Bicycle trailer and trailer rod comprising trailer

Abstract

A tow vehicle connector (100) for connecting a tow bar (200) of a bicycle trailer to a tow vehicle, the tow bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer, and wherein the tow vehicle connector (100) is configured to be disposed between a second end (204) of the tow bar (200) opposite the first end (202) and the tow vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle connector (100) comprises a first portion (102) configured to be arranged in a fixed position relative to the vehicle, and a second portion (104) configured to be arranged on the second end (204) of the tow bar (200) and releasably connected to the first portion (102); a tow bar (200) for forming a force transfer element between a tow vehicle and a bicycle trailer; and a bicycle trailer comprising the tow bar (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to bicycle trailers, preferably to reconfigurable bicycle trailers that can be reconfigured from a bicycle trailer for different uses, such as for running, skiing, etc. More particularly, the present invention relates to a towing vehicle connector, a bicycle trailer connector, a towbar including a towing vehicle connector and / or a bicycle trailer connector, a bicycle trailer including a towbar, and a method for connecting a towbar to a towing vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As bicycles fill a larger portion of our transportation needs, bicycle trailers for transporting cargo, pets, and / or children are becoming increasingly popular. Using bicycles as a basis for transportation is not only less taxing on the environment than relying on most other types of transportation, such as cars, but it is also more practical and often faster in many scenarios, such as urban environments.

[0003] Bicycle trailers expand the usability of bicycles and can also be used with electric-assisted bicycles, allowing for the towing of higher loads. Many bicycle trailers are also reconfigurable between a trailer and, for example, a stroller, thereby increasing the potential uses of the bicycle trailer. Furthermore, many bicycle trailers can be equipped with ski and / or running kits, allowing the user to tow or push the trailer while engaging in such activities.

[0004] Manufacturers of bicycle trailers and accessories therefor are constantly looking for ways to improve the safety, usability, and durability of their products. It would also be desirable to provide a method to reduce the complexity of connecting a bicycle trailer to a bicycle (and vice versa) and / or simplify reconfiguration of a bicycle trailer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed to a bicycle trailer that alleviates at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. For example, the teachings herein are directed to a towing vehicle connector that facilitates connecting a towbar to a towing vehicle. Furthermore, the teachings herein are directed to a bicycle trailer connector that facilitates connecting a towbar to a bicycle trailer. Another object of the teachings herein is to provide a towbar including a towing vehicle connector and / or a bicycle trailer connector that facilitates connecting the towbar to a bicycle trailer and / or a towing vehicle. Another object of the teachings herein is to provide a method of connecting a towbar to a towing vehicle.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a towing vehicle connector for connecting a towbar of a bicycle trailer to a towing vehicle is provided. The towbar has a first end associated with the bicycle trailer and a second end associated with the towing vehicle, opposite the first end, wherein the towing vehicle connector is configured to be arranged between the second end of the towbar and the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle connector includes a first portion configured to be arranged in a fixed position relative to the vehicle, and a second portion configured to be arranged on the second end of the towbar and releasably connected to the first portion. The second portion is configured to rotate with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the second end of the towbar. The first portion is arranged in a fixed position, i.e., attached to the bicycle by means of a bicycle axle nut, for example, while the second portion is configured to rotate relative to the second end of the towbar, which facilitates connecting the connector to the vehicle because less movement of the bicycle trailer is required to achieve a connected position of the second portion relative to the first portion.

[0007] The towing vehicle connector may comprise at least one connection status indicator which indicates when the first and second parts are connected, thereby reducing the risk of an incomplete or loose connection of the second part and the towing bar to the towing vehicle.

[0008] The first connection status indicator may comprise a reciprocably movable element, movement of which is controlled by the relative position of the first and second parts, such that the reciprocably movable element indicates when the second part is in the connected position relative to the first part.

[0009] The towing vehicle connector may include a second connection status indicator including an alignment interface configured to align when the second portion is in the connected position relative to the first portion and thereby indicate when the first and second portions are connected.

[0010] The towing vehicle connector may include a connection interface between a first portion and a second portion. The towing vehicle connector may include a latch that, when the first portion is connected to the second portion, prevents the second portion from moving out of the connected position relative to the first portion along a disconnection path. The connection interface may be configured to prevent the second portion from moving out of the connected position relative to the first portion in all directions except along the disconnection path.

[0011] The latch may be connected to the reciprocally movable element, thereby forming part of the first connection status indicator, and thereby forming a connection between the latch and the reciprocally movable element such that the reciprocally movable element indicates when the latch is blocked from movement out of the connected position.

[0012] The towing vehicle connector may further include a connection release configured to be actuatable to selectively release the latch such that the latch does not prevent the second portion from moving along the disconnect path out of the connected position.

[0013] The connection release device may be configured to be movable in a direction arranged at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the latch when actuated to selectively release the latch, so that a compact towing vehicle connector that is easy to use can be provided.

[0014] The connection release means may be configured to engage an abutment surface associated with the latch, thereby generating a force to move the latch such that it releases, the abutment surface preferably being inclined, ie arranged at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the latch.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the towing vehicle connector further includes a securing element configured to releasably attach to the first portion when the second portion is in the connected position relative to the first portion, and wherein the securing element, when releasably attached to the first portion, is configured to prevent the second portion from being moved out of the connected position relative to the first portion. The securing element provides an additional level of safety because the towing vehicle connector cannot be released without first removing the securing element.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the fastening element forms part of a secondary safety arrangement configured to connect the tow bar to the first portion, the secondary safety arrangement further comprising a second fastening element configured to connect the first portion to the vehicle. Thus, even in the event of a tow vehicle connector failure, the risk of the tow bar becoming completely detached from the tow vehicle is reduced.

[0017] The fastening element may be configured to releasably attach to the alignment interface when the second part is in the connected position relative to the first part, such that the fastening element, by being releasably attached to the alignment interface, prevents the second part from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part. Thus, the alignment interface indicates the connected position of the first and second parts and further serves as an attachment for the fastening element, as the fastening element cannot be attached to the first part if it is not aligned.

[0018] The towing vehicle connector may further include a resilient element at the second end of the towing bar, and the second portion of the towing vehicle connector may be attached to the resilient element. The resilient element provides increased movement between the towing bar and the second portion because the resilient element is bendable (e.g., to facilitate connection / disconnection) or when subjected to forces generated when towing a bicycle trailer.

[0019] The second part may be configured to attach to the tow bar by means of a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint provides movement with three degrees of rotational freedom between the second part and the tow bar, thereby facilitating connection and disconnection of the second part from the first part and providing ease of use. The ball and socket joint may form an attachment between the second part and the tow bar that can only be released by detaching the second part.

[0020] The second part may be configured to automatically releasably connect to the first part when the second part is arranged in the connection position relative to the first part. Thus, the user only needs to move the second part along the connection path to the connection position, whereupon the second part will automatically connect to the first part without any further interaction from the user.

[0021] The second part is releasably connectable to the first part along a connection path having a component arranged at an angle relative to the lateral direction of the towing vehicle, such that the second part in the connected position is arranged below a fixing point for fixing the first part to the vehicle. Arranging the connection position below the fixing point and preferably aligned with the fixing point in the direction of travel reduces the risk of the first part accidentally rotating about the fixing point due to a torque generated by the weight of the bicycle trailer acting on the towing vehicle connector via the tow bar.

[0022] The connection interface between the first and second parts may include a protrusion and a corresponding recess for engaging with each other to releasably connect the second part to the first part. The connection interface is configured such that the second part is releasably connected to the first part by movement relative to the first part along a connection path, the connection path having a component arranged at an angle relative to the protruding direction of the protrusion. Typically, the second part is movable along the connection path with its engaged component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the protruding direction to a connected position.

[0023] The distance between the connected position of the second part relative to the first part and the releasable position can be less than the length of the protrusion, thereby allowing, for example, the connected position of the second part to be arranged at a vertical distance below the fixing point that is less than the length of the protrusion. This provides a more compact towing vehicle connector and facilitates the arrangement of the towing vehicle connector below the fixing point.

[0024] The protrusion may include a central portion, and the protrusion may further include at least one protruding shoulder configured to cooperate with a corresponding corresponding protruding shoulder in the recess.

[0025] The projection may comprise at least two projecting shoulders distributed along the length of the projection, thereby providing an improved ability of the towing vehicle connector to withstand forces, in particular to enable torque to be generated on the towing vehicle connector.

[0026] The second portion may include at least two contact surfaces for contacting the protrusion and limiting relative movement of the second portion relative to the first portion in at least two directions of movement parallel to a front surface of the first portion, wherein the at least two contact surfaces comprise contact sound reducing material properties. The contact surfaces may, for example, be provided with a coating and / or formed into a component of the second portion having desired material properties. During use, a towing vehicle may be subject to significant vibrations and variations in traction, and the risk of generating disturbing noise due to repeated contact between the first and second portions during such conditions is reduced.

[0027] The second part may comprise a first component and a second component attached to each other, the first component comprising a recess and the second component being accessible via the recess, wherein the second component is provided with contact sound reducing material properties, and wherein at least two contact surfaces are formed in the second component.

[0028] In a second aspect, a bicycle trailer connector is provided for connecting a towbar to a bicycle trailer. The towbar has a first end associated with the bicycle trailer and a second end associated with the towing vehicle, and the bicycle trailer connector is disposed on the first end of the towbar. The bicycle trailer connector includes a fastening mechanism for fastening the towbar to the bicycle trailer, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to automatically engage when the towbar is positioned in an inserted position within a towbar opening of the bicycle trailer. This facilitates connection of the towbar to the bicycle trailer.

[0029] The fastening mechanism may include an inclined abutment surface that allows the force generated by the towbar being inserted into the towbar opening to disengage the fastening mechanism until the towbar is in an inserted position in the towbar opening, whereby the fastening mechanism automatically engages. In a preferred embodiment, the inclined abutment surface may be arranged in the towbar opening of the bicycle trailer. However, it is also contemplated that the inclined abutment surface may additionally or alternatively be provided on the bicycle trailer connector on the towbar.

[0030] The fastening mechanism may comprise a release button associated with a fastening pin for fastening the tow bar to the bicycle trailer, the fastening pin being actuatable by means of the button for selectively releasing the tow bar from the inserted position in the tow bar opening.

