CA2657836A1 - A reconfigurable bike-carrier - Google Patents
A reconfigurable bike-carrier Download PDFInfo
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- CA2657836A1 CA2657836A1 CA 2657836 CA2657836A CA2657836A1 CA 2657836 A1 CA2657836 A1 CA 2657836A1 CA 2657836 CA2657836 CA 2657836 CA 2657836 A CA2657836 A CA 2657836A CA 2657836 A1 CA2657836 A1 CA 2657836A1
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- Prior art keywords
- carrier
- bike
- interchangeable
- interface
- support tube
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K7/00—Freight- or passenger-carrying cycles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Carriages For Children, Sleds, And Other Hand-Operated Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
According to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus of a reconfigurable bike-carrier (10, 110). The apparatus includes an interchangeable carrier (50, 150) selected from a set of interchangeable carriers, wherein each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers has a different configuration for carrying cargo. The interchangeable carrier includes a bike interface (60), the bike interface (60) being substantially common to the each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers. The bike interface (60) is releasably engageable, in use, with a carrier interface (30) that is associated with a frame (22) of a bike (20) for sake of releasably mounting the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) to the bike (20).
Description
burgoyne103165126.txt A RECONFIGURABLE BIKE-CARRIER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus of a reconfigurable bike-carrier. In particular, this invention relates to an interchangeable carrier from a set of interchangeable carriers that is releasably mountable, in use, with a carrier interface on a bike.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to provide a bike-carrier consisting of a bicycle and a carrier for carrying cargo, including children and pets, wherein the carrier is mounted a frame of the bike in a manner that does not facilitate a ready interchange thereof.
Those of ordinary skill in the art generally refer to such bike-carrier combinations as a ?boxbike? owing to the rather box-like construction of the carrier. An established manufacturer of such a boxbike is BAKFIETS (www.bakfiets.nl), of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The carriers associated with known boxbikes tend have configurations that are suited to general-utility and as such are a poorly adapted to specific uses. In addition, the construction of the carriers tends to be big, heavy and non-collapsible.
It is also known to provide bicycle trailers that are towed, in use, behind a bicycle, wherein the bicycle trailer includes a carrier for carrying many forms cargo, including children and pets. The technological state of the art in bicycle trailers is presently far superior to that of boxbikes. Take, for example, the fact that present-day bicycle trailers come in a myriad of configurations that are each well adapted to tow specific forms of cargo (e.g. dedicated child carrier, pet carrier, general utility carrier, etc.). Also, many of these bicycle trailers include a collapsible construction for ease of transport when not in use.
Furthermore, many of these bicycle trailers are configured to be converted, when needed, into walking strollers. The following pair of published Canadian patents describe several leading examples of such bicycle trailers:
Canadian patent 2,236,660 to BELL, Robert, published on November 1, 1999, discloses a foldable frame and body for a vehicle or trailer. The mechanism for opening and closing the foldable trailer or vehicle comprises a chassis, at least one frame member pivotally mounted to the chassis at a first pivot point, a hinge arm pivotally mounted to the chassis at a second pivot point and a release arm for closing the vehicle/trailer in one movement. The foldable vehicle/trailer is lightweight and may be motorized or human-powered. It could also serve as a trailer for towing behind a bicycle in which one or more young children would sit.
Rather than wheels, it could also be mounted on skis.
Canadian patent 2,435,615 to BELL, Robert, published on January 21, 2005, discloses a multi-purpose tow bar for a trailer and a trailer having a multi-purpose tow bar.
In a towing position the tow bar couples the trailer to a moving vehicle such as a bicycle. In a stabilizing position the tow bar supports a third wheel extending forwardly of the trailer frame, converting the trailer into a self supporting vehicle such as a stroller or logger. The tow bar is reversible, comprising first and second end portions which in the preferred embodiment respectively extend from an intermediate portion at first and second angles, the angle of the first end portion relative to the intermediate portion being circumferentially offset from the angle of the second end portion relative to the intermediate portion.
The inventor has recognized a need to evolve bike-carrier technology, particularly in combination with bicycle trailer technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus of a reconfigurable bike-carrier. The apparatus includes an interchangeable carrier selected from a set of interchangeable carriers, wherein each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers has a burgoyne103165126.txt different configuration for carrying cargo. The interchangeable carrier includes a bike interface, the bike interface being substantially common to the each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers. The bike interface is releasably engageable, in use, with a carrier interface that is associated with a frame of a bike for sake of releasably mounting the interchangeable carrier to the bike.
These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts and in which different non-limiting embodiments of the same parts.
Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier of the present invention;
Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of an alternative non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier of the present invention;
Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a bike belonging to the non-limiting embodiments of the reconfigurable bike-carrier of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a carrier interface that is provided on the bike of Figure 3;
Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a bike interface that is provided on a non-limiting embodiment of an interchangeable carrier belonging to the reconfigurable bike-carrier of Figure 1, and likewise on the alternative non-limiting embodiment of the interchangeable carrier belonging to the reconfigurable bike-carrier of Figure 2;
Figure 6 depicts a perspective view of a forward portion of the carrier interface and the bike interface of Figures 4 and 5, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
with reference to Figure 1, there is depicted a non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier 10. The reconfigurable bike-carrier 10 includes a bike 20 with an interchangeable carrier 50 releasably mounted thereto. The interchangeable carrier 50 was selected from a set of interchangeable carriers (not shown), wherein each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers has a different configuration (i.e. shape, size, and features) for carrying a different form and/or volume of cargo. The interchangeable carrier 50 is configured to carry miscellaneous forms of cargo (i.e. general purpose), and hence has a very simple construction that includes a cargo box 52 having a hinged top 54.
The cargo box 52 includes a curved front face 56 to reduce aerodynamic dray when in use. The carrier 50 may have a generally non-collapsible construction, such as, for example, one that is similar to the carriers on known boxbikes. Alternatively, the carrier 50 may have a generally collapsible construction, such as, for example, one that is similar to the carriers that are attached to known bicycle trailers including those described in the previously. mentioned Canadian Patent
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus of a reconfigurable bike-carrier. In particular, this invention relates to an interchangeable carrier from a set of interchangeable carriers that is releasably mountable, in use, with a carrier interface on a bike.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to provide a bike-carrier consisting of a bicycle and a carrier for carrying cargo, including children and pets, wherein the carrier is mounted a frame of the bike in a manner that does not facilitate a ready interchange thereof.
Those of ordinary skill in the art generally refer to such bike-carrier combinations as a ?boxbike? owing to the rather box-like construction of the carrier. An established manufacturer of such a boxbike is BAKFIETS (www.bakfiets.nl), of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The carriers associated with known boxbikes tend have configurations that are suited to general-utility and as such are a poorly adapted to specific uses. In addition, the construction of the carriers tends to be big, heavy and non-collapsible.
It is also known to provide bicycle trailers that are towed, in use, behind a bicycle, wherein the bicycle trailer includes a carrier for carrying many forms cargo, including children and pets. The technological state of the art in bicycle trailers is presently far superior to that of boxbikes. Take, for example, the fact that present-day bicycle trailers come in a myriad of configurations that are each well adapted to tow specific forms of cargo (e.g. dedicated child carrier, pet carrier, general utility carrier, etc.). Also, many of these bicycle trailers include a collapsible construction for ease of transport when not in use.
Furthermore, many of these bicycle trailers are configured to be converted, when needed, into walking strollers. The following pair of published Canadian patents describe several leading examples of such bicycle trailers:
Canadian patent 2,236,660 to BELL, Robert, published on November 1, 1999, discloses a foldable frame and body for a vehicle or trailer. The mechanism for opening and closing the foldable trailer or vehicle comprises a chassis, at least one frame member pivotally mounted to the chassis at a first pivot point, a hinge arm pivotally mounted to the chassis at a second pivot point and a release arm for closing the vehicle/trailer in one movement. The foldable vehicle/trailer is lightweight and may be motorized or human-powered. It could also serve as a trailer for towing behind a bicycle in which one or more young children would sit.
Rather than wheels, it could also be mounted on skis.
Canadian patent 2,435,615 to BELL, Robert, published on January 21, 2005, discloses a multi-purpose tow bar for a trailer and a trailer having a multi-purpose tow bar.
In a towing position the tow bar couples the trailer to a moving vehicle such as a bicycle. In a stabilizing position the tow bar supports a third wheel extending forwardly of the trailer frame, converting the trailer into a self supporting vehicle such as a stroller or logger. The tow bar is reversible, comprising first and second end portions which in the preferred embodiment respectively extend from an intermediate portion at first and second angles, the angle of the first end portion relative to the intermediate portion being circumferentially offset from the angle of the second end portion relative to the intermediate portion.
The inventor has recognized a need to evolve bike-carrier technology, particularly in combination with bicycle trailer technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus of a reconfigurable bike-carrier. The apparatus includes an interchangeable carrier selected from a set of interchangeable carriers, wherein each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers has a burgoyne103165126.txt different configuration for carrying cargo. The interchangeable carrier includes a bike interface, the bike interface being substantially common to the each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers. The bike interface is releasably engageable, in use, with a carrier interface that is associated with a frame of a bike for sake of releasably mounting the interchangeable carrier to the bike.
