Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02560970 2006-09-26
SEAT PAD FOR CYCLIST GARMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally concerns cycling equipment and, more
particularly,
a seat pad for a cyclist garment and a method of manufacturing the same.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Increased popularity of cycling, at both recreational and competitive
levels,
has resulted in a demand for high quality, low cost cycling apparel which is
effective at
providing the user with bodily comfort during sustained periods of cycling.
[0003] Particularly, considerable attempts have been made at developing a pant
which provides the cyclist with increased comfort concerning contact of the
body with the
cycle seat. Typically, during cycling, a substantial portion of the cyclist's
body weight
bears on the cycle seat. Additionally, when peddling the cyclist's body
undergoes
considerable movement relative to the cycle seat resulting in frictional
contact
therebetween. Such weight bearing and prolonged frictional contact are known
to cause
certain discomforts including minor abrasions and, in some instances, more
serious injuries
suffered at the lower abdomen area of the cyclist.
[0004] Existing cyclist pants include multi-layered seat pads affixed to the
inside
crotch area of the pants. Such seat pads are designed to increase comfort by
providing a
padded buffer between the cyclist and the cycle seat during use. However, such
known
seat pads are often bulky and result in the unintended consequence of adding
to the
cyclist's discomfort upon the cycle seat. Particularly, chafing of the cyclist
is prone to
occur, specifically in the upper thigh area. Also, increased pressure may
result on areas
such as the inner thigh and crotch regions as a result of the bulky seat pads.
Further, such
seat pads are known to be less flexible than desired, thus increasing
discomfort of the
cyclist. Additionally, these known seat pads do not provide suitable
ventilation to the
CA 02560970 2006-09-26
cyclist nor do they allow for drainage of fluids (e.g., perspiration,
rainwater, etc.). Thus,
heat and/or fluid may accumulate, further adding to the cyclist's overall
discomfort.
[0005] Accordingly, a seat pad and a cyclist garment including the same are
desired which provide effective padding against contact with the cycle seat,
increased
flexibility, and proper ventilation and drainage to the lower abdomen area of
the cyclist.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
100061 The above discussed and other problems and deficiencies of the prior
art are
overcome or alleviated by the invention which provides a novel and nonobvious
seat pad
device.
[0007] In one embodiment, the invention provides a seat pad for a cyclist
garment,
including a first side, an opposing second side, perforations formed through
the seat pad so
as to traverse from the first side to the second side and allowing passage of
fluid
therethrough, and at least one channel defined in the first side connecting
together at least
two of the perforations and being configured to direct fluid flow when the
garment is worn.
[0008] The invention further provides a seat pad for a cyclist garment
including a
channel for directing a flow of fluid, where the channel is delimited by a
plurality of
perforations associated by hinge lines, each perforation including a hole
extending through
the seat pad.
[0009] The invention also provides a seat pad for a cyclist garment including
aeration holes extending therethrough, each hole having a first port opening
on a first
surface of the seat pad and a second port opening on a second surface opposed
to the first
surface, the seat pad further including at least one recessed fluid escape
channel defined on
the first surface extending between at least two of the aerations holes and
being in fluid
communication with the first ports of the at least two aeration holes.
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[0010] The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the apparatus
and
method of the invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in
the art from
the following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike
in
the several FIGURES:
[0012] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a cyclist seat pad, in one embodiment
of
the invention;
[0013] FIGURE 2A is a top plan view thereof;
[0014] FIGURE 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIGURE 2A;
[0015] FIGURE 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line 3-
3
of FIGURE 2A;
[0016] FIGURE 4A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the cyclist
seat
pad of FIGURE 1 showing a perforation thereof;
[0017] FIGURE 4B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the cyclist
seat
pad of FIGURE 1 showing a perforation thereof;
[0018] FIGURE 5 is a perspective, exploded view of the cyclist seat pad of
FIGURE 1 showing the multiple layers thereof;
[0019] FIGURE 6 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of one of the
layers
shown in FIGURE 5;
[0020] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the seat pad disposed in a cycling
garment;
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[0021] FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a seat pad in another exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of the seat pad of FIGURE 8; and
[0023] FIGURE 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIGURE 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0024] Figures 1-4 show various views of a cyclist seat pad 10, in one
exemplary
embodiment of the invention. The seat pad 10 is generally a padded
substantially planar
element intended to be disposed in a cycling garment for providing a male
cyclist with
enhanced comfort while sitting upon and riding a bicycle or the like.
[0025] The seat pad includes a front portion 12, an opposing rear portion 16,
and
an intermediate portion 14 disposed between the front and rear portions 12 and
16,
respectively. The front portion 12 is generally U-shaped and is designed to
contact and
support the lower abdominal region of the cyclist. The rear portion 16 of the
seat pad 10 is
somewhat heart-shaped and is substantially wider than the front portion 12.
The rear
portion 16 is generally oriented to align with the buttocks region of the
cyclist. The
intermediate portion 14 serves to connect the front and rear portions 12 and
16,
respectively, and includes curvilinear contouring along sides thereof. When
the seat pad is
properly utilized by the cyclist, the intermediate portion 14 contacts the
crotch and upper
thigh regions thereof.
