Abstract:
A canopy structure comprising a framework which includes a pair of spacedly disposed, curved tubes, a connecting member disposed between the respective forward ends of the two tubes, and a cross-member connectedly disposed between the two tubes at the highest point thereof. A forward horizontal beam is mounted on the cross-member and a rear horizontal beam is mounted at a position between the two tubes and to the rear of the forward horizontal beam. An adhesive strip is disposed upon each tube by enveloping means, and forward and rear glass panels are fixedly arranged on the canopy structure by means of said adhesive strips and by the forward and rear horizontal beams respectively. Also disclosed are a canopy assembly structure using a fixed column to fixedly connect one component having a metallic spacer with spacing holes to another component having mounting holes, and a cradle-type vehicle frame having a backrest framework.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a cradle-type vehicle frame and a canopy structure of an electrical bicycle, and more particularly to an assembling structure thereof. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In order that electrical bicycles can also be used by consumers under adverse weather, electrical bicycles experience new development. For example, the electrical bicycle further adds a canopy structure on top of the vehicle frame for avoiding wind and rain so as to bring greater convenience to the consumers. 
         [0003]    The canopy structure may include a bracket and a glass or a awning fabric mounted on the bracket etc. However, the conventional canopy structure is not compact and may include a metal round tube framework, a plastic horizontal beam and a plastic inner plate. The plastic horizontal beam and the plastic inner plate are usually attached to the round tube framework through glue. As a result, the operating process is complex. Besides, the fixation performance is not reliable so that the overall strength of the structure is not enough to meet the demand. Furthermore, the function of the canopy structure is single and cannot meet growing consumer demands. 
         [0004]    The conventional electrical bicycle includes a main vehicle frame, a front assembly located at the front of the main vehicle frame and a rear wheel assembly located at the rear of the main vehicle frame. The main vehicle frame usually includes a plurality of metal tubes soldered or fastened together for connecting the front assembly and the rear wheel assembly. The main vehicle frame also undertakes the weight of the vehicle body and the human body. Since the weight capacity and the pressure capacity of the metal tubes is limited, the vehicle frame consisting of such metal tubes is easily broken, which may affect the service life thereof. Besides, the conventional seat of the electrical bicycle usually lacks of a backrest and may bring uncomfortable driving feelings of the driver. 
         [0005]    Hence, a new canopy structure and a cradle-type vehicle frame are desired to solve the above problem. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An object of the present application is to provide a canopy structure with reliable fixation and compact structure, and a cradle-type vehicle frame with comfortable riding feelings. 
         [0007]    In order to solve the above technical problems, it is provided according to the present application a canopy structure including a framework and a beam fixed to the framework. The beam includes a metal piece defining a restricting hole. The framework includes a fixing hole. The canopy structure further includes a fixation post extending through the restricting hole and the fixing hole so as to fasten the beam to the framework. 
         [0008]    Preferably, the fixation post is a bolt. 
         [0009]    Preferably, the canopy structure includes a riveting nut installed in the fixing hole. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the beam includes a rear ceiling beam. The framework includes two round tubes spaced apart from each other. The rear ceiling beam bridges the two round tubes. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the canopy structure further includes an inner plate surrounding a bottom side of the round tubes and a rear peripheral cover surrounding a top side of the round tubes. Each of the inner plate and the rear peripheral cover includes an inbuilt positioning piece which defines a positioning hole. The riveting nut inwardly contacts the positioning piece of the inner plate. The positioning piece of the inner plate further inwardly contacts the metal piece of the rear ceiling beam. The metal piece of the rear ceiling beam further inwardly contacts the positioning piece of the rear peripheral cover. The bolt extends in turn through the positioning hole of the rear peripheral cover, the restricting hole of the rear ceiling beam, the positioning hole of the inner plate and the riveting nut so as to fasten the framework, the inner plate, the rear ceiling beam and the rear peripheral cover. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the beam includes a front ceiling beam defining the restricting hole. The framework includes a front cross-bar. The inner plate includes an inbuilt positioning piece which defines a positioning hole. The front ceiling beam and the inner plate are surrounding a bottom side of the front cross-bar. The bolt extends in turn through the restricting hole of the front ceiling beam, the positioning hole of the inner plate and the riveting nut so as to fasten the front ceiling beam, the inner plate and the front cross-bar together. 
         [0013]    Comparing with the prior arts, via the metal piece fixed on the beam according to the present application, it is very convenient for securely fixing the beam to the framework so as to realize overall strong structure of the vehicle body. 