These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts and in which different non-limiting embodiments of the same parts.
Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier of the present invention;
Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of an alternative non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier of the present invention;
Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a bike belonging to the non-limiting embodiments of the reconfigurable bike-carrier of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a carrier interface that is provided on the bike of Figure 3;
Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a bike interface that is provided on a non-limiting embodiment of an interchangeable carrier belonging to the reconfigurable bike-carrier of Figure 1, and likewise on the alternative non-limiting embodiment of the interchangeable carrier belonging to the reconfigurable bike-carrier of Figure 2;
Figure 6 depicts a perspective view of a forward portion of the carrier interface and the bike interface of Figures 4 and 5, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
with reference to Figure 1, there is depicted a non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier 10. The reconfigurable bike-carrier 10 includes a bike 20 with an interchangeable carrier 50 releasably mounted thereto. The interchangeable carrier 50 was selected from a set of interchangeable carriers (not shown), wherein each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers has a different configuration (i.e. shape, size, and features) for carrying a different form and/or volume of cargo. The interchangeable carrier 50 is configured to carry miscellaneous forms of cargo (i.e. general purpose), and hence has a very simple construction that includes a cargo box 52 having a hinged top 54.
The cargo box 52 includes a curved front face 56 to reduce aerodynamic dray when in use. The carrier 50 may have a generally non-collapsible construction, such as, for example, one that is similar to the carriers on known boxbikes. Alternatively, the carrier 50 may have a generally collapsible construction, such as, for example, one that is similar to the carriers that are attached to known bicycle trailers including those described in the previously. mentioned Canadian Patent
2,236,660 to BELL, Robert, published on November 1, 1999.
with reference to Figure 2, there is depicted an alternative non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier 110. The reconfigurable bike-carrier burgoyne103165126.txt 110 includes the same bike 20 shown with reference to Figure 1, but with a different interchangeable carrier 150 selected from the set of interchangeable carriers (not shown) releasably mounted thereto. The interchangeable carrier 150 is configured to carry a cargo such as a child or a pet, and hence has an air-transmissible construction that includes a roll-cage cabin 152 having a snap engagable covering 154 thereon. The roll-cage cabin 152 also includes a seat and a harness, neither of which are shown, for safely restraining of the occupant therein. The interchangeable carrier 150 may further include a stroller handle that may be useful if ever the interchangeable carrier 150 is to be converted into a walking stroller.
what links the seemingly disparate non-limiting embodiments of the rather general-purpose interchangeable carrier 50 with the occupant carrying interchangeable carrier 150, as well as with other specifically adapted interchangeable carriers (not shown) of the set of interchangeable carriers, is that they each include a bike interface 60 that is substantially common therebetween. The bike interface 60 is releasably enaaeable, in use, to a carrier interface 30 that is associated with a frame 22 of a bike 20 for sake of releasably mounting the interchangeable carrier 50 to the bike 20. In this way, the reconfigurable bike-carrier 10, 110 may be readily reconfigured to accept a differently purposed interchangeable carrier from the set of interchangeable carriers depending on the cargo carrying needs at hand.
whereas a detailed description of the bike interface 60 and the complementary carrier interface 30 will follow, no such detailed description of the general construction and operation of either interchangeable carrier 50, 150, and variants thereto, will be provided as it is considered that those of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate how to do so in view the common general knowledge in the art. Likewise, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the claimed invention is not limited to the ggeneral-purpose interchangeable carrier 50 or the occupant carrying interchangeable carrier 150 as this person will readily derive other configurations of interchangeable carriers of the set of interchangeable carriers for fulfilling other cargo carrying needs.
with reference to Figure 3, the bike 20 is depicted without either of the interchangeable carriers 50, 150 mounted thereto. In this non-limiting embodiment, the bike 20 is a bicycle. of course, the bike 20 may have a different form, such as, for example, a tricycle. As shown, the carrier interface 30 is positioned on the frame 22 of the bike 20 that is between a place 26 for a cyclist and a front wheel 27 of the bike 20. of course, the carrier interface 30 may be differently positioned on the frame 22 of the bike 20. For example, the carrier interface could alternatively be positioned behind the place 26 for the cyclist on another form of the bike frame (not shown). The carrier interface 30 may be defined on the frame 22 of the bike 20. In the present non-limiting embodiment the foregoing is provided by welding the carrier interface 30 together with the other members of the frame 22. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the carrier interface 30 may otherwise be structured so as to be mountable, in use, to the frame 22 of the bike 20 (i.e. retrofit). what this means is that the carrier interface 30 may be provided by a separate removable structure (not shown) that is mountable, in use, to the frame 22 of the bike 20 with the assistance of, for example, clamps (not shown), fasteners (not shown), and the like.
