U.S. patent application number 11/804756 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for folding bicycle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Studio Moderna SA. Invention is credited to Miko Mihelic.
Application Number | 20070222175 11/804756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29253799 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070222175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mihelic; Miko |
September 27, 2007 |
Folding bicycle
Abstract
A foldable bicycle includes a central portion of the frame,
which defines the bicycle's geometry, that is substantially rigid.
That is, the down tube, seat tube, top tube and bearing tube are
substantially fixed relative to each other. Another feature of the
foldable bicycle is that the front wheel can be folded into a
position between the down tube, which is comprised of two tubes.
Yet another feature is a tandem bicycle configuration that does not
extend the length of the frame or the wheelbase.
Inventors: |
Mihelic; Miko; (Dobrova,
SI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MITCHELL P. BROOK;C/O LUCE, FORWARD, HAMILTON & SCRIPPS LLP
11988 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 200
SAN DIEGO
CA
92130
US
|
Assignee: |
Studio Moderna SA
Lugano
CH
|
Family ID: |
29253799 |
Appl. No.: |
11/804756 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10461017 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
7229089 |
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11804756 |
May 18, 2007 |
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PCT/IB03/01243 |
Mar 3, 2003 |
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10461017 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 25/16 20130101;
B62K 13/02 20130101; B62K 15/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/278 |
International
Class: |
B62K 3/02 20060101
B62K003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2002 |
SI |
200200308 |
Apr 15, 2002 |
SI |
200200101 |
Claims
1. A folding bicycle that is foldable between a riding
configuration and a folded configuration, comprising: a frame
including a head tube coupled to a first end of a downtube, and a
seat tube coupled to a second end of the downtube; a folding rear
wheel assembly including a seat stay, a chain stay and a rear
wheel, wherein a first end of the seat stay is releasably coupled
to the frame, a first end of the chain stay is rotatably coupled to
the frame, the rear wheel is rotatably coupled to a second end of
the chain stay, and the second end of the seat stay is fixedly
coupled to the second end of the chain stay; and a folding front
wheel assembly including a front fork, a swing arm and a front
wheel, wherein a first end of the fork is rotatably coupled to the
head tube, a second end of the fork is pivotally coupled to the
swing arm, and the front wheel is rotatably coupled to the swing
arm; wherein when the folding bicycle is in the folded
configuration the first end of the seat stay is uncoupled from the
frame and rotated relative to the frame such that the rear wheel is
disposed adjacent and rearward of the seat tube.
2. The folding bicycle of claim 1, wherein when the folding bicycle
is in the riding configuration the fork extends in a forward
direction.
3. The folding bicycle of claim 1, wherein the seat stay comprises
an upper seat stay and a lower seat stay, wherein the upper seat
stay is fixedly coupled to the frame and the lower seat stay is
releasably coupled to the upper seat stay when the folding bicycle
is in the riding configuration and the lower seat stay is uncoupled
from the upper seat stay when the folding bicycle is in the folded
configuration.
4. The folding bicycle of claim 1, wherein the chain stay comprises
a forward chain stay and a rearward chain stay, wherein the forward
chain stay is fixedly coupled to the frame and the rearward chain
stay is rotatably coupled to the forward chain stay, and wherein
the forward chain stay and rearward chain stay are generally
collinear when the folding bicycle is in the riding
configuration.
5. The folding bicycle of claim 1, wherein when the folding bicycle
is in the folded configuration, the front wheel is disposed in a
location that is rearward and upward from the location of the front
wheel when the bicycle is in the riding configuration.
6. The folding bicycle of claim 1, further comprising: a seat
coupled to a first end of the seat tube; a bottom bracket coupled
to the second end of the seat tube; and a pedal assembly rotatably
coupled to the bottom bracket along a first axis of rotation;
wherein the rear wheel is rotatably coupled to the chain stay along
a second axis of rotation, and wherein when the folding bicycle is
in the folded configuration the distance between the second axis of
rotation and the first end of the seat tube is less than the
distance between the first axis of rotation and the first end of
the seat tube.
