FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a saddle arrangement for a bicycle, and in particular, to a saddle arrangement comprising a pair of moving parts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bicycles have long existed as a proven and effective form of personal transport for people of all ages and social backgrounds. Bicycles come in various forms but generally comprise at least a pair of wheels with at least one of the wheels connected to a cog that is rotated by way of pedals or the like, to rotate the wheel and provide motion.

For young people and those lacking in balance control, the bicycle may comprise three or more wheels and may be referred to as a tricycle. For those individuals with balance control, the bicycle may comprise two wheels in planar alignment and the individual may sit upon a frame bridging the wheels such that they can rotate the pedals and apply motion to at least one of the wheels, typically the rear wheel.

Over time, the manner in which the frame of the bicycle is configured and the wheels and pedals of the bicycle inter-engage has developed significantly. Gears have been developed to provide the rider with an ability to vary the amount of energy transferred to the wheels of the bicycle during rotation and various materials have been introduced to make the frame of the bicycle lighter to improve the ride efficiency.

Similarly, various developments have been introduced to improve the comfort of the rider of the bicycle. Such developments include the introduction of shock absorbing features in the frame of the bicycle and the use of handlebars of varying shapes and configurations. Attempts have also been made to increase the seating comfort of the rider by providing saddles of various shapes and sizes. Whilst the use of cushioning materials and the like has proven effective in providing padding comfort to the rider, especially over long journeys, the general shape and configuration of conventional saddles provides little support to most riders requirements.

Conventional saddles for bicycles comprise appointed nose or horn portion that extends between the legs of the rider and a wider rear portion to support the rider’s buttocks. As the nose or horn portion is located between the rider’s legs, it can place considerable pressure in the perineum region of the rider, which can be painful and cause the rider distress. This can have an adverse effect and may reduce the rider’s enjoyment of the cycling experience.

Various saddle arrangements have been proposed to split the saddle into two halves to avoid pressure on the rider’s perineum. However, most proposed arrangement have relied upon a saddle with pivoting portions that pivot about a common axis adjacent the stem of the saddle. Such solutions have been ineffective in providing appropriate support to the rider and have not been effective in providing comfort as the pivoting action can place pressure along other regions of the rider’s legs and lower back, merely shifting the problem.

Thus, there is a need to provide a saddle arrangement that provides support and comfort to the rider and which adapts to the rider’s physiology during the riding experience.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a saddle for a bicycle comprising: a mount member for attachment to the bicycle; at least two support assemblies mounted to the mount member, each support assembly having a pad member configured to support a posterior of a rider of the bicycle; wherein each pad member of each support assembly is movable in an arc about an axis located above the support assembly.

In one embodiment, each pad member of each support assembly is independently moveable. In another embodiment, each pad member is configured to support a buttock and an upper hamstring region of the rider’s leg during a pedalling motion. The pad member may have an upper surface that is padded to support the rider wen seated on the saddle. The pad member may have an upper surface that has a substantially convex configuration.

The mount member may be configured to be attached to a seat post provided on a frame of the bicycle.

Each support assembly may be mounted to the mount member such that they are separated by a gap formed therebetween.

The pad member of each support member may be mounted on a stem that attaches the pad member to the mount member. The stem of each support member may be mounted to the mount member such that it is free to move in said arc under pedalling motion of the rider.

In one embodiment, the arc movement of the stem may be provided by an end of the stem sliding along an arcuate track provided in the mount member. The arcuate track may comprises rollers or bearings to facilitate said sliding movement of the stem.

In another embodiment, the pad member of each support member may be mounted on a curved bearing track that is attached between rollers mounted on opposing sides of the mount member. The rollers may be provided in a triangular formation such that the curved bearing track engages with the rollers along an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface and the lower surface of the curved bearing track may have a groove formed therein to facilitate engagement with the rollers, such that the curved bearing track is free to slide over the rollers as the rider pedals.

