Abstract:
In one form of the invention, a rounded bicycle seat is provided. The seat has no front pommel that is a significant factor in causing most pressure and pain to the crotch area of a rider. As such, the bicycle seat is designed to relieve numbness. In one embodiment of the current invention, the seat is provided with a rounded dome portion that minimizes or makes no contact with the crotch area of the rider when the bicycle seat is in use. Further, the seat may pivot in multiple directions in connection with the rider&#39;s movement, giving the rider proper coordination and alignment with the seat and the bicycle pedals. The seat is anatomically correct and provides support for the rider with a snug comfortable fit, while at the same time improves balance, flexibility and improves body strength with the least amount of friction and pain experienced by the rider.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to bicycle seats, and more particularly to rounded bicycle seats that also pivot and provide for a more comfortable seat that minimizes pressure and pain for the bicycle rider. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Bicycle seats of various types are well known in the art. When a cyclist uses a bike, often the cyclist will be required to sit on the bicycle&#39;s seat for long periods of time. Some cyclists ride their bikes daily for commuting to work and/or exercise purposes. Traditional bicycle seats are saddle-shaped and put much of the rider&#39;s weight on the pubic tubercle and ischiopubic ramus of the pelvis. There have been numerous reports by cyclists, amateurs and professionals alike, who suffer adverse effects therefrom. Typical adverse experiences, caused by pressure induced by the currently designed saddle-shaped bicycle seat resulting in blunt trauma to the perineal and pelvic structures, suffered include the following symptoms: groin numbness or paresthesia, penal numbness or paresthesia, forms of impotence. 
   With traditional bicycle seats, the horn of the saddle seat fits directly against the aforementioned pelvic structures. This results in occlusion of arteries and veins supplying blood flow to the penis as well as, compression of local nerves as they are sandwiched between the horn of the bicycle seat and the bony structures of the anterior pelvis. The resulted outcome is a numbing effect or paresthesia, as reported by many cyclists that can result in sustained paresthesia of the groin and penis, delayed or immediate impotence and perhaps even an elevated prostate specific antigen. Thus, it is proper to conclude that there is a major problem with bicycle seat design. 
   The present invention overcomes these and other problems inherent in existing bicycle seats. The present invention provides a bicycle seat that is designed to relieve numbness. The seat has no front pommel which is a significant factor in causing most pressure and pain to the crotch area of a rider. In one embodiment of the current invention, the seat is provided with a rounded dome portion that minimizes or makes no contact with the crotch area of the rider when the bicycle seat is in use. Further, the seat, in one embodiment, may pivot in multiple directions in connection with the rider&#39;s movement, giving the rider proper coordination and alignment with the seat and the bicycle pedals. The seat is anatomically correct and provides support for the rider with a snug comfortable fit, while at the same time improves balance, flexibility and body strength with the least amount of friction and pain experienced by the rider. 
   The principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved bicycle seat, that has no front pommel and relieves numbness and reduces pressure and pain to the rider&#39;s crotch area. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel bicycle seat that is rounded in shape. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel bicycle seat that can pivot in multiple directions. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle seat that is anatomically correct and supports the bicycle rider with a snug comfortable fit. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel bicycle seat that improves balance and flexibility with the least amount of pain experienced by the bicycle rider. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel bicycle seat which is simple in design and inexpensive to construct, and is durable and rugged in structure. 
   Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings of the invention. 
   These and other objects are achieved by a bicycle seat of the present invention. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one form of the invention, a bicycle seat is provided which comprises a rounded seat. The bicycle seat is designed to relieve numbness. The seat has no front pommel that is a significant factor in causing most pressure and pain to the crotch area of a rider. In one embodiment of the current invention, the seat is provided with a rounded dome portion that minimizes or makes no contact with the crotch area of the rider when the bicycle seat is in use. Further, the seat, in one embodiment, may pivot in multiple directions in connection with the rider&#39;s movement, giving the rider proper coordination and alignment with the seat and the bicycle pedals. The seat is an anatomical correct and provides support for the rider with a snug comfortable fit, while at the same time improves balance, flexibility and improves body strength with the least amount of friction and pain experienced by the rider. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the bicycle seat of the present invention shown being aligned with a bicycle post; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of another embodiment of a bicycle seat of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a an alternate embodiment of a universal adapter that can attach to an existing seat; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the bicycle seat of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of the bicycle seat  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , bicycle seat  10  comprises a cover  18 , a convex cushion  20 , a pivotal socket  24 , a concave reinforced flexible material base  26 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , bicycle seat  10  comprises shock absorbing material  28 , a secure flexible collar  32 , a recess  34  defined in pivotal socket  24 , a bike post  38  having a post cap  36 . 
   Cover  18  may be formed of a variety of different materials such as for example, rubber, plastic, or any combination of synthetic or natural materials that will provide for proper operation of the cover  18 . The cover  18  outer surface may be smooth or textured in design. 
