Bicycle seat and bicycle including such a seat

Abstract

A bicycle seat (140) comprising: a saddle (141) having an upper surface (142) and a lower surface (143); a seat post (144); the seat (140) being characterized in that the seat post (144) extends substantially in a straight line, and in that the upper surface (142) of the saddle (141) comprises: a first zone (145), referred to as the front zone, shaped to receive support for at least part of the buttocks of a first user; a second zone (146), referred to as the rear zone, distinct from and in line with the front zone (145), the rear zone (146) being shaped to receive support for at least part of the buttocks of a second user. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Bicycle seat and bicycle comprising such a seat. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cycling accessory, that is to say for a bicycle-type vehicle, also called a velocipede or bicycle or cycle.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a new saddle for a bicycle allowing two people to sit on it simultaneously, and which can replace a conventional saddle. technological BACKGROUND

[0003] Bicycles are popular vehicles, easily accessible from a young age for travel in urban areas, in particular because, unlike vehicles such as scooters, motorcycles, mopeds and the like, they do not require authorization such as a driving licence or a road safety certificate (known as "BSR"), a registration plate, regular technical checks, mandatory gloves and helmets and, when a bicycle is equipped with electric assistance, the legislation restricts the speed to 25 km / h.

[0004] A bicycle saddle is typically shaped so that a person, the rider, can sit on it, that is, place at least part of their buttocks on an upper surface of the saddle. A saddle typically comprises a front area and a rear area, the front area, commonly called the nose of the saddle, being narrower than the rear area so as to allow the cyclist seated on the saddle to perform a pedaling motion with their legs to press down on the bicycle pedals.

[0005] For many years, cycling has been developing, particularly in cities, since the arrival of so-called self-service bicycles, electric-assist bicycles, and the development of cycle paths, in order to expand the transport options available in cities. Environmental policies have also helped to promote cycling.

[0006] However, a so-called "classic" bicycle is designed to accommodate a single cyclist, who is the driver. But unlike cycling for sport, cycling as a means of transport creates the need to travel with others, particularly as a couple or as a family with children, on a bicycle.

[0007] The Highway Code, in its article R.431-5, authorizes the transport of a passenger on a bicycle, but on the condition of having a seat fixed to the bicycle, different from that of the driver.

[0008] Thus, in order to accommodate a passenger on a bicycle, in addition to the rider, it is known to add a device to the bicycle. Such a device can be simply a rack- Luggage racks, possibly equipped with a comfortable surface for the passenger's buttocks, or even a backrest, are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the weight a luggage rack can support is generally limited to around 20 to 25 kg, which corresponds on average to a child aged 6 to 8 years. Transporting an adult on a luggage rack is therefore unsuitable. Furthermore, such a device is insufficient in terms of safety when the passenger is a child. There are also devices such as child seats mounted on bicycles. While such a seat offers increased safety, it is cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, expensive, and bulky when not in use. Such a seat remains unsuitable for transporting an adult.

[0009] There are also so-called cargo vehicles, such as two-wheeled or three-wheeled cargo bikes, which are dedicated to the transport of people or goods and which, when not carrying anything, are bulky. Such vehicles are also expensive.

[0010] Article R.431-5 specifies that a double saddle or bench seat is considered equivalent to two seats. Thus, so-called two-seater bicycles may have a seat adapted to accommodate two people one behind the other, similar to what is found on scooters, mopeds, or motorcycles. Such a seat is akin to a bench seat, and the frame of a two-seater bicycle is specifically designed to support such a seat. The frame is therefore heavier, making riding the bicycle without a passenger unnecessarily difficult, and the bicycle is expensive. Furthermore, on two-seater bicycles, the seat height is not adjustable because it is mounted directly on the frame.

[0011] The so-called "long-tail" or "cargo longtail" or even "shortail" or "midtail" bicycle, designed to accommodate children at the rear of the cyclist's saddle, presents the same disadvantages as the two-seater bicycle, and is even more expensive.

