Saddles for bicycles and other vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a saddle (1) for a vehicle such as a bicycle, motorcycle, or the like, comprising a seat component (2) defining a support surface (2a) for a user, and a fork component (3). The saddle of the present invention further comprises a shell (7) made of a hard material. The shell (7) is co-vulcanized with the seat component (2) and attached to the seat component (2), thereby forming a single co-vulcanized component together with the seat component (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle for a vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art for bicycle saddles and the like mainly comprises a seat consisting of a fork or other similar element for connecting to a seat post, with which is associated a rigid element for supporting the seat, generally made of a material that can crumble and wear out over time.

[0003] The international application published under the number WO2014 / 203165 (Patent Document 1) teaches a seat for a bicycle saddle, the seat comprising a vulcanized rubber top with an outer covering fabric for aesthetic purposes to be fastened to a fork or better to respective rear and front fastening components, and further including a rear metal reinforcement, a front metal reinforcement, and a PA / PE fabric designed to increase the traction resistance of the saddle.

[0004] Both the metal reinforcement and the PA / PE fabric are placed on top of the respective rubber before vulcanization and embedded in the rubber after vulcanization.

[0005] However, after a period of use, this solution may result in misalignment problems between the fork and the reinforcement insert. Furthermore, the structural fabric formed from PA / PE over time may experience lower resistance to the traction of the saddle due to wear and use of the saddle. Furthermore, the vulcanization process of the top, which is performed by both the two metal reinforcements and the PA / PE fabric embedded in the rubber, is a complex process that requires a long time to achieve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2014 / 203165 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, the technical problem of the present invention is to improve the prior art.

[0008] In view of such problems, the object of the present invention is to devise a saddle for a vehicle such as a bicycle, which can simplify the vulcanization process of the top, thereby shortening the time required for the vulcanization process and thus improving the efficiency of the process.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to avoid or reduce the problem of loosening between the fork and components of the saddle after a period of use.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to improve the airtightness and strength of the saddle after prolonged use of the saddle.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to control the flexibility (or pliability) of the saddle based on the shape, thickness and materials used to form the shell.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a better saddle than the prior art, in particular with compression (zones) and therefore comfort zones that can be differentiated as needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] This task and all of these objects are achieved by a saddle for a vehicle such as a bicycle according to claim 1 of the accompanying patent claims.

[0014] The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of one embodiment of a saddle according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example only in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a saddle according to the present invention, seen from slightly above. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a saddle according to the present invention, seen from slightly below. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the saddle of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a shell for a saddle according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a shell for a saddle according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 2A and 2B are exploded views of the saddle of FIG. 1 from each side. [Figure 8] 2A and 2B are exploded views of the saddle of FIG. 1 from each side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] With reference to the accompanying drawings, there is shown a saddle 1 for a vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle according to the present invention.

[0018] Such a saddle 1 comprises a seat component 2 defining a support surface 2a for a user, a fork component 3, at least one front component 4 for restraining the fork component 3 to the seat component 2, and at least one rear component 5 for restraining the fork component 3 to the seat component 2. The restraining components are located at the front and rear parts of the saddle 1, respectively, in particular in their lower positions.

[0019] The seat component 2 may be made from vulcanized rubber or other polymeric material obtained by injection molding or compression molding.

[0020] This component 2 can have any suitable configuration, for example with an enlarged rear portion 2b, a tapered tip 2c, and an intermediate portion 2d with a tapered width in the path from the rear portion to the tapered tip 2c.

[0021] Furthermore, component 2 comprises a sheet-like element with a flat or slightly curved main wall 20a and a side wall 20b which, in use, extends downwardly from the edge of the flat main wall 20a. Preferably, side wall 20b is annular.

[0022] More specifically, in use, the lower surface 2e of the seat component 2 defines a recessed zone RZ for receiving the shell 7, the shell 7 being of a generally complementary shape to the lower surface 2e. The recessed zone RZ is preferably defined between the inner surfaces of the planar main wall 20a and the inner surfaces of the side walls 20b.

