WO1994018055A1 - Bicycle saddle positioning and clearance system - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle saddle, or stationary cycle saddle, mounting assembly for mounting a cycle saddle to a cycle frame. The saddle mounting assembly comprises a frame mounting member (3) for mounting the assembly to the frame of the cycle, a saddle mounting member (12) for accommodating the mounting of a cycle saddle thereon, and a linkage arrangement (7, 9) coupled between the frame mounting member (3) and the saddle mounting member (12) for operatively moving the saddle mounting member (12) in an arcuate path relative to the frame mounting member (3) between a relatively more rearward position and a relatively more forward position. Apparatus (29a, 31, 33) is also provided for indexing and locking the linkage arrangement, and in turn the cycle saddle, at a number of different positions along the arcuate path.

Description

BICYCLE SADDLE POSITIONING AND CLEARANCE SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of bicycling, and more particularly to bicycle seat post assemblies to be utilized with mountain, road, and stationary/exercise bicycles. The invention concerns an adjustable bicycle saddle positioning system that enhances comfort, ridability, and safety for the user.

Brief Description of the Prior Art

In the physics of bicycling, and most importantly mountain bike riding, the rider must constantly shift his or her weight (providing "body English") to compensate for the terrain being traversed. In varying degrees of downhill riding, where the terrain is rough or obstacle-ridden, the cyclist must either remain normally seated and control his or her speed to a comfortable rate, or stand up on the pedals removing his or her weight off of the saddle.

Research has shown that the optimum saddle position is at a height that allows for approximately 15 degrees of leg bend (relative to being straight) when the rider's foot is at the lowest pedal position, and for the seat post to be positioned rearwardly of the pedal crank and along a line passing through the pedal crank axis at an angle of approximately 18 degrees from the vertical. However, this formula is based primarily on the use of the bicycle on level terrain, and it is found that, while lowering the saddle height to allow for substantial downhill terrain (which offers more body clearance, stability, safety, and control for the terrain) , the position lacks the required leg length and positioning requirement for optimum performance. The importance of staying seated under such conditions is that the center of gravity changes correspondingly with the angle of the downhill grade. The preferred center of gravity is further affected if the hill consists of curves, turns, or obstacles that require maneuvering, i.e. the application of body English. The performance of the rider is thus seriously affected by having to lower his speed to compensate for unstable conditions.

If the rider chooses to lift his or her weight off the saddle of the bicycle (whether coasting or pedaling) in order to traverse the terrain, the rider significantly increases the amount of energy used due to the wind resistance effect and the fact that the rider is, in this position, supporting his or her entire weight, thereby lowering the rider's total overall stamina. Consequently, performance and stamina are substantially degraded if the weight is shifted off the saddle when riding on terrain where the downhill grade is of a moderate level allowing for pedaling at maximum speed.

In recent years, the invention of front shock absorbers has become very popular resulting in mass usage of such devices. Even though a front suspension system of this type offers the rider great improvement in performance, the effect of modest-to-quick front braking action (approximately 80 percent of stopping power is on the front brake) causes the front forks to yield or compress, since the body and bicycle inertia are directed forwardly. Since most of these shock absorbing systems have approximately two inches of travel, a modest-to-quick front braking action, especially on an even slight downhill incline, will cause the bicycle to instantly nosedive forward two inches or more (up to four inches) in soft terrain as the front wheel digs into the dirt. This instantaneous action causes the bicycle to nosedive forward with a pivoting or flipping action that can only be offset by a preexisting or instantaneous rearwardly and downwardly directed body weight placement.

Another concern to some bicycle riders is the exercising of their leg muscles. It has been found that even slight movements of saddle position will work different muscles and/or different parts of the muscle fiber than in a normal saddle position, thereby allowing primary muscles to recover by using an alternate position to allow the lactic acids to be removed from the primary muscle group. Typically, normal seat posts are fixed relative to the bicycle frame and allow only one optimum saddle position setting.

When considering street or road bike riding, where the rider encounters significant downhill curves and/or turns, the rider's center point of gravity is not in the most optimum position at the normal or standard top dead center position of the seat post.

Furthermore, storage and transportation of bulky bicycles can also be problematic. The protruding seat posts of standard bicycles affect the ability of the owner to handle such bikes. The ability of the saddle to be positioned closer to the frame would reduce the area needed for storage and transportation. Additionally, the parking of such bicycles would require less space and thus allow the rider to fit the bicycle into a smaller area for parking (e.g. under stairs, in a car trunk, or in the back seat of a car) .

In view of these concerns and others, it is clear that an on-the-fly adjustable saddle positioning system is needed, one that is extremely light, inexpensive, and easily controlled. The present invention satisfies these objectives. SϋMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this description the following definitions and conventions are to be understood:

the terms "bike" and "bicycle" are equivalent terms and will be used interchangeably;

the terms "bike" and "bicycle" include mountain bicycles, road (or street) bicycles, and stationary ( or gymnasium-type exercise) bicycles, the latter including cycles with only one wheel;

the phrases "top dead center position" and "top centerline position" mean the normal or standard saddle position, i.e. the saddle is positioned along a line passing through the pedal crank axis and at an angle of about 18 degrees from the vertical, and generally rearward of the pedal crank;

the term "body English" means the maneuvering of the rider's body to shift his or her center of gravity to compensate for changes in the terrain;

the phrase "on-the-fly" means while the rider is riding; and

the term "stowaway position" means that position of the saddle in which the saddle is moved to an out-of-the- way position for easy storing of the bicycle.

This invention relates to a bicycle saddle arrangement for street or road bike, mountain bike, and stationary bike applications. The present invention is directed to a bicycle saddle mounting assembly for mounting to a frame member of a bicycle frame. The saddle mounting assembly comprises frame mounting means for mounting the assembly to the frame member of the bicycle, saddle mounting means for accommodating the mounting of a bicycle saddle thereon, and linkage means, coupled between the frame mounting means and the saddle mounting means, for operatively moving the saddle mounting means in an arcuate path relative to the frame mounting means between a relatively more rearward position and a relatively more forward position.

Use of the present invention places the rider at the most preferred seating position on demand, including a position which greatly improves saddle and seat post clearance when the rider is traversing terrain that requires the rider to stand on the pedals and utilize body English.

The invention offers the rider the ability to adjust the saddle positions on-the-fly for resting one group of muscles as another group or section of muscles is exercised.

