Patent Publication Number: US-2015074881-A1

Title: Motorcycle underwear seat pads

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to technical undergarments that improve a person&#39;s comfort while riding a motorcycle, and more particularly to seat pads used inside such technical undergarments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Frequently, when riding a motorcycle, there is irritation of the skin at the primary point of contact with the motorcycle, the seat. While a rider&#39;s hands and feet are used to manage the steering and instruments of the motorcycle, much of the directional control is accomplished by the rider changing weight distribution through his contact on the seat. When a rider accelerates, backward pressure is exerted on the rider in the seating area, and when braking is applied, there forward pressure is exerted on the rider also in the seating area. Moreover, when initiating a turn, it is necessary for the rider to distribute his weight in the direction of the turn. Such continual rearward and forward, as well as side to side, movement can create severe irritation and discomfort in the seat area of the rider. Accordingly, there is a need to provide increased comfort and decreased skin irritation for a motorcycle rider at the seat area. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention provides seat pads adapted for use in technical undergarments that improve a person&#39;s comfort while riding a motorcycle, in particular. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective seat pad for attaching inside the main body of a motorcycle pant, wherein the seat pad comprises a main body, wherein the main body comprises a plurality of raised ribs positioned to conform against the sitz bones of a rider. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a plurality of perforations located between at least some of the raised ribs of the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body extend over substantially all of the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body comprise a first cluster of raised ribs on a first side of the seat pad and a second cluster of raised ribs on a second side of the seat pad, and a space devoid of raised ribs between the first cluster of raised ribs and the second cluster of raised ribs. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body are oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction toward which the leg of a rider extends from the main body of the seat pad. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body are curved. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body are curved convexly in the direction toward which the leg of a rider extends from the main body of the seat pad. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the seat pad comprises two leg extensions extending from the main body and along the underside of the leg defining a space between the two leg extensions, wherein each of the two leg extensions comprise a plurality of raised ribs oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction from which the leg extensions extend from the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a plurality of perforations located between at least some of the raised ribs of the leg extensions. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the leg extensions are curved. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the leg extensions are curved convexly in the direction from which the leg portions extend from the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a region of low relief between the main body and the leg extensions, wherein the region of low relief facilitates articulation of the seat pad between the main body and the leg extensions. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a plurality of perforations located within the region of low relief between the main body and the leg extensions. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises two leg extensions extending from the main body and along the underside of the leg defining a space between the two leg extensions, wherein each of the two leg extensions comprise a plurality of raised ribs oriented substantially parallel to the direction from which the leg extensions extend from the main body. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a plurality of perforations located between at least some of the raised ribs of the leg extensions. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a region of low relief between the main body and the leg extensions, wherein the region of low relief facilitates articulation of the seat pad between the main body and the leg extensions. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a plurality of perforations located within the region of low relief between the main body and the leg extensions. 
     In some embodiments, the main body has two independent padding zones, each padding zone corresponding to the area under one of the sitz bones of a rider, wherein each padding zone comprises two or more areas having different padding densities. 
     In some embodiments, the main body has two independent padding zones, each padding zone corresponding to the area under one of the sitz bones of a rider, wherein each padding zone comprises two or more areas having different padding thickness. 
     In some embodiments, the main body has two independent padding zones, each padding zone corresponding to the area under one of the sitz bones of a rider, wherein each padding zone comprises concentric areas, each area having a different padding firmness. 
     In some embodiments, each independent padding zone comprises concentric areas, each area having a different padding densities. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pad comprises a third independent padding zone corresponding to the area under the tail bone of a rider. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a protective seat pad designed for use with a dual-sport type motorcycle. 
         FIG. 2  shows a protective seat pad designed for use with a sport type motorcycle. 
         FIG. 3  shows a protective seat pad designed for use with a cruiser type motorcycle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the invention and accompanying drawings are discussed below in reference to the numerals provided therein, so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The skilled artisan will understand, however, that the methods described below can be practiced without employing these specific details, or that they can be used for purposes other than those described herein. Indeed, they can be modified and can be used in conjunction with products and techniques known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. The drawings and the descriptions thereof are intended to be exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the drawings may show aspects of the invention in isolation and the elements in one figure may be used in conjunction with elements shown in other figures. 
     Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “one configuration,” “an embodiment,” or “a configuration” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment, etc. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the invention to a single embodiment, rather the element may be included in other or all embodiments discussed herein. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details may be provided, such as examples of products or manufacturing techniques that may be used, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments discussed in the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular structures, process steps, or materials discussed or disclosed herein, but is extended to include equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinarily skill in the relevant art. More specifically, the invention is defined by the terms set forth in the claims. It should also be understood that terminology contained herein is used for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention to the aspects or embodiments shown unless expressly indicated as such. Likewise, the discussion of any particular aspect of the invention is not to be understood as a requirement that such aspect is required to be present apart from an express inclusion of that aspect in the claims. 
     It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a bracket” may include an embodiment having one or more of such brackets, and reference to “the layer” may include reference to one or more of such layers. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result to function as indicated. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context, such that enclosing the nearly all of the length of a lumen would be substantially enclosed, even if the distal end of the structure enclosing the lumen had a slit or channel formed along a portion thereof. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, structure which is “substantially free of” a bottom would either completely lack a bottom or so nearly completely lack a bottom that the effect would be effectively the same as if it completely lacked a bottom. 
     As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. 
     Concentrations, amounts, proportions and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. 
     The protective underwear seat pads of the present invention provide a technical undergarment that possesses unique properties that facilitate greater comfort and utility to a motorcycle rider. 
     The protective seat pads of the present invention can be adapted to various riding positions for different styles of motorcycles. For example, the seats pads can be adapted to a forward leaning position, as experienced on sport bikes, an upright position, as experienced on most dual sport or dirt bikes and a relaxed position experienced by riding most cruiser style motorcycles. Such seat pads can be specifically designed to interface seamlessly with the rider&#39;s area of seating contact and their style of motorcycle. 
     In some embodiments, the seat pads of the present invention are designed to be sewn into a high quality undergarment and to be worn next to the skin. The undergarment may be provided with an elastic waist band at the waist of the undergarment, or at the bottom of the leg portion from which the legs of the rider extend. In some embodiments, the base garment is comprised of different fabrics. For example, a first fabric may be chosen to provide moisture wicking. A second fabric may be a mesh fabric selected for its ability to provide breathability. The use of the different combination of fabrics creates a base garment that is optimized for moisture management and breathability. The material of the undergarment extends down the leg a sufficient distance to cover the area that is in primary contact with a motorcycle seat, for example, approximately 10 cm (4 inches). The undergarment includes an area of protective padding that cover the area of primary contact with a motorcycle seat. The pads also use surface fabrics that provide excellent wicking properties, has a tactile softness, is anti-bacterial, and machine washable. This surface fabric is impregnated with silver ions to provide a permanent antibacterial treatment. In addition, the protective pads may include perforations that are strategically placed for that pad and are dependent on its intended use. 
     Each style of pad is also comprised of different foam densities and shapes. Theses shapes and densities are specific to the contact area that is made for each style of riding position. The specific combination has been optimized to provide maximum comfort for that particular style of riding position. 
     The various embodiments of the present invention, as disclosed herein, can be combined in accordance with the particular needs of the motorcycle rider, for example, depending on the style or type of motorcycle being used, or the particular level of aggressiveness of the rider. In particular, the design of a motorcycle has much to do with the seating position of a rider on that motorcycle. To a great extent the seat height determines where the foot pegs will be located. The foot peg placement is a primary factor in determining riding position. Though many variations, there are three basic riding positions. 
     One type of riding position is the cruiser style position, where the seat is somewhat close to the ground, from about 18 to about 26 inches. This motorcycle style dictates the foot pegs be placed in front of the seating position so that the legs are in front of the rider. The foot pegs are directly below the front of the motorcycle seat or forward of the seat front. The rider is in an upright position with the back straight. The seat for this design of motorcycle is typically wider than seats for other styles of motorcycles. The handle bars are higher than the seat by six or more inches and curve back toward the rider. The length of the fuel tank and thus how far from the top of the front forks, has a bearing on the length of the bar curvature. This position places the weight of the rider on the tail-bone portion of the butt with little or no pressure on tops of the legs since they do not rest with any weight on the seat or fuel tank. 
