Bicycle equipped with a foldable storage box

Abstract

The invention relates to a cycle (10) equipped with a storage box (12), the storage box (12) comprising a support frame which includes a front upright (24) and a rear upright (20) connected to each other by a lower longitudinal member (32), a first U-shaped arm (46a) and a second U-shaped arm (46b) which are pivotally mounted on the front upright (24) and the rear upright (20), and a container (58) which is assembled on the first arm (46a) and the second arm (46b), characterized in that the first arm (46a) and the second arm (46b) are pivotally mounted on the frame to allow passage from a first configuration in which the arms (46a, 46b) form a ring to allow access to the container (58), to a second configuration in which the arms (46a, 46b) adopt a folded position towards each other. (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Bicycle equipped with a foldable storage box Scope of the invention

[0001] The present patent application relates to the field of cycles equipped with a storage box, and more particularly to the field of utility cycles of the cargo type, also called cargo bike or freight bike.

[0002] The object of the present invention relates more particularly to a cycle comprising a foldable storage box to reduce the lateral bulk of the cycle, particularly in a configuration for storing the cycle and / or the storage box. State of the art

[0003] Nowadays, utility bicycles can be classified into different families:

[0004] - Platform bicycles, the payload of which is arranged on a platform located at the- above the front wheel. Generally, the latter is of small size;

[0005] - Extended bicycles, called "longtails", whose load is arranged behind the user;

[0006] - Bicycles with a rigid frame, the payload of which is arranged on a platform or in a container located in the lower part of the chassis, in front of the user. The front wheel is offset to create space for this container;

[0007] - Bicycles with a folding box, similar to bicycles with a rigid box, but whose box can be folded widthwise by means of two hinged panels at the bottom of the frame.

[0008] These different utility-type bicycles have disadvantages.

[0009] Bicycles with a platform, in addition to their limited carrying capacity, have the disadvantage of making the bicycle unstable when loaded.

[0010] Indeed, since the cargo is located above the front wheel, the handling is altered by the weight, which causes the bicycle to fall towards the ground as soon as the user turns the handlebars.

[0011] In addition, all loads must be secured so as not to fall off en route.

[0012] Extended bicycles, designed to facilitate the transport of children on the back of the bicycle, have a design close to that of a classic bicycle.

[0013] The transport of loads must be done using conventional side bags of limited capacity, which are impractical and destabilize the bicycle.

[0014] Moreover, once the baby carriers are installed, access to the saddlebags is limited, or even blocked.

[0015] Rigid-frame bicycles have many advantages, including large volume and good stability.

[0016] However, the length of the bicycle and especially the large width of the box make these bicycles heavy and difficult to maneuver.

[0017] Moreover, their imposing size greatly complicates parking and storage, particularly in their preferred environment, the city.

[0018] Bicycles with folding boxes have the advantage of being able to adopt a bicycle storage configuration in which the box is folded to reduce its size.

[0019] Among bicycles with folding boxes, we know of a bicycle described and represented in document DE202017104098U1.

[0020] According to this document, the bicycle's crate contains:

[0021] - a support frame comprising a front upright and a rear upright connected between them by a lower frame member that extends longitudinally from front to back in the direction of travel of the cycle.

[0022] - a first arm and a second U-shaped arm, each extending from a first Free end at the front pivoting on the front upright, up to a second free end at the rear pivoting on the rear upright, and

[0023] - a container which is carried by the first arm and the second arm.

[0024] The first arm and the second arm are pivotally mounted on the chassis each around a longitudinal axis, to allow passage from a storage configuration in which the arms adopt a deployed V-shaped position to allow access to the container, and a cycle storage configuration in which the arms adopt a folded position towards each other upwards to reduce the lateral footprint of the storage box.

[0025] The design of the bicycle frame described in document DE202017104098U1 may cause mechanical deformations of the bicycle, which may impair the strength of the bicycle and the precision of the handling.

[0026] Indeed, under the action of the load of the body, the lower chassis rail undergoes deformations in vertical bending and in transverse bending.

[0027] Such a mechanical weakness can cause unwanted vibrations, or handlebar wobble, when the bicycle is moving.

[0028] This problem can be limited by oversizing the lower side member or by doubling the side member, but at the expense of the weight of the chassis. Description of the invention

[0029] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned above, by eliminating the disadvantages of the prior art cited.

[0030] This objective, as well as others that will become apparent upon reading the following description, is achieved with a cycle equipped with a storage box, the storage box comprising: • a support frame comprising a front upright and a rear upright connected by at least one lower longitudinal member extending lengthwise from front to back in the direction of travel of the cycle, • a first arm and a second U-shaped arm, each extending from a first free front end mounted pivotally directly or indirectly on the front upright, to a second free rear end mounted pivotally directly or indirectly on the rear upright, and • a container which is assembled on the first arm and on the second arm,

[0031] characterized in that the first arm and the second arm are mounted pivotally on the chassis each around a longitudinal axis, to allow the passage from a first configuration, also called the storage configuration, in which the arms adopt a deployed position and form a ring to allow access to the container, to a second configuration in which the arms adopt a folded position towards each other to reduce the lateral bulk of the storage box.

