KR20070000404U - Portable folding bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are folding bicycles having a number of advantages over both conventional folding bicycles and other folding bicycles. The 12 × 25 × 6 inch (305 × 635 × 153 mm) folded size of the invention is comparable to other folding bikes, and the 11 lb (11 lb, or 5 kg mass) weight is significantly better than the 18 lb low weight model. That's about half the weight of an average 22 pound portable bike. The folded volume of a 1800 cubic inch bike is somewhat over one cubic foot. Such portable bicycles have a folding stowage time of about 10 seconds and a deployment time of about 6 seconds. The folding pedal configuration contributes significantly to the folded lateral profile.

Folding bike, folding front tube assembly, folding rear tube assembly, telescopic inner tube, telescopic outer tube, front pivoting strut, rear pivoting strut, crankcase housing

Description

Portable Folding Bike {PORTABLE FOLDING BICYCLE}

1 is a perspective view of a folding bicycle in a deployed position,

2 is a side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1 illustrating the structure in more detail;

3 is a side view according to the view of FIG. 2, shown in a folded position at normal height;

4 is a view according to the drawing of FIG. 3, shown in a partially lowered position with respect to the upper component and the seat tube in a horizontal position;

5 is a view according to the drawing of FIG. 4, with the seat slightly down and the front and rear stretchable material tube fully retracted;

6 is a view according to the drawing of FIG. 5, with the seat in a vertical position fully retracted and the handlebar connecting member rotated 180 ° to the rear;

7 is a front view of the bicycle according to FIG. 6, illustrating the folding of the handle and brake assembly and the pedal, FIG.

8 is a side view of the fully folded bicycle shown in FIG. 7, FIG.

9 is an enlarged view of the driving mechanism with the crankcase housing on the right side removed;

10 is an enlarged view of the braking and drive mechanism with the crankcase housing on the left side removed;

11 is a schematic view of the front telescopic tube and brake system of the front wheels;

12 is a perspective view of a dual channel slide block for use with the front telescopic tube and front wheel brake system.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

31: folding bike 33: folding front steering tube assembly

35: telescopic inner tube 37: telescopic outer tube

39: Front quick release clamp 41: Lock button

43: front steering joint 51: front wheel

61: forward pivoting strut 67: rear pivoting strut

69: crankcase housing 71: collapsible rear tube assembly

73: telescopic inner tube 75: telescopic outer tube

77: quick release clamp 81: rear wheel

117: upper spacer 119: lower spacer

The present invention relates to an improvement of the technology related to a personal transport device, and more particularly to a folding bicycle that can be folded with a size of approximately a pocket or a carrying bag.

Bicycles have been manufactured and sold for over a hundred years. Folding bikes are known, which are smaller but are still able to fold into bulky or unwieldy sizes. In addition, such foldable bikes can typically weigh more than similar bikes that are not foldable. If necessary, it has not been practical to provide a bicycle that is light enough to carry significant distances and that is folded into a package that is small enough to carry in a versatile backpack.

In general, bicycles range from high performance sport applications to standard personal transport devices, and these bicycles generally have only one limitation, which is a limitation of the space taken up when not using the bicycle. Lightweight bikes are widely known, but their size remains a problem to date. One important size limitation was the wheel. Most conventional bicycles have front and rear wheels with diameters ranging from 26 to 28 inches. Neglecting other structural aspects of the bike, the front and rear wheels alone are the size of two large waste container covers.

Existing folding bicycle products can be folded in a few operations, often with oiled chains exposed to the outside and with other components of the bike protruding. As a result, conventional folding bicycles can be soiled and are dangerous to the user and the user's clothes. Usually, existing bikes tend to remain bulky even when folded.

One reason why light portable bicycles are particularly valuable is the increased need for personal transport to “fill in” the gaps in airborne systems. This is especially important in a work environment where suburban commuters can drive a car to the train station and get off at the train station a few miles from work. Even small portable bicycles need to be stored specially in the workplace. Carrying these small bikes on trains presents a more serious problem, especially on overcrowded train lines such as "sold out." Some buses have bike racks, but these racks are too short for many of the bikes used.

Another "breakthrough" area that is required is to make it easier for people with less upper body fitness to handle the bike. This entails the demand for lighter weight and more compact size. Portable bikes weigh about 22 pounds on average. Whether carrying or carrying a backpack, this 22 pound weight is significant for a small individual who lacks upper body fitness. Since most individuals also have other items to be transported, this 22 pounds average weight is added to the total transport weight. In such a situation, the weight prevents a large part of the population from taking advantage of a portable bicycle.