[0012] Finally, we can mention the tandem bicycle, designed to accommodate two cyclists, and which is neither intended nor suitable for a single cyclist. Furthermore, the tandem bicycle is primarily intended for recreational use, and not as a means of transport in urban environments.

[0013] In addition, the high costs of reported devices or dedicated vehicles increase the risks of theft.

[0014] There is therefore a need to provide a solution, in particular to the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0015] The invention thus aims to provide a device for transporting at least one passenger, in addition to the cyclist, on a bicycle, which is easy to install and dismantle, which is inexpensive, and which can be adapted to a conventional bicycle.

[0016] Thus, a first object of the invention is to propose a solution for transporting a passenger on a bicycle in accordance with the Highway Code.

[0017] A second objective is to propose a solution for transporting a passenger on a bicycle that is inexpensive.

[0018] A third objective is to propose a solution for transporting a passenger on a bicycle that is not too bulky.

[0019] A fourth object is to propose a solution for transporting a passenger on a bicycle that is easily assembled and disassembled.

[0020] A fifth object is to propose a solution for transporting a passenger on a bicycle which is adaptable to a classic bicycle. Summary of the invention

[0021] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a bicycle seat comprising: • a saddle having an upper surface and a lower surface; • a seat post comprising a first end fixed to the saddle and a second end intended to be inserted into a bicycle seat tube.

[0022] The seat is characterized in particular in that the seat post extends in a substantially straight line between the first end and the second end, and in that the upper surface of the saddle comprises: • a first area called the front, shaped to receive support from at least part of the buttocks of a first user; • a second area called rear, distinct and in extension of the front area, the rear area being shaped to receive support from at least part of the buttocks of a second user.

[0023] The seat thus allows two users, namely a driver and a passenger, to sit simultaneously on the saddle, each in their own designated area, on any type of bicycle, provided that the bicycle has a seat tube into which a seatpost can be inserted. Therefore, to transport two people simultaneously, a conventional bicycle can be used simply by inserting the seatpost into a seat tube of the bicycle frame. The saddle height remains easily adjustable by sliding the seatpost within the frame's seat tube, as with single-seat saddles.

[0024] Depending on different aspects, it is possible to foresee one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the seat may further include a system for adjusting the inclination between the upper surface of the saddle and the seat post, in order to adjust the balance of the saddle, and improve comfort for users.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the front zone and the rear zone define two levels on the upper surface, so as to form a step between the two zones on the upper surface. For example, the step can be ascending or descending between the front and rear areas, forming a stop at the front or rear, increasing comfort and / or safety. The step also provides a visual boundary between the front and rear areas.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the upper surface may include a raised edge between the front and rear zones, the front and rear zones being substantially at the same level. The raised edge distinguishes the front and rear zones and forms a stop both forward and backward, for the comfort and / or safety of users.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the saddle may include at least one handle. For example, the handle is formed by a strap located on the upper surface, accessible to the user seated in the rear area so that they can hold on, ensuring their safety. In addition, the strap provides a visual demarcation between the front and rear areas.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the seat may include at least one lighting system fixed to the saddle, so as to ensure the visibility of the bicycle equipped with the saddle by persons behind the bicycle, in particular motor vehicles.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the rear zone is articulated by sliding along the longitudinal direction relative to the front zone, so that the saddle can take at least two extreme positions: • A retracted position, in which the rear area is vertically superimposed on the front area, leaving at least part of the front or rear area accessible for a user to sit on; • A deployed position, in which the rear area is in longitudinal extension of the front area, so that both the front and rear areas are accessible for a user to sit on.

[0031] The saddle can thus offer, in its retracted position, an experience close to or even identical to that of a conventional, single-seat saddle. Its size is also reduced when the rear area does not need to be used.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a bicycle comprising a frame having a seat tube and a clamping system for a post within the seat tube. The bicycle further comprises a seat as described above. The seat post is inserted into the seat tube and locked by the clamping system.

