Patent Publication Number: US-2004051352-A1

Title: Saddle construction for bicycles and motocycles

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to an improved saddle construction, specifically designed for bicycles and motorcycles.  
       [0002] As is known, a bicycle saddle must have a rigid construction, in order to resist against forces applied thereon, but, in the meanwhile, it must be able of absorbing impacts deriving from the ground surface.  
       [0003] Thus, such a saddle must have a sufficiently rigid construction to properly balance the impact forces exerted against the ischiatic bones of the user, and, in the meanwhile, it must also be sufficiently soft in order to provide the user with a comfort as high as possible.  
       [0004] Another problem affecting a proper designing of a bicycles saddle, is that of properly distributing the user weight bearing points or regions, from a mere anatomic standpoint.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to provide such a saddle construction which is greatly improved with respect to conventional like saddles.  
       [0006] Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide such a saddle construction which is specifically designed to provide very good stability features, and a very good damping against forces exerted thereon.  
       [0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a saddle construction which is very comfortable for a user supported thereby.  
       [0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an improved saddle construction, specifically designed for bicycles, and being characterized in that said saddle construction comprises a saddle framework, a top saddle shell and a bottom saddle shell.  
       [0009] Between the top saddle shell and bottom saddle shell is arranged a cushion element designed for operating as a damper at least at the central and rear portions of the saddle body. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0010] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative example, in the accompanying drawings, where:  
     [0011]FIG. 1 is a longitudinally cross sectioned side elevation view of a saddle construction including a cushion element according to the present invention;  
     [0012]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating a saddle construction including a cushion element filled by a fluid, according to the present invention; and  
     [0013]FIG. 3 is an exploded side elevation view, as longitudinally cross-sectioned, of a saddle construction including a cushion element according to the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0014] With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the saddle construction according to the present invention, which has been generally indicated by the reference number  1 , comprises a top saddle shell  3 , coupled to a bottom saddle shell  2 , and a supporting saddle framework  4 , which can be coupled to the body or frame of a bicycle.  
     [0015] The two shells  2  and  3  are coupled to one another, by a plug-in assembly  5 , thereby the top shell can be displaced with respect to the bottom shell, while being cushioned at the rear portion thereof and fixed, at the front portion thereof, to the bottom shell.  
     [0016] Between the top shell  3  and bottom shell  2  is arranged a cushion element  9  operating as a damper at the central and rear portions of the sitting part of the saddle.  
     [0017] More specifically, the cushion element  9  can have a solid construction, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, or it can also have a hollow construction and can be filled-in by any desired suitable fluid, such as a liquid or gas, or air, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, according to the cushioning effect to be achieved.  
     [0018] According to a further feature of the invention, the cushion element  9  can preferably be transparent or clear, or it can be decorated on its outside, and can held in its inside decorated, printed upon or floating elements.  
     [0019] The plug-in assembly  5  comprises an housing or casing.  6  which can include a polyurethane plug-in element, not specifically shown, designed for preventing the two shells from sliding with respect to one another, and for absorbing excessive loads, such as twisting and compression loads, which would reduce the mechanical strength of the force loading fulcrum  11 .  
     [0020] The assembly including the two shells is moreover affixed and held under tension by the framework  4  which, at its rear portion  7  engages in said bottom shell  2  and, at its front portion  8 , engages in said top shell  3 .  
     [0021] The saddle construction can comprise moreover a padding  10 , including a polyurethane material or any other suitable material, designed for providing a good sitting comfort, and being coated by a suitable coating material such as leather or the like, as is known per se.  
     [0022] It has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.  
     [0023] In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes, can be any; depending on requirements and the status of the art.