of the air chamber is excluded from a single air dissipation and flow. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further configured with one or more air valves allowing for adjustment of inflation of said air chamber.

Abstract: A motorcycle seat cushion comprising a base with an array of upstanding air cells across the base. In one aspect, the air cells are interconnected such that pressure is spread cross a wider area to reduce pressure points. There are external air flow pathways between the cells that allow air to circulate among the cells to disperse heat and moisture. There is a midline pathway that is positioned under the perineum and coccyx of the rider to provide pressure relief to the perineum, prostate and coccyx of the male rider. In one aspect, the cushion includes a cover having top and side walls of the cover constructed from a two-way stretch material. The cover has air vents that functionally align with at least some of the air flow pathways to promote the flow of ambient air into the air flow pathways.

Abstract: A variety of cushion presenters may be provided in seats such as motorcycle. These cushion presenters are filled with air to envelop and support the hips of a rider. The cushion presenters may further be used to provide sacrum, support. Additional cushion presenters may be used in the buttock region to relieve tail burn. A linkage may further be provided to provide a actuated backrest.

Abstract: A bicycle seat includes a seat base and a bladder assembly mounted to the seat base. The bladder assembly includes an inner bladder surrounded by an outer bladder and at least partially ringed by a ring bladder. Each bladder can be filled to a desired pressure for any type of rider or riding mode. Accordingly, the bicycle seat offers improved cushioning and stability.

Abstract: An adjustable seat cushion for use on a support surface such as the seat of a motorcycle. The seat cushion is cellular and laterally spreadable inwardly or outwardly depending on the space between the ischial tuberosities of a user seated on the cushion for improved comfort. In an embodiment, the cellular cushion cups the buttocks and also tilts the pelvis of a user seated on the cushion forward for enhanced seated stability.

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.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle assembly includes a seat body, a supporting rail and a suspension means. The seat body includes a front portion and a rear portion being wider than the front portion. The seat body further includes a longitudinal axis dividing the seat body into two symmetrical portions, and a pressure receiving center located on the rear portion of the seat body and passed through by said longitudinal axis. The supporting rail has a first rear end engaged on the underside of the front portion of the seat body, a second and front rear ends respectively extending from the front end along the longitudinal axis of the seat body. The suspension means is disposed exactly under the pressure receiving center of the seat body and coupled with the first and second rear ends of the suspension rail.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable seat cushion. The cushion includes inflatable cells, a pump, a flow control valve and tubing. The cells include at least one inflatable and deflatable first cell configured and arranged to support the ischial tuberosity bones of a human seated on the cushion, and at least one inflatable and deflatable second cell configured and arranged to support at least a portion of the gluteus maximus muscles of a human seated on the cushion. The flow control valve and accompanying tubing is operable to mutually exclusively place the pump in fluid communication with the at least one first cell or the at least one second cell.

Abstract: A novel and unique bicycle seat for a rider includes a base having a base top surface with an inflatable bladder having a bladder top surface. The inflatable bladder is disposed on the base top surface and the base top surface and the bladder top surface together form a seat contour profile. A pump is connected to the inflatable bladder to introduce fluid media therein with a release valve fluidly connected to the bladder to permit fluid media to exit therefrom. Also, the bicycle seat of the present invention can be configured to be in the form of a cover to be retrofitted to an existing bicycle seat. In this configuration, the cover includes a base with a structure for securing it to the existing bicycle seat. For example, this structure can be a skirt of material or other releasable type of structure.

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.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a saddle shell, a frame and two pneumatic cushions. The saddle shell has a relatively narrower front end and a relatively wider rear end. The frame has a relatively narrower front end connected to a bottom side of the front end of the saddle shell, and a relatively wider rear end located below the rear end of the saddle shell. The pneumatic cushions are spacedly disposed between a bottom side of the rear end of the saddle shell and the rear end of the frame. The pneumatic cushions each have an enclosed chamber that is filled with gas.

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.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a rigid/semi-rigid shell functioning as a supporting structure for the bicycle saddle. A covering is disposed on the shell and attached thereto, with a padding between the shell and the covering. The padding comprise a cushion made of a resilient material. The cushion includes a plurality of cavities and is attached to the top of the shell such that the cavities would work as pneumatic cushions with air cushions/air springs interposing between the shell and the rider's body.

