Bicycle carrier

Abstract

To provide a bicycle conveying carrier capable of being formed into a compact shape with good appearance when a bicycle is used, and stably conveying the bicycle wholly stored in a wheel traveling bag when the bicycle is not used.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to carriers 11 for placing and conveying bicycles 71 entirely stored in a traveling bag, each of the carriers 11 including a body 12 in which a pair of long parts 21 and 31 are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable with respect to each other, and a plurality of casters 16A to 16C installed on a lower surface of the body 12. When the carrier is used, the pair of long parts 21 and 31 are rotated to a use position where they cross each other and fixed. At this time, the two wheels 72 and the downward protruding portion 74 of the bicycle 71 can be placed on the upper surface of the carrier main body 12 via the traveling bag. When the carrier is not used, the pair of long parts 21 and 31 are rotated to a retreat position where they are parallel to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier used when transporting a bicycle that is fully stored in a bicycle bag. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, bicycle touring, where bicycles are disassembled or folded and stored in a special bag (bicycle touring bag) and transported on public transportation such as trains and buses, has been gaining attention. The appeal of bicycle touring is that it is highly convenient, as it allows you to use your bicycle as a convenient means of transportation at your destination, expanding your range of activities and not being affected by the times of connecting public transportation.

[0003] Although bicycle rental services have become more common recently, rinko is still used by people who enjoy cycling as a hobby, and these people have a strong desire to travel to their destination on their own favorite bicycle. For this reason, the bicycles used for rinko are often folding bicycles or lightweight, easily disassembled road bikes.

[0004] Incidentally, when transferring at stations or airports, it is common to carry your bicycle in a bike bag or pull it using a commercially available carry cart. While bicycles have become lighter recently, even the lightest still weigh around 10 kg, making carrying a bicycle a heavy burden. This poses a particular hurdle for women and those who are not confident in their physical strength. It is also less physically demanding to pull a bicycle placed on a commercially available carry cart than to carry it on your back. However, carrying a bicycle on a carry cart gives the impression that you are simply carrying luggage, which is not a smart look. Furthermore, the folded carry cart gets in the way when using the bicycle.

[0005] In addition to these, several other means for transporting bicycles when transporting have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique for attaching casters to the lower end of the standpipe of a folding bicycle for use during transport. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for fastening brackets to both sides of the rear edge of the carrier of a folding bicycle, and attaching rollers to these brackets for use during transport. Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for providing casters to the bottom of a bicycle bag for use during transport. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-321758 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-114174 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3173651 [Patent Document 4] Utility Model Registration No. 3190711 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the following problems.

[0008] For example, in the prior art of Patent Documents 1 to 3, the casters and rollers alone cannot support the bicycle and allow it to stand or move stably. Furthermore, when moving, the casters, rollers, and wheels attached to a portion of the bicycle must be exposed. This creates the problem that the bicycle cannot be stored entirely in a bicycle bag, making it unusable when riding on public transportation. Furthermore, the addition of extra structures to the bicycle creates problems such as an unfashionable appearance and reduced versatility.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of the prior art of Patent Document 4, it is possible to move a bicycle using casters while it is fully stored in the bicycle bag. However, in order to support the bicycle and allow it to travel stably, it is necessary to provide the bicycle bag with a relatively large floor board, which can make the bicycle bag itself larger and heavier.

