Fork for connecting a bicycle saddle to the seat post of a bicycle

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of bicycle saddles and, in particular, concerns a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, for connecting or linking a bicycle saddle to the seat post of a bicycle as well as a method of production of such connection element. The present invention also relates to a bicycle saddle comprising such a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, as well as a bicycle comprising such a saddle.

Description

[0001] “FORK FOR CONNECTING A BICYCLE SADDLE TO THE SEAT POST OF A BICYCLE”

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of bicycle saddles and, in particular, concerns a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, for connecting or linking a bicycle saddle to the seat post of a bicycle as well as a method of production of such connection element.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a bicycle saddle comprising such a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, as well as a bicycle comprising such a saddle.

[0005] STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0006] Forks made of composite material, for example carbon fiber and epoxy resin, for bicycle saddles represent a fundamental element for rider or cyclist performance.

[0007] In recent years, this component has undergone a significant evolution towards increasingly lighter and higher-performance pieces, driven by the relentless pursuit of performance improvements, since a reduced weight corresponds to less energy required by the user to pedal.

[0008] One of the main trends in the field of saddle forks is the continuous search for advanced materials, while still having to comply with the standard assembly constraints with currently available seatposts, which dictate the allowed crosssections for saddle assembly (for example, 7 mm diameter or 7 mm><9 mm oval section).

[0009] Such relatively small cross-sections make it difficult to improve performance and use materials other than those known so far, especially considering that saddles must pass various mechanical tests prescribed by the ISO standard, among which the fatigue test particularly stresses the fork element associated with the saddle under test.

[0010] Currently, one of the available options for creating a fork for a bicycle saddle that is lightweight is to make it from carbon fiber and epoxy resin. On average, such forks have a density of approximately 1.8 g / cm3or higher.

[0011] However, the manufacturing process of a carbon fiber fork has several disadvantages and complexities, including:

[0012] - a high production waste,

[0013] - a very low production output, and

[0014] - a high cost, the latter being attributable to the cost of carbon fiber itself and the lengthy transformation process and subsequent post-production steps needed to complete the part.

[0015] Moreover, the environmental impact generated by the production of carbon fiber is very high, since, for example, a large amount of energy is required for the carbonization of the starting polymer fiber. In this respect, reducing its use limits environmental impact.

[0016] Therefore, the design and realization of a fork or rail for connecting a bicycle saddle to the seat post of a bicycle, which can overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art, is necessary and advantageous.

[0017] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The technical task of the present invention is to improve the prior art related to connection elements, such as for example forks or rails, for connecting a bicycle saddle to a bicycle seat post and the related methods of realization.

[0019] Within the scope of this task, an object of the present invention is to provide a connection element that is more effective and versatile, both in use and in terms of performance, compared to known-type forks.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a connection element that may be lighter than the forks of the prior art, for example with particular reference to carbon forks.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a connection element that is more cost-effective than the forks of the prior art, for example with particular reference to carbon forks. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for the realization of a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, that is faster than traditional manufacturing methods used in the prior art, for example with particular reference to carbon forks.

[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for the realization of a connection element that allows the reduction of production waste, for example with particular reference to carbon forks.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for the realization of a connection element that eliminates post-production and / or finishing processes typically used in traditional manufacturing methods, such as, for example, fork cooling, deburring, and sealing, for example with particular reference to carbon forks.

[0024] Finally, a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for the realization of a connection element that is more environmentally sustainable than traditional manufacturing methods, for example requiring less energy than the latter, for example with particular reference to carbon forks.

[0025] This task and these objects are achieved by a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, according to claim 1, by a bicycle saddle according to claim 12, by a bicycle according to claim 13, and by a method for the production of a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, according to claim 14.

[0026] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the description of an embodiment of a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, of a bicycle saddle to the seat post of a bicycle, illustrated for illustrative purposes in the attached drawings in which:

[0029] - figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a connection element according to an embodiment of the present invention, - figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the connection element of figure 1,

[0030] - figure 3 is a side view of the connection element of figure 1,

[0031] - figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a prong or bar of the connection element of figure 1, and

[0032] - figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a prong or bar of the connection element of figure 1.

[0033] In the attached drawings, identical parts or components are identified by the same reference numbers.

[0034] EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0035] With reference to the attached figures, the reference number 1 wholly indicates a connection element, such as for example a fork or rail, for connecting or fastening a bicycle saddle to the seat post of a bicycle according to a nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In this description, the terms connection element, fork, and rail will be used interchangeably, without limitations unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0037] The fork 1 is suitable for use as a connection element between a bicycle saddle, for example comprising at least one lower frame or shell surface made of a substantially rigid or semi-rigid material, optionally a padding, and possibly also a cover placed on top of the padding, and the seat post of a bicycle.

