NL1042519B1 - MULTIFUNCTIONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE, FULL-WHEEL FITTED AND METHOD FOR THIS - Google Patents

Abstract

Transport device for transporting goods and / or people and / or animals, suitable for bicycle drive, provided with: - load holder with at least two main wheels provided laterally thereto, - swivel part, pivotally connected to the load holder about a pivot axis, pivotable between two positions of use - caster wheel assembly with steering axle, which steering axle is a pivot point fixedly fixed to the pivot part, wherein: in the first position of use the steering axle is positioned substantially perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction mainly centrally relative to the load holder, and the swivel wheel is supported on a surface, - in the second position of use the steering axle points up to a maximum of 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane, - when swiveling from the first position to the second position of use, the swivel wheel automatically stably aligns itself to an end position due to gravity wherein the caster wheel is mainly horizontal and the caster is mainly on the side The contour of the load holder is positioned, substantially entirely above the lower limit measure of the load holder. 1042519

Description

Patent Center

1042519

Application number: 1042519

Application made: August 29, 2017

Int. CL:

B62K 27/00 (2017.01) B62B 3/00 (2017.01) B62B

7/12 (2018.01)

0 Application registered: 0 Patent holder (s): March 11, 2019 ir. Ronald Pieter Halma in Leeuwarden. 0 Application published: - 0 Inventor (s): ir. Ronald Pieter Halma in Leeuwarden. 0 Patent granted: March 11, 2019 0 Authorized representative: 0 Patent issued: No. May 21, 2019

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE, EQUIPMENT PROVIDED THEREOF AND METHOD THEREFOR (57) Conveyor for the transport of goods and / or persons and / or animals, suitable for bicycle propulsion, comprising:

- cargo container with at least two main wheels provided on it,

- pivoting part, rotatably connected to the load holder via a pivot axis, pivoting between two positions of use,

- swivel wheel assembly with steering axle, which steering axle is a pivot fixedly mounted on the swivel part, wherein:

- in the first position of use the steering axle is positioned essentially perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal direction and transversely mainly centrally with respect to the load holder, and the swivel wheel is supported on a ground,

- in the second position of use, the steering axle points up to 45 degrees from a horizontal plane,

- when swiveling from the first to the second position of use, the swivel wheel automatically directs itself stably by gravity to an end position where the swivel wheel axis is mainly horizontal and the swivel wheel is positioned mainly on the side contour of the load holder, mainly entirely above the lower limit dimension of the load holder.

NL B1 1042519

This patent has been granted regardless of the enclosed result of the prior art research and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally filed.

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE, DRIVING WHEEL PROVIDED THEREOF AND METHOD THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a transport device for the transport of goods and / or persons and / or animals, suitable for driving by a bicycle such as a bicycle, a bicycle with an electric (auxiliary) motor or an electric scooter. Such a transport device relates in particular to a so-called transport trolley which can be used flexibly. More in particular one can think of a multifunctional transport trolley which can for instance function as a bicycle trailer, but which can also be manually propelled as an independent unit as for instance a stroller, pushcart, and / or as a so-called "jogger", in which application the transport trolley can be pushed running as an independent unit.

Transport trucks of this type are known from practice.

A known transport trolley is described in NL 1 015 392 C2. Although successful, some points of attention can be identified for this transport trolley.

This transport trolley has a bottom part with 2 main wheels. Furthermore, a coupling rod is provided which is provided with a pivotable end on the bottom part and which can be coupled to a bicycle with another end.

In addition to coupling to a bicycle, this transport trolley can also be manually pulled on the coupling rod. For this purpose, an extra fold-out handle is provided with which manual engagement in transverse direction can take place centrally.

Furthermore, the coupling rod carries an auxiliary wheel with a fixed wheel axle, which functions as a support wheel during manual propulsion. Due to the fixed wheel axle, the transport trolley has only straight-ahead tracking during manual propulsion, which results in limited maneuverability. When this tracking deviates slightly from the straight-ahead position, during the movement the situation arises that the deviation to the left or right must be continuously corrected. This deviation occurs easily due to manufacturing tolerances of the parts concerned, for example due to shrinkage of welding work and due to the sum of tolerances in the construction.

The tolerances mentioned also have an influence in the operating condition when the transport trolley is coupled to a bicycle: the auxiliary wheel may protrude excessively laterally outside the transport trolley in its position laterally with respect to the bottom part and / or clamp too tightly against the bottom part.

Further points of attention are in the area of locking of the coupling rod, fairing, and guidance of obstacles approaching in the direction of travel.

CN 2 483 222 Y discloses a transport wagon convertible between a bicycle trailer use state and a push-through state of use. This transport trolley is equipped with a frame with two main wheels. A rod is also attached to the frame, which can be hinged at one end to this frame. Another end of the rod can be attached to a bicycle. A swivel wheel is also provided on this rod, the steering shaft of which is mounted on a construction part, the construction part of which is rotatable and can be fixed to the drawbar with a screw knob.

In a push-walk mode of use, the swivel wheel is centrally located transversely at the front of the transport trolley and forms an additional support point next to the two main wheels. An end of the pull rod protrudes beyond the side contour in top view. To convert the transport trolley to a bicycle trailer, the tow bar can optionally be hinged horizontally forwards, accompanied by unlocking and locking operations. In order to have the necessary ground clearance as a bicycle trailer without the swivel wheel being able to touch the road surface in a disturbing manner, the said construction part is additionally rotated half a turn around the tow bar, accompanied by unlocking and locking operations by means of the screw knob. The swivel wheel thus turned upwards is now in a position in which this swivel wheel limits the space for a rear wheel of the pulling bicycle at a right turn angle. In this raised position, the castor wheel will be able to rotate freely about the steering axle, since this steering axle is oriented essentially vertically, with the risk of hitting the rear wheel of the bicycle on the one hand and, on the other, occasionally extending outside the side contour of the transport vehicle. where the castor can easily hit obstacles passing sideways, unless this free excursion of the castor around the steering axle is additionally secured with one or more operations.

A further known transporter for transporting persons, which is designed to be pushed manually by walking or running and to function as a bicycle trailer after conversion, is described in EP 2 684 766 A1 and part thereof in more detail in

EP 2 684 765 A1. This transport trolley is equipped with a frame with main wheels and has a swivel wheel at the front, which is attached to a construction part that is rotatably attached to the frame. When pushed manually, the castor wheel forms an additional support point at the front of the transport trolley. In order to convert this transport trolley into a bicycle trailer, the swivel wheel about its steering axle is manually brought into a position transverse to the longitudinal direction and manually locked in this position. After this, the construction part is manually unlocked and folded down, then locked there again. Now the swivel wheel is horizontal under the bottom part, where it cannot pivot downwards due to the locking on its steering axis. The height of the interior floor on site is, in addition to construction thicknesses, a sum of ground clearance and castor thickness.

In the above two examples, a further drawback is to note that the user will have to grasp the castor wheel in order to be able to perform the conversion of bicycle use and walking use, while this castor wheel may be smeared with dirt from the road surface.

The above examples show that there are aspects that we can call less acceptable with conventional structures.

The object of the present invention is to provide a transport device which can be quickly and easily converted between said states of use, thereby solving in whole or in part the disadvantages associated with the known art or reducing them and pushing boundaries, for example on aspects such as driving characteristics, simplicity, ease of operation, reliability, comfort and cost price, united in one well-functioning construction.

To this end, the invention provides a transport device for transporting loads in the form of goods and / or persons and / or animals, which is suitable for driving by a bicycle, which transport device is provided with:

- a load-bearing part which carries the load and optionally also comprises contour walls of the transport device,

- at least two main wheels provided laterally on the load-bearing part, on which the transport device is movable in the usual direction of travel as a longitudinal direction,

- a rigid construction element as a pivoting part, which pivoting part is pivotally connected to the load-bearing part about a pivot axis and can pivot over this pivot axis between a first position of use and a second position of use, and can be locked in either position,

- a swivel wheel assembly, which comprises a swivel wheel, swivel wheel axle, swivel wheel frame and steering axle, which swivel wheel is mounted on the swivel wheel frame by means of its swivel wheel shaft, to which swivel wheel frame the steering shaft is fixed, which steering shaft is provided as a pivot point fixedly mounted on the pivot part, where:

- the pivoting part also comprises an elongated construction part as a coupling part, which is provided with a drive end, at which drive end the transport device can be driven by a bicycle for advancement,

- in the first position of use, the steering axle is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, and in transverse direction is positioned mainly centrally with respect to the load-bearing part, and the swivel wheel in use rests on a surface, a transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and mainly parallel to a substrate,

- when rotating the swivel part from the first to the second position of use, the swivel wheel automatically focuses by gravity about the steering axis to a final position in stable equilibrium in which the swivel wheel axis is mainly horizontal, measured as the transport device on a horizontal ground,

- in the second position of use, the smallest angle of the steering axis with a longitudinal transverse plane is not more than 45 degrees,

- the swivel wheel in said end position is positioned mainly on the side contour of the load-bearing part, substantially entirely above the lower limit dimension of the load-bearing part.

The swivel wheel undergoes a vertical position change during pivoting from the first position of use to the second position in the manner described above: in the first position of use it is in such a low position that it rests on a surface in use, in the second position of use the swivel wheel is mainly entirely above the lower limit measure of the load-bearing part is positioned.

In the first position of use, according to the above, partly due to the transversely mainly central position of the castor wheel through the position of the steering axle, a good three-point support of the load-bearing part is obtained, which is also easy to maneuver and maneuverable by using a castor wheel, so that the transport device is thus ideally suited for, for example, being propelled manually. In addition, for example, an additional push handle can be attached to the load-holding part, to which the transport device can be pushed, for example, in the usual direction of travel. In the second position of use, due to the position of the castor wheel, substantially entirely above the lower limit dimension of the load-bearing part, optimum ground clearance is created for use of the transport device as a bicycle trailer, wherein the swivel part with its coupling part at the drive end can be driven by a bicycle. Due to the elongated shape of the coupling part, the drive end for this function fulfillment is at some distance from the load-bearing part.

In connection with the above, for convenience, the first use position will usually be referred to as the 'walking position' and the second use position the 'bicycle position'.

In this description, for the sake of convenience and a clear definition, a horizontal base and positions of the transport device are assumed for regular use, unless otherwise indicated.

We will now discuss further features of the present invention, which arose in a process of systematics as well as excursions into the unknown and practical tests with sometimes surprising results, or in the words of the inventor: 'Design, a journey in which you continuously navigate' . As a result, with a configuration according to the description on page 3, line 7 to page 4, line 3, the entire desired set of the following nine properties can be combined. These properties are listed and explained successively in the following nine paragraphs:

First, good maneuverability:

The use of a swivel castor (freely rotatable about its steering axis) results in relative to

NL 1 015 392 C2 greatly improved maneuverability in the walking position.

