US20200247499A1 - Foldable Vehicle - Google Patents
Foldable Vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200247499A1 US20200247499A1 US16/791,186 US202016791186A US2020247499A1 US 20200247499 A1 US20200247499 A1 US 20200247499A1 US 202016791186 A US202016791186 A US 202016791186A US 2020247499 A1 US2020247499 A1 US 2020247499A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubular section
- wheel frame
- front wheel
- assembly
- vertical support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 210000000624 ear auricle Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J1/00—Saddles or other seats for cycles; Arrangement thereof; Component parts
- B62J1/08—Frames for saddles; Connections between saddle frames and seat pillars; Seat pillars
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J43/00—Arrangements of batteries
- B62J43/20—Arrangements of batteries characterised by the mounting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K15/00—Collapsible or foldable cycles
- B62K15/006—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable
- B62K15/008—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable foldable about 2 or more axes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K21/00—Steering devices
- B62K21/12—Handlebars; Handlebar stems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K21/00—Steering devices
- B62K21/12—Handlebars; Handlebar stems
- B62K21/16—Handlebars; Handlebar stems having adjustable parts therein
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J45/00—Electrical equipment arrangements specially adapted for use as accessories on cycles, not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K2204/00—Adaptations for driving cycles by electric motor
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to foldable vehicles, and in particular, to bicycles and scooters that can be folded to reduce the overall size of the vehicle.
- Bicycles and scooters are commonly used by people in urban areas, but because these vehicles are bulky, they still need to be parked, and cannot be carried around conveniently. For example, it can be very inconvenient to carry a bicycle into a crowded subway train.
- a foldable vehicle having a front wheel frame having a front wheel pivotably connected thereto, the front wheel frame having a front circular opening for receiving the front wheel.
- the vehicle further includes a rear wheel frame having a rear wheel pivotably connected thereto, the rear wheel frame having a rear circular opening for receiving the rear wheel.
- a pivot joint connects the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame, with the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame being pivotable against each other via the pivot joint.
- a front vertical support extends from the front wheel frame and has a handlebar assembly pivotably secured to the front vertical support, and a rear vertical support extends from the rear wheel frame and has a seat assembly removably secured to the rear vertical support.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a foldable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in its use configuration.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the front wheel frame of the foldable vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the handlebar assembly of the foldable vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are two different exploded front perspective views of the handlebar assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of the handlebar assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the operation of the handlebar assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are side perspective views illustrating the pivoting of the upper tubular section of the handlebar assembly about the pivot joint.
- FIGS. 8C-8F are cut-away sectional views illustrating the pivoting of the upper tubular section of the handlebar assembly about the pivot joint.
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the sliding joints of the foldable vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the sliding joint of FIG. 9 .
- FIGS. 11A-11C are cut-away perspective views showing the operation of the sliding joint of FIG. 9 .
- FIGS. 12A-12B illustrates how the seat assembly is removed from the seat support.
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the seat assembly of the foldable vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the central pivot joint of the foldable vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the central pivot joint of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel locking system of the foldable vehicle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates the turning of the lever for the pivot joint of FIG. 9 .
- FIGS. 18-19 illustrate how a wheel is folded into a wheel frame.
- FIG. 20 illustrates how a wheel frame is folded about the central pivot joint.
- FIG. 21 illustrates the foldable vehicle of FIG. 1 in its folded storage configuration.
- the present invention provides a foldable vehicle 100 that can be folded into a smaller size which allows the folded vehicle 100 to be stored into a backpack so that it can be conveniently carried around when not in use.
- the foldable vehicle 100 has a foldable body frame 102 that has a front wheel frame 104 and a rear wheel frame 106 that can be folded against each other about a central pivot joint 108 .
- Each wheel frame 104 and 106 is generally circular in configuration and is sized and configured to receive a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 112 , respectively, inside the open circular space defined by the wheel frame 104 , 106 .
- the front wheel 110 can be folded about the front wheel frame 104 via a pivoting locking assembly 128 to be stored inside the open space 116 defined by the front wheel frame 104
- the rear wheel 112 can be folded about the rear wheel frame 106 via another pivoting locking assembly 128 to be stored inside the open space 118 defined by the rear wheel frame 106
- a front vertical support 120 extends from the front wheel frame 104 and is adapted to support a handlebar assembly 122
- a rear vertical support 124 extends from the rear wheel frame 106 and is adapted to support a seat assembly 126 .
- the foldable vehicle 100 can be an electrically-powered bicycle having a chargeable battery provided inside the seat assembly 126 .
- a user can sit on the seat assembly 126 and ride the vehicle 100 by controlling the on/off operation and speed of the vehicle 100 via a control panel provided in the handlebar assembly 122 .
- the user can rest his or her feet on two pivotable pedals 132 and 134 that are pivotably secured to the front wheel frame 104 .
- the user can grasp the handlebars 212 on the handlebar assembly 122 , and turn or steer the vehicle 100 .
- the turning or steering motion can be accomplished by providing the front wheel frame 104 with a steering mechanism 138 .
- the front wheel frame 104 is provided in three segments, a curved front segment 140 , a curved upper rear segment 142 , and a curved lower rear segment 144 .
- the front vertical support 120 extends from the curved front segment 140 , which has an upper end 146 and a lower end 148 .
- the curved upper rear segment 142 has an upper end 150 and a lower end 152
- the curved lower rear segment 144 has an upper end 154 and a lower end 156 .
- the upper end 146 of the front segment 140 is pivotably connected to the upper end 150 of the upper rear segment 142 via a bearing 160 and a locking screw 162 that extends through an opening in the upper end 146 .
- the lower end 148 of the front segment 140 is pivotably connected to the lower end 156 of the lower rear segment 144 via a bearing 160 and a locking screw 162 that extends through an opening in the lower end 148 .
- the lower end 152 of the upper rear segment 142 and the upper end 154 of the lower rear segment 144 are connected to a locking shaft 402 of the central pivot joint 108 .
- the front segment 140 can be pivoted with respect to the rear segments 142 and 144 , thereby allowing the user to steer the vehicle 100 by turning the front segment 140 .
- the front vertical support 120 includes an upper tubular section 200 , a central tubular section 202 , and a lower tubular section 204 .
- Each tubular section 200 , 202 and 204 can be four-sided with a hollow interior.
- the tubular sections 200 and 202 are connected via a pivot joint 206
- the tubular sections 202 and 204 are connected via a sliding joint 208 .
- the handlebar assembly 122 has a handlebar housing 210 secured above the upper tubular section 200 , and two handlebars 212 extending from opposite sides of the handlebar housing 210 .
