GB2499586A

GB2499586A - Folding bicycle frame and bicycle

Info

Publication number: GB2499586A
Application number: GB201202890A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ee Ho Tang; Swee Tiong Tan; Yew Thean Cham
Original assignee: Temasek Polytechnic
Current assignee: Temasek Polytechnic
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2012-02-21
Publication date: 2013-08-28
Also published as: GB201202890D0

Abstract

A foldable bicycle frame and a foldable bicycle 10 are provided. The bicycle frame includes a support structure 22 having a first portion 36, a second portion 40, and a third portion 44. The first portion 36 has a first opening (38, figure 1) to receive a steering tube. The second portion 40 has a second opening (42, figure 1) to receive a seat tube 24. The first portion 36 is coupled to the second portion 40 by a first hinge 46 having a first axis of rotation, and the second portion 40 is coupled to the third portion 44 by a second hinge 48 having a second axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation is inclined relative to the second axis of rotation. Latches holding the hinges 46,48 in an in-use configuration may be released by operating a spring loaded plate (90, figure 8) mounted inside the second portion 40 and accessed by means of an aperture (102, figure 12) therein.

Description

BICYCLE FRAME AND BICYCLE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bicycle frames and bicycles and more particularly to foldable bicycle frames and bicycles.

5 Background of the Invention

Foldable bicycles are bicycles that can be folded into a more compact form for transportation and storage.

While conventional foldable bicycles are known and commercially available, common issues arising from the use of such bicycles include a substantial bulk after 10 folding, cumbersome folding mechanisms, and transportation difficulties, amongst other issues.

It is therefore desirable to have a foldable bicycle frame and a foldable bicycle that are simple to fold and easy to transport around when folded.

Summary of the Invention

15 Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a bicycle frame including a support structure having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion has a first opening to receive a steering tube. The second portion has a second opening to receive a seat tube. The first portion is coupled to the second portion by a first hinge having a first axis of rotation, and the second 20 portion is coupled to the third portion by a second hinge having a second axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation is inclined relative to the second axis of rotation.

Preferably, a steering tube is rotatably received in the first portion of the support structure and a head tube is coupled to the steering tube by a third hinge.

1

Preferably, a first wire-actuated spring-loaded pin is coupled to a base portion of the head tube, the first pin being arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of holes formed in an outer circumference of the third hinge.

A steering assembly having a ball bearing race assembly is preferably coupled 5 to the head tube to allow rotation of the steering assembly relative to an axis of the head tube.

Preferably, a second wire-actuated spring-loaded pin is coupled to a base portion of the steering assembly, the second pin being arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of holes formed in the head tube.

10 Preferably, the first portion of the support structure is configured to receive a battery.

A locking mechanism is preferably provided in the second portion of the support structure.

Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded plate coupled to

15 the second portion of the support structure.

Preferably, the locking mechanism is actuated by applying a lifting force to the spring-loaded plate.

Preferably, the spring-loaded plate is accessed via an aperture in the second portion of the support structure.

20 Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises a pair of latches coupled to the spring-loaded plate by respective ones of a pair of actuating wires.

Preferably, the latches are arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of grooves formed in an outer circumference of respective ones of the first and second hinges.

2

Preferably, a seat tube is slidably received in the second opening of the second portion of the support structure.

Preferably, a wheel stay is coupled to the third portion of the support structure, the wheel stay comprising a pair of hollowed plates coupled at a first end to the third 5 portion of the support structure and arranged to receive a wheel at a second end.

Preferably, a drivetrain system coupled to the third portion of the support structure.