[0010] The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a bicycle carrier that can be made into a compact, attractive form when the bicycle is in use (i.e., when the carrier is not in use), and can stably transport a bicycle that is fully stored in a bicycle bag when the bicycle is not in use (i.e., when the carrier is in use). [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a carrier for carrying and transporting a bicycle that is fully stored in a bicycle bag, and is configured to include a first long part and a second long part that is shorter than the first long part, and the carrier body is equipped with a carrier on which the second long part is pivotally supported relative to the first long part, a plurality of casters installed on the undersides of the first long part and the second long part, and a support member that is detachably installed on the upper surface of the first long part and supports a downward protruding part of the bicycle via the bicycle bag, and when the carrier is in use, the second long part is positioned in front of the carrier body. The gist of this invention is that the bicycle transport carrier is characterized in that, by rotating to a usage position where it intersects with the first long part and being fixed therein, two wheels can be placed on the upper surface of the second long part via the bicycle bag, and the downward protruding part can be supported by the support member via the bicycle bag, and when the carrier is not in use, it rotates to a retracted position where the second long part is parallel to the first long part, and the second long part is stored and positioned in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first long part, and the removed support member can also be stored and positioned in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first long part.

[0012] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in claim 1, it further includes a fixing means for fixing the second elongated part to the first elongated part so that it cannot rotate relative to the first elongated part when the carrier is in use, and the fixing means is housed and positioned in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first elongated part when the carrier is not in use.

[0013] The invention described in claim 3 is based on claim 1 or 2, and is characterized in that the bicycle is a folding bicycle of a bi-fold type in which the frame folds in one place, or a tri-fold type in which the frame folds in two places, and when the folding bicycle is folded, the saddle is lowered to the lowest position so that the lower end of the seat post protrudes from the lower end opening of the seat tube, and the support member has a receiving recess in its upper part that is sized so that the lower end of the seat post, which is the downwardly protruding part, can be inserted into it, and the receiving recess supports the lower end of the seat post via the bike bag.

[0014] The invention described in claim 4 is based on claim 1 or 2, and is characterized in that the support member is configured so that the attachment position thereof can be changed along the longitudinal direction of the first elongated part.

[0015] The invention described in claim 5 is a carrier for loading and transporting a bicycle that is fully stored in a bike bag, and is characterized by the fact that it comprises a carrier body on which a pair of long parts are rotatably supported relative to each other, and a plurality of casters installed on the underside of the carrier body, and when the carrier is in use, it rotates and fixes to a usage position in which the pair of long parts are crossed, allowing the two wheels and the downward protruding part of the bicycle to be loaded on the upper surface of the carrier body via the bike bag, and when the carrier is not in use, it rotates to a retracted position in which the pair of long parts are parallel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above in detail, according to the inventions described in claims 1 to 5, it is possible to provide a bicycle transport carrier that can be made into a compact form that looks good when the bicycle is in use, and can stably transport the bicycle completely stored in the bike bag when the bicycle is not in use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective photograph of a bicycle transport carrier embodying the present invention when the carrier is in use (with the second long part rotated to the use position). [Figure 2] A bottom view of a bicycle transport carrier when in use. [Figure 3] A plan view of a bicycle transport carrier when in use. [Figure 4] A side view of a bicycle carrier when not in use. [Figure 5] An oblique view of a bicycle transport carrier when not in use (with the second long part in the retracted position). [Figure 6] A bottom view of a bicycle carrier when not in use. [Figure 7] A front view of a bicycle carrier when not in use. [Figure 8] 10 is a bottom view of the bicycle transport carrier showing the second long part being rotated from the retracted position to the use position. [Figure 9] A photograph showing a folding bicycle placed on top of a bicycle transport carrier. [Figure 10] This photo shows the state of the bicycle carrier attached to the bicycle when the carrier is not in use (when the bicycle is in use). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A bicycle carrier 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0019] The bicycle carrier 11 of this embodiment is a carrier for loading and transporting a bicycle 71. In particular, this bicycle carrier 11 is a carrier for loading and transporting the bicycle 71 together with the bicycle bag when the bicycle 71 is stored entirely within the bicycle bag for transportation by public transportation or the like.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this bicycle carrier 11 comprises a carrier body 12, multiple casters 16A, 16B, 16C, fixing means 51, support members 41, etc. Figure 1 is an oblique photograph of the bicycle carrier 11 in use (with the second elongated part 31 rotated to the use position). Figure 2 is a bottom photograph of the bicycle carrier 11 in use. Figure 3 is a plan photograph of the bicycle carrier 11 in use (with the support members 41 removed). Figure 4 is a side photograph of the bicycle carrier 11 not in use.