     Second is the adventure or dual-sport style position, where the seat height is from about 26 to about 34 inches. This allows the foot pegs to be placed in the area from the front of the seat to the rear of the seat, meaning the leg angle is about 90 degrees straight down to canted back with a greater bend in the knee. The handle bars are not much higher than the seat, with a modest curve or setback toward the rider. This allows the rider to sit upright much like at a kitchen table. It also allows the rider to stand-up on the foot pegs and depending on the length of the handle bars, stand in an upright position and have full control of the handle bars. This riding position is also the same as that of the off-road or dirt-bike. The weight of the rider is distributed from the tail-bone to the front of the legs. 
     Third is the sport-bike position, where the seat height is from about 26 to about 32 inches. Again this allows the foot pegs to be set back, often between the middle of the seat to a few inches behind the back of the seat. The handle bars are approximately level with the seat height, shorter in length with not much curve toward the rider. Some handle bars are canted downward in this style of motorcycle. The riders legs are set back with a pronounced bend in the knee and the rider leans forward, forcing the neck to be bent somewhat to keep the head upright so the rider can look directly down the road. The weight of the rider is distributed from the middle of the butt to the front of the legs and inner thighs. 
     In one embodiment, for cruiser style undergarments, the padded area may measure wider, for example, approximately 27 cm across (i.e., side to side) and about 24.5 cm from front to back (i.e., top to bottom). In some embodiments, the basic pad is approximately 3 mm thick so it is not intrusive in the seat area. Such pads may comprise a plurality of different densities of foam padding in the seat-pad, with the most dense (about 5 mm thick) foam formed into an elliptical shape under the tail bone area and the left &amp; right posterior section. The front of the pad is contoured to extend forward approximately 7 cm on both sides in half-elliptical protrusions to fit under the bottom of the legs. With more pressure on the tailbone area due to the legs being forward, this pad shifts pressure adsorption from the inner thigh to the center of the butt and lower thigh. Since most cruiser seats are wider than sport bikes and adventure bikes, the pad is contoured to add comfort across the entire contact area. 
     In other configurations, the density, thickness, and location of the foam may be modified to accommodate dual-sport style riding positions. For example, for dual-sport style undergarments, the density of the foam in this pad may generally be softer than that of the cruiser pad, and may include a plurality of different foam densities and shapes. The foam thickness may range from about 3 mm to about 8 mm. The foam may be a different composition than that of the cruiser briefs, with lower density yielding a softer cushion. The pad for this category of riding style is the most complex as it provides comfort and added functionality for touring involving many hours in the seat, sport riding, where the rider may be maneuvering the motorcycle to corner at high lean angles, and also for dual-sport or dirt riding where the rider is standing on the foot pegs for long periods, moving from seating to standing and possibly shifting from forward to rearward in the seat depending on the topography and terrain. In some embodiments, the pad area under the rider&#39;s posterior is the greatest density. In other embodiments, there is a plurality of horizontal curvatures molded into the pad. This provides added comfort if the rider slides forward and back on the seat. The pad will generally be about 26 cm wide in the anatomic posterior section but flared to about 29 cm wide in the front. At the front of the pad two sections extend approximately 11 cm. These sections flair to a point that is about 11 cm wide and are positioned beneath the rider&#39;s inner thighs. The padded leg extensions are each formed with three vertical sections and one triangular section of medium-density foam. The foam sections counteract friction and chafing from repeated standing up and down that may be encountered riding this style of motorcycle. Between the padded sections are perforations to the pad to allow for optimum breathability. 
