GB2118494A - Foldable or collapsible bicycle, particularly for sale by mail order - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding or collapsible bicycle is designed for non-specialist assembly, and sale through mail order. The separate component parts, which are made from aluminium are packed on cards carrying instructions for assembly. The parts, eg handlebars, frame & saddle support are fitted together by readily releasable fastenings. The handlebars are generally U-shaped and given added rigidity in the assembled cycle by additional support members which together form a stiff frame connected to the front fork. The pedal bearing is mounted in a member having bores mutually at right angles for receiving the bearing and also the frame part which supports the saddle.

Description

SPECIFICATION Foldable or collapsible bicycle, particularly for sale by mail order This invention concerns a foldable or collapsible bicycle for sale by mail order and made of aluminium, having quick release locks between individual parts, in particular the frame parts, the saddle support and the handlebars, with the handlebar clamp, etc.

British Patent Specificiation 1460565 shows a foldable or collapsible bicycle with the above characteristics. Four a bicycle of this kind, a particularly economical method is required so that this bicycle can be brought into commerce, the quality being simultaneously improved. In particular, the bearings for the front fork, pedal bearings, the central folding lock, and the retention of the handlebars should be improved.

The main problem is solved in that the frame parts, the handlebars, etc., are formed as separate elements for self-assembly, and advantageously can be slotted together and then screwed or clamped to one another. By means of this construction according to the invention of the individual parts and the possibility for cost savings in transport, a substantial saving in cost without loss of quality in the finished bicycle is possible. Thus, an inherently very expensive bicycle with aluminium frame parts, wheels, etc, can be produced and sold at a very low price and even in very large numbers.

In a development of the invention it is proposed that the individual frame parts, handlebars, etc., are prepacked in assembly groups, and the groups arranged in their relative assembly positions. From this results a particularly effective possibility of assembly even for laymen, which results in a bicycle that in quality is no lower than when assembled by specialists.

In a further development of the invention it is provided that packing is arranged on cardboard sheets covered with foil, and marked on the cardboard sheets are assembly arrows and other assembly information. Thus, the instructions for assembly with optimal informative function can be combined with a possibility of cost effective packing of the parts and minimum external measurements.

In a further development of the invention it is provided that the forward frame head of the frame has a conical tube provided with an internal thread and openings on both sides for receiving a locking plate. There results from this a frame head which, even with the aluminium frame profile used, allows simple assembly and excellent guidance for the handlebars and fork.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the the control tube has bearing shells which can be screwed on and which receive bearing bushes which can be pressed in. This gives a particularly economical construction, which allows the use of standard control sets. Surprisingly, this solution, despite the kit form, permits and economical construction which previously could only be carried out by specialist staff using special tools for insertion of the bearing bushes.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that a cross member is received in the frame, the member simultaneously receiving the pedal bearing housing, a standard pedal bearing and the saddle support. This produces a cost effective and stable receiverforthe saddle tube and the pedal bearing housing, which compared with previous versions in known bicycles represents a considerable improvement.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the pedal bearing housing is screwed into the cross member. This gives a particularly good supportforthe pedal bearing housing, into which the standard pedal bearing can be screwed or pressed with a precision which has previously been unachievableforfolding or collapsible bicycles made of aluminium.

In a further development of the invention, the cross member and the pedal bearing housing are fixed by means of a locking disc fixed rigidly to the frame profile. In this arrangement, the frame profile is compressed by means of the locking disc by means of an external tensioning nut, which is screwed onto the pedal bearing housing, whereby the cross member is rigidly fixed in the frame. Thus, assembly by the purchaser of a part, which is often not correctly mounted even by specialists, is made possible. This assembly is preferably possible with standard tools and surprisingly has the same quality and useful life as corresponding parts assembled in a factory.

Furthermore, in order to fulfil certain subsidiary requirements for a foldable or collapsible bicycle of the above mentioned kind, particularly using aluminium profiled strip, with a front wheel fork having a short shaft, and a fork-shaped handlebar, the length of which can be altered with two clamping arrangements, a version is required which is rotatable in a handlebar clamp and is connected thereby with the short shaft of the front wheel fork.

