Abstract In a seat for cycles, it is most commonly known to have a resilient, porous foam cushion supported by a rigid base and usually protected by a durable weatherproof and chemical resistant fabric covering, the degree of firmness of the seat being inherently constant and dictated by the density and thickness of the foam. In this invention, a flexible, durable, weatherproof and chemical resistant non-porous molded upper shell is bonded to a rigid or semi-rigid underside portion having an air valve, so as to form a cushion assembly enclosing an inflatable, airtight cavity which rests on a rigid supporting base. With this invention, the degree of firmness of the seat may be adjusted to suit individual comfort requirements by increasing or decreasing the air pressure within the cushion assembly cavity by way of the air valve. Moreover, due to the ideal for-mentioned properties of the molded upper shell, the need for a protective durable fabric covering is eliminated. The cushion assembly may be hinged on the supporting base to raise or have similar accomodation for convenient access to the air valve.
An inflatable elongated seat, for use with cycles such as motorcycles carrying thereon a rigid seat-receiving base structure, comprising a flexible inflatable cushion having an upper shell portion of impermeable molded construction with a wall portion extending downwardly therefrom, having an inturned edge, an underside shell closure positioned within said shell and attached in overlying air-sealing relation to the periphery of said wall portion to enclose an air space therewith, valve means connecting with the interior of said air space to permit selected inflation thereof, and securing means attaching said seat to said base structure in substantial conforming supported relation therewith and having said peripheral wall portions positioned in sandwiched relation between said closure portion and said supporting base sructure, to permit ready separation between said cushion and said base when not in use whereby in use loads imposed on said seat by a rider are transferred in distributed relation to said base at least in part through said peripheral wall portion while permitting convenient access beneath the seat by displacement of said seat therefrom when not in use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
An inflatable elongated seat, for use with cycles such as motorcycles carrying thereon a rigid seat-receiving base structure, comprising a flexible inflatable cushion having an upper shell portion of impermeable molded construction with a wall portion extending downwardly therefrom, having an inturned edge, an underside shell closure positioned within said shell and attached in overlying air-sealing relation to the periphery of said wall portion to enclose an air space therewith, valve means connecting with the interior of said air space to permit selected inflation thereof, and securing means attaching said seat to said base structure in substantial conforming supported relation therewith and having said peripheral wall portions positioned in sandwiched relation between said closure portion and said supporting base sructure, to permit ready separation between said cushion and said base when not in use whereby in use loads imposed on said seat by a rider are transferred in distributed relation to said base at least in part through said peripheral wall portion while permitting convenient access beneath the seat by displacement of said seat therefrom when not in use.