"A blob of a
thought pre-seeds an idea, while the idea provides nourishment for human
potential." Grimes 2005
|
|
The DDwingsâ saddle – The Story The DDWings was born of an idea from a person who had never ridden a bicycle. Back in 1996 when, by chance, this Italian gentleman had to use a bicycle, he was really amazed & concerned that such an important method of exercise came with so much uncomfortableness in relation to the saddle. From that moment, he started to think that there should be a better way to comfortably sit on a bicycle. He started the first concept experiments by making a new kind of saddle that lets the rider sit on the posterior [gluteal area] and not on the perineal region thus avoiding any contact with some of most valuable and sensitive parts of the body. Traditional saddles generally facilitate pressure in and around the perineal area. The first sensations [tests on riders] were really positive which gave motivation to continue to develop this better saddle. Since those first experiments in Nov 1996, it was clear that the impressive difference in the level of comfort, between traditional saddles and this first prototype of the DDWings, signified a real revolution taking place. The traditional saddle shape, as known today, is not much different from the first saddles produced, when the bicycle did not have the pedals so the rider’s legs needed a range front-back mobility to produce movement on the bicycles [something like walking with big steps]. After the introduction of the pedal mechanism, great advancements were made, over the decades, to every part of the bike [in both materials and technology], but the saddle remained fundamentally unchanged [in basic concept] since those first ones. A bicycle with pedals allows the ‘rider’ a sitting position that does not require the allowance for legs to move to the ‘rear’ of the seat location, in other words, sit on a seat and peddle in front. After the first prototype model and tests in November 1996, the DDwingsâ preliminary patent was registered and the first concept working model production commenced. This was the beginning of the evolution of the design and technical matters that almost always occurs in any inventor’s basement workshop – the typical invention story. When some of the designed parts needed specific specialist knowledge,(eg. Carbon fibre working knowledge) outsourced companies or friends were asked to help. Everybody was very keen to share materials’ expertise and know-how because they felt they were contributing to and being apart of the challenge to produce and develop something innovative in a very traditional market. Step by step, the DDWings passed from the first chalk and silicone models to an authentic R&D process of a new product on its development path towards the final product. In August 2000, the internal project reached its “evolution 8” stage. The next step was to obtain the national and international patent coverage and finally, after all the paperwork applications passed all the necessary tests, the DDwings® saddle was registered & protected throughout the world. This occurred between 2000 and 2005. To technically verify that the product was safe and achieved its purpose, the DDWings® was widely tested by independent biometric laboratories that also contributed information to further improve the product in order to achieve a commercial version of the seat. From an ‘exercise/fitness’ perspective, this commercial version would need to allow the correct and balanced mix of the body’s working muscles, obtaining a performance level that would at least the same level as if using a traditional saddle. Considering the accurate laboratory and field tests results, the purpose of the saddle was fully achieved and this was confirmed by the Centro Mariano Engineering [an Institute specialising in supporting the Italian and international bicycle industry and the professional racers]. The final designed shape and composite materials were successfully confirmed by stress and cracking tests and the product passed without any problem and without the any need for modifications. The DDWings® also passed a comparative clinic test made by Dr.Maio, Chief of a Urology Dept. He used the Health Government protocols on a consistent number of cyclists in order to have scientific statistical data and that were published by major medical reviews. According to these tests and looking at the results of the DDWings®, the saddle could even be used by people who had had prostate surgery Kefren srl is working to position its product in the bicycle component market around the world. It realises that to reach its goal it means going against the traditional mainstream saddle aesthetic to achieve a balance between functionality, look, safety and weight [within market acceptable limits]. DDwings® is no means the final product solution. It is the starting point of a new family of products. The ultimate is to be able to let everybody ride a bicycle in safe way without any ‘adverse health side effects’ and in real comfort.
Kefren srl.
|
|
Send mail to
gg@ideainternational.biz with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
![[Product Image]](bikeseat3.JPG)