Transport trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer comprising: a central structure (1) having two lateral supports (4) for wheels (5); a rear structure (3) having two lateral arms (17) each having a front section (17a) articulated on a support (4) and a rear section (17b) articulated on the front section (17a); a front structure (2) having two lateral arms (10) each articulated at the front of a support (4); a connecting rod mechanism (26) connecting the rear sections (17b) to the central (1) and front (2) structures, the folding of the rear sections (17b) bringing about the reversible folding of the trailer from a use configuration to a storage configuration in which the rear (3) and front (2) structures are arranged on either side of the central structure (1) by the joint rotational movement thereof.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Transport trailer

[0003] The invention relates to a transport trailer.

[0004] It applies in particular to a trailer intended to be reversibly attached to a light transport vehicle, in particular a bicycle or scooter, in order to allow the transport of passengers, such as infants or animals, and / or goods.

[0005] To achieve this, trailers are available equipped with a traction mechanism designed to be reversibly attached to a bicycle frame, specifically to the rear of the frame or to the wheel axle, allowing them to be towed by the bicycle while traveling. Furthermore, such trailers can also be used independently of a bicycle, for example, as a stroller.

[0006] To limit their bulk when not in use, and thus facilitate their storage in a space intended for this purpose (garage, building room, etc.), there are trailers designed to be able to be folded and / or partially disassembled, particularly at the level of their wheels.

[0007] In particular, US-9 908 552 describes a transport trailer comprising a frame formed of a lower base structure carrying two side wheels, and from which extend upper structures respectively front and rear which are hinged, at their respective lower edges, to a front and rear edge respectively of said base structure, and connected at their upper edges by two horizontal cross members.

[0008] In this document, the rear structure comprises two upper and lower sections articulated together by means of a lockable hinge, in order to allow the trailer to be tilted into a folded storage configuration by folding said hinge, causing the front structure to fold down onto the base structure.

[0009] This solution is not entirely satisfactory, as it only reduces the trailer's size in height, so that the trailer, when folded, remains bulky and difficult to store in small spaces, such as a cupboard in a home.

[0010] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular a trailer arranged to be reversibly arranged in a folded storage configuration with an optimally reduced footprint, and this with a particularly simple and quick folding and unfolding gesture.

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a transport trailer comprising:

[0012] - a central structure with two lateral supports, each carrying a wheel for moving said trailer;

[0013] - a rear structure having two lateral arms, each having a front section articulated in rotation on a rear area of ​​a support and a rear section articulated in rotation on the front section between an extended position of use and a folded position of storage;

[0014] - a front structure having two lateral arms that are rotationally articulated on a front area of ​​a support; said trailer comprising a connecting rod mechanism linking the rear sections to the central and front structures, said connecting rod mechanism being arranged so that folding the rear sections induces reversible folding of said trailer from a usage configuration in which the structures are arranged in line with each other to form a transport cradle to a storage configuration in which the rear and front structures are arranged on either side of the central structure by joint rotational movement of said rear and front structures. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0015] [Fig.1a] and

[0016] [Fig.1 b] represent, in perspective seen from the front, a trailer according to the invention in configuration of use, arranged to be moved respectively by traction by a light vehicle of the bicycle type (figure 1a) and by a user moving on foot, like a stroller (figure 1 b);

[0017] [Fig. 2a] and

[0018] [Fig.2b] represent, respectively in side view and in perspective from the front, the trailer of figures 1a and 1b without its movement accessories, respectively partially in storage configuration (figure 2a) and in use configuration (figure 2b);

[0019] [Fig.3] partially represents, in perspective seen from the rear, one side of the central and front structures of the trailer in figure 2b;

[0020] [Fig.4a]

[0021] [Fig.4b] and

[0022] [Fig.4c] each represent, in assembled perspective (figure 4a) and exploded view according to different views (figures 4b, 4c), a reversible locking mechanism equipping a joint of the trailer of the previous figures;

[0023] [Fig. 5a] and

[0024] [Fig.5b] each represent, in perspective seen from the front, an intermediate stage of folding the trailer from figure 2b towards its storage configuration;

[0025] [Fig.6] partially represents, in perspective top view, one side of the trailer in figure 5b;

[0026] [Fig.7a] and

[0027] [Fig.7b] represent, in perspective from different views, the trailer of figures 2a and 2b in storage configuration.

