최소 단어 이상 선택하여야 합니다.
최대 10 단어까지만 선택 가능합니다.
다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
NTIS 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
DataON 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Edison 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Kafe 바로가기국가/구분 | United States(US) Patent 등록 |
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 | US-0887336 (2010-09-21) |
등록번호 | US-8419035 (2013-04-16) |
발명자 / 주소 |
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 | 피인용 횟수 : 1 인용 특허 : 15 |
A trailer for towing by a bicycle is disclosed comprising a tow arm adapted for coupling by a hitch to the bicycle. The tow arm is pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the trailer frame and can be collapsed against the frame. The frame can comprise plural frame sections that can also pivot to a
A trailer for towing by a bicycle is disclosed comprising a tow arm adapted for coupling by a hitch to the bicycle. The tow arm is pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the trailer frame and can be collapsed against the frame. The frame can comprise plural frame sections that can also pivot to a collapsed position and a lower shelf foldable to a collapsed position as well. Locking elements can be provided for selectively locking the trailer components against relative pivoting motion. One or more actuators for selectively locking and unlocking the frame components can be provided. One such actuator can simultaneously unlock first and second transversely spaced apart hinge elements. The hitch can comprise a flexible coupling that provides torsional resistance against rolling motion of the trailer, particularly when the trailer is mounted to a seat post or other location above the rear wheel of the bicycle. The flexible hitch coupling can provide a progressively increasing torsional resistance to such rolling while allowing pivoting of the trailer relative to the bicycle as the bicycle is steered and flexing to accommodate variations in pitch between the bicycle and trailer.
1. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion and lower portion being pivoted together so as to be foldable;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the
1. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion and lower portion being pivoted together so as to be foldable;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame; anda tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position. 2. A bicycle trailer according to claim 1 wherein the tow arm comprises a distal end portion and a second frame coupling portion pivoted to the upper portion of the frame, the hitch being mounted to the distal end portion of the tow arm, a frame lock operable in a frame lock locking position to prevent folding of the upper portion of the frame relative to the lower portion of the frame and in a frame lock release position to allow folding of the upper portion of the frame relative to the lower portion of the frame, and a frame lock actuator coupled to the frame lock and operable to selectively shift the frame lock between the frame lock locking position and the frame lock release position. 3. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame;a tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position; andcomprising first and second spaced apart tow arm hinges that pivotally couple the tow arm to the upper portion of the frame for pivoting about the transverse axis, the tow arm lock comprising a first tow arm lock member associated with the first tow arm hinge and operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame, the tow arm lock comprising a second tow arm lock member associated with the second tow arm hinge and operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame, the tow arm lock actuator comprising at least one common tow arm lock actuator coupled to the first and second tow arm lock members and operable to simultaneously shift the first and second tow arm lock members between their respective tow arm lock locking positions and their respective tow arm lock release positions. 4. A bicycle trailer according to claim 3 wherein the at least one common tow arm lock actuator comprises a first handle pivotally supported for pivoting about a first transverse handle axis, a first elongated tensioning member coupling the first handle to the first tow arm lock and a second elongated tensioning member coupling the first handle to the second tow arm lock, the first handle being operable such that pivoting the first handle in one direction applies tension to the first and second tensioning members and moves the first and second tow arm locks to their respective tow arm lock release positions and such that pivoting the first handle in a direction opposite to said one direction allows the first and second tow arm locks to move from their respective tow arm lock release positions to their respective tow arm lock locking positions, a first tow arm lock biasing member associated with the first tow arm lock and a second tow arm lock biasing member associated with the second tow arm lock, the first and second tow arm lock biasing members biasing the respective first and second tow arm locks to their respective tow arm lock locking positions, and the first handle being positioned adjacent to an upper end of the frame following pivoting of the tow arm to the tow arm stowed position such that the first handle can be used as a handle for the bicycle trailer in a cart mode of operation of the bicycle trailer. 5. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame;a tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position; andcomprising a first tow arm hinge for coupling a first portion of the tow arm to the frame and a second tow arm hinge for coupling a second portion of a tow arm to the frame, the tow arm lock comprising a first tow arm hinge lock operable to selectively lock the first tow arm hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the tow arm and the frame and operable to selectively unlock the first tow arm hinge to permit relative pivoting of the tow arm and frame, the tow arm lock comprising a second tow arm hinge lock operable to selectively lock the second tow arm hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the tow arm and the frame and operable to selectively unlock the second tow arm hinge to permit relative pivoting of the tow arm and frame, the tow arm lock actuator comprising a first tow arm lock actuator coupled to both of the first and second tow arm hinge locks and operable to selectively unlock both of the first and second tow arm hinge locks upon shifting the first tow arm lock actuator to an unlocking position and operable to selectively lock the first and second tow arm hinge locks upon shifting the first tow arm lock actuator to a second locking position, a second tow arm lock actuator coupled to the first tow arm hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the first tow arm hinge lock, a third tow arm lock actuator coupled to the second tow arm hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the second tow arm hinge lock, the second tow arm hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the third tow arm hinge lock actuator and the third tow arm hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the second tow arm hinge lock actuator. 6. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame;a tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position; andwherein the frame comprises upper and lower frame sections, the upper frame section being pivotally coupled to the lower frame section for pivoting relative to the lower frame section about a transverse frame pivot axis to permit pivoting of the upper frame section toward the lower frame section to a frame stowed position wherein the upper frame section faces the lower frame section. 7. A bicycle trailer according to claim 6 comprising a frame lock operable in a frame lock locking position to prevent pivoting of the upper frame section about the transverse frame pivot axis relative to the lower frame section and in a frame lock release position to allow pivoting of the upper frame section about the transverse frame pivot axis relative to the lower frame section; and a frame lock actuator coupled to the frame lock and operable to selectively shift the frame lock between the frame lock locking position and the frame lock release position. 8. A bicycle trailer according to claim 7 comprising first and second spaced apart frame hinges that pivotally couple the lower frame section to the upper frame section, the frame lock comprising a first frame lock member associated with the first frame arm hinge and operable in a frame lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section and in a frame lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section, the frame lock comprising a second frame lock member associated with the second frame hinge and operable in a frame lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section and in a frame lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section, the frame lock actuator comprising at least one common frame lock actuator coupled to the first and second frame lock members and operable to simultaneously shift the first and second frame lock members between their respective frame lock locking positions and their respective frame lock release positions. 9. A bicycle trailer according to claim 8 wherein the at least one common frame lock actuator comprises a second handle pivotally supported for pivoting about a second transverse handle axis spaced from the first transverse handle axis, a first elongated tensioning member coupling the second handle to the first frame lock and a second elongated tensioning member coupling the second handle to the second frame lock, the second handle being operable such that pivoting the second handle in one direction applies tension to the first and second tensioning members and moves the first and second frame locks to their respective frame lock release positions and such that pivoting the second handle in a direction opposite to said one direction allows the first and second frame locks to move from their respective frame lock release positions to their respective frame lock locking positions, a first frame lock biasing member associated with the first frame lock and a second frame lock biasing member associated with the second frame lock, the first and second frame lock biasing members biasing the respective first and second frame locks to their respective frame lock locking positions, and the second handle being positioned adjacent to an upper end of the lower frame section following pivoting of the first and second frame sections to the frame stowed position such that the second handle can be used as a handle for the bicycle trailer in a second cart mode of operation of the bicycle trailer wherein the tow arm is positioned in the tow arm stowed position. 10. A bicycle trailer according to claim 7 comprising a first frame hinge for coupling a first portion of the upper frame section to the lower frame section and a second frame hinge for coupling a second portion of the upper frame section to the lower frame section such that the upper and lower frame sections are pivotal about a transverse frame pivot axis, the frame lock comprising a first frame hinge lock operable to selectively lock the first frame hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections and operable to selectively unlock the first frame hinge to permit relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections, the frame lock comprising a second frame hinge lock operable to selectively lock the second frame hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections and operable to selectively unlock the second frame hinge to permit relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections, the frame lock actuator comprising a first frame lock actuator coupled to both of the first and second frame hinge locks and operable to selectively unlock both of the first and second frame hinge locks upon shifting the first frame lock actuator to an unlocking position and operable to selectively lock the first and second frame hinge locks upon shifting the first frame lock actuator to a second locking position, a second frame lock actuator coupled to the first frame hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the first frame hinge lock, a third frame lock actuator coupled to the second frame hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the second frame hinge lock, the second frame hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the third frame hinge lock actuator and the third frame hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the second frame hinge lock actuator. 11. A bicycle trailer according to claim 6 wherein the tow arm has a distal end spaced from the frame and the frame has a lower end, and wherein the transverse tow arm pivot axis is positioned approximately one-third of the overall length of the bicycle trailer from the distal end of the tow arm to the lower end of the frame, and wherein the transverse frame pivot axis is positioned about one-third of the overall length of the trailer from the lower end of the frame. 12. A bicycle trailer according to claim 6 wherein the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position is positioned between the upper and lower frame sections when the upper and lower frame sections are in the frame stowed position. 13. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame;a tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position; andwherein the trailer comprises a load supporting shelf portion coupled to the lower portion of the frame, the shelf portion being coupled to the lower portion of the frame for movement from a first shelf deployed position wherein the shelf portion projects outwardly from the frame to a second shelf stowed position wherein the shelf is positioned adjacent to and facing the frame. 