[0032] It will be understood here that such a second configuration can be a storage configuration of the cycle, but also a storage configuration of the storage box in which said storage box is secured.

[0033] Such an opening of the ring-shaped arms contributes to the mechanical stability of the body and the cycle

[0034] Indeed, in their deployed ring position, the arms are able to absorb forces transmitted by the front upright formed by the fork tube and by the rear upright formed by the steering tube of the cycle, so that the arms help to limit the deformations in vertical bending and in transverse bending of the body and frame of the associated cycle.

[0035] This feature makes it possible to limit the stresses experienced by the frame spar of the cycle, and therefore to reduce the cross-section of the spar.

[0036] Moreover, such a ring configuration allows the arms to fold upwards or downwards.

[0037] As indicated above, the first free front end is pivotally mounted directly or indirectly on the front pillar. It will be understood here that the first free front end can therefore be pivotally mounted directly on the front pillar or indirectly by means of an additional part, or directly or indirectly on the front side member.

[0038] Similarly, the second free rear end is pivotally mounted directly or indirectly on the rear upright. It will be understood here that the second free front end can therefore be pivotally mounted directly on the rear upright or indirectly via an additional part.

[0039] According to other optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0040] - the container comprises a base, a first longitudinal side wall and a second longitudinal side wall, each extending from said base, and the base comprises at least two stiffening elements connected by a longitudinal centerline forming a hinge and articulated between a folded position in which said stiffening elements are arranged opposite each other between the two longitudinal side walls of the container, so that the container adopts an accordion shape, and an unfolded position in which said stiffening elements are extended to form a support platform for storing objects in the crate. This feature allows for a reduced footprint of the container when the arms are in their folded position;

[0041] Here, it will be understood that the first longitudinal side wall and the second longitudinal side wall can be formed from a single piece forming a tube (tubular bag with a bottom for example);

[0042] - the casing includes a device for retaining said stiffening elements of the bottom of the crate in their folded position;

[0043] - the container is equipped with a pull tab (or gripping element) which, when pulled, it moves the bottom of the container from its unfolded position to its folded position;

[0044] - the container delimits a generally parallelepiped-shaped volume when the arms The box's components are deployed. This geometry maximizes the storage volume of the container;

[0045] - the container is a bag made of flexible material;

[0046] - the case is equipped with a first locking device for the first arm and the second arms on the chassis in their deployed position;

[0047] - the first locking device for said arms comprises at least one stop mechanical which limits the travel of said arms until they reach their deployed position;

[0048] - the first locking device for said arms is designed to form a hard point of resistance to pivoting of said arms from their deployed position to their folded position, to prevent the untimely closure of said arms;

[0049] - the case is equipped with a second locking device for the first arm and the second arms in their folded position;

[0050] - the first arm and the second arm are mounted pivotally on the chassis so that to be able to adopt a folded upwards position or a folded downwards position;

[0051] - the lower longitudinal member of the support frame comprises a first rear section and a second front section, said front section having a curved shape designed to allow the passage of a wheel;

[0052] - said cycle is a cargo bike;

[0053] - the front frame member is a fork tube which is associated with a front wheel directional and the rear upright of the chassis is a steering tube which is fitted with a handlebar, and the free rear end of the first arm and the free rear end of the second arm of the body are each pivotally mounted on said steering tube at a height which permits free movement of the handlebar when said arms of the body are in their folded position. Brief description of the drawings

[0054] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0055] [Fig-1] presents a perspective view of a cargo bike-type cycle equipped with a storage box comprising two arms in deployed position which support a bag-shaped container, according to the invention;

[0056] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], in which the arms adopt a folded position upwards;

[0057] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], in which the container is not represented;

[0058] [Fig.4] is a detail view of [Fig.3], illustrating the arms of the case;

[0059] [Fig.5] is a side view, illustrating the arms of the crate in the deployed position;

[0060] [Fig.6] is a detailed perspective view that illustrates a first mode of implementation of the first arm locking device;

[0061] [Fig.7] is a detailed perspective view similar to that of [Fig.6], which illustrates the first embodiment of the first armless locking device;

[0062] [Fig.8] is a detailed perspective view that illustrates a second mode of implementation of the first device for locking the arms in the deployed position;

[0063] [Fig.9] is a detailed perspective view that illustrates a third mode of implementation of the first device for locking the arms in the deployed position;

[0064] [Fig. 10] is a detailed perspective view which illustrates a fourth embodiment of the first arm locking device in the deployed position;

[0065] [Fig. 11] is a detailed perspective view which illustrates a fifth embodiment of the first arm locking device in the deployed position;

