FR3114074A1 - Bicycle hitch accessory - Google Patents

Abstract

Bicycle hitch accessory The present invention relates in particular to a coupling accessory for a bicycle, characterized in that it has at least two coupling means intended respectively to allow the coupling, in a removable manner, of a towed system according to two towing positions with respect to to the main axis of the bicycle:- a rear towing position, said towed system being placed at the rear and in the extension of said bicycle, and- a lateral towing position, said towed system being placed along one side of that bike. Abstract Figure: Fig.1

Description

Bicycle hitch accessory

1 Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of the bicycle, or cycle, and its accessories. More specifically, the invention relates to systems for attaching, to a bicycle, child trailers, cargo and other towed systems of the "following bicycle" type.

We will call traction device, or hitch, any element which is fixed, in a removable manner, on the bicycle and makes it possible to attach a trailer, a bicycle or any other towed system.

The present invention relates more particularly to securing the trailer or other towed device to the bicycle.

2 Prior art

Many models of towed systems have been designed to be attached to the bike (trailer bike, trailer, etc.). These towed systems can be intended to transport children or not, be equipped with a single single track wheel or two wheels on each side of the towed system. Those intended to transport children are sometimes convertible into strollers with the addition of additional wheels and other accessories. These towed systems can be towed from the back of the bike or from the side (“sidecar” style).

US Patent 7,131,657 shows an example of a hitch for a rear towed device. The trailer 17 is attached by means of a rigid rod 15 to the rear wheel 12 of the bicycle.

Patent application WO2013/095101 shows an example of a hitch for a device towed on the side of the bicycle, like a sidecar.

Different traction devices, or hitches, have thus been designed to attach to the bicycle and allow traction from the rear or the side of the bicycle. The fixing of the traction device can be done at different places of the bicycle, whether on the seat post or the seat tube, on the frame of the bicycle, or even on the hub of the rear wheel of the bicycle.

These traction devices can be added elements or form an integral part of the towed system.

The connection between the towed system and the towing bike must be easy to assemble/remove in order to separate the towed device from the towing bike easily whenever necessary.

The traction devices located at the level of the rear wheel hub of the towing bicycle are of two types, namely, either only on one side, or on both sides using an attached system.

The traction device located on only one side of the rear wheel axle is very common (see, for example, US patent 3,347,559A). It is done by adding a specific piece of interface. This type of attachment requires having a connecting arm with the towed system having an adequate shape in order to allow turns without interference with the rear wheel of the towing bike. The mechanical forces are localized on the same zone and are offset from the axis of traction with risks of deformation in use, which constitutes a disadvantage of these traction devices.

This drawback is resolved in the case of traction devices located on both sides of the rear wheel axle (see, for example, patent CH221784). However, this device mainly concerns towed systems which are equipped with a single wheel in the longitudinal axis and therefore cannot be transposed to the towed device with two wheels. In addition, towed systems with a single axial wheel are relatively unstable when stationary, sometimes causing it to fall when stationary, also causing the bicycle to fall. This traction device also involves the addition of two symmetrical interfaces on the rear wheel axle of the tractor bicycle, which increases its cost and complexity.

In their design and use, these traction devices on the rear wheel hub are sized to withstand the forces in a single position, that is to say when a system is towed at the rear, they are therefore exclusive or single use.

The trailing system traction devices at the seat post are also for exclusive use (i.e. for a single position of the trailing system). They require a long link bar whose configuration only allows rear towing (see, for example, US patent 5,785,335).

The towed system traction devices at the level of the bicycle frame are also for exclusive use (i.e. for a single position of the towed system) because of their complexity, for example in the case of towed systems of the type sidecar (patent application WO2013/095101).

The couplings of the towed system to the bicycle of the prior art therefore have the major drawback of being exclusive or single-use (fixing of the towed system in a single position: at the rear of the bicycle or on the side of the bicycle).

Another disadvantage of certain existing traction devices is that they are not modular, that is to say that they do not make it possible to combine the traction of a towed system and the use of a luggage rack. (in the attachment devices to the seat post or to the bicycle frame, the cumbersome connecting rod is often only partially compatible with the use of a luggage rack which must then be removed when pulling the a trailer, for example). In addition, many models of luggage rack fixed to the seatpost or the frame of the bicycle itself have been designed to adapt to a majority of cycles via rods of variable length and other adjustment devices, which which makes them incompatible with traction devices.