- the handlebar housing 210 has a rear cover 214 and a front cover 216 that are secured together, with two shafts 218 extending from the inside of the rear cover 214 towards the front cover 216 .
- Each shaft 218 supports a spring 220 .
- a release button assembly 222 has a release button 224 and wings 226 extending from opposite ends thereof.
- the release button 224 is positioned partially inside the handlebar housing 210 , and its front surface extends through an opening 228 in the front cover 216 .
- the forward-facing end of each spring 220 abuts against the inner surface of a corresponding wing 226 .
- each wing 226 has a flat terminal surface or edge 230 .
- Each handlebar 212 has a pivot block 236 that is retained inside the handlebar housing 210 , a brake control 238 adjacent the pivot block 236 , and a handle grip 240 extending from the brake control 238 opposite from the pivot block 236 .
- the braking function is activated by fully rotating a handle 258 of the brake control 238 downwards. This will electronically activate the electric braking system (not shown) inside the motor (not shown) of the front wheel 10 , slowing down the vehicle 100 .
- a spring (not shown) will automatically push back the brake control 238 to its original position when released.
- Each pivot block 236 has an opening 246 , and two shafts 242 extending from the inside of the rear cover 214 towards the front cover 216 are adapted to extend through the openings 246 .
- Each pivot block 236 has a flat surface 244 that is adapted to abut the flat surface 230 of a corresponding wing 226 .
- An LED light panel 250 is provided in the upper tubular section 200 , with a translucent cover 252 covering the light panel 250 .
- the light panel 250 provides illumination for the vehicle 100 , and can be actuated by switches (not shown) that are provided on the seat assembly 126 or on the handlebar assembly 122 .
- the front LEDs can be turned on via a mobile app and/or via pushing a main switch 378 on the seat support 354 . See FIGS. 12A and 13 . Once the vehicle 100 is turned on the first time, by pressing the same main switch 378 , the LED lights will turn on. Conversely, the LED lights can be turned off via mobile app and/or by pressing the same main switch 378 .
- FIGS. 3, 4 and 7A illustrate the handlebar assembly 122 in use, where the springs 220 normally bias the wings 226 (and the release button 224 ) outwardly, so that the flat surfaces 230 of the wings 226 abut the flat surfaces 244 of the pivot blocks 236 .
- the user presses the release button 224 inwardly against the bias of the springs 220 (see FIG. 7A ), which causes the wings 226 to disengage from the pivot blocks 236 (see FIGS. 6 and 7B ). This allows the handlebar grips 240 to be pivoted downwardly (see FIGS.
- each pivot block 236 presses against each wing 226 , as best shown in FIG. 7C .
- the user simply pivots the handlebar grips 240 upwardly until the body of the pivot blocks 236 release the respective wing 226 , and the springs 220 will bias the wings 226 back outwardly to cause the flat surfaces 230 of the wings 226 to abut the flat surfaces 244 of the pivot blocks 236 again.
- each pivot block 236 must be configured to provide an extension from an end edge of the flat surface 244 .
- the extension 248 can take the form of additional mass that will function to block or press against each wing 226 as shown in FIG. 7C .
- the extension 248 can be rounded or have two sides or edges (not shown).
- the pivot joint 206 has a housing 260 with four side walls 262 , and the bottom end of the upper tubular section 200 is hingedly connected to one side of the housing 260 via a hinge joint 264 .
- the bottom end of the upper tubular section 200 also includes a connector block 266 with a groove 268 provided therein.
- Each of two side walls 262 of the housing 260 is provided with an aligned channel 270 , and a slider lock 272 (which can be a sliding bar) is positioned for up and down movement within the aligned channels 270 .
- the slider lock 272 is adapted to be seated inside the groove 268 to secure the bottom end of the upper tubular section 200 to the pivot joint 206 .
- a pair of springs 274 are provided in the housing 260 and are adapted to bias the slider lock 272 into the groove 268 .
- the slider lock 272 can be disengaged from the groove 268 (see FIG. 8E ).
- the springs 274 will then bias the slider lock 272 back up (see FIG. 8F ) when the upper tubular section 200 is pivoted by 180 degrees.
- the slider lock 272 is biased by the springs 274 back into the groove 368 to lock the pivot joint 206 .
- the sliding joint 208 facilitates the telescoping sliding retraction of the central tubular section 202 into the lower tubular section 204 .
- the upper end of the central tubular section 202 is connected to the housing 260 , as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- the lower end of the central tubular section 202 is coupled to an internal tubular section 276 that extends from the upper end of the lower tubular section 204 , and can be made from one piece with the lower tubular section 204 .
- the sliding joint 208 has an enclosing frame 278 that is generally C-shaped having three sides 280 a , 280 b and 280 c , and two free sides 282 a and 282 c extending from the edges of the sides 280 a and 280 c , respectively.
- An internal channel 284 is defined inside the frame 278 , and the tubular sections 202 and 276 both extend through the channel 284 .
- a locking button 286 is retained inside both the tubular sections 202 and 276 , and includes a holder that is made up of a smaller-diameter tube 288 and a button that has a larger-diameter flange 290 that extends outside the tube 288 and can be slid longitudinally with respect to the tube 288 .
- the button also includes a button cap 292 .
- a spring 294 is housed inside the tube 288 and the button cap 292 .
- the flange 290 has a larger diameter than the tube 288 and the button cap 292 .
- the lower end of the central tubular section 202 has an indented opening 296 which is adapted to retain an adapter piece 298
- the upper end of the lower tubular section 204 has another indented opening 300 which is adapted to retain another adapter piece 302 .
- the locking button 286 is retained inside the central tubular section 202 at the location of the indented opening 296 .
- a slot 306 is provided along the internal tubular section 276 and another slot 308 is provided along the central tubular section 202 .
- the slots 306 and 308 function as tracks for a screw 310 to travel along.
- the screw 310 extends through an opening 312 in the side 280 c of the frame 278 .
- a locking lever 320 is provided to tighten or loosen the frame 278 , and has two earlobes 322 a and 322 b that define a space between them.
- a pivot shaft 324 extends through aligned openings 326 a and 326 b in the earlobes 322 a and 322 b , respectively, and the pivot shaft 324 also has an opening 328 provided transverse to its longitudinal direction.
- An ear 314 a , 314 c extends from each of the sides 282 a and 282 c , and each side 282 a and 282 c has an opening 316 therethrough.
- a locking screw 330 extends through the openings 316 in the ears 314 a , 314 c , and then through the space between the earlobes 322 a and 322 b , into the transverse opening 328 in the pivot shaft 324 .
