FR2546840A1 - FAIRED BICYCLE WITH ROCKING LUGGAGE CARRIER FORMING STABILIZER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of cycles and similar vehicles. This bicycle comprises, in a known manner, a frame with a saddle tube 1, a crank case 2, a diagonal tube 3 and a steering tube 4, and it further comprises a framework 5 forming a fairing of great length, in the longitudinal axis of the bicycle, with a first fixed part A defined between its front end substantially above the front wheel, and its rear end substantially beyond the saddle tube, and a second part B of short length, which is articulated and capable of being either in the extension of the part A, thus fulfilling the function of luggage rack, or in a tilted position bearing on the ground, thus fulfilling the stabilising function and parking position of the bicycle.

Description

The present invention relates to an improved bicycle or similar vehicle
The invention relates to the technical sector of the cycle.

I1 is known, according to the prior art, to ensure stability in the rest position or not using a bicycle or similar vehicle, by adding retractable stabilizing legs, either laterally, at the level of the pedal box or under this latest. The garage of a bicycle or similar vehicle can also be ensured by engaging its rear wheel between the hoops of a metal structure resting on the ground, said bicycle presenting no means of stability.
In addition, so-called training bicycles simulating real movements are used. To this end, the bicycles are designed in a conventional manner and rests on a frame supported on the ground, which has shrouds or the like, the upper ends of which are fitted with hooking and locking means which adjust to the bicycle seatpost.

Structural bicycles are called structures defining a bicycle frame with a base of support on the ground and a rear wall against which an adjustable pressure roller comes to bear. This type of bicycle performs an exclusive "home trainer" function.

 According to the prior art thus described, each bicycle is produced in a particular manner corresponding to an exclusive function of said bicycle.

 According to the invention, we wanted to create a new type of bicycle or similar vehicle, capable of allowing all these functions and varieties of use in positions of current use, home trainer and garage.

 The new design of the bicycle frame or similar vehicle is the solution to the problem posed.

 According to a first characteristic of the invention, the bicycle or similar vehicle, composed of a frame with seat tube, a bottom bracket, a diagonal tube and a head tube, further comprises a frame forming a fairing, of great length, in the longitudinal axis of the bicycle with a first fixed part, defined between its front end substantially above the front wheel, and a rear end substantially beyond the seat tube , and a second part, of short length, articulated and likely to be either in the extension of the first part, ensuring the function of luggage rack, or in a tilted position in support on the ground, ensuring the function of stabilizer and position of bicycle garage.

 These characteristics and others will emerge clearly from the following description.

To fix the subject of the invention, without however limiting it, to the figures of the drawing where
Figure 1 is a side view in partial section, illustrating the bicycle according to the invention in normal position of use
Figures 2 and 3 are side views, schematic, illustrating the successive phases of pivoting of the
nement device allowing the position "of the bicycle in the garage position or with a view to its use for on-site training
Figure 4 is a front view in section, along the line IV-IV of Figure 3
Figure 5 is a partial top view illustrating the locking mechanism of the tilting device
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a variant of the locking locking device.

 In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the figures in the drawing.

 The bicycle according to the invention comprises a frame consisting of a seat tube c a bottom bracket (2), a diagonal tube (3) and a steering tube (4). According to the invention, the horizontal upper tube connecting the seat tube to the head tube is eliminated. The latter is replaced by a framework (5) profiled in an inverted U, forming a fairing and of great length. This frame is arranged in the longitudinal axis of the bicycle and horizontally, substantially halfway up the seat tube; it further extends from the front wheel (6) to the rear wheel (7) by covering them at least partially. The tubes of direction (4), diagonally (3) and saddle (l) cross said frame in its thickness and are joined to the latter by welding or otherwise. The frame thus obtained has a reinforced rigidity.

 Advantageously, the front part of the framework bears on the upper part of the fork (8) of the front wheel.

