Cross-bar mountable bicycle seat and bicycle seat kit

Abstract

A detachable bicycle seat 1 for mounting directly on a crossbar (top tube) of a bicycle comprising a saddle having a seating surface 7 and a longitudinal channel 8 on the underside of the saddle, a r

Description

This invention relates to a cross-bar mountable bicycle seat and to a bicycle seat kit comprising a cross-bar mountable seat and foot rests. Additional seats for mounting on bicycles, for example child seats are well known. Such seats often include mounting elements by which the seat may be fastened to the frame of a bicycle, typically behind the saddle of the bicycle, using nuts and bolts and requiring tools to fit the seat and are time-consuming and inconvenient to assemble and cumbersome, typically removed from the bicycle from time to time. Locating the seat above the rear wheel means the child is facing the rear of the main user and sits passively in the seat as a passenger. Child seats which may be mounted in front of the main user, typically on the cross-bar are also known which include a seat on a mounting frame which is connected to the bicycle with the mounting frame carrying the seat and foot rests. Mounting of such a seat assembly requires the use of tools and may be time-consuming and the seat assembly is not readily adaptable for quick removal and mounting on a different bicycle having a different shape or dimensioned cross-bar. Where the mounting frame has a rigid design, the seat assembly may be suitable for use with bicycles within narrow design parameters and so may not be usable for use across a wide range of bicycle designs. We have now devised a cross-bar mountable bicycle seat in which the seat is engagable directly with the cross-bar of a bicycle, enabling a second user, particularly a child to participate actively in the cycling activity of the primary user of the bicycle and which ameliorates drawbacks associated with seats mounted via fixed frames and mounted behind the primary user. In a first aspect, the invention provides a detachable bicycle seat comprising: i) a composite structure comprising a rigid saddle skeleton which comprises a longitudinally extending central portion and at least two side portions projecting downwardly, at least one from each side of the central portion which together define a skeleton channel on the underside of the saddle skeleton and, bonded or connected to the saddle skeleton, a saddle comprising a seating surface upon which, in use, a user sits; ii) a removable bicycle engagement insert shaped to fit snugly within and being removable from the skeleton channel and comprising an insert channel on the underside of the insert, the insert channel being formed of resiliently deformable material and configured for engagement with a cross-bar of a bicycle; and iii) attachment means adapted to releasably secure the seat to a bicycle crossbar. The composite may be formed by bonding the skeleton saddle and the saddle to each other, by co-moulding the saddle skeleton and saddle or by connecting them together using mechanical fixings. The insert may be bonded to the saddle skeleton but, preferably is a push-fit and is removable from the saddle skeleton to allow another insert having a different shape or size channel to be used instead, enabling the bicycle seat to be used with a bicycle having a different size or shape cross-bar. The underside of the saddle is saddle is suitably shaped to receive the saddle skeleton such that the underside of the saddle and the outer surface of the skeleton are in contact over at least a part and preferably substantially all of the surface of the skeleton and the underside of the saddle. The attachment means provide a secure, releasable connection between the seat and the cross-bar to avoid movement of the seat relative to the cross-bar during use. The attachment means may be connected to the saddle or to the saddle skeleton. In another embodiment, the attachment means is not connected to the saddle or saddle skeleton but passes through a conduit or channel between the saddle skeleton and the saddle. The attachment means, upon tightening around the cross-bar urges the saddle skeleton towards the insert and the cross-bar, deforming the insert channel so as to provide a tight fit of at least a part of the insert channel about the cross-bar to minimise and preferably preclude relative movement between the seat and the cross-bar. Loads arising from tightening the attachment means to secure the seat to the cross-bar advantageously enables loads arising from tightening the attachment means to be spread over the skeleton, imparting the load over a wider area than were the saddle skeleton not used. Spreading the load places lower stresses on the cross-bar, which may be beneficial especially where the cross-bar is of carbon or otherwise lighter duty construction. The attachment means