FROM A TYRE OF A WHEEL OF A VEHICLE

This invention relates to apparatus for dispelling water and debris from a tyre of a wheel of a vehicle.

Vehicles, for example in the form of bicycles, tricycles and motor cycles, have mud guards for controlling water and debris that is spun off from a tyre of a wheel of the vehicle. If the bicycle is a sports bicycle, then mud guards are typically not used because they add weight to the bicycle. If the bicycle is of the type known as a mountain bike for all terrain activity, then typically mud guards are not used because they are perceived to detract from a trendy appearance of the mountain bike. Vehicles without mud guards tend to dispel water and debris from their tyres in a manner which is not beneficial to riders and also to following vehicles. For example, in the case of bicycles, tricycles, and motorcycles, the water and debris may be directed from the rear of the tyre onto the back of the rider or a pillion passenger.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for dispelling water and debris from a tyre of a wheel of a vehicle, which apparatus comprises: (i) a housing;

(ii) a spindle in the housing; a cleaning member mounted for rotation on the spindle;

(iv) mounting means for mounting the apparatus on the vehicle such that the cleaning member extends transversely across the tyre; and

(v) control means for moving the cleaning member between a first position in which the cleaning member engages the tyre and a second position in which the cleaning member does not engage the tyre, and the apparatus being such that:

(vi) the cleaning member has a concave portion for engaging the periphery of the tyre in the first position of the cleaning member such that the rotation of the wheel causes the cleaning member to rotate on the spindle;

(vii) the cleaning member has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the wheel, whereby rotation of the wheel causes the cleaning member to rotate substantially faster than the wheel; and (viii) in use, the shape of the concave portion and the speed of rotation of the cleaning member dispel the water and debris from the tyre and in directions to either side of the tyre.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it is able to be a small device which is easily positioned on the vehicle. Unsightly mud guards are not required. The apparatus is able to dispel the water and debris to either side of the tyre and thus the water and debris are able to be dispelled in controlled directions, and in directions which do not, for example, direct the water onto the back of the rider of the vehicle, or directly into the path of a following vehicle. The dispelled water leaves the tyre drier than it might otherwise be, and this may improve rider safety.

The apparatus may be one in which the concave portion is of the same shape as the rotational and lateral curve of the tyre. Other shapes for the concave portion may be employed.

The concave portion may be such that it is symmetrical and decreases in diameter from both ends of the cleaning member towards the centre of the concave portion. Other shapes for the concave portion may be employed, for example in dependence upon the outer profile of the tyre.

The apparatus may be one in which the cleaning member is a brush cleaning member. Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the cleaning member is made of wear-resistant, water-absorbent, compressible material. Alternatively, the cleaning member may be a helical cleaning member. Other types of constructions for the cleaning member may be employed. The cleaning member may be made of any suitable materials. Mixtures of materials may also be employed so that, for example, the cleaning member may be a mixture of bristles and a wear-resistant water-absorbent compressible material.

The housing may comprise a base, a first opening in the base for allowing the cleaning member to extend from the base and contact the tyre, a pair of sides, and a pair of second openings one in each of the sides, and wherein the second openings are for allowing the passage of the water and debris from inside the housing. Other constructions for the housing may be employed.

The housing may include at least one deflector for deflecting the water and debris to the second openings. There may be two of the deflectors, and in which each deflector has a form of radiating curve on each side of a central vertical line. Such a deflector may have the appearance of the prow of a speedboat.

The apparatus may be one in which the cleaning member contacts the tyre by gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include biasing means for biasing the cleaning member into contact with the tyre.

The biasing means may be a spring biasing means. Alternatively, the biasing means may be a tension biasing means in a part of the mounting means. The tension biasing means may be a tensioning strut forming part of the mounting means. Other types of biasing means may be employed.

The apparatus may be one in which the control means is a driver- operated control means. Alternatively, the control means may be an automatically-operated control means which is operable consequent upon at least one sensor sensing water and/or debris.

The mounting means may be configured for mounting the apparatus on the vehicle such that the apparatus is positioned at the upper rear of the tyre in the case of the tyre being a rear tyre, and such that the apparatus is positioned at the lower rear of the tyre in the case of the tyre being a front tyre.

