A mudguard

Abstract

A mudguard for a bicycle, the mudguard including: a mudguard portion positionable in use adjacent a ground engaging surface of a tyre of a wheel of the bicycle, said wheel being rotatable about an axis Xa, wherein the mudguard portion is shaped so as to extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the tyre; a user-graspable handle connected directly or indirectly to the mudguard portion, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle being positioned radially further away from the axis Xa than the mudguard portion; and wherein a space is at least partially defined between the mudguard portion and the user-graspable handle, said space being sized so as to receive at least a plurality of digits of a human hand.

Description

[0001] A mudguard

[0002] FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mudguard, and in particular to a mudguard for a bicycle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Many vehicles, such as bicycles, are intended for use in a variety of terrains and environmental settings. In certain settings, inclement weather conditions may cause a ground surface to become waterlogged or muddy. In other settings, a ground surface may be dry and occupied with loose dirt, sand or dust. In these scenarios, the rotation of ground engaging wheel of a vehicle may disturb the ground surface and cause loose elements from the ground, such as mud or loose dirt, to become airborne.

[0006] To mitigate the effects of a ground engaging wheel causing loose elements to become airborne, many vehicles may be equipped with a mudguard, or a plurality of mudguards, which acts as a barrier to prevent further movement of said elements through the air.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide a mudguard for a bicycle, the mudguard including: a mudguard portion positionable in use adjacent a ground engaging surface of a tyre of a wheel of the bicycle, said wheel being rotatable about an axis Xa, wherein the mudguard portion is shaped so as to extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the tyre; a user-graspable handle connected directly or indirectly to the mudguard portion, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle being positioned radially further away from the axis Xa than the mudguard portion; and wherein a space is at least partially defined between the mudguard portion and the user- graspable handle, said space being sized so as to receive at least a plurality of digits of a human hand.

[0010] The user-graspable handle may generally extend in a direction perpendicular to, or inclined relative to, the axis Xa.

[0011] H 16520 WO At least a portion of the user-graspable handle may be shaped so as extend generally arcuately relative to the axis Xa.

[0012] At least a portion of the user-graspable handle and a portion of the mudguard portion may be generally concentric with the axis Xa.

[0013] The user-graspable handle may include a first end, the first end connected to the mudguard portion and generally extending away from the mudguard portion.

[0014] The user-graspable handle may be integrally formed with the mudguard portion.

[0015] At least a portion of the space defined between mudguard portion and the user-graspable handle may be generally annular, preferably wherein the annular portion of the space is generally concentric with the axis Xa.

[0016] The user-graspable handle may include a connection portion positioned at a second end of the handle, the connection portion being connectable to a part of the bicycle.

[0017] In use, a user’s digits may be receivable within the space in a direction which is generally parallel to, or inclined relative to, the axis Xa when a user grasps the user-graspable handle.

[0018] There may be a plane perpendicular to the axis Xa, said plane extending centrally through the mudguard portion.

[0019] The plane may extend generally centrally through the user-graspable handle.

[0020] The mudguard portion may be generally symmetrical about the plane, and preferably the user- graspable handle may be generally symmetrical about the plane.

[0021] The user-graspable handle may be asymmetrical about the plane.

[0022] The user-graspable handle may be positioned to a side of the plane, such that the plane does not extend through the user-graspable handle.

[0023] The mudguard may have a width Wm, and the user graspable handle may have a width Wh, and wherein the width of the user graspable handle may be equal to, or less than, the width Wm of the mudguard.

[0024] H 16520 WO There may be a plane M1 perpendicular to the axis Xa, said plane generally coincident with an outermost edge of the mudguard.

[0025] No portion of the user-graspable handle may extend beyond the plane M1.

[0026] There may be a plane M2 perpendicular to the axis Xa, generally opposite the plane M1 , said plane generally coincident with an outermost edge of the mudguard.

[0027] No portion of the user-graspable handle may extend beyond the plane M2.

[0028] The mudguard may further include a further user-graspable handle, the further user-graspable handle including any of the features of the user-graspable handle described above.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a bicycle including a mudguard having any of the features described above, said bicycle including a front tyre supported by a front wheel and a rear tyre supported by a rear wheel.

[0030] The mudguard may be positioned so as to extend circumferentially around a front tyre of the bicycle.

[0031] The user-graspable handle may be positioned rearwardly of a front fork of the bicycle, or the user- graspable handle may be positioned forwardly a front fork of the bicycle.

[0032] The user-graspable handle may be positioned rearwardly of a front fork of the bicycle, and the further user-graspable handle may be positioned forwardly of the front fork of the bicycle.

[0033] The connection portion may be connected to a / the front fork of the bicycle.