- a curved support piece 332 can be provided between the ear 314 a and the end of the earlobes 322 a and 322 b.
- the locking screw 330 can be loosened, and then the lever 320 pivoted away from the frame 278 , to loosen the frame 278 of the sliding joint 208 . See FIG. 17 .
- the space between the ears 314 a and 314 b increases, thereby allowing the central tubular section 202 to be able to slide within the frame 278 .
- the user can then press on the button cap 292 (see FIGS. 10 and 11A ) to go against the natural bias of the spring 294 , thereby releasing the button cap 292 from engaging the adapter piece 302 of the lower tubular section 204 .
- the adapter piece 298 is always carried on the button cap 292 , so the locking button 286 will always travel with the central tubular section 202 .
- the central tubular section 202 With the button cap 292 pressed, the central tubular section 202 can be pushed into the lower tubular section 204 . See FIGS. 11B and 11C .
- the screw 310 can travel along the tracks defined by the slots 306 and 308 .
- the upper end of the slot 308 also provides a stop mechanism for limiting the travel of the central tubular section 202 into the lower tubular section 204 .
- the lever 320 can now be pivoted back towards the frame 278 , and the locking screw 330 tightened, to secure the retracted central tubular section 202 inside the lower tubular section 204 .
- the locking screw 330 can be loosened, and then the lever 320 pivoted away from the frame 278 , to loosen the frame 278 of the sliding joint 208 .
- the central tubular section 202 can be pulled out of the lower tubular section 204 , and when the button cap 292 reaches the location of the indented opening 300 , the spring 294 will naturally bias the button cap 292 outwardly to be locked in the indented opening 300 .
- the lever 320 can now be pivoted back towards the frame 278 , and the locking screw 330 tightened, to secure the central tubular section 202 above the lower tubular section 204 .
- the rear vertical support 124 includes an upper tubular section 350 and a lower tubular section 352 that are coupled via a sliding joint 208 that can be the same as the sliding joint 208 shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 9, 10 and 11A-11C .
- the tubular sections 350 and 352 can be the same as tubular sections 202 and 204 , respectively, and their respective sliding connections with the sliding joint 208 can be same as well.
- a seat support 354 is secured to the upper end of the upper tubular section 350 , and the seat assembly 126 is removably secured to the seat support 354 .
- the seat assembly 126 includes a seat housing that includes an upper housing 360 and a lower housing 362 .
- the upper housing 360 serves as the seat for the rider, and the lower housing 362 has an opening 364 that defines a receiving section for receiving the seat support 354 .
- Batteries 366 can be housed inside the seat housing, and then electrically coupled (via wires and electrical contacts that are not shown in the FIGS.) to the handlebar assembly 122 and other parts of the foldable vehicle 100 . These wires can be installed through the hollow interiors of the tubular sections 350 , 352 , 204 , 202 and 200 , as well as through the hollow interiors of the wheel frames 104 and 106 .
- Two sliding latch locks 368 are provided at the bottom of the lower housing 362 to removably secure the lower housing 362 to the seat support 354 .
- the construction and operation of the latch locks 368 can be similar to those known in the art, and will not be described in greater detail herein.
- the latch locks 368 are normally biased to engage slots 370 provided in the housing 372 of the seat support 354 .
- the seat support 354 can have a housing 372 which houses electronics such as a circuit board 374 for controlling the operation of the foldable vehicle 100 , as well as the main switch 378 .
- FIGS. 14-15 illustrate the central pivot joint 108 that allows the two wheel frames 104 and 106 to be folded.
- the pivot joint 108 has a lock box body 400 that is made up of two housing covers.
- Two locking shafts 402 and 404 are positioned for rotation inside corresponding channels 442 and 444 , respectively, inside the lock box body 400 for pivoting the wheel frames 104 and 106 , respectively.
- Each locking shaft 402 and 404 has two locking protrusions 406 and 408 which are aligned at the same vertical level and positioned about 90 degrees apart from each other.
- a locking assembly is also positioned inside the lock box body 400 and has a locking button 410 that includes a central block 412 and two wings 414 and 416 .
- Each wing 414 and 416 has a locking groove 418 and 420 , respectively, and which is aligned at the same vertical level as the locking protrusions 406 and 408 on the locking shafts 402 and 404 so that the locking grooves 418 and 420 can receive one of the locking protrusions 406 and 408 .
- At least one spring 424 is provided below the wings 414 and 416 to naturally bias the locking button 410 upwardly.
- a guide body 426 is provided below the spring(s) 424 and the locking button 410 , and includes at least one channel 430 that is adapted to receive the spring 424 .
- the upper surface of the guide body 426 also functions as a stop surface to prevent the push button 410 from being pushed too far into the lock box body 400 .
- One end of the spring(s) 424 contacts the bottom of the locking button 410 , and the other end of the spring(s) 424 contacts a lower surface 434 of one of the housing covers of the lock box body 400 .
- free ends (e.g., 152 and 154 ) of the wheel frames 104 and 106 are connected to the opposite ends of each locking shaft 402 and 404 , respectively.
- one set of locking protrusions 406 is retained in the locking grooves 418 and 420 when the vehicle 100 is deployed for use.
- the locking button 410 pushes against the natural bias of the spring(s) 424 , which disengages the locking protrusions 406 from the locking grooves 418 and 420 .
- This allows the locking shafts 402 and 404 (and the wheel frames 104 and 106 , respectively, carried thereon) to be rotated by 90 degrees until the other locking protrusions 408 are engaged by the locking grooves 418 and 420 . See FIG. 20 .
- the locking shafts 402 and 404 are locked in the storage position by the locking grooves 418 and 420 on the locking button 410 . See FIG. 21 .
- the user pushes on the locking button 410 again, causing the locking button 410 to push against the natural bias of the spring(s) 424 , which disengages the locking protrusions 408 from the locking grooves 418 and 420 .
- This allows the locking shafts 402 and 404 (and the wheel frames 104 and 106 , respectively, carried thereon) to be rotated by 90 degrees in the other direction until the other locking protrusions 406 are engaged by the locking grooves 418 and 420 .
- the locking shafts 402 and 404 are locked in the use configuration by the locking grooves 418 and 420 on the locking button 410 .
- pivot joint 108 and its components and operation are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 10-12 of PCT/CN2017/108552, whose entire disclosure is incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a wheel locking system 500 that allows for each of the wheels 110 and 112 to be locked for use, and to be locked inside the wheel frames 104 and 106 in the storage configuration.
- the wheel locking system 500 has a locking shaft 502 that is secured for rotation between a box body 504 and a shaft cover 506 .
