TORSO SUPPORTING SEATING SYSTEM

GROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(0001) This application claims the benefit under 35 U. S. C. §119(e) of

co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/645,013, filed

January 21, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

(0002) Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

(0003) Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TOA SEQUENCE LISTING, ATABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

(0004) Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(0005) 1. Field of Endeavor

(0006 ) The present invention relates generally to providing stable support

for a person's torso while simultaneously allowing a full range of motion for a

person's limbs; the present invention relates particularly to providing stable

support for a cyclist's body while simultaneously accommodating the full range of

a cyclist's body movements, and accomplishing improvements in both comfort and

mechanical efficiency for a cyclist.

(0007) 2. Description of Information Known

(0008) Bicycles popularly appeared as a form of self-propelled vehicle

during the early Nineteenth Century. These early vehicles were characterized by

two wheels aligned in the direction of travel, of the vehicle. From the

generative forms of the hobby-horse, up to the present day, bicycle seats have

predominantly taken the form of a device oriented on the longitudinal axis of the

cycling vehicle. These prior forms of seating were intended to be straddled by

the user, with the weight of the user's body being borne between the user's legs,

on the underside of the body's pelvis.

(0009) The most common form of contemporary bicycle seats are

fundamentally similar to the forms of seats used during the Nineteenth Century.

The most prevalent form of contemporary bicycle seat. is a saddle form of seat.

The contemporary saddle forms of bicycle seats share a common generic art. The

contemporary saddle form of a bicycle seat is typically oriented with the long

dimension of the seat aligned on the longitudinal axis of the frame of the

cycling vehicle. The saddle seat is then straddled by the cyclist in the process

of riding a bicycle.

(OOIO) The configuration of a saddle form of seat derives from the shape

of the space between the cyclist's legs, which shape is formed when a cyclist is

pedalling a bicycle while in a seated posture. In the common saddle form of a

seat the user's body weight is, in greater or lesser amounts, supported on the

horn of the saddle seat, which horn projects toward the front end of the bicycle.

The user's body weight is then concentrated on the underside of the pelvis

between the user's legs. Being located between the cyclist's legs, the saddle

form of seat provides both a centered line of balance for the cyclist, and a

supporting surface for the body weight of the cyclist. The configuration and

location of a saddle seat form are consistent with most user requirements

presented in the function of both historical and contemporary bicycles.

(0011) The standards for the contemporary bicycle seat form have been

established according to a number of user's needs, including those needs listed

here following.

1. Cyclists have a need for a seat to minimize the amount of contact between the

seat and the back of a cyclist's upper leg muscles, which muscles are

repeatedly contracted by a cyclist in the process of pedalling a bicycle

while in a seated posture.

2. Cyclists have a need for a seat which allows a cyclist to have unrestricted

leg motion in the leg movements employed in pedalling a cycling vehicle.

3. Cyclists have a need for a seat which allows a cyclist the freedom of body

movement to rise from, and descend onto, a cycling seat without impediment.

4. Cyclists have a need for a seat which allows positioning of a cyclist's body

such that the cyclist can achieve the maximally efficient transfer of force

from the legs of the cyclist to the pedals of the bicycle.

5. Cyclists have a need for a seat which allows a cyclist to descend from the

seat to a standing position on the ground, while remaining in a ready-position

to remount the bicycle and resume movement on the bicycle.

6. Cyclists have a need for a seat to give supplemental support to a cyclist's

lateral balance while the cyclist is using a cycling vehicle in motion.

There can be additional related needs for a cyclist which needs can indicate

additional standards for both function and comfort in determining an improved

form of seating support for cycling vehicles.

(0012) For more than a century the predominant saddle form of cycling

seats has been accepted as sufficiently fulfilling the majority of seating needs

for cyclists. There exist particular difficulties in existing seat forms that

have not been remedied by the existing art. One difficulty of the existing art

is the discomfort for the user of a typical saddle type of seat, that results

from the pressure that concentrates in the area of the pubic symphasis, between

the user's legs. A second difficulty of saddle type seats is that of remaining

seated while inclining the body to a posture sufficiently forward on the seat

that the cyclist's legs can more effectively apply increased force to the pedals

of the bicycle. A third difficulty of saddle type seats is that saddle seats

provide no stabilizing contact with the body of a cyclist when a cyclist is

pedalling a cycling vehicle in an erect posture. Attempts at resurfacing and

configurally modifying the saddle form of seats have achieved varying degrees of

success in relieving discomfort caused to cyclists by the saddle form of seat.

(0013) Because bicycles have most commonly served as recreational vehicles,

a lesser level of seating support has generally been accepted as adequate for the

purposes of cycling vehicles. Attempts have increasingly been made to promote

cycling vehicles to serve the purpose of personal transportation. Efforts to

apply cycling to the purpose of personal transportation have raised awareness of

the need for improvements in the function and comfort of cycle seating. It is in

the understanding of new and higher standards for the function and comfort of

cycle seating that new and better improvements in cycle seating can be set forth

over the existing art of the field.

(0014) Existing attempts at alternative seat forms have frequently

combined improvement by one standard of seat function with a concommitant decline

according to a different standard of use for cycle seating. In the prior art,

there is seen neither a complete understanding of, nor a complete integration of,

a system of support for the body of a cyclist. The art of the present invention

meets particular standards of seating support, which standards have been

previously recognized in numerous other and existing inventions. Examples of

prior art inventions, which inventions address standards for body support related

to the purposes of the present invention are listed here following.

