Top or seat assembly for saddle of vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a top or seat assembly for a saddle of a vehicle such as a bicycle or a motorcycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a top or seat assembly for a saddle of a vehicle, such as a bicycle or a motorcycle, and a saddle provided with the assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Many bicycle saddles have been proposed, which typically include a pad attached to a felt pad or housing, which is then attached to the fork, which in turn is connected to the bicycle seatpost, and this connection can be achieved with special locking jaws if necessary.

[0003] Furthermore, with existing solutions, the saddle cannot be disassembled once assembled because the components are joined together by adhesive or interference fit.

[0004] Saddles with pads that can be detachably attached to felt pads were also considered, but these solutions did not always guarantee satisfactory results.

[0005] Furthermore, the proposed saddle structures to date are complex and the manufacturing process is quite difficult to implement.

[0006] It should also be considered that once the components of the saddle are damaged or worn, in most cases the entire saddle needs to be replaced, because it is impossible to replace individual parts or properly recover the individual components of the saddle to be replaced.

[0007] The problem has been considered and partially solved by the solutions covered in the following patent documents WO2016063218 and WO2015059626; however, most known saddle components are glued or foamed together and therefore cannot be separated.

[0008] EP2085302A2, WO2013124829A1, US6523891B1 and DE202018105907U1 teach corresponding solutions according to the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the technical objective of this invention is to improve upon the prior art by developing a top assembly for bicycle or motorcycle saddles or complete saddles, thereby overcoming the aforementioned deficiencies.

[0010] In the context of this technical task, the object of the present invention is to develop a top assembly for a saddle or complete saddle that can be easily and quickly assembled, and even assembled in a detachable manner, for example, for the purpose of installing another assembly when the first assembly wears out.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a saddle in which the padding can be removed to allow a user to repair a structurally still functional product, thereby extending the service life of unaffected components, or in which other components of the frame or saddle can also be removed for appropriate replacement and / or repair.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a saddle in which some or all of the components can be disassembled, thereby enabling proper disposal in accordance with currently available recycling logic.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an easily obtainable saddle.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a seat or top assembly according to claim 1 is provided.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a saddle is provided according to claim 19.

[0016] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of embodiments of the top assembly and saddle, which are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 This is a slightly top-view perspective view of the saddle according to the present invention; - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A slightly upward-viewing perspective of the saddle; - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the top or seat assembly of the saddle; - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of a partial sectional section of the saddle; - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A bottom view of the saddle, in which the top or seat assembly is cut out; - Figure 6 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A bottom view of the saddle components; - Figure 7 and Figure 8 The figures are slightly top-view perspective views and side-view perspective views of a saddle according to the invention, which includes another top or seat assembly, a felt pad, and a fork frame according to the invention. - Figure 9 yes Figure 7 and Figure 8 A front sectional view of the saddle, in which the fork is not shown; - Figure 10 It is used for Figure 7 and Figure 8 A plan view of the reinforcing elements of the component; and - Figure 11 and Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of the reinforcing components.

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts or components are identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a top or seat assembly 1 of a saddle 2 for a vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle is shown.

[0020] The top assembly 1 includes a padding component 3 and a restraining component 4 for a felt pad (felt) or housing 5 for the saddle 2. The padding component 3 defines a support surface 3a, which may be covered by a cover or cover layer 15 for use by a user or rider if desired.

[0021] The restraint member 4 includes a connecting element 6 externally connected to the bottom or lower surface 3b of the padding member 3 and defining a U-shaped seat 7 for the edge 5a of the felt pad or housing 5 of the saddle 2. Alternatively, the restraint member 4 may include at least one reinforcing element 8 wholly or partially embedded in the padding member 3, or mounted on its lower surface in the use state, and designed to form an internal abutment of the means for restraining to the felt pad or housing 5 of the saddle 2.

