WO2007038692A2

WO2007038692A2 - Bicycle seat

Info

Publication number: WO2007038692A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/037920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven G. Toll
Original assignee: Toll Steven G
Priority date: 2005-09-28
Filing date: 2006-09-28
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Also published as: WO2007038692A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to new and improved seats for bicycles, which is specially designed to conformingly support the perineal/genital regions of the rider in order to improve rider comfort, and permit improvements in a rider's pedaling efficiency, and power output while remaining seated, and at the same time allows the rider to remain in contact with the seat in all positions to assure constant control of the bicycle. In one arrangement, a bicycle seat can include a rearward base (110), at least two elongated arms (120, 130) and a void (170) separating and defining a distance (d) between the at least two elongated arms (120, 130).

Description

BICYCLE SEAT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a bicycle seat. More particularly, the invention relates to a bicycle seat, which comfortably supports a bicycle rider.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The basic design of a bicycle seat has not changed significantly over the years. The shape of modem bicycle seats has a generally horizontal profile with a narrow front-end section (the nose or horn) and a wider, flared tail section with a concave intermediate section for thigh clearance.

[0003] The seats include a pliable, semi-rigid molded plastic, or nylon shell, over which conforming padding material is placed, and finally a leather, plastic, or vinyl cover is fitted. The use of new materials in modem seats has resulted in a lighter, more durable and more appealing seat than those of even twenty years ago, but the seat contours remain substantially the same.

[0004] The seat of a bicycle is required to perform a number of functions for the rider. It must support the rider comfortably for rides of long duration, it must position the rider for maximum efficiency in pedaling the bicycle, and it must aid the rider in controlling and stabilizing the bicycle. Various seat configurations have been devised to attempt to meet these objectives simultaneously. Because a rider may assume different positions with respect to the pedals of the bicycle in order to achieve maximum power for different conditions, e.g., uphill versus level riding, it is desired that as the rider moves his body for optimal positioning, the seat should remain in contact with the rider to assure constant control. [0005] Furthermore, it has being known to bicycle riders that the conventional bicycle seat can cause chafing, blistering, bruising, and possibly injury to the rider. [0006] The design of the bicycle seat does not always provide a sufficient degree of comfort. The primary cause of discomfort is the pressure exerted on sensitive areas of the body (i.e. the sacral, coccal, ischial, and perineal/genital regions) when the weight of the rider rests on a traditional bicycle seat.

[0007] There have been various attempts in the prior art to design bicycle seats that provide greater comfort and hygienic safety.

[0008] In order to provide greater comfort to the rider, the prior art teaches pre-forming concave regions into the horizontal seat surface corresponding to the pelvic bone and perineum regions of the rider. The purpose is to reduce compression on the pudendal arteries and nerves while not interfering with movement of the rider's legs in the pedaling motion. [0009] Another way to add conform to a bicycle seat is by adding a cushioning material to the seat surface. A cloth cover or like material is selectively stuffed with a flexible and resisting material to form soft cushion lobes in strategically placed ridges to support the pelvic bones of the rider. The recent trend in seat design is to find the right amount of padding necessary to provide adequate comfort to the rider, while still conforming to the seat shell. Too little padding conforms to the semi-anatomic shape of the seat nicely, but padding (especially foam) gives out at the point of most pressure and therefore bottoms out at the most painful areas directly beneath the pelvic bones. To address the point pressure problem inherent with foam-padded seats, manufacturers have introduced a viscoelastic polymer (VEP) padding to replace the foam padding on today's state of the art seats. These types of seats employ a gel like polymer to displace point loads under the ischial tuberosities. The gel like padding creates pressure displacement by immersing the buttocks area in a semi-liquid padding and spread out the point load pressure upon the ischial tuberosities. Because the gel like padding is a moveable fluid it still cannot firmly grip the pelvis; thus, undue movement of the pelvis occurs during a pedaling motion. This excessive movement or grinding of the pelvic areas can cause bruising, groin pain, numbness, urethritis, neuritis, seat sores, and chafing.

