Reconfigurable trailer / trolley

Abstract

A bike trailer (100) is provided. The trailer (100) includes a frame (102). A pair of wheels (116) are connected to the frame (102). A hitch (110) is connected to the frame (102) and operatively arranged to disengageably connect with a complementary hitch member (112) arranged on a bicycle (114) in order to allow the trailer (100) to be towed by the bicycle (114). A pair of castor wheels (124) are connected to the frame (102). The pair of castor wheels (124) are able to be selectively displaced between a non-ground engaging position, to facilitate towing of the trailer (100), and a ground engaging position to convert the trailer (100) into a trolley configuration when unhitched from the bicycle (114).

Description

RECONFIGURABLE TRAILER / TROLLEYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to towable accessories for bicycles, in particular, trailers. More specifically, accessories able to be selectively attached to bicycles for towing and carrying other items and articles. The present invention may also be used as a trolley without the need for the bicycle mount.BACKGROUND

[0002] The cycling industry has grown into a popular choice of vehicle for a variety of reasons, such as health, leisure and low environmental impact.

[0003] Accessories for cyclist is highly in demand. Towing accessories, such as trailers, are known to allow a cyclist to move loads, pets and even infants. While such trailers are useful, they are bulky and cumbersome to operate. Many of these products have only one reasonable use.

[0004] US Patent 4,721,320 describes a trailer adapted to carried or towed by a bicycle. However, ‘320 is only suitable to be towed by bicycle and is not suitable acting as a trolley when not connected to bicycle. The trailer of ‘320 is not adapted to change configuration and generally unsuitable for storage.

[0005] US Patent 3,347,559 describes a two wheeled utility trailer for use being towed by a bicycle. The trailer of ‘559 is of limited use and cannot be compacted for storage nor used as a separate trolley. ‘559 has no suspension and is mounted by a single side mounted pivot point mounted on the lower portion of the bicycle. The configuration ‘559 may be unsafe to use due to possible stability issues.

[0006] US Patent 5,020,814 describes a collapsible trailer system for use as being towed by a bicycle. The trailer in ‘814 is primarily directed to a system for carrying small children in the trailer as child carrier system. The system relies on a side mount positionof the hitch relative the bike which is sub optimal. The system is only collapsible if the frame is completely disassembled. Also, this system cannot be used with the bicycle attached for stabilisation.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bike trailer which has multiple purposes beside simply being a towing accessory.SUMMARY

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a bike trailer, including: a frame; a pair of wheels connected to said frame; a hitch connected to said frame and operatively arranged to disengageably connect with a complementary hitch member arranged on a bicycle in order to allow the trailer to be towed by said bicycle; and a pair of castor wheels connected to said frame; wherein said pair of castor wheels are able to be selectively displaced between a non-ground engaging position, to facilitate towing of the trailer, and a ground engaging position to convert said trailer into a trolley configuration when unhitched from said bicycle.

[0009] Preferably, the pair of castor wheels are arranged on castor arms; said castor arms are pivotally connected to said frame to allow said castor wheels to be selectively displaced.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, the trailer includes a caster locking mechanism to allow said castor wheels to be locked into a selected position.

[0011] Preferably, the hitch is pivotally connected to said frame to allow said hitch to be displaced between an operable position protruding from the frame, to allow said hitch to connect with said complementary hitch member, and a second position adjacent said frame.

[0012] Ideally, the trailer further includes a handle connected to the frame to allow said trailer to be manually controlled by a user when in the trolley configuration. The handle may be pivotally connected to said frame to allow said handle to be displaced from astowed position adjacent said frame, while said trailer is being towed, and an operable position when in the trolley configuration.

[0013] Preferably, the frame includes two interconnected frame members; said hitch is connected to a first of said frame members and said pair of wheels are connected to a second of said frame members. The first and second frame members may be pivotally connected to each other to allow said frame members to be selectively displaced relative to each other between an operable position and a compact position adjacent each other to facilitate storage of said trailer when not in use. The second of said frame members can provide a cargo bed for receiving cargo. A removeable floor can be adapted to be arranged on said cargo bed.

[0014] Ideally, the trailer further includes a removable wall structure. One or more wall support members may be connected to said frame for supporting said wall structure. The one or more wall support members may be pivotally connected to said frame to allow said one or more wall support members to be selectively displaced between an operable position, for supporting the wall structure, and a stowed position adjacent said frame.