According to the regulations in force in Europe and internationally, models of luggage rack fixed to the seat post are limited to a load of 10 kg and those fixed to the frame of the cycle are limited to a load of 27 kg. Therefore, the simple idea of adding a hook to the luggage rack to act as a hitch, and to continue to make the luggage rack accessible, is limited in terms of weight and robustness, even is dangerous and/ or impossible (the luggage racks were not initially designed to support a towed system).

Finally, another disadvantage of the couplings of the prior art is that when they are not used for the towed device, they are bulky (they remain on the bicycle in the storage position, an additional fixing means being able to be provided for this purpose, or that they are removed from the bike and stored somewhere).

There is therefore a need for a solution that overcomes at least some of these drawbacks, and that makes it possible to offer other modes of use, in an ergonomic and simple manner.

3 Disclosure of the invention

These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved with the aid of a coupling accessory for a bicycle characterized in that it has at least two coupling means intended respectively to allow the coupling , in a removable manner, of a system towed according to two towing positions relative to the main axis of the bicycle:
- a rear towing position, said towed system being placed at the rear and in the extension of said bicycle, and
- a lateral towing position, said towed system being placed along one side of said bicycle.

Thus, with one and the same accessory, it is possible to tow a towed system in several positions relative to the bike (a rear traction and a side traction), the use of the accessory is then not exclusive (or mono -use). This accessory therefore avoids any dismantling or adaptation operation either of the trailer or of the bicycle when you wish to switch from rear traction to side traction. Any type of towed system, whether it is a trailer, a following bike or a sidecar, can therefore be used with this accessory which is therefore universal.

The invention therefore proposes a multi-position towing accessory, making it possible to connect towed systems in different positions relative to the bicycle, at the rear or on the side of the bicycle.

In a specific embodiment, said accessory comprises at least one movable part in pivoting relative to said bicycle, said pivoting making it possible to pass from one towing position to another towing position.

Thus, the coupling means of the traction device are used alternately depending on the position of the accessory relative to the main axis of the bicycle. For rear traction, the accessory is positioned substantially horizontally (that is to say substantially parallel to the main axis of the bicycle) allowing access to a first coupling means, while for traction side, the accessory is positioned substantially vertically (that is to say substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the bicycle) allowing access to a second coupling means.

This pivoting can in particular be carried out around the axis of the rear wheel of said bicycle or along an axis close to and parallel to the axis of the rear wheel.

This passage from the horizontal position to the vertical position is easily achieved thanks to a simple pivoting movement. To achieve this pivoting movement, the traction device is fixed in a removable manner at two points of the bicycle: the first point can be the hub of the rear wheel of the bicycle on which the first fastening element of the traction device is fixed in a removable manner. removable with the possibility of pivoting (it can be envisaged that the first fixing element has a clevis which is fixed to the hub by a shouldered bolt) and the second fixing element of the traction device is fixed in a removable manner to the frame or to the stem of saddle (it is possible that the second fixing element has a collar). Thus it is easy for the user to disengage the traction device at the level of the second fixing element, in order to then pivot said traction device from a vertical position to a horizontal position and vice versa.

Locking the traction device in the vertical position relative to the bicycle is useful because the position corresponds to lateral traction which exerts significant forces laterally which tend to cause the bicycle to deviate from its trajectory and/or to deform it. It is therefore important that in this position, the traction device is very firmly held by this locking. The locking system must remain intuitive for the user. Locking can be done by a tilting hook equipped with a spring, or a spring finger.

In a particular embodiment, said traction device comprises two parts, a first part comprising said at least two coupling means and a first removable fastening element of said accessory to said bicycle allowing said accessory to pivot relative to said bicycle, and a second part comprising a second removable fastening element and allowing said accessory to be locked with respect to said bicycle.

In a specific embodiment, said first and second parts of the accessory are integral with each other.

The production of the traction device is thus simplified as well as its use.

In another embodiment, said first and second parts of the accessory are removable relative to each other, the second part remaining fixed to the bicycle during the pivoting of said accessory relative to said bicycle, and the traction device having a means of locking the two parts together.

The second part remaining fixed to the bicycle permanently, even during the pivoting of the first part of the traction device to pass from one towing position to another, it is possible to envisage a more complex, and therefore more solid, fixing system at the bike of this second part since it will only have to be installed once, and not each time the towing position is changed. In the vertical position, or in lateral towing, the locking between the two parts can be added as a means of reinforcement. Said locking can be done by any conceivable technical means.