7. The folding bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a folding
handlebar assembly comprising a mounting member rotatably coupled
to the head tube, and a plurality of handlebars pivotally mounted
to the mounting member.
8. The folding bicycle of claim 7, wherein when the folding bicycle
is in the folded configuration, at least a portion of each of the
handlebars is disposed laterally adjacent the frame.
9. The folding bicycle of claim 7, further comprising a latching
mechanism that releasably fixes the plurality of handlebars in an
upright orientation when the folding bicycle is in the riding
configuration.
10. A folding bicycle that is foldable between a riding
configuration and a folded configuration, comprising: a central
frame assembly including a head tube coupled to a first end of a
downtube, a seat tube coupled to a second end of the downtube, and
a top tube extending between the head tube and the seat tube,
wherein the central frame assembly defines a central frame area; a
folding rear wheel assembly including a seat stay, a chain stay and
a rear wheel, wherein a first end of the seat stay is releasably
coupled to the frame assembly, a first end of the chain stay is
rotatably coupled to the frame assembly, and the rear wheel is
rotatably coupled to a second end of the chain stay; and a folding
front wheel assembly including a front fork, a swing arm and a
front wheel, wherein a first end of the fork is rotatably coupled
to the head tube, a second end of the fork is pivotally coupled to
the swing arm, and the front wheel is rotatably coupled to the
swing arm; wherein when the folding bicycle is in the riding
configuration the fork extends in a forward direction, and wherein
when the folding bicycle is in the folded configuration the first
end of the seat stay is uncoupled from the frame assembly and
rotated relative to the frame assembly such that the rear wheel is
disposed adjacent and rearward of the seat tube, and a portion of
the front wheel is disposed laterally adjacent the central frame
area.
11. The folding bicycle of claim 10, wherein the seat stay
comprises an upper seat stay and a lower seat stay, wherein the
upper seat stay is fixedly coupled to the frame assembly and the
lower seat stay is releasably coupled to the upper seat stay when
the folding bicycle is in the riding configuration and the lower
seat stay is uncoupled from the upper seat stay when the folding
bicycle is in the folded configuration.
12. The folding bicycle of claim 10, wherein the chain stay
comprises a forward chain stay and a rearward chain stay, wherein
the forward chain stay is fixedly coupled to the frame assembly and
the rearward chain stay is rotatably coupled to the forward chain
stay, and wherein the forward chain stay and rearward chain stay
are generally collinear when the folding bicycle is in the riding
configuration.
13. The folding bicycle of claim 10, wherein the front wheel is
disposed rearward and upward from the riding position when the
bicycle is in the folded configuration.
14. The folding bicycle of claim 10, further comprising: a seat
coupled to a first end of the seat tube; a bottom bracket coupled
to the second end of the seat tube; and a pedal assembly rotatably
coupled to the bottom bracket along a first axis of rotation;
wherein the rear wheel is rotatably coupled to the chain stay along
a second axis of rotation, and wherein when the folding bicycle is
in the folded configuration the distance between the second axis of
rotation and the first end of the seat tube is less than the
distance between the first axis of rotation and the first end of
the seat tube.
15. The folding bicycle of claim 10, further comprising a folding
handlebar assembly comprising a mounting member rotatably coupled
to the head tube, and a plurality of handlebars pivotally mounted
to the mounting member.
16. The folding bicycle of claim 15, wherein when the folding
bicycle is in the folded configuration, at least a portion of each
of the handlebars is disposed laterally adjacent the frame
assembly.
17. The folding bicycle of claim 16, wherein when the folding
bicycle is in the folded configuration, at least a portion of each
of the handlebars is disposed within the central frame area.
18. The folding bicycle of claim 15, further comprising a latching
mechanism that releasably fixes the plurality of handlebars in an
upright position when the folding bicycle is in the riding
configuration.