[0033] The bicycle can thus be devoid of seat-specific features according to the invention, that is to say, the bicycle can remain identical to the prior art using usually a single-seat saddle. In other words, a bicycle intended for a single-seat seat can be used with the seat of the invention.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the bicycle may further include a footrest device adapted to support the feet of a second user seated on the rear section of the saddle. The user seated on the rear section can thus maintain good balance, and their feet do not interfere with the rider seated on the front section. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0036] [Fig.l] is a diagram representing a bicycle seen from the side with a classic single-seater seat according to the prior art.

[0037] [Fig.2] is a diagram representing a bicycle seen from the side equipped with a seat according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0038] [Fig.3] represents a side view of the base of the [Fig.2].

[0039] [Fig.4] represents a comparison between, on the left, a top view of the seat of [Fig.2], and, on the right side, a top view of a classic single-seat seat according to the prior art.

[0040] [Fig.5] represents a three-quarter view of the base of the [Fig.2].

[0041] [Fig.6] represents a three-quarter view of a seat according to a second method of realization of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.7a] represents a three-quarter view of a course according to a third mode of realization of the invention, in a so-called retracted position.

[0043] [Fig.7b] represents the seat according to the third embodiment of the invention, in a so-called deployed position.

[0044] In the drawings, identical references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The invention relates to a bicycle accessory of the seat type, intended to support at least part of the weight of a cyclist. Such a seat is commonly called a saddle. The invention finds application on both electrically assisted and non-electrically assisted bicycles.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a so-called classic bicycle 1. A classic bicycle, as used here, is a bicycle designed for and intended to be used by a single cyclist, although it may be equipped with accessories for carrying loads or passengers, including children, such as panniers, a basket, a luggage rack, a child seat, a baby seat, or the like. Such accessories are not present on the bicycle in Figure 1, which is shown "in its bare frame." The bicycle 1 comprises a frame 2, forming the body of the bicycle 1. The The frame is typically formed by an assembly of tubular elements made of rigid material. For example, the frame may be made entirely or partially of metal or metal alloy, composite material, or carbon fiber, without this list being exhaustive.

[0047] In what follows, for the sake of clarity and simplicity of the description that follows, a forward direction and a reverse direction are defined on the bicycle, with reference to their natural meaning with respect to the horizontal forward or backward movement of the bicycle in use.

[0048] The frame 2 includes, in particular, a seat tube 3, a slant tube 4, and optionally a top or horizontal tube 5, with tubes 3, 4, and 5 typically forming a triangle, as shown in [Fig. 1]. On some bicycle frame models, such as the one in [Fig. 2] shown later, the top tube 5 may be absent, particularly on an electric bicycle. This is referred to as a low step-through frame, designed to facilitate mounting and dismounting the bicycle. The top tube 5 may be doubled, its angle relative to the seat tube 3 may vary, and / or it may not be straight, depending on the model. At the injunction between the oblique tube 4 and the upper tube 5, towards the front, the bicycle 1 includes a tube 6 called the steering tube, assembled at one end to a stem carrying a handlebar 7, and at the other end to a fork 8. The fork 8 carries the axle of the front wheel 9 of the bicycle 1.Optionally, the bicycle 1 may include a damping system between the head tube 6 and the front wheel 9. The frame 2 further includes seat stays 10a and chain stays 11b, extending towards the rear of the bicycle from the seat tube 3 on either side of the rear wheel 11, and which support the axle of the rear wheel 11. The frame 2 of the bicycle 1 is assembled to a crankset 12 equipped with pedals 13, connected to the axle of the rear wheel 11 to allow the bicycle to be set in motion by the movement of the crankset 12. For example, the crankset 12 is connected to the axle of the rear wheel 11 by a chain / sprocket system, possibly equipped with chainrings to allow the selection of different gear ratios. A braking device, the actuator of which is available on the handlebars 7, may be installed on the bicycle to apply braking to the front wheel 9 and / or the rear wheel 11.

[0049] In order to enable a cyclist to sit on the bicycle 1, to press on the pedals 13 with his feet and to hold the handlebar 7 with his hands, the bicycle 1 includes a saddle, assembled to the frame 2 on the seat tube 3.

[0050] In [Fig. 1], the bicycle 1 is equipped with a conventional seat 14, intended for a single cyclist, known as a single-seater seat. Such a conventional seat 14 comprises a saddle 15 which has an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 17.

