U.S. patent application number 11/349428 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for protection for cycling pants.
This patent application is currently assigned to CAMPAGNOLO SPORTSWEAR S.R.L.. Invention is credited to Enrico Bulian.
Application Number | 20060191052 11/349428 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34943074 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191052 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bulian; Enrico |
August 31, 2006 |
Protection for cycling pants
Abstract
Anatomical protection for cycling pants avoids the occurrence of
an unbalanced abutment on the saddle. The protection leaves a
sufficient surface free of padding, for good perspiration. The
protection has a pair of paddings, each having a peripheral region
with a greater thickness than a central region, the peripheral
region being suitable for centering around an ischiatic
tuberosity.
Inventors: |
Bulian; Enrico; (San
Giuseppe di Cassola, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
CAMPAGNOLO SPORTSWEAR
S.R.L.
Vicenza
IT
I-36100
|
Family ID: |
34943074 |
Appl. No.: |
11/349428 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 1/084 20130101;
A41D 13/0155 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/023 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/06 20060101
A41D013/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 25, 2005 |
EP |
05425107.9 |
Claims
1. Protection for cycling pants, comprising a pair of paddings,
each having a peripheral region with a greater thickness than a
central region, said peripheral region being suitable for centering
around an ischiatic tuberosity.
2. Protection according to claim 1, wherein in each padding the
peripheral region is softer than the central region.
3. Protection according to claim 1, wherein in each padding the
peripheral region is less soft than the central region.
4. Protection according to claim 1, wherein in each padding the
peripheral region and the central region are equally soft.
5. Protection according to claim 1, wherein in each padding, the
peripheral region and the central region are filled with air or gas
at different pressures.
6. Protection according to claim 1, wherein in each padding, the
peripheral region and the central region are filled with different
materials.
7. Protection according to claim 1, wherein in each padding
aeration paths are made.
8. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding has a
proximal surface with a concave envelope contour.
9. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding has a
distal surface with an envelope contour selected from concave, flat
and convex with a greater radius of curvature than a radius of
curvature of the proximal surface.
10. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding has a
concentric configuration and concentric rings of the configuration
have decreasing thickness towards the center of the padding.
11. Protection according to claim 10, wherein each concentric ring
comprises a single toroidal element.
12. Protection according to claim 10, wherein at least one
intermediate concentric ring comprises a plurality of toroidal
elements externally tangent to each other.
13. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding is made
from a yielding impermeable material shaped like at least one bag,
filled with a flowable material selected from the group consisting
of a gas, a liquid, and a gel.
14. Protection according to claim 13, wherein said at least one bag
is equipped with a filling valve.
15. Protection according to claim 13, wherein bags that comprise at
least two adjacent concentric rings of toroidal elements are in
communication.
16. Protection according to claim 13, wherein in each padding at
least two distinct bags are made, one comprising the peripheral
region and one comprising the central region.
17. Protection according to claim 16, wherein the corresponding
bags of the two paddings are connected together.
18. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding is made
from a foam material.
19. Protection according to claim 18, wherein the density of the
material ranges between about 180 g/m2 and about 400 g/m2.
20. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding has a
transversal size from 4 to 10 cm.
21. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding has a
thickness of about 10 mm in the peripheral region and a thickness
of about 4 mm in the central region.
22. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding is
essentially circular.
23. Protection according to claim 1, further comprising a third
padding arranged centrally and offset with respect to the pair of
paddings.
24. Protection according to claim 23, wherein the third padding is
softer than the two paddings of the pair.
25. Protection according to claim 23, wherein the peripheral
regions of the three paddings merge.
26. Protection according to claim 1, further comprising at least
one of a proximal seat pad layer and a distal seat pad layer.
27. Protection according to claim 26, wherein said at least one
seat pad layer is made from a material that is soft, hygienic,
resistant to skin pH, breathable, anallergic, anti-bacterial and/or
heat-regulating.
28. Protection according to claim 26, wherein said at least one
seat pad layer is made from a material selected among natural
fabric, synthetic fabric, mesh, knitted fabric, microfiber or
animal hides.
29. Protection according to claim 1, wherein the two paddings are
arranged at an interaxis distance selected from 8 cm, 10 cm and 6
cm.
30. Protection according to claim 1, wherein each padding is
removable.
31. Protection according to claim 1, wherein the two paddings have
an adjustable interaxis distance.
32. Protection according to claim 31, wherein each padding is
housed with clearance in an oversized pocket.
33. Protection according to claim 31, further comprising a device
for adjusting the interaxis distance between the paddings,
comprising two splines made of a semi-rigid material having a
respective knurled slot, and a pin with disc-shaped heads movable
with friction between the overlapping knurled slots.