Secondly, do not suffer from manufacturing tolerances in walking position:

Due to the use of a castor, manufacturing tolerances do not affect the straight-ahead tracking of the transport device in walking position: the user steers the transport device straight ahead without any problems, the castor wheel adapts to any direction the user wishes

Thirdly: not affected by manufacturing tolerances in bicycle position:

When the swivel part is rotated from the walking position to the bicycle position, the swivel wheel automatically focuses by gravity about the steering axle to a final position in stable equilibrium in which the swivel wheel axis is mainly horizontal, measured as the transport device on a horizontal surface As a result, the castor wheel always automatically hangs straight down in the bicycle position due to gravity, with only the tread width supplanting lateral space. Because a castor wheel is used, manufacturing tolerances do not affect this straight-down end position.

Fourth: large interior width, compact exterior width, extremely low loading floor, large interior length, and large diameter swivel wheel applicable:

Because the castor wheel in bicycle position only supposes space located on the side contour of the transport device of only its tread width, an optimal ratio is possible between, on the one hand, a maximum interior width and, on the other, the most compact outer width of the transport device on site, in combination with an optimally low position loading floor for on-site loading. This loading floor can be placed extremely low, since only the construction thickness of the bottom has to be between loading and ground clearance. This is favorable for the lowest possible center of gravity of the loaded transport device and thus the lateral tilting stability, which is of great importance, among other things, when the transport device is used as a bicycle trailer or jogger because of the higher driving speeds that occur. Moreover, while retaining the interior width, outer width and loading floor height, a swivel wheel of relatively large diameter can be used without problem, for favorable driving properties of the swivel wheel in walking position. The loading space is also not limited in the longitudinal direction by the swivel wheel.

Fifth: utmost simplicity:

No locking on the steering axle is required for proper operation. This is in contrast to other constructions that also use a caster, as published in

CN 2 483 222 Y and EP 2 684 765 A1. The construction is thus reduced to the use of only two pivot points (with pivot axis and steering axis, respectively), locking of the pivot part in the two positions, and can be further manufactured without finalizing. This leads to a construction with utmost simplicity, with which it can be realized reliably, lightly and at a favorable price.

Sixth: lightning-fast transition between bicycle drive and walking, with maximum simplicity in operation:

The fact that during the transition from walking position to bicycle position and vice versa only locking takes place in the two positions of the swiveling part and no locking is required around the steering axis, resulting in a greatly simplified operation compared to other constructions that also use a swivel wheel. The transition between walking and bicycle use is thus effected by only unlocking, swiveling and locking. Without loose parts, because everything is connected with the two pivot points mentioned above.

Seventh: slewing with little force and complete control, and the transport device does not have to tilt:

In the configuration of the transport device, the position of the main wheels can be selected such that the center of gravity of the load is located just in front of the wheel axles of the main wheels, with the pivoting system at the front of the transport device. Thus, in the conversion between the walking position and the bicycle position, while holding the pivoting part, the user always has the front transport device fully under control with little lifting force, without additional support for the load-bearing part being required in the meantime. The pivoting system further has, due to its configuration, the property that, if not locked in one of its positions, under the influence of the loading in each position of the pivoting part only a small moment has to be received around the pivoting axis. In addition, the transport device does not have to tilt forward or backward during said conversion, since the pivoting part, including all parts that move with the pivoting part during pivoting, do this at a fixed position of the load-holding part in a zone located above the ground.

Eighth: stable swivel castor, even at higher swivel angle speeds:

Because in the bicycle position the smallest angle of the steering axle with a plane through longitudinal and transverse directions is a maximum of 45 degrees, the position of the swivel wheel about the steering axle during pivoting from walking position to bicycle position is in practice also at higher angular speeds of the swivel part about the swivel axis is always so stable that the swivel wheel does not, for example, swivel up (wildly) and upside down or in other undesired positions, whether or not clamped next to a side wall of the load-bearing part. The swivel wheel is thus always stable during this swiveling operation so that good operation is always guaranteed and, moreover, the swiveling wheel does not in practice strike against hands or arms during such a swiveling operation. Also pivoting from bicycle position to walking position always gives a good effect. This good effect is a surprising effect based on the applied configuration.

Ninth: When converting between bicycle use and walking use, the castor wheel does not need to be touched:

Again in contrast to other constructions that also use a swivel wheel: when converting between bicycle use and walking use, the user only has manual contact with the swivel part and locking devices and thus does not come into contact with the swivel wheel assembly at all, where the swivel wheel is usually dirty. of the road surface.

This keeps the hands clean.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the drive end is furthermore also suitable for manually moving the conveyor to it. In addition to manual advancement by, for example, pushing a said push handle, there is now an alternative engagement option for manual advancement. This leads to advantages, especially in the walking position, in which, seen in top view, engagement by hand now takes place closer to the swivel wheel than to the points of contact of the main wheels with the ground.

This leads, among other things, to advantages in force when pulling the transport device on less flat and / or loose terrain while pulling up and down stairs. The transport device can also be easily maneuvered in small spaces in this way, such as reverse parking.

In a further advantageous embodiment, manual engagement at the drive end in the walking position, and engagement by a means of transport at the drive end in the bicycle position, is advantageously realized in that the drive end in the bicycle position is in a significantly lower position relative to the load-bearing part than in the walking position, while in the walking position the total length of the transport device is significantly smaller than in the bicycle position.

This appears to be feasible in practice, since the swivel wheel performs a vertical downward movement during the conversion from bicycle position to walking position. Since the drive end is an end of the pivoting part by means of the coupling part, this end will be able to piggyback with this vertical movement and thus also perform a vertical movement itself. This can be configured so that this drive end then changes position in such a way that it can piggyback during this conversion from a lower position in the bicycle position further away from the rest of the conveyor to a higher position in the walking position, which is closer is at the rest of the transport device and is situated higher. In the bicycle position it is thus possible to realize a favorable position of the drive end for connection to a wheel hub of a bicycle, thereby creating optimum driving characteristics for a combination of transport device and bicycle.

In the walking position it is thus possible to realize a favorable position of the drive end for manual engagement of an upright regular person, while also creating a smaller overall vehicle length of the transport device, which is favorable during manual movement in connection with compactness during maneuvering. Comfortable engagement can then be enhanced by a hand-friendly engagement end at the drive end, as will be described below in further preferred embodiments.

During said conversion, as already mentioned, the transport device need not tilt backwards or forwards. The latter means that when converting from bicycle position to walking position and vice versa, any occupants of the transport device do not have to undergo a disturbing tilt.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the pivoting about the pivot axis takes place between the first and second position of use over a pivot angle which is significantly smaller than 180 degrees and in particular lies between 150 and 170 degrees.

Such a significantly smaller angle than 180 degrees is in principle possible, while retaining all the above advantages, because a swivel wheel according to the present invention is used and no wheel with a fixed axle. After all, due to the free rotation possibilities of the swivel wheel about its steering axis, this swivel wheel will always direct itself straight downwards in gravity, regardless of the swiveling angle, with the aforementioned great advantage that is located between the interior of the loading compartment and the outer limit measure. of the transport device, the swivel wheel always supple for space only the flat thickness of the tread.

In this way, 3 additional advantages can be realized combined, united in one construction. These benefits are listed and explained in the following three paragraphs:

First, an even more spacious interior:

Because pivoting occurs over such a significantly smaller angle than 180 degrees, a top view compared to a pivoting angle of 180 degrees (compare, for example, 15 NL 1 015 392 C2 Fig. 5 to 8) results in a significantly smaller displacement of the swivel wheel longitudinal direction between walking position and bicycle position. For example, if we take the position of the castor wheel in the walking position (at the front of the transport device) as given, then with the mentioned significantly smaller swivel angle, the castor wheel now moves significantly further forward in the bicycle position and thus, in practical configurations, its side space will be less reclaim at the rear, and make more net space possible.

Second: drive end in walking position in transverse direction, mainly centrally located, so that optimal force effect with manual drive, no folding handle is required: According to previous considerations, the drive end preferably has a position in the bicycle position, suitable for connection to a hub axle of a bicycle. This is a position which gives favorable driving properties for a combination of bicycle and transport device, for instance think of the force effect that occurs when the bicycle is braked. The foregoing implies that the drive end is then preferably approximately at hub height, and transversely a few centimeters from the center due to the wheel thickness of the bicycle. By applying a swivel angle which is significantly smaller than 180 degrees as described, it can be realized, as preferably, that the said drive end does not rotate too much in the lateral direction when pivoting towards the walking position, but an end position mainly in the transverse direction. center. In the case of manual drive in the direction of travel at the drive end, the forces seen in top view now act along a mainly central longitudinal axis. This results in a further optimized force effect in the aforementioned applications in which the transport device is manually pulled by pulling on less flat and / or loose terrain and when ascending and descending stairs. Additional provisions such as a fold-out handle or the like are now unnecessary.

Third, guidance of approaching and long-abrasive obstacles in the direction of travel:

With said pivoting angle significantly smaller than 180 degrees, it can further be realized, as preferably, that in the bicycle position, seen in plan view, the steering axis has a significant inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis, such that in this bicycle position the swivel wheel in conventional 5 direction of travel viewed from the rear is positioned more sideways than from the front. This results in an inclined position of the swivel wheel in the bicycle position, which gives a guiding function with regard to objects which are abrasive in the direction of travel along the transport device. This inclination can, as preferably, be combined excellently with the same type of inclination in a contour wall of the load-bearing part adjoining the castor wheel, resulting in a bevel that runs between the front contour wall and the side contour wall of the load-bearing part. Such a bevel can, as is preferred, also be applied on the other side of the load-bearing part than where the swivel wheel is situated in bicycle position. This results in the same type of guiding function with regard to longitudinal abrasive objects on the other side in the bicycle position. By extension, this guiding function applies to all objects which, when approaching the conveying device, fall within the covered path of the conveying device, insofar as they can be guided sideways by the said chamfers. Examples of such objects / obstacles are, for example, bicycle path posts, waste bins in shopping areas, etc.

In the walking position, the said chamfered sides of the load-holding part are also functional with regard to the said guiding function, as well as when the transport device is used as a jogger. Moreover, with such chamfers, a good streamline can be integrated into the contour walls of the transport device.

