GB604113A - Folding bicycle frames - Google Patents

Abstract

604,113. Cycle frames. SCHWINN, F. W. July 13, 1944, No. 13465. Convention date, March 13. [Class 136 (iii)] [Also in Group XXV] In a folding cycle frame a hinged joint between two tubular members 10, 23 of the frame is formed by means of fittings 30, 31 one on each member, each fitting carrying a number of hinge plates 43, 44, 45 which fit between hinge plates 46, 47, 48 of the other fitting and are joined together by a hinge bolt 56 and so arranged that the ends 49, 50 of the plates bear upon surfaces at the bottom of the spaces between adjacent plates when the members are in the unfolded position and a latch member 61 holds the joint in this position and forces the ends against the surfaces on which they bear. An end portion 68 of the latch engages slots 58 in the hinge plates. The latch member is pressed towards the locking position by a hollow plunger 72 carried in an extension 82 of the fitting 30 and urged outwardly by a spring (not shown). In the case of a hinge for a cycle member inclined to the axis of folding the fittings 30, 31 are bent to enable the axis of the joint to be in the correct position. The latch opens automatically during unfolding of the tubular members and slips into a locking position when the unfolding is completed. The opening is effected by an edge of the hinge plates of one fitting engaging with a curved end of the latch. In Fig. 1 (not shown) a cycle frame has joints in an upper and a lower frame member so arranged that the cycle can be folded into a position in which the back wheel is beside the front wheel. Specifications 578,385 and 587,945 are referred to.