BICYCLE SADDLE COVER

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle saddle cover with a fastening element which is designed to engage behind a bicycle saddle shell of a bicycle saddle of a bicycle in order to attach the bicycle saddle cover at least positively to the bicycle saddle shell, and to a bicycle saddle which can be attached to a bicycle frame of a bicycle, wherein the bicycle saddle has a bicycle saddle shell and a corresponding bicycle saddle cover attached to the bicycle saddle shell. State of the art

[0002] It is known that a conventional bicycle saddle has a saddle shell that is formed from a hard, resistant material to support the weight of the cyclist sitting on the respective bicycle saddle.

[0003] To ensure an ergonomically advantageous sitting position for the cyclist on a suitable bicycle saddle, a conventional bicycle saddle usually has a cushion made of a soft material, which is attached to the bicycle saddle shell and which allows for a comfortable resting position of the cyclist's buttocks on the bicycle saddle.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known that a conventional bicycle saddle may in particular have a bicycle saddle cover which is arranged on the damping attached to the bicycle saddle shell in order to ensure effective protection of the damping.

[0005] With a conventional bicycle saddle, the problem often arises that the damping attached to the saddle shell is inextricably linked to the saddle shell, and for this reason, e.g. if the damping is damaged, the entire bicycle saddle has to be replaced, which results in high costs for the user.

[0006] Another problem is that the damping system on the saddle shell of a conventional bicycle saddle is usually standardized. Because of this standardization, there is typically no individual adjustment of the damping to suit different cyclists, for example, in terms of weight and / or anatomy, or to suit different riding conditions, such as a mountain bike tour off-road or a road bike tour.

[0007] Furthermore, a conventional bicycle saddle with standardized damping and / or a standardized bicycle saddle cover can often only inadequately reflect the individual design wishes of the respective cyclist, e.g. in terms of shape and color.

[0008] EP 3 441 291 A1 discloses an ergonomic bicycle saddle for relieving pressure on the sit bones. Further bicycle saddles for relieving pressure on the sit bones are known from DE 20 2004 014 467 U1, DE 20 2005 013 749 U1, DE 20 2007 008 321 U1 or EP 2 003 046 B1, EP 2 965 974 A1, as well as DE 20 2016 005 063 U1 or EP 3 284 663 B1.

[0009] Publication TW M540078 U discloses a bicycle saddle and a bicycle saddle cover according to the preamble of claim 1. Publication TW 201302533 A1 discloses a bicycle saddle. Publication US 5,911,475 discloses a bicycle saddle. Patent US 7,651,162 B2 discloses a bicycle saddle. Publication US 2004 / 0051352 A1 discloses a bicycle saddle. Disclosure of invention

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a bicycle saddle cover with a damping area which can be easily and advantageously attached to a bicycle saddle shell of a bicycle saddle.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved by the bicycle saddle cover according to claim 1 and by the bicycle saddle according to claim 14. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present problem is solved by a bicycle saddle cover which can be attached to a bicycle saddle shell of a bicycle saddle, comprising a contact area which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle cover facing the bicycle saddle shell and which is shaped to bear against the bicycle saddle shell, and a damping area which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle cover facing away from the contact area, wherein the damping area comprises an elastic material which is designed to absorb forces acting on the bicycle saddle cover by deformation of the elastic material, wherein the contact area has at least one fastening element which is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell in order to attach the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell in a form-fitting manner.

[0013] The bicycle saddle cover according to the invention can be attached to the bicycle saddle shell particularly easily and advantageously by means of the fastening element.

[0014] The damping area, which comprises an elastic material, is designed to absorb the forces acting on the bicycle saddle cover by deforming the elastic material. This allows, for example, the benefit of an ergonomically comfortable seat on the bicycle saddle. In particular, the shape of the damping area, especially the structure of the elastic material, is adapted to the cyclist's buttocks.

[0015] The contact area of ​​the bicycle saddle cover, which rests against the bicycle saddle shell, ensures effective, and in particular, a broad contact between the bicycle saddle cover and the bicycle saddle shell.

[0016] In particular, the contact area is located on the upper surface of the bicycle saddle shell facing the contact area.

[0017] In particular, the contact area is designed as a curved contact area which lies flat against a curved shell surface of the bicycle saddle shell.

[0018] The fastening element of the contact area engages behind the bicycle saddle cover, thereby ensuring at least a positive-locking connection between the saddle cover and the saddle shell. This positive-locking connection ensures, on the one hand, a stable attachment of the saddle cover to the saddle shell, and on the other hand, also provides a releasable fastening option for removing the saddle cover from the saddle shell.

[0019] This allows the bicycle saddle cover to be easily and conveniently attached to the bicycle saddle shell, or, when replacing the bicycle saddle cover, to be easily and conveniently removed from the bicycle saddle shell.

[0020] According to the invention, at least one fastening element is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell in order to attach the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0021] This achieves the technical advantage that a particularly stable connection between the bicycle saddle cover and the bicycle saddle shell is ensured by a form-fitting and force-fit attachment of the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell, with a reduced tendency for the bicycle saddle cover to slip on the bicycle saddle shell.

