Method for converting a bicycle trailer from a bicycle trailer mode to a trolley mode, and bicycle trailer using the method

Abstract

Method for transforming a bicycle trailer from a bicycle trailer mode into a trolley mode, and bicycle trailer using the same The invention relates to a bicycle trailer comprising:- a chassis (19) equipped with at least one pair of wheels (21);- a stand (25) mounted on the chassis (19) to be moved between a stable folded position and a stable deployed position for which the wheels (21) and the free end (25a) of the stand (25) define a stand support plane (PB);- a drawbar (29) having one end provided with at least one caster (31), the drawbar being mounted by a pivot connection (32) on the chassis to occupy at least one stable position in bicycle trailer mode and a stable position in trolley mode for which the wheels and the caster(s) define a drawbar support plane (PT), the drawbar (29) being configured so that, when it pivots to move from its stable position in bicycle trailer mode to its stable position in trolley mode, the caster(s) (31) come into contact with the rolling surface to lift the chassis so that in the stable position in trailer mode, the drawbar support plane (PT) is further from the chassis than the stand support plane (PB). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1C.;

Description

Title of the invention: Method for transforming a bicycle trailer from a bicycle trailer mode into a trolley mode, and bicycle trailer using the same Technical field

[0001] The subject of the invention relates to the technical field of trailers intended to be towed by a bicycle and adapted for the transport of loads of various kinds such as goods and / or animals and / or people.

[0002] The object of the invention is more specifically directed to a bicycle trailer which is designed to be convertible between a bicycle trailer mode for which the trailer is attached to the bicycle and a trolley mode for which the trailer is detached from the bicycle and transformed to be moved without the use of the bicycle. Prior art

[0003] The state of the art has proposed numerous technical solutions for bicycle trailers. Generally speaking, a bicycle trailer comprises a chassis designed to delimit a load transport platform equipped with various accessories depending on the nature of the load to be transported. This chassis is equipped with at least one pair of wheels mounted in a pivot connection on the chassis to roll on a rolling surface. This chassis is provided with a drawbar having a free end equipped with a system for attaching to the bicycle. Attaching the drawbar to the bicycle allows the trailer to be used in bicycle trailer mode.

[0004] In many applications, there arises the need, after uncoupling the trailer from the bicycle, to transfer or move the load carried by the trailer. The prior art has thus proposed converting the bicycle trailer for use in trolley mode.

[0005] Thus, for example, patent FR3021024 describes a bicycle trailer whose chassis is provided with rods fitted with rollers and movable vertically so that, when the trailer is detached from the bicycle, they come into contact with the ground so that, in combination with the wheels of the trailer, stable rolling of the trailer is ensured. Such a solution limits access to the transport platform, which makes loading and unloading operations of the trailer difficult. Furthermore, the transformation of this trailer to switch from its bicycle trailer mode to its trolley mode requires various interventions which do not allow for a quick and simple conversion.

[0006] US patent 5454577 describes another solution for which the drawbar is provided with rollers at its end opposite that provided with the system for attaching to the bicycle. drawbar is pivotally mounted on the chassis to occupy a stable position in bicycle trailer mode. The drawbar can be pivoted to allow it to move to a stable position in trolley mode for which the wheels and casters roll on the ground. Document DE 202006008175 also describes a bicycle trailer provided with a drawbar fitted with a caster. The drawbar is pivotally mounted so that its pivoting allows it to move from the bicycle trailer mode position to the trolley mode position. It should be noted that the transformation of the trailer to move from the bicycle trailer mode position to the trolley mode position requires significant effort due to the on-board load. Similarly, when uncoupling the trailer from the bicycle to convert its use to trolley mode, significant effort must be developed to keep the on-board load stable. Statement of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a bicycle trailer which is designed to be quickly and easily transformed between a bicycle trailer mode and a trolley mode, while not limiting access to the loading platform.

