Improvements in Saddles for Cycles.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Nov., 1896-Accepted, 19th Dec., 1896
Improvements in Saddles for Cycles.
I, WILLIAM FARLEY MULLER of 17, Place de l'Hotel de Ville, Havre,
France, Dentist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in connection with saddles for cycles and
has for its object to provide a simple arrangement whereby such saddles may adapt
themselves to the motion of the body in riding, thus rendering riding much more:
comfortable.
In carrying out my invention I employ a device which allows the saddle to rock
in any direction around a central supporting pin, a resilient cushion being furnished,
which keeps the saddle in its normal position excepting when an uneven pressure
causes it to turn to one side. To allow the saddle to rock in this manner a ball
and socket joint is employed, oue part of which is fitted to the saddle and the other
to a pin clamped or otherwise fixed to the saddle pin. A spring or resilient
cushion preferably formed by the combination of a spiral spring and block or
cylinder of rubber forms a support for the saddle, allowing it to dip in any
direction but returning it to its level position immediately pressure is removed.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings in which
Fig. 1 is a section of a saddle fitted with my improvement,
Fig. 2 is an elevation or part of the device, and
Fig. 3 is a sectional plan.
A is the metal socket fitted to the saddle B which may be of any suitable form.
Within this socket the ball C is placed carried on the end of the pin or spindle c.
The ball is preferably not quite spherical, the lower part being attened at the
point bearing against the rubber ring or cushion D which is placed around the
pin. The pin or spindle is carried by the clamp E which is fitted in the ordinary
manner to the saddle pin of the cycle being provided with a plate e which serves to
clamp the cushion D between it and the lower surface of the socket A.
In order to render the spring or resilient cushion more effective the spiral steel
or other spring G is employed. This spring is screwed or otherwise fixed to the
socket and to the plate e and the rubber ring is placed within this spiral spring,
being preferably also vulcanised. Instead of placing the rubber cushion inside the
spiral spring the latter may be embedded in the rubber. Around the cushion the
clamp H is fitted consisting of a split ring with a screw or bolt and nut allowing
the clamp to be adjusted. This clamp holds the rubber securely in place and also
allows it to be adjusted so as to give the required firmness to the support it affords
the saddle, its resiliency being altered according to the tightness of the clamp.
As this saddle oscillates or moves with every action of the body and legs of the
rider it enables the cycle to be driven with less exertion than is the case with the
ordinary arrangement. Comfort in riding is also greatly increased there being no
liability for the saddle to chafe the rider or in any way to injure him. This saddle
is also much more durable than the one at present in use as the parts are not liable
to break or wear rapidly.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
(1) In an improved saddle for cycles the combination with a ball and socket
joint supporting the saddle, of a spring or resilient cushion keeping the saddle in
proper position but allowing it to dip in any direction, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
(2) In an improved saddle for cycles the combination with a ball and socket
joint supporting the saddle, of a spring or resilient cushion and a clamp around the
said cushion, allowing it to be adjusted, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
(3) In an improved saddle for cycles the combination with a ball and socket
joint supporting the saddle, of a resilient cushion formed from a pad of rubber and
a spiral metal spring combined together, and an adjustable clamp surrounding the
said cushion, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(4) In an improved saddle for cycles the combination of a socket fitted to the saddle,
a ball fitting in the said socket, a spindle and clamp carrying the ball and secured
to the saddle pin, a resilient cushion formed from a rubber pad and a spiral spring
and an adjustable clamp surrounding the cushion, substantially as described and
shown in the accompanying drawings and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 3rd day of November 1896.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, Loudon, Agent for the Applicant.