bicycle saddle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bicycle saddle (1) comprising a support structure (10) and a seat component (30) having a front portion (32), a central portion (34), and a rear portion (36). The rear portion (36) includes a first seat element (40A) and a second seat element (40B) adapted to support the ischial tuberosities (Tdx, Tsx) of a rider. The saddle (1) includes a first hinge (42A; 142) and a second hinge (42B; 142), the first hinge being adapted to connect the first seat element (40A) to the support structure (10), and the second hinge being adapted to connect the second seat element (40B) to the support structure (10), such that the first seat element (40A) moves relative to the support structure (10) in three-dimensional space, the second seat element (40B) moves relative to the support structure (10) in three-dimensional space, and the first seat element (40A) and the second seat element (40B) are capable of moving independently of each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bicycle manufacturing.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a bicycle saddle. Background Technology

[0003] It is known that in the production of bicycle saddles, especially in the fields of professional and amateur sports, aspects related to problems encountered by cyclists during pedaling are of particular importance.

[0004] The longer it takes to pedal, the greater the discomfort the rider experiences due to their position on the saddle.

[0005] The first type of problem stems from the different postures cyclists adopt when pedaling, which can lead to discomfort in the bones, especially back pain in the lumbar spine.

[0006] Another type of problem involves direct contact between the rider's body and the seat surface of the saddle.

[0007] As is known, the saddle supports most of the rider's weight during pedaling, and given the relatively small surface area of ​​the saddle itself, there is pressure concentration in the contact area between the saddle and the rider, particularly in the contact area at the ischial tuberosities.

[0008] As time goes by, pain develops in these bones.

[0009] Another problem caused by the direct contact between the cyclist's body and the saddle seat surface is skin problems caused by friction due to the alternating movement of the legs, especially on the inner thighs.

[0010] Another known type of problem is determined by the central area of ​​the saddle, which causes compression of the rider's perineum, with related problems occurring in the genital area (for both men and women).

[0011] This pressure causes the veins, arteries, and nerves in the area to be squeezed, resulting in tingling or numbness and a temporary dulling of the genitals.

[0012] Numerous solutions have been proposed to address this issue, namely so-called "anti-prostate" saddles or "prostate-protective" saddles with a fully open central passage. In these saddles, the rider's weight is concentrated primarily on the ischial tuberosities, while pressure on the perineal area is reduced, particularly on the prostate.

[0013] The known type of saddle essentially defines a support structure and an upper seat component, the support structure being shaped to connect to the seat tube, and the upper seat component defining a front portion, a center portion, and a rear portion that follow sequentially along the main extension axis of the saddle.

[0014] The profile of a known type of saddle typically results in a downward-curving front portion, a substantially horizontal central portion, and a horizontally following rear portion, or in some cases, a raised rear portion to give a substantially "S"-shaped path.

[0015] During pedaling, different parts of the saddle are affected by the rider's body pressures in varying ways depending on the rider's posture / position on the bicycle, which in turn depends on different riding conditions. For example, when riding on flat ground or uphill, the rider's posture causes the body weight to tend to unload onto the rear portion of the saddle in the corresponding contact area, thus affecting the rider's right and left ischial tuberosities. In the rider's aerodynamic position, such as in a time trial, the rider's center of gravity is forward and positioned in a posture that tends to unload the body weight onto the front portion of the saddle.

[0016] When going downhill, the body tends to slide towards the center and front of the saddle, and the body weight tends to be unloaded onto these two parts. Moreover, when going downhill, the front part provides the basic functions of controlling the rider's direction and stability on the bicycle. The rider uses the inner thighs of both legs to wrap around the front part and try to ride the bicycle and control its stability.

[0017] It is also known that the rider's posture changes under different pedaling conditions, particularly the tilt of the back relative to the ground and obviously the tilt of the back relative to the saddle. Therefore, the pressure on the saddle structure of the rider's body parts changes from time to time.

