Abstract
Bicycle saddles come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are long, some are short, some are curved some are flat. The ultimate goal is to find the perfect saddle for the cyclist.
CLARIFICATION: those that ride bicycles are commonly referred to as cyclists, bikers, cyclists, bicycle cyclists, bicyclists, cycle cyclists, cycling, etc., but for this discussion, they will be referred to as cyclist(s)
As with the height of humans, the widths of Ischial Tuberosities (Sit Bones) are also numerous. The Ischial Tuberosities are the protruding bones of the hip/pelvis that sit underneath the muscles of the glute and is the part of the body that first contacts the saddle. Everyone has a different width and the importance for a cyclist in finding the exact width is critical for long-term health and cycling enjoyment.
Excessive weight/pressure on the soft tissue can lead to health issues such as tumors, genital numbness and even erectile dysfunction due to Pudendal nerve compression and or crushing and or blocking of the Pudendal artery.
SADDLE DESIGNThe rear area of a saddle is where the Ischial Tuberosities should rest. This area of the saddle comes in one of two shapes, either (a) flat, or (b) curved. This is where the cyclist should apply most of their weight. The most important item is for the cyclist to minimize the amount of pressure to their soft tissue, in other words, the correct saddle width and saddle shape is paramount in preventing as much of the cyclists' soft tissue from coming into contact with the saddle. Ideally, the majority of contact with the saddle will come from contact of the cyclists' Ischial Tuberosity, the Ischial Ramus and Inferior Ramus of Pubis.
This Ischial Tuberosity measuring tool can measure any/all types of cyclists and can be used to measure any/all saddles where a saddle(s) that the bicycle shop carries can be recommended to the cyclist. It is important to note that the recommended saddle(s) will be the correct fitting saddle(s) for the cyclist.
This saddle fit system is comprised of impression foam pad(s) that are attached to an organic or inorganic substrate that supports the cyclists weight. Also included are 2 ferrous, non-ferrous or non-metallic balls as well as a detached Vernier caliper measuring device.
The cyclist sits and centers themselves on the saddle fit system. The bike fitter then has the cyclist stand thereby leaving 2 indentation impressions on the impression foam. The bike fitter then takes the 2 balls and drops one onto each side of the impression foam pad. Due to the natural force of gravity, these balls will self-center into the exact center-point of each Ischial Tuberosity impression left by the cyclist.
The bike fitter will then take the supplied detached calipers and measure the distance from center-point of each ball. This dimension will be noted, shown and discussed with the customer who will then decide on a preferred saddle(s) shape and material.
The bike fitter will then show the cyclist preferred saddles by laying the calipers over the top of each saddle and centering the tips of the caliper where the cyclists' Ischial Tuberosities will be contacting the saddle. A follow-on conversation regarding best-fit/best-usage of a recommended saddle based on (a) cyclists' flexibility, (b) cyclists' body shape and conditioning, (c) saddle width and (d) saddle shape can then be held with the cyclist.
SIZING THE SADDLEWhen the caliper is layed on top of the rear of the saddle, the drop from the Ischial Tuberosity to the top of the saddle can be easily seen and shown to the cyclist. In most cases, the difference between a flat saddle vs a curved saddle is one size difference where the curved saddle usually requires one size wider than the flat top saddle. This is important for a healthy perineum and the correct saddle sizing is easily shown with this tool. Too much of a drop between the ideal placement of the Ischial Tuberosity and contact with the saddle can cause an excessive amount of pressure to be applied to the cyclists' soft tissue. Cited Works http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20102446 http://www.webmd.com/men/features/biking-and-erectile-dysfunction-a-real-risk https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265514647_Cycling-Related_Sexual_Dysfunction_in_Men_and_Women_A_Review http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16422816 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18042330 http://www.nchi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17227499 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16230994 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3809048 http://www.sellesmp.com/smp4bike/images/stories/pro2016-en/index.html
Claims
1. A bicycle saddle fit system comprising: impression pad(s) of sufficient size to span the IT bones of a minor or an adult human; a substrate layer extending laterally beyond the perimeter of the impression pad(s); a set of balls that will self-level on the impression pad; and a detached measurement gauge caliper or detached ruler comprising a sliding or non-sliding scale which said gauge will be used to measure from the center of each ball after balls are placed on the impression pad(s) which will indicate the distance between the IT impressions of the cyclist previously seated on the impression pad(s).