[0026] A central padded area 18 is disposed centrally on the seat pad 10 about
a
longitudinal axis A-A. (See, Figure 2.) The central padded area 18 extends
from the rear
portion 16, through the intermediate portion 14, towards the front portion 12.
The seat pad
further includes an outer area 20 which extends substantially around a
periphery of the
central padded area 18. The central padded area 18 includes padding, as
discussed further
herein, and is substantially thicker than the outer area 20, as particularly
evident in Figure
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3. The outer area 20 may include padding similar to that of the central padded
area 18 or,
alternatively, the outer area 20 may be relatively flat, or have differing
degrees of padding.
[0027] The central padded area 18 includes a buttocks portions 22 disposed and
designed for contact with the buttocks of the cyclist. The central padded area
18 further
includes a crotch portion 24 extending centrally from the buttocks portions 22
along the
axis A-A into the intermediate portion 14 of the seat pad 10. The crotch
portion 24 is
intended for contact with the crotch area of the cyclist, that is, the region
generally between
the legs. The central padded area 18 terminates toward the front portion 12 of
the seat pad
at a perineum portion 26 particularly designed for contact with the perineum
region of
the cyclist.
[0028] Thinned hinge lines 28 separate the buttocks portion 22 from the crotch
and
lower abdominal portions 24 and 26, respectively. The thinned hinge lines 28
are portions
of the seat pad 10 having a reduced thickness, as best shown in Figure 3. The
thinned
hinge lines 28 allow an area of the seat pad 10 to pivot, or otherwise move,
relative to
another portion. Additional thinned hinge lines 28 traverse a perimeter of the
central
padded area 18 separating the same from the outer area 20. Further thinned
hinge lines 28
extend across the outer area 20.
[0029] The hinge lines 28 are formed by permanently compressing the central
padded area 18 to obtain the desired reduced thickness thereof. The
compression is
achieved by heat treatment or by a high frequency fusion treatment.
[0030] While the thinned hinged lines 28 are described herein and throughout
with
regard to specific dispositions thereof on the seat pad 10, this is in no way
intended to limit
the scope of the formation and the positioning of the hinge lines 28. As
mentioned, such
lines 28 provide the seat pad with an advantageous degree of flexibility.
Accordingly, the
thinned hinge lines 28 may be disposed at any position on the seat pad 10 as
desired to
provide enhanced flexibility thereto and/or to bring any additional advantages
thereof to
the seat pad of the invention.
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[0031] The outer area 20 extends around the central padded area 18, as
mentioned,
and includes upper thigh portions 30 disposed generally at the intermediate
portion 14 of
the seat pad 10, adjacent the crotch portion 24 of the central padded area 18.
The upper
thigh portions 30 are intended for contact with the upper thigh areas of the
cyclist. A
lower abdominal portion 32 of the outer area 20 extends toward the front 12 of
the seat pad
10. The lower abdominal portion 32 of the outer area 20 combines with the
perineum
portion 26 of the central padded area 18 to provide additional support and
padding to the
male cyclist's lower abdominal area.
[0032] Thinned hinge lines 28 extend along the upper thigh portions 30 and
between said portions and the lower abdominal portion 32 to provide increased
flexibility
and added comfort.
[0033] The seat pad 10 further includes a plurality of perforations 34 formed,
for
example, in the central padded area 18. The perforations 34 extend entirely
through the
seat pad 10 to provide ventilation to the central padded area 18 during use of
the seat pad
10. Such ventilation allows airflow to move from the cyclist's side of the
seat pad 10 to an
opposite outer side and vice versa. This airflow cools the cyclist and allows
for fluid
evaporation to thus keep the cyclist dry for enhanced comfort. Furthermore,
the
perforations are sized and disposed to allow for the passage of fluid. That
is, perspiration,
rainwater, etc., which has accumulated on the seat pad 10 against the
cyclist's body is
permitted to drain from the cyclist's side of the pad 10 to the outer,
exterior side. The seat
pad 10 is typically disposed in a cycling pant formed of a moisture wicking
material.
Thus, the fluid which drains through the perforations 34 to the outer side of
the pad 10 is
promptly wicked to an exterior of the pant away from the cyclist's body. This
provides
enhanced comfort and dryness. Additionally, the perforations 34 reduce the
overall weight
and size of the seat pad 10 and provide increased flexibility thereof, thus
enhancing
comfort to the cyclist.
[0034] Each of the plurality of perforations 34 includes a recess 36 which
comprises a substantially curvilinear portion of the central padded area 18
having a
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reduced thickness. See Figures 1-3 and, particularly, Figures 4A-B. That is,
the recess 36
includes a generally planar surface 36' of a reduced thickness relative to the
remainder of
the central padded area 18. The recess 36 further comprises sloping walls 36"
which
descend from the surrounding portion of the padded area 18 to the planar
surface 36'.