[0021] The carrier body 12, which is the main component of this bicycle transport carrier 11, is configured to include a first long part 21 and a second long part 31.

[0022] The first long part 21 constituting the carrier body 12 is a long member made of a rigid material, and in this embodiment, for example, an aluminum bar having an L-shaped cross section is used (see FIG. 4, etc.). The first long part 21 is made up of a flat plate portion 22 (a portion corresponding to the long side of the L-shaped cross section) and a side wall portion 23 (a portion corresponding to the short side of the L-shaped cross section), and has a free end 21a and a fixed end 21b.

[0023] The second elongated part 31 is also an elongated member made of a rigid material; for example, in this embodiment, an aluminum bar having an L-shaped cross section is used (see FIG. 4, etc.). The length of the second elongated part 31 is shorter than the length of the first elongated part 21, and specifically, for example, the length is approximately 50% to 90% of the length of the first elongated part 21 (approximately 75% in this embodiment). The second elongated part 31 is made up of a flat plate portion 32 (a portion corresponding to the long side of the L-shaped cross section) and a side wall portion 33 (a portion corresponding to the short side of the L-shaped cross section), and has a free end 22a and a fixed end 22b. The width of the second elongated part 31 is approximately equal to the width of the first elongated part 21.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, multiple casters 16A, 16B, and 16C are installed at multiple locations on the underside of the carrier body 12. Specifically, the carrier body 12 in this embodiment has casters 16A, 16B, and 16C at three spaced locations on the underside. The first caster 16A is screwed to the backside of the flat plate portion 22 at the free end 21a of the first elongated part 21 with a bolt 15. The second caster 16B is screwed to the backside of the flat plate portion 32 at the free end 22a of the second elongated part 31 with a bolt 15. The third caster 16C is screwed to the backside of the flat plate portion 32 at the fixed end 22b of the second elongated part 31 with a bolt 15.

[0025] Each of the casters 16A, 16B, and 16C is a swivel-type caster having a wheel 17, a fork portion 18, and a mounting seat 19. In this embodiment, the components 17 to 19 are made of resin to reduce weight. The wheel 17 is journaled to the fork portion 18 so that it can roll. The fork portion 18 is journaled to the mounting seat 19 so that it can rotate. The mounting seat 19 has bolt holes (not shown) at both ends. The casters 16A, 16B, and 16C are fixed to the carrier body 12 by inserting and fastening bolts 15 through these bolt holes and into bolt holes on the carrier body 12. In this embodiment, the mounting seat 19 of the casters 16A, 16B, and 16C has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and its width is slightly smaller than the width of the first elongated part 21 and the second elongated part 31.

[0026] In the carrier body 12 of this embodiment, the second elongated part 31 is pivotally supported relative to the first elongated part 21. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the back side of the flat plate portion 22 at the fixed end 21b of the first elongated part 21 and the upper side of the flat plate portion 22 at the fixed end 31b of the second elongated part 31 are arranged to overlap, with a spacer plate 35 having a predetermined thickness interposed between them. The fixed end 31b of the second elongated part 31 is pivotally supported relative to the fixed end 21b of the first elongated part 21 using one of two bolts 15 used to attach the third caster 16C. In other words, the bolt 15 used to attach the third caster 16C also serves as a pivot member. The center of rotation of the second elongated part 31 relative to the first elongated part 21 is indicated by C1.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fixing means 51 in this embodiment includes a long fixing plate 52 having a first end and a second end. The length of the fixing plate 52 is shorter than the lengths of the first long part 21 and the second long part 31, and in this embodiment, for example, is about 40% to 50% of the length of the first long part 21. The width of the fixing plate 52 is significantly shorter than the widths of the first long part 21 and the second long part 31, and is, for example, about 20% to 40% of those widths. The fixing plate 52 is made of a rigid material, and in this embodiment, for example, an aluminum plate is used.

