System for mounting an accessory on the frame of a sports device

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising fastening elements (16) and a complementary element (17) intended to be integrated into the accessory and the frame, respectively. The fastening element comprises two lateral hooks (20), each having a front wall (22) extending transversely to form a longitudinal conduit (23) opening through an opening (24a, 24b). The complementary element comprises a plate (26) arranged to be inserted into the conduit (23) through the opening (24a, 24b) and to slide longitudinally to a fastening position in which a portion (26a, 26b, 26c) of the plate is sagittally aligned with the front walls (22). The complementary element (17) comprises a support plate on which the plate (26) is mounted by means (30) for moving it between a wide insertion position in the conduit (23) and a close clamping position against the front walls (22). Figure 3a

Description

Title of the invention: System for mounting an accessory on the frame of a sports device

[0001] The invention relates to a system for mounting an accessory on the frame of a sports device, as well as a bicycle comprising a frame, at least one accessory and such a mounting system.

[0002] It applies in particular to a system for the reversible mounting of an accessory such as a basket or a lighting device on the front of the head tube of a bicycle frame.

[0003] According to other applications, the invention may relate to the mounting of a luggage rack type accessory or lighting device on the rear of a bicycle seat tube, or the mounting of accessories on other types of sports and / or leisure equipment, such as, for example, a manually and / or electrically powered scooter.

[0004] Systems are known which include a fixing element intended to be integrated into the frame of a sports device, and a complementary element intended to be integrated into the accessory, said elements including reciprocal fixing means, for example by screwing, to allow reversible mounting of the accessory on the frame.

[0005] Document EP-2 448 811 describes a system in which the fastening element is integrated into the frame of a bicycle, in particular by welding, and has a base equipped with two lateral hooks, each having a side wall extending longitudinally and surmounted by a front wall extending transversely to form a longitudinal conduit between said base and said walls, said conduit opening through at least one opening and having a central slot formed between the front walls of the hooks.

[0006] The complementary organ according to this prior art comprises a plate which is arranged to be able to be introduced into the conduit through the opening, and to be able to slide longitudinally towards a position for fixing the accessory to the frame, in which at least a portion of said plate is in sagittal view of the front walls of the hooks.

[0007] The plate comprises two lateral arms intended to be arranged each in a hook by longitudinal sliding of said plate in the fixing member, as well as a central tab provided with a lug which is arranged to snap into a complementary housing formed in the bottom at the end of said longitudinal sliding, by elastic return of said tab.

[0008] This solution is not entirely satisfactory, as attaching the component to the frame proves complex to achieve, in addition to leaving weld marks. unsightly on the frame. Furthermore, the locking tab can degrade with repeated mounting of the accessory on the frame, compromising the long-term reliability of the system.

[0009] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular a system for mounting an accessory on a frame which is simple to make and to use reversibly, while being sufficiently strong to guarantee the reliability over time of the attachment of said accessory to said frame.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a system for mounting an accessory on the frame of a sports device, said system comprising a fastening element intended to be integrated into said frame and a complementary element intended to be integrated into said accessory, said fastening element having a base equipped with two lateral hooks, each having a longitudinally extending lateral wall which is surmounted by a transversely extending front wall to form a longitudinal conduit between said base and said walls, said conduit opening through at least one opening and having a central slot formed between the front walls of the hooks,said complementary component comprising a plate arranged to be inserted into the duct through the opening and to slide longitudinally to a fixing position in which at least a portion of said plate is sagittally aligned with the front walls, the complementary component comprising a support plate intended to be integrated into the accessory, the plate being mounted on said plate, forming a sagittal space between them, said complementary component comprising means for moving said plate relative to said plate to adjust said space between a distant insertion position of the plate in the duct and a close position in which the portion of said plate is pressed against the front walls to immobilize said walls on said plate.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a bicycle comprising a frame, at least one accessory and such a mounting system, the fixing member of which is integrated into said frame and the complementary member is integrated into said accessory to allow reversible mounting of said accessory on said frame.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0013] [Fig-1] represents in side view a bicycle equipped with a basket-type accessory which is mounted on the head tube of its frame by means of a system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] [Fig.2a],

