Bicycle trailer

Abstract

A bicycle trailer is disclosed comprising a main frame and a seat structure. The main frame defines an accommodation space for a passenger or a load to be transported. The seat structure is transferable between an operating state, in which the seat structure forms a seating area for a passenger, and a stowed state, in which the seat structure is folded up, thereby allowing the transport of a load in addition to the passenger. The seat structure comprises a backrest portion with a seat side, the seat side being intended to at least partially contact the back of the passenger. The backrest portion can be accommodated in the bicycle trailer such that when the seat structure is in the stowed state, at least the seat side of the backrest portion is protected from contact with the load to be carried.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle trailer, and in particular to a bicycle trailer that is changeable between a passenger transport configuration and a load transport configuration. Background Art

[0002] Bike trailers are known in the prior art. Such bike trailers are usually used to transport children, pets or other loads to be transported. These bike trailers are usually customized for a single specific purpose (e.g., transporting children). Therefore, if a user wants to use such a bike trailer for a different purpose, such as for transporting goods, this is simply not possible in some bicycle carriers, or at least not possible without performing multiple steps. This may be an annoying and troublesome experience for the user. In addition, known bike trailers that can be used to transport passengers and other loads do not provide satisfactory support capabilities for both the load and the passengers. Another disadvantage of the bike trailers of the prior art is that part of the passenger seat is exposed to the goods to be transported. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved bicycle trailer which alleviates at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0004] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a bicycle trailer according to independent claim 1. Advantageous further formations are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the Summary and Detailed Description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0006] A bicycle trailer that can be coupled to a bicycle is disclosed. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "bicycle trailer" may be understood as a trailer that can be configured to be towed by a bicycle at least. Thus, the term "bicycle trailer" may include a trailer that is configured to be coupled to a bicycle, but may also include a trailer that can be used in combination with a bicycle by means of specific attachments. Furthermore, the term "bicycle trailer" does not necessarily mean that such a trailer can only be used as a trailer that can be towed by a bicycle. Instead, the term should also include a carrier that includes a primary function of being towed by a bicycle, but may include a secondary function, such as a function as a baby carriage. To this end, the bicycle trailer may include a configuration that allows for the detachable fixation of different components including, for example, a coupling unit or a support unit. The coupling unit may include a tow bar. The support unit may include wheels. Furthermore, different adapter kits may be used to convert the bicycle trailer, for example, a ski adapter kit that allows one to tow the bicycle trailer in the snow, a hiking adapter kit that allows one to tow the bicycle trailer on rough terrain, or a running adapter kit that allows one to push or pull the bicycle carrier.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a bicycle trailer may include one of a main frame, a seat structure, a locking mechanism, a support arrangement, and a fixing arrangement. In other words, a bicycle trailer may be provided that includes one or more of the following components. These components may be viewed as functional building blocks that may be appropriately combined to form different embodiments. Furthermore, each of these components may include one or more of the features that will be described in the Summary of the Invention, the Detailed Description, and the Claims in conjunction with the corresponding entities.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a bicycle trailer comprises a main frame and a seat structure. The main frame may include a lower frame portion, a rear frame portion and two side frame portions arranged on opposite lateral sides of the lower frame portion. In addition, the main frame may include an upper frame portion. The main frame defines a storage space for passengers or loads to be transported. The main frame may include a plurality of frame members, which are connected to form different frame parts. Such frame members may include elongated members (such as, for example, profiles made of aluminum) and connecting members connecting such elongated members. Note that some frame members may be part of different frame parts among the frame parts mentioned above. In other words, a configuration in which different frame parts share one or more common elements is possible.

[0009] The lower frame portion may comprise a rectangular configuration. Fixing means, such as fixing rings for fixing loads to be carried other than passengers, may be arranged in the corner regions of the lower frame portion. The lower frame portion may comprise two elongated members, which may extend in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer. Such elongated members may also be referred to as longitudinal members. The longitudinal members may be coupled to each other at their end portions, for example by means of elongated members, which extend in a transverse direction, for example perpendicular to the longitudinal members. Elongated members extending in the transverse direction may also be referred to as transverse members. At least one of the transverse members may be formed integrally with the longitudinal members. For example, a portion of the lower frame portion may be constructed by bending the elongated members into a U-shape, in which the legs form the longitudinal members and the bridging portions connecting the legs form the transverse members. The transverse member coupling the front end portion of the longitudinal member may be arranged so that it extends mainly at a lower height compared to the other elongated members of the lower frame portion. The transverse member coupling the front end portion will also be referred to as the front transverse member of the lower frame portion. The front transverse member may be arranged below the longitudinal member and may be coupled to the end portion of the longitudinal member from below. The front cross member may include a U-shape, free ends of which are respectively coupled to the longitudinal members.

