BACKGROUND

[0001] In urban centers, vehicles such as cars may contribute to and suffer from congestion and gridlock. Waiting in traffic may cost occupants time and fuel. Furthermore, parking may not be available near an occupant' s final destination. The occupant must travel the remaining distance from a parking location for the vehicle to the final destination, which is sometimes referred to as the last-mile problem.

[0002] Personal mobility devices, such as bicycles, are often transported in or on vehicles for use at various destinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multimodal transportation system including a vehicle and a bicycle.

[0004] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle with a frame of the bicycle received and retained by clamps and a portion of a steering assembly of the bicycle received and retained by a steering assembly clamp on a roof of the vehicle.

[0005] Figure 3 is a top view of the vehicle with the frame of the bicycle received and retained by the clamps and the portion of the steering assembly of the bicycle received and retained by the steering assembly clamp on the roof of the vehicle.

[0006] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an example of a clamp with a moveable element of a locking mechanism in an unlocked position.

[0007] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the example of the clamp from Figure 4A with the moveable element of the locking mechanism in a locked position.

[0008] Figure 5 A is a perspective view of an example of a steering assembly clamp with a moveable element of a locking mechanism in an unlocked position.

[0009] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the example of the steering assembly clamp from

Figure 5A with the moveable element of the locking mechanism in a locked position.

[0010] Figure 6A is a magnified perspective view of the vehicle with the portion of the steering assembly of the bicycle received and retained by the steering assembly clamp.

[0011] Figure 6B is a magnified perspective view of the vehicle with the frame of the bicycle received and retained by the clamp. [0012] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly clamp, the locking mechanism and the portion of the steering assembly taken along line 7 of Figure 6A, with the moveable element in an unlocked position.

[0013] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly clamp, the locking mechanism and the portion of the steering assembly taken along line 7 of Figure 6A, with the moveable element in a locked position.

[0014] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the clamp, the locking mechanism and the frame taken along line 8 of Figure 6B, with the moveable element in an unlocked position.

[0015] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the clamp, the locking mechanism and the frame taken along line 8 of Figure 6B, with the moveable element in a locked position.

[0016] Figure 9 is a schematic of a control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a multimodal transportation system 10 includes a vehicle 12 and a personal mobility device, such as a bicycle 18 as shown in Figure 1.

[0018] The vehicle 12 includes a roof 14. Clamps 92 including a base 94 and a notch 96 are mounted to the roof 14. For example, the roof 14 can include holes 16 that can be aligned with one or more openings 98 in the base 94 of a clamp 92, as shown in Figures 8A-B. Fasteners 100, e.g., threaded bolts, can extend through the one or more openings 98 in the base 94 of the clamp 92 and into the aligned holes 16 in the roof 14 to mount the clamps 92 to the roof 14. The clamps 92 can be mounted to the roof 14 in other suitable ways, e.g., adhesives, welding, etc., as well as combinations thereof.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1-3, the clamps 92 are spaced from each other when mounted to the roof 14. For example, the bicycle 18 includes a frame 20. The frame 20 defines an outer perimeter, i.e., the outer boundary of the frame 20 in a plane parallel to a forward direction of travel of the bicycle 18. The outer perimeter has a shape, e.g., a parallelogram. The clamps 92 can be spaced from each other in the shape of the outer perimeter of the frame 20 of the bicycle 18 when mounted to the roof 14, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4A-B and 8A-B, the notches 96 of the clamps 92 can have a cross- sectional dimension Dl. The frame 20 of the bicycle 18 can have a cross-sectional dimension Dl that is the same as the cross-sectional dimension D of the notches 96. In this way, the bicycle 18 can be received and retained by the clamps 92. This can allow the bicycle 18 to be stored and/or transported on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12, conserving interior space of the vehicle 12.

[0021] The vehicle 12 illustrated in Figures 1-3 is a sedan. It should be appreciated, however, that the vehicle 12 may include any passenger or commercial automobile including a car, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1 and discussed above, the bicycle 18 includes the frame 20. The frame 20 may be configured to structurally support other components of the bicycle 18, including a steering assembly 38, a drive mechanism 60, a seat assembly 82, a steer wheel 56, and a rear wheel 78.

[0023] The frame 20 can be formed from multiple pieces. For example, as illustrated in Figures 1-3, the frame 20 of the bicycle 18 can be formed from tubes, including a head tube 22, a top tube 24, a bottom tube 26, a seat tube 28, a bottom bracket shell (not shown), a seat stay 30 and a chain stay 32. Alternatively, the frame 20 of the bicycle 18 can be formed from a single piece, e.g., a monocoque frame.