[0028] The first end side of the fixed plate 52 is rotatably supported by the first elongated part 21 with the screw 54. More specifically, on the flat plate portion 22 of the first elongated part 21, a position slightly closer to the fixed end 21b than the midpoint between the free end 21a and the fixed end 21b is set as the position where the first end side of the fixed plate 52 is supported.

[0029] On the other hand, the second end side of the fixing plate 52 is detachably fastened to the second elongated part 31 by a screw member 53, which is a fixing plate fastening member. More specifically, a position near the midpoint between the free end 22a and the fixed end 22b on the flat plate portion 32 of the second elongated part 31 is set as the position where the second end side of the fixing plate 52 is fastened. When the second end side of the fixing plate 52 is fastened by the screw member 53, the second elongated part 31 is held in a fixed state so as not to be rotatable relative to the first elongated part 21. In other words, the fastening means 51 of this embodiment serves as a member that maintains the overall shape of the carrier body 12 when the carrier is in use and as a member that reinforces the carrier body 12.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the support member 41 is detachably attached to the top surface of the first elongated part 21. The support member 41 in this embodiment is a cylindrical member made of a resin material or the like, and has a male screw portion (not shown) in the center of its underside. A receiving recess 42 with a circular cross section that opens to the top surface is formed on the upper side of the support member 41. A support member attachment portion 45 with a female screw hole is provided on the flat plate portion 22 of the first elongated part 21 at a position closer to the free end 21a than the midpoint between the free end 21a and the fixed end 21b (see FIG. 3). The male screw portion of the support member 41 is screwed into this female screw hole to fix the support member 41 to the flat plate portion 22 of the first elongated part 21.

[0031] Next, how to use the bicycle carrier 11 of this embodiment configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 10. Figure 5 is a perspective photograph of the bicycle carrier 11 when not in use. Figure 6 is a bottom photograph of the bicycle carrier 11 when not in use. Figure 7 is a front photograph of the bicycle carrier 11 when not in use.

[0032] When the carrier is not in use, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second elongated part 31 rotates to a retracted position where it is parallel to the first elongated part 21 and is accommodated in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first elongated part 21 (see FIG. 4). Similarly, the fixing plate 52 constituting the fixing means 51 also rotates to a retracted position where it is parallel to the first elongated part 21 and the second elongated part 31. The fixing plate 52 is accommodated in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first elongated part 21 (specifically, in the gap between the first elongated part 21 and the second elongated part 31). At this time, the support member 41 is detached from the support member attachment portion 45. The detached support member 41 is accommodated in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first elongated part 21 (specifically, in the space between the second caster 16B and the third caster 16C on the underside of the second elongated part 31). Furthermore, the belt B1 used to secure the bicycle 71 stored in the bicycle bag to the bicycle transport carrier 11 is also similarly housed in the space between the casters. Incidentally, Figures 6 and 7 show the state in which the support member 41 and belt B1 have been removed.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the bicycle carrier 11, showing the second long part 31 being rotated from the retracted position to the use position. In this case, the support member 41 and belt B1 are first removed from the state shown in FIG. 5, and then the second long part 31 is rotated in a predetermined direction (i.e., clockwise in FIG. 8) around the rotation center C1. This means that the carrier body 12, which is closed, is transformed into an open state (where the first long part 21 and the second long part 31 intersect). Similarly, the fixing plate 52 is rotated in a predetermined direction (i.e., clockwise in FIG. 8) around the screw 54.

