WO2022107059A1

WO2022107059A1 - A module and a system for fixing an accessory to a bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2022107059A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/060741
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pedro Jorge PINTO OLIVEIRA ARAÚJO; Samuel SANTOS SILVA
Original assignee: Polisport Plásticos, S.A.
Priority date: 2020-11-19
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2022-05-27

Abstract

The present invention is enclosed in the area of accessories for bicycles, in particular the coupling of accessories to bicycles, more specifically the modules which provide the coupling of accessories of larger volume – such as child seats – to a bicycle. The module of the present invention provides an eased coupling of a module – and thus of the accessory which may be connected to it – to a bicycle. A rotatable coupling between two parts of a body of the module provides that a connection is pre-established, the user thereby only having to i) provide the portion of the bicycle within an inward section formed by the two parts, and then ii) providing the fastening between the two parts through fastener, the two parts and the inward section being such that provide a fit fixed coupling of the module to the portion of the bicycle.

Description

A MODULE AND A SYSTEM FOR FIXING AN ACCESSORY TO A BICYCLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is enclosed in the area of accessories for bicycles, in particular the coupling of accessories to bicycles, more specifically the modules which provide the coupling of accessories of larger volume - such as child seats - to a bicycle.

PRIOR ART

Solutions exist in the art where, such as the case of European patent application EP1439114, which provide for the connection of an accessory to a bicycle. The solution of the referred prior art patent application allows to solidly couple a child seat to the frame of the bicycle, such that safety requirements are met and the child seat is steadily connected to the frame of the bicycle.

Yet, such known solutions require that two plates - which together embrace the frame of the bicycle - are connected by means of bolts and nuts, which have to be screwed. It is a involves procedure which takes a considerable amount of time and which further requires the usage of a tool for screwing the bolts.

The present solution to innovatively overcomes such issues.

Furthermore, a second issue exists in prior art systems, relating to the system connecting the coupling to the bicycle and the accessory / child seat. Still resorting to the disclosure of EP1439114 for connecting the referred plates to the child seat, two bars are used. Each of these bars extends on each side of the bicycle frame and seat post, the frame being between the two bars.

Thus, both for installing and removing the child seat, it is required to perform two steps: the bars are removed from the plate, and then that the plate is removed from the seat tube of a frame.

In a second aspect, the present invention also addresses such issue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention a module for the coupling of an accessory to a bicycle, the module comprising a body divided in two parts rotatably coupled to each other and forming a first part and a second part, and a fastener, wherein:

- the fastener is suitable for providing a second coupling between the two parts of the body, the second coupling, providing a fixed coupling between the two parts of the body, and

- the two parts form together an inward section, such inward section being such that, when the two parts are fixedly coupled by the fastener, the inward section embraces a portion of the bicycle, thereby providing a fixed coupling of the module to the portion of the bicycle.

Such module therefore provides for an eased coupling of a module - and thus of the accessory which may be connected to it - to a bicycle. The rotatable coupling between the two parts of the body of the module provides that a connection between these two parts is pre-established, the user thereby only having i) to provide the portion of the bicycle - such as a portion of the frame of the bicycle - within the two parts, specifically in the inward section formed by the two parts, and then ii) providing the fastening between the two parts through fastener, the two parts and the inward section being such that provide a fit fixed coupling of the module to the portion of the bicycle. The second coupling is preferably formed in a position which is substantially opposite to the rotatable coupling. Thus, the user does not have to resort to tools or a cumbersome procedure, as required by prior art solutions. The present invention allows that the user has a pre-set solution which combines the ease of coupling of the module with a simplicity of construction. Preferably, the rotatable coupling between the two parts of the body is provided by at least one hinge. It is also possible that the rotatable coupling is provided by a plurality of hinges, which are aligned along the axis of rotation of the rotatable coupling.

