ES2264884B1 - FOLDING BICYCLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Folding bicycle comprising a handlebar coupled on a telescopic arm, said handlebar being provided to be foldable on the telescopic arm, this structure being attached to a crossbar or horizontal bar, also constituted by a telescopic arm, which regulates the distance between the two wheels , bar to which the means that provide the movement to the bike are properly fixed, materialized in a bottom bracket to which the corresponding connecting rods are coupled with the pedals; In addition, one of the cranks is equipped with a mechanism that allows its disengagement and positioning of the pedal at the same level as the other, automatically re-engaging at the start of the pedaling, having provided that both cranks have two articulated mechanisms for folding or folding in Inoperative position of the bicycle, thus minimizing the space occupied by the pedals.

Description

Folding bicycle.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a new bicycle model, formally and structurally similar to those existing scooters, of the type that are equipped with a handlebar and a platform to put the feet, properly set on the wheels, but with the peculiarity that being a bicycle has pedals and the corresponding mechanisms associated with them used to Drive the vehicle.

The object of the invention is, therefore, to provide a new type of bicycle that, due to its structural characteristics, is fully foldable, easily without the need for complex tools, which together with its small dimensions, make it a device easily transportable, for example in the trunk of a car, and it occupies a minimum space when it is stored when it is not being used. In addition, the mobility presented by its pedals allows its adaptation to the different routes, thus facilitating its handling.
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Background of the invention

The problem of the fact is known of moving a bicycle, for example in the trunk of a car, which usually does not fit, having to resort to different Solutions that are usually unsatisfactory.

The most usual is to disassemble the wheels, with the problematic that this entails in terms of tightening and loosening screws that, other, may be lost during the transfer. But being conventional bicycles, the normal thing is that even without wheels protrude from the trunk because, almost always, of the situation of the pedals and the size of the handlebar, although in Some models this one can be folded slightly.

For all this, the boot during the transfer usually remains open, tied by ropes or rubber bands, and without that there is free space for luggage or any other package that the user deems appropriate.

Another alternative is to place the mentioned bicycle on the roof, or to incorporate into the car a trailer capable of transporting it, in which case it would not be it is necessary to disassemble it, but they constitute a solution that involves other inconveniences, since in both cases you have to hold the bicycle very well.

Apart from the problems caused by these Conventional bicycles when transporting, you have to add that problems also arise when saved or stored when they are not being used, or simply when they are not They can be left parked on the street. For this you need to count with a considerable free space, where to leave the bicycle, space that is not available to all users of these vehicles, so in many cases its use is restricted.

They also usually have a certain size, appropriate to a type of people, that is to say with a certain height, being only adjustable the handlebar and the saddle, but not enough for the same bicycle to be used by people of very different height and constitution.

Description of the invention

The folding bike that the invention proposes, solves the problem fully satisfactorily previously exposed, in the different aspects commented, since it is a bicycle that can be folded so comfortable and simple, until you get a small size, so you don't raises any problems to be transported in the trunk of a car, or to be stored in a storage room, terrace, or any other place deemed appropriate.

In addition, the mobility of its elements allows its easy adaptation to the different situations of use, that is to say It can be regulated to be used by people of different Physical constitution.

For this, the bicycle of the invention is constituted by the basic elements that a traditional bicycle can present, but structured differently, and with totally different features. More specifically, the bicycle that is recommended is equipped with a handlebar, to which the user of the vehicle is attached or grabbed, and which is properly coupled to a telescopic arm that allows the height of the seatpost to be adjusted, for which it has the appropriate means to fix the proper position to the user of the bike, and on which it is able to fully fold when the bicycle is not going to be used and it is required that it occupies the least space
possible.

Said handlebar is connected to the wheel front of the bicycle, so that by turning it occurs the rotation of the wheel, which allows to direct the direction of the cited bicycle, conventionally as with any Another vehicle of this type. The bicycle has a piece that relates the fixed part of the telescopic arm to the fork on which the front wheel is mounted, so that it allows reinforce this part, giving it greater stability, being possible also decouple said reinforcement piece.

Attached to the bottom of the structure that constitutes the handlebar, there is a crossbar or bar horizontal, materialized in another telescopic arm, which allows regulate the distance between the two wheels of the bicycle, position that is fixed by appropriate means established for this purpose. Said telescopic system in position more closed allows considerably reduce the dimensions of the bar, which will also greatly reduce the total volume of the bicycle.

Attached to the bike bar, they are the means that provide the movement itself, is say, the pedals with their corresponding connecting rods that, being operated by the vehicle user, transmit the movement to a bottom bracket, which in turn is responsible for moving to a plate, in which the corresponding chain plays, and which is related to through a pinion with the rear wheel, which is in charge, Finally, to push the bike.

The mechanism described above may seem at a glance similar to that of any bicycle traditional, but it presents a series of novelties in front of these, which are detailed below, and that will involve a series of advantages in terms of workability and performance of the vehicle that the invention proposes.