In terms of the use of bicycles, most of the overall situation of increasing use entails the ability to store bicycles for temporary use, for example when all buses and trains are not running. In this case, it will further need to be easy to keep in the workplace. In large metropolitan areas, office space available to workers continues to shrink. In order to be available as an "on demand" link, both storage and transport will need to be easy.

Provided are folding bicycles having a number of advantages over both conventional folding bicycles and other folding bicycles. The 12 × 25 × 6 inch (305 × 635 × 153 mm) folded size of the invention is comparable to other folding bikes, and the 11 lb (11 lb, or 5 kg mass) weight is significantly better than the 18 lb low weight model. That's about half the weight of an average 22 pound portable bike. The folded volume of a 1800 cubic inch bike is somewhat over one cubic foot. Such portable bicycles have a folding stowage time of about 10 seconds and a deployment time of about 6 seconds.

The folding pedal configuration contributes significantly to the folded lateral profile. Once the folding is complete, the package will automatically lock together and continue. The brake configuration is quite different from conventional bicycle systems and uses a banded drum for positive braking, which eliminates the need for the periodic adjustments found in conventional brake systems.

The pedal drive uses a power transmission system with a two-stage chain drive with a freewheel mechanism located on the crankshaft rather than the rear axle. In appearance, the conventional reflector is replaced with a retro-reflective decal such that the reflector is intact, as is the conventional reflector structure, and the reflectance is present.

The folding bicycles disclosed herein are pushed into the shell in both size and weight, thus making the advantages of the folding bicycle more advantageous. By using these bicycles, the risk of theft is virtually eliminated, making it easy to take the bike on holidays or on occasion outings, and in particular, reduce the nerves with which the bike is taken. The user will make a folding bicycle into a normally stored item in a backpack, a car, an office filing cabinet, a briefcase, a boat, an apartment, a vehicle trunk, a cupboard, and the like.

The foldable bicycle disclosed herein has only four members that are unfolded and folded: (1) main frame, (2) handle bar, (3) saddle, and (4) pedal. Such folding bikes include a configuration that provides a user with a reasonably compact article that can be used in various environments.

In addition, the folding bicycles disclosed herein have an internal mechanism that is concealed to remove protruding elements that may injure the user or damage the user's clothes or storage structures. These compact, standalone, and efficient folding bikes allow the user to handle the goods without affecting the user's daily routine. Rapid folding and unfolding procedures can save the user from investing significant time in the folding / deploying process.

In addition, as the use of foldable bicycles increases, the user can bring the bicycles as closely as possible side-by-side while leaving the bicycles outside, reducing security to a minimum and thus reducing the likelihood of theft or non-cultural acts. In addition, thanks to the size of this folding bicycle, it is possible to carry the bicycle by air transportation without breaking into another person's space and is easy for the user to handle.

Folding bikes produced according to the present application do not have protrusions or loose members, and folded packages are easy to handle. The saddles form a unique handle for the folded stacked structure. The drive mechanism is completely enclosed, which means that it does not scratch the carpet and upholstery. The fragile members are not exposed and damaged, and most importantly, the cable operation is fully protected.

The structure, structure and operation of the present invention are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in the following detailed description.

With reference to FIG. 1, which shows a side view of the folding bicycle 31 shown in the fully deployed position, it will be best to begin the operation and detailed description of the present invention. The depicted structures include a large triangular assembly of structures comprising a collapsible triangular frame formed from a collapsible front steering tube assembly 33, which includes a collapsible front steering tube assembly. 33 includes a retractable inner tube 35 which is stretched about the retractable outer tube 37 and secured by the front quick release clamp 39, and a locking button 41 shown to penetrate through the opening thereof. do. The collapsible front steering tube assembly 33 is rotatable inside the front steering joint 43. The front steering joint 43 flanks the fitting 45 and the extended length lower fitting 47 on the upper and lower sides. Under the lower fitting 47 is arranged a front wheel 51 and a fork 49 which engages with the axial bolt 53 of the front wheel. An abbreviated length fender 55 is shown. The lower fitting 47 is shown to have six reinforcement regions that engage two halves of the lower fitting 47 by bolting or riveting.

A forward pivoting strut 61 is pivotally attached to the front steering joint 43, which is connected by an opposing pair of ear lugs 63. Attached to the front steering joint 43, only one ear lug 63 is shown in FIG. 1. The other end of the front pivoting strut 61 is connected to the central joint 65.

The central joint 65 has a tubular shape of "U" shaped length and the side walls form a pivot ear lug near one end where the front pivot strut 61 is pivotally connected. The center joint 65 has an internal bolt latch that ensures that the front pivoting struts 61 and rear pivoting struts 67 are firmly engaged with the struts in alignment while the folding bicycle 31 is deployed. internal bolt latch) or lock button 66 is preferred. The lock button may have an inner block that is pressed against the flat ends of these struts when the front pivot struts 61 and the rear pivot struts 67 are in a coaxial position.

