WO2001030605A1

WO2001030605A1 - Seating device

Info

Publication number: WO2001030605A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/029613
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dennis J. Bell; Linda J. Jaye
Original assignee: Harmony Quest Llc
Priority date: 1999-10-26
Filing date: 2000-10-25
Publication date: 2001-05-03
Also published as: WO2001030605A8; AU1237501A; WO2001030605A9

Abstract

A crescent shaped seating device (28) having a posterior outer curvature and an anterior inner curvature conforming to the natural curvature of the body (30) when in a seated position. The seating device (28) is continuously formed from a multi-element alloy balanced polyurethane semi-rigid material which produces a microcellular core with a tough textured exterior skin integrally formed with the core. Symmetrically arranged, mirror image at least two lateral support means (36) provide additional padding, keep a user centered on the seating device and provide lateral support to the user. An internal frame (60) is encased by and reinforces the seating device. Receiving means (46) are fixedly attached to the internal frame (60), extend to the lower surface of the seating device and are removably attached to attaching rails (44). A light system (70) renders the seating device highly visible.

Description

SEATING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to seating devices and more specifically

to a new and novel seating device for use on a variety of supporting devices

such as bicycles, exercise equipment, tripod seat supports, monopod seat

supports and other seat supports. The new and novel seating device is designed

to alleviate physical distress, discomfort, and trauma while providing comfort

to a user. The new and novel seating device is further designed to utilize the

natural support structure of the human body.

While there are a wide variety of seating devices that provide some

support for a user, these devices generally produce physical distress and

discomfort to the user. For example, in the case of prior art bicycle seats,

virtually all prior art bicy ε seats have a rear cradle area which supports the

user's buttocks and an elongated rose section or mid-section which provides

some additional support by contacting the user's perineum. Thus, when a user

sits on a prior art bicycle seat, the bulk of the user's weight is supported by the

rear cradle area. However, the rear cradle is generally designed to support only

the medial portion of the user's buttocks. While the elongated nose section

provides some additional support, its contact with the user's perineum often

results in abrasions, tears, contusions, hemorrhoids and other physical distress

caused by friction and impact on the user's perineum as the user pedals a prior

art bicycle and rides over rough terrain, turns the bicycle and performs other common movements associated with bike riding. For a more complete

description of and examples of prior art bicycle seats, see U.S. Patent

#5,571,273, Saainen; U.S. Patent #5,524,961, Howard; U.S. Patent #4,218,090,

Hoffacker et al; U.S. Patent #3,997,142, Jacobs; and U.S. Patent #Des.

333,041, Choi et al.

Other types of prior art supporting devices, such as exercise equipment

seats, also have an elongated or raised mid-section that contacts the user's

perineum and can cause similar physical stress or discomfort, especially when

used for extended periods of time. While padding may be added to these

devices, it is generally insufficient to prevent physical stress and discomfort

when the prior art device is used for extended periods of time for intense

physical activity. For a more complete description of and examples of prior art

exercise equipment seats, see U.S. Patent #5,586,959, Adkins et al.; U.S.

Patent #5,458,553, Wu; U.S. Patent #Des. 321,225. Soiow et a!.; and U.S.

Patent #Des. 315,646, Hood.

Additionally, as in the case of bike racing, the user will often shift their

weight on the seating device or around the seating device. That is, the user may

"stand" on the bicycle pedals and shift their body weight either in alignment

with, or parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the bicycle in an effort to maintain

control in a high speed turn or while in a descent down steep terrain. One

problem that is encountered occurs when the user rests their abdomen on the

seat in a downhill descent in order to become more aerodynamic and to better

distribute their weight. Since prior art seats are configured with rather narrow rear saddles and an elongated nose or midsection, this cause extreme stress and

impact on the abdominal muscles, the solar plexus and the sternum. This is

especially true when the user is riding a mountain bike down rocky and rutted

terrain.

Another problem that is encountered occurs when the user sits back

down on the seat while riding the bicycle. Often, the user must sit down

quickly in order to lower the weight of the body in relation to the bicycle, and

thus lower the center of gravity. Since this motion is very quick and forceful,

the user can slip on the seat, sometimes resulting in loss of control of the

bicycle. This is especially true when the user is riding over rough terrain and

the seat is constantly in motion, making it difficult to judge the point of contact

with the seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the before described considerations and problems inherent

in and encountered with prior art seating devices, there is provided by the

subject invention a unique seating device that effectively alleviates physical

distress and discomfort while providing comfort to a user. The new and novel

seating device is further designed to conform to the natural shape of the human

body.

Applicant's new and novel seating device is generally crescent shaped

having a posterior outer curvature and an anterior inner curvature and has been

designed to conform to the natural curvature and support structure of the body when in a seated position. Additionally, the crescent configuration of the new

and novel seating device allows users to comfortably rest their abdomen on the

new and novel seating device without extreme stress and impact on the

abdominal muscles, the solar plexus and the sternum, when the user is riding a

mountain bike down rocky and rutted terrain and has shifted their weight

behind the new and novel seating device to maintain balance and improve

aerodynamics.