[0038] The connection element 1 according to the present invention comprises a main body 2 which includes or defines a constraint portion 2a designed, in use, to be connected and / or constrained to the seat post of a bicycle, and at least one reinforcement component or insert 3. This reinforcement component or insert 3 is preferably made of metallic material and / or positioned at the constraint portion 2a of the main body 2.

[0039] The main body 2 is preferably made of plastic material and / or the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is preferably at least partially incorporated or embedded or encapsulated or inserted within the material of the main body 2.

[0040] More specifically, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the main body 2 is overmolded onto the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 so that the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is at least partially incorporated or embedded or encapsulated within the plastic material of the main body 2.

[0041] The terms "incorporated" or "embedded" or "encapsulated" mean that the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is at least partially enclosed by and firmly and immovably fixed to the material forming the main body 2.

[0042] Moreover, the term "overmolded" means that the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is placed in a mold where the plastic material of the main body 2 is then molded on or around at least part of the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3.

[0043] According to a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement component or insert 3 is constrained and / or inserted within said main body 2, optionally at the constraint portion 2a, for example by interlocking, for example manually. In this case, it is understood that the main body 2 and the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 are first made, for example molded, separately from each other and subsequently the reinforcement component or insert 3 is inserted into the main body 2. As a result, the reinforcement component or insert 3 is positioned in, on, or around at least part of the main body 2 so as to be at least partially surrounded by the material of the latter.

[0044] Alternatively, the main body 2 may be fastened and / or inserted, for example by interlocking, optionally manually, into or onto said at least one reinforcement component or insert 3.

[0045] Preferably, the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is incorporated or embedded or encapsulated or inserted into the plastic material of the main body 2 for at least 10% of its volume, for example for a value between 20% and 50% of its volume or at least 65% or 75% thereof.

[0046] The main body 2 may have various configurations depending on requirements.

[0047] According to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the figures, the main body 2 comprises a pair of prongs or bars 2b, optionally rod-shaped, in which the two prongs or bars 2b are substantially parallel or at least substantially converging towards their first, in use, front ends 2b 1, for example placed at the elongated front portion of a bicycle saddle.

[0048] The main body 2 also comprises a connecting portion 2c, optionally U- shaped.

[0049] The two prongs or bars 2b are connected to each other by means of the connecting portion 2c.

[0050] In use, the connecting portion 2c may be configured to be constrained to a saddle or to the lower surface of its frame or shell component, for example at its elongated front portion.

[0051] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the pair of prongs or bars 2b may define respective first ends 2b 1, connected to each other by the connecting portion 2c, and respective second ends 2b2.

[0052] According to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the figures, the two prongs or bars 2b and the connecting portion 2c are made integrally and / or in one piece, and the main body 2 therefore has an overall substantially U-shaped or V-shaped configuration, in which the connecting portion 2c is, for example, placed, in use, at the curved part or vertex of the substantially U-shaped or V-shaped configuration, in turn placed at the elongated front portion of a bicycle saddle.

[0053] This connecting portion 2c is adapted to be housed and / or constrained in a suitable front fastening seat appropriately made at the front area of the lower surface of the frame or shell component of the saddle.

[0054] In the case in which the pair of prongs or bars 2b is made in one piece with the connecting portion 2c, the first ends 2b 1 may be corresponding between them and with the connecting portion 2c, and indeed defined at the tip or pointed zone or curved zone of the U- or V-shaped main body 2, as shown in the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the figures.

[0055] According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention (not shown in the figures), the two prongs or bars 2b and the connecting portion 2c, optionally made integrally and / or in one piece, may also have a Y-shaped configuration, in which the two prongs or bars 2b converge towards the center of the saddle, joining at a joining portion, for example corresponding to the constraint portion 2a, and the connecting portion 2c extends from the joining portion towards the front part of the saddle (for example being upstream of the joining portion or of the constraint portion 2a). In this case, the connecting portion 2c is shaped as a bar (also called monobar), whose distal end (placed at the front part of the saddle) is designed to be housed in the front fastening seat of the lower surface of the frame or shell component of a saddle.

[0056] Optionally, according to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the figures, the second ends 2b2 are free ends and are configured to be constrained, in use, to a bicycle saddle or to the lower surface of the frame or shell component of a saddle.

