Orthotic cycle saddle

An anatomically conforming cycle saddle having a compound surface including an elongated horn section transitioning rearwardly into a laterally flared, raised cantle. A perineum/genital groove is symmetrically disposed along the longitudinal axis of the generally horizontally upper horn surface as seen in plan view. The cantle, having an angle of inclination in the range of 35.degree.-55.degree., preferably 45.degree., includes a pair of opposed, bilaterally symmetrical, inclined dished surfaces, and has a generally triangular, bilaterally symmetrical, raised, inclined coccyx support member disposed centrally and rearwardly therebetween. The concavity of the dished surfaces begin in the forward-most horizontal part of the cantle and extend deeply in the central portion of the cantle, inclining to vertical at the rearward cantle lip. The upper surface of the coccyx support member is inclined at an angle of about 30.degree. to the horizontal, and transitions smoothly with the cantle lip and adjacent steeply inclined inside areas of the dished surfaces at its rearward, widely flared, elevated end and with the pelvic arch ridge at its forward, narrow, lower end. The pelvic arch ridge then transitions smoothly into the generally horizontal upper horn surface. In the preferred best mode, the coccyx supprt member is defined by a slightly concave-up top surface and steep, rearwardly and outwardly flared side surfaces. All of the defined zones are smoothly flared into each other via intermediate transition zones.

FIELD 
This invention relates to new and improved saddles for cycles, the contours 
of which (particularly the horn and cantle) are specially adapted to 
conformingly support the sacral, coccal, ischial and perineal/genital 
regions of the rider in order to improve rider comfort, and permit 
improvements in a cyclist's pedaling efficiency and power output while 
remaining seated. More particularly the invention relates to a new 
anatomic bicycle seat design that incorporates various unique anatomically 
conforming and fully supporting portions in the aft (cantle) and forward 
(horn) portions of the saddle shell. 
BACKGROUND 
The basic design of a bicycle saddle, much like the basic design of the 
bicycle, has not changed significantly in over 100 years. The shape of 
modern performance oriented bicycle saddles is generally horizontal in 
profile with a narrow front end portion (the horn or pommel) and a wider, 
flared tail portion with a concave intermediate portion for thigh 
clearance. 
The materials of construction of early saddles were generally limited to 
solid or perforated wood, cane, or like rigid materials. The design of 
later saddles included cushion covers incorporated with a wood or metal 
framework. Some modern saddles still employ materials that were common in 
the early history of cycling, such as the semi-rigid, all-leather, 
shell-type saddle, but the majority of today's saddles take advantage of 
the great advances in materials technology. 
Most modern high performance saddles consist of a pliable or 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 these materials in modern saddles has resulted in a lighter, more 
durable and more appealing saddle than those of even ten years ago, but 
the seat contours remain substantially the same. 
One of the major design considerations of cycle saddles is comfort. One 
approach to providing comfort for the cyclist is by conforming the saddle 
to the cyclist's posterior. U.S. Pat. Des. No. 25,030 (Young, 1895) 
discloses a conventional horizontal saddle design wherein conformation is 
achieved by the removal of material. Concavities are preformed into the 
horizontal saddle surface corresponding to the pelvic bone and perineum 
regions of the cyclist. Concave regions along the sides of the saddle are 
further disclosed to assist in the freedom of movement of the cyclist's 
inner thighs when pedaling. U.S. Pat. No. 1,858,477 (Blake, 1932) teaches 
having a channel shaped cavity suitably located in the saddle to normally 
receive and partly contain the privates of a male rider and partly receive 
the privates of a female rider. 
In both these U.S. Pat. Nos. 25,030 and 1,858,477, support for the sacrum, 
coccyx and other rear pelvic projections was not considered. Areas of 
contact are the ischial tuberosities (bottom part of the pelvic bone), and 
the genital and perineal regions. The genital channels were required to be 
deep in order to reduce the downward pressure exerted on this area by the 
rider's weight. However, such exaggerated grooves or channels become 
excruciatingly uncomfortable, especially during vigorous pedaling, since 
they require the rider to carefully align his or her privates with the 
genital groove. This becomes increasingly difficult when the rider must 
repetitively "get out of" the saddle in order to stretch his or her legs 
or to move his position frequently to use different muscles to accommodate 
continuously changing terrain. 
Another way to conform a saddle is by adding a cushioning material to the 
saddle surface. U.S. Pat. No. 576,310 (Henderson, 1897) discloses a 
bicycle cushion design wherein a cloth cover or like material is 
selectively stuffed with a flexible and resisting material to form soft 
cushion lobes. The cover is then stretched over a wood or similarly rigid 
horizontal saddle base resulting in a cushioned saddle with strategically 
placed ridges said to support the pelvic bones of the cyclist. In U.S. 
Pat. No. 3,844,611 (Young, 1974), two layers of high low density resilient 
foam padding material are placed on a horizontal saddle base having two 
horizontally and rearwardly disposed concavities and a forwardly disposed 
concavity suitably placed for the seated rider's privates. These 
concavities are "hollowed" down into a horizontal saddle base below the 
said "shelf" portion in such a manner as to support the ischial 
tuberosities of the pelvis while leaving the rear ischium, coccyx and 
sacrum unsupported. The pressure on the ischial tuberosities and the 
genitals is said to be greatly diminished by the shock-absorbing qualities 
of the padding. 