         [0014]    In order to solve the above technical problems, it is provided according to the present application a canopy structure including a framework. The framework includes a pair of round tubes spaced apart from each other and located on top of the framework, a connecting member disposed between front ends of the round tubes, and a cross-bar connected between top portions of the round tubes. A front ceiling beam is mounted on the cross-bar and a rear ceiling beam is mounted at the rear of the front ceiling beam. Adhesive strips are disposed upon the round tubes from the rear ceiling beam to front of the round tubes. The adhesive strips and the rear ceiling beam together hold a rear glass in position. The adhesive strips and the front ceiling beam together hold a front glass in position. A front end of the front glass is disposed on top of the connecting member. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the framework further includes a pair of handrails respectively connecting the round tubes and positioned outside of the round tubes. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the framework further includes a pair of rectangular tubes connected to rear ends of the round tubes. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the canopy structure includes an inner plate fixed to the round tubes and disposed between the handrails and the front ceiling beam. The canopy structure further includes a safeguarding portion positioned below the inner plate, the front ceiling beam and the rear ceiling beam. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the canopy structure further includes a rear peripheral cover engaging against the inner plate. The rear peripheral cover extends downwardly and covers a rear section of the framework. The rear peripheral cover is fixed to the rear ceiling beam and the round tubes. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the canopy structure further includes a first support member mounted at a front of the front glass for installing a windscreen wiper motor. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the canopy structure further includes a second support member soldered to the round tubes. The first support member is mounted to the second support member. 
         [0021]    Preferably, the second support member includes a pair of V-shaped pieces on opposite ends thereof. The V-shaped pieces lap on and are fixed to the round tubes. 
         [0022]    Preferably, the canopy structure further includes a third support member fixed to the rear glass and the cross-bar. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the cross-bar includes a pair of fixing portions each defining a mounting hole, and the third support member includes a pair of fixing posts installed in the mounting holes. The rear glass includes a pair of positioning holes and the third support member includes a pair of restricting holes in alignment with the positioning holes, respectively. 
         [0024]    Comparing with the prior arts, via the framework mounted with a plurality of components, the canopy structure according to the present application can be provided with overall strong structure, and thereby the canopy structure can be more reliable and more durable. 
         [0025]    In order to solve the above technical problems, it is provided according to the present application a cradle-type vehicle frame which includes a support beam, a seat bracket connected to the support beam and a pair of side brackets symmetrically located at opposite sides of the support beam. Each side bracket includes a horizontal lever and a vertical lever essentially perpendicular to the horizontal lever. The horizontal lever is disposed below the support beam and connected to a rear side of the support beam. The vertical lever is perpendicular to the support beam and connected to a front side of the support beam. The seat bracket is fixed to a top rear side of the support beam and includes a bottom bracket and a backrest bracket perpendicular to the bottom bracket. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the support beam includes a first support beam and a second support beam located at the same level. Each of the first support beam and the second support beam includes a flat portion, a first bent portion bent from a first end of the flat portion and a second bent portion bent from a second end of the flat portion. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the support beam defines a top recess and a cross section of the support beam is notch-shaped. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the first bent portion and the second bent portion together with the flat portion of the first support beam form a recess, the first bent portion and the second bent portion together with the flat portion of the second support beam form another recess, and the recess and the another recess open to an exterior along opposite directions. 
         [0029]    Preferably, the first bent portions of the first support beam and the second support beam are connected by a connecting beam. 
         [0030]    Preferably, the connecting beam is of an arced configuration. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the vertical lever is connected to the support beam through a fixing member. 
         [0032]    Preferably, the fixing member is triangle and includes a receiving hole for receiving the vertical lever and an extending portion connected to the support beam. 
         [0033]    Preferably, a front end of the seat bracket is fixed to a middle portion of the support beam via a pair of first support arms, and a rear end of the seat bracket is fixed to the rear side of the support beam via a pair of second support arms. 
         [0034]    Preferably, the second support arms are securely connected to the horizontal levers. 
         [0035]    Preferably, the cradle-type vehicle frame includes a foot pedal fixed to the horizontal lever. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the foot pedal includes a longitudinal pedal and a plurality of support ribs under the pedal. 
         [0037]    Preferably, the foot pedal includes a vertical bent section bent downwardly from a side adjacent to the horizontal lever. A receiving cavity is formed between the bent section and the support ribs for mating with the horizontal lever. 