100351 Each perforation 34 further includes a hole 38 formed at the recess 36
and
extending entirely through the seat pad 10. The recesses 36 are larger than
the
corresponding holes 38. Thus, the holes 38 are resultantly seated at the
substantially
planar surface 36' of the recesses 36, such that the holes 38 are surrounded
by a portion of
the reduced thickness part of the central padded area 18 which forms the
recess 36. That
is, the holes 38 are essentially inset into the central padded area 18 and
surrounded by a
reduced thickness portion of the central padded area 18.
[0036] The recesses 36 are formed by permanently compressing the central
padded
area 18 to obtain the desired reduced thickness thereof. The compression is
achieved by
heat treatment or by a high frequency fusion treatment. The holes 38 are then
cut, for
example, die punched through the reduced thickness portion of the central
padded area 18
at the recesses 36.
[0037] The recesses 36 may be formed on an interior surface of the seat pad 10
so
as to contact the body of the cyclist. The holes 38, as described, are inset
into theses
recesses 34. Additional recesses may be formed on the outer, opposite side of
the seat pad
12, that is, the side of the seat pad which is affixed to the garment. The
recesses on this
outer side are formed so as to correspond with the recesses of the upper
surface such that
the respective holes traverse from a recess at the interior surface through
the seat pad to a
recess at the outer surface.
[0038] The inset configuration of the holes 38 is advantageous in several
respects.
Firstly, the permanently compressed nature of the recesses 36 expedite
formation of the
holes 38 through the seat pad 10. That is, the holes 38 may be easily and
consistently
punched through the compressed first pad area 18 at the recesses 36 without
encountering
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difficulties inherent in punching or cutting the non-compressed, fully formed,
thick padded
material prevalent at the central padded area 18. Secondly, the compressed
central padded
area 18 resists tearing proximate the holes 38 during formation thereof and
during
subsequent use of the seat pad 10 by the cyclist.
[0039] Additionally, the inset feature of the holes 38 serves to prevent
blockage
thereof during use of the seat pad 10. As noted above, a particular recess 36
is larger in
area than the corresponding hole 38. Thus, due to the larger size of the
recesses 36, the
cyclist's body may contact a portion of one of the recesses 36 while another
portion of the
same recess 36 remains open, thus providing a direct pathway to the
corresponding hole 38
for ventilation. Even if, during use of the seat pad 10, the cyclist's body
fully contacts and
entirely covers a recess 36, the material of the central padded area 18 may
serve to support
the cyclist above the particular hole 38. That is, while the recess 36 may be
covered, the
corresponding hole 38 remains open and capable of allowing ventilation of an
interior of
the recess 36 and of a region of the central padded area 18 proximate the
recess 36.
[0040] Further embodiments of the invention contemplate the perforations 34 as
formed on only a portion of the central padded area 18. For example, the
perforations may
be formed on only the buttocks portion 22 of the padded area 18, or only on
the crotch
portion 24 of the area 18. Additionally and/or alternatively to the
embodiments of the seat
pad 10 thus far disclosed, the perforations 34 may be formed on at least a
portion of the
outer area 20 as shown. For example, the perforations 34 may be formed on the
upper
thigh portions 30 of the outer area 20 and/or on the lower abdominal portion
32 thereof,
etc. The perforations 34, if any, formed in the outer area 20 include the
recesses 36
comprising permanently compressed, reduced thickness areas of the outer area
20 having
holes 38 formed therein, similar to that described above with reference to the
central
padded area 18. Alternatively, the perforations 34 may be formed directly in
the outer area
20 without establishing a permanently compressed portion thereof.
[00411 The perforations 34 may be disposed regularly across the surface of the
central padded area 18 and/or the outer area 20. Alternatively, the
perforations may be
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disposed randomly or in predetermined concentrated groupings across the
central padded
area 18 and/or the outer portion 20.
[0042] In the present exemplary embodiment of the seat pad 10, the central
padded
area 18 includes perforations 34 disposed in both the buttocks portion 22 and
in the crotch
portion 24. The perforations 34 located in the crotch portion 24 include
recesses 36 of
substantially circular shape and having a diameter of approximately four to
seven
millimeters. The respective holes 38 are also generally circular in shape and
include a
diameter of approximately one to three millimeters. These circular
perforations 34
disposed in the crotch portion 24 of the central padded area 18 include a
recess depth of
approximately eight to ten millimeters. Generally, the recess depth is defined
as a distance
from an uncompressed area of the seat pad 10 to the permanently compressed
planar
surface 36' of the recess 36. Perforations 34 which may be disposed in the
outer area 20 of
the seat pad 10 include a recess depth of approximately five to seven
millimeters.
[0043] The perforations 34 disposed in the buttocks portion 22 of the padded
area
18 are generally oval in shape, as shown in Figures 1-4. That is, the holes 38
are
substantially oval shaped and the recesses 36 are correspondingly oval shaped.
The oval
recesses 36 have a length along a major axis of approximately five to thirty
millimeters.
The oval recesses 36 further have a length of a minor axis of approximately
three to twenty
millimeters. These oval perforations 34 disposed in the buttocks portion 22
include a
recess depth of approximately five to ten millimeters.