14. A bicycle trailer according to claim 13 wherein the shelf portion comprises first and second spaced apart shelf legs pivoted to the frame with the first shelf leg being positioned adjacent to the first wheel and the second shelf leg being positioned adjacent to the second wheel, the shelf portion further comprising a shelf cross member interconnecting the first and second shelf legs at a location spaced from the frame and from the wheels, a prop pivoted to the shelf cross member and movable from a prop stowed position to a prop deployed position, wherein the prop is of a length such that, when in the prop deployed position, the prop cooperates with the wheels to support the trailer in an upright orientation. 15. A bicycle trailer according to claim 14 comprising a shelf lock operable to selectively lock the shelf portion at least in the shelf deployed position. 16. A bicycle trailer according to claim 15 comprising a shelf lock actuator coupled to the shelf lock, the shelf lock actuator comprising an elongated shelf lock tensioning member coupled to the shelf lock and operable such that tensioning the shelf lock tensioning member releases the shelf lock and permits pivoting of the shelf portion from the shelf deployed to the shelf stowed positions. 17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the shelf lock tensioning member is coupled to the prop such that movement of the prop to the prop deployed position applies tension to the shelf lock tensioning member and releases the shelf lock. 18. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame;a tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position; andcomprising a plurality of luggage connectors mounted to the frame, there being at least four transverse rows of luggage connectors with each row comprising first and second luggage connectors at opposite sides of the frame, each such luggage connector comprising a shank portion and a head portion that is enlarged relative to the shank portion, a first luggage member comprising a plurality of frame connectors positioned for coupling to an associated luggage connector of the frame, each frame connector comprising a body having an enlarged connector opening sized for receiving the head portion of an associated connector, the enlarged opening being in communication with a slot of reduced cross sectional dimension in comparison to the cross sectional dimension of the enlarged opening, wherein, following receipt of the head portion of a luggage connector by the enlarged opening of a frame connector, the frame connector is movable to position the shank of the luggage connector in the slot of the frame connector to thereby couple the first luggage member to the frame, and a plurality of luggage members each including a plurality of frame connectors provided such that the luggage members can be interchanged with one another and respectively coupled to the frame by the luggage connectors and frame connectors. 19. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame;a tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position;wherein the hitch comprises a flex coupling comprising a body and first and second end portions, the first end portion being adapted for coupling to the mount and thereby to the bicycle at a location above the rear wheel of the bicycle, the second end portion being adapted for coupling to the tow arm of the trailer, at least one of the first and second end portions being pivotal about an upright pivot axis, the flex coupling pivoting in a first direction about the upright pivot axis during steering of the bicycle in a first direction and pivoting in a second direction about the upright pivot axis during steering of the bicycle in a second direction opposite to the first direction to thereby accommodate steering of the bicycle and trailer, the flex coupling being operable to twist in a first twist direction about a roll axis in the event one of the trailer wheels is elevated relative to the other of the trailer wheels and to apply a resistance force to the trailer that opposes the force arising from the relative elevation of the said one wheel, the flex coupling being operable to twist in a second twist direction about the roll axis substantially opposite to the first twist direction in the event the other of the trailer wheels is elevated relative to the said one of the trailer wheels and to apply a resistance force to the trailer that opposes the force arising from the relative elevation of the said other wheel; andthe flex coupling also being adapted for coupling to the bicycle tow arm and mount so as to flex transversely in the event the first and second wheels of the trailer lift up or drop down to thereby accommodate changes in elevation of the trailer relative to the bicycle. 20. A bicycle trailer according to claim 19 comprising a mount for coupling to the bicycle at a location above a rear wheel of the bicycle. 21. A bicycle trailer according to claim 19 wherein the flex coupling applies a resistance force that is in the range of from 0.75 inch pounds per degree of rotation to 2.1 inch pounds per degree of rotation. 22. A bicycle trailer according to claim 20 wherein the mount comprises a clamp portion adapted for coupling to the seat post or frame member of the bicycle, the mount further comprising a base projecting rearwardly from the clamp portion and an upright pivot pin projecting upwardly from the base, the first end portion of the flex coupling having an upright pin receiving opening sized for pivotally receiving the upright pivot pin, and a flex coupling retainer operable to selectively retain the flex coupling in a position receiving the upright pivot pin and permitting the selective removal of the flex coupling from the upright pivot pin to detach the trailer from the mount. 23. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;first and second a tow arm locks each operable in a respective tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame, the first and second tow arm locks also being operable such that when the first and second locks are each in a respective tow arm lock release position, pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame is allowed; anda tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm locks and operable to selectively shift the tow arm locks together between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position;wherein the tow arm lock actuator comprises a tow arm release member mounted to the frame and coupled to each of the first and second tow arm locks, the tow arm release member being operable such that moving the tow arm release member in a first direction to a tow arm release member release position allows each of the first and second tow arm locks to simultaneously move to their respective tow arm lock release positions so as to permit pivoting of the tow arm relative to the frame between the tow arm stowed and tow arm towing positions, the tow arm release member also being operable such that moving the tow arm release member in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the tow arm release member release position to the tow arm release member locking position allows each of the first and second tow arm locks to simultaneously move to their respective tow arm lock locking positions to prevent pivoting of the tow arm relative to the frame at least when the tow arm is in the tow arm towing position. 