[0022] For example, the bicycle saddle cover can be pressed onto the bicycle saddle shell with a residual tension in order to achieve the force-fit fastening component of the force-fit and form-fit fastening of the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell.

[0023] According to the invention, the at least one fastening element comprises a plurality of spring-elastic locking arms or a projection that at least partially surrounds the contact area, which is designed to engage behind a shell edge of the bicycle saddle shell, in particular to engage behind a shell edge of the bicycle saddle shell formed between a shell top and a shell bottom of the bicycle saddle shell.

[0024] This achieves the technical advantage that, by engaging the shell edge with the spring-elastic locking arms or by the projection of the contact area, a simple, at least form-fitting, attachment of the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell is made possible.

[0025] This is achieved, for example, by the fact that the spring-loaded locking arms or the projection simply and advantageously snap into place behind the edge of the bicycle saddle shell when the bicycle saddle cover is pushed onto the bicycle saddle shell.

[0026] The edge of the bicycle saddle shell is formed in particular between a top surface and a bottom surface of the bicycle saddle shell.

[0027] The upper surface of the shell is the side of the bicycle saddle shell that faces the cyclist's buttocks. Specifically, the upper surface of the shell is shaped as a curved, particularly convex, surface.

[0028] The underside of the saddle shell is the side of the bicycle saddle shell that faces away from the cyclist's buttocks and, in particular, towards the bicycle frame. Specifically, the underside of the shell is shaped as a curved, especially concave, surface.

[0029] According to an alternative, the at least one fastening element can comprise a projection that at least partially encircles the contact area. In particular, the projection that at least partially encircles the contact area is reversibly deformable, especially elastically deformable, so that the projection can be bent outwards at least partially during the sliding of the bicycle saddle cover onto the bicycle saddle shell and then engage or snap into place behind the edge of the bicycle saddle shell.

[0030] If the protrusion completely surrounds the contact area, it can fully engage the edge of the bicycle saddle shell along the entire circumference of the contact area, resulting in a particularly stable attachment of the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell.

[0031] If the protrusion only partially surrounds the contact area, and therefore recesses or notches are provided between the individual protrusion sections, the protrusion engages the edge of the bicycle saddle shell only in specific areas of the contact zone. This allows for particularly easy sliding or snapping of the bicycle saddle cover onto the bicycle saddle shell.

[0032] According to another alternative, at least one fastening element can comprise a plurality of spring-loaded locking arms. When the bicycle saddle cover is slid onto the bicycle saddle shell, the spring-loaded locking arms can, due to their elasticity, be bent outwards at least partially and then snap into place behind the edge of the bicycle saddle shell to ensure at least a positive-locking attachment of the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell.

[0033] In particular, the majority of spring-elastic locking arms comprise at least two spring-elastic locking arms, or at least four spring-elastic locking arms, or at least six spring-elastic locking arms, or at least eight spring-elastic locking arms, which are arranged in particular on opposite sides of the contact area of ​​the bicycle saddle shell, so that in particular a symmetrical arrangement of spring-elastic locking arms on the contact area is ensured, which in particular prevents the bicycle saddle cover from slipping on the bicycle saddle shell in a particularly effective manner.

[0034] According to another alternative, which is not claimed, at least one fastening element can be shaped as a clip element designed to fasten the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell by means of a clip connection.

[0035] In one embodiment, the fastening element, in particular the spring-elastic locking arm or projection, has a fastening extension which is shaped to engage behind a shell edge of the bicycle saddle shell and to bear at least partially against a shell underside of the bicycle saddle shell.

[0036] This achieves the technical advantage that the fastening extension of the fastening element ensures effective engagement of the edge of the bicycle saddle shell by the fastening element, thus improving the stability of the attachment of the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell.

[0037] In this case, the fastening extension of the fastening element grips in particular around the shell edge arranged between the upper and lower shell of the bicycle saddle shell and rests against the lower shell of the bicycle saddle shell in order to achieve at least a positive-locking contact between the fastening extension and the lower shell of the bicycle saddle shell, and / or the fastening extension is pressed against the lower shell to achieve a positive-locking and force-locking contact between the fastening extension and the lower shell.

[0038] In one embodiment, the fastening element, in particular the spring-elastic locking arm or the projection, can be detachably connected to the bicycle saddle shell in order to detachably connect the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell.

[0039] This achieves the technical advantage that the detachable connection between the mounting element and the bicycle saddle shell allows the saddle cover to be easily removed. This enables flexible replacement of the saddle cover, for example, if a different saddle cover needs to be attached to the saddle shell quickly and individually to suit different cyclists or different cycling tour requirements.

[0040] A releasable connection of the fastening element to the bicycle saddle shell according to the present disclosure includes, in particular, the following meaning: the bicycle saddle cover can be removed from the bicycle saddle shell without damaging either the bicycle saddle cover or the bicycle saddle shell. In particular, a releasable connection of the fastening element to the bicycle saddle shell according to the present disclosure can be released without a tool.

