WO1989004271A1

WO1989004271A1 - Mudguard for bicycles

Info

Publication number: WO1989004271A1
Application number: PCT/DE1988/000677
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jürgen KRAFT
Original assignee: Kraft Juergen
Priority date: 1987-11-02
Filing date: 1988-11-02
Publication date: 1989-05-18
Also published as: DE3804690A1; EP0349602A1

Abstract

A racing cycle (1) comprises, in the region of the front fork (5) and/or the rear fork (7) or the bases (15) of the forks, a first fixing device (19) on which can be mounted, preferably in an easily detachable manner, a mudguard (17) of variable length. The mudguard (17) may for example retract telescopically in such a way that it can be pulled out (lengthened) and then pushed in (shortened) manually. It may also be designed as a concertina or a folding rule. The advantage of this variable-length mudguard (17) is that it only assumes its functional, fully extended form (17) when needed, that is during races in the rain or on very dirty tracks. Otherwise, in its retracted form it is not recognizable as a mudguard (17). This enhances the sporting appearance of the cycle (1) and offers less air resistance, while providing good protection against splashes when the mudguard is fully extended.

Description

Splash guard for a bike

The invention relates to a splash guard against hurled rainwater for sports bikes.

Racing bikes, and often sports bikes due to their sporty appearance, have no mudguards, which is why there is no protection against high-pressure rainwater or road mud. In cycling events, this is easily accepted. Both when training and when using the wheels by hobby racing drivers, this pollution is considered a real night in bad weather.

For this reason, mudguards that can be easily detached and re-assembled have already been proposed, which are assembled on the bike by amateur racing drivers and also by professionals during training in bad weather and removed again in good weather.

The disadvantage of this embodiment is that the mudguards to be assembled, which are relatively bulky, cannot always be carried and are therefore not available when required. Assembly and disassembly also take time and tools and in particular the removal of the sheets can easily lead to the soiling of hands and clothing. A splash guard for sports bikes is known for example from DE-GM-86 05 731.6. There is a splash guard is described, which is releasably attached to a fastener in the form of a U-shaped bracket. The U-shaped bracket is attached to the frame above the fork. The splash guard can be attached if necessary. It is intended as additional protection to the usual mudguard and, if not connected, must be kept separately and carried if necessary.

A shortened splash guard in the form of a fender protruding from the bicycle frame, which protrudes beyond the wheel fork and which can be extended once by pulling out, is also known. This version offers only a very limited protection in the extended state, which is in no way comparable to the protection of a fixed mudguard, so that the cyclist is still heavily splashed with dirty water, not least because of the suction that occurs behind him. In addition, a sheet metal part designed in this way is not very stable, in particular in the extended state.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an effective splash guard, which takes up only a small, defined storage space and can be made quick and easy effective and ineffective.

This object is achieved in a splash guard with the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements result from the subclaims.

According to the invention, the mudguard, which is mounted in a fixed manner per se, is designed to be variable in length in such a way that it can be extended practically at least almost to the length of a customary mudguard and at least is held on both sides.

In the not shortened state, the mudguard brings about the known advantages that are also present in a conventional rigid mudguard which is fixed to the frame and has its own bracket. So there is primarily protection against hurled mud, dust or polluted water. In the shortened state, the mudguard is no longer recognizable as such, which on the one hand supports the sporty impression of the bike and on the other hand gives the advantage of reduced air resistance. Depending on the desired stability and complexity of the mechanical means which bring about the variability in length, reductions up to approximately the size of a cigarette box are possible.

Advantageous further developments provide that the fender is shortened by a folding process, a folding process or a pushing process. Then the shortening or lengthening of the mudguard can be carried out entirely without assembly tools. If necessary, the journey is only briefly interrupted and the mudguard pulled out to its desired length, usually to the maximum length.

According to another advantageous further development, it is expedient not only to provide a bracket which is fixed rigidly or pivotably in the region of the wheel hub at the free end of the mudguard, but to attach a plurality of holding or supporting brackets which guarantee the distance of the mudguard from the tire surface and which are likewise fixed or pivotable can be provided on the frame or the wheel hub. Along the mudguard, only laterally engaging spoke-like support rods, which may be variable in length, are possible, which act like a bracket on both sides or pivotably on one of the two sides of the mudguard that is pulled out.

