Bicycle trailer

Abstract

Title: Bicycle Trailer The invention relates to a trailer (100) intended to be towed by a bicycle, comprising: - a shell (110) having a front wall, the shell (110) having a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical median plane (P); - at least one wheel (120) rotatably mounted on the shell (110) about a rolling axis transverse to the vertical median plane (P); and - a drawbar (130) for attaching to a bicycle, integral with the shell (110), characterized in that the shell (110) has a stiffening edge (116), the stiffening edge (116) having a symmetrical shape with respect to the vertical median plane (P), and in that the drawbar (130) is fixed to said stiffening edge (116) at the level of the front wall. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cycle trailer

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of equipment for cycles.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates in particular to a cycle trailer.

[0003] Whether motorized or not, cycles comprise at least two wheels mounted on a frame (also called a chassis).

[0004] According to a first type of cycle, the wheels are two in number and are pivotally mounted on the frame, in alignment with each other, namely a front wheel and a rear wheel. This type of cycle can be used by a cyclist who is standing upright, or lying down.

[0005] According to a second type of cycle, there are three wheels, positioned in a first rolling train comprising a single wheel and a second rolling train comprising two wheels. The first rolling train can be placed at the front of the cycle and the second rolling train is placed at the rear of the cycle, or vice versa.

[0006] On a cycle, loading solutions are limited, or even non-existent.

[0007] For example, bicycles which are non-motorized cycles, or weakly motorized when they are equipped with electric assistance solutions, are devoid of charging solutions.

[0008] When they want to travel with a package, cyclists are generally obliged to equip themselves with a backpack, or removable soft bags fixed to a luggage rack or to the frame of the cycle.

[0009] However, using a backpack or removable panniers to carry heavy loads can be uncomfortable and affect the cyclist's balance.

[0010] To maximize cargo space and minimize imbalances, some cyclists are equipped with trailers. Trailers can have a single wheel, or two wheels.

[0011] These trailers are generally attached to a seat post of the cycle or to the axle of the rear wheel of the cycle.

[0012] When they only have a single wheel, trailers are generally integral with the cycle so that when the cycle is inclined to follow a curve, the trailer follows the cycle and also tilts.

[0013] A first type of trailer comprises a chassis, generally made by assembling metal tubes, the chassis forming a structure on which a basket is secured to receive a bag or a travel box.

[0014] A second type of trailer includes a hull defining both the structure and the storage space.

[0015] To manufacture trailers of the second type, two half-shells are made by contact lamination and then assembled to form the hull.

[0016] Such manufacturing proves to be particularly long and costly and incompatible with industrialized production.

[0017] Furthermore, the attachment of accessories, for example a bicycle attachment bar, a stand or even a solar panel, requires drilling the hull to allow the passage of screws.

[0018] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0019] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a trailer whose manufacture is simple, rapid and industrializable in order to reduce manufacturing time and costs.

[0020] The invention also aims to provide such a trailer which offers solutions for attaching accessories which do not weaken the trailer.

[0021] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a trailer intended to be towed by a cycle, comprising: - a shell extending in a longitudinal direction and forming an internal volume delimited by a lower wall, an upper wall and a belt connecting the lower wall to the upper wall and having a front wall, the shell having a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical median plane; - at least one wheel mounted for rotation on the hull along a rolling axis transverse to the vertical median plane, and - a drawbar for attaching to a cycle, attached to the hull, characterized in that the hull has a stiffening edge projecting outside the internal volume, the stiffening edge extending longitudinally at least on the front wall, the stiffening edge having symmetry with respect to the vertical median plane, and in that the drawbar is fixed on said stiffening edge at the level of the front wall.

[0022] The stiffening edge allows both to stiffen the hull and to fix the drawbar to the hull, as well as other accessories via dedicated interfaces.

[0023] Indeed, by projecting from the internal volume, the stiffening edge stiffens the shell, in particular to resist the traction and torsion forces of the trailer generated by its connection with the cycle, or by the accessory attachment interfaces.

[0024] Furthermore, drilling the stiffening edge to fix the drawbar does not weaken the hull.

[0025] This is explained in particular by the fact that the tensile forces exerted by the drawbar on the hull are carried out in a direction in which the stiffening edge extends, which allows a greater absorption of the forces than when the drawbar is fixed directly to the belt or to one of the walls of the hull as is the case for trailers of the prior art.

[0026] According to an advantageous aspect, the stiffening edge is integral with the shell.

[0027] This promotes the strength of the hull since there is no fragile zone at the junction between the hull and the stiffening edge.

[0028] The transmission of forces from the stiffening edge to the hull thus does not present any risk of deterioration of the hull.

