Saddle for a bicycle

DE102024119526B4Active Publication Date: 2025-10-16BUCHEL GMBH & CO FAHRZEUGTEILEFAB +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024119526
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-14
Filing Date
2024-07-10
Publication Date
2025-10-16
Estimated Expiration
2044-07-10

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Abstract

The disclosure relates to a saddle for a bicycle, comprising a saddle shell with a seating area which transitions into a saddle nose via a transition area, and rails for connecting the saddle to the seat post clamp. The rails are connected at the saddle nose and at one rear end of the seat area. The rails are removable from the saddle shell and can be inserted into a rear slot in the saddle shell. Furthermore, the rails can be pivoted to lock into a front slot in the saddle shell.
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Description

Field of the InventionThe invention relates to a bicycle saddle for a bicycle, which in the sense of the invention is also understood to mean a saddle with an electric auxiliary drive (E-Bike, Pedelec). The saddle comprises rails for mounting it on the clamping of a seat post.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSaddles for bicycles are typically attached by means of two rails to the clamping of a seat post. The position of the saddle in the longitudinal direction can be changed by displacing the clamping via the rails.Structurally, a saddle typically comprises a saddle shell which provides a seat surface which merges via a transition region into a saddle nose. The saddle shell can be formed, for example, as a plastic injection-molded part. The saddle shell can furthermore comprise padding, in particular made of a foam material with a coating.The rails are attached to the underside of the saddle shell. These usually consist of a different material than the saddle shell, in particular of a metal.If the rails are connected to the saddle shell, for example, by injection molding, these cannot be separated from the saddle shell, which makes disposal of the saddle difficult. Furthermore, the injection molding of the rails with the plastic material of the saddle shell is technically complicated. In particular, a very complicated tool with many movable parts is usually required. This correspondingly increases the costs for producing the saddle.In contrast, the laid-open specification EP 1 960 254 A1 proposes snapping a component which comprises the rails under an undercut of the saddle shell. The mounting of the rails on the saddle shell is thus simplified, wherein an adhesive is introduced during the mounting for the stable connection of the saddle shell and rails.Consequently, the saddle shell cannot be released from the rails in a non-destructive manner even in this saddle. In particular, it is not possible, in the event of damage to the saddle, to replace only the saddle shell with the cushion and to maintain the rails.Bicycle saddles are also known from the documents CN 2 776 805 Y, U.S. Pat. No. 2017 / 0 327 168 A1 and CN 1 05 564 541 A.The document U.S. Pat. No. 10,392,065 B2 shows a bicycle saddle with a frame which can be pivoted in and locked in the saddle shell.Object of the InventionIn contrast, the object of the invention is to provide a saddle for a bicycle with removable rails, in which the mounting and / or dismantling of the rails from the saddle shell is further simplified.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe object of the invention is already achieved by a saddle for a bicycle according to claim 1.Preferred embodiments and developments of the invention can be taken from the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.The invention relates to a saddle for a bicycle. The saddle comprises a saddle shell with a seat region which merges via a transition region into a saddle nose.The saddle shell can be formed in particular from an injection-molded part made of plastic. Alternatively, the saddle shell may be formed of, for example, a laminated composite material such as a carbon fiber laminate.The saddle shell can be provided with a padding, in particular a padding made of foam material. The padding can be glued or injection-molded onto the saddle shell. Depending on the embodiment, however, cushioning is also unnecessary. In particular in the case of the lightest possible racing bicycle saddles, the saddle shell itself usually forms the contact surface on which the rider sits.The saddle further comprises rails for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post. The rails are detachable from the saddle shell.The rails are connected to one another on the one hand at the seat nose and on the other hand at a rear end of the seat region. "front" and "rear" and "upper" and "lower" refer to the intended mounting position of the seat.The rails can be formed in particular as part of a rail module which comprises a front and a rear connecting piece. The connecting pieces can be designed in particular as a transverse strut which connects the two rails to one another.According to the invention, the rails, in particular the rail module, can be introduced into a rear receptacle of the saddle shell and can be locked by pivoting in a front receptacle of the saddle shell.The saddle shell thus comprises two receptacles. A rear receptacle is designed in such a way that the rails, in particular the rail module, can be introduced into the receptacle preferably by a horizontal movement, whereas a connection of saddle shell and rails is provided on a front receptacle by means of a latching mechanism. In particular, the rail module can have