[0034] The bicycle may be a folding bicycle, the bicycle may include a first frame portion for supporting a seat post and a second frame portion pivotably connected to the first frame portion, wherein a fork for supporting a front wheel is rotatably connected to the second portion, wherein the second frame portion may be pivotably moveable relative to the first frame portion between an in-use ridable condition and a stowed condition wherein the second frame portion is positioned to a side of the first frame portion, and wherein, when the second frame portion is in its stowed condition, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle of the mudguard may be positioned further away from a ground surface than the mudguard portion.

[0035] The mudguard may be positioned so as to extend circumferentially around a rear tyre of the bicycle.

[0036] H 16520 WO The connection portion may be connectable to a part of the bicycle proximate the rear wheel.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] In orderthatthe present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] FIGURE 1 is a side view of a bicycle in its in-use condition, embodying the present disclosure;

[0040] FIGURE 2 is a front view of the bicycle of figure 1 ;

[0041] FIGURE 3 is a rear view of the bicycle of figure 1 ;

[0042] FIGURE 4 is a rear perspective view of a mudguard, embodying the present disclosure;

[0043] FIGURE 5 is a side detail view of a part of the bicycle of figure 1 ;

[0044] FIGURE 6 is a side detail view of a part of the bicycle of figure 1 ;

[0045] FIGURE 7 is a rear perspective detail view of a part of the bicycle of figure 1 ;

[0046] FIGURE 8 is a rear perspective detail view of a part of a bicycle, embodying the present disclosure;

[0047] FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle of figure 1 with the second and third frame portions in their stowed conditions;

[0048] FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle of figure 8 with the second and third frame portions in their stowed conditions;

[0049] FIGURE 1 1 is a side view of a bicycle of figure 1 with the second and third frame portions in their stowed conditions;

[0050] FIGURE 12 is a rear view of the bicycle of figure 8, with the second and third frame portions in their stowed conditions;

[0051] FIGURE 13 is a rear view of the bicycle of figure 1 , with the second and third frame portions in their stowed conditions;

[0052] H 16520 WO FIGURE 14 is a side view of the bicycle of figure 1 , with the second and third frame portions in their stowed conditions; and

[0053] FIGURE 15 is a side view of the figure 1 , with the second and third frame portions in their stowed conditions, showing the ground clearance present when the bicycle is lifted by a seat or by a user- graspable handle.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0055] Referring to the figures, there is provided a mudguard 10 for a bicycle 1000 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0056] The mudguard 10 includes a mudguard portion 12, a user-graspable handle 14. A space 16 is at least partially defined between the mudguard portion 12 and user-graspable handle 14.

[0057] As shown in the figures, the mudguard 10 is a mudguard for a bicycle 1000. The bicycle 1000 may be a folding bicycle having a frame formed of two or more frame portions. The bicycle 1000 may include a bicycle frame 100 having a first frame portion 110, a second frame portion 120 and a third frame portion 130. The first frame portion 110 may support a seat post 90 and a pedal assembly 70. The second frame portion 120 may be pivotably connected to the first frame portion 110, and the second frame portion 120 may include, may be connected to, or may support a handlebar stem 80, with the stem supporting a handlebar assembly 82. A fork 60 may be rotatably connected the second frame portion 120, with the fork 60 connected to the handlebar stem 80 which enables the fork 60 to be rotated relative to the second frame portion 120 by a user of the bicycle 100, so that the user may steer the bicycle 1000 during use. A ground engaging front wheel 50a may be rotatably connected to the fork 60, and may be rotatable about an axis of rotation Xa. The ground engaging front wheel 50a may include a front tyre 52a which extends circumferentially around the periphery of the wheel 50a.

[0058] The second frame portion 120 may pivotably connected, via connection methods known in the art, to the first frame portion 110 and may be moveable relative to the first frame portion 110 between an in-use ridable condition and a stowed condition. In the in-use ridable condition, the second frame portion 120 may be positioned generally in front of the first frame portion 110 such that the front wheel 50a is positioned in front of the first frame portion 110 and the user of the bicycle 1000 during normal operation. In the stowed condition, the second frame portion 120 may be pivotably moved relative to the first frame portion 110, such that the second frame portion 120 and front wheel 50a are positioned laterally to a side of the first frame portion 110.

