Abstract:
The invention disclosed provides an improved bicycle seat or exercise bicycle seat comprised of a narrow anterior portion leading to a wider posterior portion. The improved bicycle seat accommodates, supports, protects, and relieves the male genitals from the pressure of the rider&#39;s weight. The posterior portion includes two support surfaces divided by an indented channel. The support surfaces properly remove the weight of the rider from the soft tissues of the perineal area and distribute it to the ischial bones of the pelvis. Located between the narrow anterior portion and the wider posterior portion are two recessed concave cavities separated by a sloped raised ridge and a perineal support projection. The rider&#39;s external genitalia are properly supported and protected in the recessed cavities.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a Continuation-In-Part claiming priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/957,025 entitled “Male Bike or Exerciser Seat” filed on Oct. 1, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a seat for a bicycle seat for male riders. In particular, the invention relates to a seat for a bicycle having an anatomically configured shape that supports and protects the male genitalia and the soft tissues of the perineum.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The shape of the traditional bicycle seat has remained fairly consistent over time. The shape generally characterized by a wide posterior section connected to a narrow anterior section is functional but often causes rider discomfort and potential injury with prolonged periods of use. The discomfort and injury are usually the result of the seat not properly positioning the weight of a rider&#39;s upper body on the bones of the pelvis designed to support that weight.  
         [0004]     In an ideal situation, when in the seated position, the weight of the human torso should rest primarily on the ischial tuberous bones. The typical prior art bicycle seat does not provide proper anatomical support for the ischial tuberous bones and therefore a bicycle rider&#39;s body weight is incorrectly shifted to the sensitive soft tissue areas of the perineum. The ischial tuberosities are the bones of the pelvis that support the weight of the body when in the sitting position. Furthermore, in the typical prior art bicycle seat, the weight of the male upper body rests on the soft tissues of and around the urethral duct and external genitalia instead of the ischial tuberous bones. Pressure from a rider&#39;s body weight on these areas can and does cause discomfort and injury. For example, unnatural pressure on the perineal area while straddling a bicycle seat can compress and temporarily occlude penile blood flow. The lining vessels of the compressed arteries can become damaged, thus leading to potential permanent artery blockage and erectile dysfunction. The pressure and the damage may also extend to the perineal membrane and the urogenital diaphragm, which can increase the risk of sexual disorders.  
         [0005]     Another health risk is inflammation of the bulbourethral gland and the epidymis of the testicles. Damage to these areas can cause impotence and other more severe pathological complications. The narrow anterior section of the typical prior art bicycle seat used to control and stabilize the bicycle forces the testicles of the rider to either side of the anterior section where they can be squeezed between the bicycle seat and the thigh of the rider. This pressure not only can cause inflammation of the genitalia, but also impedes leg movement.  
         [0006]     A wide variety of bicycle seats are known in the art. However, the prior art does not provide a bicycle seat with a correctly configured anatomical shape that can support and protect the external genitalia of the male body while concurrently positioning the pressure of the rider&#39;s upper body weight away from the perineal area.  
         [0007]     International Application No. PCT/US91/09687 to Yates discloses a bicycle seat having a horn member with a generally horizontal upper surface and a rearwardly disposed laterally flaring cantle thrust plate member. Yates further discloses a highly elevated, forwardly projecting cantle thrust member conforming to the near vertical portion of the right and left posterior ischium. The pressure relief to the perineum afforded by this device is operable when aggressively pedaling and applying rearward pressure against the anatomically shaped cantle. The external genitalia of the male rider are forced to one side or the other of the horn member and typical body weight pressures will exist during times of coasting or non-pedaling.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,422 to West, III. discloses a bicycle seat having a narrow anterior portion which broadens to a wider posterior portion and further includes a central arrowhead shaped “cut-out”. The “cut-out” provides relief for the rider&#39;s external genitalia but no relief for the perineum area is disclosed.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,309 to Gooter et al. discloses a bicycle seat for supporting the buttocks of a bicycle rider when the rider shifts his position on the seat between three specific positions. The disclosed seat is horseshoe shaped and includes a dual horn configuration with an elongated open space between intended to provide relief for the perineal area. The open area is not anatomically shaped, and does not provide adequate space for the male genitalia. The genitals of the male rider are unsupported and can be squeezed by the device&#39;s anterior portion by the weight of the rider.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention addresses the need for an anatomically shaped bicycle seat, particularly one designed to accommodate, isolate, and protect the male genitals and the soft tissues of the perineal area.  
