Cycle Saddle

Abstract

A saddle for cycles including a saddle base, support structure attached to the base for supporting the base from a cycle, a cover disposed over the base, and a resilient pad preferably having a first upper portion of relatively low density and having a second lower portion of relatively high density, both portions interposed between the base and the cover. The crown of the base includes a pair of rearwardly disposed concavities which are suitably placed therein to correspond to the location of the ischial bone structure of a rider seated on the saddle. The crown of the base also includes a forwardly disposed concavity which is suitably placed thereon to correspond to the location of the genitals of a rider seated on the saddle. The cover preferably does not normally conform to these concavities, hence when the saddle is not influenced by the weight of a rider, the distracting appearance of the concavities of the base is not apparent. The crown of the base preferably tapers downwardly from the forwardmost and rearwardmost ends thereof towards the intermediate portion with the pad and cover conforming the downwardly tapered crown.

Parent Case Text

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 277,759, filed Aug. 3, 1972, entitled "Cycle Saddle", now abandoned. Said application Ser. No. 277,759 was a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 255,348, filed May 22, 1972, entitled "Cycle Saddle", now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to saddles for cycles and the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Bicycle riding is becoming more and more prevalent in this country. Additionally, rallies involving 50 mile rides and longer are not uncommon. Conventional bicycle saddles are generally designed and constructed for short jaunts, such as around the block and the like, and the riders by and large are children, and their weight is of little consequence. However, when adult persons having a weight several times that of children, engage in prolonged bicycle jaunts, the conventional bicycle saddle is sometimes inadequate. This was recognized by the Faulhaber Pat. No. 3,185,522, patented May 25, 1965. The 3,185,522 patent is directed toward providing a cutaway or recess adjacent the rearwardmost part thereof so that the terminal bone of the spine or the coccyx corresponds to the recess of a rider seated on the saddle. In other words, regardless of the weight of the rider, none of his weight would be pressing the coccyx against the saddle, even when riding over rough or bumpy surfaces since there is no portion of the saddle below the coccyx.

It should be pointed out that the construction features of the 3,185,522 patent are such that the weight of the rider is concentrated adjacent the ischial bone of the rider. Therefore, continual pressure in this area, as well as in the region adjacent the genitals of the rider, causes discomfort after a prolonged bicycle ride.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards overcoming the particular disadvantages and problems referred to above. The concept of the present invention is to provide a cycle saddle, particularly adapted for lengthy jaunts by an adult male or female rider.

The saddle of the present invention includes a saddle base, support structure attached to the base for supporting the base from a cycle in a typical manner, a cover disposed over the base, and a resilient pad preferably having a first upper portion of relatively low density and having a second lower portion of relatively high density, both portions interposed between the base and the cover. The crown or uppermost surface of the base includes a pair of rearwardly disposed concavities which are suitably placed therein to correspond to the location of the ischial bone structure of a rider seated on the saddle. The crown of the base also includes a forwardly disposed concavity which is suitably placed therein to correspond to the location of the genitals of a rider seated on the saddle.

The cover preferably does not conform to the concavities, hence when the saddle is not influenced by the weight of a rider, the distracting appearance of the concavities of the base is normally not apparent. The crown of the base preferably tapers downwardly from the forwardmost and rearwardmost ends thereof towards the intermediate portion. The pad and cover preferably conform to the downwardly tapered crown. The concavities are suitably sized to substantially form-fit the ischial bone structure and the genitals of the rider. Additionally, the pad, being constructed from any well known spongy substance, flows into these concavities and acts as a shock absorber or distributes the weight of the rider uniformly outwardly to the area adjacent the concavities and/or apertures. Thus, the pressure on the ischial bone structure and the genitals is greatly diminished.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the saddle of the present invention shown suitably attached to a typical saddlepost of a bicycle.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the saddle of the present invention as mounted on a cycle, with only a fragmentary portion of the cycle being shown, and with a fragmentary and diagrammatic skeletal view of a rider shown seated on the saddle.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken as on the line III--III of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the base member of the saddle of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the base member as depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the base member.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken as on the line VIII--VIII of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken as on the line IX--IX of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an alternate, preferred embodiment of the pad showing a first upper portion and a second lower portion in a moved apart relation.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but with the saddle including the alternate, preferred embodiment of the pad.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 11 showing how the pad responds to a light load.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 11 showing how the pad responds to a heavy load.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The saddle 11 of the present invention is intended to be adapted to any of the usual bicycles and is shown in FIG. 1 suitably adapted to the usual vertical saddlepost 13. The advantages of the saddle 11 are particularly appreciated by an adult rider attempting long jaunts, such as 50 mile rides or the like; however, the comfort it affords is appreciated immediately upon being seated thereon.

