WO2016034957A1

WO2016034957A1 - Bicycle frame or handlebar, production method and bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2016034957A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/055718
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo ALGERI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-09-05
Filing date: 2015-07-29
Publication date: 2016-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2017-03-05

Abstract

Frame (1) or handlebar (50) for a bicycle comprising a tubular element (2, 2') defining an outer surface (4) and an inner compartment (6), a localisation system (10) and a covering layer (14). The aforesaid system comprises a power supply battery (8) housed in the inner compartment (6) and) at least one antenna (12, 12') for the transmission and/or reception of localisation signals, positioned on the outer surface (12) and electrically connected to the power supply battery. The covering layer (14) also covers the antenna (12, 12') and at least part of the outer surface (4) to conceal the location of the localisation system (10) on the frame (1). The invention further comprises a method of manufacturing a frame or handlebar, and a bicycle.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Bicycle frame or handlebar, production method and bicycle"

[0001] This invention relates to a frame or a handlebar for a bicycle, a process for the production of a frame for a bicycle frame, and a bicycle mounting such a frame.

[0002] The use of electronic anti-theft devices, for example of the satellite type, is by now widespread for the protection of vehicles of various types.

[0003] Recently, electronic anti-theft devices have been proposed that are suitable for mounting on bicycles. However, such systems have proved unsatisfactory from multiple points of view.

[0004] In particular, various types of such anti-theft systems require mounting inside the handlebar stem, seat post or tail light and, for this reason, are identifiable without difficulty in all circumstances and thus easily neutralised.

[0005] Another reason for dissatisfaction with current systems is defective transmission/reception of the signal, which is often difficult because of the placement of the antennas on the bicycle.

[0006] This invention is placed in the previous context, proposing to provide a bicycle frame with a localisation system that is extremely difficult to detect, or detectable only on the condition of ruining a visible surface of the frame so as to make the bicycle unattractive for later fraudulent sale.

[0007] This goal is achieved by means of a frame or handlebar for a bicycle according to claim 1, by means of a bicycle according to claim 13 and ' through a method according to claim 12. The claims dependent on these disclose embodiments of preferred embodiments.

[0008] The object of this invention will now be described in detail, with the help of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] - Figures 1, 2 or 3 respectively show a perspective view, a side view and a front view of a frame according to the present invention, in one embodiment;

[0010] - Figure 4 schematically shows a section of the frame of Figure 3, along the plane IV-IV shown in this figure ;

[0011] - Figure 5 shows an enlargement of the area highlighted in Figure 1, where the covering layer was partially omitted from the tubular element for greater visibility of the localisation system;

[0012] - Figures 6, 6a and 6b show perspective views of a handlebar according to the invention in partial transparency of the tubular element, according to one embodiment, where Figures 6a and 6b show enlargements of the highlighted areas of Figure 6.

[0013] With reference to the aforesaid figures, the number 1 globally indicates ^' a bicycle frame and the number 50 identifies a handlebar for a bicycle, according to this invention.

[0014] Although, in the following description, reference will mainly be made to the frame 1, note that identical reference numbers correspond to identical or equivalent technical features of the handlebar 50, and vice versa, unless specified otherwise.

[0015] Such a frame or handlebar comprises at least one tubular element 2, 2' defining an outer surface 4 and an inner compartment 6.

[0016] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the tubular element 2, 2 ' is oriented at an angle in relation to a substantially vertical axis. This should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention described herein.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the handlebar 50 may comprise a curved tubular element 2' (for example, downward, forward or downward and then backward as shown schematically in Figure 6) , realising a pair of free ends 30, 30' that are substantially symmetrical with each other.

[0018] The frame 1 or handlebar 50 further comprises a localisation system 10 (or GPS system) that comprises a power supply battery 8 housed in the inner compartment 6, and at least an antenna 12, 12' for the transmission and/or reception of localisation signals, placed in correspondence of the outer surface 4 and electrically connected to the power supply battery 8.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the localisation system 10 comprises a first GPS antenna 12 and a second GSM/GPRS antenna 12' , as for example shown in Figure 5.

[0020] In regard to the above-mentioned electrical connection, an embodiment may provide that the tubular element 2, 2' identifies at least one through opening 16, 16' in its thickness, through which at least one electrical conductor 18, 18' extends linking the power supply battery 8 and the antenna 12, 12' .

[0021] In other words, the through opening 16, 16' according to this embodiment puts in communication the inner compartment 6 and the outer surface 4 on which is placed the antenna or the plurality of them.

[0022] For example, the tubular element 2, 2' may delimit a pair of through openings 16, 16' , preferably spaced apart along the axis of development of that element.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the through opening 16, 16' comprises a hole for fastening a bottle- cage support 20.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the localisation system 10 may comprise management, and control means 24 housed in the inner compartment 6.

[0025] According to this · embodiment , the first GPS antenna 12 and the second GSM/GPRS antenna 12' (when provided) may be functionally linked to these means 24.