may comprise two inter-engagable parts, one located on one side of the seat and the other located on the other side of the seat, one or both of which may be passed around and under the cross-bar for inter-engagement. More preferably, the attachment means comprises a single part, preferably a strap. The attachment means may comprise Velcro or a similar physical engagement means but preferably comprises a releasable worm-drive strap. Preferably, the worm-drive strap is “quickrelease” in that it may, with minimal effort, rapidly and easily be released from engagement. Multiple attachment means may be employed, for example at or near the front and at or near the rear of the seat and optionally near the middle of the seat. In a second aspect, the invention provides a detachable bicycle seat comprising a seat assembly which comprises: i) a rigid saddle skeleton which comprises a longitudinally extending central portion and at least two side portions projecting downwardly, at least one from each side, of the central portion which together define a skeleton channel on the underside of the saddle skeleton; ii) a saddle comprising a seating surface upon which, in use, a user sits, and on the underside of the saddle opposing the seating surface, a saddle channel shaped to receive the saddle skeleton snugly in the saddle channel; and iii) a bicycle engagement insert shaped to fit snugly within the skeleton channel, and comprising an insert channel on the underside of the insert, the insert channel being formed of resiliently deformable material and configured for engagement with a cross-bar of a bicycle; wherein the saddle skeleton, saddle and insert are in fixed relation; and iv) attachment means adapted to releasably secure the seat assembly to a bicycle cross-bar. The invention also provides a detachable bicycle seat kit comprising a detachable bicycle seat according to the invention and one or more additional bicycle engagement inserts, each insert being shaped to fit snugly within the skeleton channel of the rigid saddle skeleton of the bicycle seat assembly and each insert comprising an insert channel on the underside of the respective insert and being formed of resiliently deformable material and configured for engagement with a cross-bar of a bicycle and each insert channel being of a different shape and / or size the each insert channel of the other insert(s). The detachable bicycle seat kit accordingly comprises: i) a composite structure comprising a rigid saddle skeleton which comprises a longitudinally extending central portion and at least two side portions projecting downwardly, at least one from each side of the central portion which together define a skeleton channel on the underside of the saddle skeleton and, bonded or connected to the saddle skeleton, a saddle comprising a seating surface upon which, in use, a user sits; and ii) a plurality of removable bicycle engagement inserts, each insert being shaped to fit snugly within and to be removable from the skeleton channel of the rigid saddle skeleton, each insert comprising an insert channel on the underside of the insert which is formed of a resiliently deformable material and configured for engagement with a cross-bar of a bicycle wherein the insert channel of each of the plurality of inserts is of a different shape and / or size to the insert channel of each of the other insert(s). Suitably, the saddle comprises a saddle channel shaped to receive the saddle skeleton snugly in the saddle channel on the underside of the saddle, opposing the seating surface, and further comprising attachment means connected to the saddle and / or saddle skeleton and adapted to releasably secure the seat to a bicycle cross-bar. Advantageously, the detachable bicycle seat is removable from a bicycle, may be readily mounted on a bicycle without tools and, not having a frame or other awkward mounting parts is readily portable, for example in a bag or rucksack, providing convenient and flexible use. The terms “snug” and snugly” are employed herein in the engineering sense as meaning a close fit with no allowance and the closest fit that can be assembled by hand for parts that are not designed or intended to move relative to each other. The seat may be formed with any desired surface configuration based on considerations of function, aesthetics, comfort and safety. As the seat is primarily intended for use by children with an adult piloting the bicycle, safety and comfort are important considerations. Preferably the saddle comprises an upstanding portion at the rear of the upper surface of the saddle to provide an abutment and restrict rearward movement, relative to the seat, of the user. The front part of the saddle may comprise a rise to similarly restrict or impede forward movement of the user. The saddle may be constructed of any suitable material which may be rigid or deformable and which