GB2298617A - One-wheeled foldable cycle trailer with suspension - Google Patents

Description

CYCLE TRAILER This invention relates to a trailer to be towed by a cycle.

There are many cycle trailers in current use. Comprised of a one or two wheeled chassis they attach to the rear of the cycle.

Cycle trailers are, however, relatively unstable on rough terrain. Moreover, when they are towed by a mountain bike on rough terrain the action of the trailer greatly restricts it's use. Also their physical size makes them unable to fit into the boot of a car.

The present invention is a trailer to be towed by a cycle in the form of a one wheeled chassis, which utilizes a suspension system, and has the ability to instantly fold.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1. Shows a plan and front elevation of the trailer in position on the cycle.

Fig 2. Diagramatically explains how the suspension works.

Fig 3. Shows how the trailer folds.

Fig 4. Shows in perspective the sections of the trailer disconnected.

Referring to the drawing Fig 1 the trailer comprises of a one wheeled chassis comprised of three main sections. The swing arm 2 connects the wheel 1 to the load carrying section 3 and pivots about pivot point 4, pushing against rubber block 5.

Pivot point 4 allows the wheel 1 to move up and down relative to the load carrying section. The load carrying section 3 is connected to the tow arm 6 at pivot point 8.

The tow arm 6 pushes against rubber block 7. Movement at pivot point 8 (in conjunction with pivot point 9) allows the load carrying section 3, the swing arm 2 and the wheel 1, to move backwards and forwards relative to the cycle.

The tow arm 6 is connected to the seat stem of the cycle by bracket 10, which acts like a universal joint.

Pivot point 9 allows for vertical movement of the trailer.

Bracket 10 can rotate around the seat stem to allow for horizontal movement of the trailer. Bracket 10 rotates around the seat stem as the cycle turns.

Having pivot points 4 and 8 at either end of the load carrying section 3 gives the load carrying section 3 the benefits of suspension between both the load and the wheel 1 and between the load and the towing cycle.

Fig 2 is a diagramatical explanation of how the suspension layout works. This action could be applied to any wheel requiring the benefits of suspension. Part A of Fig 2 diagramatically shows the typical layout of a cars rear suspension. The wheel 1 is attached to swing arm 2. The swing arm 2 attaches to the chassis 11 at pivot point 4. The swing arm 2 pushes against the suspension unit 5. The wheel can move in an arc around pivot point 4, therefor the wheel can only move in a predominantly vertical direction.

Part B of Fig 2 shows the benefits of having two pivoting swing arms acting at 90 degrees to each other. The wheel is now allowed to move in 2 dimensions.

The wheel 1 is attached to the swing arm 2. Swing arm 2 is attached to swing arm 6 at pivot point 4. Swing arm 6 is connected to the chassis 11 at pivot point 9. Swing arm 6 pushes against suspension unit 7. Swing arm 2 pushes against suspension unit 5.

Movement of swing arm 2 allows the wheel 1 to move vertically. Movement of the swing arm 6 allows the wheel 1 and swing arm 2 to move horizontally.

If the wheel 1 encounters an obstacle (such as a sleeping policeman/ speed restricting bumps), swing arm 6 is pushed against suspension unit 7. This allows the wheel 1 and swing arm 2 to move back in relation to the car. This allows time for the suspension unit 5 to absorb the vertical movement. Fig 3 shows how when disconnected from the cycle swing arm 2 and tow arm 6 are free to fold down giving a great reduction in size.

Fig 4 shows in perspective the three sections of the trailer disconnected from each other.

Claims (6)

1 The present invention is a trailer to be towed by a cycle in the form of a one wheeled chassis which utilises a suspension system, and has the ability to instantly fold.

2 A trailer to be towed by a cycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein suspension is provided in the form of two pivoting swing arms, one allowing vertical movement and the other allowing horizontal movement of the wheel as in Figs 2a and 2b.

3 A trailer to be towed by a cycle as claimed in claims 1 and 2 whereby suspension is placed at either end of the load carrying section allowing a suspension action between the load and the wheel and between the load and the cycle as in Fig 1.

4 A trailer to be towed by a cycle as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the pivots placed at either end of the load carrying section allow the swing arm 2 and tow arm 6 to fold under the load carrying section 3 as in Fig 3.

5 A trailer to be towed by a cycle substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows The present invention is a trailer to be towed b) a cycle in the form of a one wheeled chassis which ulilises a suspension system, and has the ability to instantly fold.

2 A trailer to be towed by a cycle as claimed ill claim 1 wherein suspension is provided in the form of two pivoting swing arms, one allowing vertical movement and the other allowing horizontal movement of the wheel as in figs. 2a and 2b. The swing anns push against rubber blocks.

3 A trailer to be towed by a cycle as claimed in claims 1 and 2, whereby the trailer wheel can move in two dimensions. When the trailer wheel encounters an obstacle, sucll as a brick, movement at pivot points (8 and 9, Fig 1), allow the trailer wheel to momentarily stop or in effect stretch back in relation to the cycle allowing more time for the rubber block, (5), to absorb the impact. This stretching action raises the load carrying section. Raising the load allows the wheel to mount the obstacle with greater ease.

4 A trailer to be towed b) a cycle as claimed in claims 1, 2, and 3 whereby suspension is placed at either end of the load carrying section allowing a suspension action between the load and the wheel and the between the load and the cycle as in fig. 1.

5 A trailer to be towed by a cycle as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein the pivots placed at either end of the load carrying section, (3), allow the swing arm, (2) and the tow arm, (6), to fold under the load carrying section, (3), as in fig. 3.

6 A trailer to be towed bv a cycle stibstantiall) as described herein with reference to figures 1, 2a, 2b., 3, 4.