Chairs and seats – Straddle seat – Plural related seats
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-14
2002-11-19
Brown, Peter R. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Straddle seat
Plural related seats
C297S219110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06481792
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to motorcycle seat cushions. More particularly, this invention relates to an auxiliary passenger seat cushion adaptable to a variety of motorcycles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The sport of motorcycling has grown to epic proportions, and is continuing to grow in popularity. Almost all motorcycles designed for street use include rear seating to accommodate a passenger. It is very common for a passenger to be “doubled” with the motorcycle operator during the riding time. Production motorcycles designed to accommodate the passenger with seating even similarly comfortable as that of the operator are typically large “dressed” motorcycles, commonly referred to as the “cruisers.”
Many of the other so called “Big Bikes” do not have a comfortable passenger seat, these “Big Bikes” collectively outnumber the “cruisers” by a large margin. These are commonly referred to as “Customs.” Many “Customs” are factory designed, and many are owner-modified or hand-built. The “Customs” category of motorcycles typically have an undersized and uncomfortable passenger seat. The typical passenger seat on a “Custom” is 5 to 7 inches wide, compared to an average 12 to 14 inches wide seat for the operator. The small passenger seats are commonly referred to as “Pillion pads.” The use of such small pillion pads results mainly from aesthetic criterion.
The typical motorcycle ride lasts for several hours, and very often several days, covering hundreds of miles. The pillion pad is uncomfortable and the passenger is subjected to discomfort and fatigue. Currently, small pillows and cushions are placed on the pillion pad in an effort to improve comfort and ridability. In general, they do not work well.
Thus, there is a need for a device suitable for improving passenger comfort but which may be quickly removed when not in use for aesthetic purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing and other needs are met by a novel auxiliary passenger seat cushion system adaptable to fit onto a passenger seat of a motorcycle. The auxiliary passenger seat cushion is intended to be used with a motorcycle seat having a width defined between opposite sides thereof. The seat cushion system has a seat member having an upper surface configured for seating a passenger and an opposite lower surface positionable adjacent to the motorcycle seat and having a width greater than that of the motorcycle seat. The seat cushion system also includes at least two stop members associated with the lower surface of the seat member and adjustably positionable relative to the width of the lower surface of the seat member so that one stop member is urgable against each of the opposite sides of the motorcycle seat to inhibit relative movement between the seat cushion member and the motorcycle seat.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the seat cushion member is composed of a number of separable sections for breakdown and storage into an auxiliary storage compartment. A fastener is included for fixedly securing the separable sections together to provide a composite cushion member. Furthermore, adjustable stop members are used to engage an existing motorcycle seat by urging against the opposite sides of the motorcycle seat thereby restricting relative motion between the passenger cushion seat and motorcycle seat. The adjustable stop members are adjustable enabling the auxiliary passenger seat cushion to adaptably engage motorcycle seats of varying dimensionality.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3712670 (1973-01-01), Svehla et al.
patent: 4779924 (1988-10-01), Rudel
patent: 4804221 (1989-02-01), Saiki
patent: 5318344 (1994-06-01), Wang
patent: 5322345 (1994-06-01), Desser et al.
patent: 5553915 (1996-09-01), Stamatakis
patent: 5558260 (1996-09-01), Reichert
patent: 5697671 (1997-12-01), Shavitz
patent: 5713629 (1998-02-01), Plackis
patent: 5938277 (1999-08-01), Rioux et al.
patent: 5944380 (1999-08-01), Atherley
patent: 5975629 (1999-11-01), Lorbiecki
1995 Harley Davidson Parts & Accessories Catalog pp. 32,42,43 & 48 (copies not included—cited as prior art in '671 patent).
Hot Bike Magazine, Dec. 1995; 3 Advertisements (1) “Ultraride” (2) Phantom Pad (3) King Seat for Royal Pains in the Butt (copies not included—cited as prior art in '671 patent).
Brown Peter R.
Luedeka Neely & Graham P.C.
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