EP4658554A1 - Quick assembly frame for a bicycle - Google Patents

Quick assembly frame for a bicycle

Info

Publication number
EP4658554A1
EP4658554A1 EP24709502.9A EP24709502A EP4658554A1 EP 4658554 A1 EP4658554 A1 EP 4658554A1 EP 24709502 A EP24709502 A EP 24709502A EP 4658554 A1 EP4658554 A1 EP 4658554A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tubular
lever
wedge
bicycle
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24709502.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Marco Muliere
Antonio Brosca
Stefano Grimaldi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unik Innovation Srl
Original Assignee
Unik Innovation Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unik Innovation Srl filed Critical Unik Innovation Srl
Publication of EP4658554A1 publication Critical patent/EP4658554A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K3/00—Bicycles
    • B62K3/02—Frames
    • B62K3/04—Frames having a substantially horizontal top bar
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
    • B62K19/02—Cycle frames characterised by material or cross-section of frame members
    • B62K19/04—Cycle frames characterised by material or cross-section of frame members the material being wholly or mainly metallic, e.g. of high elasticity
    • B62K19/06—Cycle frames characterised by material or cross-section of frame members the material being wholly or mainly metallic, e.g. of high elasticity tubular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
    • B62K19/18—Joints between frame members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
    • B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
    • B62K19/32—Steering heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
    • B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
    • B62K19/34—Bottom brackets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
    • B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
    • B62K19/36—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories for attaching saddle pillars, e.g. adjustable during ride
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K15/00—Collapsible or foldable cycles
    • B62K2015/001—Frames adapted to be easily dismantled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K2206/00—Quick release mechanisms adapted for cycles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/18—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using screw-thread elements
    • F16B7/185—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using screw-thread elements with a node element