[0044] The oval perforations 34 are also formed in the crotch portion 24 of
the
central padded area 18 in an area of the crotch portion 24 which is proximate
to the
buttocks portion 22. As shown in the drawings, at least one oval perforation
34 is formed
in the crotch portion 24 adjacent to the buttocks portion 22. Here, in this
example, there
are three oval perforations 34 arranged in the crotch portion 24 proximate to
the buttocks
portion 22.
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[0045] Buttocks portion 22 of the central padded area 18 includes the hinge
lines
28 disposed so as to connect the respective oval perforations 34. In this way,
the planar
surface 36', in which the oval hole 38 is formed, is essentially continuous
from one
adjacent perforation 34 to another. Thus, a channel 35 is delimited which
traverses the
buttocks portion 22 of the central padded area 18. This channel 35 comprises a
region of
reduced thickness formed within the central padded area 18 and extending at
least partially
there across. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of oval perforations
34 are
disposed in a generally linear alignment in the padded area 18. For example,
the major
axes of the oval perforations 34 are aligned along an axis B-B. See, Figure
2B. The axis
B-B extends across the buttocks portion 22 of the central padded area 18,
generally from
the rear portion 16 of the seat pad 10 in a direction toward the crotch
portion 24 of the
padded area 18. A plurality of the oval perforations 34 are disposed along the
axis B-B
and are connected by the hinge lines 28 to thus delimit the channel 35. The
axis B-B is
generally disposed at an angle of approximately 20 degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis
A-A of the seat pad 10. An additional plurality of oval perforations 34 are
disposed in
linear fashion adjacent to the channel 35 and toward an outer edge of the
central padded
area 18. These oval perforations 34 are connected via hinge lines 28 in order
to form a
channel 35' similar in nature and orientation to the channel 35. That is, the
channel 35'
extends substantially linearly across the buttocks portion 22 of the padded
area 18 from the
rear 16 of the seat pad 10 toward the crotch portion 24 of the padded area 18.
The channel
35' is disposed at an angle of approximately 40 degrees relative to the
longitudinal axis A-
A of the seat pad 10.
[0046] The opposite side of the buttocks portion 22 from that shown in Figure
2B
includes channels mirroring the channels 35 and 35' discussed above. That is,
this
opposite side of the buttocks portion 22 includes a plurality of oval
perforations 34 and
hinge lines 28 forming a first channel 35 extending substantially linearly at
approximately
20 degrees relative to the axis A-A and a second channel 35' disposed toward
an outer side
of the padded area 18 and extending substantially linearly at an angle of
approximately 40
degrees relative to the axis A-A.
CA 02560970 2006-09-26
[0047] An additional plurality of oval perforations 34 and corresponding hinge
lines 28 are disposed along the axis A-A so as to form another channel 35".
Accordingly,
in this example, the buttocks portion 22 of the central padded area 18
includes a total of
five channels, each formed by a plurality of oval perforations 34 and a
corresponding
plurality of thinned hinge lines 28. The channels have a depth equivalent to
the depth of
the perforations 34, i.e., the channels have a depth of approximately five to
ten millimeters.
At the crotch portion 24 of the central padded area 18, the various channels
of the buttocks
portion 22 intersect a hinge line 28 which divides the buttocks and crotch
portions 22 and
24.
[0048] As discussed above with regard to the circular perforations 34 of the
crotch portion 24, the oval perforations 34 of the buttocks portion 22 of the
padded area 18
permit cooling and drying ventilation air to flow through the seat pad 10 from
an interior
side adjacent to the cyclist's body to an outer side away from the cyclist.
Additionally, the
channels 35, 35', and 35" formed in the buttocks portion 22 allow this air to
flow between
the various oval perforations 34. Also, the channels allow this ventilation
air to flow from
the rear 16 of the seat pad 10, across the various oval perforations 34, and
to the hinge line
28 dividing the buttocks and crotch portions 22 and 24. This air, of course
also may move
in the opposite direction. In this way, an increased volume of air may pass
through the seat
pad 10 and enter the inner side thereof during use of the pad 10 by the
cyclist.
Correspondingly, a greater surface area of the cyclist's body is exposed to
this ventilating
air. The result is an increased cooling and drying of the cyclist's body in
the area of the
buttocks portion 22 of the seat pad 10, thus providing enhanced comfort.
[0049] The channels 35, 35', and 35" further serve to collect fluid on the
inner
side of the seat pad 10 and to direct such fluid to the perforations at which
the fluid may
drain to the outer side of the seat pad 10. Fluid, such as perspiration, rain
water, etc.,
which is located on the inner side of the seat pad 10 in the vicinity of the
channels 35, 35',
and 35" may readily flow into the recesses 36 surrounding the oval
perforations 34 and or
into the hinge lines 28 extending between the perforations 34. Then the fluid
may move to
the respective oval holes 38 and can pass there through to the outer side of
the seat pad 10.
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Similarly, fluid may flow to or from the hinge line 28 separating the buttocks
and crotch
portions 22, 24 of the padded area. This fluid may then drain into the
channels 35, 35',
35" and through the oval holes 38 to the outer side of the seat pad 10.
Alternatively, this
collected fluid may run through the hinge line 28 between the buttocks and
crotch portions
22, 24 and drain at the upper thigh portions 30.