For a long time the best saddles employed a fine grade semirigid leather 
material as a saddle base. Indeed, many still argue that a leather saddle, 
once broken-in, is the height of comfort. This idea began to change when 
pliable nylon-based shells were introduced. Pliable shells, as the name 
implies, generally comprise a pliable plastic base, onto which molded foam 
is added and then covered with a vinyl, leather, or plastic covering. In 
the mid-70's the so-called "anatomic" saddle became popular. These 
anatomic saddles combine a more subtly designed pliable nylon base shell 
upon which padding materials are placed. Early anatomic saddle designs 
were unduly flexible thereby causing fatigue and discomfort to the rider. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,537 (Jacobs, 1978) discloses an improved bicycle 
saddle incorporating a longitudinal tension rib for increasing the 
longitudinal stiffness of the saddle and a transverse rib extending across 
the saddle at the central transition portion to impart flexural stiffness 
to the saddle. 
Despite the improvements made to enhance the comfort and stiffness of the 
anatomic saddle, the support of the pelvic region in these saddles was 
still incomplete. Only the bone structure in the immediate area of the 
ischial tuberosities is anatomically supported leaving the coccyx, sacrum 
and the steeply rising rear ischial regions (including associated tissues, 
and musculature) unsupported. 
The recent trend in saddle design is to find the right amount of padding 
necessary to provide adequate comfort to the rider while still conforming 
to the saddle shell. Too little padding conforms to the semi-anatomic 
shape of the saddle 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 saddles, manufacturers have introduced 
viscoelastic polymer (VEP) padding to replace the foam padding on today's 
state of the art saddles. The VEP saddles employ a gellike polymer to 
displace point loads under the ischial tuberosities. This VEP type padding 
creates a "water bed" type of pressure displacement by immersing the 
buttocks area in a semiliquid type padding. This "water bed" type of 
pressure displacement may spread out the point load pressure upon the 
ischial tuberosities, but because it is a moveable fluid it still cannot 
firmly grip the pelvis, thus undue movement of the pelvis occurs during a 
pedaling motion. Hence, there is a loss of energy transmitted to the 
pedals when the pelvis is left unsupported or not firmly supported, and 
stability is decreased through undue movement of the buttocks on the 
saddle surface. 
Thus, the problem with today's more heavily padded, semianatomic saddles is 
that discomfort is caused to the cyclist from excessive pelvic float or 
movement on the seat surface. This excessive movement or grinding of the 
pelvic areas can cause bruising, groin pain, numbness, urethritis, 
neuritis, saddle sores and chafing. These ailments are aggravated by 
friction and any undue pressure that is caused to be exerted on the blood 
vessels and nerves along the inner and underside of the rider's pelvic 
region. This is to be contrasted with the present invention which requires 
no break in period to obtain full, initial anatomic conformity. in 
accordance with the present invention, point loads are fully displaced and 
excessive friction causing movement upon the saddle is eliminated. 
It is known in the art that power transmission can be enhanced by 
constraining the movement of the rider's pelvis on the saddle. U.S. Pat. 
No. 638,861 (Bean, 1899) discloses a bicycle harness designed to provide 
an abutment for a point of resistance more or less directly above the 
pedals, which enables a rider to greatly augment the power of his downward 
thrust upon the pedals. More recently, a device called the "tether", a 
wire sling leading from the handlebar rearward around the waist of the 
cyclist has been used by professional racing cyclists. In addition to 
providing a point of resistance for allowing the rider to maximize his 
thrust potential against the pedals while seated, valuable energy is 
conserved since the rider is relieved of using his or her own arm muscles 
to provide this resistance. The tether also encourages a round spin 
whereby full use of the quadriceps muscles imparts a driving force on the 
pedals at substantially every degree of crank arm rotation. Furthermore, 
the tether encourages the cyclist to assume a relatively more aerodynamic 
posture, reducing the frontal area of the rider/machine combination. A 
reduction in frontal area means less wind resistance to the cyclist, 
permitting him or her in sustaining a higher average speed for a longer 
period of time. 
However, the tether is not without its serious disadvantages. The tether 
can be dangerous when riding in crowded situations where mishaps are 
likely to occur, as is likely in an organized recreational ride, training 
ride, or race. Tethers are dangerous because they have no quick release 
mechanism to prevent a rider from becoming entangled with his or her bike 
during a crash. Consequently, the use of a tether has been banned in all 
types of mass start racing in the United States and all other countries 
subject to UCI (Union Cyclist International) rules, which includes any 
country that sanctions amateur or professional bicycle racing. In 
comparison, my new SCI shell design provides the increased aerodynamic and 
thrust advantages of tethers without the dangers through full anatomic 
conformity to the rear pelvis and buttock regions. 
The prior art is replete with cycle saddles having raised cantles or back 
rests acting as either thrust plates or back supports for the rider. U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,141,587 (Holcomb, 1979) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,727 (Holcomb, 
et al., 1985) disclose saddles having a flat base with a rearwardly 
disposed back rest curving upwardly approximately 90.degree. from the 
base. The major function of the back rest in these references is to 
provide comfort for casual riding. Neither saddle is particularly 
contoured to support the rider's pelvis other than cut-outs for leg 
clearance and the back rest. Comfort is achieved by supplying a generous 
layer of sponge padding material to the flat surface and back rest. U.S. 
Pat. No. D-293,394 (Holcomb, 1987) discloses a flat saddle having cut-outs 
for leg clearance and a rearwardly disposed right-angled cantle. As seen 
from an end view, the cantle is semicircular, and extends upward a 
distance equal to approximately 1/3 the saddle's longitudinal dimension. 
As in the two immediately preceding references, comfort is achieved by a 
generous layer of sponge-like foam padding material of substantially 
uniform thickness. Other examples of cycle saddles having rearwardly 
disposed, curved upward cantles or backrests include U.S. Pat. No. 615,077 
(Lovekin, 1898); U.S. Pat. No. D-287-317 (Allen et al., 1986); U.S. Pat. 