The new and novel seating device is continuously formed from a multi¬

element alloy balanced polyurethane semi-rigid material. The multi-element

polyurethane material produces a microcellular core with a tough textured

exterior skin, or outer surface, which is integrally formed with the core. The

semi-rigid material provides stability, impact absorption, impact resistance and

resiliency Thus, the new and novel seating device is not only comfortable and

durable, it also maintains its original shape during the life of the unit.

Additionally, the textured exterior skin provides a slightly positive gripping

surface that prevents the user from slipping on the new and novel seating

device. Thus, when the user abruptly sits down on or shifts their weight on the

new and novel seating device, the slight gripping effect of the textured exterior

skin prevents slippage and loss of control of the bicycle without hindering the

user's ability to purposely shift body position on the new and novel seating

device.

The new and novel seating device is constructed having a body with at

least two lateral support means continuously formed thereon, the at least two

H lateral support means being symmetrically arranged mirror images of one

another and extending outward to form the tips of the crescent shape. The

lateral support means are designed to keep a user centered on the new and

novel seating device and to prevent physical distress by transferring support

from the user's perineum to the outside posterior portion of the thighs.

Additionally, at least one support pad is continuously formed on the upper

surface of the body to provide additional contact, and therefore additional

cushioning and stability, to the sits bones of the user, as well as providing

additional stability to the user's pelvic region.

In the Preferred Embodiment, an internal frame is comprised of a first

support member and a second support member fixedly attached to the first

support member, and is encased by the body and the continuously formed at

least two lateral support means. Receiving means are fixedly attached to the

internal frame and extend downwardly to the lower surface of the body of the

seating device. The receiving means are removably attached to attaching rails

which in turn are removably attached to a standard prior art bicycle post seat

attaching device or other standard attaching devices that may be present on a

variety of supporting devices such as exercise equipment, tripod seat supports,

monopod seat supports and other seat supports.

In another embodiment, a modified internal frame is comprised of a

continuously formed support plate encased by the body and the continuously

formed at least two lateral support means. Receiving means are fixedly attached to the modified internal frame and extend downwardly to the lower

surface of the body of the seating device.

The receiving means are fixedly attached to the internal frame at

predetermined locations. The predetermined locations for attachment of the

receiving means are generally oriented in a central portion of the seating device

and have been designed so that at least two receiving means align with an

attaching rail. The predetermined positioning of the receiving means on the

first support member and second support member allows the receiving means

to properly align with mounting studs formed on the attaching rails. In the

Preferred Embodiment, there are two attaching rails and each attaching rail has

at least two mounting studs formed thereon. When the attaching rails are

positioned on a prior art attaching device, such as a standard prior art bicycle

post seat attaching device, the receiving means are aligned with and engage the

mounting studs of the attaching rail. Also, in the Preferred Embodiment, at

least four receiving means are attached to the internal frame, two receiving

means being fixedly attached to the first support member and two receiving

means being fixedly attached to the second support member. The receiving

means are further symmetrically aligned in pairs so that one mounting stud of

an attaching rail is removably engaged by one receiving means and the other

mounting stud of the same attaching rail is removably engaged by another

symmetrically aligned receiving means. Additionally, in the Preferred

Embodiment, the internal frame, receiving means and attaching rails are

constructed from a rigid, non-flexing material such as steel, aluminum, brass and other metal alloys, or from rigid synthetic alloys such as glass filled nylon,

ABS plastic, and other rigid synthetic alloys.

In an alternate embodiment, a light system may be integrated into the

body of the new and novel seating device and further comprises an internally

integrated electrical power supply, a pressure switch, a manual switch and a

light strip or bar. The electrical power supply is electrically connected to the

pressure switch and to the manual switch by electrical wiring. In this

embodiment, the electrical power supply is generally a battery pack which

supplies electrical power to the light strip or bar. The user can turn the light

system off, activate the pressure switch, or provide continuous power to the

light strip or bar via the manual switch. The pressure switch is a standard

mechanical contact pressure switch that allows electrical current to flow from

the electrical power supply to the light strip to illuminate lamps contained

therein when a user is seated on the seating device. The lamp casing is

constructed from reflective material providing high visibility from incidental

light and warning others of the user s presence.

The new and novel seating device is attached to prior art supporting

devices such as prior art bicycles exercise equipment, tripod seat supports,

monopod seat supports and other seat supports by standard prior art rail

holding devices which grip the attaching rails. In the Preferred Embodiment,

the attaching rails have been designed to allow adjustment of the body of the

seating device along the longitudinal axis of a prior art bicycle or other prior

art seating support device. The new and novel seating device also employs

1 locking means to removably lock the body of the seating device onto the

mounting studs of the attaching rails, thereby preventing accidental releasing of

the seating device from the mounting studs when in use on a prior art

supporting device. In the Preferred Embodiment, the locking means is a spring

action hairpin clip that can be disposed through bores in the receiving means

and the mounting stud. The spring arm of the locking means holds the locking

means in place by exerting spring action force on the receiving means. The

body of the seating device is removably unlocked from the mounting studs by

pulling the locking means from the bores and disengaging the spring arm from

the receiving means, and then pulling the new and novel seating device up and

away from the mounting studs.