[0031] The fastening mechanism may include a fastening pin and a second pin operably connected by an elongated member such that depression of the second pin causes depression of the fastening pin, and vice versa, and wherein the elongated member is biased into an extended position of the fastening pin and the second pin.

[0032] The bicycle trailer connector may further comprise an insertion stop surface configured to allow the tow bar to reach an insertion position in only one orientation of the tow bar relative to the bicycle trailer. Thus, the risk of misuse and incorrect insertion of the tow bar in the bicycle trailer is reduced.

[0033] The insertion stop surface may be arranged at an angle relative to the insertion direction of the drawbar.

[0034] The bicycle trailer connector may further comprise a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent actuation of the fastening mechanism at least when the tow bar is in the inserted position. Thus, the locking mechanism reduces the risk of accidental removal of the tow bar from the bicycle trailer.

[0035] The locking mechanism of the bicycle trailer connector is configured to allow the tow bar to be inserted into the tow bar opening into an insertion position when the locking mechanism is in the locked state. Thus, when the tow bar is removed from the bicycle trailer (e.g., by being biased into the locked state), the locking mechanism can be placed in the locked state. Subsequently, it will lock after insertion into the tow bar opening, preventing anyone without access to a key or equivalent to operate the locking mechanism from releasing the fastening device and removing the tow bar from the bicycle trailer.

[0036] The locking mechanism can be configured to selectively prevent depression of the button without restricting movement of the fastening pin. Thus, it is not possible to actuate the fastening pin by means of the button, but the fastening pin can still be depressed, for example by interaction with the inclined abutment surface when inserting the drawbar into the drawbar opening.

[0037] In a third aspect, a tow bar for forming a force transmission element between a towing vehicle and a bicycle trailer is provided. The tow bar includes a first end associated with the bicycle trailer and a second end associated with the towing vehicle. The tow bar further includes a towing vehicle connector according to the first aspect disposed at the second end and / or a bicycle trailer connector according to the second aspect disposed at the first end.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a bicycle trailer comprising the tow bar according to the third aspect.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for connecting a towing bar comprising a towing vehicle connector according to the first aspect to a towing vehicle. The method comprises:

[0040] - providing a tractor vehicle having the first portion arranged thereon,

[0041] - moving the second part of the towing vehicle connector of the towbar along a connection path, the connection path having its engagement component, which forms the part of the connection path closest to the connection position of the second part relative to the first part, being arranged at an angle of between 60° and 120° with respect to the lateral direction of the towing vehicle and / or with respect to the protrusion direction of the protrusion of the connection interface between the first part and the second part.

[0042] The method may further comprise automatically releasably connecting the second part of the towing vehicle connector to the first part of the towing vehicle connector when the second part of the towing vehicle connector is brought into the connected position relative to the first part.

[0043] The method may further comprise moving the second part into a connection position of the second part relative to the first part, the connection position being arranged below a fixing point for fixing the first part to the vehicle.

[0044] The method may further comprise releasably attaching the fastening element to the first portion when the second portion is in the connected position relative to the first portion.

[0045] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims as well as in the attached description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0047] In the attached figure:

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view of a tow bar including a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0049] Figure 2 A detailed perspective view of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0050] Figure 3 A perspective view of a connection interface between a first portion and a second portion of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0051] Figure 4 A towing direction view of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0052] Figure 5 A perspective view of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed, showing its connection interface.

[0053] Figure 6 A perspective view of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed, wherein the second portion of the connector is in a connected position relative to the first portion thereof.

[0054] Figure 7 A perspective view of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed, wherein a second portion of the connector is in a releasable position relative to a first portion thereof.

[0055] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a towing vehicle connector in a plane parallel to the lateral direction is disclosed.

[0056] Figure 9 A perspective view of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0057] Figure 10 A perspective view of a towing vehicle with a first portion of a towing vehicle connector attached thereto is disclosed.

[0058] Figure 11 A perspective view of a fastening component is disclosed.

[0059] Figure 12 A perspective view of a second portion of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0060] Figure 13 A perspective view of a second portion of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0061] Figure 14a A first portion of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0062] Figure 14b A first portion of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0063] Figure 14c A second portion of a towing vehicle connector is disclosed.

[0064] Figure 15 A schematic flow chart of a method for connecting a tow bar including a tow vehicle connector to a tow vehicle is disclosed.

[0065] Figure 16 A perspective view of a bicycle trailer including a tow bar including a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0066] Figure 17 A perspective view of a bicycle trailer including a tow bar including a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0067] Figure 18 A detailed perspective view of a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0068] Figure 19 A detailed perspective view of a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0069] Figure 20 A perspective view of a fastening mechanism of a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0070] Figure 21 A fastening mechanism for a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0071] Figure 22 A tow bar including a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0072] Figure 23 A perspective view of a tow bar including a towing vehicle connector and a bicycle trailer connector is disclosed.

[0073] Figure 24 A perspective view of a bicycle trailer and a tow bar is disclosed, the tow bar including a towing vehicle connector and a bicycle trailer connector.

[0074] The accompanying drawings show diagrammatic exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that the embodiments shown and described are exemplary and that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It should also be noted that some details in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, like reference characters denote like elements throughout the description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0076] Figure 1 Disclosed are a towing vehicle connector 100, a towing bar 200, and a towing vehicle 400 accessory. The towing bar 200 is configured to connect the towing vehicle 400 to a bicycle trailer 500 (e.g., Figure 16 A force transmission element is formed between the towing vehicle 400 and the towing vehicle 400. In the context of the present disclosure, the towing vehicle 400 should be interpreted as a bicycle, an electric-assisted bicycle, or an electric bicycle. In addition, the towing vehicle 400 can be a three-wheeled vehicle, such as a cargo bicycle with two front wheels and one rear wheel (or vice versa).

[0077] The drawbar 200 preferably has an arm portion 210 (at Figure 2 ). The arm portion 210 can be made of a metal material, such as aluminum. It is also contemplated that the arm portion 210 can be made of plastic and / or composite materials. The tow bar 200 includes a first end 202 intended for association with a bicycle trailer 500. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the first end 202 can be attached to the bicycle trailer 500 such that it can be released or pivoted relative to the bicycle trailer 500, thereby allowing the bicycle trailer 500 to be converted into a stroller, for example.

[0078] The tow bar 200 further includes a second end 204 opposite the first end 202 and associated with the towing vehicle 400. The second end 204 of the tow bar 200 is connected to the towing vehicle connector 100, which is configured to be disposed between the second end 204 of the tow bar 200 and the towing vehicle 400. Thus, the towing vehicle connector 100 forms a connection between the tow bar 200 and the towing vehicle 400.

[0079] The towing vehicle connector 100 includes a first portion 102 that is configured to be disposed in a fixed position relative to the vehicle 400. Figure 1 , the first portion 102 can be attached to the towing vehicle 400, for example, by means of a wheel axle nut of the towing vehicle 400, thereby maintaining the first portion 102 in a fixed position relative to the towing vehicle 400. For the purpose of maintaining the fixed position, the first portion 102 can be provided with ribs or similar protrusions (not shown) on the side thereof that engages the towing vehicle in order to improve the friction between the first portion 102 and the towing vehicle 400. It is also contemplated that the first portion 102 can be formed integrally with the towing vehicle 400.

[0080] The towing vehicle connector 100 further includes a second portion 104 configured to be disposed on the second end 204 of the towing bar 200. The second portion 104 is configured to be releasably connected to the first portion 102 for attaching the towing bar 200 to the towing vehicle 400. The second portion 104 can be configured to rotate with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the second end 204 of the towing bar 200 about its point of attachment to the second end 204 of the towing bar. This facilitates attaching the second portion 104 to the first portion 102 while ensuring that forces transmitted from the towing bar 200 to the towing vehicle 400 (and vice versa) in all directions during towing of the bicycle trailer 500 can be absorbed.

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the towing vehicle connector 100 may further be provided with a second fastening element 118, which will be combined with Figure 9 and Figure 10 Further details are given.

[0082] Figure 2 A perspective view of the second end 204 of the tow bar 200 is shown with the tow vehicle connector 100 detached therefrom. As shown, the tow vehicle connector 100 can be configured to be attached to the tow bar 200 by means of a ball and socket joint, thereby providing three degrees of rotational freedom in the joint between the tow bar 200 and the second portion 104. Accordingly, the second portion 104 can be provided with a recess or socket 106 having a spherical shape and configured to receive a correspondingly spherically shaped ball 206 disposed on the tow bar 200. Preferably, the recess 106 is formed such that the ball 206 cannot be removed therefrom unless the second portion 104 is disassembled.

[0083] The tow bar 200 may further include a resilient member 208 located at the second end 204 of the tow bar 200, to which the second portion 104 of the tow vehicle connector 100 is configured to be attached. The resilient member 208 may be made of a rubber or plastic / polymer material having resilient properties, such that the resilient member 208 can be flexible when subjected to force and, therefore, facilitate absorbing forces between the tow bar 200 and the tow vehicle 400 and connecting / disconnecting the tow vehicle connector 100. As shown, the second portion 104 of the tow vehicle connector 100 is attached to the resilient member 208, and the ball 208 may be further formed integrally with the resilient member 208.

[0084] Figure 2 As further shown in FIG, the towing vehicle connector 100 may be provided with a first connection status indicator 108 for indicating when the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are connected, ie, when the second portion 104 is in a connected position relative to the first portion 102, such as Figure 2 A second connection status indicator 110 may also be provided, which is a visual status indicator for determining the correct alignment of the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 .

[0085] The towing vehicle connector 100 may further include a connection release 124 that can be actuated by a user to allow the second portion 104 to be released from the first portion 102. Additionally, the towing vehicle connector 100 may include a lock 116 for selectively locking the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 in a connected state.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown in , the first part 150 may further be provided with a fixing point 150 for attaching the first part to the towing vehicle 400 , which fixing point 150 may be formed, for example, by an opening for a rear axle of the towing vehicle 400 .

[0087] The towing vehicle connector 100 is preferably configured such that the second part 104 is located below the fixing point 150 in the connected position relative to the first part 102. In a preferred embodiment, the second part 104 is arranged in the connected position such that the recess 106 for the ball 206 is arranged in alignment with and vertically below the fixing point 150, so that vertical forces applied by the tow bar 200 to the towing vehicle connector 100 about the fixing point 150 on the first part 102 and / or about the rear wheel rotation axis A1 (at Figure 4 The torque generated by

[0088] Figure 3A diagram showing a perspective view of the connection interface 120 between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 is shown. The connection interface 120 includes a protrusion 174 and a corresponding recess 138 for interengaging with one another to releasably connect the second portion 104 to the first portion 102. Preferably, the recess 138 is formed in the second portion 104 and the protrusion 174 is formed in the first portion 102, although the reverse relationship is also contemplated.