[0010] These problems are aggravated by the friction and pressure that is caused to be exerted on the blood vessels and nerves along the inner and underside of the rider's pelvic region. The front-end section (nose) of the seat fits directly against the pelvic structures. This results in occlusion of arteries and veins supplying blood flow to the penis, as well as, compression of local nerves as they are sandwiched between the nose of the bicycle seat and the bony structures of the anterior pelvis. The resultant outcome is a numbing effect or paresthesia, as reported by many cyclists that can result in sustained paresthesia of the groin and penis, delayed or immediate impotence, and perhaps even an elevated prostate specific antigen.

[0011] In addition, recent studies have linked perineal pressure caused by traditional bicycle seats to urinary tract and yeast infections. In female riders, the arch of the pubic symphysis is shallow. Sitting on traditional bicycle seats can compress tender genital tissues against the seat causing irritation to the genitals.

[0012] In male riders, the crotch area of the body contains nerves and pudendal arteries leading to the penis. These arteries carry blood flow that enables erection. Sitting on a traditional bicycle seat can increase the pressure in the pudendal arteries causing a decrease in blood flow. This decrease in blood flow may cause numbness potentially leading to impotency in certain male bicycle riders.

[0013] Therefore, it is desirable to have a seat with a construction that is designed to eliminate these problems. In order to overcome these problems, the prior art provides the seat with a groove at the nose portion of the bicycle seat, which results in a right side nose portion separated by a gap from the left side nose portion. The opening reduces the downward pressure exerted on the genital area by the rider's weight.

[0014] US Patent No. 6,193,309 entitled "Bicycle Seat" to Gootter, et al. is an example of this approach. A disadvantage of this design is that in order to reduce the downward pressure exerted on the genital area, the Gootter reference forms a deep opening on the seat to receive the privates of the rider. However, such exaggerated deep opening become excruciatingly uncomfortable, especially during vigorous pedaling, since they require the rider to carefully align his or her privates with the deep opening. This becomes increasingly difficult when the rider must repetitively "get out of the seat in order to stretch his or her legs or to move his position frequently to use different muscles to accommodate continuously changing terrain. [0015] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved bicycle seat that is specially contoured to fully support the coccyx, sacrum, and ischium bones, while providing a relieved area for the perineum/genital regions. This includes the support of the corresponding tissues and musculature surrounding these aforementioned pelvic areas. [0016] In addition, there is also a need for a seat that would facilitate a bicycle rider's assuming several differing positions on the seat while avoiding the creation of undesirable pressure on the rider's perineum.

[0017] Furthermore, there is also a need for a seat that conformingly fits a rider's pelvis and buttocks by evenly distributing the point loads between the bony projections of the rider's pelvic region and the seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bicycle seat design that does not cause rider discomfort during or after extended periods of use.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bicycle seat that is specially contoured to fully support the coccyx, sacrum, and ischium bones, while providing a relieved area for the perineum/genital regions.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bicycle seat specially contoured to un-w eight sensitive genital areas of both male and female riders. [0021] Il is another object of the present invention to provide a bicycle seat specially contoured to distribute the rider's weight evenly over a larger surface of the seat thereby eliminating point loads between the rider's pelvic bones and the hard contact area of the seat.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bicycle seat that remains in contact with the rider in all positions to assure constant control of the bicycle.

[0023] The present invention relates to new and improved seats for bicycles, which is specially designed to conformingly support the sacral, coccyx, ischial and perineal/genital regions of the rider in order to improve rider comfort, and permit improvements in a rider's pedaling efficiency, and power output while remaining seated, and at the same time allows the rider to remain in contact with the seat in all positions to assure constant control of the bicycle.

[0024] The seat widens from the front-end section to the back-end section and defines a length L, a width W, and includes a central grove positioned in the longitudinal center of the seat. The central groove extends rearward to approximately 30-40% the length L of the seat to at least the medial section.

[0025] In addition, the front-end section is divided into two small noses separated by a cutout d. Furthermore, the sides of the medial section curve inward at the point where the two noses are divided.

