TOW ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR TOWING A BICYCLE WITH A TOW LIFT

Abstract

The present invention concerns a tow element (1) for coupling a tow lift to a bicycle. The tow element (1) comprises a tube (1c) and a tow loop (1a), extending from one end of the tube (1c) and configured to be hooked onto the stem (3a) of a bicycle. The tow element further comprises a connector (1d), extending from the opposite end of the tube (1c) and configured to connect the tow element (1) to the tow lift.

Claims

1.-14. (canceled)

15. A tow element for coupling a tow lift to a bicycle, the tow element (1): comprising: a tube; a tow loop extending from one end of the tube and configured to be hooked onto the stem of a bicycle, wherein the tow loop comprises two side portions and a loop portion connecting the end parts of the side portions to form a loop shape; and a connector extending from the opposite end of the tube and configured to connect the tow element to the tow lift.

16. The tow element of claim 15, further comprising a grip, placed at the end of the tube from which the tow loop extends, the grip being configured to be grabbed and pulled to release the tow loop from the stem.

17. The tow element of claim 15, wherein the tow loop comprises at least one cross-rib connecting the two side portions.

18. The tow element of claim 15, wherein an end portion of each side portion may extend at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tube of 90?-130?, in the plane transversal to the loop portion.

19. The tow element of claim 15, wherein an end portion of each side portion may extend at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tube of 91?-120? in the plane transversal to the loop portion.

20. The tow element of claim 15, wherein an end portion of each side portion may extend at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tube of 92?-110? in the plane transversal to the loop portion.

21. The tow element of claim 15, wherein the tow loop comprises a polymer, such as an injection-molded polymer.

22. The tow element of claim 15, wherein the tow loop comprises a metal, the metal optionally comprising a polymer coating.

23. The tow element of claim 22, wherein the metal comprises a polymer coating.

24. The tow element of claim 15, wherein the side portions are fixed in place in the tube by a clamping piece.

25. The tow element of claim 16, wherein the grip is formed as a sleeve and wherein the sleeve is fitted over the tube.

26. The tow element of claim 15, wherein the connector is coupled to the tube opposite the tow loop and is configured to connect the tow element to a recoiling cable of a tow lift.

27. The tow element of claim 15, wherein the connector is connected to the tube to be freely rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the tube.

28. The tow element of claim 15, wherein the tow element further comprises a sleeve, covering the tow loop.

29. A tow lift comprising: at least one recoiling cable, wherein the at least one recoiling cable is provided with a tow element comprising: a tube; a tow loop, extending from one end of the tube and configured to be hooked onto the stem of a bicycle; and a connector, extending from the opposite end of the tube and configured to connect the tow element to the tow lift, wherein the tow loop comprises two side portions and a loop portion, connecting the end parts of the side portions to form a loop shape

30. A method for converting a tow lift, the method comprising: providing a tow lift with at least one recoiling cable; and connecting the least one recoiling cable to a connector of a tow element, wherein the tow element comprises: a tube; a tow loop extending from one end of the tube and configured to be hooked onto the stem of a bicycle, wherein the tow loop comprises two side portions and a loop portion, connecting the end parts of the side portions to form a loop shape; and a connector, extending from the opposite end of the tube and configured to connect the tow element to the tow lift.

31. A method for towing bicycles with a tow lift, comprising: hooking a tow loop onto a stem of a bicycle, wherein the tow loop is connected to a tube and comprises two side portions and a loop portion, connecting the end parts of the side portions to form a loop shape; towing the bicycle and mounted cyclist uphill; and releasing the tow loop from the stem by pulling the tube and unhooking the tow loop.

32. A method for producing a tow element, comprising: providing a tow loop, a tube and a connector, wherein the tow loop extends from one end of the tube and is configured to be hooked onto the stem of a bicycle, the tow loop comprising two side portions and a loop portion connecting the end parts of the side portions to form a loop shape, and the connector extending from the opposite end of the tube and configured to connect the tow element to the tow lift; and coupling the tow loop to one end of the tube; and coupling the connector to the opposite end of the tube.

Description

FIGURES

[0020] FIG. 1 a schematically shows a tow element according to the invention.

[0021] FIG. 1b schematically shows a detail of a tow element according to the invention.

[0022] FIG. 1c schematically shows a sideview of a bicycle stem with a tow element according to the invention coupled thereto.

[0023] FIG. 1d schematically shows a side view of a detail of a tow element according to the invention.

[0024] FIG. 1e schematically shows a top view of a detail of a tow element according to the invention.

