Vertically Oriented Patents (Class 297/209)
  • Patent number: 10710662
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly comprises a saddle adjustment assembly, the saddle adjustment assembly comprising: a saddle post configured to attach to a bicycle frame; an actuating member slidably coupled with the saddle post such that the actuating member can translate, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the saddle post, between at least first and second predetermined positions, the actuating member comprising a saddle angle locking device that selectively locks the actuating member in the first and second predetermined positions; and a saddle support arm configured to couple to a bicycle saddle, the saddle support arm rotatably coupled to the saddle post and the actuating member such that translation of the actuating member with respect to the saddle post causes the saddle support arm to rotate with respect to the saddle post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Bowers, Brian D. Robinson, Ian McPherson
  • Patent number: 8454086
    Abstract: An angle adjuster for a bicycle seat that is disposed between a frame of a vehicle and a seat. The angle adjuster for a bicycle seat includes: a frame connector configured to be connected to the frame; a seat connector rotatably connected to the upper end of the frame connector and configured to support seat; an angle adjusting assembly including a main clutch fixing and releasing the frame connector and the seat connector, and controlling rotational angle of the seat connector with respect to the frame connector by the release operation of the main clutch; an operating lever configured to mount on the frame to operate the main clutch; and a wire connecting the main clutch with the operating lever and operating the main clutch, when the operating lever is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Chun Choo Kim
  • Patent number: 8262115
    Abstract: A variable height seat bicycle suspension seat post assembly for bicycles that descends at an angle toward the rear of the bicycle while providing a suspension component to the seat post. The downward angle at which the seat post assembly travels lowers the rider's center of gravity and improves the balance, stability, handling characteristics, and traction of the bicycle while at the same time absorbing shocks and other impacts caused by rough terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua D. Mackenroth
  • Publication number: 20100187870
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of vehicle suspension systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved variable height seat post suspension assembly for bicycles that descends at an angle toward the rear of the bicycle, thereby accomplishing the dual objectives of allowing the rider to reposition his/her body weight both down and back to lower their center of gravity and providing a suspension component to the bicycle. The suspension component of the invention will include a spring and a damping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Joshua D. Mackenroth
  • Publication number: 20090001781
    Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Shinichi Karube, Stephen Hlopick
  • Publication number: 20080246249
    Abstract: A bicycle seat suspension suitable for use on other vehicles and equipment which is both lightweight and durable and can be constructed from inexpensive material such as steel or aluminum. The seat suspension consists of a top frame and a bottom frame joined together at the front by a pinned hinge and at the rear by a triple hinge slightly elevated at the top. Suspension is provided by various sprung configurations, one of which is a centrally located spring operated by means of an adjustable push rod, another by means of dual shock absorbing Springs. The actual configuration dependant on frame construction and or rider weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: David Frank Pokrywka
  • Patent number: 7172180
    Abstract: The device for absorbing shocks and vibrations particularly for a bicycle comprises at least one shock-absorber element (2) with first means (3) for connection to the frame (4) of said bicycle and second means (5) for connection to the saddle (6) thereof. The shock-absorber element (2) comprises at least one first and one second rod-shaped element (7, 8) with the first ends facing towards the frame (4) rigidly fixed to the first connection means (3) for locking them inside the saddle post (9) of the frame and the second ends facing the saddle rotatably hinged with the second connection means. The procedure for absorbing shocks or vibrations particularly for a bicycle consists of rotate-translating the saddle of the bicycle during the shock and/or vibration acting on its frame keeping the saddle parallel but set bank with respect to its rest position so as to keep its distance from the pedals of the bicycle substantially unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Alfonso Branca, Herbert Engelen
  • 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: 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: 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: 6652025