[0015] [Fig.2b],

[0016] [Fig.2c] and

[0017] [Fig.2d] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are partial representations of the steering head tube of the bicycle frame of [Fig.1], respectively in perspective ([Fig.2a]), in top view ([Fig.2b]), in front view ([Fig.2c]) and in front view ([Fig.2d]);

[0018] [Fig.3] schematically represents, in front view, a plate of an organ complementary item intended to be associated with an accessory to cooperate with the fastening element of the preceding figures,

[0019] [Fig.3a] schematically representing, in front view, said fastening member in the conduit through which said plate is visible by transparency;

[0020] [Fig.4] is an exploded view diagram of the assembly of the base plate and the plate support at the rear of a basket-type accessory, by means of relative movement according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] [Fig.5a],

[0022] [Fig.5b],

[0023] [Fig.5c] and

[0024] [Fig.5d] partially represent different stages of dismantling a basket-type accessory from a bicycle frame, each equipped with fixing and complementary elements according to the preceding figures, respectively in front view ([Fig.5a]) and in side view (figures 5b, 5c and 5d);

[0025] [Fig.6a] represents, in partial front view, the bicycle of the preceding figures, on the steering socket from which a lighting device is mounted by means of an adapter,

[0026] [Fig.6b] representing, in partial side view, this same bicycle on the socket of direction of which a basket-type accessory is mounted by means of the system described above, the lighting device of [Fig.6a] being mounted reversibly on a front base formed for this purpose on said basket;

[0027] [Fig.7a] and

[0028] [Fig. 7b] Figures 7a and 7b represent, respectively in front and top view, the adapter allowing the mounting of the lighting device on the steering head socket of the bicycle in the previous figures;

[0029] [Fig.8a] and

[0030] [Fig.8b] Figures 8a and 8b represent, respectively in top view and in perspective front view, an electrical connection socket mounted on the steering socket of the preceding figures;

[0031] [Fig.9a] and

[0032] [Fig. 9b] Figures 9a and 9b represent, respectively, front and rear views below, the lighting setup from the previous figures.

[0033] A system for mounting an accessory 1 on the frame 2 of a sports device is described below.

[0034] In relation to the figures, the system allows the mounting of at least one accessory 1 on the frame 2 of a bicycle. According to other applications, the invention relates to other types of sports and / or leisure equipment, such as, for example, a manually and / or electrically propelled scooter.

[0035] In relation to [Fig.1], the bicycle frame 2 has a rear seat tube 3, in the upper end of which is mounted a seat 4 for the user, said seat preferably being mounted in a sliding manner in said tube to allow said user to adjust its height.

[0036] In a known manner, frame 2 further comprises: - two rear supports 5 each having a triangular structure extending sagittally to the rear and on either side of the seat tube 3, a rear wheel 6 being mounted in rotation between the free rear ends of said supports; - a crankset 7 mounted for rotation in a housing 8 formed at the junction between the respective lower bases of the supports 5 and the lower end of the seat tube 3, said crankset being connected to the rear wheel 6 by means of a chain or a transmission belt (not shown), in order to allow the rotation of said rear wheel by actuation of said crankset, possibly with the assistance of at least one electric motor (not shown).

[0037] Furthermore, the frame 2 includes a platform 9 which extends sagittally above the rear wheel 6, in order to allow the user to carry a small load.

[0038] In the description, the terms of positioning in space are taken with reference to the bicycle and its components as shown in the figures. Thus: - the terms "front" and "rear" are defined in relation to the direction of movement of the bicycle; - the term “sagittal” refers to the anatomical cross-sectional plane of the element under consideration (bike or component), said plane corresponding in particular to the plane of the sheet on [Fig.1] (for the bike) and to the plane S shown in figures 2a to 2d, said term designating more particularly a direction following this sagittal plane S, the term “transverse” referring to a direction perpendicular to this sagittal plane S.