34. Protection according to claim 33, wherein the two splines
extend in converging, essentially radial directions from the two
paddings and have a fold that forms two overlapping portions in
which the knurled slots are made.
35. Cycling pants comprising a protection according to claim 1.
36. Padding for a protection according to claim 1.
37. Protection for cycling pants, comprising: a pair of paddings,
each having a peripheral region with a greater thickness than a
central region, said peripheral region being suitable for centering
around a cyclist's ischiatic tuberosity; and a third padding
arranged between the pair of paddings, centering around a genital
region of a cyclist.
38. Protection for cycling pants, comprising: a pair of paddings,
each having a peripheral region with a greater thickness than a
central region, said peripheral region being suitable for centering
around a cyclist's ischiatic tuberosity; and a third padding shaped
as an elongated ellipse, arranged between but offset from the pair
of paddings, centering around a genital region of the cyclist.
39. Protection for cycling pants, comprising: a pair of paddings,
each having a peripheral region with a greater thickness than a
central region, said peripheral region being suitable for centering
around a cyclist's ischiatic tuberosity; and a third padding
arranged between but offset from the pair of paddings, centering
around a genital region of a cyclist; wherein at least one of the
three paddings is made from a yielding impermeable material shaped
like at least one bag, filled with a flowable material selected
from the group consisting of a gas, a liquid, and a gel.
40. Protection according to claim 39, wherein said at least one bag
is equipped with a filling valve.
41. Protection according to claim 39, wherein the peripheral
regions of the three paddings merge.
42. Protection for cycling pants, comprising a pair of paddings,
wherein each padding has a concentric configuration, and concentric
rings of the configuration have decreasing thickness towards the
center of the padding.
43. Protection for cycling pants, comprising a pair of paddings,
wherein each padding has a concentric configuration, and concentric
rings of the configuration have decreasing thickness towards the
center of the padding, and wherein each concentric ring comprises a
single toroidal element.
44. Protection for cycling pants, comprising a pair of paddings,
each having a peripheral region with a greater thickness than a
central region, wherein each padding is made from a yielding
impermeable material shaped like at least one bag, filled with a
flowable material selected from the group consisting of a gas, a
liquid, and a gel.
45. Protection for cycling pants, comprising a pair of paddings,
each having a peripheral region with a greater thickness than a
central region, wherein each padding is made from a yielding
impermeable material shaped like at least one bag, filled with a
flowable material selected from the group consisting of a gas, a
liquid, and a gel, wherein the bags that comprise at least two
adjacent concentric rings of toroidal elements are in communication
one to the other.
46. A pant comprising localized regions of padding located at a
wearer's ischiatic tuberosity, said padding comprising a peripheral
region with a greater thickness than a central region.
47. Protection for cycling pants, comprising a pair of paddings,
each having a peripheral region with a different softness than a
central region, said peripheral region being suitable for centering
around an ischiatic tuberosity.
48. Protection according to claim 47, wherein said peripheral
region and said central region have a same thickness and are filled
by air or gas at a different pressure.
49. Protection according to claim 47, wherein said peripheral
region and said central region have a different thickness and are
filled by air or gas at a different pressure.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns a protection for cycling
pants, as well as cycling pants that comprise such a protection and
a padding for the protection.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the present description and in the attached claims, under
the term "cycling pants", any garment such as shorts, long pants,
bibs and tights for bicycles, exercise bikes and gym equipment for
spinning are meant.
[0003] In the present description and in the attached claims, under
the term "seat pad", an insert or reinforcement extending around
the crotch of the pants is meant. The shape of a seat pad is
essentially that of a pear or a double lobe.
[0004] The seating surface on a bicycle must be kept small both
transversally and parallel to the median plane of the bicycle, in
order to contain the weight and transversal size of the bicycle
and, above all, to allow the legs to make a pedaling motion. The
bicycle saddle therefore has essentially the shape of a narrow
isosceles triangle in a plan view.
[0005] Abutment on the saddle, rubbing against it caused by the
movement of the legs during pedalling and local overheating, as
well as impacts, vibrations and shakes due to unevenness of the
ground or in the case of a fall, cause various problems and
inconveniences, especially during prolonged or competitive use of
the bicycle. Unfortunately, there are common problems both at skin
level and at muscular level, such as the formation of blisters,
sores, irritations, ulcerations, corns, traumas and microtraumas,
bruises and wounds and even blood circulation problems and prostate
problems.