[0022] Obviously, the liner 3 also includes a side surface 3c, which may be annular or tubular, for connecting or linking the upper surface 3a and the lower surface 3b. The upper surface 3a and / or the side surface 3c are preferably covered by a cover or covering layer 15.

[0023] First refer to Figures 1 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the restraining member 4 may include a connecting element 6, which is made of polyurethane, optionally dense polyurethane. The connecting element 6 is molded onto the lower surface 3b of the main padding member 3 in its use state and defines a U-shaped seat 7. In this case, since the restraining member 4 is molded directly onto the bottom of the padding member 3, the restraint between the padding member 3 and the restraining member 4 is advantageously achieved.

[0024] In this respect, the connecting element 6 may have a main wall 9 that contacts the lower surface 3b of the main padding member 3 in the use state, and an L-shaped protruding wall 10 extending from the main wall 9 (if provided) or the peripheral edge 9a of the padding member 3, the L-shaped protruding wall 10 defining the U-shaped seat portion 7 together with the padding member 3 or the main wall 9. Preferably, the main wall 9 completely covers the lower surface 3b of the padding member and contacts it along its entire extension.

[0025] If necessary, the L-shaped protruding wall 10 is annular, extending along the entire lower periphery of the seat assembly 1 and defining the annular U-shaped seat 7 therebetween. Obviously, the protruding wall 10 may not be annular; in this case, it may have a single segment or even multiple segments spaced apart from or separated from each other.

[0026] The protruding wall 10 may have a first section 10a starting from the main wall 9, the first section 10a extending downward in the use state, and then having a second section 10b extending toward the centerline of the assembly 1. In this case, the U-shaped seat 7 is open toward the centerline of the assembly 1.

[0027] In this respect, the second segment 10b may be annular and substantially parallel to the main wall 9, or inclined at an angle between +20° and -20°, wherein the outer end portion 10c is located at a horizontal position lower than the corresponding inner end portion 10d (near the center line) in the use state. In fact, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the height or horizontal position of the U-shaped seat 7 decreases from the outside to the inside, such that the free end or inner end portion 10d is closer to the surface 3b than the outer end portion 10c.

[0028] The thickness of the first segment 10a can also be 1.5 to 7 times greater than the thickness of the second segment 10b. In this respect, the thickness of the second segment 10b can be between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, optionally between 1 and 2 mm, while the thickness of the second segment 10a can be between 2 mm and about 7 mm.

[0029] The extension range of the first segment 10a in the direction away from the main wall 9 can be between 0.1 and 2 cm, and optionally between 0.2 and 1 cm, for example, 0.4-0.6 cm.

[0030] The extension of the second section 10b from the first section 10a toward the inside of the saddle can be between 0.5 and 3 cm, optionally between 0.5 and 2 cm, for example 0.7-1.3 cm.

[0031] The thickness of the main wall 9 can be between 0.5 and 5 mm, preferably between 2 and 3 mm.

[0032] If necessary, the second segment 10b may have a thickness that varies from the outside to the inside of the component 1, for example, gradually thinning towards the inside, or having a substantially constant thickness from the outside to the inside end, but with a thinner end segment at the inside end, for example, even less than 0.5 or 0.3 mm.

[0033] Advantageously, the second segment 10b has a hardness between 50 and 90 Shore, preferably 80 Shore. This aspect is important for ensuring that the felt pad 5 can be easily placed into and removed from the U-shaped seat 7.

[0034] Understandably, the lower surface 3b can have any suitable configuration and can vary from a low curvature shape to a shape with specific details, such as having a central hole or other structures.

[0035] The width of the seat 7 can be between 1 and 10 mm, for example, about 3-6 mm, and can be varied from the inside to the outside if necessary.

[0036] Regarding the upper surface 3a, it can be flat, or according to Figure 3 Direction A in the middle is slightly concave inward or towards the center line.

[0037] In addition, the pad 3 may also have a downwardly extending lower annular edge 3d for covering the sidewall of the protruding wall 10, especially its first segment 10a.