In another embodiment, the pad member of each support member may be mounted to the mount member by way of a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism may comprise a front bar and a rear bar pivotally connected at opposing ends to the pad member and the mount member such that under pedalling action of the rider the front bar and the rear bar pivot to provide an arc motion of the pad member.

In another embodiment, the pad member of each support member may be mounted to the mount member by way of a swing arm pivotally connected to the mount member. The swing arm may comprise a vertical portion that is pivotally connected to the mount member at an upper end thereof, and a horizontal portion extending from a lower end of the vertical portion, wherein the pad member is mounted to a free end of the horizontal portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle incorporating the saddle arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the saddle arrangement of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the saddle arrangement of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the saddle arrangement of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the saddle arrangement of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of a support assembly of the saddle arrangement of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the support assembly of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an end view of the support assembly of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the saddle arrangement of Fig. 1 in use; Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are perspective and front views of an alternative embodiment of a saddle in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are perspective and front views of another alternative embodiment of a saddle in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 14 - Fig. 16 are perspective, front and side views of yet another embodiment of a saddle in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 17 - Fig. 19 are perspective, front and side views of still yet another embodiment of a saddle in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 20 - Fig. 22 are perspective, front and side views of still yet another embodiment of a saddle in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 23 - Fig. 26 are side views of a bicycle employing a saddle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing the manner in which the saddle adapts to the rider during a pedalling motion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be described below in relation to a saddle for a conventional two-wheeled bicycle. However, it will be appreciated that the saddle arrangement of the present invention could also be used in relation to tricycles and other pedal powered vehicles as well as stationary bicycles, such as exercise bicycles and the like.

Referring to Fig. 1, a bicycle 10 employing the saddle 20 of the present invention is depicted. The bicycle 10 comprises a frame 14 having a front wheel 12 and a rear wheel 13 mounted at opposing ends of the frame 12. Handlebar 15 is mounted to the frame 14 at the front end thereof to control the rotation of the front wheel 12 to steer the bicycle when in motion.

Motion is applied to the bicycle 10 by way of pedals 16 attached to a chain wheel 16a. As the pedals 16 are rotated about a central axis by the feet of the rider, the chain wheel 16a rotates causing a drive chain 17 to travel around the chain wheel 16a. The drive chain 17 also engages with a cog 13a provided about the axle of the rear wheel 13, such that the rear wheel 13 is caused to rotate. Such rotation of the rear wheel 13 causes the bicycle to move at the desired speed determined by the speed of rotation of the pedals by the rider.

The saddle or seat 20 supports the rider’s posterior as they pedal the bicycle. As will be appreciated, as the rider applies pressure to the pedals 16, their legs will retract and extend as the pedal rotates in a circular or orbital motion. This will generally cause the rider’s hips to rock or sway laterally as one leg extends and the other leg retracts. In conventional one-piece saddles, the rider’s buttocks will apply alternating pressure on opposing sides of the surface of the seat or saddle, which may have cushion material or springs to absorb some of the pressure. However, over time, the continuous alternating pressure on the rider’s posterior will cause discomfort, especially on long rides.

To address this, a saddle 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is provided, as depicted in Figs. 2- 5.

The saddle 20 has a stem 22 that has a proximal end that is configured to be inserted into the seat post 18 of the bicycle, as depicted in Fig. 1. The stem 22 has a length extending between the proximal end and a distal end that connects to the saddle 20, which is sufficient to provide a degree of height adjustment of the saddle 20 with respect to the frame of the bicycle 10, to suit riders of varying heights.

The saddle 20 has a mount member 25 that attaches to the distal end of the stem 22. The mount member 25 may take a variety of forms but generally comprises a pair of opposing side surfaces to which support assemblies 30 are mounted, in the manner as shown. The width of the mount member 25 is sufficient to provide a space between the support assemblies 30 such that each support assembly is free to move independently of each other support assembly 30, in a manner as will be described in more detail below.