24. A bicycle trailer according to claim 23 A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame; anda tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position;wherein the tow arm lock actuator comprises a tow arm release member mounted to the frame and coupled to the tow arm lock, the tow arm release member being operable such that moving the tow arm release member in a first direction to a tow arm release member release position allows the tow arm lock to move to the tow arm lock release position so as to permit pivoting of the tow arm relative to the frame between the tow arm stowed and tow arm towing positions, the tow arm release member also being operable such that the tow arm release member in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the tow arm release member release position to the tow arm release member locking position allows the tow arm lock to move to the tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting of the tow arm relative to the frame at least when the tow arm is in the tow arm towing position; andwherein the tow arm comprises a tow arm portion and first and second towing legs each having a first end portion coupled to the tow arm portion and a distal end portion, the first and second towing legs diverging from one another along at least a portion of the distance from the tow arm portion to the distal ends of the respective first and second towing legs, the frame comprising first and second spaced apart side frame members having respective upper end portions, a first hinge associated with the first towing leg and first frame member and pivotally coupling the distal end portion of the first towing leg to the upper end portion of the first frame member, a second hinge associated with the second towing leg and second frame member and pivotally coupling the distal end portion of the second towing leg to the upper end portion of the second frame member, the tow arm pivot axis being a transverse tow arm pivot axis and the first and second hinges being pivotal about the transverse tow arm pivot axis, the tow arm lock comprising a first lock member associated with the first hinge and a second lock member associated with the second hinge, the first lock member being movable inwardly in a transverse direction toward the second frame member to shift the first lock member from a first lock member locking position to a first lock member release position, the second lock member being movable inwardly in a transverse direction toward the first frame member to shift the second lock member from a second lock member locking position to a second lock member release position, wherein positioning the first and second lock members in their respective first and second lock member locking -positions prevents pivoting of the tow arm relative to the frame about the transverse tow arm pivot axis, wherein positioning the first and second lock members in their respective first and second lock member release positions permits the pivoting of the tow arm about the transverse tow arm pivot axis, a cross member extending transversely between the upper end portions of the first and second frame members, the tow arm release member being coupled to the cross member for pivoting relative to the cross member in the respective first and second directions, the tow arm lock actuator comprising a first cable portion extending from the tow arm release member to the first lock member and a second cable portion extending from the tow arm release member to the second lock member, the tow arm release member being operable such that pivoting of the tow arm release member in the first direction relative to the cross member and to the tow arm release member release position pulls the first and second cable portions inwardly and moves both of the first and second lock members from their respective first and second lock member locking positions to their respective first and second lock member release positions, the tow arm release member also being operable such that pivoting of the tow arm release member in the second direction opposite to the first direction and relative to the cross member to the tow arm release member locking position allows the first and second cable portions to move outwardly and permit both of the first and second lock members to move from their respective first and second lock member release positions to their respective first and second lock member locking positions, a first biasing member associated with the first hinge and coupled to the first lock member and operable to apply a biasing force to the first lock member that urges the first lock member outwardly to the first lock member locking position, and a second biasing member associated with the second hinge and coupled to the second lock member and operable to apply a biasing force to the second lock member that urges the second lock outwardly to the second lock member locking position. 25. A bicycle trailer according to claim 24 wherein the tow arm lock actuator further comprises a first push button lock actuator coupled to the first hinge and a second push button lock actuator coupled to the second hinge, the first push button lock actuator being coupled to the first lock member and the second push button actuator being coupled to the second lock member, the first push button lock actuator being operable such that moving the first push button lock actuator in one direction shifts the first lock member from the first lock member locking position to the first lock member release position and moving the second push button lock actuator in one direction shifts the second lock member from the second lock member locking position to the second lock member release position, whereby the respective first and second hinges can be freed to permit pivoting of the towing arm relative to the frame by either simultaneously actuating the first and second push button lock actuators to shift the first and second lock members to their respective release positions or by pivoting the tow arm release member to the tow arm release member release position. 26. A bicycle trailer according to claim 25 wherein the first and second hinges each comprises first and second hinge members, the first hinge member being mounted to the distal end portion of the associated towing leg and the second hinge member being mounted to upper end portion of the associated frame member, the first and second hinge members being allowed to pivot relative to one another when the associated lock member is in the lock member release position, one of the first and second hinge members defining at least first, second and third locking flange receiving slots at predetermined angular positions about the transverse tow arm pivot axis, the associated lock member comprising first and second locking flanges at predetermined angular positions about the transverse tow arm pivot axis, the associated lock member being mounted intermediate to the first and second hinge members for pivoting about the transverse tow arm pivot axis, the locking flange receiving slots and first and second locking flanges being positioned such that one of the first and second locking flanges is positioned in the first locking flange receiving slot and the other of the first and second locking flanges is positioned in the second locking flange receiving slot when the tow arm is in the tow arm towing position, and such that one of the first and second locking flanges is positioned in one of the first and second flange receiving slots and the other of the first and second locking flanges is positioned in the third flange receiving slot when the tow arm is in the tow arm stowed position to thereby lock the first hinge in the respective towing and stowed positions. 