The saddle 11 includes a rigid base 15 preferably formed from a suitably shaped impressed steel plate, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9 of the drawings. The base includes a substantially pear-shaped upper surface or crown portion 17 (FIG. 5), the shape of which is of primary importance, as will be fully appreciated as the disclosure proceeds. The base 15 also includes a downwardly turned flange 19 depending from the edge of the crown portion 17. The crown portion 17 includes a shelf portion 21 substantially horizontally disposed at a predetermined level as depicted in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The crown portion 17 preferably slopes downwardly along the longitudinal axis thereof from the forwardmost and rearwardmost ends 20, 22 towards the intermediate portion 24 thereof as best viewed in FIG. 6 of the drawings, to form a so-called "bucket seat."

The crown portion 17, as viewed from above, is substantially symmetrical abouts its longitudinal axis and includes a pair of rearwardly disposed concavities 23 depressed below the level of the shelf portion 21 and located at predetermined places to correspond to the location of the ischial bones or tuberosities B.sub.1, B.sub.2 of a rider R resting on saddle 11 as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing by broken lines. The respective bones B.sub.1, B.sub.2 of an average adult measure approximately 3 centimeters in width and 3 centimeters in length and have a center to center spaced apart distance of 10-13 centimeters. Accordingly, it may be desirable that the saddle 11 be constructed in small, medium and large sizes respectively having center to center spacing of the concavities 23 of 10 centimeters, 11.5 centimeters, and 13 centimeters. However, a universal saddle 11 which may comfortably fit substantially all male and female adult riders may be preferred. More specifically, in such a universal saddle the rearward concavities 23 respectively might be 5 centimeters across and have a center to center spacing of approximately 11.5 centimeters.

From FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, it may also be seen that the rearward concavities 23 have irregular shaped rims 25 thereto. The concavities 23 flow or slope outwardly and downwardly as at 26 so that respective portions of the flange 19 define in part portions of the concavities 23 adjacent thereto. When viewed from above, the portions at 26 extend forwardly and outwardly from the main portions of the respective concavities 23 in line with the legs of the rider.

The supporting framework 27 is of any suitable construction well known to those skilled in the art and, since it forms no part of the present invention, will not be described in detail. Supporting framework 27 is adjustably mounted on the saddle 13 in the usual manner and by any suitable well known means, which includes a bolt and fastening means 29 that can be loosened to pivot the saddle 11 relative to the saddlepost 13 and then tightened to hold the saddle in a selected place in the usual manner. The supporting framework 27 and the usual springs 31 are connected to the crown 17 in any suitable well known manner. In addition, the saddlepost 13 is mounted on the cycle 33 in any well known manner.

From FIG. 3 of the drawings, it may be seen that the saddle 11 includes a pad 35. As viewed from above, pad 35 is pear-shaped and substantially of the same shape as crown portion 17 of base 15, as depicted in FIG. 5. The pad 35 may be formed from any resilient material, as for example, sponge rubber, polyurethane and vinyl foams, or the like, and is placed upon the base as shown. The saddle 11 also includes a cover 37 disposed over the pad 35 and is fixedly attached to the base 15 in any well known manner, as for example, stitched, or rivets, etc. The cover 37 includes a main portion 39 disposed above the crown portion 17 of the base 15. As viewed from above, main portion 39 is pear-shaped and substantially of the same shape as crown portion 17 of base 15, as depicted in FIG. 5. From FIG. 3 of the drawings, it may also be seen that the main portion 39 of the cover 37 is in non-conformity with the rearward concavities 23 and is substantially flat when not influenced by the weight of the rider so that the otherwise distracting appearance of the rearward concavities 23 is normally not apparent.

In other words, the pad 35 normally does not conform to the concavities but is easily urged therein by the ischial bones B.sub.1, B.sub.2 of the rider R resting on the saddle 11, thus providing a shock absorber which substantially fits the ischial bone structure B.sub.1, B.sub.2 and distributes the weight of the rider R uniformly outwardly to the area adjacent the concavities 23. Thus, the pressure on the ischial bone structure B.sub.1, B.sub.2 is greatly diminished. From FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may be seen that the cover 37, hence the pad 35, conforms to the downwardly tapered crown 17.

The crown portion 17 of the base 15 optionally includes a forward concavity 41 depressed below the level of the shelf portion 21 and located at a predetermined place therein to correspond to the location of the genitals (not shown) of the rider R resting on the saddle 11. The size of the forward concavity 41 may optionally vary in relationship to the size of the rearward concavities 23, that is, the forward concavity 41 may be small, medium or large to correspond to the aforementioned small, medium and large saddles 11. On the other hand, the rim concavity 41 may be egg-shaped and positioned substantially as depicted in FIG. 5 with the major axis thereof extending along the longitudinal centerline of the base 15, thus constituting a universally sized concavity 41. For example, the major axis of the concavity 41 might be approximately 4-5 centimeters and the minor axis thereof might be approximately 3-4 centimeters. From FIG. 5 of the drawings, it can also be observed that the preferred positioning of the forward concavity 41 is such that an equilateral triangle is formed by joining the centers of the rearward concavities 23 and the forward concavity 41.

