Bow Spring-mounted Patents (Class 297/215)
  • Patent number: 10384737
    Abstract: A motorcycle seat assembly that includes a seat pan with a load bearing hammock-type or hammock-style fabric or mesh seat suspension mounted using a suspension mounting bracket to the seat pan that is configured with an integral suspension mounting fixture that enables pre-tensioning of a stretchable webbing of load-bearing fabric or mesh material of the suspension during fixturing and/or mounting of the suspension to the seat pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignees: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC, Milsco Manufacturing Company, A Unit of Jason Incorporated
    Inventor: Bryan Schram
  • Patent number: 9102377
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a saddle frame. A support cloth is mounted atop the saddle frame in a stretched manner. The saddle frame has at least three support spots to couple to edges of the support cloth. A middle portion of the support cloth is located above the saddle frame in a suspended manner. The bicycle saddle is composed of a saddle frame and a support cloth that is arranged above the saddle frame in a suspended manner. The suspension arrangement of the support cloth makes the hips of a rider in engagement with the support cloth rather than contacting the saddle frame. This makes riding comfortable. Further, the support cloth is of excellent performance of heat dissipation thereby reducing the adverse effect on the body health caused by the heat accumulation during riding a bicycle. The left and right frame members are foldably coupled to the bottom base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Trim Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Lee Reeb
  • Patent number: 8851566
    Abstract: A ventilated saddle structure for bicycles, motorbikes and/or pedal powered machines, comprising: a support frame (2) designed to be anchored to a bicycle, motorbike and/or pedal powered machine, a seating surface (3) associated with the frame (2), wherein the seating surface (3) comprises a membrane (4) made of a perforated and at least partially deformable material, shaped to match the user anatomy. The frame (2) comprises at least one thrust device designed to elastically interact from below with the membrane (4) to appropriately counter the deformation thereof and to support the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bigolin
  • Patent number: 8678339
    Abstract: A bicycle seat support that resiliently supports a bicycle seat and comprises an upper engagement member adapted to support a bicycle seat, a lower engagement member adapted to engage a bicycle frame, and a compliant support assembly coupling the upper engagement member to the lower engagement member. The compliant support assembly includes a first cantilevered beam cantilevered to the lower engagement member, and a second cantilevered beam cantilevered to the first cantilevered beam. The first and second cantilevered beams define a gap, and a resilient member is positioned in the gap. Preferably, the cantilevered beams include convex surfaces, and the resilient member includes concave surfaces shaped to receive the convex surfaces. The resilient member can include a body portion and a strut (e.g., two struts). The resilient member can also include a side surface and a recess in the side surface (e.g., extending all the way through the resilient member).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. D'Aluisio
  • Publication number: 20120013100
    Abstract: A shock absorption system for a bicycle that is simple, flexible and compatible with the many sections of a bicycle where adequate shock absorption is sought. The shock absorption properties are provided through a C-shaped compliant structure. C-shaped compliant structure may be removable such that it may be installed and removed as per the desire of the end user of the bicycle for post market modification and personalisation purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Marcel Guillemette
  • Publication number: 20100187872
    Abstract: A bicycle seat includes a substantially horizontally extending seat portion and a monolithic metallic rail is connected to an underside of the seat portion so as to be connected with the guide on the top end of the seat post. The monolithic rail includes a connection portion, a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion includes two extension rods which are connected to the rear end of the seat portion. The front portion is connected to the front end of the seat portion. The connection portion is longitudinally and adjustably attachable to the guide on the seat post of a bicycle. The rail can be used in place of the international parallel rail system and thus convert said bicycle seat from the international parallel rail system to the I-beam system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Susan Huang
  • Publication number: 20090108643
    Abstract: A detachable saddle and a pad-replaceable saddle set are provided. The detachable saddle comprises a base, a pad and a fastening device, wherein the base has a top surface, the pad has a bottom surface, and the fastening device, disposed between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the pad, is adapted to detachably assemble and substantially form a cushion space between the base and the pad. The pad-replaceable saddle set comprises said base, said fastening device and a plurality of pads, wherein each pad is assembled with the base to form a complete detachable saddle. Thereby, cyclists may conveniently and readily detach and replace the pads of the pad-replaceable saddle set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 7506925
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a seat includes a stiff substantially continuous first sheet suspended at three points on a stiff substantially continuous second sheet. In one embodiment, the first sheet defines a generally flat first wing and a first nose projecting forward from a center of the first wing, the second sheet defines a bow shaped second wing and a second nose projecting forward from a center of the second wing, and the second wing is positioned under the first wing such that left and right sides of the first wing are supported on uplifted ends of the second wing and the first nose is supported on the second nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jeri Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20080217968
    Abstract: The present invention finds application in the field of sport and leisure accessories, and particularly relates to a seat structure having controlled and customizable elasticity, particularly for vehicles. The structure, which is designed to be connected to a movable or A stationary frame (T), comprises a support element (3) having a bottom surface (6) and a top surface (7), the latter being designed to support at least partly a user, an connection member (4) to be associated to the support element (3) for anchorage thereof to the movable or stationary frame (T) and at least one shock absorbing element (8) which is designed to absorb shocks and vibrations transmitted from the frame (T) to the support element (3). The shock absorbing element (8) includes an elastic member (9) having a first elasticity modulus (k1), between the bottom surface (6) of the support element (3) and the connection member (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: SELLE ROYAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Segato
  • Patent number: 6883866