[0057] In this case, for example, the second ends 2b2 are housed and / or constrained in respective rear fastening seats present on the lower surface of a saddle or on the lower surface of the frame or shell component of a saddle.

[0058] In particular, such rear fastening seats are placed at the widened rear, in use portion of the bicycle saddle.

[0059] According to a further non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention, not illustrated in the figures, the second ends 2b2 of the prongs or bars 2b are joined together by a rear connecting section, optionally curved, which gives the connection element 1 a substantially closed configuration, optionally a closed ring. In this case, the rear fastening seat will be a single one, shaped to house and / or constrain such rear connecting segment.

[0060] Advantageously, the constraining portion 2a to the seat post of a bicycle is at least partially recessed, in use, with respect to the first ends 2b 1 and / or the second ends 2b2 of the pair of prongs or bars 2b and optionally also with respect to the connecting portion 2c.

[0061] Preferably, the plastic material of the main body 2 is a techno-polymer, i.e., a polymer with high physical-mechanical characteristics such as to allow its use as a substitute for metallic materials.

[0062] Advantageously, the techno-polymer comprises or is selected from the group including: polyamides (PA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PC / ABS alloys, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polysulfone (PSU), polyetherketone (PEK, PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA), and polyacrylamide (PARA).

[0063] Optionally, the plastic material of the main body 2 has a density between 0.8 g / cm3and 1.6 g / cm3, preferably between about 1 g / cm3and 1.4 g / cm3, for example 1.1 g / cm3or 1.3 g / cm3.

[0064] Advantageously, the plastic material of the main body 2 is added or loaded with carbon fibers in a weight percentage between 5% and 60%, for example between 15% and 40%, optionally about 30%, based on the total weight of the plastic material. This increases the mechanical strength of the main body 2.

[0065] Preferably, the main body 2 can be overmolded on the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 by injection molding.

[0066] Preferably, but not exclusively, the metallic material of the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is titanium.

[0067] Advantageously, the connecting geometries between the prongs or bars 2b interfacing with the seat post and the ends 2b 1, 2b2 interfacing with the frame or shell component of a saddle, are made or optimized by “generative design.”

[0068] Advantageously, the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is made by generative design which in turn, advantageously but not exclusively, can be manufactured by three-dimensional or 3D printing. With reference to this latter aspect, three-dimensional or 3D generative printing, also called “generative design,” is based on the use of advanced algorithms and software to automatically generate optimized geometries to meet specific performance criteria, such as structural strength and reduced weight.

[0069] Unlike traditional design methods which start from a predefined concept and gradually adapt it to meet the required specifications, generative 3D printing begins with a set of constraints and performance goals and uses one or more optimization algorithms to explore a wide range of possible solutions. This process generates a series of complex and innovative geometries that are difficult to conceive using conventional methods.

[0070] Once the optimized geometries have been generated, three-dimensional or 3D printing is used to physically create the component, in this case the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3.

[0071] Preferably, the connection element 1 comprises two reinforcement components or inserts 3 positioned at the constraint portion 2a of each prong or bar 2b of the main body 2.

[0072] Optionally, the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 may have a substantially elongated shape, substantially arranged along the main extension direction of the prong or bar 2b and / or along a main extension dimension of the connection element 1.

[0073] According to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the figures, from a structural point of view, the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 comprises or delimits at least two support portions 3a, 3b, opposite to each other, and at least one main connecting section 3c connecting the at least two support portions 3a, 3b.

[0074] The at least two support portions 3a, 3b may have a specular configuration and / or be proportionally different from each other.

[0075] Optionally, the reinforcement component or insert 3 may be hollow.

[0076] Advantageously, the at least one main connecting section 3c is fully incorporated or embedded or encapsulated or inserted in the plastic material of the main body 2.

[0077] Preferably, the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is at least partially exposed, i.e., has a surface SE external or facing outward from the main body 2. Said external surface SE, therefore, is not covered by the material of the main body 2.

[0078] In particular, according to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the at least two support portions 3a, 3b are at least partially exposed, i.e., they have respective surfaces SE external or facing outward from the main body 2. The at least partial exposure of the external surfaces SE of the at least two support portions 3a, 3b allows for the provision of a connection point for the seat post of a bicycle or for the means responsible for connecting the fork or rail and the seat post directly on the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3. In this way, during use, improved dissipation of mechanical stresses is obtained without interposition of the material of the main body 2.

[0079] From a geometrical point of view, a first external surface SE may be, in use, one that faces entirely or at least partially the lower surface of the saddle or the lower surface of the frame or shell component of the saddle itself, and the other facing in the opposite direction with respect to the first external surface SE or, alternatively, both external surfaces SE may be positioned so as not to face, either totally or partially, the lower surface of the saddle or the lower surface of the frame or shell component of the saddle itself.

