This disclosure relates to seating, and more particularly to a device for easily converting a bicycle seat to a freestanding seat.
When riding bicycles, it may be desirable to stop for a break, to rest or have refreshments, lunch, etc. It would be desirable to be able to have a chair or other seating arrangement for use during the rest break.
In accordance with the disclosure, a device is provided to use the seat of a bicycle to create a freestanding seat that a bicycle rider can use off of the bike.
Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved seat for use in conjunction with a bicycle.
It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved seat converter for making a freestanding seat temporarily using a bicycle's seat.
It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved method of providing a freestanding seat using a bicycle seat.
The subject matter of the present technology is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and embodiments thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.
The system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a device to convert a bicycle seat into a freestanding seat to be used off the bicycle.
Referring to
Accordingly, the combination of the clamp, legs, web members and seat post and the tension created from the positioning thereof provide a tripod-like configuration that produces, together with the bicycle seat, a suitable seating device, whereupon the user can sit on the bicycle seat (
Referring now to
Considering
Typical dimensions in a particular embodiment are, mount location of clamp base member to seat post bottom 15, 13.4 inches (34 cm), vertical extent of seat post when in use 17, 15.8 inches (40.1 cm), rear of leg 16 (or 18) to front edge of seat post 19, 8.4 inches (21.3 cm), spread of legs at rear 21, 10.5 inches (26.7 cm), individual leg length 23 is suitably 12 inches (30.5 cm) in a particular embodiment.
Typical construction material for the base clamp member 12 is aluminum, plastic, wood or other suitable material, while the legs 16, 18 are fiberglass. Web member 22 is nylon (or in an alternative embodiment (
Referring to
In summary, in accordance with the disclosure herein, a bicycle seat post can be removed, stand by itself and be used as a seat. The post will fit standard size seats. Alternatively, in place of using the provided post, the device will allow a person to remove the seat and post from the bicycle and use them as a seat on the ground or other surface.
Further options for use of the device include storing the legs 16, 18 and web 22, 22′ inside the seat post 14 when not in use. To assemble, the stored legs will be removed from the post and attached.
Also, a pointed end may be provided at the lower end of the post as an attachment thereto, which would stab into the ground for use outdoors.
In use, the seat is removed from the bicycle leaving the seat post attached to the seat. The user installs the clamp member 12 to the bike seat post 14 (the clamp member can remain affixed to the seat post indefinitely). The legs 16, 18 are inserted into the clamp base 12, with the web member 22 passed in front of the lower end of the seat post. The bike seat may now be used as a free standing seat.
The illustrated embodiment employs a clamp base member 12 that is secured by use of bolts and corresponding threads, but other methods of fastening can be employed. For example, in an alternative embodiment, a quick release clamp device is employed instead, allowing for quick placement and removal of the clamp portion when desired.
A further embodiment, in place of clamp base member, provides the leg receiving openings 34, 36 in the base of the seat or at the head of the bike seat post, formed at corresponding angles, rearwardly facing, removing the need for clamp base member 12.
Yet another embodiment employs a rear carrier rack mountable to the bike as the receiving base for attachment of the legs 16, 18, thereto. The rack mounts to the seat post and extends rearwardly (to provide support for carrying items on the bike). Corresponding holes 34, 36 are formed in the bottom of the carrier rack to receive the legs 16, 18 therein.
Accordingly, a portable three legged, tripod type seat utilizing the end user's existing bike seat and seat post is provided. Alternatively, a seat post 14′ may be provided separately from the bike rider's seat post, with the bike seat simply attached to the post 14′. A two piece component 12 clamps onto the seat post at a point near the top end of the seat post, beneath the seat, with the component 12 accepting 2 opposing legs that in conjunction with the seat post create a tripod. The legs will be joined together by a pliable component (web 22) affixed to one end of each leg. The angle and length of the legs will vary depending on seat post height and angle. When deployed, this pliable component will wrap around the end of the seat post creating strength through triangulation and tension. The legs are composed of a rigid yet flexible material which, when properly installed with the strap positioned around the seat post, will place the legs into tension.
While plural embodiments of the technology have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the technology.
Number | Date | Country | |
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20140021752 A1 | Jan 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61527591 | Aug 2011 | US |