recovers to provide a cushioning function including plastics, silicone and rubber. In a preferred embodiment, the saddle is constructed of a plastics material, preferably a resilient plastics material. Examples of suitable plastics material include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA foam rubber, which typically has a higher content of vinyl acetate that EVA foam, polyethylene. EVA is preferred due to its closed-cell foam structure, excellent durability, cushioning properties, flexibility, resistance to stress-cracking, UV resistance and low water absorption. The saddle may be bonded or connected to the upper face of the saddle skeleton. Preferably, the saddle comprises a channel which engages with the upper face and the outer sides of the saddle skeleton channel. The underside of the saddle and, if present the saddle channel suitably includes contours or formations which are engageable with complementary contours or formations on the upper face and optionally the side portions of the saddle skeleton. Suitably, the upper face and optionally the sides of the saddle skeleton and the saddle channel are co-moulded so have complementary formations over a majority of and preferably the entire area of contact between the saddle and the skeleton. Preferably, the contours or inserts restrict and preferably preclude longitudinal and transverse relative movement between the saddle and the saddle skeleton. The saddle skeleton provides structural rigidity to the seat. The saddle skeleton is suitably constructed of a rigid material, preferably a rigid plastics material. Examples of suitable materials from which the saddle skeleton may be constructed include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). polylactic acid (PLA) and polyester terephthalate (PET) and metals, for example aluminium and steel. ABS is preferred. The saddle skeleton may comprise a metal or composite material and may comprise formations for connection of the bicycle seat to an accessory or other external component. The saddle skeleton comprises a longitudinally extending element defining a saddle skeleton channel, the channel being suitable for receiving the insert and also the cross-bar of the bicycle with which the seat is intended to be used. The skeleton comprises a longitudinally extending central portion and two side portions projecting downwardly, one from each side, of the central portion which together define the skeleton channel on the underside of the saddle skeleton. The side portions may extend along the full length of the central portion or the side portion on one or both sides may comprise two or more discrete portions on the same side spaced along the length of the central portion. Suitably, the skeleton is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the skeleton is symmetrical about a transverse axis located half way along the central portion. In an especially preferred embodiment, the saddle skeleton comprises a transverse channel or the saddle comprises a transverse channel and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the skeleton and the saddle comprise formations in register which, together, present a transverse conduit or channel. Preferably the transverse channel is provided towards the middle and preferably half way along the skeleton, the saddle or both. The channel is suitable for receiving the attachment means. Preferably the attachment means comprises a strap and is freely movable along the conduit to facilitate tightening of the attachment means around the cross-bar to securely hold the seat in place. The attachment means may be replaced when worn or should attachment means of different length, size or engagement means be required. The insert channel comprises a resiliently deformable material to enable the insert to fit to the cross-bar of a bicycle in a snug and tight manner. The insert may be constructed of a first material and the channel formed from a second material which is resiliently deformable. In a preferred embodiment, the insert as a whole is constructed of a resiliently deformable material. Suitable resiliently deformable materials for lining the insert channel and preferably forming the insert include silicone. Suitably, the insert channel is deformable and shapeable to fit the cross-bar of the bicycle and the insert having the closest shape to the cross-bar of the intended bicycle may be selected. Each insert comprises a longitudinally extending central portion and two side portions projecting downwardly, one from each side, of the central portion which together define an insert channel on the underside of the insert. The channel of the insert is suitably dimensioned and shaped for snug engagement with a cross-bar of a bicycle, preferably by flexing the channel opening to a wider spread as the insert is affixed to the cross-bar and, upon the cross-bar being located in the channel, the