    Abstract: A snowmobile seat, including a base; selective fasteners mounted to the base, the selective fasteners including inner posts and offset outer posts on a first side of the base and on a second side of the base, the inner posts and outer posts defining a groove; a flexible support having a first side and a second side, the first side being interposed between the inner and outer posts on the first side of the base, the second side being interposed between the inner and outer posts on the second side of the base, the flexible supported being bowed, the flexible support being adapted to support the weight of a rider, and the flexible support defining apertures; a foam overlay disposed over the flexible support; and a fabric overlay disposed over the foam overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: David A. Branscomb
  • 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: 6305743
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Kelly Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6260919
    Abstract: The bicycle saddle includes a flexible frame having a W-shaped cross section with fore and aft depending portions between the horn and a tail of the flexible frame for enabling the longitudinal flexing of the frame. A resilient cushion is provided and disposed on the flexible W-frame between the horn and the tail and a rail fixed to the fore and aft depending portions is provided for attaching the flexible W-frame to a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Paul M. Yates
  • Patent number: 6010188
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle and suspension generally includes a U-shaped suspension member having an elongate portion for attachment to an underside of a bicycle saddle and two end portions with each end portion having an end subtending arcuate member for providing resiliency between the subtended end and the elongate portion. The subtended ends are disposed in an opposing relationship with a pair of rails disposed between the opposing subtended ends. A plurality of resilient members enable tailoring of the resilient characteristics of the suspension in both transverse and longitudinal axis of the bicycle saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Paul M. Yates
  • Patent number: 5938278
    Abstract: A bicycle seat comprising a laterally elongated plate and hip restraints extending upwardly and laterally outwardly from opposite lateral ends of the elongated plate. The elongated seat provides comfort to a rider while the hip restraints provide lateral support to the rider's hips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth Langevin
  • Patent number: 5911473
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing bicycle saddle including a resilient seat for engaging the crotch portion of a user and a frame for attaching the seat to a conventional, seat post of a bicycle. The frame has a support bracket formed from stiff wire. One end of the support bracket is secured by a shock dampener to the seat and the other end thereof is secured by another shock dampener to a seat post attachment bracket. Each of the shock dampeners includes a number of cushioning blocks adapted to receive therein one of the opposed ends of the support bracket. In an alternative embodiment of the saddle, the shock dampener adjacent the seat post attachment bracket is replaced by a pair of coiled loops integrally formed with the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: James D. Hill
  • Patent number: 5468048
    Abstract: A seat back suitable for a vehicle incorporates a mechanically adjustable lumbar support. A flexible panel (9) is mounted by hooks (8) on a rigid frame (6). In the lumbar region pockets (13) formed at the margins of the panel house the central regions (15) of strip spring steel springs (16). The upper and lower ends of each spring curve rearwardly from the panel. The upper ends are interconnected by a cross member (18) and the lower ends are interconnected by a cross member (19). A Bowden cable (22) controlled by a manual or powered actuator is provided for moving the cross members (18, 19) towards each other and thereby causing the central regions (15) of the strip springs to bow outwardly and increase the amount of lumbar support provided by the panel region therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Pirelli Tyres Limited
    Inventors: Clive Clemens, Robert E. Wain
  • Patent number: 5388887
    Abstract: A bicycle type seat having a shell, preferably resilient material or padding thereon, and a top cover on the resilient material or padding. The seat has a wide rear portion and a relatively narrow nose extending forward of the rear portion in a longitudinal direction. There is at least one reinforcing strut which extends longitudinally and is secured to the seat adjacent the nose and the rear portion.There is provided a support which includes at least one tab and side portions. The side portions extend on the lower surface of the shell substantially corresponding to the shape of the rear portion of the seat. The tab extends from the side portions over the upper surface of the shell. A fitted portion of the top cover is located between the support and the shell whereby a clamping action is exerted thereon.In manufacture, the support secures the rear portion of the top cover to the shell and permits the remainder of the top cover to be stretched forward and press-fitted around the rest of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Marie-Therese Chiarella
    Inventor: Robert Read
  • Patent number: 5368358
    Abstract: A bicycle seat support comprising a bicycle seat providing a seat surface to support a rider during use. The bicycle seat is coupled at a bottom side to a telescoping shaft for insertion within a larger, hollow shaft forming a part of a bicycle frame. A nonlinear spring member composed of a composite material and including two ends and an intermediate section provides resilient support to the bicycle seat. Attachment clamps are coupled at each of the ends of the nonlinear spring member for enabling attachment of the nonlinear spring member between the bicycle seat and the larger, hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Roland J. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5074618
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle, or other two-wheel vehicles, seat which utilizes a concave base to distribute the weight, and corresponding pressure, in a comfortable manner. The base, configured as a section of a hollow spheroid, provides for the distribution of pressure and minimizes the central pressure which would be transmitted to the perineal region of the rider. Further, the seat is cushioned by a spring bracket which serves as the site for attachment to the bicycle. The spring bracket includes a plurality of limbs which slideably bear upon and support the bicycle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas B. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5020851
    Abstract: A saddle support device includes a resilient support fixed on an upper end of a seat post of a bicycle. A base, a carriage and a yoke are provided in series on the support and each has a hole and are clamped together by a bolt. A pair of saddle frames of a saddle are received between the carriage and the yoke. A cushion is received in the support. The resilient support and the cushion absorb a shock or a vibration which may be transferred to a rider so that the rider may feel more comfortable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: King P. Chen
  • 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