Single-axle, two-wheeled bicycle trailer and device for connecting this trailer to a bicycle or e-bike

Abstract

Bicycle trailer (4) comprising a frame (1), a rigid or sprung axle (2) with two wheels (3), wherein the axle (2) is connected to the frame (1) on its underside, a braking system (41) by which the wheels (3) can be braked individually or together, and a drawbar (5) which is connected to the axle (2) and / or the frame (1) and has a coupling part (42) at its free end, characterized in that the frame (1) has on its side facing the drawbar (5) a support bar (11) extending parallel to the axle (2) above the axle (2), which is provided with a braking system (41) so that a person standing or sitting above the axle (2) who holds onto the support bar (11) can operate the braking system (41) by hand.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a single-axle, two-wheeled / two-track bicycle trailer as a sports device for transporting persons and a device for connecting this trailer to a bicycle or e-bike.

[0002] Currently, there are a large number of bicycle trailers available worldwide for transporting people, although in Europe these are mostly offered as child transport trailers in many variants. (Only bicycle trailers for the transport of disabled people are currently permitted on German roads.)

[0003] In general, all these bicycle trailers comprise a supporting frame with a floor (for the children to sit on), which is more or less covered to ward off environmental influences (such as wind, rain, sun) (usually with special fabrics, some of which can be transparent and can be equipped with opening and closing mechanisms, such as zippers). It usually has two axles (the front one usually rotates around the horizontal axis and the rear one is rigid) and three or four wheels distributed between the two axles. It is also approved, supplied and operated with a single, rigid drawbar and a coupling system for a single bicycle or e-bike.

[0004] As a rule, these well-known bicycle trailers are braked passively by a pre-tensioned bicycle (= tractor) and, if necessary, actively via brakes, either in the form of a parking brake acting on the wheels or in the form of a handbrake on the push handle, so that this second form of bicycle trailer can also be used as a stroller.

[0005] A few well-known bicycle trailers have an overrun brake.

[0006] DE 10 2007 022 956 A1 discloses a trailer for a bicycle with a carrying unit, with at least one rod which has a recess for receiving a locking nipple which is connected to the bicycle, with at least one locking sleeve which is movable on the rod between a locking position for covering part of the recess and a release position for completely opening the recess and with at least one elastic element, wherein the rod is connected to the carrying unit and the elastic element is mounted on the rod in order to hold the locking sleeve in the locking position.

[0007] The disadvantage of this technical solution is that the trailer is ideal for transporting small children or objects, but no adult can stand in the bike trailer while riding.

[0008] DE 10 2008 036 137 A1 discloses a multifunctional tent trailer with sufficient storage space and for overnight stays directly on the trailer, which can be carried in particular by coupling it to a bicycle or can also be used separately as a transport trailer with manual handling.

[0009] This tent trailer comprises a vehicle body which carries an upper element which can be placed on it in its surface and which can be pivoted through 180° over the rear of the tent trailer, so that the partial areas located between them create a lying area, as well as a fixed and a movable support for tip-proof contact with the ground, even on uneven terrain, whereby in the corners of the lying area of ​​the unfolded tent trailer there are holders which hold a rod which is positioned crosswise over the lying area and can be put together from individual elements, whereby a tent is pulled over the rods and secured.

[0010] The disadvantage of this technical solution is that as an adult you can lie down comfortably in this tent trailer, but you cannot stand while driving.

[0011] DE 10 2004 042 123 A1 discloses a trailer for mounting on a frame of two-wheelers with at least one front arm, a rear arm and a carrier with at least one wheel, wherein the front arm is connected to the rear arm and to the carrier in an articulated manner, wherein a first coupling for the permanent fastening of the front arm and at least one further coupling for the selective fastening of the front and rear arms to the frame are provided, the first coupling is articulated on a luggage carrier from the frame so that it can move in all directions, a bolt is provided on the joint from the front to the rear arm, with which bolt the joint can be mounted on the further coupling.

[0012] The disadvantage of this technical solution is that due to the attachment of the trailer to the bike's luggage rack, a steep angle of the trailer's arms is formed and several joints are required to couple the trailer to the bike, which means that only a small weight can be transported in the trailer, so that no adult person can be transported.

[0013] DE 101 06 878 C1 discloses a two-wheeled bicycle trailer that can be attached to a towing bicycle and has a towing device for towing a bicycle to be towed. The towing device consists of a towing device on the trailer and a bicycle coupling device on the steering head of the bicycle to be towed. The towing device has a horizontal U-bracket with angled ends and a connecting pin, and the bicycle coupling device has a socket for receiving the connecting pin. The ends of the U-bracket are fixed to the bicycle trailer, the connecting pin is directed obliquely forward and upward, and the bicycle coupling device is rotatable about the connecting pin.

[0014] The disadvantage of this technical solution is that it can only transport a bicycle but not an adult.