27. A bicycle trailer according to claim 24 comprising a load supporting shelf portion coupled to a lower end portion of the frame spaced from the hitch, the shelf portion being foldable from a first shelf deployed position wherein the shelf portion projects outwardly from the frame to a second shelf stowed position wherein the shelf is positioned adjacent to and facing the frame; wherein the shelf portion comprises first and second spaced apart shelf legs pivoted to the frame with the first shelf leg being positioned adjacent to the first wheel and the second shelf leg being positioned adjacent to the second wheel, the shelf portion further comprising a shelf cross member interconnecting the first and second shelf legs at a location spaced from the frame and from the wheels;a shelf lock operable to selectively lock the shelf in the shelf deployed position;wherein the shelf lock comprises first plunger coupled to the first shelf leg and slidable between a retracted position and extended position, a first plunger biasing member coupled to the first plunger and operable to bias the first plunger to the extended position, a second plunger coupled to the second shelf leg and slidable between a retracted position and extended position, a second plunger biasing member coupled to the second plunger and operable to bias the second plunger to the extended position, at least one plunger actuating cable coupled to and associated with the first plunger and at least one plunger actuating cable coupled to and associated with the second plunger, the actuating cable being coupled to the associated plunger such that tension on the actuating cable shifts the associated plunger from the extended to the retracted positions, a first shelf hinge coupling the first shelf leg to the frame and a second shelf hinge coupling the second shelf leg to the frame, each shelf hinge defining a locking cavity configured and positioned such that, upon positioning of the shelf in the shelf deployed position and without tension on the associated actuating cable, each plunger is shifted by the associated plunger biasing member to the extended position and is positioned in the associated locking cavity and locks the associated shelf hinge to prevent pivoting of the shelf relative to the frame, and tensioning the cable moves the plungers to the retracted position and releases the shelf hinges to allow pivoting of the shelf relative to the frame. 28. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;first and second wheels for coupling to the lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to the upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame; anda tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position;wherein the frame comprises upper and lower frame sections, the upper frame section being pivotally coupled to the lower frame section for pivoting relative to the lower frame section to permit pivoting of the upper frame section about the frame pivot axis toward the lower frame section;wherein the tow arm lock actuator comprises a tow arm release member pivoted to the frame and coupled to the tow arm lock, the tow arm release member being operable such that pivoting the tow arm release member in a first direction to a tow arm release member release position allows the tow arm lock to move to the tow arm lock release position so as to permit pivoting of the tow arm relative to the frame between the tow arm stowed and tow arm towing positions, the tow arm release member also being operable such that pivoting the tow arm release member in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the tow arm release member release position to the tow arm release member locking position allows the tow arm lock to move to the tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting of the tow arm relative to the frame at least when the tow arm is in the tow arm towing position;a frame lock operable in a frame lock locking position to prevent pivoting of the upper frame section about the transverse frame pivot axis relative to the lower frame section and in a frame lock release position to allow pivoting of the upper frame section about the transverse frame pivot axis relative to the lower frame section;a frame lock actuator coupled to the frame lock and operable to selectively shift the frame lock between the frame lock locking position and the frame lock release position;wherein the frame lock actuator comprises a frame release member pivoted to the frame and coupled to the frame lock, the frame release member being operable such that pivoting the frame arm release member in a first direction to a frame release member release position allows the frame lock to move to the frame lock release position so as to permit pivoting of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section between a frame stowed position wherein the upper and lower frame sections are adjacent to one another and face one another and a frame deployed position wherein the upper frame section is positioned substantially above the lower frame section, the frame release member also being operable such that pivoting the frame release member in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the frame release member release position to the frame release member locking position allows the frame lock to move to the frame lock locking position to prevent pivoting of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section and about the transverse frame axis at least when the upper and lower frame sections are in the frame deployed position. 29. A bicycle trailer according to claim 28 comprising first and second frame hinges, the first frame hinge coupling a first lower portion of the upper frame section to a first upper portion of the lower frame section and the second frame hinge coupling a second portion of the upper frame section to a second upper portion of the lower frame section, the frame lock comprising a first hinge lock operable to selectively lock the first hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections about the transverse frame pivot axis and operable to selectively unlock the first frame hinge to permit relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections about the transverse frame pivot axis, the frame lock comprising a second hinge lock operable to selectively lock the second hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections about the transverse frame pivot axis and operable to selectively unlock the second frame hinge to permit relative pivoting of the upper and lower frame sections about the transverse frame pivot axis, the frame lock actuator comprising a first frame lock actuator coupled to both of the first and second hinge locks and operable to selectively unlock both of the first and second hinge locks upon shifting the first lock actuator to an unlocking position and operable to selectively lock the first and second hinge locks upon shifting the first lock actuator to a second locking position, a second frame lock actuator coupled to the first hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the first frame hinge, a third frame lock actuator coupled to the second hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the second hinge lock, the second hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the third hinge lock actuator and the third hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the second hinge lock actuator. 