This problem is solved in that the handlebars have a locking support which is also connected to the handlebar clamp this locking support gives rise to a support triangle at the forward part of the handlebars consisting of the lower part of the handlebars, the handlebar clamp and the locking support. This triangle advantageously makes the handlebars rigid and also improves the stiffness of the handlebar beam. This makes it advantageously possible, even when using a fork-shaped long handlebar, to provide a stiffness which ensures a normal, safe ride. This removes one of the serious defects of the handlebars of known folding or collapsible bicycles which time and again gave rise to unsatisfactory test results.

This is achieved without needing to give up the desired individual setting of the handlebars as was necessary when using a similar shaped fixing for the handlebars at the handlebar clamp, for example, splines or other profiling. The latter would also not give any increase in the stiffness of the handlebar beam.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the locking support is pivoted to the handlebar clamp and its length can be varied. The combination the pivotability of the locking support with the possibility of varying the length thereof allows a particularly simple method of individual setting of the handlebar, without adversely effecting the rigidity with which it is held.

In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the locking support is also forkshaped, and in particularly has a fork-shaped unitary middle part. This gives a particularly simple form to the locking support, which also does not adversely alterthe external appearance ofthe bicycle, particularly if the middle part of the support and the lower part of the handlebar fork are bent to the same shape. It is a particular advantage if the unitary middle part of the locking support can be arranged rotatably in the handlebar clamp, since it is merely subjected to pressure of tension. Rotational moments do not need to be accepted by the locking support. Thus rigid clamping can be dispensed with.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the locking support is formed in a V-shape, and is connected by linkages with the handlebar clamp and the handlebar. A V-shaped formation of the supports alters the appearance of the bicycle from in front, but nevertheless gives a particularly simple and effective locking support. In this version, it is necessary to use linkages with two degrees of freedom, for example small bar linkages, with locking arrangements similay to the tow couplings of cars. In the simplest case, these can be similar to the mechanism of press fasteners, fulfilling the required purpose and capable of being manufactured with sufficient reliability. The V-shape of the locking support will also give the handlebars additional support in the transverse direction. The handlebar clamp can thus advantageously remain almost unaltered.

In a further development of the invention it is provided that the handlebar clamp has an extension for receiving or linking onto the locking support This extension of the handlebar clamp, which advantageously is on the side opposite to that of the handlebars, produces an extension of the base of the support triangle, which leads to a desired increase in stability of the handlebar system.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that the handlebar clamp is formed in two parts, and in particular between the two parts has rapid release locking and clamping elements which are preferably disc shaped. This two part construction of the handlebar clamp, particularly when the dividing line is horizontal, considerably simplifies the assembly of the handlebar and the locking support. The disc shaped locking and clamping elements operate advantageously in conjunction with known tensioning members, which are arranged in front of and behind the short fork shaft. The locking and clamping elements can be arranged very simply. They may consist of a washer and a threaded nut having locating holes for a spring bore lock, the nut being held by means of a pin in the slit in the shaft tube of the fork.If the tensioning elements are closed, the movement of the handlebars is transferred by frictional engagement of the two parts of the hand lebar clamp with the threaded nut to the shaft tube.

When the tensioning elements are released, the two parts of the handlebar clamp can easily be rotated relative to the preferably round threaded nut. The spring ball allows indexing until the desired handlebar clamp position is achieved, for example riding position with the locking supports forwards, behind or folded position. In the locked state ofthetension- ing elements, the balls of the spring ball lock additionally act as transmission elements for the rotational moment.

It is also however possible, advantageously using the already provided tensioning elements, to divide the clamping head vertically, inserting the handlebars and locking supports in known manner in the two parts, and clamping the fork tube between the two parts.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the extension of the handlebar clamp is cranked and that the two parts of the handlebar clamp are advantageously aluminium injection mouldings. The formation of the extension with a crank allows the handlebar clamp, despite the necessary three apertures for the handlebars, the locking support and the fork shaft, to be advantageously kept short, so that there is an optimum relation between the length of the base of the support triangle and its weight. An excessive length for the handlebar clamp, which is also unsightly, can thus be avoided. The weight of the handlebar clamp can also advantageously be reduced by manufacture as an aluminium injection moulding, so that, without excessive manufacturing costs, the shape can be optimised to withstand the stresses.