Preferably, the support structure is adapted to be folded into an inverted V structure, such that the first portion comprises a first side of the inverted V structure 10 and the third portion comprises a second side of the inverted V structure.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a bicycle including a steering assembly, a head tube coupled to the steering assembly, a fork having steering tube coupled to the head tube, a first wheel received in the fork, a support structure, a seat tube, a saddle coupled to the seat tube, a drivetrain system, a 15 wheel stay, and a second wheel coupled to the wheel stay. The support structure includes a first portion having a first opening to receive the steering tube, the steering tube being rotatably received in the first portion, a second portion having a second opening to receive the seat tube, a third portion coupled to the drivetrain system and the wheel stay, a first hinge having a first axis of rotation coupling the 20 first portion of the support structure to the second portion first hinge, and a second hinge having a second axis of rotation coupling the second portion of the support structure to the third portion. The first axis of rotation is inclined relative to the second axis of rotation.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the 25 following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

3

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a foldable bicycle in accordance with one embodiment 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a base portion of a steering assembly and a top end of a head tube of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a base end of a 10 head tube, a steering tube of a fork and a first portion of a support structure of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a first wire-actuated spring-loaded pin for locking the steering assembly to the head tube of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1;

15 FIG. 5 is an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a second wire-actuated spring-loaded pin for securing the head tube to the first portion of the support structure of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a lever to actuate the first and second wire-actuated spring-loaded pins of FIGS. 4 and 5;

20 FIG. 7 is an enlarged see-through perspective view of a locking mechanism provided in a second portion of the support structure of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the support structure of the foldable bicycle of 25 FIG. 1;

4

FIG. 10 is a section view of the support structure of the foldable bicycle of FIG.

1;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a rear portion of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1;

5 FIG. 12 illustrates how a user activates a folding mechanism of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1 once the folding mechanism is activated;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1 showing how the wheels 10 of the bicycle overlap as the bicycle is being folded;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1 when folded;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1 when folded; and

FIG. 17 illustrates how the user is able to tow the foldable bicycle of FIG. 1 along in a folded state.

15 Detailed Description of An Exemplary Embodiment

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent 20 functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a foldable bicycle 10 is shown. The bicycle 10 includes a steering assembly 12, a head tube 14 coupled to the steering assembly 12, a fork 16 including a steering tube 18 that is coupled to the head tube 14, a first 25 or front wheel 20 received in the fork 16, a support structure or main frame 22, a

5

seat tube 24, a saddle 26 coupled to the seat tube 24, a drivetrain system 28, a wheel stay 30, and a second or rear wheel 32 coupled to the wheel stay 30. The steering assembly 12 includes a handlebar 34. The support structure or main frame 22 includes a first or front portion 36 having a first opening 38 to receive the steering 5 tube 18, a second or middle portion 40 having a second opening 42 to receive the seat tube 24, and a third or rear portion 44 coupled to the drivetrain system 28 and the wheel stay 30. A first hinge 46 having a first axis of rotation couples the first or front portion 36 of the support structure 22 to the second or middle portion 40, and a second hinge 48 having a second axis of rotation couples the second or middle 10 portion 40 of the support structure 22 to the third or rear portion 44.

In the embodiment shown, a motor 50 is provided around an axle of the front wheel 20. However, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention is not limited to electric bicycles.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of 15 a base portion of the steering assembly 12 and a top end of the head tube 14 of the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the steering assembly 12 includes a ball bearing race assembly 52 at the base portion where the steering assembly 12 meets the top end of the head tube 14. In the embodiment shown, the ball bearing race assembly 52 includes a first or lower bearing cup 54, a plurality of 20 bearings 56 in a retainer 58 received in the lower bearing cup 54, and a second or upper bearing cup 60 coupled to the lower bearing cup 54. The first and second bearing cups 54 and 60 define a channel in which the bearings 56 roll or slide. As will be appreciated, the embodiment of the ball bearing race assembly 52 shown in FIG. 2 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting. In 25 alternative embodiments, other types of ball bearing race assemblies may be incorporated into the steering assembly 12, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Provision of the ball bearing race assembly 52 in the steering assembly 12 allows rotation of the steering assembly 12 relative to the axis of the head tube 14.

6

With this, the handlebar 34 may be rotated such that it is substantially aligned with the middle portion 40 of the main frame 22 and in such a position, the handlebar 34 can then be used by a user to tow the bicycle 10 along in a folded position. An illustration of this is provided below with reference to FIG. 17.

