Saddle support structure

Abstract

A support structure having a seat surface, particularly for pedal operated machines, such as bicycles, comprises a substantially rigid or semi-rigid frame, means for connecting the frame to the pedal operated machine, a yieldable padding secured to the top face of the frame, a covering layer superimposed to the yieldable pad, wherein the frame has one or more differential rigidity portions, preferably adapted to facilitate the pedaling motion. The differential rigidity portions are preferably situated at an outer peripheral edge of the frame, along which at least one recess is provided. Each differential rigidity portion comprises a plurality of outwardly extending projections.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation application of PCT / IB2003 / 004334, filed Oct. 1, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the application claims the benefit of Italian Priority Application No. V12002A000208, filed Oct. 1, 2002.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention finds application in the field of cycles and similar products and relates to a support structure having a seat surface for users of pedal driven machines or vehicles. BACKGROUND [0003] In the field of pedal driven machines, such as bicycles, tricycles, exercise bicycles, or the like, numerous examples of support structures, or saddles, are known, which are adapted to support users on a seat surface. [0004] A saddle generally comprises a rigid structure adapted to support the body weight of the user and allows attachment of the saddle onto a bicycle or similar vehicle by suitable fastening means. [0005] In order to reduce compression at the contact points betw...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] A main object of this invention is to obviate the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing a support structure for a bicycle or other pedal driven machine, which is adapted to fit the muscles of the legs and buttocks, and to provide high wellness and comfort during use.

[0016] A further object of the invention is to provide a support structure which has a sufficiently wide seat surface and such a shape as to limit compression both caused by the user's weight and by the pedaling motion, which are exerted in the inside thigh areas of the user.

Problems solved by technology

During pedaling, the inside thigh areas of the user repeatedly contact the side periphery of the saddle, thereby causing periodic rubbing and consequent local irritations, unless particular arrangements are provided.

This allows to reduce the contact action of the side edges of the saddle on the relevant body areas but leads to other drawbacks.

A first drawback consists in that the presence of such pliable edges reduces the surface in contact with the user's body and, as a result, increases the pressure exerted by the saddle.

A second drawback associated with such pliable side edges is that they cause the rigid structure to be permanently, and often unacceptably, weakened.

An apparent limit of this solution lies in that the additional pad, when not properly secured, may be displaced during use, due to the motion of the legs, and is in any case a supplement member, which has to be repeatedly checked for proper positioning.

Further, the use of an additional member necessarily implies a more complex construction, requires particular care in mounting operations, and greatly changes the aspect of the saddle.

A common drawback of all these embodiments consists in the remarkably complicated structure introduced by the used of these swingable fastening means, and by the consequent increase of construction costs.

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