One embodiment of a support assembly 30 is shown in isolation in Figs 6 - 8. In the depicted embodiment, each support assembly 30 has a pad member 32 that is configured to support the posterior of the rider when in use. In this regard, the pad member 32 has an elongated configuration with a substantially convex upper surface, as shown more clearly in Fig. 7. The pad member 32 may be cushioned or padded to provide added comfort to the rider. The pad member is configured such that it not only supports the buttock of the rider but also extends along the upper hamstring of the rider to provide support to the rider as the rider’s legs extend and retract under the pedalling motion. In this regard, the pad member may be provided in a plurality of different lengths and sizes to accommodate different sized riders with different bone sizes and seating requirements. The widths of the pad members may vary as may the ability to vary the separation between pad members to accommodate different comfort requirements of different riders.

The pad member 32 is mounted upon a support stem 34, in the form of a thin plate that extends from a central region of the underside of the pad member 32. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 - Fig. 8 the support stem 34 has runners 35 provided at a distal end thereof. The runners 35 are in the form of two pairs of roller members 36 located on opposing sides of the support stem 34. The pairs of roller members 36 are mounted adjacent a front and rear edge of the support stem 34 and may be in the form of wheels or discs configured to freely rotate about a common central axis.

The runners 35 of the support stem 34 are received within a track member 38 that has a travel surface 39 located therein. The travel surface 39 is configured to receive the runners 35 thereon and functions as a path for the runners 35 to travel along. The travel surface 39 has a concave configuration such that as the rider pushes down with their legs and applies a force against the forward region of the pad member 32, the pad member 32 will tilt forward as the runners 35 of the support stem move toward the rear of the track member 38. Similarly, when the rider’s legs move upward at the end of the pedal stroke, a force will be applied to the rear of the pad member 32 by the rider’s buttocks, causing the runners of the support stem to move toward the front of the track member 38, returning the pad member 32 to a more horizontal position as desired.

In order to maintain the support stem 34 within the track member 38, an upper region of the inner surface of the track member has retaining grooves 37 formed on opposing surfaces thereof. The retaining grooves 37 follow the curved, concave configuration of the travel surface 39 and function to receive locating members 40 mounted on opposing sides of the support stem 34. The locating members 40 are configured to freely slide within the retaining grooves 37 and provide stability to the support stem by retaining the support stem 34 in a substantially vertical position, which is prevented from being removed from the track member 38.

It will be appreciated that manner upon which the support stem 34 slides within the track member 38 and is retained in contact with the tack member 38 could vary. In this regard, rather than roller members 36, slide members may be used to provide the same motion as the pad members 32 move under the forces applied by the rider.

The support assemblies 30 are attached to opposing sides of the mount member 25 in the manner as depicted in Figs 2 - 5. In this regard, each of the track members 38 of the support assemblies 30 have mounting recesses 42 formed therein to receive retaining members, such as bolts, screws or the like, to secure the support assemblies 30 to opposing sides of the mount member 25. When secured in this manner, each of the support assemblies are free to move relative to each other along the track members 38.

Referring to Fig. 9, the manner in which the support assemblies 30a and 30b are able to move independently to support the rider is shown. In the embodiment as shown, the support assembly 30a is in the normal position with the runners at the end of the support stem 34a in a static position within the track member 38. This may be typical of the leg of the rider in the retracted position, as is the case when the pedal is in the top position. In contrast, the support assembly 30b is in a rearward position, whereby the runners of the support stem 34b have moved towards the rear of the track member 38. In such a position, the pad member 32 is in a more vertical position to support the leg of the rider in the fully extended position, as may be the case when the pedal is at the lowermost position.

As will be appreciated, as the rider continues to pedal, the extension of the legs will change through 180 degrees, such that the support assembly 30b will assume the more horizontal orientation of support assembly 30a (of Fig. 9) and the support assembly 30a will assume the more vertical orientation of support assembly 30b (of Fig. 9). In this regard, each of the support assemblies 30a and 30b will rotate about an axis “A”, as depicted in Fig. 9. This axis “A” is located above the saddle 20 in the region of the rider’s hips when seated on the saddle 20. The provision of the axis of rotation ‘A’ of the support assemblies 30 of the saddle 20 in a region aligned with the rider’s hips, provides for a more natural movement of the saddle 20 that is closely aligned with the rider’s body. This enhances rider comfort and creates a natural synergy between rider and saddle.