[0041] In one embodiment, the fastening element, in particular the spring-elastic locking arm or the projection, is designed to engage in a groove and / or guide rail of the bicycle saddle shell, in particular to engage in a groove and / or guide rail arranged on an underside of the bicycle saddle shell.

[0042] This achieves the technical advantage that, by engaging the fastening element in a groove and / or guide rail located, particularly on the underside of the saddle shell, a particularly stable attachment of the saddle cover to the saddle shell can be achieved. Specifically, by engaging the fastening element in the groove and / or guide rail, even slight displacement of the saddle cover on the saddle shell can be prevented. The guide rail is specifically designed as a T-rail or an X-rail.

[0043] According to the invention, the bicycle saddle cover comprises an outer area, in particular a bicycle saddle cover, which is arranged on an area of ​​the bicycle saddle cover facing away from the contact area, wherein the damping area is at least partially enclosed, in particular completely enclosed, by the outer area and the contact area.

[0044] This achieves the technical advantage that the outer area, in particular the bicycle saddle cover, which encloses the damping area together with the contact area, ensures effective protection of the damping area, especially the elastic material of the damping area, from damage and contamination.

[0045] In one embodiment, the outer area, in particular the bicycle saddle cover, is connected to the contact area, in particular by material bonding, form-fitting and / or force-fitting.

[0046] This achieves the technical advantage that the outer surface, in particular the bicycle saddle cover, is only connected to the contact area, specifically by a material bond, a form-fit, and / or a force-fit connection, thus creating a multi-part design of the bicycle saddle shell. For example, after attaching the sealing element to the contact area, the outer surface, in particular the bicycle saddle cover, can then be attached to the sealing element in a further step and connected to the contact area.

[0047] For example, if the connection between the outer area, in particular the bicycle saddle cover, and the contact area is a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection, the connection can be designed in particular as a detachable connection, so that the outer area, in particular the bicycle saddle cover, can be removed from the bicycle saddle cover and replaced, for example, by releasing the detachable connection.

[0048] According to the invention, the contact area has an engagement guide which is connected to the outer area, wherein a guide of the outer area engages in the engagement guide of the contact area in order to provide an effective connection between the contact area and the outer area.

[0049] This achieves the technical advantage that, by engaging the outer guide with the contact area's engagement guide, a stable, and in particular, detachable, connection between the outer surface and the contact area of ​​the bicycle saddle cover can be ensured. Furthermore, the engagement guide and its extension serve as a visual cover for the outer surface and its damping area. Additionally, the engagement guide, and especially its extension, is designed to prevent damage to the outer surface and the damping area, particularly from abrasion or so-called rubbing caused by the cyclist's pedaling motion during the product-specific pedaling action.

[0050] In particular, the guide for the outer area can be inserted into the engagement guide of the contact area to provide the connection between the outer area and the contact area. Conversely, the guide for the outer area can be pulled out of the engagement guide of the contact area to release the connection between the outer area and the contact area.

[0051] In particular, the elastic material of the damping area is inserted between the guide of the outer area and the contact area, so that the elastic material presses the guide of the outer area forcefully against the engagement guide to ensure an effective stable attachment of the outer area to the contact area.

[0052] In particular, the engagement guide of the contact area has an engagement guide extension which engages behind the guide of the outer area in order to ensure effective attachment of the outer area to the contact area.

[0053] In particular, the engagement guide is arranged on a side of the bicycle saddle shell facing away from the fastening element. Specifically, the fastening element is formed on a side of the contact area facing the underside of the bicycle saddle shell, and the engagement guide is formed on a side of the contact area facing away from the underside of the bicycle saddle shell.

[0054] This ensures independent attachment of the bicycle saddle cover to the edge of the saddle shell by the fastening element on one side, and attachment of the outer section to the contact area by the interaction between the engagement guide and the guide on the other side. Specifically, the engagement guide of the contact area has the shape of a gutter into which a correspondingly complementary guide of the outer section engages.

[0055] In an embodiment which is not claimed, the bicycle saddle cover has no outer surface, in particular no bicycle saddle cover, so that the cyclist sits directly on the damping element.

[0056] This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring a particularly easy-to-manufacture design for the bicycle saddle cover.

[0057] In one embodiment, the damping area comprises a first damping sub-area, in particular a first gluteal support element, and a second damping sub-area, in particular a second gluteal support element.

[0058] This achieves the technical advantage that, by forming the damping area with a first damping sub-area, in particular a first gluteal support element, and a second damping sub-area, in particular a second gluteal support element, a particularly advantageous adaptation of the bicycle saddle cover, in particular the damping area, to the anatomical shape of the cyclist's buttocks can be achieved.

[0059] In particular, a recess, especially a pubic bone recess, is arranged between the first and second damping sub-areas.

[0060] In particular, the damping area comprises a third damping sub-area, in particular a saddle nose support element, wherein the third damping sub-area is arranged in particular at a distance from the first and second damping sub-areas.

[0061] The shaping of the recess, in particular the pubic bone recess, and the third damping sub-area, in particular the saddle nose support element, can further increase the seating comfort for the cyclist.

