Shock absorbing seat

• US 5,383,705 A
• Filed: 04/13/1992
• Issued: 01/24/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bernard Voigt
• Original Assignee: Bernard Voigt
• Inventors: Voigt, Bernard
• Primary Examiner(s): Dorner, Kenneth J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nelson, Jr., Milton
• Application Number:
  US07/867,382
• Time in Patent Office: 1,016 Days
• Field of Search: 297/195, 297/204, 297/205, 297/208-211, 297/214, 297/195.1, 248/599, 248/600, 248/620, 248/622, 188/298
• US Class Current: 297/211
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 1/02 Saddles resiliently mounted on the frame; Equipment therefor, e.g. springs
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 1/06 Saddles capable of parallel motion up and down

Abstract

An improved shock absorbing bicycle seat is provided for a pedal/motor power driven vehicle, such as typically but not limited to, a bicycle frame having a seat tube and wheels which consists of a seat assembly. A mechanism is located between the seat assembly and the seat tube on the bicycle frame, for absorbing impulsive forces generated by the wheels making contact with an irregular road surface. The impulsive forces will be assimilated by the absorbing mechanism before reaching the seat assembly to give a rider a smoother and softer ride.

Claims

1. An improved shock absorbing seat for a vehicle, with a frame having a seat tube which comprises:

a) a seat assembly;

b) absorbing means located between said seat assembly and the seat tube on the frame, for absorbing impulsive forces generated by the wheels making contact with an irregular road surface, so that the impulsive forces will be assimilated by said absorbing means before reaching said seat assembly to give a rider a softer and smoother ride;

said seat assembly including;

a seat post being slidably engaged with said seat tube;

a support structure connected to an upper end of said seat post;

a saddle that is carried on said support structure; and

a padded cover to fit over said saddle; and

said absorbing means including;

a pair of external shock absorbers;

mounting means for mounting said external shock absorbers to said seat tube on said frame; and

coupling means for coupling said external shock absorbers to said seat assembly, so that said seat post can slide within said seat tube on said frame; and

each said external shock absorber including;

a cylindrical housing positioned vertically on said mounting means adjacent said seat tube;

a lower disc-shaped retainer carried in said housing;

a coil spring which sits upon said lower retainer;

a telescopic shaft extending upwardly from the center of said lower retainer through said coil spring and above said housing;

an upper disc-shaped retainer affixed to said telescopic shaft which fits over said coil spring; and

a cone-shaped bellows cover which is attached between a top of said housing and said telescopic shaft, to protect said telescopic shaft from weather elements, such as snow, ice, rain and debris.

2. An improved shock absorbing seat as recited in claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes;

a) a bracket clamp having a split lug, so that said bracket clamp can fit about the seat tube on the frame and support said external shock absorbers thereon; and

b) a fastener extending through the split lug on said bracket clamp for securing said bracket clamp to the seat tube.

3. An improved shock absorbing seat as recited in claim 2, wherein said coupling means includes:

a) an elongated rod extending transversely through the upper end of said seat post and said support structure in said seat assembly;

b) a pair of eyelets, each formed on a top end of a respective one of said telescopic shafts; and

c) a pair of bolts, each extending through one of said eyelets and threaded into an end of said elongated rod.

4. An improved shock absorbing seat as recited in claim 3, further including means for adjusting the distance of said lower disc-shaped retainer from said upper disc-shaped retainer to selectively vary the stroke action of said telescopic shaft with respect to said coil spring.