The invention offers the convenience that one bicycle can be easily adapted to accept riders of varying height and leg length, placing the rider in each individual's best saddling position or positions without the hassles of the standard saddle adjustment requirements. In the forward positions (forward of the centerline position) , the saddle will move a distance of as much as 4 inches toward and away from the pedal axis. In the rearward positions (rearward of the centerline position) , the saddle stays substantially the same distance from the pedal axis.

Use of the invention gives the rider the ability to increase traction, as well as reduce side inertia, while cornering. The invention offers the ability to adjust the rider's center of gravity.

In accordance with the invention, the saddle is adjustable rearwardly when encountering downhill situations (i.e. the seated body position is in line with the angle of the downhill slope) . The rearward position may also be advantageous in uphill situations. As a steep uphill slope begins to flatten out, the video can increase peddling torque by shifting his or her body rearwardly.

When a bicycle is equipped with front shock absorbing devices, the invention can assist in compensating for fork compression (nosediving while braking) .

Use of the invention offers the rider the ability to traverse downhill situations faster and with greater stability and safety by allowing a combination rearward and downward saddle movement, while maintaining approximately the same leg length throughout the adjustment range from top centerline position to rearward position to allow for continued pedaling with optimum leg length (saddle-to- pedal) positioning.

In the stowaway position of the saddle, the rider has unobstructed body movement for negotiating rugged downhill or drop-off conditions.

The invention further offers an adjustable saddle position (forward and backward) while exercising on a stationary bicycle arrangement, allowing the rider to customize his or her workout, and achieve a better aerobic fitness conditioning while yet keeping the saddle at the same orientation in all positions. This is accomplished by working different muscle groups without dismounting the bike and making manual adjustments. The on-the-fly saddle positioning adjustment allows the rider to compensate (in myriad ways) at will to any desired, or prescribed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will now be described in detail having reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

Figure 1 is a right side elevational view of the saddle positioning system according to the invention with the saddle positioned in its "top dead center" position (the position a normal seating post would place the rider when properly adjusted to the most efficient seating position) ;

Figure 2 is a right side elevational view of the saddle positioning system in its rearward position;

Figure 3 is a right side elevational view of the saddle positioning system in its forward stowaway position;

Figure 4 is a right side elevational view of the various potential adjustment range of positions for the pivot system that may be utilized to accommodate the various gym bikes and bicycle frame styles, as well as individual rider desires;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the components of the preferred embodiment assembly;

Figure 6 is a front view of the arcuate rack member, part of a position locking system employed in the present invention;

Figure 7 is a rear view of the rack member;

Figures 8a-8c are rear, right side, and front views, respectively, of the front parallel bar, part of the linkage between a saddle mounting member and a frame mounting structure;

Figures 9a-9c are front, left side, and rear views, respectively, of the rear parallel bar;

Figures 10-13 show alternative saddle positioning mechanisms for use with modified bicycle frame styles;

Figure 14 shows the details of the indexing mechanism which locks the saddle into any one of a number of fixed positions;

Figure 15 shows an alternative configuration of the front bar design compared to that of Figure 14;

Figures 16a-16c depict an alternative saddle locking mechanism in which the saddle can be positioned at any location within its range by means of a friction/wedge mechanism;

Figure 17 illustrate the manner in which a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator may be employed to set and lock the saddle into its different positions;

Figure 18 illustrates the use of a shorter pneumatic or hydraulic actuator acting within the linkage between the saddle mounting member and the frame mounting member;

Figure 19 shows an alternative indexing mechanism for securing the saddle in different positions;

Figure 20 illustrates yet a further alternative embodiment of the indexing mechanism;

Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment of the rack member with a guide groove provided therein; Figure 22 shows an end view of the rack member of Figure 21 with a follower pin in the guide groove;

Figure 23 shows a protective shield around the linkage; and

Figure 24 shows the stowaway position of the linkage with the protective shield at its lowest position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment of the saddle positioning system 1 utilizes a unique design of parallel bars 7, 9 to maintain the saddle parallel throughout its travel as the bars 7, 9 pivot.

Front bar 7 and rear bar 9 comprise the only linkage between a frame mounting structure 3 at the bottom and a saddle mount support 5 at the top. The frame mounting structure 3 includes an arcuate rack member 13 and a standard diameter mounting post 15 depending from rack member 13. Rack member 13 also serves as the mounting bracket for the bottom ends of parallel bars 7, 9 pivotally connected to rack member 13 by means of pivot pins 25 and 27.

Similarly, the upper ends of bars 7, 9 are pivotally attached to saddle mount support 5 by means of pivot pins 21, 23. The distance between pivot pins 21 and 23 is exactly the same as the distance between pivot pins 25 and 27 so that bars 7 and 9 remain parallel at all times.

A saddle mounting member 11 is secured to the top side of saddle mount support 5 in a manner to orient the saddle to the desired angle.

The top portion of rack member 13 includes an arcuate rack 29 having detents 31, the rack 29 being optionally strengthened by an inner support structure 33 defining a rear wall for the rack member 13. The use of rack 29 and detents 31 will be explained later in this description.

Figure 2 shows the same mechanical arrangement of Figure 1 with the saddle mounting member pushed back to its most rearwardly position. Since front and rear bars 7, 9 are preferably rectangular in shape (in a plane perpendicular to the page of drawing of Figures 1 and 2) , it is necessary to provide an opening in the front bar 7 so as to permit projection of the forward end of rack 29 through the rectangular bar 7, as is evident from the illustration of Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 3, since there are three detents 31 shown, the saddle can be positioned to any one of three locked positions while the linkage bars 7, 9 straddle the arcuate rack 29. In the stowaway position of Figure 3, however, it is necessary for the linkage bars 7, 9 to pass beyond the forward end of rack 29. It is not advisable to allow free movement of linkage bars 7, 9 beyond the end of rack 29, since a rider may accidentally move the saddle forward too far, creating an unstable situation and perhaps an accident would ensue. To prevent this from happening, a ball plunger 30 is spring mounted into the forward end of rack 29, and a stop pin 30a is fixed to front bar 7 at a location to hit ball plunger 30 as bar 7 is swung back and forth on pivot pin 27. Thus, the rider may release the latching of front bar 7 from rack 29 (in a manner to be discussed later) to permit linkage bars 7, 9 to swing forwardly, but front bar 7 will be prevented from forward movement beyond the point at which stop pin 30a engages ball plunger 30. However, with a consciously applied additional force by the rider, stop pin 30a will depress ball plunger 30 and permit stop pin 30a to pass by. After such passage, the parallel linkage bars 7, 9 will be freely moveable to the forward stowaway position shown in Figure 3.

