GB2491827A

GB2491827A - Bicycle

Info

Publication number: GB2491827A
Application number: GB201109774A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Liam Howard
Original assignee: National College of Art and Design NCAD
Current assignee: National College of Art and Design NCAD
Priority date: 2011-06-10
Filing date: 2011-06-10
Publication date: 2012-12-19
Also published as: GB201109774D0

Abstract

A bicycle 1 comprises a releasable rear carrier or pannier rack 3 comprising a lock mechanism, single sided wheel mounting means and internal cabling. The bicycle 1 may also comprise handlebars 4 pivotally attached to the steerer. The releasable rear carrier 3 comprises a U shaped body releasably attached to a lock body section. The lock may comprise teeth (10, figure 2) and internal toothed wheels (11, figure 2) forming a ratchet mechanism.

Description

"A bicycle" Tntroduction The invention relates to a bicycle.

The bicycle is continually evolving in design to accommodate the ever changing needs of the user. Many different types of bicycle are available depending on the required use for example for use on rough terrain, mountain biking or urban commuting.

The present invention provides an improved bicycle.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a bicycle comprising; a releasable rear carrier or pannier comprising a lock mechanism; single sided wheel mounting means; and an internal cabling system.

In one embodiment of the invention the bicycle comprises handlebars pivotally attached to the steering stem.

In one embodiment of the invention the releasable rear carrier or pannier comprises a U shaped body releasably attached to a lock body section. Most preferably the U shaped body comprises a toothed edge.

In one embodiment of the invention the lock body section comprises an enclosed ratchet system. Preferably the enclosed ratchet system comprises spring loaded toothed wheels and a ratchet stopper.

In one embodiment of the invention the lock body section of the rear rack comprises a keyhole for receiving an Allen type key.

In another embodiment of the invention the spring loaded toothed wheels and ratchet stopper are pivotally attached to the lock body.

In one embodiment of the invention the front and rear wheels are releasably mounted to one side of the bicycle frame.

In another embodiment of the invention the cabling system is enclosed within the main frame of the bicycle. Most preferably the cabling system comprises hydraulic cabling, electrical wiring and mechanical wire cabling.

In one embodiment of the invention the handlebars are pivoted from a working position wherein the handlebars are substantially perpendicular to the main frame of the bicycle to a resting position wherein the handlebars are substantially parallel to the main frame of the bicycle.

Brief Description of the invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a bicycle of the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the detachable lock and rear pannier of the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic of how the lock is mounted on the rear frame of the bicycle; Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of the detachable lock and rear pannier of the invention; Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of the key for unlocking the lock on the bicycle of the present invention; and Fig. 6 is a partial cross sectional view of the internal cabling system on the bicycle S of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a side perspective view of the handlebar steering mechanism; Fig. 8 is a side perspective view of the handlebars attached to the steering tube; and Fig! 9 is a schematic of how the stem pivots around the steering tube the handlebars become substantially parallel with the bicycle frame.

Detailed descrjption The bicycle of the present invention provides a bicycle which improves the function, form and usability of the conventional bicycle. The bicycle of the invention possesses new traits that empower the user in our modem urban environment and whose use may be relished by cyclists.

Through a simple, elegant motion the form of the bicycle narrows which eases navigation of bustling streets and turnstiles. Upon arrival at your destination the narrow form of the bicycle allows it to fade from view like a radiator in an apartment.

The bicycle of the present invention is very slim line and sleek. The bicycle has far fewer external functional parts which may be damaged by the elements or vandals. The security of the bike is ensured with the easily detachable rear pannier which doubles as a lock. The lock is an intrinsic part of the bicycle frame and is therefore less likely to be forgotten or left behind. The design of the bicycle ensures that the cyclist simply gets to enjoy the commute.

Fig. 1 shows a bicycle 1 of the invention. The bicycle has a main frame 2 with a rear rack frame 16 with a releasable lock 3, handlebars 4, wheels 5, saddle 6 and gearbox and belt drive 7.

In working position the handlebars are substantially perpendicular to the main frame of the bicycle, however the handlebars 4 may be manipulated so that they are in parallel with the body of the bicycle 1. The handlebars 4 have a locking securing mechanism to enable the handlebars to easily move position. In this way the bicycle of the invention is easily stored in small spaces such as for example the hallway of apartments or houses and does not take up a lot of space when not in use.

The bicycle 1 has a single sided monoblade design. Both wheels 5 are easily detached from one side of the frame without having to interfere with the main frame 2. Unlike with conventional bicycles the user does not have the cumbersome negotiation of the bicycle chain and frame when trying to repair a puncture or remove a wheel. The single side monoblade allows easy access to all areas of the bicycle and minimises awkward spots. The tricky alignment of all the parts conventionally around the wheel is avoided. With the bicycle of the present invention the rider can easily carry out the job quickly and with a minimal amount of tools. The single sided monoblade design reduces the frontal form of the bicycle considerably and minimises the maintenance time.

The rear rack or carrier 3 is easily detachable from the bike and doubles as a lock for the bicycle. The lock has a ratchet locking system that allows the bicycle to be tightened to street furniture, preventing it from falling to the ground and creating a potential obstruction on the pavement. Unlike conventional U bend locks the tightness of the lock may be varied depending on the object the bicycle is to be locked to.

The ratchet system comes into use again when it is locked on the pannier rack as the shaping of the lock and ratchet system are all that hold it securely in place.

The lock 3 is shown in more detail in Fig. 2. The lock 3 comprises a U Bend Body 8 and a lock body 9. The U lock allows the lock body 9 tighten along the toothed rails located on the U bend body 8, via a ratchet system.