In another embodiment, a modified locking means is comprised of at

least one spring-ball located in the mounting stud and partially contained

within a spring-ball housing. As the receiving means engages the mounting

stud, the at least one spring-ball is temporarily compressed further into the

spring-ball housing which allows the receiving means to slide over the

mounting stud. When the at least one spring-ball aligns with a bore formed in

the receiving means, the at least one spring-ball is partially released into the

bore thereby removably locking the receiving means onto the mounting stud.

The modified locking means allows the user to easily and readily lock the body

of the seating device onto the mounting studs by simply pushing the body of

the seating device into place, and therefore automatically into a locked

position, on the attaching rails. To unlock the body of the seating device from the attaching rails, the user simply pulls the body of the seating device up and

away from the attaching rails. Stud protectors are provided with the new and

novel seating device to protect the ends of the mounting studs of the attaching

rails after the body of the seating device has been removed from the attaching

rails.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, the angle of the receiving means

and mounting studs is changed to approximately 90 degrees, in relation to the

support plate, thereby changing the angle of the mounted seating device and

creating an completely adjustable and/or reversible seating device. This

alternate embodiment facilitates reverse installation, positioning the seating

device approximately 180 degrees from the installation position of the

previously discussed preferred embodiment, such that the lateral support means

of the seating device are directed in an opposite direction. Such installation is

achieved by an alternate mounting means adapted for 360 degree rotation.

This alternate embodiment further comprises the addition of a gel or polymer

internally distributed about the open cell foam construction material of the

seating device, and integral recessed injection sites for the application of same.

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention

provides a new and novel seating device designed to effectively alleviate

physical distress, discomfort and trauma while providing comfort to a user.

The new and novel seating device is further designed to conform to the natural

shape and support structure of the human body. The more important features of the present invention have been broadly

outlined in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better

understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better

appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be more

fully described hereinafter and which, together with the features outlined

above, will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those

skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which the present

disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other

structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the

present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as

including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the

spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.

Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the

scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent

or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory review the

nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is

neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured

by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention

in any way.

Accordingly, it is an object and advantage of the invention to provide a

new and novel seating device that alleviates physical distress, discomfort and

trauma. Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that is comfortable to use.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that conforms to the natural shape and support structure of

the human body.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that prevents unintentional slippage of the user on the

seating device.

Still another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new

and novel seating device that allows the user to utilize the seating device to

comfortably maintain balance and control of the supporting device.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that is removably locked onto the supporting device.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that is easily and readily removed from the supporting

device.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that is highly visible.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and

marketed.

Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that is adjustable in a multitude of positions. Another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new and

novel seating device that provides sits bones cushioning by providing inner

support for weight distribution.

Yet another object and advantage of the invention is to provide a new

and novel seating device which is of durable and reliable construction.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from

review of the drawings and from a study of the Description of the Preferred

Embodiment relating to the drawings which has been provided by way of

illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art bicycle seat.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of a prior art bicycle seat.

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the applicant's new and novel

seating device.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the applicant's new and novel seating

device.

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the applicant's new and novel seating

device. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the applicant's new and novel seating

device taken along lines 5 -5 of Figure 4 of the drawings.

Figure 7 is a rear elevational view of the applicant's new and novel

seating device.

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the applicant's

new and novel seating device.

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a portion, of the applicant's

new and novel seating device.

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the applicant's

new and novel seating device similar to Figure 7.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an attaching

rail similar to Figure 8.

Figure 12 is a side view of the applicant's new and novel seating device

in position on a prior art bicycle.

Α Figure 13 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the applicant's

seating device.

Figure 14 is a side sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the

applicant's seating device.

Figure 15 is a rear sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the

applicant's seating device.

Figure 16a is a sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the

applicant's seating device.

Figure 16b is a sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the

applicant's seating device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings in general there is shown the applicant's new

and novel seating device shown generally by the numeral 28. Applicant's new

and novel seating device 28 has been designed to be utilized on a variety of

supporting devices such as bicycles, exercise equipment, tripod seat supports,

monopod seat supports and other seat supports, and has been particularly

designed to be utilized on prior art bicycles of various types. Applicant's new

and novel seating device 28 is shown in the Preferred Embodiment and in the drawings in general as utilized on a prior art bicycle 22 for purposes of

illustration only.

Referring in particular to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is

shown a typical prior art bicycle seat, shown generally by the numeral 20.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a side elevational view of a prior art bicycle seat 20

adjustably mounted on a prior art bicycle shown generally by the numeral 22.

Only a portion of the prior art bicycle 22 is shown in Figure 1 for purposes of

clarity. Figure 2 of the drawings is a top plan view of a prior art bicycle seat

20. The prior art bicycle seat 20 is shown in the Preferred Embodiment and in

Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings for purposes of illustration only.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the typical configuration of prior art bicycle

seats. Other prior art bicycle seats may vary slightly in width, length, size and

the amount of padding, if any. However, nearly all prior art bicycle seats are

based on the general configuration illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the

drawings. These types of prior art bicycle seats have an elongated nose section

24 and a rear cradle area 26. When a user sits on a prior art bicycle seat 20, the

bulk of the user's weight is supported by the rear cradle area 26 which cradles

only the medial portion of the user's buttocks. The elongated nose section 24

provides some additional support, primarily contacting the user's perineum. As

a user pedals a prior art bicycle 22 and rides over rough terrain, turns the

bicycle and performs other common movements associated with bike riding,

the configuration of a prior art bicycle seat causes undue stress, friction and

I ^" impact on the user's perineum. This can result in abrasions, tears, contusions.

hemorrhoids and other physical distress.