[0039] The frame 2 further comprises a front oblique tube 11, the lower rear end of which is connected to the bottom bracket 8 of the crankset 7 and the upper front end of which is fitted with a head tube 10, in which a steering tube associated with a front wheel fork 13 14 is mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, said steering tube being surmounted by a handlebar 15 to allow the user to turn the front wheel 14 by rotation of said handlebar, in order to steer the bicycle.

[0040] The bicycle includes at least one accessory 1, in particular a basket or a basket support, which can be mounted reversibly on its frame 2 by means of a system comprising a fastening member 16 which is integrated into said frame and a complementary member 17 which is integrated into said accessory.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the fixing member 16 is integrated on the front face of the steering head 10. Alternatively, the bicycle frame 2 may include other fixing members, in particular at the rear of the seat tube 2, in order to be able to attach an additional accessory.

[0042] Advantageously, the socket 10 and the fastening member 16 are formed in one piece, in particular by extrusion, which makes it easier to manufacture the frame 2 and the fastening system.

[0043] As shown more particularly in figures 2a to 2d, the steering head 10 comprises a central tube 12 in which the steering tube carrying the fork 13 is mounted for rotation, the fixing member 16 being associated on the front face of said central tube.

[0044] Furthermore, the sleeve 10 includes a peripheral skirt 18 which surrounds the rear part of the central tube 12, extending on either side of the fixing member 16, and on the rear of which the front tube 11 is associated by welding.

[0045] The fastening member 16 comprises a base 19 which is equipped with two lateral hooks 20 each having a lateral wall 21 which extends longitudinally and sagittally, being surmounted by a front wall 22 which extends transversely to form a longitudinal conduit 23 between said base and said walls.

[0046] In the description, the term "longitudinal" is taken in reference to the maximum dimension of the conduit 23, which is in particular vertical on Figures 2a and 2d, horizontal on [Fig.2c], and perpendicular to the plane of the sheet on [Fig.2b].

[0047] The conduit 23 opens through at least one opening 24a, 24b, and has a central slot 25 formed between the front walls 22 of the hooks 20.

[0048] As shown more particularly in Figures 3 and 3a, the complementary member 17 attached to the accessory 1 includes a plate 26 which is arranged to be able to be introduced into the conduit 23 through the opening 24 and to be able to slide longitudinally into a fixing position, in which at least a part of the plate 26 is in sagittal view of the front walls 22.

[0049] The conduit 23 has an end opening 24a, in particular a superior one, which is arranged to allow the insertion of a portion 26a of the plate 26, the slot 25 being arranged to allow the passage through it of at least one portion of accessory 1 to which the plate 26 is attached during the mounting of said accessory on the bicycle frame 2.

[0050] To facilitate the assembly of the accessory 1, the conduit 23 has a central opening 24b to allow the insertion of a lower portion 26b of the plate 26, the upper opening 24a being arranged to allow the insertion of an upper portion 26a of said plate. Furthermore, the plate 26 has a central portion 26c which is arranged to be inserted into the conduit 23 through the portion 25a of the slot 25 located between the central opening 24b and the upper opening 24a.

[0051] In relation to figures 2a to 2d, the median opening 24b is formed in the slot 25 by a notch 27 made in at least one front wall 22, and preferably by two notches 27 each formed in respectively a front wall 22, being arranged in transverse facing.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 and 3a, the upper portion 26a and lower portion 26b of the plate each form an ear which are separated longitudinally by a central branch 26c, the lower ear 26b and the central branch 26c each having a geometry complementary to that of respectively the median opening 24b and the portion of the slot 25a.

[0053] In particular, the respective geometries of the lower ear 26b and the median opening 24b each have a keying feature 28 for the direction of insertion of the plate 26 into the conduit 23, and therefore for the direction of mounting of the accessory 1 on the bicycle frame 2.