 According to a characteristic of the invention, this framework is made in two parts (A) and (B). The part (A) is fixed and of a length (L.) starting from the front wheel an intermediate point defined between, on the one hand the point of connection of said frame and the seat tube, and on the other hand l 'rear wheel axle. Guy lines (9) connect the seat tube to the rear end of this part (A). A fork (10) having a beak-shaped middle part (set) is engaged on the axle of the rear wheel, and seat stays (ll) - - (12) connect the beak part respectively to the bottom bracket on the one hand and at the rear part of the framework as illustrated in FIG. 1.

 Part (B) of said frame, of profile identical to that of part (A), is retractable and pivots about an axis of rotation (13) established on the part forming the beak of the oven.

che (10), substantially in front of the axis of rotation (l) of the quarry wheel. This part (B) constitutes in a way, a crutch, and comprises arms (15) whose ends (15l 15) are fixed to the framework and on the articulation axis (13).

Reinforcement arms (16) are arranged between the front end of the frame (B) of the frame and the lower end (152) of the arms (15). They are advantageously parallel to the shrouds (12). Part (B) of the framework also has,
d its rear end and perpendicular to that cry a sleeve (17) attached and welded to said frame. As will appear later, this part (B) serves both as a luggage rack and as a stabilizing element after pivoting.

 A locking device keeps the part (B) in position, in the extension of the part (A).

As illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the drawing, this arrangement comprises a lever (18) disposed inside the framework and profiled at one of its ends (181), in the form of a hook, for engaging in a opening (19) arranged in the bottom of the U-frame of part (B). Said hook is articulated on an axis (20) held in position between the lateral wings of the U-shaped framework, at the level of the part (A). Said lever (18) has at its other end, a squared tab (182) engaging in a vertical slot (21) established on one of the wings of the frame, an elastic means (22), of the spring type, being disposed between the bottom of the U-shaped framework and the opposite end of the lever. By the action of relaxation of the spring, the lever is tilted and the hook part is engaged in locking of part (B) of the framework dances horizontal extension of part (A). If one wants to release the part (B), it suffices to act on the tab (182), which causes the lever to tilt against the elastic means.

 FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the locking mechanism. The latter is arranged on the top of the frame and comprises a push button acting on an elastic blade forming a hook at its end and engaging in an opening provided for this purpose, in the part (B) of the frame.

 As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawing, the bicycle can be put in the garage position, when not in use.

After having unlocked the part (B) of the framework, the pivoting of the latter is ensured, relative to its axis of articulation (14) which is substantially offset backwards with respect to the wheel axis. In an intermediate tilting phase, the tire of the rear wheel comes into firm contact against the inner face of the U-profile of the frame (FIG. 2), while the sleeve (17) at the end of said frame, is supported on the ground, creating a point of resistance. This position is explained by the fact that the articulation axis (14) is set back with respect to the axis of the rear wheel. The spacing between the two axes (13) and (14) is established judiciously, defining an eccentricity, so that, during the pivoting of said part (B) of the frame, the rear wheel comes to bear closes against the latter. The rear wheel being blocked, the bicycle is then slightly moved backwards, thus causing the tilting (arrow) (F) of the part (B) of the framework thus forming stabilizer. The latter then comes to rest on the ground, according to the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the rear tire being released relative to the stabilizing element, as a result of the new position of the axes.

 The stabilizing element thus produced comes into firm support, for example, a triangulation determined by the profile of the frame and the associated sleeve (17). Rubber parts (23) or equivalent, are placed on the support faces on the ground to avoid any deterioration.

 Illustrated in Figure 4, the bicycle in the final garage position.

 When you want to reuse the bicycle, just proceed to the reverse maneuver, the stabilizer then coming in the extension of the part (A) of the frame, thus serving as luggage rack.

 By virtue of these provisions, the bicycle can be used as a means of on-site training. In fact, in known manner, the bicycle is equipped with an adjustable pressure roller, capable of pressing against the rear wheel. This roller is shown in (24) with tensioning and control means (25). Therefore, in the garage position of the bicycle, the user can train, without moving the latter.