A further advantageous embodiment variant arises when the pivot axis is mainly in a plumb plane in the transverse direction. As a result, the relevant parts of the pivoting system (for example parts of the locking points with which the pivoting part can be locked in the two operating positions) now protrude at least for example; either to the left of the pivot axis, or to the right of the pivot axis. This results in minimal protruding parts.

Furthermore, if, as is preferred, a locking member is provided on the pivoting part, with which the pivoting part can be locked in relation to the load-holding part in the first and second position of use, stable positions of the pivoting part can be fixed. This construction can be of simple design because only one locking member is used.

This simplicity can be further enhanced by providing, as preferably, the locking member as a single rigid part containing both locking and unlocking geometry, as well as an end for actuation. This integrates many functions into just one simple part. Also, since the locking member is actuated at a single end thereof, there is also only one actuation handle or handle altogether to actuate each locking and unlocking of the pivot. Thus, the operation is unambiguous, after all, one cannot be mistaken in the operating handle, there is only one.

A further optimization can be carried out in accordance with a further preferred embodiment, wherein for each unlocking the direction of movement of the locking member relative to the pivoting part is the same and the bolt is provided with a spring element arranged in use under pretension. This same direction of movement makes it possible to pre-tension the locking member as standard, namely with a spring element pretensioned in use. Thus, an optimum and relatively constant force can be exerted over the entire movement excursion of the locking member, starting from a certain initial value. On the one hand, the locking member is hereby always properly pressed into its locking points, which results in a reliable locking. Second, with a biased spring, an effective spring region can be selected which combines said initial value with a small variation of the spring force over its effective range. This works comfortably when unlocking. Furthermore, such a lock offers advantages over manufacturing tolerances, since the latch is pressed throughout its latch excursion.

When, as preferably, the direction of movement of the locking member is a rotation, a pivot point regulates the movement, whereby an easily controllable, reliable movement with little friction can be realized. This in contrast to a sliding, translating movement.

Maximum simplicity of actuation of the latch can further be achieved in accordance with preferred embodiments, wherein only the unlocking requires actuation. The latter can be realized by using so-called ascending surfaces which, during pivoting of the pivoting part to the end position of both the first and second use position, cause the locking member to click into the respective locked end position without any operation. With the last-mentioned design variants, the simplicity of operation is thus further optimized: the conversion between walking position and bicycle position and vice versa thus takes place with only one click-release and pivoting action, after which the construction locks itself by itself. In addition, the operation is extremely comfortable, the operation is solid and insensitive to manufacturing tolerances, and the construction is simple with a minimum of parts.

A further optimization can furthermore take place with a preferred embodiment variant, wherein the swivel wheel assembly is provided with a geometry which can interfere with a geometry of the load-bearing part, such that at the end of the excursion of the swivel part from the first to the second position of use, the deflection of the swivel wheel about the steering axis in its movement is limited, which restriction is undone at the beginning of the excursion of the swivel part from the second to the first position of use. In this way, without requiring additional user action, the steering shaft in the second position of use can be limited in its movement to some extent, while maintaining all of the above advantages. Constructive practice has shown that such optimization can be included without any constructive addition / complexity. This is an extra benefit to take with you for free.

In a further advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the pivot shaft further comprises a pivot bearing, which pivot bearing comprises at least one sleeve provided with the load-bearing part and a pivot bearing shaft, which pivot bearing shaft is designed as an elongated construction end of the pivot part, which construction end protrudes into said sleeve. A simple constructional construction of the pivot bearing is hereby realized, which moreover opens the possibility, such as preferably, to make the pivot part removable from the load-holding part in an extremely simple manner in order to reduce the outer dimensions of the transport device for storage and / or storage purposes. or transportation. This removal is now easy to achieve, only by loosening the pivot bearing shaft in axial direction relative to the sleeve and sliding axially out of said sleeve.

Axial locking and unlocking can be realized reliably using, for example, a standard locking pin.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling part is furthermore mounted detachably from the rest of the pivoting part, the core of the pivot bearing shaft being provided as an axially continuous cavity, in which cavity the coupling part is partly provided, which coupling part from this cavity can be removed axially along the pivot axis.

In this way the coupling part can be detached from the rest of the pivoting part by means of a simple total construction with 3 elements situated concentrically about the pivot axis (said sleeve, the pivot bearing axis, and the coupling part).

In this construction both the pivot bearing is realized, but a simple and solid attachment of a detachable coupling part can be realized, combined in one integral construction.

The transfer of the greatest forces during the attachment of the coupling part is thereby realized in that the coupling part is enveloped by the pivot bearing shaft, in addition, when the coupling part is mounted, the coupling part is only locked to the pivot bearing shaft against rotation about the pivot axis and translation along the pivot axis. This can be achieved with 30 simple means.

Such a detachable coupling part has been found to have interesting additional advantages over previously discussed embodiments, while only small and simple constructional additions are required.

Firstly, with such a detachable coupling part, if the transport device is not moved manually at the drive end in the walking position, the outer size of the transport device for maneuvering can be further reduced. In addition, the coupling part can be additionally removed according to the above, but this is not necessary: a non-removed coupling rod also results in undiminished functional walking use in this situation, in contrast to, for example, a common driving rod for bicycle drive which is directly attached to a load-bearing part: if not removed, such a rod will protrude annoyingly far forward for hiking applications.

Secondly, with such a removable coupling part, for storage and / or transport, the volume of the transport device can be reduced by placing the pivoting part in the second position of use and removing the coupling part. In principle, in this embodiment variant of the invention, the pivot bearing shaft can always remain in the sleeve, both for bicycle use, walking use, as well as for storage and / or transport. The second use position can now also be called Storage position in addition to 'bicycle position'.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a main wheel frame 10 with additional main wheel is further provided, which additional main wheel is carried by the main wheel frame, which main wheel frame can be mounted on the load-bearing part when the pivoting part is removed by insertion into said sleeve. This creates an opportunity to be able to propel the transport device in a running, pushing manner, thereby realizing the tracking and road holding required for this application in a very robust manner. In the following we call this user option the “jogger position”, the additional main wheel the jogger wheel and the main wheel frame the jogger frame.

Also in the above construction use is made of the said sleeve on the load-holding part, from which the pivot part can be removed. By inserting the jogger frame into this sleeve, a solid fastening of jogger frame 20 to the load-bearing part can be realized in a simple manner, because transfer of the greatest forces from the jogger wheel to the load-bearing part is realized by the inserted part of the jogger frame, which is enclosed through said sleeve. In addition, when the jogger frame is mounted, only locking of the jogger part to the load-bearing part against rotation about the pivot axis and translation about the pivot axis is required. This can be achieved with simple means.

Since the sleeve integrates a mounting function for either the swivel or jogger frame, the additional features to achieve the jogger position are minimal. In this way, the overall construction can remain simple and thus light and cheap.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport device also comprises a part which is mountable on a wheel hub axle of a bicycle and in use is mounted thereon as a bicycle part, wherein:

- the drive end comprises a deformable part which can be coupled to said bicycle part and, when coupled, functions at least as a bicycle coupling joint,

- when mounting the bicycle part on the bicycle, the wheel hub axle of said bicycle is used as the only mounting point on this bicycle,

- with coupled bicycle part and deformable part, the deformable part is substantially provided in an extension of said wheel hub axis of said bicycle, resulting in a negligible moment acting around said wheel hub axis under said load, in said mounting point, and no anti-rotation lock on the wheel hub axle is used.

In this way, the transport device can be connected to a bicycle by a part mounted on the bicycle (the bicycle part), to which the drive end, which comprises a deformable part, is coupled.

Because a deformable part is used as a joint in the connection between the transport device and the bicycle, a very robust connection is created, since a deformable part can spring under the most extreme joint excursions. An example of this is the situation in which the drive end is connected by means of said construction to the left side of the rear hub of a bicycle, the bicycle having a maximum turning angle to the left relative to the transport device, in combination with the bicycle falling over.

Since a wheel hub axle of this bicycle is used as the only mounting point on the bicycle when connecting the bicycle to the bicycle part, it is possible to mount it on a wide variety of bicycles. After all, this mounting point will always be present and is almost uniform in a number of fixed versions. And because the wheel hub axle is the only mounting point, there are no longer any limiting conditions for the bicycle in terms of 15 mounting points. Moreover, the relatively far rearward position of this mounting point also reduces the chance that bicycle wheel details (such as parts of a hub brake) that occur before the hub interfere with the mountability.

This backward position is also beneficial to realize a construction in which the heel of a rider of the bicycle is offered maximum space during his circular excursion.

The construction is such that, when connected to a bicycle, the deformable part is provided substantially in an extension of said wheel hub axis of said bicycle, resulting in a negligible moment acting about said wheel hub axis under said load in said mounting point. . In practice this proves to be feasible partly due to specific choices regarding, for example, the stiffness of the deformable part and specific dimensions.

This negligible moment is a crucial factor for a strong simplification of the construction: in this way no provisions are needed in order to have to lock in said mounting point by a moment around said wheel hub axle, so that a construction can be realized which is not only simple and cheap , but which also has an extremely simple initial assembly that does not impose additional requirements on the bicycle in connection with such securing. This further improves the mountability on a wide variety of bicycles.

Since, according to the above, the joint parts for the bicycle coupling are provided at the drive end and not at the bicycle part, this bicycle part can furthermore be designed simply and inexpensively, whereby a plurality of bicycles can be made permanently suitable for coupling the transport device in an inexpensive manner.

In addition, if an aforementioned deformable part comprises, as preferably, a spring element, the load-bearing part can thereby be suspended on the bicycle for improved driving characteristics of both bicycle and transport device as well as their combination, while passenger transport also has greatly increased comfort for the occupants. of the transport device is effected.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the above-mentioned deformable part further comprises at least one rubber part, optionally also with a spiral spring, in which the rubber part is provided at least on the outside for realizing a handle. The deformable part now has a rubber finish on the outside with which it is comfortable to grip when gripping the hand, combined with extreme simplicity through the integration of four functions: the deformable part now fulfills the joint function, the connection function, the spring function, and the handle function. On the one hand, this hand-friendly engagement works comfortably when coupling and uncoupling the transport device and bicycle, whereby the drive end of the transport trolley is gripped by hand, on the other hand, such a handle gives a pleasant hand grip during manual advancement of the transport device at the drive end.

For ease of reading, we use the word 'rubber' in this document, which according to the invention can also be used to fill in any material with similar properties, such as 'elastomer' in an extensive sense.

Placing the deformable part mainly in an extension of the hub axle, in combination with this handle function, provides an additional integral advantage, since in the bicycle position the deformable part is positioned relatively far forwards in the longitudinal direction and thus also the handle. This shows in practice that with further optimal dimensions, for example geared to bicycles with 28 inch wheels, this handle in walking position comes out in a favorable high position, so that the aforementioned engagement at a favorable height for manual engagement of an upright regular person is even more facilitated.