[0024] As further discussed below, the head tube 22 can support the steering assembly 38. The head tube 22 can be connected to the seat tube 28 by the top tube 24. For example, the top tube 24 can be connected to the head tube 22 at one end, and to the seat tube 28 at another end. The bottom tube 26 can also be connected to the head tube 22 at one end, and to the bottom bracket shell at another end. As shown in Figure 1, the top tube 24 can be located above the bottom tube 26 relative to a vertical direction when the bicycle 18 is upright.

[0025] The seat stay 30 can connect to the seat tube 28 at one end, and the chain stay 32 at another end. The chain stay 32 connects to the bottom bracket shell at one end, and the seat stay 30 at another end. The seat stay 30 connects to the seat tube 28 at a location above the chain stay 32 relative to the vertical direction when the bicycle 18 is upright. A hub 80 of the rear wheel 78 can be rotatably connected to a juncture 34 of the seat stay 30 and chain stay 32. The hub 80 of the rear wheel 78 can include a quick-release assembly (not shown) at the juncture 34.

[0026] The frame 20 can include locators 36 where the frame 20 is received and retained by the clamps 92 on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12. For example, the frame 20 can include markings, e.g., paint, a sticker, etc., on those portions of the frame 20 that are received and retained. Additionally or alternatively, the locators 36 can include apertures 116 in the frame 20, as further discussed below. [0027] The frame 20 can be formed from various materials such as steel, aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, magnesium, scandium, beryllium, and/or any combination of these and other materials having sufficient strength to support a user and other components of the bicycle 18. The tubes of the frame 20 can be connected to each other in any suitable way, e.g., fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1-3, the steering assembly 38 can include an inner tube 40, handlebars 48, a fork member 52, and the steer wheel 56. The inner tube 40 may be journaled within the head tube 22 in a manner to allow the inner tube 40 to rotate relative to the head tube 22 of the frame 20. A headset 46 can provide a rotatable interface between the inner tube 40 and the head tube 22.

[0029] The inner tube 40 can have, e.g., a generally cylindrical configuration with a generally circular cross-section, as shown in Figures 7A-B. The inner tube 40 can be formed from various materials such as steel, aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, magnesium, scandium, beryllium, and/or any combination of these and other materials.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1-3, the handlebars 48 can be connected to a top portion 42 of the inner tube 40. For example, the handlebars 48 can include a sleeve 50. The sleeve 50 of the handlebars 48 may define a slot (not shown) into which the top portion 42 of the inner tube 40 can be inserted. The top portion 42 of the inner tube 40 can be secured to the sleeve 50 in any suitable way, e.g., fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc.

[0031] The handlebars 48 can include any steering mechanism to provide the user with leverage to steer the bicycle 18. In some instances, the handlebars 48 may also allow the user to adjust a gear ratio of the drive mechanism 60, or to apply brakes (not shown). Additionally, the handlebars 48 may support at least a portion of the user's weight. The handlebars 48 can be formed from a relatively lightweight, stiff material such as an aluminum alloy, steel, carbon fiber, or titanium.

[0032] The fork member 52 can be secured to a bottom portion 44 of the inner tube 40, as shown in Figures 1-3. For example, the fork member 52 can include a sleeve 54. The sleeve 54 of the fork member 52 may define a slot (not shown) into which the bottom portion 44 of the inner tube 40 can be inserted. The bottom portion 44 of the inner tube 40 can be secured to the sleeve 54 of the fork member 52 in any suitable way, e.g., fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. The fork member 52 may be formed from various materials such as steel, aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, magnesium, scandium, beryllium, and/or any combination of these and other materials.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the steer wheel 56 can be rotatably coupled to the fork member 52. For example, a hub 58 of the steer wheel 56 can be rotatably coupled to the fork member 52 via a quick-release assembly (not shown). In this way, rotation of the handlebars 48 rotates the inner tube 40, which rotates the fork member 52, which turns the steer wheel 56.