[0066] [Fig. 12] is a detailed perspective view which illustrates the fifth embodiment of the first arm locking device in the deployed position without the pins;

[0067] [Fig. 13] is a detailed perspective view which illustrates a sixth embodiment of the first arm locking device in the deployed position;

[0068] [Fig. 14] is a perspective detail view similar to that of [Fig. 13], which illustrates the sixth embodiment of the first arm locking device in the folded position;

[0069] [Fig. 15] is a detailed perspective view which illustrates a first embodiment of the second arm locking device in the folded position;

[0070] [Fig. 16] is a detailed perspective view which illustrates a second embodiment of the second arm locking device in the folded position;

[0071] [Fig.17], [Fig.18], [Fig.19], [Fig.20] are schematic views that illustrate the folding of the container;

[0072] [Fig.21] is a schematic view that illustrates a device for retaining the elements of stiffening of the base of the container, during folding;

[0073] [Fig.22] is a schematic view that illustrates the retention device of the [Fig.21], after stiffening elements of the bottom of the container in their folded position;

[0074] [Fig.23] is a perspective view of a bicycle-type cycle with a luggage rack is equipped with a storage box comprising two arms in the deployed position which support a bag-shaped container, according to the invention;

[0075] [Fig.24] is a perspective view of the cycle of the [Fig.23] whose two arms occupy their withdrawn position;

[0076] [Fig.25] is a perspective view of a bicycle trailer-type cycle, which is equipped with a storage box comprising two arms in the deployed position which support a bag-shaped container, according to the invention;

[0077] [Fig.26] is a perspective view of the cycle of the [Fig.25] whose two arms occupy their withdrawn position.

[0078] In the description and claims, the longitudinal, vertical and transverse terminology will be adopted without limitation with reference to the L, V, T trihedron indicated in the figures, considering that the cycle of [Fig.1] extends longitudinally and moves longitudinally forward.

[0079] Also, the expressions "superior", "inferior" and "low", "high" and their derivatives will be used without limitation, in reference to the upper and lower parts respectively of [Fig.1].

[0080] Throughout all these figures, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs.

[0081] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0082] Figures 1 and 3 show a cycle 10 according to the invention, of the cargo bike type, which is equipped with a storage box 12.

[0083] The term "cycle" used in the description and claims should be understood as a vehicle with one or more wheels, moved directly or indirectly by the legs and / or arms of a user.

[0084] Thus, as described in more detail later, the term "cycle" covers a "classic" bicycle, a cargo bike or a bicycle trailer, for example.

[0085] With reference to [Fig.1], the cycle 10 comprises a frame 14 formed by a seat tube 16 equipped with a saddle 18, a steering tube 20 equipped with a handlebar 22 and a fork tube 24 which is associated with a fork 26 and a directional front wheel 28.

[0086] The front wheel 28 is controlled by the handlebar 22, via a rod 30.

[0087] In addition, the frame 14 of the cycle 10 includes a lower longitudinal member 32 which extends longitudinally from front to back, from a rear wheel 34 to the fork tube 24, and which supports the seat tube 16 and is attached to the steering tube 20.

[0088] Finally, the frame 14 includes an upper stay 36 which extends from a free rear end 38 of the spar 32, to the head tube 20, passing through the seat tube 16.

[0089] As can be seen in [Fig.5], the lower longitudinal member 32 comprises a first rear section 40 which extends generally horizontally and a second front section 42 which has a curved shape designed to allow the passage of the front wheel 28.

[0090] The storage box 12, visible in [Fig.3], is supported by a chassis 44 which includes a front post 24 formed by the fork tube 24 and a rear post 20 formed by the steering tube 20 of the cycle 10.

[0091] The front upright 24 and the rear upright 20 of the chassis 44 of the body 12 are connected to each other by the first rear section 40 and the second front section 42 of the longitudinal member 32 of the frame 14 of the cycle 10.

[0092] It will be noted that the box 12 has a symmetrical design along a sagittal vertical plane of symmetry (not shown) which extends longitudinally along the median axis of the cycle 10.

[0093] The symmetrical elements are identified by the same numerical references and are distinguished by the letters "a" and "b" respectively for the elements located on a first side and a second side of the plane of symmetry.

[0094] Also, as can be seen in [Fig.4], the box 12 has a first arm 46a and a second arm 46b which are arranged symmetrically and which each have a U-shaped form.

[0095] The term "U-shape" means any shape which consists of two segments which are substantially parallel and of equal or different lengths, and which are connected by an intermediate segment which is curved or straight.

[0096] This type of U-shape may have a horseshoe shape, symmetrical or not, or a semi-circular shape, for example.

[0097] According to the present embodiment of the invention, the first arm 46a comprises successively a rear transverse section 48a, an intermediate section 50a and a front transverse section 52a.

[0098] The first arm 46a extends from a first free front end 54a which is pivotally mounted on the front upright 24, to a second free rear end 56a which is pivotally mounted on the rear upright 20.