A deformable part consisting of rubber and certainly if a spiral spring is also used here, is ideally suited as a joint, connecting element as well as a spring element. Such a deformable part is advantageously designed with resilient and damping properties, while it can also be so rigid that the load-bearing part does not crank with respect to the bicycle, while, in particular in the case of a coil spring, these form the connection between transport device and makes the bicycle highly robust and fail-safe.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, when the deformable part comprises at least a spiral spring, it is preferable if this spiral spring, with coupled bicycle part and deformable part, ends as a spring eye at least on the side facing the bicycle, while also a construction part provision is made which is provided at least partly and at least in coupled condition with bicycle part and deformable part by said spring eye, and which is removable from said spring eye for decoupling bicycle part and deformable part.

In this way it can be achieved that in the coupled condition the deformable part can be placed with respect to the bicycle so far forward that it is just possible to place this deformable part, as discussed above, substantially in an extension of the aforementioned wheel hub axis. provided with this coupled bicycle, while at the same time enabling a construction which has to extend at least in the forward direction, so that the heel of a cycling person during the pedaling movement of the bicycle is also minimally hindered during his pedaling excursion. It is also possible to achieve a high degree of compactness at the location of the mounting point on the bicycle, which further promotes universal mountability on a plurality of bicycles.

Moreover, since the locking point for coupling or uncoupling according to the above coincides with the said spring eye of the coil spring, the construction can be simple, since this spring eye is now used both for the attachment of the coil spring, or is used for the coupling / uncoupling function.

In a coupled condition, the chain of construction elements that connect the bicycle with the transport device can thus also consist of a minimum number of connection points, with which a high fail-safe content is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the main wheels of the transport device are connected to the load-bearing part by means of a spring-mounted wheel suspension. In this way, the main wheels attached to the load-bearing part are provided to the conveyor in a manner that dissipates shocks and vibrations from the road surface to the load-bearing part, thus also resulting in improved driving characteristics of both the bicycle and the conveyor as well as their combination, and improved comfort for any occupants of the ransporting device.

In combination with the aforementioned preferred embodiments of the invention in which the transport device is spring-loaded with a spring element at the drive end, a fully-sprung transport device is now provided.

The present invention also relates to a transport device for transporting loads in the form of goods and / or persons and / or animals, which is suitable for driving by a bicycle, which transport device is provided with:

- a load-bearing part which carries the load and optionally also comprises contour walls of the transport device,

- at least two main wheels provided laterally on the load-bearing part, on which the transport device is movable in the usual direction of travel as a longitudinal direction,

- a rigid construction element as a pivoting part, which pivoting part is pivotally connected to the load-bearing part about a pivot axis and can pivot over this pivot axis between a first position of use and a second position of use, and can be locked in either position,

- a swivel wheel assembly, which comprises a swivel wheel, swivel wheel axle, swivel wheel frame and steering axle, which swivel wheel is mounted on the swivel wheel frame by means of its swivel wheel shaft, to which swivel wheel frame the steering shaft is fixed, which steering shaft is provided as a pivot point fixedly mounted on the pivot part, where:

- in the first position of use, the steering axle is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, and in transverse direction is positioned mainly centrally with respect to the load-bearing part, and the swivel wheel in use rests on a surface, a transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and mainly parallel to a substrate,

- when rotating the swivel part from the first to the second position of use, the swivel wheel automatically focuses by gravity about the steering axis to a final position in stable equilibrium in which the swivel wheel axis is mainly horizontal, measured as the transport device on a horizontal ground,

- in the second position of use, the smallest angle of the steering axis with a longitudinal transverse plane is not more than 45 degrees,

- the swivel wheel in said end position is positioned mainly on the side contour of the load-bearing part, substantially entirely above the lower limit dimension of the load-bearing part.

Such a transport device is suitable for driving by a bicycle, for instance by means of a separate pulling device directly on the load-bearing part, to which the transport device can be pulled by a bicycle.

By means of the swiveling part, such a transport device offers a swiftly folding swivel wheel from a walking position to a second use position in which the swivel wheel is folded away compactly and stably on the side of the transport device. This also takes place here with the already explained unlocking, swiveling, locking principle without separate parts that have to be stored separately, with further similar advantages as explained earlier in this document, for instance with regard to not having to grip the swivel wheel with your hands, favorable dimensions of interior and exterior width and optimally low loading floor, no tilting of the transport device when converting between walking use and folded-up swivel wheel, also optimal operation at higher swivel angle speeds and manufacturing tolerances, and of course the maneuverability that a swivel wheel offers the transport device.

Also with this transport device, as is preferable, the pivoting about the pivot axis between the said two positions of use can take place over a pivot angle which is significantly smaller than 180 degrees and in particular lies between 150 and 170 degrees. Also, further preferably, the pivot axis can be substantially in a plumb plane to the transverse direction. These design variants offer the same effects and advantages as previously described, for example with regard to a spacious interior, a favorable guiding function with regard to objects approaching and longitudinally abrasive in the direction of travel, and minimal protrusion of parts of the pivoting system such as locking points.

The present invention also relates to a bicycle provided with a transport device as described above and / or a method for transporting goods and / or persons and / or animals, comprising the provision and use of such a transport device and / or bicycle. Such a bicycle and / or method offers identical advantages as described for the transport device. A special advantage for the bicycle is that, by mounting a relatively simple and inexpensive bicycle part thereto, inexpensive and simple means that virtually every bicycle can be made permanently suitable for coupling the transport device, which also offers advantages for commercial bicycle rental companies, so that their entire can equip bicycle stock affordably with this facility.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will now be elucidated on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. Thereby shows:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a transport device according to the invention in a position of use in which it can be pulled by a bicycle;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a transport device according to the invention in a position of use in which it can be manually moved while walking;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a transport device according to the invention in a position of use in which it can be pushed running ("jogging");

Fig. 4 is a perspective parts overview of the transport device of FIG. 2;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the conveyor of FIG. 1, with parts 27 and 28 not shown and the front part of top frame 29 omitted;

Fig. 6 a detail view of an embodiment variant according to arrow K in FIG. 5 in the direction of the steering shaft 21, with tray 2 in section at position 30b;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the conveyor of FIG. 1, without parts 27 and 28;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the conveyor of FIG. 2;

Fig. 9 is a perspective detail view showing the structure of the locking plate 12 and the locking profile 13 of FIG. 4;

Fig. 10 is a perspective detail view according to arrow A in FIG. 5 and arrow B in FIG. 7 with a mounting overview of locking device 18 from FIG. 4, with the transport device in the operating state of FIG. 1;

Fig. 11 the same as FIG. 10, but now with mounted parts 53 to 57;

Fig. 12 is a perspective detail view according to arrow A in FIG. 5 and arrow C in FIG. 7, with the transport device in the operating state of FIG. 2;

Fig. 13 is a view according to arrow D in FIG. 11;

Fig. 14 a view according to arrow E in fig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a perspective parts overview of engaging unit 26 with bicycle bracket 27 and retaining clip 28 of FIG. 1;

Fig. 16 the insert 95 as present in rubber sleeve 83 of FIG. 15;

Fig. 17 the parts of FIG. 15 in mounted form with the transport device coupled to a hub axle 107b of a bicycle 107;

Fig. 18 a section through plane X in FIG. 17 with viewing direction according to arrow F, with the pin of retaining clip 28 in elevation;

Fig. 19 the parts according to FIG. 18 in the same view as FIG. 7 for straight-ahead regular use;

Fig. 20 the parts of FIG. 9 in assembled form in a view according to arrow G in fig. 5 and arrow H in FIG. 7 with jogger unit 128, with which after use the state of use of FIG. 3 results. Jogger wheel 131 is not shown;

Fig. 21 a first alternative embodiment variant of a transport device according to the invention in perspective view;

Fig. 22 a second alternative embodiment variant of a transport device according to the invention in perspective view.

It should be noted that in the above drawings the known wheels 9 and 131 are shown as a tread part and a wheel hub. For clarity, the usual filament spokes connecting these parts are not shown.

In FIG. 1, 2 and 4, a transport device is shown provided with a load-bearing part in the form of a bottom frame 1 with an open box 2. In this example, the bottom frame 1 is designed as a tubular frame consisting at the front of a spine tube 1a, to which pivot bearing sleeve 11 is fixed at the front. To the rear, pipe 1a is fixedly connected to pipe part 1 b, which has at least two lateral longitudinal pipes. Somewhere in the rear zone of bottom frame 1, two bearing housings 3 are fixed on either side to this bottom frame on a transverse axis.

In each bearing housing 3 a thru axle 5 is mounted which forms part of a wheel suspension unit 4. This wheel suspension unit 4 is further provided with a main wheel axle 6 on which the main wheel 9 is mounted. At the bottom, wheel suspension unit 4 comprises a spring element 7 with mounting hole 8 which protrudes on the pin 10, which pin 10 is fixedly connected to the bottom frame 1. Such a pin 10 is also provided on the other side of the bottom frame. Two main wheels 9 are thus mounted on either side of the transport device on the bottom frame.

A top frame 29 can further be mounted on the open box 2, for instance consisting of a depicted front frame 29a, a rear frame 29b, a push bracket 29c and a cross bar 29d.

A pivoting part 14 is further provided. It consists of a base tube with a drive end 14b and a pivot bearing end 14a. Steering bearing sleeve 14c is fixed to the base tube by means of the connecting tubes 14d and 14e.

Furthermore, a swivel wheel assembly 15 is provided, consisting of a swivel wheel 25, which is carried by means of a shaft 24 in the holes 23 by a swivel wheel fork 22, to which a steering shaft 21 is attached. Steering shaft 21 is axially secured in steering bearing sleeve 14c.

Pivot part 14 can be rotatably mounted in pivot bearing sleeve 11 by inserting it axially in pivot bearing sleeve 11 with its pivot bearing end 14a and realizing axial securing with locking clip 19, which can be mounted in bore 20. Fig. 1 and 2 show the mounted state.

If pivot 14 is mounted in pivot bearing sleeve 11, it is pivotable in the pivot bearing sleeve between a first use position where the drive end 14b occupies a relatively high position as shown in FIG. 2, and a second operating position with the drive end 14b occupying a lower position, as shown in FIG. 1.