[0028] In relation to these figures, a transport trailer is described below, specifically arranged to allow the transport of passengers P, such as infants or animals, and / or goods. The trailer comprises a central structure 1, as well as front structures 2 and rear structures 3 which extend longitudinally on either side of said central structure, so as to together form a transport cradle for receiving at least one passenger and / or at least one item of goods.

[0029] In the description, terms referring to spatial positioning are used in reference to the trailer as shown in the figures. Thus:

[0030] - the terms "front" and "rear" are defined in relation to the direction of movement of the trailer, and refer to arrangements located respectively on the right and left in figures 1a, 1b, 2b, 5a and 5b;

[0031] - the terms "left" and "right" are taken in reference to the laterality of a passenger P occupying the trailer, as shown in figure 1a;

[0032] - the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction parallel to a dimension of the trailer measured in a sagittal plane extending between the front and rear ends of said trailer, the term "transverse" referring to a direction perpendicular to this sagittal plane.

[0033] The central structure 1 has two lateral supports 4 which each carry a wheel 5 to allow the movement of the trailer.

[0034] Each support 4 has a substantially T-shaped geometry, with an upper bar 4a which has front and rear areas on which the front 2 and rear 3 structures are associated respectively, and a lower section 4b on which a wheel 5 is mounted.

[0035] In relation to figures 1b, 2b, 5a, 5b and 6, the lower sections 4b are linked by a cross member 6 which can be aligned transversely with the respective axes of rotation of the wheels 5, in order to form an axle for said wheels.

[0036] Each support 4 is equipped with a plate 7 on which a wheel 5 is mounted for rotation, said plate being equipped with a system 8 for damping said wheel during the movement of the trailer, particularly on uneven and / or rough ground.

[0037] In particular, each plate 7 has a central zone 7a which is mounted for rotation on the corresponding support 4, as well as two opposing upper free zones 7b and lower free zones 7c which respectively carry the damping mechanism 8 and a wheel 5.

[0038] The damping mechanism 8 includes a damper mounted between the plate 7 and the support 4, being provided with a suspension leg surrounded by a helical spring 9, the ends of said leg being mounted in rotation respectively on the upper free zone 7b and near the corresponding upper bar 4a.

[0039] The front structure 2 has two lateral arms 10 which are rotationally articulated on a front area of ​​respectively a top bar 4a.

[0040] In relation to the figures, the front arms 10 are connected by a rear cross member 11, as well as by a lower arch 12 which extends transversely between the front ends of said arms.

[0041] In particular, the lower hoop 12 is raised relative to the rear cross member 11, and the front structure 2 includes a transverse panel 13 which is connected between the lower hoop 12 and the front portions of each of the arms 10, forming a surface for the feet of a passenger(s) P of the trailer. Alternatively, the foot support surface can be provided by a canvas stretched between the arms 10 and the lower hoop 12.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the front structure 2 is equipped with a device 14 to allow reversible attachment of at least one wheel 15 (Figure 1a) and / or a traction element 16 (Figure 1b), in particular by a light vehicle such as a bicycle, said device including in particular a rail 14 which is fixed to the lower hoop 12. Thus, the trailer can selectively be used alone, for example as a stroller, or with a bicycle-type vehicle, to transport passengers P such as young children and / or goods, the user selectively mounting at least one front wheel 15 or the traction element 16 according to the mode of use chosen.

[0043] At least one front wheel 15 is mounted for rotation, along a substantially horizontal axis, between the arms of a fork 15a the upper part of which is intended to be mounted for rotation on the rail 14 along a substantially vertical axis, in order to allow the user to change the direction of movement of the trailer when using it as a stroller.

[0044] Similarly, the traction member 16 includes an arm whose rear end is intended to be fixed by clipping onto the rail 14 of the trailer, and whose front end is equipped with a reversible fixing means 16a to the frame of a conventional bicycle, for example on the rear wheel axle of such a bicycle.

[0045] The rear structure 3 has two lateral arms 17, each of which has a front section 17a articulated in rotation on a rear area of ​​a top bar 4a respectively, and a rear section 17b which is articulated in rotation on the front section 17a between an extended position of use and a folded position for storing the trailer.

[0046] In relation to figures 1a, 1b, 2b, 5a and 5b, the rear sections 17b are connected by at least one cross member 18, 19, and in particular by two upper cross members 18 and lower cross members 19 spaced vertically apart.

[0047] The trailer may include a seat 20, in particular made of textile material, which may be associated with the cross members 6, 11, 18 to accommodate at least one passenger P. In relation to figure 1a, the trailer and the seat 20 each have a transverse dimension suitable for accommodating two young children P side by side. At least one of the cross members 18, 19 of the rear structure 3 may be arranged to allow the attachment of additional luggage, in particular to the rear of the seat 20.

