Height adjustment system for an accessory of a sports device

Abstract

Height adjustment system for a sports equipment accessory. The invention relates to a height adjustment system for a sports equipment accessory, said system comprising said accessory, a tube (10) having a conduit (11) and a rod (12) disposed in said conduit, said tube being equipped with an adjustment module (19) carrying a ring (20) having an orifice (21) in which the rod (12) is disposed, said ring being mounted to pivot within the module (19) between a sliding position in which the orifice (21) is aligned with the rod (12) and a locking position of said sliding by tilting said ring, said locking position being constrained by an elastic means and said sliding position being actuated against said elastic means, the accessory being attached to the tube (10), the ring (20) being mounted to slide on the rod (12) over an adjustment height of said tube along the rod (12). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Height adjustment system for an accessory of a sports device

[0001] The invention relates to a height adjustment system for an accessory of a sports device, as well as a sports device comprising such a system.

[0002] It applies in particular to the height adjustment of a stationary bike saddle, the frame of which is intended to rest on the ground, in particular by means of a base on which are erected two structures respectively carrying a saddle and a handlebar, a crankset being further mounted on said frame, for example at the junction between the saddle and handlebar structures.

[0003] According to other applications, the invention relates to other types of sports equipment, in particular fitness equipment, including in particular a frame capable of supporting the weight of a user, the height-adjustable accessory being a handlebar, a post or any other accessories in particular for the user's support on the device.

[0004] Bicycle saddle height adjustment systems are known which rely on an incremental mechanism, for example by engaging a locking pin selectively in one of the holes distributed vertically along a seat post.

[0005] These systems do not give complete satisfaction, in that the possibilities for height adjustment are limited by the number of holes provided, which does not allow for fine adjustment of the saddle height.

[0006] To overcome these drawbacks, systems for continuously adjusting the height of a saddle are known. Document JP-2001 / 104514 describes such a system in which the saddle-carrying post is mounted in translation within a tube which is equipped with an adjustment module carrying a ring having an orifice in which the post is disposed, said ring being mounted in a pivoting position within the module between a sliding position, in which the axis of the orifice is aligned with the extension axis of the post, and a position in which said sliding is locked by tilting the ring.

[0007] In particular, the locking position is constrained by an elastic means and the sliding position is actuated against said elastic means by a lever mounted for rotation on the tube.

[0008] This arrangement poses a problem in terms of ergonomics, in particular in that the user must simultaneously operate the lever which is fixed in height and grasp the saddle to move it to its adjustment height, which requires the use of both hands.

[0009] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing, in particular, a system that allows precise and reliable adjustment of the height of an accessory of a device sporty, while also featuring improved ergonomics to facilitate handling by the user.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a height adjustment system for an accessory of a sports device, said system comprising said accessory, a tube having a conduit and a rod disposed in said conduit, said tube being equipped with an adjustment module carrying a ring having an orifice in which the rod is disposed, said ring being mounted in a tilting position in the module between a sliding position in which the axis of the orifice is aligned with the extension axis of the rod and a locking position of said sliding by inclination of said ring, said locking position being constrained by an elastic means and said sliding position being actuated against said elastic means, the accessory being associated on the tube, the ring being mounted in a sliding position on the rod over an adjustment height of said tube along the rod.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a sports apparatus, in particular a bicycle, comprising such a height adjustment system for an accessory, in particular a saddle, said apparatus comprising a frame equipped with a sleeve, the rod being disposed in said sleeve by being fixed to said frame and the tube being mounted to slide in said sleeve.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0013] [Fig-1] shows a side view of an exercise bike equipped with a system of height adjustment of its saddle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] [Fig. la] is an enlargement of [Fig.l] centered on the mounting of the saddle on the tube;

[0015] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view from the rear of the assembly of the saddle on the tube, as shown in [Fig.la];

[0016] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view representation of the adjustment system height of the exercise bike in the previous figures, in which the tube is shown partially transparent to make the stem and the elements of the adjustment module visible;

[0017] [Fig.3a] and

[0018] [Fig.3b] are enlargements of respectively the upper part ([Fig.3a]), in slight perspective seen from the front, and from the lower part ([Fig.3b]) of the adjustment system of the [Fig.3];

[0019] [Fig.4a] and

[0020] [Fig.4b] represent, according to different views, the adjustment module of the system of previous figures;

[0021] [Fig.5] shows in exploded perspective the ring / crank assembly of the module of adjustment of figures 4a and 4b;

[0022] [Fig.6] represents in perspective, front view, the bracket of the adjustment module of the previous figures;

[0023] [Fig.7] shows in assembled perspective the ring / clamp assembly of the module of adjustment of figures 4a and 4b and 5.