In the first position of use, the swivel wheel 25 rests on the ground and, in addition to the two main wheels 9, forms an additional support point for the transport device. The transporting device can now be independently moved manually on the push handle 29c and 15 is excellently manoeuvrable by the swivel wheel 25 freely rotatable about steering axis 21, which can make a 360 degree steering excursion about this steering axis 21. By analogy with previous descriptions, this operating position is referred to hereinafter as the “walking position”.

When the pivot 14 is pivoted to the second position of use, the drive end 14b comes to an end position according to FIG. 1 in which it is suitable to be connected to a bicycle, so that the transport device can be pulled by means of this bicycle. During this pivoting, the swivel wheel 25 rises and ends up in a position sideways next to the load-bearing part. In addition, the caster wheel automatically gravitates to a substantially vertically suspended position using its free rotational capability about the steer axle 21. This mode of operation is hereinafter referred to as the "bicycle position" in analogy with previous descriptions.

Caster 25 is now efficiently folded up in this bicycle position on the side of bucket 2, and sits completely above the bottom limit of bucket 2 and bottom frame 1 for excellent ground clearance in this trailer function. Due to the illustrated configuration, large horizontal dimensions in the front of the interior are realized in combination with a favorable low loading floor for high tilting stability, in combination with a relatively large diameter of the swivel wheel 25. The latter creates favorable driving properties in the walking position.

Fig. 7 shows a situation during transport of a passenger 154, for which purpose a backrest 152 can be mounted. In this figure, the advantageous use of space is visible, in which the structural elements are, as it were, cast around the body dimensions, with an optimally low seating position. The feet and legs have maximum space in the lateral direction, and can also be placed extremely low and far in front of the transport device.

In the bicycle position according to Fig. 1, coupling to the bicycle is effected by means of the engaging unit 26 mounted on the drive end 14b. This works for coupling to the bicycle together with the parts 27 and 28, from FIG. 15 discussed in more detail. The gripping unit is further designed as a hand-friendly handle, with which coupling to the bicycle can take place in a pleasant manner.

In the walking position according to Fig. 2, the engaging unit 26 is located at the front of the transport device and there offers a comfortable handle at good gripping height for pulling manually 5. In addition, the transport device can also be pushed manually on the push handle 29c. Pulling on the engaging unit 26 is ideally suited for advancing the transport device on less flat and / or loose terrain and driving up and down the stairs. The transport device can also be easily maneuvered in small spaces in this way, comparable to reverse parking. A situation where the transport device is manually advanced at the engagement end 26 is shown in FIG. 8. This figure shows a side view of a transport device on an uneven and / or loose surface, the transport device being manually pulled on the engaging unit by a person, drawn in thin dashed lines. Arrow Ft here represents the pulling force exerted by the person on the transport device. This force has a component upward which lifts the transport device up to a certain extent, with which the transport device is pulled upwards as it were from the ground, as it were. This provides efficient propulsion.

Engaging unit 26 owes its name in this description, incidentally, to the fact that in the walking position and during conversion from bicycle position to walking position and vice versa, the hand can engage it and in the bicycle position the pulling bicycle.

Locking of pivot part 14 in each of the two positions of use takes place by means of locking device 18 on the one hand provided on connecting tube 14e, and on the other hand by locking plate 12 and locking profile 13 which are fixedly provided on pivot bearing sleeve 11. From FIG. 9 discussed in more detail.

Because pivoting part 14 extends in one tube part from drive end 14b up to and including its pivotable bearing in pivot bearing sleeve 11, optimum transmission of the main loads takes place.

In FIG. 5 shows a top view of the transport device in the bicycle position, with therein plane 35 which is placed perpendicularly and centrally in the transverse direction, hereinafter referred to as the median perpendicular plane. Furthermore, the inner contour 38 of the top edge of the tray 2 is shown. The thickness of the curled tray edge provides stiffness for this top edge, while the rest of the tray can be constructed as a thin shell. This ensures a light and rigid construction, in which fenders for the main wheels 9 are also directly integrated.

In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device now discussed, the centerline 11a of the pivot bearing sleeve 11 is inclined upwards in side view, parallel to the median perpendicular plane 35, and positioned transversely between the median perpendicular plane 35 and the side boundary 31. A pivot angle has been chosen over which pivot part 14 pivots upon conversion between the walking position and the bicycle position, which is significantly smaller than 180 degrees and here lies around 165 degrees.

Since steering axle 21 is vertical or substantially vertical in the walking position and is located in the perpendicular bisector plane 35 of the transport device, according to the above, direction 30 of swivel wheel 25 in top view in the bicycle position now makes a significant angle with the extreme side boundary line 31 of the transport device. .

It is precisely by using a swivel wheel that it is ensured that the swivel wheel in top view always only occupies space which is its limited flat thickness 33, since the swivel wheel can rotate freely about its steering axis 21 and therefore rotates automatically by gravity in a will rotate mainly vertical end position. This rotation does not require any additional action from the user, since this rotation takes place automatically by gravity.

The combination of the above-mentioned tilt view in top view and the limited width size 33 now makes possible a particularly efficient spatial layout in which the position of the castor wheel in the bicycle position can be combined in a natural manner with an undisturbed, optimal inner and outer dimensions of the transport device, whereby moreover a guide shape on the front of container 2 can be realized in the form of bevelled front sides.

This can be easily explained with reference to Fig. 5, showing chamfer 32 at the leading edge of bucket 2 on the side of caster unit 15. On the one hand, this leads to a well-spaced fit, with nothing protruding outside the outer contour 31, with a smoothly continuous beveled inner contour 38 of bin 2, with further maximized inner dimensions 36 and 37. On the other hand, this also leads to a smoothly running beveled outer contour 32, which performs a good guiding function in the walking position for obstructions approaching from the front, such as poles or trash cans. This also applies to a third operating position, or “jogger position”, which will be explained later and of which in Fig. 3 a preview can be seen.

If we also apply such a chamfer 34 on the other side of the transport device, for example symmetrically to chamfer 32, then this side of the transport device is also provided with such an effective bumper function, now in all three use positions, wherein the tray 2 is moreover provided with a favorable streamline.

A further advantage of the said configuration of position and position of the axis of the pivot bearing sleeve and the pivot angle used is also shown in Figs. 5. Namely, engaging unit 26 will have a certain distance 177 from the median plane 35 in the bicycle position because of the position shown in FIG. 17 shown attachment to the bicycle. Owing to the said configuration with pivot angle about 165 degrees, engaging unit 26 can now, in the walking position, mainly extend into the perpendicular bisector 35, whereby manual engagement of the transport device can now take place centrally here in transverse direction. This leads to a favorable force effect when the conveying device is advanced on the engaging unit 26 as already discussed.

A third advantage of the said applied configuration with the pivot angle used is that the wheel 25 can be brought forward more in both the walking position and the bicycle position on average, than would have been the case with a pivoting angle of 180 degrees. 25 are offered more space than with a swivel angle of

180 degrees, which allows for additional optimization for the use of a relatively large diameter of castor wheel 25 in combination with a minimal restriction of the transport volume.

This is visible in Fig. 5, with a dotted line pivoting part 14 with swivel wheel 25, steering bearing sleeve 14c and the tubes 14d and 14e are drawn in the walking position. Here we see that swivel wheel 25 in the walking position and bicycle position is positioned relatively far in front of the transport device.

Fig. 6 shows a detail view K toward the centerline of steering bearing sleeve 14c in the bicycle position, with the tray 2 in section at position 30b. This view shows an optional embodiment detail in which tray 2 is provided with a geometry that can interfere with the swivel wheel 15, in the form of a specific shape of the tray edge with an upper surface part 2a and a lower surface part 2b.

When the swivel wheel 15 is moved from the walking position to the bicycle position, whereby this swivel wheel is always directed substantially vertically by gravity, in a final phase of this excursion the swivel wheel 25 of the swivel wheel assembly 15 now comes close to its outer circumference laterally against the surface parts 2a and 2b. In this case, hardly any friction and / or wear occurs, because the swivel wheel 25, as it were, "moves" into position due to its ability to rotate about wheel axis 24. In addition, contact is only made at the very end with the face portions 2a and 2b, as shown with dashed lines schematically showing castor wheel 25 in a preliminary phase of this excursion.

Once the swivel part 14 is locked in the bicycle position, the swivel wheel 25 is now limited in its possible tendency to a slight swiveling around the steering axle 21: when swiveling about the steering axle 21 towards the bucket 2, the swiveling wheel will press on the flat part 2b, when swiveling away from the container, on section 2a.

When the swivel wheel is moved from the bicycle position to the walking position, the above-mentioned rotational restriction of the steering axle is immediately lifted again at the start, the swivel wheel 'driving' away from the surface parts 2a and 2b again.

In FIG. 9 the structure of the locking plate 12 and the locking profile 13 is further elucidated. Here we see a part of the front lower frame tube 1a, to which the pivot bearing sleeve 11 is fixedly attached. Locking plate part 12a is fixed to this on the side 35 pointing to the perpendicular bisector 35. This plate part contains an opening 41. The bottom edge 42 of the plate part 12a is bent and also attached to bottom frame tube 1a at one end 42a. The conversion creates the snap-in edge 43 in the opening 41. The top edge 44 is also converted. The hole 45 herein forms one of the mounting points, which are not further discussed, with which a fixed connection between tray 2 and the bottom frame 1 is realized. The lighting holes also provide mass savings while maintaining good power transfer in the construction. A rubber 12b is mounted on the v-shaped end 47 during assembly. This fixes on the protruding lip 48 in an internal recess of the rubber.

On the side of pivot bearing sleeve 11 which faces away from the perpendicular bisector 35, a winged sheet part 13a is fixed. This contains a recess 49 with the snap-in edge 50 therein. On the end 51 of plate part 13a, a rubber 13b is fixedly mounted during assembly.

In FIG. 10 we see the construction of the locking device 18 on the pivoting part 14. This consists of the locking support 52, which is fixedly attached to the connecting tube 14e. By means of bolt 10 53, intermediate ring 54 and locknut 55, the snap-in handle 56 is rotatably and axially secured in bearing hole 58 of locking support 52 during assembly. Locking spring 57 then protrudes as shown with the end 60 first through the snap-in handle 56, and then falls into cavity 61 of the locking support 52. The end 59 projects into the slot 62 of locking support 52.

Fig. 11 shows the discussed parts of FIG. 10 in mounted form, with locking device 18 snapped into the bicycle position.

Fig. 12 shows almost the same view as FIG. 10, the pivot 14 now being pivoted and snapped into the walking position.

