GB587945A - Folding handle bars for bicycles - Google Patents

Abstract

587,945. Folding handlebars for cycles. SCHWINN, F. W. July 3, 1944, No. 12669. Convention date, Feb. 16. [Class 136 (iii)] Folding handlebars 27, 28 are carried by means of a bolt 18 on a support 12 fixed to a steering post 11 the bolt passing through a fitting 25, 26 connected to each handlebar and arranged so that the handlebars can be rotated downwardly about the bolt to the folded position, a spring washer 30 being located under the head of the bolt urging the fittings against the support to prevent rattling and a latch member 56 being provided to hold the handlebars in the working position. A shoulder between the threaded portion 21 of the bolt and the portion 22 on which the fittings 25, 26 are mounted engages the support. Lugs 45, 46 on the support prevent the handlebars being raised by engagement with lugs 40, 41 on the hinge fittings 25, 26 of the handlebars. The latch member comprises a lever pivoted to the support at 60 and arranged so that the lever can be turned to a position in which the end 43 thereof is forced against the underside of the lugs 40, 41 to hold the handlebars in place. A spring pressed plunger 49 tends to keep the latch in the locking position. In addition to holding the handlebars in the working position the latch 56 is arranged to hold the handlebars in the folded position by means of a recess 69 in the lever which engages the lugs 40, 41 when the handlebars are folded. The recess is arranged with 'tapered surfaces so that the lever is forced out of engagement if the handlebars are pulled upwardly to bring them into a position ready for use. In Fig. 2 the chain dotted lines indicate an alternative position of the handlebars.