[0062] In one embodiment, the damping area, in particular the elastic material, is bonded to the contact area and / or the outside.

[0063] This achieves the technical advantage that, through the material-bonded connection, in particular bonding, of the damping area with the contact area and / or the outside, a particularly stable connection between the damping area and the contact area can be ensured, and, if an outside area should be present in the bicycle saddle cover, also with the outside area.

[0064] In one embodiment, the elastic material of the damping area comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in particular an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), e.g. Infinergy® from BASF, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), e.g. PEBAX® from Arkema Inc., USA, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate (TPE-V), polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and / or polystyrene (PS), in particular expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0065] This achieves the technical advantage that the aforementioned elastic materials provide beneficial damping of the cyclist's weight and thus ensure a comfortable seat for the cyclist on the bicycle saddle cover.

[0066] In one embodiment, the elastic material of the damping area has a chamber structure with a plurality of chambers, in particular honeycomb chambers, each of which is laterally bounded by chamber webs, wherein the chambers are in particular open at the top and / or bottom.

[0067] This achieves the technical advantage that the chambers of the chamber structure ensure beneficial damping properties of the damping element. The chamber webs stabilize the chambers of the chamber structure. If the chambers are designed as honeycomb chambers, they have a hexagonal top and bottom surface. If the chambers are open at the top and / or bottom, effective air exchange through the chambers can be ensured.

[0068] In particular, the chamber webs of the chamber structure are each attached at their ends to a connection node of the chamber structure to ensure a stable connection within the chamber structure. Specifically, four ends of different chamber webs of the chamber structure are attached to each of the connection nodes of the chamber structure.

[0069] In particular, the chambers of the majority of chambers each have an upper annular chamber plane and each have a lower annular chamber plane, wherein the respective upper annular chamber plane and the respective lower annular chamber plane are each connected by chamber bridges, and wherein in particular the upper annular chamber plane and / or the lower annular chamber plane have a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, ring structure.

[0070] This achieves the technical advantage that the various chamber levels of the chamber structure, which are connected by the chamber webs, ensure the structural stability of the respective chamber. Here, the individual chamber levels are designed as annular chamber levels, which are open particularly in the center of the ring and which are connected to the chamber webs particularly at the ring edge.

[0071] In particular, the upper annular chamber planes of the plurality of chambers are connected laterally to each other, and the lower annular chamber planes of the plurality of chambers are connected laterally to each other to form a two-dimensionally extending chamber layer, wherein in particular a plurality of two-dimensionally extending chamber layers are connected to each other to form a three-dimensional chamber structure of the damping element.

[0072] This achieves the technical advantage that, by connecting adjacent chambers to form a two-dimensionally extending chamber layer, and by connecting different two-dimensional chamber layers, an advantageously damping three-dimensional chamber structure of the damping element can be constructed. In particular, two superimposed two-dimensionally extending chamber layers are connected to each other via the top and / or bottom of the respective chamber layer to form the three-dimensional chamber structure.

[0073] In one embodiment, the contact area and / or the outer area comprises a thermoplastic material and / or an elastomeric material.

[0074] This achieves the technical advantage that, by using a particularly hard thermoplastic material in the contact area and / or on the exterior, a hard-shell or hard-case version is made possible. Thermoplastic materials in this context include, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0075] The use of a particularly soft elastomeric plastic in the contact area and / or on the exterior enables a soft-shell or soft-case design. An elastomeric plastic in this context includes, in particular, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), especially expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), polystyrene (PS), especially expanded polystyrene (EPS), and / or silicone.

[0076] In one embodiment, the bicycle saddle cover is shaped as a 3D printed component or as an injection molded part.

[0077] This achieves the technical advantage that a 3D printed component or an injection molded part can be manufactured easily and cost-effectively in large quantities.

[0078] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present problem is solved by a bicycle saddle which can be attached to a bicycle frame of a bicycle, wherein the bicycle saddle has a bicycle saddle shell and a bicycle saddle cover according to the first aspect, wherein the at least one fastening element of the contact area of ​​the bicycle saddle cover is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell and to attach the bicycle saddle cover to the bicycle saddle shell at least in a form-fitting manner.

[0079] This achieves the technical advantage that a bicycle saddle can be provided whose bicycle saddle cover can be easily and advantageously attached to the bicycle saddle shell, and, if necessary, also advantageously removed again as part of a replacement.

[0080] The embodiments mentioned for the bicycle saddle cover according to the first aspect are also embodiments for the bicycle saddle according to the second aspect. Brief description of the characters

[0081] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying figures, which show exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein Figure 1 shows a (cross-)sectional view of a bicycle saddle cover through the saddle nose at approximately the height after the Fig. 3For a bicycle saddle of a bicycle according to a first embodiment, which is not claimed, Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a bicycle saddle shell through the saddle nose at approximately the height after the Fig. 3 for a bicycle saddle of a bicycle according to a second embodiment, Figure 3; an exploded view of a bicycle saddle of a bicycle according to a further embodiment, Figure 4; a bicycle saddle of a bicycle with a bicycle saddle cover according to the one shown in Figure 2 the second embodiment shown in a sectional view, and Figure 5 a bicycle saddle of a bicycle with a bicycle saddle cover according to the one shown in Figure 1 The first embodiment, which is not claimed, is shown in a sectional view. Detailed description of the figures

[0082] Figure 1 shows a (cross-)section of a bicycle saddle cover 1 through the saddle nose at approximately the height after the Fig. 3for a bicycle saddle of a bicycle according to a first embodiment, which is not claimed.