[0026] The seat of the present invention comprises of combined features that provide full anatomical support and accommodation for areas of the pelvis (including the surrounding tissues and musculature) not heretofore supported by prior art seat designs.

[0027] In addition, the bicycle seat of the present invention is exceptionally comfortable to use even for very long periods of riding.

[0028] It is light in weight, small, attractive in appearance, and streamlined. The seat weight approximately 225 grams and its height is 45 mm.

[0029] The seat of this invention does not rely on the very flexible nature of today's padding materials to conform to the ischial areas of the pelvis. Instead, the seat of the present invention relays in a combination of features, such as extended nose, raised sides, cutout, and central groove, to provide greater and more even weight support to the rider. The elevation of the side of the medial section provides close anatomic support to unsupported rear sections of the pelvis so that a whole new dimension in load distribution is created. Thus, pressure upon the perineum/genital region is greatly diminished.

[0030] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the concept and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other window facade for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The description of the invention, together with the accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the example shown and described, because those skilled in the art to which this appertains will be able to devise other forms thereof within the ambit of the appended claims.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective right side view of a seat for a racing bicycle constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective left side view of the seat for a racing bicycle constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of the seat for a racing bicycle constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a top view of the seat for a racing bicycle constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the seat for a sport bicycle constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective backside view of the seat for a sport bicycle constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective side view of the seat for a sport bicycle constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. [0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the seat for a sport bicycle constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a backside view of the seat for a touring bicycle constructed in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of the seat for a touring bicycle constructed in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. [0042] FIG. 11 is perspective side view of seat for a sport bicycle constructed in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a backside view of a seat for a touring bicycle constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the position of the rider on the seat of Figure 1 while in racing position.

[0045] FIG. 14 is a top view of the seat for a racing bicycle of Figure 1 illustrating the dimensions of seat.

[0046] FIG. 15 is a side view of the seat for a racing bicycle of Figure 1 illustrating the dimensions of seat.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bicycle seat in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a top view of the embodiment of figure 16.

[0049] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 16.

[0050] FIG. 19 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of figure 16.

[0051] FIG. 20 is a right elevation view of the embodiment of figure 16.

[0052] FIG. 21 is front plan view of the embodiment of figure 16.

[0053] FIG. 22 is rear plan view of the embodiment of figure 16.

DETAILDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the embodiments of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the bicycle seat, and other embodiments will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

[0055] As required, detailed embodiments of the present bicycle seat are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments of the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the embodiments herein.

[0056] The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The phrase "at least one of as used herein, is defined as one or more than one. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). [0057] The design of the bicycle seat according to the present invention provides various unique anatomic conforming features by fully supporting the sacrum, coccyx, and complete ischium of the rider.

[0058] To facilitate the understanding of the present invention, the invention will be explained by using as a sample the seat to a racing bike (first embodiment). A skilled artisan will understand that certain modifications are inherent in order to adapt the seat of the present invention to a touring or sport bicycle.

[0059] With reference to Figures 1-15, there is shown two embodiments of a bicycle seat in accordance with the inventive arrangements. For these figures, the same reference numbers are used for similar parts. The seat 10 of the present invention can include a rigid shell/frame (not shown), a cushioned area 12, and an outerwear surface 14. [0060] The frame is a one-piece frame preferably made of an injection molded polypropylene, polyurethane, polymer, ABS copolymer, nylon or other like material. The shell/frame includes an attachment device 20 for mounting the seat to the bicycle's frame 30. [0061] The seat 10 includes a very small front-end section (nose) 40, a medial end section 50, and a rear end section (tail) 60. The seat widens from the front-end section to the back- end section and defines a length L and a width W. Compared with a traditional bicycle seat, the seat of the present invention is of smaller length and width. After extensive research, the present inventor discovered that the preferably overall length of the seat should be 240 mm and the width 135 mm. [0062] Front-end section fNose)

[0063] A feature of the present invention is the elimination of the elongated nose part of the traditional seat. The nose of the seat according to the present invention is very small compared with the nose of the traditional seats. The length of the nose is between 50-75 mm, preferably 65 mm.

