Abstract:
The cycle seat with adjustable sides includes laterally adjustable side wings for increased rider stability. The seat is mounted on arcuately articulating arms that pivot from the lower forward frame of the cycle. The arms are biased upwardly by a spring, thus urging the seat into contact with the rider. A latch mechanism allows the rider to latch the seat position in a lower range for normal riding, or to latch the seat in a higher range to support the rider as he or she stands on the pedals to exert greater force during acceleration or uphill riding. The greater support provided by the raised seat and articulating support mechanism during such riding greatly reduces the amount of upper body exertion the rider would otherwise need to stabilize him or herself using the cycle handlebars, thus freeing the rider to exert greater pedal force during such extreme cycling operations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/285,319 filed Oct. 1, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,703,846, which application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/960,979 filed Oct. 23, 2007. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to seating devices for bicycles and other pedal powered cycles. More specifically, the present invention comprises various embodiments of a cycle seat having laterally adjustable side panels or wings, which provide lateral support for the hips and upper thighs of the rider. The cycle seat per se may be installed upon a cycle, or may be installed in combination with other seat adjustment mechanisms, as desired. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Cycle seats, particularly for relatively unstable vehicles such as bicycles and unicycles, must provide reasonable security for the cyclist while also providing the cyclist with leverage for maneuvering the cycle. This has been accomplished conventionally by means of a relatively small seating surface with a forwardly extending pommel that fits between the upper thighs of the cyclist, enabling the cyclist to brace against the pommel to a certain extent while pedaling and/or maneuvering. The forwardly extending central pommel has its disadvantages, however, with perhaps the chief disadvantage being the pressure applied to the perineal area of the cyclist during certain riding conditions. 
     As a result, a number of cycle seat configurations have been developed which greatly reduce or eliminate the forwardly extending central pommel. Most such seats provide some other means for the cyclist to stabilize himself or herself on the cycle, e.g., by means of generally vertical, laterally disposed side panels or wings extending upwardly from the opposite left and right edges of the seat. Such laterally disposed wings can be of some assistance in providing better control for the rider, but this is generally true only under a relatively narrow set of conditions. For example, when the cyclist stands on the pedals for greater leverage when accelerating or hill climbing, he or she must perform all other control functions with the arms, as there is no seat contact. Even in the case of an articulating seat, the seat must contact different parts of the cyclist&#39;s body at different times, i.e., the hips when the rider is standing on the pedals during hard pedaling operations, with contact reverting to the upper thighs when the cyclist is seated upon the seat. Moreover, a seat with fixed lateral side members or wings cannot possibly fit all cyclists; some form of adjustment is required, and such adjustment should be achievable by the cyclist while actually cycling, as the cyclist adjusts his or her position relative to the seat during different cycling conditions. 
     The present inventors are aware of a number of adjustable cycle seating configurations that have been developed in the past. An example is found in German Patent No. 4,403,706, published on Aug. 10, 1995. This reference describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) a relatively long or tall seat for a recumbent bicycle. The seat comprises a thin and somewhat form-fitting semi-rigid shell. Limited adjustment is provided for the back and/or seat angle by means of the slight flexibility of the seat. 
     Another example is found in German Patent No. 10,253,575, published on May 13, 2004. This publication describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) a bicycle having a longitudinally and vertically adjustable seat by means of a pivotally mounted seat post structure and a turnbuckle link having an adjustable length. The seat configuration per se is only generally indicated. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a cycle seat with adjustable sides solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The cycle seat with adjustable sides includes a base plate having at least one, and preferably two, laterally disposed wing adjustment guide plates thereon, i.e., a forward and a rearward guide plate in the case of a double mechanism. Each guide plate includes two tracks for corresponding laterally adjustable arms, with each arm having a generally vertical wing at its distal end. Each pair of arms, i.e., the two arms of the front guide plate and the two arms of the rear guide plate, includes a pinion gear therebetween, thus requiring the two corresponding arms to adjust outwardly and inwardly simultaneously and equally relative to one another. A latch mechanism is provided for each guide plate and corresponding left and right arm assembly, with the latch mechanisms being adjustable by the cyclist while operating the cycle. A seat is immovably affixed atop the base plate, with the wing adjustment mechanism and inner portions of the arms being captured between the seat and the underlying base plate. 
     The above-described seat assembly may be installed per se upon a bicycle, unicycle, tricycle, or other pedal powered vehicle. Other embodiments provide for the longitudinal and/or articulating adjustment of the cycle seat, in accordance with additional mechanism. 