[0050] The linear disposition of the channels 35, 35', and 35" allows for
increased
flexibility of the buttocks portion 22 of the seat pad 10. That is, each
channel 35, 35', and
35" acts as an axis about which the seat pad 10 may rotate. For example, the
channel 35"
located in the center of the buttocks portion 22 along the axis A-A, allows
the left side
(see, Figure 2B) of the buttocks portion 22 to rotate about the axis A-A
relative to the
opposite right side of the buttocks portion 22. That is, the channel 35"
serves as a central
hinge permitting the seat pad to fold and hinge upon itself. The channels 35
and 35'
perform similarly in allowing certain areas of the seat pad 10 to rotate about
the respective
channe135, 35' relative to other areas of the seat pad 10.
[0051] The seat pad 10 further includes channels 37 and 37' formed in the
outer
portion 20 of the seat pad 10. Particularly, the channels 37 and 37' are
disposed in the
lower abdominal portion 32 and extend from the perineum portion 26 of the
padded area
18 to the front 12 of the seat pad 10. Each of the channels 37 and 37' include
one or more
perforations 34. Particularly, the each of the channels 37, 37' include at
least two oval
perforations 34 connected by hinge lines 28. The hinge lines 28 further extend
from the
oval perforations 34 to the padded area 18 and to the front 12 of the seat pad
10. Similar to
the channels 35, 35', 35", the channels 37 and 37' provided increased
flexibility of the seat
pad 10 and allow for enhanced ventilation air flow and fluid evacuation.
[0052] The channels 35, 35', and 35" are described above as extending in a
generally linear fashion from the rear 16 of the seat pad, across the buttocks
portion 22 of
the central padded area 18, and terminating at the hinge line 28 which
separates the
buttocks and crotch portions 22, 24. Similarly, the channels 37 and 37' are
described as
being disposed in a linear arrangement, extending from the perineum portion 26
of the
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central padded area 18 to the end 16 of the seat pad 10. These configurations
are merely
exemplary of the broad scope of the invention. The seat pad 10 may include any
number
of channels extending in a linear and/or non-linear manner across the buttock
portion 22,
the crotch portion 24, the perineum portion 26 and/or the outer portion 20.
The channels
of the invention may include the oval perforations 34 as described immediately
above,
and/or the circular perforations 34 discussed previously with regard to the
crotch and
perineum portions 24, 26 of the padded area 18, and/or any curvilinear
perforation, and/or
any rectilinear perforation, and any combination thereof. Additionally, the
channels may
extend continuously between any combination of the buttocks portion 22, the
crotch
portion 24, the perineum portion 26, and the outer portion 20.
[0053] The various channels 35, 35', 35", 37, 37' are described herein as
including
the perforations 34. Alternatively, however, some or all of the channels of
the seat pad of
the invention may include no perforations. Thus, rather than facilitating
inflow and
outflow of air and/or fluid, these channels are intended simply to direct flow
of the air
and/or fluid along a length of the channel.
[0054] In one embodiment, the seat pad 10 is a multi-layered element. Figure 5
shows an exploded perspective view of the seat pad 10 revealing the various
layers. As
shown therein, the seat pad includes an inner layer 40, a middle layer 42, and
an outer layer
44. The inner layer 40 contacts the body of the cyclist during use of the seat
pad 10, the
outer layer 44 is fixed to a cycling garment opposite the body of the cyclist,
and the middle
layer 42 is disposed between the inner and outer layers 40 and 44,
respectively.
[0055] While various individual layers of the seat pad 10 are herein
specified, this
description is only exemplary and is not intended to limit or otherwise narrow
the
invention. The seat pad may include any number of layers in any potential
combination
thereof as desired for achieving the comfort properties and padding provided
by the seat
pad. Further, it shall be understood that the layers composing the seat pad
may
individually be formed of a uniform, monolithic material construction or,
alternatively,
such layers may themselves be composed of a plurality of material layers. Thus
when
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describing and reciting "a layer" of the seat pad herein, any of these
constructions are
contemplated, as well as combinations and variations thereof.
[0056] The inner layer 40 is composed of a cloth-like material. That is, the
inner
layer comprises a thin, generally non-compressible, woven fibrous material
formed of, for
example, a polyester such as a brushed micro-fiber polyester. The inner layer
comprises a
thickness of approximately 0.2 to 4.0 millimeters and, in another embodiment,
approximately 0.3 to 2.0 millimeters. In one embodiment, the inner layer 40
further
includes an antibacterial finish disposed on or in the surface of the layer 40
which contacts
the body of the cyclist.
[0057] The middle layer 42 is composed of a thick compressibly resilient open-
cell
foam, such as polyurethane or another "air breathing" material. The middle
layer 42
includes a thickness of approximately ten to fifteen millimeters, and in
another
embodiment, approximately twelve millimeters.
[0058] In the embodiment of the seat pad 10, as shown in Figure 6, the foam
padding material composing the middle layer 42 comprises a plurality of
layers.