[0024] A height adjustment system for an accessory of a sports device is described below, as well as a sports device comprising such a system for the height adjustment of an accessory.

[0025] In relation to the figures, the system allows the height of a bicycle saddle 1 to be adjusted. According to other applications, the invention relates to other types of sports equipment, particularly fitness equipment, including a frame capable of supporting the weight of a user, the accessory to be adjusted in height being a handlebar, a post or any other accessory, particularly one providing support for the user on the equipment.

[0026] In relation to [Fig.1], the bicycle is an exercise bike, and includes a frame 2 which has a base 3 intended to rest on the ground, and on which are mounted two structures 4, 5, in directions inclined respectively forward and backward, the front structure 4 carrying a handlebar 6 and the rear structure 5 carrying the seat 1 for the user.

[0027] The exercise bike further comprises: - a physical exercise device 7, which notably includes a crankset 8 which is mounted on the frame 2 at a junction between the front 4 handlebar and rear 5 seat structures; - a display screen 9 mounted in the upper part of the front structure 4 of the handlebars, in order to allow the user to view information relating to the practice of his physical activity, for example his pedaling cadence.

[0028] The saddle 1 is height-adjustable by means of a system which includes a tube 10 having a conduit 11, and a rod 12 which is disposed in said conduit.

[0029] In particular, the rod 12 includes a lower end which is fixed to the base 3, and the saddle 1 is associated with the upper part of the tube 10, which is slidably mounted around said rod to allow height adjustment of said saddle.

[0030] To do this, as shown in Figures 3, 3b and 4a, the lower end of the rod 12 is equipped with a sleeve 13 which is fixed to the base 3 of the frame 2, in particular by means of a screw and a nut (Figures 3, 3b).

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in [Fig. 1], the seat structure 5 is equipped with a sleeve 15, the lower end of which is fixed to the base 2, in particular in such a way to conceal the sleeve 13 for fixing the rod 12, and in which said rod is disposed, the tube 10 being mounted to slide in said sheath.

[0032] As shown in particular in figures 1a, 2 and 3a, the tube 10 is equipped with a saddle 16 association carriage, said carriage being arranged to allow transverse adjustment of the saddle 1 relative to the tube 10, in particular along a substantially horizontal "front - back" direction of the exercise bike.

[0033] To do this, the upper end of the tube 10 is equipped with a rail 17 on which the carriage 16 carrying the saddle 1 is mounted to slide in the direction of transverse adjustment mentioned above, said carriage being equipped with a sliding locking device on said rail, which the user can deactivate by operating a lever 18 provided for this purpose at the rear of said carriage, when he wishes to change the transverse adjustment of the saddle 1.

[0034] The tube 10 is equipped with a module 19 for adjusting its height, and therefore the height of the saddle 1, said module carrying a ring 20 provided with an orifice 21 in which the rod 12 is disposed.

[0035] The ring 20 is mounted in a tilting position in the module 19 between a sliding position, in which the axis of the orifice 21 is aligned with the extension axis A of the rod 12, in order to allow the tube 10 to slide along said rod, and a locking position of said sliding by tilting said ring, as shown in the figures, the locking position being constrained by an elastic means 22 and the sliding position being actuated against said elastic means.

[0036] In particular, the adjustment module 19 and the ring 20 are associated with the tube 10, the ring 20 being mounted to slide on the rod 12 over an adjustment height of said tube along said rod.

[0037] This arrangement allows for a very precise and reliable adjustment of the height of the saddle 1, and with reduced movements for the user, who can in particular use only one hand to successively tilt the ring 20 towards its sliding position along the rod 12, then the sliding movement of the tube 10 along said rod, and thus the height adjustment of the saddle 1 mounted on said tube.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the conduit 11 of the tube 10 extends between the upper part of said tube, on which the saddle 1 is mounted, and a lower part equipped with the adjustment module 19.

[0039] The adjustment system includes an actuating element 23 for the ring 20 in the sliding position which is associated with the tube 10, in particular by being disposed in the upper part of said tube.

[0040] As shown in particular in figures 1a, 2, 3 and 3a, the actuation member comprises a pallet 23 mounted for rotation on the tube 10 and connected to the ring 20 by a motion transmission rod 24.

