GB2461144A - One wheeled propelled trailer - Google Patents

One wheeled propelled trailer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2461144A
GB2461144A GB0907835A GB0907835A GB2461144A GB 2461144 A GB2461144 A GB 2461144A GB 0907835 A GB0907835 A GB 0907835A GB 0907835 A GB0907835 A GB 0907835A GB 2461144 A GB2461144 A GB 2461144A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
trailer
fork
pivot
vehicle
wheeled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0907835A
Other versions
GB0907835D0 (en
Inventor
Robert Becker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB0907835D0 publication Critical patent/GB0907835D0/en
Publication of GB2461144A publication Critical patent/GB2461144A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D3/00—Fittings to facilitate pushing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D59/00—Trailers with driven ground wheels or the like
    • B62D59/04—Trailers with driven ground wheels or the like driven from propulsion unit on trailer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D63/00—Motor vehicles or trailers not otherwise provided for
    • B62D63/06—Trailers
    • B62D63/062—Trailers with one axle or two wheels
    • B62D63/065—Trailers with one axle or two wheels forming an extension of the towing vehicle, i.e. with two point fixation
    • B62D63/067—Trailers with one axle or two wheels forming an extension of the towing vehicle, i.e. with two point fixation single wheeled (rigid or semi-rigid couping)
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K27/00—Sidecars; Forecars; Trailers or the like specially adapted to be attached to cycles
    • B62K27/003—Trailers
    • B62K27/006—Trailers having a single wheel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M23/00—Transmissions characterised by use of other elements; Other transmissions
    • B62M23/02—Transmissions characterised by use of other elements; Other transmissions characterised by the use of two or more dissimilar sources of power, e.g. transmissions for hybrid motorcycles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M7/00—Motorcycles characterised by position of motor or engine
    • B62M7/14—Motorcycles characterised by position of motor or engine with the engine on an auxiliary wheeled unit, e.g. trailer, sidecar
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M7/00—Motorcycles characterised by position of motor or engine
    • B62M7/14—Motorcycles characterised by position of motor or engine with the engine on an auxiliary wheeled unit, e.g. trailer, sidecar
    • B62M7/16—Motorcycles characterised by position of motor or engine with the engine on an auxiliary wheeled unit, e.g. trailer, sidecar with wheel of unit driven by the engine
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/48—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting
    • B60D1/54—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting collapsible or retractable when not in use, e.g. hide-away hitches
    • B60D2001/542—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting collapsible or retractable when not in use, e.g. hide-away hitches characterised by the number of pivot axis
    • B60D2001/546—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting collapsible or retractable when not in use, e.g. hide-away hitches characterised by the number of pivot axis two pivot axes

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

The invention is a one-wheeled, propelled push trailer that can be attached to most standard bicycles and many light vehicles. Stable and safe operation results from the combination of two mechanical systems: A wheel and fork suspension system in which the geometry and orientation of the fork plays a crucial role, and a resisting and blocking mechanism located near the vehicle or as part of the trailer hitch system, that allows the trailer to pivot and follow the vehicle, and allows a restrained upwards rotation for safety in riding over obstacles or rough terrain. The invention typically comprises two pivots A, D one of which is near the fork and one of which is near a coupling F. A suspension geometry is defined which includes an angle to the fork pivot A not exceeding an angle B to the other pivot D.