[0025] FIG. 1f schematically shows a top view of a tow element according to the invention.

[0026] FIG. 1g schematically shows a side view of a tow element according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 1h schematically shows a tow element with sleeve according to the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2a schematically shows a stem part of a harness according to the invention.

[0029] FIG. 2b schematically shows a waist part of a harness according to the invention.

[0030] FIG. 3b schematically shows a sideview of a bicycle stem with a stem part of a harness and a tow loop according to the invention coupled thereto.

[0031] FIG. 3c schematically shows a top view of a waist part stem part of a harness coupled to the stem part of a harness.

[0032] FIG. 4a schematically shows a tow element with a release tab.

[0033] FIG. 4b schematically shows a sideview of a stem and a release tab, with a tow loop coupled thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] A tow element 1 according to the invention is schematically shown in FIGS. 1a-1h, where the same reference signs denote the same features. The tow element 1 is configured to couple a tow lift to a bicycle. The bicycle is preferably suitable for off-road downhill cycling such as a mountain bike, snow bike, fat bike or all terrain bike. Advantageously, the tow element transfers the dragging force from the tow lift to the bicycle. The bicycle and a mounted cyclist are then towed by the tow lift, with the bicycle rolling uphill. As schematically shown in FIG. 1a, the tow element 1 comprises a tow loop 1a, shown in more detail in FIG. 1b, an optional grip 1b, a tube 1c and a connector 1d, detailed below. The tow loop 1a is configured to be hooked onto the stem 3a of the bicycle, as shown in FIG. 1c. The stem 3a is preferably a threadless stem. In a threadless configuration, the steering tube has no thread onto which the stem is screwed. The steering tube is attached to the fork of the bicycle. The stem 3a connects the handlebar 3c of the bicycle to the steering column, where the steering column comprises the fork and steering tube. In the threadless configuration, the stem 3a is clamped onto the steering column with one or more stem bolts 3b. The lengthwise axis of the one or more stem bolts 3b is roughly parallel to the handlebar 3c and perpendicular to the steering column. When the tow loop 1a is hooked onto the stem 3a, the tow loop 1a is additionally hooked onto a stem bolt 3b. The dragging force exerted by the tow lift tensions the tow loop 1a, thereby maintaining the tow loop 1a in place on the stem 3a during towing.

[0035] The tow loop 1a comprises a loop portion 1e and two side portions 1f. The loop portion 1e connects the end parts of the side portions 1f to form a loop shape, shown in FIGS. 1b and 1n more detail in FIGS. 1d and 1e. The tow loop 1a may further comprise at least one cross-rib 1g, connecting the two side portions 1f. Preferably, the tow loop 1a comprises two cross-ribs, spaced apart along the side portions 1f. Advantageously, the side portions 1f and the optional at least one cross-rib 1g provide stiffness and form-stability to the tow loop 1a. The tow loop 1a provides sufficient tensile strength to tow a bicycle and mounted cyclist uphill.

[0036] The side portions 1f are partially inserted into the tube 1c and fixed in place, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1d and 1e. Preferably, the side portions 1f are fixed in place by a clamping piece 1h. An end portion of each side portion 1f is inserted in an opening in the clamping piece 1h. Preferably, each opening I the clamping piece 1h for receiving an end portion is a through-opening. The end portions of the side portion 1f may be clamped, glued, mechanically fastened, or welded in place in the clamping piece 1h. The clamping piece 1g may be fixed into place in the tube 1c, for instance by gluing, welding, clamping, and/or by a mechanical connection. The mechanical connection may be a screw connection or a rivet connection. The clamping piece 1h may comprise a polymer material, such as polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, or polypropylene. Alternatively, the clamping piece 1h may comprise a metal, or a composite material.

[0037] As schematically shown in the side view of FIG. 1d, i.e., in the plane roughly perpendicular to the loop portion 1e, the side portions 1f extending from the tube 1c may be angled, or curved, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube 1c (dash-dotted line in FIG. 1d). The end section of each side portion 1f, may extend at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tube 1c of 90?-130?, preferably 91?-120?, more preferably 92?-110?. Advantageously, by providing end portions extending at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tube, both hooking and unhooking of the tow loop onto a bicycle-stem is improved and the risk of the tow loop accidentally hooking onto other parts of the bicycle is reduced. As schematically shown in the top view of FIG. 1e, i.e., in the plane roughly parallel to the loop portion 1e, the side portions may extend from the tube 1c at an angle, or curved, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube 1c (dash-dotted line in FIG. 1e). The side portions may extend at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tube 1c of 5?-30?, preferably 10?-20?. The end portions of each side portion 1f may preferably extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 1c. Advantageously, a wide loop-shape is thereby formed, allowing the tow loop to be hooked onto threadless bicycle-stems with different shapes, such as an ahead stem, or a direct mount stem.