[0059] In embodiments wherein the bicycle frame 100 includes a third frame portion 130, the third frame portion 130 may be a part of the bicycle frame 100 to which a ground engaging rear wheel 50b is

[0060] H 16520 WO rotatably connected to, with said rear wheel 50b rotatable relative to the third frame portion 130 about an axis of rotation Xb. The ground engaging rear wheel 50b may include a rear tyre 52b which extends circumferentially around the periphery of the wheel 50b. The third frame portion 130 may be pivotably connected to the first frame portion 110, and may be moveable relative to the first frame portion 110 between an in-use ridable condition and a stowed condition. In the in-use ridable condition, the third frame portion 130 may be positioned generally rearwardly of the first frame portion 110 such that the rear wheel 50b is positioned rearwardly of the first frame portion 110 and the user of the bicycle 1000 during normal operation. In the stowed condition, the third frame portion 130 may be pivotably moved relative to the first frame portion 110, such that at least a portion of the third frame portion 130 and the rear wheel 50b are positioned generally underneath the first frame portion 110. In the stowed condition, the third frame portion 130 and rear wheel 50b may be generally in line with the first frame portion 110, for instance, when the bicycle is viewed in a plan view.

[0061] In other embodiments, the bicycle 100 may be of a non-folding construction, such as a mountain bike, a road bike, a BMX bike or any other suitable type of bicycle. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the bicycle 100 is an electric bicycle, having a drive source drivingly connected to at least one of the wheels 50a, 50b. In other embodiments, the bicycle 100 may be a push bike, for example a bicycle which is powered exclusively through muscular effort of the user.

[0062] With particular reference to figures 4 to 8, the mudguard 10 includes a mudguard portion 12 and a user-graspable handle 14. The mudguard 10 may be connected to a part of the bicycle 1000, in ways readily understood by the skilled person. For example, the mudguard 10 may include a mounting portion 15 which may be used to connect the mudguard 10 to a part of the bicycle 1000. For example, if the mudguard 10 is to be connected to the bicycle 1000 such that it is positioned adjacent the front wheel 50a, the mounting portion 15 may connect near to, or directly to, a part of the fork 60 to which the front wheel 50a is rotatably connected. In other embodiments, the mudguard 10 may be connectable to other parts of the fork 60 and may be connected to parts of the fork 60 through the use of threaded fasteners, snap-fits, interlocking formations or any other suitable connection mechanisms. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the mudguard 10 may be positionable adjacent the rear wheel 50b of the bicycle 1000.

[0063] The mudguard portion 12 is positionable adjacent a ground engaging surface of a tyre 52a, 52b of the bicycle 1000. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the mudguard portion 12 is positioned adjacent a ground engaging surface of the front tyre 52a of the front wheel 50a. The mudguard portion 12 is shaped so as to extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the respective tyre 52a, 52b. As such, when the mudguard 10 is connected to a bicycle 1000, the mudguard portion 12 may extend in a direction which is generally perpendicular to, or generally inclined relative to, the axis of rotation Xa, Xb, of the wheel 50a, 50b to which the mudguard 10 is positioned adjacent to. Whilst the mudguard portion 12 is positionable adjacent the tyre 52a, 52b, it does not directly contact

[0064] H 16520 WO the tyre 52a, 52b during normal usage of the bicycle 1000. As such, the mudguard portion 12 is positioned at a radial distance from the ground engaging surface of the adjacent tyre 52a, 52b, and is formed as a generally arcuate structure. The mudguard portion 12 may thus be shaped so as extend generally arcuately relative to an axis of rotation Xa, Xb of a wheel 50a, 50b of the bicycle 1000. In embodiments, the arcuate mudguard portion 12 may have a greater radius R1 than the radius of the tyre 52a, 52b, and may be positioned such that the mudguard portion 12 and respective tyre 52a, 52b are generally concentric. In other words, the mudguard portion 12 may be formed as a part of a ring or annulus which generally corresponds to the circumference of the tyre 52a, 52b, but is sized such that sufficient clearance between the mudguard portion 12 and the ground engaging surface of the tyre 52a, 52b is provided. The mudguard 10 may be connected to the bicycle 1000 such that the mudguard portion 12 generally faces towards a user and to other parts of the bicycle 1000 such as the handlebar stem 80 and handlebar assembly 82. As such, the mudguard portion 12 may prevent dirt, sand, mud or other unwanted debris from being propelled towards a user as the respective tyre 52a, 52b disturbs a ground surface during normal usage. Additionally, it may protect the user’s clothing from entanglement with a respective wheel 50a, 50b. For example, when the mudguard 10 is positioned adjacent to the tyre 52a of the front wheel 50a, at least a portion of the mudguard portion 12 may be positioned behind the fork 60. A portion of the mudguard portion 12 may also be positioned in front of the fork 60, to prevent debris from reaching the handlebars 82. The mudguard portion 12 may be formed from any suitable material, or combination of materials, such as plastic materials, elastomeric materials, metallic materials, or composite materials.