Two characteristics of the invention are depicted in Figure 4, wherein arcuate paths 21' and 23' mark the paths taken by pivot pins 21 and 23 ,respectively. Figure 4 also shows a different design for the arcuate rack member 13 , wherein seven detents 31 are indicated, so that the bicycle saddle can be fixedly positioned at a larger number of positions and/or throughout a larger range of rear-to-forward positions than the embodiments of Figures 1-3.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the components making up the saddle positioning system in accordance with the invention. The connection of the linkage bars 7, 9 with the saddle mount support 5 and frame mounting structure 3 have been described above. However, the securing mechanism for locking the saddle positioning system in fixed positions is more clearly illustrated in Figure 5, although the components thereof are not shown connected in their operational relationship. One skilled in the art should have no difficulty, however, in following the description of the operation of the saddle position securing/locking mechanism having reference to Figure 5.

An indexing locking element 41, having a protruding dog member 43 and an oppositely positioned operating lever 47 is pivotally mounted to front bar 7 by means of pivot pin 45. A compression spring 49 acts between operating lever 47 and front wall 51 of bar 7 to bias lever 47 away from wall 51 and urge dog member 43 against the inner surface of rack 29. When bar 7 is in a position such that dog member 43 is aligned with one of the detents 31 in rack 29, compression spring 49 forces dog member 43 to engage in the aligned detent 31. Thus, under normal conditions, dog member 43 is engaged in one of the detents 31, and the saddle is locked in a fixed position. When operating lever 47 is moved in a direction to compress spring 49, locking element 41 pivots about pin 45 to position dog member 43 out of engagement with any of the detents 31. This movement of operating lever 47 is accomplished by the pulling of a cable 53 ultimately connected to a thumb lever 73 manually manipulated by the rider.

In the assembled configuration of the saddle positioning system, locking element 41 fits within the inner support structure 33 of the arcuate rack member 13. A cable guide 55 is journaled on the same pivot pin (or rod) 27 as is the bottom of front bar 7. A tapered opening 57 in cable guide 55 permits the cable 53 to smoothly curve about the pivot point 59 for passing cable 53 about a large radius and in the proper position for attachment to the end of operating lever 47. The outer shield of cable 53 is confined within a bore 61 in cable guide 55 in the usual manner.

The operator end of cable 53 passes into a housing 65 mounted, for example, on the handlebar of the bicycle. The outer shield of cable 53 fits into a bore 63 in housing 65 in the usual manner. Opening 67 in the housing is to accommodate, and clamp onto, the bicycle handlebar. Within housing 65 is a thumb lever member 69 having an opening 71 larger than the diameter of the bicycle handlebar so as to be freely rotatable within housing 65, and the inner core of cable 53 follows along the periphery of member 69 in a groove 77 until the end of the cable 53 is attached, for example, just under the thumb lever 73. When the rider pushes down with his or her thumb on lever 73, a pulling force is applied to the central core of cable 53 which, in turn, pivots operating lever 47 of the indexing locking element 41 and withdraws the dog member 43 from any of the detents 31. Releasing thumb lever 73 returns the dog member 43 into the next aligned and available detent 31 by action of the compression spring 49 having previously been compressed.

Figures 6 and 7 show, respectively, the front and rear view of the rack member 13. These views illustrate the configuration of the forwardmost end of arcuate rack 29 and the thickness of the inner support structure 33, the upper end of such combination having to pass by or through front bar 7 when the bicycle saddle is moved to the more rearwardly positions. Toward that end, an opening 4 is provided in front bar 7 as shown in Figures 8a-8c. Most of the detail of Figure 8a indicates the removal of material to lighten the weight of the part and enhance its strength. As the front bar 7 rotates rearwardly, the front of rack 29 and the top portion of inner support structure 33 pass through L-shaped opening 4. The sloping surface 2 is sufficiently recessed within bar 7 so as to not interfere with the lower portion of inner support structure 33 when bar 7 is in its most rearwardly position. As illustrated in Figures 8a-8c and 9a-9c, front and rear bars 7, 9 are preferably rectangular in shape with four corners providing the pivot attachments to saddle mount support 5 and frame mounting structure 3.

The configuration of rear bar 9 is rectangular, but generally H-shaped as seen in Figures 9a-9c. The cutout in the top of rear bar 9 again is to minimize weight without sacrifice of structural strength, and the downwardly depending parallel legs 6 are sufficiently spaced so as to permit the entirety of arcuate rack 29 and inner support structure 33 to pass therethrough without obstruction.

Figures 10-13 show alternative constructions for the movement of the saddle to various positions for non- traditional frame designs. It is anticipated that many manufacturers will be experimenting with non-traditional frame designs in the future. In this event, the saddle mounting system may take advantage of the new type bicycle designs by providing an indexing sliding saddle mounting system or a modified version of the pivoting saddle mounting system previously described. Figures 10 and 13 show slidable saddle mounting assemblies, while Figures 11 and 12 show pivoting seat post systems. Figures 10-12 illustrate a new type of bicycle frame design that eliminates the top tube or the triangular frame design, and thereby utilizes an enhanced lower frame construction. As can be appreciated by reference to Figures 10-12, in this design, constructional elements to establish a saddle mounting system can be engineered to utilize the present invention as an integral part of the road, mountain, or stationary bicycle frame. Figures 11 and 12, for example, show the saddle positioning system in accordance with the present invention, not mounted on the standard bicycle seat post, but rather on the major pedal-to-handlebar beam 24.

More particularly, Figure 10 shows a support base 26a mounted on frame 24 which accommodates a saddle support 26 slidable within, and lockable at various locations along, slide support base 26a. A saddle 28 is secured to the top of support 26 on the modified bicycle design 20 and is selectively moved to different seating positions to produce similar results as the characteristics of the pivoting saddle positioning system according to the previously described designs. In this connection, Figure 13 shows a further modified bicycle design 22 having a fixed slide bar 36 along a bar connecting the rear wheel axle to the top frame member. In this embodiment, the slidable saddle mount 40 is slidable along, and locked to by appropriate locking mechanisms, the fixed slide bar 36.

While the saddle positioning system of Figures 11 and 12 comprise a parallel bar arrangement 30 similar to that shown in Figures 1-9 (except for the aforementioned stowaway position) , there is an additional adjustable support base 32 upon which the parallel bar arrangement 30 is mounted, support base 32 being slidable on, and locked into, various positions along frame 24. Figure 11 and 12 show two different positions of the slidable support base 32.