[0010] The rear frame portion may be constructed of two support assemblies, which are oriented in the height direction when the bicycle trailer is in use. Each support assembly may include an elongated member. Each support assembly may be configured to be foldable. Each support assembly may include a lower part and an upper part. The lower parts of the support assemblies may be coupled to each other by means of a support structure. The upper part may be coupled to the lower part by means of a pivot structure. The pivot structure may be configured to be releasably lockable. Therefore, the pivot structure may include a coupling unit for pivotally coupling the first end portion of the upper part to the first end portion of the lower part. In addition, the coupling unit includes a blocking arrangement, which allows blocking the movement of the upper part relative to the lower part when the rear frame portion is in the expanded state. Such a blocking arrangement may include an engagement member, which can engage with a receiving portion formed in the upper part and / or the lower part.

[0011] The upper frame portion may include two elongated members extending mainly in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer. The elongated members may be formed in a convex shape. In addition, the elongated members may extend in parallel. The front end portions of the two elongated members may be pivotally coupled to the front end portion of the lower frame portion by means of a hinge mechanism. The rear end portions of the elongated members may be pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the upper portion of the rear frame portion. The handle portion may be coupled to the rear end portions of the elongated members. The upper frame portion may also include a cross member fixedly coupled to the rear end portions of the elongated members.

[0012] Each side frame portion can be formed by the components mentioned above in conjunction with the lower frame portion, the rear frame portion and the upper frame portion. For example, the first side frame portion can be formed by an elongated member of the lower frame portion, a support assembly of the rear frame portion and an elongated member of the upper frame portion.

[0013] The seat structure may be configured to be able to transfer between an operating state and a stowed state. The operating state may be a state in which the seat structure forms a seating area for a passenger. The stowed state may be a state in which the seat structure is folded up, thereby allowing the transport of a load other than a passenger. Instead of folding the seat structure, it is also conceivable to completely remove the entire seat structure or at least a portion thereof, and stow the removed parts away. The seat structure may include a backrest portion. In addition, the seat structure may include a bottom support portion. Optionally, the seat structure may also include a footrest portion. The seat structure may be constructed of a plurality of parts attached to each other, or may be at least partially formed in one piece. For example, the basic structure of the seat structure including the bottom support portion and the backrest portion may be formed in one piece, while other elements of the seat structure, such as harness straps, may be detachably connected to such a basic structure. The seat structure or at least the basic structure mentioned above may include fabric. In addition, the seat structure may include a cushion portion for comfortably supporting a passenger to be transported therein. The seat structure may be configured to be attached to the main frame in a suspended manner. The backrest portion may include a seat side for at least partially contacting a passenger, in particular a back of the passenger. The backrest portion may be accommodated in a bicycle trailer so that when the seat structure is in the stowed state, at least the seat side of the backrest portion is protected from contact with a load to be carried.

[0014] The main frame may comprise at least a first fixing portion for coupling an end portion of the backrest portion to the main frame. When the end portion is coupled to the first fixing portion, the seat structure may be in an operational state.

[0015] The main frame may also include a second fixed portion for connecting the end portion of the backrest portion to the main frame, for example, so that when the end portion is connected to the second fixed portion, the seat structure is in a retracted state. Note that the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion may each include or be composed of a plurality of components that together form the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion, respectively. Such components do not have to be positioned close to each other. On the contrary, the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion may include components at different positions on the main frame, for example, one component on one lateral side of the main frame and one component on the opposite lateral side of the main frame. One component of the first fixed portion may be arranged on the first side frame portion, and another component of the first fixed portion may be arranged on the second side frame portion. Therefore, the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion may each be constructed as a mechanism that allows the end portion of the backrest to be connected to the main frame.

[0016] The bicycle trailer may further comprise a cross member for coupling the end portions of the backrest to the main frame. Each fixed portion may be configured to detachably receive a cross member. The cross member may be a flexible or rigid member. For example, the cross member may be a fabric that can be hangably fixed to the fixed portion and its end portions. The cross member may comprise a cross bar. The cross bar may comprise a profile element, such as an extruded profile element. The cross bar may comprise a hollow profile. In an embodiment, the cross bar may be formed as a hollow cylinder. For example, the cross bar may be a tubular member. The profile element may be made of aluminum extrusion. The cross bar may be straight, or may comprise a curved shape at least in a section thereof.