    Abstract: A bicycle seat is provided which is designed to relieve pressure on the perineal area of riders, as well as relieve pressure on the ischial tuberosities, commonly known as the sit bones, of a rider. The seat includes a mount in the form of a pair of parallel and spaced apart mounting members. A pair of a support members extend upwardly and rearwardly in relation to the respective mounting members for supporting a pair of annular seat members thereon which support the buttocks of the rider. The support members and seat members supported thereon are movable relative to the mounting members between flexed and unflexed positions. The seat members include a peripheral seating surface about a central opening which suspends the sit bones of the rider therein. The seat is simple in construction, being formed by bent rods of material with padded material injection molded integrally about the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas Lyle Sylvester
  • Patent number: 6626490
    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. A clamp rigidly connects the base with a support frame/chassis such as that of a stationary bicycle or the like. The clamp has upper and lower halves which are forced together by a cam lever arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: G & W Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Williams, Steven M. Gootter
  • Patent number: 6471291
    Abstract: An anatomically and ergonomically correct bicycle seat has a pair of U-shaped brackets supporting the seat on a bicycle, which seat includes a platform to receive the buttocks of a bicycle rider and a support mechanism for the platform in order to permit the seat to be mounted on a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Dodge, John P. Dodge
  • Patent number: 6443524
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle is provided with a lightweight and quiet shock-absorbing structure and is formed of a main body which is provided in the bottom with a support frame which is fastened at a U-shaped loop portion thereof with a narrow front end of the main body, and at two support arms thereof with the bicycle frame. The two support arms are separated from the main body by a distance and are fastened with a connection seat. Two shock-absorbing block bodies are disposed between the connection seat and a wide rear end of the main body such that the block bodies are in contact with the underside of the main body and the top of the connection seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 6186487
    Abstract: A shock absorbing post assembly includes an outer tube, inner shaft, guide elements, and spring member. The outer tube has an exterior surface with circumferential portions along an outer cylinder encompassing the outer tube and outer races formed longitudinally between opposite ends of and spaced apart circumferentially about the outer tube. The outer races are within the outer cylinder between and inwardly of the circumferential portions of exterior surface. The inner shaft is received in and partially extends above the outer tube and has an exterior surface with circumferential portions along an inner cylinder encompassing the inner shaft and inner races formed longitudinally between opposite ends of and spaced apart circumferentially about the inner shaft in alignment with outer races of the outer tube so as to provide pairs of aligned outer and inner races. The inner races are within the inner cylinder between and inwardly of the circumferential portions of the exterior surface of the inner shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Donald A. Kesinger
  • Patent number: 6095538
    Abstract: A suspension seat post for a bicycle comprising a tubular housing having a cylindrical bore formed therein which has upper and lower bushings positioned therein with the upper and lower bushings having hexagonal bores extending therethrough. A hexagonal slider extends downwardly through the hexagonal bores in the upper and lower bushings. A bolt extends upwardly through the lower end of the lower bushing and is secured to the lower end of the hexagonal slider for movement therewith. As the hexagonal slider moves downwardly, a plurality of elastomeric members, positioned below the lower bushing and the lower end of the lower housing, are compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin L. Maret
  • Patent number: 6047979
    Abstract: A wheelchair has a pair of wheels supporting a frame, a pair of front castors, a seat, and an anti-tipping device on the frame. The anti-tipping device includes an extensible and retractable displacement mechanism including an actuating member manually accessible by a person seated on the seat for displacing a ground engagement member between a forwardly retracted inoperative position, in which the ground engagement member is retracted beneath the seat, and a rearwardly extended operative or deployed position, in which the ground engagement member is extended rearwardly from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Geer Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Laura Kraft, Emerson Gallagher, Janice Blok, Doug Manarin
  • Patent number: 6019423
    Abstract: An anatomically correct bicycle seat, which includes a platform to receive the buttocks of a bicycle rider and a support mechanism for the platform in order to permit the anatomically correct seat to be mounted on a bicycle, relieves on blood vessels of a bicycle rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: John R. Dodge, John P. Dodge