[0008] To achieve such objectives, the subject of the invention provides a bicycle trailer comprising: - a chassis equipped with at least one pair of wheels mounted in pivot connection with the chassis to roll on a rolling surface, the chassis having a loading platform delimiting a trailer support plane; - a stand having a free end, capable of being positioned at a predetermined vertical distance from the chassis, this stand being mounted on the chassis to be moved between a stable folded position and a stable deployed position for which the wheels and the free end of the stand define a stand support plane; - a drawbar having a first end provided with a system for attaching to the bicycle and a second end provided with at least one caster, the drawbar being mounted by a pivot connection on the chassis to occupy at least one stable position in bicycle trailer mode and a stable position in trolley mode for which the wheels and the caster(s) define a drawbar support plane, the drawbar being configured so that, when it pivots to move from its stable position in bicycle trailer mode to its stable position in trolley mode, the caster(s) come into contact with the rolling surface to lift the chassis so that in the stable position in trailer mode, the drawbar support plane is further from the chassis than the stand support plane.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the drawbar and the stand are configured so that in the stable position of the drawbar in trolley mode, the drawbar support plane and the crutch support plane form between them an angle strictly greater than 0°.

[0010] According to another advantageous variant embodiment, the drawbar and the stand are configured so that in the stable position of the drawbar in bicycle trailer mode, the stand support plane forms with the rolling surface for the trailer and the bicycle, an angle strictly greater than 0°.

[0011] Preferably, the drawbar is pivotally mounted on the chassis to occupy a stable position folded against the chassis.

[0012] Advantageously, the trailer comprises a controlled system for locking the pivoting of the drawbar controlled by a control making it possible to unlock the drawbar to ensure its pivoting and to lock the drawbar in at least the stable position in bicycle trailer mode and the stable position in trolley mode.

[0013] According to an implementation characteristic, the drawbar is mounted in a pivot connection on the chassis to occupy at least one stable folded position and the controlled system for locking the pivoting of the drawbar makes it possible to unlock the drawbar to ensure its pivoting and to lock the drawbar in its stable folded position.

[0014] Preferably, the drawbar is provided opposite its second end with a handling handle.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a method for transforming a bicycle trailer from a bicycle trailer mode into a trolley mode. According to such an object, the method aims: - to provide a trailer for a bicycle comprising: * a chassis equipped with at least one pair of wheels mounted in pivot connection with the chassis for rolling on a rolling surface; * a stand having a free end capable of being positioned at a predetermined vertical distance from the chassis, this stand being mounted on the chassis to be moved between a stable folded position and a stable deployed position for which the wheels and the free end of the stand define a stand support plane; * a drawbar having a first end provided with a system for attaching to the bicycle and a second end provided with at least one caster, the drawbar being mounted by a pivot connection on the chassis to occupy at least one stable position in bicycle trailer mode and a stable position in trolley mode for which the wheels and the caster(s) define a drawbar support plane - to switch from a bicycle trailer mode where the drawbar is attached to the bicycle while the stand is in its stable folded position, to a trolley mode: * to stop and stabilize the bicycle; * to pivot the crutch to position it in its stable deployed position; * to unhook the drawbar from the bicycle so that the trailer is supported by the stand and the wheels; * to pivot the drawbar so that the caster or castors come into contact with the rolling surface to raise the chassis so that in a stable position in trolley mode, the trailer is supported by the wheels and the caster or castors while the stand can be moved; * to move the crutch to position it in its stable folded position.

[0016] To switch a bicycle trailer from a trolley mode to a bicycle trailer mode, the method aims to: * to pivot the crutch to position it in its stable deployed position; * to pivot the drawbar so that the caster(s) are no longer in contact with the rolling surface and until the trailer is supported by the stand and the wheels; * to lock the drawbar in its stable position in bicycle trailer mode; * to attach the drawbar to the bike; * and move the crutch to position it in its stable folded position.

[0017] Advantageously, to lock the drawbar in its stable position in bicycle trailer mode, the drawbar pivot connection is lifted. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a trailer according to the invention used in bicycle trailer mode.

[0019] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] illustrates in a side view plan, the trailer according to the invention used in bicycle trailer mode and shown in [Fig.lA].

[0020] [Fig.lC] [Fig.lC] illustrates in a side view plan, the trailer according to the invention used in bicycle trailer mode, in the stopped position and ready to be detached from the bicycle.