[0083] The one in Figure 1 The illustrated bicycle saddle cover 1 can be attached to a bicycle saddle shell 2 of a bicycle saddle. In the Figure 1 The bicycle saddle cover 1 and the bicycle saddle shell 2 of the bicycle saddle are shown in a sectional view.

[0084] The bicycle saddle shell 2 of the bicycle saddle is usually equipped with a Figure 1The saddle is connected to the seat post (not shown), which ensures a physical connection between the bicycle saddle and the bicycle, in particular the bicycle frame. The bicycle saddle shell 2 is typically made of a durable and hard plastic material, such as a thermoplastic or a carbon-thermoplastic composite, and ensures the structural stability of the bicycle saddle, thereby guaranteeing effective weight distribution for the cyclist.

[0085] For ergonomic reasons, however, the cyclist cannot sit directly on the hard bicycle saddle shell 2, so a bicycle saddle usually has damping elements, at least in the area of ​​the main seat, which allow the cyclist to sit comfortably on the bicycle saddle.

[0086] A corresponding damping function is incorporated into the Figure 1the illustrated first embodiment of the bicycle saddle cover 1.

[0087] The bicycle saddle cover 1 comprises a contact area 3, which is arranged on an area of ​​the bicycle saddle cover 1 facing the bicycle saddle shell 2, and which is shaped to lie against the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0088] The bicycle saddle cover 1 further comprises a damping area 5, which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle cover 1 facing away from the contact area 3. In order to ensure effective damping of the cyclist sitting on the bicycle saddle, the damping area 5 comprises an elastic material 6, which is designed to absorb forces acting on the bicycle saddle cover 1 by deformation of the elastic material 6.

[0089] The elastic material 6 of the damping area 5 comprises in particular a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in particular an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate (TPE-V), polyurethane (PU), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and / or polystyrene (PS), in particular expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0090] Even if this is in the Figure 1 The elastic material 6 of the damping area 5, which is only shown schematically, can have a chamber structure 7 with a plurality of chambers 7-1, in particular honeycomb chambers, each of which is laterally bounded by chamber webs 7-2, wherein the chambers 7-1 are in particular open at the top and / or bottom.

[0091] From the Figure 1It can be seen that the chamber webs 7-2 of the chamber structure 7 are each attached at their end to a connecting node 7-3 of the chamber structure 7 in order to ensure a stable connection within the chamber structure 7. In particular, four ends of different chamber webs 7-2 of the chamber structure 7 are attached to each of the connecting nodes 7-3 of the chamber structure 7.

[0092] Even if this is in the Figure 1 Not shown, the chambers 7-1 of the plurality of chambers 7-1 can each have an upper annular chamber plane and a lower annular chamber plane, wherein the respective upper annular chamber plane and the respective lower annular chamber plane are each connected by chamber webs 7-2, and wherein in particular the upper annular chamber plane and / or the lower annular chamber plane have a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, ring structure.

[0093] In particular, the upper annular chamber planes of the plurality of chambers 7-1 are each laterally connected to one another, and wherein the lower annular chamber planes of the plurality of chambers 7-1 are each laterally connected to one another to form a two-dimensionally extending chamber layer, and wherein in particular a plurality of two-dimensionally extending chamber layers are connected to one another to form a three-dimensional chamber structure 7 of the damping element 5.

[0094] Thus, the damping element 5 of the bicycle saddle cover 1 enables effective absorption of forces acting on the bicycle saddle cover 1.

[0095] In order to enable effective attachment of the bicycle saddle cover 1 to the bicycle saddle shell 2, the contact area 3 has at least one fastening element 8 which is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell 2 in order to attach the bicycle saddle cover 1 to the bicycle saddle shell 2 at least in a form-fitting manner.

[0096] The contact area 3 of the bicycle saddle shell 1 rests against a shell surface 2-3 of the bicycle saddle shell 2 facing the contact area 3. From the Figure 1 It is evident that the contact area 3 is designed as a curved contact area 3, which bears flat against the curved upper surface 2-3 of the bicycle saddle shell 2. Thus, the contact area 3 of the bicycle saddle shell 1 is in continuous, at least form-fitting, contact with the upper surface 2-3 of the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0097] The embodiment according to Figure 1The illustrated fastening element 8 comprises a projection 8-1 which surrounds the contact area 3 at least in sections and which is designed to engage behind a shell edge 2-1 of the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0098] The shell edge 2-1 is positioned between a shell underside 2-2 and the shell upperside 2-3 of the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0099] The fastening element 8, shaped as a projection 8-1, which engages behind the shell edge 2-1 of the bicycle saddle shell 2, ensures an effective positive connection between the bicycle saddle cover 1 and the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0100] In particular, the fastening element 8, especially the projection 8-1, can have a residual stress, whereby the bicycle saddle cover 1 is further pressed onto the bicycle saddle shell 2, so that an effective positive-locking and force-locking connection between the bicycle saddle cover 1 and the bicycle saddle shell 2 can be ensured.