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a bicycle frame or similar and, more precisely, to a bicycle frame or similar which is capable of being manually assembled and disassembled quickly and without the use of manual tools .
  • This construction solution is practical for the transporting of the bicycle or for the replacing of some components of the frame , but has the disadvantage o f having one or more tools to be provided for the tightening/disassembling the aforementioned pins or bolts on the said j oints , an operation that would otherwise be impossible .
  • a bicycle frame or similar which includes a plurality of tubular structural members , at least three connecting j oints connecting the plurality of tubular structural members , and reversible locking means to reversibly lock the structural members onto the connecting j oints , and is characterised by the fact that the locking means are manual locking type and lock the plurality of structural members with the connecting j oints by a manual action without the use of any tools .
  • Aim of the present invention i s to solve both the aforementioned disadvantages of the state of the art and to provide a further improvement , by providing a quick assembly bicycle frame or the like which be completely disassembled/mountable and lockable by new locking means via exclusively manual operation and without the use of any tools .
  • the present invention provides a bicycle frame or the like which can be quickly assembled/disassembled and locked, and comprising a plurality of elongated structural members , at least three connecting j oints of said plurality of elongated structural members , and locking means for the locking of said structural members on said connecting j oints , and characteri zed in that said locking means are manual ly operated and lock said structural members following to a manual operation without the use of any tools .
  • the present invention provides a quick assembling bicycle frame or the like substantially according to the attached claims .
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle mounting the frame of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an exploded view of the bicycle of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective views illustrating some components ( j oints ) of the bicycle frame according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view partially illustrating two parts of the bicycle frame and the reversible locking means , according to the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view that partially illustrates the locking means in the locked condition
  • Figure 6 is a partial perspective view that illustrates in detail the arrangement for the displacement of the locking means according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the locking means in the closed and locked condition according to the present invention .
  • a bicycle 1 having a frame 10 made of a plurality of tubular structural members 2 which are mounted at the ends thereof in relevant j oints 3 is provided .
  • a removable and/or reversible locking means 4 are provided (better described below) .
  • the frame 10 comprises a front fork 5 , a rear fork 50 , a handlebar 6 , a saddle 8 slidable mounted on a rod 80 connected to a respective j oint 3 , and two wheels 7 , the whole being mutually connected with the aforementioned tubular structural members 2 by means of said locking means 4 (better explained below) .
  • a j oint 3 related to the front fork support 5 is shown in a perspective view . From now on this j oint 3 will be referred to as " front j oint" 3 .
  • the front j oint 3 comprises a first tubular body 30 for the supporting o f a respective front fork steerer 5 (not shown in the figure ) .
  • two additional tubular members 31 and 32 are provided for the supporting of the ends of respective tubular structural members 2 (better illustrated below) .
  • the j oint 3 related to the pedal support ( or lower transmission) is shown in a perspective view . From now on, this j oint will be referred to as the " lower j oint" 3 .
  • the lower j oint 3 includes a first tubular body 33 that supports the rolling bearing of the pedal shaft in the already known manner .
  • it has two additional tubular bodies 34 and 35 for the supporting of the ends of the respective tubular structural members 2 (better illustrated below) .
  • FIG. 3C shows the j oint 3 related to the support of the seat 8 and the rear forks 50 in a perspective view (the latter not in the figure ) . From now on this j oint will be referred to as " rear j oint" 3 .
  • the rear j oint 3 comprises a first tubular body 36 for the supporting of a respective seat supporting tube 80 of the seat 8 (the latter not shown in the figure ) .
  • it integrally comprises a tubular body 37 for the supporting of one end of a respective tubular structural member 2 (better illustrated below) .
  • the figures show a part of the ends of the tubular body 31 of the front j oint 3 (the latter not been shown in the figure ) and a part of the ends of a respective tubular structural member 2 (the latter being partially illustrated) .
  • thi s arrangement applies to all the components of the frame 10 , i . e . to all tubular structural members 2 and the related j oints 3 of the frame 10 .
  • the locking means consists of a locking system 4 which includes :