In an inventive aspect of a first embodiment, which enhances both the easiness of coupling of the module to the bicycle and the associated simplicity of construction, the fastener is an over centre fastener which is rotatably coupled to the first part of the body and couplable and decouplable to the second part of the body. An over centre fastener includes a rotatable coupled, as well as two other axles which allow that an extension is provided. Such extension allows for an easiness of coupling and decoupling of the over centre fastener, since when the fastener is in a decoupled position, the extension is accessible and allows both to open the fastener and to position it into the coupled position. In the coupled position, the extension is provided adjacently to the first part, thereby providing for the coupling of the first and second parts. Advantageously, the over centre fastener may comprise two axles, such axles being substantially parallel to the rotatable coupling.

It is also part of the present invention a system which comprises the module of the present invention, in any of its embodiments, and an elongated connector, the elongated connector being suitable for connecting the module to an accessory to be coupled to a bicycle through the module. The combination of the module and the elongated connector result in a system which permits to couple the module in a portion of a bicycle which is apart from the accessory in the extension provided by the elongated connector. It is yet an object of the present invention an accessory for a bicycle comprising the system of the present invention, in any of its embodiments, a portion of the accessory being connected to each elongated connector of the system in a section which comprises the second edge. The accessory may consist of a top case or a side case.

A bicycle child seat is also part of the present invention, such seat comprising a child seat structure and the system of the present invention, in any of its embodiments, a base of the child seat structure being connected to each elongated connector of the system in a section which comprises the second edge, the base preferably comprising a section for the child to be seated.

Addressing the second issue existing in prior art systems, which requires performing two steps - removal of bars from the coupling module and subsequent removal of coupling module from the bicycle frame -, it is also part of the present invention a connection set for the connection between a coupling module and an accessory for a bicycle, where the accessory may consist of a bicycle child seat. Such connection set allows that only one step is performed, as the bars do not have to be removed from a coupling module.

The connection set is such that it comprises an elongated connector with at least one deflected section, the deflected section being such, for a first edge of the elongated connector that is connected to the module and a second edge of the elongated connectorthat that is suitable to be connected to the accessory, the deflected section provides a deflection which is at least higher than the width or diameter of the inward section. This configuration allows for an enhanced deflection from the portion of the bicycle in which the coupling of a module is being provided, and where an edge of the elongated connector may thus be provided. This deflection specifically allows that an elongated connector is provided entirely through one side of the portion of the bicycle - such as a portion of a bicycle frame - and thereby not requiring a further procedure for the installation. As an example, typically child seats are provided in the rear section of the bicycle, meaning over the rear wheel. In an embodiment, each elongated element is metallic.

Advantageously, the connection set comprises two elongated elements. In an inventive aspect, the elongated elements are adjacently provided in a section which includes the respective first edges, and are divergent in a section which does not include their second edges, wherein a predefined distance between the second edges is provided. Such configuration allows to maintain a double connection to an accessory, which enhances its stability, while preserving for the referred inventive deflection from the portion of the bicycle. The referred sections which include the first edges are those which are closer to a module to which the elongated connectors are connected to.

Preferably, the elongated elements are parallel in a section which includes the second edges.

Advantageously, each elongated connector may comprise one or more notches for the connection to an accessory, such notches being arranged in a substantially straight section which includes the second edge. Preferably, it comprises a plurality of notches separated in a same distance, such notches providing for the regulation of a distance to the accessory.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure la - representation of a first embodiment of the system (50) of the present invention, in side view, comprising the module (10) and the elongated connector (100). The module (10) is in coupled position, providing the coupling of the system to a portion of a bicycle (30), which in the present case is a portion of the bicycle frame. In such side view, the first (11) and second parts (12) of the body of the module (10) are represented, being connected through the fastener (13), which consists of an over centre fastener. The fastener (13) further comprises a button for its release and a lock (19), for disabling the pushing of the button. Moreover, the system has two elongated connectors (100), which project only from the first part (11) and both divert through only one of the sides of the portion of the bicycle, providing that only one step is performed in the coupling and decoupling, as the bars do not have to be removed from the coupling module.

Figure lb - representation of the (first) embodiment of Figure 1, in a side view opposite to that of Figure 1. In Figure 2, the rotatable coupling (15) between the two parts of the body is represented, in such case comprising a plurality of hinges.