No. D-29-719 (Leech, 1898); and U.S. Pat. No. D-27,956 (Serson, 1897). The 
cantle portions of these saddles are highly exaggerated and curve upward 
from the horizontal saddle base anywhere from 45.degree.-90.degree.. Leech 
and Serson further disclose totally relieved portions in the saddle for 
the private parts of the rider. 
U.S. Pat. No. 556,250 (Brown, 1896) discloses a cycle saddle having a 
totally relieved central area and a raised cantle. The cantle is shallow 
and therefore provides little or no thrust capability. Thus, in each of 
the previously mentioned patents containing a raised cantle or backrest, 
there is no specific, bilateral anatomic support of the steeply rising 
rear pelvic areas, namely the rise to near vertical of the bone structure 
of the right and left rear ischial bones combined with their corresponding 
musculature and tissue as is provided by the present invention. Prior art 
raised cantle saddle designs do not contain a wedge-like coccyx support 
located in the upper cantle regions. It must be noted herein, that when 
reference is made to the term "coccyx support" or "coccyx tongue" in this 
application, these terms not only refer to the relief and support of the 
coccyx but also refer to the anatomic benefits derived from the placement 
of a support projection (containing wedge-like, rearwardly flaring side 
surfaces) in the upper medial area of the raised cantle of the present 
invention. In accordance with the present invention, the flared lateral 
surfaces of this wedge-like projection correspondingly fit between the 
rider's buttocks (directly below and forward of the coccyx) to provide a 
unique anatomic barrier to the rearward movement of the buttocks on the 
saddle when pedaling, thereby providing additional surface area for the 
comfortable displacement of the rider's weight on the saddle by uniquely 
supporting areas of the buttocks not considered by previous saddle 
designs. 
U.S. Pat. No. 1,462,976 (Mesinger, 1923) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,269,773 
(O'Connor, 1966) disclose saddles having backrests for use on motorcycles. 
In Mesinger, the back rest is detachable, whereas in O'Connor the back 
rest is sufficiently low enough to permit a second passenger seat to be 
fitted in tandem with the first, forward drive seat. Both motorcycle seats 
employ the back rest as a means for overcoming the inertia of the riders 
in the starting and acceleration of the motorcycle. U.S. Pat. No. 
2,568,796 (Dunlap, 1951) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,634 (Hanagan, 1984) also 
disclose motorcycle saddles with slightly raised cantles. However, as was 
previously mentioned, the saddles intended for motorsport use are 
concerned primarily with the inertia of the rider and passenger due to 
acceleration, thus saddle comfort on these saddles is due to generous 
padding with little or no regard for close and firm sacral, coccal, or 
ischial support. 
U.S. Pat. No. 574,503 (Van Meter, 1897) discloses a cycle saddle having two 
rearwardly disposed, bilaterally symmetrical concavities for receiving the 
tuberischia, a centrally disposed groove for the perineum region, and a 
raised cantle. The rearward concavities are also padded by means of air 
sacks disposed between the metal frame of the saddle and the saddle cover. 
The perineum groove is overly deep and long, extending needlessly far into 
the cantle to provide any support. The raised cantle merely slopes gently 
upward and lacks any concavities or special wedge-like projections to 
provide close anatomic support for rearwardly disposed bones of the pelvis 
or for the unique support of the area between the buttocks located 
directly below and forward of the coccyx. The shallow inclination also 
tends to permit the rider to slide off the back of the saddle rather than 
provide a thrust plate for the rider. 
It must be noted that the rearwardly disposed concavities of U.S. Pat. No. 
574,503 lie only in the horizontal plane of the horn surface and are 
designed solely for the ischial tuberosities to sit "upon". This is 
contrasted to he present invention in which the steeply rising rear 
ischium and its projections slide rearwardly "into" a pair of raised, 
bilateral concavities. The rise in the surfaces of these concavities 
correspondingly matches the rise to near vertical of the right and left 
rear ischium when seated. 
In studying prior art saddle configurations containing raised cantles, it 
is important to recognize that these designs ignore the more subtle 
differences in the anatomic detail of the rear pelvis. These prior art, 
raised cantle saddle designs cannot closely follow the rise to near 
vertical of the right and left rear ischium, since (as seen in the study 
of rear pelvic anatomy) to do so would mean that the cantle (of prior art 
designs) would rise directly into the coccyx. Therefore, unless the 
cantle's anatomic support of the near vertical portions of the rear 
ischium and its projections is combined with the relief and support of the 
coccyx (as contained in the present invention), an uncomfortable condition 
will occur in which the coccyx interferes with the said near vertical rise 
of the cantle's rear ischial support. Thus, the prior art, semi-anatomic 
designs have avoided this problem by reducing the rate of incline of their 
cantle surfaces in the area of the rear ischium, so that the coccyx is not 
particularly supported and support of the near vertical rise of the rear 
ischium can not be achieved. By placing a medially located, wedge-like 
coccyx support area in the upper, aft end of the SCI's raised cantle, the 
near vertical support of the corresponding rear ischium can be achieved 
while displacing more of the rider's weight over an increased surface area 
of the pelvis and buttocks. 
Additionally, as will be noted later in the detailed description, the 
uppermost regions of the rearwardly disposed concavities of the present 
invention can be extended upwardly to support even more of the right and 
left rear ischium, while leaving the coccyx support at the same height as 
disclosed in the preferred embodiment. Thus, the rear uppermost portions 
of the concavities would rise in relation to the coccyx support area 
(which separately conforms to the coccyx and the area between the buttocks 
located directly below and forward of the coccyx of the pelvis). The rise 
in height of these concavities would be determined by the amount of thrust 
improvement desired combined with aesthetic considerations. 