2. The fit system of claim 1, wherein a set of magnets can be attached to the fit system to keep ferrous balls stored in place.
3. The fit system of claim 1, wherein the measurement gauge comprises a detached and separate measuring device that can be taken over to a saddle to show exact placement of the cyclists' IT onto the saddle.
4. The fit system of claim 1, wherein the measurement gauge when placed over a saddle will clearly show the amount of drop from a level surface to the point of contact of the cyclists' IT.
5. The fit system of claim 1, further comprising a substrate layer underlying and fixed to the impression pad.
6. The fit system of claim 1, wherein it includes an exposed portion of the substrate layer which extends laterally beyond the perimeter of the impression pad.
7. The fit system of claim 1, wherein the impression pad comprises a layer of foam which is about 5-50 mm thick.
8. The fit system of claim 1, wherein it is comprised of 2 balls about 5-30 mm in diameter that will self-level into the depressions that are formed by the cyclists' IT bones into the impression pad substrate layer.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1is a plan view of one embodiment of a saddle fitting tool utilizing dual impression pads.
[0010] FIG. 1ais a plan view of the underside of one embodiment of a saddle fitting tool.
[0011] FIG. 1bis another plan view of an embodiment of a saddle fitting tool utilizing a single impression pad.
[0012] FIG. 2is an elevation view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 2ais an elevation perspective view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1
[0014] FIG. 3is a perspective view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4is a plan view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1, as situated on a chair for use accompanied by a plan view of a step for the cyclists' feet.
[0016] FIG. 5is a plan view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1, in use to measure the IT bone width of a cyclist.
[0017] FIG. 5ais a zoomed-in close-up plan view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1, in use to measure the IT bone width of a cyclist.
[0018] FIG. 6is a plan view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1, depicting the measurement of IT bone impressions made in the impression pads of the fitting tool.
[0019] FIG. 6ais an elevation view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1, depicting a cut away view of the impressions made in the impression pads of the fitting tool.
[0020] FIG. 7is a plan view of the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1, depicting the measurement of IT bone impressions after setting self-leveling balls onto the indentations of the impression pad of the fitting tool.
[0021] FIG. 8is a plan view of the caliper IT measuring tool to be used for saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 9is a plan view of the two (2) balls that will self-level and find the center of the IT bone impressions left by the seated cyclist on saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 10is a plan view of the caliper IT bone measuring tool in use for saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 11is an elevation view of two saddles viewed from the front of one embodiment of a group of saddles for use with the saddle fitting tool of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 12is an elevation view front view showing the front of one embodiment of a curved-top saddle showing the caliper gauge IT bone measuring tool set to a specific IT bone width and showing where the cyclists' IT bones will be set on the saddle.
[0026] FIG. 13is a n elevation view showing the front of one embodiment of a flat-top saddle showing the caliper gauge IT bone measuring tool set to a specific IT bone width and showing where the cyclists' IT bones will be set on the saddle.
[0027] FIG. 14is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a flat-top saddle showing the caliper gauge IT bone measuring tool set to a specific IT bone width and showing where the cyclists' IT bones will be set on the saddle as depicted in FIG. 13.
[0028] FIG. 15is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a flat-top saddle showing the caliper gauge IT bone measuring tool set to measure distance from where the soft tissue sets on the saddle top to how much lower the IT bones sit on the saddle.
[0029] FIG. 16is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a curved-top saddle showing the caliper gauge IT bone measuring tool set to measure distance from where the soft tissue sets on the saddle top to how much lower the IT bones sit on the saddle.
[0030] FIG. 17is a plan view of another embodiment of a saddle fitting tool.