[0089] The second portion 104 may include a first component 154 and a second component 176 attached to each other. Preferably, the first component 154 and the second component 176 are separable by removing one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more screws) holding the first component 154 and the second component 176 together. When the second component 176 is removed from the first component 154, the ball recess 106 opens, allowing the second portion 100 to be attached to / removed from the drawbar 200.

[0090] The recess 138 can be formed in the first component 154, for example as a through-hole extending therethrough, through which the second component 176 can be accessed. The first component 154 can be made of a different material than the second component 176. For example, the first component 154 can be made of a metal material (such as aluminum, zinc, or stainless steel), while the second component 176 can be made of a plastic material or a composite material. The second component 176 can be made of a glass fiber reinforced polyamide having between 20% and 40%, preferably approximately 30%, of glass fiber. Such a material provides the desired contact sound reduction characteristics while also having sufficient strength and durability.

[0091] The connection interface 120 is configured to connect the Figure 4 ), connecting the second portion 104 to the first portion 102, and thus connecting the tow bar 200 to the towing vehicle 400, the connection path P2 has an engagement component P3 relative to the protrusion direction D5 of the protrusion 174 (at Figure 4 ) are arranged at an angle β and / or at an angle α relative to the lateral direction D4. The component should be interpreted as a portion of the connecting path P2 or the disconnecting path P1, respectively. The joining component P3 should be interpreted as the connecting position of the connecting path P2 and the disconnecting path P1 at the second portion 104 (at Figure 6 ) and the releasable position of the second portion 104 (shown in Figure 7 The releasable position defines where the engagement of the connection interface 120 between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 along the disconnection path P1 and the connection path P2 stops / starts. Figure 4In the embodiment shown in FIG, since the protrusion direction D5 is parallel to the lateral direction D4, the angles α and β are equal. However, it is contemplated that the protrusion direction D5 may be arranged in a direction that is not parallel to the lateral direction D4, and thus the angles α and β will vary accordingly. The direction of the engagement component P3 may differ from the direction of the rest of the connection path P2 or disconnection path P1 and / or may change at the releasable position.

[0092] As shown, the protruding direction D5 can be substantially parallel to the lateral direction D4 of the towing vehicle 400. The lateral direction should be interpreted as a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the towing vehicle 400. The lateral direction is preferably parallel to the rear wheel rotation axis A1 of the towing vehicle 400. When the towing vehicle is tilted, such as during a turn or when the towing vehicle is parked on a side stand, the vertical direction of the vehicle may change. Therefore, the lateral direction is not always necessarily parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0093] The connection interface 120 may be configured such that the engagement component P3 of the connection path P2 is arranged at an angle α between 60° and 120° relative to the lateral towing vehicle direction D4. Preferably, the angle α is approximately 90°.

[0094] The connection interface 120 may be configured such that the engagement component P3 of the connection path P2 is arranged at an angle β between 60° and 120° relative to the protrusion direction D5. Preferably, the angle β is approximately 90°.

[0095] The engagement component P3 may be substantially parallel to the front surface 144 of the first portion 102. The front surface 144 is a surface surrounding the protrusion 174 on the first portion 102 and is perpendicular to the protrusion direction D5.

[0096] like Figure 3 、 4 As shown in FIGS. 5 and 5 , the connection interface 120 preferably includes a protrusion 174 disposed on the first portion 102 and a recess 138 disposed on the second portion 104 . Figure 4 The towing vehicle connector 100 is shown, further illustrating the connection path P2 and the disconnection path P1 . Figure 5 A perspective view of the towing vehicle connector 100 is shown with the second component 176 of the towing vehicle connector 100 removed to illustrate the connection interface 120 .

[0097] Preferably, the first portion 102 is passive and includes no moving parts. Thus, it is less susceptible to wear and tear if left on the towing vehicle 400 for extended periods and exposed to weather and road grime. The first portion 102 can be made of a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc. However, other materials are equally suitable, such as plastics and / or composite materials.

[0098] The protrusion 174 may include a central portion 184 and at least one protruding shoulder 128a, 130a, 132a configured to cooperate with a corresponding protruding shoulder 128b, 130b, 132b in the recess 138. The cooperation between the shoulders 128a, 130a, 132a on the protrusion 174 and the shoulders 128b, 130b, 132b in the recess 138 forms a limit to movement along the connection path P2 and, therefore, defines the connected position of the second part 104 relative to the first part 102. Furthermore, when the second part 104 is in the connected position, the shoulders 128a, 130a, 132a, 128b, 130b, 132b prevent the second part 104 from moving away from the front surface 144 of the first part 102 at each corresponding joint. Each shoulder 128a, 130a, 132a on the protrusion 174 has a hooked or undercut shape, allowing the corresponding shoulder 128b, 130b, 132b in the recess 138 to be disposed between the corresponding shoulder 128a, 130a, 132a on the protrusion 174 and the front surface 144 of the first portion 102.

[0099] As shown, the protrusion 174 may include at least two protruding shoulders 128a , 130a , 132a distributed along the length L of the protrusion 174 .

[0100] In one embodiment, an upper shoulder 130a is provided that is intended to cooperate with a corresponding upper shoulder 130b in the recess 138. The upper shoulder 130a on the protrusion 174 forms a protruding lip that extends across the width of the protrusion 174 and protrudes from the protrusion 174 parallel to the front surface 144 of the first portion 102. The upper shoulder 130b in the recess 138 is formed by undercutting the upper edge and is thus configured to accommodate the upper shoulder 130a of the protrusion 174. A left shoulder 128a and a right shoulder 132a may also be provided on the protrusion 174, distributed along the length L of the protrusion 174, preferably with at least one of the left shoulder 128a and the right shoulder 132a disposed at the opposite end of the protrusion 174 in the longitudinal direction relative to the upper shoulder 130a. The left shoulder 128b and the right shoulder 132b are correspondingly provided in the recess.

[0101] The protrusion 174 may further include a plurality of inclined surfaces 142, each of which is configured to guide the second portion 104 along the disconnection path P1 and the connection path P2 to and from the releasable position. As the second portion 104 moves along the connection path P2, the second portion 104 will come into contact with one or more of the inclined surfaces 142, thereby gradually moving toward the first portion 102 and engaging with the engagement interface 120.

[0102] The connection interface 120 may further include a latch 122 that prevents the second portion 104 from moving along the disconnection path P1 (at Figure 4 and Figure 6 ) is moved out of the connected position relative to the first portion 102. The connection interface 120 is configured to prevent the second portion 104 from moving out of the connected position relative to the first portion 102 in all directions except along the disconnection path P1 (particularly along the engagement component P3 thereof).

[0103] The disconnect path P1 , and in particular the engagement component P3 thereof, may be directed in a direction that is less likely to generate significant forces during use of the towing vehicle coupler 100 .

[0104] Generally speaking, high loads and forces are generated during acceleration and braking, thereby generating positive / negative forces in the travel / towing direction and, by loading the front of the axle on the bicycle trailer, generating downwardly directed forces on the towing vehicle connector 100. Therefore, the disconnection path P1, i.e., its engagement component P3, is preferably arranged in a vertically upward direction, so that the latch 122 only needs to withstand and prevent movement in the direction least likely to be subject to large forces.

[0105] The latch 122 is configured to be disposed in the latch recess 126 when the second portion 104 is in the connected position relative to the first portion 102 , thereby preventing the second portion 104 from moving along the disconnect path P1 .

[0106] In the embodiments herein where the second portion 104 is provided with a lock 116, the lock 116 can be configured to engage with the locking recess 136 in the protrusion 174 when in the locked position, thereby preventing the second portion 104 from moving along the disconnect path P1 regardless of whether the latch 122 is disposed in the latch recess 126.

[0107] It will be appreciated that the disconnection path P1 and the connection path P2 preferably coincide, but with oppositely directed directions of movement of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102. Therefore, the definitions made with respect to the disconnection path P2 also apply to the connection path P1 in the opposite direction.

[0108] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in , the engaging component P3 is oriented vertically, so that the second portion 104 moves vertically relative to the first portion 102 during this phase of connecting the path P2 and disconnecting the path P1 .

[0109] However, it is also contemplated that the engagement component P3 may be arranged in other directions. For example, the engagement component P3 may be arranged so that the second portion 104 moves in any direction between the travel / traction direction and the vertical direction through the engagement component P3 phase of disconnecting the path P1 and connecting the path P2. Thus, the connection interface 120 may be arranged in the plane of the front surface 144 (with the vertical direction). Figure 3 104 ) and thus allows the engagement component P3 to be arranged in, for example, a driving / traction direction or in any direction suitable for the current application.

[0110] The distance between the connection position and the releasable position of the second part 104 relative to the first part 102 (i.e., the length of the engagement portion P3) may be less than the length L of the protrusion 174. This is particularly beneficial in embodiments where the connection position of the second part 104 is arranged below the fixing point 150 of the first part, because the overall length of the first part 102 can be reduced. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the second portion 104 can be moved along the connection path P2 in the lateral direction D4, or in any comfortable unobstructed direction, under the axle nut of the towing vehicle 400, with a significant vertical overlap between the protrusion 174 and the second portion 104. The protrusion 174 will guide the lateral movement until the second portion 104 reaches Figure 7 , after which the second portion 104 can be moved along the engagement component P3. Naturally, the opposite is true for movement along the disconnection path P1. The overlap of the connection interface 120 and the short length of the engagement component P3 provide a compact tractor vehicle connector 100 that can be positioned close to, for example, a wheel axle nut on a tractor vehicle 400.

[0111] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Accordingly, the towing vehicle connector 100 is shown with the second portion 104 in a connected position and a releasable connected position (i.e., along the engagement component P3). As shown, the second portion 104 can be provided with a connection release 124 configured to be actuated to selectively release the latch 122 so that the latch 122 does not prevent the second portion 104 from moving out of the connected position along the disconnection path P1. The connection release 124 is preferably formed as a button that a user can manipulate by gripping the second portion 104 with one hand.