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a bike trailer which can be reconfigured into a trolley, for use when not being towed, and a compact configuration for ease of storage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The invention will now be described with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:Figs. l(a)-(c) show a preferred embodiment of a trailer in a trailer configuration;Fig. 2 shows a handle folding mechanism for the embodiment of Fig. 1;Fig. 3 shows a caster folding mechanism for the embodiment of Fig. 1;Figs 4(a)-(c) show the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a trolley configuration;Fig. 5 shows the frame of embodiment of Fig. 1 in a trolley configuration;Figs. 6(a)-(c) show a hitch folding mechanism for the embodiment of Fig. 1;Fig. 7 shows a handle folding mechanism for the embodiment of Fig. 1;Fig. 8 shows a caster folding mechanism for the embodiment of Fig. 1;Figs. 9(a)-(c) show the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a stair configuration;Fig. 10 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a stair configuration;Figs. 1 l(a)-(b) show the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a storage configuration;Fig. 12 shows a complementary hitch attached to a bicycle;Fig. 13 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 being towed;Figs. 14-16 show details of the male and female hitch components.DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0017] A preferred embodiment of present invention being a trailer 100 is shown in Fig 1(a) The trailer 100 includes a structural frame 102. The frame 102, as shown, may be constructed from first and second interconnected frame members (104, 106). As shown in Fig. 5, the first and second frame members (104, 106) are preferably interconnected by a pivot connection 108 to allow the members (104, 106) to be moved relative to one another, assisted by means of a gas strut 142 and locked into an open position by a locking mechanism 143. In Fig. 1(a), the frame members (104, 106) are positioned relative to one another in a suitable trailer configuration. In Figs 11(a) and 11(b) theframe members (104, 106) are positioned adjacent to one another to provide a compact configuration suitable for storage of the trailer 100 when not in use.

[0018] A hitch arm 110 is connected to the first frame member 104. In Figs. 1(a) and 2, the hitch arm 110 is shown protruding rearward of the frame 102 for operably connecting to a complementary hitching member 112 arranged on a bicycle 114, see Figs. 12 and 13. The hitch arm 110 is ideally pivotally connected 145, see Figs. 6(a)-(c) to the first frame member 104 so as to allow the hitch arm 110 to be displaced into a stowed position lying adjacent to and inside the first frame member 104. As shown in Fig. 6(b) a spring-loaded pin or plunger 146 to locate the hitch arm 110 into either position as required.

[0019] Preferably, the rigid components of the overall assembly of the trailer 100 are constructed of metal, a lightweight metal alloy or carbon fibre that provides relative strength and rigidity.

[0020] A pair of main wheels 116 are connected to the second frame member 106. The second frame member 106, being substantially horizontal during use as a trailer or trolley, defines a load bed 118 for the trailer or trolley, upon which cargo or other loads can be placed, see Figs. 1(a), 4(a), 5 and 13.

[0021] Ideally, a removeable floor can be placed on the load bed 118. Such a floor may be an integral part of a wall structure 120 for attachment to the trailer, see Figs. 1(a) and 13. The wall structure 120 can define a compartment space or spaces for cargo.Alternatively, a removeable wall structure 120 can be provided as a separate component to the floor. Preferably a canopy can be attached to or is integral with the wall structure 120 to provide an enclosed compartment space or spaces.

[0022] When accommodating a wall structure 120 (see Figs. 1(a), 11(b) and 13), the trailer 100 may include support members 122 to provide attachment points for the wall structure 120 and provide a support structure, particularly, if the wall structure 120 is formed of a fairly flexible material such as canvas or other similar flexible water-resistant material. The support members 122, as shown, are connected to the frame members 104.Ideally, the support members 122 are pivotally connected to allow their positions to be selectively displaced between an operable position, such as shown in Fig. 1(a), or the compact configuration for storage, as shown in Figs 11(a) and (b).