19. A folding bicycle that is foldable between a riding
configuration and a folded configuration, comprising: a central
frame assembly including a head tube coupled to a first end of a
downtube, a seat tube coupled to a second end of the downtube, and
a top tube extending between the head tube and the seat tube,
wherein the frame assembly defines a central frame area; a folding
rear wheel assembly including a seat stay, a chain stay and a rear
wheel, wherein a first end of the seat stay is releasably coupled
to the frame assembly, a first end of the chain stay is rotatably
coupled to the frame assembly, and the rear wheel is rotatably
coupled to a second end of the chain stay; and a folding handlebar
assembly comprising a mounting member rotatably coupled to the head
tube, and a plurality of handlebars pivotally mounted to the
mounting member; wherein when the folding bicycle is in the folded
configuration the first end of the seat stay is uncoupled from the
frame assembly and rotated relative to the frame assembly such that
the rear wheel is disposed adjacent and rearward of the seat tube,
and at least a portion of each of the handlebars is disposed within
the central frame area.
20. The folding bicycle of claim 19, further comprising a folding
front wheel assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/461,017, filed Jun. 12, 2003, which is hereby
incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to folding bicycles
that can be folded into a relatively compact arrangement, and
unfolded for riding.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bicycles that can be folded have an advantage of a
relatively compact arrangement for storage or transport, making
them popular with users wishing to reduce storage space, such as
commuters, recreation enthusiasts, and campers, among others. Known
folding bicycles have a myriad of shortcomings when compared with
standard non-folding bicycles. For example, known folding bicycles
have a frame of two or more pieces, which can be dismantled, folded
or telescopically shortened. In some known folding bicycles, the
folded dimensions can be further reduced via removal of their
wheels.
[0004] In some conventional bicycle folding joints are situated in
the central area of the frame, such as within one or more of the
down tube, top tube, seat tube and head tube, or bearing tube. A
disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the frame's rigidity is
reduced, which can detrimentally affect pedaling efficiency, and
overall stability.
[0005] Another disadvantage associated with such known folding
bicycles is that the joints that enable folding can develop a gap,
or "play" over a period of usage. This play results in a bicycle
that flexes, reducing pedaling efficiency, as the force applied to
propel the bicycle is partially absorbed by the flexing joints. In
addition, the joints themselves can be weak points in the bicycle,
and can cause structural failure, instability or other undesirable
riding characteristics.
[0006] A further disadvantage is that known folding bicycles have
frames that frequently are smaller than the frames of a comparable
standard non-folding bicycle. This reduces the ergonomic
suitability for a rider. A result of this for many riders is a
decrease of the distance that can be ridden with comfort. Riding
discomfort can decrease pedaling efficiency, and decrease riding
characteristics are less favorable due to the different position of
front wheel and smaller wheel size compared to the non-folding
bicycles.
[0007] Therefore, there exists a need for a folding bicycle that is
ergonomically comfortable when riding, optionally has a unitary
central frame structure, optionally can be readily folded into a
compact arrangement, and/or optionally can maintain its structural
rigidity and integrity despite repeated folding and unfolding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention alleviates to a great extent the
disadvantages of known folding bicycles, some of which are
discussed above, by providing a bicycle that is foldable into a
compact size, while still having a central frame without any
folding joints. The foldable bicycle of the present invention,
preferably is foldable while generally providing a riding
experience and durability of a standard non-folding bicycle.
[0009] One embodiment of the present invention includes a central
frame assembly of a down tube, a seat tube, a top tube and a
bearing tube, wherein the down tube, seat tube, top tube and
bearing tube are substantially fixed relative to each other. This
arrangement can promote ergonomic riding characteristics of a
non-folding bicycle.
[0010] The foldable elements of present invention optionally
include a foldable front fork assembly, a foldable rear-wheel
assembly and a foldable handlebar assembly. Although each of these
assemblies are optional features of the present invention, they
operate together to reduce the folded size of the foldable bicycle,
rendering it for example more easily transportable. The optional
front-fork assembly mounts the front wheel on its lower end, and is
jointed at or near a connector strut. In operation, the front fork
assembly includes linking bars connecting the upper end at the
frame with the wheel, at its axle. The joint can be operated to
unlock and allow the front fork assembly to rotate about the joint,
in the direction of the down tube assembly of the frame. The down
tube of the frame preferably has two spatially separated portions
spaced apart from one another. So, when the front fork assembly is
rotated about the joint, the wheel can fold into the area between
the separated portions, thereby rotating into the center of the
frame, through the two spaced apart portions of the down tube.