The change in length can be done by folding vertically for the longitudinal extension of the fender, axes running in the fender or axes running horizontally, or in the manner of a telescopic slide guide, individual holding or spacing brackets can be provided fixedly or easily detachably at the intermediate point.

According to another advantageous embodiment, a strap made of spring steel is provided as a mudguard which is variable in length and which can be wound up in the area of a wheel fork on the frame in the manner of a steel strip metering strip on the basis of spring force or by hand and pulled off against the spring force or against a detent . The band can be made with a tension that it follows the surface of a wheel in the extended state.

Another advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the mudguard, which is variable in length, is connected to the frame of the bicycle via easily detachable fastening means. This makes it possible to go on safely rain-free days or e.g. B. in racing, if a splash guard is out of the question, to do without it altogether. It can be disassembled in a few simple steps and remains in the bike's storage location.

Further advantages and refinements of the invention result from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. Show it:

FIG. 1: a bicycle with attachment locations for a mudguard variable in length,

Figure 2: the supervision of a retractable fender, and

Figure 3: the side view of a foldable mudguard in three different positions. Figure 4: the mudguard according to Figure 3 with several brackets

Figure 5: the mudguard according to Figure 4 with interlocking brackets

Figure 6: a fender with hinged to the side

Segments that are arranged lengthways to the direction of travel,

FIG. 7: a mudguard with segments that can be swung open to the side and are arranged transversely to the direction of travel and

Figure 8: a guide mechanism for foldable or rollout mudguards.

In Figure 1, a racing bike 1 is shown schematically, which comprises a frame 3 with front fork 5 and rear fork 7, two wheels 9, a saddle 11 and a handlebar 13 as essential components. The frame 3 has, below the saddle 11, a connecting strut 15 consisting of two parallel tubes, which leads to the end of the rear fork 7 and is connected to it there.

On the front fork 5 and the connecting strut 15, a variable length mudguard 17 is attached just above the wheel. The fender 17 is symbolically indicated by a double arrow. It can be shortened and lengthened from the attachment point on the fork 5, or the connecting strut 15, both to the front and to the rear.

Execution forms for fender 17 are explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 8. Using the example of the rear wheel 9, the attachment and actuation of the fender 17 is closer described. It is also valid analogously for the front wheel 9. A first bracket 19 is attached to the connecting strut 15 and holds the shortened fender 17 in a defined position. The first bracket 19 can also be attached to the frame 3 at another suitable location, for example on the lower, rear fork 7. The first bracket 19 comprises, for example, a bridge piece 33 between the two tubes or branches of the connecting strut 15. The bridge or Connector 33 can be designed like a plate. According to FIG. 2, a telescopic mudguard 17 is fastened via a clamp connection or wing screws. For such an embodiment it is essential that the fastening means with which the mudguard is connected to the frame 3 of the bicycle are easily detachable.

In the case of an embodiment of the mudguard 17 according to FIG. 3, that is to say a variant in which the shortening or lengthening takes place by means of a folding process, the first holder 19 can comprise an axis 21 which runs between the two tubes of the connecting strut 15. A pivotable, rectangular bracket 23 is attached to the axis 21. The axis 21 need not be continuous, but can be designed as part of the rectangular bracket 23. It can then be hooked into bores in the connecting strut 15 by pulling it apart or pressing it together depending on the pretension and then latching it into the holes.

In the state shown, the bracket 23 is folded away from the fender 17. It can be pushed in the direction of the single arrow 25 over the folded fender 17 and fix it in the shortened state.

At the end of the rear fork 7, which is connected to the connecting strut 15, a second holder 27 is additionally fastened, which is arranged around the rear barrel axis along two th double arrow 29 is displaceable. The second bracket 27 consists, for example, of a bracket, as is known as a stand for a bicycle in the vertically folded-down state. In the case shown, the second holder 27 is shown detached from the fender 17 for illustration. In fact, the free end of the fender 17, that is to say the end which is not connected to the first holder 19, is connected to the bracket of the second holder 27 (see also FIG. 3). Then it is possible to move the second bracket 27 with a single handle so that the fender 17 is extended and held in a predetermined position. The rotary movement of the bracket can also be locked on the wheel suspension. This predetermined position will generally be the maximum extended length of the fender 17. The second bracket 27 is always necessary when the shortening mechanism of the mudguard 17 is not sufficiently stable in itself to be able to do without further support. This is the case, for example, with the concertina-shaped embodiment shown in FIG.