It is also possible to envisage this second part comprising a rigid bar, or any other rigid element, on which the first part of the traction device will be locked in the vertical position, said rigid bar allowing a reinforcement of the traction device to resist the forces generated when towing sideways.

According to a specific embodiment, said traction accessory comprises a frame having a periphery and an interior, said first coupling element being located on the periphery of said frame, allowing said first towing position by the rear of the bicycle, and said second coupling element being located inside said frame, allowing said second towing position on the side of the bicycle, or lateral towing.

Thus, by simply tilting, access to one of the coupling means is facilitated. It is possible to envisage, as a means of rear coupling, hooks placed on the periphery of the frame, which, in the horizontal position of the traction device, are accessible at the rear of the bicycle. As a lateral hitching means, an interface placed inside the frame can be envisaged which would be accessible in the vertical position of the traction device, this interface possibly taking the form of a yoke.

In a particular embodiment, said traction device comprises two symmetrical frames intended to be placed on either side of the rear wheel of the bicycle, said symmetrical frames each having a second coupling element, respectively defining a left lateral towing position and a right lateral towing position, and said symmetrical frames being interconnected by a platform having the first coupling means, allowing said traction by the rear of the bicycle.

Thus, the bike attachment allows lateral traction on both sides of the bike, as desired. Likewise, the platform connecting the two frames ensures greater sturdiness for both rear traction and side traction.

In a particular embodiment, said platform has an adjustable width, between a minimum width and a maximum width 4 to 6 cm greater than said minimum width.

In another particular embodiment, the two symmetrical frames are connected to the platform in a flexible manner.

Indeed, existing bicycles having different rear wheel center-to-center widths and, the accessory of the invention being able to be fixed at the level of said rear wheel of the bicycle, it is possible to envisage that said platform can be adapt to all types of centers. This adaptation to the width of the wheel centers of the towing bike can be achieved by adapting the width of the platform by a sliding mechanical system, lockable or not, or by the flexibility of the connection of the frames. symmetrical to the platform.

In a particular embodiment, the traction device comprises a luggage rack.

This accessory having a luggage rack associated with the traction device, access to the luggage rack is always ensured at least in the vertical position of said accessory.

In a specific form, said second part of the traction device comprising said second removable fixing element, and remaining fixed to the bicycle during the pivoting of said first part, and allowing said accessory to be locked in position with respect to said bicycle, comprises the luggage.

The passage from one traction position to another is therefore made independent of the luggage rack which keeps its position of use, fixed to the bike, whatever the traction position. Access to the luggage rack is then always ensured, whatever the traction position, rear or side.

The invention also relates to a bicycle comprising a bicycle accessory according to the invention.

4-List of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

• Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate in side view, a first embodiment of the invention in which the first and second parts of the traction device are removable relative to each other:
  • [Fig. 1A], [Fig. 1B] and [Fig. 1C]: Figure 1 schematically illustrates in side view, according to a first version of the first embodiment, the second part of the traction device fixed to the seat post and to the frame of the bicycle, the first part of the traction device being in the horizontal position in FIG. 1A and in the vertical position in FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C being an enlargement of the first part of the traction device,
  • [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2B]: Figure 2 schematically illustrates in side view, according to a second version of the first embodiment, the second part of the traction device fixed only to the post of the saddle of the bicycle, the first part of the traction device being in horizontal position in Figure 2A and in vertical position in Figure 2B,
  • [Fig. 3A] and [Fig. 3B]: FIG. 3 schematically illustrates in side view, according to a third version of the first embodiment, the second part of the traction device fixed in two places to the frame of the bicycle, the first part of the traction device being in a horizontal position on Figure 3A and in a vertical position in Figure 3B,
• Figures 4 and 5 schematically illustrate in side view, a second embodiment of the invention in which the first and second parts of the traction device are integral with each other, in other words they are of a single holding, non-separable, non-detachable:
  • [Fig. 4A] and [Fig. 4B]: Figure 4 schematically illustrates in side view, according to a first version of the second embodiment, the traction device being fixed to the seat post of the bicycle in the vertical position (Figure 4B),
  • [Fig. 5A] and [Fig. 5B]: Figure 5 schematically illustrates in side view, according to a second version of the second embodiment, the traction device being fixed to the frame of the bicycle in the vertical position (Figure 5B),
• [Fig. 6A] and [Fig. 6B]: Figure 6 shows a side view (6A) and top view (6B) of a mode of use of the accessory in traction from the rear,
• [Fig. 7A] and [Fig. 7B]: Figure 7 shows a rear view (7A) and top view (7B) of another way of using the accessory in lateral traction,
• Figures 8 and 9 schematically illustrate the possibilities of adapting the traction device of the invention to take account of variations in the width of the center line of the rear wheel of the bicycle,
  • [Fig. 8A] and [Fig. 8B]: Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a variation in width of the traction device (rear view in Figure 8A and top view in Figure 8B),
  • [Fig. 9A] and [Fig. 9B]: Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a variation in flexibility of the traction device (rear view in Figure 9A and top view in Figure 9B),
• [Fig. 10A], [Fig. 10B], [Fig. 10C], [Fig. 10D], [Fig. 11A] and [Fig. 11B]: Figures 10 and 11 show two examples of locking mechanism between the first and second parts of the traction device in the case where these are removable, the first part being able to pivot and the second part remaining fixed to the bicycle,
• [Fig. 12]: Figure 12 schematically illustrates an example of trailer attachment to the traction device of the invention,
• [Fig. 13]: Figure 13 schematically illustrates an example of fixing the traction device of the invention to the hub of the rear wheel of a bicycle.

