GB2609263A

GB2609263A - Bicycle carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2609263A
Application number: GB2110874.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peters Arthur
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-28
Filing date: 2021-07-28
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-28
Also published as: GB202110874D0; GB2609263B

Abstract

A bicycle carrier for towing a second bicycle 46 behind a first bicycle 16 comprises first and second arms 10 pivotally attached to a rear hub of the first bicycle 16. A carrier base 2 has carrier wheels 40 and is adapted to carry a wheel 44 of the second bicycle 46. The carrier base 2 is articulated to the first and second arms 10 at their ends remote from the rear hub. Clamping means 18 secure the wheel 44 of the second bicycle 46 in place on the base 2. A strut 28, pivotable with respect to the base 2, secures the base to a frame of the second bicycle 46. The base 2 is securable to a frame of the first bicycle 16 by bracket 36 such that the base is carried above a rear wheel of the first bicycle 16 when the carrier is not in use (see figure 1).

Description

BICYCLE CARRIER

Background to the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a bicycle carrier.

[0002] US 5454578 A describes a bicycle towing apparatus for towing a second bicycle behind a first bicycle. A frame structure attached to the first bicycle is connected to the front forks of the second bicycle.

[0003] This known trailer is only suitable where the second bicycle is a child's bicycle. It is cumbersome when not in use.

[0004] In other known cycle trailers, the front wheel of the second bicycle is in the air whilst being towed and the rider of the second bicycle requires skill in balancing.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The invention provides a bicycle carrier for towing a second bicycle behind a first bicycle, the bicycle carrier comprising first and second arms for pivotal attachment to a wheel-carrying part of the first bicycle, a carrier base having carrier wheels and adapted to carry a wheel of the second bicycle, the carrier base being articulated to the first and second arms at ends thereof remote from the pivotal attachment, clamping means for clamping the wheel of the second bicycle in place on the base, the base being securable to a frame of the first bicycle such that the base can be carried above a rear wheel of the first bicycle when the carrier is not in use.

[0006] The clamping means comprise a clip and a spring arranged Lo urge Lhe clip against the wheel of the second bicycle. Alternatively, the clamping means can comprise members arranged at an acute angle to each other, between which the wheel of the second bicycle can be inserted and clamped.

[0007] At least one strut pivotable with respect to the base may be provided for securing the base to a frame of the second bicycle. The strut may be foldable against the base. A pair of such struts may be provided with jaws for clamping the frame of the second bicycle.

[0008] The first and second arms may be telescopic and may be articulated to the base via a transverse bar.

[0009] The carrier can be provided with lateral axle extensions for extending axles of the carrier wheels to provide a stabilising effect Additionally, the carrier can be provided with axle bars mountable to the base in a vertical orientation, so that axles of the carrier wheels are elevated with respect to the base.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the base is detachable from the arms to allow the interchangeable attachment of other kinds of carrier or trailer or a stabiliser.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0012] Figure 1 shows a carrier according to the invention, in a stowed position on a first bicycle; [0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the carrier in the stowed position; [0014] Figure 3 shows the carrier in the unfolded position; [0015] Figure 4 shows pivotable struts with jaws for clamping the frame of the second bicycle; [0016] Figure 5 shows the carrier in use; [0017] Figure 6 shows a version of the carrier having alternative clamping means; [0018] Figure 7 shows a lateral axle extension; [0019] Figure 8 shows the carrier with lateral axle extensions; [0020] Figure 9 shows a vertical axle extension; and [0021] Figure 10 shows the carrier with vertical axle extensions. Detailed Description of Particular Embodiments [0022] Figures 1 to 5 show a cycle carrier comprising an elongate base 2, formed from first and second aligned, generally rectangular frame elements 4, 5. The frame element 4 which is the upper one when the carrier in use includes aligned V-shaped rests 6.

[0023] This frame element 4 includes two generally parallel support arms 7 extending along the frame element 4.

[0024] At one end, the base 2 is connected to a transverse bar 9 with a movable connection, for example a ball and socket joint. This bar is articulated at its ends to two arms 10. The arms are telescopic and can be fixed at different lengths by sprung buttons engageable in holes 12 in a known manner.

[0025] At their other ends, the arms 10 are attached to either side of a rear hub 14 of a first bicycle 16. The arms are rotatable about this point with a locking rotational mechanism, in this example a dog clutch 17.

[0026] A spring clip 18 is provided at the end of the base 2 connected to the bar 9. The clip 18 pivots with respect to the base 2 but is urged towards the base by a spring 20. The clip comprises legs 22 and a central part 24, which in this example is W-shaped. An index bolt 26 is provided to hold the clip 18 in either its stowed position, shown in Figures 1 and 2, or its deployed position, shown in Figures 3 and 5.

[0027] At the same end of the base 2 is a plate 27 with a V-shaped notch 8.