  • a protruding member 20 associated with the tubular member 2 the protruding member 20 being shaped to interface and insert into the shaped hole of the tubular member 300 .
  • the protruding member 20 has two transverse pockets at the side faces thereof , of which a first pocket 21 has a concave shape , and a second pocket 22 has a surface with grooves ;
  • said lever 301 comprising a convex region with a shape which is complementary to the shape of said first pocket 21 and capable of cooperating with the latter for the locking of the system 4 (better explained below) ;
  • wedge-shaped member 302 housed in a sliding manner in said tubular member 300 , said wedge member 302 having a surface with grooves capable of interfacing with the grooves on the surface of said second pocket 22 for the locking of the system 4 (better illustrated below) ;
  • the pin 303 comprising a threaded end to engage in a screwed manner with a threaded hole 304 on said wedge member 302 ; a pair of 305 and 306 side-acting cams mounted coaxially on said pin 303 , the cam 306 being integral with said tubular member 300 , while cam 305 being integral with said lever 301 .
  • the arrangement of the cams 305 and 306 is such that , during the rotation of the lever 301 , the reciprocal action of the cams 305 and 306 allows the wedge member 302 to be moved towards the inside of the tubular member 300 ;
  • an elastic member 307 coaxially mounted on the pin 303 and interfaced between the wedge member 302 and the tubular member 300 .
  • the figure shows the contact between the surface grooves of the pocket 22 and the surface grooves on the wedge member 302 during the mutual engagement to lock the system 4 .
  • both the pocket 22 and the wedge member 302 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the locking system 4 , therefore when they engage each other a surface friction engagement is generated guided by the grooves , and in such a manner that under the action of the axial force exerted by the rotation of the lever 301 and the interaction of the cams 305 and 306 , all eventual clearances between surfaces of the wedge member 302 and the pocket 22 are eliminated, as well as any axial clearances between the engagement of the protruding member 20 with respect to the tubular member 300 when the former is inserted into the latter .
  • figure 6 it partially shows the displacement mechanism of the locking system 4 of the present invention .
  • the lever 301 comprises a cam housing region 305 coaxially to the pin 303 .
  • the cam 306 is made integral to the body of the tubular member 300 .
  • the arrangement is such that , during the rotation of the lever 301 , the reciprocal action of the cams 305 and 306 allows the wedge member 302 to be moved towards the inside of the tubular member 300 (the latter not in the figure ) and against the elastic action of the elastic annular member 307 ( the latter not in the figure ) .
  • the function of the elastic member 307 is to generate an elastic force that determines the retreat of the wedge member 302 during the reverse rotation of the lever 301 or in the condition of "unlocking" of the locking system 4 .
  • the cam 305 is rotated with respect to the cam 306 (the latter fixed and integral with the tubular member 300 ) .
  • the rotation of cam 305 relative to the cam 306 causes the pin 303 to move outwards from the tubular member 300 ( i . e . , to the right in Figure 7 ) , thus causing the wedge member 302 to move inwards from the tubular member 300 ( i . e . , to the right in the figure ) .
  • the grooved surface of the wedge member 302 interfaces with the grooved surface of the pocket 22 until system 4 is completely locked, thanks to the frictional contact of the inclined surface of the wedge member 302 with the respective inclined surface of the member 20 , and the contact of the reciprocal groove profiles on the surface 22 and the wedge member 302 .
  • the present invention has a number of advantages .
  • a first advantage is given by the fact that it provides a modular frame , which can be easily assembled/disassembled, with a low environmental impact , and zero maintenance .
  • a second advantage is the modularity of the whole frame system which allows the easy replacement of individual parts when necessary .
  • a third advantage lies in the fact that the frame , being modular, shows the peculiarity of being easily customizable , being able to vary its shape and si ze , and is also easily implementable in terms of performance , i . e . it has the possibility of replacing the materials of the di f ferent components with a more performing and/or light and/or robust ones .
  • a fourth advantage lies in the fact that the present frame can house a dedicated pedal assist unit , or a gearbox integrated into the hub, or the possibility of modi fying the braking system, the possibility of modi fying the transmission system, and the possibility of modifying the mounting/dismounting system for the rims with the respective tires .
  • a fi fth advantage lies in the fact that the frame is designed to be "USER FRIENDLY" since all the assembly operations of the components do not require the use of manual tools and special ef forts , and are quick and obj ective .
  • a sixth advantage lies in the fact that the frame can be quickly disassembled, reducing it to its basic components , which makes it easily the transporting and/or the storing .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