[0051] The terms lower, upper, above, below and their variants should be understood here with reference to the natural orientation of [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the surface lower being intended to be turned towards the ground when the bike 1 is used under normal conditions with the seat.

[0052] The saddle 15 is shaped to fit human anatomy and typically includes a tapered portion, called the nose of the saddle, directed forward, and a wider portion directed rearward, so that the cyclist's buttocks are at least partially supported by contact with the rear portion, and the front portion extends between the cyclist's legs to allow pedaling while limiting friction of the saddle against the thighs. The upper surface 16 may also be shaped to fit the anatomy of the buttocks, and the saddle 15 may be widened or padded under the upper surface 16 with a material providing comfort to the cyclist, for example, foam. The seat 14 further includes a saddle post 18, fixed to the lower surface 17, which is inserted into the seat tube 3 of the bicycle frame 2.A clamping system, for example of the clamp type, allows the position of the seat post 18 to be locked in the seat tube 3 in order to adjust the height of the seat 14.

[0053] Figure 2 shows a bicycle 1 equipped with a seat 140 corresponding to an embodiment according to the invention. The frame 2 conforms to the description given above with reference to Figure 1 and will not be described again, as the same reference numerals designate the same elements. In particular, the frame 2 of the bicycle 1 in Figure 2 lacks an upper tube 5, a common feature for an electrically assisted bicycle, although the invention is not limited solely to this type of bicycle. The bicycle 1 in Figure 2 also includes a luggage rack 19, supported on the axle of the rear wheel 11 carried by the seat stays 10.

[0054] The seat 140 according to the invention is intended to accommodate at least two users seated on it, in this case at least one driver who is generally active, i.e. who performs the movement of the pedals, and at least one passenger who is generally passive, for example whose feet rest on a footrest system, fixed to the frame of the bicycle, as will be seen later.

[0055] More specifically, the seat 140 comprises a saddle 141 which has an upper surface 142 and a lower surface 143. The seat 140 further comprises a seat post 144, intended to be inserted at least partially into the seat tube 3 of the bicycle 1.

[0056] The seat post 144 extends between two ends. One end is intended to be fixed to the saddle 141, and more specifically to the lower surface 143 of the saddle 141. The fixing of the post 144 to the saddle 141 can be achieved in any known manner, for example by means of a carriage rigidly fixed to the first end of the seat post 144 and which engages with rails rigidly fixed to the lower surface 143 of the saddle 141. The second end of the post 144 is free, that is to say, it allows the post 144 to be inserted into the seat tube 3 of the frame 2 of the bicycle 1.

[0057] The length of the stem 144, that is, its extended dimension between its two ends, may be greater than that of a stem for a conventional saddle, in order to better distribute the forces on the bicycle frame 2 when the stem 144 is inserted into the seat tube 3. As will be seen later, the length of the portion of the stem 144 extending beyond the seat tube 3 is adjustable in order to set the height of the saddle 141.

[0058] The diameter of the stem 144 is adapted to the inner diameter of the seat tube 3. The inner diameter of the seat tube 3 may vary depending on the bicycle model. However, the inner diameter of the seat tube 3 is generally 27.2 mm, 30.9 mm, or 31.6 mm.

[0059] The saddle 141 is adapted for two users to sit on, i.e., for the upper surface 142 to come into simultaneous contact with at least part of the buttocks of at least two users, seated one behind the other. For this purpose, the upper surface 142 comprises: • a first zone 145 called front shaped to receive support from at least part of the buttocks of a first user; • a second zone 146 called rear, distinct from the first zone 145 and in continuity with the front zone 145, the rear zone 146 being shaped to receive support from at least part of the buttocks of a second user.

[0060] Thus, each zone 145, 146 is designed to comfortably accommodate a user. In particular, the user seated in the front zone 145, who is generally the rider, can ride the bicycle with comfort substantially similar to that of a solo seat. The two zones 145, 146 can be distinguished by means of raised features, as will be seen later, but not necessarily. For example, the two zones 145, 146 can be visually distinguished by means of color, patterns, or even by means of a strap, which will be explained later.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the saddle 141 is monobloc, that is to say that the first front zone 145 is made of the same material as the rear zone 146.