[0064] The seat includes a central grove 90 positioned in the longitudinal center of the seat. This central groove 90 creates a narrow space where the rider's perineal/genital regions are positioned without experiencing any contact (e.g. pressure, pain) with the bicycle seat 10. The groove 90 is sized and contoured to provide pressure relief due to the contact of the private parts (perineum and/or genitalia, depending on forward or rearward riding position, respectively) of both male and female riders. [0065] The central groove extends rearward to approximately 30-40% the length L of the seat to at least the medial section 50, and preferably to the point M where medial curves inward, which will be discussed below.

[0066] The maximum depth for the groove is between 90-100 mm. This feature of the present invention is an important feature because the groove 90 does not need to be overly deep to provide adequate pressure relief as required by the seats of the prior art. This feature will overcome the disadvantages presented by the exaggerated deep front openings of the prior art that were previously discussed.

[0067] It is understood that the exact dimensions corresponding to the depth, width, and height of the groove 90 may vary within the scope of this invention, depending on the performance and comfort requirements of different riders and their bicycles. These dimensions can be varied to accommodate different sized pelvic structures and intended uses.

[0068] The front-end section 40 is divided into two small noses 70 that do not extend several inches farther forward than the front section as the traditional seat. Having a small nose eliminates the pressure on the perineum area produced by the traditional seats. Thus, the problems associated with numbness and decreased blood flows are eliminated.

[0069] Each of the noses 70 is strategically positioned and padded to provide support and cushioning for the rider's thighs. The noses 70 provide support for the upper back portion of the rider's thighs, thereby reducing the amount left to be supported by the buttocks and groin area.

[0070] In addition to the narrow nose, the design of the present invention includes as a feature a cutout 100, which separates the right side nose 70 from the left side nose 70 at the front-end section 40 of the seat. This distance is indicated by reference character d, which is between 15-30 mm, preferably 25 mm.

[0071] The present invention contemplates having the central groove in the form of a different shape such as a rectangle, ellipse, pear, or hyperbola.

[0072] The central groove and the cutout cooperate with each other to define an open space for relieving pressure on the pudendal arteries of a seat occupant; thus, the seat provides increased comfort during extended periods of use, due to a redistribution of the rider's weight.

[0073] Medial section

[0074] The medial section 50 includes an area 80 to support a rider's buttocks when the rider is in the performance position and the rider's tailbone is positioned over the medial section. [0075] In the medial section 50 between the front end section 40 and the rear end section

60, the sides of the medial section 50 curves inward (elevates) at the point where the two noses 70 begin to form.

[0076] Furthermore, the seat is designed to begin the elevation at the exact point where the ischial tuberosities of the pelvis will be supported by the seat. This elevation in the sides closely follows the elevation of the rear right and left ischium of the pelvis. The unique design of the present invention provides pressure relief to the ischium in substantially all possible seated riding positions.

[0077] The center of the seat begins to curve inward at approximately 65 mm from the tip of the nose to approximately 175 mm from the tip of the nose. The center curves inward to a vertical height of approximately 17 mm above point M (see FIG. 15).

[0078] In addition, the elevation of the medial section encourages proper lower back curvature (lumbar lordotic curvature) such that the rider assumes a more efficient posture. In addition, this feature avoids interferences with the hamstring muscle of the rider; thus, the rider can rotate his hips forward allowing him to obtain a more aerodynamic position.

[0079] Wind tunnel testing has proven that the above position puts the rider into a more aerodynamic position allowing the rider to save 15 to 20 seconds off of a 4OK time trial.

[0080] The length of the medial section of the seat is between 90-130 mm, preferably 110 mm.

[0081] Rear end section (Tail)

[0082] The rear portion supports the rider's buttocks when the rider is in the touring position and the rider's tailbone is positioned over the rear portion.

[0083] A feature of the present invention is that the top surface of seat 10 is approximately flat. The surface of the traditional seats includes an inclination towards the nose of the seat.