[0015] The disadvantage of all bicycle trailers known to date and the intended uses is the following: No known bicycle trailer model allows the occupant(s) of the bicycle trailer to operate the brakes, as the brakes are installed in such a way that they can only be operated from outside the trailer.

[0016] Likewise, no model is known that can be operated with more than one tractor.

[0017] Due to the increasing popularity of high-torque pedelecs / e-bikes and the liberalization of national regulations regarding the use of bicycle trailers in road traffic, the use of bicycles or e-bikes with trailers is also becoming attractive for transporting people beyond childhood, particularly for show, leisure, and sporting purposes, or as a taxi replacement, like a rickshaw. (Examples of this use include: tourist tours, bicycle taxi operations, hunting and military purposes, on golf courses, at parades, processions, and for sporting racing purposes (= chariot racing).

[0018] None of the bicycle trailers known to date is capable of transporting outgrown persons for the purposes mentioned above.

[0019] In addition, the following must also be taken into account if you want to transport adults in a bicycle trailer as described above: An average adult weighs around 75 to 80 kg, possibly more, and two or three people weigh many times that. A regular bicycle or e-bike with a rider weighs the same as a trailer, or significantly lighter if carrying multiple people.

[0020] This leads to a physical imbalance of the moving masses, which can quickly lead to a breakdown of the bike trailer during braking, especially downhill and in wet conditions due to a lack of traction. The bike trailer then simply pushes the braking towing vehicle in front of it. An overrun brake can partially prevent this, but always has a delayed effect and is prone to unwanted jerking when starting up again.

[0021] A variety of bicycle trailer couplings are currently available.

[0022] From DE 20 2005 003 581 U1 a coupling for detachably connecting a bicycle to a trailer is known, comprising a rod attached to the bicycle, which has a snap-in nipple, and a coupling part arranged on the trailer, which has a recess for receiving the snap-in nipple.

[0023] The disadvantage of this technical solution is that this trailer coupling cannot withstand the very high forces that occur when an adult is standing in the trailer while driving.

[0024] From DE 20 2004 003 968 U1 a trailer coupling for a bicycle trailer is known, which has a sleeve-shaped receptacle, an insert that can be inserted into the receptacle and a safety device against slipping out of the receptacle.

[0025] The disadvantage of this technical solution is that twisting and thus tipping over of the trailer cannot be ruled out if an adult is standing in the trailer while driving.

[0026] DE 100 02 412 A1 discloses a trailer coupling for bicycles with a trailer to be coupled to the bicycle, in which a connecting pin arranged on the bicycle, which has unevennesses and which can be inserted into a receiving opening arranged on the trailer and can be fixed there via a movable locking element, is provided, wherein a flexurally rigid locking plate which can be displaced transversely to the longitudinal direction of the connecting pin is designed as a locking element, which in its locking position engages behind the unevenness of the connecting pin.

[0027] The disadvantage of this technical solution is that the trailer coupling cannot withstand the very high forces that occur when an adult is in the trailer while driving.

[0028] DE 100 11 823 A1 discloses a trailer with a tow bar that rides on a single wheel, which is centrally mounted on a container. Therefore, unlike two-wheeled trailers, the trailer is unstable and must be stabilized via the bicycle. According to the disclosure of DE 100 11 823 A1, this is achieved via the tow bar, which has a universal joint at the attachment point of the seat post. This universal joint guarantees the free mobility of the tow bar, but prevents twisting and thus tipping of the one-wheeled trailer.

[0029] The disadvantage of this technical solution of the single-wheel trailer with universal joint is that the trailer cannot be subjected to very large forces, which occur when an adult person stands in the trailer while driving.

[0030] The disadvantage of all bicycle trailer couplings known to date and the intended uses is the following: 1. No collision protection

[0031] In bicycle races, as well as in heavy everyday traffic, crashes or collisions often occur when the front wheel of a rider behind touches the rear wheel of the rider in front. The brief contact causes both wheels to brake in opposite directions, which intensifies the effect. This results in both riders and possibly other road users falling.

[0032] The devices known to date for connecting a trailer to a bicycle or e-bike do not solve this rear-end problem. 2. No attachment of add-on parts

[0033] Furthermore, it is often not possible to attach useful accessories such as luggage racks, mudguards, stands, etc. to sports bikes due to a lack of suitable holes or eyelets, which severely limits their everyday use.

[0034] The devices known to date for connecting a trailer to a bicycle or e-bike do not solve this problem. 3. No gearshift protection

[0035] The rear derailleur, which protrudes laterally over the frame, represents a major weak point on many bikes with derailleur gears, as the rear derailleur touches the ground to the right when the bike falls over and is then bent or even damaged.