[0034] The drive mechanism 60 can be configured to apply a rotational force to the wheels of the bicycle 18. For example, the drive mechanism 60 may apply the rotational force to the steer wheel 56, the rear wheel 78, or both. In one approach, the drive mechanism 60 can include pedal assemblies 62, a front sprocket 72, a chain 74, a rear sprocket 76, and the rear wheel 78, as shown in Figure 1.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1-3, a pedal assembly 62 can include a pedal 64 and a crank arm 68. Each pedal 64 can be rotatably connected to a crank arm 68, e.g., via a spindle 66. Each pedal 64 can be configured to receive one of the user's feet. The pedals 64 may rotate about an axis A according to forces applied to the pedals 64 by the user. The pedals 64 may be foldable relative to the crank arms 68.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figures 1-3, each crank arm 68 can include a hinge mechanism 70 that permits the pedals 64 to fold from an undeployed position, where the pedals 64 extend away from the crank arms 68 at approximately a 180 degree angle relative to the crank arms 68 (Figures 2-3), to a deployed position, where the pedals 64 extend away from the crank arms 68 at approximately a 90 degree angle relative to the crank arms 68 (Figure 1). When the pedals 64 are in the undeployed position as shown in Figures 2-3, the bicycle 18 can be received and retained by the clamps 92 mounted to the roof 14 of the vehicle 12 with less interference from the pedals 64.

[0037] The pedal assemblies 62 can be operably connected to the front sprocket 72. The chain 74 can connect the front sprocket 72 to the rear sprocket 76, and the rear sprocket 76 can be configured to rotate the rear wheel 78. For example, the rear sprocket 76 can be mounted to the hub 80 of the rear wheel 78. In this way, when the pedals 64 are rotated about the axis A, the rotation of the pedals 64 can cause the front sprocket 72 to rotate, the rotation of the front sprocket 72 can cause the chain 74 to rotate, the rotation of the chain 74 can cause the rear sprocket 76 to rotate, and the rotation of the rear sprocket 76 can cause the rear wheel 78 to rotate. Accordingly, the drive mechanism 60 may deliver the rotational force to the rear wheel 78 of the bicycle 18 commensurate with the rotation of the pedals 64 about the axis A.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the drive mechanism 60 can include, e.g., a motor (not shown) and a power source (not shown), e.g., a battery. The motor and the power source can be mounted to the bicycle 18, e.g., the frame 20. The motor can be electrically connected to the power source, and drivably connected to the steer wheel 56, the rear wheel 78, or both. For example, the motor can include a gear wheel (not shown) that rotates when the motor is on. A chain (not shown) can connect the gear wheel to a sprocket (not shown) mounted to the hub 80 of the rear wheel 78. In this way, when the motor rotates the gear wheel, the rotation of the gear wheel can cause the chain to rotate, the rotation of the chain can cause the sprocket to rotate, and the rotation of the sprocket can cause the rear wheel 78 to rotate.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1-3, the seat assembly 82 includes a seat 84, a seat post 86, and a seat post clamp 90. The seat 84 may be configured to at least partially support the user while riding the bicycle 18. The seat 84 can include a shell surrounded by a padding material. The shell can be formed from a plastic, such as nylon, or carbon fiber, or other suitable materials, e.g., leather. The padding material can be formed from, e.g., a form or gel. The seat 84 can be removably attached to a top end 88 of the seat post 86.

[0040] The seat post 86 can have, e.g., a generally cylindrical configuration with a generally circular cross-section. The seat tube 28 can include an opening into which a lower portion (not shown) of the seat post 86 is slidably received. The seat post 86 can be formed from various materials such as steel, aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, magnesium, scandium, beryllium, and/or any combination of these and other materials.

[0041] The seat post clamp 90 can engage the seat tube 28 and the seat post 86 to retain the seat 84 at a desired height. The seat post clamp 90 can include a quick-release mechanism (not shown) to allow the user to readily adjust the seat 84 to the desired height.

[0042] As discussed above, the clamps 92 are mounted to the roof 14 of the vehicle 12. When mounted to the roof 14, the clamps 92 are spaced from each other. As shown in Figures 4A-B, 6B, and 8A-B, the clamps 92 include the base 94 and the notch 96. The notch 96 of the clamps 92 can receive and retain the frame 20 of the bicycle 18 such that the bicycle 18 can to be stored and/or transported on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12. [0043] The base 94 of the clamps 92 can include one or more openings 98. The one or more openings 98 can be aligned with holes 16 in the roof 14, as shown in Figures 8A-B. Fasteners 100, e.g., threaded bolts, can extend through the one or more openings 98 in the base 94 of the clamp 92 and into the aligned holes 16 in the roof 14 to mount the clamps 92 to the roof 14. The clamps 92 can also be mounted to the roof 14 in other suitable ways, e.g., adhesives, welding, etc., as well as combinations thereof.

