Connection system for components of bicycles and the like

Abstract

A connection system (1) for a seat component to at least one portion of a frame of a bicycle and the like, comprising at least one of a first member (3), a second member (4) and a third member or member upper in use (5), mutually articulated with each other, in which the third member (5) of the connection system (1) consists of at least a portion of a fork (28) to which it is intended to be attached and / or a seat component (29) of a bicycle or similar.

Description

[0001] CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR COMPONENTS OF BICYCLES AND THE

[0002] LIKE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention concerns a connection system for a seat component and a frame of a bicycle and the like.

[0005] More specifically, the present invention concerns a connection system capable of performing a function of variation, such as for example of adjustment, of the position of the seat component with respect to the frame or a portion thereof and / or a dampening function for the seat component with respect to the frame or a portion thereof, such as for example a tubular element suitable for being connected to the seat component, known as a seat post in the traditional designation of the component itself.

[0006] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0007] For the connection of a saddle to the frame of a bicycle, there are various solutions of dampened seat posts on the market, and in particular including an articulated parallelogram having one member (the lower one, in use) associated with the seat post, and the opposite member (i.e. the upper one, in use) associated, instead, with the saddle.

[0008] The aforementioned articulated parallelogram is usually also associated with an elastic element (e.g. an elastomer element, or a coil spring, or other) that opposes the deformations of the parallelogram due to the dynamic stresses caused by the use of the bicycle on which the dampened seat post is installed, in order to bring the parallelogram itself back to a predetermined configuration.

[0009] Traditionally, the bicycle saddle includes a fork that allows it to be positioned in relation to the seat post.

[0010] In a typical solution, the aforementioned saddle fork is associated with a tilting clamp, which is in turn connected to the top of the seat post.

[0011] By loosening the clamp screws, therefore, it is normally possible to change the longitudinal position of the saddle with respect to the seat post, and also its inclination, so as to obtain maximum comfort for the user.

[0012] Even in the solutions of dampened seat post, with articulated parallelogram, it is obviously necessary to provide the possibility of adjusting the longitudinal and angular position of the saddle with respect to the seat post.

[0013] For this purpose, in some known solutions, described for example in US 2021 / 300492 Al, US 2021 / 155307 Al, US 5,833,255 A, US 9,950,760 B2, the upper member, in use, of the articulated parallelogram of the dampening system includes an additional element that can be connected to the fork of the saddle, in order to obtain the necessary adjustments of the same.

[0014] In particular, this element may consist, for example, of a tilting clamp, or another similar device that allows the same results to be obtained.

[0015] Construction solutions of this type are not considered fully satisfactory from various points of view.

[0016] Firstly, they are made up of a large number of pieces, which make their use and adjustment sometimes difficult.

[0017] Obviously, the large number of pieces of which these solutions are composed also negatively affects production costs, warehouse costs, etc.

[0018] Furthermore, these solutions, again due to the presence of numerous pieces and the consequent construction complication, are rather heavy and bulky, and this, as is well known, is absolutely to be avoided in the production of bicycle components and devices.

[0019] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The technical task of the present invention is therefore to improve the state of the art in the field.

[0021] In the context of this technical task, it is the purpose of the present invention to develop a connection system for a seat component capable of obviating the disadvantages previously complained of.

[0022] Another purpose of the present invention is to develop a connection system for a seat component that is constructively simpler than the solutions currently on the market. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a connection system for a seat component that is cheaper than known solutions.

[0023] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a connection system for a seat component that is lighter than known solutions.

[0024] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a connection system for a seat component that includes a smaller number of pieces than the solutions currently on the market.

[0025] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a connection system for a seat component that allows the interchangeability and / or substitutability of the latter in an easy way.

[0026] This task and objects are achieved by the connection system for a seat component in accordance with the attached claim 1.

[0027] Dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous forms of implementation of the invention.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The features of the invention will be better understood by each technician in the field from the description that follows and from the attached tables of drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a side view of a connection system according to the invention, installed on a portion of a frame of a bicycle or similar vehicle, and to which a respective seat component is connected;

[0031] Figure 2 is a side view of the connection system according to the invention, in two possible and different configurations of use of the seat component;

[0032] Figure 3 is a side view of the connection system in two different operating positions;

[0033] Figure 4 is a side view of the connection system in two further possible and different configurations of use of the seat component;

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connection system;

[0035] Figure 6 is another perspective view, from a different angle, of the connection system;

[0036] Figure 7 is a side view of the connection system according to the invention, partially disassembled;

[0037] Figure 8 is a plan view of an example of a fork or structure for a seat component;

[0038] Figure 9 is a side view of the fork or structure of Figure 8;

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the fork or structure of Figures 8 and 9;

[0040] Figure 11 is a bottom-up view of a seat component with, attached, the fork or structure of Figures 8-10;

[0041] Figure 12 is a detailed plan view, partially sectioned, of the connection system;

[0042] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the adjusting eccentric means of the inclination of the seat component;