[0006] In order to protect the body region that suffers from such
problems, cycling pants foresee a seat pad made of a material that
has suitable characteristics, namely that is soft, hygienic,
resistant to skin pH, breathable, anallergic, anti-bacterial,
elastic and heat-regulating.
[0007] Among the materials commonly used for the seat pad, natural
or synthetic fabric, mesh, knitted fabric, microfiber or animal
hides may be cited.
[0008] In the most recent seat pads, the aforementioned material is
present in a double layer coupled with a padding.
[0009] In known seat pads, the padding is essentially uniform, of a
size and shape such as to be positioned between the cyclist and the
entire bicycle saddle.
[0010] Foam paddings, for example PVC, polyurethane and polyester
such as MTP (moltoprene), are known.
[0011] Paddings filled with liquid, for example silicon, oil and
mixtures thereof, flowable in bags formed, for example by
heat-sealing, between two impermeable layers of the seat pad, are
also known.
[0012] The cycling shorts of such a type, by accompanying the
movement of the legs during pedalling, increase the contact surface
and better absorb not only the forces perpendicular to the abutment
surface of the cyclist, but also the shear stresses.
[0013] The Applicant observes that at the points where the
cyclist's body, seated on the saddle, applies the greatest
pressure, namely at the ischiatic bones, the padding of the first
type of known seat pads compresses more and therefore applies a
greater counterpressure with increased inconveniences, besides
reducing in thickness with a consequent lesser protective
capability. Moreover, the concentration of pressure under the
ischiatic bones causes unbalance of the cyclist, with a consequent
reduction in performance.
[0014] Flowable paddings, by their very nature, also tend to flow
away precisely at the points of greatest pressure from the body,
thus inflating in the remaining portions. The consequences are,
also in this case, on the one hand the modification of the abutment
with consequent loss of equilibrium, and on the other hand the
thickness reduction with the consequent lesser protective
capability at the points of greatest pressure.
[0015] The fact that known padded seat pads have poor performance
is proven by the fact that at a competitive level, a padding of
reduced thickness is often preferred, to increase adherence and
balance on the saddle, which however provides an as equally low
protection against the above drawbacks.
[0016] The technical problem at the basis of the present invention
is to provide a protection for cycling pants that provides adequate
support and protection of the human body, and that at the same time
maintains good adherence and balance with the bicycle saddle.
SUMMARY
[0017] The technical problem outlined above is solved, according to
the present invention, by providing an anatomical protection, which
takes into account the body regions that actually abut, so as to
avoid the creation of unbalanced abutment on the saddle.
[0018] In such a way, a sufficient surface free of padding is also
left, for good breathing.
[0019] In a first aspect thereof, the invention concerns a
protection for cycling pants, comprising a pair of paddings, each
having a peripheral region with a greater thickness than a central
region, said peripheral region being suitable for centering around
an ischiatic tuberosity.
[0020] In seated position, the skeleton rests upon the ischiatic
bones. When the seating surface is sufficiently large, such as a
chair, the human body rests upon a much larger extent, that of the
gluteal muscles. Therefore the weight is not relieved (just) on the
ischiatic tuberosities, but around them. A high abutment stability
follows and also a protection of the thin layer of skin at the
ischiatic tuberosities.
[0021] On the other hand, the human body is not suitable for
sitting on a limited surface, as a bicycle saddle is. The
particular configuration of the protection according to the
invention restores the natural seating condition since the padding
adapts to the convex shape of the glutei in the region of the
ischiatic tuberosities, increasing the contact surface with the
cyclist with respect to a flat padding and therefore improving the
cyclist's balance in seated position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0022] Characteristics and advantages of the invention shall now be
illustrated with reference to embodiments represented as a
non-limiting example in the attached drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows cycling pants according to the invention,
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a partial exploded view of the pants of FIG.
1,
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the pants of FIG. 1 in use,
[0026] FIGS. 4-6 show a first embodiment of a padding of the
protection according to the invention,
[0027] FIG. 6A shows a partially cutaway view of a variant of the
embodiment of FIGS. 4-6,
[0028] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate other variants of the embodiment of
FIGS. 4-6,
[0029] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a further variant of the
embodiment of FIGS. 4-6,
[0030] FIGS. 11-13 show a second embodiment of a padding of the
protection according to the invention,
[0031] FIGS. 14-15 show a third embodiment of a padding of the
protection according to the invention,
[0032] FIGS. 16 and 17 show other embodiments of a padding of the
protection according to the invention,
[0033] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the protection according to
the invention comprising a third padding,
[0034] FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the protection according
to the invention comprising a third padding, and
[0035] FIGS. 20 and 21 show two embodiments for providing an
adjustable interaxis distance of the two paddings of the protection
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
Introduction
[0036] In an embodiment, each padding comprises a single toroidal
element, in other words the central region is hollow. This
embodiment is particularly simple and allows a remarkable aeration,
thus reducing the problems resulting from excessive
perspiration.