[0044] As discussed above, the clamps 92 also include notches 96. The notches 96 can be elastic relative to the frame 20 of the bicycle 18. Specifically, since the notches 96 are elastic relative to the frame 20, the notch 96 may be displaced relative to the base 94 to allow the frame 20 of the bicycle 18 to be engaged with the clamp 92, i.e., snapped into the clamp 92.

[0045] The notches 96 of the clamps 92 can have the cross-sectional dimension Dl that is the same as the cross-sectional dimension Dl of the frame 20, as shown in Figures 8A-B. The notches 96 can have a c-shape, or any other shape suitable for receiving and retaining the frame 20, and storing and/or transporting the bicycle 18 on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4A-B and 8A-B, one or more of the clamps 92 can include a locking mechanism 110. The locking mechanism 110 can be moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking mechanism 110 can engage the frame 20 of the bicycle 18. In the unlocked position, the locking mechanism 110 can disengage the frame 20.

[0047] In one approach, the locking mechanism 110 can include a support 112 and a moveable element 114 in the base 94 of the clamps 92. The moveable element 114 can retractably engage the frame 20. For example, the apertures 116 in the frame 20 can receive the moveable elements 114 of the locking mechanisms 110. In the locked position, the moveable elements 114 can extend into the apertures 116 in the frame 20. In the unlocked position, the moveable elements 114 can retract into the clamps 92.

[0048] Referring to Figures 2-3, when the frame 20 is received and retained by the clamps 92, other components of the bicycle 18 can be removed from the bicycle 18 and stored in the interior space of the vehicle 12, such as a trunk (not shown). For example, the steer wheel 56, the rear wheel 78, and the seat of the bicycle 18 can be removed and stored in the trunk when the bicycle 18 is stored and/or transported on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12. [0049] As shown in Figures 1-3, 6A, and 7A-B, a steering assembly clamp 102 can also be mounted to the roof 14 of the vehicle 12. The steering assembly clamp 102 can have a base 104 and a notch 106. The roof 14 can include holes 16 that can be aligned with one or more openings 108 in the base 104 of the steering assembly clamp 102, as shown in Figures 7A-B. Fasteners 100, e.g., threaded bolts, can extend through the one or more openings 108 in the base 104 of the steering assembly clamp 102 and into the aligned holes 16 in the roof 14 to mount the steering assembly clamp 102 to the roof 14.

[0050] The steering assembly clamp 102 can be mounted to the roof 14 in other suitable ways, e.g., adhesives, welding, etc., and combinations thereof. When mounted to the roof 14 of the vehicle 12, the steering assembly clamp 102 can be spaced from the other clamps 92.

[0051] Referring to Figures 2-3, 6A, and 7A-B, the notch 106 of the steering assembly clamp 102 can receive and retain a portion of the steering assembly 38 of the bicycle 18, e.g., the inner tube 40. The notch 106 can have a c-shape, or any other shape suitable for receiving and retaining the portion of the steering assembly 38. The steering assembly 38 can include a locator 36 where the steering assembly 38 is received and retained by the steering assembly clamp 102.

[0052] For example, the steering assembly 38 can include a marking, e.g., paint, a sticker, etc., on a portion of the steering assembly 38 that is received and retained. Additionally or alternatively, the steering assembly 38 can include an aperture 116 as the locator 36, as further discussed below.

[0053] The notch 106 of the steering assembly clamp 102 can be elastic relative to the portion of the steering assembly 38 retained and received by the steering assembly clamp 102. Specifically, since the notch 106 is elastic relative to the frame 20, the notch 106 may be displaced relative to the base 104 to allow the steering assembly 38 of the bicycle 18 to be engaged with the steering assembly clamp 102, i.e., snapped into the steering assembly clamp 102. As shown in Figures 4A-B and 7A-B, the notch 106 of the steering assembly clamp 102 can have a cross- sectional dimension D2. The portion of the steering assembly 38 received and retained by the notch 106 can have a cross-sectional dimension D2 that is the same as the cross-sectional dimension D2 of the notch 106.

