Frame having a tilt wheel for use as a wheel chamber or transport vehicle, couplable to a front fork

Abstract

The present application relates to a frame with tilting wheels (4, 4 ') coupleable to a front fork of a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, suitable for moving a wheelchair or a transport vehicle, comprising a support structure (1) on which the front fork (2) is coupled, an upper rotating lever (5) tilting around the support structure (1), a respective tilting arm (3, 3') tilting around the upper rotating lever (5), and a respective side tie bar (6) tilting around the upper rotating lever (5). A tilting arm (3, 3 ') is connected to each of the wheels (4, 4') and to the support structure (1), and a side tie bar (6) pulls the tilting arm (3, 3 ') when the rotating bar (5) rotates while rotating and / or tilting the front fork (2). Likewise, the present application relates to a wheelchair provided with a chassis (9) on which a seat (9) and a backrest are fitted, the seat (9) and the backrest being integrated in a frame having inclined wheels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The purpose of this application

[0002] This application relates to a frame having tilting wheels integrated into a wheelchair or trolley, the frame being attachable to the front fork of a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, tricycle, etc., for the purpose of facilitating the movement of the wheelchair or trolley together with the bicycle for the transport of goods or passengers.

[0003] The frame includes a mechanism that allows each of the two tilting wheels to move as it goes around a curve, thereby reducing the turning radius and significantly improving the maneuverability of the bicycle when attached to a wheelchair or trolley.

[0004] The wheelchair itself, with its integrated frame, is also a subject of this application. Background Technology

[0005] Various solutions for attaching wheelchairs to bicycles are known in the prior art, and these solutions can be conventional or specially designed for this purpose.

[0006] For example, document DE102005053412 (A1) describes a tricycle for wheelchair users and drivers, comprising a standard bicycle, a standard wheelchair, and special fasteners, wherein the bicycle and wheelchair can also be used independently. To connect the bicycle and wheelchair, the document suggests using a steering shaft receiving bearing and a straight oval tube, which is connected to the rear half of the bicycle via a connecting flange. This resulting tricycle presents significant problems in maneuvering and navigating curves, leading to vehicle hazards.

[0007] Document DE19652176 (A1) relates to a multi-purpose tricycle for selectively transporting people, especially people with walking disabilities, the multi-purpose tricycle comprising two front wheels and one rear wheel, the rear wheel being provided with a bicycle traction mechanism and a connecting mechanism between the front and rear wheels.

[0008] Document US6341791A describes a wheelchair and bicycle combination assembly that is attached by a coupling device including a connecting rod having a first end integrally attached to the bicycle frame and located at the junction of the seat tube and the support rod, wherein the connecting rod is a telescopic rod capable of sliding extension.

[0009] Document US4770431 (A) relates to a bicycle connected to a wheelchair, and more specifically, to an accessory adapted to connect to a wheelchair for ease of maneuvering. More specifically, the solution includes connecting the bicycle fork to a transition support included in the bicycle frame.

[0010] When riding a regular bicycle, the body must lean in the direction of the curve, and the torso must be in line with the slope of the curve, so that the center of gravity moves towards the apex of the curve to counteract the inertia or centrifugal force that throws the rider off course, while the friction of the wheels stops the rider.

[0011] Of all the solutions described above, the rigid connection between the bicycle frame and the two front wheels clearly does not allow for normal maneuvering via the wheelchair and front wheels as ballast, resulting in significant safety issues, tipping risks, and maneuverability problems, where the front wheels determine the radius of rotation, and the rigid connection moves with the handlebars and has a single overall radius of rotation.

[0012] Document FR3040363 describes a front end of a bicycle including two tiltable front wheels associated with a deformable parallelogram mechanism. Each tiltable front wheel comprises at least two substantially horizontal rigid bodies rotatably attached relative to a substantially vertical central rigid body, and has two side rigid bodies that are substantially vertical and attached to the wheels respectively. At least one of the substantially horizontal rigid bodies includes a fixing device for securing a module for transporting a load. In this configuration, tilting of the central rigid body at the front end of the bicycle causes a hinged tilt of the deformable parallelogram mechanism, and thus causes the wheels to tilt in the same parallel plane.