Description

One-Wheeled Propelled trailer The invention is a one wheeled, powered, pushing trailer that is attachable to most any regular bicycle or light vehicle. Figures 1 and 2 show the concept.
Description:
The concept is a motorized, one-wheelded pushing trailer that is henceforth called the push-trailer. The concept consists of: one wheel,a propulsion system (either an electric motor or petrol engine), energy reserve (battery, or petrol tank) for the propulsion system, and a mechanical structure that provides stable and safe riding/usage. The motorized wheel (H) is connected via a fork or an arm with trailer structure. The suspension system (C) diminishes or eliminates shocks incurred riding over uneven surfaces allowing for good stability and wheel traction. The push-trailer is connected via an arm (G) and special trailer hitch mechanism (F) to the vehicle (bicycle or other).
Stability of the push-trailer is achieved using select degrees of freedom within or located near the trailer hitch mechanism (D) with respect to the vehicle, and the wheel/fork geometry and its suspension (C). The fork geometry is oriented such that the line projected from wheel axle through the fork pivot must lie within the angle (B). This angle is oriented horizontally or upwards of horizontal in the drive direction. This geometry acts when torque is applied to the wheel, pushing the vehicle forwards and pivoting the fork and wheel downwards to the ground improving traction. (see figures 1 and 2).
The push-trailer coupling between trailer and hitch is located above the axle of the rear wheel (may also be further back or forwards with respect to the wheel axle than depicted in figures 1 and 2). The horizontal pivot point onlnear the connection must be located outside of the steepest pivot angle of the fork (B).
The differnce to similar patents and Gebrauchsmuster (FR874619, DE834330, DE20200401 1028U1) is that these patents utilize one pivot to achieve some measure of stability while this patent incorporates a combination of two with the goal of achieving greater stability.
The limited travel pivot onlnear the push-trailer hitch, stabalizes the arm during acceleration and ride while allowing the fork suspension to react independently.
The masses of the suspension, fork, wheel, and possibly the propulsion system define the unsprung weight of the lower suspended trailer wheel system. A relatively low unsprung weight of this system allows implementation of a quickly reacting suspension system to increase stability, traction, and safety.
Near the vehicle attachment or as part of the push-trailer hitch mechanism, is a linkage that allows the entire push-trailer to rotate about a vertical or near vertical axis, enabling pivoting from side while turning/leaning. All other rotational degrees of freedom are blocked with exception of an upwards rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the drive direction in or near push-trailer hitch system (E).
This upwards rotation is desirable for stability and safety reasons; in the case where the vehicle is ridden over very rough terrain or obstacles (eg. boarderstone of the sidewalk) ensuring that the rear wheel of the vehicle always remains in contact with the ground at all times.. Rotation in downwards direction that would allow the push-trailer to drive into the vehicle is blocked via a stop.
Incorporated near or within the push-trailer hitch system is a spring mechanism that presses the trailer arm down into a,,blocked" position in which the trailer is optimally positioned on the road with the lower fork suspension tuned to operate for normal riding.
The pivot for the upwards rotation needs to be suitably placed with respect to the fork pivot and fork angle (as described in claim 1 and shown in figures 1 and 2) or can be in part compensated by tuning the spring/damper elements of the suspension, or can be achieved via a combination of both: suitable geometry and tuned suspension such that the trailer is stablilized while riding. The stabilized arm pivot mechanism absorbs shocks exerted form riding over very rough terrain and prevents these forces from being exerted on the trailer as a whole, preventing the trailer form wild oscilation.
The push-trailer hitch can be foreseen with a quick release coupling for easy and quick attachment / detachment.
GB0907835A 2008-05-07 2009-05-07 One wheeled propelled trailer Withdrawn GB2461144A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH70312008 2008-05-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0907835D0 GB0907835D0 (en) 2009-06-17
GB2461144A true GB2461144A (en) 2009-12-30

Family

ID=40802217

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0907835A Withdrawn GB2461144A (en) 2008-05-07 2009-05-07 One wheeled propelled trailer

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2461144A (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2517162A (en) * 1948-06-04 1950-08-01 Victor M Arman Trailer-type motor attachment for bicycles
US2552846A (en) * 1948-02-25 1951-05-15 Jr Henry H Dinkins Power unit for bicycles
US4413692A (en) * 1981-10-13 1983-11-08 Clifft Dale L Power assisting device for a manually operable vehicle
US5141067A (en) * 1990-11-15 1992-08-25 Diggs Thomas M Bicycle power pack
GB2330804A (en) * 1997-11-04 1999-05-05 Michael Robin Bolwell Electrically powered bicycle trailer
DE29920261U1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2000-02-17 Albietz, Bertram, 79369 Wyhl Electric unicycle auxiliary drive for bicycles
DE20103760U1 (en) * 2001-03-03 2001-05-31 Bingenheimer, Hans-Peter, 55128 Mainz Universal push unit

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2552846A (en) * 1948-02-25 1951-05-15 Jr Henry H Dinkins Power unit for bicycles
US2517162A (en) * 1948-06-04 1950-08-01 Victor M Arman Trailer-type motor attachment for bicycles
US4413692A (en) * 1981-10-13 1983-11-08 Clifft Dale L Power assisting device for a manually operable vehicle
US5141067A (en) * 1990-11-15 1992-08-25 Diggs Thomas M Bicycle power pack
GB2330804A (en) * 1997-11-04 1999-05-05 Michael Robin Bolwell Electrically powered bicycle trailer
DE29920261U1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2000-02-17 Albietz, Bertram, 79369 Wyhl Electric unicycle auxiliary drive for bicycles
DE20103760U1 (en) * 2001-03-03 2001-05-31 Bingenheimer, Hans-Peter, 55128 Mainz Universal push unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0907835D0 (en) 2009-06-17

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)