[0099] By symmetry, the second arm 46b comprises successively a rear transverse section 48b, an intermediate section 50b and a front transverse section 52b.

[0100] The second arm 46b extends from a first free front end 54b which is pivotally mounted on the front upright 24, to a second free rear end 56b which is pivotally mounted on the rear upright 20.

[0101] It will be noted that the rear sections 48a, 48b are longer than the front sections 52a, 52b of the first arm 46a and the second arm 46b.

[0102] In addition, the box 12 includes a container 58 visible in [Fig.1], which is assembled on the first arm 46a and on the second arm 46b.

[0103] Preferably, the container 58 is a flexible bag, for example a bag made of polyester canvas, or canvas coated with polyurethane, or any other flexible material that is resistant to abrasion and tearing.

[0104] By way of non-limitation, the container may be made with rigid or semi-rigid elements which are articulated together.

[0105] With reference to [Fig.1], the container 58 delimits an overall parallelepiped volume when the arms of the crate 12 are deployed in storage configuration, which favours the storage volume of the container 58, as opposed to a container with a narrowed lower part.

[0106] According to the invention, the first arm 46a and the second arm 46b are pivotally mounted on the chassis 44 around a longitudinal axis A and a longitudinal axis B respectively, to allow the transition from a storage configuration illustrated in [Fig.1], in which the arms 46a, 46b adopt a deployed position, to a second storage configuration of cycle 10 illustrated in [Fig.2] (here a storage configuration of cycle 10), in which the arms 46a, 46b adopt a folded position towards each other to reduce the lateral footprint of the storage box 12.

[0107] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], in their deployed position, the arms 46a, 46b form a ring which delimits an opening allowing access to the inside of the container 58 from the top.

[0108] The term “ring”, which is used here to define the shape drawn by the arms 46a, 46b in the deployed position, means that the arms 46a, 46b extend in the same plane, here a plane parallel to the ground on which the cycle 10 moves, as can be seen in [Fig.5], as opposed to arms which would each extend in a different plane forming a “V”.

[0109] Such an opening of the arms 46a, 46b in a ring contributes to the mechanical holding of the case 12 and the associated cycle 10.

[0110] Indeed, in their deployed ring position, the arms 46a, 46b are able to absorb forces transmitted by the front upright 24 formed by the fork tube 24 and by the rear upright 20 formed by the steering tube 20 of the cycle 10, so that the arms 46a, 46b contribute to limiting the deformations in vertical bending and in transverse bending of the body 12 and the frame 14 of the associated cycle 10.

[0111] This feature makes it possible to limit the stresses experienced by the first rear section 40 and the second front section 42 of the longitudinal member 32 of the frame 14 of the cycle 10, and therefore to reduce the cross-section of the longitudinal member 32.

[0112] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a and the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b of the body 12 are each pivotally mounted on the steering tube 20, or rear upright 20, at a height which allows free movement of the handlebar 22 when the arms 46a, 46b of the body 12 are in their folded position.

[0113] In our embodiment example, this height corresponds roughly to the mid-height of the 20mm head tube.

[0114] It should be noted that in the storage configuration of cycle 10, the arms 46a, 46b adopt their folded position towards each other to facilitate the storage of cycle 10, for example in a garage or on a bicycle parking lot.

[0115] However, container 58 can be used to store objects in this storage configuration, when 46a, 46b are in the folded position.

[0116] In addition, cycle 10 is designed to be used when arms 46a, 46b are in their folded position because handlebar 22 is free to pivot, as previously mentioned.

[0117] The body 12 is equipped with a first locking device 60 for the first arm 46a and the second arm 46b on the chassis 44 in their deployed position.

[0118] A first embodiment of the first locking device 60 of arms 46a, 46b has been shown in [Fig.6] and 7.

[0119] As can be seen in [Fig. 6], the first locking device 60 comprises a first plate 62 which is integral with the rear upright 20 and which has a front face 64 on which the rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a is pivotally mounted by means of a first longitudinal screw 66a.

[0120] Similarly, the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b is pivotally mounted on the front face 64 of the first plate 62 by means of a second longitudinal screw 66b.

[0121] Also, the first plate 62 has a first vertical wing 68a which extends longitudinally and which delimits a first notch 70a, visible in [Fig.7].

[0122] The first notch 70a forms a mechanical stop which cooperates with the rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a and which is designed to limit the downward stroke of the first arm 46a in its deployed position.

[0123] By symmetry, the first plate 62 has a second vertical wing 68b which extends longitudinally and which delimits a second notch 70b.

[0124] The second notch 70b forms a mechanical stop which cooperates with the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b and which is designed to limit the downward stroke of the second arm 46b in its deployed position.

[0125] It will be noted that the first locking device 60 according to the first embodiment includes a second plate (not shown) which is similar to the first plate 62, which is attached to the front upright 24 and which cooperates with the free front end 54a of the first arm 46a and the free front end 54b of the second arm 46b, to limit the stroke of the arms 46a, 46b.