[0036] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a brakeable bicycle trailer on which an adult person can stand or sit (in particular as a wheelchair user) during the journey and brake the trailer in both variants, as well as a device for connecting this trailer to one or more towing vehicles (in particular bicycles or e-bikes), which together avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art, wherein the device for connecting in particular enables simple retrofitting of this bicycle trailer to one or more towing vehicles (in particular bicycles or e-bikes) for show, leisure and sports purposes.

[0037] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of the 1st and 11th claims.

[0038] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subordinate claims. These can be combined in a technologically expedient manner.

[0039] The bicycle trailer according to the invention has a rigid frame made of metal or composite material, such as carbon fiber reinforced material, on which two wheels are held spaced apart transversely to the direction of travel by a mounted and unsprung or sprung axle (= two-track trailer), which wheels can be actively braked individually or together via a braking system, and to which a drawbar engages, which is attached centrally to the axle orthogonally pointing forwards (i.e. in the direction of travel) and at its free end in the direction of travel directly has a coupling device which is part of a non-positive coupling system with which the bicycle trailer can be connected to one or more towing vehicles (in particular a bicycle or e-bike), wherein the coupling system transfers the support load generated by the bicycle trailer and the thrust to the towing vehicle as well as its tractive force to the bicycle trailer.

[0040] The frame and drawbar are designed as rods or tubes with a square or round cross-section, and the drawbar can also have a U- or V-shaped section that engages the front part of the frame or axle in the direction of travel and merges into a single drawbar rod towards the coupling system. The frame rods and the axle, which holds the two wheels, are arranged in such a way that a triangle is formed, the center of which coincides with the center of the standing areas described in more detail below (= footrest area for a person standing in the bicycle trailer or seat area for a person sitting in the bicycle trailer), thus ensuring secure standing or sitting for the person standing or sitting in the bicycle trailer.

[0041] Particularly advantageous is that the frame carries a base plate above the axle, which is firmly connected to the drawbar in the middle at a 90-degree angle, which rests on the frame and is advantageously firmly but detachably connected.

[0042] The frame and drawbar can advantageously be designed in such a way that they can be assembled from individual frame and drawbar parts that can be plugged and screwed together. The side parts of the frame and the individual parts of the floor can be designed, for example, as sleeves and triangular frame components.

[0043] The connection between the frame and the base plate is made by screwing the base to the frame. By loosening this screw connection, it can be removed from the frame and folded up so that the bicycle trailer can be easily transported in individual parts (e.g. in a car trailer or trunk).

[0044] The floor plate can also be arranged only partially in the front, middle and rear side areas of the bicycle trailer on the left and right as a step area for a person standing in the bicycle trailer, whereby the area facing the person can be provided with locking means which correspond to locking means on the shoes of the person standing in the bicycle trailer in order to mechanically anchor the standing person to the ground.

[0045] As an alternative to this base plate, the two footrests can also be connected directly to the axle and / or the drawbar (as a minimal solution, e.g. to save weight by omitting the base plate), so that the driver of the bicycle trailer is always guaranteed a secure footing in all variants.

[0046] It is also within the scope of the invention that the person (e.g. a person with walking difficulties) sits in the bicycle trailer in which the base plate carries a seating device for the person which has safety elements or has a suitable locking device with safety elements for a wheelchair.

[0047] The seat and locking device, as well as the appropriate safety elements, are familiar, for example, from automotive engineering (seat with seatbelt) or from cars converted for disabled access. This technical solution for seated passengers also enables people with walking disabilities who cannot ride a bicycle themselves to actively participate in cycling events, such as off-road / cross-country cycling events.

[0048] It is essential for the bicycle trailer that a profile extends upwards from the drawbar (i.e. in the direction from the axle to the base plate and / or the footrest areas), to which a support rod is attached parallel to the axle, so that a U-shaped support bracket (a so-called railing) is formed in the direction of the drawbar for a person standing or sitting on the base plate or the footrest areas while steering the bicycle trailer, to which the person can hold on with both hands.

[0049] Advantageously, the support rod is designed in the form of a two-wheel handlebar, which facilitates the mounting of two standardized hand-operated brake devices of the braking system.

[0050] The U-shaped retaining bracket can be made of one or more parts and have a tubular cross-section.

[0051] As an alternative to the connection to the drawbar, the profile in the form of the U-shaped support bracket can also be firmly connected to the frame, whereby in the event that the frame is assembled from individual parts, the stability of the connection of the support bracket to the drawbar is higher, i.e. more solid / rigid.

[0052] In addition to the ends of the U-shaped support bracket that are firmly connected to the drawbar or the frame, it can be provided that in the lateral area of ​​the bicycle trailer between the U-shaped support bracket and the frame area of ​​the base plate, several rigid support elements are attached to the profile of the U-shaped support bracket and the drawbar or the frame for stiffening.

[0053] The support bar of the U-shaped support bracket runs between the hip and shoulder height of an average-sized person who is standing on the axle or the base plate of the bicycle trailer.