[0043] Figure 14 is another perspective view, from different angles, of the adjusting eccentric means of the inclination of the seat component;

[0044] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the first element of the adjustment eccentric means;

[0045] Figure 16 is a rear view of the first element of the adjustment eccentric means;

[0046] Figure 17 is an anterior view of the first element of the adjustment eccentric means;

[0047] Figure 18 is an anterior view of the second element of the adjustment eccentric means;

[0048] Figure 19 is a rear view of the second element of the adjustment eccentric means;

[0049] Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the connection system according to the invention;

[0050] Figure 21 is a side view of the connection system of Figure 20 in a configuration of use;

[0051] Figure 22 is a side view of the connection system of Figures 20, 21 in another configuration of use;

[0052] Figure 23 is a plan view of the connection system of figures 20-22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] With reference to the attached figure 1, a connection system for a seat component 29 and at least a portion 6 of a frame of a bicycle or similar vehicle according to the present invention is wholly indicated by 1.

[0054] This connection system acts as an interface between the seat component and the frame of a bicycle or similar vehicle to allow, in an innovative way, to constrain the seat component, allow its position adjustment and / or provide dampening to the component itself, when constrained to the frame of a bicycle or a portion thereof.

[0055] This system is also able to integrate the function of connecting the fork or structure and varying its position with respect to a portion of the frame, for example an adjustment of the position of the seat component, both longitudinally and about its inclination, completely eliminating those traditional elements, such as clamps, which currently allow this function to be achieved.

[0056] In this specification, the term seat component refers to that component of the bicycle or similar vehicle that allows the user to be supported and which includes a support surface in which, precisely, the user can sit and lean.

[0057] The seat component may include, in a fully customizable way, a padding component for the comfort of the user, a possible cover, in order to cover the support surface for the user and a support base, which constitutes the structural element of the seat component, suitable for supporting the weight of the user and the connection with at least a portion of the frame of the bicycle or similar vehicle.

[0058] The seat component, together with the support surface, identify a substantially longitudinal or front-to-rear direction, a transverse direction, or side-to-side, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in a plane substantially in horizontal use or parallel to the ground, and a direction in vertical use, orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0059] In addition, the term fork or structure refers to that intermediate and structural element capable of connecting the seat component to at least a portion of the frame, allowing its position to be adjusted and able to support both the weight of the user and the constraint to the frame itself. However, in this discussion, the term fork or structure does not imply any geometric or structural limitation, compared to the components of known type identified with this nomenclature.

[0060] Finally, the term frame of a bicycle or similar vehicle or a portion thereof refers to that portion of the frame, if desired having a tubular conformation or having another conformation, which can be constrained to the connection system of the present invention and therefore to the seat component. Traditionally, this portion can be a seat post, but this is not essential in this specification and the portion of the frame can have any shape suitable for performing the function indicated. In addition, the indicated portion can be integral to the frame or separate from it.

[0061] In essence, the connection system of the seat component of the present invention constitutes an innovative integration of those functions and structures traditionally carried out by the seat post, clamp and fork, designed together to constrain and regulate the position of the saddle, but expanding its functional potential with a view focused on structural simplification.

[0062] For example, the connection system of the present invention does not include any clamp.

[0063] The connection system 1 is configured, in at least one version of the present invention, as an articulated parallelogram, in which the fork or structure 28 of the seat component 29 is integrated into the parallelogram itself.

[0064] In the following, the term fork will be indicated but, as explained, it is completely equivalent to the term structure, because in fact there is no structural and / or geometric constraint, other than what will be indicated so on.

[0065] More specifically, the connection system 1 can comprise a support member 2, a first member 3, a second member 4 and a third member 5 (also called upper member 5). Support member 2, first member 3, second member 4 and third member 5 are mutually connected in a revolving way, i.e. mutually articulated.

[0066] In other words, the support member 2, the first member 3, the second member 4 and the third member 5 constitute, two by two, rotational pairs that define, in turn, the aforementioned articulated parallelogram. Support member 2 is attached, or can be attached, to portion 6 of the frame of the bicycle or similar vehicle (and is therefore arranged, in use, below).

[0067] For example, in an embodiment of the invention - shown in the attached figures - the supporting member 2 of the articulated parallelogram is integral to the terminal end 7, in use, upper, of portion 6, having in this example a tubular configuration.

[0068] In a further version of the invention, the support member 2 is separate but can be constrained, if desired in a removable way, with the portion 6 and / or with its terminal end 7.

[0069] In more detail, for example, the support member 2 may comprise a central head 8, integral to the terminal end 7, in use, upper, of the portion 6.

[0070] In addition, the support member 2 may comprise at least one lateral portion 9, 10 integral to the head 8.

[0071] According to one version of the invention, there are a first lateral portion 9 and a second lateral portion 10 opposed, integral - on opposite sides - to the aforementioned head 8.

[0072] According to a further version of the invention, at least one lateral portion 9, 10 is positioned on one side of the head 8, for example in front of or behind the head 8 itself.