[0048] The rear sections 17b are connected by at least one upper hoop 21, 22, and in particular, as shown in the figures, two upper hoops respectively front 21 and rear 22, at least the rear hoop 22 being articulated in rotation on said rear sections.

[0049] Especially :

[0050] - the front hoop 21 is fixedly mounted on the upper ends 23 of the rear sections 17b, from which it extends forward in a substantially longitudinal direction;

[0051] - the rear hoop 22 has two free ends 24 which are each mounted in rotation, along a transverse axis, on an upper end 23 of respectively a rear section 17b, so as to be able to be moved in rotation between a folded position in the front hoop 21 and a longitudinally deployed position at the rear of said front hoop.

[0052] The rear hoop 22 can be positioned in its deployed position when the trailer is used alone as a stroller (Figure 1b), to enable the user to handle said trailer by grasping said rear hoop with both hands.

[0053] Similarly, the rear hoop 22 can be folded down when not in use, particularly when the trailer is intended to be towed by a bicycle (Figure 1a) and / or to reduce the trailer's volume when folded. The front hoop 21 also provides protection for occupants of the trailer in the event of a rollover. Advantageously, the front hoop 21 and lower hoop 12 are arranged to allow the attachment of a canopy, particularly one made of waterproof and / or at least partially transparent material, to protect the passenger(s) P and / or the goods being transported in the trailer from sun, wind, and / or rain.

[0054] In addition, the central crossbar 6 can be fitted with a pedal 25 to allow the user to lock the rotation of the wheels 5 when the trailer is used as a stroller, in order to prevent any unintentional movement of said trailer, particularly on sloping terrain.

[0055] The trailer includes a connecting rod mechanism 26 linking the rear sections 17b to the central structures 1 and front 2, said connecting rod mechanism being arranged so that the folding of the rear sections 17b induces the reversible folding of said trailer from a use configuration, in which the structures 1, 2, 3 are arranged in line with each other to form a transport cradle as described previously, to a storage configuration, in which the rear structures 3 and front 2 are arranged on either side of the central structure 1 by joint rotational movement of said rear and front structures.

[0056] This arrangement allows the user to perform a simultaneous folding of the front structures 2 and rear structures 3 only by manually folding the rear structure 3, which constitutes a particularly simple gesture to implement, as well as an unfolding with automatic locking of the position of structures 1, 2, 3.

[0057] Furthermore, folding each of the front 17a and rear 17b sections allows for a storage configuration in which the trailer's footprint is reduced in at least two dimensions, namely length and height, to facilitate storage in small spaces, such as a closet in a home, but also in the luggage compartment of a motor vehicle or train. To allow the rear structure 3 to fold, sections 17a and 17b of each of the arms 17 are linked by a folding hinge 27 of the rear section 17b onto the front section 17a opposite the central structure 1.

[0058] In particular, each rear section 17b has a lower extension 28 which extends beyond the joint 27, following a substantially vertical direction in the trailer's operating configuration, the connecting rod mechanism 26 being linked to said extension.

[0059] In relation to the figures, each of the rear sections 17b comprises a part 29, notably formed by injection and molding of a thermoplastic material, said part 29 comprising:

[0060] - an upper part 30 intended to be inserted into the lower end of a tube of the rear section 17b;

[0061] - a central housing 31 carrying the folding joint 27 of the rear section 17b on the corresponding front section 17a;

[0062] - a lower part 32 forming the extension 28, the free end of which is provided with orifices 33 for the rotational mounting of the connecting rod mechanism 26.

[0063] In particular, each extension 28 includes a rear lobe 34 in which an opening is formed for mounting one end of the lower cross member 19, in order to connect the extensions 28 of each arm 17 by means of said cross member.

[0064] The connecting rod mechanism has two articulated connecting rods 26, left and right respectively, which each link a rear section 17b, a support 4 and a front lateral arm 10 on the corresponding side.

[0065] Each connecting rod 26 successively presents a rear section 26a linked in rotation on either side respectively to the rear section 17b and to the support 4, as well as an intermediate section 26b linked in rotation on either side respectively to the support 4 and to a front section 26c which is itself linked in rotation to the front lateral arm 10.

[0066] In particular, each connecting rod 26 comprises:

[0067] - a bent branch 35 forming in one piece the rear section 26a and intermediate section 26b, the intersection between said sections being formed at the bend of said branch which is rotationally connected to the support 4; and

[0068] - a straight branch 36 forming the front section 26c, whose rear and front ends are rotationally linked to respectively the corresponding intermediate section 26b and front lateral arm 10.