         [0038]    The cradle-type vehicle frame according to the present design makes the driver feel comfortable during driving. Besides, the unique design of the support beam can make the vehicle body much stronger. Furthermore, the fixing member is capable of preventing the vehicle body from being damaged during collision. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a canopy structure in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the canopy structure in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is another exploded view of the canopy structure in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the canopy structure in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a partly perspective view of the canopy structure in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is another exploded view of the canopy structure in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a first support member as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second support member as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a third support member as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a vehicle frame, a front assembly and a rear wheel assembly assembled together; 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a cradle-type vehicle frame in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fixing member in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0051]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a foot pedal in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0052]    In order to better understand the object, the technical solution and the advantages of the present application, the detailed description of the invention referring to the drawings will be described hereinafter. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the present application discloses a canopy structure which is applied to electrical bicycles. The canopy structure includes a framework  1  and a beam  2  fixed to the framework  1 . The beam  2  includes a metal piece  20  defining a restricting hole  22 . The framework  1  includes a fixing hole (not labeled). The canopy structure further includes a fixation post which extends through the restricting hole  22  and the fixing hole so as to fasten the beam  2  to the framework  1 . The fixation post is a bolt. The canopy structure includes a riveting nut installed in the fixing hole. 
         [0054]    The beam  2  includes a rear ceiling beam  21 . The framework  1  includes two round tubes  11  spaced apart from each other. The rear ceiling beam  21  bridges the two round tubes  11 . The canopy structure further includes an inner plate  4  surrounding a bottom side of the round tubes  11  and a rear peripheral cover  5  surrounding a top side of the round tubes  11 . The rear peripheral cover  5  extends downwardly and covers a rear section of the framework  1 . The rear peripheral cover  5  engages against the inner plate  4 . The rear peripheral cover  5  is fixed to the rear ceiling beam  21  and the round tubes  11 . Each of the inner plate  4  and the rear peripheral cover  5  includes an inbuilt positioning piece  41  which defines a positioning hole (not labeled). The riveting nut inwardly contacts the positioning piece  41  of the inner plate  4 . The positioning piece  41  of the inner plate  4  further inwardly contacts the metal piece  20  of the rear ceiling beam  21 . The metal piece  20  of the rear ceiling beam  21  further inwardly contacts the positioning piece  41  of the rear peripheral cover  5 . The bolt extends in turn through the positioning hole of the rear peripheral cover  5 , the restricting hole  22  of the rear ceiling beam  21 , the positioning hole  42  of the inner plate  4  and the riveting nut so as to fasten the framework  1 , the inner plate  4 , the rear ceiling beam  21  and the rear peripheral cover  5 . 
         [0055]    The beam  2  includes a front ceiling beam  23 . The framework  1  includes a front cross-bar  12  bridging the round tubes  11 . The front ceiling beam  23  and the inner plate  4  are surrounding a bottom side of the front cross-bar  12 . The bolt extends in turn through the restricting hole (not labeled) of the front ceiling beam  23 , the positioning hole  42  of the inner plate  4  and the riveting nut so as to fasten the front ceiling beam  23 , the inner plate  4  and the front cross-bar  12  together. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 to 9 , the framework  1  includes a connecting member  13  disposed between front ends of the round tubes  11 , and the cross-bar  12  is connected between top portions of the round tubes  11 . The front ceiling beam  23  is mounted on the cross-bar  12 . The rear ceiling beam  21  is mounted at the rear of the front ceiling beam  23 . Adhesive strips  43  are disposed upon the round tubes  11  from the rear ceiling beam  21  to front of the round tubes  11 . The adhesive strips  43  and the rear ceiling beam  21  together hold a rear glass  53  in position. The adhesive strips  43  and the front ceiling beam  23  together hold a front glass  54  in position. A front end of the front glass  54  is disposed on top of the connecting member  13 . 
         [0057]    The framework  1  includes a pair of handrails  7  respectively connecting the round tubes  11  and positioned outside of the round tubes  11 . The framework includes a pair of rectangular tubes  15  connected to rear ends of the round tubes  11 . The inner plate  4  is disposed between the handrails  7  and the front ceiling beam  23 . The canopy structure further includes a first support member  8  mounted at a front of the front glass  54  for installing a windscreen wiper motor. 
         [0058]    The canopy structure further includes a second support member  9  soldered to the round tubes  11 . The first support member  8  is mounted to the second support member  9 . 
         [0059]    The canopy structure further includes a third support member  52  fixed to the rear glass  53  and the cross-bar  12 . 
         [0060]    The cross-bar  12  includes a pair of fixing portions  56  each defining a mounting hole  560 . The third support member  52  includes a pair of fixing posts  55  installed in the mounting holes  560 . The rear glass  53  includes a pair of positioning holes and the third support member  52  includes a pair of restricting holes  520  in alignment with the positioning holes, respectively. The second support member  9  includes a pair of V-shaped pieces  91  on opposite ends thereof. The V-shaped pieces  91  lap on and are fixed to the round tubes  11 . 