[0017] At least the first fixing part may include a locking mechanism for releasably locking the cross member to the main frame. The locking mechanism may include a receiving portion and a locking portion. The locking portion can be transferred between a locked state and a released position. The locking portion can be configured to act as a stop when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. The locking portion can be configured to positively lock the cross member in the receiving portion in the locked state. There are different configurations to choose from. For example, the locking portion can be configured to engage with the cross member. To this end, the locking portion can be formed as a protrusion that can engage with a recess formed in the cross member. The locking portion can be configured as a blocking member that can be moved to a position in which the locking portion acts as a stopper that blocks the movement of the cross member in the disassembly direction. In the released state, the locking portion can be retracted to allow the cross member to be separated from the receiving portion.

[0018] The locking mechanism may further include an operating portion. The operating portion may be configured to be manually operated by a user. The locking portion may be operably coupled to the operating portion. To this end, the locking portion and the operating portion may be integrally formed in a single component, or the locking portion and the operating portion may be force-transmittingly coupled to each other by means of a force transmission mechanism. Such a force transmission mechanism may include a bendable force transmission member (such as a wire, for example a Bowden cable), or may include a rigid force transmission member, for example a torsion bar and / or a pull rod. The operating portion may be, for example, a button or a rod portion.

[0019] The locking portion may be pre-biased towards the locked state by means of an urging member. The urging member may comprise a spring, such as a helical spring.

[0020] The locking portion and the operating portion may be integrally formed as a lever. The lever may be pivotally arranged on the main frame. For example, the lever may be pivotally arranged on the main frame so that the locking portion can be transferred from a locked state to a released state by pivoting the locking portion toward the receiving portion. The lever may be coupled to the main frame so that its pivot axis extends in the transverse direction of the bicycle trailer. For example, a pivot pin defining the pivot axis may extend parallel to a rear cross member of the lower frame portion. If this construction is provided as mentioned above, it is prevented that the force exerted on the locking portion by the inserted cross member may cause the cross member to disengage from the locking portion. The locking portion may be movable between a locking position and a release position, in which the locking portion protrudes into the insertion path of the cross member and in which the locking portion is retracted and does not protrude into the insertion path. The movement may be a pivotal movement. The locking position may be defined by an abutment. Since the released state can only be achieved by pivotal movement of the locking portion toward the receiving portion, and since movement of the locking portion in the opposite direction is blocked when the locking portion is in the locked position, the locking mechanism includes a self-locking capability.

[0021] The first fixing portion may be arranged on the rear frame portion. The rear frame portion may be retractable. The first fixing portion may be arranged on an upper end portion of the rear frame portion. However, the first fixing portion may also be arranged on a rear end portion of the upper frame portion. The first fixing portion may be arranged adjacent to or close to a coupling portion for coupling the handle portion to the main frame.

[0022] The second fixing portion may be provided at a front portion of the lower frame portion, for example, at a front end portion of the lower frame portion.

[0023] At least the first fixing portion may include a first coupling section disposed on the main frame on one lateral side of the accommodation space and a second coupling section disposed on the main frame on an opposite lateral side of the accommodation space. The locking mechanism may be disposed in one of the first coupling section and the second coupling section.

[0024] The bicycle trailer may further comprise an adjustable support arrangement capable of being transferred between a loaded state and a stowed state. In the loaded state, the support arrangement may extend over a large portion of the lower frame portion of the main frame, thereby providing a load-bearing surface. In the stowed state, the support arrangement may extend over a smaller portion of the lower frame portion and may provide only a smaller load-bearing surface. For example, a configuration may be provided wherein in the loaded state the support arrangement extends over more than 50% of the lower frame portion and provides a load-bearing surface of a certain length. In the stowed state, the support arrangement may provide a load-bearing surface of a smaller length.

[0025] The bicycle carrier may also be configured such that in the stowed state the seat structure is accommodated in the lower frame portion such that the seat structure is at least partially covered by the support arrangement when the support arrangement is in the loaded state.

[0026] The adjustable support arrangement may be configured to extend over a smaller portion of the lower frame portion when the seat structure is in the operational configuration and may be configured to at least partially support the backrest portion when the seat structure is in the operational configuration. Thus, a portion of the adjustable support arrangement that is not used to carry and support a load in the stowed configuration may help support a portion of the backrest.

[0027] The support arrangement may comprise sections. The sections may be pivotally coupled to each other, or may be separate sections arranged adjacent to each other to provide a loaded state. One or more of the sections may be formed flat and rigid. If the sections are pivotally coupled to each other, such a construction may be provided by a fabric into which a plurality of flat and rigid support elements are integrated (e.g. sewn). Additionally or alternatively, the bicycle trailer may comprise a fixing arrangement for releasably locking the support arrangement to the lower frame portion at least in a loaded state. The fixing arrangement may comprise a fastener such as a Velcro fastener, and / or may comprise at least one engaging member configured to releasably engage with a portion of the support arrangement. Such an engaging member may comprise a latch portion configured to engage with or partially surround a portion of the support arrangement.