1. Examples of patent content attempting a supported body posture for improving

pedalling efficiency include the following:

Tsuge - U.S. Pat. No.: US 6,631,948 Bl, issued Oct. 14, 2003

Yifrah and Golan - Int. Pub. No.: WO2004/007270 Al, published Jan. 22, 2004

Urban - U.S. Pub. No.: US2004/0051274 Al, published Mar. 18, 2004

2. Examples of patent content attempting the implementation of an anterior

support for a forward-leaning posture include the following:

Reyes - U.S. Pat. No.: 5,669,860, issued Sep. 23, 1997

Clark - U.S. Pat. No.: 5,971,485, issued Oct. 26, 1999

Judkins - U.S. Pat. No.: 6,131,935, issued Oct. 17, 2000

3. Examples of patent content attempting the inclusion of ergonomic considerations

in an anterior torso support include the following:

Workman et al. - U.S. Pub. No.: US2002/0121755 Al, published Sep. 05, 2002

Kastarlak - U.S. Pub. No.: US2004/0056519 Al, published Mar. 25, 2004

Kropa - U.S. Pub. No.: US2004/0245836 Al ₃ published Dec. 09, 2004

4. An example of patent content proposing a posterior support with a raised

and centered ridge with concave curved sides includes the following:

Terranova - U.S. Pat. No.: 4,773,705, issued Sep. 27, 1988

5. Examples of patent content proposing the use of an angled plane of support in

a posterior application include the following:

White - U.S. Pat. No.: US 6,361,108 Bl, issued Mar. 26, 2002

Schmidt - U.S. Pat. No.: US 6,805,322 B2 ₅ issued Oct. 19, 2004

(0015) The current state of the art of cycle seating can be related to the

current state of analysis of cycle seating. The discomfort associated with

saddle types of bicycle seats is conventionally described as being caused by the

downward force of a user's body weight on the surface of a cycle seat. As a

cyclist moves further forward on a saddle type of seat, the seat provides a

decreasing area of supporting surface for a cyclist. A result of a changing area

of seating surface is that a cyclist's body weight is supported by varying

areas of seating surface during the use of a typical saddle type of seat. There

exists a more complete and precise description of the cause for a cyclist's

discomfort in the use of a saddle type of seat. This description, being both more

complete and more precise, leads to improvements in support for the body of a

cyclist, which improvements are beyond the art of existing seat forms.

(0016) it is fundamental to the present invention to formulate a more

complete and precise understanding of the seating needs that are most appropriate

to the body of a cyclist. It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a

seating system, which system accomplishes both a more effective and a more

integrally resolved system of support for the body of a cyclist.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(0017 ) The present embodiment of the invention solves the difficulty of

providing cycling seating ₅ which seating combines improvements of both comfort

and utility over the prior art of the field. The present invention of a seating

system results from a refinement in the understanding of a cyclist's need for

body support when a cyclist is engaged in the movements required to operate a

cycling vehicle. The present invention provides support for a cyclist in two

seperate locations on the body of the cyclist. One surface of support contacts

the inferior posterior area of the hips of a cyclist. The second supporting

surface contacts the cyclist along a band of support across the anterior face of

a cyclist's waist. The combination of both posterior and anterior support holds

the body of a cyclist in a stable position, without the need for a weight-bearing

surface to be placed between the legs of a cyclist.

(0018) The rear support for the cyclist is in the form of a posterior

support device. The posterior support surface contacts the cyclist at the

inferior posterior prominences of the ischial bones, above the backs of the legs

of the cyclist. The posterior support device includes no forward projecting

seat horn for the purpose of body support. Such a seat horn is the source of

pressure on the perineum of the cyclist. On the configuration of the posterior

support surface is a raised and centered ridge. The shape of the ridge contacts

the body of the cyclist between the gluteus maximus muscles and just below the

inferior tip of the coccyx bone.

(0019) The assembly of component parts for the posterior support device is

similar to the assembly of component parts found in the majority of contemporary

.saddle-type bicycle seats. The support surface is an assembly of three materials

together; a plastic base platform is surfaced with a layer of foam and a fabric

cover is fitted over both the foam layer and the plastic platform. Attached to

the underside of the plastic platform is a dual rail carriage made of structural

rods. This type of dual rod carriage is similar to the conventional attachment

structure, which type of structure is a standardized convention in the bicycle

industry. The dual rod carriage allows the posterior support device to be

attached to the top of a bicycle seat stem by the application of a clamping

device. The clamping device is also of a standardized type with characteristics

conventional within the bicycle industry.

(0020) The front support for the body of a cyclist comes from an anterior

support device. The front surface of support for the cyclist is a concave band

of support across the front of the waist of the cyclist. The concave waist

support is made up of two lateral pads and a medial surface located between the

lateral pads. The band of the concave waist support is located on, and between,

the anterior crests of the illiac bones of the cyclist. The lateral pads are

positioned to contact with, and shaped to conform to, the faces of the illiac

crests. A supplemental medial support surface is located between the lateral '

pads; the medial support surface augments support of the user's body weight along

a width of line across the abdomen. The line of contact of the medial surface is

at the bottom edge of the abdominal fat pad, which line of contact is equidistant

between the navel and the superior surface of the bones of the pubic symphasis.

(0021) The assembly of parts for the anterior support device are herein

described, beginning with the concave waist support. The anterior support device

is held in place by an assembly of adjustable parts, which parts are connected to

the cross bars of the frame of a bicycle. The surfaces of the concave waist

support are held together by a waist support plate, which plate extends across

the width of a cyclist's hips. The waist support plate allows for the adjustable

positioning of the surfaces of the concave waist support. The waist support

plate is connected to an length-adjustable extension bar. The extension bar

descends into an arcing tube. The arcing tube is movable in an arcing pattern of

both upward and downward movement. The arcing tube, being connected by parts to

the concave waist supports, is caused to arc up and down with the torso of a

cyclist, as the cyclist rises from, and descends onto, the posterior support

surface. The arcing tube moves within the limits of the arc guides, which guides

are located near the upper cross bar of the bicycle. The arc guides are

secured to the cross bars of the bicycle frame by the vertical tubes, which tubes

are positioned on either side of the cross bars of the bicycle frame.

(0022) The functional service of the seating system is described herein

following. When a cyclist is in a seated posture, the concave waist support is

in a descended position. The concave waist support, in the descended position,

provides an angle of support upward and back to the waist of the cyclist. In

counter directional support, the posterior support surface provides an angle of

support upward and forward at the inferior posterior surfaces of the hips of the

cyclist. Together, the anterior and posterior support devices combine angles of

support to hold the body of the cyclist stable when the cyclist is in a seated

posture.

(0023) The functional service of the seating system is further described

herein following. When a cyclist rises from the posterior support surface to

move into a standing posture for cycling, the concave waist support rises up and

forward along with the rising and forward movement of the hips of the cyclist.

When a cyclist is cycling in a standing posture the concave waist support

continues to provide support for the body of the cyclist, as the cyclist is able

to lean forward into the concave waist support. When a cyclist returns to a

seated posture, the anterior waist support may be left in an upright position;

the anterior waist support may alternatively be dropped back downward to a

descended position, in which position the waist support resumes giving support to

the body of a cyclist in a seated posture.