channel closes around at least a part of the periphery of the cross-bar to provide a tight, snug fit with the resiliently deformable channel being urged into contact with the ross-bar. The insert channel may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example circular, oval, square and rectangular and be of any size suitable for snug engagement with a cross-bar. The detachable bicycle seat according to the invention suitably is elongate in shape so as to fit snugly on the cross-bar of the bicycle and does not include rigid components which outboard of the seat profile thereby allowing the seat to be compact and transportable, for example in a carrying device such as a bag or rucksack.. The bicycle seat kit comprises a plurality of inserts, each with a different size or dimension of channel to enable the user to select the appropriate insert to best fit the cross-bar of the bicycle with which the seat is to be used. The plurality of inserts may have different cross-sectional shapes or may be of the same shape but of differing sizes or a combination of different shapes and sizes. The plurality of inserts suitably have the same outside shape and profile as each other to ensure sub fitting within the saddle skeleton channel. Where a user has multiple bicycles, the user may use the seat with different bicycles by changing the insert. The surface of the insert which engages with the saddle skeleton channel suitably includes contours or formations which are engageable with complementary contours or formations in the saddle skeleton channel. Suitably, the upper face and optionally the sides of the insert and the channel in the saddle skeleton are co-moulded so have complementary formations over the entire area of contact between the two parts. Preferably, the contours or inserts restrict and preferably preclude longitudinal and transverse relative movement between the insert and the saddle skeleton. The insert may comprise a skirt extending laterally of the sides of the channel of the insert and outboard of the saddle skeleton. Suitably the skirt and the sides of the saddle defining the channel in the saddle are dimensioned so as to abut, thereby encasing the saddle skeleton between the insert and the saddle and obscuring it from view. The insert or its skirt may comprise a manually operable formation, capable of being gripped by hand to allow easy, preferably manual ie without the use of tools, removal of the insert from the saddle skeleton. The detachable bicycle seat of the invention is particularly suitable for use by children and allows the user to hold on to the handlebars of the bicycle and participate in the riding of the bicycle with the primary pilot. To enhance the experience and particularly to provide additional stability for the user, the detachable bicycle seat is suitably used in combination with a foot rest assembly. Consistent with the seat being directly attachable to the bicycle, the foot rest assembly is also suitably directly attachable to the bicycle, typically the lower frame tube passing diagonally from the crank to the front of front of the frame or any other convenient location. In a further aspect, the invention provides a detachable foot rest for use in combination with a detachable bicycle seat according to the invention. In particular, the invention provides a detachable foot rest assembly for use in combination with a detachable bicycle seat which comprises a body, adjustable attachment means for mounting the foot rest assembly to a bicycle frame bottom tube in a horizontal configuration disposed at or near the centre of the body, two footrests disposed either side of the attachment means and a foot strap for each foot rest formed or formable into a loop about the foot rest such that, in use, with a foot on the foot rest, the foot strap passes over the top of the foot. The footrest assembly is configured for engagement with the bottom tube of a bicycle frame. The footrest assembly attachment means suitably comprises one or more, preferably two mounting formations on or integral with the body which present a surface shaped to engage in a complementary manner with the bottom tube of the bicycle. The formations, are suitably disposed with one formation on one side of the foot rest assembly and the other located on the other side of the foot rest assembly relative to the centre of the foot rest such that the formations engage with opposing sides of the bottom tube. The mounting formation(s) are suitably mountable in different positions on the body providing an adjustable spacing between the mounting formations hen secured to the body. The mounting formations are suitably constructed from a deformable material, for example silicone and rubber, to allow close, snug fitting to the bottom tube of the bicycle. The formations are suitably mounted about an elongate aperture through the body whereby each