Another problem with current saddle design is that the lack of close 
rearward pelvic support combined with the wedge-like features of the 
coccyx support causes the top of the pelvis (or crests of the ilium) to 
rotate rearwardly while the ischial tuberosities stay in a relatively 
stationary position on the seat. Thus, when riding for long periods of 
time with the lower spine assuming an arched or hunched forward position, 
lower back pain is experienced. This constant bending of the lower 
vertebrae causes stress on the muscles and nerves of the lower back. 
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved cycle saddle that 
is specially contoured to semi-rigidly and fully support the coccyx (and 
thus the adjacent sacrum) and the steeply rising rear ischium, 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 (including the area between the buttocks 
located directly below and forward of the coccyx). There is also need for 
a saddle that conformingly fits a rider's pelvis and buttocks like a glove 
so that: (a) point loads between the bony projections of the rider's 
pelvic region and the saddle are evenly distributed; (b) lower back pain 
and muscle tension is reduced; (c) common ailments related to excessive 
pelvic float are substantially eliminated; (d) saddle sores, chafing, 
numbness, neuritis, bruising and the like are reduced or eliminated; and 
(e) power thrust to the pedals is enhanced while maintaining a more 
aerodynamic and energy conserving riding position. 
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a lightweight 
orthotic cycle saddle having improved performance, support and comfort 
characteristics. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a cycle saddle specially 
contoured to support up to 50% more of the bone, muscle and tissue 
structure of the pelvis and buttocks over conventional saddle designs. 
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved cycle saddle 
specially contoured to unweight sensitive genital areas of both male and 
female cyclists. 
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved cycle saddle 
specially contoured to distribute the rider's weight evenly over a larger 
surface of the saddle thereby eliminating point loads between the rider's 
pelvic bones and the hard contact area of the saddle. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a raised wedge-like 
coccyx support projection having downwardly sloping and rearwardly flaring 
lateral surfaces, creating a wedge-like barrier in the aft, upper portion 
of the saddle's raised cantle, thereby preventing unwanted rearward 
movement of the buttocks while pedaling. 
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved cycle saddle 
specially contoured to redistribute pressure which is normally on the 
anterior portions of the ischial tuberosities and upon anterior portions 
of the pelvis and pelvic arch in conventional saddles, to the steeply 
rising posterior sections of the pelvis including the rear ischium, 
sciatic notch area, ischial spines, coccyx and sacrum. 
It is another object to provide a cycle saddle with an inclined, anatomic, 
bilaterally, flared cantle containing a pair of rearwardly disposed, 
inclined (rising to nearly vertical) concavities that form a 
power-improving thrust plate into which the corresponding bones of the 
rear ischium (which also rise to a near vertical attitude) slide 
rearwardly into. 
Still other objects of the invention will be evident from the specification 
and drawing, including the detailed description. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A new, more completely and anatomically conforming bicycle seat provides 
various unique anatomic conforming features fully supporting the sacrum, 
coccyx and complete ischium (SCI) of the rider and generally includes a 
shell having a single, compound upper seating surface, said seating 
surface including a forwardly disposed horn member having a generally 
horizontal upper surface and a rearwardly disposed laterally flaring 
cantle thrust plate member, the cantle thrust plate member including 
means, defining a pair of bilateral concavities matching the near vertical 
portion of the right and left ischium of a rider when seated upon said 
shell, for providing bilateral anatomic support for the near vertical 
portion of the right and left ischium including corresponding musculature 
and tissue and means for securing said shell to a cycle saddle post. 
Accordingly, a saddle in accordance with the present invention is referred 
to as a SCI-type saddle. 
More particularly, the concavities in accordance with the present invention 
commence at forward margins in the cantle where the ischial tuberosities 
of the pelvis contact the saddle shell surface, and then rearwardly and 
upwardly incline rapidly until the incline approaches a vertical attitude 
in relation to the normal, generally horizontal plane of the seat. This 
rise of the rearwardly disposed concavities to an approximately vertical 
attitude corresponds to the upwardly sloping rise of the rear ischium to a 
near vertical attitude when the rider maintains a seated position. The 
outer margins of the concavity portions flare outwardly and rearwardly to 
the widest point of the cantle, and then taper back inwardly toward a 
medial line of the seat. Also the inclined concavities, which begin in the 
frontal cantle area, increase in depth toward the middle of the raised 
cantle, and then decrease in concavity and taper again at the aftermost 
portion of the seat to form a ridge. As previously mentioned, when the 
rise to near vertical of the right and left rear ischium is closely 
supported (as is the case with the raised, rear cantle of the present 
invention), a centrally located coccyx support is necessary to relieve and 
support the coccyx (including the support of the area between the buttocks 
located directly below and forward of the coccyx), so that the cantle does 
not rise directly into and uncomfortably intersect the coccyx. This 
raised, wedge-like adaptation for the anatomy in the area of the coccyx 
bilaterally separates the raised cantle of the present invention and 
allows the rearwardly disposed areas of the pelvis and buttocks to be more 
closely griped than prior art saddles. As has been noted previously and 
also in the detailed descriptions, the rear uppermost regions of the SCI 
saddle rearwardly disposed concavities may be extended upwardly and thus 
farther above the coccyx support than described in the preferred 
embodiment. This would allow for the support of even more of the near 
vertical rise of the right and left rear ischium for even greater thrust 
support. 
These outlined margins and the depth of these concavities can vary within 
the scope of this invention depending upon the use, performance, and 
comfort requirements of particular bicycle types. For example, an 
embodiment having greater flare at the previously mentioned points may be 
used on a mountain bike, woman's bike, or "beach cruiser" type bicycle, 
whereas a solely racing version would tend to have less lateral flare. 