Specifically, the middle layer 42 includes a first layer 52 disposed at an
upper side of the
layer 52 proximate the inner layer 40. The first layer 52 comprises a padding
material,
such as a foam, which is designed to readily absorb and release heat from the
body of the
cyclist as desired and provide antibacterial protection to the cyclist.
[0059] In another embodiment, the first layer 52 comprises a thermal control
material having thermal energy storage and insulative properties for use as a
thermal
barrier between a heat source and a heat sink. The thermal control material of
the first
layer 52 comprises a foam base 53 forming an insulative pad and a plurality of
microcapsules 51 dispersed throughout the foam base 53 containing a phase
change
material. The foam base material 53 comprises any suitable, open or closed
cell, moldable
foam such as foamed organic plastic, etc. The microcapsules 51 may be composed
of a
plastic and the phase change material contained therein comprises, for
example, eicosane,
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plastic crystals (e.g., 2, 2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol [DMP]), paraffinic
hydrocarbons, etc.
For example, the first layer 52 may comprise a material commercially available
under the
U.S. Registered Trademark, "Comfortemp DCC" and/or as described in U.S. Patent
Nos.
5290904, 5366801, 5499460, 5637389 and/or European Patent No. EP 0611330,
and/or
International Patent Application No. PCT/US93/05119, all of which said patents
and
applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0060] The first layer 52 generally includes a thickness of approximately less
than
ten millimeters. In another embodiment, the thickness of the first layer 52 is
approximately four millimeters. These thickness, or course, are merely
exemplary, and
refer generally to the present illustrative embodiment of the first layer 52.
The thickness of
the first layer 52 may be greater or less than these approximations and,
further, may vary
across the first layer 52, i.e., various portions of the layer 52 may include
different
thicknesses. Moreover, the amount of thermal control material provided in the
first layer
52 may be varied throughout the layer as desired. Additionally, while the
first layer 52 is
herein described as a generally homogenous single layer, the invention
contemplates the
first layer 52 comprising a plurality of sub-layers. For example, the first
layer 52 may
comprise two or more sub-layers of the above-described thermal control
material. Also,
the first layer 52 may only comprise a simple foam for providing padding to
the cyclist, or
the layer 52 may only comprise the discussed thermal control material, or the
layer 52 may
comprise both the simple foam and the thermal control material without any
limitation of
quantity, thickness, etc. of either product.
[0061] The middle layer 42 further comprises a second layer 54 disposed on an
underside of the first layer 52, that is, opposite the inner layer 40. The
second layer 54 is
composed of a resilient, compressible foam designed to provide the cyclist
with both
padding comfort and support. The foam of the second layer 54 is composed, for
example,
of a Polyurethane expanded polyester base having a density of about 20.0 and a
thickness
of approximately less than ten millimeters. In another embodiment, the
thickness of the
second layer 54 is approximately five millimeters. It is herein noted that the
middle layer
54 is described above and shown in Figure 8 as being disposed at the underside
of the first
CA 02560970 2006-09-26
layer 52. This, of course, is only an exemplary configuration of the middle
layer 42. The
invention contemplates the second layer 54 being disposed atop the first layer
52 or in any
other desirable position relative the first layer 52.
[0062] The middle layer 42 additionally includes a third layer 56 disposed
beneath
the second layer 54 proximate the outer layer 44. The third layer 56 is
composed of a
resilient, compressible foam designed to provide the cyclist with padding
comfort, support,
and moisture absorption. The foam of the third layer 56 is composed of a
Polyurethane
expanded polyester base having a density of about 90 and a thickness of
approximately
less than ten millimeters. In another embodiment, the thickness of the third
layer 56 is
approximately three millimeters.
[0063] The various first, second, and third layers 52, 54, and 56 are fused or
bonded or otherwise adhered together to form the middle layer 42 of the seat
pad 10.
Returning to Figure 5, the middle layer 42 includes a shape which corresponds
substantially to the central padded area 18, described above. That is, the
middle layer 42
includes the buttocks portions 22, the crotch portion 24, and the perineum
portion 26
described above with reference to Figures 1-4. The middle layer 42, however,
is
substantially smaller than the inner layer 40 and, as discussed, includes a
different shape
than that of the inner layer 40. That is, the middle later 42 does not
complement the inner
layer 40.
[0064] This being said, the invention contemplates embodiments wherein one or
several of the first, second, and third layers 52, 54, 56 of the middle layer
42 extend
beyond the limits of the central area 18 of the inner layer 40. For example,
the first layer
52 may extend so as to overlap the outer area 20, partially or entirely, when
the middle
layer 42 is fixed together with the inner layer 40.
[0065] The outer layer 44 is composed of a cloth-like material. That is, the
outer
layer 44 comprises a thin, generally non-compressible, woven fibrous material
formed of a
synthetic polymer, such as a polyamide, for example a nylon. The outer layer
44
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CA 02560970 2006-09-26
comprises a thickness of approximately 0.2 to 2.0 millimeters and, in another
embodiment,
approximately 0.3 to 1.0 millimeters.