Alternatively, the wheel and front fork assembly can be rotated
180.degree. prior to being folded about the joint.
[0011] The optional handlebar assembly also serves to reduce the
folded dimension of the foldable bicycle. In particular, the
handlebars are mounted to a tube in a locked, but unlockable
fashion. When it is desired to fold the bicycle, the handlebars are
unlocked, and rotated downwards, preferably to a position that is
within the area of the central portion of the frame. In a preferred
embodiment, the handlebars are fully turned 180.degree. prior to
folding, and the handlebars are then unlocked and rotated downwards
to a position in which one handle grip is on the left side of the
central portion of the frame, and another handle grip is on the
right side of the central portion of the frame. Then, using a
lockable joint, the respective handlebars can be folded inwards
towards each other, and can be folded inwards a sufficient amount
so that the handle grips cross one another.
[0012] The optional rear wheel assembly also serves to further
reduce the folded dimension of the foldable bicycle. In this
embodiment, a strut assembly descends at an angle from beneath the
seat to the rear wheel axle. Preferably the strut assembly includes
spatially separated, or parallel, bars, between which the rear
wheel is mounted. At a location between the seat and the rear wheel
axle, the strut assembly includes a locking assembly. When the
locking assembly is released, the rear wheel rotates upwards,
between the spatially separated bars of the strut assembly. In a
preferred embodiment, the compactness of this arrangement can be
enhanced by using dual transmission chains, with an intermediate
sprocket. The chain stays, together with the rear wheel, are
foldable upwards toward the seat. To facilitate the folding of the
chain stays and the rear wheel, the transmission from the chainring
to the sprocket is complemented by two sprockets and a shaft, i.e.
consists two chains in series, which results in an additional
transmission ratio. The shaft also serves as a pivot, around which
the chain stays and the rear wheel fold. The front chain remains
between the front chainring and the intermediate sprocket, on the
shaft, while the rear chain remains between the intermediate
sprocket and the rear sprocket, and shifts upwards together with
the chain stays and the rear wheel without changing the distance
between the front chainring and the intermediate sprocket or the
distance between the intermediate and rear sprockets. In this
embodiment, the rear wheel is rotated about the intermediate
sprocket when folding the wheel upwards. The chain stays, together
with the rear wheel, is foldable upwards toward the seat. In riding
position, power is transmitted via a chain from a pedal sprocket to
the intermediate sprocket and then via a second chain from the
intermediate sprocket to a rear wheel sprocket mounted at the rear
wheel axle. If the rear wheel is removed, the length of the bicycle
can be further reduced in the folded position.
[0013] To reduce the width of the folded bicycle, the pedals can
also be folded.
[0014] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a
foldable tandem bicycle is provided. In this arrangement, a second
seat is situated behind the front seat, and a second set of pedals
is provided. In the tandem arrangement, a second set of pedals is
not necessarily required. For example, footrests can be added at
any suitable position for receiving a second passenger's feet, but
preferably in a location safely away from operative components or
the first pedals. In addition, as an alternative to the second
seat, or in addition to the second seat, other optional components
can be added, such as a child seat, basket, briefcase holder, rack,
etc. Such components can be attached in a similar fashion and
location as the second seat.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the bicycle can be equipped with a
motor providing torque at one of the sprockets or the
chainring.
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed
description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures
in which like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable bicycle
in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of the foldable
bicycle in accordance with the present invention, namely a tandem
foldable bicycle;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, showing a second seat tube, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1, illustrating the foldable bicycle in accordance with the present
invention in a folded configuration;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, showing the foldable handlebar assembly, in accordance with
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5, showing the foldable handlebar assembly in a folded
configuration, in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, showing the foldable front fork assembly in a
partially-folded configuration, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 7, showing the front fork assembly in a completely folded
configuration, in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, showing the foldable rear wheel assembly, in accordance
with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a detail view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 9, showing the rear wheel assembly in a partially-folded
configuration, in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a detail view of a sprocket arrangement of the
foldable bicycle in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional detail view of a sprocket
arrangement of the foldable bicycle in accordance with the present
invention as shown in FIG. 11;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable
bicycle in accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
13, illustrating the foldable bicycle in accordance with the
present invention in a partially folded configuration;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable
bicycle in accordance with the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of a foldable
bicycle in accordance with the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a side view of a motorized embodiment of a
foldable bicycle, in accordance with the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a side view of a tandem foldable bicycle in
accordance with the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pedal in accordance with
the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a pedal in accordance with
the present invention.