Figure 2 - representation of the (first) embodiment of Figures la and lb, in isometric view. The deflection of the elongated connectors (100) is clearly represented. The elongated connectors (100) are adjacently provided from their projection of the module on the first edge (102) through a part of the deflection / deflected section (101). They then divert up to the end of the deflection (101) and then remain parallel until the second edge (103). Such configuration allows for a solid connection to an accessory while preserving the deflection. The button which is represented and the specific form of the module and elongated connectors, which in such case are bars, are preferable solutions. The elongated connectors (100) further comprise notches (104).

Figure 3a - representation of the (first) embodiment of Figures la, lb, and 2, in frontal view. The deflection of the elongated connectors is clearly represented.

Figure 3b - representation of the (first) embodiment of Figure 3a, in top view.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c -the decoupling of the module (10) is represented in the sequence of Figures 4a to 4c, which refer to a same (first) embodiment of the module (10) of the present invention, in isometric view. The module contains its two parts (11, 12) and a rotatable coupling (15). Oppositely to the rotatable coupling, a second coupling is provided by a fastener (13) which consists of an over centre fastener. The fastener (13) is rotatably coupled to the first part, along axles (16). The over centre fastener as a claw shaped section (17) suitable to couple in a section of the second part (18), which is specifically formed in such second part (12). The first and second parts (11, 12) are single pieces. The decoupling is represented along figures 4a to 4c, where in Figure 4a the over centre fastener has just been decoupled, the claw section (17) still being provided in the recess formed in the second part (19). In Figure 4b, the two axles (16) of the over centre fastener have been used to, by rotation of the respective parts, remove the claw shaped section (17) from the recess formed in the second part (18). In Figure 4c, the claw shaped section (17) is free and the module is open, able to be removed from the portion of the bicycle to which coupling was provided. While looking at Figures in the opposite sequence, from Figure 4c to 4a, a representation of coupling is, reversely, provided. Also, the extension which the over centre fastener provides is represented, being between a plate of the over centre fastener which contains the claw shaped section (17) and the first part (11) of the module (10). Such extension is rotatably coupled to both the first part of the module and the referred plate.

Figure 5 - representation of an embodiment of the connection set of the present invention, in frontal view, comprising two elongated connectors (100) which deflect or divert from a portion of a bicycle (30), in such case a part of the frame of a bicycle. The elongated connectors (100) are adjacently provided from a lower position suitable for connecting to a module and which comprises the first edge (102) up to a part of the deflection / deflected section (101). They then divert up to the end of the deflection in the and then remain parallel until the second edge (103). Such configuration allows for a solid connection to an accessory while preserving the deflection. The elongated connectors further comprise notches (104).

Figure 6 - representation of the embodiment of the connection set of Figure 5. The elongated connectors (100) also contain, in a second edge (104), a plurality of notches (104) (three notches) which are suitable for providing three levels of regulation of the distance to the accessory. Figure 7 - representation of the embodiment of the connection set of Figures 5 and 6. The deflection of the elongated connectors (100) is clearly represented.

Figure 8 - representation of a second embodiment of the module (10) of the present invention, in a perspective view. The module (10) is in coupled position, allowing the coupling of the system to a portion of a bicycle (30), which in the present case is a portion of the bicycle frame (not represented). In such view, the first (11) and second parts (12) of the body of the module (10) are represented, being connected through the fastener (13), which consists of an over centre fastener. Furthermore, the module further comprises a screw, the screw being provided through one of the parts such that, upon a predefined rotation of the screw, the diameter of a portion of the inward section is reduced. The screw thereby allows to secure the mount of the module in a bicycle, e.g. in the frame of a bicycle, as it reduces the diameter, tight fitting the two elements.

Figure 9 - representation of a third embodiment of the module (10) of the present invention, in a perspective view. The module (10) is in coupled position, allowing the coupling of the system to a portion of a bicycle (30), which in the present case is a portion of the bicycle frame (not represented). In such view, the first (11) and second parts (12) of the body of the module (10) are represented, the second part (12) consisting of a ratchet strap band, and the fastener (13) consisting of a ratchet strap fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The more general configurations of the present invention are described in the Summary of the invention. Such configurations are detailed below in accordance with other advantageous and/or preferred embodiments of implementation of the present invention. Advantageously, and according to the first embodiment, the over centre fastener may comprise a claw shaped section which is suitable to couple in a section of the second part, thereby providing the fixed coupling between the two parts of the body. The claw shaped section allows to take part of the over centre fastener, permitting to easily connect it to the second part.