a latching nose at the front, which latches into a recess of the saddle shell.It is thus possible in a simple manner to connect the saddle shell and rails to one another.The latching is preferably designed such that it can be released again without tools. The latching lug and the recess are thus designed in such a way that manual release of the latching is easily possible.The final fixing of the saddle shell and rails to one another, on the other hand, is preferably provided via an additional structural element.In particular, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the rails, in particular the rail module, are screwed to the saddle shell at the front and at the rear receptacle.It is provided in particular that a screw is guided between the rails through a connecting piece of the rail module into a plateau at the tip of the saddle nose, where the screw locks.At the rear, two screws are preferably provided, which are arranged in particular laterally to the right and left next to the rear receptacle. The screws are preferably inserted substantially vertically from below.The removable rail module makes the saddle according to the invention easier to recycle. Furthermore, for example, the saddle shell can easily be replaced in the event of damage or wear.According to the invention, the rear receptacle is formed as a through hole in a wall extending downward on the rear side.At the rear, below the seat surface, a vertically extending wall is thus provided, which has a through hole into which the rails, in particular the rail module, can / is inserted.A component of the rail module, in particular an insertable tab, can thus look through the through hole and thus comprise, for example, a logo which is visible from the outside. The use of the tab for a receptacle for an accessory is also possible.Such a through hole can also be produced easily by injection molding.The through-hole is preferably elongated, in particular elongatedly rounded, and sits between the rails.The rails preferably diverge in the rear region of the seat surface. This allows a wider rear transition region. Two rear screws for fastening the rail module are preferably located in front of the through hole and at the same time laterally to the left and right next to it.The front receptacle is preferably designed as a channel which extends in a plateau of the saddle shell lying below the nose of the saddle from the tip of the nose, in particular horizontally through the plateau."Horizontal" and "vertical" are defined by the proper attachment of the saddle to a bicycle. The horizontal plane is defined in particular by a plane in which a rectilinear region of the two rails lies, which region serves for the connection to the clamping of the seat post.The channel provides the recess in which the latching lug of the saddle module latches. The formation of the recess as a channel is simple from a manufacturing standpoint.Furthermore, as is provided in a development of the invention, the channel can serve for the insertion of an insert which serves as a counterholder for the front screw, by means of which the rail module is fastened.For this purpose, the channel can be designed in a stepped manner in order to form a stop for the insert.The rails are preferably formed together with the front and rear connecting piece and with the tab as injection molded parts made of plastic.For reinforcement, the rails may comprise a rod-shaped insert. The rod-shaped insert can be inserted into the plastic injection mold during production. Preferably, the rod-shaped insert extends from the front to the rear connecting piece.The rod-shaped insert can look out of the injection-molded part at its ends. The viewing out of the end pieces can be arranged in particular on the rear connecting piece in a recess of the rail module.At the front, the ends of the rod-shaped insert can face out of the front connecting piece. These can serve as an alternative or in addition to a latching nose for latching the front connecting piece to the front receptacle of the saddle shell.The rod-shaped insert can be designed as a rod made of metal or as a tube made of metal, which / is bent according to the contour of the rails.Furthermore, the rod-shaped insert can also consist of a fiber composite material, in particular of a laminate with carbon fibers.According to a further embodiment, the rod-shaped insert is formed from plastic, in particular from a different plastic than the rails. In particular, the rod-shaped insert can be formed from a hardened plastic, a plastic with a higher notched impact strength and / or with a higher elongation at break compared to the rails.The rod-shaped insert can also be dispensed with according to a further embodiment. In particular, according to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the rail module is formed as an injection-molded part made of a different plastic than the saddle shell.Here again, the two-part configuration of the rail module and saddle shell is advantageous.In particular when using a different plastic material than for the saddle shell, it is also possible in particular to dispense with the rod-shaped insert in the rail. In order to provide a necessary strength of the rails consisting only of plastic, a fiber-reinforced injection plastic can be used in this embodiment, for example a raw material made of a thermoplastic to which glass and / or carbon fibers are added.In a further development, intermeshing teeth are arranged on the rear receptacle between the saddle shell and the rails. In particular, the saddle shell can comprise downwardly projecting teeth which each engage in a recess of the rail