[0084] The tail section 60 is well-padded and relatively skinny (as compared with bicycle seats of the traditional configuration). The widest point is approximately 135 mm.

[0085] Furthermore, the present invention considers placing a gel layer against any appreciable lateral movement relative to the shell and be of a thickness and in a location, which permits only limited up and down deflection. It has been found that the thin gel layer should be located below the rider's ischial pelvic or sitting bones and genital areas, and if the gel layer extends downwardly onto the sloping side portions of the seat, it will undesirably cause excessive movement for the rider along with rubbing and chafing of the skin. [0086] The gel layer should have sufficient thickness to provide adequate deformation to relieve excessive pressure on the pelvic bones so as to provide a comfortable ride.

[0087] A layer of relatively firm plastic foam is advantageously and preferably provided between the seat lower shell and the flexible cover to provide additional resilient support for the rider and for constraining the gel layer.

[0088] The present embodiments of this invention are, thus, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

[0089] The seat of the present invention comprises of combined features that provide full anatomical support and accommodation for areas of the pelvis (including the surrounding tissues and musculature) not heretofore supported by prior art seat designs.

[0090] In addition, the bicycle seat of the present invention is exceptionally comfortable to use even for very long periods of riding.

[0091] It is light in weight, small, attractive in appearance, and streamlined. The seat weight approximately 225 grams and its height is 45 mm.

[0092] The seat of this invention does not rely on the very flexible nature of today's padding materials to conform to the ischial areas of the pelvis. Instead, the seat of the present invention relays in a combination of features, such as extended nose, raised sides, cutout, and central groove, to provide greater and more even weight support to the rider. The elevation of the side of the medial section provides close anatomic support to unsupported rear sections of the pelvis, so that a whole new dimension in load distribution is created. Thus, pressure upon the perineum/genital region is greatly diminished.

[0093] Seat for a Touring Bicycle

[0094] The seat for a touring bicycle is design for maximum comfort. The present invention contemplates adding high-density foam padding to the basic design, widening the seat base and adding a leather covering.

[0095] Seat for a Sport Bicycle

[0096] The seat for a touring bicycle is designed for maximum comfort. The present invention contemplates adding gel padding to the basic design, smaller seat than the seat for the touring bicycle and adding a leather covering.

[0097] There is shown in FIGS. 16-22 an exemplary embodiment of a bicycle seat in accordance with the inventive arrangements. The bicycle seat can include a rearward base

110, at least two elongated arms 120, 130 and a void 170 separating and defining a distance (d) between the at least two elongated arms 120, 130. The rearward base 110 and the elongated amis 120, 130 can have angled support surfaces 160 where the angle of the angled support surfaces 160 vary as the at least two elongated anus 120, 130 extend from the rearward base 110.

[0098J The elongated arms 120, 130 extend from the rearward base 110 to forward tips 140, 150. The distance (d) between the at least two elongated amis 120, 130 can increase and/or decrease along the length of the two elongated arms 120, 130 from the base 110 to the tips 140, 150. As best illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, the lateral sides of the two elongated arms 120, 130 can gently slope inward as the two elongated arms 120, 130 extend from the rearward base 110, such that the lateral sides of the two elongated arms 120, 130 become increasingly closer to each other as the two elongated arms 120, 130 extend from the base 110.

[0099] Additionally, the medial sides of the two elongated anus 120, 130 also converge as the two elongated amis 120, 130 extend from the rearward base 110 and decrease the distance (d) between the two elongated arms 120, 130. Nevertheless, in the area in which the two elongated arms 120, 130 transition from the rearward base 110, the medial surfaces of the two elongated anus 120, 130 diverge, which increases the distance (d) between the two elongated amis 120, 130, even though the lateral surfaces of the two elongated arms 120, 130 are shown as converging. With this arrangement, the distance (d) between the two elongated anus 120, 130 increases and decreases along the length of the two elongated anus 120, 130 as they extend from the rearward base 110.