- a push button 508 is provided between the shaft cover 506 and a button cover 510 .
- a locking assembly (not shown) is provided inside the box body 504 .
- a shaft extends from the push button 508 through the shaft cover 506 , the locking shaft 502 , and the box body 504 , to actuate the locking assembly inside the box body 504 .
- a wheel mounting arm 512 has one end secured to the box body 504 , and another end secured to the wheel 110 or 112 .
- the locking shaft 502 is released for rotation, which allows the box body 504 to be rotated so that the wheel 110 or 112 can be rotated by 180 degrees into the circular opening 116 or 118 inside the wheel frame 104 or 106 .
- the locking shaft 502 is again released for rotation, which allows the box body 504 to be rotated so that the wheel 110 or 112 can be rotated by 180 degrees in the other direction to the use configuration shown in FIG. 18 .
- the wheel locking system 500 and its components and operation are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 1-4 of PCT/CN2017/108552, whose entire disclosure is incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein.
- the foldable vehicle 100 can be conveniently folded into a very compact storage configuration.
- the user can press the release button 224 on the handlebar assembly 122 to fold the two handlebars 212 downwardly in the manner shown and described in connection with FIGS. 3-6 and 7A-7C .
- the slider lock 272 on the pivot joint 206 is pushed down, and this allows the upper tubular section 200 and the handlebar assembly 122 carried thereon to be pivoted by 180 degrees against the central tubular section 202 (see FIG. 6 ).
- the locking screw 330 can be loosened, and then the lever 320 pivoted away from the frame 278 (see FIG.
- the latch locks 368 are pushed aside to release the removable seat assembly 126 (see FIG. 12A ), which is then lifted up (see FIG. 12B ).
- the pivot joint 208 on the rear vertical support 124 is then operated in the same manner as the pivot joint 208 of the front vertical support 120 to slide the upper tubular section 350 into the lower tubular section 352 . This accomplishes the compacting of the rear vertical support 124 .
- the wheels 110 and 112 are now folded.
- the push button 508 for the rear locking assembly 128 is pressed (see FIG. 18 ), which allows the rear wheel 112 to be folded by 180 degrees to be received inside the circular rear wheel frame 106 (see FIG. 19 ).
- the push button 508 for the front locking assembly 128 is pressed (same as for FIG. 18 ), which allows the front wheel 110 to be folded by 180 degrees to be received inside the circular front wheel frame 104 (same as for FIG. 19 ).
- the pedals 132 and 134 can then be flipped up to ensure that the front wheel 110 remains inside the wheel frame 104 . This accomplishes the folding of the two wheels 110 and 112 .
- the wheel frames 104 and 106 can be folded against each other.
- the locking button 410 of the central pivot joint 108 is pressed to unlock the joint.
- the rear wheel frame 106 (and the seat assembly 126 carried thereon) can be pivoted about the central pivot joint 108 (see FIG. 20 ), and then the front wheel frame 104 (and the handlebar assembly 122 carried thereon) can be pivoted about the central pivot joint 108 to reach the configuration shown in FIG. 21 , where the vehicle 100 has been completely folded.
- the vehicle 100 is compact enough to be stored inside a backpack and then carried around conveniently by the user.
- the seat assembly 126 can be stored in a separate aftermarket backpack that can be provided with the vehicle 100 (or sold separately), and used to store and transport the folded vehicle 100 together with the detached seat assembly 126 and a biker's helmet.
- the vehicle 100 can be deployed and unfolded for use by reversing the steps described above.
- the locking button 410 can be pressed to unfold the wheel frames 104 and 106 , and then the push buttons 508 for the locking assemblies 128 can be pressed to pivot the wheels 110 and 112 out of the wheel frames 104 and 106 , respectively.
- the sliding joint 208 for the rear vertical support 124 is opened to slide the upper tubular section 350 up, and then the seat assembly 126 is latched on to the seat support 354 .
- the sliding joint 208 for the front vertical support 120 is opened to slide the central tubular section 202 up.
- the upper tubular section 200 is pivoted over the pivot joint 206 to lock it in place for use with respect to the central tubular section 202 .
- the release button 224 is pressed to allow the handlebars 212 to be unfolded. The vehicle 100 is now ready for use.
- the present invention provides a foldable vehicle 100 that can be very quickly, conveniently and easily folded for storage, and unfolded and deployed for use.
- the folded vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 21 can even be compact enough to be stored in a conventional backpack.
- the various folding, sliding and locking mechanisms and joints are all simple in construction, and easy to use.
- the folding vehicle 100 of the present invention is able to meet the objective of providing a portable vehicle that can be used for urban short-distance travel, and which is easy to carry around and to store.
Abstract
A foldable vehicle includes a front wheel frame having a front wheel pivotably connected thereto, the front wheel frame having a front circular opening for receiving the front wheel. The vehicle also has a rear wheel frame having a rear wheel pivotably connected thereto, the rear wheel frame having a rear circular opening for receiving the rear wheel. A pivot joint connects the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame, with the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame being pivotable against each other via the pivot joint. A front vertical support extends from the front wheel frame and has a handlebar assembly pivotably secured to the front vertical support, and a rear vertical support extends from the rear wheel frame and has a seat assembly removably secured to the rear vertical support.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to foldable vehicles, and in particular, to bicycles and scooters that can be folded to reduce the overall size of the vehicle.
- As living standards improve, people's lives have increasingly diverse needs, which often call for short-distance travel in dense urban cities. In many of these situations, having a car is simply not convenient, either because parking can be difficult to find, or because many people living in large metropolitan cities such as Shanghai and Tokyo do not even own cars. Therefore, it is important that vehicles be developed for convenient and effective urban short-distance travel.
- Bicycles and scooters are commonly used by people in urban areas, but because these vehicles are bulky, they still need to be parked, and cannot be carried around conveniently. For example, it can be very inconvenient to carry a bicycle into a crowded subway train.
- Thus, there still remains a need for a portable vehicle that can be used for urban short-distance travel, and which is easy to carry around.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable vehicle that can be used for urban short-distance travel, and which is easy to carry around and to store.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable vehicle that can be folded into a size that is small enough so that it can stored in a backpack.