  • Patent number: 6007148
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle is composed of a main body, a support frame, two shock-absorbing devices, and a bridge. The main body has a shape narrowing toward the front end thereof and is provided in the underside of the rear end thereof with two fastening posts. The main body is mounted on the support frame which is formed of two steel bars such that the front ends of the steel bar are joined together and fastened with the front end of the main body. Two steel bars have a hooked rear end. The shock-absorbing devices are fastened with the fastening posts of the main body and the hooked rear ends of the support frame and are composed of a cap, a shock-absorbing pad, and a base. The shock-absorbing pad has one end which is retained in the cap, and another end which is provided with a recess for retaining a conical portion of the base. The hooked rear ends of the support fame are engaged with the bases of the two shock-absorbing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Selle Tech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 5988739
    Abstract: An anatomically correct bicycle seat, which includes a platform to receive the buttocks of a bicycle rider and a support mechanism for the platform in order to permit the anatomically correct seat to be mounted on a bicycle, relieves on blood vessels of a bicycle rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: John R. Dodge, John P. Dodge
  • Patent number: 5971477
    Abstract: A crescent shaped seating device having a posterior outer curvature and an anterior inner curvature conforming to the natural curvature of the body when in a seated position. The seating device is continuously formed from a multi-element alloy balanced polyurethane semi-rigid material which produces a microcellular core with a tough textured exterior skin integrally formed with the core. Symmetrically arranged, mirror image at least two lateral support means provide additional padding, keep a user centered on the seating device and provide lateral support to the user. An internal frame is encased by and reinforces the seating device. Receiving means are fixedly attached to the internal frame, extend to the lower surface of the seating device and are removably attached to attaching rails. A light system renders the seating device highly visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Dennis L. Bell, Linda J. Jaye
  • Patent number: 5927738
    Abstract: A seat suspension system for a bicycle comprises an outer generally elongate hollow tube and an inner generally elongate hollow tube telescopingly received within the outer tube. Ball bearing races are provided as by metal forming in the inner and outer tubes, and ball bearings are disposed in the races. The inner tube has an inner end fitted with a bushing such that the bushing is slidingly engaged with the outer tube. A compression spring is disposed between the inner end of the inner tube and a stop pin extending through the outer tube. The bearings and bushing cooperate to permit longitudinal movement of the inner tube within the outer tube but prevent relative lateral and rotational movement of the tubes. By this construction, a seat suspension system can be constructed with standard readily available materials and without costly manufacturing procedures yet will provide a highly functional and reliable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Donald A. Kesinger
  • Patent number: 5911430
    Abstract: A new bicycle seat post shock absorber for dampening impacts and vibrations directed though the bicycle frame to a bicycle seat. The inventive device includes a cylindrical seat post plunger inserted into the hollow interior of a tubular sleeve member designed for insertion into the lumen of a tubular frame member of a bicycle. A spring member disposed around the seat post plunger functions as a biasing means biases the seat post plunger away from the sleeve member. A movement limiting shoulder included on the seat post plunger limits the amount of insertion of said seat post plunger into the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas M. Wuschke
  • Patent number: 5881988
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat tube in which a seat post is movably received therein which has a clamping member with a seat disposed thereto. The seat post has two plain portions defined diametrically opposite in an outer periphery thereof and the seat tube has two wedge-shaped recesses defined diametrically opposite in an inner periphery thereof so as to receive two wedge-shaped blocks therein. The seat post extends through a nut member which is threadedly mounted to the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 5823618
    Abstract: A pedestal seat having an adjustable base for supporting a first resilient suspension system for a pair of separate and spaced-apart cushioned body halves adapted for independent articulation with respect to each other is disclosed. A second resilient suspension system is disposed in each of the of the respective body halves adapted to bear against skeleton contact points of the user's torso. The first suspension system employs a pair of leaf springs having opposite ends attached to each of the respective body halves with a coil spring interconnecting one end of each leaf spring with a selected end of each body half. The adjustable base releasably secures the midsection of each leaf spring to a common pedestal or stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Harry M. Fox, Joyce L. Fox