         [0011]     The primary components of the bicycle seat include a semi-rigid shell attached to a tubular support frame that includes an attachment mechanism for mounting the seat to a seat post, a contoured padding laminate fitted over the shell, and a durable and flexible outer cover. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an anatomically shaped bicycle seat that includes an oval shaped narrow anterior portion leading to a wider weight bearing posterior portion. The posterior portion includes a recessed and elongated indention that bisects the entire length of the posterior portion and continues downwardly around the posterior portion. The posterior portion also includes two generally convex support surfaces that properly support and distribute the weight of the rider to the ischial tuberous bones and simultaneously relieve pressure from the perineum directly adjacent the recessed elongated indention. Located between the posterior portion and the narrow anterior portion there are two concave cavities separated by a sloping projection. The two cavities and the sloping projection provide contoured pockets for acceptance of the rider&#39;s testicles. Generally central to the seat is a support projection for the perineal areas directly adjacent the sloping projection, the convex support surfaces and the elongated indention. The elevation of the narrow anterior portion is lower than that of the support surfaces and when combined with the two concave cavities provide an anatomically shaped recessed area to accommodate and protect the external genitalia of the rider.  
         [0012]     Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings provided.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is an underside plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0019]     In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.  
         [0020]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , bicycle seat  100  is generally horizontal in profile with a narrow anterior section shown as horn  112  leading to a wider posterior section  128 . A longitudinal axis  101  can be appreciated from the anterior section to the posterior section. The bicycle seat is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. Horn  112  is provided on the anterior section and has a generally oval flat upper surface. The horn has a symmetrical front and rear apex with an elliptical axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. Horn  112 , in a preferred embodiment is approximately 1 inch thick. Posterior section  128  includes two raised weight bearing (shown as dashed areas) hemispherical supports  102  and  104 . Hemispherical supports  102  and  104  are generally convex and hemispherical in shape and extend from channel  114  to the downwardly contoured lower portion of posterior section  128 . Hemispherical supports  102  and  104  are adjacent to and in the preferred embodiment integrally formed with channel  114 . The hemispherical supports are diametrically opposed to each other and reside on each side of the longitudinal axis of the bicycle seat. Hemispherical supports  102  and  104  are more pronounced than the top surface of horn  112  and in a preferred embodiment at their maximum height are approximately 3.5 to 4 inches thick from the corner edge of the seat. Projection  124  is centrally located on the surface of the seat. Projection  124  is located at the forward end of channel  114  and is adjacent cavities  108  and  110 . Projection  124  is above the flat surface of horn  112  and yet below the lower surfaces of hemispherical supports  102  and  104 . In the preferred embodiment, the maximum height of projection  124  is about 3 inches from the lower edge. Located on either side of projection  124  are cavities  108  and  110 . Cavities  108  and  110  are concave recesses that adjoin ridge  120  and ridge  122  respectively and further connect to the top surface of horn  112  and ridge slope  123 . The cavities are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the bicycle seat and are diametrically opposed. Posterior section  128  is bisected by channel  114  and indention  126 . Channel  114  is a recessed groove or cavity that extends longitudinally from projection  124  to indention  126 . Channel  114  separates hemispherical supports  102  and  104  as it extends from projection  124  to indention  126 . Indention  126  forms a concave connection channel between hemispherical supports  102  and  104  and lower edge  125 . In the preferred embodiment, the overall length of bicycle seat  100  is approximately twelve inches from the anterior tip of horn  112  to the back edge of posterior section  128  while the widest portion of posterior section  128  is approximately eight inches measured from the side of hemispherical support  102  to the opposite side of hemispherical support  104 . Both measurements may be changed to accommodate different riders.  
         [0021]     As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , bicycle seat  100  also includes a mechanism to mount the seat on a bicycle post. Seat post  106  is inserted into seat clamp  130 . Seat clamp  130  is connected to seat frame  132 . Seat frame  132  is supported by bracket  133 . Bracket  133  is comprised of frame supports  135  and  137  and seat clamp  130 . In the preferred embodiment, the frame supports are tubular castings integrally formed with seat clamp  130 . The tubular castings are cold pressed onto seat frame  132  to hold it in place. In one embodiment, knurled sections of the seat frame accommodate a rigid attachment to the frame support. Seat clamp  130  forms a collar around seat post  106  and is held in place by bolt  139  and nut  141 . Nut  141  and bolt  139  create a compressive force in seat clamp  130  which in turn frictionally grasps the exterior of seat post  106 .  
         [0022]     Seat frame  132  has connections  143 ,  145  and  147 . The connections are heat welded to the interior surface of seat shell  140  in the preferred embodiment, shown as weldements  192  and  193 . Epoxy or a threaded attachment to the seat shell are also acceptable attachment methods. Seat frame  132  is constructed of 0.25 inch diameter stainless steel rod in the preferred embodiments. Seat post  106  is a hollow tube and is an industry standard size approximately 1 inch in diameter.  
