EP3256225B1 - Device for holding bicycles and assembly dedicated for bicycle training in a stationary position - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a holding device for any wheeled vehicle comprising a front wheel and one or more rear wheels, in particular a device for supporting the front wheel of a bicycle, as well as an assembly dedicated to training in stationary position on a front wheel and rear wheel (s) machine.

The present invention will be described with regard to a device ensuring the maintenance of a conventional bicycle, without however being limited thereto. In particular, the invention can be applied to any machine comprising a front wheel and one or more rear wheels, in particular three-wheeled sports wheelchairs or bikes of the handisport type or in the supine position.

The present invention relates to a device for holding the front wheel of a bicycle, so that the latter, in position on the device, is perfectly maintained, allowing the user to climb on and pedal, the rear wheel being placed. on at least one roller.

The invention also relates to training devices on a stationary bicycle, commonly known by Anglicism as "home-trainer".

The invention will be more particularly described with regard to a “home-trainer” type assembly, without however being limited thereto, said assembly comprising a front wheel holding device and at least one roller on which the wheel is capable of rolling the wheel. rear of the bicycle.

In the field of "home trainers", the bicycle can be fixed by various means.

An example of a means, such as that described in the patent FR2912064 , consists of a support comprising a base carrying at one of its ends a roller on which is intended to rest the rear wheel of a bicycle, and at its other end an articulated arm allowing the fixing of the frame of the bicycle thus carrying the front part of the bicycle.

However, although foldable by the articulation of the arm, this device is bulky and heavy. In addition, it is difficult to implement, especially for children, because it is necessary to lift the bicycle to associate the frame of the bicycle with the fixing support.

The patent US2007 / 0004565A1 describes another example of a training device comprising a support for the front wheel and a support for the rear wheel. Although the front and rear supports are independent of each other, they are heavy and bulky, and require lifting the bicycle.

FR 2 657 024 A1 describes a device intended for the maintenance of a machine with a front wheel such as a bicycle, comprising a base intended to be arranged horizontally in the position of use of the device, and a part suitable for holding, associated with the base, intended to be arranged substantially vertically in the position of use.

Consequently, the known devices remain bulky and difficult to implement. However, users, amateurs and professionals alike, must be able to transport them easily to the various training locations desired and install them in a practical and rapid manner.

The invention therefore aims to provide a device for maintaining a bicycle or other front wheel machine, which is not bulky, easily transportable, with a reduced manufacturing cost, and ensuring enhanced stability of the bicycle in position vertical. In addition, the This device must be all the more easy to implement since children must be able to install their bicycle without lifting it.

The present invention also aims to provide a set of type "home trainer" bulky, easily transportable, ensuring enhanced stability of the bicycle, allowing the use of bicycles of all sizes, and without fitting or fitting accessories on these last.

According to the invention, the holding device comprises the features of claim 1.

In the following description, the term "bicycle" is equivalent to the term "machine with a front wheel".

The base being intended to be arranged on the ground, it is thin at most 7 cm, preferably at most 5 cm, that is to say of low height in position of use, so that the front wheel of the bicycle can be brought over while rolling, in particular the base in position of use of the device therefore has a height relative to the ground of at most 7cm, preferably no more than 5 cm.

Thus, the device of the invention provides a reception system for the front wheel of the bicycle, on the ground, with means which ensure the gripping and clamping of the front wheel, and this at a certain height from the wheel.

The device is therefore simple to implement, the user only having to advance his bicycle towards the part suitable for holding without having to lift it, and guarantees a stable and secure grip and maintenance of the wheel (and not frame as in the prior art), thanks to the gripping and clamping means, positioned further away from the base (ie at a certain height from the ground), allowing the user to ride on the bicycle in completely safe.

In the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upper”, “lower”, “high”, “low” are understood to qualify the device in the position of use, that is to say ie when the base rests fixedly parallel to the ground.

The base acts as a seat for the device and allows the lower part of the bicycle wheel to be supported.

And above all, the clamping forces exerted against the side of the rim ensure enhanced stability of the bicycle.

The assembly, base and gripping and clamping means, provides a locking function of the bicycle wheel, in the manner of a locking shoe, and guarantees stability of the bicycle when the user is on it.

The gripping and clamping means are arranged at a distance from the base at a distance such as corresponding substantially to the mid-height of the wheel. Said gripping and clamping means are thus arranged so that in the position of use, they are in a horizontal plane corresponding to the plane containing the axis of rotation of the wheel.

Thus, the gripping and clamping means are adjustable longitudinally to the holding part, so in the position of use, to be positioned at a height corresponding to the horizontal plane containing the axis of rotation of the wheel. The adjustment of the clamping means along the holding part, that is to say the height adjustment in the position of use, contributes to the stable and secure maintenance of the bicycle.