[0038] Component 1 may then include a cover or cover layer 15 as an external cover for the padding member 3, the cover or cover layer 15 extending over the entire upward-facing surface 3a of the padding member and toward the side 3c of component 1. Of course, the cover or cover layer 15 does not extend to the bottom of component 1, nor does it cover the bottom 3b of the padding member 3.

[0039] Component 1 as described above can be obtained by a method similar to that described in International Application Publication No. WO2019166900A1.

[0040] For example, the process may include the following steps: -Prepare the mold in the open position; - Position the cover or covering layer within the cavity defined by the first plate of the mother component of the mold; - Operate the second plate to engage with the first plate, thereby clamping the periphery of the cover between the two; - An actuation suction or vacuum source is used to constrain the covering to the wall of the first plate defining the cavity; Pour or insert material for the liner of the component onto the covering; - Close the mold, so that the padding material is clamped between the first male part of the mold and the cover. Then, if necessary, after applying heat, the padding mixture or material reacts and expands and fills the cavity if necessary, thereby obtaining a molded padding part 3 with a cover. - After completing the first molding step, open the mold unit and remove the first male component; - A second male component is introduced to close the female component, such that a space or area is defined between the second male component and the pad 3 on the lower surface of the pad in the use state, the space or area being used for injecting material to obtain the PU layer constituting the restraint component 4. - Inject the material into the mold, thereby inserting it into the space or area, and then proceed with the second molding step; - After molding is complete, open the mold and remove the pad 3 with the cover and dense PU layer 4, so that any excess cover can be trimmed later if necessary.

[0041] Obviously, in order to obtain the constrained part or polyurethane layer, a mold or other device with moving parts can be used, for example, for forming undercut parts such as U-shaped seat 7.

[0042] Component 1 as described above can also be obtained by methods different from those described above, such as those similar to those described in Italian Patent IT1207441. For example, the method may include the following steps: - Arrange the mold in the open position; - Position the cover or covering layer within the cavity defined by the first plate of the mother component of the mold; - Operate the second plate to engage with the first plate, thereby clamping the periphery of the cover between the two; - An actuated suction or vacuum source is used to constrain the covering to the wall of the first plate defining the cavity; - Close the mold, and then inject material for padding and restraint components, such as foam or self-skinning polyurethane, into the area between the male part of the mold and the cover, or pour or insert material for padding the component on top of the cover, and then close the mold, so that the padding material is clamped between the male part of the mold and the cover. Subsequently, if necessary, the material or mixture for padding and restraint components reacts after heat is applied, thereby obtaining a molded padding component 3 with restraint components and a cover.

[0043] Of course, if self-skinning foam or polyurethane is used, then no covering is even necessary.

[0044] The term "self-skinning" refers to a material that forms a specific layer or a non-extended or dense polyurethane layer during hardening, polymerization, or curing.

[0045] According to this process, the padding and restraint components will be made as a single piece and of the same material, preferably polyurethane, such as dense polyurethane.

[0046] The invention also includes a saddle 2, which includes the component 1 as described above, and a felt pad or housing 5 detachably connected to the restraint member 4 of the component 1.

[0047] Obviously, the felt pad or housing 5 can be associated with or connected to the fork for restraint, and can be connected to the seat bar with the aid of appropriate gripper devices if necessary.

[0048] In this respect, the felt pad or housing 5 may have a construction substantially similar to the upper surface of component 1, but with a smaller extension range, thus having a wider rear portion, and its width gradually decreases until the tip portion, which is substantially tapered.

[0049] In addition, the felt pad or housing 5 may also have openings, for example, a structure with solid and empty spaces.

[0050] Obviously, the felt pad 5 can also have a simpler structure, in which case less material is used in its construction, for example, by employing new-generation materials, or possibly recycled materials. This point is particularly relevant when the restraint component 4 is made of dense PU, in which case it contributes to the overall structure of the felt pad 5.

[0051] The felt pad or housing 5 is made of a rigid material, such as a composite material, thermoplastic material, or metal material.