[0065] As shown in the figures, the mudguard 10 includes a user-graspable handle 14 which is connected, directly or indirectly, to the mudguard portion 12. At least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 is positioned radially further away from the tyre 52a, 52b than the mudguard portion 12, i.e., the user- graspable handle 14 is positioned at a greater linear distance from the axis of rotation Xa, Xb of the respective wheel 50a, 50b which supports the adjacent tyre 52a, 52b relative to the mudguard portion 12, as shown in figure 6. When the mudguard 10 is connected to a bicycle 1000, the user-graspable portion 14 may extend in a direction which is generally perpendicular to, or generally inclined relative to, the axis of rotation Xa, Xb, of the wheel 50a, 50b to which the mudguard 10 is positioned adjacent to. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 may be shaped so as extend generally arcuately relative to an axis of rotation Xa, Xb of a wheel 50a, 50b of the bicycle 1000. In embodiments, the arcuate portion of the user-graspable handle 14 may have a radius R2 which is greater than the radius of the tyre 52a, 52b, and greater than the radius R1 of the mudguard portion 12, if applicable. In some embodiments, the user graspable-handle 14 may be positioned such at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 and the mudguard portion 12 are generally concentric. In embodiments wherein at least a portion of the mudguard portion 12 is generally concentric with the tyre 52a, 52b, at least a portion of the user graspable handle 14 may be generally concentric with the portion of the mudguard portion 12 and the tyre 52a, 52b. As such, at least a part of the user graspable handle 14 may be formed as a part of a ring or annulus. In other

[0066] H 16520 WO embodiments, the user graspable handle 14, or at least a portion of it, may be formed such that it is not arcuate and thus not concentric with the mudguard portion 12. In such embodiments, the user- graspable handle 14 may extend in a generally linear direction, and as such may be a flat or straight handle, or may be formed as any suitable shape.

[0067] Due to at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 being positioned radially further away from the tyre 52a, 52b that the mudguard portion 12, a space 16 is at least partially defined between the mudguard portion 12 and the user-graspable handle 14. The space 16 is sized to receive a plurality of human digits, and thus may enable a user to grasp the user-graspable handle 14 with their fingers and palm wrapped around said handle 14. When the handle 14 is grasped by a user in this way, the user’s palm may be generally positioned adjacent the user-graspable handle 14 (for example, it may be generally above the handle 14, with the palm contacting at least an upwardly facing surface of the handle 14), and the user’s digits may pass through the space 16 with at least a part of their digits being in contact with a downwardly facing surface if the handle 14 which generally faces the mudguard portion 12. As such, the user may be able to grasp the handle 14 using a closed hand grip, which advantageously provides a less strenuous experience when using the handle 14 to move or lift the bicycle 1000. As explained in more detail below, the user-graspable handle 14, the mudguard portion 12 and the space 16 between said handle 14 and mudguard portion 12 may allow a user of the bicycle 1000 to hold the bicycle 1000 and to move the bicycle 1000 when the user is not seated on the bicycle 1000.

[0068] In embodiments wherein at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 and a portion of the mudguard portion 12 extend generally arcuately relative to an axis of rotation Xa, Xb of an adjacent wheel 50a, 50b, at least a portion of the space 16 generally defined by the handle 14 and the mudguard portion 12 may be generally annular, as shown in figure 6. In embodiments wherein, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 and a portion of the mudguard portion 12 are generally concentric with an adjacent wheel 50a, 50b, at least a portion of the space 16 generally defined by the handle 14 and the mudguard portion 12 may also be generally concentric with the corresponding wheel 50a, 50b. In embodiments, as at least a portion of the mudguard portion 12 and handle 14 extend in a direction which is generally inline with the circumference of the adjacent tyre 52a, 52b, and in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation Xa, Xb of an adjacent wheel 50a, 50b, the space 16 is thus positioned such that a user’s digits are oriented within the space 16 which is generally parallel to, or inclined relative to, the axis of rotation Xa, Xb of the adjacent wheel 50a, 50b. In other words, the user’s digits are received by the space 16 such they the digits generally extend across the mudguard 10 in a lateral direction, i.e., from a side of the mudguard 10 corresponding to a left or right side of the adjacent wheel 50a, 50b to a side of the mudguard 10 corresponding to the other of the left or right side of the adjacent wheel 50a, 50b.

[0069] H 16520 WO As shown in figures 4 and 5, the user-graspable handle 14 includes a first end 141 and a second end 142. The first end 141 may be connected to the mudguard portion 12 and may generally extend away from the mudguard portion 12. The first end 141 may thus serve as a connection between the remainder of the user-graspable handle 14 and the mudguard portion 12. The first end 141 may be formed such that it extends generally linearly (i.e., as a flat or straight portion) away from the mudguard portion 12, in a direction generally perpendicular to or inclined relative to the part of the mudguard portion to which it connects. In other embodiments, the first end 141 may be generally curved or arcuate, or any other suitable shape.