     These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of a cycle seat with adjustable sides according to the present invention, installed upon a bicycle. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the cycle seat of  FIG. 1 , illustrating its various components and their relationships with one another. 
         FIG. 3  is a right side elevation view in section of the seat assembly, showing the interrelationship of the various components. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cycle seat, showing its attachment to a longitudinal and arcuate adjustment mechanism on the upper frame of a bicycle. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed right side elevation view of a slightly modified embodiment of the cycle seat assembly of  FIG. 4 , showing the seat in its lowermost horizontal position on the adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed right side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , showing the seat with the arcuate track raised to adjust the seat position. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a cycle seat with adjustable sides according to the present invention, having only a single set of adjustable sides for cradling the hips. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the seat of  FIG. 7  installed upon the longitudinal and arcuate adjustment assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  is a right side elevation view of another alternative embodiment of a cycle seat with adjustable sides according to the present invention, shown mounted upon an arcuately articulating support arm, with the seat and arm shown in their uppermost positions. 
         FIG. 10  is a right side elevation view of the seat and arcuately articulating support arm of the cycle seat with adjustable sides of  FIG. 9 , with the seat and arm shown in their lowermost positions. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded rear perspective view of the seat support arm and seat mounting bracket for the cycle seat with adjustable sides of  FIG. 9 , showing various details thereof. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the latch mechanism for securing the seat support arm for the cycle seat with adjustable sides of  FIG. 9  as desired, showing various details thereof. 
         FIG. 13  is a right side elevation view of the articulating seat support arm for the cycle seat with adjustable sides of  FIG. 9 , showing its various positions. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention comprises various embodiments of a cycle seat having laterally adjustable sides and other adjustment means. The cycle seat provides lateral bracing or support for the thighs and/or hips of a cyclist, thereby reducing the need for a seat pommel between the upper thighs of the cyclist. The seat may be mounted directly upon the seat post of the cycle, or upon additional adjustment mechanism(s) for further seat adjustment, as desired. 
       FIG. 1  of the drawings illustrates a first embodiment of the present cycle seat  10  mounted directly upon the seat post P of the frame F of a bicycle B, with  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrating further details of the laterally adjustable side mechanism. The seat  10  includes a base plate  12  upon which the remainder of the mechanism is attached. At least one pair of laterally adjustable extension arms are installed atop the base plate  12 , with there preferably being forwardly disposed left and right side thigh extension arms  14   a  and  14   b  and rearwardly disposed left and right side hip extension arms  16   a  and  16   b.    
     Each of the forward or thigh support extension arms  14   a ,  14   b  includes a base plate attachment end portion  18   a ,  18   b  and an opposite distal or outboard thigh wing or bolster attachment end portion  20   a ,  20   b . The rearward or hip support extension arms  16   a ,  16   b  include similar base plate attachment ends  22   a  and  22   b , with opposite distal or outboard hip wing or bolster attachment end portions  24   a  and  24   b . Left and right side thigh support wings or bolsters  26   a  and  26   b  attach to the respective thigh wing or bolster attachment end portions  20   a  and  20   b  of the forward extension arms  14   a ,  14   b , with left and right side hip support wings or bolsters  28   a  and  28   b  attaching to the hip wing or bolster attachment end portions  24   a ,  24   b  of the rearward extension arms  16   a  and  16   b . The various bolsters or wings  26   a  through  28   b  may be padded or upholstered, as shown along the inboard surfaces of the two left side wings  26   a  and  28   a  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The various extension arms  14   a  through  16   b  are captured upon the base plate by respective forward and rearward guide plates  30  and  32 , with the two guide plates  30 ,  32  extending laterally across the base plate  12  and being attached thereto by appropriate fasteners (cap screws, etc.). Each guide plate  30 ,  32  includes a pair of underlying extension arm channels, i.e., extension arm channels  34   a ,  34   b  for the forward or thigh extension arm guide plate  30  and extension arm channels  36   a ,  36   b  for the rearward or hip extension arm guide plate  32 . These extension arm channels  34   a  through  36   b  are shown in the sectional view of  FIG. 3 , with the respective extension arms  14   a  through  16   b  installed therein. 