[0013] Some tricycle solutions are also known that are designed to deliver loads on the rear axle. These solutions have two suspended rear wheels and a differential on the rear axle that transmits pedal force to both wheels simultaneously, even if the wheels are tilted or at different heights. Summary of the Invention

[0014] This application relates to a frame with a tilt wheel that can be coupled to the front fork of a vehicle, preferably to the front fork of a bicycle or the like, for moving a wheelchair or transport vehicle, thereby helping to improve maneuverability and navigate around curves.

[0015] A framed vehicle must fundamentally have a chassis, seat, handlebars, and fork mounted on at least one rear wheel. The vehicle can be a bicycle, e-bike, motorcycle, or other vehicle that has been detached from the front wheel, retaining the axle of the front wheel.

[0016] The frame with tilting wheels that is the subject of this application essentially comprises: - Support structure, including elements that facilitate the connection of the fork, as well as the central axis of rotation and the corresponding lower hinge. - A floating upper rotating rod, with two opposite ends, is inclined around the rotation axis of the supporting structure. - Corresponding wheels, each of which is located on one side of the supporting structure. - Corresponding tilting arms, specifically a first tilting arm and a second tilting arm, each of which is operably attached at its distal end to a rotational axis of one of the wheels and operably connected at its proximal end to a hinge axis of the support structure. - Corresponding side links, each of which is hinged at one end to each of the opposite ends of the rotating rod, and at its other end to one of the tilting arms near the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0017] With this configuration, when the vehicle's front fork is in a vertical position and the vehicle is traveling straight without tilting, the swivel is in a horizontal position, the tie rod does not move, and the tilt arm on which the wheel is mounted remains in a substantially horizontal position, with the wheel in a substantially vertical position.

[0018] However, when the fork rotates and / or tilts while attempting to form a flexing trajectory through the vehicle, the structure tilts overall relative to the swivel bar and the fork. The swivel bar, due to its floating characteristics, attempts to maintain its horizontality, driving one of the side links. This, in turn, causes the first swivel arm to tilt upward and pushes the other side link, causing the second swivel arm to tilt downward. This causes the wheel attached to the first swivel arm to move to a more rearward position relative to its initial position, while the wheel attached to the second swivel arm moves to a more forward position relative to its initial position.

[0019] As a result, the wheel closest to the turn moves slightly backward toward the support structure, and its turning angle relative to the horizontal direction is sharper than that of the relative wheel, which then moves slightly forward. This significantly improves maneuverability around curves and during turns, unlike what happens in more rigid mechanisms of the prior art, such as those shown in the aforementioned document FR3040363.

[0020] The support structure includes a stop, such as an elastic band, which restricts the movement of the tilting arm to prevent excessive wheel movement.

[0021] On the other hand, a support plate is connected to the lower part of the support structure. The support plate is provided with a receiving part for accommodating the lower rod, which is connected to the end of the fork to facilitate the assembly of the fork. A corresponding hinged stop is connected to the upper part of the support structure. The hinged stop opens and closes to fix the assembly of the fork.

[0022] Similarly, it is conceivable that corresponding rods extend from the supporting structure for chassis used to facilitate the connection of wheelchairs or for the chassis of trolleys used to transport people, animals, or goods.

[0023] Another object of this application relates to a wheelchair that combines a frame with tilt wheels, the wheelchair including a chassis, a seat and backrest mounted on the chassis, and optionally including side protectors for covering the tilt wheels.

[0024] In the wheelchair chassis, a tubular portion integrated into the rods connecting to the frame is envisioned, allowing the chassis to be positioned in two possible locations: an adjacent position and a distant position. In the adjacent position, for use with the wheelchair attached to the vehicle, the chassis is actually in contact with the support structure of the frame. In the distant position, for use with the wheelchair separate from the vehicle, the chassis is detached from the support structure of the frame for independent use. The free end of the rod has a locking element, such as a pin.