     In other configurations, the density, thickness and position of the foam may be modified to accommodate sport bike riding positions. In some embodiments, for sport bike undergarments, the pads may also have a plurality of foam densities, for example, having a thickness ranging from about 3 mm to about 7 mm to about 10 mm. For comparison on density, the 10 mm foam in a sport bike pad may be equal in density to the 8 mm in the adventure dirt bike pad, though it is 2 mm thicker giving greater softness. In some embodiments, the padding beneath the anatomic posterior of the rider may also include a plurality elliptical creases forming a plurality of raised ribs. Since the seat width of sport bikes is typically narrow, the sport pad will typically measure about 25 cm wide, and the two legs extensions will measure about 9.5 cm long and about 8 cm across. In some embodiments, there are two padded sections in each of these leg extensions to give inner thigh comfort when the rider grips the fuel tank with their legs. Because the rider is leaned forward on this type of riding position, denser foam may be used in the front of the pad where the posterior padding ends and the inner and lower thigh padding starts. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 . The present invention generally relates to improved protective seat pads for use in a motorcycle underpant. As used herein, the term motorcycle pant is intended to encompass any type of pant that is worn by a motorcycle rider on the lower torso and has at least a portion that is in direct contact with the rider&#39;s skin. Motorcycle pants may include, but are not limited to, underwear, but may also include overpants used for external protection that could include the protective seat pads of the present invention for use without underwear. The novel features of the protective underwear seat pads disclosed herein are specifically intended to be beneficial when the pad is in direct contact with the skin of the motorcycle rider, and may utilize specific material that is suitable to minimize chafing and abrasion of the skin and maximize transport of moisture away from the surface of the skin. The protective seat pads of the present invention may be applied or sewn to the inner surface of a motorcycle pant, such that the padding has direct contact with the skin. The advantages of the present invention may also be obtained to some degree by attaching the protective seat pads to the inside of overpants, where the protective seat pad will have direct contact with underwear. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown one particular embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a protective seat pad for attaching inside the main body of a motorcycle pant. In the embodiment shown, the protective seat pads  1  of the present invention comprise a main body  2 , comprising a left side  2   a  and a right side  2   b  (as  FIG. 1  is viewed by the observer). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the protective seat pad  1  further comprises two leg extensions,  3   a  and  3   b,  extending from the main body and corresponding to the area along the underside of a rider&#39;s legs. The two leg extensions  3   a  and  3   b  further define a space  4  or void between the two leg extensions where the seat pad is devoid of any padding material. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a protective seat pad for attaching inside the main body of a motorcycle pant, wherein the seat pad comprises a main body having a plurality of separate padding zones. For example, the plurality of separate padding zones may comprise separate and distinct padding zones, where each padding zone corresponds to the area under and conforms to one of the pair of sitz bones of a rider. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , separate padding zones  2   a  and  2   b  are provided, which correspond with the primary areas of contact between a motorcycle rider and a motorcycle seat. In some embodiments, each padding zone comprises a region having padding that is thicker than the surrounding region. In some embodiments, each padding zone comprises a region having padding that is higher in density than the surrounding region. In other embodiments, each padding zone comprises a region having padding that is more firm than the surrounding region. In some embodiments, the separate padding zones are positioned to correspond to the location under the sitz bones of the rider and will conform against the sitz bones when the rider is positioned on the motorcycle seat. As used herein, the term “sitz bones” (or, singular, “sitz bone”) means the pair of sitting bones marking the lateral boundary of the pelvic outlet, technically referred to as the tuberosity of the ischium (or ischial tuberosity). When sitting, especially when sitting in an upright or forward position, the weight is commonly placed upon the ischial tuberosity. Because the sitz bones of individuals will be located a different distance from each other, depending on the anatomy of the particular individual, each of the separate padding zones may encompass an area sufficiently large to accommodate various users. Alternatively, the protective seat pads may be designed to be manufactured in different sizes to accommodate the different anatomy of users. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the protective seat pad may comprise at least one padding zone  2   a  and  2   b  corresponding to the area under and conforming to the tail bone of a rider. The term “tail bone” means the final segment of the vertebral column of a human, which is also referred to as the coccyx. When sitting, especially when sitting in a more relaxed “laid back” position, the weight is commonly placed not just on the sitz bones, but also on the more rearward tail bone portion of the rider&#39;s anatomy. The various embodiments of the present invention may be modified, as appropriate for the particular style of motorcycle riding or configuration of motorcycle, whether that be a sport style motorcycle requiring more forward leaning posture, a dual-sport style motorcycle requiring more of an upright posture, or a cruiser style motorcycle involving a more casual or laid back posture. 