     Each of the extension arms  14   a  through  16   b  includes a toothed rack disposed along the inboard or base plate attachment portion thereof. The forward extension arm racks  38   a ,  38   b  are shown attached to the base plate attachment portions  18   a ,  18   b  of the forward extension arms  14   a ,  14   b , with the rearward racks  40   a ,  40   b  being shown separated from their respective base plate attachment portions  22   a ,  22   b  of the two rearward extension arms  16   a ,  16   b . The toothed edges or faces  42  of each pair of racks, i.e., the forward rack pair  38   a ,  38   b  and the rearward rack pair  40   a ,  40   b  face one another, and engage respective forward and rearward pinion gears  44  and  46  disposed therebetween, which, in turn, rotate on shafts affixed within their respective forward and rearward guide plates  30  and  32 . Rack clearance slots are provided through the guide plates  30  and  32 , i.e., clearance slots  48   a ,  48   b  in the forward guide plate  30  for the two racks  38   a ,  38   b  of the forward arms  14   a  and  14   b , and slots  50   a ,  50   b  in the rearward guide plate  32  for the two racks  40   a ,  40   b  of the rearward arms  16   a  and  16   b.    
     Thus, each extension arm of an extension arm set or pair, e.g., the two forward extension arms  14   a ,  14   b , is forced to move simultaneously with, but opposite to, its opposite arm due to their toothed racks  38   a ,  38   b  simultaneously engaging the forward pinion  44 . As the pinion  44  rotates e.g., clockwise when viewed from above, both the left and right forward extension arms  14   a  and  14   b  are caused to move outwardly simultaneously with one another. Thus, the rider of a cycle equipped with the cycle seat  10  may push or pull either of the two extension arms of an extension arm set, or their corresponding wings or bolsters, e.g., the left front arm  14   a  and/or its wing  26   a , to adjust both wings of the pair or set inwardly or outwardly simultaneously with one another. 
     The seat  10  with its laterally adjustable side wings or bolsters also includes a locking mechanism for each wing or bolster pair. The forwardly disposed rack of the front extension arm pair and the rearwardly disposed rack of the rear extension arm pair, i.e., racks  38   b  and  40   a , each include detents  52  and  54  along their respective forward and rearward faces, i.e., those faces opposite their toothed faces  42 . A forward extension arm locking knob  56  is adjustably secured to the forward portion of the base plate  12  by a block  58 , with the knob  56  controlling forward and rearward motion of a detent engaging pin  60  for selective engagement of the detents  52  of the forward rack  38   b . A rearward extension arm locking knob  62 , retaining block  64 , and pin  66  function similarly to the forward knob and pin assembly to selectively engage the detents  54  of the rear rack  40   a.    
     These knobs  56  and  62  are spring-loaded to cause their pins  60  and  66  to engage the corresponding rack detents  52  and  54 . When either of these knobs  56  and/or  62  is pulled outwardly, i.e., away from the remainder of the mechanism, the corresponding pin  60  or  66  is withdrawn from the detents  52  or  54  of its respective front or rear rack  38   b  or  40   a , allowing the cyclist to adjust the corresponding front or rear wings or bolsters  26   a ,  26   b  or  28   a ,  28   b . The knob mechanisms may be temporarily locked in an outward, i.e., detent disengaged, position against their internal springs by conventional means, e.g., quarter-twist detents or catches, etc., to hold the lock knobs and their pins clear of the rack detents. Suitable lock knobs and pins are manufactured by the Carr-Lane Manufacturing Co. of St. Louis, Mo., and may be used for the detent engagement and locking knobs and pins described above. Alternative mechanisms serving substantially the same function may be substituted. 
     The cycle seat  68  is immovably affixed atop the base plate  12  and its forward and rearward guide plates  30  and  32 , and associated mechanism. The inboard or base plate end portions  18   a ,  18   b  and  22   a ,  22   b  of the extension arms  14   a  through  16   b  are thus captured between the seat  68  and the underlying guide plates  30 ,  32  and base plate  12 . However, they are free to slide inwardly and outwardly beneath the seat  68  and within the corresponding channels  34   a  through  36   b  of their guide plates  30  and  32 , when the corresponding forward and/or rearward lock knobs  56 ,  62  are pulled to disengage their pins  60 ,  66  from the detents  52 ,  54  of the forward and rearward racks  38   b  and  40   a . This allows the lateral spacing between the forward and rearward wings  26   a ,  26   b  and  28   a ,  28   b  to be adjusted by the cyclist relative to the seat  68  therebetween. 