[0070] In embodiments, the user-graspable handle 14 may be formed from a different material to the mudguard portion 12, and as such the first end 141 of the user graspable handle 14 may connect to the mudguard portion 12 through the user of fasteners, snap-fits, adhesive, bonding, or any other suitable connection means. In other embodiments, the user-graspable handle 14 may be formed from the same material as the mudguard portion 12, and may be integrally formed with the mudguard portion 12.

[0071] As shown in figures 4 and 5, the user-graspable handle 14 may include a connection portion 145 positioned at a second end 142 of the handle 14. The connection portion 145 may be formed such that it may be connectable to a part of the bicycle 1000, and may be formed as a rigid part of the handle 14, or may be provided as a flexible or articulated part of the handle 14. For example, the connection portion 145 may be formed as a flange, or may resemble a part of a right-angle bracket. The connection portion 145 may be formed such that a fastener may pass through it and secure the connection portion 145 to a part of the bicycle 1000, or may include a snap-fit which cooperates with a part of the bicycle 1000, or any other suitable mechanisms for connecting the connection portion 145 to the part of the bicycle 1000. As shown in figures x, when the mudguard 10 is positioned adjacent the front wheel 50a, the connection portion 145 may be formed such that it is connectable to the fork 60 of the bicycle 1000.

[0072] As shown in figures 7, 9 and 13, in embodiments the user-graspable handle 14 may be positioned generally centrally relative to the mudguard portion 12, or may be positioned such that it is generally offset from the centre of the mudguard portion 12. With particular reference to figures x, in embodiments there may be a plane Pa, Pb which is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation Xa, Xb of a wheel 50a, 50b, and may extend generally centrally through the respective wheel 50a, 50b. The plane Pa, Pb may extend generally centrally through the mudguard portion 12, and in some embodiments the mudguard portion may be generally symmetrical about the plane Pa, Pb.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in figure 9, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 may be positioned relative to the mudguard portion 12 such that the plane Pa extends generally centrally through said portion of the user-graspable handle 14. In some embodiments, said portion of the

[0074] H 16520 WO user-graspable handle 14 may be generally symmetrical about the plane Pa. In other embodiments, the user-graspable handle 14 may be generally asymmetrical about the plane Pa. For example, the plane Pa may extend generally through the user-graspable handle 14, but not centrally through the user-graspable handle 14, as shown in figure 10. As such, the user-graspable handle 14 may be generally offset relative to the plane Pa, Pb, such that it is also generally offset relative to the mudguard portion 12. In other words, the user-graspable handle 14 may be positioned more generally towards a lateral side edge of the mudguard portion 12. In some embodiments, the plane Pa, Pb may not extend through the user-graspable handle 14, and thus the user-graspable handle 14 is positioned entirely to one side of the plane Pa, Pb. In other embodiments, the plane Pa, Pb may extend through a part of the user-graspable handle 14, such as a geometric centre-point of the handle 14, but the user-graspable handle 14 may extend in a direction which is inclined relative to the plane Pa, Pb, such that the user-graspable handle 14 is asymmetrical about the plane Pa, Pb.

[0075] In embodiments, such as those shown in figures 9 and 10, the user-graspable handle 14 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 does not extend beyond the mudguard 12 to which it is attached in a lateral direction. In some embodiments, the entirety of the user-graspable handle 14 does not extend beyond the mudguard 12 in a lateral direction. In other words, in some embodiments, no portion of the user-graspable handle 14 extends beyond the mudguard 12 in a lateral direction. In such embodiments, the lateral direction should be understood to be a direction which is generally parallel with the axis of rotation Xa of the front wheel 50a, and generally towards a left or right direction relative to a user during use of the bicycle 1000. As such, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle 14, or the entirety of the user-graspable handle 14, may not extend beyond a lateral side of the mudguard 12. As shown in figures 9 and 10, a plane M1 extends generally parallel to the plane Pa and generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation Xa, and is generally coincident with an outermost edge, i.e., a first lateral outer portion 12a of the mudguard 12. In other words, the plane M1 is positioned such that the outer first lateral portion 12a of the mudguard 12 may be delimited by the plane M1 , and as such does not extend beyond the plane M1 . Thus, as shown in figures 9 and 10, no portion of the user-graspable handle 14 may extend beyond the plane M1 .