In an inventive aspect, the referred section of the second part consists of a recess formed in the second part, preferably substantially in an edge of the second part, which provides for the coupling of the claw shaped section of the over centre fastener to the second part. The enhanced structure of the module is maintained in this configuration, which provides that the section of the second part to be coupled is formed in the actual second part, thus not resorting to additional elements which could reduce the integrity and robustness of the module.

Advantageously, the over centre fastener may further comprise a button, the button being so provided that:

- when the over centre fastener is coupled to the second part, the pushing of the button provides for a partial release of the fastener from the first part, such partial release thereby providing an extension to the fastener such that it is also releasable from the second part, and

- when the over centre fastener is coupled to the second part and pushed against the first and second parts, the referred extension is provided adjacently to the first part, thereby providing for the coupling of the first and second parts.

In an inventive and additional aspect, the over centre fastener further comprises a lock, the lock being so provided that, when locked, it disables the pushing of the button, thereby preventing the referred partial release of the fastener and preventing the provision of an extension. Such allows that, when the fastener contains a button, such button is not released - which could lead to the decoupling of the fastener- by mistake. Thus, it may be locked through a lock which disables the pushing of the button.

A second embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a screw. Such embodiment shares the remaining features of the first embodiment.

Such second embodiment may further comprise a screw, the screw being provided through one of the parts such that, upon a predefined rotation of the screw, the diameter of at least a portion of the inward section is reduced. The screw thereby allows to secure the mount of the module in a bicycle, e.g. in the frame of a bicycle, as it reduces the diameter, tight fitting the two elements.

The screw may be connected, on a side containing a head, to a twist cap which remains on an external side of the part which is crossed through the screw. The twisting of the cap makes that the screw is screwed in or out of the part. The twist cap may be connected to a clutch and a pre-torque screw which are connected to the screw.

The screw may further be connected, on a side opposite to the cap, to a clamp. The clamp is actuated by the screw, such that when the screw is screwed into the part, the clamp is moved towards and into the inward section, thereby reducing the diameter of at least a portion of the inward section into which the clamp is moved.

If the screw is screwed out of the part, the clamp is moved out of the inward section, thereby bringing the diameter of the respective portion of the inward section to its maximum value.

A possible configuration of the second embodiment is presented in Figure

8. A third embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a ratchet strap fastener and a ratchet strap band. Such embodiment does not comprise an over centre fastener.

In such third embodiment, the fastener may be a quick release ratchet strap fastener which is rotatably coupled to the first part of the body and couplable and decouplable to the second part of the body, wherein the second part may consist of a ratchet strap band, the inward section thereby being entirely formed by the first part. The band is self-adapting to various tubing shapes of a bicycle, and provides that the respective installation does not require tools.

A possible configuration of the third embodiment is presented in Figure 9.

Advantageously, each of the first and second parts may consists of a single piece.

In a preferred embodiment, the referred inward sections of the first and second parts form complementary sections of a cylinder, thereby providing for a fit coupling between the module and a cylindrical portion of a bicycle. Preferably, the inward section is such that it provides the embracing of a portion of a bicycle frame. The cylindrical portion may have a round, elliptic or oval cross section.

In an embodiment, the module further comprises a two-part adjustment sleeve suitable to be placed in between the inward sections, the adjustment sleeve having a substantially hollow cylinder shape. The adjustment sleeve has an inner diameter which is lesser than that formed by the inward sections, and a predefinition of such inner diameter allows to fit the module to a specific diameter of a frame. ln an embodiment, the first and second parts are made of a plastic or metallic material, optionally comprising a polymeric material such as polypropylene or polyamide.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second coupling is formed in a position which is substantially opposite to the rotatable coupling.