Therefore, in addition to the anatomically conforming concavities, a 
sacral-coccyx wedge-like support area is provided lying medially of, and 
in an elevated, adjacent position to the upper half of the concavities. A 
perineal/genital pressure-relief groove is provided along the center line 
of the saddle in the portion of the horn forward of where it merges with 
the cantle to provide pressure relief to the private parts of both male 
and female cyclists. 
The SCI-type saddle of the present invention comprises a unique combination 
of compound, continuous contiguous surfaces (concavities and built up 
areas) 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, namely, the complete bone 
structure forming the pubic arch, the sacrum, coccyx, complete ischium 
from the ischial tuberosities rearward to the near vertical portions of 
the rear ischium. 
The SCI saddle of this invention is able to support up to 50% more of the 
bone structure of the pelvis as compared to currently available 
conventional horizontal saddle designs, and at the same time remove 
pressure on sensitive perineal/genital areas of the male and female 
cyclist. This pressure reduction is also termed "unweighting". The SCI 
saddle also anatomically contacts up to 50% more of the muscle and tissue 
portions of the buttocks which surround there pelvic areas, depending on 
riding position. Whether riding in the flexed-forward standard 
"aerodynamic" cycling position (in which the back is inclined forwardly), 
or in an upright position, a superior distributive support of rider weight 
is achieved, reducing chafing, saddle sores and the like. 
The SCI saddle of this invention does not rely on the very flexible nature 
of today's plastic (nylon) saddle, or the "forming" properties of a 
leather shell to conform to the ischial areas of the pelvis. Instead the 
SCI's inclined rear bilateral scooped-out portions (herein also termed 
"concavities" or "scooped surfaces "), and the raised coccyx support 
"tongue" positioned therebetween along the saddle midline, including the 
inclined rearwardly flaring wedge-like lateral surfaces of the coccyx 
support (both in the raised cantle), provide much greater and more even 
weight support employing a shape in which pressure upon anterior portions 
of the pelvis (the pubic arch) and pressure on anterior portions of the 
ischial tuberosities is anatomically redistributed rearwardly to posterior 
sections of the pelvis and buttocks, including the rear ischium, coccyx, 
and sacrum. The highly elevated, inclined cantle (having concavities that 
terminate nearly vertical) of the SCI saddle rises far above the normal 
horizontal surface plane of today's saddles to provide close anatomic 
support to heretofore unsupported rear sections of the pelvis so that a 
whole new dimension in load distribution is created. Therefore pressure 
upon the perineum/genital region is greatly diminished by the transfer of 
weight to the rear concavities and all the surfaces of the raised coccyx 
tongue in the cantle plate. As previously mentioned, when reference is 
made herein to the "coccyx support " or "coccyx tongue", these terms not 
only refer to the relief and support of the coccyx, but also refer to a 
wedge-like projection which uniquely fits and supports the rider's anatomy 
between the rider's buttocks (located directly below and forward of the 
coccyx), so that a unique comfortable support of the pelvis and buttocks 
is created which in turn provides a wedge-like barrier to rearward 
movement of the buttocks on the saddle when pedaling. 
The preferred material for the SCI saddle is a semi-rigid grade of nylon, 
formed as a shell by conventional techniques. While other materials can be 
used for the construction of the SCI shell (such as fiberglass, other 
types of plastic, or metal), nylon is the presently-preferred material for 
durability and control of flexural properties. The slightly flexible 
properties of a nylon-type shell allows the SCI configuration to 
completely grip and support more ares of the pelvis and buttocks than ever 
before. This grip effect, combined with an almost vertical portion of the 
cantle concavities and wedge-lie surfaces of the coccyx support, provide a 
solid barrier to prevent the rear ischium from moving rearward, thus 
allowing the rider to remain seated in a more aerodynamic and energy 
conserving posture for longer periods of time, while permitting the rider 
to sustain higher average speeds. 
Through the use of the SCI's more completely and anatomically conforming 
shape, the need for excessive amounts of padding (which also adds excess 
weight to the saddle) to disperse point loads is eliminated. Without the 
use of excess padding the SCI shell shape attains superior comfort and 
distribution of point loads while eliminating undue movement of the pelvis 
on the seat surface. Thus, frictional movement or grinding of pelvis areas 
which creates chafing, urethitis, saddle sores and numbness is eliminated 
while stability and energy transmitted to the pedals is increased. 
Therefore, the new SCI shell shape requires no initial break-in period 
through full, initial anatomic conformity while at the same time, there is 
comparatively little or no padding to break down or wear out. 
The raised concavities and wedged coccyx support projection of the SCI 
saddle provide a push-plate (thrust surface) which permits the rider to 
exert more force on the cranks while remaining seated, and at the same 
time, relieves the forward pull tension necessary to resist the rearward 
slide of the pelvis experienced with conventional saddles. At the same 
time, as previously mentioned, these same SCI features prevent the 
over-rotation of the pelvis and vertebrae of the lower back, thereby 
reducing back pain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of 
example, not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention. This 
description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the 
invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, 
alternatives and uses of the present invention. 
FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 8 are various perspective views of the specially 
contoured saddle of this invention employing spaced contour lines (in inch 
dimensional measurements) to help illustrate the combination of functional 
surfaces. Several of the contour lines numerically are position referenced 
relative to each other; see for example numbers 0.2" to 10.0" in FIG. 1 
and 1.0" to 3.6" in FIG. 2, etc. The SCI saddle 1 includes an elongated 
horn 2 having a pommel 3 at one end and a pair of concave thigh surfaces 4 
forming the transition of the horn 2 to the bilaterally flared rear cantle 
5. 