[0073] If there are a first 9 and a second 10 lateral portion, they can both be positioned on the same side, i.e. in front or behind the head 8.

[0074] At least one lateral portion 9, 10 or the first lateral portion 9 and the second lateral portion 10 shall comprise, respectively, at least one circular hole or respectively a first circular hole 11 and a second circular hole 12 configured to accommodate at least one pivot pin 13, 14 or a first pivot 13 and a second pivot 14, respectively, to at least one of the first member 3 and second member 4 of the connection system 1. Th at least one circular hole and therefore the at least one pivot pin have an extension in use that is substantially transverse or side-to-side with respect to the seat component.

[0075] Similarly, the first circular hole 11 and the second circular hole 12, and therefore also the first pin 13 and the second pin 14 have an extension in use substantially transverse or side-to-side with respect to the seat component 29.

[0076] The first lateral portion 9 and the second lateral portion 10, in at least one version of the invention, can be conformed as two sorts of ears coplanar with each other.

[0077] With respect to head 8, and therefore with respect to portion 6, the first lateral portion 9 and the second lateral portion 10 can be positioned diametrically opposed; they are therefore arranged in the front-rear direction of the seat component 29, and therefore of the bicycle.

[0078] Other provisions and positions may however be envisaged, without leaving the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0079] The shape and size of the first lateral portion 9 and the second lateral portion 10 can be any, depending on the specific application requirements.

[0080] The connection system 1 may comprise at least one return element 15, configured to oppose the deformations imparted to the system 1 itself by the dynamic stresses resulting from the use of the bicycle, or similar, in which the system 1 is installed, so as to tend to always bring the system 1 and / or the parallelogram back to a pre- established (or rest) configuration.

[0081] For greater clarity, figure 3 shows, in a continuous section, the system 1 in a resting position, while in a discontinuous section the same system 1 in a deformed configuration, as a result of the dynamic stresses due to the use of the bicycle.

[0082] The return element 15 (figure 1) may comprise, for example, an elastic element such as an elastomeric element inserted / housed in the volume between at least the members 3-5 of system 1.

[0083] Alternatively, the return element 15 could comprise one or more torsion springs, or coil springs, or one or more elastic blades or leaf spring made of steel or metal or composite / fiber or other material or a return / release arm or a structure of the same functionality or a shock absorber, e.g. of oil or gas or spring, and such element(s) could be placed inside or outside the frame of the bicycle or similar vehicle or in the volume between at least the members 3-5 of system 1 or associated with one or more of the hinges or rotoidal pairs of the articulated parallelogram and / or connection system 1. The first member 3 and the second member 4 have their respective conformations similar one to the other.

[0084] The first member 3 and the second member 4 in a version of the invention comprise each two components 16, 17 (e.g. shown in figures 5 and 6), mutually coupled at a union plane 18.

[0085] More specifically, the first member 3 and the second member 4 include each a first component 16 and a second component 17, mirrored and coupled at the aforementioned union plane 18.

[0086] Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the connection system 1, according to the invention, in which the first member 3 and the second member 4 are visible in the foreground, respectively.

[0087] As can be seen in both of the above figures, the first component 16 and the second component 17 are shaped in such a way that the respective union plane 18 affects only their central area.

[0088] In other words, the first component 16 and the second component 17 are mutually joint only at their respective central areas (where, precisely, the aforementioned union plane 18 is located): consequently, at their respective peripheral areas, they define recesses.

[0089] In a further version, the two components 16 and 17 described above are permanently coupled at the union plane 18. That is to say, the first member 3 and the second member 4 comprise each a single body in which these components 16, 17 can be identified.

[0090] The aforementioned recesses form, both in the first member 3 and in the second member 4, respectively a first seat 19 and a second seat 20, opposed the one with the other.

[0091] The first seat 19 of the first member 3 and the first seat 19 of the second member 4 are placed in use below with respect to the first member 3 and the second member 4. On the contrary, the second seat 20 of the first member 3 and the second seat 20 of the second member 4 are placed in use above with respect to the first member 3 and the second member 4. In the first seats 19 of the first member 3 and of the second member 4, the first lateral portion 9 and the second lateral portion 10 of the support member 2 are engaged, respectively.

[0092] The first member 3 and the second member 4 comprise, at their respective lower ends, in use, respectively a first lower hole 21 and a second lower hole 22, in which the first pin 13 and the second pin 14 are inserted, respectively, so as to create, therefore, articulated couplings between the support member 2, the first member 3 and the second member 4.

[0093] The first lower hole 21 and the second lower hole 22 cross the entire extension of the lower ends of the first member 3 and the second member 4 respectively (or of their components 16, 17) and therefore also cross the first seats 19 defined by these members 3,4.

[0094] Similarly, the first member 3 and the second member 4 comprise, at their respective upper ends, in use, an upper first hole 23 and a second upper hole 24.

[0095] As better explained below, the first upper hole 23 and the second upper hole 24 allow to obtain the articulated connection to the third member 5 of the connection system 1.