[0018] Taking into account the posture primarily maintained on the saddle, the saddle is appropriately sized to ensure optimal comfort. However, when the position on the saddle changes, the saddle cannot perform its comfort function optimally, and the aforementioned problems become more or less apparent.

[0019] Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to at least partially solve the known problems in known types of saddles.

[0020] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a saddle that, compared with known types of saddles, allows for relief of discomfort at the skeletal level, especially reducing back pain at the lumbar spine and / or pain at the ischial tuberosity.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a saddle that, compared with known types of saddles, allows for the reduction of discomfort at the skin surface, particularly the reduction of discomfort caused by friction due to alternating leg movements.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a saddle that allows for the reduction of discomfort in the perineal area of ​​the rider compared to known types of saddles. Summary of the Invention

[0023] In a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a bicycle saddle, the saddle comprising: - Support structure; A seat component, the seat component comprising a front portion, a central portion and a rear portion that follow sequentially along the main extension axis of the saddle; The rear portion includes a first seat element and a second seat element, which are laterally arranged in opposite directions relative to the main extension axis and adapted to support the cyclist's ischial tuberosities. The saddle includes a first hinge and a second hinge, the first hinge being adapted to connect the first seat element to the support structure, and the second hinge being adapted to connect the second seat element to the support structure, such that the first seat element moves relative to the support structure in three-dimensional space, the second seat element moves relative to the support structure in three-dimensional space, and the first seat element and the second seat element can move independently of each other.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the first seat element has at least three degrees of freedom relative to the support structure, and / or the second seat element has at least three degrees of freedom relative to the support structure.

[0025] Preferably, the first hinge includes at least one element with elastic properties, the at least one element being adapted to enable the first seat element to move in three-dimensional space relative to the initial neutral position and return to the initial neutral position, and / or the second hinge includes at least one element with elastic properties, the at least one element being adapted to enable the second seat element to move in three-dimensional space relative to the initial neutral position and return to the initial neutral position.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the first hinge includes at least one element made of an elastic material, and / or the second hinge includes at least one element made of an elastic material.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic material includes an elastomeric material, which is preferably natural rubber.

[0028] Preferably, the elastic material has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 90, more preferably between 40 and 80, and even more preferably 70 Shore A.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the first hinge and / or the second hinge includes at least one cylindrical or substantially cylindrical element.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first hinge and / or the second hinge includes a spring.

[0031] Preferably, the first seat element and the second seat element are arranged symmetrically with respect to the main extension axis.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the first base element is a separate element from the second base element.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the saddle includes an interconnection region between the seat elements, the interconnection region not impeding the degree of freedom of independent movement of the seat elements, and the interconnection region comprising a highly deformable material.

[0034] Preferably, the interconnection region includes a region of elastic yielding material or a filling portion of foamed rubber.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the central portion of the saddle is an empty portion.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the first seat element and the second seat element are capable of moving independently of the front portion of the saddle.

[0037] Preferably, the front portion of the saddle is fixed relative to the frame and cannot move.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the central portion includes a filling material that does not impede the degree of freedom of independent movement of each seat element.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the central portion includes a highly deformable filler material, preferably an elastic yielding material or foamed rubber.

[0040] Preferably, the first seat element and / or the second seat element and / or the front portion includes one or more covering layers made of a soft material, preferably polyurethane foam or gel.