[0076] As also shown in figures 9 and 10, a plane M2 extends generally parallel to the plane Pa and is generally coincident with an outermost edge, i.e., a second lateral outer portion 12b of the mudguard 12, which is generally opposite the first lateral outer portion 12a. In other words, the plane M2 is positioned such that the second outer lateral portion 12b of the mudguard 12 is delimited by the plane M2, and as such does not extend beyond the plane M2. Thus, as shown in figures 9 and 10, no portion of the user-graspable handle 14 may extend beyond the plane M2.

[0077] As such, in embodiments, in a lateral direction, the mudguard 12 may be positioned between, and may not extend beyond, the planes M1 and M2 in a lateral direction. Likewise, in embodiments, the

[0078] H 16520 WO user-graspable handle 14 may be positioned between, and may not extend beyond, the planes M1 and M2 in a lateral direction. In other words, the planes M1 and M2 may define outer lateral boundaries of the mudguard 12, and the user-graspable handle 14 does not extend beyond the outer lateral boundaries of the mudguard 12. As such, the user-graspable handle 14 is substantially contained within the planes M1 , M2, with said planes M1 , M2.

[0079] As shown in figures 9 and 10, the mudguard 12 may have a width Wm, which may be considered as the distance between the outermost edges I sides of the mudguard 12 in a lateral direction. It may also be understood to conform to the lateral distance between planes M1 and M2 described above. The user-graspable handle 14 may had a width Wh, which may be considered to be the distance between the outermost edges I sides of the user-graspable handle 14 in a lateral direction. In embodiments, the width Wh of the user-graspable handle 14 may be equal to, or may be less than, the width Wm of the mudguard 12.

[0080] In some embodiments, the mudguard 10 may include a further user-graspable handle 14’ (not shown in the figures), which may include any of the features of the user-graspable handle 14 described above, or subsequently hereon.

[0081] As described above, the user-graspable handle 14 and mudguard portion 12 at least partially define a space 16 which is sized to receive a plurality of human digits. The provision of a user-graspable handle 14 on the mudguard 10 of a bicycle 1000 is advantageous to a user of the bicycle 1000, as set out below.

[0082] As shown in figures, the mudguard 10 is connected to a bicycle 1000, and is positioned such that it is adjacent to the front wheel 50a of the bicycle 1000. Accordingly, the mudguard portion 12 is positioned adjacent a ground engaging surface of the tyre 52a of the front wheel 50a, and extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the tyre 52a. In some embodiments, the mudguard 10 may positioned such that the user-graspable handle 14 is positioned rearwardly of the fork 60 of the bicycle 1000. In embodiments of a mudguard 10 in which the second end 142 of the user-graspable handle 14 includes a connection formation 145, the connection formation 145 may be connectable to a rearwardly facing portion of the fork 60, as shown in the figures. As such, the first end 141 , which is connected to the mudguard portion 12, may be positioned rearwardly of the second end 142, and more generally towards a rear end of the bicycle 1000 when the front wheel 50a is positioned generally in line with the bicycle frame 100. In other embodiments in which the mudguard 10 includes a further user-graspable handle 14’ (not shown), the further user-graspable handle 14’ may be positioned in front of the fork 60. Advantageously, the provision of the handle 14 adjacent the front wheel 50a enables a user of the bicycle 1000 to lift the front end of the bicycle 1000, and in particular the front wheel 50a from the ground surface, without having to grasp the handlebar, handlebar stem or a part of the frame 100. This can be accomplished whilst ensuring that the rear

[0083] H 16520 WO wheel 50b stays in engagement with the ground surface. In other words, the handle 14 of the mudguard 10 enables a user to pivot the bicycle frame 100 about the rear wheel 50b. This is particularly beneficial when a user of the bicycle 1000 is required to orient the bicycle 1000, be that a folding or non-folding bicycle, in a generally upright position (wherein the front wheel 50a may be elevated to roughly head height), so that the user can enter an enclosed space, such as a lift or onto public transport, with the bicycle 1000. In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the mudguard 10 may be positioned adjacent the rear wheel 50b of the bicycle 1000. In embodiments of a mudguard 10 in which the second end 142 of the user-graspable handle 14 includes a connection formation 145, the connection formation 145 may be connectable to a part of the bicycle 1000 proximate to a rear wheel 50b, such as the third frame portion 130.

[0084] As described above, the second frame portion 120 may be pivotably moveable relative to the first frame portion 110 between an in-use ridable condition and a stowed condition. The provision of the user-graspable handle 14 as set out above imbues the same advantages to the user when the second frame portion 120 is in the in-use ridable condition. The user-graspable handle 14 of the mudguard 10 has additional advantages when the second frame portion 120 is in the stowed condition.