In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the handlebars have attachment means for the locking support with quick release elements preferably in the form of bolts. The use of attachment means for the locking support provided a particularly secure attachmentforthe locking support to the handlebars, quick release elements, preferably in the form of bolts, providing absolute security of support during riding.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the attachment means for the locking support is connected with the clamping means for the setting of the handle bar length, and in particular is formed in one piece with this. Advantageously, this ensures that the nmber of individual parts for the handlebars is retained small, and thus also the number of tightening operations. Simultaneously, both the clamping means and the attachment means are solidly produced. Rotation ofthe handlebar upper part during travel is made substantially more difficult due to the more solid clamping means, compared with previous versions.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the attachment means for the locking support has an insertion aperture for the support upper parts provided with a rapid release element.

Due to the insertion aperture, it is particularly easy to connect the locking support with the clamping means for the handlebars. The locking support, when the handlebars are to be set in the desired position, has merely to be inserted and then con nected rigidly with the handlebars by means of the rapid release element, which also holds the hand lebar upper parts. In this case, conical shaping of the outer part of the insertion aperture or the insertion slit makes the insertion process easier. Thus, the support is made possible without increased attentiveness.

In a further development of the invention, it is finally provided that the longitudinally variable handle bar upper parts have, advantageously, positioning elements extending parallel thereto for the length and angular setting of the handle upper parts, which is advantageously in the form of a rod. Thus it is possible when unfolding the bicyle not only to bring the handlebars into the position desired by the individual by means of the locking supports, but also to set the position and height of the handlebar grips easily and simply, without the need to use markings which are difficult to recognise. This gives a form of handlebars in which the position and height of the grips can be easily repeatedly set.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that there is provided a central, previously known, folding connection with a tensioning hook, a tensioning lever and a connecting bolt, wherein two conical headed pegs, with springs operated by eccentric discs enter receivers to ensure exact poistioning. This allows a previously unachieved good connection of the two frame parts, and prevents with certainty angular displacement between the front and rear wheels.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the conical headed pegs and the receivers are arranged diagonally or opposite one another in the two parts of the frame. This produces a further improvement of the exact positioning of the true frame parts relative to one another.

The invention will be described more closely with reference to the drawings, which show a particularly preferred embodiment, and from which further advantageous details can be derived.

In detail, in the drawings: Figure 1 shows a known folding or collapsible bicycle with pivotable, fork-shaped handlebars in front view; Figure 2 shows a side view of handlebars with locking support and a divided handlebar clamp; Figure 3 shows the end next to the handlebars of the locking support according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a section through the end of the locking support, held by a bolt with rapid release arrangement; Figure5shows a cranked form of the handlebar end of the locking support with rapid release mechanism, in section; Figure 6shows a section through the bearing for the fork and through the handlebar clamp; Figure 7 shows a combined view of the forward frame and handlebar parts of the bicycle without standard parts;; Figure 8 shows a combined view of the rear frame and pedal bearing parts, without standard parts; Figure 9 shows a section through the rapid release mechanism for the locking support; Figure 1û shows a section through the pedal bearing housing without the pedal bearing; and Figure 11 shows a view partially in section through the central locking mechanism.

In Figure 1,1 designates the bifurcated handlebars with handgrip portions 2, which are slid into the bifurcated part and can be held in any desired position. The front part of the central frame is marked 3, and the saddle support, upon which the saddle 5 is arranged, is marked 4. The fork 6 holds the front wheel 5. The handlebars 1 are held by a handlebar clamp 9. The pedals are marked 8 and the Bowden cables to the front wheel brake and to the three-speed hub of the rear wheel are marked 7. The bicycle shown in Figure 1 is easily foldable or collapsible, and can be manufactured very easily.

The handlebars are, however, not rigid. This gives rise to an insecure ride, since a pull on the handlebars causes them to pivot backwards. As a result, dangerous situations can arise during riding, and at the least gives the rider a very insecure feeling.