As shown with reference to Figure 4, the carrier interface 30 may include a first support tube 38 and a second support tube 40 that are arranged, and welded together, in a T-shape, the second support tube 40 being furthermore welded to a main support tube 23 of the frame 22, via a support member 25. A front end of the second support tube 40 may also be welded to an upwardly depending portion of the main support tube 23. In this arrangement the first support tube 38 is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bike 20 such that outer portions thereof extend to each side of the frame 22, and wherein the second support tube 40 extends from the first support tube 38 along the frame 22, substantially parallel to the main support tube 23, such that the second support tube 40 extends beneath a base 52 (Figure 5) of the interchangeable carrier 50. In burgoyne103165126.txt this way, a contacting portion of the second support tube 40 may be arranged to contact, in use, the base 52 of the interchangeable carrier 50 to provide support thereto. In accordance with another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the second support tube 40 may be omitted, and wherein the functions that have been, and will be, ascribed thereto, are otherwise provided by a portion of the main support tube 23. Returning to the description of the present non-limiting embodiment of the carrier interface 30, it can be seen that the carrier interface 30 may include a first rear receiver 32 and a second rear receiver 34 that are provided along the outer portions of the first support tube 38. In addition, the carrier interface 30 may further include a front receiver 36 that is provided along a forward portion of the second support tube 40.
with reference to Figure 5, the bike interface 60 is shown arranged beneath the base 52 of the interchangeable carrier 50. while not shown or otherwise described hereafter, the same, or similar, bike interface 60 may be similarly arranged beneath a base (not shown) of the alternative non-limiting embodiment of the interchangeable carrier 150. As shown, the bike interface 60 may include a first rear mount 62 and a second rear mount 64 that are fastented to a bottom face of the base 52 of the carrier 50 and located towards a rear thereof. The first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 may be provided as a pair of u-shaped brackets, and wherein the brackets are arranged to have an open end thereof facing towards an end of the interchangeable carrier 50. The bike interface 60 may also include a front mount 66 mounted on the bottom face of the base 52 of the carrier 50 and located towards a front thereof. The front mount 66 may be provided as a u-shaped bracket that is arranged to have its open end facing away from the base 52 (i.e. in the form of an inverted ?u?). As will be described in the operational detail that follows, the first rear receiver 32, the second rear receiver 34, and the front receiver 36 engage, in use, with the first rear mount 62, the second rear mount 64, and the front mount 66, respectively. To assist in maintaining one or more of the foregoing pairs in an engaged relation, the u-shaped brackets belonging to the first rear mount 62, the second rear mount 64, and the front mount 66 may also having a releasable locking pin 44 associated therewith. In the present non-limiting embodiment only the front mount 66 includes the locking pin 44.
The interchangeable carrier 50 may further include a set of wheel mounts 54, as shown fastened to the base 52, that may are releasably couple, in use, with a set of stroller wheels to convert the carrier 50 into the walking stroller mentioned previously.
with reference to Figure 6, the carrier interface 30 may further include a locking member 42 that is releasably lockable, in use, to the second support tube 40, when arranged in a blocking position, to cooperate with a face of the front mount 66 to block a sliding of the interchangeable carrier 50 relative to the frame 22 of the bike 20 such that the first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 remain engaged with the first rear receiver 32 and the second rear receiver 34, respectively. The locking member 42 may be provided by a tube clamp that is slidable, when unclamped, along the second support tube 40, that is then clamped, in use, once arranged in the blocking position.