[0101] In particular, the projection 8-1 has a fastening extension 8-2 which is shaped to engage behind the shell edge 2-1 of the bicycle saddle shell 2 and to bear at least partially against a shell underside 2-2 of the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0102] Even if this is in Figure 1 Not shown, the fastening element 8 can alternatively comprise a plurality of spring-elastic locking arms instead of the projection 8-1, which are designed to engage behind a shell edge 2-1 of the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0103] In particular, the fastening element 8, especially projection 8-1, is detachably connected to the bicycle saddle shell 2 in order to detachably connect the bicycle saddle cover 1 to the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0104] Even if this is in the Figure 1 Not shown, the fastening element 8, in particular the projection 8-1, can engage in a groove and / or guide rail of the bicycle saddle shell 2, in particular in a groove and / or guide rail arranged on a shell underside 2-2 of the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0105] The bicycle saddle cover 1 further comprises an optional external area 9, in particular a bicycle saddle cover, which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle cover 1 facing away from the contact area 3. As can be seen from the Figure 1As can be seen, the damping area 5 is at least partially enclosed by the outer area 9. In particular, the outer area 9, together with the contact area 3, completely encloses the damping area 5.

[0106] The damping area 5, in particular the elastic material 6, is here especially materially bonded to the contact area 3 and the outer area 9.

[0107] From the Figure 1 It can be seen that the outer area 9 is formed in one piece with the contact area 3.

[0108] The contact area 3 and / or the outer area 9 may comprise a thermoplastic plastic or an elastomeric plastic, wherein the thermoplastic plastic comprises in particular polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and wherein the elastomeric plastic comprises in particular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in particular expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), and / or silicone.

[0109] The bicycle saddle cover 1 can be shaped in particular as a 3D printed component or as an injection molded part.

[0110] The bicycle saddle cover 1 according to the present disclosure can be easily and advantageously attached to the bicycle saddle shell 2 by means of the fastening element 8 which engages behind the bicycle saddle shell 2, at least in a form-fitting manner.

[0111] This ensures a modular design of the bicycle saddle, in which the bicycle saddle cover 1 can be easily and interchangeably attached to and removed from the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0112] Given the different weights or body proportions of different cyclists, or the different types of cycling tours, e.g., mountain bike tours off-road or road bike tours, this allows for the easy use of different bicycle saddle covers 1 on the bicycle saddle shell 2 depending on the intended use.

[0113] Thus, the bicycle saddle cover 1, according to the present disclosure, provides a variety of individually adaptable and interchangeable damping options, which can also be adapted according to user requirements with regard to the desired color, shape and design.

[0114] Figure 2shows a bicycle saddle cover 1 for a bicycle saddle of a bicycle according to a second embodiment.

[0115] Just like the ones in Figure 1 The bicycle saddle cover 1 shown in the first embodiment also includes the [features shown in the original text]. Figure 2 The bicycle saddle cover 1 shown in the second embodiment has a contact area 3, a damping area 5 with an elastic material 6 and at least one fastening element 8 of the contact area 3, which is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell 2 in order to fasten the bicycle saddle cover 1 to the bicycle saddle shell 2 at least in a form-fitting manner.

[0116] Unlike the one in Figure 1 The first embodiment shown has the Figure 2The illustrated bicycle saddle cover 1 according to the second embodiment does not have a chamber structure 7. The elastic material 6 of the damping area 5 comprises in particular a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), especially an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate (TPE-V), polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and / or polystyrene (PS), especially expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0117] Furthermore, in the Figure 2 However, in the bicycle saddle cover 1 shown, the outer surface 9 of the bicycle saddle cover 1 is not formed in one piece with the contact area 3, but the bicycle saddle cover 1 is connected to the contact area 3, in particular by material connection, form connection and / or force connection.

[0118] According to the invention, the contact area 3 has an engagement guide 3-1 which is connected to the outer area 9, wherein a guide 9-1 of the outer area 9 engages in the engagement guide 3-1 of the contact area 3 in order to provide an effective connection between the contact area 3 and the outer area 9.

[0119] From the Figure 2 It can also be seen that the elastic material 6 of the damping area 5 is inserted between the guide 9-1 of the outer area 9 and the contact area 3, so that the elastic material 6 presses the guide 9-1 of the outer area 9 forcefully against the engagement guide 3-1 in order to ensure an effective stable attachment of the outer area 9 to the contact area 3.

[0120] In particular, the engagement guide 3-1 of the contact area 3 has an engagement guide extension 3-2 which engages behind the guide 9-1 of the outer area 9 in order to ensure effective attachment of the outer area 9 to the contact area 3.

