WO1994023987A1

WO1994023987A1 - A folding bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO1994023987A1
Application number: PCT/GB1993/000815
Authority: WO
Inventors: Goran Malmberg
Original assignee: Technocom Ab
Priority date: 1991-10-16
Filing date: 1993-04-19
Publication date: 1994-10-27
Also published as: GB2260520A; AU3960893A; GB2260520B; GB9122004D0

Abstract

A folding bicycle movable between a folded position wherein the bicycle is transportable by carrying and an operational position wherein the bicycle is ridable by a user, the bicycle comprising, in the operational position, a saddle member (1), a pedal unit (6) incorporating two pedals (8) and appropriate gearing, at least one saddle supporting member (5) extending upwardly from the pedal unit (6), two wheel supporting members (9, 10) extending outwardly from the pedal unit (6) and having wheels (11) attached thereto, and a steering column (15) extending upwardly from either the pedal unit (6) or one of the wheel supporting members (9, 10) and incorporating handlebars (16), wherein in the folded position the pedal unit (6), the supporting members (5, 9, 10) and the steering column (15) are all positioned inside the saddle member (1). The bicycle preferably resembles a briefcase or attaché case in the folded position and can also preferably be used as a luggage carrier. Advantageously, the saddle supporting members (5) incorporate suspension means.

Description

A FOLDING BICYCLE

The invention relates to a folding bicycle.

The traffic and environmental situation in many large cities has gradually reached the stage where it would be of obvious benefit if more motorists, instead of using their own cars, could be encouraged to make increasing use of public transport facilities such as buses, trams and the underground etc. It is also obvious that the readiness of motorists to choose public transport in preference to their own cars would increase if they had access to a small and easily portable means of transport on which to convey themselves under their own power to and from the various stopping places, and also to enable them to transport themselves around within the central areas of the cities.

A number of folding bicycles of different designs have been familiar for some time, all of which go some way to encouraging motorists to use public transport instead of their own cars. However, the known folding bicycles are still bulky and awkward to transport between periods of use.

An object of the present invention is to make available a small, portable, simply-folding bicycle of low weight, which can preferably be used as a luggage trolley, and which is capable of being carried in limited passenger spaces such as those available in buses and underground systems, and also as hand luggage in passenger aircraft, without causing inconvenience to other fellow-travellers.

The invention provides a folding bicycle movable between a folded position wherein the bicycle is transportable by carrying and an operational position wherein the bicycle is ridable by a user, the bicycle comprising, in the operational position, a saddle member, a pedal unit incorporating two pedals and appropriate gearing, at least one saddle supporting member extending upwardly from the pedal unit, two wheel supporting members extending outwardly from the pedal unit and having wheels attached thereto, and a steering column extending upwardly from either the pedal unit or one of the wheel supporting members and incorporating handlebars, wherein in the folded position the pedal unit, the supporting members and the steering column are all positioned inside the saddle member. Preferably, the saddle member resembles a briefcase or attache case when the bicycle is in the folded position, both in size and appearance. Such an article is easy to carry and does not cause inconvenience to other passengers utilising public transport.

Preferably, the pedal unit comprises a substantially rectangular frame linked by a saddle supporting member to the saddle member on either side of the rectangular frame, each saddle supporting member being articulated so as to be received in grooves in the sides of the saddle member when the bicycle is in the folded position. More preferably, each saddle supporting member comprises suspension means for providing cushioning between the wheels and the saddle member of the bicycle. This arrangement provides a more comfortable ride for the user. Advantageously, the suspension means are located at the points of articulation of the saddle supporting members. Preferably, the pedal unit incorporates at least two step-up gear arrangements.

In a preferable arrangement, the wheel supporting members are pivotally attached to the pedal unit such that the wheel supporting members and the wheels attached thereto are received within the pedal unit when the bicycle is in the folded position. More preferably, at least one of the wheel supporting members carries further wheel means which protrude beyond the lower edge of the pedal unit when the said wheel supporting member or members is or are received within the pedal unit, such that the folding bicycle can also be utilised in the manner of a luggage trolley by extension of the pedal unit from within the saddle member whilst maintaining the wheel supporting members and the steering column in their folded positions. This arrangement allows a further use of the invention.

The invention also provides a folding bicycle movable between a folded position wherein the bicycle is transportable by carrying and an operational position wherein the bicycle is ridable by a user, the bicycle comprising, in the operational position, a saddle member, a pedal unit incorporating two pedals and appropriate gearing, at least one saddle supporting member extending upwardly from the pedal unit, two wheel supporting members extending outwardly from the pedal unit and having wheels attached thereto, and a steering column extending upwardly from either the pedal unit or one of the wheel supporting members and incorporating handlebars, wherein the at least one saddle supporting member comprises suspension means for providing cushioning between the wheels and the saddle of the bicycle. Preferably, the suspension means comprise adjustable spring damping means. More preferably, the steering column incorporates suspension means.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a folding bicycle according to the invention in its folded position;

Figure 2 shows the bicycle of Figure 1 in a first semi-extended position;

Figure 3 shows the bicycle of Figures 1 and 2 in a second semi-extended position; Figures 4 (a), (b) and (c) show, respectively the pedal unit, the steering column and one of the wheel supporting members forming parts of the bicycle of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 shows the bicycle of Figures 1 to 4 in its operational position; and

Figure 6 shows the article in a position wherein it is usable as a luggage carrier.

