Improvements in and relating to Saddles or Seats for Velocipedes, Cushions, Mattresses, and the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 1st June, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Mar., 1898-Accepted, 7th May, 1898
Improvements in and relating to Saddles or Seats for Velocipedes,
Cushions, Mattresses, and the like.
I, WILLIAM JAMES BOLAM, of 72, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Land
Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
My invention relates to saddles or seats for velocipedes, cushions, mattresses and
the like, and comprises the improvements hereinafter set forth.
One object of my said invention is to provide a saddle or seat for a velocipede or
the like that will afford an equal resiliency and elasticity to a pneumatic or air
saddle, or to those having pads or cushions of indiarubber or other resilient material,
without the said saddle or seat becoming warm and uncomfortable when ridden for
any length of time, or, as is the case with padded seats, the material with which the
pads are stuffed becoming pressed or forced to the side or sides thereof by the weight
of the rider, and remaining in that position.
By my improvements I am enabled to construct a saddle or seat that will form a
comfortable support for the rider, being capable of being readily depressed and of
quickly resuming and retaining its proper or normal form when relieved of such
pressure; and which, moreover, owing to its being made in conformity with true
anatomical principles will obviate all possibility of injurious pressure upon delicate
parts of the body, which pressure forms, with the saddles or seats as hitherto con-
structed, one of the principal objections to cycling from a hygienic point of view.
Another object of my said invention is to provide elastic and comfortable seats or
cushions for chairs and the like, and mattresses for use on beds, sofas, and for other
purposes.
According to my said invention I provide a suitably shaped wooden, metallic, or
other frame, upon which frame or foundation I fix a number of steel, or other strips,
or pieces, which are crossed and interlaced or interwoven together in such a manner
as to form a raised elastic springy seat or bed of the proper shape. Although cane
or the like material might advantageously be employed for the above purpose, I prefer
to employ flat steel or ribbon springs of sufficient strength to support the super-
imposed weight, whilst at the same time affording the requisite amount of give or
elasticity. These springs may be secured at their extremities either beneath or
within the frame or foundation, and turned over, crossing and interlacing with each
other as before mentioned. By so securing the said springs, and turning them over
the sides of the frame or foundation, I am enabled to ensure their being pressed
outwards when supporting the weight of the rider, and thus forming an elastic and
easy seat, or bed.
In some instances I may fit over the above described interlaced or interwoven
springs a cover of leather or other suitable material.
Dated this 1st day of June 1897

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Saddles or Seats for Velocipedes,
Cushions, Mattresses, and the like.
I, WILLIAM JAMES BOLAM, of 72, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Land
Agent, 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 follow-
ing statements:-
-
* 3
My invention relates to improvements in and relating to saddles or seats for
velocipedes, cushions, mattresses, and the like whereby certain advantages are
obtained. In order to render clearer the description of my invention I have
appended a sheet of drawings in which,
Figure 1. is a plan of a cycle saddle.
Figure 2. is a vertical section of the above.
1
Thus
My invention may for the purposes of description be regarded as consisting of two
parts, namely the frame A, and the elastic members B. With reference to the frame,
this may be of wood, metal, or other suitable material and its shape will,,be
determined by the particular purpose to which my invention is to be applied.
in the case of a cycle saddle as shown in the drawing the frame is of the usual form
adopted in such saddles but can be of any other form which may be designed while
in the case of cushions or seats for chairs, mattresses and the like the frame is formed
into the shape required by such articles.
With reference to the elastic members, these may be of any material which
possesses a sufficient amount of resilience, such for example as steel... In the form
illustrated I employ flat steel or ribbon springs as this is a form well suited for (a
cycle saddle.
The elastic members are bent over the frame and are affixed thereto
in such a manner as to allow of their taking a curve which approximates to what, is
known as the "elastic curve," see Rankine's Applied Mechanics on the Elastic
Curve, thereby offering certain advantages unobtainable under other conditions
The curve taken by the elastic members is shown diagramatically in Figure 2. and
it will be seen that the elastic members project beyond the lines and v v with
the result that the limbs of the sitter are prevented from coming into actual contact
with the frame A. It is further seen that a vertically downward pressure exerted
upon the elastic members has the effect of pressing outwards the portions of these
members marked C and D. While on the other hand the lateral pressure exerted
by the limbs of the sitter upon these portions has the effect of pressing upwards the
central portion of the elastic member B.
The elastic members may be made to interlace with one another in any desired
manner their number and position relative to one another and the frame being
determined by the particular requirements of the case to which my invention is
applied. I may if desired put a cover over the elastic members.
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:— I
(1) In saddles or seats for velocipedes, cushions, mattresses and the like the
employment of elastic members of such material and so affixed as to take approxi-
mately what is known as the "elastic curve."
(2) In saddles or seats for velocipedes, cushions, mattresses and the like the

page_text: employment of elastic members interlaced and affixed substantially
purpose set forth.
as for the