Cruise saddle

Abstract

A split-nose touring bicycle seat for touring, comprising: a rigid plastic base provided with attachment points for mounting the seat to a bicycle frame; a total length of the seat of about 230-265 mm; a total width of about 270-310 mm; a split nose section formed by two elongated protrusions of substantially constant width extending forward from a medial section to a front surface; said elongated protrusions angle inwardly, a cushioned pubis bone support surface with a substantially flat side profile, and a drooped nose section forward thereof and substantially vertical outer sides.

Claims

1. A split-nose bicycle seat for touring, comprising: a rigid plastic base provided with attachment points for mounting the seat to a bicycle frame, said plastic base covered by a foam cushion layer, a total length of the seat of about 230-265 mm, a total width of about 270-310 mm, a split nose section formed by two elongated protrusions of substantially constant width extending forward from a medial section to a front surface, said elongated protrusions angle inwardly, said medial section having a substantially flat top surface that extends backward to a rear-end section also having a substantially flat top surface, said medial section providing a cushioned pubis bone support surface with a gel cushion layer above the foam cushion layer and with a substantially flat side profile, a drooped nose section forward thereof, and substantially vertical outer sides.

2. The seat of claim 1, wherein the total width is about 290-300 mm.

3. The seat of claim 1, wherein the total length is about 240-250 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the saddle of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the saddle of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a front view of the saddle of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is a rear view of the saddle of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of the saddle of FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the saddle of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) The bicycle saddle of the present invention provides anatomic features which support the sit bones and the pubic rami of the pelvis, keeping the pudendal nerve and artery free of compression. The present saddle is wider than it is long so the rider is able to stay in an upright or semi upright position without rotation of the hips. The saddle width completely supports the gluteus muscles eliminating gravitational pull on those muscles resulting in a comfortable and safe ride.

(8) The frame is a one-piece plastic frame preferably made of an injection molded polypropylene, polyurethane, polymer, ABS copolymer, nylon or other like material. The shell/frame includes an attachment device for mounting the seat to the bicycle's frame. The attachment device and the outerwear surface are conventional and well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed in detail.

(9) The seat includes a small bifurcated front-end section (split nose), a medial section, and a rear-end section (tail). The seat widens from the nose to the back of the medial section and narrows thereafter to rear end, defining an overall length L and a width W.

(10) The total length of the seat is 230-265 mm, preferably about 245 mm. The total width is about 270-310 mm, preferably about 295 mm.

(11) Front-End Section (Split Nose)

(12) The front end of the seat according to the present invention is a split nose formed by two elongated protrusions of substantially constant width extending forward from a medial section to the front surface.

(13) The nose includes a longitudinally extending gap between these elongated protrusions. The longitudinal gap is sized and contoured to provide pressure relief due to reduced contact of the private parts (perineum and/or genitalia, depending on forward or rearward riding position, respectively) of both male and female riders.

(14) The depth of the longitudinal gap is about 90-100 mm but the exact dimensions corresponding to the depth, width, and height of the longitudinal gap may vary depending on the performance and comfort requirements of different riders and bicycles. These dimensions can be varied to accommodate different sized pelvic structures and intended uses.

(15) The split nose section is relatively short and drops away or droops quickly. Having a drooped nose reduces or eliminates pressure on the superficial perineum area which may be produced by other bicycles seats.

(16) Each half of the split nose is strategically positioned and padded to provide a cushioned pubis bone support surface having a substantially flat side profile. The split nose also provides support for the upper back portion of the rider's thighs, thereby reducing the weight to be supported by the buttocks in forward riding positions.

(17) A cutout separates the right side nose from the left side nose at the front-end section of the seat. The longitudinally extending gap between said elongated protrusions is about 10 mm near the front and widens aft to about 30 mm, preferably 25 mm.

(18) The present invention contemplates having the central groove in the form of a different shape such as a rectangle, ellipse, pear, or hyperbola.