       FIGS. 4 through 6  illustrate additional seat adjustment mechanisms that may be incorporated in the cycle seat  10 , if so desired. The seat adjustment mechanisms of  FIGS. 4 through 6  are removably attached to the upper member U of the frame F of a bicycle B, and provide for the longitudinal, arcuate, angular, and/or leveling adjustment of the seat assembly  10  in a plane coplanar with the bicycle frame F. The seat adjustment mechanism of  FIGS. 4 through 6  includes a straight, elongate cycle frame attachment rail  70  having a forward end removably secured to the upper member U of the cycle frame F by a bracket  72  and removable attachment pin  74 , and an opposite rearward end removably attached to the seat post member P by conventional means, e.g., seat post clamp  76  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     A seat base support sleeve  78  is slidably and adjustably installed along the attachment rail  70  to provide longitudinal adjustment of the seat assembly  10 , with the sleeve  78  being selectively locked in position along the rail  70  by a lateral pin  80  ( FIG. 4 ) or vertical lock pin or screw  82  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Alternatively, the lateral pin or vertical lock screw may be replaced by a conventional electrically actuated solenoid having an electromagnetically actuated pin  80  or  82 . In the case of the manually or solenoid actuated lateral pin  80  of  FIG. 4 , the pin selectively engages one of a series of laterally disposed detents  81  along the side of the cycle frame attachment rail  70 . In the case of the manually actuated vertical locking screw or solenoid actuated pin  82  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the screw or pin  82  selectively engages one of a series of vertically disposed detents  83 , shown in broken lines in  FIGS. 5 and 6  in the frame attachment rail  70 . 
     The sleeve  78  includes an arcuate quadrant plate  84  integrally formed therewith and extending upwardly from the forward end thereof. A pivot pin  86  is removably installed transversely through the arcuate center of the quadrant plate  84 , with a series of detent passages  88  being formed through the plate adjacent the periphery thereof. A bifurcated seat track support arm  90  is pivotally secured to the origin of the quadrant plate  84  by the pivot pin  86 , and is selectively secured at the desired angle through one of the detent passages by a lock pin  92 . Alternatively, the lock pin  92  may be manually actuated, or may be actuated by a conventional electrically-actuated solenoid, in the manner of the alternative solenoids described further above for actuating the pins  80  and/or  82  for locking the position of the seat base support sleeve  78  along the frame attachment rail  70 . 
     A seat assembly support track web  94  extends from the seat track support arm  90 , with an arcuate seat assembly support track  96  having a cycle structure attachment portion  98  integrally formed with the web  94  and seat track support arm  90  and an opposite upper distal end  100 . A seat assembly attachment trolley  102  travels along the arcuate seat assembly support track  96 , and may be selectively locked in position thereon by a trolley position lock pin  104  selectively engaging one of the lock pin passages  106  formed laterally through the arcuate seat assembly support track  96 . 
     Alternatively, the lock pin  104  may be actuated by a conventional electric solenoid, as in the case of the alternative solenoids described further above for actuating the pins  80  and/or  82  for locking the position of the seat base support sleeve  78  along the frame attachment rail  70 . The seat base  12  of the seat assembly  10  is pivotally secured to the seat assembly attachment trolley  102  by a leveling pivot  108 , which passes through a bracket  110  affixed to the underside of the seat base plate  12 . A lateral seat leveling lock pin  112  (or alternatively, another solenoid) selectively engages one of a series of seat leveling pin detents  114  disposed through the side plate of the seat trolley  102  in a semicircular arc about the seat leveling pivot  108 , similar to the series of seat arm lock detent passage  88  disposed about the trolley support arm pivot  86  through the arcuate quadrant plate  84 . 
