GB2307456A - Fall prevention device for cycles - Google Patents

Abstract

A device to prevent a cyclist falling comprises a bar 5 with U-shaped rods 1 pivotally connected to the bar and arranged so that if the cycle tips, the bottom part of the pivoted rod 1 is forced inwardly and upwardly towards the foot of the bar 5 and locks onto the foot by means of a ratchet 4. The larger top part of the pivoted rod 1 moves outwardly and downwardly in the opposite direction to contact the road surface. In the event of a collision or losing control in icy road conditions the bike would start to topple over but be prevented from completely toppling over by the device attached to the back, front or back and front of the bike and would hold the bike and rider at an angle. The bar or bars would also provide some protection against a colliding vehicle.

Description

FALL PREVENTION AND CRASH PROTECTION DEVICE FOR BIKES AND MOTORBIKES This relates to a two wheeled vehicle say a motor or pedal bike now called a bike.

It is needed to make bike riders safer by stopping them completely toppling over in an accident and provide some protection in a collision.

In the event of a collision or losing control in icy road conditions the bike would start to topple over but be prevented from completely toppling over by the device attached to the back, front or back and front of the bike.

The bottom part of the pivoted rod would be forced inward and upward towards the foot of the bar which it is attached to and lock onto the foot by means of a ratchet.

The larger top part of the pivoted rod would go outwards and downwards in the opposite direction.

This would stop the bike completely toppling over and would hold the bike and rider at an angle.

The bar or bars would also provide some protection against the colliding vehicle.

The invention consists of a bar (5) bent in a box shape with the bottom ends bent inward in an obtuse angle formimg a foot shape.

Attached to both sides of this bar are two U shaped or open box shaped rods(l). These fit over the bar and are attached by a pivot point (2) at the point where the bar bends to form the feet.

The top part of these rods are held onto the bar by spring clips (3) which easily release when the device is activated and the bottom part of these rods lock onto the feet by means of a ratchet (4).

The angle which the rod hits the road and foot is determined by an adjustable bolt (6) in the foot. The feet have slots cut into them to enable the ratchet to lock in case the rod is not able to reach the top of the feet, i.e. if the rods hit a curb and cannot go fully down.

The ratchet (4) is attached to a flat spring which is attached to the rod by screws or bolts which fit into two oval holes, so that the position of the ratchet can be adjusted.

FALL PROTECTION AND CRASH PROTECTION DEVICE FOR BIKES AND MOTORBIKES Sheet 3 Sheet 3 Fig 1. This shows the device fixed to the back of the bike, moped, etc.

1. Rods curved at the bottom to prevent digging into the ground.

2. Pivots attaching rods to bar.

3. Spring clip holding top of rod to bar.

4. Ratchet 5. Bar fixed to back of bike.

6. Bolt to adjust point where rod stops.

7. Locking nuts to fix the bolt in position when it is adjusted.

8. Slots cut into the feet of the bar to allow the ratchet to grip if it does'nt reach the top.

9. Back wheel of bike.

Sheet 4 Fig 2. Rod 1 with clips 3 , pivot 2 and ratchet 4.

Fig 3 Bar 5 with adjustment bolt 6, locking nuts 7, pivot 2 and slots for ratchet 8.

Fig 4 Cross section of rod 1 with clip 3.

Fig 5 Ratchet 4 attached to rod 1 by leaf spring with oval holes for adjustment. Front view.

Fig 6 As for 5 but side view.

Fig 7. Position of bike and rider after toppling over due to for example a crash or a skid.

1 Rod 3 Clip 4 Ratchet 5 Bar Note. Any type of suitable ratchet design can be used.

The cross sections of the rods can be any shape depending on the shape of the bar into or against which they fit.

The foot of the bar can have as many slots as necessary.

Claims (6)

1. A protective bar fixed to a moped, scooter, motor cycle or.

bicycle which has a pivoted half box or half round or other suitable shaped rod attached.

If the bike leans at an excessive angle the rod attached to the bar is forced outwards giving a sufficient base to stop the bike and rider toppling over onto the ground.

2. When opened out as claimed in claim 1 the rod is held in place by a ratchet. Any suitable design of ratchet will do.

The foot should contain any number of slots to hold the ratchet as necessary.

3. When not opened out the rod is held on the top of the bar by a spring clip or any suitable device.

4. The angle of the foot of the bar can be adjusted by any suitable means or can be solid and non - adjustable.

5. The cross section of the rods can be any suitable shape.

6. The bars and rod will also provide some protection against collision.