In another embodiment, the support assemblies 30 may be linked such that they move in a synchronized manner. In such an embodiment, the link between adjacent support assemblies 30 may be via a gear system whereby movement is synchronised based on the position of adjacent assemblies.

Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 depict an alternative embodiment of a saddle 40 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the saddle 40 functions in a similar manner to the saddle described above in relation to Fig. 2 - Fig. 9 and similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features.

The saddle 40 also comprises a pair of support assemblies 30 mounted to opposing sides of a mount member 25 that attaches to a distal end of a seat post 18. The support assemblies 30 comprise a pad member 32 mounted to a stem member 34. A pair of inner track members 42 are mounted to the distal end of the stem member 34, which are received between a pair of outer track members 44, one of which is shown as detached from the structure depicted in Fig. 10. The outer track members 44 function to constrain the inner track members 42 in position such that the distal end of the stem member 34 is able to slide within the inner track members along a concave race, which may comprise ball bearings, roller bearings, slide fit bushings or any combination of these. Due to the concave nature of the race, the distal end the stem member 34 of each of the support assembly 30 of the saddle 40 are free to move along an arc as the rider pedals the bicycle. As such, the pad member 32 of each support assembly is able to maintain contact with the rider’s posterior and upper legs, with the axis of rotation of the support assembly being in a plane located above the saddle 40, adjacent the hips of the rider, as previously discussed.

Yet another embodiment of a saddle 45 in accordance with the present invention is depicted in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. In this embodiment, the saddle 45 functions in a similar manner to the saddle 20 and saddle 40 described above and similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features.

The saddle 40 also comprises a pair of support assemblies 30 mounted to opposing sides of a mount member 25 that attaches to a distal end of a seat post 18. The support assemblies 30 comprise a pad member 32 mounted to a stem member 34. An inner track member 46 is mounted to the distal end of the stem member 34, and is received between a pair of outer track members 48. The inner track member 46 is shaped to have an upper channel 47a and a lower channel 47b into which cross roller bearings 49 are received. The inner walls of the outer track members 48 may be provided with slide fit bushings or bearings such that in action, the inner track member 46 is free to slide within the outer track members 48. To facilitate the desired arced or angular motion of the distal end of the stem member, the inner track member 46 is shaped to have a curved configuration that conforms to the curved configuration of the outer track members 48. Due to this arrangement, the distal end the stem member 34 of each of the support assembly 30 of the saddle 45 are free to move along an arc as the rider pedals the bicycle. As such, the pad member 32 of each support assembly 30 is able to maintain contact with the riders posterior and upper legs, with the axis of rotation of each support assembly 30 being about a point located above the saddle 45, adjacent the hips of the rider, as previously discussed.

Yet another embodiment of a saddle 50 in accordance with the present invention is depicted in Figs. 14 - 16. In this embodiment, the saddle 50 functions in a similar manner to the saddles 20, 40 and 45 described above and similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features.

The saddle 50 also comprises a pair of support assemblies 30 mounted to opposing sides of a mount member 25 that attaches to a distal end of a seat post 18. The support assemblies 30 comprise a pad member 32 mounted upon a curved bearing track 52. The curved bearing track 52 is attached at either ends to an underside of the pad member 32 and has an upper concave surface 51 and a lower convex surface 53 extending between the ends thereof. A groove 54 is provided along the upper concave surface 51 and the lower convex surface 53, which extends the length thereof.

Rollers 55 are mounted to opposing sides of the mount member 25. In the embodiment as shown, three rollers 55 are mounted to the side of the mount member in a triangular formation. In the embodiment depicted, one roller 55 is arranged at an upper apex of the triangular formation and two rollers 55 are arranged in a spaced apart manner below the apex of the triangular configuration. It will be appreciated that number and configuration of the rollers 55 may vary.