The steps required to releasably mount any one of the set of interchangeable carriers onto the bike 20 will be described in relation to the interchangeable carrier 50. The first step is to engage the first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 with the first rear receiver 32 and the second rear receiver 34, respectively. This step may require the interchangeable carrier 50 to be positioned with its front end raised such that the bike interface 60 forms an angle with the carrier interface 30 and the u-shaped brackets of the first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 have their open ends positioned over the outer portions of the first support tube 38, whereafter the interchangeable carrier 50 may be slid rearward until the first support tube 34 is firmly seated in the brackets, as shown with reference to Figure 5. The next step is to engage the front mount 66 with the front receiver 36. This step may require the front end of the interchangeable carrier 50 to be lowered such that forward portion of the second support tube passes through the open end of the u-shaped bracket of the front mount 66 to seat therein, as shown with reference to Figure 5. The next step is to arrange the burgoyne103165126.txt locking pin 44 in the front mount 66, whereby the front mount 66 is retained in engagement with the front receiver, as shown with reference to Figure 6. The final steps are to ensure that the locking member 42 is arranged in the blocking position along the second support tube 40 to cooperate with the face of the front mount and that it is locked thereto. once the locking member 42 is locked in the blocking position for a specific interchangeable carrier, it need not be moved when the interchangeable carrier is removed (e.g. for use as a stroller/cart, or otherwise placed in storage). should it become necessary to accommodate another interchangeable carrier having a different length (i.e. longer or shorter) the position of the locking member 42 may be adjusted by first unlocking it from the second support tube 40, next sliding it therealong to the new blocking position, and thereafter locking it to the second support tube 40 once again.
Several non-limiting embodiments of the present invention having been thus described herein by way of example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as set out in the appended claims.
with reference to Figure 2, there is depicted an alternative non-limiting embodiment of a reconfigurable bike-carrier 110. The reconfigurable bike-carrier burgoyne103165126.txt 110 includes the same bike 20 shown with reference to Figure 1, but with a different interchangeable carrier 150 selected from the set of interchangeable carriers (not shown) releasably mounted thereto. The interchangeable carrier 150 is configured to carry a cargo such as a child or a pet, and hence has an air-transmissible construction that includes a roll-cage cabin 152 having a snap engagable covering 154 thereon. The roll-cage cabin 152 also includes a seat and a harness, neither of which are shown, for safely restraining of the occupant therein. The interchangeable carrier 150 may further include a stroller handle that may be useful if ever the interchangeable carrier 150 is to be converted into a walking stroller.
what links the seemingly disparate non-limiting embodiments of the rather general-purpose interchangeable carrier 50 with the occupant carrying interchangeable carrier 150, as well as with other specifically adapted interchangeable carriers (not shown) of the set of interchangeable carriers, is that they each include a bike interface 60 that is substantially common therebetween. The bike interface 60 is releasably enaaeable, in use, to a carrier interface 30 that is associated with a frame 22 of a bike 20 for sake of releasably mounting the interchangeable carrier 50 to the bike 20. In this way, the reconfigurable bike-carrier 10, 110 may be readily reconfigured to accept a differently purposed interchangeable carrier from the set of interchangeable carriers depending on the cargo carrying needs at hand.
whereas a detailed description of the bike interface 60 and the complementary carrier interface 30 will follow, no such detailed description of the general construction and operation of either interchangeable carrier 50, 150, and variants thereto, will be provided as it is considered that those of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate how to do so in view the common general knowledge in the art. Likewise, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the claimed invention is not limited to the ggeneral-purpose interchangeable carrier 50 or the occupant carrying interchangeable carrier 150 as this person will readily derive other configurations of interchangeable carriers of the set of interchangeable carriers for fulfilling other cargo carrying needs.
with reference to Figure 3, the bike 20 is depicted without either of the interchangeable carriers 50, 150 mounted thereto. In this non-limiting embodiment, the bike 20 is a bicycle. of course, the bike 20 may have a different form, such as, for example, a tricycle. As shown, the carrier interface 30 is positioned on the frame 22 of the bike 20 that is between a place 26 for a cyclist and a front wheel 27 of the bike 20. of course, the carrier interface 30 may be differently positioned on the frame 22 of the bike 20. For example, the carrier interface could alternatively be positioned behind the place 26 for the cyclist on another form of the bike frame (not shown). The carrier interface 30 may be defined on the frame 22 of the bike 20. In the present non-limiting embodiment the foregoing is provided by welding the carrier interface 30 together with the other members of the frame 22. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the carrier interface 30 may otherwise be structured so as to be mountable, in use, to the frame 22 of the bike 20 (i.e. retrofit). what this means is that the carrier interface 30 may be provided by a separate removable structure (not shown) that is mountable, in use, to the frame 22 of the bike 20 with the assistance of, for example, clamps (not shown), fasteners (not shown), and the like.