[0023] In this case, connection means 6 such as screws or rivets are provided to connect the front restraint component 4 and the rear restraint component 5 to the seat component 2 .

[0024] Furthermore, the saddle 1 also comprises a shell 7 made from a hard material, for example a plastic or composite material.

[0025] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the shell 7 may be made from biodegradable and / or eco-sustainable materials, or from metal or other suitable materials.

[0026] Preferably, the shell 7 extends from the tip or front F to the rear R of the saddle 1 and has an enlarged rear portion 7a and a tapered tip (portion) 7b with a width approximately equal to the width of the seat component 2. Obviously, the shell 7 also comprises an intermediate or central portion 7c connecting the enlarged rear portion 7a and the tip 7b, such that the width (actually the planar width) of the shell 7 gradually transitions from the width of the rear portion 7a to the width of the tip 7b.

[0027] More particularly, the shell 7 is housed within the recessed zone RZ and has a shape that is generally complementary to the lower surface 2e or, better, in use, to the lower inner surface of the main flat wall 20a.

[0028] The enlarged rear portion 7a of the shell 7 can be sunburst-shaped to have a plurality of spokes 11 protruding from a respective middle or central portion 7c and each having at least two ends 11a, 11b, namely a first end 11a protruding from the central portion 7c and a second end 11b opening or terminating at the rear of the shell 7.

[0029] According to other embodiments of the invention, the shell 7 can have different shapes so that different compression and therefore comfort requirements can be met.

[0030] The shell 7 may define two or more open or through regions at its rear, each region being defined between two respective spokes 11. If desired, a plurality of open or through regions TO may be provided, for example two, four, six or eight, and if desired, such openings may be arranged symmetrically relative to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the saddle 1.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the shell 7 may also not include a through opening and may therefore be closed over its entire extension or without holes or openings.

[0032] If desired, the sunburst-shaped rear portion 7a extends over one-third to one-half of the longitudinal extension of the shell 7.

[0033] The spokes 11 must obviously be able to absorb with minimal deformation the weight transferred by the driver onto the seat component 2, while at the same time ensuring stability and enduring resistance over time.

[0034] The shell 7 may comprise a slightly curved plate with appropriate perforations or openings, as previously described.

[0035] Furthermore, the shell 7 may have raised sections 7d around the holes or openings as required, which may provide reinforcement areas or even references for accurate assembly or alignment with the sheet component 2, whereby an area suitable to accommodate the raised section is lowered or conversely the raised section is lowered for insertion into a lowered area in the shell 7.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention (not shown in the figures), the shell 7 can also be co-vulcanized with the sheet component 2. In this embodiment, the shell 7 is attached to the sheet component 2, thereby forming a single component together with the sheet component 2 by co-vulcanization. According to this variant, if necessary, the shell 7 can also be attached to the sheet component 2 by means of a primer or other compatibilizing agent during the vulcanization step.

[0037] Of course, even in this case, front and rear restraint components 4, 5 are provided and the shell 7 is in a lower position than the seat component 2 when in use and, if required, in a position between the seat component 2 and the front and rear restraint components 4, 5.

[0038] Preferably, in order to improve adhesion between the sheet component 2 and the shell 7, the surface of the shell 7 is suitably prepared to be compatible with the rubber or polymer material of the sheet component 2. In this regard, the preparation step may include cleaning the shell 7 with a solvent or other chemical or mechanical substance (e.g., by sandblasting), after which a primer is applied to the surface of the shell 7 thus treated to create a compatible interface between the shell 7 and the rubber or polymer material of the sheet component 2.

[0039] Specifically, the fork component 3 has a pair of rear ends 3b that are fitted to the rear restraining component 5. Fork branches, Or a pair fork branch The front end of the fork component 3 can alternatively be a curved section of the same C-shaped fork component (the solution shown in the figures) or two fork branch The front end portion may be made up of two front ends.

[0040] Thus, according to the non-limiting embodiment shown in the figures, the fork component 3 is formed by a single suitable bending rod.