(0024) The mechanics of movement for the anterior support device are

described herein following. At the base of the arcing tube is located a spring

hinge with a fixed axle. The directional bias of the spring hinge is toward the

descended position, where the anterior support is set against the waist of the

cyclist. The anterior waist support must be manually released from both the

raised forward , and the lowered back positions, by the cyclist. The anterior

waist support is released by act of the cyclist pressing the release lever for

the waist support. The release lever is located on the bicycle handle bars.

(0025) There are numerous advantages found in, and original to, the

present invention. The forward inclination in seating posture induced for a

cyclist by the present seating system results in improvements in body balance and

pedalling force over postures induced by the existing art of the field. The

present invention eliminates difficulties of perineal and leg discomfort, xλiich

discomfort results from points of surface contact with the body of a cyclist,

when a cyclist is seated on existing cycling seats. When a cyclist is cycling in

a standing posture, the present invention provides additional advantages of

function and comfort over existing cycling seats. A cyclist cycling in a

standing posture is able to employ the anterior waist support as a surface

against which the cyclist may lean varying amounts of body weight. Leaning

against the anterior support surface adds efficiency to pedalling movements by

allowing the cyclist to vary the amount of body weight on the pedals, and to vary

the angle of incline of the body while pedalling. Supporting the body weight of

a cyclist in both standing and seated pedalling postures improves cycling

efficiency by relieving the arms and shoulders of the work of supporting the

upper body and the work of holding the bicycle frame in opposition to side to

side movement during pedalling. The oblique angles of support provided by the

anterior and posterior support surfaces create a cradling effect on the hips of

the cyclist and diminish the level of impact forces at the seating surfaces.

Impact forces at the seating surfaces of bicycles are the result of cycling over

irregular conditions on the surface of the ground.

(0026) The ergonomic advantages of the anterior waist support result from

the calculated positioning of the supporting surfaces against the front of the

torso of a cyclist. The positioning and the concave shape of the lateral support

pads of the concave waist support are determined according to the prominences of

the illiac crests. The positioning of the lateral pads avoids interference with

muscle functions, and results in stable support for the torso of a cyclist. The

lateral pad locations permit a full range of torso movement for seated cycling,

which range is from a backward leaning posture to a bent forward posture. The

location of the supplemental medial support surface of the concave waist support

is calculated to avoid abdominal surfaces, which surfaces effect discomfort

when receiving contacting pressure. The lower abdominal wall, just above the

pubic symphasis, contains organs of digestion and reproduction, which organs are

sensitive to external pressure. The bones of the pubic symphasis are located at

the base of the lower abdomen. The bones of the pubic symphasis do not sustain

contacting pressure without resulting in discomfort at the location of the

contacting pressure. The medial support also avoids contact with the upper

abdominal wall, which abdominal wall must be left free to expand and contract

without impediment, in order for full respiratory function to be allowed.

Analysis of the anatomy of the anterior torso indicates an optimal line of

placement for anterior supports, which line of placement allows for both comfort

and a full range of necessary movement for a cyclist. The indicated line of

placement for supports is the line of supports employed in the anterior support

device of the present invention.

(0027) The present invention provides the effects of stability and comfort

for a cyclist, by establishing a secure support for the positioning of the

torso of the cyclist on the cycling vehicle. By being established in a stabile

position on the cycling vehicle, the cyclist is able to operate the cycling

vehicle with a minimum of unnecessary body movements; the cyclist is also

able to achieve a more efficient transfer of pedalling force; the cyclist

further experiences an increased sense of integrated involvement in the

operation of a cycling vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(0028) The preferred embodiment of the present invention, including the

nature and purposes of the present invention, will be better understood by making

reference to the hereinafter appended drawings, in conjunction with the 'Detailed

Description of the Invention' , also appended hereinafter. The drawings of the

present invention, wherein like designations denote like elements of the

invention, are listed here following in which:

(0029) FIG. 1 depicts a lateral elevation view of a bicycle, on which

bicycle is installed the present seating system, which seating system is depicted

in a position to support the torso of a cyclist, when the posture of the cyclist

is a posture of being seated with an upright body position while riding on the

bicycle, in accordance with the present invention;

(0030) FIG. 2 depicts a lateral elevation view of a bicycle, on which

bicycle is installed the present seating system, which seating system is

depicted in a position to support the torso of a cyclist when the posture of the

cyclist is a posture of being seated with a forward-leaning body position while

riding on the bicycle, in accordance with the present invention;

(0031) FIG. 3 depicts a lateral elevation view of a bicycle, on which

bicycle is installed the present seating system, which seating system is depicted

in a position supporting the torso of a cyclist when the posture of the cyclist

is a posture of standing with an upright body position, while riding on the

bicycle, in accordance with the present invention;

(0032) FIG. 4 depicts a lateral elevation view of a bicycle, on which

bicycle is installed the present seating system, which seating system is depicted

in a position to support the torso of a cyclist when the posture of the cyclist

is a posture of standing with a forward-leaning body position, while riding on

the bicycle, in accordance with the present invention;

(0033) FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of the three seperate pads of the

anterior support device of the seating system, this plan view being

correspondingly aligned on sheet number 3/5, in graphic relationship directly

above the elevation view of FIG. 6, in accordance with the present invention;

(0034) FIG. 6 depicts a posterior elevation view of the three seperate

pads of the anterior support device of the seating system, this elevation view

being correspondingly aligned on sheet number 3/5, in a graphic relationship

directly below the plan view of FIG. 5, and in a graphic relationship directly

beside the elevation view of FIG. 7, in accordance with the present invention;

(0035) FIG. 7 depicts an anterior elevation view of a human torso, on which

torso is indicated the areas of surface contact generally made on the torso by the

three component pads of the anterior support device of the seating system, this

elevation view being correspondingly aligned on sheet number 3/5, in a graphic

relationship directly beside the posterior elevation view of FIG. 6, in

accordance with the present invention;

(0036) FIG. 8 depicts a plan view of the single support surface of the

posterior support device of the seating system, this plan view being

correspondingly aligned on sheet number 3/5, in a graphic relationship directly

above the elevation view of FIG. 9, in accordance with the present invention;