[0041] Preferably, the saddle includes an outer cover layer made of a material with low allergenicity and / or breathability and / or anti-slip properties.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the first hinge is adjustable to allow adjustment of the elasticity of the first hinge; and / or the second hinge is adjustable to allow adjustment of the elasticity of the second hinge. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Other advantages, objects, features, and embodiments of the invention are defined in the claims and will be elucidated below by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which features and / or corresponding or equivalent components of the invention can be identified by the same reference numerals. Specifically, in the drawings: - Figure 1 An isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the saddle of the present invention is shown; - Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A sectional view of the vertical section of the saddle; - Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A bottom-view plan of the saddle; - Figure 4A It shows Figure 1 Rear view of the saddle; - Figure 4B It shows along Figure 1 A plan view of the saddle with section lines IV°-IV°; - Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the saddle; - Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 The saddle in its side view under the first operating conditions that it can present during rider use; - Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Rear view of the saddle; - Figure 8 It shows that in such Figure 6 The position of the rider on the saddle is shown under the first operating condition of the saddle. - Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 The saddle in a side view under the second operating condition that it can present during rider use; - Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 Rear view of the saddle; - Figure 11 It shows that in such Figure 9 The rider's position on the saddle is shown under the second operating condition of the saddle. - Figures 12 to 16 It shows Figure 1 Some views of the saddle in the corresponding configuration that it can present during the rider's use; - Figure 17 A hinge with a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] While some specific embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is apparent that the invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, but rather that the specific embodiments described below illustrate aspects of the invention, the scope and extent of which are defined by the claims.

[0045] The examples of preferred embodiments of the invention described below are particularly applicable to the construction of saddles suitable for road or motocross bicycles, which can be used on both competitive and amateur bicycles.

[0046] Clearly, the proposed solution can also be applied to other types of bicycles, such as city bicycles.

[0047] Figure 1 The diagram shows a non-limiting embodiment of the saddle 1 that represents the objective of the present invention.

[0048] The saddle 1 includes a support structure 10, which is shaped to connect to the bicycle seat post (not shown in the figures) and the upper seat component 30.

[0049] The upper portion of the seat tube is typically provided with a seat post element, which is usually of a standardized type and is shaped into a support structure 10 for fixing to the saddle 1.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as frame 10) is substantially molded, and the central region 12 or slider is used for connection to the seat element. Frame 10 is preferably made of a metallic material.

[0051] The slider 12 preferably comprises two parallel tubes 12A, 12B, which in a standard configuration preferably have a length and distance from each other that have standard values ​​to provide adjustment possibilities during assembly.

[0052] Therefore, a front region 14 and two rear regions 16A, 16B for connecting to the upper part of the saddle 1 are defined on the frame 10, as described in detail below.

[0053] In fact, the upper seat component 30 defines the front portion 32, the central portion 34, and the rear portion 36 that follow sequentially along the main extension axis X of the saddle 1.

[0054] The front portion 32 preferably includes a downwardly curved body, which, taking into account the direction of travel of the bicycle, provides a front portion 32 with a downwardly beak-shaped form.

[0055] The front portion 32 is affected by the rider's body pressure in a specific position / posture during pedaling. For example, in the rider's aerodynamic position (such as in a time trial), the rider's center of gravity is forward and positioned in a posture that causes the body weight to tend to be unloaded onto the front portion 32.

[0056] Furthermore, when going downhill, the front section 32 provides the basic functions of controlling the rider's direction and stability on the bicycle, with the rider using the inner thighs of both legs to wrap around the front section 32 to try to ride the bicycle and control its stability.

[0057] In order to perform the function, the front portion 32 is fixed relative to the frame 10 and cannot move.

[0058] The front portion 32 of the saddle 1 is preferably fixed to the front region 14 of the frame 10 by adhesive bonding.

[0059] Preferably, the front ends 14A, 14B of the two parallel tubes 12A, 12B of the slider 12 inserted into the corresponding holes 32A, 32B of the front portion 32 of the saddle are in... Figure 5 This is more clearly visible in the text. In variations of the embodiments, an equivalent fixing method to that illustrated and described above may be provided, such as fixing by mechanical interlocking or fixing with screws.

[0060] The rear portion 36 of the saddle 1 includes a first seat element 40A and a second seat element 40B, which are arranged laterally in opposite directions relative to the main extension axis X of the saddle 1. Seat elements 40A and 40B constitute elements suitable for supporting the cyclist's ischial tuberosities: the first seat element 40A is configured to support the cyclist's corresponding right ischial tuberosity Tdx, such as... Figure 8 As shown; the second element 40B is configured to support the cyclist's corresponding left ischial tuberosity Tsx, as... Figure 11 As shown.