The folding bicycle shown in the figures comprises a saddle member 1 which is constructed so that it resembles an ordinary briefcase or attache case with regard to both its size and appearance. A handle 2 is provided in the upper portion of the saddle member 1 so as to be retractable into the main body of the saddle member 1. A cushioning member 3 is positioned on the upper surface of the saddle member 1 and this cushioning member 3 can be adjustable with regard to its position on the saddle member 1. The saddle member 1 is provided with side pockets 4 which are capable of receiving, for example, documents for convenient transportation when the bicycle is in use.

On either side of the saddle member 1, articulated saddle supporting members 5 are located. The saddle supporting members 5 comprise articulated arms which are pivotally attached to the lower edges of the saddle member 1 and to a pedal unit 6 which will be described more fully below. When in the folded position, the saddle supporting members 5 are received within grooves in the side walls of the saddle member 1. When the pedal unit 6 is in its extended position, the saddle supporting members 5 form supports for the saddle member 1 with respect to the pedal unit 6. The points of articulation of the saddle supporting members 5 also comprise suspension means in the form of adjustable spring damping means. Thus, when the bicycle is in use, cushioning between the saddle member 1 and the pedal unit 6 is provided. When the pedal unit 6 is in its fully extended position, locking means (not shown) retain the saddle supporting members 5 in their desired position as shown in Figure 3. Appropriate releasing and re-locking means (not shown) allow the saddle supporting members 5 to be further straightened if desired into the position shown in Figure 6 for the purpose described below. Any form of suitable locking and releasing mechanism can be utilised. Such mechanisms are well known and do not form part of the present invention.

The pedal unit 6 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 7 incorporating two folding pedals 8 and appropriate gearing. Pivotably attached to the lower corners of the pedal unit 6 are a forward wheel supporting member 9 and a rear wheel supporting member 10. Both of the said wheel supporting members 9, 10 have a wheel 11 pivotably mounted thereon. The rear wheel is suitably connected to the pedals 8 such that rotation of the pedals 8 results in the rear wheel being driven so as to propel the bicycle forward. At least two step-up gears (not shown) are provided to provide a relatively high gear ratio. This is necessary due to the small dimension of the wheels 11 and, although not shown in detail, is achieved by providing a step-up gear between the pedal gear wheel 11 and a gear wheel mounted on the rear wheel supporting member 10 and a second step-up gear between the latter gear wheel and a gear wheel mounted on the rear wheel. The transmission also includes a convention cycle gear hub.

The pedal frame 6 and the wheel supporting members 9, 10 are dimensioned so that the wheel supporting members 9, 10 and the wheels 11 mounted thereon are received within the pedal unit 6 when the bicycle is in the folded position (see Figure 3). The wheel supporting members 9, 10 can be rotated out of their folded position into a position wherein they extend outwardly from the pedal unit 6 such that the wheels 11 can be arranged to contact the ground and support the pedal unit 6 and saddle member 1. The wheel supporting members 9, 10 can be locked in their operational position by appropriate locking and release mechanisms (not shown).

Pivotably attached to the forward wheel supporting member 9 is a steering column member 15 which incorporates collapsible handlebars 16. In the folded position, the steering column 15 is located parallel to the forward wheel supporting member 9 and is therefore receivable within the confines of the pedal unit 6. When the forward wheel supporting member 9 is pivotably moved into its operational position, the steering column member 15 is simultaneously rotated with respect to the pedal unit 6 and can then be further pivoted with respect to the forward wheel supporting member 9 and extended into its operational position wherein it extends upwardly from the forward wheel supporting member 9. The handlebars 16 are then rotated so that they extend substantially horizontally from the upper end of the steering column 15. A steering column support member 14 is telescopically or pivotably extendable from the saddle member 1 and is then connected to the steering column 15 so as to provide additional support. The steering column 15 incorporates resilient suspension means (not shown) for providing suspension between the forward wheel and the handlebars 16. The suspension means can be telescopic or can be of the same type as the suspension means incorporated in the saddle supporting members 5.

In this position, shown in Figure 5, the bicycle is operational. The upwardly extending saddle supporting members 5 and steering column 15 are locked in their appropriate positions and provide a stable frame for the bicycle. The user is able to sit on the saddle member 1 and operate the pedals 8 in order to propel the bicycle in a forward direction. Appropriate braking mechanisms can be provided on the handlebars 16 or incorporated within the gearing mechanism of the pedal unit 6. The step-up gearing provides a suitably high gear ratio and the suspension means incorporated within the saddle supporting members 5 provide the user with a comfortable ride. If desired, further gearing arrangements commonly used in bicycles can be incorporated.

