Saddle support structure

Abstract

A support structure having a seat surface, particularly for pedal operated machines, such as bicycles, comprises a substantially rigid or semi-rigid frame, means for connecting the frame to the pedal operated machine, a yieldable padding secured to the top face of the frame, a covering layer superimposed to the yieldable pad, wherein the frame has one or more differential rigidity portions, preferably adapted to facilitate the pedaling motion. The differential rigidity portions are preferably situated at an outer peripheral edge of the frame, along which at least one recess is provided. Each differential rigidity portion comprises a plurality of outwardly extending projections.

1 . A support structure having a seat surface and being adaptable for attachment to a pedal operated machine, said support structure comprising: 
 a substantially rigid or semi-rigid frame having a top face,    means for securing said frame to said pedal operated machine,    a yieldable pad secured to said top face of said frame, and    a covering layer superimposed to said yieldable pad,    wherein said frame comprises one or more differential rigidity portions.    
   
   
       2 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said pedal operated machine is selected from the group consisting of bicycles, tricycles, and exercise bicycles.  
   
   
       3 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said one or more differential rigidity portions are adapted to facilitate a pedaling motion by a user.  
   
   
       4 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said one or more differential rigidity portions are located in the proximity of an outer peripheral edge of said frame.  
   
   
       5 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said frame further comprises at least one recess formed along said outer peripheral edge of said frame.  
   
   
       6 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said one or more differential rigidity portions comprise a plurality of elongated projections.  
   
   
       7 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said elongated projections extend outwards from said at least one recess formed along said outer peripheral edge of said frame.  
   
   
       8 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said elongated projections extend substantially parallel to one another so as to form a comblike structure.  
   
   
       9 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein each of said elongated projections are located at a predetermined distance from the remaining projections adjacent thereto, said predetermined distance forming a space between said elongated projections.  
   
   
       10 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said predetermined distance varies for each of said elongated projections.  
   
   
       11 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 9 , further comprising filling elements adaptable for filling said spaces between said elongated projections.  
   
   
       12 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said filling elements comprise a base material selected from the group consisting of a plastic material, an elastomeric material, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       13 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said elongated projections comprise free ends substantially aligned to define an edge, which is connected with said outer peripheral edge of said frame.  
   
   
       14 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said elongated projections each exhibit a flexural and sheer strength that depends on the load direction.  
   
   
       15 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said elongated projections each have a cross section and shape adapted to provide a predetermined flexural and shear strength.  
   
   
       16 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein said predetermined flexural and shear strength are relative to a load activity that is substantially normal to said seat surface and that is substantially normal to a long a plane substantially parallel to said seat surface.  
   
   
       17 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said elongated projections are monolithic with said frame.  
   
   
       18 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said frame comprises a laterally widened rear portion adapted for supporting the buttocks of a user and an elongated front portion defining a longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       19 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein at least one of said differential rigidity portions is in a position symmetrically located with respect to said longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       20 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein said symmetrically located differential rigidity portion is located at a position along a side of said widened rear portion.  
   
   
       21 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein said symmetrically located differential rigidity portion is located at a position corresponding to a junction between said widened rear portion and said elongated front portion.  
   
   
       22 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 19 , where said symmetrically located differential rigidity portion is located a position along a side of said widened rear portion and at a position corresponding to a junction between said widened rear portion and said elongated front portion.  
   
   
       23 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein at least one of said differential rigidity portions is located at a position on a rear edge of said widened rear portion.  
   
   
       24 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an extension adapted to wholly or partly cover said one or more differential rigidity portions.  
   
   
       25 . Support structure as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein said extension arises from one or more yieldable pad and said covering layer.