[0037] It will be recognized that some or all of the Figures are
schematic representations for purposes of illustration and do not
necessarily depict the actual relative sizes or locations of the
elements shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be
described in detail by way of example with reference to the
attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred
embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars,
rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used
herein, the "present invention" refers to any one of the
embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents.
Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the "present
invention" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed
embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).
[0039] The present invention relates to a foldable bicycle
including a frame geometry providing various components in the same
relation to one another both in the folded and unfolded conditions.
As defined herein "frame geometry" refers to the arrangement of
tubes that make up the bicycle frame. The relationship between the
tubes comprising the bicycle frame creates a specific overall
"frame geometry." One feature of the foldable bicycle of the
present invention is that the frame core preferably is of a unitary
construction, i.e. containing no joints connecting moving
parts.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1, 13 and 15, one embodiment of a
foldable bicycle 10 of the present invention is illustrated. This
embodiment of the present invention comprises a core frame assembly
12 including a single down tube 20 or preferably including
spatially separated down tubes 165, 170, a seat tube 25, a top tube
15 and a bearing tube 30, wherein the down tube 20, seat tube 25,
top tube 15 and bearing tube 30 are in substantially fixed relation
to each other. The downtubes 165, 170 preferably have a gap between
them, which is approximately the same width as the front wheel 175,
or slightly wider. The downtubes 165, 170 can be parallel to one
another, angled, or curved. Alternatively, a single downtube having
a curve is provided, or a single tube, split in the middle is
provided, also shaped to accommodate the front wheel when it is
folded upwards.
[0041] A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 2 and 18. In this embodiment, a tandem foldable bicycle 70
is provided. This embodiment includes various features found in the
single seat embodiment 10, including the core frame assembly of a
down tube 20 or spatially separated downtubes 165, 170, a seat tube
25, a top tube 15 and a bearing tube 30, wherein the down tubes
165, 170, seat tube 25, top tube 15 and bearing tube 30 are
substantially fixed relative to each other. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3
and 18, the tandem foldable bicycle 70 includes a second seat tube
45 with a second seat 40 and a second seat tube fastener 50.
Preferably, the second seat tube fastener 50 is a quick-release
fastener, but other types of fasteners may be employed, such as
latches, locks, and suitable nut-and-bolt arrangements.
[0042] Optionally, a single seat bicycle can be converted to a
tandem folding bicycle, by positioning the second seat tube 45
between the two upper seat stay tubes 75, 80 that comprise the
upper seat stay 85. Attached to the upper seat stay 85 is the
second seat tube fastener receiver 55, which is sized to receive
the second seat tube fastener 50. The bottom end of the second seat
tube 45 is positioned against the second seat tube support 60,
located between the two forward bottom bracket tubes (i.e. chain
stays) 90, 95, shown in FIG. 3. In this fashion, the foldable
bicycle 10 can be converted into a tandem foldable bicycle 70
without changing the frame dimensions, or the bicycle
wheelbase.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 18, the tandem foldable bicycle 70
optionally may include a second pedal assembly 107 that is coupled
with middle sprocket assembly 110. As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 18,
preferably the second pedal assembly 107 is aligned in the same
angular position as the first pedal assembly 100. Alternatively, a
pair of footrests (not shown) may be mounted anywhere on the frame
where appropriate, safe and convenient, such as on the two forward
bracket tubes (i.e. chain stays) 90, 95.
[0044] In a further embodiment of the tandem bicycle, the second
seat 40 is positioned so that a passenger in the seat 40 can face
backwards. Optional footrests may be provided to allow a
comfortable resting place for the rear-facing passenger's seat.