[0061] Seat elements 40A and 40B are preferably positioned symmetrically relative to the main extension axis X.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the saddle 1 includes a first hinge 42A adapted to connect a first seat element 40A to a frame 10 and a second hinge 42B adapted to connect a second seat element 40B to the frame 10. More specifically, the first hinge 42A is adapted to connect the first seat element 40A to a first rear region 16A of the frame 10, and the second hinge 42B is adapted to connect the second seat element 40B to a second rear region 16B of the frame 10.

[0063] The first hinge 42A allows the first seat element 40A to move relative to the frame 10 in three-dimensional space, and the second hinge 42B allows the second seat element 40B to move relative to the frame in three-dimensional space.

[0064] Specifically, the first hinge 42A allows the first seat element 40A to move relative to the frame 10 with at least three degrees of freedom, and the second hinge 42B allows the second seat element 40B to move relative to the frame 10 with at least three degrees of freedom.

[0065] Hinges 42A and 42B preferably allow seat elements 40A and 40B to move independently of each other.

[0066] Furthermore, preferably, the hinges 42A and 42B allow the seat elements 40A and 40B to move independently of each other relative to the front portion 32 of the saddle 1.

[0067] Preferably, the seat elements 40A and 40B consist of two separate elements to allow one of the seat elements 40A to move relative to the other 40B with a degree of freedom of movement.

[0068] However, in a variation of the embodiment, interconnecting regions can be provided between the seat elements; however, these interconnecting regions do not impede the independent degrees of freedom of movement of the seat elements. In this case, the interconnecting regions preferably comprise highly deformable materials, such as regions comprising elastically yielding materials or filled portions of foamed rubber.

[0069] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the first seat element 40A and the second seat element 40B can therefore preferably move in space according to at least three degrees of freedom to present different positions that from time to time adapt to different postures adopted by the rider when pedaling, as better described below.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment (as shown in the figure), the first hinge 42A and / or the second hinge 42B include elements with elastic properties.

[0071] Preferably, the first hinge 42A and / or the second hinge 42B comprise elements made of an elastic material.

[0072] Each hinge 42A, 42B preferably comprises a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical molded body.

[0073] More preferably, each hinge 42A, 42B comprises a body made of a material having suitable elastic properties, particularly an elastomeric material. Preferably, the elastic material used has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 90, more preferably between 40 and 80, and even more preferably 70 Shore A.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the material used to manufacture the hinges 42A and 42B includes natural rubber.

[0075] In variations of the embodiments, other materials with elastic properties may be used, such as composite materials filled with carbon fiber and / or glass fiber, metal alloys, etc.

[0076] The first hinge member 42A is secured to the first base element 40A by a suitable connecting device 50A. Preferably, the connecting device 50A includes a screw 52A, which is secured on one side to a threaded plate 54A embedded in the material constituting the first hinge member 42A, and on the other side to a threaded portion 56A formed below the first base element 40A. Figure 4B and Figure 5 As shown.

[0077] In variations of the embodiments, connection devices equivalent to those shown and described above may be provided, such as interlocking connection systems.

[0078] The first hinge 42A is fixed to the first rear region 16A of the frame 10 by a suitable connecting device 60A, which preferably includes a threaded plate 62A and a fixing screw 64A. The threaded plate 62A is embedded in the material constituting the first hinge 42A, and the fixing screw 64A is preferably abutted against the first rear region 16A of the frame 10 by means of the insertion of a washer 66A.

[0079] In variations of the embodiments, connection devices equivalent to those shown and described above may be provided, such as interlocking connection systems.

[0080] Similarly, the second hinge 42B is secured to the second seat element 40B by a suitable connecting device 50B, which preferably includes a screw 52B that is secured on one side to a threaded plate 54B embedded in the material constituting the second hinge 42B, and on the other side to a threaded portion 56B formed below the second seat element 40B.

[0081] In variations of the embodiments, connection devices equivalent to those shown and described above may be provided, such as interlocking connection systems.