[0025] A hook is attached to the upper part of the wheelchair chassis, serving to secure the frame position via the vehicle's handlebars, thus preventing the chassis from tilting. A corresponding clamp is provided for securing the connection between the frame and the handlebars, in which case the wheelchair is attached to the vehicle. Similarly, corresponding grip handles for the rider are attached to the upper part of the wheelchair and to the chassis. A brake lever is mounted on the handlebars, and a brake connected to the brake lever is envisioned, acting on brake discs connected to the wheels.

[0026] On the other hand, the frame has a locking device associated with the movement of the hook, which locks the rotating rod when it is desired that the frame will not tilt in the parking position. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To supplement the description and to help make the features of this application easier to understand, a set of drawings are included as part of the description, according to its preferred practical exemplary embodiments, wherein the following have been illustrated for exemplary and non-limiting purposes: Figure 1 An exploded view of the elements constituting a frame with tilting wheels is shown, which also shows the vehicle's fork and handlebars in the case of a bicycle, and the chassis of a wheelchair that can be attached to the frame.

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view of a wheelchair attached to a frame with tilting wheels is shown, which in turn is attached to the fork and handlebars of a bicycle.

[0029] Figure 3 The image shows a front view of a wheelchair attached to a tilting frame, which in turn is attached to the fork and handlebars of a bicycle in a tilted position.

[0030] Figure 4 This shows a detailed view of the frame with the tilt wheel attached to the bicycle when the bicycle is tilted along a curve.

[0031] Figure 5 The diagram shows a perspective view of the wheelchair chassis assembled on a frame, with tilt wheels connected to the bicycle.

[0032] Figure 6 A perspective view shows a tilted frame attached to a bicycle, with a transport vehicle mounted on the bicycle.

[0033] Figure 7 Show Figure 3 The solution shown is a floor plan.

[0034] Figure 8 Show Figure 3 The solution shown is a side view, with the hook raised in the free loop position.

[0035] Figure 9 Showing with Figure 8 Same view, with the hook in a lower position to prevent the wheel from tilting.

[0036] Figure 10 A detailed view of the pulley is shown, which is connected to the hook and via a cable to a locking device (not shown).

[0037] Figure 11 A view showing an alternative embodiment of the support structure is provided, in which its side columns are formed by telescopic tubes and damping devices, and it can be seen that the frame includes torsion bars between the tilting arms.

[0038] Figure 12 A detailed view is shown of a frame having a tilt wheel attached to the bicycle when the bicycle is tilted along a curve, wherein the frame includes... Figure 11 The telescopic tube, damping device, and torsion bar are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The preferred embodiment of the frame with tilting wheels that constitutes the purpose of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] A frame with tilt wheels can be attached to a vehicle, in which case the frame is used to attach to a bicycle equipped with a frame (11), handlebars (20) and a fork (2), with the front wheel removed from the fork (2).

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the frame with tilting wheels basically includes a support structure (1), a first wheel (4) and a second wheel (4'), with the bicycle fork (2) connected to the support structure (1), which is assembled to the first wheel (4) and the second wheel (4') by other elements described below.

[0042] Figure 1The support structure (1) is shown to have a central axis of rotation (21) and a corresponding lower hinge (22). The frame also includes two floating upper rotating rods (5) with opposite ends, the floating upper rotating rods (5) being inclined about the axis of rotation (21) of the support structure (1). The frame also includes two corresponding tilting arms (3, 3'), which are composed of a first tilting arm (3) and a second tilting arm (3'). Each of the first tilting arm (3) and the second tilting arm (3') is operably connected at its distal end to each of the wheels (4, 4') via a rotating shaft (23) and a brake disc (28). Figure 3 As shown, it is connected to the wheel (4, 4'), and each of the first tilting arm (3) and the second tilting arm (3') is connected at the other proximal end to one of the lower hinges (22) of the support structure (1).

[0043] Figure 1 The support structure (1) is shown to include an upper longitudinal member (40), a lower longitudinal member (41) and corresponding side columns (42, 43). The upper longitudinal member (40) is provided with a central rotation axis (21), and a corresponding hinge axis (22) is provided at the end of the lower longitudinal member (41). Each of the side columns (42, 43) connects the end of the upper longitudinal member (40) to the end of the lower longitudinal member (41) in the same vertical direction.