[0052] If necessary, the annular edge 5a of the felt pad 5 is inserted into the U-shaped seat 7, preferably detachably. Clearly, after this insertion, screws, bolts, or rivets 19 can be inserted into the connecting element 6 (or, if necessary, into the corresponding protruding walls 10, 10b) and into the felt pad 5 to stabilize and reinforce the constraint between these components 5, 6.

[0053] In this respect, according to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, a rigid ring 20 can be used to ensure the stable fixation of the felt pad 5 and the liner 3. If necessary, the rigid ring is made of thermoplastic material and preferably defines a plurality of holes or grooves 21. More specifically, after the step of inserting the annular edge 5a of the felt pad 5 into the U-shaped seat 7, the rigid ring 20 is placed on the connecting element 6 or on the lower surface of the corresponding protruding wall 10 (or the corresponding second segment 10b) in the use state. Then, screws, bolts, or rivets 19 are inserted or adapted into the rigid ring 20, into or adapted into the connecting element 6 (or into or adapted into the protruding wall 10 or the corresponding second segment 10b), and further into the felt pad 5.

[0054] In this case, the restraint member 4 can be molded onto the previously obtained padding member 3, or the padding member 3 and the restraint member 4 can be made into one piece, and then the annular edge 5a of the felt pad 5 can be inserted into the U-shaped seat 7 to detachably restrain the padding member 3 and the felt pad 5.

[0055] In this respect, the defining wall of the U-shaped seat 7, such as the protruding wall 10, or if necessary, the second segment 10b, is flexible enough to allow the felt pad or housing 5 to be removably inserted into the seat 7, and after insertion, the wall 10 or the segment 10b ensures that the felt pad or housing 5 remains in the seat 7.

[0056] The insertion is preferably performed manually and / or automatically, as is the case with the felt pad 5 which may be removed from the seat 7.

[0057] The insertion can also be done using a lever specifically designed for this function, or using a lever commonly used in the bicycle industry for removing tires.

[0058] Advantageously, the saddle includes an insert 18, which is wholly or partially annular and is mounted or connected to the rigid ring 20, for example, each mounted or fitted into a corresponding opening in the rigid ring, whether or not the opening is through. Preferably, the insert has internal threads. If necessary, the insert 18 is made of metal.

[0059] Of course, each of the inserts 18 defines at least one hole, slot, or seat 18a, which may be through or non-through, and is open downward or toward the mating or restraining area of ​​the felt pad or housing 5 in the use state, for inserting or assembling the restraining device 19.

[0060] Inserts preferably made of metal have sufficient strength to allow riders to repeatedly remove them without damaging them, especially in the case of threads, without damaging the threads.

[0061] If insert 18 is provided, it can be constrained to the body of rigid ring 20 in any suitable manner, such as by bonding, co-molding or overmolding, welding, insertion or assembly.

[0062] Advantageously, there are 2 to 15 or 4 to 10 inserts. Obviously, the inserts 18 are preferably distributed along the extension of the rigid ring, and thus located in the front, rear and / or middle portions.

[0063] Of course, the felt pad or housing 5 may also be defined with holes or slots 5e to align with holes or slots in the rigid ring 20 or insert 18, and then the restraint device 19 is inserted into such aligned holes or slots.

[0064] The insert 18 described above may also be additionally or alternatively mounted or connected to the felt pad or housing 5, or only mounted or connected to the felt pad or housing 5, for example, each mounted or fitted into a corresponding opening in the felt pad or housing 5, which may or may not penetrate the felt pad or housing 5, especially (but not limited to) in the absence of the rigid ring 20.

[0065] As already described in part, although not required, the saddle 1 may also include a fork 11 of any suitable construction, which is constrained or connected to the underside of the felt pad 5.