[0121] From the Figure 2 It is evident that the engagement guide 3-1 is arranged on a side of the bicycle saddle shell 1 facing away from the fastening element 8. In particular, the fastening element 8 is formed on a side of the contact area 3 facing the underside 2-2 of the bicycle saddle shell 2, and the engagement guide 3-1 is formed on a side of the contact area 3 facing away from the underside 2-2 of the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0122] Figure 3 shows a bicycle saddle 10 of a bicycle according to a further embodiment. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the bicycle saddle 10.

[0123] The in Figure 3The illustrated bicycle saddle 10 has a strut 11 to which the seat post can be attached to secure the bicycle saddle 10 to a bicycle frame. The strut 11 is connected to a bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0124] A bicycle saddle cover 1 can be attached to the bicycle saddle shell 2, which, as shown in the Figure 1 and 2 It can be seen that it is formed from a contact area 3, a damping area 5 and an optionally existing outer area 9, in particular a bicycle saddle cover.

[0125] A bicycle saddle cover 1 can be attached to the bicycle saddle shell 2 in a form-fitting manner, at least by means of a [missing element] in the Figure 3 The fastening element 8 of the contact area 3 of the bicycle saddle cover 1 engages behind the bicycle saddle shell 2 (not shown).

[0126] The bicycle saddle cover 1 further comprises a damping area 5 made of an elastic material 6, which is in particular materially bonded to the contact area 3.

[0127] The damping area 5 comprises a first damping sub-area 5-1, in particular a first gluteal support element, and a second damping sub-area 5-2, in particular a second

[0128] gluteal support element, so that the damping area 5 can be advantageously adapted to the anatomical shape of the cyclist's buttocks.

[0129] In particular, a recess 5-3, in particular a pubic bone recess, is arranged between the first and second damping sub-areas 5-1, 5-2. In particular, the damping area comprises a third damping sub-area 5-4, in particular a saddle nose support element, wherein the third damping sub-area 5-4 is arranged, in particular, at a distance from the first and second damping sub-areas 5-1, 5-2.

[0130] The shaping of the recess 5-3, in particular the pubic bone recess, and the third damping sub-area 5-4, in particular the saddle nose support element, can further increase the seating comfort for the cyclist.

[0131] From the in Figure 3 The selected representation shows that a contour corresponding to the first, second and third damping area 5-1, 5-2, 5-4, or the recess 5-3, can be formed in the bicycle saddle shell 2, in the contact area 3, and / or in the outer area 9.

[0132] The bicycle saddle cover 1 optionally includes an outer area 9, in particular a bicycle saddle cover, which is arranged on an area of ​​the bicycle saddle cover 1 facing away from the contact area 3.

[0133] For further details regarding the bicycle saddle cover 1 according to the Figure 3 Reference will be made to the extensive explanations regarding the Figure 1 and 2 referred.

[0134] Figure 4 shows a bicycle saddle 10 of a bicycle with a bicycle saddle cover 1 according to the in Figure 2 second embodiment shown in a sectional view.

[0135] The in Figure 4 The illustrated bicycle saddle 10 has struts 11, a bicycle saddle shell 2 attached to the struts 11, and a bicycle saddle cover 1 attached to the bicycle saddle shell 2. The in Figure 4 The bicycle saddle cover 1, shown in a sectional view, has a structure which corresponds to the structure of the one in Figure 2the illustrated bicycle saddle cover 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0136] The bicycle saddle cover 1 has a contact area 3 which is arranged on an area of ​​the bicycle saddle cover 1 facing the bicycle saddle shell 2, and which is shaped to lie against the bicycle saddle shell 2.

[0137] The bicycle saddle cover 1 has a damping area 5, which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle cover 1 facing away from the contact area 3, wherein the damping area 5 comprises an elastic material 6 which is designed to absorb forces acting on the bicycle saddle cover 1 by deformation of the elastic material 6.

[0138] The contact area 3 has at least one fastening element 8 which is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell 2 in order to fasten the bicycle saddle cover 1 to the bicycle saddle shell 2 at least in a form-fitting manner, in particular in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0139] The bicycle saddle cover 1 also has an optionally existing outer area 9, in particular a bicycle saddle cover, which is connected to the contact area 3, in particular by a material-locking, form-locking and / or force-locking connection.

[0140] For further details, please refer to the Figure 2 referred.

[0141] Figure 5 shows a bicycle saddle 10 of a bicycle with a bicycle saddle cover 1 according to the in Figure 1 The first embodiment is shown in a sectional view.

[0142] The in Figure 5The illustrated bicycle saddle 10 has a strut 11, a bicycle saddle shell 2 attached to the strut 11, and a bicycle saddle cover 1 attached to the bicycle saddle shell 2. The in Figure 5 The bicycle saddle cover 1, shown in a sectional view, has a structure which corresponds to the structure described in Figure 1 The bicycle saddle cover 1 shown, according to the first embodiment, corresponds.