Likewise the seat 40, whether front or rear facing may include
amenities such as a backrest enhancing passenger comfort.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 14, the foldable bicycle 10 of the
present invention is illustrated in a folded configuration. Various
optional folding features are illustrated in the figures. In the
illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 1, 4, 13 and 15, the optional
folding elements include foldable front-fork assembly 115, a
foldable rear-wheel assembly 120 and a foldable handlebar assembly
125. In addition, the seat 35 optionally can be retracted into the
seat tube 25 by releasing seat lock 123 enabling the seat mounting
tube 124 to be slid into the seat tube 25. So, preferably, the seat
mounting tube 124 has a smaller diameter than that of seat tube 25,
enabling the seat mounting tube 124 to move within seat tube
25.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the foldable handlebar assembly
125 comprises a mounting member 135, also called a gooseneck, that
is rotatably coupled with the bearing tube 30 (also called a head
tube). The handlebars 140 are mounted to the mounting member 135
about handlebar pivot axes 130. Preferably the handlebars 140 can
be rotated from an upright position as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2
and 5 for example, to a folded downwards position as illustrated in
FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. Any mechanism can be used that enables the
handlebars 140 to be upright in a riding position and sufficiently
fixed so as to allow safe steering, and then releasable and rotated
downwards in a folded configuration of the bicycle 10, 70. In one
embodiment, there is a friction fit between the handlebar tube 144
and the mounting member 135, which is suitably shaped to receive
the handlebar tube 144. In another embodiment, a latching mechanism
is provided, and in another a ratchet mechanism is provided. The
handlebar elements 140, can include tubing, and at their respective
ends, handles 142.
[0047] In one embodiment, the respective handlebar elements 140 can
be folded inwards as well, in order to further decrease the folded
size of the bicycle. In this embodiment, handlebar pivot axes 130
are provided at the intersection of the handlebars 140 and the
mounting member 135. One embodiment handlebar latch 145, that
releases the handlebar elements 140, is a hook-and-loop type, but
other type of latches may be employed, such as a quick-release
latch, or any other type of suitable latch or fastener.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a preferred method of
folding the handlebar assembly 125 will now be described.
Preferably, the entire handlebar assembly 125 (along with the front
wheel 175) is rotated around approximately 18.degree. degrees so
that the entire assembly is in a backwards orientation. In order to
achieve this rotation, the mounting member 135 is rotated as
desired within the bearing tube 30. This rotating force is
transmitted to the front wheel 175 via its associated mounting
elements. After this initial rotation, then the handlebar latch 145
is released allowing each handlebar tube 140, along with its
associated elements, to be rotated about their own handlebar pivot
axes 130. In one embodiment of the present invention, one handlebar
pivot axis 130 is angled at 45 degrees and the other handlebar
pivot axis 130 is angled at 35 degrees so that the handles 142
mounted at the ends of the handlebar tubes 140 do not contact each
other when in the folded position underneath the top tube 15, as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.
[0049] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the front fork assembly
115 is illustrated. In a riding configuration as illustrated in
FIG. 1, the front fork assembly 115 mounts the front wheel 175 via
an axle to the frame 12. It should be recognized that any
arrangement of elements of the front fork assembly 115 can be used
that rotatably mounts the front wheel 175, and optionally allows
the front wheel to be moved towards the frame 12 in a folding
operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the front fork assembly
115 is pivotally attached to the bearing tube 30 of the frame 12.
It includes a front fork 150 that extends forward when the foldable
bicycle 10 is arranged in a riding configuration, as shown in FIG.