5 Detailed description of the invention

5.1 General principle

The invention therefore consists of a single and same bicycle accessory allowing the choice of carrying out rear or lateral traction and of having, in certain embodiments, a luggage rack. The user thus has a multi-use accessory, easily adaptable, for example by a simple pivoting of a part, according to his needs or his desires.

In the description of the figures, the elements common to the different embodiments, or versions, will be designated by the same references, while the elements varying from one embodiment to another, or from one version to another. , will be designated by a reference retaining the same last two digits, but whose hundreds digit will correspond to the particular embodiment, or to the particular version.

The horizontal and vertical positions will be defined relative to the main axis of the bicycle shown in (arrow). The horizontal position is substantially parallel to the main axis of the bicycle while the vertical position is substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the bicycle, the main axis of the bicycle being defined by a straight line passing through the hub of each wheel.

According to the different embodiments described below, the accessory of the invention comprises traction means, also called traction device, which can be made in two parts that are movable relative to each other, one part fixed relative to the bicycle and a movable part, for example by pivoting, between at least two towing positions, a rear towing position in which the hitch is placed at the rear of the bicycle, in the extension thereof, and a lateral towing position, in which the coupling is placed on the side of the bicycle (“sidecar” position, or “sidebike”, in English). Two lateral towing positions, on the right and on the left of the bike, can be provided.

In the present description, the terms "traction" and "traction" are synonymous, and used interchangeably.

5.2 First embodiment

Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment in which the accessory (101, 201, 301) comprises a two-part traction device (106, 103, 206, 203, 306, 303); the first part of the traction device (106, 206, 306) and the second part of the traction device (here comprising a luggage rack) (103, 203, 303) being removable relative to each other.

In Figures 1A, 2A and 3A the first part of the traction device (106, 206, 306) is in a horizontal position allowing rear traction. In this rear towing position, the second part of the towing device, comprising the luggage rack, (103, 203, 303) itself remains fixed to the bicycle (1). In FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B, the first part of the traction device (106, 206, 306) is in a vertical position allowing lateral traction. In this lateral towing position, the first part of the towing device (106, 206, 306) is inserted under the second part of the towing device (103, 203, 303) allowing access to the luggage carrier while providing lateral traction.

Figures 2 and 3 are oversimplified, the coupling means are therefore not or only slightly represented. These figures only serve to illustrate other possibilities for fixing the second part of the traction device (103, 203, 303) to the bicycle (1), namely: only at the level of the seat tube (204) in figure 2 and at two locations on the bicycle frame (309) in Figure 3.

Figures 1A and 1B will now be described more specifically. The first part of the traction device (106) has a roughly rectangular shape with two long sides (106A) and two short sides (106B and 106C). This rectangular shape is not limiting and any other shape could be considered such as a triangle, as in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B.