[0112] like Figure 6As shown in FIG, the second portion 104 can be provided with a receiving recess 192 on its upwardly facing surface that is aligned with the fixing point 150, so that when the second portion 104 moves along the disconnection path P1, it can move further in the upward vertical direction without coming into contact with the towing vehicle 400 (particularly its wheel axle nut). As a result, the engagement portion P3 of the connection path P2 can be made longer, and thus the overlap between each shoulder 128a, 130a, 132a on the protrusion 174 and each shoulder 128b, 130b, 132b in the recess 138 can also be longer, without making the first portion 102 larger / longer. It should be understood that, as mentioned, when the second portion 104 moves along the disconnection path P1, the second portion 104 also moves along the engagement component P3 in the disconnection direction.

[0113] During movement along the connection path P2 along the engagement component P3, the latch 122 is configured to be pressed inwardly by its contact with the front surface 144 of the first part 102 until it resiliently engages in the latch recess 126, whereby the second part 104 is automatically connected to the first part 102 and is held in the connected position by the latch 122 and the connection interface 120. In order to move the second part 104 out of the connected position along the disconnection path P1, the latch 122 must first be disengaged from the latch recess 126.

[0114] Figure 7 1 shows how the first status indicator 108 indicates when the second part 104 is positioned along the engagement component P3 and is not in the connected position. The reciprocating element 112 is moved so that it protrudes outside the surrounding surface on the second part 104, whereby the user can clearly see that the second part 104 is not in the connected position. The reciprocating element 112 may be provided with a contrasting color that becomes visible when it protrudes, such as Figure 7 As shown in FIG, for example, its side may be provided with a red color, which when visible indicates a warning to the user. When the second part 104 is in the connected position, the reciprocating element 112 is biased to Figure 6 , in which position it is more or less flush with the surrounding surface on the second portion 104. In this position, the contrasting color is not clearly visible.

[0115] Thus, movement of the reciprocably movable element 112 is controlled by the relative positions of the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 , such that the reciprocably movable element 112 indicates when the second portion 104 is in the connected position relative to the first portion 102 .

[0116] This is Figure 8, which is further shown in FIG, wherein a cross-sectional view of the towing vehicle connector 100 shows the first status indicator 108 and the latch 122 / connection release 124. The second portion 104 is in the connected position relative to the first portion 104, so that the latch 122 is arranged in the latch recess 126. A biasing element 148 (such as a spring) may be provided that biases the latch 122 to Figure 8 in the extended position shown in .

[0117] As shown, the latch 122 may be connected to the reciprocatable element 112 of the first status indicator 108. Thus, a connecting element 140 may be provided between the latch 122 and the reciprocatable element 112.

[0118] Figure 8 As further shown in FIG, the coupling release device 124 is configured to move in a substantially vertical direction D1 upon actuation. This is beneficial because the associated towing vehicle 400 (typically a bicycle) is generally less susceptible to vertical forces applied to the towing vehicle connector 100 than, for example, lateral forces. This is because, for a given force applied in the vertical direction, the lever arm around the towing vehicle's ground contact point is smaller than for the same force applied in the lateral direction D4. Consequently, the risk of the towing vehicle 400 accidentally tipping over during this process is reduced, and the user can more easily actuate the coupling release device 124.

[0119] However, it is also contemplated that the coupling release drive direction D1 may be arranged in any direction perpendicular to the lateral direction D4, such as a traveling / traction direction.

[0120] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the movement direction D1 of the connection release device 124 is arranged at a certain angle relative to the movement direction D2 of the latch 122. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the angle between the moving direction D1 of the connection release device 124 and the moving direction D2 of the latch 122 may be perpendicular.

[0121] The connection release 124 is configured to engage an abutment surface 146 associated with the latch 122, thereby generating a force that moves the latch 122 to release it. The abutment surface 146 is oriented so that the force pushing the connection release 124 toward the latch 122 generates a force on the latch 122, urging the latch 122 to move out of engagement with the latch recess 126 in the direction of movement D2. The reverse relationship naturally also holds true, with the biasing force of the latch 122 into its extended position providing a lifting force on the connection release 124 as it moves into the extended position of the connection release 124 in the direction of movement D1.

[0122] A biasing element 148, such as a coil spring, may be provided to bias the latch 122 into its extended position. With the aforementioned arrangement, in which the latch 122 is operably connected to the reciprocating element 112 of the first state indicator 108 and is operably connected to the connection release 124, one biasing element 148 is sufficient to control the position of all three components.

[0123] exist Figure 9 , a perspective view of the towing vehicle connector 100 is shown, illustrating the second status indicator 110. As mentioned, the second status indicator includes an alignment interface 114 that is configured to align when the second portion 104 is in the connected position relative to the first portion 102. The alignment interface 114 may include an opening 170 in the first portion 102 and a recess 172 in the second portion 104 that align with each other when the second portion 104 is in the connected position.

[0124] In addition, the towing vehicle connector 100 may include a fastening element 168 configured to releasably attach to the first portion 102 when the second portion 104 is connected to the first portion 102. The fastening element 168, which may be formed as a hook or a carabiner-style shackle, is configured to, when releasably attached to the first portion 102, prevent the second portion 104 from moving out of the connected position relative to the first portion 102. The fastening element 168 is configured to releasably attach to the alignment interface 114 when the second portion 104 is connected to the first portion 102, such that the fastening element 168, by being releasably attached to the alignment interface 114, prevents the second portion 104 from moving out of the connected position relative to the first portion 102. The fastening element 168 may be configured to extend through an opening 170 in the first portion 102 and through a recess 172 in the second portion (when releasably attached thereto), thereby preventing disconnection of the towing vehicle connector 100.

[0125] The fastening element 168 may form part of a secondary safety device 174 configured to connect the tow bar 200 to the first portion 102. As shown, the secondary safety device 174 may include a strap 178 that is attached to the fastening element 168 at one end and to the tow bar 200 at another end. Thus, the strap 178 and the fastening element 168 form a connection between the tow bar 200 and the first portion 102, which may provide additional security in the event that the connection between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 fails for some reason, whereby the strap 178 maintains the connection between the towing vehicle 400 and the bicycle trailer 500 via the tow bar 200.

[0126] Go to Figure 10, which shows the rear wheel hub of the towing vehicle 400, to which the first portion 102 of the towing vehicle connector 100 is attached. As shown, the secondary safety device 174 may further include a second fastening element 118 configured to connect the first portion 102 to the towing vehicle 400. This provides additional safety and redundancy in the event that the attachment of the first portion 102 to the towing vehicle 400 at the fixing point 150 fails.

[0127] The second fastening element 118 may be formed from a double wire forming a loop 180 through which the entire first portion 102 may be inserted, thereby allowing the loop 180 to be wrapped around the frame member 402 of the towing vehicle 400. In order to tighten the loop 180 around the frame member 402 and ensure that it remains in place, a tightening member 182 is provided through which the second fastening element 118 extends. Figure 11 1 and 2. The tightening member 182 shown in FIG. 1 includes a spring-biased button 186 for changing the size of an opening 190 through the tightening member 182. The spring-biased button 186 is biased such that when no pressure is applied to the button 186, the second fastening element 118 is clamped, thereby holding the tightening member 182 in place along the second fastening element 118. The button 186 is movably disposed in a housing 188 through which the opening 190 is accessible.

[0128] Thus, the double wire of the second fastening element 118 can be fastened around the frame part 402 of the tractor vehicle 400 in a simple and effective manner, thereby reducing the risk of the second fastening part 118 becoming entangled in the wheels of the tractor vehicle 400 .

[0129] Providing the second fastening element 118 with a double wire (preferably a metal wire) not only facilitates attaching the second fastening element 118 to the towing vehicle 400 (as described above), but also further increases the strength of the redundant connection between the first portion 102 and the towing vehicle 400 because the double wire can withstand higher forces and is less likely to break under load in the event of a failure in the connection between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104.

[0130] In the following we will refer to Figures 12 to 14a , where the second portion 104 and the first portion 102 are displayed accordingly.

[0131] The second portion 104 can be provided with at least two contact surfaces 152, 158, 160 for contacting the protrusion 174 when the protrusion 174 is disposed in the recess 138. Preferably, the contact surfaces 152, 158, 160 are provided to prevent movement of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102 in at least two directions of movement parallel to the front surface 144 of the first portion 102. The contact surfaces 152, 158, 160 can be configured to prevent movement in every direction parallel to the front surface 144 except along the disconnection path P1, and particularly along the engagement component P3 thereof, in which direction the latch 122 prevents movement.

[0132] The side contact surfaces 152 , 158 may be arranged to protrude from the inner side of the recess peripheral surface 156 , so that the risk of the recess peripheral surface 156 contacting the side contact surfaces 162 , 166 on the protrusion 174 is reduced.

[0133] Each contact surface 152, 158, 160 on the second portion 104 is configured to contact a corresponding side surface 162, 164, 166 on the protrusion 174. The contact surfaces 152, 158, 160 on the second portion 104 include a contact sound reducing material property, thereby reducing contact noise that may develop between the protrusion 174 and the second portion 102 during use of the towing vehicle connector 100. It is further contemplated that, alternatively or in combination, the side surfaces 162, 164, 166 on the protrusion 174 may also be provided with a contact sound reducing material property. The contact sound reducing property may be achieved by providing a coating having elastic properties, such as a polymer coating.

[0134] In embodiments where the second portion 104 includes the first component 154 and the second component 176 as described above, the second component 176 may be provided with contact sound reducing material properties and contact surfaces 152, 158, 160 formed therein. The second component 176 may be made of a glass fiber reinforced polyamide having between 20% and 40%, preferably approximately 30%, glass fiber. The first component 154 may be made of a metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc. A recess 138 is formed in the first component 154, and when the second component 176 is inserted into the recess 138, the protrusion 174 may be accessed through the recess 138, such that the protrusion 174 contacts the contact surfaces 152, 158, 160 on the second portion 104.

[0135] Figure 14b The first part 102 of the towing vehicle connector 100 is shown, wherein the connection interface 120 is configured for connection / disconnection along the towing / travel direction. In particular, the protrusion 174 is arranged so that its length L extends in the towing / travel direction, thereby arranging the engagement component P3 accordingly. Figure 14cAs shown in , in this embodiment, the second portion 104 and the recess 138 are naturally arranged corresponding to the recess 138. Figure 14b and 14c In the embodiment shown in FIG, the connection interface 120 can be configured such that the connection component P3 is equal to or longer than the length L of the protrusion 174. Since the axle nut on the towing vehicle 400 does not restrict the movement of the second part 104 relative to the first part 102, the second part 104 can be slid onto the first part 102 into the connected position. Figure 14c As shown in , the recess 138 may be open toward one side of the second portion 104 .