[0062] The seat 140 according to the invention is referred to hereafter as the two-seater seat 140.

[0063] More specifically, the two-seater seat 140 extends along a longitudinal direction between two ends, namely a front end 147 and a rear end 148. The longitudinal direction of the two-seater seat 140 is substantially horizontal, substantially coinciding with the front / rear direction of the bicycle, when the two-seater seat 140 is assembled to the bicycle, although an adjustment of the inclination of the saddle 141 is possible, as will be seen later.

[0064] For the sake of clarity and simplicity of the description, a horizontal transverse direction, substantially perpendicular to the direction, is defined below. longitudinal, and a vertical direction, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0065] The front end 147 then corresponds to the longitudinal end of the front zone 145, and the rear end 148 corresponds to the longitudinal end of the rear zone 146. The length L of the seat 140, that is, its longitudinal dimension between the front end 147 and the rear end 148, is greater than the length LO of a conventional saddle such as the seat 14 of [Fig. 1] intended for a single user. For example, the length L of the seat 140 is at least 30% greater than the length L0 of a conventional saddle. Preferably, the length L of the seat 140 is more than 140% greater than the length L0 of a conventional saddle. For example, the length L of the seat 140 is 80% greater than the length L0 of a conventional saddle. According to one embodiment, considering a length L0 of 25 cm (centimeters) for a classic saddle, the length L of the seat 140 is between 32.5 cm and 60 cm, and is for example 45 cm.

[0066] The stem 144 extends in a substantially straight line from its first end to its second end, similarly to a conventional saddle. Thus, the two-seater saddle 140 can be fitted to any type of conventional bicycle frame 2 1, simply by replacing a conventional saddle with the two-seater saddle 140 for two users. The bicycle 1 therefore does not need to be specially designed to accommodate the two-seater saddle 140, so it can easily be used with a conventional saddle. The two-seater saddle 140 can be mounted in the same way as a conventional saddle, using, for example, a clamp or an anti-theft screw system requiring an Allen key to secure the stem 144 in the seat tube 3 of the bicycle frame 2. The height adjustment of the saddle 141 is straightforward and well-known.The assembly and disassembly of the two-seater seat 140 is thus easy, facilitating the conversion of the bicycle 1 to adapt it for a single user or two simultaneous users. More specifically, the bicycle typically includes a clamp-type locking system on the seat tube 3, which allows the seat post 144 to be locked into the tube after the height of the saddle 141 has been adjusted.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the front zone 145 and the rear zone 146 can be located at two different levels, i.e., the upper surface 142 includes a step 149, either ascending or descending, for passing from the front zone 145 to the rear zone 146. As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the step 149 for passing from the front zone 145 to the rear zone 146 is descending. In other words, when the seat 140 is mounted on the bicycle 1 placed on the ground for use under normal conditions, the lower zone 146 is at a lower height than the front zone 145. The step 149 then acts as a stop for the user seated on the rear zone 146: the user seated on the rear zone 146 is blocked forward by the step 149. limiting the risk of causing a fall by pushing on the user seated in the front zone 145, for example during sudden braking. Alternatively, the upper surface 142 can include a raised edge between the front zone 145 and the rear zone 146, forming a forward stop for the user seated in the rear zone 16 and a rear stop for the user seated in the front zone 145. The front zone 145 and the zone 146 are then essentially at the same level, i.e., at the same height. Safety is thus improved.

[0068] The rear end 148 can be raised relative to the rest of the rear area 145, so as to block the user backwards. Safety is further improved.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5, the length L1 of the front zone 145 is greater than the length L2 of the rear zone 146. This is because the front zone 145 is designed to support the rider, i.e., the user who will operate the pedals 13 and hold the handlebars 7. Therefore, the shape of the front zone 145, described below, is adapted to support the rider while allowing them to pedal with minimal friction between the saddle and their thighs.