[0066] The outer layer 44 is smaller in area than the inner layer 40, but is
generally
larger than the middle layer 42. For example, the outer layer 44 may include a
total
surface area that is between fifty and ninety percent of a total surface area
of the inner
layer 40. Further, the surface area of the outer layer 44 may be between sixty
and eighty
percent of the total surface area of the inner layer 40. Still further, the
outer layer 44
surface area may be seventy to eighty percent of the inner layer 40 surface
area. Moreover,
the surface area of the outer layer 44 may be approximately seventy-five
percent of the
surface area of the inner layer 40.
[0067] Additionally, the outer layer 44 includes an elongated shape different
from
the shapes of both the inner and middle layers 40 and 42, respectively. Thus,
the outer
layer 44 does not complement the inner layer 40 nor the middle layer 42. See
particularly,
Figures 7 and 9a. Specifically, the outer layer 44 includes a first end 46 and
an opposing
second end 50. The outer layer 44 tapers inward slightly at a neck portion 48
giving the
outer layer 44 a substantially hourglass-like shape.
[0068] In one embodiment, the first end 46 of the outer layer 44 extends
toward
and meets the edge of the front portion 12 of the seat pad 10. However, in
another
embodiment, the first end 46 of the outer layer terminates short of, and does
not meet, the
edge of the front portion 12.
[0069] It is particularly noted that the outer layer 44 possesses a somewhat
hourglass-like shaped, as mentioned above. This shape is provided by the wider
first end
46, the even wider opposing second end 50, and the more narrow neck portion 48
disposed
therebetween. The neck portion 48 substantially corresponds to the crotch and
perineum
portions 24, 26 of the central area 18 described hereinabove. That is, the
neck portion 48
(as well as the first and second ends 46, 50) does not extend into the region
of the pad 10
defined as the upper thigh portions 30 of the outer area 20, discussed
hereinabove. The
17
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resulting pad 10 includes thin upper thigh portions 30 thus reducing bulkiness
and
enhancing comfort.
[0070] The inner layer 40, the middle layer 42, and the outer layer 44 are
fixed
together to form the multi-layered seat pad 10. The various layers 40, 42, 44
are fixed
together in any sufficient manner which establishes a lasting bond
therebetween. For
example, the layers may be temperature bonded, high frequency fusion bonded,
affixed
together by use of an ultrasound gun, adhered together with an adhesive such
as a glue, etc.
During this bonding process the materials of the various layers may be
compressed or
otherwise made smaller as desired to achieve a final seat pad 10 a specific
thickness. For
example, inner, middle, and outer layers 40, 42, and 44 having original
thicknesses of one
millimeter, twelve millimeters, and one millimeters, respectively, may be
compressed or
reduced to form into the seat pad 10 having a maximum thickness of
approximately ten
millimeters or less.
[0071] The seat pad 10 fabricated as discussed above, includes a plurality
regions
having distinct thicknesses due to overlapping or non-overlapping of the
inner, middle, and
outer layers 40, 42, and 44. That is, due to the varying shapes and sizes of
the layers
composing the seat pad 10, some areas of the pad 10 include all three layers
overlapped
and thus include a maximum thickness, while other areas of the pad do not
include all of
the layers overlapped upon each other and thus these areas include a reduced
thickness.
[0072] The portion of the pad 10 indicated by the central region 18 comprises
all
three inner, middle, and outer layers 40, 42, and 441aminated together as
discussed herein.
The central region 18 generally includes a thickness of approximately five to
fifteen
millimeters. The buttocks portion 22 of the central region 18 includes a
thickness of
approximately ten millimeters and the crotch and perineum portions 24, 26
include a
thickness of approximately eight millimeters. The materials composing this
region of the
pad (the properties of which are discussed above), and the construction
thereof, provide the
cyclist with sufficient support, enhanced padding against shock and impact,
increased
flexibility, temperature control, and moisture absorption and evacuation.
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[0073] A substantial portion of the weight of the cyclist bears on the cycle
seat at
the central area 18, thus enhanced support and padding is focused in this
region. Such
enhanced support and padding is specifically disposed at and tailored tightly
to the central
area 18 and does not extend into the outer area 20 where the extra bulk
thereof could
interfere with movement of the cyclist's body, thus resulting in discomfort to
the cyclist.
[0074] The region of the seat pad 10 indicated by the outer area 20 comprises
less
than all of the inner, middle, and outer layers 40, 42, and 44. In one
embodiment, this
outer area is composed of only the inner layer 40, that is, the middle and
outer layers 42
and 44 do not extend to the outer area 20. See Figures 9a and 9b. In another
embodiment
of the seat pad 10, a thin foam padding portion of the middle layer 42 extends
from the
central area 18 into the outer area 20 to provide a degree of padding and
support to the
cyclist. Still, in such embodiment of the seat pad 10, the outer area 20 is
substantially
thinner than the central area 18.
[0075] More particularly, the outer area 20 includes an overall thickness of
approximately two to eight millimeters and, more particularly, includes a
thickness of
approximately three millimeters. In one embodiment, the lower abdominal
portion 32 of
the outer area 20 has a slightly increased thickness of, for example,
approximately four to
eight millimeters and, in another embodiment, includes a thickness of
approximately six
millimeters.