[0069] Advantageously, the branches 35 are mobile in rotation on the support 4 and are connected by pivots to the rear sections 17b and branches 36, themselves connected by pivot to the arm 10.

[0070] In relation to the figures, the rear sections 26a and intermediate 26b of each connecting rod 26 are rotationally linked, in particular jointly, to the corresponding lower section 4b of the central structure 1. Furthermore, the rear sections 26a are rotationally linked in the orifices 33 of the extensions 28.

[0071] Each front section 17a has a rear end on which is mounted a part 37 comprising, made of material joined together:

[0072] - a lower part 38 which is intended to be inserted into the upper end of a tube of said front section;

[0073] - a hood 39 which is mounted in relative rotation about a transverse axis in a central housing 31, in order to form the folding joint 27 of the rear structure 3.

[0074] To prevent any unintentional folding of the trailer, at least one joint 27 is equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent its rotation. To this end, as shown in Figures 4b and 4c, the housings 31 and the covers 39 together form a housing in which a toothed wheel 40 for locking the joint 27 is located, each housing 31 and cover 39 having a complementary internal toothed ring 31a, 39a with which said toothed wheel is simultaneously meshed to lock their relative rotation, in particular to ensure the engagement of at least one angular position.

[0075] The joint 27 further includes a helical spring 41 which is arranged in a transverse support between the central housing 31 and the toothed wheel 40, in order to constrain said toothed wheel in a rotationally locked position.

[0076] To enable its unlocking, the joint 27 includes a push button 42 which is mounted in translation in a cavity 43 provided for this purpose on a face of the cover 39 opposite the housing for receiving the gear 40, said push button comprising at least two - in particular three in the figures - tabs 44 each arranged in a bore 45 through said cover to bear transversely on the gear 40, opposite the tension spring 41.

[0077] Thus, when the user presses the button 42, it moves the toothed wheel 40 towards the central housing 31, in order to compress the spring 41 and disengage said wheel from said housing, which allows the rotation of said hood relative to said central housing to be freed, and therefore to bend the rear section 17b relative to the corresponding front section 17a.

[0078] Similarly, when the user releases button 42, particularly after deploying and / or folding the rear structure 3 relative to the central structure 1, the elastic return of spring 41 causes a transverse displacement of the gear 40 towards the cover 39, and a gear engagement of said gear with the ring 39a, thus locking its rotation relative to the central housing 31. Specifically, the folded configuration may or may not require locking in position. Advantageously, at least one locking mechanism includes two separate unlocking means to prevent its accidental deactivation, particularly by a young child. This arrangement results in a trailer that meets the specific safety requirements for cycle trailers set out in the European standard EN 15918.

[0079] In the embodiment shown, the mechanism includes a first unlocking means formed by the push button 42, as well as a second unlocking means which includes a tab 46 disposed in the cover 39 and in transverse aspect of the push button 42, said tab being mounted in translation, along a direction perpendicular to the transverse axis of movement of said push button, between a stable - respectively constrained - locking - unlocking position of said push button.

[0080] In particular, leg 46 includes:

[0081] - a flat rod 46a provided with two arched notches 47 intended to come into transverse contact with respectively a part of an internal edge 42a of the push button 42 in the unlocking position, in order to allow the actuation of said push button to unlock the joint 27;

[0082] - an actuation head 46b projecting into a notch 48 formed on the periphery of the cover 39 in the locked position, in order to allow the user to unlock the push button 42 by pressing on said head.

[0083] Thus, to unlock the joint, the user presses the actuating head 46b to position the leg 46 in the unlocking position of the push button 42 and then, while maintaining pressure on said head, presses said push button to disengage the toothed wheel 40 from the hood 39, in order to be able to fold and / or unfold the rear structure 3, and therefore the trailer.

[0084] Furthermore, the second unlocking means comprises a helical spring 49 arranged to constrain the tab 46 in the locking position of the push button 42, so as to allow the tab to spring back into the locked position when the user releases the actuating head 46b. In addition, automatic locking can be provided when the user releases the push button 42. In particular, the mechanism thus arranged allows automatic locking during unfolding.