[0041] The rear restraining component 5 may alternatively comprise a main section 5a and two wing sections 5b, 5c, each having a first end 5b1, 5c1 proximal to and restrained by the main section 5a, and a second end 5b2, 5c2 distal to the main section 5a. The second ends 5b2, 5c2 of the wing sections 5b, 5c, respectively, are attached to the respective fork components 3. fork branch Or a pair fork branch 3a respectively define a seat for a size-matching or force-fitting fit to the rear end 3b thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the rear restraining component 5 of the saddle 1 comprises an arcuate member made of metal or plastic having a shape that corresponds generally to the rear or rear portion 2b of the seat component 2, as appropriate.

[0043] Preferably, the rear restraint component 5 is formed in a single piece.

[0044] Optionally, the seat component 2 defines a plurality of first through holes or slots 8, each designed to align with a respective second hole or slot 9 defined by the shell 7 and with at least one third hole or slot 10 defined by the front restraint component 4, or with at least one fourth hole or slot 10a defined by the rear restraint component 5. In this case, connection means 6 may be inserted into the aligned holes and / or slots 8, 9, 10, 10a for connecting the front restraint component 4 and the rear restraint component 5 to the seat component 2 and for the (resulting) tightening of the shell 7 between these components.

[0045] Obviously, the fork components 3 may be connected to a seat post (not shown), for example at their respective central positions, by any suitable means.

[0046] More specifically, the coupling or connection is made at a central position relative to the overall length of the fork component 3, which allows, among other things, the possibility of as personalized an adjustment as possible by the rider.

[0047] As regards the front restraining component 4, said component may be constituted by a tip member 4a made of metal or plastic, designed to clamp the front end 3c of the fork component 3 to the shell 7 and more particularly to the seat component 2, as required.

[0048] If necessary, the front restraining component 4 also comprises a cradle member 4b designed to abut against the tip of the shell 7 and to receive the front end 3c of the fork component 3, in which case the front end 3c is clamped between the tip member 4a and the cradle member 4b.

[0049] In this case, both the tip member 4a and the cradle member 4b have respective holes or slots for inserting screws, bolts or rivets.

[0050] The invention also relates to a bicycle comprising a frame, a seat post supported by the frame, and a saddle 1.

[0051] In this case, the fork component 3 is connected or restrained to the seat post at a central or intermediate position of the fork component 3. In this regard, both of the fork components 3 fork branch is preferably clamped, preferably adjustably clamped, between the components or plates of the seat post.

[0052] As can be seen, thanks to the present invention, the two metal inserts embedded in the rubber of the top, as well as the structural fabric provided according to the prior art mentioned above, are replaced by a single component, preferably plastic.

[0053] In this way it is possible to adjust the flexibility (or softness) of the saddle according to the specifications of the desired model, for example making it stiffer for a racing bicycle and softer for a trekking bicycle.

[0054] This ensures, inter alia, a higher efficiency of the vulcanization process of the top or sheet component, since it is no longer necessary to prepare inserts and fabric layers on the top or sheet component before vulcanization.

[0055] Additionally, sizing of the plastic shell is easy and quick to perform based on the model and desired stiffness / flexion.

[0056] Furthermore, this shell makes it possible to avoid or reduce any misalignment problems between the fork and the reinforcing insert after a certain period of use, since rubber is subject to greater creep than the materials used to obtain the shell (especially plastics), thereby limiting the linear elongation of the sheet under tension over time. This condition avoids the growth of play between the fork and the component that houses it.

[0057] Furthermore, as can be seen, the presence of the shell, in addition to simplifying the manufacturing process, also makes it possible to obtain a better saddle than conventional ones, since, depending on the design and shape chosen for the shell, it is possible to obtain compression (zones) and therefore comfort zones that are differentiated and suitable for use differently from others.