The apparatus may include at least one external deflector which is positioned externally of the housing and which is for deflecting the water and debris away from a person on the vehicle.

The apparatus may include at least one aligning formation for maintaining in use the cleaning member in alignment with the tyre of the wheel. The aligning formation may be one or more of at least one curved member for making sliding contact with the tyre of the wheel, at least one freely rotating wheel, at least one freely rotating spindle, and at least orte combination of the spindle in the housing and the cleaning member mounted for rotation on the spindle. Other types of aligning formations may be employed for maintaining in use the cleaning member in alignment with the tyre of the wheel.

The apparatus of the present invention may include a visual-effect formation which is caused to operate consequent upon rotation of the spindle. The visual-effect formation may be an insect, a bat or a bird with flapping wings. The insect may be a butterfly. Other types of visual-effect formations may be employed.

The apparatus of the present invention may include a noise-effect formation which is caused to operate consequent upon rotation of the spindle. The noise-effect formation may be a serrated or toothed disc operating against a flat member in order to produce the sound. Other types of noise-effect formation may be employed.

The present invention also extends to a vehicle when provided with one or more units of the apparatus of the invention. The vehicle is preferably a bicycle. The vehicle may however be other types of vehicle including, for example, a tricycle, a motorcycle, a motor scooter, a car, a van or a quad- vehicle.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows part of a vehicle provided with apparatus for dispelling water and debris from a tyre of a wheel of the vehicle;

Figure 2 is a rear view of a spindle and cleaning member forming part of the apparatus of the invention;

Figure 3 is a view from below and shows the cleaning member of Figure 2 positioned in a housing, with the housing also forming part of the apparatus of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of the housing shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the housing shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a front view of the housing shown in Figure 3;

Figure 7 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in a first position on the rear wheel of a bicycle;

Figure 8 shows part of the mounting means shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 shows part of apparatus of the present invention but mounted on a front wheel of a bicycle;

Figure 10 is a side view of an alternative housing for use in the apparatus of the present invention, the housing being provided with a deflector:

Figure 11 is an end view of the housing shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a front view of apparatus of the present invention provided with a visual-effect formation;

Figure 13 is a side view of apparatus of the present invention provided with a noise-effect formation;

Figure 14 shows an external deflector that may form part of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows part of apparatus of the present invention with a first aligning formation for maintaining in use the cleaning member in alignment with the tyre of the wheel;

Figure 16 is a view like Figure 15 but shows a second alignment formation;

Figure 17 is a view like Figure 15 but shows a third alignment formation;

Figure 18 is an end view of part of apparatus of the present invention and illustrates the use of an alternative cleaning member to that shown in Figure 2 and also an alternative shape for the housing shown in Figure 3;

Figure 19 is a side view showing how apparatus of the present invention may optionally be fitted with a deflector;

Figure 20 is a top plan view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 19; and Figure 21 is a perspective view of the deflector part of the apparatus shown in Figures 9 and 20.

Referring to Figures 1 - 8, there is shown apparatus 2 for dispelling water and debris from a tyre 4 of a wheel 6 of a vehicle 8.

The apparatus 2 comprises a housing 10, and a spindle 12 in the housing 10. A cleaning member 14 is mounted for rotation on the spindle 12.

The apparatus 2 comprises mounting means 16 for mounting the apparatus 2 on the vehicle 8 such that the cleaning member 14 extends transversely across the tyre 4.

The apparatus 2 includes control means 18 for moving the cleaning member 14 between a first position 20 in which the cleaning member 14 engages the tyre 4, and a second position 22 in which the cleaning member 14 does not engage the tyre 4.

The apparatus 2 is such that the cleaning member 14 has a concave portion 24 for engaging the periphery 26 of the tyre 4 in the first position 20 such that rotation of the wheel 6 causes the cleaning member 14 to rotate on the spindle 12.