(0037) FIG. 9 depicts a lateral elevation view of the posterior support

device of the seating system, this elevation view being correspondingly aligned

on sheet number 3/5, in a graphic relationship directly below the plan view of

FIG. 8, and in a graphic relationship directly beside the lateral section view of

FIG. 10, in accordance with the present invention;

(0038) FIG. 10 depicts a lateral section view of the anterior and

posterior support forms of the seating system, which support forms are depicted

in the general relationship of the support forms to the anatomy of the torso of a

cyclist which cyclist is in a seated posture on the seating system, this section

view being correspondingly aligned on sheet number 3/5, in a graphic relationship

directly beside the elevation view of FIG.9, in accordance with the present

invention;

(0039) FIG. 11 depicts a sectional plan view of the anterior support

device of the: seating system, this sectional plan view being correspondingly

aligned on sheet number 4/5, in a graphic relationship directly above the

posterior section view of FIG. 12, in accordance with the present invention;

(θO4θ) FIG. 12 depicts a posterior section view of the anterior support

device of the seating system, this posterior section view being correspondingly

aligned on sheet number 4/5 in a graphic relationship directly below the

sectional plan view of FIG. 11, and in a graphic relationship directly beside the

lateral section view of FIG. 13, in accordance with the present invention;

(0041) FIG. 13 depicts a lateral section view of the anterior support

device of the seating system, this lateral section view being correspondingly

aligned on sheet number 4/5 in a graphic relationship directly beside the

posterior section view of FIG. 12, in accordance with the present invention;

(0042) FIG. 14 depicts an axonometric exploded view as seen from the above

right rear viewing position, which view is of the seating system positioned ^' in

relationship to the seat post, cross-bars and handle bar of a bicycle and which

view is of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(0043) Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate

like elements, attention is directed to FIG. 1, being a lateral elevation view of

the present invention 21 of a seating system installed on a bicycle 25 and being

used by a cyclist 41 in a seated-upright posture, and which cyclist 41 is

being supported by the present invention 21. FIG. 1 depicts the relationship of

the two principal parts of the present invention 21 which parts are the posterior

support device 56 and the anterior support device 71. The posterior support

device 56 is depicted being connected to a conventional bicycle seat stem 27 by

the use of an industry-standard dual rail bicycle seat clamp 28. The anterior

support device 71 is depicted installed on the upper cross-bar 29 and the lower

cross-bar 30 of a bicycle frame 26. It is seen that a basic principle of the ^■

present invention 21 is the arrangement of support for the hips 42 of a seated

cyclist 41 at a posterior upward angle 57 from the posterior support surface 58

while simultaneously providing support for the hips 42 of a cyclist 41 at an

anterior upward angle 72 from the anterior waist buttress 73. It is further a

principle of the present invention 21 that the hips 42 of a cyclist 41 can be

analyzed as a generally cylindrical form, which form can be stably supported by

the placement of an upward angle of posterior support 57 and an upward angle of

anterior support 72 on either underside of a cylindrical form. The posterior

support surface 58 and the concave waist support 74 combine to form a stable

cradling of the cyclist's 41 hips 42. The drawing of FIG. 1 further shows that

this analysis of general anatomical conditions leads to an arrangement of the

points of contact on the cyclist's 41 hips 42, which points of contact are an

improvement on the existing art, which art conventionally relies on a vertically

directed support of the cyclist 41 by placement of a support between the legs 47

of the cyclist 41. A significant improvement of the present invention 21 over

existing art is that the cyclist 41 is securely supported in a forward-leaning

posture, which posture is more highly efficient for the body of a cyclist 41 in

pedalling a bicycle 25. The anterior support device 71 also relieves other body

muscles of doing the work of supporting the cyclist's 41 upper body weight, which

other muscles are those of the shoulders 43 and to a lesser degree, the muscles

of the back 37 and the abdomen 49. The present invention 21 also eliminates the

crushing effect on the soft tissue of the cyclist's 41 perineum 44 ₃ which soft

tissue is compressed against the bones of the pubic symphasis 45 when using

standard saddle type seats of the existing art. The crushing effect at the

perineum 44 occurs in the use of conventional saddle type seats when the cyclist's

41 hips 42 rotate forward to cause the cyclist's 41 body weight to be supported

on the forward horn of a saddle type seat. It is the anterior angle of support 72

applied by the concave waist support 74 at the hips 42 of a cyclist 41 which

support 74 upholds the forward rotation of the hips 42 and which anterior support

74 achieves an improved alternative support location to the predominant support

of the existing art which support is located between the legs 47 of the cyclist

41.

(0044) In the drawing of FIG. 2 being a lateral elevation of the present

invention 21 installed on a conventional bicycle frame 26 and being used by a

cyclist 41 in a posture of being seated and bent forward, it is depicted how the

present invention 21 supports the bent-forward body posture of a seated cyclist

41. The bent-forward body posture is an alternative posture for a seated cyclist

41 and is a posture used for more strenuous pedalling by a cyclist 41 while

remaining seated. The hips 42 rotate forward and the hips 42 remain supported

by the concave waist support 74 of the anterior support device 71. The inclined

angle of the posterior support surface 58 remains in support of the inferior

surfaces of the cyclist's 41 ischial bones 46 while the posterior support

surface 58 avoids contact with the cyclist's 41 perineum 44 because the posterior

support surface 58 does not make use of a conventional type of seat horn to

support the cyclist 41. The drawing of FIG. 2 further depicts how the concave

waist support 74 acts to stabilize the hips 42 of the cyclist 41. The concave

waist support 74 provides a stable line of support across the cyclist's 41 hips

42, against which support a cyclist 41 can leverage body weight in order to hold

a fixed body position when increasing downward force on the bicycle 25 pedals 31.

The concave waist support 74 also provides support for the cyclist's 41 upper

body weight and relieves the shoulders 43 of the work of supporting the upper

body weight. Providing support for the cyclist's 41 upper body weight also

reduces the need for the cyclist 41 to rock from side to side and pull up

alternately on the bicycle 25 handle bars 32 with either arm in order to increase

downward force on each pedal 31 stroke being made by the legs 47 of the

cyclist 41.

(0045) In the drawing of FIG. 3, being a lateral elevation view of a

bicycle 25 on which bicycle 25 is installed the present invention 21, it is shown

how the present invention 21 moves to a forward position to support a standing

cyclist 41 in an upright body posture which cyclist 41 is operating a bicycle 25.