As shown with reference to Figure 4, the carrier interface 30 may include a first support tube 38 and a second support tube 40 that are arranged, and welded together, in a T-shape, the second support tube 40 being furthermore welded to a main support tube 23 of the frame 22, via a support member 25. A front end of the second support tube 40 may also be welded to an upwardly depending portion of the main support tube 23. In this arrangement the first support tube 38 is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bike 20 such that outer portions thereof extend to each side of the frame 22, and wherein the second support tube 40 extends from the first support tube 38 along the frame 22, substantially parallel to the main support tube 23, such that the second support tube 40 extends beneath a base 52 (Figure 5) of the interchangeable carrier 50. In burgoyne103165126.txt this way, a contacting portion of the second support tube 40 may be arranged to contact, in use, the base 52 of the interchangeable carrier 50 to provide support thereto. In accordance with another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the second support tube 40 may be omitted, and wherein the functions that have been, and will be, ascribed thereto, are otherwise provided by a portion of the main support tube 23. Returning to the description of the present non-limiting embodiment of the carrier interface 30, it can be seen that the carrier interface 30 may include a first rear receiver 32 and a second rear receiver 34 that are provided along the outer portions of the first support tube 38. In addition, the carrier interface 30 may further include a front receiver 36 that is provided along a forward portion of the second support tube 40.
with reference to Figure 5, the bike interface 60 is shown arranged beneath the base 52 of the interchangeable carrier 50. while not shown or otherwise described hereafter, the same, or similar, bike interface 60 may be similarly arranged beneath a base (not shown) of the alternative non-limiting embodiment of the interchangeable carrier 150. As shown, the bike interface 60 may include a first rear mount 62 and a second rear mount 64 that are fastented to a bottom face of the base 52 of the carrier 50 and located towards a rear thereof. The first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 may be provided as a pair of u-shaped brackets, and wherein the brackets are arranged to have an open end thereof facing towards an end of the interchangeable carrier 50. The bike interface 60 may also include a front mount 66 mounted on the bottom face of the base 52 of the carrier 50 and located towards a front thereof. The front mount 66 may be provided as a u-shaped bracket that is arranged to have its open end facing away from the base 52 (i.e. in the form of an inverted ?u?). As will be described in the operational detail that follows, the first rear receiver 32, the second rear receiver 34, and the front receiver 36 engage, in use, with the first rear mount 62, the second rear mount 64, and the front mount 66, respectively. To assist in maintaining one or more of the foregoing pairs in an engaged relation, the u-shaped brackets belonging to the first rear mount 62, the second rear mount 64, and the front mount 66 may also having a releasable locking pin 44 associated therewith. In the present non-limiting embodiment only the front mount 66 includes the locking pin 44.
The interchangeable carrier 50 may further include a set of wheel mounts 54, as shown fastened to the base 52, that may are releasably couple, in use, with a set of stroller wheels to convert the carrier 50 into the walking stroller mentioned previously.
with reference to Figure 6, the carrier interface 30 may further include a locking member 42 that is releasably lockable, in use, to the second support tube 40, when arranged in a blocking position, to cooperate with a face of the front mount 66 to block a sliding of the interchangeable carrier 50 relative to the frame 22 of the bike 20 such that the first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 remain engaged with the first rear receiver 32 and the second rear receiver 34, respectively. The locking member 42 may be provided by a tube clamp that is slidable, when unclamped, along the second support tube 40, that is then clamped, in use, once arranged in the blocking position.
The steps required to releasably mount any one of the set of interchangeable carriers onto the bike 20 will be described in relation to the interchangeable carrier 50. The first step is to engage the first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 with the first rear receiver 32 and the second rear receiver 34, respectively. This step may require the interchangeable carrier 50 to be positioned with its front end raised such that the bike interface 60 forms an angle with the carrier interface 30 and the u-shaped brackets of the first rear mount 62 and the second rear mount 64 have their open ends positioned over the outer portions of the first support tube 38, whereafter the interchangeable carrier 50 may be slid rearward until the first support tube 34 is firmly seated in the brackets, as shown with reference to Figure 5. The next step is to engage the front mount 66 with the front receiver 36. This step may require the front end of the interchangeable carrier 50 to be lowered such that forward portion of the second support tube passes through the open end of the u-shaped bracket of the front mount 66 to seat therein, as shown with reference to Figure 5. The next step is to arrange the burgoyne103165126.txt locking pin 44 in the front mount 66, whereby the front mount 66 is retained in engagement with the front receiver, as shown with reference to Figure 6. The final steps are to ensure that the locking member 42 is arranged in the blocking position along the second support tube 40 to cooperate with the face of the front mount and that it is locked thereto. once the locking member 42 is locked in the blocking position for a specific interchangeable carrier, it need not be moved when the interchangeable carrier is removed (e.g. for use as a stroller/cart, or otherwise placed in storage). should it become necessary to accommodate another interchangeable carrier having a different length (i.e. longer or shorter) the position of the locking member 42 may be adjusted by first unlocking it from the second support tube 40, next sliding it therealong to the new blocking position, and thereafter locking it to the second support tube 40 once again.