[0041] The pallet 23 has a manual actuation part 23a and a transmission part 23b, arranged on either side of a rotational mounting axis B on the tube 10, the rod 24 being associated with the transmission part 23b so that a lifting of the pallet 23 induces a lowering of the ring 20 towards its sliding position.

[0042] Advantageously, the pallet 23 is mounted to rotate just below the saddle 1 and extends in the rear longitudinal extension of said saddle, so that it can be easily located by the user when he wants to adjust the height of said saddle, but also so as not to constitute an obstruction for said user when he sits on said saddle and operates the pedal 8 to carry out a physical activity.

[0043] In relation to [Fig. 3b], module 19 is associated in the lower part of conduit 11. For this purpose, module 19 comprises: - at least one stud 25 of geometry complementary to the geometry of a portion of the conduit 11, said stud being disposed in said portion and fixed to the tube 10 by means of fixing, in particular by means of a screw 26 which passes through a transverse bore 27 formed for this purpose in said stud; - a lower wall 28 of geometry complementary to the geometry of at least a portion of the lower opening of the conduit 11, said wall being arranged opposite said portion of opening to conceal it.

[0044] In particular, the tube 10 has a rear notch 29 for access to the module 19, and in particular to the pivot link between the rod 24 and the ring 20.

[0045] The module 19 includes a cage 30 which is mounted in the lower end of the conduit 11, and in which a bracket 31 is mounted in a tilting position, the ring 20 being fixed in said bracket.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the module 19 comprises a single piece, in particular made of metallic material, which integrates the cage 30, the mounting stud 25 in the conduit 11 and the lower wall 28 for covering said conduit.

[0047] The cage 30 includes a front wall 33 which extends vertically from a front portion of the lower wall 28, and on the front of which extends the fixing stud 25 in the conduit 11.

[0048] The cage 30 also includes an upper wall 34 which is connected to a rear part of the lower wall 28 by two lateral arms 35 of said cage, the walls 28, 34 forming between them a housing 36 in which the ring 20 is disposed, each of said walls having a passage 37 in which the rod 12 is disposed to slide.

[0049] The lateral arms 35 extend vertically on either side of the lower wall 28, and are arranged in the conduit 11 by being fixed to the tube 10 by means of fixing, for example by tightening screws 38 in transverse holes 39 provided for this purpose on each of said arms.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3b and 4a, the adjustment module 19 includes a ring 22 for tensioning the ring 20 in the locking position which is interposed between the cage 30 and said ring.

[0051] In particular, the constraint spring 22 has a helical geometry in which the rod 12 is arranged to slide, said spring being arranged in constraint between the lower wall 28 and the ring 20.

[0052] Furthermore, the housing 36 is arranged so that the ring 20 in the locking position - respectively in the sliding position - is against the upper wall 34 - respectively against the lower wall 28. In the figures, the ring 20 is shown in the locking position, and therefore comes against the upper wall 34.

[0053] The stirrup 31 is formed of two jaws 40 which are joined together to form a housing 41 in which the ring 20 is immobilized.

[0054] As shown in particular in figures 5 to 7, the jaws 40 are formed with identical geometries, in particular by cutting and stamping of metal sheets, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other to form the housing 41 for receiving the ring 20.

[0055] Each jaw 41 has a rear extension 42 provided with an orifice 43, said extensions together forming, by their superposition, a rear hook 44 to which the rod 24 for actuating the ring 20 is associated by means of a screw 45 which is tightened in the aligned orifices 43.

[0056] In addition, each jaw 40 has a lateral window 46 in which respectively a lateral part of the ring 20 is arranged in clamping contact, in order to secure said ring to the stirrup 31, and thus guarantee the tilting of the ring 20 towards its sliding position when the stirrup 31 is actuated by the rod 24.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3b to 7, the ring 20 is formed by the stacking of several washers 47, 47a, each having an orifice 48 in which the rod 20 is mounted. In particular, the washers 47, 47a are arranged so that, when stacked, the sliding orifice 21 of the rod 12 is formed by the alignment of their respective orifices 48.

[0058] Advantageously, the washers 47, 47a are made of metallic material, in particular by cutting and stamping a sheet of steel, which makes it easier to manufacture the ring 20 while ensuring its strength.

[0059] Each of the washers 47, 47a has a rear extension 49 which are stacked one on top of the other while being held longitudinally in the bracket 31. For this To do this, the stirrup 31 has a rear window 50 formed in particular at the front of the hook 44 for fixing the rod 24, and in which are arranged the rear extensions 49 of the washers 47, 47a, the ring 20 being thus wedged longitudinally in its housing 41 between the lateral windows 46 and rear window 50.