A frame (10) is provided for a bicycle (1) or similar comprising a plurality of tubular structural members (2), at least three joints (3) connecting said plurality of tubular structural members (2), and reversible locking means (20) of said structural members (2) on said connecting joints (3), the frame is characterized by the fact that said locking means (20) are manually operated and lock said tubular structural members (2) on said connecting joints (3) as a result of a manual operation without the use of manual tools.

Description

QUICK ASSEMBLY FRAME FOR A BICYCLE
DESCRIPTION
The present invention refers to a bicycle frame or similar and, more precisely, to a bicycle frame or similar which is capable of being manually assembled and disassembled quickly and without the use of manual tools .
State of the art
Research on bicycle frames , mainly aimed at improving performance , has produced a continuous evolution of the former that has led to the creation of increasingly lighter systems with the same structural rigidity .
In addition, for many decades various construction solutions have been proposed for these frames with the aim of improving their transportability when needed ( e . g . during the trans fers on public/private transporting means ) and/or the sheltering during periods of non-use . For example, in the past , folding frames have been produced at one or two hinge points on the frame itsel f , so that the latter could be folded during the transporting thereof in order to reduce the overall dimensions as much as possible and facilitate the handling .
However, these solutions have a disadvantage that is given by the fact that they have to integrate j oint hinges into the frame (which allow the frame to fold) but which, at the same time , generally require increased sections to maintain an appropriate structural rigidity . Therefore , this construction solution is a compromise between dimensions and weights , and even when the bicycle is folded, it is not optimal in weight and dimensions .
In addition, an alternative solution is known from the patent document FR808180A1 , which describes a bicycle frame made of light alloy metal , and which consists of a series of members that can be mounted on respective j oints and locked in position by means of screwed pins or bolts and which tighten the ends of the components on the respective j oints .
This construction solution is practical for the transporting of the bicycle or for the replacing of some components of the frame , but has the disadvantage o f having one or more tools to be provided for the tightening/disassembling the aforementioned pins or bolts on the said j oints , an operation that would otherwise be impossible .
On the other hand, in the document WO2021240367A1 of the present applicant it is known a bicycle frame or similar and, more speci fically, a bicycle frame that can be manually assembled and disassembled quickly and without the use of manual tools . The document discloses a bicycle frame or similar, which includes a plurality of tubular structural members , at least three connecting j oints connecting the plurality of tubular structural members , and reversible locking means to reversibly lock the structural members onto the connecting j oints , and is characterised by the fact that the locking means are manual locking type and lock the plurality of structural members with the connecting j oints by a manual action without the use of any tools .
Aim of the present invention i s to solve both the aforementioned disadvantages of the state of the art and to provide a further improvement , by providing a quick assembly bicycle frame or the like which be completely disassembled/mountable and lockable by new locking means via exclusively manual operation and without the use of any tools .
Brief description of the invention
The present invention provides a bicycle frame or the like which can be quickly assembled/disassembled and locked, and comprising a plurality of elongated structural members , at least three connecting j oints of said plurality of elongated structural members , and locking means for the locking of said structural members on said connecting j oints , and characteri zed in that said locking means are manual ly operated and lock said structural members following to a manual operation without the use of any tools .
Thus , the present invention provides a quick assembling bicycle frame or the like substantially according to the attached claims .
Detailed description of the invention
A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the quick assembling bicycle frame or the like of the present invention will now be provided, given by way of a nonlimiting example , and with reference to the appended figures , wherein :
Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle mounting the frame of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the bicycle of Figure 1 ;
Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective views illustrating some components ( j oints ) of the bicycle frame according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is an exploded view partially illustrating two parts of the bicycle frame and the reversible locking means , according to the present invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view that partially illustrates the locking means in the locked condition;
Figure 6 is a partial perspective view that illustrates in detail the arrangement for the displacement of the locking means according to the present invention; and
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the locking means in the closed and locked condition according to the present invention .
With reference now to Figures 1 and 2 , a bicycle incorporating a frame according to the present invention it is illustrated therein .
More precisely, a bicycle 1 having a frame 10 made of a plurality of tubular structural members 2 which are mounted at the ends thereof in relevant j oints 3 is provided . For the connection of the tubular structural members 2 with the relevant j oints 3 a removable and/or reversible locking means 4 are provided (better described below) .
In addition, the frame 10 comprises a front fork 5 , a rear fork 50 , a handlebar 6 , a saddle 8 slidable mounted on a rod 80 connected to a respective j oint 3 , and two wheels 7 , the whole being mutually connected with the aforementioned tubular structural members 2 by means of said locking means 4 (better explained below) .
With reference now to figure 3A, a j oint 3 related to the front fork support 5 is shown in a perspective view . From now on this j oint 3 will be referred to as " front j oint" 3 .
The front j oint 3 comprises a first tubular body 30 for the supporting o f a respective front fork steerer 5 (not shown in the figure ) . In addition, two additional tubular members 31 and 32 are provided for the supporting of the ends of respective tubular structural members 2 (better illustrated below) .
With reference now to figure 3B, the j oint 3 related to the pedal support ( or lower transmission) is shown in a perspective view . From now on, this j oint will be referred to as the " lower j oint" 3 .
The lower j oint 3 includes a first tubular body 33 that supports the rolling bearing of the pedal shaft in the already known manner . In addition, it has two additional tubular bodies 34 and 35 for the supporting of the ends of the respective tubular structural members 2 (better illustrated below) .
Figure 3C shows the j oint 3 related to the support of the seat 8 and the rear forks 50 in a perspective view ( the latter not in the figure ) . From now on this j oint will be referred to as " rear j oint" 3 .
The rear j oint 3 comprises a first tubular body 36 for the supporting of a respective seat supporting tube 80 of the seat 8 ( the latter not shown in the figure ) . In addition, it integrally comprises a tubular body 37 for the supporting of one end of a respective tubular structural member 2 (better illustrated below) .
With reference now to Figures 4 to 7 , the revers ible locking means 4 of the tubular structural members 2 on the respective j oints 3 are illustrated therein according to the present embodiment of the frame 10 according to the present invention .
For the sake of clarity and as a non limiting example , the figures show a part of the ends of the tubular body 31 of the front j oint 3 ( the latter not been shown in the figure ) and a part of the ends of a respective tubular structural member 2 ( the latter being partially illustrated) .
It should be noted here that thi s arrangement applies to all the components of the frame 10 , i . e . to all tubular structural members 2 and the related j oints 3 of the frame 10 .
With reference now to figure 4 , the reversible locking means 4 of the present invention are shown in a partial exploded view .
According to the invention, the locking means consists of a locking system 4 which includes :
A tubular member 300 associated with the tubular member 31 and which has a shaped hole at the cross surface ;
- A protruding member 20 associated with the tubular member 2 , the protruding member 20 being shaped to interface and insert into the shaped hole of the tubular member 300 . The protruding member 20 has two transverse pockets at the side faces thereof , of which a first pocket 21 has a concave shape , and a second pocket 22 has a surface with grooves ;
- a lever 301 rotatably mounted onto said tubular member
300 , said lever 301 comprising a convex region with a shape which is complementary to the shape of said first pocket 21 and capable of cooperating with the latter for the locking of the system 4 (better explained below) ;
- a wedge-shaped member 302 housed in a sliding manner in said tubular member 300 , said wedge member 302 having a surface with grooves capable of interfacing with the grooves on the surface of said second pocket 22 for the locking of the system 4 (better illustrated below) ;
- a pin 303 suitable for rotatably supporting said lever