[0031] FIG. 18is an elevation view showing the accompanying Instruction Sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] FIG. 1, FIG. 1a, FIG. 2, FIG. 2a, FIG. 3 depict one embodiment of a saddle fitting tool 100 having dual impression pads. FIG. 1b depicts another embodiment of a saddle fitting tool 100 which includes a single impression pad. The saddle fitting tool 100 is usable to fit a saddle, preferably a bicycle saddle, to a cyclist by measuring the distance between the Ischial Tuberosities (IT or sit bones) of the cyclists' pelvis.
[0033] NOTE: In the embodiment of the IT measurement tool 100 FIG. 1; 110 comprises two impression pads 110a and 110b. In another embodiment of the IT measurement tool 100 FIG. 17 indicates a single impression pad. This differentiation will be used throughout this claim.
[0034] The depicted embodiment of the fitting tool 100 generally comprises impression pads 110 which are affixed to and overlies a substrate layer 120. The substrate layer 120 preferably includes an exposed portion 122 which extends laterally beyond the perimeter of the impression pad 110 as a place to hold and/or store the measuring balls as depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9. Ferrous steel measuring balls can be held in place using underside attached magnets as depicted in FIG. 1a. Non-ferrous or non-metallic measuring balls are held in place via gravity. A detached measurement gauge FIG. 8, 300 is part of the fitting system but not attached to the saddle fitting tool 100.
[0035] The impression pad 110 preferably comprises dual-pieces of shape-memory material, FIG. 1, 110a, 110b, such as foam, foam rubber, memory foam, or alternatively cardboard or clay. Alternatively, a single piece of shape-memory material such as foam, foam rubber, memory foam can also be used in lieu of dual pieces FIG. 1b, FIG. 17, 110. This measuring tool will work in either configuration. Generally, the impression pad 110 can comprise any material that is sufficiently compressible to form, at least temporarily, impressions of the sit bones of an adult or juvenile cyclist recently seated on the impression pad. Where the impression pad 110 is formed from a material which forms such impressions only temporarily, the material preferably has sufficient shape memory to maintain the impressions long enough to permit the measurement of a distance between the impressions as further discussed below. Such an impression pad 110 can therefore be configured to hold the impressions for at least 5 seconds, or at least 10 seconds, or greater than 10 seconds in various embodiments. Using heavy ferrous steel balls FIG. 9 have an advantage since the weight of the balls as they sit on the impression pad(s) will maintain the impressions much longer allowing ample time for the fitter to more accurately measure the IT width of the cyclist. Using this method with a reusable impression pad such as memory foam facilitates repeated measurements with the same impression pad allowing a cyclist to take multiple measurements of IT bone width and average the measurements for improved accuracy. The impression pads 110a, 110b, 110 can therefore be configured to hold the impressions for various lengths of time, in various embodiments.
[0036] In dual-pad embodiment, the impression pads 110a, 110b are each adequately large to span each IT bone width of a large adult cyclists' pelvis. These impression pads will also measure the IT bone width of a juvenile cyclist.
[0037] Alternatively, a single impression pad may be employed, for example in a fitting tool 100 intended for a slightly easier and quicker IT and saddle fitting experience for the cyclist FIG. 1b, FIG. 7.
[0038] The size of the impression pad(s) 110, 110a, 110b is preferably selected to include additional area beyond the largest IT bone width that the pad(s) 110, 110a, 110b is intended to accommodate.
[0039] In the depicted embodiment, the impression pads 110a, 110b are a single layer of memory foam, each about 101 mm (4 inches) wide with a maximum depth of about 101 mm (4 inches) and a thickness of about 28 mm (1.1 inches). While these are only preferred dimensions, they may be varied as is appropriate.
[0040] In various embodiments, dual or single impression pad design, the width of the impression pad(s) 110, 110a, 110b can be about 150-610 mm (6 inches-24 inches). The depth of the impression pad 110 can be about 50-460 mm (2 inches-18 inches while the thickness of the impression pad 110 can be about 2.5-105 mm (0.1 inches-4 inches). As depicted in FIG. 1, this bicycle saddle fit system tool can be used for either adult, juvenile or child cyclist emphasizing a fitting for a bicycle saddle with a slit or hole in the center.