[0038] The tow loop 1a may comprise a metal, such a metal tube or metal rod. Alternatively, the side portions 1f may comprise metal tubes and the loop portion 1e may comprise a metal wire cord, where the metal wire cord is threaded through the tubes of the side portions 1f. A polymer coating or sleeve may be provided on the tow loop 1a, to improve impact damping and to protect the bicycle stem and the tow loop 1a from scratches. Alternatively, the tow loop 1a may comprise a polymer, such as a molded polymer part. The molded polymer part may be reinforced with glass fibers or carbon fibers.

[0039] The tow element 1 may optionally comprise a release tab. The release tab is configured to be clamped between the tow loop 1a and the stem 3a. At one end, the release tab is fixed to the tow loop 1a. The other end of the release tab is a free end. Advantageously, when losing balance during towing or when arriving uphill, a cyclist may grab the free end of the release tab and tension the release tab. Due to the release tab being clamped between the tow loop 1a and the stem 3a, a tensioning of the release tab unhooks the tow loop 1a from the stem 3a and tips the tow loop 1a over the stem 3a. Thereby, the tow loop 1a is quickly and reliably released from the stem 3a and the bicycle is released from the tow lift.

[0040] The release tab may comprise a webbing, preferably of a polymer material, such as a nylon, propylene, or polyester. The release tab is preferably fixed to the at least one cross-rib 1g. Thereto, one end of the release tab may be wrapped around the at least one cross rib 1g and fixed in place by means of Velcro or by being sewing. Advantageously, by releasably fixing the release tab with Velcro the release tab can easily be replaced. The free end of the release tab may be stiffened, by a stiffening member or by being fixed in a double folded state. Advantageously, the stiffened free end can more easily be grabbed.

[0041] The tube 1c, schematically shown in length-wise cross-section in FIG. 1d and schematically shown from outside in FIG. 1e, may be hollow or piece-wise hollow. The length of the tube 1c may be adapted to the height of the tow lift above the ground and the length of the recoiling cables of the tow lift. The tow loop 1a extends from one end of the tube 1c. The tow loop 1a may be hooked onto the stem 3a, or unhooked from the stem 3a, by grabbing and pulling the tube 1c. Advantageously, when a fall is imminent during uphill towing or when arriving at the uphill station, the tow loop may thereby quickly and reliably be released from the stem 3a.

[0042] The optional grip 1b is placed at or near the end of the tube 1c from which the tow loop 1a extends. The grip 1b may be placed such that one end of the grip 1b coincides with the end of the tube 1c. Alternatively, the grip 1b may be placed such that one end of the grip 1b is distanced from the end of the tube 1c. The grip 1b may be formed as a sleeve, as a winding, as an extruded part, as a one-piece moulded part, or as a multi-piece moulded part. The grip 1b may be held in place on the tube 1c by elastic tension, by mechanical fastening means and/or by an adhesive. The grip 1b may comprise a rubber material, such as a neoprene rubber, a silicone material, a fabric material, a polymer foam material, or a solid polymer material. The solid or foamed polymer material may comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, thermoplastic polyurethane, or any other suitable polymer. The grip 1b may be formed with one or more bulges, to improve holding comfort and purchase for a user. The grip 1b may further comprise a patterned or roughened outer surface, to improve grabbing friction of the grip 1b. Advantageously, the grip provides improved friction for secure grabbing and pulling of the tube, during hooking and unhooking of the tow loop, as well as improved comfort during grabbing and holding. Preferably, the grip 1b comprises a vibrant color such as red, orange, or yellow. It is thereby quickly seen where the tube 1c should be grabbed, which is especially advantageous in situations where a fall is imminent and fast unhooking of the tow loop is required.