[0021] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a perspective view of the trailer according to the invention in the position detached from the bicycle.

[0022] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] illustrates in a side view, the trailer according to the invention in the position detached from the bicycle, resting on a stand support plane.

[0023] [Fig.2C] [Fig.2C] illustrates in a plan view from below, the trailer according to the invention in the position detached from the bicycle, illustrated in [Fig.2B].

[0024] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a perspective view of the trailer according to the invention in the upright position of the drawbar.

[0025] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] illustrates in a side view plan, the trailer according to the invention in the upright position of the drawbar illustrated in [Fig.3A].

[0026] [Fig.3C] [Fig.3C] illustrates in a side view plan, the trailer according to the invention in trolley mode position.

[0027] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] is a view in a plan in side view, of the trailer in accordance with the invention in the folded position.

[0028] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] is a view in a plan in side view, of the trailer according to the invention in the storage position.

[0029] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the trailer according to the invention illustrating on a larger scale a detail of the controlled system for locking the pivoting of the drawbar. Description of the embodiments

[0030] As is apparent from the drawings, the subject of the invention relates to a trailer 1 for a bicycle 2 of any type known per se. This trailer 1 is designed to be either attached to the bicycle 2 in order to be usable in a first stable position in bicycle trailer mode or to be transformed, when detached from the bicycle, in order to be usable in a second stable position in trolley mode for which the trailer can be moved easily without the use of the bicycle. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the bicycle 2 comprises a frame 3 configured to have a steering column 4 for a front axle and a stem 5 for receiving a saddle 6. A steering pivot 7 which is inserted into the steering column 4 is equipped with a stem which is itself provided with a handlebar 8 for steering the bicycle.The steering pivot 7 is provided with a fork 9 on which is mounted in pivot connection, a front wheel 11 which is intended to be in contact with a rolling surface 12 such as the ground.

[0031] The bicycle 2 comprises at least one rear wheel 13 mounted in pivot connection on the frame 3 and intended to be in contact with the rolling surface 12. The frame 3 is arranged to support a crankset 15 having rotation axes for pedals 16 transmitting their movement to the rear wheel 13 via a transmission system 17, typically a chain. In the various figures, the bicycle 2 is provided with a single rear wheel 13 but it is clear that the object of the invention also applies to a tricycle-type bicycle comprising, for example, two rear wheels.

[0032] The trailer 1 according to the invention comprises a chassis 19 equipped with at least one pair of wheels 21 mounted in pivot connection with the chassis to roll on the rolling surface 12. Conventionally, the chassis 19 has a loading platform 22, delimiting by its upper face, a trailer support plane PR. For example, the chassis 19 is made by a rectangular-shaped plate delimited by two longitudinal edges 19a connected by two transverse edges 19b, called front and rear relative to the direction of advancement of the trailer in bicycle trailer mode. Of course, the loading platform 22 can be made differently depending on the intended applications and be equipped with various accessories depending on the nature of the load to be transported.

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the trailer 1 is provided with two wheels 21 positioned at the longitudinal edges of the chassis 19, substantially at a third of the length of this chassis taken from the rear transverse edge 19b of this chassis. Advantageously, the wheels 21 are of small diameter in order to be positioned below the chassis 19 so that the load can protrude from the chassis without conflict with the wheels 21. Of course, the trailer 1 can be equipped with wheels having a larger diameter and positioned differently on the chassis.

[0034] It should be noted that in the position of the trailer attached to the bicycle, the trailer support plane PR delimits with the plane passing through the contact points of the wheels 11, 13 of the bicycle and the wheels 21 of the trailer (plane delimiting the rolling surface 12), an angle alpha comprised for example between 0° and 20°.