[00100] Still further, the width of each of the two elongated arms 120, 130 can increase as the two elongated arms 120, 130 extend from the rearward base 110. Such a gradual change in the width of the two elongated arms 120, 130 gradually changes the distance (d) between the elongated anus 120, 130. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, the distance (d) between the two elongated arms 120, 130 is greatest in the area of the void 170 adjacent to the rearward base 110 and decreases as the two elongated arms 120, 130 extend from the reward base 110. Such changes in the structure of seat 100 can correspond to the anatomy of the rider to provide support when sensitive tissues are not present, but provide support when possible.

[00101] Additionally, the angled support surfaces 160 can provide additional anatomically correct support to a rider. The angled support surfaces 160 can form a gently sloping beveled surface as the rearward base 110 transitions to the two elongated arms 120, 130. Further the angled support surfaces 160 of the elongated amis 120, 130 can slant towards a centerline between the elongated arms 120, 130 and the degree of sloping can change as the two elongated amis 120, 130 extend from the rearward base 110,

[00102] As illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17 and 21, the degree of sloping of the angled support surfaces 160 can increase from the degree of sloping of the angled support surfaces 160 on rearward base 110 as the rearward base 110 transition into the elongated arms 120, 130. Still further, the degree of sloping of the angled support surfaces 160 can further increase along the length of the elongated arms 120, 130 until the forward tips 140, 150. Thus, the degree of sloping of the angled support surfaces 160 can be formed as needed to distribute and/or relieve pressure on the perineal area.

[00103] The change of the slope of the angled support surfaces 160 in combination with the change in distance (d) between the elongated arms 120, 130 adjusts the shape of the void 170 as the elongated arms 120, 130 transition from the rearward base 110 and extend to the forward tips 140, 150. The change in the shape and volume of the void 170 as it extends along the length of the seat 100 conforms to changes in the anatomy of a rider. This void 170 provides for a reduced or even complete removal of compression of certain anatomy of the perineal area, including, the dorsal artery, urethral artery and bulbourethral artery, all of which branch from the pudendal artery.

[00104] Still further, approximately 3-5 mm of gel and/or foam can be provided to allow for a more pronounced roll on the top outer edge at the mid section of the rearward base 110 on both sides making a V angle allowing for a trough on the outer slope on both edges of the rearward base 110 to correspond to the placement of the hamstring and sciatic neiΥe. This arrangement of structure can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

[00105] As one non- limiting example of the dimensions of the bicycle seat 100, the inner edge of the elongated arms 120, 130 can have angled support surfaces 160 with an angle ranging between approximately 15-60 degrees from the outside edge of arms 120, 130 to the interior lower central position of the elongated arms 120, 130. As noted previously, this angle can change as the elongated arms 120, 130 extend from rearward base 110. [00106] Additionally, angled support surfaces 160 can slant to a depth of approximately 10-12 mm allowing for a distance (d) of approximately 50 mm wide opening at the upper apex of the elongated arms 120, 130, which can be in line with the level of the rearward base 110 of the bicycle seat 100. The bottom of the sloped angled support surfaces 160 can be a distance (d) of approximately 30 mm at the bottom at the transition of the rearward base 110 and the elongated arms 120, 130. At the tips 140, 150, the bottom of the sloped angled support surfaces 160 can be a distance (d) of approximately 18 mm. In one arrangement, the void 170 can be approximately 115 mm in length from the tips 140 of elongated arms 120, 130 to the rearward base 110.

[00107] Test results for penile blood pressure and blood flow during have been obtained during use of the various embodiments discussed herein. Penile blood pressure and blood flow can be measured via spectroscopy, Doppler ultrasound, penile transcutaneous partial oxygen pressure (tcpθ₂) using a modified Clark oxygen electrode and pulse volume recording. Additionally, arteriography can reveal the blood supply to the pudendal artery and its branches.

[00108] In one non-limiting example of test results, penile blood flow measurements were obtained for a rider using the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The rider used the embodiment of the seat illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 in a 30 degree and a 60 degree riding position for a period of 10 minutes in each riding position during a continuous 20 minute test ride. The average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 in the 60 degree riding position was 100.00% of normal blood flow. Additionally, the average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 in the 30 degree riding position was 91.83% of normal blood flow.