[0058] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0059] In fact, the materials used, as well as the conditional shapes and dimensions, can be any as desired without departing from the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 saddle 2. Seat components 3 Fork Components, 3a fork branch ,3b rear end,3c front end 4 front restraint component, 4a tip member, 4b cradle member 5 aft restraint component, 5a main section, 5b & 5c wing sections 6. Connection Methods 7 shell, 7a enlarged rear section, 7b tapered tip section, 7c middle section or central section 8 First through hole or slot 9 Second hole or slot 10 Third hole or slot 10a Fourth hole or slot 11 spokes RZ Concave Zone TO Open area or penetration area

Claims

1. A saddle for a vehicle, comprising: A saddle comprising a seat component (2) defining a support surface (2a) for a user, a fork component (3), at least one front restraining component (4) for restraining said fork component (3) relative to said seat component (2), at least one rear restraining component (5) for restraining said fork component (3) relative to said seat component (2), and connection means (6) designed to connect said front restraining component (4) and said rear restraining component (5) to said seat component (2), The saddle comprises a shell (7) made of a hard material, which is co-vulcanized with the seat component (2) and is therefore attached to the seat component (2), thereby forming together with the seat component (2) a single co-vulcanized component; The shell (7) extends from the front to the back of the saddle and has an enlarged rear portion (7a) and a tapered front portion (7b) having a width approximately equal to the width of the seat component (2); In use, the lower surface (2e) of the seat component (2) defines a recessed zone (RZ) for accommodating the shell (7), the shell (7) having a shape that is substantially complementary to the lower surface (2e), The shell (7) has a sunburst-shaped rear portion having a plurality of spokes (11), each of the plurality of spokes (11) protruding from a middle or central portion (7c) of the shell, and each spoke having at least two ends (11a, 11b), namely a first end (11a) protruding from the central portion (7c) and a second end (11b) opening into or terminating at the back of the shell (7).

2. 2. A saddle according to claim 1, wherein said shell (7) is made of plastic or composite material.

3. A saddle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat component (2) is made of vulcanized rubber or other polymer material.

4. The saddle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fork component (3) has a pair of fork tines (3a) having a pair of rear ends (3b) that are fitted to the rear restraining component (5).

5. the rear restraining component (5) comprises a main section (5a) and two wing sections (5b, 5c), each wing section (5b, 5c) having a first end (5b1, 5c1) proximal to the main section (5a) and restraining the main section (5a), and a second end (5b2, 5c2) distal to the main section (5a); 5. The saddle according to claim 4, wherein each of the second ends (5b2, 5c2) of the wing sections (5b, 5c) defines an engagement seat for a rear end (3b) of each of a pair of fork tines (3a) of the fork component (3).

6. the sheet component (2) defines a plurality of first through holes (8); Each of these first through holes (8) is aligned with a respective second hole (9) defined by said shell (7), and designed to align with at least one third hole (10) defined by said front restraining component (4) or at least one fourth hole (10a) defined by said rear restraining component (5); 6. The saddle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection means (6) are insertable into the first through-hole (8), the second hole (9) and the third hole (10) or the fourth hole (10a) that are aligned to connect the front restraint component (4) and the rear restraint component (5) to the seat component (2).

7. A saddle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fork component (3) is connectable to a seat post at its central location.

8. 8. A saddle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the front restraining component (4) consists of a tip member (4a) designed to clamp the front end (3c) of the fork component (3) onto the seat component (2).

9. 9. A saddle according to claim 8, wherein the front restraining component (4) comprises a cradle member (4b) designed to abut the tip of the shell (7) and to receive the front end (3c) of the fork component (3), the front end (3c) being clamped between the tip member (4a) and the cradle member (4b).

10. 10. A saddle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rear restraint component (5) of the saddle (1) consists of an arcuate member having a shape that corresponds substantially to the back or part of the back of the seat component (2).

11. Saddle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection means (6) comprise screws or rivets.

12. A saddle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell (7) defines at its rear two or more open or through areas.

13. A saddle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell (7) defines six open or through areas symmetrically about the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the saddle.

14. A bicycle comprising a frame, a seat post supported by the frame, and a saddle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The fork component (3) is connected to a seat post at a central position of the fork component (3), The fork component (3) has a pair of fork tines (3a) having a pair of rear ends (3b) that are fitted to the rear restraining component (5), and both fork tines of the fork component (3) are clamped between the seat post components.

Images