In an embodiment of the module, it comprises at least one connecting recess for the coupling of an elongated connector to the accessory, such connecting recess being provided in one of the parts of the body. Advantageously, the connecting recess is provided in the first part. Such provision allows that both the fastener and the connecting recess are provided in the first part, which allows to free the second part for the eased coupling of the module to the portion of the bicycle, as well as to enable that an elongated connector to the accessory is laterally provided, this meaning that it can easily be diverted from the portion of the bicycle under coupling. This deflection allows that an elongated connector is provided entirely through one side of the portion of the bicycle - such as a portion of a bicycle frame - and thereby does not require a further procedure for the installation. As an example, typically child seats are provided in the rear section of the bicycle, meaning over the rear wheel. This leads to the coupling of such accessory to the rear part of the bicycle frame, below the saddle. In order for the plates to be therein positioned, and since typically the connection between the plates and the child seat are provided by two bars, this requires two steps are performed - removal of bars from the coupling module and subsequent removal of coupling module from the bicycle frame. The referred provision of the present invention allows the referred deflection.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the connecting recess is provided in a portion of the first part which is positioned substantially half distance between the rotatable coupling and the second coupling, and enabling that an elongated connector extends in a form substantially parallel to an axis of the rotatable coupling. Several embodiments of the system of the present invention are subsequently described.

In an embodiment, the system comprises a module which comprises the referred connecting recess. Advantageously, the elongated connector of the system is coupled only to one of the parts of the module, preferably to the first part.

In an inventive aspect, wherein the elongated connector is such that it comprises at least one deflected section, the deflected section being such, for a first edge of the elongated connector that is connected to the module and a second edge of the elongated connector that that is suitable to be connected to the accessory, the deflected section provides a deflection which is at least higher than the width or diameter of the inward section. This configuration allows for an enhanced deflection from the portion of the bicycle in which the coupling of the module is being provided. As previously referred, this deflection specifically allows that an elongated connector is provided entirely through one side of the portion of the bicycle - such as a portion of a bicycle frame - and thereby not requiring a further procedure for the installation. As an example, typically child seats are provided in the rear section of the bicycle, meaning over the rear wheel.

Advantageously, the system may comprise two elongated elements. In an inventive aspect, the elongated elements are adjacently provided in the respective sections closer to the module, which include the first edges, and are divergent in a section which does not include the second edges, wherein a predefined distance between the second edges is provided. Such configuration allows to maintain a double connection to the accessory, which enhances its stability, while preserving for the referred inventive deflection from the portion of the bicycle. Preferably, the elongated elements are parallel in a section which includes the second edges.

In an embodiment, each elongated element is metallic.

Several embodiments of the bicycle child seat of the present invention are subsequently described.

In an embodiment of the bicycle child of the present invention, the child seat structure further comprises a backrest and two foot rests.

In another embodiment of the bicycle child seat, it is suitable to be coupled to a steering column of a frame of a bicycle, a seat tube of a frame of a bicycle or to a carrier.

As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and a number of changes are possible which remain within the scope of the present invention.

Of course, the embodiments described above are combinable, in the different possible forms, being herein avoided the repetition all such combinations.

Claims

1. A module for the coupling of an accessory to a bicycle characterised in that it comprises a body divided in two parts rotatably coupled to each other and forming a first part and a second part, and a fastener, wherein:

- the fastener is suitable for providing a second coupling between the two parts of the body, the second coupling providing a fixed coupling between the two parts of the body, and

- the two parts form together an inward section, such inward section being such that, when the two parts are fixedly coupled by the fastener, the inward section embraces a portion of the bicycle, thereby providing a fit fixed coupling of the module to the portion of the bicycle.

2. A module according to the previous claim wherein the rotatable coupling between the two parts of the body is provided by at least one hinge.

3. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the fastener is an over centre fastener which is rotatably coupled to the first part of the body and couplable and decouplable to the second part of the body.

4. A module according to the previous claim wherein the over centre fastener comprises two axles, such axles being substantially parallel to the rotatable coupling.