Referring now to Figure 3 of the drawings, there is shown a front

perspective view of applicant's new and novel seating device shown generally

by the numeral 28. A body 30 has at least two lateral support means 32 and 34

continuously formed thereon, the at least two lateral support means 32 and 34

being symmetrically arranged mirror images of one another. The lateral

support means 32 and 34 are designed to keep a user centered on the seating

device 28 and to prevent physical distress by transferring support from the

user's perineum to the outside posterior portion of the thighs.

At least one support pad 36 is continuously formed on the upper surface

38 of the body 30. The at least one support pad 36 provides additional

cushioning and stability for the user. In the Preferred Embodiment and in

Figures 3 and 6 of the drawings, two at least one support pads 36 are

illustrated, one at least one support pad 36 being continuously formed on the

upper surface 38 of one at least two lateral support means 32, and another at

least one support pad 36 being continuously formed on the upper surface 38 of

another at least two lateral support means 34. In another embodiment, only one

at least one support pad 36 is continuously formed on the upper surface 38 of

the body 30 and extends onto the one at least two lateral support means 32 and

another at least two lateral support means 34. Other numbers and

configurations of support padding known in the art may also be used and are

considered to be within the spirit and scope of the applicant's invention. The

It_* continuous formation of the at least one support pad 36 and the another at least

two lateral support means 32 and 34 will be discussed more fully hereinafter.

Still referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, there is shown a plurality of

receiving means 40 protruding downwardly from the lower surface 42 of the

body 30 of the seating device 28. The receiving means 40 are designed to be

removably attached to attaching rails 44. The attaching rails 44 are removably

attached to a standard prior art bicycle post seat attaching device or other

standard attaching devices that may be present on a variety of supporting

devices such as exercise equipment, tripod seat supports, monopod seat

supports and other seat supports. A prior art seat attaching device is not shown

in Figure 3 for purposes of clarity but is clearly shown in Figure 1 and 1 1.

Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is shown a bottom plan

view of the new and novel seating device 28. In the Preferred Embodiment, the

generally crescent shaped seating device 28 has been designed to conform to

the natural curvature of the body when in a seated position and is further

designed having a posterior outer curvature 46 and an anterior inner curvature

48. In the Preferred Embodiment, an internal frame, generally shown by the

numeral 50, is comprised of a first support member 52 and a second support

member 54. The first support member 52 is encased by the body 30 and the

continuously formed at least two lateral support means 32 and 34, the first

support member 52 being generally curved and juxtaposed near the posterior

outer curvature 46. Second support member 54 is also encased by the body 30

and the continuously formed at least two lateral support means 32 and 34 and

n is fixedly attached to the first support member 52, the second support member

54 spanning the inner curvature 56 of the first support member 52 and being

juxtaposed near the inner curvature 48 of the seating device 28. The second

support member 54 reinforces the first support member 52 and provides

additional support for the seating device 28. The first support member 50 and

second support member 52 are shown as dashed lines in Figure 4 of the

drawings for purposes of clarity.

A plurality of receiving means 40 are fixedly attached to the first

support member 52 and the second support member 54 of the internal frame 50

at predetermined locations on the first support member 52 and the second

support member 54, the receiving means 40 being generally cylindrical and

positioned downwardly through the body 30. A bore 58 is centrally and

longitudinally formed through the receiving means 40. The predetermined

locations for attachment of the receiving means 40 are generally oriented in a

central portion of the seating device 28 and designed so that at least two

receiving means 40 align with an attaching rail 44. The attaching rail 44 is not

shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, but is clearly shown in Figures 3, 5, 6, 7, 9

and 11. Alignment of the receiving means 40 with an attaching rail 44 will be

discussed more fully hereinafter.

In the Preferred Embodiment, the internal frame 50 and receiving

means 40 are constructed from a rigid, non-flexing material such as steel,

aluminum, brass and other metal alloys or from rigid synthetic alloys such as

glass filled nylon, ABS plastic, and other rigid synthetic alloys. Also in the Preferred Embodiment, the second support member 54 is fixedly attached to

the first support member 52, and the receiving means 40 are fixedly attached to

the internal frame 50, by welding, brazing, high temperature fusion, or other

metal joining methods known in the art or by continuos molding processes

known in the art. Other rigid materials and other methods of joining and

molding known in the art may also be used and are considered to be within the

spirit and scope of the applicant's invention.

Referring now to Figure 5 of the drawings, there is shown a modified

internal frame, shown generally by the numeral 60. Figure 5 of the drawings is

a bottom plan view of the new and novel seating device 28. The modified

internal frame 60, is comprised of a generally flat plate having a generally

crescent shape. The modified internal frame 60 is encased by the body 30 and

the continuously formed at least two lateral support means 32 and 34, so that

the modified internal frame 60 is centrally located within the seating device 28.