5 Referring now to FIG. 3, an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a base end of the head tube 14, the steering tube 18 of the fork 16 and the first or front portion 36 of the support structure or main frame 22 of the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the base end of the head tube 14 is coupled to the steering tube 18 by a third hinge 62. The third hinge 62 allows the steering 10 assembly 12 and the head tube 14 to be folded rearwards.

The steering tube 18 of the fork 16 is rotatably received in the front portion 36 of the main frame 22. The steering tube 18 of the fork 16 interfaces the front portion 36 of the main frame 22 via first and second sets of bearings 64 and 66 mounted in the front portion 36 of the main frame 22.

15 In the embodiment shown, the front portion 36 of the main frame 22 is configured to receive a battery 68. The battery 68 is securely positioned inside the front portion 36 of the main frame 22 and can be easily taken out for charging when the main frame 22 is folded. Advantageously, by storing the battery 68 in the front portion 36 of the main frame 22, the battery 68 will not obstruct the folding process.

20 A mechanism is provided to lock the steering assembly 12 to the head tube 14, to secure or lock the head tube 14 to the steering tube 18, and to secure or lock the head tube 14 relative to the front portion 36 of the main frame 22. The mechanism is shown more clearly in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 described below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of 25 a first wire-actuated spring-loaded pin 70 for locking the steering assembly 12 to the head tube 14 of the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the first wire-actuated spring-loaded pin 70 is coupled to the base portion of the steering assembly 12 and is arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of first

7

holes 72 and 74 formed in the head tube 14. The first wire-actuated spring-loaded pin 70 is received in a first of the first holes 72 when the steering assembly 12 is locked relative to the head tube 14 in a forward-facing position, and in a second of the first holes 74 when the steering assembly 12 is locked relative to the head tube 5 14 in a side-facing position. In a locked state, the steering assembly 12 is prevented from rotating about the axis of the head tube 14.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a second wire-actuated spring-loaded pin 76 for securing the head tube 14 to the first or front portion 36 of the support structure or main frame 22 of the bicycle 10 of 10 FIG. 1 is shown. The second wire-actuated spring-loaded pin 76 is coupled to a base portion of the head tube 14 and is arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of second holes 78 and 80 formed in an outer circumference of the third hinge 62. The second wire-actuated spring-loaded pin 76 is received in a first of the second holes 78 to secure or lock the head tube 14 to the steering tube 18 15 when the bicycle 10 is in an unfolded state and in a second of the second holes 80 to secure or lock the head tube 14 relative to the front portion 36 of the main frame 22 when the bicycle 10 is in a folded state.

As can be seen from FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, a first wire 82 connects the first spring-loaded pin 70 to a lever 84 and a second wire 83 connects the second spring-20 loaded pin 76 to the lever 84. The wires 82 and 83 are used to actuate the first and second spring-loaded pins 70 and 76. When the lever 84 is depressed, tension is applied to the wires 82 and 83 and the first and second spring-loaded pins 70 and 76 are lifted out of respective ones of the first and second holes 72, 74, 78 and 80, thereby unlocking or releasing the steering assembly 12 from the head tube 14 and 25 the head tube 14 from the steering tube 18 and the front portion 36 of the main frame 22. In the unlocked or released state, the steering assembly 12 is able to rotate about the axis of the head tube 14 and the head tube 14 is able to rotate relative to the front portion 36 of the main frame 22 to either fold the head tube 14 towards the main frame 22 or unfold the head tube 14 away from the main frame 22. 30 When the lever 84 is released, the first and second spring-loaded pins 70 and 76