Although not shown, support base 32 in Figures 11 and 12 employs a spring loaded slide system. By providing a spring loaded locking slide system on the non-traditional frame designs whereby the frame member 24 is at an angle of, for example, 45 degrees to the ground, the saddle mounting unit 34 provides for the saddle angle to remain parallel throughout its travel along the slide system and would thus result in the desirable "downward and rearward" saddle movement. The distance of parallel travel in both the downward and rearward directions are directly determined by the angle of frame member 24 and the length of travel of the sliding support base 32.

The sliding saddle mounting systems shown in Figures 10-13 permit the saddle to be slid upwardly to the optimum, or standard, seating position for normal terrain. The saddle can be slid downwardly and rearwardly, as well as to interim positions which could be infinite in number and/or a specific number determined by the number of preset positions for the registering of ball plungers into detents manufactured on the slide support base 26a (Figure 10) or frame member 24 (Figures 10-12) . It is contemplated that hydraulic or pneumatic systems may also be utilized to lock the slide position anywhere along the support base 26a or frame 24. If a pneumatic or hydraulic system is used, a separate actuator may be provided to move the sliding saddle assembly to the forward or standard position when the handlebar release lever is activated, and the rider's body weight is not restricting the sliding travel of the saddle. Alternatively, of course, a spring arrangement may be utilized to provide the same function. Figures 14 and 15 show an alternative configuration for the indexing locking element 41a and spring 46, as well as the shape of the detents 31a in rack 29b. The detents 31a are sawtooth-shaped, and the dog member 43a is similarly (complementary) shaped. This particular shape is preferable over the semicircular shape previously described, because there is less tendency for the dog 43a to be inadvertently moved out of a detent 31a. The forces tending to cam dog 43a out of detent 31a may become excessive, for example, when a heavy rider sitting on the saddle encounters an abrupt bump in the roadway.

In Figure 14, a forward swing tension spring 50, which fits about pin or rod 21 and in a pocket formed in rear bar 9 and saddle mount support 5, is pretensioned in the assembling of the saddle positioning system so as to provide a spreading force between the saddle mount support 5 and the forward surface of rear bar 9. The strength of spring 50 is chosen so as to balance the weight of the moving parts of the saddle positioning system by an amount such that the saddle is automatically moved forward when locking element 41a is released and the rider is not in contact with the saddle. These parameters define the minimum spring tension of spring 50. The maximum spring tension is chosen to be such that a lightweight rider would have no difficulty in moving the saddle rearwardly, and, of course, so as not to cause the moving parts of the saddle positioning system 1 to spring forwardly at a high velocity upon release of the indexing locking element 41a. If desired, a second spring (not shown) could be employed to bias bars 7, 9 rearwardly, balanced with the action of spring 50 in order to force the saddle into the standard centerline position when no weight is on the saddle and the indexing locking element 41 is released from engagement with arcuate rack 29. In any case, moving the saddle forward or backward may be easily assisted by the rider shifting his or her weight on the saddle and/or grasping the saddle between the thighs and moving forward or back. Additionally, when moving the saddle forward, the rider may apply pressure to the saddle by his or her chest, for example, to move the saddle into the stowaway position.

Figures 14 and 15 also show an alternative to the stop pin 30a/ball plunger 30 arrangement described in connection with Figures 1-9 for limiting the forward movement of parallel bars 7, 9 beyond a predetermined limit point. As can be seen in Figures 14 and 15, the forward end of arcuate rack 29b has a stepped configuration defined by the enlargement of the end of rack 29b and an inwardly spaced cutout 52 therein position just forward of the last detent 31a. Since the forward end of rack 29b is enlarged, a normal pressure of the thumb lever to rotate indexing locking element 41a counterclockwise as seen in Figures 14 and 15, is sufficient to withdraw dog 43a from engagement with detent 31a, such normal thumb force is not sufficient to pivot element 41a effectively to allow dog 43a to pass by the enlarged end of rack 29b, and dog 43a, when this is attempted, engages cutout 52. This engagement of dog 43a in cutout 52 prevents front bar 7 from moving to the right beyond the most forward detented position of the saddle adjustment. However, upon depressing the same actuator on the handlebar with additional force, i.e. beyond some predetermined moderate amount, index locking element 41a indeed pivots sufficiently to move dog 43a out of cutout 52 and below the distal end of rack 29b, thereby permitting front bar 7, and the entire saddle assembly, to move freely forward into the stowaway position.

While the embodiment of Figure 14 makes use of the design of front bar 7 the same as shown in Figures 8a-8c, the design of Figure 15 modifies the forward bar 7 and is so indicated in Figure 15 by the reference numeral 7a. Also, the rack member 13c of Figure 15 is differently constructed than those shown in Figures 1 and 14. As to the rack member 13c, the main difference when compared to Figure 14, for example, is the elimination of the inner support structure 33. In Figure 15, the arcuate rack 29c is shown cantilevered from the left, or rear part of the frame mounting structure 3. This design sacrifices strength of the rack member 13 , but reduces weight of the assembly which is extremely important in serious bicycling.

Figure 15 also shows the top part of front bar 7a in cross section just above rack 29c. A nylon bumper 7c is attached to the lower end of a brace extending between the sides of front bar 7a (see also Figures 8a-8c) . The right and left side of front bar 7a still make the connection between the saddle mounting support 5 and the rack member 13. However, since a heavy rider or the encountering of rough terrain may cause the sides of front bar 7a to deflect in the direction of arrow 7d, the index locking element 41a may apply an excessive upwardly directed force against the rack 29c which would tend to cause the rack material to flex. Nylon bumper 7c prevents this from happening, since any upwardly directed force caused by indexing locking element 41a would not be effective to move rack 29c beyond nylon bumper 7c. Thus, bumper 7c permits additional reduction of weight of the structure without degrading performance. In practice, the typical spacing between the top of rack 29c and the bottom of bumper 7c is about .02 inches.

Figures 16a-16c illustrate a modification of the saddle positioning system of Figures 1-5, 14, and 15, in that the parallel bar arrangement can be locked into any one of an infinite number of positions along a modified support member 13' in which an arcuate slotted bar 29d has a slot 81 arranged concentrically with the path of the front bar 7b. A locking device 70 is fixed to front bar 7b as shown in Figure 16a. Figure 16a shows the saddle positioning system in the extreme forward, or stowaway, position. However, any position of the saddle from a stowaway position, through a normal centerline position and to the most rearward position will result in front bar 7b adjacent the side of slotted bar 29d.