1. Pivotally attached to the front fork 150, about fork pivot axis
157 is a swing arm 155 that has a front wheel 175 removeably and
rotatably coupled thereto. Fixedly attached to the swing arm 155 is
a stirrup 160 that includes a stirrup latch 180. Both the swing arm
155 and the stirrup 160 are positioned about the front wheel
175.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment the stirrup latch 180 is a spring
lock, but other types of latches and fasteners, such as
hook-and-loop, or quick-release fasteners may be employed. The
front fork assembly 115 is folded by rotating the front fork 150
approximately 180 degrees to a rear-facing orientation. The stirrup
latch 180 is then released, freeing the stirrup 160, and allowing
the rider to rotate the swing arm 155 and stirrup 160 about the
fork pivot axis 157, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0051] Examples of folded configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 4
and 8. In a folded configuration, the front wheel 175 is moved
towards the frame. Preferably it is positioned between the two down
tube elements 165, 170 comprising the down tube 20.
[0052] An alternative embodiment front fork assembly 115 may
include two springs or shock absorbers 14, as shown in FIGS. 15,
16, and 17, that are mounted between the front fork 150 and either
the stirrup 160 and/or the swing arm 155. The two springs or shock
absorbers 14 would secure the stirrup latch 180 in the closed
position when the foldable bicycle 10 is configured in the riding
mode. The springs or shock absorbers 14 may be of any type, such as
an elastomer type, hydraulic or pneumatic. It will be appreciated
that one, or more springs or shock absorbers 14 may be mounted
anywhere within the front fork assembly 115, in any suitable
location.
[0053] One feature of the foldable front fork assembly 115 is that
the "head angle" of the bearing tube can be configured similar to
the head angle of a non-folding bicycle. The head angle determines
the front fork rake angle, which affects steering "quickness." That
is, the steering of the present invention will feel normal to a
rider accustomed to a non-folding bicycle, in contrast to
conventional folding bicycles, that have a steeper head angle,
which results in a steep front fork rake angle. This can be
implemented to create relatively quick steering, resulting in a
nervous, or edgy steering feel as desired.
[0054] An optional rear wheel assembly 120 also is provided. Any
assembly may be used that is suitable for mounting the rear wheel
rotatably with respect to the frame 12, and for mounting as desired
one or more seat assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, the
seat stay is divided into an upper seat stay 85, and a lower seat
stay 185. The upper seat stay 85 may optionally have two upper seat
stay tubes 75, 80, shown in FIG. 3. The lower seat stay 185
optionally includes two lower seat stay tubes 190, 195, as shown in
FIGS. 3, 9 and 10. Attached to the lower seat stay 185 is a seat
stay fastener receiver 215, which is sized to receive the seat stay
fastener 210. In this way the lower seat stay 185 is releaseably
coupled to the upper seat stay 85. Preferably, the seat stay
fastener 210 is a quick-release type, but other suitable fasteners,
or latches may be employed. Also, the arrangement of fastener to
receiver may be switched.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, one feature of the present
invention is that the bottom bracket is divided into a forward
bottom bracket comprising two forward bottom bracket tubes 90, 95
and a rear bottom bracket comprising two rear bottom bracket tubes
200, 205. The tubes are pivotally connected by pivot 220. Rotatably
coupled about the pivot 220 is a middle sprocket assembly 110. The
middle sprocket assembly 110 is connected to the front sprocket 105
by a front chain 225 which runs from front sprocket 105 to a first
middle sprocket 112 on the middle sprocket assembly 110 (as
depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12). The rear chain 230 connects a second
middle sprocket 114 to the rear hub 235 that can contain one or
more sprockets 237 providing differing gear ratios.
[0056] In a preferred tandem bicycle embodiment, the diameter of
the first sprocket 105 is the same as that of the first middle
sprocket 112 and the diameter of the second middle sprocket 114 is
greater than that of one or more of the sprockets 237 on the rear
hub 235, although any sprocket size can be used that allows the
pedal force generated at any of the pedal assemblies 100, 107 to
the rear wheel 240.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rear hub 235
may contain internal gears, or the rear hub 235 may include
external gears and a derailleur to move the chain between the
gears. In addition, the front sprocket 105 may include additional
sprockets beyond the two sprockets 112, 114 in the illustrations.
In this way, a variety of gear ratios may be provided. One feature
of the present invention is that the two sprocket assemblies 105,
110 provide a gear ratio that may be suitable for most bicycle
speed requirements.
