| 摘要 |
An improved bicycle saddle is made of a dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate. The upper layer is a lower density (1.5 to 5 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam for comfort, absorbing minor impacts and distributing impact stress over a larger surface to reduce fatigue. The lower layer is a higher density (5 to 7.2 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam to absorb major impacts and add structural stability to the bicycle saddle. Cushioning pads may be added inside the bicycle saddle for customizing fit. The preferred material for the upper and lower layers of the laminated, dual density bicycle saddle is a nitrogen blown, cross-linked, closed-cell, polyethylene foam. The dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate of the bicycle saddle provides improved impact attenuation. The laminate also reduces the weight of the bicycle saddle, improves comfort and reduces neck fatigue for the user. The polyethylene foam laminate also exhibits improved recovery after an impact. In a second impact at the same location, the bicycle saddle has approximately 80 percent of the original impact attenuation value and after repeated impacts it has approximately 70 percent of the original impact attenuation value. The bicycle saddle also provides superior resistance to environmental factors, including moisture, heat and damage from rough handling. The manufacturing method is a low pressure compression molding process which simultaneously shapes the bicycle saddle and laminates the upper and lower layers of the bicycle saddle shell.
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