[0023] As shown in Figs. l(a)-4(a), the trailer 100 includes a pair of castor wheels 124 respectively arranged on castor arms 126. The castor arms 126 are pivotally connected to the first frame member 104 via a connecting shaft 128, see Figs. 1(c) and 4(c). The pivotal arrangement allows the castor wheels 124 to be displaced between selected positions. In Fig. 1(a), the castor wheels 124 are positioned adjacent to the first frame member 104 and out of engagement with the ground, suitable for the trailer configuration. In Fig. 4(a), the castor wheels 124 can be displaced and brought into engagement with the ground. In this configuration, the trailer 100 is converted into a self-supporting four wheeled trolley suitable for use when the trailer 100 is unhitched from a bicycle 114. The displacement of the castor wheels 124 is manually manipulated by way of a locating mechanism 132 which includes a locating lever 130 (see Fig. 1(c) and 4(c)). As shown in Figs. l(a, and b), 2, 3, 4(a, b and c), 7, 8 and 9(a, b and c), the position of the castor wheels 124 can be selectively located into 3 positions by a locating mechanism 132. The locating mechanism 132 can be in the form of a locking pin 134 engaging a spring- loaded locking bracket 136 associated with the locking lever 130 which locks the casters to engage with the ground. Ideally, a cable 133 interconnects the locking bracket 136, locking pin 134 and lever 130 so that activation of an actuator 135 (see Fig. 4(a)) causes the cable 133 to pull and thereby release the locking pin 134 and mechanism 132.

[0024] The castor wheels 124 can be selectively displaced into a third position. Figs. 9(a, b and c) and 10, show the castor wheels 124 positioned in an intermediary position which makes the trolley configuration ideally suited for ascending or descending stairs or steps.

[0025] In alternate versions the locating mechanism 132 can be powered by an electrically driven servos motor that rotates the castor arm 126 into each position as required.

[0026] Preferably, the castor wheels are designed and adapted to function at relatively lower or slow speeds such as walking. The main wheels being relatively larger than the castor wheels are adapted for relative high-speed operation whilst being towed by a bicycle. The main wheels may be constructed of metal, metal alloy or plastic rims with solid rubber or pneumatic tyres to allow for better performance. The castor wheels are typically constructed of a plastic rim and solid rubber or pneumatic tyres.

[0027] A handle 140 is provided to allow a user to grip and manoeuvre the trolley. As shown in Fig. 4(a), the handle 140 is arranged at the upper portion of the first frame member 104. Ideally, the handle 140 is pivotally connected to the first frame member 104 in order to allow it to be displaced between an operable position, shown in Figs. 4(a) and 7, and a stowed position adjacent the first frame member 104, as shown in Figs. 1(a) and 2. Having the handle 140 stowed is ideal for the trailer configuration and for folding frame 102 into a compact configuration for storage, see Figs. 11 (a) and (b). The handle 140 may be encapsulated in soft foam, foam rubber or leather for improving grip of the user and providing additional padding for the user.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the handle 140 (see Figs. l(a,b, & c - 4(a,b & c)) is operatively connected to a lever 130, by way of an associated connecting shaft, lever and gas strut connection 132 or other suitable means, such that the position of the handle 140 controls the position of the castor wheels 124. Hence, when the handle 140 is in the operable trolley position, the castor wheels 124 are in the ground engaging trolley configuration. When the handle 140 is in the stowed trailer position, the castor wheels 124 are aligned with the first frame 104 thereby providing a non-ground engaging position suitable for the trailer configuration.

[0029] Ideally, the castor wheels 124 or main wheels 116 are provided with a form of brake, such as a foot-actuated brake pedal, or other such mechanism to park the trolley configuration. In alternative embodiments, callipers or calliper-disc brakes could be installed to the main wheels 116 to assist braking of the trailer 100 while in motion or applied while parked.

[0030] As shown in Figs5 and 11(b) the main wheels 116 are provided with suspension which consists of wheel arms 117and springs 144. As shown in Figs 5 and 11(b), The inclusion of a sway bar which consists of the torque bar 119 and the wheel arms 117 will improve the overall ride and stability for users towing the device behind a bicycle.