8

are returned to respective ones of the first and second holes 72, 74, 78 and 80, again locking or securing the steering assembly to the head tube 14 and the head tube 14 relative to the main frame 22.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the lever 84 is attached to the steering 5 assembly 12 under the handlebar 34. Advantageously, this allows a user to manoeuvre the folding and unfolding of the head tube 14 with one hand and concurrently fold or unfold the main frame 22 with the other. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by the positioning of the lever 84. In alternative embodiments, the lever 84 may be attached, for example, to the 10 head tube 14. These and other variants are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. For example, the locking mechanism may be electrically actuated by pressing a button in alternative embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an enlarged see-through perspective view of a locking mechanism 86 provided in the second or middle portion 40 of the support structure 15 or main frame 22 of the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. The locking mechanism 86 is used to lock the main frame 22 of the bicycle 10 in both folded and unfolded positions. A more detailed drawing of the locking mechanism 86 is shown in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an enlarged perspective view of the locking mechanism 86 is shown. The locking mechanism 86 includes a mounting plate 88, 20 a spring-loaded plate 90 coupled to the mounting plate 88, a plurality of springs 92 disposed between and near respective ends of the mounting plate 88 and the spring-loaded plate 90, and a pair of latches 94 coupled to the spring-loaded plate 90 by respective ones of a pair of actuating wires 96.

Advantageously, because the actuating wires 96 connect both the latches 94 25 to the same trigger point, namely the spring-loaded plate 90, actuation of the folding mechanism of the bicycle 10 can be performed in single step using only one hand.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the spring-loaded plate 90 is coupled to the second or middle portion 40 of the support structure or the main frame 22 via the mounting

9

plate 88 and the latches 94 are arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of grooves 98 and 100 formed in an outer circumference of respective ones of the first and second hinges 46 and 48. The spring-loaded plate 90 is accessed via an aperture 102 in the second or middle portion 40 of the support structure or 5 the main frame 22.

The main frame 22 of the bicycle 10 is locked in an unfolded position when the latches 94 are received in first grooves 98 of the first and second hinges 46 and 48 and the main frame 22 is locked in a folded position when the latches 94 are received in second grooves 100 of the first and second hinges 46 and 48.

10 The locking mechanism 86 is actuated by applying a lifting force to the spring-loaded plate 90. More particularly, when a lifting force is applied to the spring-loaded plate 90, the spring-loaded plate 90 is displaced towards the mounting plate 88 and tension is exerted on the actuating wires 96, causing the latches 94 to be lifted out of the first or second grooves 98 or 100. With the latches 94 out of the

15 grooves 98 and 100, the folding mechanism of the main frame 22 is unlocked, allowing the first or front portion 36 of the main frame 22 to rotate about the axis of the first hinge 46 relative to the second or middle portion 40 of the main frame 22 and the third or rear portion 44 of the main frame 22 to rotate about the axis of the second hinge 48 relative to the middle portion 40 of the main frame 22.

20 The axes of rotation of the first and second hinges 46 and 48 are offset relative to a perpendicular of a centreline of the main frame 22, and the first axis of rotation of the first hinge 46 is inclined or slanted relative to the second axis of rotation of the second hinge 48. These are shown more clearly in FIGS. 9 and 10 described below.

25 Referring now to FIG. 9, a bottom plan view of the support structure 22 of the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the axes of rotation of the first and second hinges 46 and 48 are not exactly perpendicular to a centreline C of the main frame 22. The axes of rotation of the first and second hinges 46 and

10

48 are offset at an angle a relative to a perpendicular of the centreline C. In one embodiment, the angle of offset a is greater than 0 degrees (°) and less than 75°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of offset a is between about 3° and about 15°. Additionally, the angle of offset a may or may not be the same for each of the axes 5 of rotation.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a section view of the support structure 22 of the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 with the axes of rotation of the first and second hinges 46 and 48 superimposed is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the axes of rotation of the first and second hinges 46 and 48 are not in the same plane and are instead 10 inclined at an angle b relative to one another. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first hinge 46 is inclined at an angle b of greater than 0° and less than 120° relative to the axis of rotation of the second hinge 48. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination b between the axes of rotation of the first and second hinges 46 and 48 is between about 5° and about 20°. Because the first and 15 second hinges 46 and 48 are inclined or slanted relative to one another, the front and rear wheels 20 and 32 of the bicycle 10 end up in a side by side configuration when the bicycle 10 is folded. Consequently, a broad-based structure is formed. Advantageously, the broad-based folded structure is stable and can be easily towed by a user.