[0041] The perimeter 112 FIG. 1 of the impression pads 110a, 110b can have any suitable shape; however, in the depicted embodiment the perimeter 112 has a shape approximating that of two rectangles, one for the left side IT bone and one for the right side IT bone. This dual-sided impression pad advantageously assists the cyclist in centering the impression pad before they sit on it. A different embodiment is depicted as 110 in FIG. 17, defining a single, larger rectangle, one that is large enough to accommodate both IT bones
[0042] The substrate layer 120 preferably comprises a relatively stiff layer of wood. Alternatively, other relatively stiff materials may be used to construct the substrate layer 120. These can be rubber, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber or any other organic or inorganic stiff material in which impression pad(s) can be mounted.
[0043] As mentioned above, the measuring tool 100 includes a detached measurement gauge 300 FIG. 8, that, in conjunction with self-centering balls 400a, 400b FIG. 9 are used to measure the exact IT bone width. The depicted measurement gauge 300 has an adjustable sliding measuring scale that, when closed, measures zero point and when slid open as depicted in FIG. 10, the measuring tips are used to measure the distance between the center points of each ball by physically placing the edge of each point onto the center of each ball 400a, 400b. This arrangement of the balls 400a, 400b, used in conjunction with the detached measuring gauge 300 facilitates easy and accurate measurement of IT bone width. The measuring gauge 300 can be denominated with millimeters as shown, or with centimeters, inches, or any other suitable measurement unit.
[0044] FIGS. 4-7 depict an embodiment of a method of fitting a saddle to a cyclist. FIG. 17 depicts another embodiment of a method of fitting a saddle to a cyclist. The various embodiments of fitting methods described herein may be performed with any of the embodiments of the fitting tool 100 described herein, or with any other suitable fitting tool.
[0045] How to Measure the IT Bones of the Cyclist
[0046] A cyclist sits on the impression pads 110a, 110b (see FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 5a.) in a manner that both of the cyclist's IT bones push into and against the impression pads 110a, 110b. As seen in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 5a, the cyclist preferably sits on the impression pads 110a, 110b in a slightly forward-leaning posture, and/or with the knees slightly raised so that there is a greater force pressing the IT bones into the impression pad. This will place the greatest force on the IT bones allowing a deeper depression 116a, 116b FIG. 6 in the impression pads 110a, 110b. Other knee/hip configurations and angles may be employed by the cyclist and fitter. A foot support 250 FIG. 4 may be provided to support the feet of the cyclist to easier facilitate the raised-knee posture of FIG. 5, FIG. 5a.
[0047] The IT bones of the seated cyclist create IT bone impressions 116a, 116b, FIG. 6, FIG. 6a in the impression pads 110a, 110b FIG. 6, FIG. 6a. After the cyclist has stood up from the impression pads 110a, 110b, FIG. 6, FIG. 6a, the distance between the IT bones can be measured by taking the 2 supplied balls 400a, 400b FIG. 6, FIG. 6a, FIG. 7, FIG. 9, from the balls holder 101a, 101b FIG. 1, FIG. 7 and then placing the balls 400a, 400b into the depressions 116a, 116b, FIG. 6, FIG. 6a, FIG. 7 left by the previously seated cyclist. The balls will self-level 400a, 400b FIG. 7 to the center of the IT bone depressions 116a, 116b, FIG. 6, FIG. 6a where detached supplied measuring tool 300, FIG. 8, FIG. 10 will be used to measure the distance between the two balls 400a, 400b, FIG. 10 which will be the exact measurement - center-to-center of the cyclists' IT bone width. Alternatively, since the diameter of the balls 400a, 400b FIG. 9 resemble the width of the cyclists' actual IT bones, the distance between the outer edge of 440a to the outer edge of 400b FIG. 10 can also be used to determine IT bone width and ultimately the correct saddle width size. As previously stated, since the impression foam can be used repeatedly, several measurements can be taken where the final width is determined by averaging the multiple and independent measurements. This leads to an even greater accuracy for the cyclists' IT width.
[0048] In various embodiments, the ball holder(s) 101a, 101b FIG. 1, FIG. 7 can be two single holders configured so that each ball holder holds one ball or can be configured in a single larger ball holder that holds both balls.