The saddle 1 is preferably fabricated out of injection molded 
polypropylene, polyurethane, ABS copolymer, nylon or other like material 
in a monocoque construction. The density and molecular weight is selected 
to be sufficiently high to provide a relatively rigid construction that, 
while permitting some flexing, should not be so flexible to promote 
fatigue, inefficiency or inadequate support. 
The bilaterally flared rear cantle 5 is further defined by a pair of 
rearwardly disposed, inclined, scoop or dish-like concave surfaces 6. 
These surfaces are concave-up, and are symmetrical about and spaced 
laterally from the longitudinal axis A--A of the saddle 1. The upper edge 
25 of the dish surfaces is spaced inwardly from the rear and top edge of 
the cantle 5 to provide a lip or ridge 15, which also functions as a 
transverse strengthening rib to reinforce the cantle at a principal point 
of functional stress. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, and 8, the dished surface concavities 6 begin 
aft of a transition zone 7 where the ischial tuberosities of the pelvis 
will be supported by the shell, and then incline rapidly upwardly and 
rearwardly to perimeter area 8 where the incline has reached an 
approximately vertical attitude, in comparison to the normal, generally 
horizontal plane of conventional saddles. This rise in the surface of the 
concavities to an approximately vertical attitude closely follows the rise 
to near vertical of the rear right and left ischium of the pelvis. The 
marginal edge 9 of the concavities 6 flares outwardly from an initial 
lower point 10 (which also marks the inflection point between the rearward 
end of the curved thigh surface 4 (FIG. 3) and the outermost (medial) 
point 11 of the concavities 6). After which the marginal edge 9 curves 
inward to the uppermost point 25 of the concavities 6. It is at this point 
that marginal edge 9 merges with the upper-outer edge 28 of a coccyx 
support 14 whose forward terminal point 12 is shown. The respective 
forward terminal points 12 of the coccyx support 14 are spaced laterally 
from the medial axis A--A of the saddle, and an upper coccyx surface 31 of 
the wedge-like coccyx support 14 commences therebetween. 
Also, it should be noted that the upper-outer edges 28 of the coccyx 
support 14 lie in an elevated position relative to the general location of 
the concavities 6, thereby forming the raised, flared and wedge-like side 
surfaces 29 of the coccyx support 14. Combining the upper coccyx support 
surface 31 with the side surfaces 29, a raised, wedge-like support surface 
is created in the upper half of the raised cantle 5. Thus, a specific 
support is created for the coccyx 18 and surrounding tissues and 
musculature between the buttocks (located directly below and forward of 
the coccyx 18). 
It must also be noted that in the preferred embodiment of this invention, 
the raised, opposed wedge-like surfaces 29 are transitioned smoothly into 
the adjacent concavities 6, but, regardless of blending techniques, the 
main purpose is to differentiate the anatomic support of the coccyx 18 and 
surrounding tissues and musculature from the support of the rear ischium 
22 and its surrounding tissues and musculature. As seen in the lateral 
view of the pelvis 17 seated upon the SCI saddle in FIG. 7, the close 
support of the near vertical rise of the rear ischium 22 necessitates the 
relief and support of the coccyx 18 so that corresponding (near vertical 
rising) cantle surfaces do not rise directly into and uncomfortably 
intersect the coccyx 18. Thus, as seen in the preferred embodiment and in 
FIG. 10, the coccyx support 14 lying medially adjacent to the steeply 
rising concavities 6 is employed not only to relieve and support the 
coccyx 18, but also to create a wedge-like projection which uniquely fits 
and supports the rider's anatomy between the rider's buttocks (located 
directly below and forward of the coccyx 18), so that a wedge-like barrier 
to rearward movement of the buttocks on the saddle is created. 
The generally triangular (or flared wedge-shaped) coccyx support 14 extends 
rearwardly from its apex positioned between the concavities 6 where they 
transition into the pelvic arch ridge 27. It extends rearwardly and 
laterally outward (from the central axis) to transition smoothly into the 
upper edge 25 of the cantle ridge 15 formed between the concavity margins 
9 and the rear edge 26 (see FIG. 3). The coccyx support area 14 extends 
forward and makes a smooth transition to the raised pelvic arch ridge, 
zone 27, which in turn extends forwardly to the perineum/genital groove 
16. The coccyx support area 14 is elevated, as defined by opposed, 
wedge-like side surfaces 29, and inclined at about 30.degree. up from the 
horizontal upper top surface of the horn, and is preferably slightly 
dished (concave upwards). It may also be generally flat or the concavity 
lightly padded. 
It must be noted that the top surface 31 of the raised coccyx support 14 is 
blended into the rear cantle ridge 15 adjacent to the upper edges 25 of 
the concavities 6 in the preferred embodiment. However, as is noted by an 
alternate embodiment FIG. 10 of the SCI invention, the rearward perimeter 
area 8 of the concavities 6 can be extended upwardly to support even more 
of the near vertical rise of the rear ischium 22 (thus, providing more 
thrust support), while not raising the coccyx support 14. Thus, the coccyx 
support 14 would continue to provide anatomic support separate of the rear 
ischial support surfaces of the concavities 6 in the raised cantle 5. Also 
in the configuration of FIG. 10, the aft end of the coccyx support 14 may 
be curved upward so as to match the upward slope of the underside of the 
coccyx and sacrum. 
As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 8 the general dimensions and depth of 
the concavities 6 are represented by the contour lines, wherein each line 
corresponds to the designated vertical elevation gain in inches, or in the 
case of FIG. 1, the axial length (rear to front) along the saddle 1. 
Generally speaking, the wider the spacing between adjacent contour lines 
denotes the slight or minimal increase in elevation, while the closer 
spacing of contour lines indicates a more dramatic increase in elevation 
gain. The base line is taken to be the very bottom point 13 (See FIG. 3) 
of the saddle 1. 