To the other end of the center joint 65 is pivotally attached a rear pivot strut 67, which is pivotally attached to the center joint 65 at its rear, the opposite sidewall of which is the front pivot. A pivot ear lug is formed at a point near the end facing the connection with the moving strut 61. The orientation of the center joint 65 is linearly aligned with the center joint 65 during the orientation in which the front pivot struts 61 and the rear pivot struts 67 can be opened and these struts are deployed. It is a direction that can be in a collinear relationship. When folded, as can be seen, the center joint 65 has a center joint 65 as the front pivoting strut 61 and the rear pivoting strut 67 are pivoted down angularly with respect to the center joint 65. ) Is attached so that it can be raised.

The rearmost end of the rear pivot strut 67 is the crankcase housing 69 in an orientation that allows the rear pivot strut 67 to be angularly displaced upwardly relative to the crankcase housing 69 when loaded. It is attached inside the upper part of the. The crankcase housing 69 is attached to or around the collapsible rear tube assembly 71, which is a telescopic and quick release clamp 77 for the telescopic outer tube 75. Rear stretchable inner tube (73) secured by the < RTI ID = 0.0 >), < / RTI >

The crankcase housing 69 forms a fork-like attachment to the rear wheel 81 with the driven connection shown. On the right side of the crankcase housing 69 shown in FIG. 1, a flat and removable housing cover 83 accommodates the internal driven connection. Rear fender 85 is also shown.

Seat tube fittings 87 are disposed rearwardly adjacent to the quick release clamp 77, which seat tube fittings 87 are constructed of telescopic outer tube 91 about pivot axis 92. Ear lugs pivotally engage the seat tube assembly 89 at the bottom. The inner tube 93 fits inside the outer tube 91. At the top of the outer tube 91, a stay 95 is pivotally connected to the fitting 97 at the upper end of the outer tube 91. The fitting 97 does not slip and is mounted at the correct height on the outer tube 91. This fitting 97 is used to fix the up and down positions of the inner tube 93 with respect to the outer tube 91 to set the height of the seat or saddle 99 (shown in FIG. 1). Opposite the one). The saddle 99 has an anterior center 101 and a pair of ischial supports 103 extending rearward, with the sciatic supports 103 forming an accommodation slot 105 therebetween. do. The sciatic support 103 supports the rider, and the area occupied by the receiving slot 105 which does not support the rider is not normally used while sitting in the seat. This receiving slot 105 allows the saddle 99 to partially extend around the rear of the crankcase housing 69 during loading to take up less space.

The other end of the stay 95 is pivotally connected to a double fitting 107 forming a pair of pivot axes. The first pivot shaft 109 is located between the double fitting 107 and the end of the stay 95. The second pivot shaft 111 is located between the double fitting 107 and the upper end of the rear telescopic inner tube 73. As can be seen in other figures, this double fitting 107 provides an offset that allows the parallel relationship of the outer tube 91 to the flexible outer tube 75. This stay 95 is generally inverted for increased strength and to accommodate the telescopic outer tube 91 more closely adjacent to the telescopic outer tube 75 in the folded and stacked position. U "shaped cross-sectional shape.

The double fitting 107 is also mechanically connected to the upper steering joint member 113, the other end of which is connected to the steering pivot 115. The dual pivot allows the upper steering joint member 113 to pivot about the rear telescopic inner tube 73. The double pivot portion 115 also includes a lower spacer 119 and an upper spacer 117 to help form and cancel other relationships. The lower spacer 119 is limited to the extent that the stretchable inner tube 35 can be fitted inside the stretchable outer tube 37.

A cylindrical boss 121 is disposed at the top of the steering pivot 115, and the handle bar connecting member 123 extends from the boss 121 and a main handle bar support 125. ), The main handle bar support 125 has a pair of handle bar lock buttons 126, as shown later, facing laterally used to allow the elements of the handle bar structure to be folded. . At each end of the main handle bar support 125, a right handle brake assembly 127 and a left handle brake assembly 129 are disposed.

The control cable 131 from the right handle brake assembly 127 enters into the opening 135 in the main handle bar support 125. The control cable 133 from the left handle brake assembly 129 is simply guided behind the front of the double fitting 107, where the control cable 133 enters the rear telescopic inner tube 73. As shown later, the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 may be axially displaced from the main handle bar support 125 to a position where they can be folded into a horizontal position.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is a left pedal crank 145 and a left pedal 147 and a right pedal crank 141 and a right pedal 143. Right pedal 143 and left pedal 147 are shown in the unfolded deployment position. Folding cabs are typically directed toward their respective right pedal crank 141 and left pedal crank 145 in a position where they can pivot or fold in a position substantially parallel to the crank, with the right pedal 143 and It involves the movement of the left pedal 147. Other mechanisms, including buttons, latches, and the like, can be used to accomplish the folding pedal. The right pedal 143 and the left pedal 147 will have stability that does not fold when the folding bicycle 31 is deployed and in use.