Fig. 13 and 14 show the locking mechanism in clicked positions in the bicycle position and the walking position, respectively. In FIG. 13, the plate part 13a is drawn as section 20 approximately in the center of snap-in hole 49, in FIG. 14, the plate part 12a is drawn as a section approximately in the center of snap-in hole 41. In both figures we see tube 14e as a section just before locking support 52 and the click-in direction is indicated by arrow 64. Everything that is attached to tube 14e is geometric in both figures identical, albeit twisted relative to each other; after all, these are also the same parts, but they have been clicked onto a different set of construction elements.

When the pivoting part is in an unlocked position, i.e. pivoted in a position between the bicycle position and the walking position, the snap-in handle 56 is in the same position as shown in the figures. Spring 57 is biased with, in this example, the spring end 60 projecting into recess 61 cavity 61 where it provides the snap-in handle 56 with its end stop. Incidentally, by realizing an end stop in this way, the locking support can be manufactured from flat plate, which can be favorable for small series production.

When we pivot the pivoting part 14 with the tube 14e attached to it in the bicycle position, the contact surface 65 meets the snap-in edge 50. The snap-in handle will now rotate under spring pressure in the direction 35 66, at which point the end 67 of locking support 52 will start to press against rubber 13b. , then at some point the click handle clicks. The rubber 13b now provides permanent spring pressure in the connection in click-in direction 64, so that play is removed. The preload of spring 57 also provides a permanent spring pressure which counteracts direction of movement 66.

When we want to move from the bicycle position to the walking position, we pull the operating handle 63 with a finger, schematically drawn with dashed line 68, and move it in the direction 66 until the locking tip 69 has passed the snap-in edge 50. During this release movement, tube 14e will move slightly in direction 64, since the depicted line 71 from locking pivot 70 to locking tip 69 5 is smaller than line 72 from point 70 to snap-in edge 50. Thus, the connection automatically tightens itself under load reversed to direction 64 .

Due to this effect, together with the preload in the spring 57, we have a particularly robust and reliable connection, which is also free of play due to the rubber 13b.

The clicking and unclipping in the walking position is done in an analogous way. The run-on surface 73 is now used and the locking tip 74 snaps over the plate edge 43 and the end 67 of the locking support presses against the rubber 12b as a resilient stop in the connection. Here again, the joint will lock itself under load reversed to direction 64, since, analogous to the foregoing, line 75 between snap-in edge 43 and pivot 70 is smaller than line 76 between latch tip 74 and pivot 70.

By choosing a single click-in handle that fulfills its locking function in both click-in positions and which is also directly the operating handle, many functions are performed with very few parts.

Moreover, by choosing one release direction 66 for both release actions, it becomes possible to apply a spring under significant pretension. This ensures a reliable connection. Also, together with the discussed end stop, a tight position of the snap-in handle in a non-clicked position is realized. In addition, if we apply a spring with a decent wire length, for example due to multiple windings and a larger diameter of the windings, we can choose the effective area of the spring in such a way that we combine a strong preload in the bolt with a pleasant release force on the finger , which varies little over the entire click excursion 66, so that the counter-pressure at the operating handle is tactile when pleasantly released. In addition, a small variation in the spring force promotes optimal force action on the respective contact surfaces 65 and 73.

For example, by designing the spring as a torsion spring and placing it outside the pivot point 70, constructionally, an axially direction compact pivot point 70 with a limited size 77 can be combined with a spring 57 which has a considerable thread length.

An axially compact pivot 70 (in the example there is only a gap according to the thickness of spacer ring 54) provides favorable force action on the bolt 53 and the hole 58 and 56a as shown in FIG. 11.

A limited size 77 is advantageous, since angle 78 can be made as blunt as possible in this way in combination with a not too great length between pivot 70 and the operating handle 63.

Due to the bluntest possible angle 78, the mechanics of the ramp surfaces 73 and 65 become as favorable as possible during snapping-in, since minimum radial and maximum tangential forces are developed with respect to the pivot point 70.

Due to a not too great length between pivot 70 and the operating handle 63, the entire locking structure remains compact and in particular compact enough that in the walking position the relatively large diameter swivel wheel does not interfere with the 360 degree excursion possibilities to the steering axle 21.

The latch support 52 is provided with lighting holes 79, 80 and 81 to save mass. Lighting hole 80 is herein designed such that spring 57 is compactly stored therein. In this manner, the spring is placed practically out of the pivot point 70 with all the aforementioned achievable advantages. There are no further protruding parts.

Furthermore, we can note that with the locking mechanism the geometry that determines the click-in is contained in the snap-in handle 56, the locking support 52, the bolt 53, the thickness of plate edge 43 and 50, and the dimensioning of the rubbers 12b and 13b so that not too much and not too little counter-pressure is provided in the connection. The dimensions of these parts can be precisely controlled during manufacture. The result is that if, for example, welded parts on the pivoting part 14 "tighten" after welding, this will not affect the proper functioning of the locking mechanism. So we do not have to set or adjust the construction. This saves facilities for this in the construction and labor in the assembly process.

It can furthermore be noted that the operating handle 63 is clearly visible and operable in both the bicycle position and the walking position. In the bicycle position it is operable at the top and there is pleasant operating space under the front edge of box 2, in the walking position it is clearly visible and operable at the bottom. Since there is only one operating handle 63, operation in each operating position is also unambiguous.

We can also note that the size in the snap-in handle between locking tips 69 and 74 means that on average, each of the snap-in holes 43 and 50 will be higher in the transport device than with comparable structures. This means that the always unused click-in hole protrudes relatively less downwards in each position of use and thus disturbs less. This compensates for the effect of snap-in holes positioned just below as a result of the said swing angle less than 180 degrees.

In summary, with the described bolt construction with very few parts, an extremely reliable bolt has been realized with which an operating position can be unclipped unambiguously, comfortably and lightning-fast, after which the swivel part clicks into the other position of use in a robust and play-free manner with one simple swing.

To realize the conversion from walking position to bicycle position and vice versa, it is sufficient to just click and turn according to the above, whereby the swivel wheel saves itself: it focuses from conversion from bicycle position to walking position by gravity automatically in its optimal vertically suspended end position, and after conversion from bicycle position to walking position, the swivel wheel automatically gets its 360 degree free rotation about steering axis 21.

This makes the total operation of the conversion from bicycle position to walking position particularly user-friendly: with one hand, the swivel part 14 can be grabbed and supported on the connecting tubes 14d and 14e, after which the operating handle 63 is unlocked with a second hand, after which it can be unlocked immediately from that moment. With only the first hand, the mass which is not carried by the main wheels 9 at the front of the transport device can now be excellently 'lifted', since hardly any moment occurs in the pivot bearing. The pivoting of pivoting part 14 takes place almost automatically: due to the slight lifting force in combination with allowing a rotation by hand, the pivoting part 14 rotates automatically up to the position in which the click-in handle 56 snaps into place.

The conversion from walking position to bicycle position is likewise user-friendly: with one hand the swivel part 14 is gripped relatively at the top, a second hand unlocks the control handle 63. Now nothing happens, until the second hand lets the swivel part 14 click into the bicycle position with a slight whip. .

During this conversion, either one hand, or two hands, has the front of the conveyor with little force exerted, fully and certainly under control. In addition, pivot 14 performs its excursion in a zone located in front of the transport device and not, for example, below it. The transport device therefore does not have to tilt at all during the conversion. All this makes a conversion for any passengers in the transport device an almost imperceptible, safe experience.

In FIG. 15 through 19 a gripping unit 26 is shown, together with bicycle bracket 27 and locking clip 28 with which this gripping unit cooperates when coupled to a means of transport such as a bicycle.

A head part 82 is provided therein, around which the rubber sleeve 83 is snapped upon assembly. The end of rubber sleeve 84 springs out slightly, clicks over the edge 85 of head part 82, after which it falls into the respective recess of the head part. The plastic cap 86 is then slid onto the head part, whereby the end 84 is fixed to the head part. Thereby, the plastic cap 86 is positioned so that its partially conical opening 87 lines up with the conical opening 88 in the head portion 82. In this assembly the coil spring 89 is slid such that the spring eye 90 aligns with the two conical holes of the head portion 82 and plastic cap 86. Then the fixation sleeve 91, in the form as shown in fig. 16, through the holes 87, 88 and the spring eye 90, after which this fixation sleeve is pressed conically on the pierced side, so that it takes the shape as shown in FIG. 18. In this way, the parts 82, 83, 86, 89 and 91 are now fixed together and the open shaft 92 is present in this end of the assembly.

A tube 95 with welded star-shaped plate part 96 is formed in the rubber sleeve 83. This part is shown in Fig. 15 is shown partially in dashed lines and shown separately in FIG. 16. The star shape of part 96 hereby ensures a good connection between the pipe part 95 and the rubber 83.

The assembly described above is slid into the drive end 14b with spacer sleeve 94, the bolt 104a with locknut 104b connecting parts 89, 94, 95, and 14b through respective bores in parts 14b and 94, and spring eye 102 connected to spring 89 .

If the transport device is used as a trailer, for which pivot part 14 is then pivoted into the bicycle position, the above-described whole cooperates, as said, with bicycle bracket 27 and the retaining clip 28. Bicycle bracket 27 consists of a bent metal strip with hole 105 and the hole 106a with recessed chamber 106b therein.

Bicycle bracket 27 is intended and suitable for permanent mounting on a means of transport such as a bicycle, and is in particular designed for attachment to the hub axle of a bicycle. This applies to the discussed bicycle position of the swivel mechanism. Apart from that, the rear hub is a very suitable mounting point because mounting here achieves a good power transfer from bicycle to trailer, especially important when braking. Furthermore, a possible luggage carrier can remain fully functional without any problems and the rear hub is an almost universally available mounting point. Building bracket 27, building on this, is therefore designed in such a way that it can be easily mounted on almost any bicycle. Assembly is done by mounting hole 106a on the hub axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle, as shown in Fig. 17, the hub of bicycle 107 having a standard hub axle with nut 107b. If the hub is provided with a quick clamping handle, this clamping handle centers in the chamber 106b.

The transport device is coupled to the bicycle by inserting the head 108 of the engaging unit 26 into the hole 105 of the bicycle bracket 27 and then locking the whole by means of the locking clip 28 in the shaft 92. A locked situation is shown in FIG. 17, 18 and 19. Locking is quick and unambiguous and provides a very reliable connection, which is also easy to check since it is always clearly visible whether the connection is fixed or not. This provides clarity, security and prevents mistakes. In order to prevent loss of the retaining clip 28, it can optionally be provided with a short retaining line, not drawn.

Uncoupling takes place in reverse order, after which the transport device can be moved to the walking position with a single click and swing movement. The gripping unit 26 offers a pleasant grip during coupling and uncoupling and is an ideal handle in the walking position due to its ergonomic position and position, which, when gripping by hand while standing, always results in an ergonomic wrist position with little flexion, and on the other hand the soft non-cold-feeling exterior with ergonomic size and shape.