The holding part is of fixed and elongated length. These are the clamping means which can be moved along the length of the holding part, and therefore in the position of use which can be moved according to the height of the holding part.

The part suitable for holding, in the position of use of the device, is advantageously associated with the base so that the device has an L-shape, the gripping and clamping means projecting from the inside of the vertical part, face intended to be opposite the bicycle wheel.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding part comprises a long, straight body profile on which the means for mounting are mounted. gripping and tightening. In the position of use, the profile extends in a completely vertical plane; the profile is completely perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the ground.

The profile carrying the gripping and clamping means is unique. The gripping and gripping means comprise two gripping and gripping systems associated at a distance from each other on the body of said profile.

In the position of use, the gripping and clamping means are in a vertical plane projecting from the holding part (of the profile), that is to say in a plane perpendicular to the plane (horizontal) containing the base .

The base is in the position of use in a completely horizontal plane; it is parallel to the ground plane.

In the use position, the lower part of the bicycle wheel is supported by the base. The wheel of the bicycle and the bicycle are in the axis of the base.

The base is of fixed length.

Preferably, the holding part intended to be vertical is associated with the base in a mobile or removable manner, so that the two parts can be separated or arranged parallel to each other for storage, which provides a compact device when not in use.

For example, the two parts are articulated to each other by a pivoting system, making the device foldable, which reduces the size of the device when not in use and facilitates its transport.

In particular, the device can be accommodated in a bag.

The device is portable, in particular is portable with one hand.

The device comprises a gripping means at the opposite end of the articulation portion, in particular the gripping means is associated with the free end of the holding part opposite the base.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding part consists of a profile having two opposite general faces, one of the faces carrying the holding and clamping means while the opposite face carries a plate, preferably made of plastic. rigid, which extends at least to the free end of the profile opposite the end connected to the base (the articulation part), said free end of the plate being provided with a recess forming a gripping means for the device.

In addition, the plate advantageously constitutes a marking surface for affixing a pattern, a logo, a mark.

• longitudinalement à la partie de maintien (c'est-à-dire selon la hauteur en position d'utilisation) de façon à être positionnés à une hauteur en position d'utilisation correspondant au plan horizontal contenant l'axe de rotation de la roue ; et
• transversalement au plan de la partie de maintien vers l'opposé de la partie de maintien (c'est-à-dire selon la dimension horizontale en position d'utilisation et en direction de la roue) ; et/ou
• transversalement à l'axe longitudinal (vertical) de la partie de maintien et selon la largeur de la partie de maintien, c'est-à-dire réglables horizontalement selon l'épaisseur de la roue.

According to a preferred characteristic, the gripping and clamping means are adjustable:

• longitudinally to the holding part (that is to say according to the height in the use position) so as to be positioned at a height in the use position corresponding to the horizontal plane containing the axis of rotation of the wheel; and
• transversely to the plane of the holding part towards the opposite of the holding part (that is to say along the horizontal dimension in the position of use and in the direction of the wheel); and or
• transversely to the longitudinal (vertical) axis of the holding part and along the width of the holding part, that is to say adjustable horizontally according to the thickness of the wheel.

Consequently, according to the type of bicycle and therefore according to the dimensions of the wheel, the adjustment of the gripping and clamping means in height, in depth towards the inside of the wheel, and in width will make it possible to tighten the wheel appropriately. and optimal on the one hand on the side of the rim of the wheel and on the other hand in the horizontal plane containing the axis of the wheel.

Preferably, the gripping and clamping means comprise at least one jaw with two clamping jaws spaced apart in the manner of a vice.

The gripping and clamping means comprise two support pieces or jaws carrying the clamping means of the brake shoe type.

The jaws of the gripping and clamping means are positioned opposite one another in order to exert two clamping forces symmetrically opposite with respect to the median plane of the wheel; they are spaced apart to cooperate with the wheel symmetrically to the vertical median plane of the wheel, providing during use of the bicycle that the median plane of the bicycle remains fixed, which guarantees the stability of the bicycle.

In the clamping position of the jaw, the clamping forces exerted by the jaws are thus transverse to the radial surface or side of the rim.

Advantageously, the gripping and clamping means are able to pivot, or be articulated on a ball joint so that, depending on the size of the tire of the wheel, the clamping jaws can be brought and pressed perfectly parallel against the side of the rim, guaranteeing a clamping surface with the maximum side.

According to another characteristic, the gripping and clamping means, in particular the jaws, include pads of the type for bicycle brake pads. As with bicycle brakes, they are intended to rest on the side of the rim.

