GB2524471A

GB2524471A - A bicycle saddle

Info

Publication number: GB2524471A
Application number: GB1402980.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Davis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-20
Filing date: 2014-02-20
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Also published as: GB201402980D0

Abstract

A bicycle saddle 10 comprises: a seat post 30 adapted to fit a bicycle; a saddle bracket 36 and saddle seat pads 12,14 arranged to be mounted on the seat post 30, the saddle bracket 36 is mounted on the seat post 30 by means of a vertical pivot means with a vertical pivot axis 34; the seat pads 12,14 comprise: a left seat pad 12 and a right seat pad 14 each having: a seat pad body with an upper support surface 18 to support a user and a front end and a rear end; wherein the left and right seat pads 12,14 are mounted in a spaced apart configuration to the left and right sides of the seat post 30 by left and right horizontal pivot means 38, having a horizontal pivot axis 26 located below the upper support surface 18 and proximal the rear end, the horizontal pivot axis 26 is arranged substantially orthogonal to the vertical pivot axis 34; each seat pad 12,14 is arranged to rotate separately from the other seat pad body about the horizontal pivot axis 26, and to rotate jointly with the other about the vertical pivot axis 36. The seat pads 12,14 may be arranged to return to a set orientation when unweighted by means of a weight or a spring.

Description

A bicycle saddle

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to saddles for bicycles and other devices in which a crank is turned by pedalling in a seated position.

Backaround

Many improved bicycle saddles have been proposed to overcome problems with discomfort and inefficient pedalling when using a conventional saddle. In the prior art a number of devices are disclosed that provide a pair of seat portions side by side, spaced apart to prevent pressure on the perineal or genital area, such that the entire weight of the rider is carried on the sit bones' of the pelvis. Additionally, such devices have included seat portions that are free to rock forward and backwards about a substantially horizontal pivot axis, in order that the seat portion may move with the rider's leg: downwards when pushing down on the pedal and then back upwards when the pedal is rising while force is applied by the other leg. Typically such devices focus on the movement of the seat portion(s), positioning the horizontal pivot axis rearwards or central of the centre point of the seat portions Such a positioning is physiologically inefficient. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ergonomically improved saddle to provide more comfortable and efficient seating and pedalling.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: W0200940771 discloses: The invention relates to a saddle arrangement for a bicycle and to a bicycle. The saddle arrangement includes a mounting member attached or attachable to a bicycle frame and a seat, at least part of which is pivotally displaceable in use relative to the mounting member about a transverse pivot axis between a rest position and a displaced position. The saddle arrangement further includes bias means configured to urge the at least part of the seat towards its rest position.

W0200940861 discloses: A saddle comprising a frame, a seat provided with at least one support member provided with a substantially planar portion able to provide support to a muscle area comprising portions of a user's attachment of thighs and glutei; each support member being connected to the frame in such a way as to be movable relative thereto along a trajectory that is traceable by envelopment of at least one given line; each support member being coupled to the frame in such a way as to be movable in a manner substantially similar to a pendulum.

US6786542 discloses: An improved design in bicycle, unicycle or tricycle seats as related an articulating, adjustable resistance seat, which acts in reducing perineal pressure, providing support to proper parts of the pelvis while allowing variable seat resistance adjustments and width adjustments according to the anatomy of the rider.

The ability to allow an upwardldownwarc movement of the seat with downward resistance provides the rider with an energy assist when the leg is moving in the upward position. This action will result in less fatigue to the rider especially when engaged in racing over long periods. Resistance can be applied by a spring, spring-hinge, torsion bar or other means.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a bicycle saddle comprising in use a seat post adapted to fit a bicycle, and a saddle bracket and saddle seat pads arranged to be mounted on the seat post; wherein: the saddle bracket body is mounted on the seat post by means of a vertical pivot means with a vertical pivot axis; a left seat pad and a right seat pad each comprise a seat pad body with upper support surface to support a user and a front end and a rear end, wherein the left and right seat pads are mounted in a spaced apart configuration to the left and right sides of the seat post by left and right horizontal pivot means having a horizontal pivot axis located below the upper support surface and proximal the rear end, which horizontal pivot axis is arranged substantially orthogonal to the vertical pivot axis; and wherein each seat pad body is arranged to rotate separately from the other seat pad body about the horizontal pivot axis, and rotate joiitly with the other about the vertical pivot axis.

Preferably the rear end comprises a buttock brace, ideally substantially deviating or elevating from the seat pad or upper support surface. Preferably the horizontal pivot axis is displaced from the vertical pivot axis at least horizontally and in some ideal embodiments both horizontally and vertically.