[0044] exist Figures 1 to 9 In the solution shown, the side column can be formed by a rigid tube (42), or alternatively, the side column can be formed by a corresponding telescopic tube (43) and a damping device, wherein one of the telescopic tubes is connected to the lower longitudinal member (41), while the other of the telescopic tubes is connected to the upper longitudinal member (40), and the damping device is located between the two telescopic tubes, as shown. Figure 11 As shown.

[0045] The support structure (1) also has a central support plate (24) connected to the lower longitudinal member (41), the central support plate (24) being provided with a receiving portion for accommodating the lower rod (14), the receiving portion facilitating the assembly of the fork (2).

[0046] On the other hand, the frame includes corresponding tilting arms (3, 3') that are tilted relative to the support structure (1), the tilting arms including a first tilting arm (3) and a second tilting arm (3'), the first tilting arm (3) and the second tilting arm (3') being provided with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein each of the tilting arms (3, 3') is connected at its proximal end to each of the hinge shafts (22) of the lower longitudinal member (41) with the possibility of tilting, and wherein each of the distal ends of the tilting arms (3, 3') is connected to a rotation shaft (23), and each of the wheels (4, 4') rotates about the rotation shaft (23).

[0047] The frame also has a floating upper rotating rod (5) having two opposing ends, the upper rotating rod (5) being inclined about the axis of rotation (21) of the upper longitudinal member (40) of the support structure, and the upper rotating rod (5) including corresponding side tie rods (6), each of which is hinged at one end to each of the opposite ends of the rotating rod (5), and at the other end of each of which is connected to one of the tilting arms (3, 3') near the axis of rotation (23), the side tie rods (6) being assembled such that when the support structure (1) rotates and / or tilts in a bending trajectory, the rotating rod (5) tilts, one of the side tie rods (6) causes the first tilting arm (3) to tilt upward, and the other side tie rod (6) causes the second tilting arm (3') to tilt downward.

[0048] Figure 4 This illustrates the situation where the fork (2) is rotated and / or tilted when attempting to form a zigzag trajectory by the vehicle. In this case, the support structure (1) is tilted integrally with the fork (2), the swivel (5) is hinged relative to the axis of rotation (21), pulling one of the side links (6), which in turn causes the first tilt arm (3) to tilt upward, and the swivel (5) pushes the other side link (6), which causes the second tilt arm (3') to tilt downward, such that the first wheel (4) attached to the first tilt arm (3) moves to a more rearward position relative to the initial position, while the second wheel (4') attached to the second tilt arm (3') moves to a more forward position relative to the initial position.

[0049] Figure 1 It is shown that there is a stop (10), such as an elastic band, on the support structure (1), which restricts the movement of the tilting arms (3, 3') to prevent the wheels (4, 4') from moving excessively.

[0050] same, Figure 1 A corresponding hinged stop (25) is shown, which is connected to the upper longitudinal member (40) of the support structure (1). The hinged stop (25) can also be... Figure 4As seen in the image, the articulated stop (25) opens and closes to ensure the fork (2) is secured.

[0051] exist Figure 11 In the alternative shown, the side columns of the support structure (1) are formed by corresponding telescopic tubes (43) and damping devices, and a combination of torsion bars (44) connecting the tilting arms (3, 3') is also envisioned.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the support structure (1) also has the following features: Figure 1 and Figure 4 The corresponding rod (26) shown is used to facilitate connection to the chassis (9) of the wheelchair, such as Figure 1 As shown, other components of the wheelchair can be connected to the chassis (9), or as... Figure 6 As shown, the transport container (34) can be connected to the chassis (9).

[0053] Figure 5 A first anchoring element (15) is shown on the chassis (9) to allow the assembly of a backrest (not shown), and a second anchoring element (27) is shown to allow the fixing of a side rail (7), the side rail (7) including side panels (35) for covering the wheels (4, 4'), as shown. Figure 1 As shown, or these second anchoring elements (27) allow for fixation according to Figure 6 The transport container (34); similarly, a third anchoring element (13) is present on the chassis (9), the third anchoring element (13) being used to facilitate the transport container (34); Figure 1 The connecting support foot (8) is shown.