[0054] It is essential that the support bar, e.g. in the form of a two-wheel handlebar, is equipped with braking elements, e.g. with standardized hand-operated braking elements, of the braking system in the areas where the person holds on with his or her hands, which serve to brake both wheels.

[0055] The drawbar, which is attached to the center of the frame under the base plate and runs at a 90° angle to the wheel-bearing axle, can be rigid or movable, whereby the rigid design is advantageous for attaching a towing vehicle, such as a bicycle or e-bike (two-wheeled towing vehicle) or several towing vehicles (side by side or one behind the other) by means of the force-locking coupling system. It is advantageous that the coupling system is positioned as low as possible in the area of ​​the rear wheel, far away from the saddle, in order to shift the center of gravity of the bicycle trailer as far as possible under the trailer, which is particularly advantageous when there are several towing vehicles.

[0056] The use of a cranked axle as a wheel-carrying axle is also advantageous, as this lowers the center of gravity of the bicycle trailer, which is advantageous for the handling of the trailer when manned (i.e. with a person standing in the trailer).

[0057] It is particularly advantageous to have a damper arranged between the force-lock coupling system and the drawbar in order to prevent the attached bicycle trailer from jerking when starting and braking a towing bicycle or e-bike, which is force-locked to the bicycle trailer via the coupling system.

[0058] In order to enable the trailer to start off smoothly and without jerking the attached bicycle trailer, an elastic towing rope or a telescopic rod, the minimum length of which is shorter than the length of the drawbar and the maximum length of which is slightly longer than the length of the drawbar, can advantageously run from each lower corner of the frame and be attached there to the coupling system of the bicycle or e-bike and connected to it next to the drawbar.

[0059] A particularly advantageous design of the two elastic pull cables is that the respective pull cable is fixed under pre-tension in a spring-loaded winding unit, which is located in the rear lower left or right corner of the frame.

[0060] These traction ropes are connected to a bicycle or e-bike (using the provided coupling points) via a carabiner hook at their ends.

[0061] The rigid drawbar, like the frame, can advantageously be assembled from individual parts to enable the bicycle trailer to be easily transported (e.g. in a car trailer or trunk).

[0062] As an alternative to the drawbar being attached to the axle in the middle, orthogonally pointing forward, the drawbar can also run in a V-shape from the front corners of the bicycle trailer frame towards the coupling device, whereby the V-shaped drawbar can be designed as either a rigid or a movable drawbar.

[0063] In this embodiment, it is also advantageous that a damper is arranged between the coupling part and the drawbar in order to prevent jerking movements when starting and braking the attached bicycle trailer.

[0064] A particularly advantageous design of the V-shaped drawbar is that two elastic traction cables run from each lower corner of the frame and are attached there, with a minimum length that is shorter than the length of the drawbar and a maximum length that is longer than the length of the drawbar, to the coupling system of the bicycle or e-bike and are connected to it next to the drawbar.

[0065] In this embodiment, too, a particularly advantageous design of the two elastic pull cables is that the respective pull cable is fixed in a spring-loaded winding unit, which is located in the rear lower left or right corner of the frame and is connected to it.

[0066] These traction ropes are connected to a bicycle or e-bike (using the provided coupling points) via a carabiner hook at their ends.

[0067] The braking system of the single-axle, two-track bicycle trailer, which acts on all wheels, can be operated manually by the person(s) riding on it and is a known braking device whose length is adjusted to the distance between the handlebar and the axle.

[0068] It is particularly advantageous if each brake device acts on each wheel by means of manual operation, so that the two wheels can be braked together or individually by the actuated brake system.

[0069] One advantage of this technical solution is that a bicycle trailer loaded by one or more adult persons can be braked directly and immediately by the persons on the trailer depending on the situation.

[0070] In addition, the bicycle trailer can also have a hand lever or foot pedal operated brake spur, which acts as an emergency braking system directly on the ground on which the bicycle trailer is located.

[0071] It is important that the bicycle trailer has on its drawbar (on the side facing away from the frame) a first part of a force-locking coupling device in the form of a coupling part to which one or more bicycles or e-bikes can be coupled, whereby the drawbar, which is firmly connected to the frame exactly in the middle of the base plate, is designed in such a way that the entire support load of the trailer acts via the coupling system on the one or first towing vehicle that is force-locked to it when an adult person is standing in the bicycle trailer.

[0072] If several bicycles or e-bikes are intended as towing vehicles, which are connected to the coupling device, the additional towing vehicles arranged next to the first towing vehicle are always coupled to the coupling device in such a way that they can pull along and, if necessary, be braked indirectly via the braking system of the bicycle trailer, but are not subjected to any support load from the bicycle trailer (e.g. by being coupled to the coupling device via elastic traction cables).