30. A bicycle trailer according to claim 28 wherein the upper frame section comprises first and second spaced apart side frame members having respective lower end portions and the lower frame section comprises first and second spaced apart side frame members having respective upper end portions, a first frame hinge associated with the first upper and first lower side frame members and pivotally coupling the lower end portion of the first upper side frame member to the upper end portion of the first lower side frame member, a second frame hinge associated with the second upper and second lower side frame members and pivotally coupling the lower end portion of the second lower side frame member to the upper end portion of the second side frame member, the first and second frame hinges being pivotal about the transverse frame pivot axis, the frame lock comprising a first frame lock member associated with the first frame hinge and a second frame lock member associated with the second frame hinge, the first frame lock member being movable in a transverse direction toward the second frame member to shift the first frame lock member from a first frame lock member locking position to a first frame lock member release position, the second frame lock member being movable in a transverse direction toward the first frame member to shift the second frame lock member from a second frame lock member locking position to a second frame lock member release position, wherein positioning the first and second frame lock members in their respective first and second frame lock member locking positions prevents pivoting of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section about the transverse frame pivot axis, wherein positioning the first and second frame lock members in their respective first and second frame lock member release positions permits the pivoting of the upper frame section relative to the lower frame section about the transverse frame pivot axis, a frame cross member extending transversely between the upper end portions of the first and second frame members of the lower frame section, the frame release member being coupled to the frame cross member for pivoting relative to the frame cross member in the respective first and second directions, the frame lock actuator comprising a first cable portion extending from the frame release member to the first frame lock member and a second cable portion extending from the frame release member to the second frame lock member, the frame release member being operable such that pivoting of the frame release member in the first direction relative to the frame cross member and to the frame release member release position pulls the first and second cable portions inwardly and moves both of the first and second frame lock members from their respective first and second frame lock member locking positions to their respective first and second frame lock member release positions, the frame release member also being operable such that pivoting of the frame release member in the second direction opposite to the first direction and relative to the frame cross member to the frame release member locking position allows the first and second cable portions to move outwardly and permit both of the first and second frame lock members to move from their respective first and second frame lock member release positions to their respective first and second frame lock member locking positions, a first frame hinge biasing member associated with the first frame hinge and coupled to the first frame lock member and operable to apply a biasing force to the first frame lock member that urges the first frame lock member outwardly to the first frame lock member locking position, and a second frame hinge biasing member associated with the second frame hinge and coupled to the second frame lock member and operable to apply a biasing force to the second frame lock member that urges the second frame lock outwardly to the second frame lock member locking position. 31. A bicycle trailer according to claim 30 wherein the first and second frame hinges each comprises first and second frame hinge members, the first frame hinge member being mounted to the lower end portion of the associated side frame member of the upper frame section and the second frame hinge member being mounted to the upper end portion of the associated side frame member of the lower frame section, the first and second frame hinge members being allowed to pivot relative to one another when the associated frame lock member is in the frame lock member release position, one of the first and second frame hinge members defining at least first, second and third frame locking flange receiving slots at predetermined angular positions about the transverse frame pivot axis, the associated frame lock member comprising first and second frame locking flanges at predetermined angular positions about the transverse frame pivot axis, the associated frame lock member being mounted intermediate to the first and second frame hinge members for pivoting about the transverse tow arm pivot axis, the frame locking flange receiving slots and first and second frame locking flanges being positioned such that one of the first and second frame locking flanges is positioned in the first frame locking flange receiving slot and the other of the first and second frame locking flanges is positioned in the second frame locking flange receiving slot when the frame is in the frame deployed position, and such that one of the first and second frame locking flanges is positioned in one of the first and second frame flange receiving slots and the other of the first and second frame locking flanges is positioned in the third frame flange receiving slot when the frame is in the frame stowed position to thereby lock the first and second frame sections in the respective frame deployed and frame stowed positions. 