[0035] The trailer 1 also comprises a stand 25 having a free end 25a capable of being positioned at a predetermined vertical distance from the chassis 19. This stand 25 is mounted on the chassis 19 to be moved between a stable folded position (figures 1A, 1B, 3C, 4B) and a stable deployed position (1C, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A) for which the wheels 21 and the free end 25a of the stand 25 define a stand support plane PB. In the illustrated embodiment, the stand 25 is mounted around a rotation axis 25b extending transversely from the lower face of the chassis, being guided in rotation at each of its ends by bearings 26. This rotation axis 25b is provided with two legs 25c each having a free end 25a intended to come to bear on the rolling surface 12 as will be described more precisely in the remainder of the description.Of course, the legs 25c which can be provided with support pads have substantially identical lengths. In the stable deployed position, the wheels 21 of the trailer and the free ends 25a of the stand delimit the stand support plane PB forming a beta angle with the trailer support plane PR, for example between -30° and an angle strictly less than 0°.

[0036] In the embodiment described in relation to the figures, the stand 25 is pivotally mounted on the chassis 19 about an axis of rotation. Of course, the movement of the stand 25 between its stable folded position and its stable deployed position may be other than a rotation such as a translation, a double-axis rotation, etc. In the description which follows, the movement of movement is a pivoting or rotation movement but it is clear that the movement of movement of the stand may be different.

[0037] According to the illustrated embodiment, this stand 25 is therefore mounted on the chassis by a pivot connection with a stop to occupy a stable folded position under the lower face of the chassis 19 and a stable deployed position, for which the legs 25c extend projecting from the lower face of the chassis, in a position of predetermined stop. For example, the stable deployed position of the stand 25 is ensured by projections 25d carried by the legs 25c and coming into abutment, in the deployed position of the legs, on a stop surface 25e arranged in the longitudinal edges 19a of the chassis. The stand 25 can be urged to occupy its stable deployed position and its stable folded position by a spring system or by any other system such as a pin for example. Advantageously, the stand 25 is of the manually actuated type. Typically, the stand 25 is maneuvered by the foot of a user to deploy it or fold it under the chassis. Of course, the movement of the stand can be carried out in any suitable manner. It should be noted that the movement of the stand 25 can be motorized to ensure its automatic movement under the action of a control.

[0038] According to another characteristic of the invention, the trailer 1 comprises a drawbar 29 having a first end provided with a system 30 for attaching to the bicycle 2. Conventionally, the attachment system 30 is of any type known per se to allow the attachment and detachment of the drawbar 29 relative to the bicycle. For example, the attachment system 30 is a fixing designated by the commercial name “weber” which is attached at the pivot connection of the rear wheel 13. The drawbar 29 is therefore removable relative to the bicycle while remaining attached to the trailer 1. The drawbar 29 has a second end opposite the first end, provided with at least one caster, and in the example illustrated, two casters 31. For example, the castors 31 are small idler wheels.

[0039] By convention, it should be noted that when the trailer 1 occupies its stable position in trolley mode ([Fig.3C]), the wheels 21 and the casters 31 define a drawbar support plane PT. When the trailer 1 rolls on a rolling surface 12, this drawbar support plane PT is substantially parallel with the rolling plane defined by this rolling surface. For example, the drawbar support plane PT and the trailer support plane PR delimit between an angle teta comprised for example between -20° and +20°.

[0040] According to a characteristic of the invention, the drawbar 29 and the stand 25 are configured so that in the stable position of the drawbar in trolley mode ([Fig.3B], 3C), the drawbar support plane PT and the stand support plane PB form between them an angle strictly greater than 0°. It is recalled that the drawbar support plane PT and the stand support plane PB have as a common point the point of contact of the wheels 21 so that the angle between the drawbar support plane PT and the stand support plane PB is strictly greater than 0° if the stand 25 does not touch the drawbar support plane PT. As will be better understood in the remainder of the description, this position separated from the drawbar support plane allows effortless folding or deployment of the stand. Typically, the crutch 25 and more precisely its free end is positioned a few mm or even cm from the drawbar support plane PT in its deployed position, as illustrated in [Fig.3B].

[0041] According to the invention, the drawbar 29 is mounted by a pivot connection 32 on the chassis 19 to occupy at least the stable position in bicycle trailer mode and the stable position in trolley mode. The drawbar 29 is therefore articulated around an axis extending transversely relative to the chassis 19 and substantially perpendicular to the vertical plane so as to be able to pivot in the front and rear direction of the trailer. Advantageously, the drawbar 29 is mounted on the chassis 19 to pivot in a plane located outside one of the longitudinal edges 19a of the chassis 19 and close to this longitudinal edge.