[0073] The coupling of the other towing vehicles (especially bicycles or e-bikes) can be achieved by means of rope systems or telescopic, flexibly attached drawbar systems, whereby for attaching the other towing vehicles in addition to the first (main) towing vehicle to a bicycle trailer, additional coupling parts, e.g. in the form of eyelets, are provided on both sides next to the coupling part (advantageously in the form of an eyelet), in which the elastic towing cables are attached, so that a bicycle trailer, for example in a 3- or 5-person team, can be pulled by 3 or 5 e-bikes.

[0074] The total number of towing vehicles pulling the bicycle trailer is not limited in itself, although too many in practice (> 8 e-bikes) becomes impractical, although there is the option of arranging several towing vehicles not only next to each other, but also one behind the other.

[0075] One advantage of this technical solution is that a bicycle trailer loaded by one or more adult persons can be moved more easily by several towing vehicles connected to the bicycle trailer side by side (or one behind the other by suitable devices).

[0076] The second part of the force-locking coupling device for connecting the bicycle trailer to a bicycle or e-bike consists of a horizontal U-shaped bracket with two free, angled ends, which are connected to the frame of the (towing) bicycle in the immediate vicinity of the rear wheel axle or to it directly by the axle screw connection, whereby the U-shaped bracket has a coupling part at its other end, e.g. a bolt coupling (socket with eyelet), a fifth wheel coupling (hook), a ball head coupling or a jaw coupling (each designed accordingly to correspond to the counterpart on the bicycle or e-bike) and, in the case of a bolt coupling (socket with eyelet), with a connecting pin with a head which is larger in diameter than the diameter of the actual pin.

[0077] In this case, the force-locking coupling device has, at its apex on the side facing away from the rear wheel, a bushing running vertically through the bracket for receiving the connecting pin, wherein the connecting pin is directed diagonally forwards vertically upwards and, when the bicycle and bicycle trailer are coupled, connects the drawbar of the trailer to the U-shaped bracket of the bicycle, in which the eyelet of the drawbar rests centrally above the bushing on the U-shaped bracket and the connecting pin runs through the eyelet and the bushing, and as a result the U-shaped bracket of the bicycle is movably connected to the drawbar of the bicycle trailer about the axis of the connecting pin.

[0078] The connection of the two free ends of the U-shaped bracket to the frame of the (towing) bicycle in the area of ​​the rear wheel can be completely rigid (in which the parts are firmly welded or screwed together) or can be slightly movable (in which the parts are loosely screwed together and the U-shaped bracket is supported by two struts with dampers (or an expandable chain or an elastic rope) in the direction of the saddle mount of the bicycle frame (movable within a small range).

[0079] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings and exemplary embodiments, without being limited to these. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic 3D representation of a first embodiment of the bicycle trailer according to the invention with a rigid, straight drawbar, Fig. 2: a schematic 3D representation of a second embodiment of the bicycle trailer according to the invention with a rigid, V-shaped drawbar, Fig. 3: an overview of a bicycle with a bicycle trailer connected via an embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4a: a schematic 3D representation of a bicycle with a first embodiment of a horizontal U-shaped bracket of the coupling device that is firmly connected to the frame, Fig. 4b: a side view of a section of Fig. 4a and Fig. 4c: an enlarged top view of a detail from Fig. 4b with a first connection variant, Fig. 4d. an enlarged plan view of a detail from Fig. 4b with a second connection variant, Fig. 5a: a schematic 3D representation of a bicycle with a second embodiment of a horizontal U-shaped bracket of the coupling device with support struts and hydraulic damper, connected to the frame in a limited manner, Fig. 5b: a side view of a section of Fig. 5a and Fig. 5c: an enlarged top view of a detail from Fig. 5b with a first connection variant, Fig. 5d: an enlarged top view of a detail from Fig. 5b with a second connection variant, Fig. 6: an overview of three bicycles connected to an embodiment of the bicycle trailer according to the invention according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 7: an overview of five bicycles connected to an embodiment of the bicycle trailer according to the invention according to Fig. 1. Example 1

[0080] The bicycle trailer (4) comprises, as shown in the Fig. 1, a frame (1), a holding system (11) to which persons can hold on, a base plate (12) on which persons can stand, an axle (2) with two wheels (3), a drawbar (5), a braking system (41) and a coupling part (42), advantageously in the form of an eyelet, as part of a coupling device (6).

[0081] The force-locking coupling device (6) is located, as shown in Fig. 3, between a (towing) bicycle or e-bike (F) on a single-axle bicycle trailer (4) with frame (1), one axle (2), two wheels (3) and drawbar (5).

[0082] The frame (1) is rigid, made of metal or composite material and forms the holding system (11), carries the base plate (12) and holds the axle (2) with the wheels (3), wherein the axle (2) is advantageously spring-mounted and the wheels (3) are advantageously pneumatic tires.