[0136] Figure 15 A schematic flow chart of a method 1000 for connecting a towing bar 200 comprising a towing vehicle connector 100 to a towing vehicle 400 is shown. It should be appreciated that a method for disconnecting is also provided which is performed in the opposite direction to the method for connecting 1000. The method 1000 comprises:

[0137] - providing 1002 a tractor vehicle 400 having a first portion 102 arranged thereon,

[0138] - moving 1004 the second part 104 of the towing vehicle connector 100 of the towing bar 200 along a connection path having its engagement component P3, which forms the portion of the connection path P2 closest to the connection position of the second part 104 relative to the first part 102, the engagement component P3 being arranged at an angle of between 60° and 120° relative to the lateral towing vehicle direction D4 and / or relative to the protrusion direction D5 of the protrusion 174 of the connection interface 120 arranged between the first part 102 and the second part 104.

[0139] The method may further include automatically releasably connecting 1006 the second portion 104 of the towing vehicle connector 100 to the first portion 102 of the towing vehicle connector 100 when the second portion 104 of the towing vehicle connector 100 is in the connected position relative to the first portion 102. As previously described, the latch 122 may be configured to be biased so that the latch 122 engages the latch recess 126 when the second portion 104 is in the connected position.

[0140] Moving 1004 the second portion 104 to a connected position of the second portion 104 relative to the first portion 102 may include moving the second portion to a connected position below a securing point 150 for securing the first portion 102 to the vehicle 400 .

[0141] Method 1000 may further include releasably attaching 1008 fastening element 168 to first portion 102 when second portion 104 is in the connected position relative to first portion 102. Fastening element 168 provides redundancy to the connection between first portion 102 and second portion 104 to reduce the risk of accidental release of the connection.

[0142] Figure 16 and 17 Shown is a perspective view of a bicycle trailer connector 300 for connecting a tow bar 200 to a bicycle trailer 500. The bicycle trailer 500 is a multi-sport reconfigurable trailer that allows the tow bar 200 to be removed and attached to the bicycle trailer 500 as needed.

[0143] The tow bar has a first end 202 associated with the bicycle trailer 500 and a second end 204 associated with the towing vehicle 400. A bicycle trailer connector 300 is disposed on the first end 202 of the tow bar 200. The bicycle trailer connector 300 includes a fastening mechanism 302 for fastening the tow bar 200 to the bicycle trailer 500. The fastening mechanism 302 is configured to automatically engage when the tow bar 200 is disposed in an inserted position in the tow bar opening 502 of the bicycle trailer 500. With the fastening mechanism 302 automatically engaged, the tow bar 200 can be simply brought into the inserted position to secure it relative to the bicycle trailer 500 without having to manipulate or actuate any buttons on the bicycle trailer connector 300. This makes it easier for the user to stabilize or hold the bicycle trailer 500 in place with one hand, and with the other hand, grasp the tow bar 200 in any comfortable grip, regardless of the position of the button or other locking device, and simply insert the tow bar 200 into the tow bar opening 502 on the bicycle trailer 500.

[0144] Figure 18 and 19 Perspective detail views of a bicycle trailer 500 and a bicycle trailer connector 300 are shown from the left and right sides, respectively. The bicycle trailer connector 300 includes an insert portion 308 that protrudes through the fastening mechanism 302 and can be part of the tow bar 200. The insert portion 308 is configured to be inserted into the connecting opening 502 on the bicycle trailer 500 and therefore has a corresponding cross-sectional shape. The insert portion 308 provides lateral and vertical stability to the tow bar 200.

[0145] Figure 18 and 19It is further shown that the fastening mechanism 302 includes inclined abutment surfaces 306a, 306b, allowing the force generated by inserting the tow bar 200 into the tow bar opening 502 to disengage the fastening mechanism 302 until the tow bar 200 is in an inserted position in the tow bar opening 502, whereby the fastening mechanism 302 automatically engages.

[0146] A first inclined abutment surface 306a is provided in the drawbar opening 502. The first inclined abutment surface 306 is inclined such that it is inclined toward the insertion portion 308 in the insertion direction D3. Thus, the fastening pin 304 of the fastening mechanism 302 comes into contact with the inclined abutment surface 306a, and as the bicycle trailer connector 300 is further inserted, the inclined abutment surface 306a gradually presses the fastening pin 304 into the insertion portion 308.

[0147] A second abutment surface 306b may be provided as an alternative to the first inclined abutment surface or in combination with the first inclined abutment surface 306a. The second abutment surface 306b is arranged on the fastening pin 304 and may be inclined so that it is inclined in the insertion direction D3 toward the insertion portion 308. Thus, when encountering the drawbar opening 502, the fastening pin 304 will be pushed into the insertion portion 308.

[0148] exist Figure 18 , the fastening mechanism 302 may be provided with a release button 310 associated with a fastening pin 304, the button 310 preferably being arranged on the bicycle trailer connector 300 so that it can be actuated by a user's thumb. The fastening pin 304 can be actuated by means of the release button 310 to selectively release the tow bar 200 from an inserted position in the tow bar opening 502.

[0149] For example, in one or several embodiments herein where the tow bar 200 is attached to a lateral side of the bicycle trailer 500, the release button 310 may be arranged on a side of the bicycle trailer connector 300 that faces toward the center of the bicycle trailer 500. Figure 18 , this enables the user to stand in the angular gap formed between the tow bar 200 and the bicycle trailer 500 with the left hand placed on the bicycle trailer 500 and the right hand gripping the bicycle trailer connector 300, whereby the thumb is naturally positioned on the release button 310, which facilitates releasing the bicycle trailer connector 300 from the bicycle trailer 500.

[0150] The bicycle trailer connector 300 further includes a fastening pin engagement opening 504 disposed inside the tow bar opening 502 on the bicycle trailer 500. The fastening pin 504 is configured to engage the fastening pin engagement opening 504 and resiliently extend into the fastening pin engagement opening 504 when the tow bar 200 is in the inserted position, thereby securing the tow bar 200 in place during towing.

[0151] The bicycle trailer connector 300 may be provided with an insertion stop surface 322 configured to allow the tow bar 200 to reach an insertion position in only one orientation of the tow bar 200 relative to the bicycle trailer 500. The insertion stop surface 322 is arranged at an angle relative to the insertion direction D3 of the tow bar 200 so that it is arranged flush with the stop surface 324 surrounding the tow bar opening 502 in only one orientation. Thus, incorrect installation of the tow bar 200 can be prevented, for example, ensuring that the tow bar 200 can only be installed on one lateral side of the bicycle trailer 500, preferably on the right side of the bicycle trailer 500 when viewed from the front (e.g., Figures 16 to 19 shown in ).

[0152] Additionally, the bicycle trailer connector 300 may be provided with a locking mechanism 312 configured to selectively prevent actuation of the fastening mechanism 302 at least when the tow bar 200 is in the inserted position to prevent unauthorized removal of the tow bar 200 .

[0153] The locking mechanism 312 of the bicycle trailer connector 300 is configured to allow the tow bar 200 to be inserted into the tow bar opening 502 to an insertion position when the locking mechanism 312 is in the locked state, thereby facilitating safe use of the bicycle trailer connector 300 for attaching the tow bar 200 to the bicycle trailer 500. Therefore, the locking mechanism 312 only needs to be unlocked when the tow bar 200 is actually removed from the bicycle trailer 500, and then it can be locked again automatically or by the user while still allowing the tow bar 200 to be inserted into the tow bar opening 502 in the locked state.

[0154] For clarity, Figure 20 and 21A perspective view and a side view of the fastening mechanism 302 isolated from the traction bar 200 are shown. As shown, the fastening pin 304 can be arranged on an elongated element 316. The elongated element 316 is formed of a resilient material, such as spring steel or other material with high yield strength and resilience. The elongated element 316 is preferably V-shaped, having a tongue 318, which is arranged to abut against the inner side of the traction bar 200 on the side opposite to the fastening pin 304 in the pre-tensioned state. The elongated element 316 is thus biased to the extended position of the fastening pin 304. The traction bar 200 preferably has a hollow shape, so that a space is formed inside, in which space the elongated element 316 can be arranged in the pre-tensioned state. The traction bar 200 preferably has a cross-sectional shape that gradually narrows towards the side against which the tongue 318 is arranged. Figure 22 ), when the tab 318 is arranged against the narrow section of the drawbar 200, it facilitates maintaining the correct orientation of the elongated element 316, which does not allow significant movement of the tab in the vertical direction and thus reduces the risk of the fastening pin 304 becoming misplaced.

[0155] Figure 20 , the fastening mechanism 302 may include a second pin 314 operatively connected to the fastening pin 304 via an elongated member 316, such that depression of the second pin 314 causes depression of the fastening pin 304, and vice versa. The second pin 314 is preferably configured to be engaged by the release button 310, such that when the release button 310 is depressed, force is transferred to the elongated member 316 via the second pin 314. It should be appreciated that the release button 310 may be pushed directly against the elongated member 316.

[0156] Figure 20 and 21 As further shown in FIG. 3 , a locking mechanism 312 may be rotatably disposed in the bicycle trailer connector 300 and configured to cooperate with a locking pin 320 that is reciprocally movable and biased to an unlocked position. Figure 21 The locking mechanism 312 is shown rotated so that the locking pin 320 is in the locked position. When in the locked position, the locking pin 320 can prevent the release button 310 from being depressed, thereby preventing the bicycle trailer connector 300 from being released. However, the locking pin 320 does not prevent the fastening pin 304 from moving, and the bicycle trailer connector 300 is allowed to be inserted into the tow bar opening 502 when the locking mechanism 312 is locked.

[0157] Figure 22The bicycle trailer connector 300 is shown in a view facing the insertion portion 308 in the driving / towing direction. The insertion portion 308, which may be formed by the tow bar 200, may have an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape above and below the vertical center plane V, which corresponds to the tow bar opening 502. Therefore, the insertion portion 308 can only be inserted on one side of the bicycle trailer 500.