The support assemblies 30 are mounted to the opposing sides of the mount member 25 such that the curved bearing track 52 is located between the upper roller 55 and the two lower rollers 55 in the manner as depicted in Fig. 16. In this arrangement the edges of the rollers 55 are received in the groove 54 provided in the upper concave surface 51 and the lower convex surface 53 such that the curved bearing track 52 is securely retained in position on the side of the mount member 25 and is free to travel along the rollers 55 as the rider applies force to the support assemblies of the saddle 50.

Due to this arrangement, the support assembly 30 of the saddle 50 is able to pivot or rotate by sliding over the rollers in an arc determined by the shape of the curved bearing track 52 as the rider pedals the bicycle. As such, the pad member 32 of each support assembly 30 is able to maintain contact with the riders posterior and upper legs, with the axis of rotation of each support assembly 30 being about a located above the saddle 45, adjacent the hips of the rider, as previously discussed.

Yet another embodiment of a saddle 60 in accordance with the present invention is depicted in Figs. 17 - 19. In this embodiment, the saddle 60 functions in a similar manner to the saddles 20, 40, 45 and 50 described above, and similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features. However, in each of the above referenced embodiments of the saddle, the support assemblies 30 were designed to move in an arc by way of sliding or rolling motion. In the embodiment of saddle 60, the support assemblies are mounted on a linkage mechanism 62 that facilitates the appropriate movement of the support assemblies 30.

In this regard, as is shown in Fig. 17 - 19, the saddle 60 also comprises a pair of support assemblies 30 mounted to opposing sides of a mount member 25 that attaches to a distal end of a seat post 18. As is shown, the mount member 25 has arms 61 that project from opposing sides thereof. A first bar 63 of the linkage mechanism 62 is fixedly mounted to the arm 61 of the mount member 25 such that the first bar 63 extends substantially horizontally. A second bar 64 is fixedly mounted to an underside of the pad member 32 of the support assembly 30. A front bar 65 is pivotally connected to the first bar 63 and the second bar 64 at a front end thereof and a rear bar 66 is pivotally connected to the first bar 63 and second bar 64 at a rear end of the linkage mechanism 62. The front bar 65 is shorter than the rear bar 66 and in the resting position as shown in Fig. 19, the rear bar 66 is forwardly angled to a larger degree than the front bar 65, which extends more vertically than the rear bar 66.

In such a linkage arrangement, the pivotal connection of the front bar 65 and rear bar 66 enables the support assembly 30 to move with the rider’s motion such that the pad member 32 of each support assembly 30 is able to maintain contact with the riders posterior and upper legs. In this regard, the pad member 32 will move in an arc, with the axis of rotation of each support assembly 30 being about an axis located above the saddle 45, adjacent the hips of the rider, as previously discussed.

Yet another embodiment of a saddle 70 in accordance with the present invention is depicted in Figs. 20 - 22. In this embodiment, the saddle 70 functions in a similar manner to the saddles 20, 40, 45, 50 and 60 described above, and similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features. However, in each of the above referenced embodiments of the saddle, the support assemblies 30 were designed to move in an arc by way of sliding or rolling motion, or via a linkage arrangement. In the embodiment of saddle 70, the pad members 32 are each mounted on a swing arm 72 that facilitates the appropriate movement thereof.

In this regard, as is shown in Fig. 20 - 22, the saddle 70 also comprises a mount member 25 that attaches to a distal end of a seat post. As is shown, the mount member 25 has a base portion 71 that extends across the base of the saddle 70 and which terminates in upwardly projecting arms 73 that extend substantially perpendicular to the base portion 71 to project upwardly at opposing sides of the saddle 70.

The swing arms 72 are attached at an upper end of the projecting arms 73 by way of a pivot means, such as a bearing or bushing that enables the swing arms 72 to freely pivot about this point. A frame member 74 extends around a rear of the saddle 70 to attach each of the projecting arms to provide strength to the saddle 70.