20 Referring again to FIG. 7, in the embodiment shown, the spring-loaded plate 90 and the aperture 102 by which the spring-loaded plate 90 is accessed are conveniently provided at the centre of the middle portion 40 of the main frame 22. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited by the positioning of the spring-loaded plate 90 and the aperture 102 relative to the middle 25 portion 40 of the main frame 22. Other positioning arrangements of the spring-loaded plate 90 and the aperture 102 may be employed in alternative embodiments.

Additionally, in the embodiment shown, a motor controller 104 is provided in middle portion 40 of the main frame 22. The motor controller 104 controls a speed at which the bicycle 10 travels by providing a suitable amount of current to the motor

11

50. When a brake (not shown) is actuated, a signal is sent to the motor controller 104 to cut off the current.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an enlarged partially see-through perspective view of a rear portion of the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. The seat tube 24 is slidably 5 received in the second opening 42 of the second or middle portion 40 of the support structure or main frame 22 and a base end of the seat tube 24 rests on and is supported by the third or rear portion 44 of the main frame 22.

In the embodiment shown, the drivetrain system 28 is a gear-paddle assembly that is either chain driven or belt driven. Nevertheless, it should be understood that 10 the present invention is not limited to chain driven or belt driven gear-paddle assemblies. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the gear-paddle assembly may be shaft driven. As gear-paddle assemblies are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a detailed description of gear-paddle assemblies is not required for a complete understanding of the present invention. To provide 15 significant strength and a permanent connection, the drivetrain system 28 may be welded onto the third or rear portion 44 of the support structure or main frame 22. A portion of the drivetrain system 28 is secured to a rear end of the wheel stay 30.

In the embodiment shown, the wheel stay 30 includes a pair of hollowed plates 106 coupled at a first end to the third or rear portion 44 of the support structure or 20 main frame 22. The hollowed plates 106 are arranged to receive the second or rear wheel 32 at a second end.

As can be seen from FIG. 11, the wheel stay 30 is designed to have a thin bar structure in order to reduce material usage, mass and cost. More particularly, the structure of the wheel stay 30 is designed such that the portion that secures the rear 25 wheel 30 is supported by thin bars so as to reduce the mass of the wheel stay 30, and yet provide sufficient support for the bending moment due the weight of the user.

12

Referring now to FIG. 12, an illustration of how a user 108 activates the folding mechanism of the foldable bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 will now be described. The folding mechanism is actuated by applying a lifting force with one hand to the spring-loaded plate 90 that is accessed via the aperture 102 in the middle portion 40 of the main 5 frame 22. At the same time, the other hand holds onto the handlebar 34 of the steering assembly 12 and depresses the lever 84 attached to the steering assembly 12 under the handlebar 34 to unlock or release the head tube 14 from the front portion 36 of the main frame 22.

The folding of the main frame 22 and the head tube 14 can be performed 10 concurrently. The folding of the front, middle and rear portions 36, 40 and 44 of the main frame 22 can be performed using one hand and the folding of the head tube 14 can be performed simultaneously with the other hand.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a side view of the foldable bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 once the folding mechanism is activated is shown. When the middle portion 40 of the 15 main frame 22 is lifted up and the locking mechanism 86 unlocked, the front and rear portions 36 and 44 of the main frame 22 will automatically drop downwards as shown in FIG. 13 towards the folded position due to the weight of the bicycle parts.

When the rear portion 44 of the main frame 22 drops downwards towards the folded position, the seat tube 24 that was resting on the rear portion 44 of the main 20 frame 22 loses its support and therefore automatically slides downwards as shown in FIG. 13 during the folding process.

In the unlocked or released state, the head tube 14 is able to rotate relative to the front portion 36 of the main frame 22 to fold the head tube 14 towards the main frame 22.