Abstract: A saddle structure for vehicles includes a saddle, a spongy mass mounted on top of the saddle thereof, and an outer leather layer wherein the spongy mass has an elastic reinforcing area disposed therein which, designed according to the ergonomics, is made up of two annular suspended cavities symmetrically dented at both lateral sides thereon and a linkage support groove to bridge the two suspended cavities at the middle section thereof, properly fitting to the position of the hipbones and the cleft of the buttocks of human body respectively. The outer leather layer is tightly bound at the upper surface of the spongy mass without the elastic reinforcing area thereof in direct contact with the surface of the saddle to form an enclosed and elastic empty space there-between.

Abstract: A saddle, specifically designed for bicycles, comprises a framework (2) to be coupled to a supporting element and a padding element (3), thereon a user will seat, the saddle being characterized in that it comprises a cushion element (4), including at least a fluid-filled deformable vessel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A breathable cushion includes a base sheet having a circumference in a matrix of openings therethrough along with a cover sheet having a matrix of openings aligned with the base sheet openings and sealed to the base sheet along the base sheet circumference. A gel is disposed between the base and cover sheets with the gel being continuous between the base sheet and the cover sheet openings. The cover sheet is sealed to the base sheet or on each of the base sheet openings for forming a matrix of pockets with each pocket surrounding a sheet opening.

Abstract: The pneumatic bicycle seat assembly of the present invention has an exterior covering, a bracket being a rod of suitable size bent at the center to form an eye, with each of two leg portions extending rearward in mirror image fashion. A base attaches to and rests on top of the bracket. A pneumatic bladder is a self-enclosed element which is separate from and disposed between the base and the soft, flexible cover. An external valve and a pneumatic pump cooperate to both inflate and deflate the pneumatic bladder.

Abstract: A bicycle seat that includes a foam seat cushion member having an inflatable edge cushion provided around the back and side edges of an upper cushion surface thereof and a centrally positioned dual lobe inflatable buttocks cushion.

Abstract: The device concerns a chair (10), which includes an at least partly resilient seat part (12). The seat part (12) of the chair is provided with support elements (14, 15) placed at both sides of the imaginary longitudinal and vertical centre plane (A) of the seat part, which elements are fitted to produce a force and movement that raises the seat part (12) variably and alternatingly. Favourably, the support elements (14, 15) are interconnected so that, when a substantially vertical load is applied to one support element (14/15), said load produces an increasing support force of a direction opposite to said load in the other support element (15/14). Preferably, the support elements consist of interconnected resilient elements (14, 15) so that, when external, substantially vertical loads of different magnitudes are applied to said resilient elements (14, 15), the resilient element (14/15) that is subjected to a higher load produces a force and movement of opposite direction in the other resilient element (15/14).

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a bladder with more than two inflatable chambers and an integral control flap, all of one piece, integral construction. To maximize inflatable volume of each chamber, each chamber preferably has a sidewall portion that is generally perpendicular. The control flap has passages in communication with the chambers and valving for selectively controlling inflation of the chambers. Valving preferably includes pinch valves having a generally T-shaped body with legs that pinch passages in the control flap to retain gas in a chamber and selectively inflate or deflate the chamber. The bladder is connected to a gas supply having a pump in communication with a reservoir for storing a charge of pressurized gas in the reservoir so that the pump need not immediately operate when gas is needed to inflate a chamber.