When used as a bicycle clutch, the flexible coil spring and rubber assembly acts as an ideal joint that takes care of all the necessary hinge functions, for example when cornering but also with all other rotations that occur. Additionally, the head 108, mounted with the plastic cap 86, can rotate about the longitudinal axis 103. With all these hinge functions, it is important that hinged movements can take place relatively smoothly without creating excessive forces on the connection in hole 106a, while at the same time translating movements, such as extension of the spring element over its longitudinal axis 103 and parallel shift between the longitudinal axis of head part 82 and drive end 14a remain limited.

In our case, an ideal intermediate situation occurs, whereby limited translational movements are possible, in a manner in which the rubber and the spring additionally act as a spring element which springs and damps vibrations and shocks caused by the bicycle towards the transport device. This also means that the trailer experiences less vibrations and shocks from the trailer, which also smoothes peaks of jerk loads.

Moreover, because the rubber is placed on the outside and is dimensioned in a hand-friendly manner, an integral function has been created with very few parts. The result is an ideal bicycle coupling in its hinge functions and spring properties, which immediately functions as a comfortable handle in the walking position and when coupling and uncoupling.

Another noteworthy feature is the fact that the flexible portion of engaging unit 26, when coupled to the bicycle, is positioned substantially in line with the wheel hub axle of the bicycle, resulting in negligible torque around the hub under regular load shaft operates in the mounting point of hole 106a.

We will explain how this works with this embodiment, with reference to Fig.

19. It will be clear that forces of the transport trolley on the bicycle and vice versa in a direction of the hub axis 107b will not play a role with regard to the above-mentioned moment about the hub axis 107b. Therefore, we look in a view in the direction of the hub axis and consider projections of the (simplified) forces in this view.

F1 is the resulting force exerted by engaging unit 26 at its front end 100 under a regular load of the coupling device on bicycle bracket 27: in this example, drive end 14b pulls down on engaging unit 26 (e.g., by mass in the transport cart), causing engaging unit 26 to Also, its turn pulls down on bicycle bracket 27. Also, the drive end 14b pulls slightly backwards on the engaging unit 26 (for example, because the pulling bicycle accelerates), whereby the engaging unit 26 in turn pulls back on bicycle bracket 27. The resulting force F1 on the bicycle bracket 27 is therefore directed obliquely downwards and backwards (in this figure to the bottom right) For force equilibrium of bicycle bracket 27, now a force F4 acts on bicycle bracket 27, engaging the location of the mounting point 107b , the center of hub hole 106a.

Both forces F1 and F4 are decomposed in directions perpendicular to the line between points 100 and 107b and parallel thereto. Components F3 and F6 now cancel each other, while components F2 and F5 provide torque to the bicycle bracket 27.

Due to the said load, the flexible part of the engaging unit 26 will deform elastically (illustrated with undulation 26a), whereby the forces F7 and F8 act as torque on bicycle bracket 27. Due to favorable choices regarding, inter alia, the stiffness of the flexible portion of engaging unit 26, said two couples now cancel each other approximately, thereby resulting momentum about the hub axle that the connection-to-nut in the attachment point must provide for momentary balance. of the bicycle bracket is negligible. In practice, the aforementioned favorable choices also appear to be excellently combinable with the realization of optimal other coupling properties.

The consequence of the above is that no additional measures are required to have to guarantee by a specified moment. This makes the design and mounting of bicycle bracket 27 extremely simple and, moreover, is almost universally possible on all bicycles; after all, no requirements are imposed on the bicycle other than a limited area around the hub axle and the presence of that hub axle. Assembly is simply reduced to placing bicycle bracket 27 on the hub and tightening the mounting. A direct consequence is also that the bicycle bracket 27 can remain very cheap.

A consequence of this low cost price is again that a larger number of bicycle brackets can easily be supplied with a transport device. All bicycles of a user who would be eligible to be equipped with the transport device can thus be permanently provided with this bicycle bracket 27 and are thus always immediately operational for coupling a transport device. Due to the low cost of bicycle bracket 27, it is also inexpensive and thus feasible for commercial bicycle rental companies to permanently equip their entire bicycle stock with bicycle brackets 27 at once. Each bicycle is then immediately operational for coupling a transport device, which in times of great pressure is certainly not a luxury. Permanent mounting also has the advantage, in contrast to the repeated mounting and dismounting of a coupling provision on the bicycle hub, that the hub nut and hub axle do not eventually become crazy due to the frequent mounting operation.

On the grounds described above, the main disadvantages of the hub axle mounting are eliminated, so that we can speak of an integral optimum with such an engaging unit in combination with the described construction with the pivoting part 14.

The placement of the flexible part of the engaging unit 26 mainly in line with the wheel hub axis of the bicycle, furthermore also leads to a favorable property in the walking position, since it appears that if the engaging unit 26 is placed in such a manner and a optimum, not too large and not too small, spacing between bicycle and transport device is used, that the gripping unit 26 in the walking position then comes to an ergonomically favorable gripping height for manual gripping of an upright regular person.

Now, using Fig. 18 some more backgrounds in the construction. The restriction of parallel displacement of the longitudinal axis of the head part 82 relative to the drive end 14b is realized in the construction, inter alia, by the fact that the spring 89 is well supported at the location of the pipe ends 85a and 93a. To ensure that the hinges of the coupling, for example when taking a bend, do not damage the rubber on these pipe edges, the internal recess 109 is provided in rubber sleeve 83, which has sloping connections near the pipe ends 85a and 93a.

Fixation of the rubber in the direction of longitudinal axis 103 is furthermore also an essential fact, important for tensile loads on the transport device, but also for hinge excursions, for instance when taking a bend. On the side of drive end 14b, rubber sleeve 83 is anchored for this purpose to tubular part 95 formed with the rubber with 5 welded star-shaped part 96, as discussed.

On the side of head part 82, rubber part 83 has the thickened end 84 enclosed in the respective cavity of head part 82, secured with plastic cap 86. The opening 110 is so narrow that the end 84 is well fixed.

Furthermore, we see that the spring 89 is properly fixed in the longitudinal direction. Let's look at Fig. 18 briefly to the connection of bicycle bracket 27 up to the drive end 14b, then we see that this connection contains a form-fitting chain of connected parts, which runs from bicycle bracket 27, via locking clip 28 and fixation sleeve 91 directly to the spring 89, then via bolt 104a to drive end 14b. This connection therefore has a high fail-safe content, independent of the rubber part 83 and the fixation sleeve 91. For additional security, a usual additional safety line, not drawn, is attached, on one side attached to bolt 104a, on the other side on the the other side when coupling to the bicycle frame.

Furthermore, on the rubber part 83, for example, the relief 111 can be applied, which in the bicycle position increases the flexibility in the joint, while in the walking position the grip properties can be improved, while an optimum grip diameter can be maintained.

Furthermore, it can be noted that, by having the retraction position of the retaining clip 28 coincide via shaft 92 with the position of the spring eye 90, with a suitable spring length and spring diameter that cannot be reduced indefinitely with the chosen principle, the spring is so far forward. it may be placed that it becomes just possible to provide the flexible portion of the engaging unit 26, as discussed above, substantially an extension of the aforementioned wheel hub axle of the coupled bicycle. The insert size of end 108 in hole 105 remains limited enough for problem-free mounting on almost any bicycle, in combination with a fail-safe construction.

In general, it should also be noted that a transport device coupled to a bicycle, as described above, does not hinder the pedaling movement, since the fastening near the hub axle is so compact and far back that the heel, even with cyclists with a large shoe size, does not touch the various construction parts discussed.

It should also be noted that the above construction, when in function as a bicycle clutch, can also handle extreme rotations. An example of this is the situation where the transport device according to FIG. 17 is coupled to a bicycle, the bicycle having a maximum deflection to the left relative to the transport device, in combination with the bicycle falling over.

In FIG. 3 and 20, the transport device according to the invention is shown in a third position of use, with which the transport device can be stably advanced running ("jogging"). In FIG. 3 we see the transport device in a ready-to-use embodiment of this position of use and in FIG. 20 we see the additionally required parts for realizing this position of use, including a number of parts of the transport device already discussed, before mounting.

In order to realize this position of use, the jogger unit is replaced by the swivel part 14

128 mounted in the pivot bearing sleeve 11. It comprises the one-tube main tube 128a and insertion part 128b, to which a cross bar 128c is fixedly secured, with the fixedly attached clamp 129 at one end. At the end of main tube 128a is the jogger wheel axle

130 fixed, to which it is shown in FIG. 23 jogger wheel 131, not shown, is mounted.

Assembly is effected by inserting the insertion part 128b into the pivot bearing sleeve 11, the clamp 129 sliding around the existing and already discussed rubber 12b near the end position. Rubber 12b has the flat sides 132 and 133 for this purpose, parallel to the insertion direction of the jogger unit. Clamp 129 fits snugly around these flat sides. After jogger unit 128 is inserted to the end position, jogger unit 128 is secured in position by mounting retaining clip 134 in through hole 135.

A situation of use has now arisen in which the transporting device on the push handle 29c can also be pushed well running, manually, since the transporting device now also has a stable road holding and tracks well at higher speeds than when walking. This, in addition to bicycle position and walking position, third use position, is referred to in the following as the "jogger position" in analogy with previous descriptions.

In the structure discussed, the rubber 12b has a double function, whereby on the one hand the locking support 52 in the walking position provides a good resilient stop and on the other hand, as just discussed, the jogger set provides a good fixation. The flat sides 132 and 133 of the rubber 12b can herein be dimensioned such that clamp 129 slides smoothly and clampingly around the rubber 12b due to the resilient properties of the rubber.

The result is a sturdy, play-free and rattle-free connection that does not require any additional parts on the basic transport device to be able to mount the jogger unit.

The locking plate 12, the locking profile 13 and the pivot bearing sleeve 11, in combination with the pivoting part 14 and the jogger unit 128 are thus an integrated total solution, offering a wide range of positions with versatile, comfortable use with a minimum of parts.

Incidentally, the rubber 13b performs three functions in one: it is a finishing cap on the head 35 side 51 of the wing-shaped plate part 13a, it is an anti-impact cap (soft on impact to prevent injury) and it is the stop rubber of the swivel- locking point in bicycle position. The rubbers 12b and 13b thus realize a multitude of functions with only two parts, which leads to low costs.