[0029] According to another advantageous aspect, the stiffening edge has a plurality of holes allowing the passage of devices for fixing accessories to the trailer.

[0030] The holes allow the passage of screws for fixing accessories. Furthermore, the positioning of the holes can be defined so as to limit the concentration of forces on the hull. Indeed, the holes can be distributed on the stiffening edge so that the fixing and the weight of the accessories are distributed on the hull so as to limit the existence of reduced areas of force absorption.

[0031] According to another advantageous aspect, the stiffening edge also extends over the upper wall and the lower wall, and the trailer also comprises a solar panel secured to the hull by means of fixing members intended to be secured to the stiffening edge.

[0032] This ensures that the solar panel is fixed without any risk of damaging the hull.

[0033] Furthermore, the presence of the solar panel makes it possible to generate electricity which can be used for various purposes, such as powering a cycle battery for example.

[0034] According to another advantageous aspect, the stiffening edge also extends over the upper wall and the lower wall, and the trailer also comprises a stand secured to the stiffening edge by a first end and having a second end opposite the first end and intended to come into contact with the ground in a position of use, to stabilize the trailer, the stand having a height, measured between the first end and the second end, strictly greater than a radius of the or each wheel.

[0035] When in its position of use, the stand allows the rear wheel of the cycle to be raised.

[0036] This proves advantageous for immobilizing the cycle and trailer assembly so that the cycle can be without a stand.

[0037] According to another advantageous aspect, the belt of the hull incorporates a hatch for access to the internal volume.

[0038] Such a hatch allows easy access to the internal volume while ensuring the protection of the contents of the internal volume. This hatch can also integrate locking means and sealing means making the internal volume of the hull 110 inaccessible while protecting it from water infiltration, for example.

[0039] According to another advantageous aspect, the drawbar comprises a first member for attachment to the stiffening edge, a second member for attachment to the stiffening edge and at least one member for attachment to a cycle, the or each attachment member being distant from the first attachment member by a first distance D1, and distant from the second attachment member by a second distance D2 strictly less than the first distance D1.

[0040] The drawbar is thus reversible.

[0041] Depending on the direction of mounting of the drawbar on the stiffening edge, it is possible to adapt the attachment height of the trailer in relation to the size of the cycle.

[0042] This therefore makes it possible to present a trailer whose lower wall is substantially horizontal regardless of the size of the cycle, or almost.

[0043] According to another advantageous aspect, the shell is manufactured by a rotational molding process.

[0044] Rotational molding makes it possible to obtain a hull simply and quickly.

[0045] Furthermore, the use of rotational molding promotes the crystallization of the plastic material, which improves the mechanical resistance of the trailer.

[0046] Finally, by modulating the quantity of plastic balls used for the manufacture of the trailer by rotational molding, it is possible to modify the thickness and therefore the solidity of the trailer shell, in order to respond to a use for which the trailer is intended. Colored balls can also be used to obtain a colored shell quickly and without special tools.

[0047] According to another advantageous aspect, the shell is manufactured by assembling two thermoformed half-shells.

[0048] The assembly of two half-shells makes it possible to limit the storage space required during the manufacture of the shell.

[0049] Several half-shells can be manufactured and stored by being nested inside each other to limit the space requirement.

[0050] In addition, the assembly of two half-shells offers the possibility of customizing the trailer, each half-shell being able to be made in its own material or with a different color.

[0051] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings described below.

[0052] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation from above of a trailer according to the invention.

[0053] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation in three-quarter rear of the trailer according to the invention.

[0054] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation in side view of the trailer according to the invention, in a first configuration of use.

[0055] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation in side view of the trailer according to the invention, in a second configuration of use.

[0056] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an enlarged scale detail of the trailer according to the invention, in a second configuration of use.

[0057] [Fig.l] illustrates a trailer 100 intended to be towed by a cycle 200.

[0058] In [Fig.l], only the rear wheel of the cycle 200 is illustrated. In this case, the cycle 200 is a bicycle.

[0059] The trailer 100 comprises: - a 110 hull; - at least one wheel 120 rotatably mounted on the shell 110, and - a drawbar 130 for attachment to a cycle 200, secured to the hull 110, to allow the trailer 100 to be towed by a cycle 200.

[0060] The shell 110 extends in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction coincides with a general forward movement direction of the cycle 200.

[0061] The shell 110 forms an internal volume delimited by a lower wall 111, an upper wall 112 and a belt 113 connecting the lower wall 111 to the upper wall 112.

[0062] More specifically, the belt 113 has a front wall 1131, a rear wall 1132 opposite the front wall and two side walls 1133 each joining the front wall 1131 to the rear wall 1132.