[0037] Preferably, however, the material of each padding is also
present in the central region.
[0038] In a first variant, the peripheral region of each padding is
softer and more deformable than the central region. The protection
in such a way becomes analogous to the muscle-adipose mass of the
glutei at the ischiatic tuberosities, thus providing a highly
anatomic abutment.
[0039] In a second variant, the softness of the central and
peripheral regions is selected so that the counterpressure applied
on the cyclist is essentially the same for the entire extent of the
padding. In this way a uniform distribution of the cyclist's weight
in the entire area of the padding is obtained.
[0040] In a third variant, finally, the peripheral region of each
padding is less soft and deformable than the central region and
allows a greater cyclist's weight to be relieved exactly in such a
peripheral region.
[0041] The change in softness between the peripheral region and the
central region can also be achieved, with a same thickness of the
peripheral region and of the central region, by the use of filling
air or gas at a different pressure or by the use of different
materials, or else by a combination of difference in thickness and
in pressure of the air or gas, or of difference in thickness and in
material.
[0042] Advantageously, in each padding aeration paths are made.
[0043] Advantageously, each padding has a proximal surface with a
concave envelope contour, which adapts to the convex shape of the
glutei in the region of the ischiatic tuberosities and around them,
increasing the contact surface with the cyclist with respect to a
padding having a flat proximal surface and therefore improving the
balance of the cyclist in seated position.
[0044] In the present description and in the attached claims, the
terms proximal and distal, respectively, are used in a wider sense
with reference to the protection, to indicate the surface facing
towards the human body and the outer surface facing towards the
bicycle saddle when the cyclist is positioned, respectively.
[0045] The distal surface of each padding can have a concave
envelope contour, flat envelope contour or convex envelope contour
with a greater radius of curvature than the proximal surface, in
such a way increasing the contact surface with the saddle.
[0046] In a particularly preferred way, each padding has a
concentric configuration, the concentric rings of the configuration
having decreasing thickness towards the center.
[0047] Such a concentric configuration of rings gives an overall
concave shape to each padding, which is well adapted to support the
ischiatic bone in an analogous way to the gluteal muscle.
[0048] In an embodiment, each concentric ring comprises a single
toroidal element.
[0049] The aeration paths comprise at least one hollow channel in
at least one toroidal element, and preferably at least four equally
distributed through-channels.
[0050] Alternatively or in addition, the toroidal elements are
arranged with an aeration clearance between adjacent concentric
rings, possibly joined by crosspieces.
[0051] In a different embodiment, at least one intermediate
concentric ring comprises a plurality of toroidal elements
externally tangent to each other.
[0052] The aeration paths then comprise the gaps between the
various toroidal elements, so that it is not necessary to make the
aeration channels, although they may still be provided.
[0053] Each padding can be made from a yielding impermeable
material shaped like at least one bag or circuit, filled with a
gas, a liquid or a gel.
[0054] Advantageously, said at least one bag is equipped with a
filling valve removably connectable to a small inflater. With such
a provision, the cyclist can control the pressure of the padding,
based upon his/her own anatomy and upon whether he/she is amateur
or professional, in the first case favoring comfort and in the
second case favoring adherence to the saddle.
[0055] When each padding foresees a plurality of toroidal elements,
the bags consisting of at least two adjacent concentric rings of
toroidal elements can be in communication, to allow even higher
conformability to the body of the individual cyclist, through the
passage of the liquid, gas or gel between one concentric ring and
the other.
[0056] Advantageously, in the padding at least two distinct bags
are made, one consisting of the peripheral region and one
consisting of the central region, each possibly having a respective
filling valve. In such a way, it is possible to independently
inflate or deflate the peripheral region and the central region of
the padding, to shape it optimally for the individual cyclist.
[0057] The corresponding bags of the two paddings provided in a
pair of pants can be connected together so as to facilitate a
symmetrical pressure of the protection, also during the inflation
step.
[0058] Alternatively, each padding can be made from a foam
material, preferably the polyester known as moltoprene or MTP.
[0059] The density of the material can range between about 180
g/m.sup.2 and about 400 g/m.sup.2.
[0060] Preferably each padding has a transversal size from 4 to 10
cm, more preferably in the order of 6 cm.
[0061] In the various embodiments, the thickness of each padding
ranges from about 10 mm in the peripheral region to about 4 mm in
the central region.