When a cyclist 41 moves from a seated riding posture to a standing riding posture

it is necessary to press the spring release lever 75 of the anterior support

system 71 which release lever 75 is attached to the handle bars 32 of the

bicycle 25. The release lever 75 frees the anterior support buttress 73 to

rotate forward 76 with the hips 42 of the cyclist 41 as the cyclist 41 moves to a

standing posture. The anterior support buttress 73 stops and remains fixed at

the forward position to support the cyclist's 41 hips 42 when the cyclist 41 is

in a standing posture. The support buttress will remain in a forward position to

further allow the cyclist 41 to stop the bicycle 25 and descend to a standing

posture on the ground while the legs 47 of the cyclist 41 straddle the upper

cross-bar 29 of the bicycle 25. There are also advantages of utility seen in the

cyclist's 41 standing riding posture depicted in FIG. 3. One advantage of

utility is that the cyclist 41 can balance against the raised-up concave waist

support 74 to reduce the extent of side to side rocking which occurs in standing

riding of a bicycle 25 as the cyclist's 41 body weight must move alternately

from a pedal 31 on one side of the bicycle 25 to the pedal 31 on the other side

of the bicycle 25. A second advantage of utility is that the concave waist

support 74 can be used as a surface of resistance against which the cyclist's 41

hips 42 can press in the act of pushing down and back on the bicycle 25

pedals 31. A third advantage of utility is that the cyclist's 41 shoulders 43

have a reduced burden of work in supporting the cyclist's 41 upper body weight.

The anterior support buttress 73 may also be set in a forward position to the

point that the support 74 is not contacted by a cyclist's 41 body when riding a

bicycle 25 in a standing body posture.

(0046) In the drawing of FIG. 4 is depicted a lateral elevation view of a

bicycle 25 on which bicycle 25 is installed the present invention 21, which

seating system 21 is being used by a cyclist 41 in a standing and bent-forward

body posture. The forward position of the anterior support buttress 73 is the

same buttress 73 position depicted in FIG. 3. The forward position of the

anterior support buttress 73 is accomplished by the same means as those means

described within the description for FIG. 3 above. The spring release lever 75

is also used in the same way as the use indicated in the description accompanying

FIG. 3 which use permits the anterior support buttress 73 to move forward from

the held-back position used to support a seated cyclist 41. In the depiction of

FIG. 4 is seen the forth principal body posture used by a cyclist 41 in riding a

bicycle 25. The body posture is that of a cyclist 41 standing on the pedals 31

in a bent-forward body posture. The seating system 21 affords additional

advantages of use to the cyclist 41 in the standing bent-forward posture. The

principal advantage of use in the standing bent-forward posture as allowed by

the seating system 21 results from the opportunity for the thorax 48 of the

cyclist 41 to rest on the concave waist support 74 of the anterior support

device 71. In using the concave waist support 74 as a support balance the

cyclist 41 can adjust the amount of body weight on the pedals 31 while operating

the bicycle 25 in the standing bent-forward posture. Because the cyclist's 41

abdomen 49 can not effectively bear weight and maintain freedom of movement for

breathing, the concave waist support 74 is best positioned forward on the

cyclist's 41 thorax 48 to reach the location of the five false ribs 50, which

false ribs 50 can support body weight without encumbering abdominal 49 breathing

contractions.

(0047) In the drawing of FIG. 5, being a plan view of the two anterior

lateral support pads 77 and the anterior medial support pad 78 of the concave

waist support 74, is shown the configured relationship of these three support

pads 77 78 as seen from above the pads 77 78. The lateral pads 77 are seen to

have a concave shape, which shape is established to conform to the shape of the

crests of the anterior superior illiac spines 51, which illiac crests 51 are the

points of supporting contact for the lateral pads 77. The anterior lateral

pads 77 can also be moved laterally 79 to fit differing spreads in the illiac

crests 51 of differing cyclists 41. The medial anterior pad 78 has a concave

shape to receive the convex form of a cyclist's 41 abdomen 49. The medial

anterior pad 78 can be moved both forward and backward 80 in order to accommodate

the differing abdominal 49 protrusions of differing cyclists.

(0048) In the drawing of FIG. 6, being a posterior elevation view of the

two anterior lateral pads 77 and the anterior medial pad 78 of the concave waist

support 74, is shown the elevational relationship of these pads 77 78. The

lateral pads 77 are concavely shaped to receive the shape of the illiac crests 51

of the cyclist's 41 hips 42. The lateral pads 77 also move laterally 79 to

adjust to the width of the illiac crests 51 of differing cyclists 41. The medial

pad 78 is concave on the top surface to conform to the shape of the abdomen 49

beneath the navel 52. The medial pad 78 is also rounded on the inferior face of

the pad 78 to provide a bearing surface for the cyclist 41 operating a bicycle 25

in a forward-leaning standing posture while the concave waist support 74 is in a

forward and elevated position.

(0049) In the drawing of FIG. 7, being an anterior elevational view, is

depicted the anterior view of the human torso 53 on which torso 53 is indicated

the three principal areas of supporting contact made on the torso 53 by the

concave waist support 74 of the anterior support device 71. The lateral support

pads 77 make contact with the illiac crests 51 of the cyclist's 41 hips 42. The

lateral support pads 77 are formed concavely to make a fitted support around the

convex protuberances of the illiac crests 51. The lateral support pads 77 also

curve around the medial faces of the illiac crests 51 to provide support in the

areas between the illiac crests 51 and the lateral edges of the rectus abdomitius

muscle 54. The lateral pads 77 are further formed to make clearance on the

inferior edges of the lateral pads 77 for the anterior muscles of the upper

thighs 55 where these muscles attach to the illiac crests 51 and also where these

thigh muscles 55 attach to the inguinal ligament 40, τ?hich ligament 40 extends

from the illiac crests 51 to the pubic symphasis 45. The lateral pads 77 are the

primary surfaces of anterior support for the seating system 21. A secondary

surface of support is the medial support pad 78 of the anterior support device 71.

The lower abdomen 49 has a more limited capacity to support body weight because

of the sensitive digestive and reproductive organs located in the abdomen 49.