module, in particular of the rear connecting piece. The pivoting in can be facilitated by the teeth. At the same time, the teeth can absorb transverse forces.The teeth may include a top surface that slopes at least partially rearward. This facilitates the pivoting in.The teeth are preferably arranged laterally offset to the right and left of the through-hole of the rear receptacle.The teeth can serve for centering the rail module during insertion. In particular, the teeth can have inclined and / or curved inner walls which, in cooperation with the recesses, center the rail module during the insertion.In one development, a screw for connecting the rails, in particular the rail module, to the saddle shell engages in each of the teeth.For this purpose, the rear connecting piece can in particular comprise through-holes for the screws at its corners.Due to the teeth, the saddle shell is thicker in this area, so that the vertical insertion of screws of sufficient length is possible.In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a saddle for a bicycle.This can comprise in particular all the features described above.The saddle comprises in particular a saddle shell having a seat region which merges via a transition region into a saddle nose, and rails which are connected to one another at the saddle nose and at a rear end of the seat region.The rails are in particular part of a rail module and are removable from the saddle shell.According to the disclosure, the saddle shell comprises a front receptacle, which serves for attaching the rails, in particular the rail module, wherein an elastic insert is arranged between the front receptacle and the rails.It is provided in particular that an elastic insert is seated between a front connecting piece of the rail module and a downwardly projecting plateau of the saddle shell. The insert runs in particular transversely to the rails. In particular, the elastic insert is oriented vertically with respect to the intended installation position.Damping properties can be provided in a simple manner via the elastic insert.Furthermore, the elastic insert can compensate for shape tolerances of the saddle shell and / or rail module.This relates in particular to shrinkage during injection molding of plastic, which depends, inter alia, on the respective plastic. By using the elastic insert, therefore, it is possible in a simpler manner to use different materials for the saddle shell and / or rail module with only one tool.Preferably, the rail module, as described above, is latched to the front receptacle and fixed by means of a screw.The screw is thus guided through the elastic insert.Due to the easy removability by loosening the screw and by locking, the elastic insert can be replaced in a simple manner.Thus, for example, the user can choose an elastic use of different hardness according to body weight and replace it in a simple manner.The elastic insert can have a wall thickness of 1 to 10 mm, preferably of 2 to 7 mm. The wall thickness corresponds to the width of the gap in which the insert is arranged.The insert is seated in particular in a gap between the plateau and the end face of the front connecting piece of the rail module.This gap preferably runs obliquely to the vertical, in particular at an angle of 0° to 60° or of 30 to 60°.By means of such an obliquely sloping connecting region, the latching-in of the rail module can be facilitated in particular.According to a further aspect, the disclosure relates to a saddle for a bicycle, which may also comprise all the features described above.The saddle comprises a saddle shell having a seat region which merges via a transition region into a nose of a saddle and rails for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post, wherein the rails are connected to one another at the front and at the rear and are removable from the saddle shell.In particular, the rails are part of a rail module as described above.According to the disclosure, the saddle shell includes a channel extending horizontally through the saddle nose. An insert is inserted into the channel, into which insert a screw engages from behind for fixing the rails, in particular the rail module.The tip of the nose of the saddle shell comprises in particular a downwardly projecting plateau through which the channel extends horizontally.The channel preferably comprises a step which is designed as a stop for the insert.The insert serves as a counter bearing for the screw.The insert can be designed in particular as a plastic injection-molded part.Such a construction enables particularly simple production of the saddle shell.In particular, during production by means of injection molding, slides moving inward can be dispensed with.The inserted insert preferably terminates flush with the saddle nose, in particular the insert can follow the inclination of the front wall of the saddle shell. This preferably returns below the top of the saddle.In a further development, a recess is formed at the same time by the channel, in which recess the rails latch in particular as part of the rail module.Thus, on the opposite side of the insert, in particular the front connecting piece of the rail module can be locked and then finally fixed by means of a screw engaging into the insert.According to a further aspect, the disclosure relates to a saddle for a bicycle, in particular it can be configured as described above.The saddle comprises a saddle shell with a seat region which merges via a transition region into a nose of the saddle, and rails for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post.According to the disclosure, the rails are made of