[0034] Then, after the second elongated part 31 is rotated to the use position where it is substantially perpendicular to the first elongated part 21 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second elongated part 31 is fixed using the fixing means 51. Specifically, the second end of the fixing plate 52 is placed on the flat plate portion 32 of the second elongated part 31, and the screw hole 55 on the fixing plate 52 is aligned with the screw hole 56 on the second elongated part 31 (see FIG. 2). In this state, the fixing plate 52 is locked and fixed to the second elongated part 31 by inserting the screw member 53, which serves as the fixing plate locking member, into both screw holes 55 and 56 and fastening them. As a result, the second elongated part 31 is fixed and unable to rotate relative to the first elongated part 21. At this time, the carrier body 12 is open and L-shaped in a plan view. The removed support member 41 is then attached to the support member mounting portion 45, completing the bicycle transport carrier 11.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a photograph showing a bicycle 71 folded and placed on top of the bicycle transport carrier 11. Note that the bicycle bag has been removed in order to explain the folded state of the bicycle 71. The bicycle 71 shown here is a folding bicycle that folds in two, with the frame folding in one place, or a folding bicycle that folds in three, with the frame folding in two places. When folding bicycle 71 is folded, saddle 73 is lowered to its lowest position, causing the lower end 74a of seat post 74 to protrude from the lower opening of seat tube 75. At this time, the lower end 74a of seat post 74, which is the downward-protruding part of bicycle 71, is at approximately the same height as the lowest position of wheel 72.

[0036] When using the carrier, the opened bicycle transport carrier 11 is placed on the ground beforehand. The folded folding bicycle 71 is then placed on the top surface of the bicycle transport carrier 11. At this time, the two wheels 72 are placed on the top surface of the second long part 31. The lower end 74a of the seat post 74 is inserted into the receiving recess 42 of the support member 41 on the top surface of the first long part 21 for support. As a result, the folding bicycle 71 is supported at three points on the top surface of the bicycle transport carrier 11. In reality, the folding bicycle 71 is stored entirely in the bicycle transport bag, so the two wheels 72 and the lower end 74a of the seat post 74 are all supported by the bicycle transport carrier 11 via the bicycle transport bag. In this case, the bicycle transport bag with the folding bicycle 71 fully stored inside is securely fastened to the bicycle transport carrier 11 using two belts B1.

[0037] 10 is a photograph showing the bicycle carrier 11 attached to the bicycle 71 when the carrier is not in use (when the bicycle is in use). When closed and folded, the bicycle carrier 11 has a slim, compact shape, so it can be stored in, for example, a relatively small carrier storage bag 91. The bag 91 containing the bicycle carrier 11 can be attached to the frame (top tube) using, for example, the belt B1.

[0038] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0039] (1) The bicycle transport carrier 11 of this embodiment comprises a carrier body 12, three casters 16A-16C, and a support member 41. The carrier body 12 is configured to include a first long part 21 and a shorter second long part 31, with the second long part 31 rotatably supported relative to the first long part 31. The three casters 16A-16C that roll when the carrier is moving are installed on the undersides of the first long part 21 and the second long part 31. The support member 41 is detachably installed on the top surface of the first long part 21, and supports the downwardly protruding portion of the bicycle 71 (the lower end 74a of the seat post 74) via a bicycle bag.

[0040] When the carrier is in use (i.e., when the bicycle is not in use), the second long part 31 rotates to the use position where it is perpendicular to the first long part 21 and is fixed in place. As a result, the two wheels 72 can be placed on the top surface of the second long part 31 via the bike bag. In addition, the downward protruding portion can be supported by the support member 41 via the bike bag. Therefore, by loading the bicycle 71 using the bicycle transport carrier 11, the bicycle 71 stored entirely in the bike bag can be stably transported at walking speed. Of course, the bicycle 71 can stand upright stably when loaded on the bicycle transport carrier 11.

