Improvements in Saddles for Bicycles and other Vehicles.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application. 22nd Mar., 1892-Accepted, 23rd Apr., 1892
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Saddles for Bicycles and other Vehicles.
1, WILLIAM ISAAC BUNKER, Manufacturer, residing at La Grange, Cook
County, Illinois, a Citizen of the United States of America, do hereby declare the
nature of my invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The saddles previously in use for this purpose have had numerous defects which
rendered them objectionable. In some instances they are insufficiently elastic or
springy, and when coiled springs are placed beneath the saddle to overcome this
defect, the resiliency of these springs tends to throw the feet of the rider off the
pedals, interfering with the running of the bicycle to the best advantage. The
object of my invention is to overcome these and other defects, and to that end
construct a saddle which adapts or shapes itself to the desired form under and by
reason of the weight of the rider. In this way, the saddle automatically changes
its shape under the movements of the rider, so as to offer as little resistance to such
movements as possible, leaving the rider free to operate the machine to the best
possible advantage.
My improved saddle is simple, durable and elastic, may be easily and cheaply
made, and is efficient in operation and the invention consists in the features and
details of construction hereinafter described and claimed.
In the drawings,
Figure is a perspective view of one form of saddle made in accordance with
my invention;
Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 6 perspective views of modifications thereof; and
Figs. 7 and 8 vertical cross sections through the seat of the saddle, illustrating
further modifications.
When made in the form shown in Fig. 1, the saddle comprises the bracket A,
and the scat B. The bracket may be made in the form shown in the drawings,
out of any suitable material and of any desired size. It is preferably provided
with a perforated lug or extension a, which may be passed over the end of the rod
or bar A', by means whereof the saddle is connected to the bicycle. A set screw a'
is also preferably provided to secure the bracket in any desired position along the
bar. I do not, however, consider this way of connecting the bracket to the bicycle
in any way essential, and merely show and describe it as being one suitable way of
accomplishing this result, and if desired, part of the machine itself may be suitably
placed or shaped to receive and support the seat, and therefore I use the term
"bracket" in the Specification and claims as meaning that portion of the machine
supporting the seat, whether made as a part of the machine or separate
from it.
The saddle B is made in the form of a piece of tubing, of rubber, or rubber
and canvas in layers, or any other suitable material, cut to the desired length and
secured in the arms b of the bracket, which are shaped to fit it, by means of
riveting, cementing, or any other method which will securely connect the two parts
of the saddle.
In Fig. 2 I have shown a modified form of seat, consisting of two tubes B,
secured together or not as desired, and which may be supported by means of a
bracket similar to that shown in the first figure; the form of the arms, being
suitably modified to accommodate the double tube.
In Fig. 3 the form of the bracket is somewhat modified. It is still provided
with a lug a, or other suitable means of connecting it to the bicycle, but in place
of the arms B. I provide sockets C, C'; the socket C at the front end of the seat
being of a somewhat oval form, with the longer axis in a substantially vertical

page_text: position, while the socket C, at the rear of the saddle, is of a similar form, but
with its longer axis in a substantially horizontal position. The ends of the tubing
forming the seat are inserted into these sockets, and held in place there by means
of rivets c, as shown, or cementing, or any other desired means. While I have
shown sockets adapted to inclose both sides of the end of the tubular seat, it will
be evident that a mere oval flange adapted to encircle the outside of the tube, or
to be inserted within the end of the tube, might be used as well, since such flange
would serve equally to accomplish the desired result, which is to narrow the seat
vertically in front, and broaden it horizontally in the rear, so that while affording a
comfortable seat, the saddle shall interfere as little as possible with the movements
of the rider.
In Fig. 4 I have shown a form somewhat similar to that in Fig. 3, the bracket
being provided at its front end with the same oval socket or flange, with its longer
axis standing in a substantially vertical position. The rear end of the bracket,
however, is provided with an arm b, of substantially the same shape as those shown
in the first figure of the drawing. The front end of the tube is secured to the
socket or flange in the manner described when speaking of the form shown in Fig. 3,
and the rear end of the tube is secured in any desired manner within the arm, this
end of the tube being left in practically its original form. This construction is
adapted to attain the same results as that shown in Fig. 3, the form of the seat
and bracket being slightly changed.
In Fig. 5 the seat is composed of three pieces of tubing, B, two of them resting-
in the arms of the bracket, the form of the bracket being somewhat changed to
accommodate the tubes, and the third piece secured to the other two by rivets,
cement, or other suitable means.
In Fig. 6 I have shown my invention in the form of a pneumatic saddle. The
bracket may be of the form shown in this figure, or in any other suitable form
adapted to support the seat. This seat consists of a cylinder of material similar to
the seats already described, but is closed at its ends, and is provided with a tube D,
through which the air is introduced into the seat to inflate it; this tube being
preferably provided with a valve opening inwards, so that while air may be
introduced past the same, the air already in the seat is prevented from escaping.
In Fig. the seat is filled with hair, cotton, or other suitable material, which
will assist in maintaining the form of the seat; and in Fig. 8 have shown
upholstering springs for the same purpose.
By means of this method of construction, I provide a saddle which is easy
and elastic, shaping and adapting itself under the weight of the rider in such
manner as to interfere in the least possible extent with his motions, while at the
same time affording a firm and comfortable seat. Moreover, although the saddle
is simple and economical to construct, it is exceedingly durable.
While I have described more or less precise forms, it is not my intention to limit
myself thereto, since I contemplate changes in form, material and proportions, and the
substitution of equivalent members as may be necessary or desirable.
For instance,
the seat may be lined with leather or other material, or covered therewith; the
method of connecting the bracket to the bicycle, and the seat to the bracket, may be
altered as circumstances may require and similar changes may be made in any of
the parts of the saddle.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. In a saddle for bicycles and other vehicles, a flexible tubular seat conforming
substantially to the desired shape under the weight of the occupant, substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
2. A saddle for bicycles and other vehicles, comprising a bracket, and a flexible
tubular seat conforming substantially to the desired shape under the weight of the
occupant, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

page_text: 3. A saddle for bicycles and other vehicles, comprising a bracket and a tubular
seat secured thereto, such seat being flattened at one of its ends, substantially as
and for the purposes set forth.
4. A saddle for bicycles and other vehicles, comprising a bracket and a tubular
seat, such seat being flattened vertically at one end and horizontally at the other,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
5. A saddle for bicycles and other vehicles, comprising a bracket and a flexible
tubular seat secured thereto, such seat adapted to conform automatically to the
desired shape under the weight and movements of the occupant, substantially as
and for the purposes set forth.
6. A saddle for bicycles and other vehicles, comprising a bracket and a
tubular seat secured thereto, springs or other elastic material being placed
inside such seat to preserve the form thereof, substantially as and for the purposes
set forth.
7. A saddle for bicycles and other vehicles, comprising a bracket and a
tubular seat made in three parts, two of such parts being secured to the
bracket, and the other part being secured to the first two, substantially as and for
the purposes described.
Dated this 22nd day of March 1892.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.