plastic, wherein at least in one region of the rails, for connecting to the clamping, a rod-shaped insert is arranged in the rail, which insert is injection-molded with the plastic.The region for connecting to the clamping is designed as a rectilinear section of the rail.In particular, the insert extends in each case over the entire length of the rail and is encapsulated with the plastic material by injection molding over the entire length of the rail.The insert overmoulded can increase the selection of materials for the saddle frame. In particular, plastics with comparatively low notched impact strength can be used.Furthermore, the use is protected by the plastic from weathering, in particular from moisture and UV light. The insert therefore need not be coated or formed from a non-rust material.The rails with the insert are preferably part of the previously rail mode and can, including the rod, run in particular from a front connecting piece to a rear connecting piece.The rod-shaped insert can have, for example, a circular or oval cross section.The disclosure further relates to a method for producing a saddle.More particularly, the disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a saddle having one or more features described above.In this case, rails for connecting the seat to the clamping of a seat post are produced from plastic by means of an injection molding method.According to the disclosure, a rod-shaped insert is provided, which is each encapsulated by injection molding with a rail.According to a further development, at least one spacer is attached to the rod-shaped insert before the injection molding.The spacer positions the rod-shaped insert in the injection mold. The spacer preferably bears at at least two, in particular three, points in the mold.Tool-side engagement elements for positioning the rod-shaped insert can thus be dispensed with.Because the spacer is encapsulated with plastic, the rod-shaped insert is also protected in the region of the spacer from weathering, in particular moisture.In a further development, the at least one spacer is clipped onto the rod-shaped insert. The spacer is thus designed as a clip and is thus easy to fit.In particular, a spacer is provided having two resilient arms and a tab disposed opposite the arms. The spacer thus abuts at least three locations in the mold. The rod-shaped insert is thus positioned transversely to its main extension direction in the closed form in a form-fitting manner.The disclosure of the present application can be defined by a saddle and by a method for producing a saddle according to one of the following elements: 1. saddle for a bicycle, comprising a saddle shell having a seat region which merges via a transition region into a saddle nose, and rails for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post, wherein the rails are connected to one another at the saddle nose and at a rear end of the seat regions, and wherein the rails are removable from the saddle shell, characterized in that the rails can be inserted into a rear receptacle of the saddle shell, wherein the rails can be locked by pivoting in a front receptacle of the saddle shell. 2. saddle according to the preceding element, characterized in that the rails are screwed to the saddle shell at the front and the rear receiving means. 3. saddle according to one of the preceding elements, characterized in that the latching can be released without tools. 4. saddle according to one of the preceding elements, characterized in that the rails are part of a rail module which comprises a rear connecting piece which can be pushed into the rear receptacle and a front connecting piece which can be locked in the front receptacle. 5. saddle according to one of the preceding elements, characterized in that the rear receptacle is formed as a through-hole in a wall which extends downwards on the rear side. 6.A saddle according to any one of the preceding elements, characterised in that the front receptacle is formed as a channel which extends horizontally through the plateau from the tip of the nose in a plateau lying under the nose of the saddle. 7. saddle according to any one of the preceding elements, characterised in that the rear receptacle comprises a through hole in the saddle shell, into which a tongue connected to the rails can be inserted. 8th saddle according to the preceding element, characterised in that the rails together with the tab are constructed as a plastics injection moulded part. 9. saddle according to any one of the preceding elements, characterized in that the reinforcing rails comprise a rod-shaped insert. 10. saddle according to one of the preceding elements, characterized in that meshing teeth are arranged on the rear receptacle between the saddle shell and the rails. 11 Saddle according to the preceding element, characterised in that a screw engages in each case in the teeth. 12th saddle for a bicycle, in particular according to one of the preceding elements, comprising a saddle shell having a seat region which merges via a transition region into a saddle nose, and rails for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post, wherein the rails are connected to one another at the saddle nose and at a rear end of the seat region, and wherein the rails are removable from the saddle shell, characterized in that the saddle shell has a front receptacle, at which the rails of the saddle shell are connected, wherein an elastic insert is arranged between the front receptacle and the rails. 13.Saddle according to the preceding element, characterized in that the elastic insert is arranged between a connecting piece of the rail module and a downwardly projecting plateau of the saddle shell. 