 The advantages emerge clearly from the invention. In particular, the various possibilities of using the bicycle according to the invention are emphasized, the simplicity of the mechanism allowing the change of position of the latter, the strengthening of the bicycle frame and the pivoting element of the frame ensuring the functions of luggage rack or stabilizer.

 In addition, the part (A) of the frame, by the width of said frame, can serve at its front end, as a basket or luggage carrier; the intermediate part between the diagonal tube (3) and the seat tube (l) can act as a footrest.

 the bicycle which is the subject of the invention is equipped with all the current accessories necessary. It is obvious that the profiled frame with the stabilizing mechanism can be mounted not only on bicycles, but also on all types of vehicles similar to motor or not.

 The invention is in no way limited to that of these modes of application, nor to those of the embodiments of c various parts which have been more especially indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all its variants.

Claims (3)

VENDICATIONS -l- Improved bicycle and similar vehicle comprising a strap with a seat tube (1), - a bottom bracket (2), a diagonal tube (3) and a steering tube (4j, characterized in that it further comprises a frame (5) forming a fairing, of great length, in the longitudinal axis of the bicycle, with a first fixed part (A), defined between its front end substantially above the front wheel, and its rear end substantially beyond the seat tube, and a second part (B), of short length, articulated and capable of being either in the extension of the part (A), thus ensuring the function of luggage rack or in a tilted position bearing on the ground, thus ensuring the function of stabilizer and parking position of the bicycle. -2- Bicycle according to claim l, characterized in that the fixed part (A) of the frame ( S) has an inverted U profile, arranged horizontally, substantially at mid-height of the seat tube; the direction tubes (4), diagonally (3) and saddle (1) passing through said frame in its thickness while being secured to the latter, by welding or otherwise. -3- Bicycle according to claims 1 and 2 together, - characterized in that a fork (10) having a middle part (101) in the shape of a beak, is engaged on the axis (l4) of the rear wheel, and shrouds (li), (12) connect the beak part, respectively to the bottom bracket on the one hand and to the rear part of the frame (A); said middle part (lot) being arranged to receive the pivot axis of the retractable part (B) of the frame; the axes of rotation (13) of the rear wheel and (14) of the part (B), being offset from one another. -4- Bicycle according to claims l and 2, characterized in that the movable part (B) of the frame has an inverted U-shaped profile, identical to that of the part (A). s ~ Bicvelette according to claims 3 and 4 together characterized in that the part (B) of the frame comprises arms (15) whose ends (15 1) (15li are fixed to the frame and on the axis articulation (13) O; the reinforcement arms (16) being arranged between the front end of part B of the frame and the lower end (132) of the arms (15); part B having in addition to its rear end and perpendicular thereto a sleeve (17).  6- Bicycle according to claim l characterized in that the locking device disposed at the rear end of part A of the frame ensures the maintenance in position of part B in the extension of part A.  7- A bicycle according to claim 6 characterized in that the locking device comprises a lever (18a disposed inside the framework and profiled at one of its ends (181), in the form of a hook, for engaging in an opening (19) arranged in the bottom of the U-frame of part (B); Said hook being articulated on an axis (20) held in position between the lateral wings of the U-frame, at the part (A), said lever (18) having its other end, a lug-square (182) engaging in a vertical slot (21) established on one of the wings of the frame, an elastic means (22) , of the spring type, being arranged between the bottom of the U-shaped framework and the opposite end of the lever.  8- Bicycle according to claim 6 characterized in that the locking mechanism is arranged on top of the frame and comprises a press button acting on an elastic blade forming a hook at its end and engaging in an opening provided for this purpose , in part (B) of the framework.  9. Bicycle according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with an adjustable pressure roller capable of bearing against the rear wheel, and of control and tensioning means - + the user being able to train. in the home trainer position, when the bicycle '~ è is in the garage position due to tilting and the ground support of the part B forming stabilizer.