     The above-described seat adjustment mechanism illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 6  is capable of providing both longitudinal adjustment of the seat position along the longitudinal rail  70 , and angular, arcuate, and height adjustment of the seat position by means of the angularly adjustable arcuate track  96  and trolley  102 . Leveling of the seat assembly  10  with respect to the rail  70  is also provided by tilting the seat assembly  10  with respect to the trolley  102  by means of the seat-leveling lock pin or solenoid  112  and corresponding detents  114  in the seat trolley  102 , as discussed further above. However, it will be seen that the adjustment mechanism of the longitudinal rail  70  and its sleeve  78  and adjustment mechanism of the arcuate track  96  and trolley  102  may be separated from one another, if so desired. If purely longitudinal movement of the seat assembly  10  is desired, the seat trolley  102  may be removed from the arcuate seat assembly support track  96 , and the longitudinal sleeve  78  removed from its rail  70 . The trolley  102  may then be installed directly to the rail  70  by installing the trolley position lock pin  104  through one of the lateral passages of the rail  70 . Alternatively, the angular, arcuate, height, and leveling adjustment of the seat assembly  10  may be provided without longitudinal adjustment, by removing the attachment pin  86  of the bifurcated seat track support arm  90  from the quadrant  84 , and removing the rail  70  from the upper member U of the bicycle frame F. The seat track support arm  90  may then be reinstalled through the passage of the upper frame previously used to secure the forward end of the rail  70  through the upper member U of the frame F. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another embodiment of the cycle seat, designated as cycle seat  210 . The seat  210  includes only a single laterally adjustable wing pair positioned to cradle the hips. Those components of the seat  210  that are identical to the components of the seat  10  illustrated particularly in  FIGS. 2 and 4  of the drawings retain the same reference numerals. 
     The seat  210  includes a base plate  12  upon which the remainder of the mechanism is attached. At lest one pair of laterally adjustable extension arms are installed atop the base plate  12 , preferably with rearwardly disposed left and right side hip extension arms  16   a  and  16   b.    
     Each of the hip support extension arms  16   a ,  16   b  includes a base plate attachment end portion  22   a ,  22   b  and an opposite distal or outboard thigh wing or bolster attachment end portion  24   a ,  24   b . Left and right side hip support wings or bolsters  228   a  and  228   b  attach to the hip wing or bolster attachment end portions  24   a ,  24   b  of the rearward extension arms  16   a  and  16   b . The wings or bolsters  228   a ,  228   b  differ from the corresponding components of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6  due to the angular extension flanges  229  extending forwardly and rearwardly from each wing  228   a ,  228   b . These extension flanges  229  provide some additional rigidity for the wings or bolsters  228   a ,  228   b , and may be incorporated with any of the wings or bolsters  26   a ,  26   b ,  28   a , and/or  28   b  of the first embodiment. The bolsters or wings  228   b  may be padded or upholstered, as shown along the inboard surfaces of the two left side wings  26   a  and  28   a  in  FIG. 1 . 
     The extension arms  16   a  and  16   b  are captured upon the base plate by a guide plate  32 . The guide plate  32  may extend laterally across the base plate  12  and be attached thereto by appropriate fasteners (cap screws, etc.). The guide plate  32  includes a pair of underlying extension arm channels  36   a ,  36   b . These extension arm channels  36   a  through  36   b  are shown for the rear adjuster assembly in the sectional view of  FIG. 3 , with the extension arms  16   b  installed therein. 
     Each of the extension arms  16   b  includes a toothed rack disposed along the inboard or base plate attachment portion thereof. The racks  40   a ,  40   b  are shown separated from their respective base plate attachment portions  22   a ,  22   b  of the two extension arms  16   a ,  16   b . The toothed edges or faces  42  of each rack  40   a ,  40   b  face one another, and engage a pinion gear  46  disposed therebetween that in turn rotates on a shaft affixed within the guide plate  32 . Rack clearance slots  50   a  and  50   b  are provided through the guide plate  32  for the two racks  40   a ,  40   b  of the arms  16   a  and  16   b.    
     Thus, each extension arm of the extension arm set or pair  16   a ,  16   b  is forced to move simultaneously with, but opposite to, its opposite arm due to their toothed racks  40   a ,  40   b  simultaneously engaging the pinion  46 . As the pinion  46  rotates, e.g., clockwise when viewed from above, both the left and right extension arms  16   a  and  16   b  are caused to move outwardly simultaneously with one another. Thus, the rider of a cycle equipped with the cycle seat  210  may push or pull either of the two extension arms of an extension arm set, e.g., the left arm  16   a  and/or its wing or bolster  228   a , to adjust both wings of the pair or set inwardly or outwardly simultaneously with one another. 
     The seat  210  with its laterally adjustable side wings or bolsters also includes a locking mechanism for the wing or bolster pair. The rearwardly disposed rack  40   a  of the extension arm pair includes detents  54  along its rearward face, i.e., the face opposite the toothed face  42 . A rearward extension arm locking knob  62  is adjustably secured to the rearward portion of the base plate  12  by a block  64 , with the knob  62  controlling forward and rearward motion of a detent engaging pin  66  for selective engagement of the detents  54  of the rack  40   a.    