The modified internal frame 60 may also be perforated to allow reinforcement

of the modified internal frame 60 to the molded seating device 28 and to

alleviate shifting of the seating device 28 around the modified internal frame

60. Alternatively, the modified internal frame 60 may be constructed to carry a

raised portion 150 corresponding to the raised portion of the lateral support

means. Said raised portions providing additional support within the body of the

seating device. The modified internal frame 60 is shown in dashed lines in

Figure 5 of the drawings for purposes of clarity. A plurality of receiving means 40 are continuously formed on the

bottom surface 62 of the modified internal frame 60 at predetermined

locations, the receiving means 40 being generally cylindrical and positioned

downwardly through the body 30. A bore 58 is centrally and longitudinally

formed through the receiving means 40.

The modified internal frame 60 is constructed from a rigid, non-flexing

material such as steel, aluminum, brass and other metal alloys or from rigid

synthetic alloys such as glass filled nylon., ΛBS plastic, and other rigid

synthetic alloys. Also, the receiving means 40 are joined to the modified

internal frame 60 by welding, brazing, high temperature fusion, or other metal

joining methods known in the art or by continuous molding processes known

in the art. Other rigid materials and other methods of joining and molding

known in the art may also be used and are considered to be within the spirit

and scope of the applicant's invention.

Referring now to Figure 6 of the drawings, there is shown a sectional

view of the applicant's new and novel seating device taken along lines 6 - 6 of

Figure 4 of the drawings. The seating device 28 is continuously formed from a

semi-rigid material such as polyurethane foam using inverted casting processes

known in the art. In the Preferred Embodiment, a multi-element alloy balanced

polyurethane material of the type developed for reaction injection molding

(RIM) applications is used. The multielement polyurethane material produces a

microcellular core with a tough textured exterior skin which is integrally

formed with the core. The semi-rigid material provides stability, impact

Zύ absorption, impact resistance and resiliency. Thus, the seating device 28 is not

only comfortable and durable, it also maintains its original shape during the

life of the unit. Additionally, the textured exterior skin provides a slightly

positive gripping surface that prevents the user from slipping on the seating

device 28.

In the Preferred Embodiment, the body 30, one at least two lateral

support means 32, another at least two lateral support means 34 and at least one

support pad 36 are continuously molded resulting in the configuration

illustrated in Figure 1, wherein the at least one support pad 36 is an integral

raised portion of the one at least two lateral support means 32, the another at

least two lateral support means 34 and the body 30. The separation of the at

least one support pad 36 between the one at least two lateral support means 32

and the another at least two lateral support means 34 shown in Figure 1 , has

been designed to provide maximum comfort for a user. In another

embodiment, the at least one support pad 36 is continuously formed on the one

at least two lateral support means 32, the another at least two lateral support

means 34 and the body 30, with no separation therein. Other semi-rigid

materials and other methods of casting and molding known in the art may also

be used and are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the applicant's

invention.

Still referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, and in the Preferred

Embodiment, the receiving means 40 are downwardly oriented so that the

proximal end 64 of one receiving means 40 contacts the ventral side of the first support member 52 and the proximal end 64 of another receiving means 40

contacts the ventral side of the second support member 54. The receiving

means 40 extends downwardly through the body 30 while the distal end 66 of

the receiving means 40 exits through the lower surface 42 of the body 30 of the

seating device 28. The receiving means 40 are fixedly attached to the first

support member 52 and the second support member 54 as previously

described.

The receiving means 40 have been designed to removably engage a

mounting stud 68 of attaching rail 44 which is removably attached to a

standard prior art bicycle post seat attaching device or other standard attaching

devices that may be present on a variety of supporting devices such as exercise

equipment, tripod seat supports, monopod seat supports and other seat

supports. A prior art seat attaching device is not shown in Figure 6 of the

drawings, but is clearly shown in Figures 1 and 12.

Referring briefly back to Figure 4 of the drawings, it can be seen that

the predetermined positioning of the receiving means 40 on the first support

member 52 and second support member 54, allows the receiving means 40 to

properly align with mounting studs 68 of the attaching rail 44. When the

attaching rails 44 are positioned on a prior art attaching device, such as a

standard prior art bicycle post seat attaching device, the receiving means 40 are

aligned with and engage the mounting studs 68 of the attaching rail 44. In the

Preferred Embodiment, at least four receiving means 40 are attached to the

internal frame 50, two receiving means 40 being fixedly attached to the first

Z2. support member 52 and two receiving means 40 being fixedly attached to the

second support member 54. Each receiving means 40 that is attached to the

first support member 52 is further symmetrically aligned with another

receiving means 40 fixedly attached to second support member 54. Also in the

Preferred Embodiment, each attaching rail 44 has at least two mounting studs

68 formed thereon. One mounting stud 64 of an attaching rail 44 is removably

engaged by one receiving means 40 attached to the first support member 52,

and the other mounting stud 68 of the same attaching rail 44 is removably

engaged by another receiving means 40 attached to. and symmetrically aligned

on, the second support member 54. At least two attaching rails 44 are

removably engaged by at least four receiving means 40 in the Preferred

Embodiment, thereby allowing the seating device 28 to be properly positioned

and aligned on a variety of supporting devices such as bicycles, exercise

equipment, tripod seat supports, monopod seat supports and other seat supports

having seat attaching devices thereon.