Preferably, the gripping and tightening means further comprise at least one tightening strap intended to be passed between the spokes of the front wheel of the bicycle, and / or an automatic tightening trigger system comprising a return spring.

Advantageously, the strap also serves to keep the device in the closed position when not in use, the strap retaining the base plate pressed against the holding part.

Preferably, the pads are made of rubber, but they can be made of any material ensuring maintenance of the front wheel and therefore of the bicycle.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the brake pads are at least two in number, but preferably four in number.

The pads are intended to cooperate by contact with the side of the rim, and the more this area of contact between the pads and the rim, the more the stability of the front wheel and of the bicycle is reinforced.

In one embodiment of the gripping and clamping means, said means comprise two support pieces spaced apart and integral with the part suitable for holding in a transverse extension, each support piece carrying jaws or clamping pads and being able to pivot about a vertical axis.

The pivoting of the support parts makes it possible to separate the gripping and clamping means for introducing the wheel between said means, and makes it possible to bring said means to bear against the wheel.

Swiveling can be manual.

In the embodiment for which the holding part consists of a profile, the profile comprises along its two longitudinal sides on the one hand respectively two removable rods which each cooperate with respectively a support piece of the means (pads) clamping, each support piece pivoting around the associated rod constituting a pivot axis, and on the other hand means for adjusting / locating the positioning of the support pieces along the profile. By way of example, the adjustment / marking means comprise, on each of the two longitudinal sides of the profile, notches transverse to the longitudinal axis of the profile, spaced apart and facing each other along the profile, and with which cooperate by engaging the tabs integral with the support pieces, each tab further comprising an orifice for the passage of one of the pivot rods.

When it is necessary to change the position of the gripping and clamping means along the profile, each removable rod is extracted from the support pieces, the support pieces are disengaged from the adjustment / marking means (notches) and are changed position by engaging them in other adjustment / marking means (other notches), then the rods are again inserted by crossing the support pieces, thus locking said support pieces at a given position along the profile while allowing them to pivot.

• d'une part dans une direction transversale au plan de la partie de maintien en vue de se rapprocher ou de s'éloigner de la roue dans un plan perpendiculaire au profilé (c'est-à-dire dans un plan horizontal), et
• d'autre part selon un pivotement autour d'un axe horizontal en vue de s'appuyer le mieux possible contre la jante de la roue,

chaque pièce de soutien comporte au moins une rainure pour accueillir un arbre de support d'un patin, l'arbre de support étant apte à coulisser le long de la rainure et (grâce à un jeu entre les deux bords longitudinaux de la rainure) à pivoter vers le haut ou vers la bas, ainsi qu'à être bloqué en position (tel que par boulonnage de l'arbre).In addition, to ensure the adjustment of the pads linked to the support pieces

• on the one hand in a direction transverse to the plane of the holding part in order to approach or move away from the wheel in a plane perpendicular to the profile (that is to say in a horizontal plane), and
• on the other hand according to a pivoting around a horizontal axis in order to rest as best as possible against the rim of the wheel,

each support piece has at least one groove for accommodating a support shaft of a shoe, the support shaft being able to slide along the groove and (thanks to a clearance between the two longitudinal edges of the groove) to pivot up or down, as well as being locked in position (such as by bolting the shaft).

As a variant of a manual articulation, the support pieces could be associated with elastic means of the spring type, to provide a restoring force to the support pieces when the latter are separated so that they can return to the clamping position automatically.

It is also conceivable for the holding and tightening means, an automatic tightening trigger mechanism when the wheel comes into abutment against the internal face of the vertical holding part or against a part associated with the holding means.

According to a particular embodiment, the gripping and clamping means comprise a trigger. When the wheel presses on the trigger, the trigger automatically triggers the clamping in order to exert a clamping force transmitted to the jaws or clamping pads applied against the wheel.

In a particular embodiment, this clamping force is effected by means of a spring, the latter exerting pressure on the jaws.

In a particular embodiment, the gripping and clamping means comprise a lever allowing the spacing of the pads, as well as the resetting of the device following a pressure exerted on the trigger.

According to another characteristic, the part capable of holding and the base of the device are metallic. They could be in another material, such as plastic or even composite material.

To reduce the weight of the device when it is metallic, the base and the part suitable for holding are in the form of perforated plates. It is indeed not necessary that the plates are full.

In a preferred variant, the base and the holding part each comprise a straight body profile, each profile comprising a cross member at one of the distal ends, the two cross members being articulated with respect to each other, l 'base further comprising another cross at its opposite distal end, the base thus having a general shape in I and the holding part having a general shape in inverted T.

In addition, the base has orifices of dimension adapted to the passage of the gripping and clamping means projecting from the part capable of holding. Thus, when the holding part is folded against the base in the storage position, the gripping and clamping means pass through the orifices so that the holding part is arranged in applies against the base optimally reducing the thickness of the assembly.