As can best be appreciated from Figures 1 and 7, the cleaning member 14 has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the wheel 6. Thus rotation of the wheel 6 causes the cleaning member 14 to rotate substantially faster than the wheel. In use, the shape of the concave portion 24 and the speed of rotation of the cleaning member 14 dispel the water and debris from the tyre 4 and in directions to either side of the tyre 4. The concave portion 24 is of the same shape as the rotational and lateral curve of the tyre 4. The concave portion 24 is symmetrical and decreases in diameter from both ends 28 of the cleaning member 14 towards the centre of the concave portion 24, see Figure 2.

The cleaning member is a brush cleaning member. Alternatively the cleaning member may be made of a wear-resistant compressible material.

The housing 10 comprises a base 30 as shown in Figure 3. The base 30 has a first opening 32 for allowing the cleaning member 14 to extend from the base 30 and contact the tyre 4. The housing 0 also has a pair of sides 34, 36 as can best be appreciated from Figures 4 - 6. A pair of second openings 38 are provided one in each of the sides 34, 36. The second openings 38 are for allowing the passage of the water and debris from inside the housing 10.

In a modification of the apparatus 2 shown in Figures 10 and 11 , the apparatus may include at least one deflector 40. The deflector 40 is such that it is in the form of a radiating curve 42 on each side of a central radiating line 44. Figure 11 shows that the deflector 40 is V-shaped of a vertically and horizontally concave form, tapering to exit apertures 45.

As can best be appreciated from Figures 1 and 7, the cleaning member 14 contacts the tyre 4 by gravity. As can also best be appreciated from Figures 1 and 7, the control means 18 is a driver-operated control means 18. As shown in Figure 1 , the control means 18 includes a wire 46 which extends through a cable 48. The cable 48 may terminate in a control lever mounted on handlebars (not shown) of the vehicle 8, when the vehicle 8 is in the form of the illustrated rear wheel of a bicycle. The operation of the control means 18 is effective to move the housing 10 between the first position 20 and the second position 22 as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 7 shows the apparatus 2 mounted on the wheel 6, with the wheel 6 being a rear wheel as shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 shows the apparatus 2 mounted on a front wheel 50 of the vehicle 8.

Figure 8 shows a connecting strut 52 forming part of the mounting means 16.

Figure 12 shows the apparatus 2 provided with a visual-effect formation 54. The visual-effect formation 54 is shown as having wings 56 which are able to move up and down due to actuation of an offset actuator 58. The visual- effect formation may be in the form of a bird, a bat or an insect. The visual- effect formation may be especially useful for childrens' vehicles such for example as childrens' tricycles.

Figure 13 shows the apparatus 2 including a noise-effect formation 60. The noise-effect formation 60 is in the form of a toothed disc 62 having teeth 64 operating against a flat member 66 which may be in the form of a sounding board or sounding blade, and which produces the required sound.

Figure 14 shows an external deflector in the form of a rotatable device 68. The device 68 has an end 70 with a channel 72. The channel 72 is able to be fitted into an appropriate aperture in the housing 10 so that the rotating device 68 is then able to be rotated relative to the housing 10. The device 68 contains a passageway 74 for receiving the water and debris, so that, on appropriate rotation of the device 68, the water and debris can be dispelled in whatever directions may be required. Figure 15 shows apparatus 76 which is like the apparatus 2 but which is additionally provided with an aligning formation in the form of a curved member 78 for maintaining in use the cleaning member 14 in alignment with the tyre 4 of the wheel 6. The curved member 78 makes sliding contact with the tyre 4 of the wheel 6.

Figure 16 shows apparatus 80 which is like the apparatus 76 but which has an aligning formation in the form of a wheel 82 instead of the curved member 78. In a modification of the apparatus 80, the wheel 82 could alternatively be a spindle.

Figure 17 shows apparatus 84 which is like the apparatus 76 but which has an aligning formation in the form of a combination of a spindle 86 and a cleaning member 88. The spindle 86 is like the spindle 12, and the cleaning member 88 is like the cleaning member 14. Figure 17 also illustrates how the housing 10 is provided with apertures 90. The apertures 90 are for facilitating the swift and easy removable of water/debris from within the housing 10.