Referring to FIG. 2, the elements identified in FIG. 1 can be seen more clearly. The shape of the sheet 99 and the spatial relationship of the first pivot axis 109 and the second pivot axis 111 are shown. The spatial relationship of the first pivot axis 109 and the second pivot axis 111 and the size and shape of the stay 95 and the outer tube 91 will allow a closely parallel stowed relationship.

Referring to FIG. 3, a folding bike 31 is shown in a position where the steps necessary for folding the folding bike 31 have been achieved. The steps required to achieve the configuration shown in FIG. 3 are simply the actuation of the locking button 66 and the front pivoting strut 61 and the rear pivoting strut 67 at their adjacent telescopic front. Raising the center joint 65 upward to begin pivoting in an angular direction toward a more parallel relationship with respect to the outer tube 37 and the retractable rear outer tube 75. While the user is riding on the folding bicycle 31, the force on the front wheel 51 and the rear wheel 81 aligns the mechanism of the locking button 66 as well as the front pivot strut 61 and the rear pivot strut 67. It should be noted that it will act to maintain the state.

Note that the front quick release clamp 39 is located slightly above the rear quick release clamp 77 and the front wheel 51 is slightly above the rear wheel 81. This configuration is created when the height of the folding bike 31 is reduced and when the "A" frame is folded before it is reduced. This demonstrates that the dual pivot connection of the center joint allows for upward and downward relative movement of a portion of the front telescopic outer tube 37 relative to the rear telescopic outer tube 75.

Referring to FIG. 4, the front quick release clamp 39 is now slightly below the rear quick release clamp 77 and the front wheel 51 is at the height of the rear wheel 81, and the center joint 65 is also generally grounded. You can see that it is at a height. FIG. 4 shows in particular that the locking buttons 41 and 79 are pressed so that only their openings can be seen to unlock the telescopic inner tube 35 and the rear telescopic inner tube 73. The quick release clamp 39 allows the inner tube 35 and the rear telescopic inner tube 73 to be uniaxially folded into their respective telescopic outer tube 37 and telescopic outer tube 75. 77 illustrates that it is unlocked. When the rear telescopic inner tube 73 is folded against the collapsible rear tube assembly 71, an additional portion of the control cable 133 from the left handle brake assembly 129 becomes the top of the folding bicycle 31. Note that the ring is upwards with respect to.

The telescopic inner tube 35 and the rear telescopic inner tube 73 are shown only partially folded to emphasize the position of the transition of the telescopic outer tube 91. In this intermediate position, the double fitting 107 prevented the first pivot axis 109 from being displaced just rearward with respect to the second pivot axis 111, but with the flexible inner tube shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Note that while the 35 and retractable inner tube 73 moves downward, the first pivot axis 109 lies directly above the pivot axis 92 and moves straight toward the pivot axis 92.

The retractable outer tube 91 has reached a horizontal position, especially when the retractable outer tube 91 is extended for taller rides, in particular the length of the retractable outer tube 91 If it is able to accommodate the fairly long extension of the flexible inner tube 93 shown in 4, the flexible inner tube 93 may need to be shortened slightly further into the flexible outer tube 91. have. It is also noted that the fitting 97 does not move relative to the telescopic outer tube 91 when folded and loaded.

Referring to FIG. 5, as described above, the stay 95 has an inverted " U " shape sufficient to partially cup or surround the stretchable outer tube 91. Also note that the first pivot axis 109 of the double fitting 107 is above the pivot axis 92 of the seat tube fitting 87 and in line with the pivot axis 92 (first pivot axis ( 109), not shown). This allows both the stay 95 and the retractable outer tube 91 to continue to pivot down about a common pivot axis. This common pivot axis movement further locks the retractable inner tube 35 and the retractable inner tube 73 in the loaded position relative to the retractable inner tube 35 and the retractable inner tube 73. Function

The quick release clamp 39 is shown in the open position and the quick release clamp 77 is shown in the closed position. Locking the quick release clamps 39, 77 will further prevent any unintended deployment while the folding bike 31 is in the stowed position. Note that the lower spacer 119 is positioned relative to the quick release clamp 39. The stable loading position is achieved by the front wheels 51 and the rear wheels 81 being at the same height.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the elastic outer tube 91 is shown to be disposed at a position continuously moved about the first pivot axis 109, the elastic outer tube 91 is the elastic material. It is parallel to both the mold outer tube 75 and the stay 95. The sciatic support 103 of the seat 99 advances to the rearmost extent of the crankcase housing 69 due to the receiving slot 105. Again, the stay 95 is shown as receiving or enclosing the sheet outer tube 91 in a continuous, partially cupped shape.