[0085] As shown in figures 9 to 13, when the second frame portion 120 is in its stowed condition, the second frame portion 120, the mudguard 10 and the user-graspable handle 14 are generally positioned to a side of the first frame portion 110 (with the side being dependent on the construction and configuration of the pivotable connection between the first and second frame portions 110, 120). The user may wish to move the second frame portion 120 to its stowed condition such that the bicycle 1000 is arranged more compactly, and easier to manually transport / carry the bicycle 1000 when a user is not riding the bicycle 1000. In embodiments whereby the bicycle 1000 includes a third frame portion 130, said third frame portion 130 may also be moveable to a stowed condition to enhance the compactness and ease of transportation of the bicycle 1000.

[0086] When the second frame portion 120 is in its stowed condition, the user graspable handle 14, or at least a portion thereof, may be positioned further away from a ground surface then the mudguard portion 12. As shown in figure 1 1 , a portion of the mudguard portion 12 is positioned above a ground surface at a distance D1 , and a portion of the user-graspable handle 14 is positioned at a distance D2, with D2 being greater than D1. As such, the user-graspable handle 14 is positionable such that it is easily accessible by a user of the bicycle 1000, with little to no obstruction above the handle 14, when the first frame portion 110 is in its stowed condition. As such, when the user grabs the handle 14 to hold or lift the bicycle 1000, their arm can hang naturally with no obstruction.

[0087] Another advantage of positioned the user-graspable handle 14 such that it may be further away from a ground surface then the mudguard portion 12 is that the point at which the user may grab the

[0088] H 16520 WO handle 14 is provided at a relatively increased distance from the centre of mass COM / centre of gravity COG of the bicycle 1000 (compared to if the handle 14 was positioned relatively lower). This advantage may be further augmented by positioning of the user-graspable handle 14 relative to the centre of the mudguard portion 12. As set out above, the user-graspable handle 14, or at least a portion thereof, may be positioned such that the plane Pa extends generally centrally through it, and generally centrally through the mudguard portion 12, as shown in figure 13. In other embodiments, the user-graspable handle 14 may be positioned generally offset from the plane Pa, and relative to the mudguard portion 12, as shown in figure 12. As shown in figures 12 and 13, appropriate positioning of the handle 14 relative to the mudguard portion 12 means the handle 14 can be positioned such that tilting of the bicycle 1000 relative to the user may be reduced or minimised when the second frame portion 120, or second and third frame portions 120, 130. This means that different embodiments of the mudguard 10 can be used for variants of a bicycle 1000, depending upon the centre of mass COM or centre of gravity COG. For example, if a bicycle 1000 is manufactured in an electric variant and a non-electric variant each using a similar or identical construction of a bicycle frame 100, the inclusion of a motor may change the weight distribution of the bicycle 1000 compared to a non-electric variant. Each variant may be provided with a different embodiment of a mudguard 10 which is optimised with respect to the centre of mass COM / centre of gravity of said variant. Additionally, positioning of the handle 14 as set out above also may result in a greater ground clearance GC relative to a user’s grip height GH (i.e., where their hand naturally rests when gripping the bicycle) when the bicycle 1000 is lifted by the user, particularly when compared to holding other parts of the bicycle 100, such as a part of a seat or seat post. With reference to figures 14 and 15, the handle 14 may be arranged such that a user-graspable part is provided directly, or close to directly, above the COM / COG of the bicycle 1000, particularly when compared to the position of the seat or seat post which is positioned further to the side of the COM / COG when the bicycle 1000 is resting on a ground surface. When the user lifts the bicycle 1000 by the seat, the bicycle 1000 may tip forward generally about the COM / COG to a greater extend when compared to a user lifting the bicycle 1000 by grasping the handle 14. Therefore, providing a user-graspable handle 14 as part of a mudguard 10 may be beneficial for smaller and I or weaker users of the bicycle 1000, for example, when climbing stairs or boarding a train. Additionally, in embodiments in which the user-graspable handle 14 does not extend beyond the mudguard 12 in a lateral direction, it can be ensured that the user-graspable handle 14 does not come into contact with other parts of the bicycle 1000 when the bicycle 1000 is in a stowed condition. This means that the lateral sides of the user-graspable handle 14 are not obstructed by parts of the bicycle 1000, allowing a user to fully grasp the user-graspable handle 14 without risking trapping their hand or incurring an injury. It also prevents the user- graspable handle 14 clashing with parts of the bicycle 1000, allowing it to be fully positioned in a stowed condition.