[0041] When the carrier is not in use (i.e., when the bicycle is in use), the second elongated part 31 rotates to a retracted position where it is parallel to the first elongated part 21. As a result, the second elongated part 31 is housed in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first elongated part 21. The removed support member 41 is also housed in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first elongated part 21. In other words, the bicycle carrier 11 can be folded into a rod shape when not in use, allowing for portability in a compact, attractive form. Its appearance when carrying a bicycle is also smart. Furthermore, because each component of the bicycle carrier 11 is made of relatively light materials, the overall weight is not too heavy, making it highly portable. Furthermore, when using the bicycle carrier 11, there is no need to add extra structures to the bicycle 71 itself, as in conventional technologies. Therefore, the appearance of the bicycle 71 is not compromised, and there is no problem with reduced versatility.

[0042] (2) The bicycle carrier 11 of this embodiment further includes a fastening means 51 that secures the second elongated part 31 to the first elongated part 21 so that the second elongated part 31 cannot rotate relative to the first elongated part 21 when the carrier is in use. Therefore, by using this fastening means 51, the carrier body 12 is held in an L-shape in plan view and is reinforced overall. This improves the load-bearing capacity of the bicycle carrier 11, allowing bicycles 71 to be loaded more stably. Furthermore, the fastening means 51 is housed in the inner area of ​​the underside of the first elongated part 21 when the carrier is not in use. Therefore, the fastening means 51 does not protrude and get in the way when the bicycle carrier 11 is not in use, ensuring a compact configuration.

[0043] (3) Incidentally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-193658 discloses a prior art technique for transporting a bicycle 71 during transportation. The carrier described in this publication, like the carrier described in this embodiment, is capable of transporting a bicycle 71 fully stored in a bicycle bag. However, the carrier described in this publication must be completely "disassembled" into two large parts—the main frame and the front wheel mechanism—when not in use (see Figures 5 and 6 of the publication). Therefore, unlike the present embodiment, the carrier cannot be folded into a rod shape when not in use, making it difficult to create a compact, attractive design. Furthermore, the carrier described in this publication requires the two completely separate parts to be connected and assembled when in use, which is not only cumbersome but also makes it difficult to ensure the reliability of the connecting parts. This results in weak overall rigidity and poor load-bearing capacity. In contrast, the bicycle transport carrier 11 of this embodiment does not suffer from the above-mentioned drawbacks and is superior to the carrier described in the publication.

[0044] The embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the support member 41 is fixed at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction of the first elongated part 21, and its attachment position is immovable. However, this is not limiting. For example, in another embodiment, the support member 41 may be configured so that its attachment position is movable along the longitudinal direction of the first elongated part 21. Specifically, for example, support member attachment portions 45 may be provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the first elongated part 21. The attachment position of the support member 41 may be adjusted stepwise by selecting one of the plurality of support member attachment portions 45 and attaching the support member 41 to it. Note that the structure of the support member attachment portion 45 for attaching the support member 41 is not limited to that of the above embodiment. For example, a support member attachment portion may be provided that attaches the first elongated part 21 in a slidable manner relative to the first elongated part 21. The attachment position of the support member 41 may be adjusted steplessly by changing the sliding position of the support member attachment portion.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the support member 41 has a receiving recess 42 at its upper portion, which is large enough to insert the lower end 74a of the seat post 74, which is the downwardly protruding portion. However, this is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the lower end 74a of the seat post 74 may be supported by a structural part other than the receiving recess 42. Furthermore, the downwardly protruding portion of the bicycle 71 does not have to be the lower end 74a of the seat post 74, but may be another part (for example, the lower end of a front spoke). The support member 41 does not have to be a part formed separately from the first elongated part 21, but may be a support part formed integrally on the upper surface of the first elongated part 21. The support member 41 may also be omitted.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the folding bicycle 71 is a bi-fold type in which the frame folds in one place, or a tri-fold type in which the frame folds in two places, but is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the folding bicycle 71 may be a disassembled road bike or other bicycle.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the fixing means 51 includes the fixing plate 52 and the screw member 53, but is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the fixing plate 52 may be fixed to the second elongated part 31 using a fixing plate locking member other than the screw member 53. Alternatively, a locked portion may be provided on the flat plate portion 32 of the second elongated part 31, and a locking portion may be provided on the second end of the fixing plate 52, and the locking portion may be locked onto the locked portion.