32. A bicycle trailer according to claim 30 comprising a load supporting shelf portion coupled to a lower end portion of the frame spaced from the hitch, the shelf portion being foldable from a first shelf deployed position wherein the shelf portion projects outwardly from the frame to a second shelf stowed position wherein the shelf is positioned adjacent to and facing the frame; wherein the shelf portion comprises first and second spaced apart shelf legs pivoted to the frame with the first shelf leg being positioned adjacent to the first wheel and the second shelf leg being positioned adjacent to the second wheel, the shelf portion further comprising a shelf cross member interconnecting the first and second shelf legs at a location spaced from the frame and from the wheels;a shelf lock operable to selectively lock the shelf in the shelf deployed position;wherein the shelf lock comprises first plunger coupled to the first shelf leg and slidable between a retracted position and extended position, a first plunger biasing member coupled to the first plunger and operable to bias the first plunger to the extended position, a second plunger coupled to the second shelf leg and slidable between a retracted position and extended position, a second plunger biasing member coupled to the second plunger and operable to bias the second plunger to the extended position, at least one plunger actuating cable coupled to and associated with the first plunger and at least one plunger actuating cable coupled to and associated with the second plunger, the actuating cable being coupled to the associated plunger such that tension on the actuating cable shifts the associated plunger from the extended to the retracted positions, a first shelf hinge coupling the first shelf leg to the frame and a second shelf hinge coupling the second shelf leg to the frame, each shelf hinge defining a locking cavity configured and positioned such that, upon positioning of the shelf in the shelf deployed position and without tension on the associated actuating cable, each plunger is shifted by the associated plunger biasing member to the extended position and is positioned in the associated locking cavity and locks the associated shelf hinge to prevent pivoting of the shelf relative to the frame, and tensioning the cable moves the plungers to the retracted position and releases the shelf hinges to allow pivoting of the shelf relative to the frame. 33. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame;first and second wheels for coupling to a lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to an upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a transverse tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a tow arm lock operable in a tow arm lock locking position to prevent pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame and in a tow arm lock release position to allow pivoting motion of the tow arm relative to the frame;a tow arm lock actuator coupled to the tow arm lock and operable to selectively shift the tow arm lock between the tow arm lock locking position and the tow arm lock release position;wherein the frame comprises upper and lower frame sections, the upper frame section being pivotally coupled to the lower frame section for pivoting relative to the lower frame section about a transverse frame pivot axis to permit pivoting of the upper frame section toward the lower frame section to a frame stowed position wherein the upper frame section faces the lower frame section; andwherein the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position is positioned between the upper and lower frame sections when the upper and lower frame sections are in the frame stowed position. 34. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle comprising: a frame;first and second wheels for coupling to a lower portion of the frame;a tow arm coupled to an upper portion of the frame, the tow arm being pivotal relative to the frame about a tow arm pivot axis from a tow arm towing position to a tow arm stowed position, the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position being positioned adjacent to the frame, the tow arm in the tow arm towing position projecting outwardly from the frame;a first tow arm hinge for coupling a first portion of the tow arm to the frame and a second tow arm hinge for coupling a second portion of a tow arm to the frame, a first tow arm hinge lock operable to selectively lock the first tow arm hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the tow arm and the frame and operable to selectively unlock the first tow arm hinge to permit relative pivoting of the tow arm and frame, a second tow arm hinge lock operable to selectively lock the second tow arm hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the tow arm and the frame and operable to selectively unlock the second tow arm hinge to permit relative pivoting of the tow arm and frame, a first tow arm lock actuator coupled to both of the first and second tow arm hinge locks and operable to selectively unlock both of the first and second tow arm hinge locks upon shifting the first tow arm lock actuator to an unlocking position and operable to selectively lock the first and second tow arm hinge locks upon shifting the first tow arm lock actuator to a second locking position, a second tow arm lock actuator coupled to the first tow arm hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the first tow arm hinge, a third tow arm lock actuator coupled to the second tow arm hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the second tow arm hinge lock, the second tow arm hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the third tow arm hinge lock actuator and the third tow arm hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the second tow arm hinge lock actuator. 35. A bicycle trailer according to claim 34 wherein the frame comprises first and second frame sections pivotally interconnected so as to be pivotal relative to one another about a frame pivot axis, the tow arm being coupled to an upper portion of the first frame section, first and second spaced apart frame hinges pivotally interconnecting the first and second frame sections, the first frame hinge coupling a first lower portion of the first frame section to a first upper portion of the second frame section and the second frame hinge coupling a second portion of the first frame section to a second portion of the second frame section, a first hinge lock operable to selectively lock the first hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the first and second frame sections about the frame pivot axis and operable to selectively unlock the first frame hinge to permit relative pivoting of the first and second frame sections about the frame pivot axis, the frame lock comprising a second hinge lock operable to selectively lock the second hinge to prevent relative pivoting of the first and second frame sections about the frame pivot axis and operable to selectively unlock the second frame hinge to permit relative pivoting of the first and second frame sections about the frame pivot axis, a first frame lock actuator coupled to both of the first and second hinge locks and operable to selectively unlock both of the first and second hinge locks upon shifting the first lock actuator to an unlocking position and operable to selectively lock the first and second hinge locks upon shifting the first lock actuator to a second locking position, a second frame lock actuator coupled to the first hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the first frame hinge, a third frame lock actuator coupled to the second hinge lock and selectively operable to lock and unlock the second hinge lock, the second frame hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the third frame hinge lock actuator and the third frame hinge lock actuator being operable independently of the second frame hinge lock actuator. 