GB2116128A

GB2116128A - Saddle height-adjusting means for a cycle

Info

Publication number: GB2116128A
Application number: GB08207097A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Bernard Walters
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-03-11
Filing date: 1982-03-11
Publication date: 1983-09-21

Abstract

A saddle support member is movable in use between an upper and a lower position so as to facilitate cycling in comfort. The saddle-support member may be a tubular member (4) axially slidable within a second tubular member (1) fixable in the seat-pillar receiving portion (2) of a frame. Releasable locking means (10) and spring-return means (9) for biasing the saddle-support member into the upper position are provided. Alternatively, the saddle support member (11) may be pivotally connected to the cross bar (15) by a link (14) and to the cycle frame upright (20) by a second link (16) having a slot (17) engaged by a pin (18). Lateral movement of the link (16) allows the pin (18) to slide upwardly in the slot and thus lower the member (11). A third alternative has the member (11) supported on parallel pivoted links forming a quadrilateral linkage which may be "collapsed" to lower the member (11). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Saddle height-adjusting means for a cycle The present inveintion relates a saddle height-adjusting means for a cycle, particularly but not exclusivelyfora pedal bicycle.

The height of a bicycle saddle is normally adjustable, but once adjusted can not be altered while the bicycle is in use.

Many riders find that the most comfortable and efficient height is such that, at the bottom of the pedal stroke, the knee is almost straight, and the foot partly extended from the ankle. With this adjustment it is usually not possible for the rider to reach the ground while seated on the saddle, except with the very tips of the toes, and then often with the bicycle leaning to one side.

In circumstances where the rider has to stop from time to time, as when riding in towns, this leads to diffculty. Some riders dismount; some may slide forward off the saddle and stand between the saddle and the handlebar. Other riders adjust their saddle so that they can reach the ground with one foot, but thus losing some comfort and riding efficiency.

The present invention provides saddle height-adjusting means for a cycle comprising a saddle-support member and means permitting movement, in use, of the saddle-supporting member between an upper and a lower position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a first tubular member is fixable in the seat-pillar receiving portion of a bicycle frame, and the saddle-support member comprises a second tubular member axially and non-rotatably slidable within the first tubular member.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the saddle-support member is articulatedly movable via a parallel linkage between the upper and the lower position.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention, the saddle-support member is connected to a cycle-frame cross bar by means of a first link and to cycle-frame upright by means of a link via a slat engaged by a pin so as to allow sliding movement of the second link and hence of the saddle-support member between the upper and the lower position.

Thus, in use, the saddle may be moved up or down between two positions. The upper position is for normal riding; the lower is for when the bicycle is stopped, and allows the rider to place one or both feet on the ground while still seated on the saddle.

The change of position of the saddle is effected quickly and easily by the rider without the need to dismount or to remove the hands from the handlebar.

The saddle-support member may be loaded upwards, by spring-return means, so that it may be lowered by the weight of the rider, but will return to the upper position when this weight is removed.

Releasable locking means may be provided to lock the saddle-supporting member in the upper position, but may be provided to lock it in the lower and possibly in intermediate positions also. The locking means may be controlled by the rider by means of a 'Bowden' type cable from the handlebar or other convenient position.

With this arrangement, when the rider wishes to lower the saddle in preparation for stopping, he will briefly lift his weight from the saddle and release the locking device. He will then put his weight again on the saddle, pushing it down against the spring to the lower position. When he wishes to start riding again, the action of pressing on the pedals will lift his weight from the saddle, which will be returned upwards by the spring and locked in the upper position for normal riding.

The locking device may alternatively comprise clamping or gripping devices which may be arranged to operate as weight is applied; a release sever or other control may be mounted wherever -convenient and not necessarily on the handlebar.

Embodiments of the invention are shown diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a vertical section of a first embodiment in accordance with the invention, and Figures 2 and 3 are side views of second and third embodiments, respectively, of the invention.

In Figure 1, a first tube 1, closed at the lower end, is inserted in the seat pillar receiving section 2 of a bicycle frame. After adjustment of saddle height this tube is clamped in position by a nut and bolt 3 normally provided. A second tube 4, being of a size to slide smoothly inside the tube 1 is inserted therein. A tube 5 is fixed to the tube 4 in a horizontal position to carry a bicycle saddle (not shown) in the normal fitting. Alternatively, the tube 5 is dispensed with, and the saddle is fixed directly to the tube 4.

The lower end of the tube 4 is closed. The tube 4 has a slot 6 in opposite sides through which a pin 7 extends, the ends of the pin 7 being fixed in the sides of the tube 1 at the point 8. The tube 4 can therefore move up or down within the limits set by the siot 6, but is restricted from turning.

A coil spring 9 in compression is inserted into tube 1 and presses against the lower end of tube 4. Near the top of the tube 1 a suitable mounting carries a spring loaded pin 10 arranged to pass through a hole in the tube 1 and also, when the tube 4 is in the upper position, through a hole in the tube 4 also, thus locking it in the upper position. The pin 10 can be withdrawn from the hole in the tube 4 when required by means of a cable control operated by the rider from a lever mechanism on the handlebar, not shown.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the tube 4 is inserted in the seat-pillar receiving section 2 and clamped in position by the nut and bolt 3 normally provided. A saddle-support member 11 is pivotally connected to the tube 5 by a parallel linkage 12 and is movable during use between an upper position shown in full line, and a lower position shown in broken line. A stop 13 prevents excess movement of the linkage.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the saddle-support member 11 is fixed to a link 14 pivotally mounted on the cross-bar 15 and is pivotally connected to a link 16. The link 16 has a longitudinalsiot 17 engageable by a pin 18 fixed to a pin support 19 clamped to a frame upright 20. The lower end of the slot 17 has a lateral portion 21, which, when engaged by the pin 18, holds the saddle-support member 11 in the upper position slight lateral movement of the link 17 brings the pin 18 into engagement with the slot 17 thus allowing the saddle-support member 11 to sink to its lower position.

In Figures 2 and 3 spring return means and control means have been omitted, but any suitable form of such means may be provided.

Clearly, further ways of movably mounting the saddle-support member may be devised within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Saddle height-adjusting means for a cycle comprising a saddle-support member and means permitting movement, in use, of the saddle-supporting member between an upper and a lower position.

2. Saddle height-adjusting as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first tubular member is fixable in the seat-pillar receiving portion of a bicycle frame, and the saddle-support member comprises a second tubular member axially and non-rotatably slidable within the first tubular member.

3. Saddle height-adjusting means as claimed in claim l,wherein the saddle-support member is articulatedly movable via a linkage between the upper and the lower position.

4. Saddle height-adjusting means as claimed in claim 3, wherein the linkage is pivotally connected to a cycle seat pillar.

5. Saddle height-adjusting means as claimed in claim 1, wherein the saddle-support member is connected to a cycle-frame cross-bar by means of a first link and to cycle4rame upright by means of a link via a slat engaged by a pin so as to allow sliding movement of the second link and hence of the saddle-support member between the upper and the lower position.

6. Saddle height-adjusting means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and further comprising releasable locking means for locking the saddle support member in the upper position.

7. Saddle height-adjusting means as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking means is spring biased into the locking position.

8. Saddle height-adjusting means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and further compris ing spring-return means for biasing the saddle-sup port member towards the upper position.