[0026] According to the embodiment of Figure 6, the power supply battery 8 and the management and control means 24 are preferably placed in correspondence of a different free end 30,30' of the tubular element 2'.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the power supply battery 8 and the management and control means 24 may be functionally connected via at least one electrical conductor 32 that, advantageously, passes longitudinally through the inner compartment 6.

[0028] According to one embodiment not shown, the management and control means may comprise an electronic micro-controller powered by the power supply battery, and a mobile telephone control unit configured to transmit the localisation signals of the frame or handlebar via the at least one antenna 12,12'.

[0029] The frame 1 or handlebar 50 for a bicycle comprises one or more covering layers 14, covering the antenna 12, 12' and at least part of the outer surface 4 to conceal the location of the localisation system 10 on the frame 1 or handlebar 50.

[0030] For example, the covering layer may comprise a paint, an enamel, a film, a membrane, a tape, a padding or combinations thereof.

[0031] Preferably, the covering layer is opaque.

[0032] It follows that, innovatively, without laboriously removing the covering layer from the outer surface 4, the exact location of the localisation system cannot be made evident even though the antennas are external to the tubular element.

[0033] In addition to that, if one wanted to remove part of this layer to. understand the position of the system in order to tamper with it, this operation would substantially make the bicycle stolen from its rightful owner substantially unsellable.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the covering layer 14 on the antenna 12,12') is smaller than the thickness of this layer on the outer surface 4 surrounding the antenna, to prevent the antenna from superficially revealing its presence (for example by creating an obvious swelling or projection above the covering layer 14).

[0035] According to a further embodiment (not shown) , the tubular element may define a recessed seat, having a shape complementary to the antenna and in which the latter is completely accommodated. According to this embodiment, the thickness of the covering layer on the antenna and on the outer surface surrounding the antenna may be substantially identical.

[0036] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the localisation system 10 may comprise at least one coil 22 for inductive charging of the power supply battery 8, where this coil may be associated to the outer surface 4 and covered by the covering layer 14 (in a manner similar to the antenna) .

[0037] It follows that the useful life of use of the localisation system according to this embodiment does not correspond to one charge-discharge cycle of the battery, but allows regeneration of the battery an indefinite number of times.

[0038] Finally, this invention relates to a method for the realisation of a bicycle frame or handlebar.

[0039] Since this method is particularly suited to the manufacture of the frame and handlebar discussed above, even where this is not expressly specified, such a method may comprise any step that is deducible - even implicitly

- from the foregoing description.

[0040] The method comprises the steps of:

[0041] - providing at least one tubular element 2, 2' defining an outer surface 4 and an inner compartment 6;

[0042] - providing a localisation system 10 comprising a power supply battery 8 and at least one antenna 12, 12' for the transmission and/or reception of localisation signals;

[0043] - housing the power supply battery 8 in the inner compartment 6;

[0044] - placing the antenna 12, 12' on the outer surface 4;

[0045] - electrically connecting the antenna 12,12' and the power supply battery 8;

[0046] - optionally, joining the axial ends of the tubular element 2 to further tubular elements 26,28,28' to make said bicycle frame 1;

[0047] - covering the antenna 12,12' and at least part of the outer surface 4 with one or more covering layers 14 to conceal the location of the localisation system 10 on the frame 1 or on the handlebar 50.

[0048] Optionally, the joining step may comprise at least one welding step.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the method may also comprise steps of providing a coil 22 for inductive charging of the power supply battery 8, to associate the coil 22 to the outer surface 4 and also cover the coil with the covering layer 14. ^* [0050] Preferably, the step of electrically connecting comprises sub-steps of making a through opening 16, 16' through the thickness of the tubular element 2, 2' making one or more electrical conductors 18, 18' pass through the opening connecting the antenna 12, 12' and the power supply battery 8, and occluding the through opening at least in part.

[0051] Alternatively, the step of electrically connecting comprises a sub-step of making one or more electrical conductors (18, 18') pass through a pre-existing opening of the tubular element 2 - such as a hole provided for the fastening of a bottle-cage support (20) - connecting the antenna and power supply battery 8.

[0052] Finally, this invention covers a bicycle comprising a frame 1 or a bicycle handlebar 50 as described above, or comprising a frame or handlebar made with the method according to any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0053] Innovatively, the invention described is able to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks complained of in relation to the known technique.

[0054] More precisely, the system described is virtually impossible to identify by ordinary technical means, since it is essentially completely integrated into the frame or handlebar and, for the outer portion to the latter, it is perfectly concealed from view. [0055] In addition to that, the antenna is located in a privileged surface position for the transmission and reception of the localisation signals.

[0056] Advantageously, the localisation system according to this invention is resistant in use to humidity, water and the weather.

[0057] Advantageously, the frame, the handlebar and the bicycle according to the invention are particularly simple, effective and reliable.