25 Referring now to FIG. 14, a side view of the foldable bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 showing how the front and rear wheels 20 and 32 of the bicycle 10 overlap as the bicycle 10 is being folded is shown. The slanted hinges 46 and 48 that connect the front and rear portions 36 and 44 of the main frame 22 to the middle portion 40 of

13

the main frame 22 enable the bicycle 10 to be folded in such a way that the front and rear wheels 20 and 32 of the bicycle 10 end up in a side by side configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a perspective view of the foldable bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 when folded is shown. The support structure 22 is adapted to be folded into an 5 inverted V structure, such that the first portion 36 comprises a first side of the inverted V structure and the third portion 44 comprises a second side of the inverted V structure.

The spring-loaded plate 90 and the lever 84 attached to the steering assembly 12 are released during the folding process and the main frame 22 and the head tube 10 14 are once again locked into position when the folding process is completed.

Advantageously, because only the middle portion 40 of the main frame 22 and the handlebar 34 of the steering assembly 12 are held in the folding process, the hands of the user 108 are kept away from the front and rear wheels 20 and 32 and parts of the bicycle 10 near the wheels 20 and 32 and do not therefore become 15 soiled by contact with these parts.

When the bicycle 10 is to be unfolded, the user 108 again actuates the mechanism by applying a lifting force with one hand to the spring-loaded plate 90 to unlock the locking mechanism 86 and allow the main frame 22 to be unfolded. Likewise, the lever 84 attached to the steering assembly 12 is depressed to unlock 20 or release the head tube 14 from the front portion 36 of the main frame 22 and the head tube 14 can then be unfolded away from the main frame 22.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a rear view of the foldable bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 when folded is shown. As shown in FIG. 16, the front and rear wheels 20 and 32 of the bicycle 10 end up in a side by side configuration when the bicycle 10 is folded. 25 Consequently, a broad-based structure is formed. Advantageously, the broad-based folded structure is stable and can be easily towed.

14

As can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16, the bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 can be folded into a compact size for transportation and storage.

Further advantageously, the whole folding process can easily be performed in a matter of seconds.

5 Referring now to FIG. 17, an illustration of how the user 108 is able to tow the foldable bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 along in a folded state will now be described. Once the bicycle 10 is folded, all the user 108 need do is to rotate the handlebar 34 such that it is aligned with the middle portion 40 of the main frame 22. In such a position, the handlebar 34 can then be used by the user 108 to tow the bicycle 10 along in a 10 folded position.

As is evident from the foregoing discussion, the present invention provides a foldable bicycle frame and a foldable bicycle that are simple to fold and easy to transport around when folded.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and 15 described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to this embodiment only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Further, unless the context dearly requires otherwise, throughout the 20 description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

15

Claims

1. A bicycle frame, comprising:

a support structure having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, 5 the first portion having a first opening to receive a steering tube, the second portion having a second opening to receive a seat tube, wherein the first portion is coupled to the second portion by a first hinge having a first axis of rotation and the second portion is coupled to the third portion by a second hinge having a second axis of rotation, and wherein the first axis of rotation is inclined relative to the second axis of

10 rotation.

2. The bicycle frame of claim 1, further comprising a steering tube rotatably received in the first portion of the support structure and a head tube coupled to the steering tube by a third hinge.

15

3. The bicycle frame of claim 2, further comprising a first wire-actuated spring-loaded pin coupled to a base portion of the head tube, the first pin being arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of holes formed in an outer circumference of the third hinge.

20

4. The bicycle frame of claim 2, further comprising a steering assembly coupled to the head tube, the steering assembly having a ball bearing race assembly to allow rotation of the steering assembly relative to an axis of the head tube.

25

5. The bicycle frame of claim 4, further comprising a second wire-actuated spring-loaded pin coupled to a base portion of the steering assembly, the second pin being arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of holes formed in the head tube.

30

16

6. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the support structure is configured to receive a battery.

7. The bicycle frame of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism 5 provided in the second portion of the support structure.

8. The bicycle frame of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded plate coupled to the second portion of the support structure.