36. A bicycle trailer for a bicycle according to claim 35 wherein the first frame lock actuator comprises a pivot frame lock actuator member coupled to the first and second hinge locks and operable such that pivoting the frame lock actuator in one direction locks the first and second frame hinges and pivoting the frame lock actuator in a direction opposite to said one direction unlocks the first and second frame hinges, and wherein the second and third frame hinge lock actuators comprise push button actuated frame hinge lock actuators; and wherein the first tow arm lock actuator comprises a pivot tow arm lock actuator member coupled to the first and second tow arm hinge locks and operable such that pivoting the tow arm lock actuator in one direction locks the first and second tow arm; whereby the respective first and second two arm hinges can be freed to permit pivoting of the towing arm relative to the frame by either simultaneously actuating the first and second push button tow arm lock actuators or by pivoting the tow arm lock actuating member, and whereby the respective first and second frame hinges can be freed to permit pivoting of the first frame section relative to the second frame section by either simultaneously actuating the first and second push button frame lock actuators or by pivoting the pivot frame lock actuator. 37. A bicycle trailer according to claim 34 comprising a hitch coupled to the tow arm for detachably coupling the tow arm to the bicycle when the tow arm is in the towing position, the hitch comprising a flex coupling comprising a body and first and second end portions, the first end portion being adapted for coupling to the mount and thereby to the bicycle at a location above the rear wheel of the bicycle, the second end portion being adapted for coupling to the tow arm of the trailer, at least one of the first and second end portions being pivotal about an upright pivot axis, the flex coupling pivoting in a first direction about the upright pivot axis during steering of the bicycle in a first direction and pivoting in a second direction about the upright pivot axis during steering of the bicycle in a second direction opposite to the first direction to thereby accommodate steering of the bicycle and trailer, the flex coupling being operable to twist in a first twist direction about a roll axis in the event one of the trailer wheels is elevated relative to the other of the trailer wheels and to apply a resistance force to the trailer that opposes the force arising from the relative elevation of the said one wheel, the flex coupling being operable to twist in a second twist direction about the roll axis substantially opposite to the first twist direction in the event the other of the trailer wheels is elevated relative to the said one of the trailer wheels and to apply a resistance force to the trailer that opposes the force arising from the relative elevation of the said other wheel, wherein the flex coupling applies a resistance force that is in the range of from 0.75 inch pounds per degree of rotation to 2.1 inch pounds per degree of rotation; and the flex coupling also being adapted for coupling to the bicycle tow arm and bicycle so as to flex transversely in the event the first and second wheels of the trailer lift up or drop down to thereby accommodate changes in elevation of the trailer relative to the bicycle. 38. A bicycle trailer according to claim 37 comprising a mount for coupling to a bicycle at a location above a rear wheel of the bicycle. 39. A bicycle trailer for bicycle comprising: a frame comprising first and second frame sections that are pivotally interconnected so as to pivot relative to one another about a frame pivot axis;means for selectively locking and unlocking the first and second frame sections from one another to respectively permit and block relative pivoting of the first and second frame sections;first and second wheels for coupling to a lower one of said first and second frame sections;a tow arm pivotally coupled to an upper portion of an upper of the first and second frame sections for pivoting about a tow arm pivot axis from a first towing position to a second tow arm stowed position;means for selectively locking the tow arm and for selectively unlocking the tow arm to respectively allow pivoting of the tow arm relative to the upper frame section and block pivoting of the tow arm relative to the upper frame section; andhitch means for coupling the tow arm to the bicycle at least when the tow arm is in the towing position. 40. A method of collapsing a bicycle trailer comprising the acts of: pivoting a tow arm of the bicycle trailer about a tow arm pivot axis from a towed position to a stowed position wherein the tow arm is positioned facing a frame section of a portion of a frame of the bicycle trailer;pivoting a first frame section of the bicycle trailer about a frame pivot axis relative to a second frame section and from a frame extended position to a frame stowed position wherein when in the frame stowed position the first frame section faces the second frame;pivoting a shelf portion of the bicycle trailer about a shelf pivot axis toward one of the frame sections; andremoving the wheels of the bicycle trailer. 41. A method according to claim 40 wherein an act of pivoting the tow arm to a stowed position takes place prior to the act of pivoting the first frame section about the frame pivot axis such that the tow arm in the tow arm stowed position is between the first and second frame sections when the trailer is collapsed. 42. A method according to claim 40 comprising the act of selectively locking the tow arm in the tow arm towing and stowed positions and selectively locking the first and second frame sections in the extended and stowed positions. 43. A method according to claim 40 comprising the act of selectively locking first and second tow arm hinges against rotation when the tow arm is in the tow arm towing position and selectively unlocking the first and second tow arm hinges to permit pivoting of the tow arm from the tow arm towing position to the tow arm stowed position, the act of selectively unlocking the first and second tow arm hinges comprising the act of selectively actuating a single tow arm lock actuator to simultaneously unlock the first and second tow arm hinges; and comprising the act of selectively locking first and second frame arm hinges against rotation when the first and second frame sections are in the extended position and selectively unlocking the first and second frame hinges to permit pivoting of the first and second frame sections to the frame stowed position, the act of selectively unlocking the first and second frame hinges comprising the act of selectively actuating a single frame lock actuator to simultaneously unlock the first and second frame sections to permit pivoting of the frame sections relative to one another.
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