5. A module according to the previous claim wherein the over centre fastener comprises a claw shaped section which is suitable to couple in a section of the second part, thereby providing the fixed coupling between the two parts of the body.

6. A module according to the previous claim wherein the referred section of the second part consists of a recess formed in the second part, preferably substantially in an edge of the second part, which provides for the coupling of the claw shaped section of the over centre fastener to the second part.

7. A module according to any of the claims 3-6 wherein the over centre fastener further comprises a button, the button being so provided that:

8. A module according to the previous claim wherein the over centre fastener further comprises a lock, the lock being so provided that, when locked, it disables the pushing of the button, thereby preventing the referred partial release of the fastener and preventing the provision of an extension.

9. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises a screw, the screw being provided through one of the parts such that, upon a predefined rotation of the screw, the diameter of at least a portion of the inward section is reduced.

10. A module according to any of the claims 1-2 wherein the fastener is a quick release ratchet strap fastener which is rotatably coupled to the first part of the body and couplable and decouplable to the second part of the body, wherein the second part consists of a ratchet strap band, the inward section being entirely formed by the first part. - 17 -

11. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein each of the first and second parts consists of a single piece.

12. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the referred inward sections of the first and second parts form complementary sections of a cylinder, thereby providing for a fit coupling between the module and a cylindrical portion of a bicycle.

13. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the inward section is such that it provides the embracing of a portion of a bicycle frame.

14. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first and second parts are made of a plastic or metallic material.

15. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the second coupling is formed in a position which is substantially opposite to the rotatable coupling.

16. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein it comprises at least one connecting recess for the coupling of an elongated connector to the accessory, such connecting recess being provided in one of the parts of the body.

17. A module according to the previous claim wherein the connecting recess is provided in the first part.

18. A module according to the previous claim wherein the connecting recess is provided in a portion of the first part substantially half distance between the rotatable coupling and the second coupling, and enabling that an elongated connector extends in a form substantially parallel to an axis of the rotatable coupling. - 18 -

19. A system comprising the module of any of the preceding claims and an elongated connector, the elongated connector being suitable for connecting the module to an accessory to be coupled to a bicycle through the module.

20. A system according to the previous claim wherein the module is according to any of the claims 16-18.

21. A system according to any of the claims 19-20 wherein the elongated connector is coupled only to one of the parts of the module, preferably to the first part.

22. A system according to any of the claims 19-21 wherein the elongated connector is such that it comprises at least one deflected section, the deflected section being such, for a first edge of the elongated connector that is connected to the module and a second edge of the elongated connector that that is suitable to be connected to the accessory, the deflected section provides a deflection which is at least higher than the width or diameter of the inward section.

23. A system according to the previous claim wherein it comprises two elongated elements.

24. A system according to the previous claim wherein the elongated elements are adjacently provided in the respective sections closer to the module, which include the first edges, and are divergent in a section which does not include the second edges, wherein a predefined distance between the second edges is provided.

25. A system according to the previous claim wherein the elongated elements are parallel in a section which includes the second edges.

26. A system according to any of the claims 19-25 wherein each elongated connector comprises one or more notches for the connection to an accessory, such - 19 - notches being arranged in a substantially straight section which includes the second edge.

27. A system according to the previous claim wherein it comprises a plurality of notches separated in a same distance, such notches providing for the regulation of a distance to the accessory.

28. A system according to any of the claims 19-27 wherein each elongated element is metallic.

29. An accessory for a bicycle comprising the system of any of the claims 19-28, a portion of the accessory being connected to each elongated connector of the system in a section which comprises the second edge, the accessory optionally consisting of a top case or a side case.

30. A bicycle child seat comprising a child seat structure and the system of any of the claims 19-28, a base of the child seat structure being connected each elongated connector of the system in a section which comprises the second edge, the base preferably comprising a section for the child to be seated.

31. A bicycle child seat according to the previous claim wherein the child seat structure further comprises a backrest and two foot rests.

32. A bicycle child seat according to any of the claims 29-30 wherein it is suitable to be coupled to a steering column of a frame of a bicycle, a seat tube of a frame of a bicycle or to a carrier.