[0042] In the example illustrated, the drawbar 29 comprises a main arm 29a which is substantially rectilinear in the front-rear direction of the trailer and positioned outside a longitudinal edge 19a and extending at a determined angle towards the other longitudinal edge, by a secondary arm 29b provided at its free end with the attachment system 30. This main arm 29a is extended, opposite the secondary arm 29b, by a cross member 29c extending transversely relative to the chassis 19 and up to the other longitudinal edge. The rollers 31 are mounted on this cross member 29c. The free end of this cross member 29c as well as the main arm 29a are guided in rotation at the level of the two longitudinal edges 19a of the chassis to constitute the pivot connection 32.

[0043] It should be noted that the drawbar 29 advantageously comprises a handling handle 29d. In the example illustrated, the handling handle 29d comprises a first rectilinear segment 29e extending substantially in the extension of the main arm 29a and a second segment 29f extending substantially at right angles the first segment while being oriented towards the end of the secondary arm 29b. For example, this second segment 29f is provided with a parking brake handle 29g acting on the wheels 21 of the trailer 1.

[0044] According to the invention, the drawbar 29 is configured so that, when it pivots to move from its stable position in bicycle trailer mode ([Fig. 1B]) to its stable position in trolley mode (Figures 3B and 3C), the roller(s) 31 come into contact with the rolling surface 12 to lift the chassis 19 so that in the stable position in trailer mode, the drawbar support plane PT is further from the chassis 19 than the stand support plane PB in order to ensure the pivoting of the stand 25. In this stable position in trailer mode ([Fig. 3B]), the stand 25 is no longer resting on the rolling surface 12 so that it can be folded without effort ([Fig. 3C]).In other words, the stand 25 is no longer in contact with the rolling surface so that the drawbar 29 and the stand 25 are configured in such a way that in the stable position of the drawbar in trolley mode, the drawbar support plane and the stand support plane form between them an angle strictly greater than 0°. Ty . sting, the stand 25 and more precisely its free end 25a is positioned a few mm or even cm from the drawbar support plane PT. It must be understood that in bicycle trailer mode, the trailer is supported only by the wheels 21 and the castor(s) 31.

[0045] It should be noted that in the stable position in bicycle trailer mode ([Fig.lB]), the drawbar 29 extends to the front of the chassis at a small angle relative to the rolling surface 12, typically from 0° to 20°. In the stable position in trolley mode (Figures 3B and 3C), the drawbar 29 rises in height to allow it to be grasped, in particular by the handling handle 29d. In the stable position in trolley mode illustrated in the drawings, the drawbar 29 occupies a position inclined towards the front of the trailer. Of course, in its stable position in trolley mode, the drawbar can occupy a more or less vertical position depending on the shape presented by the drawbar (more or less 30° for example relative to the vertical). To move from the stable position in bicycle trailer mode to the stable position in trolley mode, the drawbar 29 is pivoted over a range, for example, between 45° and 130° and in particular around 90°.It should be noted that the pivoting angular range of the drawbar 29 may be outside the range given above depending on the trailer configuration.

[0046] According to another characteristic of the invention, the drawbar 29 and the stand 25 are configured so that in the stable position of the drawbar in bicycle trailer mode ([Fig.lB], IC), the stand support plane PB forms with the rolling surface 12 for the trailer and the bicycle, an angle strictly greater than 0°. By convention, the front wheels 11 and rear wheels 13 of the bicycle and the wheels 21 of the trailer define by their points of contact with the rolling surface 12, a rolling plane forming with the stand support plane PB an angle strictly greater than 0°. It follows that in this stable position of the drawbar in bicycle trailer mode, the stand 25 is not supported on the rolling surface 12 so that it can be folded without effort ([Fig.lC]).