Figure 2 shows a vertically divided handlebar clamp 9 which is cranked at its forward end, having two parts 9a and 9b. Between the two cranked parts 9a and 9b are provided fixing and locking elements for the shaft of the fork 6. If the clamp 9 is divided vertically instead of horizontally, which is also possible, the tension is provided by horizontal tension elements. In Figure 2, the cranked parts of the clamp 9 and the supports 11,19 are behind the handlebars relative to the forward direction. However the clamp 9 could also be rotated through a 180 so that the supports 11, 19 lie forward of the handlebars. Moreover, the handlebars could be held in the cranked part of the clamp 9 and the supports 11,19 in the straight part. The locking support 11,19 has a clamp strap or similar 12 for length adjustment.The handlebar 1 has a clamping element 14, which is integral with the fixing element 20, here behind the handlebar, for the handlebar support 19.

Figure 2 shows a rapid release arrangement, also illustrated in Figure 4, which is operated by means of the hand lever 13 within approximately two revolutions, after the support 19 has been slid into its pocket. As can be clearly seen, the locking supports 11,19, the clamp 9 at the lower part of the handlebars 1 constitute a rigid triangle, which not only locks the handlebars relative to the saddle, but also stiffens the handlebar tube itself, which is relatively thin and made of aluminiun, due to a substantial.shortening of the free bending length.

The handlebars 1 advantageously include, parallel to their longitudinally slidable upper parts 15, a positioning arrangement 16,17,18, which is set only once, and after folding or demounting of the bicycle provides exact positioning of the handgrip portions when extending the handlebar upper parts 15. By these means, the form of handlebars according to the invention allows of exact positioning and locking of the handlebars and of their individual parts, without using markings which are often difficult to read.

Figure 3 shows the upper part 19 of the locking support 11,19 in detail. The tube is squashed to form a slit, elastic flat profile 20, which has an opening 21 for a quick release bolt or the like. The opening 22 is, if required, formed with a conical shape on one or both sides, so that the upper part 19 of the locking support 11,19, is easily slid over a bolt or easily slipped into a locking position. Finally, the locking support 11,19 can be fixed by means of a rapid release element. This can in the simplest form be a spreading collar or the like.

Figure 4 shows a particularly secure rapid release element in detail. The flat profile 20 of the locking support 11,19 is held in a two-part pocket 23, the warts of which are clamped together by means of a spindle 26 with a thread 37, collars 24 and 25 allowing for accurate setting of the spindle 26. Thus, sufficient tension is ensured for the two parts 23 if te bail 30, biassed by the spring 29, engage in spherical hollows in a rotatable sleeve 32. The spring 29 is held in a housing 28. Further adjustability is achieved by means of a disc 38 between the collar 32 and the head 27, formed in the shape of a hammer, of the spindle 26. The collar 32 has an internal formation corresponding to the head 27, so that the spindle 26 turns whenever the collar 32 is rotated via the cover 33 and the quick release lever 13.

The collar 32 can, as shown, be formed in several parts, having a cover 34 and bolts 33; it can however be formed as one with the cover 34 and the quick release lever 13,35. The arrangement shown in Figure 4 is, however, particularly secure. Because of the spindle 26 it is impossible to withdraw the locking support from the parts 23 while riding.

Another, simplerversion is shown in Figure 5.

Here, the flat part 20 of the locking support 19 is hooked, and the hook engages in a recess 42. The hooked part can be fixed in various ways, for example by means of a transversely extending bolt (not shown) which also locks the clamp 14, or alternatively by means of a spring ball locking, with the ball 43 and the spring 44 arranged in the housing 45. This version is possible since the locking support is only loaded by pressure or tension. No bending moments operate at the points where it joins the handlebars.The rapid engagement spring ball, which operates without manual actuation just by inserting or withdrawing the head 41 of the locking support 19, can also be replaced by a manually operable eccentric lever, etc. Inthis case, release during riding is also impossible, even if a corresponding force is exerted on the locking support, for example by a child sitting on the handlebar fork.