[0080] Optionally, the at least two support portions 3a, 3b may have an elongated plan configuration, for example substantially oval or elliptical, or rectangular, or trapezoidal, or polygonal, optionally with rounded comers. Furthermore, said support portions 3a, 3b may have a cross-section, relative to their main extension, preferably curved or bent so as to replicate at least part of the cross-section and / or external configuration of the main body 2, which, as mentioned, may be, for example, rod-shaped.

[0081] Optionally, the at least one main connecting section 3c bridges the at least two support portions 3a, 3b, for example at a respective central zone 3al, 3b 1. Optionally, the at least one main connecting section 3c may define respective terminal portions 3cl, 3c2 each extending along the main extension dimension of the at least two support portions 3 a, 3b, for example over more than 50% or 70% or 90% of the respective extension of the at least two support portions 3a, 3b along said main extension dimension.

[0082] In particular, the terminal portions 3cl and 3c2 extend away from the main extension direction of the connecting section 3 c, each toward a respective terminal portion 3a2, 3b2 of a corresponding support portion 3a or 3b.

[0083] Advantageously, the terminal portions 3cl, 3c2 may have a respective thickness progressively decreasing starting from the at least one main connecting section 3c in a direction away from it.

[0084] Optionally, the terminal portions 3cl, 3c2 have a width or transverse dimension that is smaller than the width or transverse dimension of the support portions 3a, 3b.

[0085] Optionally, the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 may also comprise at least one auxiliary connecting section 3d between the at least two support portions 3a, 3b. The at least one auxiliary connecting section 3d, if present, is capable of providing greater strength and resistance to mechanical stress to the at least two support portions 3a, 3b.

[0086] According to the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the figures, said at least one auxiliary connecting section 3d bridges the at least two support components or portions 3a, 3b at their respective terminal portions 3a2, 3b2.

[0087] Optionally, on the external surface SE of the at least two support portions 3a, 3b a blind opening BO may be defined, which is configured to be coupled with suitable retaining and / or stabilizing means comprised in a mold into which said at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is placed, in the version in which it is to be overmolded with the material of the main body 2.

[0088] Subject-matter of the present invention is also a bicycle saddle comprising a connection element 1, such as for example a fork or rail, according to the present invention or according to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] The bicycle saddle comprises, as mentioned, at least one lower surface or a frame or shell component, equipped with a lower surface, made of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material, which acts as a structural support for the saddle itself and for the user during use.

[0090] The connection element 1 is connected and / or constrained to the saddle in question, and in particular to its lower surface or to the lower surface of the frame or shell component, by means of at least one of the modes described above.

[0091] Subject-matter of the present invention is also a bicycle comprising a seat post and a saddle provided with a connection element 1 according to the present invention. Said saddle is connected to the seat post at the connection element 1, and in particular at the constraint portion 2a of the main body 2.

[0092] Moreover, subject-matter of the present invention is also a method for producing a connection element 1, such as for example a fork or rail, for connecting a bicycle saddle to the seat post of a bicycle.

[0093] The method according to the present invention initially comprises the step of providing at least one reinforcement component or insert 3, preferably made of metallic material, advantageously made by three-dimensional or 3D printing, for example by 3D printing. The 3D printing produces a configuration that structurally meets load requirements and is optimized by generative 3D design, which allows, for example, material to be eliminated from areas not subject to mechanical stress. This aspect, therefore, allows further optimization of the final weight of the reinforcement component or insert 3 and / or the connection element 1.

[0094] Then, a step of placing the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 in a mold is provided.

[0095] According to one version of the invention, the method also comprises the step of overmolding a main body 2 made of plastic material over the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 by molding, preferably by injection molding, so that the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 is at least partially embedded or drowned or encapsulated in the plastic material of the main body 2.

[0096] Finally, the method according to the present invention comprises a step of waiting for the polymerization and / or solidification of the plastic material, so as to determine a stable constraint between the main body 2 and the reinforcement component or insert 3, and finally a step of extracting the connection element 1 from the mold. In this way, the connection component 1 is complete, i.e., formed by the main body 2 and the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3 placed at the constraint portion 2a. The connection element 1 is therefore substantially ready for use.

[0097] According to an alternative version, the method according to the invention comprises a step of inserting the reinforcement component or insert 3 into the main body 2, for example specifically at the prongs or bars 2b thereof (or vice versa).