   The convex cushion  20  may be made of a variety of different types of materials such as, for example, foam, gel, air, rubber or any combination of cushioning substances that will provide for proper operation of cushion  20 . 
   The shock absorbing material  28  may be made of a variety of different types of materials such as, for example, foam, gel, air, rubber or any combination of cushioning substances that will provide for proper operation of seat  10 . 
   The concave reinforced flexible material base may be made of a variety of different materials, for example, a strong flexible resin material, plastic, wood, steel, aluminum, or a variety of combinations of different materials to provide for proper operation of base  26 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , pivotal socket  24  defines a recess  34 . Bike post  38  may have mounted on one end a post cap  36 . Secure flexible collar  32  accepts post cap  36  and bike post  38  whereby nylon post cap  36  mates with recess  34  in pivotal socket  24 . During this mating engagement, seat  10  is pivotally mounted to bike post  38 . Post cap  36  is pivotally engaged to pivotal socket  24  to provide for ease of pivotal movement of bike seat  10  with respect to bike post  38 . Further, bike seat  10  may deflect in a substantially vertical motion with respect to bike post  38  when post cap  36  is mated with pivotal socket  24 . Collar  32  assists to maintain post  38  and cap  36  in place within recess  34 . In yet other embodiments, bike post  38  may mate directly, without a post cap, to pivotal socket  24 . 
   Post cap  36  may be formed of a variety of different materials to provide for a minimal amount of friction while providing minimal wear between post cap  36  and pivotal socket  24 . For example, post cap  36  may be constructed of nylon, plastic, low friction metal or a variety of different materials or combinations of materials to provide for minimal friction between post cap  36  and pivotal socket  24 . 
   During use, a rider would sit on seat  10  and start to pedal the bicycle. The rounded dome seat  10  makes minimal or no contact with the crotch area of the rider. Convex cushion  20  and shock absorbing material  28  provide considerable comfort for the rider. During the bicycle ride, the seat  10  pivots in multiple directions with respect to the bike post  38 . Further, seat  10  experiences deflection when a bumpy road or other irregular surface is encountered. This pivotal movement and/or deflection provides the rider with better coordination and alignment of the rider&#39;s body with the seat  10 , the bicycle pedals and handlebars of the bicycle. Further, the rider realizes correct anatomical support and the seat  10  provides a snug comfortable fit. At the same time, seat  10  improves balance and flexibility and assists with rider body strength which is realized with the minimal amount of friction and pain caused to the rider. Also, the seat  10  multi-directional movement enhances and strengthens the muscles of the rider&#39;s spine and trunk. Even though the rider is not always aware of the seat movement, the rider&#39;s positioning will constantly adapt, adjust and balance to correct the rider&#39;s riding posture on the bicycle. During the process, the rider gains strength in muscles in the back, abdomen and legs, due to increased blood flow through the body which is not restricted by the seat  10 . The rider will be able to ride longer and enjoy the experience more due to less pain and fatigue than with a conventional seat. 
     FIG. 2  is a front view of another embodiment of a bicycle seat of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , bicycle seat  40  comprises a cover  48 , a convex cushion  50 , a base  52 , a socket flange  54 , one or more fasteners  58 . Further, bicycle seat  40  comprises a removable stationery pin  60 , a ball  62  connected to socket flange  54 , one or more set screws  66 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a bike post  70 . 
     FIG. 3  is an alternate embodiment of a universal adapter that can attach to an existing bicycle seat or any other seat that would allow for pivoting of the seat. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the universal adapter comprises a removable stationery pin  60 , a ball  62  connected to socket flange  54 , one or more set screws  66 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a bike post  70 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2  cover  48  is positioned over convex cushion  50 . Cover  48  may be comprised of a variety of different materials, such as for example, smooth or textured material. The material may be made of rubber, plastic or any type of synthetic or natural materials that will provide for proper operation of cover  48 . 
   Cushion  50  may be made of a variety of different materials such as, for example, foam, gel, air, rubber, or any combination of cushioning materials that will provide for proper operation of seat  40 . Cushion  50  is located adjacent base  52 . 
   Base  52  may be made of a variety of different materials such as for example, plywood, hard rubber, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or a combination of materials. As shown in  FIG. 2 , base  52  has one or more holes  53  that will accept fasteners  58 . Positioned below base  52  is socket flange  54  which contains one or more holes  55  that align with holes  53  in base  52 . Socket flange  54  may be removably connected to base  52  by using one or more fasteners  58 . Fasteners  58  may be a variety of different fasteners, such as for example, carriage bolts, screws, rivets, or a variety of other types of fasteners used to securely connect base  52  to flange  54 . 