[0066] More specifically regarding the fork carriage 11, it may have forks or a pair of forks 11a, the pair of forks having a pair of rear ends 11b, which, if necessary, are fitted into suitable seats 5b1, 5b2 of the felt pad 5 by interference fit or snap-fit, and / or are constrained to the felt pad 5 by means of a suitable coupling device. The front end 11c of the fork carriage component 11 may alternatively be formed by a curved section of the same C-shaped fork carriage component (the embodiment shown in the figures), or by the two front ends of the two forks. Obviously, the front end 11c of the fork carriage component 11 may also be connected to the felt pad 5 in any suitable manner, for example by interlocking, hooking, or constraining between the felt pad 5 and a suitable closing member 5c.

[0067] If configured, the fork assembly 11 can be connected to the seat bar (not shown in the figures) at the corresponding central position, for example by any suitable means.

[0068] If necessary, the saddle 2 may also include a closed ring or component that is installed or tightened after the pad 3 is assembled or mounted on the felt pad 5 to ensure optimal and durable fastening of the system.

[0069] Now refer to Figures 7 to 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the restraint member 4 includes at least one reinforcing element 8, which may be annular or have fan-shaped portions separated from each other, and may optionally be aligned along an annular path or direction. The reinforcing element 8 is embedded in the padding member 3 and is designed to form an internal abutment for the connection of a restraint device such as a screw, bolt, rivet or the like to the felt pad or housing 5.

[0070] Alternatively, the reinforcing element 8 is not embedded in the padding member 3, but can be mounted or disposed on the lower surface 3b of the padding member 3 in the use state, preferably disposed in a specific recess 16, which can be annular or have fan-shaped portions separated from each other, and can optionally be aligned along an annular path or direction, open downward, defined by the padding member 3, or protrude from below it, or in any case not closed from below by the padding member 3.

[0071] In this respect, the reinforcing element 8 advantageously has a ring-shaped structure that follows or corresponds to the external configuration of the upper or lower surface of the component 1, but with a reduced extension range, thus having a wider rear portion 8a, and its width gradually decreasing until the corresponding tapered tip 8b. In this respect, the reinforcing element 8 extends substantially from the rear portion of the component and the corresponding saddle in the use state to the tip, although it can advantageously position the rear portion at a maximum distance of 2 cm from the rear portion of the component or saddle, and the front portion at a maximum distance of 2 cm from the rear portion of the component or saddle.

[0072] The reinforcing element 8 may have an outer edge or end 8c, which is approximately 0.2 mm to 2 cm from the lower edge of the component 1 or the corresponding padding component 3, or between 0.3 and 1 cm if necessary.

[0073] The basic horizontal width or extension range or thickness of the annular reinforcing element 8 can be between 0.5 and 3 cm, for example between 0.5 and 2 cm, and optionally between 1 and 1.8 cm.

[0074] The reinforcing element 8 may have a main section 8d, for example, a slight downward concave bend in the use state, the main section 8d having an annular extension range.

[0075] The reinforcing element 8 is preferably made of one or more composite materials or thermoplastic materials, or alternatively, it may be made of other materials such as metal.

[0076] Advantageously, the reinforcing element 8 defines one or more holes or slots, for example, 2 to 15 or 4 to 10, which may or may not be through-holes, but are open downwards in the use state for inserting restraining devices, such as screws, bolts, rivets, or the like. Obviously, the holes or slots are preferably distributed along the extension of the reinforcing element, and thus located in the front, rear, and / or middle portions.

[0077] More advantageously, the component includes an insert 18, which is wholly or partially annular and is mounted or connected to the reinforcing element 8, for example, by each being mounted or fitted into a corresponding opening 8e in the reinforcing element 8, which may or may not penetrate the reinforcing element 8, or each being mounted within a lowered portion 8f of the reinforcing element 8, particularly when the reinforcing element 8 is made of one or more composite or thermoplastic materials. If a lowered portion 8f is provided, it extends from the main section 8d. The insert will allow the padding component 3 to be secured to the felt pad or housing 5 by means of the aforementioned restraint device. Advantageously, the insert is provided with internal threads. If necessary, the insert 18 is made of metal.