[0082] The second hinge 42B is fixed to the second rear region 16B of the frame 10 by a suitable connecting device 60B, which preferably includes a threaded plate 62B and a fixing screw 64B. The threaded plate 62B is embedded in the material constituting the second hinge 42B, and the fixing screw 64B is preferably abutted against the second rear region 16B of the frame 10 by means of the insertion of a washer 66B.

[0083] In variations of the embodiments, connection devices equivalent to those shown and described above may be provided, such as interlocking connection systems.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the saddle 1 is complete and ready to be attached to the seatpost tube, as shown in the figure. In this case, preferably, the seat elements 40A, 40B and the front portion 32 have a shape and consistency suitable for their use; for example, the seat elements 40A, 40B and the front portion 32 may be made of carbon fiber. However, in variations of the embodiment, the seat elements 40A, 40B and / or the front portion 32 may be covered with one or more layers of soft material, such as polyurethane or gel foam padding. Furthermore, preferably, the saddle 1 may be provided with an outermost layer that completely covers the saddle and is intended to directly contact the rider's shorts. This covering layer is preferably made of a material with hypoallergenic, breathable, and non-slip properties.

[0085] It should be emphasized that, in the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the central portion 34 of the upper seat component 30 of the saddle 1 is an empty portion, that is, the seat elements 40A, 40B and the front portion 32 are separate and spaced apart elements, the beneficial effects of which will be described below.

[0086] However, in a variation of the embodiment, the central portion may include a filler material that, on the one hand, does not impede the independent degrees of freedom of movement of the seat elements 40A, 40B, and on the other hand, protects the rider's body from any direct contact with the underlying frame 10. The central portion preferably comprises a highly deformable filler material, such as an elastic yielding material or foamed rubber.

[0087] refer to Figures 6 to 16 The function of the saddle 1 according to the invention during its use will now be described when the rider is seated on the saddle and under specific pedaling conditions.

[0088] In particular, Figures 6 to 8 This involves the saddle 1 being in a possible operating position, where the rider is pedaling (e.g., on a flat surface) and the right leg is pushing and in a lowering position. Figure 8 Conversely, the left leg (not visible) is in an elevated position.

[0089] Figures 9 to 11 This involves the saddle 1 being in a possible operating position, where the rider is pedaling (e.g., on a flat surface) and the left leg is pushing and in a lowering position. Figure 11 When the right leg is raised, the right leg (not visible) is raised.

[0090] As from Figures 6 to 8As can be seen, when the cyclist is pedaling and pushing on the pedal with his right leg, the first seat element 40A follows the movement of the right leg, and due to the first hinge 42A, the cyclist's buttocks always remain resting on the first seat element 40A: specifically, the right ischial tuberosity Tdx remains resting on and in contact with the first seat element 40A, and the cyclist's body weight is evenly unloaded onto this contact area. In fact, the first seat element 40A tilts and adapts to the position of the right leg.

[0091] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The view shows the tilt of the first seat element 40A when the saddle 1 is viewed from two specific perspectives (side view and rear view) in its position of use when mounted on the bicycle.

[0092] therefore, Figure 6 The tilt shown refers to the possible tilt that the first seat element 40A can exhibit in a vertical plane passing through the main extension axis X of the saddle 1, also referred to below as front and rear tilt, which determines the first degree of freedom of the first seat element 40A relative to the frame 10.

[0093] Figure 7 The tilt shown refers to the possible tilt that the first seat element 40A can exhibit in a vertical plane orthogonal to the main extension axis X of the saddle 1, also referred to below as lateral tilt, which determines the second degree of freedom of the first seat element 40A relative to the frame 10.

[0094] Furthermore, the first seat element 40A also presents an inclined position (not shown) in any other vertical plane that intersects the main extension axis X of the saddle 1, in addition to the two vertical planes mentioned above, thus defining the third degree of freedom of the first seat element 40A relative to the frame 10.