   Ball  62  pivotally connects to socket flange  54  whereby base  52  is pivotally connected to ball  62 . Ball  62  comprises a neck  64  which provides for bike post  70  to fit one end of post  70  within neck  64 . One or more set screws  66  connect neck  64  to bike post  70  by securely tightening screw(s)  66  through neck  64  against one end of post  70  inserted inside of neck  64 . In an alternate embodiment, a pin  60  may be provided to removably secure ball  62  within flange  54 . When pin  60  is inserted into flange  54  and through ball  62 , ball  62  does not rotate within flange  54 . Therefore, seat  40  remains stationary with respect to post  70 . Pin  60  may be easily removed by pulling pin  60  out of ball  62  and flange  54  thereby allowing seat  40  to pivot with respect to post  70 . 
   During use, a rider would sit on seat  40  and start to pedal the bicycle. The rounded dome seat  40  makes minimal or no contact with the crotch area of the rider. Convex cushion  50  provides considerable comfort for the rider. During the bicycle ride, the seat  40  pivots in multiple directions with respect to the bike post  70 . This pivotal movement provides the rider with better coordination and alignment of the rider&#39;s body with the seat  40 , the bicycle pedals and handlebars of the bicycle. Further, the rider realizes correct anatomical support and the seat  40  provides a snug comfortable fit. At the same time, seat  40  improves balance, flexibility and assists with rider body strength which is realized with the minimal amount of friction and pain caused to the rider. Also, the seat  40  multi-directional movement enhances and strengthens the muscles of the rider&#39;s spine and trunk. Even though the rider is not always aware of the seat movement, the rider&#39;s positioning will constantly adapt, adjust and balance to correct the rider&#39;s riding posture on the bicycle. During the process, the rider gains strength in muscles in the back, abdomen and legs, due to increased blood flow through the body which is not restricted by the seat  40 . The rider will be able to ride longer and enjoy the experience more due to less pain and fatigue than with a conventional seat. 
     FIG. 4  shows yet another embodiment of bicycle seat  80  of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, bicycle seat  80  may comprise a cover  88 , a convex cushion  90  and a base  92 . Further, seat  80  may comprise a flange  96  connected to base  92 , a threaded housing  98  removably inserted within flange  96 , a spring  102 , a roller bearing  110  and a ball  116 . The ball  116  may define a hole  120  and one or more set screws  122  may be provided. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , cover  88  is positioned over convex cushion  90 . Cover  88  may be comprised of a variety of different materials, such as for example, smooth or textured material. The material may be made of rubber, plastic or any type of synthetic or natural material that will provide for proper operation of cover  88 . 
   Cushion  90  is located adjacent base  92 . Cushion  90  may be made of a variety of different materials such as, for example, foam, gel, air, rubber, or any combination of cushioning materials that will provide for proper operation of seat  80 . 
   Base  92  may be made of a variety of different materials such as for example, plywood, hard rubber, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or a combination of materials. Positioned below base  92  is flange  96  which may be removably or non-removably attachech to base  92 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, flange  96  may be connected to base  92  whereby a portion of flange  96  projects into cushion  90 . Inserted and secured within flange  96  is threaded housing  98  substantially as shown in  FIG. 4 . Further, ball  116  is securely and rotatably mounted within flange  96  whereby threaded housing  98  supports and pivotally connects ball  116  to flange  96 . Spring  102  securely rests against the portion of flange  96  that is inserted into cushion  90 . Roller bearing  110  is positioned against spring  102  whereby roller bearing  110  is seated adjacent one end of ball  116 . At the opposite end of ball  116 , hole  120  may receive a bicycle post and whereby one or more set screws  122  may securely 
   During use, a rider would sit on seat  80  and start to pedal the bicycle. The rounded dome seat  80  makes minimal or no contact with the crotch area of the rider. Convex cushion  90  provides considerable comfort for the rider. During the bicycle ride, the seat deflects and rises in multiple directions with respect to the bike post. Spring  102  in combination with cushion  90  absorbs much of the impact and reduces discomfort for the rider. This vertical movement provides the rider with better coordination and alignment of the rider&#39;s body with the seat  80 , the bicycle pedals and handlebars of the bicycle. Further, the rider realizes correct anatomical support and the seat  80  provides a snug comfortable fit. At the same time, seat  80  improves balance, flexibility and assists with rider body strength which is realized with the minimal amount of friction and pain caused to the rider. Also, the seat  80  vertical movement enhances and strengthens the muscles of the rider&#39;s spine and trunk. Even though the rider is not always aware of the seat movement, the rider&#39;s positioning will constantly adapt, adjust and balance to correct the rider&#39;s riding posture on the bicycle. During the process, the rider gains strength in muscles in the back, abdomen and legs, due to increased blood flow through the body which is not restricted by the seat  80 . The rider will be able to ride longer and enjoy the experience more due to less pain and fatigue than with a conventional seat. 
   Specific embodiments of novel methods and apparatus for construction of novel rounded bicycle seats according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.