[0058] It should be noted that although chains 225 and 230 are
discussed herein as providing mechanism for transmitting force
between the respective sprockets 105, 110 and, or the hub mechanism
235 force can be transmitted via any mechanism that allows the
forces to be appropriately transmitted from the rider's feet or
hands to the appropriately driven wheel or wheels. For example, the
force can be transmitted from pedals 100 or 107 via a drive shaft
to rear wheel 240 or front wheel 175. Such a drive shaft system is
widely known and used, for example in motorized vehicles to
transmit propulsive force from an engine to one or more wheels.
Alternatively, a power supply 65 may be included for providing a
propulsive force. The power supply 65 may comprise an electric or
internal combustion motor, that in a preferred embodiment would not
increase the folded dimensions of the foldable bicycle 10, or the
tandem foldable bicycle 70.
[0059] Again referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 9 and 10, the method of
folding the rear wheel assembly 120 will now be described. When the
seat stay fastener 210 is uncoupled from the seat stay fastener
receiver 215, the rear wheel 240 is rotated about pivot 220, toward
the seat 35. The front chain 225 remains positioned between the
front sprocket 105 and the middle sprocket 110, while the rear
chain 230 remains positioned between the middle sprocket 110 and
the rear hub 235. The two rear bottom bracket tubes 200, 205 shift
upward with the rear wheel 240. This arrangement of components
keeps the distance between the front sprocket 105 and the middle
sprocket 110 substantially constant during the folding process,
avoiding any slack in the respective chains 225, 230. Therefore, it
is not possible for the chains 225, 230 to come off during the
folding and unfolding of the foldable bicycle 10. An alternative
embodiment of the present invention may employ drivebelts,
preferably geared drivebelts, instead of chains.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, when fully folded, the rear wheel 240 is
positioned adjacent to the seat 35. A locking device may be used to
keep the rear wheel 240 in the folded position. This greatly
decreases the size of the foldable bicycle 10, allowing it to be
carried in a large bag, backpack, and easily stowed in a small
vehicle.
[0061] In addition, to reduce the width of the foldable bicycle 10,
or the tandem foldable bicycle 70, the pedals may also be folded.
Moreover, the foldable bicycle 10, or the tandem foldable bicycle
70 may be equipped with an electric or internal combustion motor
without increasing the folded dimensions.
[0062] Any size wheel diameter can be used that allow the wheels to
be appropriately folded using the frame assembly 12 provided. For
example, both the front wheel 175 and the rear wheel 240 can be 14
inches or 16 inches in diameter, but other wheel sizes may be
employed, such as for example 23 inches in diameter or other sizes.
In addition, the foldable bicycle 10 and the tandem foldable
bicycle 70 may be equipped with brakes, lights, fenders, a kick
stand, and other amenities. Moreover, the frame may be sized to fit
a child, or an oversized adult, or the top tube 15 may be
positioned closer to the down tube(s) 20, such as traditionally has
been provided on female gender-specific bicycles, as shown in FIG.
16.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 19-20, a foldable pedal assembly 11
is illustrated. Attached to pedal cranks 16 is a pedal mount 51. A
narrow pedal member 52 is coupled to the pedal mount 51. It will be
appreciated that either the narrow pedal member 52, or the pedal
mount 51 may rotate about the pedal cranks 16. An outer footrest 57
is pivotally coupled about pedal pivot axis 58, and when in the
folded position, as shown in FIG. 20, substantially decreases the
width of the foldable pedal assembly 11. When in the unfolded
position, as shown in FIG. 19, the outer footrest 57, in
conjunction with the narrow pedal member 52, provides a substantial
area for receiving an operator's foot.
[0064] Thus, it is seen that a foldable bicycle is provided. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can
be practiced by other than the above-described embodiments, which
are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and
not of limitation. The description and examples set forth in this
specification and associated drawings only set forth embodiment(s)
of the present invention. The specification and drawings are not
intended to limit the exclusionary scope of this patent document.
Many designs other than the above-described embodiments will fall
within the literal and/or legal scope of the following claims, and
the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It
is noted that various equivalents for the particular embodiments
discussed in this description may practice the invention as
well.
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