As best seen in Figures 16b and c, a clamping arrangement may be optionally employed such as a wedge clamping mechanism. As an example, a stemmed plunger 82 having a conical head is mounted to front bar 7b and clamped thereto by a clamp ring 90. Between clamp ring 90 and the head of plunger 82 are, from inside out, inner friction pad 92, slotted bar 29d, outer friction pad 84, front bar 7b, conical metallic washer 85, and wedge jaws 83. Since plunger 82 is fixed relative to front bar 7b, when outer and inner friction pads 84, 92 apply pressure to the respective sides of slotted bar 29d, this will fix the position of front bar 7b relative to slotted bar 29d, and, thus the saddle will be locked into the desired position. Upon release of the pressure of friction pads 84, 92 against slotted bar 29d, the parallel bars may be swung to a different position along slotted bar 29d, and the locking force may be again applied.

In order to apply the locking force as described in the previous paragraph, the wedge jaws 83 are moved in and out between the conical surfaces of metal washer 85 and the head of plunger 82. This is accomplished by turning a knurled adjustment knob 86 which moves the jaws closer together or farther apart, such adjustment being possible by the hinging of jaws 83 about hinge pin 89, connected to front bar 7b, and a gap 88 being provided at the forward end of jaws 83. In this manner, tightening knob 86 reduces gap 88 and causes wedge jaws 83 to move into greater contact with washer 85 and plunger 82, thereby applying high frictional forces between the friction pads 84, 92 and slotted bar 29d. Similarly, loosening knob 86 moves wedge jaws 83 radially outwardly to lessen the force applied axially along the plunger 82 and thereby relieve the frictional forces between pads 84, 92 and bar 29d.

When concerns of weight and/or pricing are not critical, such as for use on stationary bikes, the alternative embodiments of Figures 17 and 18 may be employed. These embodiments utilize hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuators which provide a more positive positioning of the parallel bars 7, 9 as compared to the previously described apparatuses. Among the general benefits of these embodiment, a pneumatic/hydraulic system has an infinite number of selectable locations to lock or clamp the saddle throughout its travel or swing range. Additionally, by incorporating a pneumatic/hydraulic actuator (also known as an air spring) when the saddle is clamped into a specific position, the inherent compression characteristics of the pneumatic/hydraulic actuators allow for a shock absorption function. It should also be recognized, however, in the non-pneumatic/hydraulic embodiments, if the parallel bars 7, 9 are made of plastic, or other resilient material, a shock absorption function could also be attained due to the material composition being selected to provide appropriate flexing in desired areas of the construction.

In Figure 17, the pneumatic or hydraulic locking system is constructed with a cylinder extending from the frame mounting structure 3 to the top of front bar 7. In Figure 18, a shorter and much wider compression unit is applied between the two parallel bars 7, 9 so that a preload compression would cause the parallel bars to be constantly spread apart when the saddle is at the top dead center position and the parallel bars are at their greatest distance from one another, whereby the top dead center position is, effectively, a self-centering position of the apparatus when a release lever is activated to permit the bars 7, 9 to swing freely. One method of locking the saddle into different positions is seen in Figure 18, wherein an indexing bar 110 is spring loaded by spring 112 confined within front bar 7, the indexing bar 110 being engagable within a number of detents 114 on detent hub 108 fixed with respect to front bar 7. Withdrawal of the indexing bar 110 from detents 114 can be readily accomplished by a cable operated by the rider's thumb in a manner similar to that described in connection with Figure 5, and no further details of the operation of this aspect of the invention would be necessary to one skilled in the art. Alternatively, and more simply, elements 110 and 112 may comprise a spring loaded ball plunger and passively index the front bar 7 to different positions as front bar (and the saddle mount) are pivoted.

Figure 17 shows a master pneumatic/hydraulic line 95_. serving the actuator 91 for moving its plunger 93 to an inward position (saddle rearward) , a middle position (saddle in the standard position) , and in and extended position (saddle forward to a stowaway position) . In Figure 18, an electrical or pressure line 109 serves to pump the reservoir 105 to apply hydraulic/pneumatic fluid to the actuator 101 through pneumatic/hydraulic line 107. In Figure 18, the forward and rear positions have the actuator in its collapsed state, while the most extended state of actuator 101 is at the standard or dead center position of the saddle. Thus, when the rider wants to position the saddle positioning system to the forward or rearward positions, a release lever (not shown) is activated, thereby allowing the pneumatic/hydraulic unit and the saddle to be positioned to the desired position. Upon deactivating the release lever, the saddle will become locked (with the exception of any shock absorption movement built into the system) in that position. As indicated, when the release lever is activated without any body weight influencing its movement, the saddle will automatically move to the top dead center line position. Obviously, this self-centering feature can also be accomplished by the use of appropriately placed springs as well.

Figures 19 and 20 show yet other configurations of the locking mechanism for locking the saddle in specific predetermined positions. In Figure 19, a rotatable bar 101 having a number (3 in the example) of locator fingers 106 is rotated by means of a cable 109 passing through a cable mount 111, the inner core 107 of the cable being attached to an operating lever 113 fixed to rotatable bar 101 about its axis. A coiled return spring 105 biases the rotation of bar 101 into a position whereby the locator fingers 106 are in a line with a front bar pocket 104 in front bar 7. The retracted position of locator fingers 106 is shown in dashed lines 103 in Figure 19. Thus, when the rider releases a handlebar thumb lever, spring 105 rotates bar 101 about its axis, and one of locator fingers 106 engages pocket 104. In the embodiment of Figure 19, the saddle is positioned in its standard position. When the operator actuates the handlebar thumb lever, bar 101 is rotated about its longitudinal axis to the retracted position 103 of fingers 106, out of engagement with pocket 104. The saddle is then moved by the rider to a different desired position, such as that shown in phantom to the left in Figure 19, whereby the leftmost locator finger 106 engages the front bar pocket 104 of front bar 7 after release of the handlebar actuator.