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment characteristic, the drawbar 29 is mounted in a pivot connection on the chassis 19 to occupy a stable position folded against the chassis 19 ([Fig.4A]). In this position, the main arm 29a of the drawbar 29 comes into abutment against the upper face of the loading surface of the chassis.

[0048] According to a characteristic of the invention, the trailer 1 comprises a controlled system 35 for locking the pivoting of the drawbar 29 controlled by a control 36 making it possible to unlock the drawbar to ensure its pivoting and to lock the drawbar in at least the stable position in bicycle trailer mode and the stable position in trolley mode. Advantageously, the controlled system 35 for locking the pivoting of the drawbar makes it possible to lock and unlock the drawbar 29, also in its stable folded position.

[0049] It should be understood that such a controlled blocking system 35 is designed for a on the one hand, to block the pivoting of the drawbar 29 in different operating positions of the trailer and on the other hand, to unlock the rotation to move from one operating position of the trailer to another operating position. Such a controlled locking system 35 can be implemented in any suitable manner. This controlled locking system 35 can thus be operated manually, electrically or automatically.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the controlled locking system 35 is manually actuated by the control 36. Such a controlled locking system 35 comprises a pin-type indexing member 35a intended to engage in indexing holes 35b each defining the locking position of the drawbar 29. These indexing holes 35b are arranged on a plate 35c mounted integrally with the drawbar 29 ([Fig. 4B]). These indexing holes 35b are distributed on a circular trajectory centered on the axis of rotation of the drawbar so that the indexing member 35a mounted fixedly on the chassis 19 can engage in one of its holes depending on the position taken by the drawbar. Preferably, the indexing member 35a is permanently urged against the plate 35b using a spring system. The indexing member 35a is connected by a cable 37 to the control 36 such as a bicycle brake type handle fixed on the secondary arm of the drawbar 29.An action on the control 36 leads to a pull on the cable causing the indexing member 35a to be released from the indexing hole 35b. The drawbar 29 is thus unlocked allowing it to pivot to a position where the indexing member 35a automatically enters an indexing hole 35b.

[0051] The method for transforming this bicycle trailer 1 so as to switch from a bicycle trailer mode of use to a trolley mode, and vice versa, follows directly from the preceding description.

[0052] The method according to the invention aims to provide a bicycle trailer 1 comprising the technical characteristics described above.

[0053] The following description describes the method of transforming the trailer from a bicycle trailer mode to a trolley mode. When the trailer 1 is used in bicycle trailer mode, the drawbar 29 is attached to the bicycle 2 and the stand 25 is in its folded stable position ([Fig.lB]). When the bicycle reaches its unloading site, the user stops the bicycle and stabilizes it so that the trailer-bicycle assembly is in a stable equilibrium position.

[0054] Then, the stand 25 is pivoted to position it in its stable deployed position ([Fig.lC]). According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the user engages the stand 25 with his foot, which deploys without touching the rolling surface 12 while remaining close to this surface.

[0055] The next step is to unhook the drawbar 29 from the bicycle 2 using the system of attachment 30. The unhooking of the drawbar 29 by the user causes the trailer to fall onto the stand 25, by the effect of gravity. The fall is very short and the shock is very low given the proximity of the stand to the rolling surface 12 before the trailer is unhooked. The trailer 1 is supported by the stand 25 and the wheels 21 ([Fig.2B]).

[0056] The method then consists of pivoting the drawbar 29 so that the roller(s) 31 come into contact with the rolling surface 12 to lift the chassis 19 so that in a stable position in trolley mode, the trailer 1 is supported by the wheels 21 and the roller(s) 31 while the stand 25 can pivot ([Fig.3B]). To do this, the user acts on the control 36 to unlock the controlled locking system 35, by releasing the indexing member 35a from its indexing hole 35b. The rotation of the drawbar 29 is released so that the user can tilt the drawbar towards the trailer. During this rotation, the rollers 31 come into contact with the rolling surface 12 and lift the trailer, the loading platform of which returns to a substantially horizontal position while the stand 25 is detached from the rolling surface 12.The indexing member 35a engages in the indexing hole 35b and corresponds to the locking of the drawbar 29 in the trolley mode for which the drawbar rises substantially vertically and the trailer is stabilized on its two wheels 21 and its two casters 31 ([Fig.3B]). As the stand 25 is not resting on the rolling surface 12, the user, without making significant efforts, can pivot the stand 25 to position it in its stable folded position ([Fig.3C]).