     The knob  62  is spring-loaded to cause the pin  66  to engage its rack detent  54 . When the knob  62  is pulled outwardly, i.e., away from the remainder of the mechanism, the pin  66  is withdrawn from the detent  54  of its rear rack  40   a , allowing the cyclist to adjust the wings or bolsters  28   a ,  28   b . The knob mechanism may be temporarily locked in an outward, i.e., detent disengaged, position against its internal spring by conventional means, e.g., quarter-twist detents or catches, etc., to hold the lock knob and its pin clear of the rack detents. Suitable lock knobs and pins are manufactured by the Carr-Lane Manufacturing Co. of St. Louis, Mo., and may be used for the detent engagement and locking knob and pin described above. Alternative mechanisms serving substantially the same function may be substituted. 
     The cycle seat  268  is immovably affixed atop the base plate  12  and its guide plate  32 , and associated mechanism. The inboard or base plate end portions  22   a ,  22   b  of the extension arms  16   a  and  16   b  are thus captured between the seat  268  and the underlying guide plate  32  and base plate  12 . However, they are free to slide inwardly and outwardly beneath the seat  268  and within the corresponding channels  36   a  and  36   b  (as shown for the rear wing or bolster assembly in  FIG. 2 ) of the guide plate  32 , when the lock knob  62  is pulled to disengage its pin  66  from the detent  54  of the rack  40   a . This allows the lateral spacing between the wings  228   a  and  228   b  to be adjusted by the cyclist relative to the seat  268  therebetween. 
       FIGS. 9 through 13  illustrate another embodiment for an articulating seat support arm assembly  310 . The seat support arm assembly of  FIGS. 9 through 13  attaches to the diagonal down tube D of a conventional bicycle frame F, and pivots angularly therefrom to support the seat assembly (e.g., the seat assembly  210  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , or perhaps other seat assembly  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 ) thereon. 
     A diagonal frame member attachment bracket  312  is affixed to the diagonal down tube D of the cycle frame F, and provides for the pivotal attachment of the seat support arm assembly  310  therefrom. The bracket  312  may comprise a pair of opposed clamping members that are secured to one another by a plurality of bolts and capture the down tube D therebetween, thus allowing the bracket  312  to be removed from the cycle frame F or adjustably repositioned along the diagonal down tube D of the frame F if desired. The bracket  312  includes a pair of lugs or bosses  314  (shown in broken lines in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  13 ) through which a pivot shaft  316  (shown in broken lines in those Figs.) passes. 
     The seat support arm assembly  310  is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 11 and 13 . The arm assembly  310  includes mutually parallel left and right seat support arms, respectively  318   a  and  318   b , that pivot from the bracket  312  and adjustably support the cycle seat assembly, e.g., seat assembly  210 , thereon. Each of the arms  318   a ,  318   b  includes a lower member, respectively  320   a  and  320   b , with each of the lower members having a bracket attachment end, respectively  322   a  and  322   b , and an opposite upper member attachment end, respectively  324   a  and  324   b . The two lower members  320   a ,  320   b  are immovably affixed to one another and held in a parallel relationship by a connector  326  extending laterally therebetween. The bracket attachment ends  322   a ,  322   b  of the lower members are affixed to the pivot shaft  316  that passes through the lugs or bosses  314  of the diagonal frame member attachment bracket  312 , with this assembly allowing the seat support arm assembly  310  to pivot about its attachment to the cycle frame F by means of the bracket  312 . 
     Each of the lower members  320   a ,  320   b  has an upper member, respectively  328   a  and  328   b , that extends from the upper member attachment end  324   a ,  324   b  of the respective lower member. Each of the upper members  328   a ,  328   b  has a distal seat attachment portion, respectively  330   a  and  330   b , having a series of seat latch notches  332  formed thereacross. The upper members  328   a ,  328   b  form an obtuse angle A with their respective lower members  320   a ,  320   b  to provide greater clearance beneath the rider and to support the seat assembly  210  at the proper angle relative to the rider, as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     The base plate  12  of the seat  268  (or other seat configuration, as desired) includes a pair of brackets  334  shaped or configured to fit closely about the two upper members  328   a ,  328   b  of the articulating seat support arm assembly  310 , as shown most clearly in  FIG. 11 . Each of the brackets  334  includes a pair of lateral passages  336  through the portions thereof that fit closely about the upper members  328   a ,  328   b  of the arm assembly  310 , with the lateral passages  336  aligning closely with selected ones of the notches  332  when the seat assembly  210  (or other cooperating seat assembly) is installed on the arm assembly  310 . A corresponding series of quick release pins  338  installs removably through the seat bottom bracket passages  336 , and engages the corresponding notches  332  to lock the seat assembly  210  in position as desired along the arm assembly  310 . Thus, the rider may remove the pins  338 , slide the seat assembly  210  upwardly or downwardly along the upper members  328   a ,  328   b  of the arm assembly  310  to position the seat assembly  210  as desired, and reinsert the pins  338  to lock the seat assembly  210  in the new position. 
