Swiveling protective structure for vehicle occupants

Description

[0001] The invention presents a solution aimed at improving the safety of passengers (possibly including the driver) of a bicycle or electric-assisted bicycle, while facilitating their installation on the luggage rack of said bicycle.

[0002] For example, document WO 2004 / 039658 A1 discloses a bicycle rider protection structure, said structure being arranged pivotally between an open passenger installation position and a closed riding position, said structure comprising a hoop, which in the riding position surrounds at least the passenger, and, equipped with at least one locking means arranged to engage when the protection structure is in the riding position, and to unlock only by manual action on the locking means.

[0003] Cargo bikes come in extended or longtail versions, with or without electric assist, or as pedal-less motorcycles, with one or two rear wheels, allowing passengers to be carried behind the rider. This solution is widely used for transporting children seated on the luggage rack and secured by a safety bar, commonly called "monkey bars," "roller coaster," or "side bars," depending on the brand.

[0004] This structure is fixed, bolted to the luggage rack. Passengers, often children, must be carried by a parent or climb over the structure, which is difficult because it is relatively high, typically about 60-70 cm from the ground. Steps are provided on the sides of the vehicle, but getting onto the luggage rack remains difficult. Sometimes children squeeze between the luggage rack and the structure. Description de l'invention :

[0005] The invention proposes a solution allowing the hoop, i.e. the protective structure, to pivot in order to clear the sides of the luggage rack so that passengers can easily board in a first position, and then to pivot back into the rolling position in a second position, which can be lockable (c on the figures 1 à 3 ), and which then plays its role of lateral protection in case of impact or fall of the bicycle.

[0006] The invention therefore relates to a passenger protection structure for a bicycle with or without electric assistance, with one or two rear wheels, said structure being arranged to pivot in order to facilitate the installation of passengers on the luggage rack of the bicycle.

[0007] The structure is arranged to pivot between an open passenger position and a closed driving position. In one embodiment, the structure is arranged to pivot forward, that is, the structure is connected to the vehicle at pivot points positioned in front of the passenger(s). For example, it is installed at the level of a bicycle seat, or even at the level of the handlebars to include the driver ( figures 4 , 5 et 6 ).

[0008] In another embodiment, the structure is arranged to pivot towards the rear, that is to say that the structure is connected to the vehicle at the level of pivoting means positioned behind the passenger(s) ( figures 7, 8 And 9 ).

[0009] Alternatively, the pivot points can be positioned laterally.

[0010] The structure is a roll cage which, in driving position, surrounds at least the passenger(s). It can also surround the driver.

[0011] The structure includes locking mechanisms in the closed position to secure the passenger during transport. These locking mechanisms are reversible.

[0012] Preferably, the locking mechanisms are designed to activate automatically when the roll bar is lowered. For safety, they are arranged to unlock only by manual action (by the user) on said locking mechanism.

[0013] The locking mechanisms include, for example, a latch system arranged to engage the hoop in the closed position.

[0014] Preferably, the strike plate is shaped to open automatically when the safety bar of the protective structure presses against it. For example, the strike plate has an angled (non-horizontal) upper surface such that vertical pressure on this upper surface causes the strike plate to open, and inserting the safety bar into the strike plate causes it to close.

[0015] The locking means may also or alternatively include, for example, a clipped loop, a magnetic loop and / or a carabiner.

[0016] The protective structure may also include a soft top, consisting of a soft top structure that is at least partially rigid, forming a volume such that the passenger(s) are within the volume defined by this structure when in driving position. The structure may, for example, be at least partially made of aluminum.

[0017] The structure of the soft top preferably rests on the hoop of the protective structure. It is preferably fixed to the structure (to the hoop) by means that can be removed with or without tools (n).

[0018] Preferably, the soft top structure includes at least two rigid front uprights, which can be connected at their apex by a cross member. In a preferred embodiment, the soft top structure also includes two rear uprights. These can be rigid like the front uprights or made of a more flexible material, such as fiberglass. This flexibility allows the soft top structure to deform, particularly in crosswinds, and reduces the angle of incidence of the soft top relative to the apparent wind. The front of the structure is rigid to act as a leading edge; only the rear can pivot / flex.

[0019] Preferably, the upper ends of the uprights are connected to each other in such a way as to form a closed curve forming the roof of the convertible top.

[0020] The convertible top also includes a cover, at least partially covering the top's structure. The cover is preferably waterproof. The convertible top cover may be transparent or semi-transparent.

[0021] The soft top cover can extend beyond the soft top structure, i.e. lower (lower than the roll bar) in order to protect the passengers' legs.