Each of the swing arms are substantially L-shaped and have the pad members 32 mounted on an inwardly projecting end thereof such that the pad members 32 are located adjacent each other, separated by a gap as depicted.

In use, the rider is positioned such that their posterior is supported on the pad members 32. In such an arrangement, as the rider starts to pedal the bicycle, the extension and retraction of the rider’s legs will cause the pad members 32 to pivot forward and backward under a swinging motion. Each pad member 32 will move with the rider’s motion such that the pad members 32 are able to maintain contact with the rider’s posterior and upper legs during the pedalling motion. In this regard, the pad member 32 will move in an arc, with the axis of rotation of each pad member being about the pivot point, which is along an axis located above the support assemblies of the saddle 45, adjacent the hips of the rider, as previously discussed.

It will be appreciated that in each of the various embodiments of the saddle as discussed above, the support assemblies that are in contact with the rider’s posterior and upper legs, will move through a constant arc, the axis of which is located above the surface of the support assemblies. This is depicted in more detail in Figs 23 - 26 which show the motion of a rider’s leg through a 360° pedalling action and the manner in which the saddle adjusts to support such motion. In Figures 23-26, the saddle 20 is depicted as being of the type shown in Figs. 14 - 16; however, it will be appreciated that the saddle type may take any of the embodiments as discussed above.

In Fig. 23, the rider’s leg is at the uppermost or most retracted position. In this position the support assembly 30 of the saddle 20 supports the rider’s buttocks and upper hamstring region in a substantially horizontal manner, with the support assembly 30 corresponding to the rider’s leg angled slightly forward in accordance with the angle of the rider’s leg.

As the rider’s leg extends to apply pressure down on the pedal, as shown in Fig. 24, the support assembly 30 moves in the direction of the arrow, towards a rearward position. When the rider’s leg is at the fully extended position as shown in Fig, 25, the support assembly 30 is in the rearmost position and the support assembly tilts forward to support the rider’s extended leg. As the leg begins the retraction process as shown in Fig. 26, the support assembly 30 then slides forward toward the neutral position of Fig. 23, with the angle of the support portion 30 assuming the more horizontal position. It will be appreciated that such a forward and rearward movement of the support assembly along an arced path functions to maintain contact of the pad member 32 of the support portion 30 against the rider’s buttock and upper hamstring area of the leg. The support assembly 30 is able to retain this support and contact throughout the extension and retraction of the leg, with the pad member 32 of the support assembly 30 tracing an arc having an axis of rotation above the surface of the support assembly 30, adjacent the waist of the rider. This ensures an adaptive and more natural interaction between the rider’s posterior and the saddle, to enhance comfort and efficiency of riding.

Due to the independent moving nature of the support assemblies of the saddle, the saddle may comprise a biasing means, such as a spring member or the like, which functions to return the support assemblies to a starting position such as that depicted in Fig. 23. In this position, the support assemblies provide a substantially flat and level surface to receive the rider as the rider initially access the bicycle. The bias force of the biasing member may be sufficient to return the support members to the biased position, but will be insufficient to prevent independent movement of the support assemblies under riding conditions.

By providing a saddle with separate support assemblies to support each leg and associated gluteal muscles of the rider, the support assemblies are free to adjust their position to support the rider based on the forces experienced by the support assemblies. The support assemblies are independent and able to move independently of each other to accommodate unique rider requirements. The support assemblies are also not restricted to pivoting about an axis located below the saddle; rather, due to the siding motion of the support assemblies the axis of rotation of the riding motion will adapt to the individual rider in a truly dynamic form about an axis above the support assembly. Such an adaptive saddle system enhances the amount of support and comfort experienced by the rider as they pedal the bicycle.

Whilst each of the saddle configurations discussed above have depicted only two support assemblies, it is also envisaged that the number of support assemblies may vary and may comprises multiple support assemblies, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the saddle uppermost.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.