The pubic symphasis 45 is also sensitive to weight bearing and results in pain

under contact of small forces. The top surface of the medial pad 78 is located

at the lower edge of the line of abdominal fat 39 which line 39 is midway between

the top of the pubic symphasis 45 and the navel 52. The bottom edge of the

medial pad 78 remains clear o£ the top of the pubic symphasis 45. The medial

pad 78 crosses horizontally over the abdomen 49 between the medial edges of the

lateral support pads 77. The areas supported by the medial and lateral

pads 77 78 are areas on the principal line of support of the anterior support

device 71 of the present invention 21.

(0050) In the drawing of FIG. 8, being a plan view of the superior

surface 58 of the posterior support device 56, is depicted the plan of the

perimeter profile and the support surface form of the posterior support device 56.

The support surface 58 has a wide area 59 to support the inferior faces of the

ischial bones 46. The wide surface area 59 narrows in concave curves to a

rounded center point 61. The concave curved edges 60 allow clearance for the

posterior muscles of the leg 47. Aligned on the longitudinal center of the

posterior support device 56 is a slightly raised ridge 62 surface. Both the

rounded tip 61 and the central ridge 62 are useful for center positioning on the

posterior support surface 58. The central ridge 62 is also useful for the

purpose of increasing the area of supporting surface 58 which surface area 58

makes supporting contact with the inferior surfaces of the ischial bones 46.

(0051) In the drawing of FIG. 9, being a lateral elevation view of the

posterior support device 56, is depicted the form of the support surface 58 and

the underside dual-rods 67 of the posterior support device 56. The wide area 59

of the support surface 58 is seen to curve down laterally to either side of the

longitudinal center area 63. The support surface 58 is seen to curve convexly

along the longitudinal center area 63 from the back edge of the surface 58 to the

rounded tip 61 at the front edge of the support surface 58. The rounded shape of

the support surface 58 allows a greater range of rotational positioning of the

posterior support surface 58 to increase the range of seating angles 68 which

angles 68 coordinate with the positioning of the anterior concave waist

support 74 of the anterior support device 71. Because the seating system 21

does not rely on a conventional saddle type seat horn for vertically directed

support of a cyclist 41, it is comfortable to add a raised central ridge

surface 62 to the support surface 58 to make a stable seating surface by also

contacting the medial inferior edges of the ischial bones 46 at a location just

forward the anus 38, while avoiding the soft tissues of the perineum 44. The

underside of the support platform 64 is connected to an industry standard dual

rod carriage 67 for attachment to an industry standard universal type seat

clamp 28. The dual rod carriage 67 can be extended further back behind the

support surface 58 to allow the posterior support device 56 to be comfortably

moved further forward on the bicycle frame 26. Forward locations for the

posterior support device 56 are still comfortable because of the absence of a

conventional seat horn. A conventional seat horn makes seat locations more

uncomfortable the further forward the seat locations are placed on the bicycle 25.

(0052) In the drawing of FIG. 10, being a lateral sectional view of the

posterior support device 56 and the concave waist support 74 of the anterior

support device 71, it is depicted the relationship of the seating system 21 to

the hips 42 of an occupying cyclist 41. The parts of the posterior support

device 56 are seen in this sectional drawing. The dual rod carriage 67 is seen

fastened to the underside of the plastic platform 64. The dual rod carriage 67 is

attached to a conventional universal type clamp 28 which clamp 28 is attached to

a bicycle seat stem 27. The posterior support surface 58 is completed with a

foam layer 65 and a fabric cover 66 over the plastic platform 64. The position

of the plastic platform 64 in relationship to the inferior surfaces of the

ischial bones 46 is seen as the relationship is set forth under the description

for the drawing of FIG. 9. The top surface of the concave waist support 74 is

depicted in relationship to the cyclist's 41 abdomen 49 at a point approximately

equidistant between the navel 52 and the top of the pubic symphasis 45. Also

seen depicted are the parts of the upper end of the anterior support buttress 73

connecting to the concave waist support 74, and the crest of the illiac bone 51

is. included in the depiction. The stabilizing effect of the combination of the

posterior siipport angle 57 with the anterior support angle 12 to accomplish a

comfortable and supportive seating system 21 can be seen in the depiction of

PIG. 10.

(0053) In the drawing of FIG. 11, being a sectional plan view of the

anterior support device 71, is depicted the assembled parts of the anterior

support device 71 as seen from above. The waist support plate 97 is seen to

contain the medial T-plate 102 which plate 102 is shown as being cut in section.

The medial pad 78 and the lateral pads 77 are located above the cut line of the

sectional view, and the pads 77 78 are depicted being dotted in above locations.

Below the waist plate 97 is seen the arc guides 88 and the stop rods 89 which

rods 89 are set into the arc guides 88 to limit the forward and backward arc 76

of the buttress assembly 73. The release cable 112 connecting to the buttress

assembly 73 is seen originating at the lever release 75 on the bicycle handle

bar 32.

(0054) In the drawing of FIG. 12, being a posterior sectional view of the

anterior support device 71 of the seating system 21, it is depicted the assembled

parts of the anterior support device 71 as seen from the viewing direction of a

user cyclist 41. It is seen that the lateral pads 77 are width adjustable 79 in

connections 109 to the waist support plate 97. The medial pad 78 is

depth adjustable 80 with the movable medial sleeve 106 on the medial T-plate 102,

being slip connected with a pressure screw 108. The rotational adjustability 100

of the waist support plate 97 is seen at the pivot connection 98 to the extension

bar 91. The positioning of the arcing tube 92 between the arcing guides is seen,

as are the lateral spacers 118 between the arcing guides 88. Also seen is the

square-bar axle 87 for stable movement 76 of the arcing tube 92. The release

lever 75 and release cable 112, which parts effect the release of the arcing

tube's 92 movement 76, are depicted. The assembly of the upper compression

fittings 82 and the lower compression fittings 83 onto the vertical tubes 83

are seen in relationship to the attachment of the vertical tubes 81 to the cross

bars 29 30 of a bicycle frame 26 which tubes 81 are fixed in position by use of

compression screws 85.

(0055) In the drawing of FIG. 13, being a lateral sectional view of the

anterior support device 71 , it is depicted how the parts of the anterior support

device 71 function to support a cyclist 41 in the two principal postures of

cycling. The two principal postures are a seated posture and a standing posture.