- In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, a foldable vehicle is provided, having a front wheel frame having a front wheel pivotably connected thereto, the front wheel frame having a front circular opening for receiving the front wheel. The vehicle further includes a rear wheel frame having a rear wheel pivotably connected thereto, the rear wheel frame having a rear circular opening for receiving the rear wheel. A pivot joint connects the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame, with the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame being pivotable against each other via the pivot joint. A front vertical support extends from the front wheel frame and has a handlebar assembly pivotably secured to the front vertical support, and a rear vertical support extends from the rear wheel frame and has a seat assembly removably secured to the rear vertical support.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a foldable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in its use configuration. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the front wheel frame of the foldable vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the handlebar assembly of the foldable vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 4 and 5 are two different exploded front perspective views of the handlebar assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of the handlebar assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the operation of the handlebar assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are side perspective views illustrating the pivoting of the upper tubular section of the handlebar assembly about the pivot joint. -
FIGS. 8C-8F are cut-away sectional views illustrating the pivoting of the upper tubular section of the handlebar assembly about the pivot joint. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the sliding joints of the foldable vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of the sliding joint ofFIG. 9 . -
FIGS. 11A-11C are cut-away perspective views showing the operation of the sliding joint ofFIG. 9 . -
FIGS. 12A-12B illustrates how the seat assembly is removed from the seat support. -
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the seat assembly of the foldable vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the central pivot joint of the foldable vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the central pivot joint ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel locking system of the foldable vehicle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates the turning of the lever for the pivot joint ofFIG. 9 . -
FIGS. 18-19 illustrate how a wheel is folded into a wheel frame. -
FIG. 20 illustrates how a wheel frame is folded about the central pivot joint. -
FIG. 21 illustrates the foldable vehicle ofFIG. 1 in its folded storage configuration. - The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- The present invention provides a
foldable vehicle 100 that can be folded into a smaller size which allows the foldedvehicle 100 to be stored into a backpack so that it can be conveniently carried around when not in use. Referring toFIG. 1 , thefoldable vehicle 100 has afoldable body frame 102 that has afront wheel frame 104 and arear wheel frame 106 that can be folded against each other about acentral pivot joint 108. Eachwheel frame front wheel 110 and arear wheel 112, respectively, inside the open circular space defined by thewheel frame front wheel 110 can be folded about thefront wheel frame 104 via apivoting locking assembly 128 to be stored inside theopen space 116 defined by thefront wheel frame 104, and therear wheel 112 can be folded about therear wheel frame 106 via anotherpivoting locking assembly 128 to be stored inside theopen space 118 defined by therear wheel frame 106. A frontvertical support 120 extends from thefront wheel frame 104 and is adapted to support ahandlebar assembly 122. A rearvertical support 124 extends from therear wheel frame 106 and is adapted to support aseat assembly 126. - The
foldable vehicle 100 can be an electrically-powered bicycle having a chargeable battery provided inside theseat assembly 126. As shown inFIG. 1 , a user can sit on theseat assembly 126 and ride thevehicle 100 by controlling the on/off operation and speed of thevehicle 100 via a control panel provided in thehandlebar assembly 122. The user can rest his or her feet on twopivotable pedals front wheel frame 104. The user can grasp thehandlebars 212 on thehandlebar assembly 122, and turn or steer thevehicle 100. The turning or steering motion can be accomplished by providing thefront wheel frame 104 with asteering mechanism 138. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , which shows the components of thesteering mechanism 138, thefront wheel frame 104 is provided in three segments, acurved front segment 140, a curved upperrear segment 142, and a curved lowerrear segment 144. The frontvertical support 120 extends from thecurved front segment 140, which has anupper end 146 and alower end 148. The curved upperrear segment 142 has anupper end 150 and alower end 152, and the curved lowerrear segment 144 has anupper end 154 and alower end 156. Theupper end 146 of thefront segment 140 is pivotably connected to theupper end 150 of the upperrear segment 142 via abearing 160 and alocking screw 162 that extends through an opening in theupper end 146. Similarly, thelower end 148 of thefront segment 140 is pivotably connected to thelower end 156 of the lowerrear segment 144 via abearing 160 and alocking screw 162 that extends through an opening in thelower end 148. Thelower end 152 of the upperrear segment 142 and theupper end 154 of the lowerrear segment 144 are connected to alocking shaft 402 of thecentral pivot joint 108. As a result, thefront segment 140 can be pivoted with respect to therear segments vehicle 100 by turning thefront segment 140. - The front
vertical support 120 includes an uppertubular section 200, a centraltubular section 202, and a lowertubular section 204. Eachtubular section tubular sections tubular sections - Referring to
FIGS. 3-6 , thehandlebar assembly 122 has ahandlebar housing 210 secured above the uppertubular section 200, and twohandlebars 212 extending from opposite sides of thehandlebar housing 210. Thehandlebar housing 210 has arear cover 214 and afront cover 216 that are secured together, with twoshafts 218 extending from the inside of therear cover 214 towards thefront cover 216. Eachshaft 218 supports aspring 220. Arelease button assembly 222 has arelease button 224 andwings 226 extending from opposite ends thereof. Therelease button 224 is positioned partially inside thehandlebar housing 210, and its front surface extends through anopening 228 in thefront cover 216. The forward-facing end of eachspring 220 abuts against the inner surface of acorresponding wing 226. In addition, eachwing 226 has a flat terminal surface oredge 230. - Each
handlebar 212 has apivot block 236 that is retained inside thehandlebar housing 210, abrake control 238 adjacent thepivot block 236, and ahandle grip 240 extending from thebrake control 238 opposite from thepivot block 236. The braking function is activated by fully rotating ahandle 258 of thebrake control 238 downwards. This will electronically activate the electric braking system (not shown) inside the motor (not shown) of the front wheel 10, slowing down thevehicle 100. A spring (not shown) will automatically push back thebrake control 238 to its original position when released. Eachpivot block 236 has anopening 246, and twoshafts 242 extending from the inside of therear cover 214 towards thefront cover 216 are adapted to extend through theopenings 246. Eachpivot block 236 has aflat surface 244 that is adapted to abut theflat surface 230 of acorresponding wing 226. - An