The base and the part suitable for holding have a sufficient surface to ensure the solidity of the device.

The invention also aims to provide a device / training assembly for a bicycle or a machine comprising a front wheel and one or two rear wheels, of the “home trainer” type comprising the device of the invention described above.

The drive also includes at least one roller for placing the rear wheel or wheels and allowing the latter to rotate. The roller (s) are separated from the device. The roller (s) are integral with a support, preferably the support being able to be removably fixed to the device without using the device while occupying the reduced volume arranged under the gripping and gripping means.

The use of the device of the invention ensures that the bicycle is kept in an upright position, allowing the user to position himself on the bicycle for pedaling.

The roller is independent of the holding device. It does not present any part intended to be interdependent.

In the context of the use of three-wheeled sports wheelchairs, the device preferably comprises two rollers on which the rear wheels are placed.

The training device comprises for a bicycle a single roller on which the rear wheel is placed. Indeed the advantage of having an L-shaped device ensuring the fixing of the front wheel, as previously described, provides sufficient stability of the bicycle and therefore the possibility of using only one roller in the context of 'a home trainer. Here, the rear wheel and the frame of the bicycle do not require additional support means.

An additional advantage of having to have only a single roller is the ease of transporting the home trainer.

Finally, a single roller, which is also separate and mechanically independent of the L-shaped device of the invention, provides a very convenient training device for use, by easily adapting the position of the roller according to the size of the bicycle. The roller can thus be positioned under the rear wheel without any mechanical adjustment of the device to be produced.

• La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de maintien d'une roue selon l'invention, en position prête à l'utilisation sans la roue ;
• Les figures 2a et 2b sont des vues en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1 en position de rangement, respectivement en vue frontale à la verticale, et vue de côté à l'horizontal ;
• La figure 3a représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de maintien d'une roue selon l'invention, en position prête à l'utilisation, montrant sa coopération avec une roue, la bicyclette n'étant pas illustrée ;
• La figure 3b est vue de détail des moyens de maintien et serrage du dispositif de la figure 3a ;
• La figure 4 représente une vue en perspective de côté d'un ensemble home-trainer comportant le dispositif de maintien de l'invention, montrant une bicyclette associée en position d'utilisation ;
• La figure 5 illustre schématiquement une vue de dessus d'un système de déclenchement automatique de serrage du dispositif de l'invention, le système étant à l'état de repos sans présence de roue ;
• La figure 6 correspond à la figure 5 avec la roue associée
• La figure 7a illustre une variante du dispositif de la figure 1 selon une embase de forme trapézoïdale.
• La figure 7b représente une vue en perspective de côté d'un ensemble home-trainer associé au dispositif de la figure 7a;
• La figure 8a illustre une vue en perspective d'une variante de réalisation du dispositif en position prête à l'utilisation ;
• La figure 8b est une vue en perspective opposée de la figure 8a,
• La figure 8c est une vue partielle de côté selon la verticale du dispositif de la figure 8a ;
• La figure 9 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de la figure 8a à l'état replié et associé à un système de rouleaux pour former un home-trainer transportable.

The present invention is now described using examples which are only illustrative and in no way limit the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which:

• The figure 1 shows a perspective view of the wheel holding device according to the invention, in the ready to use position without the wheel;
• The Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views of the device of the figure 1 in the storage position, respectively in front view vertically, and side view horizontally;
• The figure 3a shows a perspective view of the wheel holding device according to the invention, in the position ready for the use, showing its cooperation with a wheel, the bicycle not being illustrated;
• The figure 3b is a detailed view of the means for holding and tightening the device of the figure 3a ;
• The figure 4 shows a side perspective view of a home trainer assembly comprising the holding device of the invention, showing an associated bicycle in the position of use;
• The figure 5 schematically illustrates a top view of an automatic clamping release system of the device of the invention, the system being in the rest state without the presence of a wheel;
• The figure 6 corresponds to the figure 5 with the associated wheel
• The figure 7a illustrates a variant of the device of the figure 1 in a trapezoidal base.
• The figure 7b represents a perspective view from the side of a home-trainer assembly associated with the device of the figure 7a ;
• The figure 8a illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device in the ready-to-use position;
• The figure 8b is an opposite perspective view of the figure 8a ,
• The figure 8c is a partial side view along the vertical of the device of the figure 8a ;
• The figure 9 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 8a in the folded state and associated with a roller system to form a transportable home trainer.

The holding device 1 of the invention illustrated in the figure 1 is intended, as visible on the figure 4 , to maintain a front wheel 20 of bicycle 2 so that the bicycle is held in a stable position so that a user can ride on it and pedal.