[0060] In particular, each jaw 40 includes a rear recess 51 arranged to form, with the recess 51 of the other jaw 40, the rear window 50 for receiving the extensions 49 when assembling the stirrup 31.

[0061] In relation to figures 3b, 4b, 5 and 7, the ring 20 has an elbow 52 which is mounted in rotation in the cage 30 to induce the tilting of said ring between its locking and sliding positions.

[0062] Advantageously, an upper washer 47a has a fold 53 forming the elbow 52, ​​which makes it easier to manufacture said elbow, in particular by simply stamping the corresponding washer 47a, the stacking of the other washers 47 ensuring the reliability of the locking conferred by contact between the orifices 48a, 48 and the periphery of the rod 12.

[0063] In particular, each of the washers 47, 47a has a front extension 54, 54a which are stacked one on top of the other, the free end of the extension 54a of the upper washer 47a being folded to form the rotation elbow 52 of the ring 20.

[0064] To do this, the upper washer 47a can be manufactured with a front extension 54a of longitudinal dimension greater than that of the front extensions 54 of the other washers 47, in order to have sufficient length to be able to form a rotation elbow 52 by folding said upper front extension.

[0065] As shown in particular in [Fig.4b], the cage 30 has a front window 55 in which the elbow 52 is mounted for rotation, said front window being formed in the front wall 33 of said cage and above the front fixing stud 25.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the ring 20 is associated with the cage 30 only by engaging its front elbow 52 in the front window 55, and is in particular dissociated from the lateral arms 35 of said cage to promote its tilting between its locking and sliding positions.

Claims

Demands

1. A height adjustment system for an accessory of a sports device, said system comprising said accessory, a tube (10) having a conduit (11) and a rod (12) disposed in said conduit, said tube being equipped with an adjustment module (19) carrying a ring (20) having an orifice (21) in which the rod (12) is disposed, said ring being mounted in a tilting position in the module (19) between a sliding position in which the axis of the orifice (21) is aligned with the extension axis (A) of the rod (12) and a locking position of said sliding by inclination of said ring, said locking position being constrained by an elastic means (22) and said sliding position being actuated against said elastic means, the accessory being associated on the tube (10), the ring (20) being mounted in a sliding position on the rod (12) over an adjustment height of said tube along the rod (12),said adjustment system being characterized in that the module (19) comprises a cage (30) in which a bracket (31) is mounted in a tilting position, the ring (20) being fixed in said bracket.

2. Adjustment system according to claim 1, characterized in that the conduit (11) extends between an upper part on which the accessory is mounted and a lower part equipped with the adjustment module (19).

3. Adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises an actuating member (23) of the ring (20) in the sliding position, said member being associated with the tube (10).

4. Adjustment system according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating member comprises a paddle (23) mounted for rotation on the tube (10), said paddle being connected to the ring (20) by a motion transmission rod (24).

5. Adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ring (20) is formed by the superposition of several washers (47, 47a) each having an orifice (48) in which the rod (12) is mounted.

6. Adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bracket (31) has a rear hook (44) for associating a rod (24) for actuating the ring (20) towards its sliding position.

7. Adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ring (20) has an elbow (52) which is mounted for rotation in the cage (30) to induce the tilting of said ring between its locking and sliding positions.

8. Adjustment system according to claim 7 when it depends on claim 5, characterized in that an upper washer (47a) has a fold (53) forming the elbow (52).

9. Adjustment system according to claim 8, characterized in that each of the washers (47, 47a) has a front extension (54, 54a), said front extensions being stacked one on top of the other, the free end of the extension (54a) of the upper washer (47a) being folded to form the rotation elbow (52).

10. Adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a ring (22) constraint spring (20) in the locking position is interposed between the cage (30) and the ring (20).

11. Adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cage (30) has a lower wall (28) and an upper wall (34) forming between them a housing (36) in which the ring (20) is disposed, each of said walls having a passage (37) in which the rod (12) is disposed to slide.

12. Adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the module (19) is associated in the conduit (11) of the tube (10).

13. Sports apparatus comprising a height adjustment system for an accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said apparatus comprising a frame equipped with a sleeve (15), the rod (12) being disposed in said sleeve by being fixed to said frame and the tube (10) being mounted to slide in said sleeve.

14. Bicycle comprising a saddle height adjustment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said bicycle comprising a frame (2) equipped with a sleeve (15), the rod (12) being disposed in said sleeve by being fixed to said frame and the tube (10) being mounted to slide in said sleeve.

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