In this way, the pedals, and more specifically the connecting rods to which they are attached, can be articulated of different forms, which allows placing these pedals in different positions, different from the traditionally established for them, and that in some cases they improve the use of the bicycle, making it more manageable on certain crossings, such as at lowering a slope, while other cases are allowed to fold to occupy a smaller space in a situation of inoperance and to the time to be saved or stored in places that usually They are not very wide.

For this, it is planned that one of the cranks, the one that is not directly related to the dish, have a mechanism that is actuated by a lever or lever, located in any part of the vehicle and that allows its decoupling of the axle; once said mechanism is activated, the lever acts on a spring which causes the rod to be uncoupled, and placed parallel to the another connecting rod, so that the two pedals match on the same position, that is, both above, below or where the user be more comfortable, thus abandoning the opposite position that normally present.

This movement of the crank position, allows the user to adopt a more comfortable position in cases in those who do not have to give pedals, such as when going down a slope, so when this situation ends, just start the pedal operation so that when these are in the initial position, the connecting rod returns automatically connect to your site, without the need to activate the lever again.

According to another of the characteristics of the invention, both cranks are susceptible to folding or folding down, so that the volume occupied is reduced by the bicycle, without the pedals getting in the way when transported or stored, since the pedals are positioned under the bar and in, instead of being out as is Your usual position. For this, the connecting rods have some triggers.  that, when activated, release the cranks, which when being articulated at its junction with the bicycle axle, they can be folded, adopting the folding position described above. This feature can be included in any pedal vehicle, not being necessarily a bicycle.

The vehicle also has a system of braking associated with the rear wheel, and which is operated by the foot of the user through the collaboration of a lever that acts on a spring, which causes the braking of the movement of the wheel.

Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being performing and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical realization of it, is accompanied as part member of that description, a set of drawings where with illustrative and non-limiting nature, what has been represented next:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the folding bicycle that the invention proposes, with all its elements placed in position of use.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of a detail of the articulated mechanism that allows the folding of the handlebar on the telescopic arm.

Figure 3.- Shows another detail in perspective of the bicycle of the invention, in which it is appreciated the reinforcement of the handlebar structure, associated with the wheel lead.

Figure 4.- Shows according to another view in perspective, a detail a connecting rod and its corresponding pedal in the that the different mechanisms for decoupling are appreciated and articulation, as well as the braking system.

Figure 5.- Shows another perspective view of the detail of the previous figure, but from its other side.

Figure 6.- Shows a representation in perspective where the two pedals appear in the same position with respect to the axis.

Figure 7.- Shows another detail in perspective, of the other pedal of the bicycle with the connecting rod in willingness to be shot down under the bar.

Figure 8.- Shows the same detail in perspective of the previous figure but with the cranks totally folded and the pedals under the bicycle bar.

Figure 9.- Shows a representation in perspective of the bicycle object of the invention in the position of ineffective, with all its elements folded, occupying the minimum possible volume.

Figure 10.- Shows, finally, a perspective representation of the folding bicycle, where the two pedals appear in the same position with respect to the axis, with One person on board.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In view of the figures outlined, and more specifically from figure 1, it can be seen as the bicycle folding that the invention proposes, is constituted by a handlebar (1), equipped with the corresponding handles (2), for grip and holding of the bicycle by the user, and that fits duly to the seat post (3), partly formed by an arm telescopic (4), which moves inside another tubular arm fixed (5), and that allows the height adjustment of said handlebar (one).

To set the position of the telescopic arm, adapting the height of the handlebar to each bicycle user, the system has a clamp (6) easily operated by a trigger (7), which presses said clamp (6), while loosen it when what is intended is to move the telescopic arm (4) to regulate its position again, or to reduce maximum height, being completely hidden in the body tubular (5).

The handlebar (1) together with the seat post (3), offers also the possibility of folding completely on the arm fixed (5), towards the inside of the bicycle, thus reducing the volume thereof, as depicted in Figure 9. To do this, it has at its point of attachment the telescopic arm (4) with an articulated mechanism (8), which allows the complete rotation of the handlebar (1) and the seat post (3) on the arm (5), releasing its working position with the collaboration of a trigger (9).

This handlebar (1) is responsible for correcting the direction the bicycle is carrying, so it is related to the front wheel (10) by means of a fork (11) that allows its turn. To make this structure more stable, the bicycle It has a reinforcement piece (12), which materializes in a tubular profile, which has the peculiarity that it can also be decoupled from its original position, by means of a system of closure (13) easily manipulated, which allows the separation of said profile in two sections (12) and (12 '), so that the section upper (13) is likely to stick to the arm (5) because it has in its upper part, at the point of fixation to said body (5) with a suitable articulated mechanism (14), which allows its  turn.

From the bottom of the structure that relate to the handlebar (1) with the front wheel (10), part a crossbar or horizontal bar (15), which constitutes another arm telescopic, which allows to regulate the distance between the front wheel (10) and rear wheel (16), in collaboration of a fixed tubular arm (17), assisted by suitable means of fixing (18) of the telescopic arm (15) in the proper position for each moment, that is, adapted to each user, or collected from everything, occupying the minimum space in case it is not used, situation is represented in figure 9.