[0057] It should be noted that the user does not exert any significant effort during this transition phase, since he benefits from the lever arm provided by the length of the drawbar, and does not bend down to engage the stand 25. He can also use the parking brake 29g to prevent the trailer from moving by itself during the operation. The user can then move the trailer in “trolley mode” using the drawbar 29. He can load it, unload it, and transport it to the necessary locations, without significant effort and in a stable manner.

[0058] The following description describes the method of transforming the trailer from a trolley mode to a bicycle trailer mode.

[0059] In its trolley mode, the trailer 1 can be loaded or not and moved close to the bicycle 2 to which it is intended to be attached. The method consists of pivoting the stand 25 to position it in its stable deployed position ( [Fig.3B]) and pivoting the drawbar 29 so that the caster or castors 31 are no longer in contact with the rolling surface and until the trailer is supported by the stand 25 and the wheels 21. To do this, the user acts on the control 36 to unlock the controlled locking system 35, by releasing the indexing member 35a from its indexing hole 35b. The rotation of the drawbar 29 is released and the drawbar unfolds forward. The trailer 1 falls naturally and smoothly onto the stand 25 by gravity. The user then lowers the end of the drawbar 29 towards the rotation pivot of the rear wheel of the bicycle to attach it to the bicycle using the attachment system 30.

[0060] The method then aims to lock the drawbar 29 in its stable position in bicycle trailer mode. In the example illustrated, to lock the drawbar 29 in its stable position in bicycle trailer mode, the user lifts the pivot connection 32 of the drawbar. Thus, the user lifts the trailer with a small sharp jerk at the level of the articulation of the drawbar, so that the indexing member 35a engages in the indexing hole 35b corresponding to the locking of the drawbar 29 in the bicycle trailer mode ([Fig.lC]).

[0061] The method then aims to pivot the stand 25 to position it in its stable folded position ([Fig.lA]). The user folds the stand with his foot and can again use in bicycle trailer mode, the bicycle to which the trailer 1 is attached.

[0062] According to the preceding description, the trailer 1 is converted to switch from a trolley mode to a bicycle trailer mode. It should be noted that it is possible that the user wishes to store his trailer following its use in trolley mode. To this end, the user pivots the stand 25 to position it in its stable deployed position ([Fig.3B]) and pivots the drawbar 29 towards the loading platform so that the casters 31 are no longer in contact with the rolling surface and until the trailer is supported by the stand 25 and the wheels 21. To do this, the user acts on the control 36 to unlock the controlled locking system 35, by releasing the indexing member 35a from its indexing hole 35b. The rotation of the drawbar 29 is released and a pushing force on the drawbar causes it to tilt backward. The trailer 1 falls naturally and smoothly onto the stand 25 by gravity.When the drawbar 29 is pushed to be sufficiently close to the loading platform, the indexing member 35a engages in the indexing hole 35b corresponding to the locking of the drawbar 29 in the folded stable mode ([Fig.4A]). The user can then tilt the trailer on one of its sides and place it along a wall or in a suitable storage space, folding or not folding the stand 25. It should be noted that the drawbar 29 can find one or more stable positions in the folded mode, depending on the space occupied by any accessories (themselves folding or not) installed on the loading platform and which would require the drawbar to be blocked before coming into contact with the platform.

