Inflatable/deflatable motorcycle seat cushion

• US 5,634,685 A
• Filed: 03/20/1995
• Issued: 06/03/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Charles Herring
• Original Assignee: Charles Herring
• Inventors: Herring, Charles
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelson, Jr., Milton
• Application Number:
  US08/405,751
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 297/199, 297/200, 297/217.3, 297/284.1, 297/284.3, 297/284.6, 297/452.41, 297/DIG. 3, 297/219.11, 297/228.12, 297/228.13, 5/449, 5/453, 5/454, 5/654
• US Class Current: 297/219.11
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 1/26 Paddings involving other resilient material, e.g. sponge rubber with inflatable compartments
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 297/03 Pneumatic

Abstract

An inflatable/deflatable cushion system adapted for installation onto a motorcycle seat may be operated either manually or electrically operated. In the latter case, an electrically operated air compressor is supported on the motorcycle and connected in a pneumatic path to an air port on the cushion. An electrical switch in electrical communication with a source of electrical power on the vehicle includes a first position activating the air compressor, causing the cushion to inflate, and a second position causing the cushion to deflate. In the preferred embodiment the cushion is generally U-shaped and attached to the motorcycle seat such that the rounded section of the U is most rearward on the seat with the ends of the U pointing forwardly.

Claims

1. An inflatable/deflatable cushion for a motorcycle seat having a rear portion and an upper surface with a perimeter, comprising:

a single, generally U-shaped bladder having an air port for inflation and deflation thereof, wherein, with the bladder properly positioned, the two ends of the U are oriented forwardly and the rounded section of the U is oriented rearwardly and shaped for conformal agreement with the rear portion of the motorcycle seat for a single rider thereon;

means to permanently hold the bladder against the upper surface of the motorcycle seat; and

means to inflate and deflate the bladder once positioned.

2. The inflatable/deflatable cushion of claim 1, wherein the bladder is disposed beneath a layer of upholstery material covering the bladder.

3. The inflatable/deflatable cushion of claim 1, wherein the means to permanently hold the bladder against the upper surface of the motorcycle seat includes a pair of opposing straps which attach to one another underneath the seat, rendering such attachment inaccessible with the seat in place for use.

4. An inflatable/deflatable cushion system for a motorcycle having a saddle with lower and upper levels to accommodate a driver and a passenger, respectively, each level having an upper surface with a specifically shaped perimeter, the system comprising:

two shaped bladders, each having its own air port for inflation and deflation thereof, the shape of each bladder being adapted to conform to at least a portion of the perimeter of the respective level upon which it is installed;

independent means for holding each bladder in place on its respective level; and

independent means to inflate and deflate each bladder.

5. An inflatable/deflatable cushion system adapted for installation onto a motorcycle having a source of electrical power and a seat having an upper surface with a perimeter, comprising:

a shaped bladder having an air port for inflation and deflation thereof, the outer shape of the bladder being adapted to conform to at least a portion of the perimeter of the seat;

means to attach the bladder to the upper surface of the seat;

an electrically operated air compressor with means for mounting the compressor to the motorcycle, the compressor including an air output connected in a pneumatic path to the air port on the bladder; and

an electrical switch adapted for electrical connection to the source of electrical power, the switch having a first position activating the air compressor and causing the bladder to inflate, and a second position causing the bladder to deflate.

6. The cushion system of claim 5 wherein the air compressor may be operated alternatively in a pressurization and suction mode at its output, the second position of the switch causing the compressor to operate in suction mode so as to deflate the cushion.

7. The cushion system of claim 5 further including an electrically operated pneumatic valve, and wherein the first position of the switch causes air to flow from the compressor to inflate the cushion, and the second position enables air to be expelled from the cushion, thereby deflating it.

8. The cushion system of claim 5 further including a manually operated valve for deflating the cushion.

9. The cushion system of claim 5 further including manually operated means for inflating the cushion.

10. The cushion system of claim 9, the manually operated means for inflating the cushion including a bulb-type hand pump connected in a pneumatic path with the air port.