[0028] Additional features and advantages of the above-described embodiments may be obtained by those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which description should not be interpreted as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements.

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view of a bicycle trailer according to an embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The floor plan of a bicycle trailer.

[0032] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Side view of a bicycle trailer with the seat structure in an operational state.

[0033] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A side view of a bicycle trailer with the seat structure arranged in a stowed state.

[0034] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 Side view of a bicycle trailer with the adjustable support arrangement in a loaded state and covering the seat structure.

[0035] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 perspective view of a bicycle trailer.

[0036] Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of a first coupling section of a first fixing part on a main frame of a bicycle trailer together with a locking mechanism is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of a second coupling section of a first fixing part on a main frame of a bicycle trailer is shown.

[0038] Fig. 9 The coupling section of the second fixed part of the main frame is shown.

[0039] Fig.10 An enlarged perspective view of a securing arrangement for releasably locking the supporting arrangement to the lower frame portion of the main frame is shown.

[0040] Fig.11 A side view of a modified bicycle trailer is shown.

[0041] Fig.12 A side view of another modified bicycle trailer is shown.

[0042] All figures are merely schematic representations of exemplary embodiments, wherein, in particular, distances and dimensional dependencies are not presented to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the previous background or summary or the following detailed description.

[0044] Figures 1 to 6 Different views of a bicycle trailer 1 according to an embodiment are shown. The bicycle trailer 1 may include a main frame 100 defining an accommodation space 190 for a passenger or a load to be transported. The main frame 100 may include a lower frame portion 110, a rear frame portion 120, two side frame portions 130, 140 and one of an upper frame portion 180.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the handle portion 600 may be coupled to the main frame 100 at the rear upper end portion 102 of the main frame 100. The handle portion 600 may include a handle 602 coupled to the main frame 100 by means of a pivot structure. More precisely, the handle portion 600 may include a hinge mechanism 604 that couples the handle 602 to the main frame 100 so that the handle 602 can pivot around a horizontal axis (more precisely, around a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bicycle trailer 1). The hinge mechanism 604 may define a corresponding pivot axis and may also include a locking mechanism that allows the handle 602 to be releasably locked at a desired rotational position.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the lower frame portion 110 may include a rectangular configuration. More precisely, the lower frame portion 110 may include two elongated sections, exemplarily implemented as elongated members 111, 112, which may include profiles. The elongated members 111, 112 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer 1 and may form side sections of the lower frame portion 110. The elongated members 111, 112 may also be referred to as longitudinal members. The elongated members 111, 112 may be coupled to each other at their end portions. In this configuration, the elongated members 111, 112 may be coupled to each other by means of elongated cross members, more precisely, a first front cross member 113 and a second rear cross member 114. Both cross members 113, 114 may extend transversely to the extension direction of the elongated members 111, 112. The rear cross member 114 may be formed integrally with the elongated members 111, 112. The front cross member 113 may couple the front end portions of the elongated members 111, 112 and may extend below the longitudinal members. In other words, the front cross member 113 may couple to the front end portions of the elongated members 111, 112 at the lower portions of the elongated members 111, 112. In this way, a receiving space 115 may be created between the front end portions, allowing for the accommodation of a cross member 170 that will be described in more detail later.

[0047] The rear frame portion 120 may include two support assemblies 121, 122, which are oriented in the height direction when the bicycle carrier is in a use state (which means in a state in which the rear frame portion 120 is unfolded or opened). Each support assembly 121, 122 may be configured to be foldable or retractable. Each support assembly may include a lower portion 123, 124 and an upper portion 125, 126. The lower portions 123, 124 of the support assemblies may be coupled to each other by means of a support structure 127. The first end portion of the upper portion 125, 126 may be coupled to the first end portion of the lower portion 123, 124 by means of a hinge mechanism 128, 129. The second end portion of the lower portion 123, 124 may be pivotably coupled to the rear end portion of the lower frame portion 111. The second end portion of the upper portion 125, 126 may be pivotably coupled to the rear end portion of the upper frame portion 180.

[0048] The upper frame portion 180 may include two elongated members 181, 182 extending mainly in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer 1. The elongated members 181, 182 may be formed in a convex shape. Furthermore, the elongated members 181, 182 may extend in parallel. The front end portions of the two elongated members 181, 182 may be pivotally coupled to the front end portion of the lower frame portion 110 by means of hinge mechanisms 184, 185. The rear end portions of the elongated members 181, 182 may be pivotally coupled to the second end portions of the upper portions 125, 126. Furthermore, the handle portion 600 may also be coupled to the rear end portions of the elongated members 181, 182. The upper frame portion 180 may also include an optional cross member 183 that fixedly couples the rear end portions of the elongated members 183.