Abstract: A custom fitted seat having internal fluid compartments whose fluid pressure may be adjusted. Each compartment is in fluid communication with adjoining compartments through a system of one-way valves. There also are release or relief valves in each compartment to reduce the fluid pressure therein and at least one fluid port inlet for the compartments. Pressurized fluid such as air, gel, water or any combination thereof, may be introduced into the compartments via the fluid port inlet by a hand operated squeeze pump. This pump may contain air or be filled with a gel or water or other fluid contained in a separate container introduced to the pump via its own inlet port. The seat components can be manufactured using the electronically heat welded vinyl process and the hand pump by the blow molding process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing integral elastic supports formed by an upper covering (2), by an intermediate filler (3) and by a semirigid shell (4) entails the use of a mold with a hollow lower part, a flat upper part, and at least one intermediate plate. The method includes the following steps: opening of the mold; deposition on the lower part of a covering sheet with an excess border; securing of the excess border by means of the locking plate; deformation of the covering sheet in vacuum; pouring of a first layer of a gel compound in the fluid state; coupling of a semirigid shell to the upper part of the mold; pouring of a second layer of an expandable resin in the fluid state; closing of the mold; opening of the mold and removal of the finished support.

Abstract: An inflatable bicycle seat or cover therefor having a plurality of independently inflatable cell assemblies, each of which is made up of one or more inflatable cells. The cell assemblies are connected to a fluid source so that the user can selectively adjust the degree of inflation of each individual cell assembly and, hence, the contour and support of the seat. The cells within each cell assembly are connected by a conduit that restricts fluid flow between cells within the assembly so that the seat will provide firm and stable support even under the forces generated in pedalling. A lightweight fluid source and controller valve are provided to permit selective adjustment of individual cell assemblies so that the contour and support characteristics can be adjusted to suit the individual requirements, from time to time, of the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cushion for absorbing energy to dampen vibration, distribute pressure and absorb shock. The cushion has a deformable polyurethane bladder which defines a chamber adapted to contain a fluid, such as air. A piece of viscoelastic material, such as a highly plasticized PVC gel, may be located inside the bladder so that when air is introduced into the chamber, the cushion is capable of absorbing energy to dampen low amplitude vibration, distribute pressure and absorb high amplitude shock. The cushion has a valve in fluid communication with the chamber for selectively varying the amount of air so that the shock absorbing capability of the cushion may be varied.Various embodiments incorporating the cushion are disclosed, including a removable bicycle saddle pad, a bicycle saddle, a wheelchair seat pad and a cyclist's glove.

Abstract: A air filled hollow seat has a relatively flexible top portion and a relatively rigid bottom support portion. The bottom support portion is integrally formed to the seat. An air inlet permits the injection of air, under pressure, into the interior of the hollow seat. The interior of the hollow seat has a plurality of partition members essentially separating the hollow interior of the seat into a plurality of individual chambers. The chambers are in air communication with one another.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cushion for absorbing energy to dampen vibration, distribute pressure and absorb shock. The cushion has a deformable polyurethane bladder which defines a chamber adapted to contain a fluid, such as air. A piece of viscoelastic material, such as a highly plasticized PVC gel, may be located inside the bladder so that when air is introduced into the chamber, the cushion is capable of absorbing energy to dampen low amplitude vibration, distribute pressure and absorb high amplitude shock. The cushion has a valve in fluid communication with the chamber for selectively varying the amount of air so that the shock absorbing capability of the cushion may be varied.Various embodiments incorporating the cushion are disclosed, including a removable bicycle saddle pad, a bicycle saddle, a wheelchair seat pad and a cyclist's glove.

Abstract: An apparatus including a saddle arrangement, including a flexible top surface of a generally kidney shaped configuration, with an arcuate side wall depending downwardly therefrom mounted to a rigid floor. Captured therebetween is a relatively thick cushion, with a matrix of spaced springs mounted within a spring chamber underlying the cushion. Modifications of the invention include coil springs defining the matrix of springs, each including a fluid filled shock dampening bag mounted within each spring. A further modification includes a fluid chamber mounted within the cushion, as well as an optionally utilized pneumatic chamber mounted adjacent the fluid cushion to effect relative rigidity and height of the cushion to accommodate variations and comfort requirements by individual riders utilizing the saddle.

Abstract: A liquid-cushioned bicycle seat comprising a liquid impervious bladder divided into a saddle compartment and a pummel compartment which are hydrostatically isolated from one another so that differing hydrostatic pressures may be maintained in each respective compartment, the saddle compartment having first and second zones in fluid communication with each other; separate means for filling the saddle compartment and the pummel compartment with a cushioning liquid; and means for securing said bladder in support of engagement with the seat of a bicycle.