[0095] Figure 6 The side view shows the possible forward and backward tilt of the first seat element 40A relative to the initial or neutral position of the saddle 1. The forward and backward tilt of the first seat element 40A relative to the initial position can reach a positive value of approximately 35° when the right leg is at its maximum extension.

[0096] Advantageously, the first hinge 42A is therefore made of an elastic material capable of deformation and allowing these tilt values ​​to be achieved. The elastic material then allows the first hinge 42A and the first seat element 40A to return to their initial positions following the movement of the right leg.

[0097] Advantageously, the first hinge 42A is therefore made of an elastic material that allows the tilt value to be reached first and then returned to the initial position of the first seat element 40A.

[0098] Figure 7The rear view shows the possible outward lateral tilt that the first seat element 40A can present relative to the initial or neutral position of the saddle 1. The variation in lateral tilt that the first seat element 40A can present relative to the initial position can reach a positive value of about 25° when the right leg is at its maximum extension. Advantageously, the first hinge 42A is therefore made of an elastic material capable of allowing such a tilt value to be reached first and then returning to the initial position of the first seat element 40A.

[0099] Furthermore, under these pedal conditions, when the first seat element 40A is tilted relative to the neutral position (e.g., Figures 6 to 8 When the second seat element 40B follows the movement of the right leg by tilting (as shown), it then follows the movement of the left leg by tilting accordingly. It should be emphasized that under this pedal condition, the left leg is in an elevated position, and the second seat element 40B experiences minimal sway relative to the neutral position. To simplify the presentation, in... Figures 6 to 8 The image shows that the second element 40B is always in a neutral position.

[0100] During pedaling, in addition to the legs, the cyclist's body also undergoes movement, especially the movement of the affected spinal position and its tilt relative to the saddle 1.

[0101] Advantageously, as shown and described, the movement of the right seat element 40A allows the rider to maintain the optimal resting position on the first seat element 40A itself, while extending the contact area with the saddle 1 as much as possible, and keeping the inclination of the right ischial tuberosity Tdx and the spine relative to the right seat element 40A substantially constant in every position of the right leg.

[0102] Experiments have verified how this leads to a significant reduction in skeletal discomfort, particularly reducing or eliminating back pain in the lumbar spine and discomfort / pain at the ischial tuberosities Tdx and Tsx.

[0103] like Figures 9 to 11 The description of the pedaling position using the right leg as a reference can be applied accordingly to the pedaling position using the left leg.

[0104] More generally, according to the invention, the first hinge 42A and the second hinge 42B allow the first seat element 40A and the second seat element 40B to present an operating position that follows the movement of the leg by presenting a corresponding tilt relative to the neutral position, depending on the corresponding position of the leg.

[0105] As an example, Figures 12 to 16 Possible operating positions of the saddle 1 and seat elements 40A, 40B according to the present invention are shown.

[0106] Figure 12This involves, for example, the saddle 1 being in a possible operating position relative to when the cyclist is pedaling uphill, at which point the cyclist is pedaling, the right leg is in an elevated position and not pushing, and the body is moving slightly backward on the saddle 1; conversely, the left leg is in a descending position and pushing.

[0107] The figure illustrates the forward and backward tilt of the first element 40A relative to its neutral position, which is indicated by a dashed line. The figure does not show the second element 40B, which may preferably be presented as... Figure 9 The tilt position.

[0108] The first element 40A can exhibit a negative tilt of approximately 25° relative to its initial position.

[0109] Figure 13 The figure relates to the saddle 1 being in another operating position. The figure shows the lateral tilt that the first seat element 40A can exhibit relative to its neutral position, tilting inward.

[0110] The first element 40A can exhibit a lateral inward tilt change of approximately 20° relative to its initial position.

[0111] Figure 14 The saddle 1 is in another operating position. The figure shows the lateral tilt that the second seat element 40B can exhibit relative to its neutral position.

[0112] The second element 40B can exhibit a lateral inward tilt change of approximately 20° relative to its initial position.