  • Patent number: 5577801
    Abstract: An active dynamic seat has a base, an intermediate piece linked to the base and a seating part linked to the intermediate piece. The seating part is made of two pieces. The two halves of the seating part are resiliently linked in the vertical direction to the intermediate piece, independently from each other, and have each a support part and a seating half arranged thereon. Each seating half of a seating part half is mounted so as to tilt backwards and forwards on the support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Josef Glockl
  • Patent number: 5564671
    Abstract: A cushion assembly for a bicycle seat includes a tubular member securely mounted to a bicycle seat tube, a seat post partially received in the tubular member and having an upper end to which a bicycle seat is attached, a spring received in the tubular member and having an upper end on which the seat post rests and a lower end abutting against a bottom of the tubular member, a bolt extending from an outside of the bottom of the tubular member through the receptacle to engage with the seat post to move therewith, thereby allowing vertical movements of the seat post in the tubular member. First and second clamp plates are mounted between the tubular member and the seat post and each have a contour complimentary to that of an outer periphery of the seat post, thereby preventing relative rotational movements between the seat post and the tubular member. The tubular member has a plurality of holes defined in a periphery thereof, providing an access to the second clamp plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Chu Cheng
  • Patent number: 5551753
    Abstract: An active dynamic seat has a base, an intermediate piece linked to the base and a seat part linked to the intermediate piece. The seat part can tilt in all lateral directions and is linked in an essentially fixed manner in the vertical direction to the intermediate piece. One or more restoring devices act on the seat part. The intermediate piece is fixed at its lower end to the base and is resilient in the vertical direction. In another embodiment of the invention, the seat part is linked to the intermediate piece by several spring strips distributed around the periphery of the seat part and of the intermediate piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Josef Glockl
  • Patent number: 5507476
    Abstract: An improved shock-absorbing assembly in combination with a bicycle saddle is equipped with a pair of vibration springs having two bell-shaped portions connected end to end and a receving groove is disposed at the junction thereof. A retaining member having a loop at each end thereof is engaged with the receiving groove of the vibration springs respectively. A tong-shaped supporting arm having its end bended into a loop is engaged with the receiving groove of the vibration springs which are securedly mounted onto a pair of fixing poles by nuts and washers. The front end of the supporting arm is inserted into a locking mount secured to the front end of the underside of a saddle so that the supporting arm is easily fixed in place and is dismounted from the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Attain Lin
  • Patent number: 5464271
    Abstract: A bicycle seatpost with an integrated pivotal suspension system. The seatpost has a lower piece and an upper piece joined by a pivot pin which allows the upper piece to rotate in a rearward and downward direction. A spring is interposed between the upper piece and the lower piece to provide resilient suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Ryan J. McFarland
  • Patent number: 5387025
    Abstract: A seat, as may be used on a bicycle, providing improved efficiency and comfort for a rider. The seat comprises a split seat having two halves simultaneously rotatable about the longitudinal axis of a mounting post. The points of the two halves that are furthest from the mounting post are also movable up or down in conjunction with the up and down movements of the rider's legs. In addition, support portions of each half are pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the axle on which the support portions are mounted. A seat configured in this manner will rotate about the longitudinal axis of the mounting post, thus causing the right and left sides of the axle on which the support portions sit to move equal distances in opposite directions of each other, i.e., when the left side is forward, the right side will be rearward by an equal distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Richard A. Denisar
  • Patent number: 5370351
    Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly includes a block securely mounted in a bicycle seat tube and having a vertical threaded bore through which an adjusting bolt passes. A fixed block is mounted in the seat tube above the block, having an upper side and a lower side to which a distal end of the adjusting bolt is securely attached. An upper block is slidably mounted in the seat tube above the fixed block. A spring is mounted between the fixed block and the upper block. A seat post is received in the seat tube with a bottom end thereof resting on the upper side of the movable upper block. A transverse bore is formed in the seat post at a section above the seat tube. A seat mechanism includes an upper ring element, a lower ring element, and a pair of guiding rods extending therebetween. A balance rod passes through the transverse bore in the seat post and has two vertical holes through which the guiding rods pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Pei Chen
  • Patent number: 5344170
    Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly permits a bicycle seat to rotate or be laterally displaced short distances in order to absorb movement by the user's body and to increase the comfort of the user while riding a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Adam A. Ochoa
  • Patent number: 5294174
    Abstract: Safety saddle, for bicyles, and motorcyles, comprising a saddle frame, which can be applied to a bicycle or the motorcycle, and supports a framework defining the seat portion of the saddle. Between the framework and frame there are arranged two coil springs, resiliently urging the framework and the frame so as to prevent them from moving toward one another, the saddle further comprising a covering element, arranged between the frame and framework, and covering the coil springs so as to prevent injuries to the user because of possible contacts with the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bigolin
  • Patent number: 5236169
    Abstract: A shock absorbing bicycle seat mounting post assembly is mounted in a hollow tubular socket member, by means of a binder clamp, in the frame of a bicycle. The shock absorber includes a compression spring which will effectively absorb shocks which are carried through the frame when the wheels encounter obstacles and holes when traveling along the ground. The bicycle seat mounting post assembly includes a number of shims which will adapt the post assembly to varying sizes of bicycle frames. A bellows is provided to keep dirt and dust out of the spring area and protect skin and fingers from being pinched. Stabilization is enhanced by the provision of a piston at the lower end of the movable shaft upon which the seat is attached. A variable volume reducing device may be positioned below the seat mounting post to adjust the volume of air trapped below the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: T.J.S.W. Inc.
    Inventor: Thore Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5236170
    Abstract: A shock absorbing bicycle seat mounting post assembly is mounted in a hollow tubular socket member, by means of a binder clamp, in the frame of a bicycle. The shock absorber includes a compression spring which will effectively absorb shocks which are carried through the frame when the wheels encounter obstacles and holes when traveling along the ground. The bicycle seat mounting post assembly includes a number of shims which will adapt the post assembly to varying sizes of bicycle frames. A bellows is provided to keep dirt and dust out of the spring area and protect skin and fingers from being pinched. Stabilization is enhanced by the provision of a piston at the lower end of the movable shaft upon which the seat is attached. A variable volume reducing device may be positioned below the seat mounting post to adjust the volume of air trapped below the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: T.J.S.W. Inc.
    Inventor: Thore Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5024413
    Abstract: A seat post includes a seat mounting supported for lengthwise-displacement and a compression spring cooperating between the seat mounting and its support. The support for the seat mount has a main part to be secured to the bicycle and upper and lower flanges. The seat mounting includes a channel section which slightably engages the upper flange of the support. A guide rod extends from the seat mounting and is slidingly received in the upper and lower flanges of the support. The spring is located between the bottom of the seat mount and the lower flange. The foregoing construction provides optimum ride comfort that can be achieved with a simple design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Karel Papp
  • Patent number: 5020852
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Laura E. Marion
  • Patent number: 4997232
    Abstract: A shock absorbing bicycle seat mounting post is provided and is mounted upon a hollow tubular socket member havng a binder clamp of a frame of a bicycle. The shock absorber will effectively absorb shocks which are carried through the frame when the wheels encounter obstacles and holes when traveling along the ground. In a modification the shock absorbing bicycle seat mounting post will also allow the bicycle seat assembly to rotate thereabout for additional adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Thore Johnsen
  • Patent number: 4765617