[0062] Each padding is essentially circular.
[0063] Alternatively, each padding can be elongate, for example
essentially elliptical, the larger dimensions being essentially
parallel.
[0064] Preferably, the protection according to the invention
comprises a third padding arranged centrally advanced with respect
to the pair of paddings, to provide protection to the cyclist's
genital region.
[0065] Preferably, the third padding is softer than the two
paddings of the pair.
[0066] The third padding can also have an overall concave shape and
a differentiated softness.
[0067] Advantageously, the peripheral regions of the three paddings
merge.
[0068] The various paddings of the protection can be directly
associated with the cycling pants.
[0069] Preferably, however, the protection according to the
invention comprises at least one of a proximal seat pad layer and a
distal seat pad layer with which they are associated.
[0070] Advantageously, said at least one seat pad layer is made of
a material that is soft, hygienic, resistant to skin pH,
breathable, anallergic, anti-bacterial and/or heat-regulating.
[0071] Said at least one seat pad layer can, for example, be made
from natural or synthetic fabric, mesh, knitted fabric, microfiber
or animal hides.
[0072] The two paddings are arranged at an interaxis distance of 8
cm, 10 cm or 6 cm, respectively in a men's version, in a women's
version and in a child's version. Such sizes represent the average
values of the distance between the ischiatic tuberosities in men,
women and children.
[0073] Preferably the two paddings are removable so as to be
replaceable.
[0074] According to an advantageous aspect of the present
invention, the two paddings have an adjustable interaxis distance
to adapt to the individual cyclist.
[0075] In an embodiment, the adjustable interaxis distance is
obtained through elastic fastening of each padding to said at least
one seat pad layer or to the cycling pants.
[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the adjustable interaxis
distance is obtained through a pair of pockets formed between the
distal seat pad layer and the proximal seat pad layer, or
respectively in the cycling pants, each pocket being oversized with
respect to a padding, so as to house it with clearance. The
provision of pockets that are oversized with respect to the
paddings allows them to be moved to position them at the ischium of
the individual cyclist. Once correctly positioned, their position
can be fixed, for example through sewing.
[0077] In another embodiment, the adjustable interaxis distance is
obtained through a device comprising two splines made from a
semi-rigid material having a knurled slot, and a pin with
disc-shaped heads movable with friction between the overlapping
knurled slots. The pin with disc-shaped heads can be free or fixed
to the pants or to said at least one seat pad layer.
[0078] Preferably, the two splines extend in converging,
essentially radial directions from the two paddings and have a fold
that forms two overlapping portions in which the knurled slots are
made. In such a way, the pin with disc-shaped heads can be
transported into an area of the pants not in contact with the
saddle, for example approximately at the height of the waist.
[0079] In a second aspect thereof, the invention concerns cycling
pants comprising a protection as indicated above.
[0080] In a third aspect thereof, the invention concerns a padding
for a protection as indicated above.
DESCRIPTION
[0081] Cycling pants 1, represented in FIG. 1 of the short type
just for illustrative purposes, and made, for example, from
LYCRA(.TM.), or another elastomer, comprise a seat pad 2 and a
protection 3, having two distinct paddings 4, associated with the
seat pad 2.
[0082] The seat pad 2, as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2, forms
a reinforcement applied inside the pants 1, extending around the
crotch 5 of the pants 1, and is essentially pear shaped or
double-lobe shaped.
[0083] As an alternative to the arrangement of FIG. 2, the seat pad
2 can be applied outside the pants 1 or else can form an insert in
the material of the pants 1, in other words the material of the
pants 1 shall have a hole with a shape matching that of the seat
pad 2.
[0084] The seat pad 2 comprises an upper or proximal layer 6 and a
lower or distal layer 7, coupled with the pants 1 through sewing,
gluing, ultrasound welding or high-frequency welding along the
periphery of the seat pad 2.
[0085] The seat pad 2 can, however, comprise just one of the
proximal and distal layers 6, 7.
[0086] The seat pad 2 can also be missing, the paddings 4 being
coupled directly with the material of the pants 1 for example
through sewing, gluing, ultrasound welding or high-frequency
welding or by making two closed pockets, as illustrated in FIG. 21
described hereafter.
[0087] The seat pad 2 is made from a material that has suitable
characteristics to protect the body region affected by the various
problems mentioned above, namely that is elastic, soft, hygienic,
resistant to skin pH, breathable, anallergic, anti-bacterial and/or
heat-regulating.
[0088] Suitable materials comprise natural or synthetic fabric,
mesh, knitted fabric, microfiber or animal hides.