Figure 18 is an end view showing in cross section apparatus 92 having a straight sided housing 94 instead of the curved housing 10. The housing 94 is shown provided with exit apertures 96 for allowing water and debris easily to be removed from the inside of the housing 94. Also shown in Figure 10 is a cleaning member 98. The cleaning member 98 is a helical cleaning member 98 as shown. The helical cleaning member 98 rotates on a spindle 100. The apparatus 92 may be especially useful for motorised vehicles where operational stresses may be greater than in pedal-powered vehicles. The motorised vehicles may be, for example, cars, vans, coaches, buses, trucks and lorries.

The apparatus 2 is such that the cleaning member 14 has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the wheel 6, whereby rotation of the wheel 6 causes the cleaning member 14 to rotate faster than the wheel 6, whereby in use, the shape of the concave portion 24 and the speed of rotation of the cleaning member 14 dispel the water and debris from the tyre 4 and in directions to either side of the tyre 4. Advantageously, the apparatus 2 in its various described forms is able to be a small device which is substantially smaller than the size of the wheel to which is it fitted. The apparatus 2 is much smaller and much less noticeable than mud guards. This enables the apparatus 2 to have a wider appeal to vehicle users, and especially for vehicles in the form of bicycles. In addition, the apparatus 2 is advantageous in that it does not clog up with mud as is often the case with mud guards. Also, the apparatus 2 is able to leave the tyre 4 in a relatively dry state, and thereby reduce any tendency of the vehicle 8 to slip in wet conditions.

Referring to Figures 19, 20 and 21 , there is shown apparatus 102 for dispelling water and debris from a tyre of a vehicle. The apparatus 102 comprises a housing 104, and a spindle 106 in the housing 104. A cleaning member 108 is mounted for rotation on the spindle 106. The apparatus 2 has a deflector 108 for deflecting the water and debris from the tyre of the vehicle. The deflector 108 has a central vertical leading edge 110, a bottom edge 112 and a top edge 1 4. The deflector 108 has two smooth convex curves 1 16, 118. In Figure 20, the convex curves 116, 118 are shown by horizontal curve lines 120 and vertical curve lines 122. As can best be appreciated from Figure 21 , the deflector 108 also has a vertical curved leading edge 124. The deflector 108 is configured such that it deflects the water and debris to one, two or more outlet apertures 126. The configuration of the deflector 108 gives a smooth transition of flow of water and debris, as opposed to a simple V-shape which may initiate some splashing of water and angular deflection of debris, and thus be less efficient in the transmission of water and debris to the outlet aperture or apertures 126. Preferably, the deflector is shaped to seal to the inner curve of the housing 104, for example the illustrated ovoid housing 104, which tapers towards the rear of the apparatus 102.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the cleaning member 14 may be made of a mixture of materials. The housing 10 may be of a shape other than that shown. Various types of deflectors may be employed for deflecting the water and debris. As an alternative to the cleaning member 14 engaging the tyre 4 by gravity, the apparatus 2 may include biasing means for biasing the cleaning member 14 into contact with the tyre 4. The biasing means may be a spring biasing means or alternatively the biasing means may be a tension biasing means in a part of the mounting means, for example in the strut 52. The control means may be an automatically- operated control means instead of the driver-operated control means 18. The automatically-operated control means may employ sensors and solenoid actuators as may be required. In use, a unit of the apparatus 2 may be provided on each wheel of the vehicle.

The apparatus may include a rear light. The rear light may be fitted, for example, to the housing. The rear light may be battery-powered and/or solar powered via one or more solar panels and/or powered via the spindle. The spindle may also be used as part of a dynamo to recharge devices. The apparatus may include a rearward facing camera for providing images of any rear collision involving vehicles and/or people, for example for use as evidence in legal proceedings. The apparatus may include transmitter means for transmitting the camera images to a suitably mounted smart phone or other device, in order to act in the manner of a rear view mirror for a rider of a vehicle provided with the apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus may comprise a rearward-activated and/or side-activated proximity detector providing audio and/or visual means for alerting a rider of the vehicle to traffic which is close or is likely to cause a collision. The apparatus may include a brake light. The brake light may be operated by the mechanical action of a brake lever, or a brake calliper action, or it may be operated by gyroscopic or other means.

Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.