When the position shown in FIG. 6 is reached, the next step of folding into the stowed position rotates the main handlebar support 125 from the position shown in FIGS. 1-5 to the 180 ° position, such that the handlebar connecting member 123 is at the top. Positioning the rear, over and generally parallel to the steering joint member 113. The additional length of the control cable 133 from the left handle brake assembly 129 will actually facilitate the rotation of the main handle bar support 125 by providing a length sufficient to form a gentle loop.

In the deployed position, the retractable inner tube 35 is secured relative to the retractable outer tube 37 by both interlocking of the locking button 41 and engagement of the quick release clamp 39. All of these structures engage when the folding bicycle 31 is in the deployed position. Once the folding bicycle 31 starts to fold, the lock button 41 and the quick release clamp 39 are released. This initiates a relative rotational displacement that may occur between the front telescopic inner tube 35 and the main handle bar support 125 attached thereto relative to the telescopic outer tube 37.

Thus, the user rotates the main handle bar support 125 by only 180 ° to position the main handle bar support 125 directly above the upper steering joint member 113. Once the main handle bar support 125 is positioned directly above the upper steering joint member 113, the quick release clamp 39 can reengage to lock the position of the main handle bar support 125. In addition, folding down the saddle 99 and locking the quick release clamp 77 in place is sufficient to maintain folding stability. In the annular space between the front telescopic inner tube 35 and the telescopic outer tube 37 and on the side opposite the opening through which the locking button 41 penetrates, the locking button 41 is pressed. Only the lock button opening is shown.

Once the main handle bar support 125 and the handle bar connecting member 123 are positioned directly above the upper steering joint member 113, the handle bar structures are positioned in a more compactly folded position. In FIG. 1, a pair of opposed handle bar lock buttons 126 is shown on the main handle bar support 125. Each pair of handle bar lock buttons 126 facing away from each other is associated with a right handle brake assembly 127 and a left handle brake assembly 129 positioned thereunder.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a front view of the folding bicycle 31 in the position shown in FIG. 6 with the handlebar connecting member 123 rotated backwards. The boss 121 is prominent and the brake handles (shown in dashed line format in the same line as the main handle bar support 125) of the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 protrude rearward. Is shown. The arrow is pulled axially until the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 are capable of full outward movement after pressing a pair of oppositely oriented handle bar lock buttons 126. Indicates.

Each of the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 can be moved axially outward from their respective ends of the main handle bar support 125 and only the pivoting action of the guide pin (not shown) It is mounted inside the main handle bar support 125 on a guide pin (not shown) to sufficiently hold the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 relative to the main handle bar support 125. The bottom portions of the ends of the main handle bar support 125 are removed so that the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 can be moved outward and folded once.

The solid lines representing the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 are pivoted down to a position parallel to the front telescopic outer tube 37. At the ends of the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 closest to the connection with the main handle bar support 125, an unlocked, oppositely oriented handle bar lock button 126 may be shown. have. The upward rotation of the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 is such that they will be raised and they will not need to be pressed to reenter the main handle bar support 125, so that the handle bar locks facing in opposite directions The button 126 will be automatically placed in the pressed position. Although the reengagement of the quick release clamp 39 is limited, the vertically downward position of the right handle brake assembly 127 and the left handle brake assembly 129 is intended for the handle bar connecting member 123 and the main handle bar support 125. It can be seen that it provides additional stability to prevent inadvertent rotation.

Also shown in FIG. 7 is a folding of the right pedal 143 and the left pedal 147. Typically, deployment is accomplished by moving the pedals slightly outward to the unlocked position and then folding it toward the associated right pedal crank 141 and left pedal crank 145, or by a latch. In addition, if a mechanism is used that allows the right pedal 143 and left pedal 147 to be folded only toward them, away from the right pedal crank 141 and the left pedal crank 145, a larger Stability can be achieved. When the right pedal 143 and the left pedal 147 are folded toward their respective right pedal crank 141 and left pedal crank 145, the upper vertically suspended right handle brake assembly 127 and left handle brake Horizontal compactness approximately equal to the outermost range of the assembly 129 is achieved.

7 and its solid structures show the folding bike 31 folded to its full size, illustrating the lateral compaction achieved in the configuration of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, a right side view similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 shows visual results of compaction from the front to the rear of the folding bicycle 31 and compactness of the height. As described above, the folding bicycle 31 in the state shown in FIG. 8 has an overall dimension of 12 × 25 × 6 inches (305 × 635 × 153 mm).