[0078] Of course, each of the inserts 18 defines at least one hole, slot, or seat 18a, which may be through or non-through, and is open downward, or toward the mating or restraining area of ​​the felt or housing 5, or toward the mating or restraining area of ​​the felt or housing 5 in the use state, for inserting or engaging the restraining device 19.

[0079] Inserts preferably made of metal have sufficient strength to allow riders to repeatedly remove them without damaging them, especially if they are threaded, so as not to damage the threads.

[0080] If an insert 18 is provided, it can be constrained to the body of the reinforcing element 8 in any suitable manner, and if necessary, it can be constrained in the corresponding lower portion 8f, for example by gluing, co-molding or overmolding, welding, insertion or assembly.

[0081] Advantageously, the number of inserts is 2 to 15 or 4 to 10. Obviously, the inserts 18 are preferably distributed along the extension of the reinforcing element, and thus located in the front, rear and / or middle portions.

[0082] Of course, the felt pad or housing 5 may also be defined with holes or slots 5e to align with the holes or slots in the reinforcing element 8 or insert 18, and then the restraint device 19 is inserted into such aligned holes or slots.

[0083] The insert 18 described above may also be additionally or alternatively mounted or connected to the felt pad or housing 5, or only mounted or connected to the felt pad or housing 5, for example, each mounted or fitted into a corresponding opening, which may or may not penetrate the felt pad or housing 5.

[0084] Obviously, the holes or slots in the felt pad 5 and / or reinforcing element 8 can be formed when inserting or assembling the restraint device.

[0085] In this case, the constraint between the padding component 3 and the restraining component 4 is preferably achieved through the cohesion of the materials of these components generated during the foaming, application, or insertion of the padding material, and through the expansion or insertion of the padding material, which brings the padding material into direct contact with the restraining component 4, or more preferably with the reinforcing element 8, and wholly or partially covers it, if necessary, the reinforcing element 8 being annular. More specifically, the materials of the padding component 3 and the restraining component 4 are cohesive to each other because they are chemically similar, thereby ensuring the constraint between them.

[0086] If necessary, component 1 may also be provided with a sealing layer or lower layer in the use state, which, if necessary, is made of polyurethane and seals the padding member 3 at the bottom, thereby constraining the reinforcing element 8 between the padding member 3 and the lower layer. The lower layer made of polyurethane may be obtained by molding directly on the bottom of the padding member 3 to seal the recess 16 if necessary.

[0087] In this case, component 1 may also include an outer cover or cover layer 15 for the padding member 3, the cover or cover layer 15 extending over the entire upward-facing surface of the padding member 3 and toward the sides of component 1. Of course, the cover or cover layer 15 does not extend to the bottom of component 1. The same component may have one or more undercut portions, as in a standard saddle, to avoid sharp edges.

[0088] As described above, component 1 can be obtained by a similar method. However, for constraining the reinforcing element 8 to the padding component 3, for example, the reinforcing element 8, which can be obtained or made in advance, can be constrained to the male component of the mold such that once the mold is closed, the mixture or material used to form the padding will react and, if necessary, expand and fill the cavity, thereby constraining one side to the cover and the other side to the reinforcing element 8.

[0089] The possible sealing layer or sublayer can be obtained in the same way as the aforementioned constraint components. Therefore, after completing the first step of molding the liner, the mold is opened and the first male component is removed, and then the second male component is introduced to seal the female component, thereby maintaining a defined space or area between the second male component and the liner 3 on the lower surface of the liner in the use state. This space or area is used to inject material to obtain the sealing layer or sublayer, which may be polyurethane material if necessary.

[0090] The subject of the invention also lies in the saddle 2, which includes the component 1 as described above and a felt pad or housing 5 detachably connected to the restraint member 4 of the component 1.

[0091] Of course, in this case, the above also applies to the association or connection with the fork used for restraint, and the fact that the felt pad or housing 5 is made of a rigid material, such as a composite material, thermoplastic material or metal material.