[0126] A second embodiment of the first locking device 60 of arms 46a, 46b is shown in [Fig.8].

[0127] According to this second embodiment, the first locking device 60 comprises a first plate 72 which is integral with the rear upright 20 and which is made of folded sheet metal.

[0128] The first plate 72 has a front face 74, a first wing 76a and a second wing (not shown) which are vertical and which extend longitudinally.

[0129] The rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a includes a bracket 78a formed by a first transverse part 80a which is pivotally mounted on the front face 74 of the first plate 72 by means of a first longitudinal screw 82a, and by a second longitudinal part 84a which is designed to bear on the first wing 76a of the first plate 72, to limit the downward stroke of the first arm 46a, in its deployed position.

[0130] By symmetry, the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b comprises a bracket 78b formed by a first transverse part 80b which is pivotally mounted on the front face 74 of the first plate 72 by means of a second longitudinal screw 82b, and by a second longitudinal part 84b which is designed to be in support on the second wing of the first plate 72, to limit the downward travel of the second arm 46b, in its deployed position.

[0131] It will be noted that the first locking device 60 according to this second embodiment includes a second plate (not shown) which is similar to the first plate 72, which is attached to the front upright 24 and which cooperates with the free front end 54a of the first arm 46a and the free front end 54b of the second arm 46b, to limit the stroke of the arms 46a, 46b.

[0132] A third embodiment of the first locking device 60 of arms 46a, 46b is shown in [Fig.9].

[0133] According to this third embodiment, the first locking device 60 comprises a first plate 86 which is made of folded sheet metal.

[0134] The first plate 86 has the shape of a right angle which has a first vertical part 88 attached to the rear upright 20 and a second horizontal part 90 forming a stop.

[0135] The rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a includes a first bracket 92a formed by a first transverse part 94a which is pivotally mounted on the first plate 86 by means of a first longitudinal screw 96a, and by a second longitudinal part 98a which is designed to bear on the second horizontal part 90 of the first plate 86, to limit the downward stroke of the first arm 46a in its deployed position.

[0136] By symmetry, the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b includes a second bracket 92b formed by a first transverse part 94b which is pivotally mounted on the first plate 86 by means of a second longitudinal screw 96b, and by a second longitudinal part 98b which is designed to bear on the second horizontal part 90 of the first plate 86, to limit the downward stroke of the second arm 46b in its deployed position.

[0137] It will be noted that the first locking device 60 according to this third embodiment includes a second plate (not shown) which is similar to the first plate 86, which is attached to the front upright 24 and which cooperates with the free front end 54a of the first arm 46a and the free front end 54b of the second arm 46b, to limit the stroke of the arms 46a, 46b.

[0138] A fourth embodiment of the first locking device 60 of arms 46a, 46b is shown in [Fig. 10].

[0139] According to this fourth embodiment, the first locking device 60 comprises a first plate 100 which is integral with the rear post 20 and which comprises a vertical flat receiving face 102 which extends transversely.

[0140] The rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a includes a first lug 104a which rests on the receiving face 102 and which is pivotally mounted on the first plate 100 by means of a first longitudinal screw 106a.

[0141] Similarly, the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b includes a second lug 104b which rests on the receiving face 102 and which is pivotally mounted on the first plate 100 by means of a second longitudinal screw 106b.

[0142] Also, the first plate 100 has a central stop protrusion 108 which extends longitudinally forward from the receiving face 102, between the rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a and the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b.

[0143] According to [Fig. 10], the rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a is equipped with a first finger 110a which is intended to bear against the central stop 108, to limit the downward stroke of the first arm 46a in its deployed position.

[0144] By symmetry, the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b is equipped with a second finger 110b which is intended to bear against the central stop 108, to limit the downward stroke of the second arm 46b, in its deployed position.

[0145] In addition, the first finger 110a is equipped with a first magnet 112a which exerts an attractive force on the central stop 108 and which opposes the pivoting of the first arm 46a towards its folded position.

[0146] Similarly, the second finger 110b is equipped with a second magnet (not shown) which exerts an attractive force on the central stop 108 and opposes the pivoting of the second arm 46b towards its folded position.

[0147] Thus, the first locking device 60 of the arms 46a, 46b according to this fourth embodiment forms a hard point of resistance to the pivoting of the arms 46a, 46b from their deployed position to their folded position, to prevent the untimely closure of the arms 46a, 46b, for example in the event of a shock of the associated cycle 10.

[0148] It will be noted that the first locking device 60 according to this fourth embodiment includes a second plate (not shown) which is similar to the first plate 100, which is attached to the front upright 24 and which cooperates with the free front end 54a of the first arm 46a and the free front end 54b of the second arm 46b, to limit the stroke of the arms 46a, 46b.

[0149] Figures 11 and 12 show a fifth embodiment of the first locking device 60 of arms 46a, 46b.