[0022] Preferably, the convertible top cover does not cover the locking mechanisms, so as not to restrict access to them.

[0023] When the protective structure does not encompass the cyclist, it may be envisaged that the canopy includes means of extension above the cyclist, for example by extending the canopy's roof, in order to protect him from the rain, for example.

[0024] The cover may include an opening, preferably closable on the front face of the hood, arranged to allow passage of the saddle when the structure is opened, in particular when the pivot of the protective structure is placed in front of the passenger, for example on the saddle post.

[0025] The structure is preferably designed for a bicycle. The invention therefore also relates to the use of the protective structure on a bicycle.

[0026] The invention will be better understood with the aid of a description of several embodiments related to the drawing on which: There Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle on which a structure according to the invention is placed, the structure being a hoop protecting the passengers in the riding position. Figure 2 is a rear view of the roll bar of the figure 1 There Figure 3 is a top view of the arch of the figure 1 . There Figure 4 is a side view of the arch of the figure 1 , in the open position after pivoting forward. The Figure 5 is a top view of the arch of the figure 4 . There Figure 6 is a rear view of the roll bar of the figure 4 . There Figure 7 is a side view of a bicycle on which another structure according to the invention is placed, the structure being a hoop protecting the passengers, in the open position after pivoting backwards. figure 8 is a top view of the arch of the figure 7 ; There Figure 9 is a rear view of the roll bar of the figure 7 ; There Figure 10 is a rear view of a bicycle on which another structure according to the invention is placed, the structure being a roll bar protecting the passengers, pivoted to the side. Figure 11 is a side view of a bicycle on which another structure according to the invention is placed, the structure being a hoop protecting the passengers and the driver in the riding position. Figure 12 is a side view of the arch of the figure 11 after pivoting forward. The Figure 13 is a perspective view of a pivot point arranged on a bicycle frame, under the saddle; The Figure 14 is an enlargement of the pivot point of the figure 13 There Figure 15 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism for the hoop. Figure 16 is an enlargement of the locking mechanism of the hoop figure 15 in locked position; The Figure 17 illustrates the locking mechanisms for the headband figure 15 , in the unlocked position; The Figure 18 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of the roll bar figures 15 à 17 ; There Figure 19 is a perspective view of a bicycle on which a protective bar according to the invention is installed, in the closed, i.e., operational position. Figure 20 is a view of the bicycle of the figure 19 , on which the hoop is in the open position Figure 21 illustrates a bicycle comprising a protective structure according to the invention, with a canopy in the closed position; The Figure 22 illustrious bicycle of the figure 21 on which the convertible top is open.

[0027] With reference to the figure 1 A protective structure according to the invention comprises a hoop a hinged to the bicycle frame, on the seat post, by means of a pivot means b. A locking means c is provided at the rear of the hoop in cooperation with a support h installed on the bicycle's luggage rack. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements in other embodiments.

[0028] The means of pivoting (b on the figures 1 , 4 , 7 And 9 ) can be placed at the front of the structure, at the rear, or even on the sides of it.

[0029] The roll cage can include the driver, as illustrated in the figures 11 et 12 .

[0030] This system can be installed on a bicycle with or without electric assistance, with 2, 3 or 4 wheels.

[0031] An example of a pivoting method (b) is presented to figures 13 et 14 A piece (f on the figure 14 ) resembling a handlebar stem is securely attached to the seat post. The rear part of the piece holds, without preventing rotation, a bearing (g on the figure 14 ) fixed to the tube of the pivoting structure (a), thus allowing pivoting.

[0032] The structure includes locking means designed to keep it firmly and securely attached to the vehicle in order to protect the passengers in the event of an impact or fall.

[0033] The locking means are preferably arranged on the side of the structure opposite to that containing the pivot means.

[0034] An example of a locking method (c) is presented to the figure 15 et 16 in locked position, and 17 in unlocked position thus allowing the structure (a) to tilt.

[0035] The locking mechanism secures the pivoting structure (a) to prevent it from opening, using a strike plate (g on the figures 17 et 18 ). The return spring (r on the figure 18 ) ensures the automatic closing of the latch as soon as the structure is in the closed position for vehicle movement. The spring is attached to the latch and bears against the fixed part of the locking mechanism.

[0036] As illustrated in figure 18 The strike plate is shaped to open automatically when the protective structure's tube presses against it. For example, the strike plate has an angled (non-horizontal) upper surface such that vertical pressure on this upper face causes the strike plate latch to pivot outwards into the open position. Inserting the shackle into the strike plate then reverses the latch's movement and closes the strike plate. Thus, manual intervention is not necessarily required to pivot the strike plate. The tube then descends to the bottom of the receiving rooms (i) and (j), onto the figure 18 . Next, the return spring (r) brings the strike plate back to its rest position, and the part above the tube blocks its upward movement.