     Additional mechanisms are provided to control and limit the movement of the seat support arm assembly  310 , and thus the seat assembly  210 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  13 . The arm assembly  310  is urged or biased upwardly, i.e., toward the rider when the cycle is being operated, by a tension spring  340 . The frame attachment end of the spring  340  is secured to an upper tube attachment bracket  342 , the bracket  342  comprising two opposed clamp members that bolt together and capture the upper tube U of the cycle frame therebetween, in the manner of the diagonal frame member clamp  312 . The opposite end of the spring  340  connects to the lateral connector  326  that connects the two lower members  320   a ,  320   b  of the seat support arm assembly  310  together. The upper tube attachment bracket  342  may be positioned as desired along the length of the upper tube or frame member U. If greater lifting force for the seat support arm assembly  310  and seat assembly  210  is desired, the bracket  342  may be moved farther forward along the upper frame member or tube U, or moved farther rearwardly to reduce the lifting force of the spring  340 . 
     Upward and downward movement of the seat support arm assembly  310 , and thus the seat  210 , is limited by a seat support arm latch mechanism  344 , shown most clearly in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The latch mechanism  344  comprises left and right latch housing halves, respectively  346   a  and  346   b , that secure to one another to form the housing containing the various components forming the arm assembly latch mechanism  344 . A series of attachment blocks  348  secure to the rear and upper edges of the latch housing  346   a ,  346   b  to clamp the mechanism  344  to the upper frame member U and seat post frame member P, as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Each housing half  346   a ,  346   b  includes a lower seat arm stop or flange, respectively  350   a  and  350   b , and an opposite upper seat arm stop or flange, respectively  352   a  and  352   b . Each housing half further includes a latch passage, respectively  354   a  and  354   b , therein, with corresponding latches  356   a ,  356   b  installed therein. A central plate  358  is installed within the housing assembly  346   a ,  346   b , with the plate  358  providing attachment for a pair of laterally opposed spring seats  360   a ,  360   b . The spring seats in turn seat laterally opposed latch extension springs  362   a ,  362   b , with the two springs bearing compressively against the inner surfaces of their respective latches  356   a ,  356   b  and urging or biasing the latches  356   a  and  356   b  to an outwardly extended orientation. 
     Latch retraction means is provided to pull the two latches  356   a ,  356   b  into their respective housing halves  346   a ,  346   b  to allow the lower members  320   a  and  320   b  of the seat support arm assembly  310  to transition between the lower and upper limits of arm travel defined by the seat support arm latch mechanism  344 . A latch retraction tension member  364  (e.g., flexible cord, etc.) has distal ends  364   a ,  364   b  that pass through the two springs  362   a ,  362   b  and through small passages  366  through the outer faces of the two latches  356   a  and  356   b . The opposing tips of this retraction member  364  are knotted or otherwise formed to prevent their being pulled back through the passages  366  of the latches  356   a  and  356   b . The central portion  364   c  is doubled upon itself to form a loop or bight. 
     The loop or bight portion  364   c  of the tensile latch retraction member  364  is passed through one or more ferrules, sleeves, and guides  368  captured within or extending from the central plate  358 , and into a connector  370  at the end of a control member  372 , where it is secured by a keeper  374  (e.g., cotter pin, etc.) that passes through the connector  370  and the bight of the central portion  364   c  of the retraction member  364 . The control member  372  may comprise a conventional elongate, flexible bicycle brake cable and housing, with the distal end of the cable and housing  372  connecting to a conventional handlebar mounted grip lever  376  to control the retraction and extension of the two latches  356   a ,  356   b.    