[0096] In particular, the first upper hole 23 is made in the first component 16 and in the second component 17 of the first member 3. The same applies to the second upper hole 24.

[0097] In both the first member 3 and the second member 4, the connection between the first component 16 and the second component 17 can be achieved by means of screw connection means 25, 26, engaged in at least one connecting hole 27 provided for in the aforementioned first component 16 and second component 17.

[0098] These screw connection means 25, 26 comprise (figure 7), both in the first member 3 and in the second member 4, at least one screw 25 inserted in the aforementioned at least one connecting hole 27, the shank of which is engaged in a respective nut 26. More specifically, in at least one version of the present invention, both the first member 3 and the second member 4 comprise two parallel connecting holes 27, into which two respective screws 25 are inserted, the stems of which are engaged in two respective nuts 26.

[0099] As mentioned, however, the first member 3 and the second member 4 can be made in one piece. In this case, screw connection means and their connection holes are not provided.

[0100] According to a further version of the invention, the first member 3 and the second member 4 could be made one in a single body and the other equipped with screw connection means and the respective connection holes for the connection of the components 16,17 provided separate from each other, or vice versa.

[0101] According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the third member 5 of the connection system 1 (i.e., for example, of the articulated parallelogram) includes a fork 28, to which a seat component 29 is intended to be attached and / or constrained, if desired in a removable way (see in particular figures 1 and 11).

[0102] More specifically, according to the invention, the third member 5 of the connection system 1 consists of at least a portion of a fork 28, to which a seat component 29 of a bicycle or similar, is intended to be attached and / or constrained, if desired in a removable way, removable.

[0103] With particular reference to the details of the version illustrated in figures 8-11, the fork 28 includes a middle portion 30, a front portion 31 and a rear portion 32.

[0104] The middle portion 30 of fork 28 is configured to obtain the swivel connection of the latter to the first member 3 and to the second member 4 of the connection system 1. Thus, the middle portion 30 of the fork 28 constitutes the aforementioned third member 5 of the articulated parallelogram.

[0105] The front portion 31 and the rear portion 32 of the fork 28 may or may not be present. When present, they are configured to made the connection to the seat component (figure 11).

[0106] In more detail, the middle portion 30 includes a sort of beam; this beam has a quadrangular (square or rectangular), circular, oval, polygonal or other section suitable for the purpose.

[0107] The middle portion 30 of the fork is configured and sized to fit into the second (upper) seats 20 of the first member 3 and of the second member 4 (figures 5, 6). Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, the middle portion 30 includes at least one slot 33, 34. The at least one slot 33, 34 is made through the middle portion

[0108] 30 of the fork 28 and / or extends along the front-rear longitudinal direction with respect to the seat component 29.

[0109] According to a further version of the invention, the middle portion 30 includes a first slot 33 and a second slot 34.

[0110] The first slot 33 and the second slot 34 are made through the middle portion 30 of fork 28.

[0111] The first slot 33 and the second slot 34 are arranged side by side, and have their respective major axes parallel to the front-rear longitudinal direction of the middle portion 30 of fork 28.

[0112] The first slot 33 is positioned, in the middle portion 30, on the side of the front portion

[0113] 31 of fork 28.

[0114] The second slot 34 is positioned, in the middle portion 30, on the side of the rear portion 32 of the fork 28 itself.

[0115] The front portion 31 of fork 28 can, for example, be shaped like a kind of ring, elongated according to the front-rear longitudinal direction of fork 28 itself.

[0116] The rear portion 32 of the fork 28, on the other hand, can include two prongs 35, which end with their respective free ends 36.

[0117] As shown in figures 1 and 11, the front portion 31 of the fork 28 can be attached to the seat component 29, for example, by means of a clamping element 37 that is screwed or generally fastened, even in a removable way if desired, to the seat component 29 itself.

[0118] The prongs 35 that constitute the rear portion 32 of the fork can instead be engaged, with their free ends 36, in respective recesses 38, provided in the rear part of the seat component 29.

[0119] The front portion 31 and the rear portion 32 are suitably shaped and curved so that, when the fork 28 is assembled to the seat component 29, its middle portion 30 is sufficiently distant from the lower surface, in use (or support base) of the component 29 itself. The methods of attaching the fork 28 to the seat component 29 (described here and represented in figures 1 and 11, according to a possible solution) can, however, be any, without limitation to the purposes of the present invention.

[0120] For example, the rear portion 32 of fork 28 can have a closed shape, so as to form a sort of ring with the middle portion 30 of fork 28. Of course, in this version, the rear portion 32 can be engaged in a respective recess of complementary shape present in the rear part of the seat 29.

[0121] In addition, the front portion 31 and the rear portion 32, as mentioned, may also not be present and the middle portion 30, for example shaped like a beam or with a substantially longitudinal development, may have additional elements of attachment and / or constraint with the seat component 29 and / or with its surface lower in use.