On the figure 4 , the holding device 1 is part of a set 3 of a home trainer comprising a roller 4 on which the rear wheel 21 of the bicycle 2 is placed.

The holding device 1 comprises two parts, a first part 5 intended to be positioned horizontally and a second part 6 intended to be positioned substantially vertically relative to the first part, as well as holding and clamping means 7 intended to cooperate with the front wheel 20.

The first part 5, called base, has the function of keeping the second part 6, called the wheel holding part, in a vertical position.

The base 5 is intended to receive the lower part 23 of the front wheel 20 of the bicycle.

The base 5 is placed on the ground in the position of use.

The base has a low height, of the order in particular of 40 mm, in order to be able to accommodate the front wheel by bringing the latter in rolling without having to lift the bicycle.

The holding part 6 is intended to keep the front wheel in a safe position, and allow the bicycle to be kept in the vertical position.

The base 5 and the holding part 6 are arranged in the form of an L in the position of use.

The base 5 and the holding part 6 are removable or movable relative to one another in the non-use position of the device so as to provide a space-saving device.

Preferably, they are linked to each other by articulation means 80, allowing the device to be folded back when not in use. These articulation means 80 consist for example of a hinge or two pivot axes.

The base 5 is adapted to provide great stability. For example, it could be I- shaped, as shown on the figures 1 and 8a , comprising a longitudinal central bar 5A and two opposite transverse end bars 50A and 50B, one of which is associated with the holding part 6. The central bar 5A is intended to receive and support the lower part of the front wheel of the bicycle. The transverse bars 50A and 50B form feet of stability for the base, and therefore of stability for the device ready for use.

The base 5 and the holding part 6 are connected to each other by one side.

The base could have another geometry, for example in the form of a trapezoidal plate, as illustrated on the figures 7a and 7b .

The holding part 6 is for example formed of an oblong, rectangular or metallic plate, as illustrated on the figure 7a , of trapezoidal geometry, or in the form of a general geometry of inverted T ( figure 8a ).

The manufacturing principle of the two parts 5 and 6 of the figure 7a , made of metal plates, is simple. The metal plates are cut at their general surface and folded on at least two sides, to respectively produce two perforated bottoms 50 and 60 and at least two associated and opposite longitudinal sidewalks 51 and 52, respectively 61 and 62.

The base 5 and the holding part 6 are connected at one of their ends of their longitudinal sidewalks 51, 52 and 61, 62, via two pivot axes 80A and 80B made integral respectively with the longitudinal sidewalks 51 and 61 and opposite 52, 62.

Whatever the shapes of the base 5 and of the holding part 6, the bottom or main body 60 of the holding part 6 comprises on its internal face 63 facing the base 5, the holding and tightening means 7 projecting.

The holding and clamping means 7 are positioned in a zone proximal to the bottom / body 60, so as to be at a certain height from the ground and from the base 5 in the position of use. The distance between the base 5 of the holding and clamping means 7 is such that it corresponds to at least one third of the height of a bicycle wheel, preferably of the order of half. Advantageously, the gripping and clamping means 7 are arranged so that in the position of use, they are in a horizontal plane corresponding to the plane containing the axis of rotation of the wheel.

The holding and clamping means 7 comprise two flanges 70 and 71 spaced apart and facing each other, and extending transversely to the bottom 60 towards the interior of the device in the position of use, that is to say facing the bicycle.

The flanges 70 and 71 advantageously come from the cutting of the bottom 60 and the folding of the sheet.

Each flange 70, 71 comprises a piece 73, respectively 74, forming a support piece for clamping pads 75, respectively 76, and for fixing a strap 77.

The support parts 73 and 74 or jaws are integral with the flanges by being mobile along a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal extension of the holding part 6, so that their rotation is exerted in a vertical plane in the position of use of the device.

The pads 75 and 76 are intended to clamp the front wheel 20 of the bicycle for its maintenance.

The support pieces 73 and 74 or jaws are intended to be separated in order to provide sufficient space for the reception of the front wheel between the pads 75 and 76, then to be returned to position so that said pads are applied against the wheel and tightly, more particularly against the rim of the wheel.

The pads 75 and 76 are of the brake pad type. They can be of different materials, but are usually made of rubber.

Next to figures 1 , 3a , 3b , 4 and 8a , the pads 75 and 76 are advantageously arranged at a distance from the bottom / body 60 of the vertical holding part 6, the distance being designed to be adapted to the thickness of the tire 20A of the front wheel 20 of the bicycle, so that the tire is in abutment against the bottom / body 60, while the pads 75 and 76 tighten the rim 20B of the front wheel.