In support of a seated cyclist 41 the support buttress 73 is automatically

rotated back 76 by effect of the spring hinge 93. The double latch 114 strikes

and snaps onto the rear stop rod 89. The latch 114 is held in place by effect

of the set spring 115 located on the arcing tube 92. The concave waist support 74

is then fixed in position to give forward support 72 to a seated cyclist 41.

In order for the cyclist 41 to move into a standing posture the release lever 75

is pressed, the release cable 112 retracts 120, and the double-sided latch 114

lifts 121 from the rear stop rod -89. As the cyclist 41 rises to a standing

posture, the cyclist's 41 hips 42 press against the concave waist support 74

and cause the support buttress 73 to rotate forward 76. When the arcing tube 92

strikes the forward stop rod 89 the latch spring 115 causes the double-sided

latch 114 to press onto the forward stop rod 89. The forward stop rod 89 holds

the support buttress 73 in a forward posiiton. When the cyclist 41 returns to a

seated posture, the buttress assembly 73 may be left in a forward position, or

the buttress assembly 73 may be returned 76 to a rear supporting position.72.

To return the buttress assembly 73 to a rear supporting position 72, the release

lever 75 is pressed. The pressing of the release lever 75 pulls 120 the release

cable 112 and releases the buttress assembly 73 by retracting 121 the latch 114

from the forward stop rod 89. The spring hinge 93 at the rotational axle 87 of

the arcing tube 92 then causes the buttress assembly 73 to arc back 76 to a

latched position at the rear stop rod 89.

(0056) In the drawing of FIG. 14, being an exploded axonometric view of

the parts of the seating system 21, it is depicted a view of the seating

system 21 as seen from a point of view above and to the rear right side of the

present invention 21. The posterior support device 56 is shown in assembled

form. The dual rod carriage 67 is in fixed attachment to the underside of the

support surface 58. The support surface 58 comprises a formed plastic platform 64,

a foam layer 65 and a fabric cover 66. xhe dual rod carriage 67 is shown

attached to a universal seat clamp 28, which clamp 28 is affixed to a bicycle 25

seat stem 27 which stem 27 is attached to a bicycle frame 26. The rotational

adjustability 68 for the posterior angle of support 57 is depicted.

(0057) Further in FIG. 14, the anterior support device 71 is shown in an

exploded view. The anterior device 71 includes vertical tubes 81 positioned on

either side of a bicycle's 25 cross bars 29 30. The upper pair of plastic

compression fittings 82 and a lower pair of compression fittings 83 slide along

the length of the vertical tubes 31. The vertical tubes 81 have holes 84 to

allow for varied positioning on a bicycle's 25 cross bars 29 30. The vertical

tubes 81 are fixed to the bicycle 25 cross bars 29 30 with compression screws and

nuts 85 j which screws 85 pass through the compression fittings 82 83 and through

the holes 84 in the vertical tubes 81 in order to secure the vertical tubes 81

in fixed positions on the bicycle 25 cross bars 29 30. Plastic washers 86 for

the compression screws 85 protect the finish surface of the bicycle 25 cross

bars 29 30. The medial faces of the compression fittings 83 are formed to fit

to the size and angle of varying bicycle 25 cross bars 29 30. The vertical

tubes 81 are held together in. parallel alignment by a horizontally-sliding square

axle bar 87 which bar S7 allows the space between the vertical tubes 81 to be

adjustable to fit the widths of varying bicycle 25 cross bars 29 30. The tops

of the vertical tubes 81 extend into the arc guides 88 which guides 88 control

the range of motion of the support buttress 73. The forward and backward limits

of motion 76 of the buttress 73 are set by movable stop rods 89 between the arc

guides 88. The stop rods 89 are fixed in position by two rod screws and.nuts 90.

The length of the stop rods 89 is dimensioned according to the width of the

bicycle 25 cross bars 29 30.

(0058) Also in FIG. 14 it is depicted that the support buttress 73 is made

up of the concave waist support 74, the extension bar 91 and the arcing tube 92.

The arcing tube 92 connects to the square axle bar 87. At the base of the arcing

tube 92 is the spring hinge 93 which hinge 93 rotates 94 the arcing tube 92

toward the posterior support device 56. At the top of the arcing tube 92 are

located two compression tabs 95 and a tab screw and nut 96 which compression

tabs 95 fix the length of the movable 101 extension bar 91. The waist support

plate 97 attaches to the top of the extension bar 91 with a pivot fitting 98.

A pivot screw and nut 99 tightens the pivot fitting 98 and secures the position

of the rotationally adjustable 100 waist support plate 97. The T-plate 102 for

the medial pad 78 screws 103 to the waist support plate 97 in slots 107 for up

and down adjustment 105 of the medial pad 78. The plastic sleeve 106 for the

medial pad 78 slides 107 onto the medial T-plate 102 and the sleeve 106 is fixed

in position by a pressure screw 108. The T-ρlate 102 and medial sleeve 106

allow for the medial pad 78 to be adjustable 80 in two directions: the direction

of in and out 107 and the direction of up and down 105. The movements 105 107

of the medial pad 78 make allowance for the medial pad 78 to accommodate varying

abdominal 49 protrusions. The lateral pads 77 are width-adjustable 79 in

slots 110 at the ends of the waist support plate 97» Lateral pad 77 positions

are fixed by the use of tightening screws and nuts 109. The medial pad 78 and

the two lateral pads 77 are assembled similarly to the posterior support

surface 58 indicated in the description of the drawing of FIG. 10 above. The

pads 77 78 are made up of three principal parts. The base layer of the pads 7778

are the plastic shells 64 which shells 64 include on the undersides the parts of

the medial sleeve 106 and the screws 109 for the lateral pads 77. On top of the

plastic shells 64 is a layer of foam 65. The foam 65 and the shells 64 are

wrapped together by a fabric cover 66.

(0059) Finally, in FIG. 14 it is depicted that the release of the anterior

support buttress 73 to rotate 76 is caused by the spring release lever 75. The

release lever 75 is secured to the bicycle 25 handle bars 32 by a screw clamp 113.

The spring release lever 75 is connected to the double-sided latch 114 by a

release cable 112. The double-sided latch 114 is held in place by a set

spring 115 and latch stops 116 located on the arcing tube 92 of the support

buttress 73. The release cable 112 is length-adjustable with a set screw 117 at

the double-sided latch 114. The lateral stability of the arcing tube 92 is

controlled by the lateral spacers 118 on the axis 119 of the double-sided

latch 114.