It goes without saying that the mudguard 17 is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as aluminum, steel, tempered sheet metal or plastic.

The advantage of this mudguard 17, which serves as a splash guard, is that it can only be converted into a functional mudguard 17 if required. Otherwise, it is folded and fastened to the first holder 19 and cannot be recognized as a fender 17.

In Figure 2, the supervision of a telescopic fender 17 is shown. The bend is not visible, but it is advisable to adapt it to the wheel sizes on the market. The fender 17, as in the case of an antenna, consists of a plurality of segments 31 which can be shifted into one another. The segments 31 each taper somewhat towards the end so that they can be pushed into each other. This embodiment is particularly advantageous since it can be pulled out and retracted like a telescopic antenna in a portable radio with a simple handle. Each section can be curved according to the wheel circumference and length.

The right end of the largest segment 31 is connected to a first holder 19 via wing screws 32. The first bracket 19 consists of a flat bridge 33 which is fastened between the two tubes or branches of the connecting strut 15.

FIG. 3 shows a mudguard 17 which can be extended like an accordion in three different positions 35a, 35b, 35c.

The left end of the accordion-like fender 17 is attached to the first bracket 19. The second end 37 is connected to the bracket forming the second holder 27. The position 35c represents the maximum lengthening of the mudguard 17. Any position 35b can be set between the maximum shortened position 35a and this maximum lengthened position 35c.

FIG. 4 shows a further development of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. While in the folded mudguard according to Firgur 3, the curvature of the mudguard, which is adapted to the wheel diameter, is largely caused by a spring force (in the sheet metal parts forming the mudguard), several brackets 27a to 27d are provided in FIG. The pieces between deτi individual brackets 27a-d can again be prestressed so that the curvature predetermined by the brackets 27a-d is supported.

For the sake of clarity, FIG. 4 shows only one first, folded position 35a and a second, fully extended position 35c shown. In between, the mudguard can take any position. It is possible to fully extend only a few sections, for example to have the sections between the brackets 27c and 27d and the remaining sections folded, and to pull out all sections evenly.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the brackets 27a-d are fastened to the lower hinges 40 facing the wheel. The upper hinges can also be selected or, as shown in FIG. 3, the brackets 27a-d are fastened to the sheet metal in the area between the lower and upper hinges.

Instead of the brackets 27a-d all having the same length and being attached to a common pivot point, for example, the wheel hub, the brackets 27a-d can also be of different lengths and slide against one another, as is known mechanically in the case of collapsible umbrellas . This is indicated in the extended state in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a foldable mudguard 17 which is folded up in the manner of a scale or ruler. The fender 17 consists of a plurality of segments 40, each of which has the desired width of the fender. In the example shown, six segments 40 are shown, of which the lowest segment is designated 42. This has an extension 44, which is provided with two holes. Similar to Figure 2, the telescopic fender is attached to the bicycle frame, the lowest segment 42 is attached to its extension 44 by means of two thumbscrews 42 and a flat bridge 33 with the connecting struts 15 on the bicycle. By mutually opening the individual segments 40, the fender 17 is brought to its desired length. Again there are additional ones Brackets 27a-d conceivable, which may not be firmly connected to the segments 40 due to the folding process. Simple, easily detachable connections, such as, for example, a clip or a snap lock are possible.

Two segments 40 lying on top of each other are articulated to one another via a pin 46 or a hinge. The pins 46 are alternately inserted on the right and left ends by two segments 40 and riveted, so that the folding mechanism known from a folding rule results. To achieve a high degree of stability, it is appropriate here, as with the folding rule, to provide the segments 40 with depressions in the region of the pins 46, or to provide elevations that fit into them. This results in a snap-in effect in the case of the segment 40 which has been properly folded out and which prevents accidental folding. The same latching effect can also be achieved by a suitable curvature of the segments 40, as they also have stationary mudguards.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the segments 40 are arranged along the wheel, with a few, relatively long segments 40 being sufficient. This is quite practical for racing bikes, but can possibly lead to difficulties for sports bikes that have a luggage rack, because there has to be a certain lateral operating margin when unfolding and folding. In this case, an embodiment according to FIG. 7 is recommended. The structure and the mechanics of the segments 40 are basically the same as that from FIG. 6. The main difference is the installation of the segments 40 transversely to the wheel or to the direction of travel. As a result, somewhat more segments 40 are required with the same length of the fender, since these are shorter than in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6. The lowest segment 42 is shortened here compared to the other segments 40. It is articulated in the middle of the bridge 33, so that the mudguard 17 is placed centrally over the wheel in the extended state is.

The embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 7 have the particular advantage that they are very robust against contamination. Coarse, stuck dirt particles, such as grains of sand or lumps of clay, are pushed aside when folded and fall off segment 40.

Finally, FIG. 8 shows a guide mechanism 50 which is useful in connection with the concertina-like structure from FIG. 3 if the internal stress of the fender 17 is not sufficient to maintain the curved shape permanently. The segments of the fender 17 are not shown for the sake of clarity.

Two rails 52 with a U-shaped cross section are attached to the frame of the bicycle so that they describe the desired curvature. The rails 52 can consist of several pieces that can be inserted into one another. The open sides of the U-shaped cross section face each other. The rails 52 serve to receive the hinges 40, which for this purpose have an edge-side projection so that they can slide freely in the rails 52. In this way, a firm guidance is achieved, e.g. is known for the blinds of a rolling cabinet. The rails 52 are also useful in the spring steel similar to a tape measure mentioned later.

The invention was only explained schematically using the exemplary embodiments. The individual implementation suggestions already show the person skilled in the art the range of variation of the implementation possibilities covered by the claims. In particular, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to wind up the mudguard and to accommodate it in the area of the connecting support (analog 19 in FIG. 2) in a drum in the manner of a measuring tape made of spring steel Even with such an embodiment, the second or further retaining bracket 27 (FIG. 1) can also be pivoted at the end of the steel band (analogously to FIGS. 3 and 4) and, in the extended position of the fender band, accordingly on the wheel hub (holding the wheel) be locked.

Instead of the shown exemplary embodiments of the telescopic, folding stick-like or accordion-like construction of the protective plate 17, this can also be shortened and extended by other known mechanical means. So it is e.g. possible to build the fender 17 scale-like, and then push the scales into each other. Combinations of the different shortening mechanisms can also be selected.

Claims

1. Splash guard for a sports bike, in particular a racing bike for protection against thrown up dirt or rainwater in the form of a mudguard which is variable in length, characterized in that at least one holding part which is pivotably or fixedly attached to the frame, preferably in the form of a holding bracket (27), is provided.

2. Splash guard according to claim 1, characterized in that several holding brackets are provided over the area covered by the mudguard (Figure 4).

3. Splash guard according to claim 1, characterized in that the mudguard (17) is designed to be retractable in length.

4. Splash guard according to claim 1, characterized in that the mudguard is foldable.

5. Splash guard according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a first holder 19 which holds the shortened fender (17) in a defined shortened position.

6. Splash guard according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a second holder (27) that the holds the mudguard (17) in a predetermined position at the extended end.

7. Splash guard according to claim 6, characterized in that the second holder (27) is adjustable for setting a predetermined position of the fender.

8. Splash guard according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is attached to the rear and / or front wheel of the bicycle.

9. Splash guard according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it consists of a corrosion-resistant material.

10. Splash guard according to claim 9, characterized in that the material is aluminum.

11. Splash guard according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of a preformed, windable spring steel strip.

12. Splash guard according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mudguard (17) is connected to the frame (13) of the bicycle (1) via easily releasable fastening means.

13. Splash guard according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mudguard (17) seen from both sides of the mounting location, can be shortened and extended to the front and rear.

14. Splash guard according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective plate (17) is formed from a plurality of hinged segments (40), the bottom or top segment (42) of which is designed as the holding part.

15. Splash guard according to claim 14, characterized in that the segments (40) are mounted longitudinally to the direction of travel (Figure 6).

16. Splash guard according to claim 14, characterized in that the segments (40) are mounted transversely to the direction of travel (Figure 7).

17. Splash guard according to one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the holding part comprises a guide mechanism (50) which describes the desired curvature of the fender (17) in the stretched state (Figure 8).

18. Splash guard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is under tension in the sense of a movement away from the surface of the wheel.

19. Splash guard according to claim 1, characterized in that the or the holding parts consists of laterally, preferably on both sides of the wheel attached supports which are fixed on one side to the frame or the wheel hub and the other end can be connected to the extended splash guard.

20. Splash guard according to claim 19, characterized in that the supports are, for example, telescopically variable in length.