[0054] like Figure 1 Or as shown in 2, the chassis (9) has the following features: Figure 1 The tubular portion (36) shown, corresponding to its end, is used for fitting into the rod (26) of the support structure (1), thereby allowing the chassis (9) to take two possible positions: an adjacent position, in which the chassis (9) is actually in contact with the support structure (1) when the wheelchair is used to connect to the vehicle; and a distant position, in which the chassis (9) is separated from the support structure (1) when the wheelchair is used separately from the vehicle for independent use. The free end of the rod (26) has a locking element, such as a pin not shown in the figures, to prevent the chassis (9) from accidentally coming out.

[0055] Figure 1 A clamp (30) is shown attached to the chassis (9) at its upper part, which secures the connection between the chassis (9) and the handle (20), as shown. Figure 7 As shown, this prevents the bicycle from separating from the chassis (9) when passing over, for example, bumps; it also has the ability to Figure 7 The hook (12) shown has a lower elbow (16) that is hinged to the clamp (30) and is designed for use in two positions, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in Figure 8 In the upper position shown, the hook (12) is not connected to the bicycle frame (11), and in Figure 9 In the lower position shown, the elbow (16) of the hook (12) is lowered onto the bicycle frame (11), thus ensuring the vertical position and stability of the component in the stationary position of the bicycle, thereby preventing the wheel (4) from tilting.

[0056] Similarly, as Figure 5 As shown, on the upper part of the chassis and associated with the chassis (9) are corresponding handles (17, 17'), wherein the brake lever (18) mounted on the first handle (17) is... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The brake (19) shown is connected to the brake disc (28) and is positioned accordingly.

[0057] On the other hand, such as Figure 8 As shown, a locking device (32) has been envisioned, which locks the rotating rod (5) so that the frame does not tilt, thereby securing the bicycle and wheelchair in the parking position. Figure 9 The situation is as shown. (As shown) Figure 8 As shown, the locking device (32) is connected to the support structure (1) and has a linearly movable pin (37) for locking or unlocking the rotating rod (5).

[0058] The locking device (32) is associated with one end of a cable (38) having a sheath (33) connected around a fixed wheel (31), such as Figure 10 As shown, the fixed wheel is integrated with an arm (39) fixed to one of the clamps (30), wherein the other end of the cable (38) is instead fixed to the hook (12), so that when the user wants to ride the bicycle, the hook (12) rises, i.e. Figure 8 As shown, this will cause the hook (12) to drive the cable (38), which in turn pulls the pin (37) of the locking device (32), thereby unlocking the rotating rod (5) and allowing the frame to tilt.

[0059] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 or Figure 10 As shown, it is envisioned that there is a bridging element between the clamps (30), in which a fastener (45) is provided, and the hook (12) is in the raised position with Figure 8 or Figure 10The situation shown is correspondingly connected to the fastener (45) to prevent the hook (12) from easily coming off, for example, when a vehicle passes through a pothole.

[0060] It is also conceivable that the chassis (9) includes a corresponding upper extension (46), such as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the upper extension extends downward at a certain angle and forms a stop. When the vehicle tilts excessively, the column used to steer the vehicle can contact the stop, thereby preventing the vehicle from falling.