[0122] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is related to the fact that the fastening and / or restraint elements or the locking element 37 and the at least one recess 38 allow the removable connection of the seat component 29, which can be variously replaced by one or more additional seat components, according to the user's wishes or the needs related to the type of performance to be carried out with the bicycle or similar vehicle equipped with the connection system 1 according to the present invention.

[0123] The at least one slot 33, 34 or the first slot 33 and the second slot 34 of fork 28 allows / allow to vary the connection position of fork 28 with respect to the first member 3 and the second member 4 and / or to the frame of the bicycle or similar vehicle.

[0124] More specifically, the at least one slot 33, 34 allows the fork 28 to be moved according to the front-rear longitudinal direction of the fork, so as to meet the different needs of the user. This also applies to the first slot 33 and the second slot 34, as shown in particular in figure 4.

[0125] The first member 3 and the second member 4 are connected to the fork 28 by means of a first hinge 39 and a second hinge 40 respectively.

[0126] The first hinge 39 and the second hinge 40 are engaged and / or inserted, respectively, in the at least one slot 33, 34 or, for example, in the first slot 33 and in the second slot 34 of the middle portion 30 of fork 28.

[0127] The first hinge 39 and the second hinge 40 are of the removable type, to allow, in fact, the longitudinal positioning of the fork 28, with respect to the first member 3 and the second member 4, according to different configurations of use.

[0128] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the first hinges 39 and the second hinge 40 comprises eccentric adjustment means 41 for the inclination of the fork 28 (in particular, the inclination of the fork 28 with respect to support member 2 and / or portion 6 of the frame).

[0129] In more detail, in the specific embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the first hinge 39 comprise eccentric means 41 for adjusting the inclination of the fork 28.

[0130] The eccentric adjustment means 41 are configured to change the position of the axis of articulation of the first hinge 39, i.e. the axis of articulation between the first member 3 and the fork 28.

[0131] Figure 2 shows the connection system 1 according to the invention with the fork 28 in two different positions (respectively, in continuous and discontinuous section) obtained through different positioning of the eccentric adjustment means 41.

[0132] The eccentric adjustment means 41 comprise, in more detail, at least one eccentric pin 41.

[0133] The eccentric pin 41 comprises a first element 42 and a second element 43.

[0134] The first element 42 and the second element 43 are mutually coupled in a removable way.

[0135] The first element 42 and the second element 43 are engaged - in a removable and rotatable way - in the first upper hole 23 obtained in the first member 3.

[0136] As mentioned, the first upper hole 23 is made in the first component 16 and in the second component 17 of the first member 3, which are located on opposite transverse sides with respect to the middle portion 30 of the fork 28.

[0137] The first element 42 of the eccentric adjustment means 41 comprises a first discoidal portion 44, and a cylindrical portion 45 which departs from said first discoidal portion 44. The axis of symmetry of the cylindrical portion 45 is parallel to the axis of symmetry of the first discoidal portion 44; between the two axes of symmetry there is a certain distance which determines, precisely, the extent of the eccentricity of the eccentric adjustment means 41.

[0138] The cylindrical portion 45 is affected by a through channel 46 (coaxial to it).

[0139] The end section 47 of the free end of cylindrical portion 45 has a square, or quadrangular, or tongue or asymmetrical cross-section, or any shape, such as for example that prevents it from rotating (Figures 15 and 17).

[0140] The second element 43 of the eccentric adjustment means of 41 includes a second discoidal portion 48; the shape and size of the second discoidal portion 48 are identical, or substantially identical, to those of the first discoidal portion 44 of the first element 42.

[0141] The second discoidal portion 48 can be removably connected to the terminal section 47 of the free end of the cylindrical portion 45.

[0142] The second discoidal portion 48 of the second element 43 includes a through opening 49, which is formed by two distinct sections 50, 51, which have respective crosssections of different shapes.

[0143] In particular, the through-opening 49 includes a first section 50 of square crosssection, or substantially square or quadrangular, or tongue-shaped or asymmetrical or any shape, for example that prevents its rotation, and a second section 51 of hexagonal cross-section, or substantially hexagonal or similar, or in any case of a different section than the section of the first section 50.

[0144] In an assembled configuration (see in particular figures 12-14), the terminal section 47 of the cylindrical portion 45 of the first element 42 is engaged in the first section 50 of the through opening 49 of the second element 43.

[0145] While the first discoidal portion 44 and the second discoidal portion 48 are inserted - on opposite sides - in the two distinct portions of the first upper hole 23 of the first member 3, the cylindrical portion 45 - which is eccentric with respect to the aforementioned discoidal portions 44, 48 - is inserted in the (first) slot 33 of the middle portion 30 of fork 28. As can be understood by observing figure 2, the rigid rotation of the eccentric pin 41, i.e. of the discoidal portions 44, 48, inside the first upper hole 23 determines, therefore, a different positioning of the cylindrical portion 45 with respect to the first member 3, and therefore a different positioning of the axis of articulation of the first member 3 to the fork 28, with a resulting different angle of the fork 28 compared to the support member 2.