       FIG. 13  provides a more detailed view of the operation of the latch mechanism  344 , illustrating the right side of the seat support arm assembly  310  in its installation in the cycle frame F. The latch mechanism  344  defines two separate arcuate ranges of motion for the seat support arm assembly  310 , or more specifically for the lower members, e.g., the lower member  320   b  shown in  FIG. 13 , of the arm assembly  310 . A lower range of arcuate motion is defined between the lower arm stop flange  350   b  and the latch  356   b  when the latches are extended, with an upper range of arcuate motion being defined between the extended latch  356   b  and the upper arm stop flange  352   b  of the mechanism  344 . 
     It will be noted that the lower range of arcuate motion LR as indicated by the two positions  320 - 1  and  320 - 2  of the arm lower member  320   b , is somewhat less than the upper range of arcuate motion UR as shown in broken lines by the two positions  320 - 3  and  320 - 4  of the arm lower member  320   b . Preferably, the lower arcuate range of motion LR of the lower members  320   a ,  320   b  is on the order of about one degree, while the upper arcuate range of motion UR permits about five degrees of free play between the latch  356   a  or  356   b  and the corresponding upper flange or stop  352   a  or  352   b . These ranges of arcuate motion may be adjusted as desired, or the two latches  356   a ,  356   b  may be held in a retracted state if so desired to allow the lower members  320   a ,  320   b  of the seat support arm assembly  310  to travel arcuately through its full range between the lower stops or flanges  350   a ,  350   b  and the opposite upper stops or flanges  352   a ,  352   b  of the seat support arm latch mechanism  344 , if so desired. 
     The lower range of arcuate motion LR restricts the seat support arm assembly  310  to a relatively low position, with the seat assembly  210  (or other seat assembly, as desired) traveling accordingly. This position is used when the cyclist is riding at a moderate, steady pace over reasonably level ground, i.e., the cyclist does not need to exert him or herself greatly. The cyclist can thus assume a generally seated position on the seat assembly  210 , generally as shown in  FIG. 10  of the drawings. The slight one degree (more or less) of play provided in the lower range LR of arcuate motion allows the seat support arm assembly  310  to be drawn to its upper limit against the overlying extended latches  356   a ,  356   b  by the spring  340 , against the weight of the cyclist. However, the slight play provided in this lower range LR of arcuate motion allows the two lower members  320   a ,  320   b  to move slightly according to the force imparted by the cyclist or rider, thus cushioning the cyclist when traversing somewhat rough or uneven terrain. 
     When the cyclist wishes to exert greater force on the pedals, as during acceleration or when traveling uphill, he or she will raise himself or herself to a more standing position, generally as shown in  FIG. 9  of the drawings. Preferably, the seat assembly  210  is also raised in order to continue to provide both rear and lateral support for the cyclist. This is accomplished by operating the actuating or grip lever  376  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) to pull the cable  372 , thus drawing the two distal portions  364   a ,  364   b  of the tensile latch retraction member  364  inwardly to retract the two latches  356   a ,  356   b . The cyclist may then stand on the pedals, with the spring  340  raising the two lower members  320   a ,  320   b  of the seat support arm assembly  310  upwardly against the upper stops or flanges  352   a ,  352   b  of the latch mechanism  344 . The cyclist then releases the lever  376  to allow the latches  356   a ,  356   b  to extend by means of the compressive extension springs  262   a ,  362   b , thus locking the seat support arm assembly  310  in its upper range of motion UR. This upper range of motion UR assures that the seat assembly  210  will remain in contact with the cyclist as he or she moves during the pedaling of the cycle, thus providing the desired rearward and lateral leverage or bracing to assist the cyclist or rider. 
     In conclusion, the cycle seat  10 , with its laterally adjustable bolsters or wings and various adjustments provided by the additional mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 4 through 6  and  9  through  13 , provides a multitude of seating configurations for the cyclist. The provision of laterally-adjustable wings or bolsters for the thighs and/or hips of the cyclist allows the cyclist to apply lateral thrust for controlling the balance of the cycle by means of the thigh and/or hip wings of the seat, with the lateral adjustment of the wings allowing cyclists of widely differing body builds to make use of the same seat mechanism. It will be seen that the cycle seat  10  in its various embodiments may be incorporated into virtually any practicable type of pedal-powered cycle, regardless of the number of wheels or seats the cycle may have. This seat mechanism with its laterally adjustable bolsters or wings, particularly in combination with the other adjustment mechanisms described herein, serve to greatly facilitate the comfort and control of the cyclist, particularly during strenuous riding conditions. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.