formation may be slid along the aperture to a desired location and secured at that point. The two formations may be located in a single elongate aperture or in separate elongate apertures. The spacing of the mounting formations may be adjusted to fit the dimensions of the particular bottom tube to which the foot rest is to be fitted. Typically, a bottom tube may have a diameter or transverse dimension of 30 to 80mm although smaller or larger dimensions may occur. The mounting formations are releasably securable to the body, suitably via a bolt and nut or other securing arrangement securable either side of the elongate aperture to hold the mounting formation in place. The formations, are suitably disposed with one formation on one side of the foot rest assembly and the other located on the other side of the foot rest assembly relative to the centre of the foot rest. The inter-engaging parts suitably physical engagement means and preferably comprise a releasable worm-drive strap. Preferably, the worm-drive strap is “quick-release”. The foot rest assembly may be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials to provide durability, impact resistance and being capable of bearing the weight of the user. Examples of suitable materials for the foot rest include plastics, for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). polylactic acid (PLA) and polyester terephthalate (PET) and metals, for example aluminium and steel. The foot strap suitably comprises one or more, preferably a plurality, of spaced apertures to allow the foot strap to be adjusted and secured at different positions depending on the size of the foot of the use. In one embodiment, the foot rest assembly may be connected with the detachable seat to provide a seat and foot rest product which has multiple points of contact with the bicycle, on the cross-bar and the bottom tube and where the seat and foot rest assembly is linked. The connection is suitably flexible and may be detachable from the seat and / or the foot rest assembly, enabling easy storage and portability. The invention provides in a further aspect a detachable bicycle seat system comprising i) a detachable bicycle seat or a detachable bicycle seat kit according to the invention and ii) a detachable footrest according to the invention. The detachable bicycle seat system suitably further comprises a carrying device. Suitably, the carrying device is shaped and dimensioned to carry the detachable bicycle seat or kit and, optionally, the detachable footrest. Suitably, the carrying device is also capable of carrying other accessories or parts associated with or for use with the detachable bicycle seat and / or the detachable footrest. Suitably, the carrying device comprises a rucksack bag and may be worn by a user. In a further aspect, the invention provides a bicycle seat kit comprising a detachable bicycle seat according to the invention, a detachable footrest according to the invention and a carrying device for an elongate object, for example the detachable bicycle seat according to the invention and / or the footrest according to the invention, and comprises a rucksack bag and optionally a rucksack frame. The carrying device suitably comprises a handle and / or carrying straps to allow the carrying bag to be carried on the back of the user by looping the carrying straps over the user’s shoulders. The carrying device may comprise one or more internal dividersto provide multiple compartments for the seat, and other items such as other inserts, a footrest and other accessories. The invention is described by reference to the illustrative, non-limiting Figures in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a detachable seat according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of a detachable seat according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a rear elevation of a detachable seat according to the invention Figure 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the seat shown in figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a foot rest assembly according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a side elevation of a foot rest assembly according to the invention; and Figure 7 shows a cross sectional view along line B in Figure 6 of a foot rest assembly according to the invention. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a seat 1 according to the invention and Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a side elevation and a rear elevation of the seat shown in Figure 1. The seat has a rigid saddle skeleton 2 formed of a central portion 3 and side portions 4’, 4” which project downwardly from the central portion 3 to define a skeleton channel 5 running the length of and on the underside of the saddle skeleton 2. The saddle skeleton imparts structural rigidity to the seat and supports the saddle 6 and the insert 11a-11d. The saddle 6 has a seating surface 7 upon which the user sits and a saddle channel 8 on the opposing side of the saddle to the seat surface 7. The saddle channel is defined by the sides of the saddle 6 extending downwardly from the seat surface 7 and extends along the length of the saddle 6. The saddle also has a transverse channel. This channel together with transverse channel 30 of the skeleton 2, shown in Figure 1 together form a transverse conduit 33, shown in Figure 4 which runs between the skeleton 2 and the saddle 6 and is dimensioned to receive attachment means, for example a worm strap, Velcro strap or other elongate strap suitable for securely fastening the seat to a cross-bar. The seat has a raised portion 9 at the rear of the seat, seen most prominently in Figure 2, which act as a stop against rearward movement along the seat by the user during use. The seat also includes a raised portion 10 at the front of the seat for comfort and to resist forward movement of the user. Figure 1 shows a detachable bicycle seat kit according to the invention. The kit includes four inserts 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d each having the same profile as the underside / channel in the skeleton 2. The upper surface of the inserts 11a-d is contoured such that the raised and depressed portions of the contours engage with complementary features in the channel of the saddle skeleton. The inserts also include channels 31a-d which are in register with the channel 30 in the skeleton 2, facilitating sliding passage of the attachment means (not shown) about the seat and the cross-bar. Similarly, the saddle skeleton has projections and depressions on supper face 3 which engage with corresponding formations in the saddle channel. The inter-engagement of the features on the abutting surfaces of the insert, skeleton and saddle ensure that the components remain in a fixed relative position. The skeleton and saddle are suitably bonded to each other and the insert engages with the skeleton as a push-fit and wherein resilience in the insert allows it to be subject to compression as it is being inserted into the skeleton channel and then relax into a snug, close-fitting arrangement once appropriately located. Each insert 11a-d may be inserted into the skeleton channel 5 providing a snug, close fit and removed manually as required. Each insert as a different shape or size insert channel 12a-12d such that the insert having a channel most closely approximating the size, for example medium, large and extra-large and shape of the cross-bar, for example round, to which the seat is to be affixed may be selected. The inserts 11a-d each have a skirt 14a-14d on the respective side portions and the skirts extend outboard of the side portions of the saddle skeleton as shown in Figure 3. The seat is affixed to the cross-bar by attachment means (not shown) which are suitably connected to the saddle 6 or, more preferably, the saddle skeleton 2. Figure 4 shows in cross-section about plane A in Figure 3, the close fitting contact between the abutting upper surface of the insert and the underside of the central portion of the saddle skeleton and the close fitting contact between the abutting upper surface of the central portion of the saddle skeleton and the underside of the saddle. Figures 5 to 7 show a foot rest assembly according to the invention. The foot rest 20 has a body 21 for engagement with the bottom tube of a bicycle. The body is affixed to the bottom tube using attachment means which includes mounting formations 22a, 22b which are adjustably position in elongate apertures 34a, 34b. The mounting formations 22a, 22b may be position at any point in the elongate apertures but are suitably symmetrically disposed about the centre point 35 of the body. The mounting formations 22a, 22b are secured in place in the elongate apertures 34a, 34b by fixing means 32a, 32b. Suitably, the fixing means are rectangular square or other polygonal shape such that the y fit within the elongate apertures without rotation. Suitably the fixing means and the mounting formations 22a, 22b comprise complementary engagement means, such as an aperture and a lug which preclude relative rotation between those parts and which are not rotatable in the elongate apertures, providing a secure foot rest able to bear the weight of a user without rotation or other movement relative to the bottom tube. The body is securable to the bottom tube by attachment means (not shown, for example a strap such as a worm strap (not shown) suitably connected to the body 21 or the mounting formations 22a, 22b. Foot rests 23a, 23b are located in a sliding fit over the ends of the body 21. Foot straps 24a, 24b are located on the body via apertures at either end of the strap to form foot strap loops as shown in Figure 6. Miscellaneous fixings 26a to 31a and 26b to 31b, together with cover 33 are shown.