[0054] Thus, to mount an accessory 1 on the frame 2 of his bicycle, the user inserts the plate 26 into the conduit 23 by arranging the lower ear 26b and the central branch 26c in sagittal relation to respectively the median opening 24b and the corresponding portion of slot 25a, then slides said plate longitudinally and downwards in said conduit, in order to introduce the upper ear 26a through the upper opening 24a.

[0055] To lock the accessory 1 onto the bicycle frame 2, the additional component 17 further comprises: - a support plate 29 intended to be integrated into said accessory, the plate 26 being mounted on said plate, forming a sagittal space between them; - means 30 for moving the plate 26 relative to the support plate 29 to adjust the sagittal space between a distant position of insertion of the plate 26 in the conduit 23 and a close position, in which the portion of the plate 26a, 26b, 26c inserted in said conduit in the fixing position is clamped against the front walls 22 of said conduit, in order to immobilize said walls on said plate.

[0056] In relation to [Fig.4], the displacement means 30 comprise two screws 31 for mounting the plate 26 on the plate 29, engaged respectively in a lug 26a, 26b of said plate.

[0057] Thus, after mounting the accessory 1 on the fixing member 16, according to the kinematics described above, the user can lock said accessory in its fixing position, by tightening the screws 31 using a suitable tool 32, in a particularly simple and robust manner.

[0058] Similarly, to easily disassemble the accessory 1, the user can loosen the screws 31 using the same tool 32, as shown in [Fig.5a], then move said accessory along the arrows shown in Figures 5b to 5d, so as to extract the plate 26 from the conduit 23 by sliding it longitudinally upwards ([Fig.5b]), to extract the upper ear 26a from said conduit and position the lower ear 26b in sagittal relation to the lower opening 24b, then by sagittal movement forwards ([Fig.5d]), possibly accompanied by a rotation ([Fig.5c]), to completely disengage said plate from said conduit.

[0059] Furthermore, the displacement means 30 comprise two helical springs 32 which are arranged each around a screw 31 respectively, in order to constrain them elastically in the offset position of insertion of the plate 26 in the conduit 23.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the bicycle further includes a lighting device 33 which is arranged to be mounted on the fixing member 16 by means of an adapter 34.

[0061] In particular, the bicycle may include a power supply, for example in the form of a battery which can be reversibly connected in a compartment 35 provided for this purpose in the frame 2 of the bicycle, for example to power an electric pedal assist system integrated into said bicycle.

[0062] Advantageously, the frame of such an electrically assisted bicycle includes a socket 36 for connection to the power source described above, said socket being arranged near the fixing member 16, and in particular in the lower part of the steering head 10, the adapter 34 being intended to be connected to said socket when it is mounted on said member, in order to allow the electrical supply of the lighting device 33 by said source.

[0063] In relation to figures 8a and 8b, the socket 36 comprises a body 36a provided with a bore 37 for its mounting around the tube 12 of the socket 10, as well as means for enabling its fixing under the skirt 18 of said socket.

[0064] The body 36a further comprises a front portion 38 in which are arranged two female connectors 39, for example of the Faston type, and on each of which an additional male connector (not shown) formed in the lower part of adapter 34 is intended to be engaged.

[0065] In relation to figures 7a and 7b, the adapter 34 comprises a rear rail 40 intended to be mounted on the fixing member 16 by longitudinal sliding in the conduit 23, and a front part 41 which is connected to the rear rail 40 by a vertical portion 42 intended to slide in the slot 25, and in which are arranged two female connectors 43, for example of the Faston type, which are each electrically connected to respectively a male connector of said adapter as described above.

[0066] In relation to Figures 9a and 9b, the lighting device 33 comprises: - a rear rail 44 intended to be mounted in longitudinal sliding in the conduit 23 of the fixing member 16, being connected to said device by a vertical portion 45 intended to slide in the slot 25 of said conduit; - two male connectors 46 arranged in the lower part of said lighting device, and arranged to engage each in a female connector 43 of the adapter 34 at the end of the sliding stroke of the rail 44 in the conduit 23, in order to be able to supply the lighting device 33 with electricity from the source carried by the bicycle.