         [0023]     In the preferred embodiment, seat shell  140  is formed from a composite Kevlar fiber and epoxy resin. A stamped sheet metal construction may also be employed. Light metals such as aluminum and magnesium or alloys thereof are preferable to achieve low weight and durability. Seat shell  140  is formed in the correct anatomical shape and forms the base and the foundational shape of the bicycle seat. The general shape of seat shell  140  is generally the same as the finished shape of bicycle seat  100 . Seat shell  140  is comprised of a narrow anterior portion widening to a posterior portion that includes a recessed longitudinal indention. Seat shell  140  also includes concave indentions located between the anterior portion and the posterior portion that when covered will form cavities  108  and  110 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of bicycle seat  100  along section line A-A of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  shows seat frame  132  supporting seat shell  140 . Padding  144  is affixed to seat shell  140 . In the preferred embodiment, padding  144  is adhered to seat shell  140  with an adhesive, but screws or rivets can also be used. Padding  144  is covered by seat cover  142 . The seat cover is coextensive with the padding. The seat cover further extends underneath and around lower edge  125  of the seat shell and is affixed to the inside of the lower edge with epoxy or rivets. In the preferred embodiment, seat cover  142  is constructed of a material such as vinyl or leather.  
         [0025]     In the preferred embodiment, padding  144  is molded in one piece from polyurethane foam rubber and affixed to seat shell  140  and covered with seat cover  142 . Other materials such as polyethylene closed cell foam or polystyrene foam may also be used for cushioning support. Generally, padding  144  is approximately 0.5 inch thick as it follows the contours of seat shell  140 . The anatomic contours that make up the distinctive shapes of hemispherical supports  102  and  104 , cavities  108  and  110 , projection  124 , and channel  114  are molded into the one-piece padding that is fitted over seat shell  140  in one embodiment. Padding  144  is thicker at hemispherical supports  102  and  104  as they bear the weight of the rider. The padding is also thicker along the ridge slope. In the preferred embodiment, padding  144  at hemispherical supports  102  and  104  and at ridge slope  123  is approximately 0.75 to one inch thick. In another embodiment, padding  144  is also thicker between cavities  108  and  110  and actually creates projection  124 . In the preferred embodiment, padding  144  at projection  124  is approximately 0.75 to one inch thick.  
         [0026]     In yet another embodiment, the padding can be a multi-layer laminate. In this embodiment, padding laminate  146  is a closed or open cell polyurethane foam of thickness ⅛″ and of low crush strength resides directly at hemispherical supports  102  and  104  underneath seat cover  142  and adjacent padding  144  and fixed in place with an adhesive. In this embodiment, the crush strength of padding  144  is greater than that of padding laminate  146 . The combination of the padding and the padding laminate more closely approximates the crush strength of the soft tissues of the rider and hence increases rider comfort.  
         [0027]     In operation, seat post  106  is inserted onto a bicycle frame and attached to the seat using the seat clamp. Once mounted, the horizontal plane of bicycle seat  100  can be adjusted by bending frame supports  135  and  137  with respect to seat clamp  130  and tilting the seat to the desired position. The angle of the seat is a matter of preference, but typically a near horizontal position is desired. In use, bicycle seat  100  directs the weight of the rider to hemispherical supports  102  and  104 . Properly supporting the weight of the rider relieves the pressure from the soft tissues of the male anatomy located in the perineal area commonly associated with typical bicycle seats. By creating a recessed channel in the weight bearing posterior section of bicycle seat  100 , the rider&#39;s weight is properly allocated to the ischial tuberosities and forced to rest primarily on hemispherical supports  102  and  104 . The indented, elongated characteristics of channel  114  located between hemispherical supports  102  and  104  create a space for and take undue pressure off of the soft tissues of the perineum of the rider.  
         [0028]     Cavities  108  and  110  located at the anterior end of channel  114  create concave pockets to properly accommodate, isolate, and protect the male genitals. During use, cavities  108  and  110  isolate the testicles from the pressure of the rider&#39;s weight and support them above the sides of horn  112  to avoid interfering with leg movement. Ridge slope  123  serves to separate the testicles and provide further support. Projection  124  located between cavities  108  and  110  provides more padded protection for the testicles and also provides an orientation point for the rider. The padding thickness is increased between cavities  108  and  110  to create projection  124 . Projection  124  is designed to anatomically meet the inferior linguinal joint of the urethral duct and the testes of the rider. The rider can feel projection  124 , which provides assurance that he is properly situated on bicycle seat  100 . When the rider is correctly situated on the seat, the rider&#39;s body weight is properly distributed on hemispherical supports  102  and  104 . Further, the raised and supported position of the testicles above horn  112  allow the rider to fully use horn  112  for control and stabilization of the bicycle without squeezing the testicles against the sides of horn  112 . With the weight of the rider properly supported, the pressure against the above mentioned body parts is eliminated and a rider is less likely to damage those body parts.  
         [0029]     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.