Claims

Claims

1. Bicycle trailer usable in bicycle trailer mode and in trolley mode, this bicycle trailer (1) comprising: - a chassis (19) equipped with at least one pair of wheels (21) mounted in pivot connection with the chassis to roll on a rolling surface, the chassis having a loading platform (22) delimiting a trailer support plane (PR); - a stand (25) mounted on the chassis (19) to be moved between a stable folded position and a stable deployed position for which the wheels (21) and the free end (25a) of the stand (25) define a stand support plane (PB);- a drawbar (29) having a first end provided with a system (30) for attaching to the bicycle and a second end provided with at least one caster (31), the drawbar being mounted by a pivot connection (32) on the chassis to occupy at least one stable position in bicycle trailer mode and a stable position in trolley mode for which the wheels and the caster(s) define a drawbar support plane (PT), the drawbar (29) being configured so that, when it pivots to move from its stable position in bicycle trailer mode to its stable position in trolley mode, the caster(s) (31) come into contact with the rolling surface to lift the chassis so that in the stable position in trailer mode, the drawbar support plane (PT) is further from the chassis than the stand support plane (PB).;

2. Bicycle trailer according to claim 1, wherein the drawbar (29) and the stand (25) are configured so that in the stable position of the drawbar in trolley mode, the drawbar support plane (PT) and the stand support plane (PB) form between them an angle strictly greater than 0°.

3. Bicycle trailer according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the drawbar (29) and the stand (25) are configured so that in the stable position of the drawbar in bicycle trailer mode, the stand support plane (PB) forms with the rolling surface for the trailer and the bicycle, an angle strictly greater than 0°.

4. Bicycle trailer according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drawbar (29) is pivotally mounted on the chassis (19) to occupy a stable position folded against the chassis.

5. Bicycle trailer according to one of claims 1 to 4, according to which it comprises a controlled system (35) for locking the pivoting of the drawbar (29) controlled by a control (36) allowing the drawbar to be unlocked to ensure its pivoting and the drawbar to be locked in at least the stable position in bicycle trailer mode and the stable position in trolley mode.

6. Bicycle trailer according to claim 5 according to which the drawbar (29) is mounted in a pivot connection on the chassis (19) to occupy at least one folded position and in that the controlled locking system (35) of the pivoting of the drawbar makes it possible to unlock the drawbar to ensure its pivoting and to lock the drawbar in its stable folded position.

7. Bicycle trailer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drawbar (29) is provided opposite its second end with a handling handle (29d).

8. Method for transforming a bicycle trailer from a bicycle trailer mode into a trolley mode, this method aiming at: - providing a trailer (1) for a bicycle (2) comprising: * a chassis (19) equipped with at least one pair of wheels (21) mounted in pivot connection with the chassis to roll on a rolling surface; * a stand (25) having a free end (25a) capable of being positioned at a predetermined vertical distance from the chassis, this stand being mounted on the chassis to be moved between a stable folded position and a stable deployed position for which the wheels and the free end of the stand define a stand support plane (PB);* a drawbar (29) having a first end provided with a system (30) for attaching to the bicycle and a second end provided with at least one caster (31), the drawbar being mounted by a pivot connection (32) on the chassis to occupy at least one stable position in bicycle trailer mode and a stable position in trolley mode for which the wheels (21) and the caster(s) (31) define a support plane thnon(P t)» - to switch from a bicycle trailer mode for which the drawbar is attached to the bicycle while the stand is in its stable folded position, to a trolley mode: * to stop and stabilize the bicycle; * to move the stand (25) to position it in its stable deployed position; * to unhook the drawbar (29) from the bicycle so that the trailer is;

9.

10. supported by the stand (25) and the wheels (21); * pivoting the drawbar (29) so that the roller(s) (31) come into contact with the rolling surface to lift the chassis so that in a stable position in trolley mode, the trailer is supported by the wheels (21) and the roller(s) (31) while the stand can be moved; * to move the crutch (25) to position it in its stable folded position. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein to switch a bicycle trailer from a trolley mode to a bicycle trailer mode, the method aims: * to move the crutch (25) to position it in its stable deployed position; * to pivot the drawbar (29) so that the roller(s) (31) are no longer in contact with the rolling surface and until the trailer is supported by the stand (25) and the wheels (21); * to lock the drawbar (29) in its stable position in bicycle trailer mode; * to attach the drawbar (29) to the bike; * and to move the crutch (25) to position it in its stable folded position. Method according to the preceding claim, in which to lock the drawbar (29) in its stable position in bicycle trailer mode, the pivot connection (32) of the drawbar is lifted.

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