     The plurality of separate padding zones  2   a  and  2   b  may be formed by such methods as providing multiple layers of padding in those zones where a separate padding zone is desired. In some embodiments, the separate padding zones comprise two or more layers of padding. In yet other embodiments, the separate padding zones comprise three or more layers of padding. In other embodiments, separate padding zones may be formed by utilizing padding having greater thickness, greater density, or greater firmness than the surrounding fabric. The separate padding zones may also be oriented concentrically relative to each other, with the central area of each padding zone corresponding substantially to the sizt bones of the rider. In some embodiments, each concentric area may comprise a different density, thickness or firmness, with the area of greatest density, thickness or firmness being the central area. In some embodiments, each concentric area, going from the outer concentric area to the central concentric area, is of greater density, thickness or firmness. The particular shape and location of the plurality of separate padding zones will depend on the particular style of motorcycle riding, or the particular style of motorcycle being ridden, which will determine the particular foam densities and shapes. Theses shapes and densities are specific to the contact area that is made for each style of riding position. The specific combination may be optimized to provide maximum comfort for that particular style of riding position. 
     In one aspect of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the protective seat pads  1  of the present invention further comprise a plurality of raised ribs  5   a,    5   b , and  5   c  positioned to conform against the sitz bones of a rider. The raised ribs are designed to increase the friction between the surface of the seat pad and rider&#39;s skin, so as to limit forward and backward motion caused by sudden acceleration and deceleration.  FIG. 1  illustrates a plurality of raised ribs on the left side  2   a  and right  2   b  regions of the main body  2  of the seat pad  1 . For purposes of convenience, only a select number of raised ribs are numbered in  FIG. 1 , shown as numerals  5   a,    5   b,  and  5   c.  It is understood that, as shown in the drawings, raised ribs will be present on both the left side  2   a  and the right side  2   b  and that each side may have more raised ribs. The raised ribs may be formed, for example, by placing extra padding in the area of the raised ribs, or alternatively may be formed by compressing areas between the raised ribs with heat, so as to cause the underlying foam to permanently collapse and form a valley between the raised ribs. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs are positioned on the main body of the seat pad and extend over substantially all of the main body. In other embodiments, the raised ribs are clustered in designated regions, for example, in the region that corresponds to the sitz bones of a rider, in such a manner as to conform against the sitz bones during use, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the seat pad of the present invention may comprise raised ribs on the main body  2 , wherein the raised ribs comprise a first cluster of raised ribs  2   a  on a first side of the seat pad and a second cluster of raised ribs  2   b  on a second side of the seat pad, and a space devoid of raised ribs between the first cluster of raised ribs and the second cluster of raised ribs. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a cluster of raised ribs is shown on the left side  2   a  of the seat pad, while a separate cluster of raised ribs is shown on the right side  2   b  of the seat pad.  FIG. 1  further shows a region between the left  2   a  and right  2   b  clusters of raised ribs that is devoid of raised ribs. The region devoid of raise ribs may, for example, comprise an area where there is thinner padding, or an absence of padding, or simply have the same padding but without the raised ribs. 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body are oriented or extend lengthwise in a direction substantially perpendicular or transverse to the direction from which the leg portions extend from the main body (i.e., from the left to the right side of the seat pad, or in a horizontal direction, as shown in  FIG. 1 ). In another embodiment, the raised ribs of the main body are curved. For example, in some embodiments the raised ribs of the main body may be curved convexly toward the leg extensions, as illustrated by the raised ribs  5   a,    5   b  and  5   c  in  FIG. 2 , and raised rib  5   d  of  FIG. 1 . In yet other embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body may be curved convexly in the opposite direction of the leg extensions, as show by raised ribs  5   a,    5   b  and  5   c  in  FIG. 1 . In yet other embodiments, the raised ribs of the main body may comprise one or more rib that is curved convexly toward the leg extensions and one or more rib curved convexly in the opposite direction of the leg extensions, thereby forming a section of raised ribs some of which are curved in one direction and some of which are curved in the opposite direction, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which shows some of the raised ribs, namely raised ribs  5   a,    5   b  and  5   c,  being curved convexly in the direction away from the leg extensions, and some of the raised ribs, namely, raised rib ( 5   d ), being curved convexly toward the leg extensions. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the seat pad may comprise two leg extensions,  3   a  and  3   b,  extending from the main body  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The leg extensions  3   a  and  3   b  may be of any dimensions suitable for the intended riding style or motorcycle style being used by the rider. For example, the leg extensions may be somewhat longer for motorcycle styles that require the rider to lean forward and have more leg contact area on the seat (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, the leg extensions may be somewhat shorter for motorcycle styles that require the rider to lean backward in a more relaxed style and have less leg contact area on the seat (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the leg extensions extending from the main body of the seat pad may comprise a plurality of raised ribs  7   a,    7   b ,  7   c,  and  7   d  oriented substantially parallel to the direction from which the leg portions extend from the main body (i.e., from the top to bottom of the seat pad, or in a vertical direction as shown in  FIG. 1 ). In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the two leg portions  3   a  and  3   b  extending from the main body  2  of the seat pad may comprise a plurality of raised ribs, such as those labeled as  7   a ,  7   b  and  7   c,  oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction from which the leg portions extend from the main body (i.e., from the left to the right side of the seat pad, or in a horizontal direction as shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In some embodiments, the raised ribs of the leg extensions are curved. For example, in some embodiments the raised ribs of the leg extensions may be curved convexly in the direction from which the leg extensions extend from the main body. In yet other embodiments, the raised ribs of the leg extensions may be curved convexly in the opposite direction from which the leg extensions extend from the main body. In yet other embodiments, the raised ribs of the leg extensions may comprise one or more rib that is curved convexly toward the direction from which the leg extensions extend from the main body, and one or more rib curved convexly in the opposite direction, thereby forming a section of raised ribs some of which are curved in one direction and some of which are curved in the opposite direction. 
     In yet another embodiment, the set pad of the present invention may comprise a region of low relief between the main body and the leg extensions, shown in  13   a  and  13   b  in  FIG. 1 , wherein the region of low relief facilitates articulation of the seat pad between the main body and the leg extensions. 
     In some embodiments, the protective seat pad of the present invention may also include a plurality of perforations located at selected areas to facilitate breathability, for example, between at least some of the raised ribs of the main body. In some embodiments, the set pad may comprise a plurality of perforations located within the region of low relief between the main body and the leg extensions. In some embodiments, the protective seat pad of the present invention may comprise a plurality of perforations located between at least some of the raised ribs of the main body. In yet other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the protective seat pad of the present invention further comprises a plurality of perforations, shown as  12   a,    12   b,  and  12   c,  located between the separate padding zones  2   a  and  2   b.  In yet another embodiment, the protective seat pad of the present invention further comprises a plurality of perforations located between at least some of the plurality of raised ribs  7   a,    7   b  and  7   c  of the leg extensions  3   a  and  3   b.  For example, the perforations may be located in the area of low relief between the raised ribs, as shown in  FIGS. 1  as  8   a ,  8   b  and  8   c.    
     Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 3 , which illustrates a cruiser style protective seat pad  1  of the present invention comprising a main body  2 , a left side  2   a  and a right side  2   b.  The protective seat pad  1  further comprises two leg extensions,  3   a  and  3   b,  extending from the main body  2  and corresponding to the area along the underside of a rider&#39;s legs. The two leg extensions  3   a  and  3   b  further define a space  4  or void between the two leg extensions where the seat pad is devoid of any padding material. In this particular embodiment, the leg extensions are relatively shorter due to the more relaxed sitting posture of the rider, which results in less leg area coming into contact with the motorcycle seat.  FIG. 3  further illustrates the multi-layered padding areas  2   a  and  2   b,  as well as the padding area  14  underneath the rider&#39;s tail bone. 
     In view of the above disclosure, other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The following claims are intended to encompass other embodiments not specifically described above or illustrated in the drawings, but which are understood to fall within the scope of the present invention.