In some embodiments the displacement of the horizontal pivot point may be further adjustably displaced from the vertical axis in use or maintenance, The horizontal axis of motion is set behind the vertical axis of motion to improve cycling posture as well as overall stability. The rear ends therefore include elevated rear braces, and padding is minimised on the seat pads as it impedes proper swivelling motion, which motion follows hip movement rather than spine movement.

The seat pads are constructed from a Nylon (RTM) composite with a thin layer of ureathane padding for cushioning.

The saddle ideally rotates freely in use about the seat post, or vertical axis, translating hip motion. The saddle ideally freely rotates horizontally, translating leg motion. The seat pads are ideally weighted to maintain an upright position when not in use.

The saddle in use thereby consists of two independently moving seat pads, that are free to rotate on a horizontal bar. The horizontal bar is mounted so that it is free to move about a vertical axis which is forward of the horizontal bar. This arrangement allows the seat pads to closely follow the rider's skin movements while maintaining good lateral control. The user's sit bones are ideally directly above the horizontal axis.

Herein the terms horizontal' and vertical' refer to the relative positions of the pivots and pivot axes and signify their relative orientations and their orientations in use.

When in use on a bicycle having a frame substantiafly vertically oriented, the horizontal pivot axis is oriented substantially at a right angle to the plane of the frame and substantially parallel to the ground, and the vertical pivot axis is oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the frame and substantially perpendicular to the ground.

Herein left and right refer to the left and right hand positions facing in the direction from the rear towards the front of the saddle.

Herein proximal to the rear end of the seat pad means a position between the rear end and the midway point between the front and the rear ends.

In some embodiments the horizontal pivot axis is located on the opposite side of the vertical pivot axis from the seat post. In this way in use the horizontal pivot axis is located behind the vertical pivot axis in use.

In this way the invention provides two independently moving seat pads to increase riding comfort. The seat pads are free to rotate about the horizontal pivot axis, that is mounted rearward of a vertical pivot axis. The horizontal and vertical axis arrangement improves posture and overall stability while cycling. The seat pads are spaced apart to support the sit bones and so to relieve pressure on the central soft tissue. Sores are prevented as the seat pads move with the pedalling action of the legs and buttocks. The saddle freely rotates vertically, translating hip motion, and the saddle freely rotates horizontally, translating leg motion.

According to the embodiment the seat pads are spaced in the range 1 to 3 inches apart, in some embodiments in the range 1.5 to 2.5 inches apart, in some embodiments around 2 inches apart. In some further embodiments the spacing may be adjusted at retail or in use, for example including screwthread adjustment or other incremental adjustment means.

In some embodiments the seat pads comprise a first support surface and a second support surface adjoining the rear of the first, the second support surface comprising the brace and being disposed at an angle to the first. In some embodiments the angle is between 100 and 170 degrees, in some embodiments in the range 110 and 140 degrees. In this way in use such seat pads provide the first support surface to carry the majority or substantially all of the rider's sitting weight and the second support surface to provide a brace, backstop or backrest for the rider. In some circumstances in use the rider's weight may be distributed between the first and second support surfaces in different ratios at different points in the pedalling action.

In such embodiments the seat pads may be regarded as having a support surface that is angled upwards towards the rear, or having a concave region of curvature in the front to rear direction.

In some embodiments the horizontal pivot means comprises a cylindrical pivot support or bar mounted on and projecting from the saddle bracket body and a pivot aperture through the seat pad body coaxial with the horizontal pivot axis adapted to engage with the pivot support. In some embodiments the pivot aperture comprises a bearing surface adapted to engage with a pivot support surface provided on the pivot support. In some embodiments the horizontal pivot means comprises a bearing unit mounted within the pivot aperture and mounted on the pivot support.

In some embodiments the horizontal pivel means comprises one or more lateral retaining means to retain the seat pad in a lateral position on the pivot support. In some embodiments a lateral retaining means comprises a ring clip and a ring clip retaining groove. In some embodiments a lateral retaining means comprises a step in the diameter of the pivot support.

n some embodiments the vertical pivot means comprises a cylindrical pivot post attached to the seat post such that the axis of the pivot post and the axis of the seat post form an angle chosen such that in use when the seat post is in position in the seat tube of a bicycle the cylindrical pivot post is substantially vertical. In some such embodiments the cylindrical pivot post comprises a support surface adapted to support a bearing surface formed within a recess within the saddle bracket body configured to receive the pivot post. In some embodiments the vertical pivot means comprises a bearing means provided between the pivot post and the recess.

In some embodiments the seat pads comprise orientation means to retain them in a preferred rotational position with regard to the horizontal pivot means, such that the support surface, or the first support surface where there are two, is at a chosen angle with respect to horizontal when in use. In some embodiments the orientation means is configured to retain the first support surface substantially horizontal when the user is not sifting on the seat pad. In this way the seat pad is oriented ready for sifting when a user first gets on to the bicycle or when they stand on the pedals.