[0083] As an alternative to these pneumatic tires or in addition to them, the wheels (3) can also be sprung, e.g. via their wheel bearings.

[0084] The bicycle trailer (4) has a, as shown in Fig. 1, a rigid drawbar (5) mounted centrally on the frame (1) in the direction of travel, under the base plate (12), which allows the attachment of a (towing) bicycle or e-bike (F) by means of the coupling part (42) of the force-locking coupling device (6) (see Fig. 3).

[0085] Alternatively, the rigid drawbar (5) can be used as shown in Fig. 2, run from the front, lower corners of the frame (1) in a V-shape towards the coupling part (42) of the coupling device (6).

[0086] Particularly advantageously, a damper (51) is arranged between the coupling part (42) and the rigid drawbar (5) in order to prevent jerking movements when starting and braking the bicycle or e-bike (F) coupled to the bicycle trailer (4).

[0087] The single-axle, two-track bicycle trailer (4) has a braking system (41) acting on all wheels (3), which can be manually operated by the person standing in the bicycle trailer (4) and holding onto the grab bar (11) using conventional braking devices. Particularly advantageously, one braking device acts on each wheel (3), so that the two wheels (3) can be braked jointly or individually by the manually operated braking system (41).

[0088] In addition, the bicycle trailer (4) can have a brake spur operated by a hand lever or a foot pedal, which acts directly on the ground in order to carry out an emergency braking, for example (not shown in the figures).

[0089] In order to attach additional towing vehicles (in particular bicycles or e-bikes) in addition to the first (main) towing vehicle [in particular bicycles or e-bikes (F)] to the bicycle trailer (4), which is particularly advantageously done by elastic towing cables or damped drawbars, additional coupling parts, advantageously in the form of eyelets, are provided on both sides next to the coupling part (42), in which the elastic towing cables or the damped drawbars are attached, so that a bicycle trailer, for example in a 3- or 5-trailer combination, can be towed by 3 or 5 e-bikes (in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shown). Example 2

[0090] A U-shaped bracket (8), which can also function as a bumper as explained below, is, as shown in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4a and b and 5a and b, as part of the coupling device (6) in the area of ​​the rear wheel axle of a bicycle or e-bike (F) mounted around the axle of the rear wheel and the rear wheel.

[0091] The U-shaped bracket (8) has two free, angled ends, which are connected to the frame of the (towing) bicycle / e-bike (4) in the immediate vicinity of the rear wheel axle, as well as a connecting pin (82) with a head, which is larger in diameter than the diameter of the actual connecting pin (82) [see Fig. 4d and Fig. 5d, whereby the connecting pin (82) can be provided with a locking pin instead of the head - see Fig. 4c and Fig. 5c].

[0092] This part of the coupling device (6) has, as shown in the Fig. 4d and Fig.5d, at its apex on the side facing away from the rear wheel of the bicycle or e-bike (F) via a bushing (81) running vertically through the U-shaped bracket (8) for receiving the connecting pin (82), wherein the connecting pin (82) is directed obliquely forwards in the direction of the bicycle or e-bike (F) vertically upwards and, when the bicycle or e-bike (F) is coupled to the bicycle trailer (F), connects the drawbar (5) of the bicycle trailer (4) to the U-shaped bracket (8) of the bicycle or e-bike (F), in which the coupling part (42) (e.g. an eyelet) of the drawbar (5) rests centrally above the bushing (81) on the U-shaped bracket (8) and the connecting pin (82) runs through the coupling part (42) (e.g. an eyelet) and the bushing (81) (= bolt coupling) and thereby the U-shaped (8) of the bicycle or e-bike (F) is movably connected to the drawbar (5) of the bicycle trailer (4) around the axis of the connecting pin (82).

[0093] Alternatively, a connecting pin (82) without a head can be welded as a hook to the U-shaped bracket (8) at the position of the bushing (81) (= fifth wheel coupling, not shown in the figures).

[0094] As an alternative to the bolt coupling or the fifth wheel coupling, a ball head coupling or a jaw coupling can also be used as a coupling device (6).

[0095] The connection of the two free ends of the U-shaped bracket (8) to the frame of the (towing) bicycle or e-bike (F) in the area of ​​the rear bicycle wheel can be made completely rigid by firmly welding the parts together.

[0096] Alternatively, and advantageously compared to this rigid embodiment, the holder of the U-shaped bracket (8) is movable to a limited extent, but is non-positively secured and prevented from sinking by two tension or pressure-absorbing support rods (9), which can advantageously each be provided with a hydraulic damper (91), and is reversibly connected to the frame of the bicycle or e-bike (F) by means of screw connections, in which a U-shaped profile tube is provided at each of the two ends with a cross bushing, through which a rotatable but non-positive connection to the rear axle system of the bicycle or e-bike (F) or a bore in the area of ​​both dropouts of the frame of the bicycle and e-bike (F) is then established by means of suitable compensating pieces through the screw connections.