    Abstract: A portable seat for catchers positioned behind home plate which lessens the strain on the knees and legs of the catcher and thereby helps the catcher maintain top performance and extends his life as a catcher, the seat comprising a base plate adapted to being placed on a level surface, a vertically extending heavy duty coil spring having the bottom end thereof fixedly attached to the top of the base and the upper end removable attached to the bottom of a horizontally placed seat, the seat preferably being of the bicycle type narrowing in the front for the catcher's leg and having springs underneath to permit bending to the side and providing a comfortable position for the catcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Keith N. Groves
  • Patent number: 4736983
    Abstract: This shock absorber is designed to dampen the jarring put on a bicycle frame and seat. Primarily, it consists of a sleeve with a post slideable within, and the sleeve is clamped in the opening normally provided in the bicycle frame. A coil spring is received on the post for dampening the shock of the road and a provision is made to prevent rotation of the post and seat also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Raymond D. Furbee
  • Patent number: 4502727
    Abstract: A cycle seat with a back is moulded of either plastic or metal material and is fixed to a conventional cycle seat post with a standard racheting clamp and an unique spring cradle. The cradle accepts a horizontal pivot bolt journalled in the forward portion of the cradle and secured in spaced rails on the seat bottom. A spring bears against the seat bottom from a spring cup of the spring cradle, biasing the front contacts or limbs of the cradle against the seat bottom in front of the pivot bolt.The seat rails and the cradle may have other rail and cradle apertures or slots to adjust the seat and cradle horizontally with respect to the seat mount post of the cycle. If the seat is of moulded plastic a metal shell with side rails and matching apertures may be positioned between the seat bottom and the cradle and its spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Stephen A. Holcomb
    Inventors: Stephen A. Holcomb, Johnny E. Aker
  • Patent number: 4456295
    Abstract: A unitary, light-weight, and readily installable shock absorbing device for use in conjunction with the seat of a bicycle provides a pair of interacting, open-ended housings which are held together in variable linear relationship by a pair of bolt-like fasteners. A plurality of coil springs are disposed internally of the housing and serve to separatably urge the housings in the direction of their maximally extended positions and a plurality of coil springs are also disposed exteriorly of the lower of the housings and serve to retard the abrupt separation of the housings caused by the internally disposed springs when the latter springs are compressed by the weight of a rider. The interaction of the open ends of the housings permit the internally disposed springs to contract and expand without transmitting or permitting forward or sidewise sway or shift to the seat of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Francu
  • Patent number: 4182508
    Abstract: A bicycle seat support comprises an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member telescopically slidable therein, the inner tubular member protruding from the open upper end of the outer tubular member and having the bicycle seat clamped thereto. A compression spring is located within the outer tubular member to urge the inner tubular member upwards and resiliently resist downward movement of the inner tubular member and bicycle seat, to act as a cushion for the bicycle seat. A lock is provided, at the top end of the outer tubular member, whereby the inner and outer tubular members can be locked together to render the spring inoperative, the lock being manually operable and within easy reach of the user riding the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Assignee: Hamilton Mould Tool & Die Limited
    Inventors: Charles Kallai, Valerie Kallai, Charles Kallai, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4029284
    Abstract: A seat supporting assembly for use in recreational vehicles such as motorcycles or the like. The seat supporting assembly includes a plurality of pivotable arms extending between the vehicle frame and the vehicle seat for supporting the seat for generally linear vertical movement and further includes a spring assembly resiliently supporting the seat. The spring assembly can be pivotably moved to a plurality of varied inclined positions to permit adjustment of the resilient effect of the spring assembly to compensate for riders of different weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Assignee: Milsco Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard F. Swenson
  • Patent number: 3989296
    Abstract: A saddle for a bicycle and the like elastically mounted on the bicycle so as to provide a suitable cushioning effect thereon. This saddle has at the back side thereof a twisted wire consisting of a plural number of wires wound around each other, each wire being preferably as resilient as possible, said twisted wire fixing said saddle to the seatpost of the vehicle so as to provide a suitable cushioning effect and comfortable sitting thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Inventor: Yukio Naka
  • Patent number: D398269
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: David M. Sennuck, Susan L. Sennuck