Figure 20 has a similar operation as that described in connection with Figure 19, but here a number of indexing elements 123 are cammed upwardly by the respective camming surfaces of cam bar 121 which reciprocates axially when the rider retracts cam bar 121 against the action of spring 125 by a cable 129. Thus, when the handlebar actuator is released, spring 125 moves cam bar 121 to the right as seen in Figure 20 to cam indexing element 123 into front bar pocket 104. When the rider wants to move the saddle to a different position, he or she actuates the handlebar lever to pull cam bar 121 to the left as seen in Figure 20 at which point the indexing elements 123 are allowed to fall away from interference with the pocket 104 in front bar 7, and front bar 7 is pivoted to a new position, at which point the operator releases the handlebar lever and a different indexing element 123 is captured within front bar pocket 104. In Figure 20, the solid lines show the saddle positioned to the standard centerline position with the rightmost indexing element 123 captured within front bar pocket 104.

Figures 21 and 22 show an improved configuration for the arcuate rack 29e and the indexing locking element 41b, configured in a type of "transmission" arrangement. In this arrangement, indexing locking element 41b operates in a manner very similar to that described in connection with Figures 14 and 15, except that in the embodiment of Figures 21 and 22, the locking element 41b has a follower pin 145 protruding from its side facing inner support structure 33. The inner support surface 33 is provided with a recessed guide groove 131 which has the pattern shown in Figure 21 and is at a depth shown in Figure 22. The depth of groove 131 is sufficient to contain follower pin 145 in its travels along the patterned groove. Groove 131 may be formed in inner support structure 33 by means of milling, casting, or other appropriate methods. Thus, as locking element 41b pivots in the same manner as described in connection with Figures 14 and 15, follower pin 145 moves with the dog 43b as the latter engages selectively in the left, center, or right detent 31b, 31a, or 31c, respectively.

The operation of the "transmission" is as follows.

Recognizing that the path can be tailored in many ways, a preferred path will be described. It is first presumed that the saddle position is in the standard centerline position in which the dog 43b is engaged in right detent 31c. In this condition, follower pin 145 is engaged in the right pocket 137.

If the rider wishes to move the saddle to a more rearward position from the centerline position, the rider depresses a handlebar release lever until the follower pin comes into contact with abutment 139. This would occur by the fact that the follower pin will follow and arc defined by the pivoting of locking element 41b, and as follower pin 145 leaves right pocket 137, it will naturally impinge upon the top of abutment 139. The rider then moves the saddle to the rear, and follower pin 145 then proceeds to move rearwardly, and if the rider applies only moderate pressure to the handlebar release lever, follower pin 145 will stop against the left edge of center pocket 135. At this point, the rider releases the handlebar release lever, and the spring 46 (see Figure 15) forces dog 43b into center detent 31a and follower pin 145 into center pocket 135.

In the last-described movement operation, had the rider pushed the lever firmly when the saddle was being moved to the rear, follower pin 145 would bypass the edge of center pocket 135 and continue along groove 131 until reaching the left edge of left pocket 133. At this point, the rider releases the handlebar release lever, and spring 46 moves dog 43b into left detent 31b.

It can therefore be appreciated that the rider can easily and positively have the feel for where the saddle is and where it used to be positioned by the pressure applied to the handlebar release lever and the resistance the saddle offers the rider when the follower pin abuts against the left sides of any of the pockets along recessed guide groove 131. Assuming now that the rider wishes to move the saddle to a forward position, the rider pushes the handlebar release lever moving follower pin 145 downwardly into the straight portion of recessed guide groove 131, and the rider either moves the saddle forward by clamping it with his thighs or allows the return spring 50 (see Figure 15) to move the saddle forward when the rider's weight is removed from the saddle. In any case, the parallel bars 7, 9, move forward while follower pin 145 moves to the right in Figure 21. If the rider releases the handlebar release lever immediately upon an initial movement of the saddle forwardly, follower pin 145 will fall into center pocket 135, and dog 43b will engage in center detent 31a. On the other hand, if the rider continues to hold the release lever down as the saddle moves forward, the follower pin 145 moves up the sloping shoulder 141, which action tends to guide follower pin 145 directly into the entrance of right pocket 137. Without shoulder 141, there is a tendency for the follower pin 145 to continue movement to the right (in Figure 21) and out of the exit channel 147, requiring the rider to be extremely careful about the shifting of his or her weight forward. With the provision of shoulder 141, however, this inadvertent moving of the saddle beyond the standard centerline position is avoided.

Since movement of the saddle forward, as just explained, moves the dog 43b into right detent 31c as follower pin 145 is guided into right pocket 137, the "transmission" advantageously and intentionally indexes the saddle to the standard centerline position. However, when the rider wishes to move the saddle forward to the stowaway position, only a simple additional manipulation is required. Assuming that the saddle is in the standard centerline position and dog 43b is captured in right detent 31c, the rider simply pushes down on the handlebar release lever, moving dog 43b and follower pin 145 downwardly, the latter moving to a position 143 just to the right of abutment 139. Although, as described earlier, spring 50 (Figure 15) is insufficient to cause the dog 43b to pass beyond cutout 52, pushing the release lever down until follower pin 145 engages the lower surface of guide groove 131 permits the dog 43b to pass below cutout 52 and exit the rack 29e.

Abutment 139 serves yet another purpose when the saddle is moved from the stowaway position back to the standard centerline position. In such a case, the rider, whether on the saddle or off it, will push the handlebar release lever and urge the saddle rearwardly. Follower pin 145 finds its way into the exit channel 147 moving leftwardly as seen in Figure 21. The rearward movement continues until follower pin 145 engages abutment 139, and follower pin 145 automatically is positioned at zone 143. At this point, the rider releases the handlebar release lever, and locking element 41b pivots to move follower pin 145 upwardly into right pocket 137 while dog 43b enters right detent 31c to lock the saddle into the standard centerline position.

To aid in locating follower pin 145 as the saddle is moved from the stowaway position to the standard centerline position, the entrance/exit end of recessed guide groove 131 is preferably tapered as shown in Figure 21 in order to cam the follower pin 145 into proper position within groove 131 and, in turn, properly locate dog 43b into the proper relationship to the inner surface of rack 29e.

Figures 23 and 24 show the addition of a protective shield 151 which is attached to the rear bar 9 and has a width sufficient to cover the gap between the parallel bars 7, 9, so that the skin on the inner side of the rider's thighs will be protected from being pinched as the saddle mounting means 12 is pushed to the stowaway position. Figure 23 illustrates the shield 151 as it would appear in the normal centerline position of the saddle, while Figure 24 shows the position of the shield when the bars 7, 9 and saddle mounting means 12 are in the stowaway position. It will be appreciated that, in the implementation of the safety feature shown in Figures 23 and 24, a protective shield 151 would be placed on both sides of the linkage comprised of bars 7 and 9.