[0031] The main wheels 116 are respectively provided on wheel arms 117. The wheel arms are connected (non-rotationally or pinned) at opposing ends of a torque bar 119, see Figs. 5 and 11(b). This arrangement prevents the trailer from swaying from side to side by allowing the wheel arms 117 to pivot somewhat in unison. Combined with the suspension springs 144, this arrangement assists in preventing the trailer from overturning when being towed and experiencing rapid cornering manoeuvres. In alternative embodiments, the main wheels 116 and wheel arms 117 are capable of tilting the trailer 100 in-line with the bike 114 about their rotational axis which assists the trailer 100 in cornering when being towed. Ideally, this ability to tilt is disabled when in the trolley configuration. Such a tilt feature could be achieved with electronically controlled gyro connected to motor servos attached to each wheel arm 117 thereby tilting the trailer as centrifugal forces are incurred during travel. This could include a suitable hitch arrangement that helps to keeps the trailer 100 in-line with the bike 114. Power supply to the gyro and servo motor could be in the form of a battery mounted on the trailer or supplied from the primary motor or electric bike. Suspension, in the arrangement could be achieve with the servo motors operating in conjunction with springs, and / or spring and shock absorption mechanisms.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 13, 14(a and b), 15 and 16(a,b,and c), the hitch arm 110 may provide a male hitching portion, while the complementary hitching member 112 provides a female hitching portion.

[0033] Figs. 14(a and b) and 15 show the male hitching portion 110 and the female hitching portions with the female housing 112 present in Fig 14(a) and absent in Fig. 14(b) respectively. The male portion 110 is defined by a shaft 150 for insertion into the female hitching portion 112 and 152. A groove 154 is formed in the shaft 150 for releasable engagement with a spring-loaded locking pin 156 associated with the femalehitching portion 112 and 152 . As shown in Fig. 15, a spring loaded push-button 158 associated with the locking pin 156 allows the engagement to be released. The shaft 150 of the male hitching portion may be provided on a swivelable part 160 of the male hitching portion 110, to assist with changes in direction as the trailer 100 is being towed. Ideally the swivelable part 160 allows for extensive vertical movement of the trailer 100, but only partial tilt of the bike 114 in relation to the trailer 100. Thereby allowing the bike 114 to tilt while cornering but prevent the trailer 100 from overturning as shown in Figs 16(a) right leaning tilt, 16(b) no tilt and 16(c) left leaning tilt. Ideally, the push-button 158 can be selectively disabled or the hitched portions otherwise locked with a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorised unhitching as an anti-theft deterrent. A semi-loose chain with a quick release snap-hook, may be used to link the male 110 hitch and female 112 sections of the hitch in case of hitch malfunction.

[0034] Figs. 12 and 13 show a suitable form of the complementary hitching member 112 attached to a bicycle 114. As shown, the female hitching portions 112, 152 are accommodated in a mounting structure 170 having arms 172 terminating in clamps 174 for releasable attachment to the frame of a bicycle 114. Preferably, the mounting structure 170 is adapted to be fixably engage to the rear portions of the existing bicycle frame near or proximal to the rear wheel of the bicycle. The clamps 174 may be in the configuration of clam shell style clamps secured to the bicycle using locking bolts. Preferably, the configuration of the mounting structure 170 allows the hitch 112 and hitch arm 110 to be attached to the longitudinal or length axis of the bicycle. Preferably, the hitch 112 is adapted to be mounted in a central position being in line with the seat and bicycle tires. In the preferred embodiment, the hitch 112 is attached to a point on the mounting structure over the rear wheel which increases the overall stability of the device in use. When properly mounted, the female hitching member 112 extends rearwardly of the bicycle 114 and above the rear wheel of the bicycle 114. The structure 170 could be designed with a platform or the like to allow accessories, such as a basket or pannier, to be mounted. It will be appreciated that the invention can be adapted for a variety of vehicle types and models, such as ordinary bicycles, electric pedal assisted bicycles, fully electric bicycles, 3- or 4- wheel mobility scooters, powered or non-powered wheelchairs or other poweredmeans. It will be appreciated that the complementary hitching members 112, 170 can be designed and adapted in a variety of ways for suitably mounting to bicycles of differing styles, shapes and sizes.

[0035] In this preferred embodiment, the trailer 100 is configured to convert into the following predetermined modes or configurations being: a) bicycle trailer; b) trolley; or storage configuration. The bicycle trailer configuration is demonstrated in Figure 1(a) wherein the device is adapted to be towed by a bicycle. In this bicycle trailer configuration, the front castor wheels 124 are retracted towards the body of the frame 102 and the hitch arm 110 is exposed and ready for engagement to bicycle or the mounting structure 170 being attached to the bicycle.