         [0061]    The canopy structure further includes a safeguarding portion  6  wherein the outer material of the safeguarding portion  6  is plastic and the inner material of the safeguarding portion  6  is foam material. The safeguarding portion  6  is positioned below the inner plate  4  and installed to the handrails  7 . Besides, the safeguarding portion  6  is also positioned below the front ceiling beam  23  and the rear ceiling beam  21 . As a result, even if the electrical bicycle falls to the ground, the human body will contact the safeguarding portion  6 . Since the safeguarding portion  6  is soft, it is well capable of buffering the human body for avoiding accident injury. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the electrical bicycle of the present application further includes a vehicle frame  100 , a pair of front and rear wheels (not shown) respectively mounted at front and rear of the vehicle frame  100 , a front assembly  20  located at the front of the vehicle frame  100 , a rear wheel assembly  300  located at the rear of the vehicle frame  100 , and a parking mechanism  400  connected to the vehicle frame  100 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 to 12 , the vehicle frame  100  is of a cradle-type and includes a pair of support beam  110 , a pair of side brackets  120  and a seat bracket  130 . 
         [0064]    Each support beam  110  is made of a metal material. The support beam  110  includes a first support beam and a second support beam located at the same level. The support beam  110  defines a top recess  111  and a cross section of the support beam  110  is notch-shaped. Each of the first support beam and the second support beam includes a rectangular flat portion  112 , a first bent portion  113  bent from a first end of the flat portion  112  and a second bent portion  114  bent from a second end of the flat portion  112 . The first bent portion  113  and the second bent portion  114  are located at the same side of the flat portion  112 . The first bent portion  113  and the second bent portion  114  together with the flat portion  112  of the first support beam form a recess. The first bent portion  113  and the second bent portion  114  together with the flat portion  112  of the second support beam form another recess. The recess and the another recess open to an exterior along opposite directions. The first bent portions  113  of the first support beam and the second support beam are connected by a connecting beam  150  of an arced configuration. 
         [0065]    The pair of side brackets  120  are symmetrically located at opposite sides of the support beam  110 . Each side bracket  120  is L-shaped and includes a horizontal lever  121  disposed below the support beam  110  and a vertical lever  122  essentially perpendicular to the horizontal lever  121 . The horizontal lever  121  is securely connected to the second bent portion  114  of the support beam  110 . The vertical lever  122  is securely connected to the first bent portion  113  of the support beam  110  through a triangle fixing member  16 . The seat bracket  130  is fixed to a top rear side of the second bent portions  114  of the support beam  110 . The seat bracket  130  includes a bottom bracket  131  for bearing human body and a backrest bracket  132  for resisting against the human back. The backrest bracket  132  is perpendicular to the bottom bracket  131 . A front end of the seat bracket  130  is fixed to the flat portions  112  of the support beam  110  via a pair of first support arms  1311 , and a rear end of the seat bracket  130  is fixed to the rear side of the support beam  110  via a pair of second support arms  1321 . 
         [0066]    The cradle-type vehicle frame  100  according to the present design makes the driver feel comfortable during driving. Besides, the notch-shaped metal support beam  110  can make the vehicle body much stronger. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , the fixing member  16  is used to fix the side brackets  120  and the support beam  110 . The fixing member  16  includes a receiving hole  161  for receiving the vertical lever  122  and an extending portion  162  connected to the support beam  110 . When the electrical bicycle suffers collision, the collision force may be transferred to the support beam  110  through the fixing member. Since the support beam  110  is strong, it is capable of resisting external force and avoiding large deformation of the electrical bicycle for protecting the driver. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the cradle-type vehicle frame  100  includes a pair of foot pedals  17  fixed to corresponding horizontal levers  121 . Each foot pedal  17  includes a longitudinal pedal  171  and a plurality of support ribs  173  under the pedal  171 . The support ribs  173  are parallel to each other and are both perpendicular to the pedal  171  and the horizontal lever  121 . The foot pedal  17  includes a vertical bent section  1711  bent downwardly from a side adjacent to the horizontal lever  121 . Each support rib  173  defines a circular notch adjacent to the horizontal lever  121  and for mating with the horizontal lever  121 . A receiving cavity  172  is formed between the bent section  1711  and the support ribs  173  for mating with the horizontal lever  121 . 
         [0069]    In conclusion, the description of the above embodiment is only used for the understanding of the present application. It should be noted that, those skilled in the art may make many improvements and modifications to the present application without departing from the principle of the present application, and these improvements and modifications also fall into the protection scope of the claims of the present application.