[0070] The width of the upper surface 142 of the saddle 141 is defined as the dimension along the transverse direction.

[0071] The front zone 145 has a shape adapted to human anatomy for a cyclist sitting on it, and is close to the shape of a classic saddle in that it has at least two sections of different widths: • A first section 150 called thinned, commonly called nose or beak of saddle, having a first width 11, and extending from the front end 147; • A second section 151, called widened, having a second width 12, and extending in continuity with the thinned section 150 towards the rear end 148, the second width 12 being greater than the first width 11.

[0072] The width 11 of the tapered section 150 may not be constant, the width 11 designating a characteristic width of the tapered section 150, for example a median width on the tapered section 150. Similarly, the width 12 of the widened section 151 may not be constant, the width 2 designating a characteristic width of the widened section 151, for example a median width on the widened section 151.

[0073] This shape of the front zone 145 allows the user of the front zone to perform the necessary movements with their legs to pedal, limiting friction of the thighs against the saddle 141. The length of the enlarged section 151 can then be substantially equal to the length L2 of the rear zone 146, that is to say that the length L1 of the front zone 145 is greater than the length L2 of the rear zone 146.

[0074] Alternatively or in combination, the rear zone 146 can also be adapted to human anatomy so that the user sitting on it can perform the movement of The pedal assembly is designed to minimize friction between the seat 141 and the legs. To this end, the rear section 146 can also include a narrowed and a widened section. This allows the passenger to be seated in the front section 145 while the rider in the rear section 146 can pedal.

[0075] According to the embodiment of figures 2 to 5, the rear zone 146 has a width substantially equal to the second width 12, so as to offer a support surface for the user sitting on the zone 146 which is large enough to provide the required comfort.

[0076] For illustrative purposes, Figures 4a and 4b compare the total length L of the saddle 141 of a two-seater seat 140 according to an embodiment of the invention with the length L0 of a saddle 1410 of a conventional, single-seater seat 14, according to the prior art, intended to support only one user. The two saddles 141 and 1410 are shown to the same scale. The length L is greater than the length L0. For example, the length L1 of the front area 145 is substantially equal to the length L0. Thus, the two-seater saddle 141 according to an embodiment of the invention corresponds substantially to a conventional single-seater saddle 1410 augmented by the rear area 146. This design notably eliminates the need to modify the bicycle when two users wish to use it simultaneously.

[0077] The seat post 144 is attached to the seat 141 at a point P. The attachment may be of the pivoting type about a substantially transverse axis, so that the inclination of the seat 141, i.e., the angle α between the post 144 and the longitudinal direction of the seat 141, is adjustable. For this purpose, the post 144 may be equipped with a device 152 for adjusting the inclination of the seat 141, accessible by a user. Such a device may, for example, be of the "Pivot Seat Post" type, the inclination being adjusted using a tool such as a wrench or screwdriver, through an opening in the seat 141, accessible from the side of the upper surface 142. Alternatively, the inclination adjustment device 152 may include a seat rail such as that commonly found on single-seat saddles.

[0078] The saddle 141 can be made of any material ensuring adequate comfort for users.

[0079] The attachment point P between the stem 144 and the saddle 141 is chosen to ensure the balance of the seat 140 mounted on the seat tube 3 of the bicycle 1. Balance is ensured both when two users simultaneously use the two-seater seat 140 and when a single user uses the two-seater seat 140. For this purpose, it was assumed that the user seated on the front zone 145 is an adult with a maximum mass of 75 kg (kilograms) and that the user seated on the rear zone 146 can be either a child or an adult, also with a maximum mass of 75 kg, resulting in a total load mass of 150 kg.