[0085] To meet the safety requirements of the EN 15918 standard mentioned above, the trailer also includes at least one protective deflector 50 which is mounted on the front structure 2 to be positioned opposite a wheel 5 in the configuration of use, in order to be able to deflect the trajectory of said trailer when said wheel encounters an obstacle.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the trailer comprises two deflectors 50, each mounted on the outside of a respective front lateral arm 10, positioned longitudinally opposite the corresponding wheel 5, said deflectors being aligned transversely with the cross member 11 connecting said front arms. Alternatively, the deflectors 50 may not be aligned with the cross member 11.

[0087] Advantageously, to limit the transverse bulk of the trailer in storage configuration, each diverter 50 is mounted in rotation on the front structure 2 between a deployed protective position and a retracted position on the corresponding lateral arm 10, the connecting rod mechanism 26 being equipped with a cam 51 which is arranged to actuate the movement of said diverter in the retracted position when folding said trailer.

[0088] As shown more particularly in Figure 6, each front connecting rod section 26c has a transverse finger 52 forming the cam 51, and cooperating with a ramp 53 formed on the deflector 50 to actuate its retraction when folding the trailer, and this against an elastic return means of said deflector to its deployed position.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Transport trailer comprising: - a central structure (1) having two lateral supports (4) each carrying a wheel (5) for moving said trailer; - a rear structure (3) having two lateral arms (17) which each have a front section (17a) articulated in rotation on a rear area of ​​respectively a support (4) and a rear section (17b) articulated in rotation on the front section (17a) between an extended position of use and a folded position of storage; - a front structure (2) having two lateral arms (10) which are rotationally articulated on a front area of ​​respectively a support (4); said trailer being characterized in that it comprises a connecting rod mechanism (26) linking the rear sections (17b) to the central (1) and front (2) structures, said connecting rod mechanism being arranged so that the folding of the rear sections (17b) induces the reversible folding of said trailer from a use configuration in which the structures (1, 2, 3) are arranged in line with each other to form a transport cradle to a storage configuration in which the rear (3) and front (2) structures are arranged on either side of the central structure (1) by joint rotational movement of said rear and front structures.

2. Transport trailer according to claim 1, characterized in that the sections (17a, 17b) of each of the arms (17) are linked by a folding joint (27) of the rear section (17b) on the front section (17a) opposite the central structure (1).

3. Transport trailer according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the rear sections (17b) has an extension (28) extending beyond the joint (27), the connecting rod mechanism (26) being linked to said extension.

4. Transport trailer according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the rear sections (17b) comprises a part (29) having a housing (31) carrying the articulation (27) and a lower part (32) forming the extension (28).

5. Transport trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting rod mechanism has two articulated connecting rods (26) respectively left and right each linking a rear section (17b), a support (4) and a front lateral arm (10).

6. Transport trailer according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the connecting rods (26) successively presents a rear section (26a) linked in rotation on either side respectively to the rear section (17b) and to the support (4), an intermediate section (26b) linked in rotation on either side respectively to the support (4) and to a front section (26c) which is itself linked in rotation to the front lateral arm (10).

7. Transport trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each of the supports (4) has an upper bar (4a) having a front area and a rear area on which respectively an arm (10, 17) is articulated, and a lower section (4b) on which the wheel (5) is mounted.

8. Transport trailer according to claim 7 when it depends on claim 6, characterized in that the rear (26a) and intermediate (26b) sections are linked to the corresponding lower section (4b).

9. Transport trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each of the supports (4) is equipped with a plate (7) on which a wheel (5) is mounted for rotation, said plate being equipped with a damping mechanism (8). 16 10. Transport trailer according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that at least one joint (27) is equipped with a rotation locking mechanism (31, 39, 40, 41), said mechanism comprising two separate unlocking means (42, 46).

11. Transport trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rear sections (17b) are connected by at least one upper hoop (21, 22).

12. Transport trailer according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a front hoop (21) and a rear hoop (22), at least said rear hoop being rotationally articulated on the rear sections (17b).

13. Transport trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the front structure (2) is equipped with a reversible wheel (14) fixing device (15) and / or a traction member fixing device (16).

14. Transport trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises at least one protective deflector (50) which is mounted on the front structure (2) to be disposed opposite a wheel (5) in the configuration of use, said deflector is rotatably mounted on the front structure (2) between a deployed protective position and a retracted position, the connecting rod mechanism (26) being equipped with a cam (51) which is arranged to actuate the movement of said deflector into the retracted position when folding said trailer.

15. Transport trailer according to claim 14, characterized in that the cam (51) is in the form of a transverse finger (52) which cooperates with a ramp (53) of the deflector (50) to actuate its retraction against an elastic return means.

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