[0054] The steering assembly clamp 102 can also include a locking mechanism 110. The locking mechanism 110 can be moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking mechanism 110 can engage a portion of the steering assembly 38 of the bicycle 18. In the unlocked position, the locking mechanism 110 can disengage the portion of the steering assembly 38 of the bicycle 18.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5A-B and 7A-B, the locking mechanism 110 can include a support 112 and a moveable element 114 in the base 104 of the steering assembly clamp 102. The moveable element 114 can retractably engage the portion of the steering assembly 38 of the bicycle 18. For example, the steering assembly 38 can define an aperture 116 for receiving the moveable element 114 of the locking mechanism 110. In the locked position, the moveable element 114 extends into the aperture 116 in the steering assembly 38. In the unlocked position, the moveable element 114 can retract into the steering assembly clamp 102.

[0056] When the frame 20 of the bicycle 18 is received and retained by the clamps 92 and/or the steering assembly clamp 102 on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12, the frame 20 can be utilized as a roof rack. For example, cargo and other items (not shown) can be attached to the frame 20. In this way, the cargo and other items can be transported on the roof 14 of the vehicle 12, conserving interior space of the vehicle 12.

[0057] With reference to Figure 9, the vehicle 12 may include a control system 200 that can allow a user device 124 to operate the locking mechanisms 110. The control system 200 of the vehicle 12 can include a communication interface 118, a controller 120, one or more locking mechanisms 110, and a vehicle communication network 122.

[0058] The communication interface 118 includes an antenna, circuits, chips, or other electronic components that can communicate with various electronic devices through a wired or a wireless communication link. For example, the communication interface 118 may be programmed to facilitate wired and/or wireless communications between the controller 120 and a user device 124, as further discussed below. In this way, signals received from the user device 124 by the communication interface 118 may be forwarded to the controller 120.

[0059] For example, the communication interface 118 can be programmed to facilitate wired communication between the user device 124 and the controller 120 via any suitable wired protocol, e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Mobile High Definition Link (MHL), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), etc.

[0060] The communication interface 118 can be further programmed to communicate in accordance with any number of wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, WiFi, or any cellular or satellite-based communication protocols. [0061] In addition, the communication interface 118 may be programmed to communicate over the vehicle communication network 122 via a controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), or other wired communication protocols.

[0062] The controller 120 may be a microprocessor-based controller implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic components. For example, the controller 120 can include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of the controller 120 may include memory for storing instructions executable by the processor as well as for electronically storing data and/or databases.

[0063] The controller 120 can be programmed to move the moveable elements 114 of the locking mechanisms 110 to the locked position, i.e., where the moveable elements 114 extend from the supports 112 in the clamps 92 and/or the steering assembly clamp 102 into the apertures 116 in the frame 20 and/or the steering assembly 38 of the bicycle 18. The controller 118 can be further programmed to move the moveable elements 114 of the locking mechanisms 110 to the unlocked position, i.e., where the moveable elements 114 retract into the supports 112 in the clamps 92 and/or the steering assembly clamp 102, disengaged from the frame 20 and/or the steering assembly 38 of the bicycle 18.

[0064] The locking mechanisms 110 of the clamps 92 and the steering assembly clamp 102 can be of any suitable type, e.g., a solenoid. The locking mechanisms 110 can be electrically connected to a power source, e.g., batteries (not shown) housed in the clamps 92 and the steering assembly clamp 102. Alternatively, the clamps 92 and the steering assembly clamp 102 can be electrically connected to a power source of the vehicle 12, e.g., a battery.

[0065] The vehicle communication network 122 includes hardware, such as a communication bus, for facilitating communication among vehicle components. The vehicle communication network 122 may facilitate wired or wireless communication among the vehicle components in accordance with a number of communication protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, WiFi, LIN, and/or other wired or wireless mechanisms.

[0066] The user device 124 may be any variety of mobile device configured for wired and/or wireless communication. For example, user devices 124 can include a personal computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a tablet, etc.), a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a portable media player, a key fob, as well as wearable devices such as smart watches, and/or any other suitable device.

[0067] The user device 124 can communicate with other electronic devices, including, e.g., the controller 120 of the vehicle 12 via the communication interface 118, as discussed above. For example, the user device 124 may wirelessly communicate with the communication interface 118 via Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, WiFi, or any cellular or satellite-based communication protocol.

[0068] In addition, the user device 124 may communicate with, e.g., the controller 120 of the vehicle 12 via the communication interface 118 via any suitable wired protocol, e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Mobile High Definition Link (MHL), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), etc.

[0069] In this way, the user device 124 can transmit a signal to the controller 120 via the communication interface 118 to move the moveable elements 114 of the locking mechanisms 110 into the locked position and/or the unlocked position.

[0070] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.