[0143] For further details, in particular regarding chamber structure 7, please refer to the Figure 1 referred. Reference sign

[0144] 1 Bicycle saddle cover 2 Bicycle saddle shell 2-1 Shell edge 2-2 Shell underside 2-3 Shell topside 3 Contact area 3-1 Grip guide 3-2 Grip guide extension 5 Damping area 5-1 First damping sub-area 5-2 Second damping sub-area 5-3 Recess 5-4 Third damping sub-area 6 Elastic material 7 Chamber structure 7-1 Chamber 7-2 Chamber bridge 7-3 Connecting node 8 Fastening element 8-1 Projection 8-2 Fastening extension 9 Outer area 9-1 Guide 10 Bicycle saddle 11 Struts

Claims

1. Bicycle saddle shell (1) which can be fastened to a bicycle saddle shell (2) of a bicycle saddle of a bicycle, comprising: a contact region (3) which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle shell (1) facing the bicycle saddle shell (2) and which is shaped to bear against the bicycle saddle shell (2), and a damping region (5) which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle shell (1) facing away from the contact region (3), wherein the damping region (5) comprises an elastic material (6) which is designed to absorb forces acting on the bicycle saddle shell (1) by a deformation of the elastic material (6), wherein the bicycle saddle shell (1) comprises an outer region (9) which is arranged on a region of the bicycle saddle shell (1) facing away from the contact region (3), wherein the damping region (5) is enclosed at least in sections by the outer region (9) and the contact region (3), characterized in that the contact region (3) has at least one fastening element (8, 8-1) which is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell (2) in order to fasten the bicycle saddle shell (1) at least in a form-fitting manner to the bicycle saddle shell (2), wherein the at least one fastening element (8, 8-1) is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell (2) in order to fasten the bicycle saddle shell (1) in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner to the bicycle saddle shell (2), wherein the at least one fastening element (8, 8-1) comprises a plurality of spring-elastic latching arms or a projection (8-1) which encircles the contact region (3) at least in sections and which are designed or are designed to engage behind a shell edge (2-1) of the bicycle saddle shell (2), wherein the contact region (3) has an engagement guide (3-1) which is connected to the outer region (9), wherein a guide (9-1) of the outer region (9) engages in the engagement guide (3-1) of the contact region (3) in order to provide an effective connection between the contact region (3) and the outer region (9).

2. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring-elastic latching arms or the projection (8-1) which encircles the contact region (3) at least in sections are designed or are designed to engage behind the shell edge (2-1) of the bicycle saddle shell (2) formed between a shell upper side (2-3) and a shell lower side (2-2) of the bicycle saddle shell (2).

3. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to Claim 2, wherein the fastening element (8, 8-1), in particular each of the spring-elastic latching arms or the projection (8-1), has a fastening extension (8-2) which is shaped to engage behind the shell edge (2-1) of the bicycle saddle shell (2) and to bear at least in sections against the shell lower side (2-2) of the bicycle saddle shell (2).

4. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the fastening element (8, 8-1), in particular each of the spring-elastic latching arms or the projection (8-1), can be connected releasably to the bicycle saddle shell (2) in order to connect the bicycle saddle shell (1) releasably to the bicycle saddle shell (2).

5. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the fastening element (8, 8-1), in particular each of the spring-elastic latching arms or the projection (8-1), is designed to engage in a groove and / or guide rail of the bicycle saddle shell (2), in particular to engage in a groove and / or guide rail arranged on the shell lower side (2-2) of the bicycle saddle shell (2).

6. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer region (9) is a bicycle saddle cover, wherein the damping region (5) is completely enclosed by the outer region (9) and the contact region (3).

7. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to Claim 6, wherein the outer region (9), in particular bicycle saddle cover, is connected to the contact region (3), in particular connected in a materially integral, form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

8. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping region (5) comprises a first damping subregion (5-1), in particular a first buttocks support element, and a second damping subregion (5-2), in particular a second buttocks support element.

9. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping region (5), in particular the elastic material (6), is connected in a materially integral manner to the contact region (3) and / or the outer region (9).

10. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic material (6) of the damping region (5) comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in particular an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizate (TPE-V), polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and / or polystyrene (PS), in particular expanded polystyrene (EPS).

11. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic material (6) of the damping region (5) has a chamber structure (7) with a plurality of chambers (7-1), in particular honeycomb chambers, which are each delimited laterally by chamber webs (7-2), wherein the chambers (7-1) are open in particular at the top and / or at the bottom.

12. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact region (3) and / or the outer region (9) comprises a thermoplastic and / or an elastomer.

13. Bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bicycle saddle shell (1) is shaped as a 3D printed component or as an injection molded part.

14. Bicycle saddle (10) which can be fastened to a bicycle frame of a bicycle, wherein the bicycle saddle (10) has a bicycle saddle shell (2) and a bicycle saddle shell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fastening element (8, 8-1) of the contact region (3) of the bicycle saddle shell (1) is designed to engage behind the bicycle saddle shell (2) and to fasten the bicycle saddle shell (1) to the bicycle saddle shell (2).