[0063] The belt 113 of the shell 110, and more particularly one of the side walls 1133, incorporates a hatch 114 for access to the internal volume.

[0064] As illustrated by [Fig.l], the shell 110 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical median plane P.

[0065] Although the shell 110 has symmetry, it may be provided, as is the case in FIGS. 1 and 2, that only one of the two side walls 1133 has a hatch 114.

[0066] In other words, the symmetry is understood in relation to the general shape of the shell 110.

[0067] The term “vertical” is understood here in relation to a direct trihedron formed by: - an X axis merged with a general direction of forward movement of the cycle 200 to which the trailer 100 is intended to be attached; - a Y axis merged with a direction transverse to the general direction forward movement and forming with the X axis a horizontal plane substantially parallel to a ground S on which the trailer rests, and - a Z axis extending perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis.

[0068] The vertical median plane P is therefore parallel to a plane formed by the X and Z axes.

[0069] The or each wheel 120 is pivotally mounted on the shell 110 along an axis of transverse bearing to the vertical median plane P.

[0070] More specifically, the shell 110 has two fixing lugs 115 for the or each wheel 120. The two fixing lugs 115 extend from the rear wall 1132, opposite the internal volume.

[0071] The or each wheel 120 is then pivotally mounted around an axis located between the two fixing lugs 115.

[0072] Furthermore, the shell 110 has a stiffening edge 116 projecting outside the internal volume.

[0073] The stiffening edge 116 extends longitudinally at least over the front wall 1131.

[0074] More particularly, as illustrated by Figures 1 to 4, the stiffening edge 116 extends over the upper wall 112, over the front wall 1131 and over the lower wall 111.

[0075] The stiffening edge 116 has a symmetry with respect to the vertical median plane P.

[0076] With reference to [Fig. 1], the stiffening edge 116 has a width defined so as to limit the deformation of the shell 110 under the weight of the contents of the internal volume in particular.

[0077] In order to limit the areas of fragility at the junction between the stiffening edge 116 and the shell 110, the stiffening edge 116 is integral with the shell 110.

[0078] In other words, the shell 110 and the stiffening edge 116 form a single-piece assembly and are made from the same material.

[0079] As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, the stiffening edge 116 has a plurality of holes 117 allowing the passage of accessory fixing devices on the trailer 100.

[0080] The drawbar 130, which allows the trailer to be attached to a rear wheel of a cycle 200, is an accessory.

[0081] The drawbar 130 is therefore fixed to said stiffening edge 116.

[0082] More specifically, the drawbar 130 is fixed to the stiffening edge 116 at the level of the front wall 1131.

[0083] With reference to [Fig.2], the trailer 100 also comprises, as an accessory, a solar panel 140 for generating electrical energy.

[0084] This electrical energy supplied by the solar panel 140 can, as a priority, be used to recharging the cycle's battery when it is electrically assisted. This makes the cyclist energy independent for operating the cycle and trailer.

[0085] Furthermore, the electrical energy supplied by the solar panel 140 can be used to power low-power electrical devices, for example a light signaling device (not shown), a mobile phone, a touch-screen tablet, a computer, a drone, a camera or even a portable cooler.

[0086] A battery for storing the electrical energy produced can also be provided in the internal volume.

[0087] The solar panel 140 is secured to the hull by means of fixing members 145 intended to be secured to the stiffening edge 116.

[0088] In addition to securing the solar panel 140 to the shell 110, the fixing members 145 make it possible to adjust the orientation of the solar panel 140 relative to the shell 110 to optimize the solar radiation capture surface offered by the solar panel 140.

[0089] The trailer 100 also includes a stand 150 forming another accessory.

[0090] The crutch 150 is secured to the stiffening edge 116 by a first end 151.

[0091] The crutch 150 has a second end 152 opposite the first end 151 and intended to come into contact with the ground S in a position of use of the crutch 150, as illustrated by [Fig.4].

[0092] On the contrary, with reference to [Fig.3], the stand 150 is in a storage position in which the second end 152 is distant from the ground S.

[0093] More precisely, in the storage position, the second end 152 of the stand 150 is in the vicinity of the lower wall 111 of the shell 110, or almost.

[0094] In its position of use, the stand 150 makes it possible to stabilize the trailer 100.

[0095] With reference to [Fig.4], the crutch 150 having a height H (visible on the [Fig.5]), measured between the first end 151 and the second end 152, strictly greater than a radius of the or each wheel 120.

[0096] As can be seen in [Fig.4], this difference between the height of the stand 150 and the radius of the or each wheel 120 makes it possible to raise the drawbar 130, and therefore the rear wheel of a cycle 200, from the ground S when the stand 150 is in its position of use.