[0049] In the above embodiment, a total of three casters 16A to 16C are provided, but this is not limitative, and for example, a total of four or more casters may be provided.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the first elongated part 21 and the second elongated part 31 are fixed to each other at a position where the shape of the carrier body 12 in a plan view when the carrier is in use is L-shaped, i.e., at a position where they intersect at a right angle (90°), but this is not limiting. For example, in another embodiment, the first elongated part 21 and the second elongated part 31 may be fixed to each other so that they are not perpendicular to each other but intersect at an angle. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the shape of the carrier body 12 in a plan view when the carrier is in use is L-shaped, but in another embodiment, it may be T-shaped, for example.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the first elongated part 21, the second elongated part 31, and the fixing plate 52 are made of aluminum, but this is not limiting. For example, in another embodiment, these members may be made of a metal material other than aluminum (such as titanium), or may be made of a resin material with a certain degree of rigidity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 11: Bicycle carrier 12: Carrier body 16A, 16B, 16C: Caster 21: First long part 31: Second long part 41: Support member 42: Receiving recess 51: Fixing means 71: Bicycle 73: Saddle 74: Lower end of seatpost as downward protrusion 75: Seat tube

Claims

1. A carrier for carrying and transporting a bicycle that is fully stored in a bicycle bag, a carrier body including a first elongated part and a second elongated part shorter than the first elongated part, the second elongated part being pivotally supported relative to the first elongated part; a plurality of casters installed on the undersides of the first elongated part and the second elongated part; a support member that is detachably installed on the upper surface of the first elongated part and that supports a downwardly protruding portion of the bicycle via the bicycle bag; Equipped with When the carrier is in use, the second elongated part is rotated to a use position where it intersects with the first elongated part and fixed thereto, so that two wheels can be placed on the upper surface of the second elongated part via the wheel bag, and the downward protruding part can be supported by the support member via the wheel bag. When the carrier is not in use, the second elongated part rotates to a retracted position in which the second elongated part is parallel to the first elongated part, and the second elongated part is accommodated and disposed in the inner region of the lower surface of the first elongated part, and the removed support member can also be accommodated and disposed in the inner region of the lower surface of the first elongated part. A bicycle transport carrier characterized by:

2. a fixing means for fixing the second elongated part to the first elongated part so that the second elongated part cannot rotate relative to the first elongated part when the carrier is in use; The fixing means is accommodated and disposed in an inner region of the lower surface of the first elongated part when the carrier is not in use.

2. The bicycle carrier according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle carrier is a bicycle carrier.

3. The bicycle is a folding bicycle of a bi-fold type in which the frame folds at one point, or a tri-fold type in which the frame folds at two points, When the folding bicycle is folded, the saddle is lowered to its lowest position, causing the lower end of the seat post to protrude from the lower end opening of the seat tube, the support member has a receiving recess in an upper portion thereof, the receiving recess being large enough to allow the lower end of the seat post, which is the downwardly protruding portion, to be inserted therein; The lower end of the seat post is supported by the receiving recess via the bicycle bag.

3. A bicycle carrier according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 3. The bicycle carrier according to claim 1, wherein the support member is configured so that its attachment position can be changed along the longitudinal direction of the first elongated part.

5. A carrier for carrying and transporting a bicycle that is fully stored in a bicycle bag, a carrier body on which a pair of elongated parts are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable relative to each other; A plurality of casters installed on the underside of the carrier body; Equipped with When the carrier is in use, the pair of long parts are rotated and fixed to a use position where they are crossed, so that the two wheels and the downward protruding portion of the bicycle can be placed on the top surface of the carrier body via the bicycle bag. When the carrier is not in use, the pair of long parts rotate to a retracted position where they are parallel to each other. A bicycle transport carrier characterized by:

Images