LED light panel 250 is provided in the uppertubular section 200, with atranslucent cover 252 covering thelight panel 250. Thelight panel 250 provides illumination for thevehicle 100, and can be actuated by switches (not shown) that are provided on theseat assembly 126 or on thehandlebar assembly 122. As an example, the front LEDs can be turned on via a mobile app and/or via pushing amain switch 378 on theseat support 354. SeeFIGS. 12A and 13 . Once thevehicle 100 is turned on the first time, by pressing the samemain switch 378, the LED lights will turn on. Conversely, the LED lights can be turned off via mobile app and/or by pressing the samemain switch 378. - The operation of the
handlebar assembly 122 is best illustrated in connection withFIGS. 3-6 and 7A-7C .FIGS. 3, 4 and 7A illustrate thehandlebar assembly 122 in use, where thesprings 220 normally bias the wings 226 (and the release button 224) outwardly, so that theflat surfaces 230 of thewings 226 abut theflat surfaces 244 of the pivot blocks 236. When the user wishes to fold the handlebar grips 240, the user presses therelease button 224 inwardly against the bias of the springs 220 (seeFIG. 7A ), which causes thewings 226 to disengage from the pivot blocks 236 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7B ). This allows the handlebar grips 240 to be pivoted downwardly (seeFIGS. 7B and 7C ). The inside surface of each pivot block 236 then presses against eachwing 226, as best shown inFIG. 7C . When the user desires to redeploy (unfold) the handlebar grips 240, the user simply pivots the handlebar grips 240 upwardly until the body of the pivot blocks 236 release therespective wing 226, and thesprings 220 will bias thewings 226 back outwardly to cause theflat surfaces 230 of thewings 226 to abut theflat surfaces 244 of the pivot blocks 236 again. - To allow for this pivoting and blocking function, the shape of each pivot block 236 must be configured to provide an extension from an end edge of the
flat surface 244. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3-6 and 7A-7C , theextension 248 can take the form of additional mass that will function to block or press against eachwing 226 as shown inFIG. 7C . Theextension 248 can be rounded or have two sides or edges (not shown). - Referring now to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , the pivot joint 206 has ahousing 260 with fourside walls 262, and the bottom end of the uppertubular section 200 is hingedly connected to one side of thehousing 260 via ahinge joint 264. The bottom end of the uppertubular section 200 also includes aconnector block 266 with agroove 268 provided therein. Each of twoside walls 262 of thehousing 260 is provided with an alignedchannel 270, and a slider lock 272 (which can be a sliding bar) is positioned for up and down movement within the alignedchannels 270. Theslider lock 272 is adapted to be seated inside thegroove 268 to secure the bottom end of the uppertubular section 200 to thepivot joint 206. Referring also toFIG. 80 , a pair ofsprings 274 are provided in thehousing 260 and are adapted to bias theslider lock 272 into thegroove 268. When theslider lock 272 is pushed down (FIG. 8D ), theslider lock 272 can be disengaged from the groove 268 (seeFIG. 8E ). Thesprings 274 will then bias theslider lock 272 back up (seeFIG. 8F ) when the uppertubular section 200 is pivoted by 180 degrees. When the user folds the uppertubular section 200 back to its use position, theslider lock 272 is biased by thesprings 274 back into thegroove 368 to lock thepivot joint 206. - Referring now to
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11A-11C , the sliding joint 208 facilitates the telescoping sliding retraction of the centraltubular section 202 into the lowertubular section 204. The upper end of the centraltubular section 202 is connected to thehousing 260, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B . The lower end of the centraltubular section 202 is coupled to an internaltubular section 276 that extends from the upper end of the lowertubular section 204, and can be made from one piece with the lowertubular section 204. The sliding joint 208 has anenclosing frame 278 that is generally C-shaped having threesides free sides sides frame 278, and thetubular sections locking button 286 is retained inside both thetubular sections diameter tube 288 and a button that has a larger-diameter flange 290 that extends outside thetube 288 and can be slid longitudinally with respect to thetube 288. The button also includes abutton cap 292. Aspring 294 is housed inside thetube 288 and thebutton cap 292. Theflange 290 has a larger diameter than thetube 288 and thebutton cap 292. - The lower end of the central
tubular section 202 has anindented opening 296 which is adapted to retain anadapter piece 298, and the upper end of the lowertubular section 204 has anotherindented opening 300 which is adapted to retain anotheradapter piece 302. Thelocking button 286 is retained inside the centraltubular section 202 at the location of theindented opening 296. Aslot 306 is provided along the internaltubular section 276 and anotherslot 308 is provided along the centraltubular section 202. Theslots screw 310 to travel along. Thescrew 310 extends through anopening 312 in theside 280 c of theframe 278. - A locking
lever 320 is provided to tighten or loosen theframe 278, and has twoearlobes pivot shaft 324 extends through alignedopenings earlobes pivot shaft 324 also has anopening 328 provided transverse to its longitudinal direction. Anear 314 a, 314 c extends from each of thesides side opening 316 therethrough. A lockingscrew 330 extends through theopenings 316 in theears 314 a, 314 c, and then through the space between theearlobes transverse opening 328 in thepivot shaft 324. Acurved support piece 332 can be provided between theear 314 a and the end of theearlobes - In use, the locking
screw 330 can be loosened, and then thelever 320 pivoted away from theframe 278, to loosen theframe 278 of the sliding joint 208. SeeFIG. 17 . When the lockingscrew 330 is loosened and thelever 320 pivoted away, the space between theears tubular section 202 to be able to slide within theframe 278. The user can then press on the button cap 292 (seeFIGS. 10 and 11A ) to go against the natural bias of thespring 294, thereby releasing thebutton cap 292 from engaging theadapter piece 302 of the lowertubular section 204. Theadapter piece 298 is always carried on thebutton cap 292, so thelocking button 286 will always travel with the centraltubular section 202. With thebutton cap 292 pressed, the centraltubular section 202 can be pushed into the lowertubular section 204. SeeFIGS. 11B and 11C . Thescrew 310 can travel along the tracks defined by theslots slot 308 also provides a stop mechanism for limiting the travel of the centraltubular section 202 into the lowertubular section 204. Thelever 320 can now be pivoted back towards theframe 278, and the lockingscrew 330 tightened, to secure the retracted centraltubular section 202 inside the lowertubular section 204. - To deploy the
vehicle 100 for use, the lockingscrew 330 can be loosened, and then thelever 320 pivoted away from theframe 278, to loosen theframe 278 of the sliding joint 208. The centraltubular section 202 can be pulled out of the lowertubular section 204, and when thebutton cap 292 reaches the location of theindented opening 300, thespring 294 will naturally bias thebutton cap 292 outwardly to be locked in theindented opening 300. Thelever 320 can now be pivoted back towards theframe 278, and the lockingscrew 330 tightened, to secure the centraltubular section 202 above the lowertubular section 204. - Referring to
FIGS. 12A and 12B , the rearvertical support 124 includes an uppertubular section 350 and a lowertubular section 352 that are coupled via a sliding joint 208 that can be the same as the sliding joint 208 shown and described above in connection withFIGS. 9, 10 and 11A-11C . Thetubular sections tubular sections FIG. 13 , aseat support 354 is secured to the upper end of the uppertubular section 350, and theseat assembly 126 is removably secured to theseat support 354. - The