Alternative to the safety feature of Figures 23 and 24, a simpler, but perhaps not as effective, protective feature involves the provision of a stopper 7e as shown in Figure 1 fixed to the inner side of one of the arms of front bar 7. At this location of bar 7, as can be seen in Figure 8a, there is ample room to provide a rubber or plastic stopper 7e which will engage the inner surface of rear bar 9 when the saddle is in the most rearward or most forward (stowaway) positions. Since protective stopper 7e is optional, it is shown only in Figure 1 and is absent in Figures 2 and 3.

While the advantages of the saddle positioning system in accordance with the present invention would be self-evident to an experienced or professional bike rider, the following description details the advantages obtained by the employment of the invention, such description bringing out the fact that the same constructional design surprisingly offers advantages to both road bicycle models and mountain bicycle models.

Road Bike Model

The primary saddle position remains so that the knee is aligned straight over the pedal. However, some climbers, time trialists, and road racers prefer the saddle to fall toward the rear axle to increase leverage in big gears. And, conversely, track and criterium racers like a more forward position to improve acceleration. Both of these ideal and preferred positions, together with the primary saddle position, are achieved with the present invention design. Leg length can be maintained in all positions as the saddle drops back and downward or forward and downward, depending upon the arcuate path taken by the saddle support according to any preferred design. Also the saddle in the rearward position gives the feel of having a comfortable 'platform' for resting the buttocks, which provides precise balance and control in maneuvering the body rearward.

By sliding rearward or forward with the saddle system of the present invention, the rider can employ different muscle groups. This is especially useful during long mile races and on long climbs. Moving forward emphasizes the quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh, while moving back accentuates the opposite side, the hamstrings. By utilizing different muscle groups, muscle fatigue of the rider is dramatically reduced, while endurance is maximized.

Aside from the comfort, control, and exercise options on level ground, the system is particularly advantageous on downhill terrain. The rearward position not only adjusts for the downhill angle, its downward position also lowers the rider's center of gravity for maximized stability and precise control in a descending turn. Negotiating turns and maneuvering is easy, and the rider's lower, tighter position feels natural with the given terrain.

With the present invention, the rider can quickly, easily and without slowing down, adjust the saddle so that weight can be placed toward the rear axle to increase leverage in big gears, or more forward to improve acceleration. In test runs, the rear position reduces wind resistance and top heaviness, and downhill turns are handled with increased speeds of up to 20 percent.

With the rider's center of gravity lowered and the body positioned properly, chances of falling in a turn while going downhill or negotiating obstacles is dramatically reduced.

It has been shown that in test rides, riders have noticed a definite increased level of confidence, not to mention comfort and pleasure. Riders can take downhills and corners at dramatically increased speeds with less fear of losing control.

In review for professionals where weight is also a factor of performance, it has been determined that the increased endurance 'outweighs' the added weight of less than one pound (pro race model) of the present invention, and does not hinder the rider.

Mountain Bike Model

With a standard bike post, it is virtually impossible to adjust the saddle for optimum positioning to handle varying terrain. The post of the preferred embodiment allows the saddle to pivot a total of 135° of range with four saddle settings to achieve the optimum position for maximum stability and maneuverability. For example, it is necessary for the saddle to be adjusted forward to put weight on the front wheel to steer easier on climbs and not pull up, and to also be able to move the saddle rearward for stability on rugged descents. On extreme downhill terrain, , the rider can adjust the saddle into the "stowaway" position (most forward) enabling the rider to keep his weight to the lowest level with unobstructed body movement, allowing the bike to float beneath. Riders who specialize in hill climbs can put their saddles farther forward and sit on the comfortable part of the saddle rather than the narrow nose, and avoid upper body cramping by being hunched over the bar for long periods of time. With the capability to adjust the saddle more often, it reduces muscle fatigue on tired muscle groups that sometimes cramp or experience muscle failure.

Stability on rough terrain with the present invention is unmatched by the prior art and offers the rider the utmost in saddle positioning options. The rearward positions adjust for downhill angles and lower the rider's center of gravity providing a tight, natural position for maximized stability in declining turns. In the rearward position, the rider's torso acts as a lever arm of control with his thighs wedged into the taper of the saddle and feet locked into the pedals, a position unobtainable with a standard saddle post. In the stowaway position, the rider can hang his weight off the back of the bike, or in some maneuvers forwardly for precise balance between front and rear wheels, while the upper body is kept low with respect to the center bike frame tube, without the saddle or post obstructing the chest or groin.

When approaching a bump, log, or curb, the rider can immediately adjust the seating system to the rearward position and float over the obstacle, as well as reduce front-end vibration or shock, and afterwards just click it back to the standard position, without stopping or slowing down. During ride reviews with the seating system of the present invention, cornering performance on downhill is dramatically increased as well as safety. Additionally, riders equipped with front suspension systems will notice better control with the saddle in the rearward position to avoid 'shock dive' and flipping that may occur when sudden braking is applied.

Safety with the seating system of the present invention is tantamount for the mountain bike. With the saddle in the proper positions and unobstructed movement, the rider is much less apt to fall in a turn or go over the handlebars. It has been shown in test rides, riders have traversed over obstacles and more rugged terrain at faster speeds and with added stability and confidence than their respective normal riding conditions. After using the system of the present invention, when going back to their standard post, the feel of stability and confidence decreased.

While the above description details various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are not to be taken as limitations on the scope of the invention, but are merely exemplary of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other embodiments and variations are possible within the teaching of the present invention. However, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and not by the specific examples given.

Claims

1. A cycle saddle mounting assembly for mounting to a cycle frame, said assembly comprising: frame mounting means for mounting said assembly to said cycle frame; saddle mounting means for accommodating the mounting of a cycle saddle thereon; linkage means, coupled between said frame mounting means and said saddle mounting means, for operatively moving said saddle mounting means in an arcuate path relative to said frame mounting means between a relatively more rearward position and a relatively more forward position; and securing means for selectively securing said saddle mounting means at at least said rearward and forward positions.

2. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said cycle is a bicycle.

3. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said cycle is a stationary exercising cycle.

4. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said securing means includes means for selectively securing said saddle mounting means to at least one intermediate position between said rearward and forward positions.

5. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said securing means includes means for selectively securing said saddle mounting means at said rearward position in which said saddle is rearwardly of said frame mounting means, and at said forward position in which said saddle is in a standard centerline position.

6. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said securing means includes means for selectively securing said saddle mounting means at said forward position in which said saddle is forwardly of said frame mounting means, and at said rearward position in which said saddle is in a standard centerline position.