Referring again to Figure 6 of the drawings and in the Preferred

Embodiment, the distal end 66 of the receiving means 40 protrudes from the

lower surface 42 of the body 30. This configuration allows the body 30 of the

seating device 28 to be removably locked onto the attaching rails 44 via

locking means 86. The locking means 86 is not shown in Figure 6 of the

drawings, but is clearly shown in Figures 8. 9 and 12. and will be discussed

more fully hereinafter. Figure 6 of the drawings also shows a light system, shown generally by

the numeral 70. The light system 70 is integrated into the body 30 of the

seating device 28 and further comprises an internally integrated electrical

power supply 72, a pressure switch 74, a manual switch 76 and a light strip or

bar 78. The electrical power supply 72 is electrically connected to the pressure

switch 74 and to the manual switch 76 by electrical wiring 80. In the Preferred

Embodiment, the electrical power supply 72 is generally a battery pack which

supplies electrical power to the light strip or bar 78 and the manual switch 76 is

a three position sliding switch that allows the user to turn the light system 70

off, activate the pressure switch 74, or provide continuous power to the light

strip or bar 78. The pressure switch 74 is a standard mechanical contact

pressure switch that allows electrical current to flow from the electrical power

supply 72 to the light strip or bar 78 when depressed, thereby illuminating the

light strip 78 when a user is seated on the seating device 28. Other electrical

power supplies and other electrical switching mechanisms known in the art

may also be used and are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the

applicant's invention.

Referring now to Figure 7 of the drawings, there is shown a rear

elevational view of the applicant's new and novel seating device. The light bar

78, having a plurality of illuminating lamps 82, is centrally located in the

posterior of the seating device 28 so that the illuminating lamps 82 are visible

by anyone behind the user. In the Preferred Embodiment, the lamp casing 84 is

constructed from reflective material. Thus, incidental light reflecting off of the

2-i lamp casing 84 provides high visibility and warns others of the user's presence

during daylight hours. If the light bar 78 is illuminated by the electrical power

supply 72, the illuminating lamps 82 provide high visibility and warns others

of the user's presence during evening or night hours. The electrical power

supply 72 can not be seen in Figure 7 of the drawings, but is clearly shown in

Figure 6. Other configurations and numbers of illuminating lamps and

reflective materials known in the art may also be used and are considered to be

within the spirit and scope of the applicant's invention.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings, there will be shown

and described in detail the locking means, shown generally by the numeral 86.

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the applicant's new and

novel seating device. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving

means 40, attaching rail 44 and locking means 86. The locking means 86

removably locks the body 30 of the seating device 28 onto the mounting studs

68 of the attaching rails 44, thereby preventing accidental releasing of the 30 of

the seating device 28 from the mounting studs 68. In the Preferred

Embodiment, the locking means 86 is a spring action hairpin clip. Other

locking means known in the art may also be used and are considered to be

within the spirit and scope of the applicant's invention.

A bore 88 and an opposite bore 92 are laterally formed through the

distal end 66 of the receiving means 40, the bore 88 and the opposite bore 92

having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of shaft 94 of the locking

means 86. The opposite bore 92 is positioned in line with and directly opposite

Z → of the bore 88. The opposite bore 92 can not be seen in Figure 9 of the

drawings but is clearly shown in Figure 8. When the body 30 of the seating

device 28 is in a locked position on the mounting studs 68, as shown in Figure

8, the shaft 94 of the locking means 86 is disposed through the bore 88 of the

receiving means 40, through locking means receiving bore 90 and through the

opposite bore 92 of the receiving means 40. The locking means receiving bore

90 is also laterally formed through the mounting stud 68 away from the end 96

of the mounting stud 68, so that the locking means receiving bore 90 aligns

with the bore 88 and the opposite bore 92 of the receiving means 40. Spring

arm 98 of the locking means 86 holds the locking means 86 in place by

exerting spring action force on the receiving means 40, the spring arm 98 being

shown in Figure 9. The body 30 of the seating device 28 is removably

unlocked from the mounting studs 68 by pulling the locking means 86 from the

opposite bore 92, the locking means receiving bore 90 and the bore 88 in the

direction of the arrow 100, thereby disengaging the spring arm 98 from the

receiving means 40. Other locking means known in the art and other positions

and configurations may also be used and are considered to be within the spirit

and scope of the applicant's invention.

In another embodiment, a modified locking means, shown generally by

the numeral 102, may be utilized and is shown in Figure 10 of the drawings.