[0113] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This relates to other possible operating positions of the saddle 1. These figures illustrate other positions that the first seat element 40A can present relative to its neutral position due to the action of the first hinge 42A according to the invention.

[0114] These figures show how the first element 40A can rotate and present a corresponding rotational position relative to its neutral position.

[0115] This rotational movement of the first seat element 40A determines the other degrees of freedom of the first seat element 40A relative to the frame 10. The first hinge 42A is preferably made of an elastic material that is deformable and allows for its own torsion and corresponding rotation of the first seat element 40A.

[0116] Clearly, what is described and shown regarding the rotation of the first element 40A can be extended to the second element 40B.

[0117] In addition to the operating positions of saddle 1 reported above as examples, saddle 1 is obviously capable of presenting other operating positions in which seat elements 40A, 40B undergo other movements that define other corresponding degrees of freedom, such as slight forward and / or backward and / or lateral translational movements or combinations of these movements.

[0118] Another advantage of the movement of the seat elements 40A and 40B, which originates from the movement of the legs, is that the rider's buttocks are always actually resting on the rear portion 36 of the saddle 1, especially on the seat elements 40A and 40B, and do not slide towards the center portion 34 of the saddle 1.

[0119] For this reason, the central portion 34 of the saddle 1 according to the invention does not require any support function, and in fact, preferably, the central portion 34 is empty. This results in the area of ​​the saddle 1 below the rider's perineum being empty, or this area may be filled with a highly deformable padding material, such as foamed rubber, and the rider's perineum is not subjected to pressure towards the saddle 1. Therefore, a significant reduction in discomfort, tingling, or numbness is achieved compared to known types of saddles.

[0120] For the same reason, since the central part 34 is empty, the friction between the inner thigh and the saddle 1 caused by the alternating movement of the legs is significantly reduced, thus significantly reducing discomfort at the epidermis compared to using known types of saddles.

[0121] Therefore, it should be emphasized how the saddle according to the invention allows for the realization of the many advantages mentioned.

[0122] In particular, the advantages are preferably obtained through the type of joint described above, namely two cylindrical elements made of elastic material.

[0123] As fully described above, the characteristics of the elastic material allow the seat elements to return to their neutral position from the tilted position they experience during pedaling.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the materials and / or sizes and / or shapes of these elements constituting the joint are selected based on one or more factors, such as: the rider's weight, the maximum range of tilt that the seat elements are desired to allow, the type of bicycle the saddle is intended for, the type of terrain to be tackled, etc.

[0125] Therefore, the degree of flexibility will be adjusted or selected appropriately by the rider or manufacturer from time to time to meet the aforementioned needs.

[0126] As an example, the joint can be manufactured using two cylindrical elements, 40mm in diameter and 30mm in height, made of natural rubber with a Shore A hardness of 70. According to experimental data, these joints are advantageously suited for use in saddles intended for riders weighing over 80kg. These joints allow for maximum fore-aft tilt angles between +15° and -10°, and lateral tilt angles between +15° and -10°. Obviously, the actual tilt angle will depend primarily on the rider's actual weight and / or other specific factors, such as the rider's physique, muscle mass, etc.

[0127] In another case, the joint can be made from two cylindrical elements, 30 mm in diameter and 30 mm in height, made of natural rubber with a Shore A hardness of 70. According to experimental data, these joints are advantageously suited for use in saddles intended for riders weighing less than 80 kg. These joints allow for maximum fore-aft tilt angles between +35° and -25°, and lateral tilt angles between +25° and -20°.

[0128] In different preferred embodiments, the element having elastic properties and defining the joint can be of different types: for example, the joint may include a spring that is appropriately sized to allow the desired tilting of the seat element in various pedal positions and to allow subsequent return to the initial / neutral position.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, different types (i.e., different models) of saddles can be provided for selection based on the rider's weight, with each saddle having a joint with appropriate set sizes ranging from one model to another to provide optimal flexibility. Therefore, different saddle models may be available to allow the rider to select the most suitable model according to their intentions.