10 9. The bicycle frame of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism is actuated by applying a lifting force to the spring-loaded plate.

10. The bicycle frame of claim 8, wherein the spring-loaded plate is accessed via an aperture in the second portion of the support structure.

15

11. The bicycle frame of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a pair of latches coupled to the spring-loaded plate by respective ones of a pair of actuating wires.

20 12. The bicycle frame of claim 11, wherein the latches are arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of grooves formed in an outer circumference of respective ones of the first and second hinges.

13. The bicycle frame of claim 1, further comprising a seat tube slidably

25 received in the second opening of the second portion of the support structure.

14. The bicycle frame of claim 1, further comprising a wheel stay coupled to the third portion of the support structure, the wheel stay comprising a pair of hollowed plates coupled at a first end to the third portion of the support structure and

30 arranged to receive a wheel at a second end.

17

15. The bicycle frame of claim 1, further comprising a drivetrain system coupled to the third portion of the support structure.

16. The bicycle frame of claim 1, wherein the support structure is adapted to 5 be folded into an inverted V structure, such that the first portion comprises a first side of the inverted V structure and the third portion comprises a second side of the inverted V structure.

17. A bicycle, comprising:

10 a steering assembly;

a head tube coupled to the steering assembly;

a fork having a steering tube, wherein the steering tube is coupled to the head tube;

a first wheel received in the fork;

15 a support structure;

a seat tube;

a saddle coupled to the seat tube;

a drivetrain system;

a wheel stay; and 20 a second wheel coupled to the wheel stay;

wherein the support structure comprises:

a first portion having a first opening to receive the steering tube, wherein the steering tube is rotatably received in the first portion;

a second portion having a second opening to receive the seat tube; 25 a third portion coupled to the drivetrain system and the wheel stay;

a first hinge having a first axis of rotation, the first hinge coupling the first portion of the support structure to the second portion; and a second hinge having a second axis of rotation, the second hinge coupling the second portion of the support structure to the third portion, 30 wherein the first axis of rotation is inclined relative to the second axis of rotation.

18

18. The bicycle of claim 17, wherein the steering assembly has a ball bearing race assembly to allow rotation of the steering assembly relative to an axis of the head tube.

5

19. The bicycle of claim 17, further comprising a first wire-actuated spring-loaded pin coupled to a base portion of the steering assembly, the first pin being arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of holes formed in the head tube.

10

20. The bicycle of claim 17, wherein the head tube is coupled to the steering tube by a third hinge.

21. The bicycle of claim 20, further comprising a second wire-actuated

15 spring-loaded pin coupled to a base portion of the head tube, the second pin being arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of holes formed in an outer circumference of the third hinge.

22. The bicycle of claim 17, wherein the first portion of the support structure

20 is configured to receive a battery.

23. The bicycle of claim 17, further comprising a locking mechanism provided in the second portion of the support structure.

25 24. The bicycle of claim 23, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded plate coupled to the second portion of the support structure.

25. The bicycle of claim 24, wherein the locking mechanism is actuated by applying a lifting force to the spring-loaded plate.

30

19

26. The bicycle of claim 24, wherein the spring-loaded plate is accessed via an aperture in the second portion of the support structure.

27. The bicycle of claim 24, wherein the locking mechanism further 5 comprises a pair of latches coupled to the spring-loaded plate by respective ones of a pair of actuating wires.

28. The bicycle of claim 27, wherein the latches are arranged to be received in respective ones of a plurality of grooves formed in an outer circumference of

10 respective ones of the first and second hinges.

29. The bicycle of claim 17, wherein the seat tube is slidably received in the second opening of the second portion of the support structure.

15 30. The bicycle of claim 17, wherein the wheel stay comprises a pair of hollowed plates coupled at a first end to the third portion of the support structure and arranged to receive the second wheel at a second end.

31. The bicycle of claim 17, wherein the support structure is adapted to be

20 folded into an inverted V structure, such that the first portion comprises a first side of the inverted V structure and the third portion comprises a second side of the inverted V structure.

20