In Figure 6, 9a designates the rear part of the handlebar clamp and 9b the forward part. Further parts are connected together by means of quick release elements, which are also used at a number of points on the bicycle and so are economically produced. The handlebar clamp 9 is screwed by means of a lock nut to the front wheel fork 6.

Rotation in 90 steps for the purpose of folding is achieved by a spring ball indexing means. By this means, also, it is possible to rotate the handlebar clamp through 1800 and thus to alterthespacing between the handlebars and the saddle.

The construction of the forward frame part with the handlebar clamp 60 is as follows. The control tube 61 has an internal thread and lateral apertures for receiving locking plates 64. The forward frame part 60 is closed by a cover 67 which is fixed to the locking plates 64 and which can be removed for installation for the control tube. The steering bearings 63 serve for retention and positioning, and are simply screwed in. Thus, advantageously, the frame is over tensioned from both sides and pressed against the control tube, so that reliable guidance and retention is ensured.

Figure 7 shows the individual parts ofthe forward wheel and its mounting. Advantageously, this set of individual parts are arranged together on one piece of cardboard. The drawing shows the frame 10, the frame head 60, and the control tube 61 with apertures 65 for receiving the locking plates 64, which are also connected to the closure plate 67. The fork 6 is received by the bearing shells 63 and the control tube 61, and via the handlebar clamp having parts 9a and 9b is connected with the handlebar lower tube 1, the upper tube 15, the locking support lower part 11, and the support upper part 19 via the quick release mechanism 14, shown in more detail in Figure 9. The connecting bolts 92 with the tension yoke 91 are fixed in the frame 10, and in the folded state ensure retention of the two parts of frame 10to one another.

Figure 8 shows the rear frame part with its individual components in a position for assembly.

The frame is marked 10 and the cross member 70, which receives the pedal bearing housing 75 as well as the saddle support 74. The cross member 70 is extended and retained in the frame sides by means of the two insert collars 71. Thus, fixing of the cross member 70 is advantageously achieved by screwing up of the saddle support 74 using the distance rings 72 and the nut 73. In this fashion, it is now possible for the first time to produce positioning of the pedal bearing relative to the frame 10 and to the saddle support 74, that is the rider. The pedal bearing housing 75 for receiving standard pedal bearings is screwed into the cross member 70 and fixed laterally by the security locking rings 76.These are locked by the threaded locking rings 77 on both sides; so that simultaneously, in an unexpectedly advantageous way, a pressure is exerted on the frame 10, leading to a secure fixing of the cross member 70, this being produced by the combination of the individual tensioning elements.

Figure 9 shows a detailed view of the rapid release lockforthe locking support 19tothe handlebar upper tube. The lead screw 82, since it has both a right and a left-hand thread, by rotation tensions the two clamping parts 81 a and 81 b, so that a rapid and secure fixing of the end part of the support 19 is achived. The balls 83 ensure that the rapid release mechanism can not release itself. A shell 85 encloses the two clamping parts 81a and 81 b, and the nut 84 is at the opposite part to the head.

Figure 10 shows the detailed construction of the pedal bearing. As can be seen, the locking discs 76 are held in openings in the frame and tensioned by the outer nuts 77. As already discussed in Figure 8, the locking of the frame 10 to the cross member 70 is achieved both by the pedal bearing housing 75 and by the saddle support 74 with its distance ring 72 and locking nut 73. This produces a considerable improvement compared with the previous versions, and a longer working life.

In Figure 11 ,the tension lever is marked 90 by means of which the tension yokes 91 join together the two parts oftheframe 10. Forfurtherensuring the exact positioning of the two parts of the frame 10 relative to one another, conical headed pegs 94 are used, the pegs engaging eccentrically shaped discs 93 which are moved by the connecting bolts 92.

Functionally, they stop the two frame parts by means of the stops 96. The stops 96 can, just as the pegs 94, (though not shown) be arranged diagonally or opposite to one another. The springs 95 ensure that the pegs 94 upon retraction of the eccentric discs return to their starting position, so that an unobstructed access to the folding mechanism is possible.