[00109] In another non-limiting example of test results, penile blood flow measurements were obtained for a rider using the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. The rider used the embodiment of the seat illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 in 30 degree, 60 degree and 90 degree riding positions for a period of 12 minutes. The average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 in the 90 degree position was 87.51% of normal blood flow. The average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 in the 60 degree riding position was 85.90% of normal blood flow. Still further, the average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat in FIGS. 5-8 in the 30 degree riding position was 88.36% of normal blood flow.

[00110] In another non-limiting example of test results, penile blood flow measurements were obtained for a rider using the embodiment of the seat illustrated in FIGS. 9-12. The rider used the embodiment of the seat illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 in a 60 degree and a 90 degree riding position for a period of 12 minutes. The average penile blood flo.w of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 in the 90 degree riding position was 100 % of normal blood flow, showing no restriction. The average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 in the 60 degree position was 90.5% of normal blood flow. [00111] In another non-limiting example of test results, penile blood flow measurements were obtained for a rider using the embodiment of the seat illustrated in FIGS. 16-22. The rider used the embodiment of the seat illustrated in FIGS. 16-22 in a 30 degree, 60 degree and 90 degree riding position for a period of 10 minutes in each riding position during a continuous 30 minute test ride. The average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 16-22 in the 90 degree riding position was 97.96% of normal blood flow. The average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 16-22 in the 60 degree position was 100.00% of normal blood flow. The average penile blood flow of the rider using the seat illustrated in FIGS. 16-22 in the 30 degree position was 95.18% of normal blood flow.

[00112J The measurements show no or only slight reductions in penile blood flow. Accordingly, the rider of any of the seats was able to hyperoxygenate normally and expand without damage or danger to the rider during exercise.

[00113] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention.

Claims

What it is claimed is:

1. A bicycle seat comprising: a small front-end section, a medial end section having a top, a bottom, sides, and a rear end section, wherein the seat widens from the front-end section to the back-end section and defines a length L and a width W; wherein the seat includes a central grove positioned in the longitudinal center of the seat; wherein the central groove extends rearward to approximately 30%-40% the length L of the seat to at least the medial section; wherein the front-end section is divided into two small noses separated by a cutout

(D); wherein the sides of the medial section curve inward at the point where the two noses are divided.

2. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein d is between approximately 15-30 mm.

3. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein the length of the seat is 240 mm and the width is between approximately 130 mm to 135 mm.

4. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein the length of the front-end section is between approxmiately 50-75 mm.

5. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein the length of the front-end section is approximately 65 mm.

6. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein the maximum depth for the groove is between approximately 90-100 mm.

7. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein the sides of the medial section begins to curve inward at approximately 65 mm from the tip of the nose to approximately 175 mm from the tip of the nose.

8. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein the sides of the medial section curve inward to a vertical height of approximately 17 mm.

9. The bicycle seat of claim 1 wherein the seat weighs approximately 225 grams to 320grams.

10. A bicycle seat, comprising: a rearward base; at least two elongated arms extending from the rearward base to forward tips, the at least two elongated amis having angled support surfaces that slant towards a centerline between the elongated arms; a void separating and defining a distance (d) between the at least two elongated arms; and wherein the distance (d) between the at least two elongated arms increases and decreases along a length of the at least two elongated arms from the base to the tips.

11. The bicycle seat according to claim 10, further comprising angled surfaces located on the rearward base and the elongated arms.

12. The bicycle seat according to claim 11, wherein the slope of the angled surfaces increases as the at least two elongated arms extend from the rearward base.

13. The bicycle seat according to claim 11, wherein the width of the two elongated arms increase as the two elongated arms extend from the rearward base.

14. The bicycle seat according to claim 13, wherein the slope of the angled surfaces located on the rearward base is less than the slope of the angled surfaces located on the at least two elongated arms.