14. saddle according to one of the preceding elements, characterized in that the elastic insert is arranged transversely to the rails, in particular in that the elastic insert is oriented vertically. 15. saddle according to one of the preceding elements, characterized in that a screw for connecting the rails to the saddle shell is guided through the elastic insert. 16.A saddle for a bicycle, in particular according to any one of the preceding elements, comprising a saddle shell having a seat region which merges via a transition region into a saddle nose, and rails for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post, wherein the rails are connected to one another at the saddle nose and at a rear end of the seat region, and wherein the rails are removable from the saddle shell, characterized in that the saddle shell comprises a channel which extends horizontally through the saddle nose and into which an insert is inserted, into which an insert engages from behind a screw for fixing the rails. 17. saddle for a bicycle, in particular according to one of the preceding elements, comprising a saddle shell having a seat region which merges via a transition region into a saddle nose, and rails for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post, characterized in that the rails are formed from plastic, wherein at least in one region of the rails for connecting to the clamping, a rod-shaped insert is arranged in the rail in each case, which insert is injection-molded with the plastic. 18. Saddle according to the preceding element, characterized in that the rod-shaped insert extends in each case over the entire length of the rail and is injection-molded with the plastic material over the entire length of the rail. 19.Saddle according to the preceding element, characterized in that the rails are locked in the channel. 20.A method for manufacturing a saddle, in particular a saddle according to any one of the preceding elements, wherein rails are manufactured from plastic for connecting the saddle to the clamping of a seat post by means of an injection moulding method, characterised in that a rod-shaped insert is provided, which is in each case injection moulded with a rail. 21.Method according to the preceding element, characterized in that at least one spacer is attached to the rod-shaped insert before the injection molding. 22.Method according to the preceding element, characterized in that the at least one spacer is clipped onto the rod-shaped insert. 23.A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spacer is provided having two resilient arms and a nose arranged opposite the arms.Brief Description of the DrawingsThe subject matter of the invention is to be explained below with reference to the drawings FIGS. 1 to 24 on the basis of an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a saddle according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bottom side. FIG. 3 is a side view. FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the rear connecting portion as viewed from below. FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the front connection portion. FIG. 6 is an illustration of the front connection portion with the elastic insert. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the saddle shell. FIG. 8 is a vertical central longitudinal section of the saddle shell. FIG. 9 is a horizontal section of the saddle shell. FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of the lower rear portion of the saddle shell. FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the insert serving as a counter bearing for the front screw. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rail module. FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the rail module in the area of the front connecting piece. FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the nose of the saddle shell. FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the rail module in the area of the rear connecting piece. FIG. 17 shows a detailed illustration of the region of the rear receptacle of the saddle shell. FIG. 18 shows the rail module in a comparison with the injected rod-shaped insert.With reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the mounting of the saddle according to the invention will be explained in more detail.Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a bicycle saddle will be explained.Detailed Description of the DrawingsFIG. 1 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a saddle 10 according to the invention.The saddle 10 comprises a seat surface 11 which merges via a transition region 12 into a narrower saddle nose 13.In this exemplary embodiment, the caliper 10 comprises a central relief channel 14. The caliper 10 is longitudinally divided into two halves by the relief passage 14. In particular, the seat surface 11 is divided into two wings 16.In this embodiment, the saddle 10 is provided with a padding 17. The upholstery 17 extends, adjacent to the relief channel 14, over one half of the saddle 10 in each case.In the region of the relief channel 14, the saddle shell 100 can be seen, since the relief channel 14 is not provided with cushioning.The upholstery 17 preferably comprises a foam material and can be glued to the saddle shell 100 or injection-molded onto the saddle shell 100, for example.FIG. 2 shows the saddle 10 in a plan view of the underside.In this view, it can be seen that on the underside of the saddle 10, the saddle shell 100 is connected to a rail module 200.The rail module 200 comprises the rails 200 aand 200 bwhich serve for connecting the seat 10 