Referring to Fig. 9, a detailed view of the rear half of the crankcase housing 69 seen from the right side of the bicycle illustrates the mechanical interior of the crankcase. The crankshaft 151 has a free wheeling clutch, which includes an internal clutch drive 153 that closely surrounds the clutch. The inner clutch drive 153 is mechanically connected to the outer clutch drive 155 for rotation of the inner clutch drive 153 in only one direction.

Most conventional bicycles have a material wheel clutch on the wheel shaft. This material wheel clutch is unlocked between the crankshaft 151 (and the cranks 141 and 145) while the driven rear wheel 81 rotates faster than the crankshaft 151. This allows the crankshaft 151, the right pedal crank 141 and the left pedal crank 145 to descend down the hill without mechanically moving forward.

The external clutch drive 155 is mechanically connected to the main sprocket 157. The main sprocket 157 has a chain 159 (not shown) connected to the shaft sprocket 161 attached to the shaft 163. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 4 and 5 with FIG. 9, a flat removable housing cover 83 (in addition to the right half half of the crankcase housing 69 into which the crankcase housing 69 fits) Completely isolates the chain 159 from any possible contact with the user. Chain contact is a major source of contamination and damage to clothing and can lead to accidents. Both the front wheel 51 and the rear wheel 81 are preferably made of a solid polymer material, thus eliminating the need for repairing the crankcase housing 69 and any reason for opening it.

An enlarged detail view of the lower end of the rear telescopic outer tube 75 can be seen. The engagement structure 171 has a lower member 173 for contacting and supporting against the telescopic outer tube 75 and for engaging the structures of the left half of the illustrated crankcase housing 69. In addition, the ear lugs 181 disposed immediately inside the open crankcase housing 69 shown in FIG. 1 are exposed. This lug 181 allows the rear pivoting strut 67 to be moved angularly from the deployed position shown in FIG. 1 to the folded stacked position shown in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 10, the view in the opposite direction to FIG. 9 shows the crankcase housing 69 and the right half of the flat removable housing cover 83 attached to the housing. This figure shows the distal part of the brake system. Shield cable 191 comes out from an opening or slot in lower member 173. This shielded cable 191 may include a bracket 193, which bracket 193 is removed left half of the crankcase housing 69 to stabilize and control the ends of the shielded cable 191. It is preferable to attach an external shield of the shielded cable 191 to the portion.

The shielded portion of shielded cable 191 is shown to terminate after extending slightly beyond bracket 193. At the end, the inner wire core 195 extends tangentially to the brake drum 197 from the end of the shield and then surrounds the brake drum 197 and terminates at the bracket 199.

Like the bracket 193, the bracket 199 is floating but is secured to the left half of the crankcase housing 69, which has been removed to expose the components of the brake system. Both brackets 193 and 199 are used to control the angle and stop position of the inner wire core 195 while surrounding the brake drum 197. It is important that the inner wire core 195 allows free movement of the brake drum 197 while the folding bicycle 31 is not in a braking operation. To accomplish this, brackets 193 and 199 control the angle of approach to both sides of the brake drum 197.

Referring to FIG. 10, it is noted that the normal forward movement of the folding bicycle 31 is generated from right to left and the rear wheel 81 is rotated counterclockwise. Tensioning the inner wire core 195 by pulling the inner wire core 195 into the shielded portion of the shielded cable 191 will pull the inner wire core 195 against the bracket 199. The brake drum 197 then moves to some extent frictionally against the inner wire core 195 in a manner that slightly tightens the inner wire core 195 against the bracket 199.

If the direction of travel is reversed, the friction of the brake drum 197 will pull the inner wire core 195 away from the distal end of the shield of the shielded cable 191, which is used to pull out the inner wire core 195. It can interfere with power and weaken the braking from the user's point of view. Thus, the illustrated configuration improves the manual pressure used to influence braking while using the bracket to control any degree of access and angularity of the inner wire core 195 to the brake drum 197. . As long as the inner wire core 195 is subjected to a spring load that is effective to return to a sufficiently loose stop position, the non-brake operation will be effectively frictionless.

Referring to FIG. 11, a schematic of one possible implementation of the brake system for the front wheels 51 is shown. The rear wheel 81 includes a shielded cable 191 that incrementally protrudes from the double fitting 107, while the brake system for the front wheel 51 includes other methods for achieving foldability rather than protruding action. do. Typically, the left handle brake assembly 129 is used to brake the front wheels 51.

As shown in more detail, the left handle brake assembly 129 includes a handle 201 and a brake assembly 203 mounted thereon. The brake assembly 203 includes an attachment fitting 205 and a lever 207 set to pivotally move relative to the attachment fitting 205. Typically, the lever 207 includes a spring (not shown), which springs the lever 207 to a position shown away from the handle 201 unless the user manually operates the lever. . Typically, the spring uses a coil spring that surrounds the pivot point 209 between the lever 207 and the brake assembly 203.

