Weather protection device for bicycles and e-bikes, especially to protect the rider from rain, wind and cold while riding or standing still in the leg and hip area

Abstract

Bicycle weather protection device comprising a flexible, partially reinforced, weather-resistant material that can be fixed to the front of a bicycle by means of detachable fasteners on the handlebars (point 5) and down tube frame and covers the leg and knee area of ​​a rider, thus protecting against cold, rain and wind.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a weather protection device for bicycles and e-bikes, in particular for protecting the rider from rain, wind and cold while riding or standing still in the leg and hip area. State of the art:

[0002] Various weather protection devices for bicycles are known from the prior art, in which covers, tarpaulins or leg aprons are attached to the frame or handlebars to protect the rider from wetness and cold.

[0003] Examples include: DE000029504123U1 Bicycle weather protection DE000009318075U1 Bicycle with weather protection DE202013002592U1 Device for weather protection on bicycles, retrofittable

[0004] However, these well-known solutions often have disadvantages: they are either cumbersome to use, do not offer a secure hold while riding, are very susceptible to wind, or can pose a safety risk in the event of an accident, as the rider remains connected to the bicycle. Purpose of the invention:

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a weather protection device for bicycles that offers reliable protection of the rider from the elements without impairing driving safety or freedom of movement and that enables safe separation of rider and bicycle in the event of an accident.

[0006] The following technical subtasks result from this: Security features A) In the event of an accident, the bicycle weather protection should detach from the cyclist. B) The cyclist should not be hindered in his normal pedaling behavior C) The cyclist's natural steering movement should not be impaired. D) The susceptibility to crosswinds should be reduced to a minimum. E) The bicycle weather protection should be equipped with a theft protection device and comfort features F) The bicycle weather protection should be adaptable to many bicycles, bicycle sizes and body sizes. G) The bicycle weather protection should provide wind protection at the transitions between the frame and the bicycle weather protection, so that no draft occurs. H) The bicycle weather protection should also be comfortable for short-distance use, by not necessarily having to be strapped around the hips. Solution to the problem:

[0007] The problem is solved by a bicycle weather protection device made of a flexible, partially stiffened, weather-resistant material. It is attached to the handlebars and downtube frame at the front of the bicycle using detachable fasteners, preferably Velcro connections, and includes a hip belt connected to the device via detachable connecting elements. Task A: In the event of an accident, the bicycle weather protection should detach from the cyclist.

[0008] The connection between the waist belt (point 1) and the weather protection device (point 6) is made via snap fasteners or a comparable detachable coupling to allow for quick separation between the rider and the bicycle in the event of an accident. The waist belt is attached to the weather protection device. Preferably, this is done with three snap fasteners, alternatively with two to five snap fasteners. Regarding task B: The cyclist should not be hindered in his normal pedaling behavior.

[0009] The bicycle rain cover is reinforced at the front and front side areas by a layer of elastically stiffening and damping material (point 3). This is preferably cross-linked polyethylene foam (PE foam) in varying thicknesses from 2 to 15 mm. The bicycle rain cover also features a longitudinal stabilizing bar (point 4). This bar is preferably made of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic, and is available as a solid or hollow tube with diameters ranging from 3 to 20 mm. The stabilizing bar keeps the bicycle rain cover horizontal. This ensures that the cyclist does not have direct contact with the cover while pedaling and is therefore not hindered. Regarding task C: The cyclist's natural steering movement should not be impaired.

[0010] The bicycle weather cover features a detachable fastening device (point 5) at the handlebar pivot point. This can preferably be a double-sided Velcro strap with a width of 16-30 mm. It is ensured that the fastening device is located close to the handlebar pivot point. When the cyclist makes a steering movement, this can be done without resistance. The proximity to the handlebar pivot point enables resistance-free steering. Task D: Reducing susceptibility to crosswinds

[0011] The bicycle weather protection has a removable, separate side panel in the side area ( Fig. 3. and point 2). This can be attached using various fastening devices. Preferably, a hook-and-loop fastener with a width of 16-30 mm is used. This side panel is designed without stiffeners, allowing the fabric to deform under crosswind pressure. In this case, it conforms to the thigh and does not push the cyclist out of their lane. The task of Eder bicycle weather protection is to be equipped with a theft protection device.