(19) The central gap and the cutout cooperate with each other to define an open space for relieving pressure on the pudendal arteries and nerves of a seat occupant when in a forward riding postion, while providing increased comfort during extended periods of use in a relaxed cruise position.

(20) Medial Section

(21) The medial section includes an area that supports a rider's buttocks and tailbone, extending from about 40 mm fore and aft of the widest point. The sides of the medial section curve gently toward the area where the front arms begin to form.

(22) Rear End Section (Tail)

(23) The top surface of the rear end section is substantially flat.

(24) The tail is well-padded and relatively wide compared to traditional seats.

(25) The present invention may include cushioning gel layer against any appreciable lateral movement relative to the shell, and be of a thickness and in a location which permits only limited up and down deflection. A thin gel layer may be located below the rider's ischial pelvic or sitting bones and genital areas.

(26) However, if the gel layer extends downwardly onto the sloping side portions of the seat, it may cause excessive movement for the rider along with rubbing and chafing of the skin. The gel layer should have sufficient thickness to provide adequate deformation to relieve excessive pressure on the pelvic bones so as to provide a comfortable ride.

(27) A layer of relatively firm plastic foam is advantageously and preferably provided between the seat lower shell and the flexible cover to provide additional resilient support for the rider and for constraining the gel layer.

(28) The seat of the present invention comprises combined features that provide full anatomical support and accommodation for areas of the pelvis including the surrounding tissues and musculature when the rider is in a forward position, but also exceptionally comfortable to use even for long periods of casual riding. It is light in weight, small, attractive in appearance, and streamlined. The seat weight is approximately 290-450 grams and its height is about 45-50 mm.

(29) The seat of this invention includes a combination of features, including an extended drooped nose, wide medial section, cutout, and central gap, to provide greater and more even weight support to the rider. Thus, in a forward or competitive riding position, pressure upon the perineum/genital region is greatly diminished and sometimes eliminated, as the pudendal artery and the pudendal nerve remain free of compression; but the seat remains exceptionally comfortable for long periods of touring in a non-competitive situation.

(30) The seat for a touring bicycle is designed for maximum comfort. The present invention contemplates adding a high-density foam padding to the basic design and adding a leather covering.

(31) The chart below shows relative blood flows based on measurement of blood gasses. A goal is to reduce or eliminate compression of the pudendal nerve and artery when a rider assumes a less aggressive riding position. Blood flow averaged better than 100% during the test. The more narrow width allows for reduced saddle interference of the hamstrings. Here the rider was riding a Cannondale Quick hybrid bicycle in the 60 and 90 degree positions. The bike is an upright bicycle and the handle bars are straight. No drops. The test ride went on for just over 20 minutes. Blood flow averaged better than 100% during the test. As one can see from the results, the rider began moving on the saddle testing different positions (from 11:15-11:21). When he settled back into the proper riding position the numbers began to climb. All the results were good compared to a Serfas comfort saddle in which the average blood flow was 41.57%.

(32) TABLE-US-00001 Cruise (1 min readings) O2 % Blood Flow CO2 Power mW 11:04:30 49 100 25 309 BASE LINE 11:05:00 53 108.16 26 304 11:06:00 59 120.4 27 301 11:07:00 58 118.36 28 307 11:08:00 59 120.4 30 307 11:09:00 55 112.24 29 313 11:10:00 58 118.36 28 301 11:11:00 52 106.12 27 339 11:12:00 48 97.95 28 353 11:13:00 53 108.16 27 325 11:14:00 50 102.4 26 338 11:15:00 48 97.95 26 352 11:16:00 47 95.91 26 365 11:17:00 45 91.83 26 367 11:18:00 43 87.75 27 366 11:19:00 48 97.95 27 350 11:20:00 51 104.08 26 354 11:21:00 48 97.95 26 346 11:22:00 52 103.1 26 346 11:23:00 52 103.1 26 345 11:24:00 54 110.2 27 349 11:25:00 55 112.24 27 350 Average 105.45

(33) The embodiments of the invention described above are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.