The first length of raw cable 211 is positioned relative to the shortened length of shielded cable 213 so that the first length of raw cable 211 can be pulled through the shielded portion by movement of the lever 207. will be. The short-length shielded cable 213 terminates at plate 217, and the first length of raw cable from plate 217 by movement of the first length of raw cable 211 beyond the range of plate 217. 211 will be pulled.

The plate 217 or its equivalent may be introduced anywhere above the lower spacer 119 and any movement of the telescopic inner tube 35 relative to the telescopic outer tube 37 may be of the first length. It will not interfere with the raw cable 211. In an example of the folding bicycle 31 of the present invention, the plate 217 or similar structure may be disposed inside the handle bar connecting member 123, the boss or main handle bar support 125, or even the telescopic inner tube 35. Can be located.

The telescopic inner tube 35 is shown schematically with the telescopic outer tube 37. Other surrounding structures are simply omitted to clarify the action. The raw cable 211 of the first length extends through the dual channel slide block 221. Referring to FIG. 12, the dual channel slide block 221 is a compact, single volume of material having a pair of bores including a first bore 223 and a second bore 225. The first bore 223 and the second bore 225 are of sufficient diameter to allow both the first length of the raw cable 211 and the second length of the raw cable 231 to slide easily, but the end beads ( Termination beads are made of a diameter that is small enough to enter, block or pass.

The main concept of the dual channel slide block 221 is that due to any looseness of the first length raw cable 211 or the second length raw cable 231, the dual channel slide block 221 is used to mitigate the bundle. One or more of these cables slide through. Without the dual channel slide block 221, the single length raw cable is forced to spiral around the inside of the flexible inner tube 35 or the flexible outer tube 37 at best, or the junction of these tubes. Will get stuck in.

The first length of raw cable 211 extends through the second bore 225 of the first length of raw cable 211 and terminates at the end bead 235 outside of the other end of the second bore 225. It is shown. The raw cable 231 of the second length extends in the other direction through the first bore 223 of the dual channel slide block 221 and terminates at the distal end bead 239 outside of the other end of the first bore 223. It is shown to be.

Beyond the dual channel slide block 221, the raw cable 231 of the second length passes through the first bore 223 of the dual channel slide block 221 and through the bottom of the front flexible outer tube 37. It is shown as extending through. An optional fixed length raw cable channel 241 or some other physical path directing device may be used to position the remaining structures relative to the brake drum 243.

Other structures may include a series of raw cables around the brake drum 243, or the fitting 245 may be provided to make a length adjustment for a specialized band 247. Characterized band 247 (or cable) may be secured relative to bracket 249. The normal forward direction of movement of the brake drum 243 may be either direction to emphasize that the front wheel 51 can be rotated in a direction that can relieve the force applied by the lever 207. This may be determined depending on other mechanisms used for the front brake system.

The operation of the schematic diagram of FIG. 11 is as follows. Once the foldable bike 31 is folded, the telescopic inner tube 35 will begin to move down relative to the telescopic outer tube 37. The raw cable 211 of the first length will move towards the raw cable 231 of the second length. Because the end beads 235, 239 move away from the dual channel slide block 221, both the first length raw cable 211 and the second length raw cable 231 are dual channel slide blocks 221. You can slip past each other inside.

If the dual channel slide block 221 is made of metal and the folding bicycle 31 is folded and loaded in a position where the telescopic inner tube 35 and the telescopic outer tube 37 are vertical, As the raw cable 231 moves upward through the first bore 223 and towards the plate 217, the dual channel slide block 221 moves down with the raw cable 211 of the first length. will be. Thus, even if one cable is held fixed by gravity or the like while one cable predominantly moves through the dual channel slide block 221, the dual channel slide block 221 will act as a guide for the other cable. In any case, the dual channel slide block (221) helps the raw cable (211) of the first length and the raw cable (231) of the second length to be organized and guided relative to each other.

In the case of deploying and unfolding the folding bicycle 31 again, the tension connection between the first length raw cable 211 and the second length raw cable 231 will be automatically regenerated. Upon deployment, the locking button 41 will only reengage upon full extension of the telescopic inner tube 35 relative to the telescopic outer tube 37, thus extending the telescopic inner tube 35 and telescopic. The relative length of the material outer tube 37 will be the same each time the folding bicycle 31 is deployed. In this situation, the plurality of deployment and folding load operations will not compromise the precision of the connection between the raw cable 211 of the first length and the raw cable 231 of the second length.