[0092] Regarding the constraint or connection of the felt pad 5 to the assembly as described above, there is a removable constraint device for constraining the felt pad 5 to the reinforcing element 8, the constraint device including screws or bolts or rivets or similar devices.

[0093] In this regard, for assembly, the felt pad 5 is placed and abutted against the lower surface of the component 1, such as the lower surface of the lower layer 6, and then a restraint device is inserted or installed to engage with the felt pad 5, if necessary, with its edge 5a, through the lower layer 6, and subsequently engaged with the installed or embedded reinforcing element 8 or its corresponding insert 18 or hole.

[0094] Of course, if the lower layer 6 does not exist, the restraint device is directly assembled in the felt pad 5 and in the reinforcing element 8.

[0095] The present invention also relates to a bicycle (not shown) or motorcycle comprising a frame, possibly including a seat post supported by the frame, and a saddle 2 constrained and supported by the frame or optional seat post, for example supported by the fork 11 in the case of a fork 11.

[0096] It is understood that, with the aid of the saddle according to the invention, the top or seat assembly can be easily restrained and released from the respective housing, for example, to install another when the first wears out, or to make repairs.

[0097] With the help of this invention, some or all of the components can be disassembled so that they can be properly disposed of in accordance with currently available recycling logic.

[0098] Furthermore, the components and saddles according to the invention can be obtained by a simple and quick method.

[0099] Modifications and variations of the invention are possible within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A top or seat assembly for a saddle of a vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle, said top or seat assembly including a padding member (3) defining a support surface for a user and a restraining member (4) for a felt pad or housing (5) of the saddle, said restraining member (4) comprising: - A connecting element (6), which is externally connected to the bottom of the padding member (3) or is integral with the padding member (3), and defines a U-shaped seat (7) for the edge (5a) of the felt pad or housing (5) of the saddle. The connecting element (6) is molded onto the lower surface (3b) of the main padding member (3) in the use state, or is obtained by molding it integrally with the padding member (3), or - At least one reinforcing element (8), which is embedded in the padding member (3) or mounted or disposed on the lower surface (3b) of the padding member (3) in the use state and designed to form an internal abutment of a device for restraining to the felt pad or housing (5) of the saddle, wherein the reinforcing element (8) is annular.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge or end (8c) of the reinforcing element (8) is about 0.2 mm to 2 cm away from the lower edge of the padding member (3).

3. The component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reinforcing element (8) has a basic horizontal width or extension range or thickness between 0.5 cm and 3 cm.

4. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The constraint between the padding component (3) and the restraining component (4) is achieved through the cohesion between the materials of these components during the foaming, application, or insertion of the padding material, and by allowing the padding material to expand or insert into direct contact with and fully or partially cover the reinforcing element (8).

5. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The padding member (3) defines or delineates at least one recess (16) with a downward opening, and the at least one reinforcing element (8) is mounted or disposed in the at least one recess (16).

6. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reinforcing element (8) protrudes downward from the lower surface (3b) of the padding member (3) in the use state, or is not closed from below by the padding member (3) in any case.

7. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reinforcing element (8) is made of composite material or thermoplastic material.

8. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The reinforcing element (8) defines one or more through or non-through holes or slots for inserting means for constraining the padding member (3) to the felt pad or housing (5) of the saddle.

9. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes inserts (18), which are at least partially annular and are mounted or connected to the reinforcing element (8), each insert (18) defining at least one through or non-through hole or slot or seat (18a) for inserting or assembling a restraint device (19) that restrains the padding member (3) to the felt pad or housing (5) of the saddle.

10. The component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The insert (18) is threaded.

11. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The constraint component (4) includes a connecting element (6) made of polyurethane and molded on the lower surface (3b) of the main pad component (3) in the use state.

12. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connecting element (6) has an L-shaped protruding wall (10) that extends from the peripheral edge (9a) of the padding member (3) or from the main wall (9) of the connecting element (6) and defines the U-shaped seat (7) together with the padding member (3) or the main wall (9).

13. The component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The L-shaped protruding wall (10) is annular, thereby extending along the entire lower periphery of the seat assembly and defining the annular U-shaped seat (7) therebetween.

14. The component according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The protruding wall (10) has a first section (10a) that extends downward in the use state, followed by a second section (10b) that extends toward the centerline of the component, and the U-shaped seat (7) is open toward the centerline of the component.

15. The component according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second segment (10b) is annular and is substantially parallel to or inclined at an angle between +20° and -20° relative to the main wall (9).

16. The component according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The thickness of the first segment (10a) is 1.5 to 7 times greater than the thickness of the second segment (10b).

17. The component according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The hardness of the second section (10b) is between 50 and 90 Shore 0.

18. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes a cover or cover layer (15) for the outer lining of the padding member (3), the cover or cover layer extending over the entire upward-facing surface (3a) of the padding member (3) and toward the side (3c) of the assembly.

19. A saddle for a vehicle, such as a bicycle or a motorcycle, the saddle comprising an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, and a felt pad or housing (5) detachably connected to the connecting member (4) of the assembly.

20. The saddle according to claim 19, characterized in that, The component includes a connecting element (6) defining a U-shaped seat (7), wherein the edge (5a) of the felt pad (5) is inserted into the U-shaped seat (7).

21. The saddle according to claim 20, characterized in that, Includes a rigid ring (20) that defines a plurality of holes or slots (21) and is placed on the lower surface of the connecting element (6) in the use state, and the saddle includes screws, bolts or rivets (19) inserted or mounted in the rigid ring (20), the connecting element (6) and the felt pad (5).

22. The saddle according to claim 21, comprising the components according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The rigid ring (20) is placed on the lower surface of the protruding wall (10) in the use state, and the screw, bolt or rivet (19) is inserted or installed in the protruding wall (10) of the connecting element (6).

23. The saddle according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, Includes inserts (18), which are at least partially annular and are mounted or connected to the rigid ring (20), each insert (18) defining at least one through or non-through hole or slot or seat (18a) for insertion or assembly of a restraint device (19) that constrains the padding member (3) to the felt pad or housing (5) of the saddle.

24. The saddle according to claim 19, characterized in that, The assembly includes at least one reinforcing element (8), and the saddle also includes means for detachably securing the felt pad (5) to the reinforcing element (8), the means for securing the felt pad (5) including screws, bolts or rivets.

25. The saddle according to claim 24, characterized in that, The component is the component according to claim 9 or 10, and wherein the means for constraint is inserted or fitted into a hole or groove (18a) defined by the insert (18).

26. The saddle according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that, Includes inserts (18), which are at least partially annular and are mounted or connected to the felt pad or housing (5), each insert (18) defining at least one through or non-through hole or slot or seat (18a) for inserting or assembling a restraint device (19) that restrains the padding member (3) to the felt pad or housing (5) of the saddle.

27. A method for obtaining a saddle according to claims 20 to 23, comprising: - The restraining member (4) is molded onto the previously obtained padding member (3), or the padding member (3) and the restraining member (4) are integrally formed, and - Insert the annular edge (5a) of the felt pad (5) into the U-shaped seat (7) to removably restrain a portion of the pad (3) and the felt pad (5).

28. A method for obtaining a saddle according to claims 24 to 25, comprising: - Obtain the reinforcing element (8), and then constrain the padding component (3) to the reinforcing element (8) by means of the cohesion between the materials of these components during the foaming, application, or insertion of the padding material, and by directly contacting and wholly or partially covering the reinforcing element (8) through the expansion or insertion of the padding material. - Place the felt pad (5) against the lower surface of the component (1), and then insert or engage the restraint device such that the restraint device engages with the felt pad (5) and the reinforcing element (8) or with an insert (18) mounted or connected to the reinforcing element (8).

Images