[0097] As seen in [Fig.l], the stand 150 has an inverted U shape having a base from which two arms extend.

[0098] The base of the U forms the first end 151.

[0099] The second end 152 has two feet intended to come into contact with the ground S, each foot being carried by one of the arms of the U.

[0100] With reference to figures 1, 3 and 4, the drawbar 130 comprises a first fixing member 131 to the stiffening edge 116, a second fixing member 132 to the stiffening edge 116 and at least one attachment member 133 to a cycle 200.

[0101] More precisely, as can be seen in [Fig.l], the drawbar 130 comprises two attachment members 133 each intended to come on one side of a rear wheel of the cycle 200 on which the trailer 100 is intended to be attached.

[0102] With reference to [Fig.5], the or each attachment member 133 is distant from the first fixing member 131 by a first distance D1, and distant from the second fixing member by a second distance D2 strictly less than the first distance D1.

[0103] This makes it possible to make the drawbar 130 reversible to adapt it to different sizes of rear wheel of cycles 200 and thus maintain a substantially horizontal orientation of the lower wall 111 when the stand 150 is in its storage position.

[0104] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the drawbar 130 is secured to the stiffening edge 116 by means of two clips 160.

[0105] Each rider 160 is intended to receive one of the first fixing member 131 and the second fixing member 132.

[0106] Means for ad hoc fixing of the first fixing member 131 and of the second fixing member 132 to the clips 160 may be provided.

[0107] As illustrated by [Fig.5], each rider 160 has a plurality of openings allowing its precise positioning on the stiffening edge 116, so as to improve the adaptability of the trailer 100 to different sizes of cycles 200.

[0108] In order to guarantee a 100% lightweight trailer while presenting significant mechanical resistance, two manufacturing processes can be used.

[0109] According to a first manufacturing method, the shell 110 is manufactured by a rotational molding process.

[0110] This makes it possible to obtain a shell 110 in a single element and having the thinnest possible thickness while ensuring the desired mechanical strength.

[0111] According to a second manufacturing method, the shell 110 is manufactured by assembling two thermoformed half-shells.

[0112] This type of manufacturing method offers increased customization of the trailer 100 in that the shell 110 can be produced by assembling two half-shells, each having a different color and / or material from the other half-shell.

[0113] In the case of two half-shells, each half-shell carries a portion of the stiffening edge 116.

Claims

Claims

1. Trailer (100) intended to be towed by a cycle (200), comprising: - a shell (110) extending in a longitudinal direction and forming an internal volume delimited by a lower wall (111), an upper wall (112) and a belt (113) connecting the lower wall (111) to the upper wall (112) and having a front wall (1131), the shell (110) having a symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical median plane (P);- at least one wheel (120) rotatably mounted on the shell (110) along a rolling axis transverse to the vertical median plane (P), and - a drawbar (130) for attachment to a cycle (200), integral with the shell (110), characterized in that the shell (110) has a stiffening edge (116) projecting outside the internal volume, the stiffening edge (116) extending longitudinally at least on the front wall (1131), the stiffening edge (116) having a symmetry with respect to the vertical median plane (P), and in that the drawbar (130) is fixed to said stiffening edge (116) at the level of the front wall (1131).;

2. Trailer (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stiffening edge (116) is integral with the shell (110).

3. Trailer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening edge (116) has a plurality of holes (117) allowing the passage of devices for fixing accessories on the trailer (100).

4. Trailer (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stiffening edge (116) also extends over the upper wall (112) and the lower wall (111), and the trailer (100) also comprises a solar panel (140) secured to the hull (110) by means of fixing members (145) intended to be secured to the stiffening edge (116).

5. Trailer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening edge (116) also extends over the upper wall (112) and the lower wall (111), and the trailer (100) also comprises a stand (150) secured to the stiffening edge (116) by a first end (151) and having a second end (152) opposite the first end (151) and intended to come into contact with the ground (S) in a position of use, to stabilize the trailer (100), the stand (150) having a height (H), measured between the first end (151) and the second end (152), strictly greater than a radius of the or each wheel (120).

6. Trailer (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the belt (113) of the shell (110) incorporates a hatch (114) for access to the internal volume.

7. Trailer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drawbar (130) comprises a first fixing member (131) to the stiffening edge (116), a second fixing member (132) to the stiffening edge (116) and at least one attachment member (133) to a cycle (200), the or each attachment member (133) being distant from the first fixing member (131) by a first distance (D1), and distant from the second fixing member (132) by a second distance (D2) strictly less than the first distance (D1).

8. Trailer (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (110) is manufactured by a rotational molding process.

9. Trailer (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shell (110) is manufactured by assembling two thermoformed half-shells.

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