to the clamping of the seat post (not shown).The rails 200 a, 200 bare connected to each other in the front region via a front connecting piece 201.The front connecting piece 201 is connected at the saddle nose 13 to a downwardly projecting plateau 109 of the saddle shell 100.At the rear, the rails 200 a, 200 bare connected to one another via a rear connecting piece 202. The rear connecting piece 202 is connected to the seat pan 100 in the rear region of the seat surface 11.After a middle section in which the rails 200 a, 200 brun parallel, the rails 200 a, 200 brun apart in the rear region of the seat surface 11 in the direction of the rear connecting piece 202. Thus, a wider and more stable connection is provided at the rear.FIG. 3 is a side view of the saddle 10. The wings 16 are flexible and yield when subjected to stress.The rails 200 acomprise a rectilinear, substantially horizontally running central piece, from which the rails 200 ain each case rise upwards in the direction of the saddle nose 13 and in the direction of the rear region of the seat surface 11. The central rectilinear region serves as a connecting region for the clamping.The rectilinear central region of the rails 200a defines the horizontal position of the saddle 10. However, it is understood that this central rectilinear region is not always aligned horizontally when the saddle 10 is installed. Instead, as a rule, not only the position of the saddle 10 in the longitudinal direction, but also its inclination, can be adjusted by means of the clamping.FIG. 4 is a detail view of the saddle in the rear connection region.In the rear connection region, the rail module 200 comprises the rear connecting piece 202. The rear connecting piece 202 merges in a bow-shaped manner into the rails 200 a, 200 b.In the region of the transition to the rails 200 a, 200 b, the rear connecting piece 202 is connected to the seat pan 100 on the right and left in each case via a screw 20. The screws 20 are inserted vertically from below.FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the front connection portion.The front connecting piece 201 of the rail module 200 forms a transverse strut which merges into the rails 200 a, 200 b.The front connector 201 is fastened to the nose 103 of the saddle shell 100 by the screw 21.For this purpose, a screw 21 is provided, which engages from behind, essentially in the horizontal direction between the rails 200 a, 200 b, in a plateau 109 of the nose 103. An insert 30 serves as a counterholder for the screw 21, which insert is inserted from the front into a channel of the plateau 109 of the nose 103.In the illustration according to FIG. 6, the elastic insert 40 is now also illustrated, which is located between the front connecting piece 201 and the plateau 109.The elastic insert 40 is seated in a gap which is preferably oriented obliquely downwards in front.Variable damping properties can be provided via the replaceable elastic insert 40.The screw 21 is passed through a through hole of the elastic insert 40 and secured in the insert 40.The latching lug ( 206) and / or the end pieces of the rods ( 210) can also each be guided through a through hole of the elastic insert 40.After loosening the screw 21 (as well as the screws at the rear), the rail module 200 can be pivoted away from the saddle shell with the connecting piece leading and the elastic insert 40 can be removed.FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the saddle shell 100.In this exemplary embodiment, the saddle shell is designed as a plastic injection-molded part and comprises a seat surface 101 corresponding to the contour of the saddle, which seat surface merges via a transition region 102 into a narrower nose 103.Furthermore, the saddle shell comprises the relief channel 104, which is formed in sections as an opening 115.The wings 106, which may be covered with padding, may comprise, as shown in this embodiment, openings 107 serving for sinking the seat leg bumps. In this exemplary embodiment, two different possible exemplary embodiments are provided opposite one another for an opening 107 of this type.On the one hand, the opening 107 is formed continuously. On the other hand, a plurality of openings 107 are provided. Due to the remaining webs, the stiffness of the saddle is greater in the region of the openings 107.Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the saddle shell comprises two channels 108 at the nose 103, which channels extend obliquely from the top side toward the bottom side. The channels 108 form recesses on the underside, into which the end pieces of a rod engage for stiffening the rails (see also FIG. 15 in this regard).The configuration as a channel 108 facilitates production, since a slide for forming the channel 108 can move into the injection mold from the outside.FIG. 8 is a central longitudinal section of the saddle shell 100. The plateau 109 can now be clearly seen, through which a channel 105 with a step runs. The channel 105 is oriented substantially horizontally and serves to receive the insert which forms the counter bearing for the front screw.Teeth 110 are provided on the rear receptacle, which in the mounted state engage in a corresponding recess of the rail module.FIG. 9 is a horizontal section of the saddle shell, in which it can now be easily seen that the channels 108 extend obliquely from the top side to the underside of the saddle shell.FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the saddle shell in the region of the rear receptacle. The rear receptacle 117 is formed as a through hole.Further, the teeth 110 are provided offset forward to the right and left of the