[0089] H 16520 WO When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0090] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0091] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0092] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

[0093] H 16520 WO

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A mudguard for a bicycle, the mudguard including: a mudguard portion positionable in use adjacent a ground engaging surface of a tyre of a wheel of the bicycle, said wheel being rotatable about an axis Xa, wherein the mudguard portion is shaped so as to extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the tyre; a user-graspable handle connected directly or indirectly to the mudguard portion, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle being positioned radially further away from the axis Xa than the mudguard portion; and wherein a space is at least partially defined between the mudguard portion and the user- graspable handle, said space being sized so as to receive at least a plurality of digits of a human hand.

2. A mudguard according to claim 1 , wherein the user graspable handle generally extends in a direction perpendicular to, or inclined relative to, the axis Xa.

3. A mudguard according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the user-graspable handle is shaped so as extend generally arcuately relative to the axis Xa.

4. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the user- graspable handle and a portion of the mudguard portion are generally concentric with the axis Xa.

5. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, wherein the user-graspable handle includes a first end, the first end connected to the mudguard portion and generally extending away from the mudguard portion.

6. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, wherein the user-graspable handle is integrally formed with the mudguard portion.

7. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least a portion of the space defined between mudguard portion and the user-graspable handle is generally annular, preferably wherein the annular portion of the space is generally concentric with the axis Xa.

8. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, wherein the user-graspable handle includes a connection portion positioned at a second end of the handle, the connection portion being connectable to a part of the bicycle.H 16520 WO9. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, a user’s digits are receivable within the space in a direction which is generally parallel to, or inclined relative to, the axis Xa when a user grasps the user-graspable handle.

10. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, there being a plane perpendicular to the axis Xa, said plane extending centrally through the mudguard portion.

11. A mudguard according to claim 10, wherein the plane extends generally centrally through the user-graspable handle.

12. A mudguard according to claim 11 , wherein the mudguard portion is generally symmetrical about the plane, and preferably wherein the user-graspable handle is generally symmetrical about the plane.

13. A mudguard according to claim 11 , wherein the user-graspable handle is asymmetrical about the plane.

14. A mudguard according to claim 10, wherein the user-graspable handle is positioned to a side of the plane, such that the plane does not extend through the user-graspable handle.

15. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, wherein the mudguard has a width Wm, and the user graspable handle has a width Wh, and wherein the width of the user graspable handle is equal to, or less than, the width Wm of the mudguard.

16. A mudguard according to any preceding claim, there being a plane M1 perpendicular to the axis Xa, said plane generally coincident with an outermost edge of the mudguard.

17. A mudguard according to claim 16, wherein no portion of the user-graspable handle extends beyond the plane M1 .

18. A mudguard according to claim 16 or 17, there being a plane M2 perpendicular to the axis Xa, generally opposite the plane M1 , said plane generally coincident with an outermost edge of the mudguard.

19. A mudguard according to claim 18, wherein no portion of the user-graspable handle extends beyond the plane M2.H 16520 WO20. A mudguard according to any preceding claim including a further user-graspable handle, the further user-graspable handle including any of the features of the user-graspable handle of any preceding claim.21 . A bicycle including a mudguard according to any preceding claim, said bicycle including a front tyre supported by a front wheel and a rear tyre supported by a rear wheel.

22. A bicycle according to claim 21 , wherein the mudguard is positioned so as to extend circumferentially around a front tyre of the bicycle.

23. A bicycle according to claim 22, wherein the user-graspable handle is positioned rearwardly of a front fork of the bicycle, or wherein the user-graspable handle is positioned forwardly a front fork of the bicycle.

24. A bicycle according to claim 22, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 16, wherein the user-graspable handle is positioned rearwardly of a front fork of the bicycle, and the further user- graspable handle is positioned forwardly of the front fork of the bicycle.

25. A bicycle according to any of claims 22 to 24, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 8, wherein the connection portion is connected to a / the front fork of the bicycle.

26. A bicycle according to any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the bicycle is a folding bicycle, the bicycle including a first frame portion for supporting a seat post and a second frame portion pivotably connected to the first frame portion, wherein a fork for supporting a front wheel is rotatably connected to the second portion, wherein the second frame portion is pivotably moveable relative to the first frame portion between an in-use ridable condition and a stowed condition wherein the second frame portion is positioned to a side of the first frame portion, and wherein, when the second frame portion is in its stowed condition, at least a portion of the user-graspable handle of the mudguard is positioned further away from a ground surface than the mudguard portion.

27. A bicycle according to claim 21 , wherein the mudguard is positioned so as to extend circumferentially around a rear tyre of the bicycle.

28. A bicycle according to claim 27, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 8, wherein the connection portion is connectable to a part of the bicycle proximate the rear wheel.H 16520 WO

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