[0158] Figure 23 A tow bar 200 is shown comprising a bicycle trailer connector 300 as disclosed herein and a towing vehicle connector 100 as disclosed herein.

[0159] Figure 24 A bicycle trailer 500 is shown comprising a tow bar 200 comprising a bicycle trailer connector 300 as disclosed herein and a towing vehicle connector 100 as disclosed herein.

[0160] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; on the contrary, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0161] Detailed list of examples:

[0162] Aspect A:

[0163] 1. A towing vehicle connector (100) for connecting a tow bar (200) of a bicycle trailer (500) to a towing vehicle (400), the tow bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) is configurable to be arranged between the second end (204) of the tow bar (200) and the towing vehicle (400), wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a first portion (102) configured to be arranged in a fixed position relative to the vehicle (400), and a second portion (104) configured to be arranged on the second end (204) of the tow bar (200) and to be releasably connected to the first portion (102), wherein the second portion (104) is configurable to rotate with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the second end (204) of the tow bar (200).

[0164] 2. The towing vehicle connector (100) of item 1, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes at least one connection status indicator (108, 110) that indicates when the first part (102) and the second part (104) are connected.

[0165] 3. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 2, wherein the first connection status indicator (108) includes a reciprocating element (112), the movement of which is controlled by the relative position of the first part (102) and the second part (104), so that the reciprocating element (112) indicates when the second part (104) is in the connected position relative to the first part (102).

[0166] 4. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 2 or 3, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a second connection status indicator (110), the second connection status indicator (110) including an alignment interface (114) configured to align when the second part (104) is in a connected position relative to the first part (102), and thereby indicate when the first part (102) and the second part (104) are connected.

[0167] 5. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a connection interface (120) located between the first part (102) and the second part (104), and a latch (122) that prevents the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) along a disconnect path (P1) when the first part (102) is connected to the second part (104), and wherein the connection interface (120) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) in all directions except along the disconnect path (P1).

[0168] 6. The towing vehicle connector (100) of item 5 when dependent on item 3, wherein the latch (122) is connected to the reciprocally movable element (112).

[0169] 7. The towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 5 or 6, further comprising a connection release device (124) configured to be actuated to selectively release the latch (122) so that the latch (122) does not prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position along the disconnect path (P1).

[0170] 8. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 7, wherein the connection release device (124) is configured to move in a direction (D1) arranged at a certain angle relative to the movement direction (D2) of the latch (122) when actuated to selectively release the latch (122).

[0171] 9. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the connection release device (124) is configured to engage an abutment surface (146) associated with the latch (122), thereby generating a force that moves the latch (122) to release it.

[0172] 10. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a fastening element (168) configured to releasably attach to the first part (102) when the second part (104) is connected to the first part (102), and wherein the fastening element (168) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) when releasably attached to the first part (102).

[0173] 11. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 10, wherein the fastening element (168) forms part of a secondary safety device (174) configured to connect the tow bar (200) to the first part (102), the secondary safety device (174) further comprising a second fastening element (118) configured to connect the first part (102) to the vehicle (400).

[0174] 12. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 10 or item 11 when dependent on item 4, wherein the fastening element (168) is configured to releasably attach to the alignment interface (114) when the second part (104) is connected to the first part (102), so that the fastening element (168) prevents the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) by releasably attaching to the alignment interface (114).

[0175] 13. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) further comprises a resilient element (208) located at the second end (204) of the towing rod (200), and wherein the second portion (104) of the towing vehicle connector (100) is attached to the resilient element (208).

[0176] 14. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the second part (104) is configured to be attached to the tow bar (200) by means of a ball joint.

[0177] 15. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second part (104) is configured to automatically releasably connect to the first part (102) when the second part (104) is arranged in a connected position relative to the first part (102).

[0178] 16. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second part (104) is releasably connected to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having an engagement component (P3) arranged at an angle (α) relative to a lateral direction (D4) of the towing vehicle, such that the second part (104) in the connected position is arranged below a fixing point (150) for fixing the first part (102) to the vehicle (400).

[0179] 17. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein a connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104) comprises a protrusion (174) and a corresponding recess (138) for engaging with each other to releasably connect the second part (104) to the first part (102), wherein the connection interface (120) is configured such that the second part (104) is releasably connected to the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having a component (P3) arranged at a certain angle (β) relative to a protrusion direction (D5) of the protrusion (174).

[0180] 18. The towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 17, wherein the distance between the connected position and the releasable position of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102) is less than the length (L) of the protrusion (174).

[0181] 19. The towing vehicle connector (100) of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the protrusion (174) includes a central portion (184), and wherein the protrusion (174) further includes at least one protruding shoulder (128a, 130a, 132a) configured to cooperate with a corresponding corresponding protruding shoulder (128b, 130b, 132b) in the recess (138).

[0182] 20. The towing vehicle connector (100) of item 19, wherein the protrusion (174) includes at least two protruding shoulders (128a, 130a, 132a) distributed along the length (L) of the protrusion (174).

[0183] 21. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 17, wherein the second part (104) includes at least two contact surfaces (152, 158, 160) for contacting the protrusion (174) and forming a limit to the relative movement of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102) in at least two movement directions parallel to the front surface (144) of the first part (102), wherein at least two of the contact surfaces (152, 158, 160) include contact sound reducing material properties.

[0184] 22. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 21 when dependent on item 17, wherein the second part (104) comprises a first component (154) and a second component (176) attached to each other, the first component (154) comprising a recess (138) and the second component (176) being accessible through the recess (154), wherein the second component (176) is provided with contact sound reducing material properties, and wherein at least two contact surfaces (152, 158, 160) are formed in the second component (176).

[0185] Aspect B:

[0186] 23. A bicycle trailer connector (300) for connecting a tow bar (200) to a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), and wherein the bicycle trailer connector (300) is arranged on the first end (202) of the tow bar (200), the bicycle trailer connector (300) comprising a fastening mechanism (302) for fastening the tow bar (200) to the bicycle trailer (500), wherein the fastening mechanism (302) is configured to automatically engage when the tow bar (200) is arranged in an inserted position in a tow bar opening (502) of the bicycle trailer (500).

[0187] 24. The bicycle trailer connector (300) of claim 23, wherein the fastening mechanism (302) includes inclined abutment surfaces (306a, 306b) that allow the force generated by the insertion of the tow bar (200) into the tow bar opening (502) to disengage the fastening mechanism (302) until the tow bar (200) is in an inserted position in the tow bar opening (502), whereby the fastening mechanism (302) automatically engages.

[0188] 25. The bicycle trailer connector (300) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the fastening mechanism (302) comprises a release button (310) associated with a fastening pin (304) for fastening the tow bar (200) to the bicycle trailer (500), the fastening pin (304) being actuatable by means of the button (310) to selectively release the tow bar (200) from an inserted position in the tow bar opening (502).

[0189] 26. A bicycle trailer connector (300) according to any one of items 23 to 25, wherein the fastening mechanism (302) includes a fastening pin (304) and a second pin (314) operatively connected by an elongated element (316) such that depression of the second pin (314) causes depression of the fastening pin (304), and vice versa, and wherein the elongated element (316) is biased into an extended position of the fastening pin (304) and the second pin (314).

[0190] 27. The bicycle trailer connector (300) according to any one of items 23 to 26, further comprising an insertion stop surface (322) configured to allow the tow bar (200) to reach the insertion position in only one orientation of the tow bar (200) relative to the bicycle trailer (500).

[0191] 28. The bicycle trailer connector (300) according to item 27, wherein the insertion stop surface (322) is arranged at a certain angle relative to the insertion direction (D3) of the tow bar (200).

[0192] 29. The bicycle trailer connector (300) according to any one of items 23 to 28, further comprising a locking mechanism (312) configured to selectively prevent actuation of the fastening mechanism (302) at least when the tow bar (200) is in the inserted position.

[0193] 30. The bicycle trailer connector (300) of item 29, wherein the locking mechanism (312) of the bicycle trailer connector (300) is configured to allow the tow bar (200) to be inserted into the insertion position into the tow bar opening (502) when the locking mechanism (312) is in the locked state.

[0194] 31. The bicycle trailer connector (300) of item 29 when dependent on item 25, wherein the locking mechanism (312) is configured to selectively prevent depression of the button (310) while not restricting movement of the securing pin (304).

[0195] Aspect C:

[0196] 32. A tow bar (200) for forming a force transmission element between a towing vehicle (400) and a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) comprising a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), the tow bar (200) further comprising a towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 1 to 22 arranged on the second end (204) and / or a bicycle trailer connector (300) according to any one of items 23 to 31 arranged on the first end (202).

[0197] Aspect D:

[0198] 33. A bicycle trailer (500) comprising the tow bar (200) according to item 32.

[0199] Aspect E:

[0200] 34. A method (1000) for connecting a towing bar (200) comprising a towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 1 to 22 to a towing vehicle (400), the method (1000) comprising:

[0201] - providing (1002) a tractor vehicle (400) having a first portion (102) arranged thereon,

[0202] - moving (1004) the second part (104) of the towing vehicle connector (100) of the towing bar (200) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having its engagement component (P3) forming the part of the connection path (P2) closest to the connection position of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102), the engagement component (P3) being arranged at an angle of between 60° and 120° relative to a lateral towing vehicle direction (D4) and / or relative to a protrusion direction D5 of a protrusion 174 of a connection interface 120 arranged between the first part 102 and the second part 104.

[0203] 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising automatically releasably connecting the second portion (104) of the towing vehicle connector (100) to the first portion (102) of the towing vehicle connector (100) when the second portion (104) of the towing vehicle connector (100) is brought into a connected position relative to the first portion (102).

[0204] 36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, further comprising moving the second part (104) to a connection position of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102), the connection position being arranged below a fixing point (150) for fixing the first part (102) to the vehicle (400).

[0205] 37. The method of any one of items 34 to 36, further comprising releasably attaching (1006) a fastening element (168) to the first part (102) when the second part (104) is in the connected position relative to the first part (102).

[0206] Aspect F:

[0207] 38. A towing vehicle connector (100) for connecting a tow bar (200) of a bicycle trailer (500) to a towing vehicle (400), the towing bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500), and wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) is configurable to be arranged between a second end (204) of the towing bar (200) opposite the first end (202) and the towing vehicle (400), wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a first portion (102) configured to be arranged in a fixed position relative to the vehicle (400), and a second portion (104) configured to be arranged on the second end (204) of the towing bar (200) and to be releasably connected to the first portion (102), wherein the second portion (104) is configurable to rotate with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the second end (204) of the towing bar (200).