The SCI saddle of this invention is characterized by an enlarged, 
bilaterally symmetrical inclined cantle 5 disposed rearwardly of a 
generally horizontal saddle horn 2 to which the cantle plane is generally 
inclined at an angle up from the horizontal in the range of from about 
35-55', preferably about 45.degree. (see FIG. 3). The SCI saddle is a 
single bilaterally symmetrical compound surface with the cantle 5 being 
flared through transitions 7 into the sides of the horn by concave thigh 
surfaces 4 and into the top of the horn by a pelvic arch ridge 27. Formed 
into the cantle are a pair of bilaterally symmetrical inclined dished or 
concave surfaces 6 which rise in inclination from forward bottom 
horizontal to rearward top approaching vertical. The forward end of the 
concave surfaces lie about 3" forward of the rearmost end of the saddle 
(assuming a rear cantle ridge 15 thickness of about 1/2") and rises from a 
horizontal base elevation of about 1" to about 3.5" for a total in the 
range of 2 to 31/2", preferably 21/2". The inner marginal edges of 
concavities 6 and side surfaces 29 are spaced from each other along the 
bilateral longitudinal axis of symmetry A--A (see FIG. 4), by a generally 
triangular, elevated inclined coccyx support member 14 which flares wider 
toward the rear, from about 1/2" at the forward end to about 3" at the 
rearmost concavity margin. A perineal/genital groove 16 is disposed 
forward of the pelvic arch ridge 27 in the aftmost 1/3 to 1/2 of the horn. 
As contrasted to conventional saddles with little or no rear-end vertical 
flare, the SCI saddle of this invention has a pronounced, dished, inclined 
cantle that rises to about two inches above the horn surface, and the top 
of the dish surface is approximately vertical. 
In one embodiment mode of the present invention, the concavity cavity 6 
begins at a vertical height of approximately 1.0 inches above bottom point 
13 (see FIG. 2). The depth of the scoop-like concavity 6 is greatest over 
the vertical height range of 1.4 to 2.6 inches and then tapers off at the 
substantially vertical perimeter area 8 which is at a vertical height of 
approximately 3.5 inches. In other words, the top-most point 24 (see FIG. 
3) of the SCI saddle is 1.5-2.5 inches vertically higher than currently 
available saddles. There is an increase in the effective height of 
approximately 2.5 inches, where the effective height is defined as the 
distance from the point of contact of the ischial tuberosities, generally 
at transition point 7, to the marginal edge 9 bounding the rearward 
perimeter area 8. The additional height permits an increase of up to 50% 
more surface contact between the concavities of the SCI saddle and the 
muscle and tissue portions of the rider's buttocks. The additional surface 
contact also functions to unweight the anterior portions of the ischial 
tuberosities and perineum and pubic arch of the rider so that pressure 
bearing on the bottom portions of the ischial tuberosities and perineum is 
more evenly redistributed. A more detailed illustration of this and other 
features will be discussed upon description of FIGS. 5-7 below. 
It is understood that the exact dimensions corresponding to the depth, 
width and height of the dished concavities 6 may vary within the scope of 
this invention depending on the performance and comfort requirements of 
different riders and their bicycles. For example, the dimensions of the 
concavities 6 on a women's model would be shorter longitudinally and wider 
laterally to compensate for the generally wider skeletal differences in 
the female pelvis. Additionally, racing saddles would generally tend to 
have minimal cantle flare, be streamlined side to side to reduce weight, 
and be somewhat less flexible, while recreational and "cruiser" type 
versions would have greater lateral flare (width of the cantle) with less 
concern to save weight. 
Referring back to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 8, a most important anatomical feature, 
the coccyx support area 14, is uniquely formed into the flared cantle 5. 
The coccyx support area 14 is raised having wedge-like side surfaces 29 
and lies between the bilateral concavities 6. It is further bounded at the 
rearward end where the upper coccyx support surface 31 blends into the 
cantle lip or ridge 15. As noted by the contour lines and as best seen in 
FIG. 8, the coccyx support area 14 is generally tongue-like, being flared 
to a wider top at the higher end where it blends into the cantle ridge 15 
(except as noted in alternate embodiments such as FIG. 10), and extends 
downwardly along the longitudinal axis of the saddle 1 towards the pommel 
3. The coccyx support area 14, including inclined rearwardly flaring 
wedge-like side surfaces 29, continually decreases in altitude, width and 
flare until it reaches the area adjacent the inner terminal points 12 of 
the outer/upper edge 28 of the coccyx support 14, and then is flared 
smoothly into the raised pelvic ridge 27 where it fades away. The coccyx 
support area 14 and wedge-like side surfaces 29 are contoured integral 
with the adjacent concavities 6 to conformingly relieve and support the 
rider's coccyx and associated bony projections (including the tissue and 
musculature between the buttocks located directly below and forward of the 
coccyx) that come into contact with the flared rear cantle 5 of the saddle 
1. It should be understood that the entire saddle surface is a compound 
surface, and that all the defined zones are smoothly flared into each 
other via intermediate transition zones. 
Another anatomic feature of the SCI saddle, the perineal/genital groove 16 
(herein the "P/G groove") which is disposed along the longitudinal axis 
A--A of the saddle medial of concavely curved bilateral thigh surfaces 4 
and generally in the aft 1/3 to 1/2 of the horn 2. The P/G groove 16 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 cyclists with the 
SCI saddle. It is worth mentioning that the P/G groove 16 need not be 
overly deep to provide adequate pressure relief, as is common in other 
saddle designs, since the better support offered by the rearward 
concavities 6 and coccyx support area 14 (including the rearwardly 
flaring, wedge-like side surfaces 29) alleviates a substantial amount of 
pressure normally caused by conventional saddles on the area of the 
cyclist's perineum and genital regions. 