[0049] Each side frame portion 130, 140 may be formed by the components that have been mentioned above in connection with the lower frame portion 110, the rear frame portion 120, and the upper frame portion 180. For example, the first side frame portion 130 may be formed by the elongated member 111 of the lower frame portion 110, the support assembly 121 of the rear frame portion 120, and the elongated member 181 of the upper frame portion 180. Similarly, the second side frame portion 140 may be formed by the elongated member 112 of the lower frame portion 110, the support assembly 122 of the rear frame portion 120, and the elongated member 182 of the upper frame portion 180.

[0050] like Figure 1As further shown in FIG. 1 , the main frame 100 may include a first fixing portion 150 and a second fixing portion 160. The first fixing portion 150 and the second fixing portion 160 may be configured to detachably receive a cross member 170. In this embodiment, the cross member 170 may include a cross bar 172 configured to be retained between the side frame portions 130, 140. The first fixing portion 150 and the second fixing portion 160 may be provided as different fixing portions, each of which allows for the fixing of the cross member 170. In other words, the cross member 170 may be mounted on the main frame 100 at two different positions.

[0051] The first fixing portion 150 may be disposed at an upper end portion of the rear frame portion 120. More specifically, according to an embodiment, the first fixing portion 150 may be disposed at the upper portions 125, 126 of the rear frame portion 120. However, it is noted that the first fixing portion 150 may be disposed at a different position in the main frame 100. The first fixing portion 150 may include a first coupling section 151 and a second coupling section 152. The first coupling section 151 may be coupled to the upper portion 125 of the rear frame portion 120. The second coupling section 152 may be coupled to the upper portion 126 of the rear frame portion 120. The first coupling section 151 and the second coupling section 152 may be configured to detachably receive an end portion of the cross member 170. Therefore, the cross member 170 may be held between the first coupling section 151 and the second coupling section 152 in a suspended manner and such that it may extend in a lateral direction of the bicycle trailer 1.

[0052] The second fixing portion 160 may be provided at a front end portion of the main frame 100, for example, at a front end portion of the lower frame portion 110. The second fixing portion 160 may include a first coupling section 161 and a second coupling section 162. The first coupling section 161 may be coupled to the front end portion of the elongated member 111, and the second coupling section 162 may be coupled to the front end portion of the elongated member 112. The first coupling section 161 and the second coupling section 162 may also be configured to detachably receive the end portion of the cross member 170. Therefore, the cross member 170 may be held between the first coupling section 161 and the second coupling section 162 in a suspended manner and extended in the lateral direction of the bicycle trailer 1. According to an embodiment, the extending directions of the cross member 170 at the first fixing portion 150 and the second fixing portion 160 may be parallel with respect to each other.

[0053] This configuration allows the cross member 170 to be detachably fixed at the rear upper end portion of the main frame 100 or at the front lower end portion of the main frame 100 . Figure 11 and 2. A detachably fixed cross member 170 positioned in the first fixing portion 150 is shown in FIG. A detachably fixed cross member 170 provided at the second fixing portion 160 is indicated with a dotted line.

[0054] The bicycle trailer 1 may further include a coupling unit 2, which may be configured to couple the main frame 100 to a bicycle. The coupling unit 2 may include a tow bar 3. A bicycle fixing device 4 may be provided at a first end of the tow bar 3. The second end of the tow bar 3 may be detachably received in the coupling device 5. The coupling device 5 may be provided on a front end portion of the elongated member 111. In the present embodiment, the coupling device 5 may also be configured to detachably fix an auxiliary wheel 6 to the main frame 100 for converting the bicycle trailer into a baby carriage. In addition, the bicycle trailer 1 may include main wheels 7, 8 provided on opposite lateral sides of the main frame 100.

[0055] The bicycle trailer 1 also includes a seat structure 200, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 1. The seat structure 200 is best seen in the figure. All the figures mentioned later are cross-sectional side views from the left side of the bicycle trailer 1, wherein the cross-sectional plane extends vertically and in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer 1, and is parallel to the vertical longitudinal median plane. The seat structure 200 may include a bottom support portion 202 and a backrest portion 210. Optionally, the seat structure 200 may include a footrest portion 204. The bottom support portion 202 may extend mainly in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer 1, and may be arranged at the same height as the lower frame portion 110. The bottom support portion 202 may be coupled to the lower frame portion 110, for example, in a suspended manner, so that it may extend between the elongated members 111, 112. The first end portion 213 of the backrest portion 210 may be coupled to the rear portion 203 of the bottom support portion 202, or may be integrally formed with the bottom support portion 202. The second end portion 214 of the backrest portion 210 may be coupled to or integrally formed with the cross member 170. The backrest portion 210 may be made of fabric, or may at least include one or more fabric portions. The second end portion 214 may be sewn to the cross member 170, or fixedly mounted to the cross member 170 in a different manner. According to this embodiment, the cross member 170 may be coupled to the second end portion 214 so that its end portion protrudes from the opposite side of the second end portion 214. The seat structure 200 may also include a seat belt arrangement 209, which may include a seat belt webbing 211 for securing a passenger to be transported. The seat belt arrangement 209 is configured such that the seat belt webbing 211 is disposed on a seat side 212 of the backrest portion 210. The seat side is configured to at least partially contact the back of the passenger.