seat assembly 126 includes a seat housing that includes anupper housing 360 and alower housing 362. Theupper housing 360 serves as the seat for the rider, and thelower housing 362 has anopening 364 that defines a receiving section for receiving theseat support 354.Batteries 366 can be housed inside the seat housing, and then electrically coupled (via wires and electrical contacts that are not shown in the FIGS.) to thehandlebar assembly 122 and other parts of thefoldable vehicle 100. These wires can be installed through the hollow interiors of thetubular sections latch locks 368 are provided at the bottom of thelower housing 362 to removably secure thelower housing 362 to theseat support 354. The construction and operation of the latch locks 368 can be similar to those known in the art, and will not be described in greater detail herein. For example, the latch locks 368 are normally biased to engageslots 370 provided in thehousing 372 of theseat support 354. - The
seat support 354 can have ahousing 372 which houses electronics such as acircuit board 374 for controlling the operation of thefoldable vehicle 100, as well as themain switch 378. -
FIGS. 14-15 illustrate the central pivot joint 108 that allows the twowheel frames lock box body 400 that is made up of two housing covers. Two lockingshafts channels lock box body 400 for pivoting the wheel frames 104 and 106, respectively. Each lockingshaft protrusions lock box body 400 and has alocking button 410 that includes acentral block 412 and twowings wing groove protrusions shafts grooves protrusions spring 424 is provided below thewings locking button 410 upwardly. Aguide body 426 is provided below the spring(s) 424 and thelocking button 410, and includes at least onechannel 430 that is adapted to receive thespring 424. The upper surface of theguide body 426 also functions as a stop surface to prevent thepush button 410 from being pushed too far into thelock box body 400. One end of the spring(s) 424 contacts the bottom of thelocking button 410, and the other end of the spring(s) 424 contacts alower surface 434 of one of the housing covers of thelock box body 400. - As shown in
FIG. 14 , free ends (e.g., 152 and 154) of the wheel frames 104 and 106 are connected to the opposite ends of each lockingshaft - In use, one set of locking
protrusions 406 is retained in the lockinggrooves vehicle 100 is deployed for use. When the user presses on the top of thelocking button 410, thelocking button 410 pushes against the natural bias of the spring(s) 424, which disengages the lockingprotrusions 406 from the lockinggrooves shafts 402 and 404 (and the wheel frames 104 and 106, respectively, carried thereon) to be rotated by 90 degrees until the other lockingprotrusions 408 are engaged by the lockinggrooves FIG. 20 . At this point, the lockingshafts grooves locking button 410. SeeFIG. 21 . To unfold the wheel frames 104 and 106, the user pushes on thelocking button 410 again, causing thelocking button 410 to push against the natural bias of the spring(s) 424, which disengages the lockingprotrusions 408 from the lockinggrooves shafts 402 and 404 (and the wheel frames 104 and 106, respectively, carried thereon) to be rotated by 90 degrees in the other direction until the other lockingprotrusions 406 are engaged by the lockinggrooves shafts grooves locking button 410. - The pivot joint 108 and its components and operation are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 10-12 of PCT/CN2017/108552, whose entire disclosure is incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein.
-
FIG. 16 illustrates awheel locking system 500 that allows for each of thewheels FIGS. 18-20 , thewheel locking system 500 has a lockingshaft 502 that is secured for rotation between abox body 504 and ashaft cover 506. Apush button 508 is provided between theshaft cover 506 and abutton cover 510. A locking assembly (not shown) is provided inside thebox body 504. A shaft extends from thepush button 508 through theshaft cover 506, the lockingshaft 502, and thebox body 504, to actuate the locking assembly inside thebox body 504. Awheel mounting arm 512 has one end secured to thebox body 504, and another end secured to thewheel push button 508 is pushed (seeFIG. 18 ) while thevehicle 100 is in the use configuration, the lockingshaft 502 is released for rotation, which allows thebox body 504 to be rotated so that thewheel circular opening wheel frame push button 508 is pushed while thevehicle 100 is in the storage configuration, the lockingshaft 502 is again released for rotation, which allows thebox body 504 to be rotated so that thewheel FIG. 18 . Thewheel locking system 500 and its components and operation are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 1-4 of PCT/CN2017/108552, whose entire disclosure is incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein. - The
foldable vehicle 100 can be conveniently folded into a very compact storage configuration. Starting from the use configuration shown inFIG. 1 , the user can press therelease button 224 on thehandlebar assembly 122 to fold the twohandlebars 212 downwardly in the manner shown and described in connection withFIGS. 3-6 and 7A-7C . Then, as shown and described in connection withFIGS. 8A and 8B , theslider lock 272 on the pivot joint 206 is pushed down, and this allows the uppertubular section 200 and thehandlebar assembly 122 carried thereon to be pivoted by 180 degrees against the central tubular section 202 (seeFIG. 6 ). Next, the lockingscrew 330 can be loosened, and then thelever 320 pivoted away from the frame 278 (seeFIG. 17 ), to loosen theframe 278 of the sliding joint 208. The user then presses on the button cap 292 (seeFIGS. 10 and 11A ), and the centraltubular section 202 can be slid down into the lowertubular section 204 in the manner described above in connection withFIGS. 9-10 and 11A-11C . Thelever 320 can now be pivoted back towards theframe 278, and the lockingscrew 330 tightened, to secure the retracted centraltubular section 202 inside the lowertubular section 204. This accomplishes the folding and locking of thehandlebar assembly 122 and the frontvertical support 120. - Next, the latch locks 368 are pushed aside to release the removable seat assembly 126 (see
FIG. 12A ), which is then lifted up (seeFIG. 12B ). The pivot joint 208 on the rearvertical support 124 is then operated in the same manner as thepivot joint 208 of the frontvertical support 120 to slide the uppertubular section 350 into the lowertubular section 352. This accomplishes the compacting of the rearvertical support 124. - The
wheels push button 508 for therear locking assembly 128 is pressed (seeFIG. 18 ), which allows therear wheel 112 to be folded by 180 degrees to be received inside the circular rear wheel frame 106 (seeFIG. 19 ). Next, thepush button 508 for thefront locking assembly 128 is pressed (same as forFIG. 18 ), which allows thefront wheel 110 to be folded by 180 degrees to be received inside the circular front wheel frame 104 (same as forFIG. 19 ). Thepedals front wheel 110 remains inside thewheel frame 104. This accomplishes the folding of the twowheels - Finally, the wheel frames 104 and 106 can be folded against each other. The
locking button 410 of the central pivot joint 108 is pressed to unlock the joint. The rear wheel frame 106 (and theseat assembly 126 carried thereon) can be pivoted about the central pivot joint 108 (seeFIG. 20 ), and then the front wheel frame 104 (and thehandlebar assembly 122 carried thereon) can be pivoted about the central pivot joint 108 to reach the configuration shown inFIG. 21 , where thevehicle 100 has been completely folded. In this folded storage configuration, thevehicle 100 is compact enough to be stored inside a backpack and then carried around conveniently by the user. Theseat assembly 126 can be stored in a separate aftermarket backpack that can be provided with the vehicle 100 (or sold separately), and used to store and transport the foldedvehicle 100 together with thedetached seat assembly 126 and a biker's helmet. - From the folded storage configuration shown in