Several non-limiting embodiments of the present invention having been thus described herein by way of example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as set out in the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. An apparatus of a reconfigurable bike-carrier (10, 110), comprising:
an interchangeable carrier (50, 150) selected from a set of interchangeable carriers, wherein each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers has a different configuration for carrying cargo;
the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) having a bike interface (60), the bike interface (60) being substantially common to the each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers;
the bike interface (60) being releasably engageable, in use, to a carrier interface (30) that is associated with a frame (22) of a bike (20) for sake of releasably mounting the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) to the bike (20).
an interchangeable carrier (50, 150) selected from a set of interchangeable carriers, wherein each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers has a different configuration for carrying cargo;
the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) having a bike interface (60), the bike interface (60) being substantially common to the each interchangeable carrier within the set of interchangeable carriers;
the bike interface (60) being releasably engageable, in use, to a carrier interface (30) that is associated with a frame (22) of a bike (20) for sake of releasably mounting the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) to the bike (20).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) is configured to carry the cargo that is one or more of:
a child; or a pet.
a child; or a pet.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
the bike (20), and wherein the carrier interface (30) is defined on the frame (22) of the bike (20).
the bike (20), and wherein the carrier interface (30) is defined on the frame (22) of the bike (20).
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
the carrier interface (30), wherein the carrier interface (30) is mountable, in use, to the frame (22) of the bike (20).
the carrier interface (30), wherein the carrier interface (30) is mountable, in use, to the frame (22) of the bike (20).
5. The apparatus according to one of claims 1, 3, or 4, wherein:
the bike interface (60) is arranged beneath a base (52) of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150).
the bike interface (60) is arranged beneath a base (52) of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150).
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:
the bike interface (60) includes:
a first rear mount (62) located towards a rear of the base (52); and a front mount (66) located towards a front of the base (52);
the carrier interface (30) includes:
a first rear receiver (32) to engage, in use, with the first rear mount (62);
and a front receiver (36) to engage, in use, with the front mount (66).
the bike interface (60) includes:
a first rear mount (62) located towards a rear of the base (52); and a front mount (66) located towards a front of the base (52);
the carrier interface (30) includes:
a first rear receiver (32) to engage, in use, with the first rear mount (62);
and a front receiver (36) to engage, in use, with the front mount (66).
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:
the bike interface (60) further includes a second rear mount (64) located towards the rear of the base (52); and the carrier interface (30) further includes a second rear receiver (34) to engage, in use, with the second rear mount (64).
the bike interface (60) further includes a second rear mount (64) located towards the rear of the base (52); and the carrier interface (30) further includes a second rear receiver (34) to engage, in use, with the second rear mount (64).
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein:
the first rear mount (62) and the second rear mount (64) are provided as a pair of u-shaped brackets that are arranged to have an open end thereof facing towards an end of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150);
the front mount (66) being provided as a u-shaped bracket that is arranged to have the open end thereof facing away from the base (52).
the first rear mount (62) and the second rear mount (64) are provided as a pair of u-shaped brackets that are arranged to have an open end thereof facing towards an end of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150);
the front mount (66) being provided as a u-shaped bracket that is arranged to have the open end thereof facing away from the base (52).
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein:
at least one of the first rear mount (62), the second rear mount (64), and the front mount (66) having a releasable locking pin (44) associated therewith.
at least one of the first rear mount (62), the second rear mount (64), and the front mount (66) having a releasable locking pin (44) associated therewith.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein:
the bike interface (60) includes a first support tube (38) and a second support tube (40) that are arranged in a T-shape;
the first rear receiver (32) and the second rear receiver (34) are provided by outer portions of the first support tube (38);
the front receiver (36) being provided by a forward portion of the second support tube (40).
the bike interface (60) includes a first support tube (38) and a second support tube (40) that are arranged in a T-shape;
the first rear receiver (32) and the second rear receiver (34) are provided by outer portions of the first support tube (38);
the front receiver (36) being provided by a forward portion of the second support tube (40).
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein:
the first support tube (38) being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bike (20) such that the outer portions thereof extend to each side of the frame (22);
the second support tube (40) extending from the first support tube (38) along the frame (22 such that the second support tube (40) extends beneath the base (52).
the first support tube (38) being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bike (20) such that the outer portions thereof extend to each side of the frame (22);
the second support tube (40) extending from the first support tube (38) along the frame (22 such that the second support tube (40) extends beneath the base (52).
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein:
a contacting portion of the second support tube (40) is to contact, in use, the base (52) of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) to provide support thereto.
a contacting portion of the second support tube (40) is to contact, in use, the base (52) of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) to provide support thereto.