Said fixing means (18), in the example of Preferred embodiments are provided with a handle (19) which, by means of its drive, it allows the opening of the system fixing (18) in a simple way, and consequently the telescopic arm (15), until you adopt your new position, moment in which the handle is activated again, but this time for tighten the clamping system (18).

Conveniently coupled to the fixed bar (17), and in the vicinity of the rear wheel (16), are the other elements of a bicycle, but with the particularities offered by the invention, since it is a Bicycle totally different from the traditional ones.

On the bottom bracket (20) the corresponding connecting rods (21) and (21 '), to which the appropriate pedals (22), whose drive allows movement of the plate (23), on which the classic chain (24) plays, which is connected by a pinion (25) with the rear wheel (16), which it is the one that finally receives the impulse given by the user in the pedals (22), thereby causing the movement of the bicycle.

The pedals (22), with the collaboration of connecting rods (21-21 ') to which they are attached are equipped of articulated mechanical systems that allow decoupling and turn, adopting various positions that improve the manageability of the bike, and minimize the space that these elements occupy.

To do this, one of the connecting rods, specifically the referenced as (21 '), it has an articulated system (26), which by operating with the foot of a lever or lever (27) acting on a spring (28), causes the decoupling of the connecting rod (21 '), which can then be turned until it is reached position in which the other connecting rod (21) is, leaving both pedals (22) leveled at the same height, as it has been represented in figure 6. This position is very comfortable for the user in situations, as previously mentioned, in which it is not necessary to give pedals, as happens when you are going down a slope, because it allows you to wear both feet in balance, thereby facilitating its management. The coupling of the connecting rod (21 ') in its normal working position, is performed automatically, without pressing the lever (27) again, just press the other pedal (22), so that when they are located in opposite positions, the connecting rod (21 ') engages in its site.

Both pedals (22), and more specifically the connecting rods (21-21 '), also have another mechanism (29), located at its point of attachment to the shaft (20), and that is articulated properly, so that by acting on the Triggers (30), located on the connecting rods (21-21 '), as it is observed in figure 7, said mechanism (29) is released and the said cranks together with the pedals (22) can be turned or knocked down completely, being coupled under the system formed by the bar (17) and the plate (23), so that the pedals (22), which in their normal position both hinder when the bike is not being used, they are hidden, thus reducing the volume they occupy, as can be seen in figure 8.

Parallel to the fixed bar (17), there are installed a lever or handle (31), properly fixed to said bar (17), which constitutes the brake actuation system of the vehicle, so that when the user steps on the foot lever (31) this acts on a spring (32) which in turn is related to the rear wheel brake system (16), causing the reduction of the speed of the bicycle.

The mechanisms of both brake actuation, as the decoupling of the connecting rod (21 ') can be placed in any other part of the vehicle, such as its handlebars. In this preferred construction they have been located in the bar (17) by be easier to fold.

As previously stated, the bicycle folding that the invention proposes constitutes a vehicle that offers the possibility of adapting to all types of users who present different complexions, at the same time that it can be folded up reach a minimum volume, so it can be stored in small spaces, and comfortably transported, for example, in the trunk of a car.

The materials, form and arrangement of elements, will be subject to change as long as it does not alter the essentiality of the invention, which is then vindicate

Claims (6)

1. Folding bicycle, characterized in that it is constituted by a handlebar coupled on a telescopic arm, which allows its height to be regulated, and which is related to the front wheel, said handlebar being provided to be foldable on the telescopic arm, this structure being attached to a crossbar or horizontal bar, also constituted by a telescopic arm, which regulates the distance between the two wheels, bar to which the means that provide the movement to the bike are properly fixed, materialized in a bottom bracket to which the corresponding ones are attached cranks with the pedals, which move a plate in which the corresponding chain plays, which in turn moves a pinion in charge of transmitting said movement to the rear wheel, one of the cranks equipped with a mechanism that allows its disengagement and positioning of the pedal at the same level as the other, automatically re-engaging at the start of pedaling, with the anticipation that Both cranks have two articulated mechanisms for folding or folding in the bicycle's inoperative position, thus minimizing the space occupied by the pedals. 2. Folding bicycle, according to claim 1, characterized in that the handlebar has a reinforcement structure, embodied in a tubular part that has a closure system that allows its decoupling and folding. 3. Folding bicycle, according to previous claims, characterized in that the folding mechanism of the handlebar on the telescopic arm is actuated by means of a trigger. 4. Folding bicycle, according to previous claims, characterized in that the articulated mechanism of the connecting rod, has a lever or drive handle, which acts on a spring that causes the decoupling of said connecting rod, allowing its rotation. 5. Folding bicycle, according to previous claims, characterized in that, the articulated system that allows the folding or folding of both cranks and their pedals, has a trigger conveniently located in said cranks for its actuation. 6. Folding bicycle, according to previous claims, characterized in that it has a braking system, associated with the rear wheel, and which is operated by the user's foot through the collaboration of a lever that acts on a spring, which causes the braking of the movement of the wheel.