[0150] According to this fifth embodiment, the first locking device 60 comprises a first plate 114 which is integral with the rear post 20 and which comprises a vertical flat receiving face 116 which extends transversely.

[0151] The rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a includes a first leg 118a which rests on the receiving face 116 and which is pivotally mounted on the first plate 114 by means of a first longitudinal pin 120a.

[0152] With reference to [Fig. 12], the first leg 118a has a peripheral edge which delimits a first notch 122a and a second notch 124a which are angularly offset by 90 degrees.

[0153] In addition, the first plate 114 carries a first locking rod 126a which is fixed in movement with the first pin 120a and which is able to cooperate with the first notch 122a and the second notch 124a to block the first arm 46a in rotation respectively in its folded position and in its deployed position.

[0154] The assembly formed by the first locking rod 126a and the first pin 120a is mounted freely in longitudinal translation between a locking position illustrated in [Fig.1 1] and an unlocking position in which the first pin 120a is retracted towards the first plate 114 to allow the pivoting of the first associated arm 46a.

[0155] In other words, the user pushes the first pin 120a towards the plate 114 to release and unlock the first arm 46a.

[0156] In addition, a first spring 128a is interposed between the first pin 120a and the plate 114 to elastically return the assembly formed by the first locking rod 126a and the first pin 120a to its locking position.

[0157] By symmetry, the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46a includes a second leg 118b which rests on the receiving face 116 and which is pivotally mounted on the first plate 114 by means of a second longitudinal pin 120b.

[0158] The second leg 118b has a peripheral edge which delimits a third notch 122b and a fourth notch 124b which are angularly offset by 90 degrees.

[0159] In addition, the first plate 114 carries a second locking rod 126b which is fixed in movement with the second pin 120b and which is able to cooperate with the third notch 122b and the fourth notch 124b to lock the second arm 46b in rotation respectively in its folded position and in its deployed position.

[0160] The assembly formed by the second locking rod 126b and the second pin 120b is mounted freely in longitudinal translation between a locking position illustrated in [Fig.1 1] and an unlocking position in which the second pin 120b is retracted towards the first plate 114 to allow the pivoting of the first associated arm 46a.

[0161] In addition, a second spring 128b is interposed between the second pin 120b and the plate 114 to elastically return the assembly formed by the second locking rod 126b and the second pin 120b to its locking position.

[0162] By way of non-limitation, the first locking device 60 according to this fifth embodiment can lock the arms 46a, 46b in their folded upward position, as described above, but also in a folded downward position, in which case the locking rods 126a, 126b should be arranged above the associated pins 120a, 120b.

[0163] It will be noted that the first locking device 60 according to this fifth embodiment includes a second plate (not shown) which is similar to the first plate 114, which is attached to the front upright 24 and which cooperates with the free front end 54a of the first arm 46a and the free front end 54b of the second arm 46b, to limit the stroke of the arms 46a, 46b.

[0164] Figures 13 and 14 show a sixth embodiment of the first locking device 60 of arms 46a, 46b.

[0165] According to this sixth embodiment, the first locking device 60 comprises a first plate 130 which is integral with the rear upright 20.

[0166] The plate 130 has a T-shaped form which includes a lower vertical segment 132 and an upper horizontal segment 134.

[0167] The rear free end 56a of the first arm 46a is pivotally mounted on a first side of the upper segment 134 of the plate 130.

[0168] By symmetry, the rear free end 56b of the second arm 46b is pivotally mounted on a second side of the upper segment 134 of the plate 130.

[0169] Also, the plate 130 is equipped with a slide 136 which is mounted sliding up and down on the lower segment 132 of the plate 130.

[0170] In addition, the first locking device 60 includes a first link 138a which extends from a first free end 140a pivotally mounted on the first arm 46a, to a second free end 142a pivotally mounted on the slide 136.

[0171] By symmetry, the first locking device 60 includes a second link 138b which extends from a first free end 140b pivotally mounted on the second arm 46b, to a second free end 142b pivotally mounted on the slide 136.

[0172] Thus, the arms 46a, 46b are able to be locked in their deployed position illustrated in [Fig.13], in which the links 138a, 138b oppose the pivoting of the arms 46a, 46b by means of the slide 136 which is locked on the plate 130 by means of a lock 144.

[0173] For this purpose, the lock 144 includes for example a button 146 which is movably mounted on the plate 130 between a locking position in which the button 146 is engaged in a housing 148 delimited by the slide 136, and a retracted unlocking position in which the button 146 is pressed to release the slide 136.

[0174] The button 146 is elastically returned to its locking position by means of a spring (not shown).

[0175] Finally, to move the arms 46a, 46b from their deployed position to their folded-down position illustrated in [Fig.14], the user presses the button 146 to unlock the slider 136 and to fold down the arms 46a, 46b.