One of the short sides (106C) has a protuberance (105) coming into releasable engagement with the hub (3) of the rear wheel (2) of the bicycle (1). It is conceivable that this protrusion (105) is a clevis which, being inserted on the hub (3) of the rear wheel (2) is held in place thanks either to a shouldered nut or to a shouldered ring from the moment that this constitutes a quick coupler (see ). The first part of the traction device (106) thus remains held in position at the level of the hub (3) of the rear wheel (2) while being free to pivot around the axis of the hub (3). It could be envisaged that this protrusion comes into engagement with a part of the frame of the bicycle as soon as the pivot movement is ensured.

The opposite small side (106B) has a first coupling means (107), here shown in the form of hooks projecting outwards from the first part of the traction device (106). It is obvious that the illustration of hooks as coupling means is not limiting and that other coupling means can be envisaged such as a yoke intended to fit into another yoke present on the towed device. , an axis holding them one vis-à-vis the other, while allowing a rotational movement of one vis-à-vis the other (see the ).

The first part of the traction device (106) has on each of the long sides (106A), a second lateral coupling means (108), here represented in the form of two diametrically opposed rings on each of the long sides (106A) and forming projecting inwardly, or centrally, from the first part of the traction device (106).

The second part of the traction device (103) could be a simple rod, a bar or a frame, as long as locking is possible between the two parts of the traction device. In the illustrated embodiment, the second part of the traction device (103), comprises a luggage rack which has a conventional shape and will therefore not be described in detail. It is schematized in the form of a rectangle having a lower face (103A) and an upper face (103B), the upper face (103B) being intended to receive the luggage rack and/or the luggage directly. It should be noted that an electric battery could be inserted in this luggage rack.

In the variant of Figures 1A and 1B, the second part of the traction device (103) comprising the rack is attached to the seatpost (4) by means of a rigid quick-locking clamp (104) (this could also be a fixing bracket with adjustable diameter or a ring for example). The second part of the traction device (103) comprising the luggage rack is also fixed to the frame of the bicycle (5) by means of a rigid quick-lock clamp (109) (this could also be a fixing bracket with adjustable diameter for example). That the first part of the traction device (106) is in a horizontal position ( ) or in a vertical position ( ), the luggage rack remains accessible to the user.

On the , the first part of the traction device (106) is in a horizontal position, the hooks (107) being directed towards the rear of the bicycle (1).

On the , the first part of the traction device (106) is in a vertical position, the small side (106B) carrying the hooks (107) being placed under the lower face (103A) of the second part (103). Thus, the hooks are no longer accessible and therefore cannot injure or damage the luggage.

The bicycle accessory of the invention (101) is therefore easily attached to the bicycle. In the first version of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the second part of the traction device (103) is fixed to the seatpost (4) as well as to the frame of the bicycle (5). The first part of the traction device (106) is, for its part, fixed to the hub (3) of the rear wheel (2) of the bicycle at the level of its protrusion (105). Then, at the option of the user, the first part of the traction device (106) can be used in a horizontal position for traction from the rear of the bicycle. Indeed, in the horizontal position of the first part of the traction device (106), the first coupling means (107) is accessible at the rear of the bicycle, thus allowing rear towing. In this position, the luggage rack is accessible and usable.

Then the user can easily pivot the first part of the traction device (106) into the vertical position and lodge it under the underside (103A) of the second part of the traction device (103). It is possible to envisage that the lower face (103A) of the traction device (103) has one or more slideways in which a part of the small side (106B) of the first part of the traction device (106) carrying the first coupling means (107) is inserted and then locked in place. Or the shape of the first part of the traction device allows it to be placed on either side of the second part, for example at the level of lateral slides placed on each side of the second part of the traction device. In both cases, once the first part of the traction device is in position, it is locked to the second part of the traction device. Examples of locking mechanisms are illustrated in Figures 10 (pivoting hook (10) fitting into a groove (11)) and 11 (pawl locking pin (12)).

It could also be envisaged that the first part of the traction device (106) is embedded above the second part of the traction device (103).

In this vertical position, the second hitching means (108) can then be used in the case of side traction. A towed device placed on the side of the bike, of the side bike type, is attached to it. The fact that the first part of the traction device (106) is locked to the second part of the traction device (103) in its vertical position makes it possible to stiffen the accessory (101) which is then fixed to the bicycle (1) in 3 locations (104, 105, 109). Thus, a lateral traction can be envisaged both by the accessibility of the second coupling means (108) and by the robustness of the accessory (101).