[0056] As already mentioned above, the cross member 170 can be selectively detachably mounted at the first fixing portion 150 and at the second fixing portion 160. As a result, the position of the second end portion 214 of the seat structure 200 can be changed. Due to the overall construction as described above, the seat structure 200 can therefore be folded by changing the position of the cross member 170. If the cross member 170 is detachably fixed to the first fixing portion 150, the seat structure is in an operating state in which the seat structure 200 forms a seating area for a passenger. If the cross member 170 is detachably fixed to the second fixing portion 160, the seat structure 200 is in a stowed state in which the seat structure 200 is folded up, thereby allowing the transport of a load other than a passenger. Figure 3 The seat structure 200 is shown configured in an operational state. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The seat structure 200 is shown in a stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the rear surface 215 of the backrest portion 210 faces upward and can be used to support a load in the bicycle trailer 1 in some embodiments.

[0057] The first fixing portion 150 may include a locking mechanism 310 for releasably locking the cross member 170 to the main frame 100. Alternatively, the cross member 170 may include a locking mechanism capable of engaging an end portion of the cross member 170 with the main frame 100. Such a locking mechanism may include a retractable engagement member in the end portion of the cross member 170, the engagement member being configured, for example, to be pre-biased to protrude from the end portion under normal circumstances and retractable by operation of an operating mechanism (e.g., a button or squeeze button provided on the cross member 170).

[0058] Will refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The configurations of the first fixing portion 150 and the locking mechanism 310 according to the embodiment are further described. Figure 7 An enlarged view of a first coupling section 151 provided on the main frame on one lateral side of the accommodation space 190 is shown. Figure 8 An enlarged view of the second coupling section 152 provided on the main frame 100 on the opposite lateral side of the accommodation space 190 is shown. Figure 7 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the locking mechanism 310 may be disposed in the first coupling section 151 .

[0059] The locking mechanism 310 may include a receiving portion 312 and a locking portion 314. The locking portion 314 may be transferable between a locking position and a release position. In the locked state, the locking portion 314 acts as a stopper, thereby locking the cross member 170 in the receiving portion 312 in a form-fitting manner. In the released state, the locking portion 314 retracts and allows the cross member 170 to be separated from the receiving portion 312. The locking portion 314 is operably connected to an operating portion 316 that can be operated by a user. The locking portion 314 can be pre-biased toward the locked state by means of a push member 318 that is implemented as a spring in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the locking portion 314 and the operating portion 316 are integrally formed as a lever 320. The lever 320 may be pivotally arranged on the main frame 100. More precisely, the lever 320 may be pivotally arranged so that the locking portion 314 can be transferred from the locked state to the release state by pivoting the locking portion 314 toward the receiving portion 312. When the cross bar 172 is inserted into the receiving portion 312, a pivot axis about which the locking portion 314 can pivot can be arranged in parallel with the extension direction of the cross bar 172. The receiving portion 312 can include a substantially C-shaped recessed portion opened toward the rear end side of the bicycle trailer 1. The lower portion of the lever 320 can be formed as an operating portion 316. If a user wants to separate the cross member 170 from the first fixing portion 150, the user needs to first pull the operating portion 316 in the rearward direction so that the locking portion 314 is rotated in the direction toward the receiving portion 312 and finally enters the release position so that the locking mechanism 310 is in a released state. Thereafter, the end portion of the cross member 170 can be pulled out of the receiving portion 312 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the cross member 170.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the second coupling section 152 may be configured differently and may not include a locking mechanism. Instead, the second coupling section 152 may include a cup-shaped receiving portion 153 that is fixed to the rear frame portion 120 by means of a coupling member 154. The opening of the receiving portion 153 may be oriented toward the first coupling section 151 so that the end portion of the cross member 170 may first be inserted into the cup-shaped receiving portion 153 by moving it in the longitudinal direction. Once the end portion is inserted into the cup-shaped receiving portion 153, the end portion and the cup-shaped receiving portion 153 cooperate to form a joint similar to a ball joint. Then, by pivoting the cross member 170 around the cup-shaped receiving portion 153, the opposite end portion of the cross member 170 may be inserted into the receiving portion 312.