The above details give the function of the individual parts within the framework of the general understanding of a specialist. For the user, correspondingly detailed information for the assembly and the function of the individual parts can be provided, in particular on the packaging of the individual parts.

The bicycle described can be summed up in the terms of the attached abstract, which is hereby incorporated in the description. The improvement described are not restricted to use on folding bicycles.

Claims (23)

1. Afoldable or collapsible bicycle for sale by mail order and made of aluminium, having quick release locks between individual parts, in particular the frame parts, the saddle support and the handlebars, characterised in that the frame parts, the handlebars, etc., are formed as separate elements for self-assembly, and advantageously can be slotted together and then screwed or clamped to one another.

2. A bicycle according to claim 1, characterised in that the individual frame parts, handlebars etc., are prepacked in assembly groups, and the groups arranged in their relative assembly positions.

3. A bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that packing is arranged on cardboard sheets covered with foil, and marked on the cardboard sheets are assembly arrows and other assembly information.

4. A bicycle according to claim 1,2 or 3 characterised in that the forward frame head (60) of the frame (10) has a control tube (61) provided with an internal thread (66) and openings (65) on both sides for receiving a locking plate (64).

5. A bicycle according to claim 1,2,3 or 4, characterised in that the control tube (61) has bearing shells (63) which can be screwed on and which receive bearing bushes (65) which can be pressed in.

6. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a cross member (70) is received in the frame, the member simultaneously receiving the pedal bearing housing (75), a standard pedal bearing and the saddle support (74).

7. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the pedal bearing housing (75) is screwed into the cross member.

8. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the cross member (70) and the pedal bearing housing (75) all fixed by means of a locking disc (76) fixed rigidly to the frame profile (10).

9. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the frame profile (10) is compressed by means ofthe locking disc (76) by means of an external tensioning nut (77), which is screwed onto the pedal bearing housing (75), whereby the cross member is rigidly fixed in the frame.

10. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the handlebars have a locking support (11,19) which is also connected to the handlebar clamp (9).

11. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the locking support (11,19) is pivoted to the handlebar clamp (11) and its length can be varied.

12. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the locking support (11,19) is forked in shape and in particular has a unitary middle part (11).

13. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the locking support is formed in a V-shape, and is connected by linkages with the handlebar clamp (9) and the handlebar (1).

14. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the handlebar clamp (9) has an extension for receiving or linking onto the locking support (11,19).

15. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the handlebar clamp (9) is formed in two parts, and in particular between the two parts (9a,9b) had rapid release locking and clamping elements which are preferably disc shaped.

16. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the extension of the handlebar clamp (9) is cranked and that the two parts (9a,9b) of the handlebar clamp (9) are advantageously aluminium injection mouldings.

17. A bicycle according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the handlebars (1) have attachment means (23,42) for the locking support (11,19) with quick release elements (26,43) preferably in the form of bolts.

18. A bicycle according to any of claims 8 to 17, characterised in that the attachment means for the locking support (11,19) is connected with the clamping arrangement parts (81a,b) by means of a threaded bolt (82) with threads of opposite hand, and has a spring ball positioning means (83).

19. A bicycle according to any of claims 8 to 18, characterised in that the attachment means for the locking support (11,19) is connected with the clamping means for the setting of the handle bar length, and in particular is formed in one piece with this.

20. A bicycle according to any of claims 8 to 19, characterised in that the attachment means (23,42) for the locking support (11,19) has an insertion aperture for the support upper parts (20,41) provided with rapid release element (29,43).

21. A bicycle according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the longitudinally variable handle bar upper parts (15) have, advan tageously, positioning elements (16) extending parallel thereto for the length and angular setting of the handle upper parts (15), which is advantageously in the form of a rod.

22. A bicycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is provided a central, previously known, folding connection with a tensioning hook (91), a tensioning lever (90) and a connecting bolt (92), wherein two conical headed pegs (94), with springs (95) operated by eccentric discs (93) enter receivers (96) to ensure exact positioning.

23. A bicycle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conical headed pegs (94) and the receivers (96) are arranged diagonally or opposite one another in the two parts of the frame (leo).