In the second and third versions of the first embodiment, the only difference lies in the attachment of the second part of the traction device (203, 303) to the bicycle (1). This fixing is done only at the level of the seatpost (4), in the second version illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, and only at the level of the frame (5) of the bicycle (1), in two locations, for the third version illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B. All the other technical elements are identical to the first version illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, just as the operation is identical.

5.3 Second embodiment

Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment in which the two parts of the traction device (406, 403, 506, 503) are joined in a fixed and non-detachable manner.

The first part of the traction device (406, 506) is illustrated very schematically in the form of an isosceles triangle whose main vertex is fixed to the hub (3) of the rear wheel (2) of the bicycle (1) and the first part of the traction device (406.506) has two coupling means (only the second coupling means (408.508) having been shown schematically in the form of a rectangle).

Unlike the first embodiment, the second part of the traction device (403,503) is integral with the first part of the traction device (406,506).

In the vertical position (Figures 4B, 5B) the second part of the traction device (403,503), having a luggage rack, in this example, is accessible to the user, is fixed to the seatpost (4) by or to the frame of the bicycle (5) . In the vertical position, the user can use the second hitching means (408,508) to hitch a laterally towed device to the bicycle (1). In this embodiment, the stiffening of the accessory of the invention allowing lateral traction is obtained by the non-detachable joining of the two parts of the traction device (406, 403,506, 503) as well as by the fixing of the traction device on the bike (1) at different points (3, 404, 509).

It should be noted that the fixing of the second part of the traction device (403,503) to the bicycle can be carried out by a fixing means (404) remaining permanently on the traction device or by a fixing means (509) detachable from the pulling device. It should be noted that the permanent or removable fastening means of the traction device to the bicycle can be fixed to the seatpost or to the frame, the figures are only illustrative and not limiting.

All removable fixing mechanisms can be considered.

When the user wishes to tow at the rear of his bicycle, he unlocks the traction device (406, 403,506, 503) of the bicycle and pivots it backwards to the horizontal position (FIGS. 4A and 5A). In this second embodiment, the second part of the traction device (403,503) having a luggage rack, the luggage rack also pivots and is then no longer usable for placing luggage there. In the horizontal position, the user must have access to the first coupling means which do not protrude as in the first embodiment (otherwise, in the vertical position, these could injure or damage the luggage). To do this, it is envisaged either to place a first coupling means which is retractable so as to protrude only when the use for rear traction is envisaged or to place a first coupling means in recesses of the second part of the traction device, the means for attaching the trailer to the traction device being, for example, in the form of a rod when the first coupling means is a hook. It could be envisaged that there is no luggage rack on the accessory or that the luggage rack is detachable, in the latter case the first coupling means could protrude, as in the first embodiment, and the luggage rack could come to cover it.

5.4 Mode of use

In Figures 6 and 7 are illustrated a use in rear traction (Figure 6) and a use in lateral traction (Figure 7) corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 1, that is to say the two parts of the traction device removable relative to each other, the second part being fixed to the seatpost and to the frame of the bicycle (the description of the technical elements and operation already mentioned are therefore not repeated here). In these figures, the first part of the traction device (606,706) is visible from above, which makes it possible to see more distinctly that this first part of the traction device is in fact formed of two identical symmetrical frames connected to each other by a platform. (610,710). Each frame (606, 706) corresponds to the roughly rectangular shape described in Figure 1 and the platform (610,710) is itself schematized by a rectangle whose long sides (611,711) are connected to the short side (606B, 706B) carrying the first coupling means (607,707). This symmetrical shape has several advantages: it makes it possible to stiffen the first part of the traction device (606,706) by distributing the forces on each side of the bicycle and it also makes it possible to present a second lateral coupling means (708) on each side of the bike thus leaving the choice to the user to hitch the side which he wishes.

It should be noted that the platform (610,710) can act as a luggage rack in the vertical position, in certain embodiments.

In the first part of the traction device (606) has been tilted rearward to the horizontal and a rear trailer has been attached to the first coupling means (607). In , seen from above, the two frames (606) on either side of the bicycle can clearly be seen, connected by the platform (610) and which make it possible to distribute the forces symmetrically. Traction forces are exerted regularly on both sides of the bike, avoiding any damage to the latter. The attachment of the trailer (7) to the first part of the traction device (606) could be achieved by means of an axle (8) with quick clamping by lever (9), as illustrated in .