Advantageously, the support pieces 73 and 74 carrying the clamping pads are adjustable in position so that the device can adapt to different types of wheel, the thickness of the tires of a road bike being notably different from that of a mountain bike or a cross bike.

The brake pads 75 and 76 are thus in contact with the braking zone (the rim) of the front wheel of the bicycle, providing an even safer hold than if they pressed on the tire.

There are at least two skates. The pads at least two in number are arranged apart and facing each other to symmetrically tighten the rim. Their number, for example four, or their size according to the height of the wheel, makes it possible to cover an optimal surface braking zone to ensure the tightening and the maintenance of the front wheel 20 of the bicycle, and thus to reinforce the stability of this last.

The strap 77 is fixed by one of its two ends 77A to a support piece 73. The opposite end 77B of the strap is free and is intended after insertion of the tire between the pads to be passed through the spokes of the wheel and be retained by a fixing system 78 arranged on the opposite support piece 74.

The strap 77 is intended to be tightened, which confirms the tightening of the pads 75 and 76 and locks the wheel in position.

The strap also serves to keep the device in the closed position when not in use ( figures 2b and 8c ), the strap retaining the base plate pressed against the holding part.

The holding and tightening means 7 described in the illustrated embodiment are in no way limiting. Other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

In the case where the base is trapezoidal ( figure 7a ), two through holes 53 and 54 are formed in the thickness of the bottom 50 of the base 5. They allow the passage of the holding and tightening means 7 in the folded position of the holding part 6 against the base 5.

In the case where the base is I- shaped, the holding and tightening means 7 are surrounded by the longitudinal central bar allowing the portion 6 to be folded against the base 5, as illustrated on the Figures 2a, 2b and 8c .

Finally, the base 5 and the holding part 6 may have openings for the sole purpose of lightening the structure of the device.

Next to the figure 4 , the present invention also aims to provide a device of the home trainer 3 type.

The home trainer assembly 3 comprises the holding device 1 ensuring the maintenance of the front wheel 20 and at least one roller 4 on which the rear wheel 21 is placed. The home trainer assembly of the figure 9 in the folded state for transport shows the presence of two rollers.

During normal use of the home trainer 3, the user brings the front wheel 20 of the bicycle 2 by rolling on the base 5 to bring it to the holding and tightening means 7.

The user moves aside the supporting pieces 73 and 74 so as to be able to introduce the tire between the pads 75 and 76 and bring the wheel into abutment against the bottom 60 of the vertical holding part 6. The supporting pieces 73 and 74 or jaws , are then brought back into position so that the pads 75 and 76 tighten the rim 20B of the wheel.

The user then passes the strap 77 between the spokes of the wheel and attaches it to the fastening system 78 by tightening it.

The strap 77 thus exerts a force guaranteeing the bringing together of the two pads 75 and 76 which are then in tight contact against the rim of the wheel and ensure optimum maintenance of the latter.

Once the front wheel 20 is maintained, the bicycle 2 keeps a stable position in a vertical plane.

Finally, the rear wheel 21 is positioned on the roller 8, allowing the latter to rotate freely. The user can thus get on the bicycle and pedal.

In a further example, with regard to Figures 5 and 6 , the holding device of the invention comprises an automatic clamping trigger system 9 when the front wheel 20 abuts against the triggering means of this system.

By way of example, the triggering means comprise a trigger 90 associated with a return spring 91, and with a control lever 92.

When the wheel is not associated with the device ( figure 5 ), the spring is in the rest position and the clamping means (the clamping jaws 73 and 74 preferably having pads 75 and 76) are spaced apart to provide an insertion passage for the wheel. The control lever 92 is in the rest state.

The front wheel is intended to come up against the triggering means in order to close the jaw of the clamping means.

Next to the figure 6 , the wheel 20 is brought into abutment against the trigger 90 and is pushed against the latter. The actuation of the trigger 90, by the force exerted on it, compresses the spring 91, causing the jaws 73 and 74 to come together and the application of a clamping force on the wheel. The control lever 92 then pivoted.

Closing the jaw of the clamping means blocks the wheel 20 by means of the forces exerted by the pads 75 and 76 on the rim of the wheel, which keeps the bicycle.

The lever 92 makes it possible to manually relax the spring 91 and thus open the jaw, that is to say to spread the jaws 73 and 74.

A pressure on the lever 92 causes a force on the clamping means greater than that exerted by the spring 92, allowing the jaw to open.

The figure 8a illustrates a variant form of the holding part 6 and the base 5 of the device as well as a variant combination of the gripping and clamping means 7.

The holding part 6 has a general shape of an inverted T comprising a straight profile, preferably metallic, constituting the body 60 for supporting the gripping and clamping means 7, and a lower crosspiece 64 preferably made of plastic.

