Selle Royal S.p.a.

Riccardo Bigolin

The present invention provides a viscoelastic support structure having improved energy absorption properties. The support structure generally comprises a frame, at least one resilient filler layer, a flexible covering, and at least one gel insert interposed between the covering and the frame. The support structure finds particular use in vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles.

Viscoelastic support structure with improved energy absorption properties

Handlebar grip for a bicycle or similar vehicle, formed by a main rigid body of tubular shape supporting, fixed thereon, a covering of moderately soft material, in particular in gel form. Two terminal elements are provided at the ends of the grip, each of the elements being provided with an annular protection rim intended to line a corresponding end edge of the covering, and with an elastically deformable tubular lug to be inserted between an end section of the handlebar and the main body, compressed between the handlebar and the main body so as to ensure gripping engagement as a result of friction thereon.

Handlebar grip, in particular for a bicycle

Saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle, which comprises a support structure () provided with a padding () having, associated above it, a seating surface (). The support structure () comprises a plurality of first layers () of high-rigidity composite material having an opening () formed centrally therein and a second layer () of composite material with a rigidity less than that of the first layers (), fixed to the latter along a superimposed surface covering the opening () so as to form an elastically yielding zone which is preferably located in the prostatic and ischiatic zones of the seat () of the saddle ().

Saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle

Saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle, comprising a support structure provided with a padding having a seating surface. The support structure comprises a plurality of first layers of high-rigidity composite material having an opening formed centrally therein and a second layer of composite material with a rigidity less than that of the first layers, fixed to the latter along a superimposed surface covering the opening so as to form an elastically yielding zone which is preferably located in the prostatic and ischiatic zones of the seat of the saddle.

Method for the manufacture of a saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle

Bicycle saddle

An integral elastic support structure (1) comprising a filler (3) in elastically yielding material covered by a covering layer (4) in flexible laminar material. The filler (3) has in its inside at least one ornamental element (5) and the covering layer (4) has at least one optically transparent zone (7) through which the cited ornamental element is visible. The covering layer (4) may be formed by a sheet of uniformly transparent synthetic material which is opacified in the zone which is complementary to the optically transparent zone. A method for the manufacture of the cited elastic support provides for the insertion in the filler (3) of at least one ornamental element (5) and the provision on the covering layer (4) of at least one optically transparent zone (7) through which the ornamental element (5) is visible. The integral elastic element obtained in this manner is comfortable, allows to verify the presence of the filler layer in gel, has ornamental elements which are not subjected to damage or wear.

Integral elastic support structure with ornamental elements and method

A method for manufacturing integral elastic supports formed by an upper covering (2), by an intermediate filler (3) and by a semirigid shell (4) entails the use of a mold with a hollow lower part, a flat upper part, and at least one intermediate plate. The method includes the following steps: opening of the mold; deposition on the lower part of a covering sheet with an excess border; securing of the excess border by means of the locking plate; deformation of the covering sheet in vacuum; pouring of a first layer of a gel compound in the fluid state; coupling of a semirigid shell to the upper part of the mold; pouring of a second layer of an expandable resin in the fluid state; closing of the mold; opening of the mold and removal of the finished support. The expandable resin is poured onto the gel compound after a period of time that is sufficient to allow the compound to assume a consistency and shape of its own but is shorter than the full polymerization time so as to allow it to react at least partially with the resin.

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San Zenone degli Ezzelini, Italy

Riccardo Bigolin