[0146] A first clamping screw 52 is inserted inside the first upper hole 23 (shown for example in figure 4), associated with a nut engaged in the second section 51 of the through opening 49 of the second discoidal portion 48.

[0147] The second hinge 40 includes a first bushing 53 and a second bushing 54, engaged in the second upper hole 24 made in the second member 4.

[0148] In more detail, the first bushing 53 comprises a circular housing 55 (figure 5), while the second bushing 54 comprises a hexagonal housing 56 (e.g., figure 6).

[0149] A second clamping screw 57 (shown in figure 4) is inserted into the through cavities of the first bushing 53 and the second bushing 54, which also passes through the (second) slot 34 of the fork 28.

[0150] In particular, in the hexagonal housing 56 of the second bushing 54 a nut associated with the aforementioned second clamping screw 57 is engaged.

[0151] A rotational coupling is therefore obtained between the second member 4 and the fork 28, which, as mentioned, can be modified and adjusted in position thanks to the presence of at least one slot 33, 34 or the first slot 33 and the second slot 34.

[0152] The connection system 1 may also comprise, according to another aspect of the invention, a first plate 58 and a second plate 59, interposed between the first member 3, the second member 4, and the fork 28 (in particular, on the two transverse sides of the latter).

[0153] With particular reference to figures 7 and 12, the first plate 58 and the second plate 59 - which are constructively identical, or substantially identical - each include a first opening 60, through which the first bushing 53 or the second bushing 54 passes. In addition, the first plate 58 and the second plate 59 each comprise a second shaped opening 61, which defines two sorts of lobes 62. The aforementioned two lobes 62 are configured to facilitate the user / operator's intervention on the eccentric adjustment means 41 : in fact, they (which are substantially mirrored with respect to a diameter of the second opening 61) identify two angular positions preferred by the fork 28 with respect to the support member 2. The first plate 58 and the second plate 59 do not interfere, however, with the possible presence of the return element 15.

[0154] The operation and the method of use of the connection system 1 according to the invention are, in the light of the above description, completely intuitive.

[0155] By acting on the first clamping screw 52 and the second clamping screw 57, respectively, of the first hinge 39 and the second hinge 40, it is possible to lock, or respectively unlock, the fork 28 with respect to the first member 3 and the second member 4, and thus determine its best position, with respect to the support member 2 and / or portion 6 of the frame, in relation to the user's needs.

[0156] More specifically, by loosening the clamping screws 52, 57, the friction exerted by the first member 3 (or possibly by the first and second components 16, 17 of the first member 3) and the second member 4 on the middle portion 30 of the fork 28 (or on the first plate 58 and second plate 59, if present) is limited or cancelled.

[0157] The fork 28 can then be moved (thanks to the presence of at least one slot 33, 34) and inclined (thanks to the presence of the eccentric adjustment means 41) with respect to the support member 2 and / or portion 6, so as to obtain the desired position of the seat component 29.

[0158] Then, by tightening the clamping screws 52, 57 again (after possibly having changed the position of the fork 28) the translation and inclination of the fork 28 itself with respect to the first member 3 and second member 4 is blocked (since the first, second components 16, 17, deforming exert sufficient friction on the surfaces of the fork 28, or plates 58, 59, if present).

[0159] However, this locking does not prevent the reciprocal rotation of the members 3,4,5 with respect to each other, in particular because the eccentric pin 41 of the first hinge 39 is freely rotatable within the first upper hole 23, while the bushings 53, 54 of the second hinge 40 can freely rotate inside the second upper hole 24. As can be easily understood, this result is achieved with a construction solution that is considerably simpler, lighter and cheaper than the existing ones.

[0160] In particular, the expedient according to which the fork 28 (and in particular its middle portion 30) constitutes, in practice, one of the members of the connection system 1, and / or of the articulated parallelogram, makes it possible to eliminate numerous pieces that are usually present in known solutions (e.g. clamps, or similar), thus considerably lightening the system itself.

[0161] In addition, the reduction in the total number of pieces that make up the connection system 1 obviously leads to a reduction in production costs, warehousing, etc.

[0162] Another form of implementation of the connection system 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 20-23.

[0163] In the description of this additional embodiment, the same reference numbers used in the description of the previous embodiment are used to indicate the same elements. This embodiment differs from the previous one, illustrated in figures 1-19, essentially in the conformation of the support member 2, as well as the first member 3, the second member 4 and the third member 5, but not in terms of functional or use aspects, which are the same.

[0164] More specifically, in this embodiment, the third member 5 includes a fork 28 having a middle portion 30 (which, again, constitutes in practice the aforementioned third member 5 of system 1) which includes two longitudinal members or spars 63, parallel or substantially parallel, arranged side by side along the longitudinal or frontrear direction of the seat component 29; consequently, the first member 3 and the second member 4 are inserted / interposed between the aforementioned two spars 63. These spars 63 connect the front portion 31 to the rear portion 32, or to the prongs 35 of the rear portion 32, of the fork 28.