The pear-shaped portion or flat portion 39 of the cover 37 is in non-conformity with the forward concavity 41 when not influenced by the weight of the rider R whereby the otherwise distracting appearance of the forward concavity 41 of the base 15 is normally not apparent. Further, the pad 35 preferably is in non-conformity with the concavity 41 when not influenced by the weight of the rider R like that shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings for the rearward concavities 23. In other words, the pad 35 may readily be urged into the concavity 41 by the genital region of the rider and acts as a shock absorber or distributes the weight of the rider R uniformly outwardly to the area immediately adjacent the concavity 41. Thus, the pressure on the genital region is greatly diminished.

An alternate embodiment of the base is herein disclosed and is character referenced in FIG. 7 of the drawings by the numeral 215. The crown portion 17 of the base 215 is substantially flat along the longitudinal axis thereof from the forwardmost and rearwardmost ends 43, 45 towards the intermediate portion 47 thereof, as opposed to the bucket shape of the principal embodiment. Other than that, the embodiment of FIG. 7 is the same as the principal embodiment and includes the concavities 23 and 41.

Another embodiment of the arrangement of the pad is herein disclosed and is character referenced in FIG. 4 of the drawings by the numeral 335. The pad 335 is in conformity with the rearward and forward concavities 23, 41 when not influenced by the weight of the rider R. Thus, the portions of cover 337 above concavities 23, 41 are spaced above pad 335, as shown at 338 in FIG. 4. However, if desired, spaces 338 and the concavities 23, 41 may be filled with portions of pad 335, that is, the pad 335 may fully extend between concavities 23, 41 and cover 337, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In any event, the cover 337 is flat or in non-conformity with base 15 in the region of the concavities 23, 41 so that when not influenced by the weight of the rider R, the distracting appearance of the concavities 23, 41 is normally not apparent. Stated another way, the outward appearance of a saddle 11 having the pad 35 is the same as a saddle 11 having the pad 335. The type of material selected for the cover 337 is such that the cover 337 conforms to the concavities 23, 41 more readily, for example, resilient breathing type vinyl coated fabric, molded vinyl, other plastics or the like. Obviously, the material selected for the cover should be of a type which easily stretches to conform to the concavities 23, 41.

An alternate, preferred embodiment of the pad as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13 and character referenced by the numeral 435 comprises a first upper portion 435' of relatively low density and a second lower portion 435" of relatively high density. For example, the first portion 435' could be composed of a polyurethane foam with a density rating of 3.5 and the second portion 435" could be composed of a bonded foam with a density rating of 4.5. The first and second portions 435', 435" are preferably joined together by any well known means, such as by cementing. The pad 435 gives the saddle 11 added comfort by combining softness and rigidness or stiffness. That is, the first portion 435' provides a soft contacting means while the second portion 435" provides a rigid support means. More specifically, when the rider R sits on the saddle 11 the first portion 435' provides a shock absorbing means to reduce pressure on the rider's ischial bone structure B.sub.1, B.sub.2 while the second portion 435" provides a supporting means to prevent the bone structure B.sub.1, B.sub.2 from contacting the bottom and sides of the concavities 23. It should be noted that when a lightweight rider R uses the saddle 11, the first portion 435' will be compressed in the region of the rider's bone structure B.sub.1, B.sub.2 while the second portion 435" will remain substantially unaffected, as shown in FIG. 12. On the other hand, when a moderate or heavyweight rider R uses the saddle 11, both the first and second portions 435', 435" will be compressed, with the first portion 435' compressed to a greater extent than the second portion 435", as shown in FIG. 13. In addition, the pad 435 provides a pad of pleasing appearance and yet is inexpensive to manufacture. This is explained as follows: It will be noted that the peripheral upper edge 49 of first portion 435' is substantially right angular or square shaped, as shown in FIG. 10, before the cover 37 is placed thereover. However, when the cover 37 is placed over the pad 435, as best shown in FIG. 11, the edge becomes smooth or rounded, as shown as at 49', so that no unsightly ridges show through the cover 37 as otherwise would occur if first portion 435' were of high density like second portion 435". Also, because of the low density and the fact that the edge becomes rounded as at 49' from a relatively square one, as at 49, costs are saved since it is not necessary to preform or cut the edge of first portion 435' into such a rounded shape but instead the edges may be cut vertically which is a less expensive operation.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A saddle for cycles and the like comprising a rigid base, a resilient cover disposed over said base and being fixedly attached thereto, and a substantially pear-shaped resilient pad disposed between said cover and said base, said base including a substantially pear-shaped crown portion having an intermediate portion and a forwardmost end, said crown portion being symmetrical about its longitudinal axis, said crown portion and said pad substantially corresponding in shape, said cover including a substantially pear-shaped flat portion disposed above said crown portion of said base, said crown portion including a shelf portion substantially horizontally disposed at a predetermined level and said crown portion including a pair of rearwardly disposed concavities depressed below the level of said shelf portion and being located on either side of and in symmetrical relationship to the longitudinal axis of said crown portion at predetermined places to correspond to the location of the ischial bones of a rider resting on the saddle with his legs extending downwardly on opposite sides of said forwardmost end with said concavities coacting with said pad to distribute the weight of the rider uniformly outwardly to areas adjacent said concavities, said concavities each having rims extending respectively at least halfway around said concavities for coacting with said pad to support portions of the rider spaced radially outwardly from the ischial bones, said flat portion of said cover above said rearward concavities being substantially flat when not influenced by the weight of the rider whereby the distracting appearance of said rearward concavities of the base is normally not apparent.

