Bicycle saddle with cut out

Details Bicycle saddle with cut out Bicycle saddle with cut out

2000-05-31

2001-06-12

Barfield, Anthony D. (Department: 3636)

Chairs and seats

Straddle seat

Depressed portion spaces body supporting surfaces

C297S214000, C297S215160

Reexamination Certificate

active

06244655

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of bicycle seats, and more specifically, to anatomically correct support provided by a seat.
BACKGROUND
Bicycle seats, or saddles, have traditionally been designed with a convex profile such that they fit between the body's ischial tuberosities (“sit bones”) with a small protrusion tucked up in the crotch.
Prior bicycle seats cause saddle-related numbness in both male and female riders. This numbness results from pressure on perineal areas which can actually increase as riders sink farther into traditional seats.
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.
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 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. Therefore, it is desirable to have a seat with a construction that is designed to eliminate these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a bicycle seat with a base having a front which broadens towards a rear having a notched groove. The base includes a rigid frame and a first layer connected to the frame. A connector is attached to the base for connecting the seat to the bicycle.
Another aspect of the present invention includes a second layer of resilient material located between the frame and the first layer that is denser than the first layer material to prevent the rider from bottoming out on the frame.
Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a groove with dimensions approximately equal to the dimensions of a human body ischial tuberosities such that pressure is reduced on the internal pudendal arteries.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.


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