[0036] The trolley configuration is adapted to allow a user to wheel and use the trailer as a regular trolley (e.g. a shopping trolley) wherein the user can direct the device to move by use of the handle 140. The trolley configuration is predominantly depicted in Figure 4(a). In the trolley configuration, the castor wheels are extended away from the body of the frame 102; and the handle 140 is extended prone to an upper position allowing for easy access by a user. Additionally, the hitch arm 110 may be retracted or lowered as it is unnecessary in this configuration. This allows the configuration to be stabilised and balanced on the combination of main wheels 116 and castor wheels 124 without relying on the bicycle hitch mounting for lateral or longitudinal stability. The castor wheels 124 are pivotally connected to castor arms 126 which allows a user to change the direction of the device under hand pressure.

[0037] The storage configuration is depicted in Figure 1 l(a and b) wherein the device is changed into a compacted configuration for purposes of storage. This is optimal in situations, where the device is not being used in the two aforementioned configurations. The overall frame 102 is folded and the main wheels 116, castor wheels, 124, handle 140 are retracted and moved close to the central part of the body of the device. This minimises the bulk and size of the device for storage. Preferably, portions of the frame proximal to the pivot connection 108 may include additional feet or protrusions to allow the device to be position in a vertical orientation for storage without further support of athird-party object like a wall. These feet may balance the device in the storage configuration in the vertical orientation.

[0038] An additional optional configuration may be the stair climbing configuration shown in Fig 9. This configuration could be used by a walker is who climbing stairs. This configuration is very similar to the aforementioned trolley configuration; however, the castor wheels are partially retracted and the device is balanced by the combination of the user / walker and the main wheels 116.

[0039] While the invention has been hereto described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations to the embodiments would be possible while remaining within the scope of the claims. For example, a braking system could be applied to the main wheels which is responsive to activation of the brakes on the towing bike. The frame could be adapted to have a child seat removably installed. The wall structure could be a rigid structure, such as a tub or box with a lid.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A bike trailer, including: a frame; a pair of wheels connected to said frame; a hitch connected to said frame and operatively arranged to disengageably connect with a complementary hitch member arranged on a bicycle in order to allow the trailer to be towed by said bicycle; and a pair of castor wheels connected to said frame; wherein said pair of castor wheels are able to be selectively displaced between a non-ground engaging position, to facilitate towing of the trailer, and a ground engaging position to convert said trailer into a trolley configuration when unhitched from said bicycle.

2. The bike trailer according to claim 1, wherein said pair of castor wheels are arranged on castor arms; said castor arms are pivotally connected to said frame to allow said castor wheels to be selectively displaced.

3. The bike trailer according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a caster locking mechanism to allow said castor wheels to be locked into a selected position.

4. The bike trailer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hitch is pivotally connected to said frame to allow said hitch to be displaced between an operable position protruding from the frame, to allow said hitch to connect with said complementary hitch member, and a second position adjacent said frame.

5. The bike trailer according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a handle connected to the frame to allow said trailer to be manually controlled by a user when in the trolley configuration.

6. The bike trailer according to a claim 5, wherein said handle is pivotally connected to said frame to allow said handle to be displaced from a stowed position adjacent said frame, while said trailer is being towed, and an operable position when in the trolley configuration.

7. The bike trailer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame includes two interconnected frame members; said hitch is connected to a first of said frame members and said pair of wheels are connected to a second of said frame members.

8. The bike trailer according to claim 7, wherein said first and second frame members are pivotally connected to each other to allow said frame members to be selectively displaced relative to each other between an operable position and a compact position adjacent each other to facilitate storage of said trailer when not in use.

9. The bike trailer according to claim 7, wherein said second of said frame members provides a cargo bed for receiving cargo.

10. The bike trailer according to claim 8, further including a removeable floor adapted to be arranged on said cargo bed.

11. The bike trailer according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a removable wall structure.

12. The bike trailer of claim 10, further including one or more wall support members connected to said frame for supporting said wall structure.

13. The bike trailer of claim 11, wherein said one or more wall support members are pivotally connected to said frame to allow said one or more wall support members to be selectively displaced between an operable position, for supporting the wall structure, and a stowed position adjacent said frame

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