In some embodiments the orientation means comprises a weight distribution of the seat pad such that it returns to the choser position when not being sat upon. In some embodiments the seat pad comprises a weight within the seat pad body, formed from a denser material than the rest of the seat pad body, such as concrete.

In some embodiments the weight comprises a metal. In some embodiments the weight is provided adjacent to the horizontal pivot means and at least in part disposed below the pivot axis.

In some embodiments the orientation means comprises a spring configured to return the seat pad to a chosen orientation. In some embodiments the spring is a torsion spring coaxial with the horizontal pivot axis.

In some embodiments the vertical or the horizontal pivot means are configured to limit rotation, such that the saddle bracket body or the seat pad may move only within a chosen angle around a central position. In some embodiments the pivot means comprises a stop means to stop rotation at the chosen angle. In some embodiments the angle is in the range 5 to 15 degrees.

In some embodiments the front edge of the support surface is curved downwards to provide a comfortable support surface for the underside of the thigh as it rises and falls.

In this way the invention provides a new design of bicycle saddle that is more comfortable than conventional saddles. It will benefit touring cyclists and those who just travel in town. It will also benefit those many women who would like to cycle but do not because of saddle discomfort. Using conventional saddles there are two major sources of discomfort: pressure on the central soft tissue of the perineal area and blisters from the inner thighs rubbing the saddle.

In the saddle of the invention there are two independently moving seat pads, one on each side. Each one supports one sit bone (ischial arch), with a gap of about 2 inches between the pads according to the embodiment; most people have sit bones which are between 4 and 4.5 inches apart. The inventive design avoids all pressure on the central soft tissue. To avoid abrasion of the skin the movement of the seat pad should follow the skin through the pedalling cycle. That is, when the leg is high the seat pad is under the sit bone and when the leg is low the seat pad moves back and behind the leg. In effect the motion of each seat pad describes an arc which is centred in the sit bone.

The required motion of the seat pads is achieved by mounting them on two axes of rotation, one vertical and the other horizontal. The horizontal axis of rotation is displaced from the vertical axis and set a few inches behind the vertical axis in use.

This gives two advantages; firstly, because the pads are either under or behind the sit bones they tend-to push the rider forward: this is countered by having the pedals forward of the saddle thus the pedalling effort keeps the rider back in the saddle and secondly the swivel paint of the hips is in the small of the back which is forward of the sit bones and this arrangement gives a stable feeling in the lateral sense.

The seat pads may have a padded support surface. The saddle may be provided in a range of sizes to suit child and adult riders. While the invention has been described with application to a bicycle saddle it will be appreciated that it is applicable to other situations where a seated person uses leg power to turn a crank, for example a tricycle, a recumbent bicycle, a stationary or exercise bicycle, a pedal-powered boat, or a pedal powered pump or energy generator.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a saddle according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment shown in figure 1 mounted on a bicycle.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 4, an embodiment 10 of a saddle according to the invention comprises: a saddle bracket 25 comprising: a seat post 30 adapted to fit a bicycle frame, a saddle bracket body 36 mounted on the seat post 30 by means of a vertical pivot means 32 having a vertical pivot axis 34, and a left seat pad 12 and a right seat pad 14 each comprising a seat pad body 16 having an upper support surface 18, a front end 20 and a rear end 22, the left and right seat pads each being mounted in a spaced apart configuration on the left and right sides of the saddle bracket body by a left 24 and a right 25 horizontal pivot means having a common horizontal pivot axis 26 located below the upper support surface and proximal its rear end, the horizontal pivot axis being substantially at a right angle to the vertical pivot axis, wherein the rear end comprises a buttock brace 42 wherein each seat pad body is adapted to rotate separately from the other about the horizontal pivot axis and to rotate jointly with the other about the vertical pivot axis.

As shown in figure 4, when in use on a bicycle 100 having a frame substantially vertically oriented, the horizontal pivot axis is oriented substantially at a right angle to the plane of the frame and substantially parallel to the ground, and the vertical pivot axis is oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the frame and substantially perpendicular to the ground.

In this embodiment the horizontal pivot axis is located on the opposite side of the vertical pivot axis from the seat post. In this way in use the horizontal pivot axis is located behind the vertical pivot axis in use.

In this embodiment the seat pads are spaced around 2 inches apart.

In this embodiment the seat pads comprise a first support surface 18 and a second support surface 42 adjoining the rear of the first, the second support surface being disposed at an angle to the first. In this embodiment the angle is in the range 130 to 140 degrees.