[0049] Once the cyclists' IT bone width has been measured and recorded on the measuring device 300, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, the correct saddle or correct group of saddles can be down-selected from the vast number of saddles offered for sale via the cyclists' preferred business. It is important to note that most saddles fit into one of two categories 510, 520 FIG. 11 described in further detail below.
[0050] 510, FIG. 11, FIG. 13, FIG. 15 represents a saddle which is flatter along the top rear where the cyclists' IT bones rest. 520, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 14, FIG. 16 represents a saddle with an aggressive slope from the top-middle/top-center to the sides/edges of the saddle. It is a matter of preference that some cyclists' prefer a saddle with a flat-top, while some cyclists' prefer a saddle with more of a curve. A cyclists' preference is mainly dependent upon which is the most comfortable for the cyclist. Some cyclists have larger legs and might prefer the sloped saddle since the saddle does not interfere with or come into contact with the cyclists' legs when pedaling. Other cyclists prefer flat top saddles since this style allows the cyclist to easily move around on the saddle. Since different cyclists prefer differently shaped saddles, of paramount importance is to get the cyclist the correct width saddle.
[0051] As stated previously, the most important measurement of a saddle for the cyclist is the saddles' width. Once the preferred saddle shape has been determined, the correct width needs to be and can now be determined. A saddle's width is measured at the widest point at the rear of the saddle. Most saddles of a specific model come in an availability of different common widths, typically 130 mm, 140 mm, 150 mm, 160 mm. Other widths are available in specialty saddles. For those saddles that are designated as Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), etc., the measuring device can be easily used to measure the exact width in millimeters of these types of saddles as well.
[0052] The combination of the cyclist riding style and the cyclist riding position (both determined during the pre-interview process), IT bone width and saddle shape are all used to determine which saddle width and saddle shape is the best choice for the cyclist. FIG. 12 shows a curved top saddle being measured. FIG. 13 shows a flat top saddle being measured. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of FIG. 13 showing the relative flatness of the rear portion of the saddle.
[0053] More specifically, a cyclist will want to go with the exact size as measured/indicated for a flat top saddle and one width size wider for a curved top saddle. This is easily determined by placing the measurement tool 300, FIGS. 15-16 flat side against the saddle to determine vertical drop from the top of the saddle to where the IT bones will contact the saddle.
[0054] This can be clearly seen in FIGS. 15-16. FIG. 15 is a representation of a flat top saddle showing very little drop from the top of the saddle to where the IT bones will come into contact with the saddle while FIG. 16, a representation of a saddle with a very large curve shows a significant drop from the top of the saddle to where the IT bones will come into contact with the saddle. Specifically, a curved top saddle will curve away quickly from the center-line of the saddle so if the saddle is too narrow, the cyclists' IT bones will be either off the edge, or so low along the edge of the saddle that there will be no support for the cyclists' IT bones, therefore, all of the cyclists' weight will be on their soft tissue. FIG. 15 shows the measuring device set to an 80 mm IT bone width with virtually no vertical drop from the center flat part of the saddle to where the IT bones will contact the saddle. FIG. 16 shows a saddle with an aggressive curve, and, with the measuring device set to the same 80 mm, there is a much greater vertical drop from the top of the saddle to where the IT bones will come into contact with the saddle. In the case of the cyclist choosing a curved top saddle as depicted in FIG. 16, the cyclist will want to go one size width wider than if choosing a flatter top saddle as depicted in FIG. 15. This IT width measurement fitting system 100 and tool 300 FIG. 15, FIG. 16 easily shows this.
[0055] FIG. 17 depicts another embodiment of the fitting tool 100. The embodiment of FIG. 17 can be generally similar to any of the other embodiments of the fitting tool 100 disclosed herein. The fitting tool 100 of FIG. 17 includes a single impression pad 110. This can be used as an alternative to the dual impression pad design as depicted in FIG. 1. It is envisioned that this IT measurement system 100 FIG. 17, will be used by the fitter for standard saddles without holes or cutouts and that the dual-pad IT measurement system depicted as 100 FIG. 1 will be used for saddles with holes or cutouts.
[0056] FIG. 18 depicts a step-by-step instruction sheet 600.
[0057] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of these claims.