The base 5 is in the general shape of I and comprises a long, straight section or central bar 5A, preferably metallic, and two cross-pieces 50A and 50B made of plastic material integral with the two respective ends of the section, perpendicular to the latter. The crosspieces form the feet of the device, just like on the realization of the figure 1 .

The cross member 50B of the base 5, called the connecting cross member, and the cross member 64 of the retaining part 6 are hinged to each other to allow the device to be folded.

In this embodiment for which the holding part 6 consists of a straight profile, the profile is tubular and includes two removable removable rods 65 along its two opposite longitudinal sides, of which only are visible on the figure 8a the distal ends, each rod being enclosed in the profile.

Each rod is enclosed in the profile by resting, in a manner that is not visible in the figures, on a low stop internal to the profile and by being blocked in high stop by a closing piece 66 closing the hollow end of the profile. The closing part 66 is removable and assembled by removable fixing means 66A.

The profile comprises, on each of its sides, adjustment / marking means 67, respectively 68, of the positioning of the support pieces 73, 74 of the clamping pads, here in the form of horizontal notches transverse to the elongated body of the profile and evenly spaced along the profile. The notches 67 and 68 are associated in pairs, the notches of a pair being in the same horizontal plane.

Each support piece 73, 74 of the clamping pads 75, 76 comprises two opposite upper end tabs 73A, 74A and lower 73B, 74B which cooperate by engagement in two pairs of notches 67, 68 spaced apart in height.

Each leg, not visible in the figure, has an orifice for the passage of one of the rods.

The positioning of the legs in the notches allows the height adjustment of the position of use of the device, and the rods allow crossing the legs engaged in the notches to lock the position.

The legs can pivot around the rods allowing the pivoting of the support pieces 73 and 74, to generate their separation or their approximation to the wheel of the bicycle.

Each support piece 73 and 74 carries the pads 75 and 76 which are capable of being movable so as to position them correctly relative to the rim of the wheel and to be locked in position via the strap 77.

• pour s'écarter ou se rapprocher via le pivotement des pièces de soutien tel que vu plus haut ;
• en translation dans une direction transversale au plan du profilé (c'est-à-dire dans un plan horizontal), en vue de se rapprocher ou de s'éloigner de la roue (se rapprocher ou s'éloigner selon la profondeur), et cela car mobiles par rapport aux pièces de soutien, et
• vers le haut ou vers la bas pour se plaquer au mieux et selon une surface maximale contre la jante de la roue, et cela car mobiles par rapport aux pièces de soutien.

Skids 75 and 76 are able to be mobile:

• to move away or get closer via the pivoting of the support pieces as seen above;
• in translation in a direction transverse to the plane of the profile (that is to say in a horizontal plane), with a view to approaching or moving away from the wheel (approaching or moving away depending on the depth), and because it is movable in relation to the support pieces,
• upwards or downwards in order to be pressed as well as possible and according to a maximum surface against the rim of the wheel, and this because they are movable relative to the support parts.

Next to Figures 9a and 9b , the mobility of the pads 75 and 76 relative to the support pieces 73 and 74 is achieved by securing each pad on a shaft 75A, 76A and an associated horizontal groove 73C, 74C, arranged in each support piece, l the shaft being engaged in and perpendicular to the groove according to an upper clearance and a lower clearance with respect to the upper and lower longitudinal edges of the groove. Thus, the shaft (and therefore the shoe) can slide on the one hand along the groove and on the other hand pivot around a horizontal axis to orient the shoe up or down.

When it is necessary to change the position of the gripping and clamping means 7 along the profile / body 60, each removable rod 65 is extracted from the legs of the support pieces having previously removed the closure piece 66 from the profile, the legs 73A, 73B and 74A, 74B of the support pieces are disengaged from the notches 67, 68 and are changed in position by engaging them in other notches, then the rods are again inserted by crossing the legs of the support pieces, thus locking the support pieces at a given position the along the profile while allowing them to pivot, and finally the closure part is reattached.

Furthermore, a plate 1B is fixed against the profile of the holding part, opposite the gripping and clamping means 7. This plate constitutes a support for affixing a mark, a logo.

The plate 1B has a recess 1A at the upper end to constitute the gripping means in order to transport the device. On the variant of the figure 1 , the gripping means 1A is integrated into the frame of the holding part.

Finally, the home trainer represented on the figure 9 includes device 1 of the figure 8a in the folded state and a support 40 with here two rollers 4. The support 40 has a general shape known per se, the two rollers being parallel and spaced apart by being supported by two opposite flanges 41. Advantageously according to the invention, the support 40 includes fixing means for cooperating and removably fixing with the device 1 so as to arrange the support in the folded position of the device in a plane parallel to the base 5 and in the volume located between the gripping means and tightening 7 and the cross-member 50B. At least one of the flanges 41 of the support 40 comprises means of mutual cooperation (here not visible, and such as retaining means), with hooking means 79 arranged in the lower part of the holding pieces of the pads.