(0060) There exist numerous opportunities and possibilities for the '*'

application of additions to, and adjustments in, the preferred embodiment of the

present invention 21. Such optional additions to, and adjustments in, the

preferred embodiment of the present invention 21 include, but are not limited to,

the enumerated examples of additions and adjustments here following;

1. The preferred embodiment of the seating system 21 includes descriptions of a

full range of adjustability in the positioning and angles of direction of the

component parts of the seating system 21. The seating system 21 may further

incorporate variations in the sizes of parts, and in the scale of the overall

seating system 21. Changes in parts sizes and in overall scale can be made

for the purpose of accomplishing more suitable fits to the physical

dimensions and proportions of a variety of user body types, which various

body types include those of men, women and children.

2. The seating system 21 can be made in an embodiment, in which embodiment the

seating system 21 is particular to, and integral with the structure or the

frame 26 of an individual bicycle 25 or model of a bicycle 25, or other

device where the seating system 21 is useful.

3. The anterior support device 71 of the seating system 21 can be employed on a

bicycle 25, or in another useful application, such that the anterior waist

support 74 does not move backward and downward 76 to a descended location

to support the hips 42 of a cyclist 41 in a seated posture. The anterior

support device 71 can be applied for the purpose of providing a surface of

^• support 72 for a cyclist 41, which cyclist 41 is cycling in a standing

posture. The waist support 74 can retain adjustability of sizing and

positioning. The function of the arcing movement 76 of the seating system 21

can be obviated in the application of the anterior waist support 74 as a

fixed positional body support surface for the body of a user in a standing

posture.

4. The anterior medial pad 78 movements 80 can be expanded to include the

rotational movement of the medial support surface 78, which rotation would

occur by effect of surface contact with the abdomen 49 of a cyclist 41, as

the body of the cyclist 41 would ascend and descend, in the act of pedalling

a bicycle 25 when the cyclist 41 is in a standing posture.

5. The medial support pad 78 can be substituted with a belt type of support

surface, which belt type of support would span between the lateral support

pads 77 of the anterior waist, support 74. Such a belt type of support could

be lengthened or shortened between the lateral support pads 77, which length

adjustments would result in adjustability 80 in the depth and height

positioning of the medial support belt. Such adjustability in the medial

support belt would achieve a function of adjustability similar to the

adjustability 80 of the medial support pad 78 of the preferred embodiment 21.

6. In the anterior support device 71 of the present invention 21, the upper

compression fittings 82 and the lower compression fittings 83, are set forth

as being parts seperate parts from the vertical tube 81 parts. The upper

and lower compression fittings 82 83 can be substituted with a compressible

material applied to, and integral with the medial faces of the vertical

tubes 81. Such a composite of parts would similarly serve the established

function of securing the location of the vertical tubes 81 on the cross

bars 29 30 of a bicycle 25.

7. In the anterior support device 71 of the present invention 21, the forward

and backward arcing movement 76 of the anterior waist support is accomplished

by means of the movement of the anterior buttress assembly 73 within the

arc guides 88 ^' of the anterior device 71. The arc guides 88 can be

substituted by the more compact device of a rotating hub, which rotating hub

would effect the same arcing movement as that movement 76 effected by the arc

guides 88 of the preferred embodiment 21. The forward and backward

movement 76 of the anterior support buttress 73 can also be similarly

accomplished by means of the linear movement of a sliding device, which

sliding would substitute for the arcing movement 76 of the preferred

embodiment 21.

8. In the anterior support device 71 of the preferred embodiment 21, it is above

set forth that there exist advantages of comfort resulting from a reduction

in direct vertical loading at the hips 42 of a cyclist 41. An improved

loading condition results from a combination of posterior 57 and anterior

72 directions of support for the cyclist. The jarring effects of dynamic

load transfer to the hips 42 of a cyclist 41 can be further ameliorated by

the incorporation of elements of flexibility in the anterior support

assembly 73. One opportunity for increasing flexibility in the anterior

waist support 74 is in the introduction of flexibility into the waist

support plate 97, which flexibility would result in a level of elastic

rebound for the anterior lateral pad supports 77. A second opportunity for

increasing flexibility in the anterior waist support 74 is in the addition

of a spring function to the top of the extension bar 91 _s which spring would

be structurally integral in the line of the compressive length of the

extension bar 91.

Examples of adjustments in ₃ and additions to, the present invention 21 are

described here for the purpose of illustrating possibilities within the scope and

the spirit of the invention 21; such examples are intended to be neither

comprehensive, nor are such examples intended to be indicative of the limits of

possible adjustments in ₃ and additions to, the preferred embodiment 21 of the

present invention.

(0061) Numerous Characteristics and advantages of the invention 21 have

been set forth in the foregoing description. The foregoing description of the

preferred embodiment of the present invention 21 is presented for purposes of

illustration and explanation. The spirit and scope of the present invention 21

are not limited by the embodiment described above. The above descriptions are not

intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention 21 to the precise form

disclosed. In light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of

the invention 21 are possible. It will be understood by those skilled in the art

that a variety of changes in the form and detail of the preferred embodiment may

be made without departing from the principle of the present invention 21. The

disclosure anticipates changes that may be made in detail and in matters of size,

shape and arrangements of parts that are within the principle of the

invention 21. The present invention 21 has been particularly shown and described

with reference to a preferred embodiment of a seating system for a bicycle.

Since changes and adjustments may vary to fit particular operating requirements

and environments, it will be understood that the principle of the invention 21 is

not limited to the specific embodiment herein described. It is understood that

the herein described seating system can be used for other purposes and in other

applications. The seating system can be used for a variety of equipment, such

as furniture and in any application where seating or body support is appropriate.

Such applications and modifications are anticipated by the present invention 21,

with details of structure, function and novel features of the invention 21. The

preferred embodiment encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit and

scope of the present invention 21. The appended claims are for the limited

purpose of declaring what is generally new and original in the purposes, means

and product of the art of the present invention 21. The spirit and scope of the

present invention 21 are measured to the full extent indicated by the broadest

general meaning of the terms in which the here appended claims are expressed.