[0089] The two paddings 4 are circular, with a diameter of about 6
cm, and are arranged at an interaxis distance of 8 cm, 10 cm or 6
cm, respectively in a men's version, a women's version and a
child's version of the pants 1.
[0090] The outer diameter of the padding 4 can be less or more than
6 cm, up to about 8 cm in the men's version, up to 10 cm in the
women's version and up to about 4 cm in the child's version, and
can vary according to the size of the pants 1.
[0091] Therefore, the paddings 4 of the protection 3 amount to a
much smaller extent than that of the entire seat pad 2, thus
leaving a large surface free of padding, suitable for perspiration
and that increases adherence and balance on the saddle.
[0092] Each padding 4 can alternatively be elongate, for example
essentially elliptical, the larger dimensions being essentially
parallel, in other words extending in the direction of the crotch 5
of the pants 1.
[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the paddings 4 of the protection 3
are arranged at the ischiatic tuberosities T of the cyclist, in
other words at the actual abutment point of the skeleton on the
saddle S.
[0094] Each padding 4 can be made from a foam material--for example
PVC, polyurethane, polyester such as MTP (Moltoprene).
[0095] Alternatively, each padding 4 can consist of a gas, a liquid
or a gel, for example water, silicon, oil and mixtures thereof,
flowable in an impermeable and deformable housing or bag, for
example made from PVC.
[0096] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a first embodiment of a padding 4 of
the protection 3 according to the invention.
[0097] The padding 4 comprises four toroidal elements 8-11
concentrically arranged. The diameter of the section of the
toroidal elements 8-11 decreases from the outermost toroidal
element 8 to the innermost toroidal element 11.
[0098] The toroidal elements 8-11 are also arranged asymmetrically
about the median plane of the padding 4, so as to create a proximal
surface 12 of the padding 4 having a concave envelope contour.
[0099] Such a concave shape of the paddings 4 adapts to the convex
shape of the glutei in the region of the ischiatic tuberosities,
thus increasing the contact surface with the cyclist with respect
to a padding having a flat proximal surface and thus improving the
cyclist's balance in seated position.
[0100] In order to provide for the necessary perspiration, the
toroidal elements 8-11 are equipped with a plurality of
through-channels 13.
[0101] Alternatively or in addition to the through-channels 13, the
toroidal elements 8-11 can be arranged with a certain clearance 13a
between pairs of adjacent toroidal elements 8, 9, possibly joined
by crosspieces 13b, so as to provide the necessary aeration. This
is best seen in FIG. 6A.
[0102] In FIG. 6, the envelope contour of the distal surface 14 of
the padding 4 is convex according to a greater radius of curvature
than the concavity of the proximal surface 12, so that overall the
padding 4 has the aforementioned anatomical shape.
[0103] According to variants of the padding 4, the toroidal
elements 8-11 are arranged so as to create a distal surface 14 that
is essentially flat (FIG. 7) or even concave (FIG. 8), to increase
the contact surface with the saddle S.
[0104] When the padding 4 is of the impermeable housing or bag
type, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, where the through-channels
13 are omitted, valves 15 can be provided, removably connectable to
a small inflater P, so as to allow the pressure of the padding 4 to
be adapted to the requirements of the individual cyclist, based
upon his/her own anatomy and upon whether he/she is amateur or
professional.
[0105] More specifically, the inside of the padding 4 is divided
into two, an outer bag consisting of the two outermost toroidal
elements 8 and 9 and an inner bag consisting of the penultimate
toroidal element 10, each circuit being equipped with a respective
valve 15. The inner toroidal element 11, on the other hand, lacks a
valve because of its small size.
[0106] The padding 4 can be divided into three or more bags or
circuits for the liquid or gas or gel, or else a single bag can be
provided. The corresponding bags of the two paddings 4 can be
connected together so as to facilitate a symmetrical inflation
thereof (see, for example, FIG. 19 described hereinafter).
[0107] A small tube (not shown) can also be provided from the
toroidal element 10 to transfer the related valve 15 to the
periphery of the padding 4.
[0108] In a first solution, the pressure can be the same for all of
the toroidal elements 8-11. In this way, since the counterpressure
applied by the toroidal elements 8-11 is an inverse function of the
diameter of the section of the toroidal elements themselves, the
peripheral region of the padding 4 is softer and more deformable
than the central region, and becomes analogous to the
muscle-adipose mass of the glutei at the ischiatic tuberosities,
thus providing a highly ergonomic support.