7. The assembly as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said securing means includes means for selectively securing said saddle mounting means at said rearward position in which said saddle is rearwardly of said frame mounting means, at said intermediate position in which said saddle is in a standard centerline position, and at said forward position in which said saddle is forwardly of said frame mounting means.

8. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said linkage means comprises spring means acting to bias said saddle mounting means towards said forward position.

9. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein: one of said intermediate positions is a normal centerline position; and said linkage means comprises spring means acting to bias said saddle mounting means to said normal centerline position.

10. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said linkage means comprises means for maintaining said saddle mounting means in the same angular orientation independent of said position of said saddle mounting means.

11. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein: said frame mounting means comprises an arcuate rack member arced in an orientation substantially concentric with said arcuate path of said saddle mounting means, said rack member having a plurality of registration means spaced therealong; and said securing means comprises a locking element movable between a first position at which said locking element is free to pass adjacent said registration means without engagement therein, and a second position at which said locking element is forced into engagement with one of said registration means.

12. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said registration means is defined by a plurality of detents spaced along said arcuate rack member, and said locking element includes a dog member selectively engagable in any one of said detents.

13. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11, wherein movement of said locking element to said first position is effected by the application, to said locking element, of force initiated by a cycle rider.

14. The assembly as claimed in Claim 13, wherein: said securing means includes a spring means; and movement of said locking element to said second position is effected by biasing action of said spring means.

15. The assembly as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said arcuate rack member comprises a stop means adjacent the forward most end of said arcuate rack member and engageable with said locking element to inhibit the passage of said locking element forwardly substantially beyond the forwardmost one of said registration means.

16. The assembly as claimed in Claim 15, wherein, when said locking element is in engagement with said forwardmost registration means, said seat mounting means is positioned in a predetermined riding position.

17. The assembly as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said locking element is selectively movable past said stop by the application of additional force to said locking element, exceeding said applied force, by the cycle rider.

18. The assembly as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said arcuate rack member comprises a stop means adjacent the forwardmost end of said arcuate rack member and engageable with said linkage means to inhibit the passage of said saddle mounting means forwardly substantially beyond the forwardmost one of said registration means.

19. The assembly as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said linkage means is selectively movable past said stop by the application of force to said linkage means initiated by the cycle rider.

20. The assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said linkage means comprises: a pair of elongated, parallel, and articulated substantially rigid bars extending between said frame mounting means and said saddle mounting means; means for pivotally mounting one end of each said bar to said frame mounting means; and means for pivotally mounting the other end of each said bar to said saddle mounting means; whereby pivotal movement of said bars is effective to move said saddle mounting means along said arcuate path while maintaining said saddle mounting means in the same angular orientation independent of said position of said saddle mounting means.

21. The assembly as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said bars are mounted so as to be in parallel relationship with each other at all positions of said bars.

22. The assembly as claimed in Claim 20, comprising securing means for securing said saddle mounting means at at least said rearward and forward positions, said securing means comprising: an indexing locking element on one of said saddle mounting means and said linkage means; and a plurality of registration means on the other of said saddle mounting means and said linkage means; whereby said linkage means and, consequently, said saddle mounting means, are locked into fixed positions upon engagement of said indexing locking means with said registration means.

23. The assembly as claimed in Claim 12, wherein: said locking element is pivotally mounted on said linkage means and includes an operating lever for pivoting said locking element on said linkage when moved, to selectively move said dog member into and out of engagement in said detents; and said assembly further comprises a spring means located between said operating lever and said linkage means for biasing said dog member into engagement in said detents.

24. The assembly as claimed in Claim 20, wherein: said frame mounting means comprises an arcuate rack member arced in an orientation substantially concentric with said arcuate path of said saddle mounting means, said rack member having a plurality of detents spaced therealong; said securing means comprises an indexing locking element movable between a first position at which said locking element is free to pass adjacent said detents without engagement therein, and a second position at which said locking element is forced into engagement with one of said detents; said bars are elongated and form a generally rectangular shape and lie in parallel planes normal to a plane containing said arcuate path; said arcuate rack member is disposed between the lateral sides of said rectangular shaped bars; one of said bars has a surface extending between its lateral sides, said surface having an opening therein; and one end of said rack member projects through said surface as said saddle mounting means is moved from said rearward position to said forward position.

25. The assembly as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the other of said bars has a pair of downwardly directed legs the ends of which are included in said means for pivotally mounting said other end of said other bar to said frame mounting means, said legs being spaced to accommodate passage of the other end of said rack member therebetween.

26. The assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said linkage means comprises: a pair of elongated, parallel, and articulated stiff yet flexible bars extending between said frame mounting means and said saddle mounting means; means for pivotally mounting one end of each said bar to said frame mounting means; and means for pivotally mounting the other end of each said bar to said saddle mounting means; whereby pivotal movement of said bars is effective to move said saddle mounting means along said arcuate path while maintaining said saddle mounting means in the same angular orientation independent of said position of said saddle mounting means; and wherein said stiff and flexible bars bend under the influence of excessive weight or force acting between said saddle mounting means and said cycle frame to act as a shock absorbing unit.

27. The assembly as claimed in Claim 26, wherein said linkage means includes a shock absorbing, low friction pad placed between at least one of said pivoting bars and said frame mounting means to permit relatively unimpeded pivotal movement of said at least one bar and simultaneously limit the amount of flexure of said bars when under the influence of said excessive weight or force.

28. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11, wherein: said frame mounting means comprises a patterned groove extending adjacent said arcuate rack member, said patterned groove including an enlarged area adjacent each of said registration means; and said locking element comprises a follower pin which fits into said patterned groove and selectively and positively guides said locking element into registration with ones of said registration means as said follower pin reaches said enlarged areas.

29. The assembly as claimed in Claim 28, wherein said patterned groove has an abutment adjacent a special registration means which is located for positioning said saddle in a predetermined position.

30. The assembly as claimed in Claim 21, comprising a protective shield mounted to one of said parallel and shielding the spacing between said bars, said protective shield sized to cover said spacing at all angles of said bars, thereby avoiding pinching of a rider's skin when said saddle mounting means is moved to the most forward and most rearward positions.

31. The assembly as claimed in Claim 4, comprising fluid actuator means coupled to said linkage means for operatively moving said saddle mounting means in said arcuate path, said fluid actuator performing the function of said securing means for selectively securing said saddle mounting means at said forward, rearward, and intermediate positions.