[0076] The outer area 20 is designed to provide sufficient support to the
cyclist as
well as padding against impact with the cycle seat. However, as discussed, the
outer area
20 is formed generally thinner than the central area 18 to reduce an overall
bulkiness of the
seat pad 10, thus providing a lighter-weight, more flexible and, hence, more
comfortable
seat pad. It is particularly noted that the upper thigh portions 30 are, for
example, a mere
three millimeters in thickness, less than half the thickness of the central
area 18. In this
way, maximum support and padding is provided to the cyclist where such is
needed the
most, in the region designated by the central area 18, while the other areas,
particularly, the
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CA 02560970 2006-09-26
upper thigh portions 30, remain thin thus providing the user with a full
unobstructed range
of movement in this region.
[0077] In an alternative embodiment, the seat pad can be made of a single-
layered
compressible element. It can include a plurality regions having distinct
thicknesses to
increase the cyclist's comfort.
[0078] The seat pad 10, in one embodiment, is fixed to a cycling garment 60 as
shown in Figure 7. The garment 60 comprises any clothing item to be worn by
the cyclist
proximate the groin and crotch area such as, for example, cycling pants,
shorts, underwear,
etc. The seat pad 10 is fixed to the cycling garment 60 by any suitable method
including,
but not limited to, stitching, temperature or fusion bonding, adhering with a
bonding agent,
etc., and any combination thereof.
[0079] Figures 8-10 show a seat pad 100 in another embodiment of the
invention.
The seat pad 100 is generally a padded substantially planar element intended
to be
disposed in a cycling garment for providing a female cyclist with enhanced
comfort while
sitting upon and riding a bicycle or the like. The elements of the seat pad
100 are identical,
in many respects, to those disclosed and discussed above with respect to the
seat pad 10.
Elements consistent in the seat pads 10 and 100 are indicated by consistent
reference
numerals.
[0080] The seat pad 100 includes the front portion 12, the intermediate
portion 14
and the rear portion 16. The seat pad 100 includes, generally, the same shape
as the seat
pad 10. However, the seat pad 100 is somewhat smaller than the seat pad 10.
Specifically,
the front portion 12 and the intermediate portion 14 of the seat pad 100 are
generally
narrower than those of the seat pad 10. Further, the front portion 14 of the
seat pad 100
does not extend as far as that of the seat pad 10. That is, lower abdominal
portion 32 of the
seat pad 100 is narrower and does not extend as far as that of the seat pad
10.
[0081] The seat pad 100 includes the circular and oval perforations 34 and the
channels 35, 35', and 35" as described above with respect to the seat pad 10.
CA 02560970 2006-09-26
[0082] The seat pad 100 can include the same multilayer structure discussed
above
with respect to the seat pad 10. It is noted that, as with the seat pad 10,
the middle and
outer layers 42, 44 of the seat pad 100 are differently shaped and smaller
than the inner
layer 40. All of the inner, middle, and outer layers 40, 42, and 44 are
uniquely sized and
shaped with respect to one another, all three layers overlapping only
proximate the central
region 18. It is particularly noted that the outer layer 44, which fixes the
seat pad 100 to
the cycling garment, does not complement or otherwise correspond to the inner
layer 40.
[0083] Despite the similarities of the seat pads 10 and 100, the seat pad 100
includes thickness generally less than the corresponding thicknesses of the
seat pad 10.
Particularly, the seat pad 100 includes a thickness at the central area 18 of
approximately
six to ten millimeters and, more specifically, includes a thickness of
approximately eight
millimeters. The thickness of the seat pad 100 at the outer area upper thigh
portions 30 of
the outer area 20 is approximately one to five millimeters and, particularly,
is
approximately three millimeters. The thickness of the seat pad 100 at the
lower abdominal
portion 32 of the outer area 20 is approximately three to eight millimeters
and, in another
embodiment, is approximately five millimeters.
[0084] The differences in size and thickness of the seat pad 100 with respect
to the
seat pad 10 accounts for the unique details and requirements of the female
anatomy. Still,
the seat pad 100 is thickest at the central area 18 in order to provided the
cyclist with
maximum support and padding in this region. The pad 100 is thinner at the
outer area 20,
particularly at the upper thigh portions 30, to reduce bulkiness of the seat
pad and to
increase the flexibility and comfort properties thereof.
[0085] Accordingly, the various seat pads 10 and 100 described herein provide
the
cyclist with increased flexibility to facilitate conforming the seat pad to
the cyclist's body,
enhanced ventilation air flow for cooling and drying the cyclist, and enhanced
fluid
drainage for allowing extraction of perspiration, rainwater, etc., from the
inner side of the
seat pad to an exterior of the pad away from the body of the cyclist.
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[0086] The seat pad of the invention has been generally described herein as
being a
member which is mounted within a pant to be worn by a cyclist, etc.
Alternatively,
however, the construction of the seat pad may be formed integrally within the
pant. That
is, it is not required that the seat pad be an element separate from the pant.
The pad and its
unique features may be formed integrally within the material forming the pant.
[0087] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary
embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing
from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from
the essential
scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to
the particular
embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this
invention, but
that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the appended
claims.
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