The apparatus of the invention has a further use as illustrated in Figure 6. The forward wheel supporting member is arranged to carry further wheel means 17 illustrated in Figure 3. These further wheel means 17 are arranged to rotate about an axis perpendicular to that of the wheels 11 supported on the wheel supporting members 9, 10. Furthermore, the wheel supporting members 9, 10 are arranged such that, in their folded position, the forward wheel supporting member 9 lies alongside or parallel to the lower edge of the pedal unit 6. The further wheel means 17 are located so that they protrude beyond the lower edge of the pedal unit 6 as illustrated in Figure 3. As mentioned above, a releasing and locking mechanism is provided such that the saddle supporting members 5 can be straightened beyond the position shown in Figure 3. By operation of this mechanism (not shown) the saddle supporting members 5 are straightened and locked in a substantially parallel configuration. By retaining the wheel supporting members 9, 10 in their folded position, the apparatus can be used as a luggage carrier. Luggage supporting means 18 are pivotably attached to the pedal unit 6 and, when moved into their operational position, act as baggage support means to enable a user to carry, for example, a suitcase, with ease. The side pockets 4 of the saddle member 1 also provide further carrying capacity.

As will be seen from the above description, the apparatus according to the invention can be used as a baggage carrier or a lightweight bicycle and can be carried as an ordinary briefcase or attache case. The convenience of being able to carry this article between points of usage means that people who would normally be tempted to drive their cars into and around cities would be encouraged to leave their cars at home.

The bicycle according to the invention is thought to be one of the smallest collapsible bicycles in the world. The suspension means provided in the saddle supporting members and the steering column mean that wheels having a diameter of approximately 17cm can be used.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the precise embodiment described above. Various modifications are possible and include, for example, the provision of telescopically extending saddle supporting members and/or steering column, the use of a saddle member which resembles in size and appearance an alternative type of carrying means such a travel case, the provision of alternative rolling means instead of wheels or casters for use in the luggage carrier mode, and the provision of a removable cushioning member on the saddle member. The frame and wheels of the apparatus can be manufactured from any suitable material having sufficient strength combined with relatively low density. Suitable materials would include aluminium, high strength plastics and composite materials.

Claims

CLAI MS

1. A folding bicycle movable between a folded position wherein the bicycle is transportable by carrying and an operational position wherein the bicycle is ridable by a user, the bicycle comprising, in the operational position, a saddle member, a pedal unit incorporating two pedals and appropriate gearing, at least one saddle supporting member extending upwardly from the pedal unit, two wheel supporting members extending outwardly from the pedal unit and having wheels attached thereto, and a steering column extending upwardly from either the pedal unit or one of the wheels supporting members and incorporating handlebars, wherein in the folded position the pedal unit, the supporting members and the steering column are all positioned inside the saddle member.

2. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the saddle member resembles a briefcase or attache case when the bicycle is in the folded position.

3. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the saddle member incorporates pockets or compartments for receiving and transporting articles to be carried.

4. A folding bicycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedal unit comprises a substantially rectangular frame linked by a saddle supporting member to the saddle member on either side of the rectangular frame, each saddle supporting member being articulated so as to be received in grooves in the sides of the saddle member when the bicycle is in the folded position.

5. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 4, wherein each saddle supporting member comprises suspension means for providing cushioning between the wheels and the saddle member of the bicycle.

6. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the suspension means are located at the points of articulation of the saddle supporting members.

7. A folding bicycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedals are movable between a folded position for use when the bicycle is in its folded position and an unfolded position for use when the bicycle is in its operational position.

8. A folding bicycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel supporting members are pivotally attached to the pedal unit such that the wheel supporting members and the wheels attached thereto are received within the pedal unit when the bicycle is in the folded position.

9. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of the wheel supporting members carries further wheel means which protrude beyond the lower edge of the pedal unit when the said wheel supporting member or members is or are received within the pedal unit, such that the folding bicycle can also be utilised in the manner of a luggage trolly by extension of the pedal unit from within the saddle member whilst maintaining the wheel supporting members and the steering column in their folded positions.

10. A folding bicycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering column is telescopically extensible and retractable and is pivotally attached to the wheel supporting member which is located foremost in the operational position so as to be received within the pedal unit with the said wheel supporting member when the bicycle is in the folded position.

11. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the steering column incorporates suspension means for providing suspension between the front wheel and the handlebars.

12. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the handlebars are foldable against the steering column.

13. A folding bicycle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a steering column support member is provided, the steering column support member being retractable within the saddle member when the bicycle is in the folded position.

14. A folding bicycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedal unit incorporates at least two step-up gear arrangements.

15. A folding bicycle movable between a folded position wherein the bicycle is transportable by carrying and an operational position wherein the bicycle is ridable by a user, the bicycle comprising, in the operational position, a saddle member, a pedal unit incorporating two pedals and appropriate gearing, at least one saddle supporting member extending upwardly from the pedal unit, two wheel supporting members extending outwardly from the pedal unit and having wheels attached thereto, and a steering column extending upwardly from either the pedal unit or one of the wheel supporting members and incorporating handlebars, wherein the at least one saddle supporting member comprises suspension means for providing cushioning between the wheels and the saddle member of the bicycle.

16. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the suspension means comprise adjustable spring damping means.

17. A folding bicycle as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein two saddle supporting members are provided, each incorporating suspension means.

18. A folding bicycle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.