[0043] The tow element 1 also comprises a connector 1d, configured to connect the tow element 1 to a recoiling cable of a tow lift. The connector 1d is connected to the end of the tube 1c, opposite to the tow loop 1a. The connector 1d may be connected to the tube 1c so as to be freely rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the tube 1c. Alternatively, the connector 1d may be connected to tube 1c by a fixed, non-rotating connection. The connector may be connected to the tube 1b by means of a mechanical connection, a spring-loaded connection, by gluing or by welding. The connector 1d may be partially inserted in the tube 1c, as schematically shown in FIG. 1f, partially inserted over the tube 1c, or may form an integral part of the tube 1c. The connector 1d may comprise a screw thread, configured to be connected in a screw connection with the connection part of a recoiling cable of a tow lift. The screw thread may preferably be an M16, or M20, fine screw thread, with a 1.5 mm thread pitch. Alternatively, the connector 1d may comprise an adaptor coupling, which may be slid over or into the connection part of a recoiling cable of a tow lift. The adaptor coupling may then be held in place by clamping, a spring-loaded connection, or a screw-in-place connection.

[0044] The tow loop 1a, the tube 1c, the clamping piece and the connector 1d may each comprise the same or different materials, such as a metal, a polymer, or a composite material. Suitable metals are aluminum or anodized aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. Suitable polymers are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Suitable composites are glass fiber polymer composite or carbon fiber polymer composite. Preferably, the tube 1c and the connector 1d comprise aluminum or anodized aluminum and the clamping piece comprises a polyethylene.

[0045] The tow element 1 may further comprise a sleeve 1i, schematically shown in FIG. 1h. The sleeve 1i may comprise a webbing material or an elastic fabric, such as a neoprene. The sleeve 1i is configured to cover the tow loop 1a. The sleeve 1i may be secured to the tow loop 1a by elastic clamping, by Velcro or by a fastener cord. Advantageously, the sleeve 1i prevents the tow loop 1a from undesirably hooking onto an element of the bicycle when the tow loop 1a is attached-to or released-from the bicycle. The tow element 1a may further comprise a protective tab (not shown). The protective tab comprises at least one layer of a wear-resistant material, such as a nylon webbing, a canvas piece, or a neoprene patch. The protective tab covers or partially covers the loop portion 1e. The protective tab may be fixed in a loop shape around the loop portion 1e and the cross-rib 1g. The protective tab may be held in the loop shape by Velcro or may be sewn into the loop shape. Alternatively, one end of the protective tab may be fixed to one side of the sleeve 1i, by sewing or Velcro. The other end of the protective tab may be fixed to the other side of the sleeve 1i, by Velcro, after the sleeve 1i is installed on the tow loop 1a. Advantageously, the protective tab provides impact damping and protects both the stem and the tow loop from scratches.

[0046] A system for coupling a tow lift to a bicycle comprises the tow element 1 and may further comprise a harness. The harness comprises a stem part, schematically shown in FIG. 2a, and a waist part, schematically shown in FIG. 2b. Advantageously, the harness provides additional safety during uphill towing, for instance for smaller cyclists, such as children. The harness preferably comprises a webbing material, such as a nylon, propylene, or polyester.

[0047] The stem part is configured to be installed on the stem 3a of a bicycle, as detailed below. The stem part comprises a main loop 2a and one or more fastening ribbons 2b extending from the main loop. Preferably two fastening ribbons are provided. The one or more fastening ribbons 2b may be provided with connection means, such as Velcro strips or a side release buckle. Advantageously, the connection means can easily be adjusted to different stem sizes and shapes. The stem part may further comprise a coupling means 2c, such as a loop.

[0048] The waist part comprises a closeable loop, configured to be fastened around the waist of a cyclist. The closeable loop comprises closing means 2e, such a side release buckle, Velcro strips, a two-part clasp or a hook and loop fastener. Preferably, the closing means 2e allow the closeable loop to be adjusted to the waist-size of the cyclist. The waist part further comprises a coupling ribbon 2f, extending from the closeable loop, and coupling means 2d, fixed to the coupling ribbon 2f and configured to couple the coupling ribbon 2f to the stem part. The coupling ribbon 2f may further comprise an elastic portion 2g, comprising an elastic material, such as rubber or elastane. Advantageously, the elastic portion 2g allows a mounted cyclist to adjust sitting position without being immediately restrained by the harness. The coupling means 2d may be a hook or a carabiner, configured to hook into the coupling loop 2c. Alternatively, a side release buckle, Velcro strips, or a two-part clasp may be provided.

[0049] A tow lift according to the invention comprises a plurality of recoiling cables and at least one tow element according to the invention. At least one of the recoiling cables is connected to a tow element 1. The recoiling cable is connected to the connector 1d of the tow element 1.