[0061] like Fig. 9, a possible configuration of the second coupling section 162 is shown. The second coupling section 162 may be formed similarly to the receiving portion 312 and may include a C-shaped receiving portion 164. Thus, the second coupling section 162 may include a receiving portion that allows insertion into the end portion of the cross member 170 by moving the end portion of the cross member 170 in a radial direction or in a direction transverse to the main extension direction of the cross member 170. In order to securely retain the end portion of the cross member 170 in the second coupling section 162, the receiving portion 164 may include end portions 166, 168 defining an insertion opening 165 therebetween. The end portions 166, 168 may be formed to be flexible and may include protrusions 169, 163 that slightly reduce the size of the opening. With this configuration, the end portion of the cross member 170 may snap into the receiving portion 164. Note that the first coupling section 161 may be formed on the opposite side of the main frame 100 in a similar manner.

[0062] In some embodiments, the support arrangement 400 may be provided for covering the seat structure in the stowed state. Alternatively, such a support arrangement 400 may be provided for covering the lower part of the accommodation space 190, or simply for providing a suitable support surface for supporting a load. The support arrangement 400 may also be used for bicycle trailers with different seat structures, as long as the seat structure can be brought into a state that allows covering the seat structure, or even in combination with bicycle trailers in which the seat structure can be removed to transport a load. In addition, it is noted that in the case where such a support arrangement 400 is used in combination with a seat structure (e.g., a seat structure as described above), it is not necessary to detachably fix the cross member 170 at the second fixing portion 160. Instead, it is also feasible to simply detach the cross member 170 from the first fixing portion 150 and fold down the backrest portion 210, so that it is possible to cover the backrest portion 210 using the support arrangement 400. Therefore, in a variant of the bicycle trailer 1, the second fixing portion 160 may be omitted.

[0063] The support arrangement 400 may be adjustable and may, for example, be capable of shifting between a loaded state, in which the support arrangement extends over a large portion of the lower frame portion 110 of the main frame, and a stowed state, in which the support arrangement 400 extends over a smaller portion of the lower frame portion. In this way, the support arrangement 400 may provide support areas of different sizes. In the stowed state, the seat structure 200 may be accommodated in the lower frame portion 110 so that it is at least partially covered by the support arrangement 400 when the support arrangement 400 is in the loaded state. The support arrangement 400 may be configured to be foldable. To this end, the support arrangement 400 may include a plurality of sections 404, 406, 408, 410, which may be capable of being pivotally coupled to each other. Each section may be formed to be flat and rigid. In order to securely hold the support arrangement 400 on the lower frame portion 110, the main frame 100 may include a fixing arrangement 500 for releasably locking the support arrangement 400. The fixing arrangement may include a fastener, such as a Velcro fastener. Additionally or alternatively, the securing arrangement 500 may include an engagement member 502 configured to releasably engage with a portion of the support arrangement 400, such as Fig.10 As shown in . The engagement member 502 may include a latch portion 504 configured to partially surround a portion of the support arrangement 400. Fig.10 As further shown in , the support arrangement 400 may include a cutout or recess 401 in an edge portion thereof to provide access to the fixing portion 119 on the lower frame portion 110 .

[0064] In the stowed state, the support arrangements 400 (or more precisely sections thereof) can be stacked on top of each other in order to allow them to be stowed in a space-saving manner. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 For example, the section may be accommodated in the space behind the backrest portion 210. However, according to Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the variation of the bicycle trailer 1 shown in FIG. 1 , at least one section 404 or all sections 404 , 406 , 408 that are normally used to cover the backrest portion 210 may be used to provide additional support to the backrest portion 210 when the backrest portion 210 is in the retracted state. Fig.11 A configuration is shown in which an end portion of the support arrangement 400 is coupled to the upper rear end portion of the main frame 100 in such a way that the backrest portion 210 is supported from behind by the segments. Fig.12 A configuration is shown in which only the forward-most section 404 provides additional support to the lower portion of the back portion 210 .

[0065] In summary, it is pointed out that terms like "comprising" and the like are not intended to exclude the provision of additional elements or steps. It should also be noted that "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, the features described in conjunction with different embodiments may however be combined with each other as desired. It is also noted that the reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. In addition, although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations.