[0080] According to one embodiment, when the adjustment device 152 is of the "Pivotai Seat Post" type, point P is located in the thickness of the saddle 141, i.e. between the upper surface 142 and the lower surface 143, and the tilt adjustment allows point P to be positioned so as to balance the saddle 141. User comfort is thus increased.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the seat 140 includes, between the saddle 141 and the post 144, a system for adjusting the position of point P along the longitudinal direction. For example, the system for adjusting the position of point P includes at least two openings for cooperating with a tilt adjustment device 152 of the "Pivotal Seat Post" type. The two openings can each be located on one of the front or rear zones 145, allowing users to choose the position of point P at the front or rear zone 146 to achieve the best balance based on the weight difference between users. Access to the tilt adjustment device 152 from the side of the upper surface 142 facilitates assembly and disassembly between the saddle 141 and the post 144.Alternatively, the P-point position adjustment device can allow the P-point to slide along the longitudinal direction, for example using a groove on the seat 141, in a substantially continuous manner between two extreme positions. The longitudinal position of the P-point can thus be chosen by the users to provide better balance and comfort.

[0082] The seat 140 may include the following features, which may be combined but not necessarily.

[0083] The seat 140 may include an anti-theft system. For example, such a system may include a handle at the rear of the seat 141, on the lower surface 143, at the rear end 148, forming a loop through which a cable lock can be passed. Alternatively or in combination, the anti-theft system may also include an opening through the seat through which a cable lock can be passed.

[0084] The seat 140 may be equipped with at least one handle, preferably at least two handles, arranged on the saddle 141 so that the user seated on the rear area 146 can grasp them to maintain balance. The at least one handle may, for example, be the same handle as that of the anti-theft system. The at least one handle also makes it easier for a user on the ground to handle the bicycle 1 equipped with the seat 140.

[0085] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], at least one handle is formed, at least in part, by a strap 153 available on the upper surface 142 of the saddle 141, and fixed to the saddle. Preferably, the strap 153 can visually mark the distinction between the front area 145 and the rear area 146, the surface 142 The upper section is free of any raised features, such as a step or a raised edge, at the junction between the front zone 145 and the rear zone 146. The strap 153 is easily accessible to the user positioned in the rear zone 14, improving safety.

[0086] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the seat 140 may further include a lighting device 154, such as a lamp, for example, positioned towards the rear, in order to improve safety by increasing visibility. More specifically, the rear end 148 may be situated at a higher height than the rest of the upper surface 142 of the seat 141, so that the rear area 146 is raised towards the rear end 148 relative to the front end 147. The rear surface 143 then presents a portion 155 visible to persons behind the bicycle 1 on which the seat 140 is mounted. The lighting device 154 is then advantageously positioned on the visible portion 155 of the lower surface 143. The lighting device 154 may be battery-powered, for example, rechargeable via a USB port.Alternatively or in combination, the lighting device 154 may include a reflective device, for example, of the type catadioptric or reflective strips, disposed towards the rear.

[0087] The seat 140 can be combined with a footrest system mounted on the bicycle. The footrest system is designed to support the feet of a second user seated on the rear section 146 of the seat 140. The footrest system is mounted to the bicycle 1, for example, on the seat stays 10a and / or the chainstays 10b, on either side of the rear wheel 10. The footrest system can be attached to the bicycle 1 by means of a clip-on device, i.e., one ensuring attachment without elastic deformation, and with an adjustable position along the seat stays 10a and / or the chainstays 10b. The passenger's balance, comfort, and safety are improved.

[0088] The seat 140 may further include an anti-vibration device, allowing at least some of the shocks to be absorbed when riding the bicycle to improve user comfort and limit shocks on the frame 2 of the bicycle 1. This anti-vibration device may be part of the seat post 144, with a parallelogram suspension type device.

[0089] The seat 140 may also include an accessory holder device, allowing accessories such as a helmet or helmet case, a bag, a crate or a baby carrier to be hung.

[0090] According to one embodiment, illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b, the rear zone 146 is articulated by sliding along the longitudinal direction relative to the front zone 145, so that the saddle 141 can take at least two extreme positions: • A retracted position ([Fig.7a]), in which the rear zone 146 is vertically superimposed on the front zone 145, leaving one of the front zone 145 and the rear zone 146 at least partially accessible for a user to sit on; • A deployed position ([Fig.7b]), in which the rear zone 146 is in the longitudinal extension of the front zone 145, so that both the front zone 145 and the rear zone 146 are accessible for a user to sit on.