Claims (15)

1. A holding device for holding a machine with a front wheel (20) such as a bicycle, in particular for training while the bicycle is in a stationary position, comprising a first part (5), referred to as the base, intended to be arranged horizontally in the position of use of the device, and a second part (6), referred to as the part suitable for holding, associated with the first part, intended to be arranged substantially vertically in the position of use, the holding part (6) comprising holding means dedicated to holding the front wheel, the holding means being arranged in a proximal zone at a distance from the base (5), in a vertical plane in the position of use, and forming gripping and clamping means (7) able to engage with the front wheel, characterised in that the gripping and clamping means (7) comprise at least two clamping pads that are positioned opposite one another in order to exert a clamping force in a vertical plane on the side of rim of the wheel, and in that the gripping and clamping means (7) are height adjustable so as to be at a height from the floor that corresponds to at least one third, and preferably around one half, of the height of a wheel, in particular at a height corresponding to the horizontal plane containing the rotation axis of the wheel.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the holding part (6) intended to be vertical is associated with the base (5) movably or non-movably, so that the two parts can be separated or arranged parallel to one another.
3. A device according to either of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gripping and clamping means (7) are arranged at a distance from the base (5) and are adjustable

   - longitudinally to the holding part (6) so as to be positioned at a height in the position of use corresponding to the horizontal plane containing the rotation axis of the wheel, and

   - transversally to the plane of the holding part (6) towards the opposite side of the holding part (6), and/or

   - transversally to the longitudinal axis of the holding part (6) and across the width of the holding part (6), that is to say adjustable horizontally across the thickness of the wheel.
4. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gripping and clamping means, in particular two support parts or jaws (73, 74), comprise brake pads (75, 76), of the bicycle brake pad type, preferably made from rubber, at least two in number, but preferentially four in number.
5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gripping and clamping means (7) comprise at least one clamping strap (77) and/or an automatic system for triggering clamping comprising a return spring.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said gripping and clamping means (7) comprise two support parts (73, 74) spaced apart and secured to the part suitable for holding (6) on a transverse extension, the support parts (73, 74) carrying clamping pads (75, 76) and being able to pivot about a vertical axis.
7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the part suitable for holding (6) and the base (5) of the device are metallic or made from composite materials, and are in the form of perforated plates.
8. A device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the base (5) and the holding part (6) each comprise a profiled member with a straight body, each profiled member comprising a cross-member (50B, 64) at one of the distal ends, the two cross-members being articulated with respect to one another, the base (5) further comprising another cross-member (50A) at its opposite distal end, the base thus having a general I shape and the holding part having a general inverted T shape.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holding part (6) and the base (5) are articulated on one another by a pivot system, making the device foldable.
10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a handle (1A) at the free end of the holding part opposite to the base.
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holding part (6) comprises, on the face opposite to the face carrying the holding and clamping means, a plate (18), preferably a plate made from rigid plastics material, which extends at least as far as the free end of the profiled member opposite to the end connected to the base, said free end of the plate being provided with a recess forming a gripping means (1A) for the device, in particular the plate constituting a marking surface for the affixing of a pattern, a logo or a mark.
12. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holding part (6) comprises a profiled member, the profiled member comprising, along its two longitudinal sides, on the one hand respectively two removable rods that each engage with respectively a support part (73, 74) of the gripping and clamping means, each support part pivoting about the associated rod that constitutes a pivot axis, and on the other hand means (67, 68) for adjusting/locating the positioning of the support parts along the profiled member.
13. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gripping and clamping means comprise pads (75, 76) that are associated with support parts forming two gripping and clamping jaws, the support parts being able to pivot on axes parallel to the holding part, and the pads being adjustable

    - on the one hand in a direction transverse to the plane of the holding part with a view to moving closer to or further away from the wheel in a plane perpendicular to the holding part, and

    - on the other hand in a pivoting about a horizontal axis with a view to bearing as well as possible against the rim of the wheel.
14. A training apparatus for a bicycle of the "home trainer" type, comprising a device according to any of the preceding claims, preferably further comprising at least one roller (4), the roller being independent of the device and secured to a support, preferably the support being able to be fixed removably to the device when the device is not in use.
15. Use of a device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base (5) is arranged on the floor and has a small height so that the front wheel (20) of the bicycle is brought on top when running, in particular the base in the position of use of the device having a height with respect to the floor of no more than 7 cm.

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