FIGS. 5-7 show three different positions of a cyclist's pelvis and the 
areas of contact between the pelvis and the SCI saddle of this invention. 
In FIG. 5, the pelvis 17 is in a forward cycling position where the 
cyclist is seated over the center of the SCI saddle. In this position a 
majority of the load on the saddle due to the cyclist's weight is 
distributed on the transition zone 7 directly beneath ischial tuberosities 
20 and the pubic arch 21, resting on the pelvic arch ridge 27 (see FIG. 
2), which spans forward from the transition zone 7 to the P/G groove 16, 
i.e., the region located approximately 3.5 to 7.5 inches forward of the 
upper edge 25 of the concavities 6 as seen on FIG. 5. At the same time 
pelvic load is supported by coccyx support area 14 beneath the coccyx 18. 
In FIG. 6, the cyclist has slid backward along the saddle 1 approximately 1 
inch. The cyclist's weight is now redistributed more evenly among the 
pubic arch 21, ischial tuberosities 20, rear ischium 22 and coccyx 18. The 
rear ischium 22, lesser sciatic notch area 23, and ischial spines 19 are 
becoming more supported in this position. 
Referring now to FIG. 7, the cyclist has assumed a riding position typical 
for maximum effort and leg extension. The depth of the concavities 6 and 
wedge-like side surfaces 29, combined with the near vertical surfaces 8 of 
the concavities 6 provide full, glove-like, support for all the rearwardly 
disposed bony projections of the pelvis 17, including the ischial spines 
19, rear ischium 22, lesser sciatic notch area 23 and the coccyx 18 
(including surrounding tissue and musculature). It must be understood that 
as the rider slides back and forth in the SCI saddle, the shape of the 
shell compresses the musculature to provide this described support for the 
bony projections. The SCI saddle of this invention significantly 
redistributes the loads over substantially the entire surface area of the 
concavities 6, coccyx support area 14, and wedge-like side surfaces 29, 
thereby minimizing point loads beneath the ischial tuberosities 20 and 
relieving pressure on the pubic arch 21. 
By providing the added rearward support of the steeply rising concavities 6 
and coccyx support 14 in the SCI's raised rear cantle 5, over-rotation of 
the crests of the ilium and the ischial tuberosities 20 is prevented. This 
support promotes a better riding posture, where the lower vertebrae 
assumes less of an arched or hunched-over position. As a result, since the 
lower vertebrae are no longer subjected to a constant bending motion, less 
stress and strain is experienced by the nerves and muscles of the lower 
back. In addition, by restraining excessive pelvic float on the saddle 
with the wedge-like side surfaces 29 and the bilateral concavities 6 in 
the inclined extended cantle 5 of the invention, less padding is needed 
for comfort than is required on conventional saddles. A greater amount of 
surface area of the rider's buttocks and pelvis is supported by the SCI 
saddle, thus resulting in less instance of bruising, groin pain, numbness, 
urethritis, saddle sores, and chafing due to pelvic grind. 
The unique contour of the coccyx support area 14 provides pressure relief 
to the coccyx 18 in substantially all possible seated riding positions. 
The combination of the raised cantle 5 containing the specially contoured 
concavities 6 with integral, wedge-like coccyx support area 14 also 
function to provide a surface of resistance for the rider to maximize his 
thrust on the pedals. That is, cantle 5 and particularly the wedge-like 
side surfaces 29 and coccyx support area 14 function as a thrust plate by 
preventing the rider's pelvis (and associated musculature and tissue) from 
sliding backward any unwanted distance off the back of the saddle. 
As is best seen in FIG. 9, a stretchable saddle cover 30 may be stretched 
over and fitted onto the SCI saddle of this invention. Suitable materials 
for the saddle cover 30 include lycra, vinyl, or other like elasticized or 
stretch fabric materials. Alternately, a relatively thin layer of highly 
compressible foam padding may be spread over the surface of the SCI shell 
and a relatively non-stretch cover (leather, vinyl, or other suitable 
fabrics) may be placed over this padding, thus giving the saddle an 
outward appearance comparable to the outward appearance of the original 
SCI shell. In other words, the non-stretch cover would more closely follow 
the contours of the saddle. In addition, a lightly padded material may be 
used over part or all of the contoured shell of this invention with or 
without the use of a cover. 
The stretchable saddle cover 30 tends to hide the dished surfaces 6 and P/G 
groove 16 when the rider is not seated on the SCI saddle. However, any of 
the previous methods of padding or covering the SCI saddle should not 
impede the function of the saddle to provide full glove-like support of 
the rider's pelvis and buttocks as it conforms to the saddle contours when 
subjected to the weight of the seated rider. 
Likewise the ischial concavities 6, coccyx support area 14, perineal groove 
16, and adjacent wedge-like side surfaces 29, may be filled with a highly 
compressible foam padding for added comfort to suit the rider's 
preference. Rails 40 attach to a seat post clamping unit 42 (both shown in 
phantom) of a seat post 44 in the conventional manner. The saddle rails 40 
attach to the SCI saddle by means of plug holes formed into the saddle, 
much like the way most conventional saddle rails are attached. 
It should be understood that various modifications within the scope of this 
invention can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without 
departing from the spirit thereof. For instance, the SCI saddle of this 
invention may be readily adaptable to recumbent bicycles, tricycles and 
other forms of human-powered vehicles. I therefore wish my invention to be 
defined by the scope of the appended claims as broadly as the prior art 
will permit, and in view of the specification if need be.