[0058] Advantageously, the frame, handlebar and bicycle according to the present invention allow recharging the battery without it having to be removed from the compartment that contains it, mainly by virtue of the system free of electrical connectors.

[0059] Advantageously, the manufacturing method described does not differ markedly from the traditional production processes, so that is suitable to be inserted into any existing production line.

[0060] Advantageously, the frame, handlebar and bicycle according to the invention allow, making unique the correspondence between the owner of the frame or handlebar (and thus of the bicycle) and the holder of the telephone card used in the system.

[0061] To the embodiments of the frame or handlebar, bicycle and aforementioned method, one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, may make modifications or substitutions of elements with others functionally equivalent.

[0062] Even these ^" embodiments are contained within the scope. of protection, as defined by the following claims.

[0063] Moreover, each of the embodiments described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be realised independently of the other embodiments described.

Claims

1. Frame (1) or handlebar (50) for a . bicycle comprising :

- at least one tubular element (2,

2') defining an outer surface (4) and an inner compartment (6);

- a localisation or GPS system (10) which comprises:

i) a power supply battery (8) housed in the inner compartment (6);

ii) at least one antenna (12, 12') for the transmission and/or reception of localisation signals, positioned on the outer surface (4) and electrically connected to the power supply battery (8);

- one or more covering layers (14), covering the antenna (12, 12') and at least part of the outer surface (4) to conceal the location of the localisation system (10) on the frame ( 1 ) .

2TFrame or handlebar according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the covering layer (14) on the antenna (12, 12' ) is smaller than the thickness of said layer on the outer surface (4) surrounding the antenna, to prevent the antenna from superficially revealing its presence.

3. Frame or handlebar according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element delimits a recessed seat, of a complementary shape to the antenna and in which the latter is completely, housed, and wherein the thickness of the covering layer on the antenna and on the outer surface surrounding the antenna is substantially identical .

4. Frame or handlebar according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tubular element (2, 2') identifies at least one through opening (16, 16' ) in its thickness, through which at least one electrical conductor (18, 18' ) extends connecting the power supply battery (8) and the antenna (12, 12' ) .

5. Frame according to the previous claim, wherein the through opening (16, 16') comprises a hole provided for the fastening of a bottle-cage support (20).

6. Frame or handlebar according to any of the previous claims, wherein the localisation system (10) comprises at least one coil (22) for inductive charging of the power supply battery (8), associated to the outer surface (4) and covered -by the covering layer (14) .

7. Frame or handlebar according to any of- the -previous claims, wherein the localisation system (10) comprises management and control means (24) housed in the inner compartment (6), a first GPS antenna (12) and a second GSM/GPRS antenna (12') functionally connected to said means .

8. Frame or handlebar according to any of the previous claims, wherein the tubular element (2, 2') is oriented at an angle in relation to a substantially vertical axis.

9. Frame or handlebar according to any of the previous claims, wherein the covering layer (14) comprises a paint, an enamel, a skin, a film, a membrane, a tape, a padding or combinations thereof.

10. Handlebar according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a curved tubular element (2' ) , for example, downward or forward, realising a pair of free ends (30, 30') that are substantially symmetrical with each other.

11. Handlebar according to the preceding claim when dependent on claim 7, wherein the power supply battery (8) and the management and control means (24) are placed in correspondence of a different free end (30, 30') of the tubular element (2' ) .

12. Method for making a bicycle frame or handlebar, for example a frame (1) or a handlebar (50) according to any of the previous claims, comprising the steps of:

- providing at least one tubular element (2, 2' ) defining an outer surface (4) and an inner compartment (6);

- providing a localisation system (10) comprising a power supply battery (8) and at least one antenna (12, 12') for the transmission and/or reception of localisation signals;

- housing the power supply battery (8) in the inner compartment (6); - placing the antenna (12, 12') on the outer surface (4);

- electrically connecting the antenna (12, 12' ) and the power supply battery (8);

- optionally, joining the axial ends of said tubular element (2) to further tubular elements (26, 28, 28') to make said bicycle frame (1);

- covering the antenna (12, 12') and at least part of the outer surface (4) with one or more covering layers (14) to conceal the location of the localisation system (10) on the frame (1) or on the handlebar (50) .

13. Method according to the previous claim, wherein the step of electrically connecting comprises sub-steps of making a through opening (16, 16') through the thickness of the tubular element (2, 2'), making one or more electrical conductors (18, 18') pass through the opening connecting the antenna (12, 12') and the power supply battery (8), and occluding the through opening at least in part.

14. Method according to claim 10, wherein the step of electrically connecting comprises a sub-step of making one or more electrical conductors (2, 18') pass through a pre-existing opening of the tubular element (2) - such as a hole provided for the fastening of a bottle-cage support - connecting the antenna and battery power (8) .

15. Bicycle, comprising a bicycle frame (1) or handlebar (50) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, or comprising a frame or a handlebar made using the method according to any of the previous claims.