[0208] 39. The towing vehicle connector (100) of item 38, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes at least one connection status indicator (108, 110) that indicates when the first portion (102) and the second portion (104) are connected.

[0209] 40. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 39, wherein the first connection status indicator (108) includes a reciprocating element (112), the movement of which is controlled by the relative position of the first part (102) and the second part (104), so that the reciprocating element (112) indicates when the second part (104) is in a connected position relative to the first part (102).

[0210] 41. The towing vehicle connector (100) of claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a second connection status indicator (110), the second connection status indicator (110) including an alignment interface (114) configured to align when the second part (104) is connected to the first part (102), and thereby indicate when the first part (102) and the second part (104) are connected.

[0211] 42. The traction vehicle connector (100) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the traction vehicle connector (100) comprises a connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104),

[0212] wherein the second part (104) is releasably connectable to the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2) and is disconnectable from the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a disconnection path (P1), wherein each of the connection path (P2) and the disconnection path (P1) includes an engagement component (P3) in which the second part (104) moves between a connection position in which it engages with the first part (102) and a releasable position defining where engagement of a connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104) along the disconnection path (P1) and the connection path (P2) stops / starts, wherein a direction of the engagement component (P3) may be different from a direction of the remainder of the connection path (P2) or the disconnection path (P1) and may change at the releasable position,

[0213] and / or wherein the engagement component (P3) may be directed in a direction less likely to generate significant forces during use of the towing vehicle connector (100),

[0214] and / or wherein the engaging component (P3) may be arranged in a vertically upward direction,

[0215] and / or wherein the engagement component (P3) may be substantially parallel to the front surface (144) of the first portion (102),

[0216] And / or wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) may include a latch (122) that, when the first part (102) is connected to the second part (104), prevents the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) along a disconnect path (P1), and wherein the connection interface (120) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) in all directions except along the disconnect path (P1).

[0217] 43. The towing vehicle connector (100) of any one of items 38 to 42, further comprising a fastening element (168) configured to releasably attach to the first part (102) when the second part (104) is connected to the first part (102), and wherein the fastening element (168) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) when releasably attached to the first part (102).

[0218] 44. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 43, wherein the fastening element (168) forms part of a secondary safety device (174) configured to connect the tow bar (200) to the first part (102), the secondary safety device (174) further comprising a second fastening element (118) configured to connect the first part (102) to the vehicle (400).

[0219] 45. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 38 to 44 above, wherein the second part (104) is configured to be rotatable with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the second end (204) of the towing rod (200), wherein the second part (104) is configured to be attached to the towing rod (200) by means of a ball and socket joint, wherein the second part (104) may be provided with a recess or socket (106) having a spherical shape and configured to accommodate a corresponding spherical ball (206) arranged on the towing rod (200), wherein the recess (106) may be formed so that the ball (206) cannot be removed from the recess unless the second part (104) is disassembled.

[0220] 46. ​​A tractor vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 38 to 45, wherein the second part (104) is releasably connectable to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having an engagement component (P3) arranged at an angle (α) relative to a lateral direction (D4) of the tractor vehicle, for example at an angle between 60° and 120°, in particular at an angle of approximately 90°, for example so that the second part (104) in the connected position is arranged for securing the first part (102) to the The invention relates to a method for attaching a towing vehicle connector (100) to a vehicle (400) below a fixing point (150) and / or such that the second part (104) is arranged in a connected position so that a recess (106) formed therein for a ball (206) of a towing bar (200) is arranged in alignment with and vertically below the fixing point (150), so that a vertical force applied by the towing bar (200) to the towing vehicle connector (100) is reduced or completely prevented from generating a torque about the fixing point (150) on the first part (102) and / or about the axis of rotation (A1) of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle (400).

[0221] 47. A tractor vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 38 to 46, wherein the connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104) comprises a protrusion (174) and a corresponding recess (138) for engaging with each other to releasably connect the second part (104) to the first part (102), wherein the connection interface (120) is configured such that the second part (104) is releasably connected to the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having an engagement component (P3) arranged at an angle (β) relative to a protrusion direction (D5) of the protrusion (174), for example at an angle between 60° and 120°, in particular at an angle of approximately 90°,

[0222] wherein the protrusion (174) may be configured to guide movement of the second part (104) along the connection path (P2), for example, guiding movement of the second part (104) in a lateral direction (D4) of the towing vehicle, until the second part (104) reaches a releasable position, after which the second part (104) may be moved along the engagement component (P3),

[0223] and / or wherein the first portion (102) may include a front surface (144) surrounding the protrusion (174), wherein the engagement component (P3) may be substantially parallel to the front surface (144), wherein the front surface (144) may be perpendicular to the protrusion direction (D5), and wherein when the second portion (104) is in the connected position, movement of the second portion (104) away from the front surface (144) is prevented,

[0224] and / or wherein the protrusion (174) may include a central portion (184), and wherein the protrusion (174) may further include at least one protruding shoulder (128a, 130a, 132a) configured to cooperate with a corresponding protruding shoulder (128b, 130b, 132b) in the recess (138), wherein cooperation between the at least one protruding shoulder on the protrusion and the at least one corresponding protruding shoulder in the recess forms a restriction to movement along the connection path, for example such that at each respective junction, movement of the second portion (104) away from the front surface (144) of the first portion (102) is prevented,

[0225] and / or wherein each shoulder (128a, 130a, 132a) on the protrusion (174) may have a hooked or undercut shape to allow a corresponding shoulder (128b, 130b, 132b) in the recess (138) to be disposed between the corresponding shoulder (128a, 130a, 132a) on the protrusion (174) and the front surface (144) of the first portion (102),

[0226] and / or wherein an upper shoulder (130a) may be provided on the protrusion (174) and protrude from the protrusion parallel to the front surface (144) of the first portion (102), wherein the upper shoulder (130a) is configured to cooperate with a corresponding upper shoulder (130b) in the recess (138), wherein the upper shoulder (130a) on the protrusion (174) forms a protruding lip extending across the width of the protrusion (174), wherein the upper shoulder (130b) in the recess (138) may be formed by undercutting an upper edge and is configured to receive the upper shoulder (130a) of the protrusion (174),

[0227] and / or wherein the protrusion (174) may include at least two protruding shoulders (128a, 130a, 132a) distributed along the length (L) of the protrusion (174), and / or wherein the second portion (104) may include at least two contact surfaces (152, 158, 160) for contacting the protrusion (174) and forming a restriction on relative movement of the second portion (104) relative to the first portion (102) in at least two movement directions parallel to the front surface (144) of the first portion (102), wherein the at least two contact surfaces (152, 158, 160) may include contact sound reducing material properties.

[0228] 48. The towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 47, wherein the distance between the connected position and the releasable position of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102) is less than the length (L) of the protrusion (174).

[0229] 49. A bicycle trailer connector (300) for connecting a tow bar (200) to a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), and wherein the bicycle trailer connector (300) is arranged on the first end of the tow bar (200), the bicycle trailer connector (300) comprising a fastening mechanism for fastening the tow bar to the bicycle trailer, wherein the fastening mechanism (302) is configured to automatically engage when the tow bar (200) is arranged in an inserted position in a tow bar opening of the bicycle trailer (500).

[0230] 50. The bicycle trailer connector (300) of item 49, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a release button associated with a fastening pin for fastening the tow bar (200) to the bicycle trailer (500), the fastening pin being actuatable by means of the button to selectively release the tow bar (200) from an inserted position in the tow bar opening.

[0231] 51. A tow bar (200) for forming a force transmission element between a towing vehicle (400) and a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) comprising a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), the tow bar (200) further comprising a towing vehicle connector according to any one of items 38 to 48 arranged on the second end (204) and / or a bicycle trailer connector (300) according to item 49 or 50 arranged on the first end (202).

[0232] 52. A bicycle trailer (500) comprising the tow bar (200) according to item 51.

[0233] Aspect G:

[0234] 53. A towing vehicle connector (100) for connecting a towing bar (200) of a bicycle trailer (500) to a towing vehicle (400), the towing bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500), and wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) is configured to be arranged between a second end (204) of the towing bar (200) opposite the first end (202) and the towing vehicle (400), wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a first portion (102) configured to be arranged in a fixed position relative to the vehicle (400), and a second portion (104) configured to be arranged on the second end (204) of the towing bar (200) and to be releasably connected to the first portion (102), wherein the second portion (104) is configured to rotate with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the second end (204) of the towing bar (200).

[0235] 54. The towing vehicle connector (100) of item 53, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes at least one connection status indicator (108, 110) that indicates when the first portion (102) and the second portion (104) are connected.

[0236] 55. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 54, wherein the first connection status indicator (108) includes a reciprocating element (112), the movement of which is controlled by the relative position of the first part (102) and the second part (104), so that the reciprocating element (112) indicates when the second part (104) is in a connected position relative to the first part (102).

[0237] 56. The towing vehicle connector (100) of claim 54 or claim 55, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a second connection status indicator (110), the second connection status indicator (110) including an alignment interface (114) configured to align when the second part (104) is connected to the first part (102), and thereby indicate when the first part (102) and the second part (104) are connected.

[0238] 57. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 53 to 56, wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a connection interface (120) located between the first part (102) and the second part (104), and a latch (122), when the first part (102) is connected to the second part (104), the latch prevents the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) along a disconnect path (P1), and wherein the connection interface (120) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) in all directions except along the disconnect path (P1).

[0239] 58. The towing vehicle connector (100) of any one of items 53 to 57, further comprising a fastening element (168) configured to releasably attach to the first part (102) when the second part (104) is connected to the first part (102), and wherein the fastening element (168) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) when releasably attached to the first part (102).

[0240] 59. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to item 58, wherein the fastening element (168) forms part of a secondary safety device (174) configured to connect the tow bar (200) to the first part (102), the secondary safety device (174) further comprising a second fastening element (118) configured to connect the first part (102) to the vehicle (400).

[0241] 60. The towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 53 to 59, wherein the second part (104) is configured to be attached to the tow bar (200) by means of a ball joint.

[0242] 61. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 53 to 60, wherein the second part (104) is releasably connected to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path (P2) being arranged at a certain angle relative to the lateral direction (D4) of the towing vehicle, so that the second part (104) in the connected position is arranged below the fixing point (150) for fixing the first part (102) to the vehicle (400).