2. The saddle of claim 1 in which said pad comprises a first upper portion of relatively low density and a second lower portion of relatively high density.

3. The saddle of claim 1 in which said crown portion of said base includes a forward concavity depressed below the level of said shelf portion and being located at a predetermined place to correspond to the location of the genitals of a rider resting on the saddle, said flat portion of said cover above said forward concavity being substantially flat when not influenced by the weight of the rider whereby the distracting appearance of said forward concavity of the base is normally not apparent.

4. The saddle of claim 1 in which said crown of said base tapers downwardly along the longitudinal axis thereof from the forwardmost and rearwardmost ends towards the intermediate portion thereof with said cover conforming to said downwardly tapered crown.

5. A saddle for cycles and the like comprising a body portion including a rigid base; a substantially pear-shaped resilient pad on said base, said pad having a substantially constant thickness, a cover disposed over said pad and base and being fixedly attached to said base, and supporting means attached to said body portion for supporting said body portion from a cycle; said base including a substantially pear-shaped crown portion being symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and having an intermediate portion and a forwardmost end and said base including a downwardly turned flange depending from the edge of said crown portion, said crown portion and said pad substantially corresponding in shape with said pad entirely covering said crown portion, said cover including a substantially pear-shaped main portion disposed above said crown portion of said base, said crown portion including a shelf portion substantially horizontally disposed at a predetermined level and said crown portion including a pair of rearwardly disposed concavities depressed below the level of said shelf portion and located on either side of and in symmetrical relationship to the longitudinal axis of said crown portion at predetermined places to correspond to the location of the ischial bones of a rider resting on the saddle with his legs extending downwardly on opposite sides of said forwardmost end with said concavities coacting with said pad to distribute the weight of the rider uniformly outwardly to areas adjacent said concavities, said concavities each having rims extending respectively at least halfway around said concavities for coacting with said pad to support portions of the rider spaced radially outwardly from the ischial bones, said main portion of said cover above said rearward concavities being substantially flat when not influenced by the weight of the rider whereby the distracting appearance of said rearward concavities is normally not apparent.

6. The saddle of claim 5 in which said pad comprises a first soft upper portion and a second lower portion stiffer and denser than said upper portion to provide firm support therefor.

7. The saddle of claim 6 in which said upper portion of said pad has a right angular upper peripheral edge when unrestrained by said cover.

8. The saddle of claim 5 in which said pair of rearwardly disposed concavities slope downwardly and outwardly.

9. The saddle of claim 5 in which is included a forwardly disposed concavity depressed below the level of said shelf portion and being located at a predetermined place to correspond to the location of the genitals of a rider resting on the saddle, said flat portion of said cover above said forward concavity being substantially flat when not influenced by the weight of the rider whereby the distracting appearance of said forward concavity of the base is normally not apparent.

10. The saddle of claim 5 in which said pad is spaced above said rearward and forward concavities when not influenced by the weight of the rider.

11. The saddle of claim 5 in which said pad is in conformity with said rearward and forward concavities when not influenced by the weight of the rider.

12. The saddle of claim 5 in which said crown of said base tapers downwardly along the longitudinal axis thereof from the forwardmost and rearwardmost ends towards the intermediate portion thereof with said pad and cover conforming to said downwardly tapered crown.

13. The saddle of claim 1 in which said pad has a substantially constant thickness.

14. The saddle of claim 1 in which said crown of said base slopes upwardly from the intermediate portion thereof to the forwardmost portion.