FIG. 21 , thevehicle 100 can be deployed and unfolded for use by reversing the steps described above. First, thelocking button 410 can be pressed to unfold the wheel frames 104 and 106, and then thepush buttons 508 for thelocking assemblies 128 can be pressed to pivot thewheels vertical support 124 is opened to slide the uppertubular section 350 up, and then theseat assembly 126 is latched on to theseat support 354. Next, the sliding joint 208 for the frontvertical support 120 is opened to slide the centraltubular section 202 up. The uppertubular section 200 is pivoted over the pivot joint 206 to lock it in place for use with respect to the centraltubular section 202. Finally, therelease button 224 is pressed to allow thehandlebars 212 to be unfolded. Thevehicle 100 is now ready for use. - Thus, the present invention provides a
foldable vehicle 100 that can be very quickly, conveniently and easily folded for storage, and unfolded and deployed for use. The foldedvehicle 100 shown inFIG. 21 can even be compact enough to be stored in a conventional backpack. The various folding, sliding and locking mechanisms and joints are all simple in construction, and easy to use. As a result, thefolding vehicle 100 of the present invention is able to meet the objective of providing a portable vehicle that can be used for urban short-distance travel, and which is easy to carry around and to store. - While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
Claims (13)
1-12. (canceled)
13. A method for folding a foldable vehicle, comprising:
providing a vehicle comprising:
a front wheel frame having a front wheel pivotably connected thereto, the front wheel frame having a front circular opening and two pivotable pedals;
a rear wheel frame having a rear wheel pivotably connected thereto, the rear wheel frame having a rear circular opening;
a pivot joint that connects the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame;
a front vertical support extending from the front wheel frame and having a handlebar assembly pivotably secured to the front vertical support; and
a rear vertical support extending from the rear wheel frame and having a seat assembly removably secured to the rear vertical support;
folding the front wheel inside the front circular opening of the front wheel frame and pivoting the two pedals to secure the front wheel inside the front circular opening;
folding the rear wheel inside the rear circular opening of the rear wheel frame;
pivoting the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame against each other via the pivot joint;
pivoting the handlebar assembly against the front vertical support and positioning the handlebar assembly adjacent the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame; and
removing the seat assembly from the rear vertical support.
14. The method of claim 13 , further including:
providing the front vertical support with a lower tubular section, a central tubular section slidably connected to the lower tubular section, and an upper tubular section pivotably connected to the central tubular section; and
securing the handlebar assembly to the upper tubular section.
15. The method of claim 13 , further including:
providing the rear vertical support with a rear lower tubular section, and a rear upper tubular section slidably connected to the rear lower tubular section, with a seat support secured to the rear upper tubular section; and
removably connecting the seat assembly with the seat support.
16. The method of claim 13 , further including a front pivoting locking assembly that pivotably connects the front wheel to the front wheel frame, with the front pivoting locking assembly locking the front wheel in one of two positions, a first position where the front wheel is retained inside the front circular opening, and a second position where the front wheel is deployed for use.
17. The method of claim 16 , further including a rear pivoting locking assembly that pivotably connects the rear wheel to the rear wheel frame, with the rear pivoting locking assembly locking the rear wheel in one of two positions, a first position where the rear wheel is retained inside the rear circular opening, and a second position where the rear wheel is deployed for use.
18. The method of claim 14 , further including slidably connecting the central tubular section to the lower tubular section by a sliding joint, and pivotably connecting the upper tubular section to the central tubular section by a pivot joint.
19. The method of claim 15 , further including slidably connecting the rear upper tubular section to the rear lower tubular section by a sliding joint.
20. The method of claim 13 , wherein the handlebar assembly comprises a handlebar housing having first and second opposite sides, and first and second handlebars extending from the first and second sides, respectively, of the handlebar housing, and further including pivoting the handlebars with respect to the handlebar housing when the handlebar assembly is folded.
21. The method of claim 13 , wherein the front wheel frame further includes a steering mechanism, a front segment and a rear segment, and wherein the steering mechanism is formed by pivotably connecting the front and rear segments.
22. The method of claim 13 , further including providing the seat assembly with a power supply.
23. The method of claim 13 , further including providing the seat assembly with a main switch.
24. The method of claim 13 , further including:
providing a backpack;
retaining the folded vehicle inside the backpack.
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/791,186 US10717492B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2020-02-14 | Foldable vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US16/265,442 US10569821B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2019-02-01 | Foldable vehicle |
US16/791,186 US10717492B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2020-02-14 | Foldable vehicle |
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US16/265,442 Continuation US10569821B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2019-02-01 | Foldable vehicle |
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US10717492B1 US10717492B1 (en) | 2020-07-21 |
US20200247499A1 true US20200247499A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 |
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US16/265,442 Active US10569821B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2019-02-01 | Foldable vehicle |
US16/791,186 Active US10717492B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2020-02-14 | Foldable vehicle |
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US16/265,442 Active US10569821B1 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2019-02-01 | Foldable vehicle |
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CN112519946A (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2021-03-19 | 天津富士达科技有限公司 | Foldable electric bicycle |
GB2618809A (en) * | 2022-05-17 | 2023-11-22 | Rif Bikes Ltd | Foldable bicycle frame |
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US575266A (en) * | 1897-01-12 | Handle-bar for bicycles | ||
TWM355880U (en) * | 2008-06-06 | 2009-05-01 | ming-xiang Ye | Electric generator for bicycle seat pad |
BR112015012125A8 (en) * | 2012-11-26 | 2023-02-28 | Green Ride Ltd | FOLDABLE MOTORIZED SCOOTER |
USD809434S1 (en) * | 2015-07-27 | 2018-02-06 | Wuxi kolerwheel intelligent technology co., LTD | Folding electric bicycle |
US10899410B2 (en) * | 2016-02-26 | 2021-01-26 | Mobility Holdings Ltd. | Trifold bicycle frame |
USD829133S1 (en) * | 2017-05-19 | 2018-09-25 | Khusravsho Rahmatulloev | Bicycle |
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