[0109] In a second solution, the pressure of the toroidal elements
8-11 can be adjusted so that the counterpressure applied by the
toroidal elements 8-11 themselves is essentially the same for the
entire extent of the padding 4. In this way a uniform distribution
of the cyclist's weight in the entire area of the padding 4 is
obtained.
[0110] In a third solution, finally, the pressure of the toroidal
elements 8-11 can be adjusted so that the counterpressure applied
by the toroidal elements 8-11 themselves is greater in the
peripheral region with respect to that of the central region of the
padding 4 that, therefore, is harder in the peripheral region and
allows a greater cyclist's weight to be relieved exactly in such a
peripheral region.
[0111] The possibility of changing the pressure of the padding 4
uniformly or independently in the peripheral and central regions of
the padding 4 allows the padding 4 itself to be adapted to the
needs of the individual cyclist.
[0112] The padding 4 according to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 11-13 also comprises a concentric arrangement of toroidal
elements 16-23 and more precisely an outer toroidal element 16, an
inner toroidal element 23 and six toroidal elements 17-22 arranged
in a ring between the outer toroidal element 16 and the inner
toroidal element 23.
[0113] Also in this case, the diameters of the section of the
toroidal elements 16, 17-22 and 23 are selected so as to create a
proximal surface 12 of the padding 4 having a concave envelope
contour and a distal surface 14 that is convex (FIG. 13) or else
that is flat or concave in an analogous way to FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0114] In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13, the diameters of the
section of the toroidal elements 17-22 and 23 are the same, but the
toroidal element of the inner concentric ring 23 could have a
smaller diameter of the section.
[0115] Also in this case, the thickness of the peripheral region is
greater than the central region of the padding 4 and therefore,
pressure and material being equal, the peripheral region is softer,
in an analogous way to the muscle-adipose mass of the glutei at the
ischiatic tuberosities.
[0116] The necessary perspiration is provided by the hollow spaces
inside each toroidal element 16-23 and by the essentially
triangular spaces that are formed between the toroidal elements 16,
17-22 and 23 of the three concentric rings.
[0117] Also in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13,
through-channels can be provided to further increase the aeration
of the padding 4.
[0118] Also in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13, when the
padding 4 is of the type with liquid or gas or gel, one or more
bags can be provided, equipped with a respective pressure
adjustment valve, joining the inner spaces of some of the toroidal
elements 16-23.
[0119] The padding 4 according to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 14-15 also comprises a concentric arrangement of toroidal
elements 24-42 and more specifically, from the outside to the
inside, an outer toroidal element 24, a concentric ring consisting
of ten toroidal elements 25-34 (the toroidal elements 27 and 28 are
omitted in FIG. 14), a concentric ring consisting of five toroidal
elements 35-39, and a concentric ring consisting of three toroidal
elements 40-42.
[0120] The diameters of the section of the toroidal elements of the
various concentric rings decrease from the outside towards the
inside, so as to create a proximal surface 12 of the padding 4
having a concave envelope contour.
[0121] The distal surface 14 is shown with a flat envelope contour
in FIG. 15, so that the thickness of the peripheral region is
greater than the central region of the padding 4, and therefore,
pressure and material being equal, the peripheral region is
softer.
[0122] Also in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the envelope contour of
the distal surface 14 could nevertheless be convex or concave with
a greater radius of curvature than the proximal surface 12.
[0123] The necessary perspiration is provided by the hollow spaces
inside each toroidal element 25-42 and by the essentially
triangular spaces that are formed between the toroidal elements 24,
25-34, 35-39 and 40-42 of the four concentric rings.
[0124] Also in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15,
through-channels can be foreseen (also just in the outer toroidal
element 24) to further increase the aeration of the padding 4.
[0125] Also in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 14-15, when the
padding 4 is of the impermeable bag type, one or more circuits can
be provided, equipped with a respective filling valve.
[0126] The number of toroidal elements illustrated in the
embodiments of the various figures described above should be taken
as merely illustrative, it being possible that there is a smaller
or greater number of concentric rings and a smaller or greater
number of toroidal elements in each concentric ring.
[0127] It should be understood that a single toroidal element with
a diameter corresponding to the outer toroidal element 8, 16 or 24
and with the same or a smaller diameter of the section also fulfils
the purposes of the protection 3 according to the invention.
[0128] Each padding 4 according to the invention can also consist
of a single piece 43 or comprise many concentric pieces of foam
material, for example polyester known with the abbreviation MTP, or
of a single bag filled with liquid, gas or gel, as illustrated in
FIG. 16 and in FIG. 17.
[0129] The necessary aeration is provided by a plurality of
through-channels 13.