[0012] The bicycle rain cover is designed to remain permanently attached to the bicycle. Therefore, it is at risk of theft. An integrated, tensile-resistant, and cut-resistant element, which makes cutting or removing the rain cover difficult, provides theft protection. The cyclist threads their bicycle lock through a loop (point 7) which incorporates the cut-resistant element. This element is preferably made of steel wire, metal chain, aramid rope (Kevlar), or a similar composite material. Different material thicknesses can be used depending on the customer's security requirements. The loop is positioned in the saddle area for easy access. Task F: The bicycle weather protection should be adaptable to many bicycles, bicycle sizes and body sizes.

[0013] Adaptability is achieved through two different setting options.

[0014] The mounting device in the handlebar area can be designed to fit snugly or in the form of a loop (point 5). This allows for height adjustment in the handlebar area, thus accommodating different stem heights.

[0015] Different bicycle top tube lengths can be accommodated by a variable fastening system (point 6). This is preferably implemented as rows of snap fasteners running in the direction of travel. This allows different top tube lengths and rider waist sizes to be covered by a single bicycle rain cover. In particular, this covers trekking bikes, city bikes, and similar models in sizes 48-60 cm and rider heights from 145-195 cm. Regarding task G

[0016] The bicycle weather protection is designed to provide wind protection at the transitions between the top tube and down tube of the frame, preventing drafts.

[0017] Protection from drafts in the head tube area is achieved through sewn-in wind deflectors. These adapt flexibly to different head tube lengths and close off the area with an overlapping fastening system (point 8). A waterproof material with Velcro fasteners is preferably used here. This connection also extends into the down tube area.

[0018] The bicycle rain cover is also equipped with an additional component. This component is a flexible, windproof fabric that is attached to the inside of the rain cover, closing any gaps. A nylon fabric (hook-and-loop fastener) is preferably sewn into the inside of the rain cover. The additional component is fitted with a strong hook-and-loop fastener. This fastener engages with the nylon fabric, thus securing the additional fabric to the rain cover. Regarding task H

[0019] The bicycle weather protection should also be comfortable for short trips, as it does not need to be strapped around the waist.

[0020] Fastening a bicycle rain cover around the waist requires a bit of effort. Therefore, for short rides, there's a desire to avoid having to fasten the waist belt again. For this reason, the bicycle rain cover can be quickly rolled up at the top and attached to the handlebars at the pivot point using an internal fastening device. An elastic band with a width of 5-40 mm is preferably used for this purpose. Brief description of the drawing: Fig. Figure 1 shows a bicycle weather protection device according to the invention in use on a bicycle. Point 1 identifies the length-adjustable fastening strap for the rider. Point 2 identifies the flexible side panel which can be mounted or dismounted depending on the riding mode. Point 3 identifies the fixed front panel, which is designed with a stiffening material. Fig. 2. Shows the bicycle weather protection in a front view. Point 4 indicates the position of the stabilizing bar, which is sewn into the material. Point 5 indicates the attachment of the bicycle weather protection to the handlebars, which is mounted with double-sided Velcro straps near the handlebar pivot point on the right and left. Point 8 indicates the overlapping wind protection on the top tube and down tube. Fig. 3. Shows the bicycle weather protection without the side panels attached. This is the summer mode. Fig. 4. Displays the bicycle weather protection in profile view. Fig. 5. Shows the bicycle weather protection from a bird's-eye view. Point 6 indicates the rows of snap fasteners where the fastening strap (point 1) is attached to the main part. The 3 different rows of snap fasteners allow for length adjustment of the strap. Point 7 indicates the position of the anti-theft device. Fig.6. Shows the bicycle weather protection from the rear view. Summary:

[0021] The invention relates to a bicycle weather protection device that is attached to the handlebars and frame of a bicycle and covers the rider's legs. A hip belt is attached via detachable connecting elements and automatically releases in the event of an accident. The bicycle weather protection shields the cyclist from wind, rain, and cold in the leg and hip area. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 000029504123U1

[0003] DE 000009318075U1

[0003] DE 202013002592U1

[0003]

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