[0176] It will be noted that the first locking device 60 according to this sixth embodiment includes a second plate (not shown) which is similar to the first plate 130, which is attached to the front upright 24 and which cooperates with the front free end 54a of the first arm 46a and the front free end 54b of the second arm 46b, to limit the stroke of the arms 46a, 46b.

[0177] According to another aspect of the invention, the storage box 12 is equipped with a second locking device 150 for the first arm 46a and the second arm 46b in their folded position.

[0178] A first embodiment of the second locking device 150 comprising a base 152 extending longitudinally forward from the rear post 20 has been illustrated in [Fig. 15].

[0179] The base 152 carries a first magnet 154a which is arranged to exert an attractive force on the first arm 46a to oppose the pivoting of the first arm 46a from its folded position to its deployed position.

[0180] By symmetry, the base 152 carries a second magnet 154b which is arranged to exert an attractive force on the second arm 46b to oppose the pivoting of the second arm 46b from its folded position to its deployed position.

[0181] For this purpose, the arms 46a, 46b are made of ferromagnetic material of the steel type or, failing that, a ferromagnetic element is attached to each arm opposite the magnets 154a, 154b.

[0182] A second embodiment of the second locking device 150 comprising a base 156 which is integral with the rear post 20 and which extends transversely from a first locking tab 158a to a second opposing locking tab 158b has been illustrated in [Fig. 16].

[0183] The first locking tab 158a is elastically deformable so as to move backwards temporarily when the rear section 48a of the first arm 46a passes, to retain the first arm 46a in its folded position.

[0184] By symmetry, the second locking tab 158b is elastically deformable so as to move backwards temporarily when the rear section 48b of the second arm 46b passes, to retain the second arm 46b in its folded position.

[0185] Advantageously, the second locking device 150 of the first arm 46a and the second arm 46b in their folded position allows the container 58 to be locked in the closed position, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0186] This feature makes it possible to considerably reduce the width of the crate 12, and therefore of the associated cycle 10, to facilitate parking or storage of the cycle 10.

[0187] In addition, the second locking device 150 prevents unintentional opening of the arms 46a, 46b, particularly in the event of shock or jolts.

[0188] Finally, it is possible to make access to container 58 of box 12 impossible by adding a padlock between the two arms 46a, 46b.

[0189] As can be seen in figures 17 to 20, container 58 is designed to fold in order to limit its size.

[0190] For this purpose, the container 58 comprises a base 160, a first longitudinal side wall 162a, a second longitudinal side wall 162b, a rear wall 164 and a front wall 166, each wall 162a, 162b, 164, 166 extending from the base 160.

[0191] Also, the bottom 160 includes a first stiffening element 168a formed by a first plate and a second stiffening element 168b formed by a second plate, the stiffening elements 168a, 168b being connected to each other by a longitudinal median line forming a hinge 170.

[0192] Thus, the bottom 160 is articulated between a folded position illustrated in [Fig.20], in which the stiffening elements 168a, 168b are arranged opposite each other between the two side walls 162a, 162b of the container 58 and an unfolded position illustrated in [Fig.1], in which the stiffening elements 168a, 168b are extended to form a support platform for storing objects in the crate 12.

[0193] In its folded position, the container 58 adopts an accordion shape, which allows for a reduced footprint of the container 58 when the arms 46a, 46b are in their folded position.

[0194] In addition, the container 58 is equipped with a pull tab 172 (or gripping element) which, when pulled, moves the bottom 160 of the container from its unfolded position to its folded position.

[0195] More particularly, the pull tab 172 (or gripping element) extends from a first end fixed on the rear wall 164, near the rear end of the hinge 170, to a second end fixed on the front wall 166, near the front end of the hinge 170.

[0196] As can be seen in [Fig. 19], the user can rotate the arms 46a, 46b towards their folded position, once the bottom 160 is engaged in its accordion position, to complete the closure of the arms 46a, 46b and the container 58.

[0197] It will be noted that the first longitudinal side wall 162a and second longitudinal side wall 162b of the container 58 are parallel and vertical, to optimize the storage volume offered by the container 58, unlike a container whose lower part is narrowed.

[0198] It should also be noted that the design of the container 58 allows the arms 46a, 46b to be closed in their folded position, while the bottom 160 of the container 58 remains flat.

[0199] This feature allows objects to be enclosed and sheltered in the container 58.

[0200] According to another aspect of the invention illustrated in [Fig.21] and 22, the storage box 12 is equipped with a retaining device 174 for the stiffening elements 168a, 168b of the bottom 160 of the container 58 in their folded position.

[0201] The retaining device 174 includes a first retaining element 176 which is fixed on an outer face of the first stiffening element 168a of the bottom 160 of the container 58 and which cooperates with a second complementary retaining element 178 fixed on an outer face of the second stiffening element 168b of the bottom 160, to lock the stiffening elements 168a, 168b of the bottom 160 against each other, as illustrated in [Fig.22].

[0202] The first retaining element 176a and the second retaining element 176b illustrated in [Fig.21] are self-gripping strips.