Claims

1. A frame with tilting wheels for use as a wheelchair or transport vehicle, the frame being connectable to the front fork (2) of a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, characterized in that, include: The support structure (1) includes: an upper longitudinal member (40) with a rotation center axis (21). The lower longitudinal member (41) is provided with a corresponding hinge shaft (22) at its end; and corresponding side posts (42, 43), each of which connects the end of the upper longitudinal member (40) to the end of the lower longitudinal member (41) in the same vertical direction; and a center support plate (24) connected to the lower longitudinal member (41), the center support plate (24) being provided with a receiving part for accommodating the lower rod (14) to facilitate the assembly of the fork (2). The floating upper rotating rod (5) has two opposite ends, which are inclined around the rotation axis (21) of the upper longitudinal member (40) of the support structure; Round 1 (4') and Round 2 (4'); The corresponding tilting arms (3, 3') are tilted relative to the support structure (1) and include a first tilting arm (3) and a second tilting arm (3'), the first tilting arm (3) and the second tilting arm (3') being provided with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein each of the tilting arms (3, 3') is connected at its proximal end to each of the hinge shafts (22) of the lower longitudinal member (41) with tilting possibility, and wherein each of the distal ends of the tilting arms (3, 3') is connected to a rotation shaft (23), and each of the first wheel (4) and the second wheel (4') rotates about the rotation shaft (23); Each of the corresponding side rods (6) is hinged at one end to each of the opposite ends of the rotating rod (5) and at the other end to one of the tilting arms (3, 3'), assembled near the rotating shaft (23) such that when the support structure (1) rotates and / or tilts in a bending trajectory, the rotating rod (5) tilts, one of the side rods (6) causes the first tilting arm (3) to tilt upward, and the other side rod (6) causes the second tilting arm (3') to tilt downward.

2. The frame according to claim 1 further includes a stop (10) mounted on the support structure (1), the stop (10) restricting the movement of the tilting arms (3, 3').

3. The frame according to claim 1 further includes a corresponding hinge stop (25) assembled on the upper longitudinal member (40) of the support structure (1), the hinge stop (25) opening and closing and for securing or releasing the fork (2).

4. The framework according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure (1) also includes a corresponding rod (26) for facilitating connection to the chassis (9) of the wheelchair or to a transport vehicle (34) for goods or people.

5. The framework according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the side pillars (42, 43) includes a rigid tube (43).

6. The framework according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the side pillars (42, 43) includes: a corresponding telescopic tube (43), one of which is connected to the lower longitudinal member (41), and the other of which is connected to the upper longitudinal member (40); and a damping device located between the two telescopic tubes (43).

7. The frame according to claim 6 further includes a torsion bar (44) connecting the tilting arms (3, 3').

8. A wheelchair, comprising a chassis (9) on which a seat and a backrest are assembled, characterized in that, The wheelchair includes a frame with tilting wheels as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The wheelchair according to claim 8, wherein, The chassis (9) has a tubular portion (36) at the end of which is fitted into a rod (26) of the support structure (1) to allow the chassis (9) to take on two possible positions: an adjacent position and a distant position, in which the chassis (9) is actually in contact with the support structure (1) for use with the wheelchair connected to the vehicle, and in the distant position, in which the chassis (9) is separated from the support structure (1) for use with the wheelchair separated from the vehicle, so as to be used independently.

10. The wheelchair according to claim 8 further includes a clamp (30) connected to the upper part of the chassis (9) and the clamp (30) being capable of being connected to the handlebars (20) of the vehicle.

11. The wheelchair according to claim 8 further includes a hook (12) articulated to the chassis (9), the hook (12) being provided with a lower elbow (16) for use in two positions, the two positions being an upper position and a lower position, in which the elbow (16) of the hook (12) is lowered onto the frame (11) of the vehicle and is capable of being connected to the frame (11) to fix the vertical position of the frame by the vehicle in a stationary position.

12. The wheelchair of claim 8 further includes a first handle (17) and a second handle (17') associated with the chassis (9).

13. The wheelchair according to claim 12 further includes a brake lever (18) assembled on the first handle (17), the brake lever (18) being connected to a brake (19) positioned correspondingly to a brake disc (28) associated with a wheel (4, 4').

14. The wheelchair according to claims 10 and 11, further comprising a locking device (32) that locks the rotating rod (5) so that the frame does not tilt to secure the vehicle and the seat in a parking position, wherein the locking device (32) is connected to the support structure (1) in the parking position, and the locking device (32) has a linearly movable pin (37) that locks or unlocks the rotating rod (5), and the locking device (32) is also associated with one of the ends of a cable (38) provided with a sheath (33) connected around a fixed wheel (31) integral with an arm (39) fixed to one of the clamps (30), wherein, The other end of the cable (38) is then fixed to the hook (12) such that when the hook (12) is raised, the hook (12) drives the cable (38), which in turn pulls the pin (37) of the locking device (32), thereby unlocking the rotating rod (5) and allowing the frame to tilt.

Images