[0037] The upward movement of the tube, i.e., the opening of the protective structure, is then only possible by manually opening the latch by tilting it. This allows, for example, the bicycle to be lifted by holding it by the protective structure (a) without it opening.

[0038] Alternatively, variants where the latch is absent and the upward movement is blocked by a separate means, such as a clipped loop, a magnet, or a carabiner, are also possible. In this case, the latch (g) is removed and the structure does not lock itself; it rests at the bottom of the receiving parts (i) and (j), and then the user blocks the upward movement with a separate action.

[0039] Another variant based on the system presented in Figure 17 It is possible to have a locking mechanism installed to prevent the strike plate (g) from opening, such as a pin. The user must manually remove this lock to be able to tilt the strike plate and the structure. This is an additional safety feature to ensure that the structure is securely locked in the closed position and will not open if, for example, the return spring (r) is broken or malfunctioning.

[0040] One or more stops (e on the figure 16 ) integral with the pivoting structure (a) absorbs any lateral force (transverse to the plane of the bicycle) exerted on the pivoting structure. These stops rely on the locking system(s) (c on the figure 16 attached to the vehicle.

[0041] Other locking methods are possible, their role being to keep the roll bar (a) firmly in place attached to the vehicle while driving in order to protect the passengers in case of impact or fall.

[0042] A protective canopy against wind and rain can be attached to the roll bar. It tilts with the structure to allow passengers to get in.

[0043] With reference to figures 19 à 22 The soft top consists of a structure, at least partially rigid (k), supported by the roll bar of the protective structure, so that the passenger is within the volume defined by this structure. For example, it may be at least partially made of aluminum, supported by the roll bar of the protective structure, positioned rather towards the front, and attached to the structure (the roll bar) by a means that can be removed with or without tools (n). Here, two rigid front uprights are connected at their apex by a curved crossmember, the uprights and the crossmember being, for example, rigid aluminum. The upper part (l), extending the curved crossmember to form a closed curve, and the two rear uprights (m) of the structure are made of a more flexible material, such as fiberglass strips. This allows the soft top structure a degree of deformation, particularly in the case of crosswinds, and reduces the angle of incidence of the soft top relative to the wind.The front of the structure is rigid in order to behave like a leading edge; only the rear can pivot.

[0044] The hood also includes a cover, preferably waterproof, which rests on the structure. The cover can, for example, be made of waterproofed textile or plastic material.

[0045] An opening (o), here a slot, may be provided on the front face of the hood, i.e. the face near the seat, so that the seat can pass through said front face when the hood tilts forward during the opening of the protective structure, as illustrated in the figure 22 This opening can, for example, be closed by a zipper, a magnetic flap or a flap with Velcro.

[0046] The cover can extend beyond the area defined by the roll bar and the soft top structure, in order to also protect the legs of the passenger(s). Preferably, the locking mechanisms are not covered by the cover, so as to allow easy access to them.

Claims

1. Protective structure (a) for passengers installed on the luggage rack of a bicycle with or without electric assistance, with one or two rear wheels, said structure being arranged to pivot between an open position for passenger installed and a closed position for riding, said structure comprising a restraint bar which, in the riding position, surrounds at least the passenger(s), and equipped with at least one locking means provided to engage when the protective structure is in the riding position and to unlock only by a manual action on the locking means.

2. Protective structure according to claim 1, provided to pivot forward and comprising pivot means positioned in front of the passenger(s).

3. Structure according to claim 1, provided to pivot rearwards, and comprising pivot means positioned behind the passenger(s).

4. Structure according to claim 1, provided to pivot laterally and comprising pivot means positioned to the side of the passenger.

5. Structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the restraint bar, in the riding position, also surrounds the driver.

6. Protective structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means comprise a latch, a clip buckle, a magnetic buckle and / or a carabiner.

7. Protective structure (a) according to any of the preceding claims, on which a canopy is fixed which pivots with it.

8. Protective structure according to claim 7, wherein the canopy comprises a canopy structure having at least two rigid front uprights and a cover covering at least part of the canopy structure.

9. Protective structure according to claim 8, wherein the two rigid front uprights are connected to each other at their top by a crossbar.

10. Protective structure according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the structure of the canopy also comprises rear parts made of a more flexible material.

11. Protective structure according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the cover comprises a slit, preferably closable, on the front side of the canopy.

12. Protective structure (a) according to any of the preceding claims installed on a two-wheeled vehicle.