301 , the pin 303 comprising a threaded end to engage in a screwed manner with a threaded hole 304 on said wedge member 302 ; a pair of 305 and 306 side-acting cams mounted coaxially on said pin 303 , the cam 306 being integral with said tubular member 300 , while cam 305 being integral with said lever 301 . The arrangement of the cams 305 and 306 is such that , during the rotation of the lever 301 , the reciprocal action of the cams 305 and 306 allows the wedge member 302 to be moved towards the inside of the tubular member 300 ; and
- an elastic member 307 coaxially mounted on the pin 303 and interfaced between the wedge member 302 and the tubular member 300 .
With reference now to Figure 5 , it is shown in a partially prospective view the system 4 in an operating condition .
The figure shows the contact between the surface grooves of the pocket 22 and the surface grooves on the wedge member 302 during the mutual engagement to lock the system 4 .
As will be better understood below, the surfaces of both the pocket 22 and the wedge member 302 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the locking system 4 , therefore when they engage each other a surface friction engagement is generated guided by the grooves , and in such a manner that under the action of the axial force exerted by the rotation of the lever 301 and the interaction of the cams 305 and 306 , all eventual clearances between surfaces of the wedge member 302 and the pocket 22 are eliminated, as well as any axial clearances between the engagement of the protruding member 20 with respect to the tubular member 300 when the former is inserted into the latter .
With reference now to figure 6 , it partially shows the displacement mechanism of the locking system 4 of the present invention .
According to the present invention, the lever 301 comprises a cam housing region 305 coaxially to the pin 303 . The cam 306 is made integral to the body of the tubular member 300 . The arrangement is such that , during the rotation of the lever 301 , the reciprocal action of the cams 305 and 306 allows the wedge member 302 to be moved towards the inside of the tubular member 300 ( the latter not in the figure ) and against the elastic action of the elastic annular member 307 ( the latter not in the figure ) .
The function of the elastic member 307 , being interposed between the wedge member 302 and the tubular member 300 , is to generate an elastic force that determines the retreat of the wedge member 302 during the reverse rotation of the lever 301 or in the condition of "unlocking" of the locking system 4 .
With particular reference now to figure 7 , the locking system 4 of the present invention in the " locked" condition it is shown .
As can be seen in the figure , following the rotation of the lever 301 to a completely lowered condition with respect to the tubular member 300 , the cam 305 is rotated with respect to the cam 306 ( the latter fixed and integral with the tubular member 300 ) . The rotation of cam 305 relative to the cam 306 causes the pin 303 to move outwards from the tubular member 300 ( i . e . , to the right in Figure 7 ) , thus causing the wedge member 302 to move inwards from the tubular member 300 ( i . e . , to the right in the figure ) .
In this condition, the grooved surface of the wedge member 302 interfaces with the grooved surface of the pocket 22 until system 4 is completely locked, thanks to the frictional contact of the inclined surface of the wedge member 302 with the respective inclined surface of the member 20 , and the contact of the reciprocal groove profiles on the surface 22 and the wedge member 302 .
When system 4 i s locked, the tubular member 300 is locked on the protruding member 20 of the tubular member 2 .
To unlock the system 4 a reverse operation as above described above has to be performed .
Advantages
The present invention has a number of advantages . A first advantage is given by the fact that it provides a modular frame , which can be easily assembled/disassembled, with a low environmental impact , and zero maintenance .
A second advantage is the modularity of the whole frame system which allows the easy replacement of individual parts when necessary .
A third advantage lies in the fact that the frame , being modular, shows the peculiarity of being easily customizable , being able to vary its shape and si ze , and is also easily implementable in terms of performance , i . e . it has the possibility of replacing the materials of the di f ferent components with a more performing and/or light and/or robust ones .
A fourth advantage lies in the fact that the present frame can house a dedicated pedal assist unit , or a gearbox integrated into the hub, or the possibility of modi fying the braking system, the possibility of modi fying the transmission system, and the possibility of modifying the mounting/dismounting system for the rims with the respective tires .
A fi fth advantage lies in the fact that the frame is designed to be "USER FRIENDLY" since all the assembly operations of the components do not require the use of manual tools and special ef forts , and are quick and obj ective .
A sixth advantage lies in the fact that the frame can be quickly disassembled, reducing it to its basic components , which makes it easily the transporting and/or the storing .