[0097] The U-shaped element, which is movable but non-positively and protected against sinking by means of suitable tension or pressure-absorbing elements [e.g. the U-shaped bracket (8) secured by means of holding rods (9) with hydraulic dampers (91)], has a high rigidity, in particular in the lateral direction, in order not to give way (deform) when driven by following towed vehicles, in particular in the form of the attached bicycle trailer (4).

[0098] At the same time, this U-shaped bracket (8), which can function as a bumper, is light and easy to retrofit and, with various attachments, can be used as a carrier for other useful attachments.

[0099] Furthermore, the U-shaped bracket (8) = the bumper also protects the rear derailleur from damage if the bike falls over.

[0100] This U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper) is in particular a component of the coupling device (6), in that it (it) as a coupling part has a bushing (81) running vertically through the bumper (8) with a connecting pin (82), which is designed to match the coupling part (42) (e.g. eyelet) of the drawbar (5), so that the simple attachment of the bicycle trailer (4) [or alternatively also a luggage rack, mudguards, a stand or a torque support] is possible.

[0101] It is also within the scope of the invention that the bumper (8) protects the bicycle or e-bike (F) without an attached bicycle trailer (4) from being touched by approaching vehicles by means of balls or rollers mounted on the end of the U-shaped bracket profile.

[0102] This second variant of the U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper), which can be easily retrofitted to a bicycle or e-bike (F), forms part of the coupling device (6) and provides a remedy for all the disadvantages mentioned so far.

[0103] The profile of the U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper) can be designed as a round, oval, square, or rectangular tube. The same applies to the frame (1) of the bicycle trailer (4).

[0104] The U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper) can be designed in one or more parts. It is also within the scope of the invention for the U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper) to be divisible or foldable in the horizontal plane to facilitate the transport of the bicycle or e-bike (F) if necessary (not shown in the figures).

[0105] The following embodiments are also within the scope of the invention: Additional movable rollers or balls of a larger diameter can be threaded onto the U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper), which begin to rotate when the front wheel of a vehicle approaching the U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper) without a bicycle trailer (4) attached touches it, thus reducing the braking effect (not shown in the figures).

[0106] The U-shaped bracket (8) (= the bumper) can be designed solo or with additional elements for attaching a luggage rack, mudguard or stand or trailer hitch (not shown in the figures).

[0107] The advantage of the provided bicycle trailer with a rigid drawbar is that an adult can stand or sit on it while driving, with the brakes being operated by the occupant themselves, thus actively braking the bicycle trailer.

[0108] The advantage of the damper installed between the coupling part and the drawbar is that it prevents jerking movements when starting and braking.

[0109] In addition, the provided bicycle trailer with a rigid drawbar can be towed by more than one tractor (especially a bicycle or e-bike).

[0110] The advantage of the provided device for connecting the provided trailer to one or more towing vehicles (especially bicycles or e-bikes) is that it allows for easy retrofitting of this bicycle trailer to one or more towing vehicles (especially bicycles or e-bikes) for show, recreational, and sporting purposes. The brakeable bicycle trailer allows an adult to not only stand but also sit (especially as a wheelchair user) while driving, and brake the trailer in both variants. This enables people with mobility disabilities to actively participate in off-road cycling / mountain biking.

[0111] In addition, the device provided for connecting the trailer provided to one or more towing vehicles (in particular bicycles or e-bikes) has the following additional advantages: it offers collision protection, allows attachment of add-on parts and protects the gearshift when the derailleur protrudes laterally beyond the frame.

[0112] All features presented in the description, the drawings and the exemplary embodiments as well as the following claims can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another. List of reference symbols 1 frame 11 Grab bar 12 Base plate 2 axle 3 wheel 4 bicycle trailers 41 Braking system 42 Coupling system (eyelet) 5 drawbar 51 dampers 6 Coupling device / trailer coupling 8 U-shaped bracket (= bumper) 81 socket 82 connecting pins 9 grab bars 91 hydraulic damper F Bicycle QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2007 022 956 A1

[0006] DE 10 2008 036 137 A1

[0008] DE 10 2004 042 123 A1

[0011] DE 101 06 878 C1

[0013] DE 20 2005 003 581 U1

[0022] DE 20 2004 003 968 U1

[0024] DE 100 02 412 A1

[0026] DE 100 11 823 A1

[0028]