Claims

1. A detachable bicycle seat comprising:i) a composite structure comprising a rigid saddle skeleton which comprises a longitudinally extending central portion and at least two side portions projecting downwardly, at least one from each side, of the central portion which together define a skeleton channel on the underside of the saddle skeleton and, bonded or connected to the saddle skeleton, a saddle comprising a seating surface upon which, in use, a user sits;ii) a removable bicycle engagement insert shaped to fit snugly within and being removable from the skeleton channel and comprising an insert channel on the underside of the insert, the insert channel being formed of resiliently deformable material and configured for engagement with a cross-bar of a bicycle; andiii) attachment means adapted to releasably secure the seat to a bicycle cross-bar.

2. A detachable bicycle seat according to claim 1 wherein the skeleton saddle and the saddle are bonded to each other and the insert is a push-fit and removable from the saddle skeleton.

3. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in which the saddle comprises an upstanding portion at the rear of the upper surface of the saddle and the front part of the saddle comprises a rise.

4. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in which the saddle is made of a deformable material selected from plastics, silicone and rubber.

5. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in which the saddle is constructed a deformable plastics material selected from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA foam rubber and polyethylene.

6. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in whicha channel of the saddle which engages with the upper face and sides of the saddle skeleton comprises contours or formations which are engageable with complementary contours or formations on the upper face.

7. A detachable bicycle seat according to claim 6 in which the saddle skeleton and the saddle channel are co-moulded and have complementary formations over the entire area of contact between the saddle and the skeleton.

8. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in whichthe saddle skeleton is constructed of a rigid material plastics material.

9. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in whichthe saddle skeleton is constructed of a rigid material plastics material selected from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). polylactic acid (PLA) and polyester terephthalate (PET).

10. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in whichthe skeleton comprises a plurality of side portions on each side of the longitudinally extending central portion.

11. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in whichthe skeleton is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

12. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in whichthe skeleton and / or the saddle comprise a transverse channel.

13. A detachable bicycle seat according to claim 12 in which the attachment means is slidably mounted in the transverse channel.

14. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in whichthe insert comprises silicone.

15. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in which the insert channel has a circular, oval, square or rectangular cross-section.

16. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in which the surface of the insert which engages with the saddle skeleton channel includes contours or formations which are engageable with complementary contours or formations in the saddle skeleton channel.

17. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in which the insert comprises a skirt extending laterally along the sides of the channel of the insert and extend outboard of the saddle skeleton.

18. A detachable bicycle seat according to any one of the preceding claims in which the attachment means comprises two inter-engagable parts, one located on one side of the seat and the other located on the other side of the seat.

19. A detachable bicycle seat kit comprising a detachable bicycle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and one or more additional bicycle engagement inserts, each insert being shaped to fit snugly within the skeleton channel of the rigid saddle skeleton of the bicycle seat assembly and each insert comprising an insert channel on the underside of the respective insert and being formed of resiliently deformable material and configured for engagement with a cross-bar of a bicycle wherein each insert channel is of a different shape and / or size the each insert channel of the other insert(s).

20. A detachable bicycle seat system comprising i) a detachable bicycle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or a detachable bicycle seat kit according to claim 19 and ii) a detachable footrest comprising a body, adjustable attachment means for mounting the foot rest assembly to a bicycle frame bottom tube in a horizontal configuration disposed at or near the centre of the body, two foot rests disposed either side of the attachment means and a foot strap for each foot rest formed or formable into a loop about the foot rest such that, in use, with a foot on the foot rest, the foot strap passes over the top of the foot.

21. A detachable bicycle seat system according to claim 20 which further comprises a carrying device configured to carry an elongate object.IntellectualPropertyOfficeApplication GB2504016.3Search report under Section 17 of the Patents Act 1977Date search completed: 26 August 2025Claims searched: 1-21,24 &25International classificationSubclass and subgroup Valid from B62J1 / 16 01 / 01 / 2006Field of searchWorldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC:B62JDatabases used in the preparation of this search report:SEARCH-PATENTDocuments considered to be relevantPatent literatureCategory Relevant claims Document of relevance X 1-6, 9, 10, 12, 15-17, 21 FR 1053101 A (GERBER), See figures A EP 2623403 A1 (OKBABY S R L), See figuresIntellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk / ipoX 1,4-6, 9, 10, 12, 15 17 US 4969658 A (LEVAREK et al.), See figures X 1,4-6, 9, 10, 12, 15 17, 20, 21 US 4632453 A (ROBBIN et al.), See figures Non-patent literature Category Relevant claims Document of relevanceCategories Letter or symbol Description X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step, if combined with another document of the same category. & Member of the same patent family. A Document indicating technological background. P Document published on or after the priority date but before the fling date of the present application. E Earlier application published on or after the filing date of the present application.

Images