Claims

1. A frame (10) for a bicycle (1) comprising a plurality of tubular structural members (2) , at least three connecting joints (3) for the connecting of said plurality of tubular structural members (2) , and reversible locking means (4) of said structural members (2) on said connecting joints (3) , wherein said reversible locking means (4) are manually operated and lock said tubular structural members (2) onto said connecting joints (3) as a result of a manual operation without tools, wherein each connecting joint (3) comprises at least one first tubular body (30,33,36) and at least one second tubular body (31,32,34,35,37) to support one end (20) of a respective tubular structural member (2) , characterized by the fact that said reversible locking means include a locking system (4) which comprises:
- A tubular member (300) associated with said second tubular body (31) , said tubular member (300) having a shaped hole obtained at one transverse surface of an end thereof;
- A protruding member (20) associated with said tubular member (2) , said protruding member (20) being shaped to interface with and fit into said shaped hole of said tubular member (300) , said the protruding member (20) having two transverse pockets at two of its respective side surfaces, wherein a first pocket (21) having a concave shape, and a second pocket (22) having a sloping grooved surface;
- a lever (301) rotatably mounted on said tubular member (300) , said lever (301) , having a convex shaped region which is complementary to the shape of said first pocket (21) and capable of cooperating with the latter for the locking of said locking system (4) ;
- a wedge-shaped member (302) slidingly mounted on said tubular member (300) , said wedge member (302) having a sloping grooved surface capable of interfacing with the grooved surface of said second pocket (22) for the locking of said locking system (4) ; - a pin (303) suitable for the supporting of said lever (301) , said pin (303) having a threaded end to engage in a screwed manner with a threaded hole (304) obtained in said wedge-shaped member (302) ;
- a pair of cams (305,306) coaxially mounted on said pin (303) , a first cam (306) being integral with said tubular member (300) , and the second cam (305) being integral with said lever (301) , the arrangement of said cams (305,306) being such that following the rotation of said lever (301) , the reciprocal action of said cams (305,306) causes a displacement of said wedge-shaped member (302) towards the inside of that tubular member (300) ; and
- an elastic member (307) coaxially mounted on said pin (303) and arranged in such a way as to interface between the wedge-shaped member (302) and the tubular member (300) .
2. The frame (10) for a bicycle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inclined grooved surface of said pocket (22) and the inclined grooved surface of said wedge-shaped member (302) have the same inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis of said tubular body (31) , the arrangement being such that during said mutual engagement of said grooved surfaces said grooves generate a guided surface friction engagement, and in such a way that under the action of the axial force exerted by the rotation of said lever (301) and the interaction of said cams (305, 306) any surface clearances and axial clearances in the engagement between said protruding member (20) and said tubular member (300) are eliminated when the former is inserted into the latter .
3. The frame (10) for a bicycle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said lever (301) has a housing region for housing said cam (305) coaxially to said pin (303) , and wherein said cam (306) is made integral to said tubular member (300) , the arrangement being such that during a clockwise rotation of said lever (301) with respect to the longitudinal axis of said tubular body (31) the reciprocal action of said cams (305,306) causes the translation of the said wedge-shaped member (302) towards the inside of the said tubular member (300) against the elastic action of the said elastic annular member (307) and until said inclined grooved surfaces of said pocket (22) and said wedge member (302) are mutually interfaced .
4. The frame (10) for a bicycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein during a counterclockwise rotation of said lever (301) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body (31) , said elastic member (307) generates an elastic force which causes the said wedge-shaped member (302) to move away with respect to the inclined grooved surface of said pocket (22) .
5. The frame (10) for a bicycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, where a clockwise rotation of said lever (301) with respect to the longitudinal axis of said tubular body (31) up to the point of positioning said lever (301) into a condition substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said tubular body (31) , causes the said cam (305) to rotate with respect to said cam (306) , and the related translation of said pin (303) and the translation of said wedge member (302) towards the grooved surface of said pocket (22) of said protruding member (20) when it is inserted inside that tubular member (300) , the arrangement being such that in this condition the grooves on the grooved surface of said wedge member (302) interface with the grooves of the grooved surface of said pocket (22) until the system is completely locked (4) , and causing the said tubular member (300) of said tubular body (31) to be locked on the protruding member (20) of said tubular member (2) .
6. The frame (10) for a bicycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one joint (3) of said at least three joints (3) supports a pedal transmission.
7. The frame (10) for a bicycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a joint (3) of said at least three joints (3) rotatably supports a front fork (5) .
8. The frame (10) for a bicycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a joint (3) of at least three joints (3) supports a saddle (8) in a sliding manner and a second rear fork (50) .
EP24709502.9A 2023-02-03 2024-02-03 Quick assembly frame for a bicycle Pending EP4658554A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102023000001818A IT202300001818A1 (en) 2023-02-03 2023-02-03 QUICK ASSEMBLY BICYCLE FRAME OR SIMILAR
PCT/IB2024/050996 WO2024161376A1 (en) 2023-02-03 2024-02-03 Quick assembly frame for a bicycle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4658554A1 true EP4658554A1 (en) 2025-12-10

Family

ID=86099853

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24709502.9A Pending EP4658554A1 (en) 2023-02-03 2024-02-03 Quick assembly frame for a bicycle

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4658554A1 (en)
IT (1) IT202300001818A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2024161376A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR808180A (en) 1935-10-14 1937-01-30 Method of making and quickly assembling bicycles and similar vehicles
IT202000012799A1 (en) * 2020-06-03 2021-12-03 Unik Innovation Srl QUICK ASSEMBLY FRAME FOR BICYCLE OR SIMILAR

Also Published As

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WO2024161376A1 (en) 2024-08-08
IT202300001818A1 (en) 2024-08-03

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