[0028] A pair of struts 28 is pivotable with respect to the base 2 at its end remote from the clip 18. Clamping jaws 30 are provided at the free end of the struts 28. These jaws can be lightened by means of a spring loaded screw 31 which connects the struts 28 together.

[0029] A secondary, generally U-shaped clip 32 is pivotable with respect to the base 2 at a point near the strut and can be held at stowed or deployed positions by an index bolt 34.

[0030] At the same end as the strut 28, a link 36 is detachably connected to the base 2. At the end free end of the link 36 is a collar 38.

[0031] Wheels 40 are provided on either side on axles on the base 2, preferably having solid rubber tyres 42.

[0032] Figures 1 and 2 show the cycle carrier in its stowed position. The spring clip 18, struts 28 and secondary clip 32 are all folded flush with the base 2. This is located above a rear wheel of the first bicycle 16. The base 2 is attached to either the seat stem or the frame of the first bicycle 16 by means of the collar 38. In this position, the base 2 can be used to carry goods.

[0033] In order to deploy the carrier, the link 36 is detached from the base 2, the arms 10 are moved downwardly and the base 2 is unfolded so that the wheels 40 are on the ground. The clips 18, 32 and the struts 28 are then unfolded. The front wheel 44 of a second bicycle 46 is then placed into the rests 6 and the notch 8 and held in place by the dips 18, 32. The struts 28, one on each side of the wheel of the second bicycle, are then attached to the frame of the second bicycle 46 by means of the jaws 30.

[0034] The two bicycles are then as shown in Figure 5. In this configuration the first bicycle can be used to tow the second bicycle, which may or may not have a rider. If a rider of the second bicycle pedals, the two bicycles effectively form a tandem.

[0035] The carrier of the invention can tow a second bicycle regardless of the size of the wheel or frame of that second bicycle. Whilst Figure 5 shows the front wheel of the second bicycle clamped within the carrier, the rear wheel could alternatively be so clamped, for example if that wheel was damaged, with the second bicycle pointing in the opposite direction to the first bicycle.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a carrier in which the spring clip 18 is replaced by a rest 48 haying an angled central part 50. Generally U-shaped wings 52 extend from the central part 50 at an acute angle to each other. The front or rear wheel of the second bicycle can be inserted and clamped between the wings 52.

[0037] An alternative to the fixed size base 2 is to form the base in at least two parts which slide longitudinally, telescopically with respect to each other. Such a base can be provided with a spring to urge the parts towards each other. In this way the carrier allows bicycles having wheels of a larger range of sizes to be towed.

[0038] Figures 7 and 8 shows how axle extenders 54 can be used to extend the axles of the wheels 40 and enhance the stability of the combined bicycles.

[0039] Figure 9 shows a vertical axle extension bar 56 which can be fitted to the base 2. As shown in Figure 10, this allows the carrier to be fitted with larger wheels 58 for even greater stability.

[0040] The base 2 can be detachable from the bar 9 to allow the use of the arms 10 with units other than a cycle carrier, for example a goods or person carrier or a stabiliser.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bicycle carrier for towing a second bicycle behind a first bicycle, the bicycle carrier comprising first and second arms for pivotal attachment to a wheel-carrying part of the first bicycle, a carrier base having carrier wheels and adapted to carry a wheel of the second bicycle, the carrier base being articulated to the first and second arms at ends thereof remote from the pivotal attachment, clamping means for clamping the wheel of the second bicycle in place on the base, and the base being securable to a frame of the first bicycle such that the base can be carried above a rear wheel of the first bicycle when the carrier is not in use.
2. A bicycle carrier according to claim 1, wherein the clamping means comprise a clip and a spring arranged to urge the clip against the wheel of the second bicycle.
3. A bicycle carrier according to claim 1, wherein the clamping means comprise members arranged at an acute angle to each other, between which the wheels of the second bicycle can be inserted and clamped.
4. A bicycle carrier according to claim 1 2, or 3, including at least one strut pivotable with respect to the base for securing the base to a frame of the second bicycle.
5. A bicycle carrier according to claim 4, wherein the at least one strut is foldable against the base.
6. A bicycle carrier according to claim 4 or 5, including two of said struts, provided with jaws for clamping the frame of the second bicycle
7. A bicycle carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second arms are telescopic.
8. A bicycle carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second arms are articulated to the base via a transverse bar.
9. A bicycle carrier according to any preceding claim, including lateral axle extensions for extending axles of the carrier wheels.
10. A bicycle carrier according to claim 9, including axle bars mountable to the base in a vertical orientation, so that the axles of the carrier wheels are elevated with respect to the base.
11. A bicycle carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the base is detachable from the arms.
12. A bicycle carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises at least two parts, slidable longitudinally with respect to each other to adjust the size of the base.