13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein:
the bike interface (60) further includes a locking member (42) that is releasably lockable, in use, to the second support tube (40) when arranged in a blocking position;
when arranged in the blocking position, the locking member (42) to cooperate with a face of the front mount (66) to block a sliding of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) relative to the frame (22) of the bike (20) such that the first rear mount (62) and the second rear mount (64) remain engaged with the first rear receiver (32) and the second rear receiver (34).
the bike interface (60) further includes a locking member (42) that is releasably lockable, in use, to the second support tube (40) when arranged in a blocking position;
when arranged in the blocking position, the locking member (42) to cooperate with a face of the front mount (66) to block a sliding of the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) relative to the frame (22) of the bike (20) such that the first rear mount (62) and the second rear mount (64) remain engaged with the first rear receiver (32) and the second rear receiver (34).
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein:
the locking member (42) is provided by a tube clamp that is slidable, when unclamped, along the second support tube (40), and clampable, in use, when arranged in the blocking position.
the locking member (42) is provided by a tube clamp that is slidable, when unclamped, along the second support tube (40), and clampable, in use, when arranged in the blocking position.
15. The apparatus according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein:
the carrier interface (30) is positioned on the frame (22) between a place (26) for a cyclist and a front wheel (27) of the bike (20).
the carrier interface (30) is positioned on the frame (22) between a place (26) for a cyclist and a front wheel (27) of the bike (20).
16. The apparatus according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein:
the bike (20) is configured as a bicycle.
the bike (20) is configured as a bicycle.
17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) further includes a set of wheel mounts (54) that are releasably couplable to a set of stroller wheels.
18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) includes a collapsible construction.
the interchangeable carrier (50, 150) includes a collapsible construction.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2657836 CA2657836A1 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2009-03-10 | A reconfigurable bike-carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2657836 CA2657836A1 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2009-03-10 | A reconfigurable bike-carrier |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2657836A1 true CA2657836A1 (en) | 2010-09-10 |
Family
ID=42729285
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2657836 Abandoned CA2657836A1 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2009-03-10 | A reconfigurable bike-carrier |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2657836A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102013011496A1 (en) | 2013-07-02 | 2015-01-08 | Hektor STEINHILBER | Muscle-powered multi-wheeled vehicle |
| DE102015004977A1 (en) | 2015-04-15 | 2016-10-20 | Hektor STEINHILBER | cargobike |
| CN107117236A (en) * | 2017-04-30 | 2017-09-01 | 北京未来购电子商务有限公司 | A kind of bicycle |
| WO2019014506A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-01-17 | Scott Taylor | Cargo bicycle conversion system |
| DE102014110261B4 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2019-05-09 | Kleinebenne Gmbh | cargobike |
| WO2020052701A1 (en) * | 2018-09-11 | 2020-03-19 | David Maurer | Folding bicycle for the transport of individuals and loads |
| DE102018128629A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-20 | Patrick Frey | Cargo bike |
| NL2022639B1 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2020-09-01 | Yaya B V | Transformable cycle |
| US11260928B2 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2022-03-01 | Scott Taylor | Cargo bicycle conversion system |
-
2009
- 2009-03-10 CA CA 2657836 patent/CA2657836A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102013011496A1 (en) | 2013-07-02 | 2015-01-08 | Hektor STEINHILBER | Muscle-powered multi-wheeled vehicle |
| DE102014110261B4 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2019-05-09 | Kleinebenne Gmbh | cargobike |
| DE102015004977A1 (en) | 2015-04-15 | 2016-10-20 | Hektor STEINHILBER | cargobike |
| US11260928B2 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2022-03-01 | Scott Taylor | Cargo bicycle conversion system |
| CN107117236A (en) * | 2017-04-30 | 2017-09-01 | 北京未来购电子商务有限公司 | A kind of bicycle |
| WO2019014506A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-01-17 | Scott Taylor | Cargo bicycle conversion system |
| US11634190B2 (en) | 2017-07-12 | 2023-04-25 | Scott Taylor | Cargo bicycle conversion system |
| WO2020052701A1 (en) * | 2018-09-11 | 2020-03-19 | David Maurer | Folding bicycle for the transport of individuals and loads |
| DE102018128629A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-20 | Patrick Frey | Cargo bike |
| EP3653478A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-20 | Patrick Frey | Cargo bike |
| NL2022639B1 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2020-09-01 | Yaya B V | Transformable cycle |
| WO2020175981A1 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2020-09-03 | Yaya B.V. | Transformable cycle |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20160310 |