[0091] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b, the front zone 145 is the area accessible in the retracted position of the saddle 141, the rear zone 146 being below the front zone 145, that is to say, the portion of surface 142 above the level of the rear zone 146 is at least partially opposite the surface 143 below the level of the front zone 145. However, any variant is conceivable, in particular in which the front zone 145 is positioned below the rear zone 146 when the saddle 141 is in the retracted position.

[0092] Thus, in its retracted position, the seat 140 resembles a classic single-seat seat for one user, with a compact footprint suitable for a single user. The seat 140 can easily be extended if two users need to be accommodated simultaneously, without having to change the seat, and vice versa. Switching from one position to the other is easy, for example, by manually pulling or pushing on the rear section 146, like a drawer. A locking system in the retracted and / or extended positions can be integrated into the seat 140 to require action from a user to switch positions and prevent the rear section 146 from moving unexpectedly relative to the front section 145.

[0093] According to one embodiment, when the saddle 141 is in the deployed position, the rear zone 146 is at a lower height than the front zone 145, so that a user seated on the rear zone 146 is positioned with their back to the front zone 145. The transition from one position to the other then involves a single longitudinal slide, simplifying the articulation and not unduly increasing manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the rear zone 146 may be provided to undergo a substantially vertical movement to reach, in the deployed position, a height substantially equal to that of the front zone 145.

[0094] A two-seater seating kit is also offered, comprising: • At least one seat 140; • One or more tools for adjusting the tilt of the saddle 141 and / or the height of the saddle 141; • If applicable, the footrest system; • An instruction manual for the assembly, disassembly and use of the 140 seat.

[0095] The seat 140 thus proposed offers a simple, practical and inexpensive solution for safely transporting two users simultaneously on the same bicycle 1, within the framework of article R.431-5 of the highway code.

Claims

Demands

1. Bicycle seat (140) comprising: • a saddle (141) having an upper surface (142) and a lower surface (143); • a seat post (144) comprising a first end fixed to the saddle (141) and a second end intended to be inserted into a seat tube (3) of a bicycle (1); the seat (140) being characterized in that the seat post (144) extends substantially straight between the first end and the second end, and in that the upper surface (142) of the saddle (141) comprises: • a first area (145) referred to as the front, shaped to receive support from at least part of the buttocks of a first user; • a second zone (146) called rear, distinct and in extension of the front zone (145), the rear zone (146) being shaped to receive support from at least part of the buttocks of a second user.

2. Seat (140) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a system (152) for adjusting the inclination between the upper surface (142) of the saddle (141) and the seat post (144).

3. Seat (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front zone (145) and the rear zone (146) define two levels on the upper surface (142), so as to form a step (149) between the two zones (145, 146) on the upper surface (142).

4. Seat (140) according to the preceding claim, wherein the step (149) is ascending between the front zone (145) and the rear zone (146).

5. Seat (140) according to claim 3 wherein the step (149) is downward between the front zone (145) and the rear zone (146).

6. Seat (140) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper surface (142) comprises a bead between the front zone (145) and the rear zone (146), the front zone (145) and the rear zone (146) being substantially at the same level.

7. Seat (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the saddle (141) comprises at least one handle.

8. Seat (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one lighting system fixed to the seat (141).

9. Seat (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear zone (146) is articulated by sliding along the longitudinal direction relative to the front zone (145), so that the seat (141) can assume at least two extreme positions: • A retracted position, in which the rear zone (146) is superimposed vertically on the front zone (145), leaving at least part of the front zone (145) or the rear zone (146) accessible for a user to sit on it; • A deployed position, in which the rear zone (146) is in the longitudinal extension of the front zone (145), so that both the front zone (145) and the rear zone (146) are accessible for two users to sit simultaneously on the seat (141).

10. Bicycle (1) comprising a frame (2) which has a seat tube (3) and a clamping system for a post in the seat tube (3), the bicycle (1) further comprising a seat (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, the seat post (144) being inserted into the seat tube (3) and locked by the clamping system.

11. Bicycle (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a footrest device suitable for receiving the feet of the second user seated on the rear area of ​​the saddle (141).

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