[0165] The support member 2, unlike the previous version, can comprise - associated with the head 8 - two first side portions 9 opposed the one to the other and two second side portions 10 opposed the one to the other, which thus define between them, two by two, respective spaces, within which the first member 3 and the second member 4 are inserted. The two spars 63 each form a first articulation zone 64 and a second articulation zone 65, respectively, at the first member 3 and at the second member 4, configured to house respectively the first hinge 39, of articulation at the first member 3, and the second hinge 40, of articulation at the second member 4.

[0166] The sections of the spars 63 between the first articulation zone 64 and the second articulation zone 65 therefore constitute the third member 5 of the connection system 1 and / or of the articulated parallelogram.

[0167] For example, the first articulation zone 64 and the second articulation zone 65 may comprise some sort of enlargement of the spars 63, to accommodate respectively the first hinge 39, of articulation to the first member 3, and the second hinge 40 of articulation to the second member 4.

[0168] More specifically, the first articulation zone 64 of each spar 63 comprises a first upper hole 23 inside which the eccentric pin 41 (which is identical to the one described in the previous form of actuation) is housed, which rotates.

[0169] In addition, the second articulation zone 65 of each spar 63 comprises a second upper hole 24 inside which the first bushing 53 or the second bushing 54 of the second hinge 40 is housed.

[0170] In this embodiment, the first member 3 and the second member 4 comprise, respectively, a first slot 33 and a second slot 34 for adjusting the longitudinal position of the fork 28 with respect to the support member 2.

[0171] In the first slot 33 the first hinge 39 is therefore passing, while in the second slot 34 the second hinge 40 is passing.

[0172] In the first slot 33 of the first member 3, therefore, the cylindrical portion 45 of the adjustment eccentric means 41 (eccentric pin 41) of the first hinge 39 is passing; in the second slot 34 of the second member 4, on the other hand, the bushings 53, 54, as well as the clamping screw 57, of the second hinge 40 are passing.

[0173] The adjustment of the inclination, and the longitudinal position, of the fork 28 with respect to the support member 2, takes place exactly as described for the previous embodiment of the invention.

[0174] In this embodiment, the structure of the first member 3 and the second member 4 is simplified compared to the previous embodiment: more specifically, the screw connection means 25, 26 which, in the previous embodiment, may be present to allow the first components 16 to be joined to the second components 17 of the first member 3 and the second member 4 are eliminated.

[0175] Of course, the features of the version of the invention described for figures 1-19 and the features of the version of the invention described for figures 20-23 can be variously implemented and / or combined. For example, fork 28 shown in the first version of the invention can be combined into a connection system in which supporting member 2 is conformed as described for the second version of the invention. Alternatively, the two spars 63 of the fork of the second embodiment can be combined in a connection system in which the support member 2 is conformed as in the first version and so on.

[0176] Again, the connection system according to the present invention could include less than four elements (and therefore not conform to a parallelogram), and therefore comprise, for example, three elements variously conformed in order to obtain the same utility as the just described versions. In any case, according to the present invention, one of the elements of the connection system is always constituted by the fork 28.

[0177] Finally, the present invention also refers to a seating assembly 100 (figure 1) for a bicycle or a similar vehicle, including a connection system 1 as described above, and a seat component 29 hooked and / or constrained to the fork 28 of the aforementioned system.

[0178] It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the proposed purposes.

[0179] The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be conceived, without leaving the scope of protection offered by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Connection system (1) for a seat component (29) of a bicycle or similar vehicle, suitable in use to allow the connection and a variation of the position of said seat component (29) with respect to at least one portion (6 ) of a frame of a bicycle or similar vehicle, comprising at least one of a first member (3) and a second member(4), as well as a third member (5) or upper member in use (5), between them reciprocally articulated, characterized in that said third member (5) is made up of at least a portion of a fork or structure (28) to which said seat component (29) is intended to be attached and / or constrained.

2. Connection system (1) according to claim 1, comprising a support member (2), connected or connectable to said portion (6), and / or wherein said support member (2), said first member (3), said second member (4) and said third member(5) are between them mutually articulated so as to define an articulated parallelogram.

3. Connection system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said fork or structure (28) includes a middle portion (30), said middle portion (30) being configured to obtain the rotatable connection to said first member (3) and second member (4), so that said middle portion (30) constitutes said third member (5) or said upper member (5) of said connection system (1).

4. Connection system (1) according to claim 3, wherein said middle portion (30) includes at least one slot (33, 34) or a first slot (33) and a second slot (34), which allows / allow to vary the connection position of said fork or structure (28) with respect to said first member (3) and said second member (4).

5. Connection system (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a first hinge (39) and a second hinge (40) for articulated connection, respectively, of said first member (3) and second member (4) to said fork or structure (28).

6. Connection system (1) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein said first hinge (39) and said second hinge (40) are engaged, respectively, in said at least one slot (33, 34) or in said first slot (33) and second slot (34) of said middle portion (30).