Claims

[1] Bicycle trailer (4) comprising a frame (1), a rigid or sprung axle (2) with two wheels (3), the axle (2) being connected to the frame (1) on its underside, a braking system (41) by which the wheels (3) can be braked individually or jointly, and a drawbar (5) which is connected to the axle (2) and / or the frame (1) and has a coupling part (42) at its free end, characterized by that the frame (1) has, on its side facing the drawbar (5), a support rod (11) above the axle (2) which runs parallel to the axle (2) and is provided with a braking system (41) so that a person standing or sitting above the axle (2) and holding on to the support rod (11) can actuate the braking system (41) by hand. [2] Bicycle trailer (4) according to claim 1, characterized bythat an upwardly directed profile emerges from the drawbar (5), to which the support rod (11) is attached, so that a U-shaped support bracket is formed in the direction of the drawbar. [3] Bicycle trailer (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the support rod (11) is designed in the form of a two-wheel handlebar and the braking system (41) comprises two standardized hand-operated braking devices. [4] Bicycle trailer (4) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the frame (1) surrounds or supports a base plate (12) above the axis (1) as a step surface for a standing person. [5] Bicycle trailer (4) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the frame (1) is a frame, wherein the longitudinal profiles have a round or polygonal cross-section and the drawbar (5) is a profile which is firmly connected to the center of the frame, under the base plate (12), and which has the coupling part (42) on its side facing away from the bicycle trailer (4) or the drawbar (5) runs in a V-shape from the front, lower corners of the frame (1) in the direction of the coupling part (42), wherein the coupling part (42) is part of a force-locking coupling system (6) which absorbs support loads. [6] Bicycle trailer (4) according to claim 5, characterized by that the coupling part (42) is designed as an eyelet. [7] Bicycle trailer (4) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the frame (1) and the axle (2) are arranged in such a way that they form a triangle whose center coincides with the center of the tread area of the base plate (12). [8] Bicycle trailer (4) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the frame (1) and the drawbar (5) can be plugged and screwed together from individual parts. [9] Bicycle trailer according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the wheels (3) are pneumatic and sprung, the braking system (41) acting on each wheel (3) individually. [10] Bicycle trailer according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that there is a damper (51) between the coupling part (42) and the drawbar (5). [11] Device for connecting the bicycle trailer (4) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10 to a bicycle or e-bike (F) in the form of a coupling device (6) with a first and second coupling part (42), which are designed to be non-positively connectable and detachable between the bicycle trailer (4) and the bicycle or e-bike (F) as a bolt coupling, fifth wheel coupling, ball head coupling or jaw coupling, characterized by that - the first coupling part (42) on the drawbar (5) of the bicycle trailer (4) and - the second coupling part is located on a U-shaped bracket (8) which is rigidly or movably held in the area of the rear wheel of the bicycle or e-bike (F) at its two free ends in the area of the axle of the rear wheel, wherein the second coupling part is arranged in the area of the rounded end of the bracket (8) which is opposite the two free ends, so that the coupling device (6), in the coupled state, movably connects the drawbar (5) of the bicycle trailer (4) to the U-shaped bracket (8) of the bicycle or e-bike (F) and absorbs the support load of the drawbar (5). [12] Device according to claim 11, characterized bythat the bolt coupling comprises a first coupling part (42) in the form of an eyelet and a second coupling part in the form of a bushing (81) with connecting pins (82), wherein the eyelet is arranged on the drawbar (5) of the bicycle trailer (4) on the side facing away from the bicycle trailer (4) and the bushing (81) is located in a U-shaped bracket (8) which is rigidly or movably held in the area of the rear wheel of the bicycle or e-bike (F) at its two free ends in the area of the axle of the rear wheel or is connected to the axle of the rear wheel directly by the axle screw connection, wherein - the U-shaped bracket (8) has a coupling part in the form of the bush (81) at its rounded end, which is opposite the two free ends, - the bushing (81) is arranged in the area of the rounded end of the bracket (8) and - the connecting pin (82) has a head which is larger in diameter than the diameter of the actual connecting pin (82), and the bushing (81) serves to receive the connecting pin (82), wherein - the connecting pin (82) is directed vertically upwards at an angle towards the front in the direction of the bicycle or e-bike (F) and, when the bicycle or e-bike (F) is coupled to the bicycle trailer (4), connects the drawbar (5) to the U-shaped bracket (8), - in which the first coupling part (42) in the form of the eyelet of the drawbar (5) rests centrally above the bushing (81) on the U-shaped bracket (8) and - the connecting pin (82) passes through the eyelet and the bushing (81), whereby the U-shaped bracket (8) of the bicycle / e-bike (F) is movably connected to the drawbar (5) of the bicycle trailer (4) around the axis of the connecting pin (82). [13] Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized bythat the free ends of the U-shaped bracket (8) • are rigidly welded or screwed to the frame of the bicycle or e-bike (F) in the immediate vicinity of the rear wheel axle or • are movably connected to the frame of the bicycle or e-bike (F) by screws or • are movably screwed to the rear wheel axle and are held by means of two support rods (9) with hydraulic dampers (91) or chains or elastic ropes, which are attached to the rounded end of the U-shaped bracket (8) and to the frame of the bicycle or e-bike (F) in the area of the saddle.

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