[0130] While the proximal surface 12 is advantageously convex in
both of the embodiments shown, the distal surface 14 is flat in
FIG. 16 and convex in FIG. 17, with a greater radius of curvature
than that of the proximal surface 12 so as to have the desired
thickness decrease from the peripheral region to the central
region.
[0131] The distal surface 14 could also be concave, in the same way
as the embodiment of FIG. 8.
[0132] It should be clear that the number and arrangement of the
through-channels 13 in the padding 4 of the various figures are
merely given as an example.
[0133] FIG. 18 illustrates a seat pad 2 with a protection 3 that
comprises, in addition to the pair of paddings 4, a third padding
44 arranged centrally advanced with respect to the paddings 4,
suitable for providing suitable protection to the genital region of
the cyclist, including decreasing numbness and possible sterility
in men.
[0134] Each of the paddings 4 and 44 can be according to any one of
the embodiments and variants described above, they being shown with
concentric toroidal elements just as an example.
[0135] Preferably, the third padding 44 is softer than the two
paddings 4.
[0136] FIG. 19 illustrates a variant of the protection 3 of FIG.
18, in which the peripheral regions of the three paddings 4 and 44
merge.
[0137] In FIG. 19, the protection 3 is of the gas or air type and
the three peripheral regions of the three paddings 4 and 44 form a
single bag, equipped with a respective filling valve 15 removably
connectable to a small inflater P.
[0138] Although not shown, the central regions of the paddings 4
(and possibly of the padding 44) could also have a filling valve
for each bag formed in them.
[0139] The third padding 44 of the embodiments of FIGS. 18 and 19
can also have an overall concave shape and a differentiated
softness as described above with reference to the paddings 4.
[0140] Of course, moreover, the protection 3 of FIGS. 18 and 19 can
also be associated directly with the cycling pants 1, without
providing for the seat pad layers 6 and 7.
[0141] Although not shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, it should be manifest
that also in such a protection 3, a suitable number of
through-channels shall be provided for perspiration.
[0142] FIG. 20 illustrates a device 45 for adjusting the interaxis
distance between the two paddings 4, to adapt it to the individual
cyclist. Such an adjustment device 45 comprises two splines 46 made
of a semi-rigid material and having a knurled slot 47, and a pin
with disc-shaped heads 48 movable with friction between the
overlapping knurled slots 47. The pin with disc-shaped heads 48 can
be loose or fixed to the pants 1 or to the seat pad 2.
[0143] More specifically, the two splines extend in converging,
essentially radial directions from the two paddings 4 and have a
fold 49 that forms two overlapping portions in which the knurled
slots 47 are made. In such a way, the pin with disc-shaped heads 48
can be transferred into an area of the pants 1 not in contact with
the saddle, for example approximately at the height of the
waist.
[0144] In the various embodiments, the thickness of the padding 4
ranges from about 10 mm in the peripheral region to about 4 mm in
the central region.
[0145] In the case of a foam embodiment, for example the polyester
known with the abbreviation MTP, the density can be variable from
about 180 g/m.sup.2 to about 400 g/m.sup.2 to provide the effect of
a smaller or greater counterpressure in the abutment area.
[0146] As an alternative to the adjustment device illustrated in
FIG. 20, the interaxis distance between the paddings 4 can be
adjustable by providing an elastic fastening thereof to the seat
pad 2 or to the pants 1, or else by providing two oversized pockets
50 in the seat pad 2 or in the pants 1, as illustrated in FIG.
21.
[0147] Thanks to the concave configuration of the proximal surface
of the paddings 4, they shall automatically center under the
ischiatic tuberosities when the pants 1 are worn.
[0148] By placing the paddings 4 in pockets in the seat pad 2 or in
the pants 1, even if not oversized, the paddings are also
removable, such as for easy replacement thereof. Alternatively,
they could be attached by a hook and loop fastening system such as
VELCRO.TM..
[0149] It is clear that the invention can be applied not only to
bicycles, but also to exercise bikes and gym equipment for
spinning.
[0150] The change in softness between the peripheral region and the
central region of each padding 4 can also be achieved with the same
thickness of the peripheral region and of the central region, using
filling air or gas at a different pressure or using different
materials.
[0151] For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 9, the
toroidal elements 8-11 could be of the same diameter, but be kept
at a different pressure, or in the embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17,
the single piece 43 of foam material could be replaced by a central
core and a peripheral annulus of two different materials.
[0152] Furthermore, the change in softness between the peripheral
region and the central region can be achieved by a combination of
difference in thickness and in pressure of the air or gas or of
difference in thickness and in material.
[0153] The described protection may also be useful for bicycle
seats.
* * * * *