[0098] Concurrently or not with the at least one preceding step, the reinforcement component or insert 3 is positioned at at least one constraint portion 2a designed, in use, to connect a saddle to the seat post of a bicycle, such constraint portion 2a being defined or comprised within the main body 2. Also in this case, a substantially complete and / or ready-to-use connection element 1 is obtained.

[0099] Preferably, the method does not comprise any post-processing step of the connecting element 1, for example, it does not comprise any step of controlled cooling or deburring or sealing of the connection element 1 itself.

[0100] The connection element 1 according to the present invention, thanks to the combination of the material of the main body 2 and of the at least one reinforcement component or insert 3, is lighter than the forks of the prior art or at least equal in weight to carbon forks, but more efficient and versatile, being able to better dissipate the loads and stresses acting on such connection element 1.

[0101] Moreover, such connection element 1 according to the present invention is more economical than the forks of the prior art, since the amount of carbon, a very expensive material, is reduced and the typical post-processing procedures required for finishing the component itself are not necessary. Furthermore, the method according to the present invention is faster than the traditional manufacturing methods used in the prior art, since it reduces production waste and the total processing energy, thus also improving the sustainability of the method. Modifications and variants of the invention are possible within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Connection element (1) for a bicycle saddle, suitable in use for connecting and / or fastening a saddle to a seat post of a bicycle, comprising:- a main body (2) which includes or defines a constraint portion (2a) designed, in use, to be connected and / or constrained to the seat post of a bicycle,- at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) positioned at said constraint portion (2a) of the main body (2), wherein said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) is at least partly incorporated or embedded or encapsulated or inserted inside said main body (2), wherein said main body (2) is overmolded by injection molding onto said at least one component or reinforcing insert (3), and wherein said at least one component or reinforcing insert (3) is made by three-dimensional or 3D printing.

2. Connection element according to the preceding claim, wherein said main body (2) is made of plastic material and / or wherein said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) is at least partly incorporated or embedded or encapsulated or inserted inside the material of said main body (2).

3. Connection element according to the preceding claim, wherein the plastic material of said main body (2) is a techno-polymer, i.e., a polymer equipped with high physical-mechanical features such as to allow its use as a substitute for metallic materials.

4. Connection element according to the preceding claim, wherein said techno-polymer comprises or is selected from the group comprising: polyamides (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) , acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PC / ABS alloys, high molecular density polyethylene (HDPE) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) , polysulfone (PSU), polyetherketone (PEK, PEEK), polyimide (PI),polyparaphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphthalamide (PPA) and polyacrylamide (PARA).

5. Connection element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic material of said main body (2) is added or loaded with carbon fibers present in a percentage by weight between 5% and 60% of the total weight of said plastic material.

6. Connection element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) is made of metallic material.

7. Fork according to the preceding claim, wherein said metallic material is titanium.

8. Connection element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) is made by means of generative design which in turn is made by means of three-dimensional or 3D printing.

9. Connection element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) includes or delimits at least two support portions (3a, 3b), opposite each other, and at least one main connection section (3c) which connects said at least two support portions (3a, 3b).

10. Connection element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) is at least partially exposed, i.e., has a surface (ES) external or facing outwards of said main body (2) which it is not covered by the material of said main body (2).

11. Connection element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said reinforcing component or insert (3) is incorporated or embedded or encapsulated or inserted in the plastic material of said main body (2) for at least 75% of its volume.

12. Bicycle saddle comprising at least one lower surface or a frame or shell component, equipped with a lower surface, made of substantially rigid or semirigid material, which acts as a structural support for the saddle itself and for a userduring use, and a connection element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connection element (1) is connected and / or constrained to said bicycle saddle and / or to said lower surface.

13. Bicycle comprising a seat post and a saddle according to the preceding claim, wherein said saddle is connected to said seat post at the constraint portion (2a) of the main body (2).

14. Method for the production of a connection element (1) for a bicycle saddle, suitable in use for connecting and / or constraining this saddle to a seat post of a bicycle, comprising the steps of: providing at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) made by three- dimensional or 3D printing, positioning said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) in a mold, overmolding a main body (2) on said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) by means of injection molding so that said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3) is at least partially incorporated or embedded or encapsulated in said main body (2) and positioned at a constraint portion (2a), defined or included in the main body (2), designed, in use, to connect the saddle to the seat post of a bicycle, waiting for the polymerization and / or solidification of said material of said main body (2), so as to determine the stable constraint between said main body (2) and said at least one reinforcement component or insert (3), and extracting the connection element (1) from said mold. obtaining said complete connection element (1).

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