[0243] 62. A towing vehicle connector (100) according to any one of items 53 to 61, wherein the connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104) includes a protrusion (174) and a corresponding recess (138) for engaging with each other to releasably connect the second part (104) to the first part (102), wherein the connection interface (120) is configured so that the second part (104) is releasably connected to the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having a component arranged at a certain angle (α) relative to the protruding direction of the protrusion.

[0244] 63. The towing vehicle connector (100) of item 62, wherein the distance between the connected position and the releasable position of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102) is less than the length (L) of the protrusion (174).

[0245] 64. A bicycle trailer connector (300) for connecting a tow bar (200) to a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), and wherein the bicycle trailer connector (300) is arranged on the first end of the tow bar (200), the bicycle trailer connector (300) including a fastening mechanism for fastening the tow bar to the bicycle trailer, wherein the fastening mechanism (302) is configured to automatically engage when the tow bar (200) is arranged in an inserted position in a tow bar opening of the bicycle trailer (500).

[0246] 65. A bicycle trailer connector (300) according to item 64, wherein the fastening mechanism includes a release button associated with a fastening pin for fastening the tow bar (200) to the bicycle trailer (500), the fastening pin being actuatable by means of the button to selectively release the tow bar (200) from an inserted position in the tow bar opening.

[0247] 66. A tow bar (200) for forming a force transmission element between a towing vehicle (400) and a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) comprising a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), the tow bar (200) further comprising a towing vehicle connector according to any one of items 53 to 65 arranged on the second end (204) and / or a bicycle trailer connector (300) according to item 64 or 65 arranged on the first end (202).

[0248] 67. A bicycle trailer (500) comprising the tow bar (200) according to item 66.

Claims

1. A towing vehicle connector (100) for connecting a tow bar (200) of a bicycle trailer (500) to a towing vehicle (400), the tow bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500), and wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) is configurable to be arranged between a second end (204) of the tow bar (200) opposite the first end (202) and the towing vehicle (400), wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) includes a first portion (102) configured to be arranged in a fixed position relative to the vehicle (400), and a second portion (104) configured to be arranged on the second end (204) of the tow bar (200) and releasably connectable to the first portion (102), wherein the second portion (104) is configurable to be rotatable with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the second end (204) of the tow bar (200).

2. The traction vehicle connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The towing vehicle connector (100) includes at least one connection status indicator (108, 110) that indicates when the first portion (102) and the second portion (104) are connected.

3. The traction vehicle connector (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that A first connection status indicator (108) includes a reciprocatably movable element (112), the movement of which is controlled by the relative position of the first part (102) and the second part (104), such that the reciprocatably movable element (112) indicates when the second part (104) is in a connected position relative to the first part (102).

4. The traction vehicle connector (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that The towing vehicle connector (100) includes a second connection status indicator (110) including an alignment interface (114) configured to align when the second portion (104) is connected to the first portion (102), and thereby indicate when the first portion (102) and the second portion (104) are connected.

5. A traction vehicle connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The towing vehicle connector (100) comprises a connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104), wherein the second part (104) is releasably connected to the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2) and is disconnectable from the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a disconnection path (P1), wherein each of the connection path (P2) and the disconnection path (P1) includes an engagement component (P3) in which the second part (104) moves between a connection position in which it engages with the first part (102) and a releasable position defining where engagement of a connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104) along the disconnection path (P1) and the connection path (P2) stops / starts, wherein a direction of the engagement component (P3) can be different from a direction of the remainder of the connection path (P2) or the disconnection path (P1) and can be changed at the releasable position, and / or wherein the engagement component (P3) is capable of being directed in a direction that is less likely to generate significant forces during use of the towing vehicle connector (100), and / or wherein said engaging component (P3) is arrangeable in a vertically upward direction, and / or wherein the engagement component (P3) can be substantially parallel to the front surface (144) of the first portion (102), and / or wherein the towing vehicle connector (100) can include a latch (122) that prevents the second part (104) from moving out of a connected position relative to the first part (102) along a disconnect path (P1) when the first part (102) is connected to the second part (104), and wherein the connection interface (120) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of the connected position relative to the first part (102) in all directions except along the disconnect path (P1).

6. A traction vehicle connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The towing vehicle connector further includes a fastening element (168) configured to releasably attach to the first part (102) when the second part (104) is connected to the first part (102), and wherein the fastening element (168) is configured to prevent the second part (104) from moving out of a connected position relative to the first part (102) when releasably attached to the first part (102).

7. The traction vehicle connector (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The fastening element (168) forms part of a secondary safety arrangement (174) configured to connect the tow bar (200) to the first portion (102), the secondary safety arrangement (174) further comprising a second fastening element (118) configured to connect the first portion (102) to the vehicle (400).

8. A traction vehicle connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The second part (104) is configured to be rotatable with at least two degrees of freedom relative to a second end (204) of a tow bar (200), wherein the second part (104) is configured to be attached to the tow bar (200) by means of a ball-and-socket joint, wherein the second part (104) can be provided with a recess or socket (106) having a spherical shape and configured to receive a corresponding spherical ball (206) arranged on the tow bar (200), wherein the recess (106) can be formed such that the ball (206) cannot be removed from the recess unless the second part (104) is disassembled.

9. A traction vehicle connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The second part (104) is releasably connectable to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having an engagement component (P3) arranged at an angle (α) relative to a lateral direction (D4) of the towing vehicle, for example at an angle between 60° and 120°, in particular at an angle of approximately 90°, for example so that the second part (104) in the connected position is arranged below a fixing point (150) for fixing the first part (102) to the vehicle (400) and / or Or the second part (104) is arranged in the connected position so that the recess (106) formed therein for the ball (206) of the towing rod (200) is arranged to be aligned with the fixing point (150) and vertically below the fixing point (150), so that the vertical force applied by the towing rod (200) to the towing vehicle connector (100) is reduced or completely prevented from generating a torque around the fixing point (150) on the first part (102) and / or around the rear wheel rotation axis (A1) of the towing vehicle (400).

10. A traction vehicle connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connection interface (120) between the first part (102) and the second part (104) comprises a protrusion (174) and a corresponding recess (138) for engaging with each other to releasably connect the second part (104) to the first part (102), wherein the connection interface (120) is configured such that the second part (104) is releasably connected to the first part (102) by movement relative to the first part (102) along a connection path (P2), the connection path having an engagement component (P3) arranged at an angle (β) relative to a protrusion direction (D5) of the protrusion (174), for example at an angle between 60° and 120°, in particular at an angle of approximately 90°, wherein the protrusion (174) can be configured to guide movement of the second part (104) along the connection path (P2), for example, guiding movement of the second part (104) in a lateral direction (D4) of the towing vehicle, until the second part (104) reaches the releasable position, after which the second part (104) can move along the engagement component (P3), and / or wherein the first portion (102) can include a front surface (144) surrounding the protrusion (174), wherein the engagement component (P3) can be substantially parallel to the front surface (144), wherein the front surface (144) can be perpendicular to the protrusion direction (D5), and wherein when the second portion (104) is in the connected position, movement of the second portion (104) away from the front surface (144) is prevented, and / or wherein the protrusion (174) can include a central portion (184), and wherein the protrusion (174) can further include at least one protruding shoulder (128a, 130a, 132a) configured to cooperate with a corresponding protruding shoulder (128b, 130b, 132b) in the recess (138), wherein cooperation between the at least one protruding shoulder on the protrusion and the at least one corresponding protruding shoulder in the recess forms a restriction to movement along the connection path, for example such that at each respective junction, movement of the second part (104) away from the front surface (144) of the first part (102) is prevented, and / or wherein each shoulder (128a, 130a, 132a) on the protrusion (174) can have a hooked or undercut shape, thereby allowing the corresponding shoulder (128b, 130b, 132b) in the recess (138) to be arranged between the corresponding shoulder (128a, 130a, 132a) on the protrusion (174) and the front surface (144) of the first portion (102), and / or wherein the upper shoulder (130a) can be provided on the protrusion (174) and protrude from the protrusion parallel to the front surface (144) of the first portion (102), wherein the upper shoulder (130a) is configured to cooperate with a corresponding upper shoulder (130b) in the recess (138), wherein the upper shoulder (130a) on the protrusion (174) forms a protruding lip extending across the width of the protrusion (174), wherein the upper shoulder (130b) in the recess (138) can be formed by undercutting an upper edge and is configured to receive the upper shoulder (130a) of the protrusion (174), and / or wherein the protrusion (174) can include at least two protruding shoulders (128a, 130a, 132a) distributed along the length (L) of the protrusion (174), and / or wherein the second part (104) can include at least two contact surfaces (152, 158, 160) for contacting the protrusion (174) and forming a restriction on the relative movement of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102) in at least two movement directions parallel to the front surface (144) of the first part (102), wherein the at least two contact surfaces (152, 158, 160) can include contact sound reducing material properties.

11. The traction vehicle connector (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The distance between the connected position and the releasable position of the second part (104) relative to the first part (102) is less than the length (L) of the protrusion (174).

12. A bicycle trailer connector (300) for connecting a tow bar (200) to a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) having a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), and wherein the bicycle trailer connector (300) is arranged on the first end of the tow bar (200), the bicycle trailer connector (300) comprising a fastening mechanism for fastening the tow bar to the bicycle trailer, wherein the fastening mechanism (302) is configured to automatically engage when the tow bar (200) is arranged in an inserted position in a tow bar opening of the bicycle trailer (500).

13. The bicycle trailer connector (300) according to claim 12, characterized in that The fastening mechanism comprises a release button associated with a fastening pin for fastening the tow bar (200) to the bicycle trailer (500), the fastening pin being actuatable by means of the button to selectively release the tow bar (200) from an inserted position in the tow bar opening.

14. A tow bar (200) for forming a force transmission element between a towing vehicle (400) and a bicycle trailer (500), the tow bar (200) comprising a first end (202) associated with the bicycle trailer (500) and a second end (204) associated with the towing vehicle (400), the tow bar (200) further comprising a towing vehicle connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13 arranged on the second end (204) and / or a bicycle trailer connector (300) according to claim 12 or claim 13 arranged on the first end (202).

15. A bicycle trailer (500) comprising the tow bar (200) according to claim 14.

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