[0050] A method for towing a bicycle with a tow lift comprises providing a plurality of recoiling cables and at least one tow element 1 according to the invention. The tow loop 1a is hooked onto the stem 3a of the bicycle, schematically shown in a side view in FIG. 3b and in a top view in FIG. 3c. The tow loop 1a is hooked onto the stem 3a over the stem bolt 3b. If the optional release tab is provided, the release tab is clamped between the tow loop 1a and the stem 3a. The free end of the release tab 3d extends from between the tow loop 1a and the stem 3a and can readily be grabbed. Thereafter, the bicycle with mounted cyclist is towed uphill by the tow lift. When instability occurs during towing, or when arriving at uphill, the cyclist unhooks the tow loop 1a by grabbing the tube 1c, or optionally by grabbing the grip 1b, and pulling the tow loop 1a over the stem 3a and stem bolt 3b. Optionally, the free end of the release tab may be grabbed to unhook the tow loop 1a from the stem 3a. Thereby, the tow loop 1a is quickly and reliably released from the stem 3a and the bicycle is released from the tow lift. The optional sleeve 1e prevents the tow loop 1a from unintentionally hooking onto other parts of the bicycle during installing or release.

[0051] Additionally, the bicycle and cyclist may be coupled by the harness. Thereto, the stem part is installed on the stem 3a, schematically shown in sideview in FIG. 3b. The main loop 2a may be hooked around the stem and a stem bolt 3b. In FIG. 3b one stem bolt is visible, whereas the second stem bolt (indicated with dashed line) is covered by the stem part. The one or more fastening ribbons 2b may then be led around the handlebar 3c, back to the stem 3a and then crossed over itself or one another, to be fixed with the connection means. Thereby, the stem part is securely held in place, with the coupling loop 2c extending towards the saddle of the bicycle. The waist part is fastened around the waist of the cyclist. The stem part and the waist part are then coupled by the coupling means 2d, before or after the cyclist is mounted on the bicycle. A coupled waist part and stem part are schematically shown in a top view in FIG. 3c. The tow loop 1a is then hooked onto the stem 3a and over the stem bolt 3b, such that the stem part is clamped between the tow loop 1a and the stem 3a. By tensioning and pulling the coupling ribbon 2f upwards, the cyclist may unhook the tow loop 1a by tipping the tow loop 1a over the stem 3a and stem bolt 3b. Thereby the bicycle is released from the tow lift. Advantageously, the harness thereby provides a further means to release the bicycle quickly and reliably from the tow lift, thereby providing further safety, especially for smaller cyclists, such as children.

[0052] A method for producing a tow element 1 comprises providing a tow loop 1a, wherein the tow loop 1a may comprise a metal or a polymer. A metal tow loop 1a may be formed by stamping or bending metal tubes or metal rods to form the side portions 1f, the loop portion 1e and optionally, the at least one cross-rib 1g. The at least one cross-rib 1g and loop portion 1e may then be welded onto the side portions 1f. Alternatively, the side portions 1f may comprise metal tubes and the loop portion 1e may comprise a metal wire cord, which is threaded through the side portions 1f. A polymer coating or sleeve may next be applied to the tow loop 1a. A polymer tow loop 1a may be formed by injection molding the side portions 1f, loop portion 1e and the at least one cross-rib 1g as a single polymer part. The polymer may be reinforced with glass fibers or carbon fibers.

[0053] The method for producing a tow element 1 further comprises providing a tube 1c and a connector 1d. The tow loop 1a is coupled to one end of the tube 1c. Preferably an end portion of the side portions 1f are inserted into a clamping piece 1h and fixed thereto. The clamping piece 1h with inserted side portions 1f is next placed in one end of the tube 1c and fixed thereto. The connector 1d is formed or coupled to the opposite end of the tube 1c. Preferably, the connector 1d is coupled to the tube 1c to be freely rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the tube 1c.

[0054] A method for converting a tow lift comprises providing a tow lift with at least one recoiling cable and providing the at least one recoiling cable with a tow element 1 according to the invention. Coupling the tow element 1 comprises coupling the connector 1d of the tow element 1 to the end part of a recoiling cable. The connecter 1d may be coupled to the recoiling cable by a crew connection or by means of an adaptor coupling.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0055] 1 tow element [0056] 1a tow loop [0057] 1b grip [0058] 1c tube [0059] 1d connector [0060] 1e loop portion [0061] 1f side portion [0062] 1g cross-rib [0063] 1h clamping piece [0064] 1i sleeve [0065] 2a main loop [0066] 2b ribbon [0067] 2c coupling loop [0068] 2d coupling means [0069] 2e closing means [0070] 2f coupling ribbon [0071] 2g elastic portion [0072] 3a stem [0073] 3b stem bolt [0074] 3c Handlebar [0075] 3d Release tab