In this embodiment the horizontal pivot means 24 comprises a cylindrical pivot support 38 mounted on and projecting from the saddle bracket body 36 and a pivot aperture 44 through the seat pad body 16 coaxial with the horizontal pivot axis 26 and adapted to engage rotatably with the pivot support. In this embodiment the pivot aperture comprises a bearing surface 46 adapted to engage rotatably with a pivot support surface 48 provided on the pivot support. In this embodiment the left and right horizontal pivot means comprise a common pivot support bar 66 forming the left 36 and right 40 horizontal pivot supports to engage coaxially with the pivot aperture 44 in the left seat pad and pivot aperture 46 in the right seat pad. The pivot means comprise lateral retaining means to retain each seat pad in a lateral position on the pivot support, comprising ring clips 50 and ring clip retaining grooves 52 formed in the bar 66.

In this embodiment the vertical pivot means 32 comprises a cylindrical pivot post 54 attached to the seat post 30 such that the axis 34 of the pivot post and the axis 58 of the seat post form an angle chosen such that in use when the seat post is in position in the seat tube of a bicycle the cylindrical pivot post is substantially vertical. The cylindrical pivot post 54 comprises a support surface 60 adapted to support a bearing surface formed within a recess within the saddle bracket body configured to receive the pivot post. In other embodiments the bearing surface could also be formed from the lower surface of the saddle bracket body without the need for a recess.

In this embodiment the seat pads comprise orientation means adapted to retain the first support surface substantially horizontal when the user is not sitting on the seat pad, comprising a weight 62 within the seat pad body provided adjacent to the horizontal pivot means and at least in pad disposed below the pivot axis.

In this embodiment the first support is provided with a padding layer 64.

In this embodiment the front edge of the support surface is curved downwards to provide a comfortable support surface for the underside of the thigh as it rises and falls. Here the radius of curvature of the front edge of the upper support surface is in the range 0.25 to 0.5 of the front to back length of the support surface. The curvature provides a depth of the front edge in the range 0.2 to 0.33 of the front to back length of the upper support surface as shown in the figures.

The seat pads may be constructed from composite comprising nylon or carbon fibre, with a thin layer of urethane padding for cushioning. The saddle bracket may be formed from aluminium or titanium alloys as known for bicycle parts manufacturing.

The spring clips may be formed from spring steel. The weights may be formed from stainless steel.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A bicycle saddle comprising in use a seat post adapted to fit a bicycle, and a saddle bracket and saddle seat pads arranged to be mounted on the seat post; wherein: the saddle bracket body is mounted on the seat post by means of a vertical pivot means with a vertical pivot axis; a left seat pad and a right seat pad each comprising a seat pad body with upper support surface to support a user and a front end and a rear end, wherein the left and right seat pads are mounted in a spaced apart configuration to the left and right sides of the seat post by left and right horizontal pivot means having a horizontal pivot axis located below the upper support surface and proximal the rear end, which horizontal pivot axis is arranged substantially orthogonal to the vertical pivot axis; and wherein each seat pad body is arranged to rotate separately from the other seat pad body about the horizontal pivot axis, and rotate jointly with the other about the vertical pivot axis.
2. A saddle according to claim 1 wherein the horizontal axis is spaced apart from the vertical axis.
3. A saddle according to claim 2 wherein the horizontal axis is spaced apart from the vertical axis vertically and horizontally.
4. A saddle according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the seat pads comprise a first support surface and a second support surface adjoining the rear of the first, the second support surface being disposed at an angle to the first.
5. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the horizontal pivot means comprises a cylindrical pivot support mounted on and projecting from the saddle bracket body and a pivot aperture through the seat pad body coaxial with the horizontal pivot axis.
6 A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the vertical pivot means comprises a cylindrical pivot post attached to the seat. post such that the axis of the pivot post and the axis of the seat post form an angle chosen such that in use when the seat post is in position in the seat tube of a bicycle the cylindrical pivot post is substantially vertical.
7. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the seat pads comprise orientation means to retain them in a preferred rotational position with regard to the horizontal pivot means.
8. A saddle according to claim 7 wherein the orientation means comprises a weight distribution of the seat pad such that it returns to the chosen position when not being sat upon.
9. A saddle according to claim 8 wherein the seat pad has a centre of gravity below the horizontal axis.
10. A saddle according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the seat pad comprises a weight within the seat pad body, formed from a denser material than the rest of the seat pad body
11. A saddle according to claim 7 wherein the orientation means comprises a spring configured to return the seat pad to a chosen orientation.
12. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the vertical or the horizontal pivot means are configured to limit rotation such that the saddle bracket body or the seat pad may move only within a chosen angle around a central position.
13. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the seat pads are spaced in the range ito 3 inches apart.
14. A saddle according to claim 13 wherein the seat pads are around 2 inches apart.
15. A saddle according to any preceding claim wherein the front edge of the support surface is curved downwards.
16. A saddle arrangement substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.