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the applicant's new and

novel seating device similar to Figure 8 of the drawings. The modified locking

means 102 is comprised of at least one spring-ball 104 located in the mounting

24. stud 68 and partially contained within spring-ball housing 106. The at least one

spring-ball 104 is located in the mounting stud 68 having the same orientation

and alignment with the bore 88, as the locking means receiving bore 90 is

aligned with the bore 88, as previously described. That is, the at least one

spring-ball 104 of the modified locking means 102 is designed to utilize the

same location and orientation in the mounting stud 68 as the locking means

receiving bore 90 which has been described herein before.

As the receiving means 40 engages the mounting stud 68, the at least

one spring-ball 104 is compressed further into spring-ball housing 106.

allowing the receiving means 40 to slide over the mounting stud 68. When the

at least one spring-ball 104 aligns with the bore 88, the at least one spring-ball

104 is partially released into the bore 88, thereby removably locking the

receiving means 40 onto the mounting stud 68. The modified locking means

102 allows the user to easily and readily lock the body 30 of the seating device

28 onto the mounting studs 68 by simply pushing the body 30 of the seating

device 28 into place, and therefore automatically into a locked position, on the

attaching rails 44. To unlock the body 30 of the seating device 28 from the

attaching rails 44, the user simply pulls the body 30 of the seating device 28 up

and away from the attaching rails 44, thereby releasing the receiving means 40

from the modified locking means 102. Other locking means known in the art

and other positions and configurations may also be used and are considered to

be within the spirit and scope of the applicant's invention.

Zl Referring now to Figure 11 of the drawings, there is shown an exploded

perspective view of a portion of the attaching rail 44, similar to Figure 9.

Figure 11 illustrates stud protector 108 provided to protect the end 96 of the

mounting studs 68 of attaching rails 44, after the body 30 of the seating device

28 has been removed from the attaching rails 44. A user may remove the body

30 of the seating device 28 from the attaching rails 44 for a variety of purposes,

including, but not limited to, repair and maintenance of the seat supporting

device to which the seating device 28 is attached, cleaning of the body 30 of

the seating device 28 or the seat supporting device, and theft prevention of the

body 30 of the seating device 28. In the Preferred Embodiment, a plurality of

stud protectors 108 are provided and are rubber caps designed to fit tightly

over and encompass the exposed ends 96 of the mounting studs 68. Other

materials and other protecting devices known in the art may also be used and

are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the applicant's invention.

Referring now to Figure 12 of the drawings, there is shown a side view

of the applicant's new and novel seating device 28 in position on a prior art

bicycle 22. Only a portion of a prior art bicycle 22 is shown in Figure 12 for

purposes of clarity. Also, since the new and novel seating device 28 has been

designed to be utilized on other supporting devices such as exercise equipment,

tripod seat supports, monopod seat supports and other seat supports, the portion

of the prior art bicycle 22 shown in Figure 12 is for purposes of illustration

only. The attaching rails 44 are held by standard prior art rail holding devices

similar to the prior art rail holding device 110 illustrated in Figure 12. In the

2^→T Preferred Embodiment, the attaching rails 44 have been designed to allow

adjustment of the body 30 of the seating device 28 along the longitudinal axis

of the prior art bicycle 22 or other seating support device in the direction of the

arrows 112 and 1 14.

The body 30 of the seating device 28 can be removably unlocked from

the attaching rails 44 by removing the locking means 86 from the receiving

means 40 and the mounting studs 68, as previously described. The body 30 of

the seating device 28 can then be removed from the attaching rails 44 by

pulling the body 30 of the seating device 28 up and away from the attaching

rails 44 in the direction of the arrow 116. In the embodiment utilizing the

modified locking means 102, the user simply pulls the body 30 of the seating

device 28 up and away from the attaching rails 44 in the direction of the arrow

116 to disengage the body 30 of the seating device 28 from the attaching rails

44 as previously described. The modified locking means 102 is not shown in

Figure 12 of the drawings but is clearly shown in Figure 10.

Still referring to Figure 12 of the drawings, the body 30 of the seating

device 28 is removably locked onto the attaching rails 44 by aligning the

receiving means 40 with the mounting studs 68 of the attaching rails 44 and

pushing the body 30 of the seating device 28 down and toward the attaching

rails 44 in the direction of the arrow 118. The locking means 86 can then be

inserted through the bores in the receiving means 40 and the mounting stud 68

to removably lock the body 30 of the seating device 28 onto the attaching rails

44. In the embodiment utilizing the modified locking means 102, the user simply pushes the body 30 of the seating device 28 down and toward the

attaching rails 44 in the direction of the arrow 1 18 to automatically engage the

modified locking means 102 as previously described. The modified locking

means 102 is not shown in Figure 12 of the drawings but is clearly shown in

Figure 10.

Referring now to Figure 13 of the drawings, there is shown a side view

of applicant's seating device 28. Located along the posterior outer curvature

46 of the seating device body 30 is at least one recess 125. The recess 125

integrally formed of the self-skinning manufacture and material, discussed

herein, by the alteration of the manufacturing die. The recess 125 locating and

positioning a point of injection and/or insertion of a gel or polymer into the

body 30 of the seating device. The gel or polymer providing additional sits

bones cushioning through superior weight distribution on the support pad or

pads 36. The gel or polymer may be inserted into the microcellular

construction of the seating device 28 in any number of methods known in the

art. For example, gel or polymer material having a centipoise range of 30-70,

preferably 50, possesses sufficient fluidity to have both injectability and

dissipation characteristics. For example, silicone or urothane compositions

may be employed.