An embodiment of the present invention is further depicted in FIG. 21. Compared to the embodiments shown and discussed above, this embodiment variant has a pivoting part, the drive end of which is removable. To this end, the earlier pivot bearing end base tube 14a has been replaced by a short base tube 17a, and the previous connecting tube 14d has been replaced by the tube 17b mounted parallel to tube 14e. By analogy with the foregoing, steering bearing sleeve 14c is fixedly attached to tubes 14e and 17b. The other parts are identical and numbered to the previously discussed versions.

Drive tube 17d can be slid with its end 17e into tube 17a with both tubes being fixed in rotation by the fact that both tubes are provided with a matching longitudinal groove 17c and 17f. Tube 17a can now be secured to tube part 17e by mounting locking pin 17g in the now aligned holes 17k and 17h.

At the drive end 17m of drive tube 17d, the already discussed engaging unit 26 is again provided. The figure shows the transport device in walking position with the drive tube 17d removed.

The conveyor with a drive tube 17d mounted according to the above functions now functions identically to the previously discussed embodiments. In some cases, however, the drive tube 17d can now be removed as an optional extra, for example to make this drive end 17m protrude even less in a walking position if the transport device is moved manually other than at the drive end 17m.

In these cases, this drive tube can be removed, but it is not necessary. All the previously mentioned advantages remain in full force, with the additional option to take off drive tube 17b, and this through an extremely simple construction with little additional cost.

Another embodiment of the present invention is further shown in FIG.

22. With respect to the embodiments shown and discussed above, the difference here is that the pivoting part 14 is now not provided with a drive end.

The previous pivot bearing end base tube 14a has now been replaced by a short base tube 16a with the cap 16b on the top end boundary, and the earlier connecting tube 14d replaced by the tube 16c mounted parallel to tube 14e. Steering bearing sleeve 14c is fixed to tubes 14e and 16c in analogy to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 25. The other parts are identical and numbered to the previously discussed versions. The swivel wheel 25 of this transport device is analogous to previously discussed embodiments to be brought into a working position for walking applications, in which the central front of the transport device next to the main wheels 9 offers an additional support point (shown with dashed lines), which swivel wheel with the same ease as previously discussed in a storage position. can be clicked next to the box 2 (shown with solid lines), for storage and transport or also for use as a bicycle trailer, with the aforementioned advantages such as a maximum transport volume, optimal center of gravity location and a favorable guiding function with regard to approaching and longitudinal abrasion objects. For use as a bicycle trailer, for example, an additional drawbar (not shown here) can be attached to the load-bearing part for driving.

This embodiment variant proves its usefulness, for example, if one prefers a separate solution to realize a connection with a towing means of transport and / or if one only wants a lightning-fast folding option for storage and transport, without having to completely remove the castor or having to touch.

The invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The requested rights are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications are conceivable.

Claims (29)

CONCLUSIONS 1. Transport device for the transport of cargo in the form of goods and / or persons and / or animals, which is suitable for driving by a bicycle, which transport device is provided with: - a load-bearing part which carries the load and optionally also comprises contour walls of the transport device, - at least two main wheels provided laterally on the load-bearing part, on which the transport device is movable in the usual direction of travel as a longitudinal direction, - a rigid construction element as a pivoting part, which pivoting part is pivotally connected to the load-bearing part about a pivot axis and can pivot over this pivot axis between a first position of use and a second position of use, and can be locked in either position, - a swivel wheel assembly, which comprises a swivel wheel, swivel wheel axle, swivel wheel frame and steering axle, which swivel wheel is mounted on the swivel wheel frame by means of its swivel wheel shaft, to which swivel wheel frame the steering shaft is fixed, which steering shaft is provided as a pivot point fixedly mounted on the pivot part, where: - the pivoting part also comprises an elongated construction part as a coupling part, which is provided with a drive end, at which drive end the transport device can be driven by a bicycle for advancement, - in the first position of use, the steering axle is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, and in transverse direction is positioned mainly centrally with respect to the load-bearing part, and the swivel wheel in use rests on a surface, a transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and mainly parallel to a substrate, - when rotating the swivel part from the first to the second position of use, the swivel wheel automatically focuses by gravity about the steering axis to a final position in stable equilibrium in which the swivel wheel axis is mainly horizontal, measured as the transport device on a horizontal ground, - in the second position of use, the smallest angle of the steering axis with a longitudinal transverse plane is not more than 45 degrees, - the swivel wheel in said end position is positioned mainly on the side contour of the load-bearing part, substantially entirely above the lower limit dimension of the load-bearing part. Transport device according to claim 1, wherein the drive end for advancing the transport device is also suitable for manual drive. Transporting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive end is in the second position of use in a significantly lower position relative to the load-bearing part than in the first position of use, and in the first position of use the total length of the transporting device is significantly smaller than in the second operating position. Transporting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivoting about the pivoting axis between said two positions of use takes place over a pivoting angle which is significantly smaller than 180 degrees and in particular lies between 150 and 170 degrees. Transporting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first position of use the transverse drive end is situated mainly centrally. Transporting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the second position of use, seen in top plan view, the steering axis shows a significant inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis, such that in this position of use the swivel wheel in conventional direction of travel, seen more rearwards is positioned then to the front, a top view being a view in downward direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions. Transporting device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the load-holding part is provided at least with a bevel on the contour wall, which is located closest to the swivel wheel in second use position, which bevel has a position and direction corresponding to this swivel wheel in second use position. Conveyor device according to claim 7, wherein said bevel on the contour wall is also provided transversely mirrored in the longitudinal axis. Transporting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis is mainly in a plumb plane in the transverse direction. Transport device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the pivoting part is provided with a locking member, with which the pivoting part can be locked relative to the load-holding part in the first and second position of use, respectively. Conveyor according to claim 10, wherein the locking member is provided as a single rigid part containing both locking and unlocking geometry and an end for actuation. 5 Transport device as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein for each unlocking the direction of movement of the locking member with respect to the pivoting part is the same and the bolt is provided with a spring element arranged in use under pretension. 10 Transport device according to claim 12, wherein the direction of movement is a rotation. Transporting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein only the unlocking requires operation. Transporting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the swivel wheel assembly is provided with a geometry which can interfere with a geometry of the load-bearing part, such that at the end of the excursion of the swivel part from the first to the second position of use, the deflection from the castor wheel to the steering axle Movement is limited, which restriction is again undone at the beginning of the excursion of the pivoting part from the second to the first position of use. Transporting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis comprises a pivot bearing, the pivot bearing having at least one part on the load-bearing part. Provided sleeve and a pivot bearing shaft, which pivot bearing shaft is designed as an elongated construction end of the pivot member which protrudes into said sleeve. Transporting device according to claim 16, wherein the pivoting part is detachable from the load-holding part, only by unlocking the pivot bearing shaft in axial direction 30 with respect to said sleeve, and then axially extending the pivot bearing shaft from said sleeve. Transporting device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the coupling part is mounted detachably from the rest of the pivoting part, the core of the pivot bearing shaft being 35 provided as an axially continuous cavity, in which cavity the coupling part is partly provided, which coupling part can be removed axially along the pivot axis from this cavity. Transport device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a main wheel frame with additional main wheel, which main wheel is carried by the main wheel frame, which main wheel frame can be mounted on the load-bearing part when the pivoting part is removed by insertion into said sleeve. Transporting device according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a part which is mountable on a wheel hub axle of a bicycle and in use is mounted thereon as a bicycle part, wherein: - the drive end comprises a deformable part which can be coupled to said bicycle part and, when coupled, functions at least as a bicycle coupling joint, - when mounting the bicycle part on the bicycle, the wheel hub axle of said bicycle is used as the only mounting point on this bicycle, - with coupled bicycle part and deformable part, the deformable part is substantially provided in an extension of said wheel hub axis of said bicycle, resulting in a negligible moment acting around said wheel hub axis under said load, in said mounting point, and no anti-rotation lock on the wheel hub axle is used. Transport device according to claim 20, wherein the deformable part comprises a spring element. Transport device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the deformable part comprises at least one rubber part and can comprise a spiral spring, the rubber part being provided at least on the outside for realizing a handle. Transport device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, - the deformable part comprising at least a spiral spring, which ends with a coupled bicycle part and deformable part, at least on the side closest to the bicycle, as a spring eye, - and wherein also a construction part is provided which is provided with said bicycle eye and deformable part by said spring eye at least partly and at least in coupled condition, and which is removable from said spring eye for decoupling bicycle part and deformable part. Transporting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main wheels are connected to the load-bearing part by means of a spring-mounted wheel suspension. 25. Transport device for transporting cargo in the form of goods and / or persons and / or animals, which is suitable for driving by a bicycle, which transport device is provided with: - a load-bearing part which carries the load and optionally also comprises contour walls of the transport device, - at least two main wheels provided laterally on the load-bearing part, on which the transport device is movable in the usual direction of travel as a longitudinal direction, - a rigid construction element as a pivoting part, which pivoting part is pivotally connected to the load-bearing part about a pivot axis and can pivot over this pivot axis between a first position of use and a second position of use, and can be locked in either position, - a swivel wheel assembly, which comprises a swivel wheel, swivel wheel axle, swivel wheel frame and steering axle, which swivel wheel is mounted on the swivel wheel frame by means of its swivel wheel shaft, to which swivel wheel frame the steering shaft is fixed, which steering shaft is provided as a pivot point fixedly mounted on the pivot part, where: - in the first position of use, the steering axle is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, and in transverse direction is positioned mainly centrally with respect to the load-bearing part, and the swivel wheel in use rests on a surface, a transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and mainly parallel to a substrate, - when rotating the swivel part from the first to the second position of use, the swivel wheel automatically focuses by gravity about the steering axis to a final position in stable equilibrium in which the swivel wheel axis is mainly horizontal, measured as the transport device on a horizontal ground, - in the second position of use, the smallest angle of the steering axis with a longitudinal transverse plane is not more than 45 degrees, - the swivel wheel in said end position is positioned mainly on the side contour of the load-bearing part, substantially entirely above the lower limit dimension of the load-bearing part. 26. The transporting device according to claim 25, wherein the pivoting about the pivot axis between said two positions of use takes place over a pivoting angle which is significantly smaller than 180 degrees and in particular lies between 150 and 170 degrees, Transporting device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the pivot axis is mainly in a plumb plane on the transverse direction. 28. Bicycle provided with a transport device according to one or more of the preceding claims. 29. Method for transporting goods and / or persons and / or animals 5 comprising the provision and use of a transport device and / or bicycle according to one or more of the preceding claims. 1/15 2/15 3/15 4/15 22 23 24 5/15 kD CD 6/15 CD 7/15 -Q