[0203] By way of non-limitation, the first retaining element 176 may be a magnet and the second retaining element 178 a complementary ferromagnetic element, or any other type of retaining element.

[0204] The cycle 10 according to the invention can be a cargo bike as described above, but also a "classic" bike as illustrated in figures 23 and 24, in which case the storage box 12 is arranged on the luggage rack 180, for example.

[0205] According to this example, the storage crate 12 is supported by a U-shaped chassis 44 which includes a vertical front post (not shown) and a vertical rear post 20 which are connected by a longitudinal member 32.

[0206] Also, the arms 46a, 46b of the body 12 are pivotally mounted on the chassis 44 and fold downwards into their folded position.

[0207] Similarly, as can be seen in Figures 25 and 26, the invention also relates to a cycle 10 of the trailer type, which is equipped with a storage box 12 similar to the box 12 previously described.

[0208] According to this example, the storage crate 12 is supported by a U-shaped chassis 44 which includes a vertical front post 24 and a vertical rear post 20 which are connected by a longitudinal member 32.

[0209] The chassis 44 is supported at the rear by a wheel 182, and at the front by a coupling 184 connected to a bicycle.

[0210] Also, the arms 46a, 46b of the body 12 are pivotally mounted on the chassis 44 and fold downwards into their folded position.

[0211] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0212] For example, the different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. Demands Cycle (10) equipped with a storage box (12), the storage box (12) comprising: • a support chassis (44) comprising a front upright (24) and a rear upright (20) connected to each other by at least one lower longitudinal member (32) extending longitudinally from front to back in the direction of travel of the cycle (10), • a first arm (46a) and a second U-shaped arm (46b) each extending from a first free front end (54a, 54b) pivotally mounted directly or indirectly on the front upright (24), to a second free rear end (56a, 56b) pivotally mounted directly or indirectly on the rear upright (20), and • a container (58) which is assembled on the first arm (46a) and on the second arm (46b), in which the first arm (46a) and the second arm (46b) are pivotally mounted on the frame (44), each about a longitudinal axis (A, B), to allow passage from a first configuration in which the arms (46a, 46b) are in a deployed position and form a ring to allow access to the container (58), to a second configuration in which the arms (46a, 46b) are folded towards each other to reduce the lateral footprint of the storage box (12), characterized in that the container (58) comprises a base (160), a first longitudinal side wall (162a) and a second longitudinal side wall (162b), each extending from said base (160), and in that the base (160) comprises at least two stiffening elements (168a, 168b) connected to each other by a longitudinal centerline forming hinge (170) and which are articulated between a folded position in which said stiffening elements (168a,168b) are arranged opposite each other between the two longitudinal lateral walls (162a, 162b) of the container (58), so that the container (58) adopts an accordion shape, and an unfolded position in which said stiffening elements, (168a, 168b) are extended to form a support platform for storing objects in the crate (12).

2. Cycle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the crate (12) includes a retaining device (174) for said stiffening elements (168a, 168b) of the bottom (160) of the crate (12) in their folded position.

3. Cycle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container (58) is equipped with a gripping element (172) which, when pulled, drives the bottom (160) of the container (58) from its unfolded position to its folded position.

4. Cycle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (58) delimits an overall parallelepiped volume when the arms (46a, 46b) of the box (12) are deployed.

5. Cycle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (58) is a bag made of flexible material.

6. Cycle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) is equipped with a first locking device (60) for the first arm (46a) and the second arm (46b) on the chassis (44) in their deployed position.

7. Cycle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first locking device (60) of said arms (46a, 46b) comprises at least one mechanical stop which limits the stroke of said arms (46a, 46b) until they are in their deployed position.

8. Cycle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first locking device (60) of said arms (46a, 46b) is designed to form a hard point of resistance to the pivoting of said arms (46a, 46b) from their deployed position to their folded position, to prevent the untimely closure of said arms (46a, 46b).

9. Cycle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (12) is equipped with a second locking device (150) for the first arm (46a) and the second arm (46b) in their folded position.

10. Cycle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (46a) and the second arm (46b) are pivotally mounted on the frame (44) so ​​as to be able to adopt a folded upwards position or a folded downwards position.

11. Cycle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower side member (32) of the supporting frame (44) comprises a first rear section (40) and a second front section (42), said front section (42) having a curved shape provided to allow the passage of a wheel (28).

12. Cycle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cycle (10) is a cargo bike.

13. Cycle (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the front upright (24) of the frame (44) is a fork tube which is associated with a steerable front wheel (28) and the rear upright (20) of the frame (44) is a steering tube which is equipped with a handlebar (22), and in that the rear free end (56a) of the first arm (46a) and the rear free end (56b) of the second arm (46b) of the body (12) are each pivotally mounted on said steering tube at a height which allows free movement of the handlebar (22) when said arms (46a, 46b) of the body (12) are in their folded position.

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