To provide additional support and/or cushioning, the gel or polymer

material must disperse throughout the microcellular construction material, and

subsequently, dry or cure to a durometer range of 20-70 on the shore A scale.

Thus, the injection material cures from a low viscosity state to a set mass,

3ft creating a pocket 130 or concentrated area of dispersed gel or polymer in the

support pad or pads 36 of the seating device 28, as shown by dotted line in

Figure 14. This aspect of the invention may be applied to any and all

embodiments of the instant seating device 28. Figure 15, a rear sectional view

of the instant device, depicts a plurality of recesses 125 and a plurality of

pockets 130 corresponding thereto.

Continuing on with Figure 14, there is shown a plurality of receiving

means 40 protruding downwardly form the body 30 of the seating device 28.

As described previously, the receiving means 40 are designed to be

removeably attached to attaching rails 44, not shown in this figure. As shown,

the angle of the receiving means 40 in relation to the flat of the superstructure

60 is permanently set at 90 degrees, a right angle, in this alternate embodiment.

This change in angle does not effect the interaction of the receiving means 40

and attaching rails as previously described. The alteration of the relational

angle effects the angle of the mounted seating device, and additionally, adapts

the seating device for reverse installation; reverse installation accomplishing

comfort, cushioning and weight distribution aspects of the forward facing

installation of the seating device, while additionally providing broader range of

lateral leg motion. Thus, the generally crescent shaped seating device 28 in

this embodiment is designed having an outer curvature 46 and an inner

curvature 48, either curvature carrying a designation of anterior or posterior

based upon installation of the device.

3l As shown, and previously described, a plurality of receiving means 40

are fixedly attached to the internal frame 50 at predetermined locations, the

receiving means 40 being generally cylindrical, positioned at right angles to the

flat of the superstructure 60, and positioned downwardly through the body 30

of the seating device 28. Moving now to Figure 16a, a sectional view of the

seating device 28 taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 4 shows the interaction and

alignment of the receiving means 40 and an alternated and improved attaching

rail 135. Throughout this application, the plurality of receiving means 40 are

fixedly attached to the internal frame 50 of the seating device 28 in a consistent

manner. Further, the interaction between the receiving means 40 and the

attachment rails 44, 135 is consistently achieved via a centrally and

longitudinally formed bore 58 therethrough and engagement of a mounting

stud 68 of attachment rail 44,135 that is rotatably and removeably attached to a

standard prior art bicycle post seat attaching device or the like, as previously

described.

The alternate and novel attachment rail 135 is comprised of a plurality

of mounting studs 68 that are removeably engaged with spatially

corresponding receiving means 40, and having a tubular engagement means

140 extending downwardly therefrom . The tubular engagement means 140

directly interacting with and rotating about a mounting post 145. Figure 16b

depicts reverse mounting and positioning, via rotation, of the seating device 28.

The tubular engagement means 140 fitting contiguously over the mounting

post 145, and the seating device 28, the receiving means 40, the attachment rail

5 135, adapted for locking into position or removal therefrom as previously

described.

From the above it can be seen that the applicant's new and novel seating

device accomplishes all of the objects and advantages presented herein before.

Nevertheless it is within the spirit and scope of the invention that changes in

the applicant's basic seating device may be made and the Preferred

Embodiment and the modifications shown and described herein have only been

given by way of illustration.

3i

Claims

We claim:

1. A seating device for use on a variety of supporting devices such as

bicycles, exercise equipment, tripod seat supports, monopod seat supports and

other seat supports, comprising:

a. a generally crescent-shaped body having an upper surface, a

lower surface, an inner curvature and an outer curvature;

b. an internal frame internally formed in the body and encased by

the body;

c. a plurality of receiving means fixedly attached to the internal

frame, wherein the receiving means extend downwardly through

the body at a 90 degree angle to the internal frame and exit at the

lower surface of the body;

d. an outer curvature recess adapted for receiving low viscosity

material; and

e. at least one attaching rail removably attached to the receiving

means.

2. The seating device as defined in Claim 1 wherein the internal frame is

further comprised of a first support member having an inner curvature and a

second support member, the second support member being fixedly attached to

the first support member and spanning the inner curvature of the first support

member.

3. The seating device as defined in Claim 1 wherein the attaching rail has

at least two mounting studs formed thereon.

4. The seating device as defined in Claim 3 wherein the receiving means

has a bore centrally and longitudinally formed through the receiving means, the

bore removably engaging one of the at least two mounting studs.

5. The seating device as defined in Claim 4 wherein the receiving means

and the at least two mounting studs have bores laterally formed therein.

6. The seating device as defined in Claim 5 wherein locking means are

removably disposed through the bores formed in the receiving means and the at

least two mounting studs, thereby removably locking the body onto the at least

one attaching rail.

7. The seating device as defined in Claim 1 wherein the body is comprised

of a multi-element alloy balanced polyurethane semi-rigid material have a

microcellular core and an integrated tough textured exterior skin.

3i^'