rear receptacle 117.The teeth 110 are in this embodiment substantially polygonal and comprise a rear wall 113 which slopes rearwardly.The front wall 112 extends steeper than the rear wall 113. This facilitates the insertion of the rail module.The upper side of the teeth 110 is provided with a thread 111. The thread 111 need not be present in the saddle shell from the beginning. Rather, the thread can also be formed by a self-tapping screw. According to a further embodiment, a blind hole is provided, into which the screw cuts.The inner side wall 114 of the teeth 110 may be formed to be curved. Furthermore, the inner side walls 114 of the teeth 110 converge at least in sections, namely in the direction of the rear side of the saddle. Thus, the rail module is centered when being inserted into the receptacle 117.FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the insert 30, which is designed as a counter bearing for the front screw.The insert 30 includes a step 32 which abuts a step of the channel into which the insert is inserted.The front end face 31 extends obliquely downwards.On the opposite side, the insert 30 comprises in its rear wall 33 a thread 34 in which the front screw is seated in the assembled state. This thread can also be provided by a self-tapping screw or by a hole into which the screw is inserted.FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rail module 200.In this exemplary embodiment, the rail module 200 is designed as an injection-molded component, wherein a respective rod 210, for example made of metal, is injected into the rails 200 a, 200 bfor reinforcement purposes.The rod 210 protrudes from the end wall of the front connecting piece 201 in the region of the front connecting piece 201.In the region of the rear connecting piece 202, the end pieces of the rods 210 are each seated in a recess 205.This facilitates production during injection molding, since the rods can be gripped at the protruding ends.Otherwise, the rods 210 are completely encapsulated with plastic in the region of the rails 200 a, 200 band are thus protected from weathering and UV light.The rear connecting region 202 is also provided with recesses 203 which are formed in a complementary manner to the teeth of the saddle shell.In each of the recesses 203, a through hole 204 is provided, through which the screws in the rear connecting region are guided.FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the front connection portion of the rail module.At the end face, the latching nose 206 protrudes from the front connecting piece 201.The latching nose 206 has a rectangular end face in this exemplary embodiment. In the side view, the latching nose 206 is designed as a parallelogram with an internal angle not equal to 90°.The inclination of the latching nose 206 corresponds to the inclination of the end face of the front connecting piece 201.To the right and left, next to the latching nose 206, the end pieces of the rods 210 protrude from the front connecting piece 201.The latching lug 206 comprises a through-hole 207 for the front screw.In cooperation with the front connecting region of the saddle shell shown in a detailed illustration in FIG. 15, the front latching nose 206 latches in the channel 105 of the plateau 109.Also, the end portions of the rods 210 may be locked in the channels 108.The rear wall 116 of the plateau extends obliquely to the vertical, in particular at an angle of 30 to 60°.FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the rear connection portion of the rail module.Starting from an abutment surface 211 of the rear connecting piece 202, a tab 209 extends obliquely rearward upwards over the rear connecting piece. The tab 209 can extend in particular obliquely at an angle of 5 to 40°, preferably 10 to 30°, to the horizontal.The tab 209 otherwise extends between the recesses 203 for the teeth of the saddle shell. The tab can have a maximum thickness of 1 to 10 mm, preferably of 3 to 7 mm and / or a width b of 10 to 80 mm, preferably of 30 to 50 mm.In this embodiment, the rear visible surface of tab 209 serves to attach a trademark logo.In cooperation in the rear receptacle of the saddle shell shown in FIG. 17, the tab 209 is pushed rearward into the rear receptacle 117 designed as a through hole.To form the rear receptacle 117, a rear wall 118 extends downward at the rear end of the seat surface of the saddle shell.In the inserted state, the rear connecting piece 202 with the contact surface 211 bears against the rear rear wall 118 at the bottom.The end face of the tab 209 in the inserted state preferably extends flush with the adjoining rear wall 118.In the illustration according to FIG. 18, a rod 210 is arranged opposite the rail module.The rod 210 is bent according to the contour of the rails of the rail module 200 and is injection-molded by plastic from the rest of the rail module.With reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the connection of the rail module 200 to the saddle shell 100 will be explained in more detail.As shown in FIG. 19, the rail module is first pushed with the tab leading to the rear into the rear receptacle 117 of the saddle shell.The rail module 200 is initially inclined relative to the saddle shell 100, in particular at an angle tilted by 5 to 30° relative to the assembled state.As then shown in FIG. 20, the rail module is pivoted in the direction of the nose of the saddle. The latching nose 206 latches in the channel lying in the plateau 109.Rail module 200 and saddle shell 100 are now already connected to one another in such a way that the rail module 200 does not become detached from the saddle shell 100. However, the