[0066] It should also be understood that the one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A bicycle trailer, comprising: a main frame comprising a lower frame portion, a rear frame portion and two side frame portions arranged on opposite lateral sides of the lower frame portion, the main frame defining an accommodation space for a passenger or a load to be transported, and A seat structure capable of transitioning between the following states: an operating state in which the seat structure forms a seating area for the passenger, and a stowed state in which the seat structure is folded up, thereby allowing the transport of a load in addition to passengers, wherein the seat structure comprises a backrest portion with a seat side for at least partially contacting the back of a passenger, wherein the backrest portion is configured to be received in the bicycle trailer such that when the seat structure is in the stowed state at least the seat side of the backrest portion is protected from contact with a load to be carried, wherein the main frame comprises at least a first fixing portion for coupling an upper end portion of the backrest portion to the main frame, wherein the seat structure is in the operational state when the upper end portion is coupled to the first fixed portion, wherein the seat structure is configured to be separated from the first fixed portion to move the seat structure from the operational state to the stowed state, and wherein the main frame comprises a second fixing portion for coupling the upper end portion of the backrest portion to the main frame, wherein the seat structure is in the stowed state when the upper end portion is coupled to the second fixing portion.

2. The bicycle trailer according to claim 1, further comprising a cross member for coupling the upper end portion to the main frame, wherein Each fixing portion is configured to removably receive the cross member.

3. The bicycle trailer according to claim 2, wherein: The cross member includes a crossbar.

4. The bicycle trailer according to claim 2, wherein: At least the first fixing part comprises a locking mechanism for releasably locking the cross member to the main frame, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a receiving part and a locking part, the locking part being transferable between a locked state and a released state, in which the locking part acts as a stopper, thereby positively locking the cross member in the receiving part, and in which the locking part retracts and allows the cross member to be separated from the receiving part.

5. The bicycle trailer according to claim 4, wherein: The locking portion is operatively coupled to an operating portion operable by a user.

6. The bicycle trailer according to claim 4, wherein: By means of the urging member, the locking portion is pre-biased towards the locked state.

7. The bicycle trailer according to claim 6, wherein: The urging member is a spring.

8. The bicycle trailer according to claim 5, wherein: The locking portion and the operating portion are integrally formed as a rod, wherein the rod is pivotably arranged on the main frame in such a manner that the locking portion can be transferred from the locked state to the released state by pivoting the locking portion toward the receiving portion.

9. The bicycle trailer according to claim 1, wherein: The first fixing portion is disposed on the rear frame portion.

10. The bicycle trailer according to claim 1, wherein: The second fixing portion is provided on a front portion of the lower frame portion.

11. The bicycle trailer according to claim 4, wherein: At least the first fixing portion includes a first connecting section arranged on the main frame on one lateral side of the accommodating space and a second connecting section arranged on the main frame on the opposite lateral side of the accommodating space, wherein the locking mechanism is arranged in one of the first connecting section and the second connecting section.

12. A bicycle trailer comprising: a main frame comprising a lower frame portion, a rear frame portion and two side frame portions disposed on opposite lateral sides of the lower frame portion, the main frame defining a receiving space for a passenger or a load to be transported; a seat structure capable of being transferred between an operative state and a stowed state, in which the seat structure forms a seating area for the passenger; In the stowed state, the seat structure is folded up, thereby allowing transport of a load in addition to a passenger, wherein the seat structure comprises a backrest portion with a seat side for at least partially contacting the back of a passenger, wherein the backrest portion is configured to be received in the bicycle trailer such that at least the seat side of the backrest portion is protected from contact with a load to be carried when the seat structure is in the stowed state; and An adjustable support arrangement structure capable of being transferred between a loaded state and a stowed state, in which the adjustable support arrangement structure extends over a majority of the lower frame portion of the main frame to provide a load-bearing surface, and in the stowed state, the adjustable support arrangement structure extends over a smaller portion of the lower frame portion.

13. The bicycle trailer according to claim 12, wherein: In the stowed state, the seat structure is accommodated in the lower frame portion such that the seat structure is at least partially covered by the adjustable support arrangement when the adjustable support arrangement is in the loaded state.

14. The bicycle trailer according to claim 12, wherein: The adjustable support arrangement is configured to extend over a smaller portion of the lower frame portion when the seat structure is in the stowed condition and the adjustable support arrangement is configured to at least partially support the backrest portion when the seat structure is in the operative condition.

15. The bicycle trailer according to claim 12, wherein: The adjustable support arrangement comprises sections pivotably coupled to each other.

16. The bicycle trailer according to claim 15, wherein: One or more of the sections are flat and rigid.

17. The bicycle trailer according to claim 12, wherein: The bicycle trailer comprises a securing arrangement for releasably locking the adjustable supporting arrangement to the lower frame portion in the loaded state.

18. The bicycle trailer according to claim 17, wherein: The fixing arrangement includes a fastener or engagement member configured to engage with a portion of the adjustable support arrangement.

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