[0130] In another preferred embodiment, the connector can be replaceable to fit a connector suitable for the rider for which the saddle is designed. This operation can be performed by a mechanic or the rider themselves.

[0131] In other preferred embodiments, the joint can be adjustable and configured with the optimal degree of elasticity according to, for example, the weight of the rider against whom the saddle is positioned. This operation can be performed by a mechanic or the rider themselves.

[0132] Figure 17The diagram illustrates one possible example of an adjustable connector, wherein connector 142 comprises a plurality of elements 142a-142d made of an elastic material, wherein two or more of such elements are removable. For a saddle designed for heavier riders, it is conceivable to configure connector 142, for example, with all elements 142a-142d, while for lighter riders, it is conceivable to remove one or more elements based on the rider's weight until a minimal configuration exists where only the first element 142a is present for the lighter rider.

[0133] Therefore, the above detailed description of the embodiment of the saddle according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings demonstrates that the saddle according to the invention allows for the achievement of the intended purpose. In particular, compared with known types of saddles, the saddle according to the invention allows for improved rider comfort during pedaling.

[0134] Finally, it should be emphasized that the realization of the seat element as a separate component advantageously allows for optimal dimensions in terms of geometry, such as the selection of the amount of extension and / or curvature to ensure desired comfort and / or aesthetic appearance.

[0135] Although the invention has been illustrated above with a detailed description of some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above.

[0136] Conversely, the scope of this invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A bicycle saddle (1), said saddle comprising: - Support structure (10); - A seat component (30), the seat component comprising a front portion (32), a central portion (34) and a rear portion (36) that follow sequentially along the main extension axis (X) of the saddle (1). The rear portion (36) is characterized in that it includes a first seat element (40A) and a second seat element (40B), the first seat element and the second seat element being laterally arranged in opposite directions relative to the main extension axis (X) and adapted to support the ischial tuberosities (Tdx, Tsx) of the rider, and the saddle includes a first hinge (42A; 142) and a second hinge (42B; 142), the first hinge being adapted to connect the first seat element (40A) to the support structure (10), and the second hinge being adapted to connect the second seat element (40B) to the support structure (10), such that the first seat element (40A) moves freely in three-dimensional space relative to the support structure (10), the second seat element (40B) moves freely in three-dimensional space relative to the support structure (10), and the first seat element (40A) and the second seat element (40B) move independently of each other.

2. The saddle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first seat element (40A) has at least three degrees of freedom relative to the support structure (10), and / or the second seat element (40B) has at least three degrees of freedom relative to the support structure (10).

3. The saddle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first hinge (42A; 142) includes at least one element having elastic properties, the at least one element being adapted to enable the first seat element (40A) to move in three-dimensional space relative to an initial neutral position and return to the initial neutral position, and / or the second hinge (42B; 142) includes at least one element having elastic properties, the at least one element of the second hinge being adapted to enable the second seat element (40B) to move in three-dimensional space relative to an initial neutral position and return to the initial neutral position.

4. The saddle (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first hinge (42A; 142) includes at least one element made of an elastic material, and / or the second hinge (42B; 142) includes at least one element made of an elastic material.

5. The saddle (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic material includes an elastomer material, which is preferably natural rubber.

6. The saddle (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The elastic material has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 90, preferably between 40 and 80, and even more preferably 70 Shore A.

7. The saddle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first base element (40A) is a separate element from the second base element (40B).

8. The saddle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The central portion (34) is an empty portion.

9. The saddle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first seat element (40A) and / or the second seat element (40B) and / or the front portion (32) include one or more covering layers made of a soft material, preferably polyurethane foam or gel, and / or the saddle (1) includes an outer covering layer having low allergenicity and / or breathability and / or anti-slip properties.

10. The saddle (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, The first hinge (142) is adjustable to allow adjustment of the elasticity of the first hinge, and / or the second hinge (142) is adjustable to allow adjustment of the elasticity of the second hinge.

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