latching can be released again by pulling on the rail module 200.In order to bring about a final stable connection, two screws 20 are inserted vertically in the rear connection region, as shown in FIG. 21. A further screw 21 is inserted between the rails, which screw connects the front connecting piece 201 firmly to the plateau 109.FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a spacer 220 as it can be used for producing a bicycle saddle.The spacer 220 is designed as a clip made of plastic with two resilient arms 221. The arms expand when the spacer 220 is clipped onto the rod-shaped insert. Then, the inner wall of the spacer 220 abuts against the insert.The ends of the arms 221 are of thickened cross-section and comprise an abutment surface which can be adapted to the contour of the rail.Furthermore, a nose 222 extends outwards opposite the arms 221, which nose likewise serves for positioning in the injection mould. The contact surface of the nose 222 is preferably adapted to the contour of the rail.The spacer 220 extends over only a portion of the length of the rod-shaped insert. In particular, the spacer can have a length of 1 to 30 mm, preferably of 2 to 20 mm. This ensures that the spacer 220 is completely encapsulated in the mold by injection molding.Several spacers spaced apart from each other can also be used per insert.FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the spacers encapsulated by the rails 200 a, 200 b. The abutment surfaces of the arms 221 and the nose 222 in the mold are aligned with the outer surfaces of the rails 200a, 200b.FIG. 24 is a cross section through a rail 200 ain the region of the spacer 220. The spacer 220 is clipped onto the rod-shaped insert 210 and encapsulated by injection molding with the plastic material of the rail 200 a. Only the thickened ends of the arms 221 and the nose 222 extend from the insert 210 to the outside of the rail 200a. Due to the spacer 210 and the plastic material of the rail 200 a, the insert 210 is completely embedded in plastic.The method enables a particularly simple production of a saddle with plastic rails and a rod-shaped insert for reinforcing the rails.The invention also made it possible to provide a simple-to-manufacture saddle in which the rails can be mounted and disassembled in a simple manner. Furthermore, an exchangeable damping manner can optionally be provided in a simple manner.List of reference characters10 Saddle 11 seat surface 12 transition region 13 saddle nose 14 relief channel 15 opening 16 wing 17 upholstery 30 insert for screw 31 end face 32 step 33 rear wall 34 thread 40 elastic insert 100 saddle shell 101 seat surface 102 transition region 103 nose 104 relief channel 105 opening 106 wing 107 opening for seat leg bumps 108 channel (rails) 109 plateau 110 tooth 111 thread 112 front wall 113 rear wall 114 inner side wall 115 opening in the relief channel of saddle shell 116 rear wall plateau 117 rear receptacle 118 rear wall 200 rail module 200 a, 200 brail 201 front connecting piece 202 rear connecting piece 203 recess for locking tooth 204 through hole 205 recess (for end piece rod) 206 locking nose 207 through hole 209 tab 210 rod 211 contact surface 220 spacer / clip 221 arm 222 nose

Claims

A saddle (10) for a bicycle, comprising a saddle shell (100) having a seat region which merges via a transition region (102) into a saddle nose (13), and rails (200a, 200b) for connecting the saddle (10) to the clamping of a seat post, wherein the rails (200a, 200b) are connected to one another at the saddle nose (13) and at a rear end of the seat regions, and wherein the rails (200a, 200b) are removable from the saddle shell (100), wherein the rails (200a, 200b) are insertable into a rear receptacle (117) of the saddle shell (100), wherein the rails (200a, 200b) are latchable by pivoting in a front receptacle of the saddle shell (100), characterized in that, the rear receptacle (117) is formed as a through hole in a wall (113) extending downwards on the rear side.Saddle (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rails (200a, 200b) are screwed to the saddle shell (100) at the front and the rear receiving means (117).Saddle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching mechanism can be released without tools.Saddle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rails (200a, 200b) are part of a rail module (200) which comprises a rear connecting piece (202) which can be pushed into the rear receptacle (117) and a front connecting piece (201) which can be locked in the front receptacle.Saddle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front receptacle is designed as a channel which extends horizontally through the plateau (109) in a plateau (109) lying below the nose (13) of the saddle from the tip of the nose (222).Saddle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear receptacle (117) comprises a through hole in the saddle shell (100), into which a tongue (209) connected to the rails (200a, 200b) can be inserted.Saddle (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rails (200a, 200b) are formed together with the tab (209) as a plastics injection-moulded part.Saddle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing rails (200a, 200b) comprise a rod-shaped insert (210).Saddle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that mutually engaging teeth (110) are arranged on the rear receptacle between the saddle shell (100) and rails (200a, 200b).Saddle (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a screw engages in each case in the teeth (110).

Citation Information

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