Although the present invention has been described so far in terms of a portable folding bicycle, in particular a special set of mechanical structures that exhibit maximum compaction, easy deployment and loading and light weight, the disclosed mechanism can be applied to other devices.

Although the present invention has been drawn and described with reference to specific illustrated embodiments of the present invention, many changes and modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the utility models justified in this regard as may be reasonably and appropriately included within the scope of these contributions to the art.

The folding bike according to the present invention has a folded size of 12 × 25 × 6 inches (305 × 635 × 153 mm) comparable to other folding bikes, with a minimum weight of 11 lb (11 pounds, or 5 kg mass) of 18 pounds. Significantly superior to the lightweight model, roughly half the weight of an average 22 pound portable bike, with an improved folding loading time of about 10 seconds and an improved deployment time of about 6 seconds, so its compact size allows The bike can be carried by air transport without intrusion, is easy for the user to handle, and the quick folding and unfolding procedure eliminates the user's time spent on the folding / deploying process.

In addition, the folding bike according to the present invention is pushed into the outer shell in both size and weight, virtually eliminating the risk of theft, making it easy to take the bike on holidays or occasional excursions, especially with regard to the bikes brought together. Can be reduced. The user can make a folding bicycle into a normally stored item in a backpack, a car, an office filing cabinet, a briefcase, a boat, an apartment, a vehicle trunk, a cupboard, and the like.

In addition, the folding bicycle according to the present invention is equipped with a hidden internal mechanism to remove the protruding element that may cause injury to the user or damage to the user's clothes or storage structure, so that the user without affecting the user's daily routine Allows handling of the goods.

In addition, according to the folding bicycle of the present invention, it does not have a protrusion or a loose member, it is easy to handle the folded package.

Claims (10)

A collapsible front tube assembly having a second end and a first end for supporting the front wheels; A collapsible rear tube assembly having a first end pivotally linked to a first end of the collapsible front tube assembly, and a second end supporting the rear wheels; A crankcase housing supported by the collapsible rear tube assembly and operably connected to the rear wheels; and And a foldable link connected between the front tube assembly and the rear tube assembly at a position closer to the second end of the front and rear tube assemblies than the first ends of the front and rear tube assemblies. The method according to claim 1, The folding link, A front pivoting strut having a first end and a second end pivotally attached to the collapsible front tube assembly, And a rear pivoting strut having a first end pivotally attached to the collapsible rear tube assembly and a second end pivotally linked to the second end of the front pivoting strut. The method according to claim 1, A collapsible seat tube having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the collapsible rear tube assembly, A sheet supported by the second end of the collapsible seat tube, and A first end connected to the first end of the collapsible seat tube and displaced from a first end of the collapsible seat tube, and a second end attached adjacent to the first end of the collapsible back tube assembly; Portable folding bike further comprising a rear tube link equipped. The method according to claim 3, And the seat includes a rear receiving slot to easily fit around the collapsible rear tube assembly in a folded position. The method according to claim 3, And a second end of the rear tube link pivots about a first pivot axis that is laterally displaced from the collapsible rear tube assembly. The method according to claim 5, The first end of the collapsible seat tube pivots about a second pivot axis laterally displaced from the collapsible rear tube assembly, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are directed towards each other in a collinear relationship. Displaceable portable folding bike. The method according to claim 1, The collapsible front tube assembly further includes an upper telescopic inner tube having a first end and a second end, the inner telescopic inner tube having a first end and a second end, the lower telescopic inner tube having a first end and a second end. A locking structure for selectively securing the axial displacement of the upper telescopic inner tube relative to the material outer tube and for fixing the relative rotation of the upper telescopic inner tube relative to the lower telescopic outer tube And the front wheel is supported adjacent to the second end of the lower telescopic outer tube. The method according to claim 1, The collapsible rear tube assembly further includes an upper telescopic inner tube having a first end and a second end, the upper telescopic inner tube having a first end and a second end, the inner telescopic inner tube having a first end and a second end. A locking structure for selectively securing an axial displacement of the upper telescopic inner tube relative to the material outer tube, wherein the rear wheel is supported adjacent to the second end of the lower telescopic outer tube Portable folding bike. The method according to claim 8, A collapsible seat tube having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the collapsible rear tube assembly adjacent an upper end of the lower telescopic outer tube, A sheet supported by the second end of the collapsible seat tube, and A first end connected to the first end of the collapsible seat tube and displaced from a first end of the collapsible seat tube, and adjacent to an upper range of the upper telescopic inner tube of the collapsible rear tube assembly A portable folding bicycle further comprising a rear tube link having a second end to which it is attached. The method according to claim 1, At least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel comprises a brake drum, the portable folding bike further comprising a cable that can be tensioned around the brake drum to at least partially surround the brake drum and brake the wheel.

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