7. Connection system (1) according to claim 4 or 6, wherein said first slot (33)and said second slot (34) are arranged side by side, and have their respective major axes parallel to the front-back longitudinal direction of said middle portion (30) of said fork or structure (28).

8. Connection system (1) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of said first hinge (39) and said second hinge (40) comprises eccentric adjustment means (41) of the inclination of said fork or structure (28) with respect to said support member (2).

9. Connection system (1) according to claim 8, wherein said first hinge (39) includes eccentric adjustment means (41) of the inclination of said fork or structure (28) with respect to said support member (2), configured to modify the position of the articulation axis of said first hinge (39), i.e. the articulation axis of said first member (3) to said fork or structure (28).

10. Connection system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said eccentric adjustment means (41) comprise an eccentric pin (41) comprising a first element (42) and a second element (43) mutually coupled in a removable manner, and rotatably engaged in a first upper hole (23) made in said first member (3).

11. Connection system (1) according to claim 10, wherein said first element (42) includes a first discoidal portion (44), and a cylindrical portion (45) which departs from said first discoidal portion (44), the axis of symmetry of said cylindrical portion (45) being parallel to the axis of symmetry of said discoidal portion (44), a certain distance being provided between said axes of symmetry which determines the eccentricity of said eccentric adjustment means (41), said second element (43) comprising a second discoidal portion (48) which can be removably connected to the terminal section (47) of the free end of said cylindrical portion (45).

12. Connection system (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein said first member (3) and second member (4) each comprise a first component (16) and a second component (17) mirrored and coupled at a union plane (18) which only affects their central area, so that they define, at the respective peripheral areas, recesses which in turn form a first seat (19), lower during use, and a second seat (20), upper during use, opposed for coupling respectively to the support member (2) and to the fork or structure (28).

13. Connection system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said fork or structure (28) includes a middle portion (30), said middle portion (30) comprising two longitudinal members (63), parallel or substantially parallel, arranged side by side along a longitudinal front-rear direction of said seat component (29), so that said first member (3) and second member (4) are inserted between said longitudinal members (63).

14. Connection system (1) according to claim 13, wherein said longitudinal members (63) each conform a first articulation zone (64) and a second articulation zone (65), respectively, to said first member (3) and to said second member (4), configured to house respectively a first hinge (39) for articulation to said first member (3), and a second hinge (40) for articulation to said second member (4).

15. Connection system (1) according to claim 14, wherein said first articulation zone (64) of each longitudinal member (63) includes a first upper hole (23), inside which an eccentric pin (41) is rotatably housed, for adjusting the angular position of said fork or structure (28) with respect to said support member (2).

16. Connection system (1) according to one of claims 13-15, wherein said first member (3) and said second member (4) comprise, respectively, at least one slot (33, 34) or a first slot (33) and a second slot (34) for adjusting the longitudinal position of said fork or structure (28) with respect to said support member (2).

17. Connection system (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a return element (15) configured to oppose the deformations imparted to the system (1) by the dynamic stresses resulting from the use of the bicycle, or similar, wherein the system (1) itself is installed.

18. Connection system (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said fork or structure (28) includes a front portion (31) and a rear portion (32), wherein said middle portion (30) is interposed and / or connects said front portion (31) and said rear portion (32).

19. Connection system (1) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a first plate (58) and a second plate (59), interposed between said first member (3), said second member (4) and said fork or structure (28 ), wherein said first plate (58)and said second plate (59) each comprise a first opening (60), through which said first bushing (53) or said second bushing (54) passes.

20. Connection system (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said first plate (58) and said second plate (59) each comprise a second shaped opening (61), which defines two types of lobes (62), wherein said two lobes (62) are configured to facilitate the intervention of a user / operator on said eccentric adjustment means (41), as said two lobes (62) identify two preferred angular positions of said fork or structure (28) with respect to said portion (6) of said frame of a bicycle or similar vehicle.

21. Seating assembly (100), comprising a connection system (1) according to one of the previous claims, and at least one seat component (29) attached and / or constrained to the fork or structure (28) of said system (1).

22. Bicycle or similar vehicle, comprising a bicycle or similar vehicle frame comprising at least one portion (6), at least one seating assembly (100) according to the previous claim, wherein said seating assembly (100) is attached and / or constrained to said portion (6) of said bicycle or similar vehicle frame, so that said at least one seat component (29) is dampened by said connection system (1) and / or can vary its position with respect to said portion (6) of a bicycle or similar vehicle frame.

23. Bicycle or similar vehicle according to the previous claim, wherein said connection system (1) includes said at least one of a first member (3) and a second member (4), as well as said third member (5) or upper member in use (5), mutually articulated to each other, wherein said third member (5) is constituted by at least a portion of said fork or structure (28) to which said seat component (29) is attached and / or constrained, wherein said at least one between a first member (3) and a second member (4) is suitable to be connected and / or constrained to said at least one portion (6), possibly by means of said support member (2), connected to said portion (6), wherein said support member (2), said first member (3), said second member (4) and said third member (5) are mutually articulated to each other so as to define an articulated parallelogram.

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