In the first part of the traction device (706) has been tilted vertically and a trailer has been attached to the second coupling means (708). The top view of the makes it possible to clearly distinguish the two symmetrical frames (706) connected by the platform (710) which stiffen the traction device sufficiently to be able to offer lateral traction. Thus, the stiffening of the connection between the traction device and the platform makes it possible to better distribute the forces exerted by the laterally fixed trailer.

5.5 Geometric adaptation

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate two embodiments of the invention in which the traction device is adaptable to different bicycle rear wheel center distances.

In FIG. 8, the platform (810) has a width l (corresponding to the length of the short sides of the rectangle representing the platform) which is adjustable. This width adjustment can be achieved by a sliding and locking mechanism in different widths, between a minimum width and a maximum width, greater for example by 4 to 6 cm than the minimum width.

In FIG. 9, the width of the platform (910) is fixed and it is the flexibility of the frames (906) and platform (910) connection which makes it possible to adapt the traction device to different center distances. bicycle rear wheel.

5.6 Advantages of the invention

The invention thus makes it possible, according to its different embodiments, to provide a single bicycle accessory whose traction device, or coupling, for a bicycle allows the fixing of a towed system either laterally (sidecar style) on the side of the bike, or from the rear in line with the bike.

Such an accessory allows the luggage carrier of the bicycle to be usable, at least in the traction position on the side of the bicycle, or laterally.

Such an accessory can use the luggage rack in a versatile and robust way since while keeping its initial function as a luggage rack, it participates in the towing / hitching device during side traction.

This versatile luggage carrier can alternatively be designed to remain permanently on the tractor bike, and thus be available to the user at all times, as a single luggage carrier, or as a carrier. - luggage participating in the coupling device.

The use both as a luggage rack and as a traction device can thus be particularly easy and comfortable for the user.

Moreover, the passage between the different positions (rear traction, side traction) requires few or no tools, depending on the embodiments, and can thus be carried out at any time.

This type of accessory comprising a luggage rack and a hitch that can allow several towing positions can be, depending on the embodiments, sufficiently light, easy to manufacture and to integrate on a towing bike.

Another advantage of the invention is to make it possible to have a luggage carrier and a traction device, while ensuring the necessary ergonomics (weight, size, for the simultaneous use of the two functions, absence of likely to snag or injure).

Claims (13)

Coupling accessory for a bicycle, characterized in that it has at least two coupling means intended respectively to allow the coupling, in a removable manner, of a towed system according to two towing positions with respect to the main axis of the bike :
- a rear towing position, said towed system being placed at the rear and in the extension of said bicycle, and
- A lateral towing position, said towed system being placed along one side of said bike . Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one part that can pivot relative to said bicycle, said pivoting allowing passage from one towing position to another towing position. Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said pivoting is carried out according to the axis of the rear wheel of the said bicycle or according to an axis close to and parallel to the axis of the rear wheel. Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least two parts, a first part comprising the said at least two coupling means and a first element for removable fixing of the said accessory to the said bicycle allowing pivoting of said accessory with respect to said bicycle, and a second part comprising a second removable fastening element and allowing said accessory to be locked with respect to said bicycle. Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said first and second parts of the traction device are integral with one another. Coupling accessory for a bicycle according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said first and second parts of the traction device are removable with respect to each other, the second part remaining fixed to the bicycle during the pivoting of the said first part with respect to said bicycle and said traction device having a means for locking the two parts together. Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said traction device comprises a frame having a periphery and an interior, said first coupling element being located on the periphery of said frame, allowing said rear towing position and said second coupling element being located inside said frame, allowing said side towing position. Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to Claim 7, characterized in that the said traction device comprises two symmetrical frames intended to be placed on either side of the rear wheel of the bicycle, the said symmetrical frames each having a second element coupling respectively defining a left lateral towing position and a right lateral towing position, and said symmetrical frames being interconnected by a platform having the first coupling means, allowing said rear towing. Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to claim 8, characterized in that the two symmetrical frames are connected to the platform in a flexible manner. Coupling accessory for a bicycle, according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said platform has an adjustable width, between a minimum width and a maximum width greater by 4 to 6 cm than the said minimum width. Coupling accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a luggage rack. Coupling accessory according to Claims 6 and 11, characterized in that the said second part comprising the said second removable fixing element, remaining fixed to the bicycle during the pivoting of the said first part relative to the said bicycle, and allowing the locking in position of the said accessory in relation to said bicycle, includes the luggage rack. Bicycle characterized in that it comprises a coupling accessory for a bicycle as defined according to any one of the preceding claims.