[0067] Advantageously, the fastening member 16 includes a central orifice 47 formed in the bottom 19 and aligned sagittally with the median opening 24b, to allow the lighting device 33 to be screwed in place 48 after its electrical connection to the adapter 34, in particular using a tool 32 as described above and as shown in [Fig. 6a]. This arrangement secures the lighting device 33 to the bicycle, preventing theft and / or vibration during the bicycle's movement.

[0068] In relation to figures 1 and 6b, the basket-type accessory 1 includes a front base 49 on which the lighting device 33 can be placed, in order to be electrically connected to the power supply carried by the frame 2 of the bicycle.

[0069] To do this, the basket 1 is equipped with an electrical supply circuit connecting a rear socket, formed in the lower part of the complementary member 17 and arranged to be connected to the socket 36 of the socket 10 at the end of the mounting of said basket on it, to a front socket formed in the base 49, said front socket comprising two female connectors, for example of Faston type, similar to the female connectors 43 equipping the adapter 34, and on each of which a male connector 46 of the lighting device 33 is intended to be engaged during the mounting of said device on said base.

Claims

Demands

1. A mounting system for an accessory (1) on the frame (2) of a sports device, said system comprising a fastening member (16) for integration into said frame and a complementary member (17) for integration into said accessory, said fastening member having a base (19) equipped with two lateral hooks (20), each having a longitudinally extending side wall (21) surmounted by a transversely extending front wall (22) to form a longitudinal conduit (23) between said base and said walls, said conduit opening through at least one opening (24a, 24b) and having a central slot (25) formed between the front walls (22) of the hooks (20), said complementary member comprising a plate (26) arranged to be inserted into the conduit (23) through the opening (24a, 24b) and to be able to slide longitudinally into a fastening position in which at least a portion (26a, 26b,26c) of said plate is in sagittal alignment with the front walls (22), said system being characterized in that the complementary member (17) comprises a support plate (29) intended to be integrated into the accessory (1), the plate (26) being mounted on said plate forming a sagittal space between them, said complementary member comprising means (30) for displacing said plate relative to said plate to adjust said space between a distant position of insertion of the plate (26) in the conduit (23) and a close position in which the portion (26a, 26b, 26c) of said plate is clamped against the front walls (22) to immobilize said walls on said plate.

2. Mounting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the conduit (23) has an end opening (24a) arranged to allow the insertion of a portion (26a) of the plate (26).

3. Mounting system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the conduit (23) has a median opening (24b) to allow the insertion of a lower portion (26b) of the plate (26), a central portion (26c) of the plate (26) being arranged to be introduced into the conduit (23) through the slot (25).

4. Mounting system according to claim 3, characterized in that the median opening (24b) is formed in the slot (25) by a notch (27) made in at least one front wall (22).

5. Mounting system according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the lower portion (26b) forms an ear of geometry complementary to that of the median opening (24b).

6. Mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means (30) for moving the plate (26) include screws (31) for mounting on the plate (29).

7. Mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the displacement means (30) are elastically constrained in the offset position of the plate (26) in the conduit (23).

8. Bicycle comprising a frame (2), at least one accessory (1) and a mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fastening member (16) is integrated into said frame and the complementary member (17) is integrated into said accessory to allow reversible mounting of said accessory on said frame.

9. Bicycle according to claim 8, characterized in that the frame (2) has a head tube (10) on the front face of which the fixing member (16) is integrated.

10. Bicycle according to claim 9, characterized in that the socket (10) and the fixing member (16) are formed in one piece, in particular by extrusion.

11. Bicycle according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises a lighting device (33) which is arranged to be mounted on the fixing member (16) by means of an adapter (34).

12. Bicycle according to claim 11, characterized in that the frame (2) includes a socket (36) for connection to an electrical power source into which the adapter (34) is intended to be plugged in to allow the electrical power supply of the lighting device (33) by said source.

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