The teeth 10 on the U bend 8 match up to the teeth ii on the toothed wheels 12 inside the lock body 9 and create a light connection. Inside the lock body 9 the toothed wheels 12 are spring loaded, allowing quick and easy installation. Once the key is placed in the lock 13, the turning of the key retracts the wheels 12 and disengages the ratchet stopper 14 which in turn allows the user to slide the U bend 8 out of the lock body 9.

This system allows the lock 3 to be put on without the use of a key which creates a more elegant process over normal locks. The lock has a solid mechanical and reliable system which creates a circular system. This circular force system means the harder your pull on the lock, the stronger the system gets.

Using the ratchet locking system, the lock 3 is detachably mounted to the bicycle frame and becomes the rear rack or pannier on the frame.

As shown in Fig. 3 the ratchet system holds the lock firmly in place on the rear pannier of the bicycle by working in combination with the grooves 15 on the pannier mount. The lock body 9 is first placed in the groove 15 where the user roughly centres it. The U bend 8 is slid through the holes on the lock body 9 until it reaches the semi circular groove on the pannier mount 16. At the same time the inner ratchet locking system inside the lock body 9 tightens along the toothed grooves of the U Bend 8. The user now pushes the U Bend 8 firmly into the lock body 9 wherein the ratchet system prevents the U bend sliding back out of the lock Body 9. This system allows for regular steps of adjustment but the compression of the vinyl coating on the locks parts compensates for the small tolerance and ensures a snug fit on the system. When the system is clamped firmly in place, the shaped grooves and lips inbuilt into the pannier mount 16 ensure that the lock 3

S

cannot be lifted upwards. In combination the dimensions on the U bend 8 and width of the pannier mount 16 ensures that the lock cannot move from side to side. To remove the lock the user simply inserts the key, turns it to disengage the mechanism inside the lock body 9 and allows the U bend to be slide out.

To eliminate rattling and friction, the lock is covered with a thick vinyl coating. This also aids in the compression of the lock and ensures a snugger fit. Fig. 4 shows the lock 3 in place doubling as a pannier.

Fig. 5 shows the key 18 for unlocking the lock 3. The key is an Allen type key. The key system for the locking mechanism also doubles as a tool for tightening the majority of nuts on the bicycle and enables the saddle to be heightened/lowered or removed. In essence the bicycle may be taken apart or assembled with this one key.

The key enables the rider to easily fix the bike and have the ability to repair any unforeseen problem that may arise unexpectedly with the bicycle or when out cycling.

The braking system is based on hydraulic disc brakes. However in comparison to conventional bicycles the hydraulic brake lines for the front and rear braking systems run within the frame as shown in Fig. 6. The hydraulic fluid line 30 connects the handlebar levers/clamps to the brake callipers. The electrical wiring 31 connect the generator, battery, lights and buttons, The sealed mechanical wire cabling 32 connects the handlebar shifters to the gearbox.

Tn comparison with conventional cable pull brake systems, the sealed hydraulic lines are highly resistant to contamination and require less maintenance over years of use.

By internally routing the cables they are protected from contamination from the elements, vandalism and wear and tear.

Internally routing the cabling also frees up the external appearance of the bicycle and means less protrnding parts and elements on the frame to get caught or snagged which in turn adds to the portability and lower profile aspect of the bicycle.

The combination of a gearbox 7 mounted to the frame in combination with a belt drive provides many benefits to the bicycle of the present invention. The gearbox 7 internals are sealed and hidden away from the elements which also protects it from degradation. All lubrication and oil for the inner workings cannot be soiled and ensure the functional elements work indefinitely. The belt drive has been shown to last up to three times longer than equivalent chains in the same configuration. In addition to longevity it requires no lubrication to aid performance and function. The bicycle of the invention relishes neglect.

The bicycle has handlebars 4 which are pivotally attached to the steering stem and may be pivoted from a working position wherein the handlebars are substantially perpendicular to the main frame of the bicycle to a resting position wherein the handlebars are substantially parallel to the main frame of the bicycle.

Fig. 7 shows the easily manipulated handlebar clamp on the bicycle. As with a conventional handlebar clamp 20 it has two Allen bolts to apply a clamping foite. The stem cap is locked to the steering tube using a M5 bolt 21. An upper lever 22 releases a pin holding the alignment of the stem to the frame. A lower second lever 23 releases the tension on the stem cap. A pair of hydraulic hose "Banjo" fittings 24 allows the attachment of the hydraulic cable from the brake levers to the internal hydraulic lines within the frame.

The operation of the handlebar clamp is shown in more detail in Fig. 8. The upper lever 22 pulls the pin 25 which aligns the handlebars/stem either parallel or perpendicular to the frame inside the steering tube 26 and thus allows the stem to pivot about the steering tube. (light motion arrow) Pivot points are indicated at 28. The movement of the handle extension along the bumper 29 relracts the pin 25 just enough to enable the pivot The lower lever 23 pulls back tension in the spring 27 that finely balances the clamping force on the steering tube 26 (blue motion arrow).

This arrangement allows the stem 26 to freely spin around the steering tube yet it keeps a mechanical engagcmcnt between the parts, meaning you can't separate them.

All the functional parts are hidden from view and cannot be easily damaged by vandalism or crashes and accidents.

The bicycle of the invention embodies the notion of low maintenance. All the bolts on the bicycle may be operated using the same Allen type key used to unlock the lock 3. The low maintenance of the bicycle of the invention aims to reduce the time, worry and problems normally associated with a conventional bicycle.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein before described which may be varied in detail.