WO2005080184A1

WO2005080184A1 - Foldable bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2005080184A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000457
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Lynch
Original assignee: Stephen Lynch
Priority date: 2004-02-12
Filing date: 2005-02-10
Publication date: 2005-09-01
Also published as: GB0403110D0

Abstract

A foldable bicycle including a frame (2, 8) and a hub (14) mounted thereon, a front wheel (5), and a rear wheel (6) connected to the frame (2, 8) by a supporting member (10), where the folding action is by pivoting the rear wheel (6) and supporting member (10) about the hub (14) towards the front of the bicycle, in an axis perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the frame (2, 8).

Description

Foldable Bicycle

The invention to which this application relates is to an improvement in pedal bicycles. In particular, the invention relates to an improvement in the provision of pedal bicycles of a type which can be folded between an extended, in-use position and a folded, storage position.

The provision of foldable bicycles is well known and the same are typically utilised for many different reasons . One reason can be, for example, that there is insufficient space available to allow the storage of the bicycle in the in-use condition such as for example in a relatively small domestic premises where storage space is not available, or in temporary or transitory premises such as, for example, touring caravans, touring vehicles , boats, or the like.

In these conditions, it is preferred that folding bicycles are used, and as a result, sales of folding bicycles are relative large on a worldwide basis, and are increasing due to the increasing movement o f persons and the reduced space for storage which is commonly available.

Typically, foldable bicycles are based around the principle of the same folding to the storage position around a pivotal axis, said axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis o f the bicycle from front to rear. This therefore means that the front wheel and back wheels, when folded, lie substantially together at one end o f the folded structure with the pivotal axis lying at the other end o f the folded structure.

This form of folded bicycle is well known and utilised but a problem with the same is that the bicycle does not fold to a particularly small shape or size and, as the front and back wheels lie side by side, the width of the bicycle is also lelatively large when in a folded condition This therefore means that folded bicycles are not used as much as they could be and are not as easily stored as they could be.

The aim o f the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle arrangement which allows improved movement of the bicycle between folded and in-use conditions A further aim of the present invention is to provide a storage means in which the folded bicycle can be stored and to provide a storage means in a manner which allows the same to be utilised when the bicycle is both in the storage and in-use conditions

In a first aspect of the invention, there is piovided a bicycle comprising, a frame including a hub, pedals connected to the hub to allow drive of the bicycle by rotating the same a front wheel, a rear wheel connected to the frame by a supporting member; one or more portions of said bicycle movable between an m-use, extended position and a folded, storage position, movement of the rear wheel and supporting member between the said storage and extended positions is by pivoting the same about the hub to and from the front of the bicycle respectively, wheiein the axes of rotation of the rear wheel about the hub, and the pedals about the hub, are substantially coaxial Typically, drive means connected to the hub and the rear wheel allow the drive o f the bicycle by the rider by rotating pedals mounted on the hub.

Typically the rear wheel and supporting member, rotate about the hub, so that the same pass below the hub or to the side of the hub opposing that side on which the bicycle saddle is located.

In one embodiment the hub includes a collar, the rear wheel and supporting member are mounted on the collar, the collar rotating around the hub.

Typically the collar comprises two or more engaging portions, the rear wheel and supporting member mounted on one portion and rotatable about the hub, the other portion fixed to the hub, said portions including a plurality of protrusions and recesses which interengage to reversibly lock the collar and thereby the rear wheel and supporting member in a particular position.

In one embodiment, when the rear wheel and member are moved to a folded condition, the front wheel is first removed from the bicycle frame and the rear wheel lies between the hub and front forks or struts .

In a preferred embodiment, the frame between the front wheel and the hub, acts to locate and/or retain at least a portion of the rear wheel when in the folded position. In one embodiment, the support forks or struts for the front wheel are also movable between in-use and storage conditions wherein in the in-use condition, the struts on the front wheel depend outwardly from the front of the frame and in the storage conditions, the struts and/ or front wheel are moved inwardly such that the struts lie substantially in line with the front portion of the frame. In one embodiment, the drive means for the bicycle are a chain and sprocket mechanism. Alternatively, a drive shaft assembly is provided between the hub and the rear wheel so as to allow a single unit to be provided to allow drive for the bicycle and minimising the need for maintenance or repair to be performed by the user of the bicycle. As the rear wheel pas ses underneath the frame, the drive means is maintained at a constant length so is not subject to compression or slippage.

In one embodiment, the hub includes a gear system therein which allows the user to select one of a range of gears for the drive means at any particular time. The provision o f the gearing arrangement on the hub rather than the back wheel again acts to minimise the storage size of the bicycle when in the folded condition.

Typically, the handlebars are movable between an extended in use position and a storage position, in which portions of the handlebars move to a folded position or are removed.

In one embodiment the handlebars comprise two portions which are clamped to the frame and/or interlink when in an in-use position. The two portions can be disconnected from the frame and placed at least partially inside the forks in a storage position.

Typically, the pedals can also be moved between an extended in- use position and a folded storage position.

In one embodiment the saddle and storage position portions o f the members to which the same are connected can be moved about hinges provided on the member or members to a folded storage portion. In one embodiment any of the parts described can be substituted for similar parts, such that the bicycle can be adapted to a different style. Typically any or any combination o f the wheels, handlebars, pedals or frame members can be substituted to create a leisure, racing, or mountain style bicycle.

Typically portions of the frame are selectively adjustable to alter the stance of the rider, or to allow both adults and children to ride the bicycle.

In a preferred embodiment locating means are provided which serve to locate the rear member and wheel in an in-use position. Preferably the location is such as to allow movement of the rear member and wheel within a limited range about the hub so as to allow the member to act against suspension means provided in or adjacent to the hub. In one embodiment at least part of the locating means are magnetic to enable the rear member to be held in position.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a bicycle storage pack including a bicycle adaptable between in-use and folded conditions, and a housing, said housing adaptable between a first condition to receive the bicycle therein when the bicycle is in the folded condition to allow the bicycle to be carried via the housing, and a second condition in which the housing can be received on the bicycle when the bicycle is in an in-use position and carried by the bicycle in the in-use position.

Specific embodiments of the invention arc now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-

Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle in accordance with one embodiment of the invention in an in-use condition; Figure 2 illustrates a bicycle in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1 in a storage condition,

Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the bicycle in accoidancc with the invention in an m-use condition, and

Figure 4 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 3 is a storage condition

Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the bicycle in an m- use configuration

Figuie 6 illustrates a sectional view o f the hub in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

Figure 7 illustrates a plan view of the hub in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of the hub being fitted together

Referimg now to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a bicycle frame 2 in accordance with one example of the invention For ease o f reference, the pedals and saddle and other more detailed components which are not o f particular relevance to the invention, aie not shown It should be appieciated that the handlebais 4 can be selectively positioned as shown in Figure 1 such that, when the bicycle is in use, the same are positioned and attached to the frame whereas for the storage condition, the same ate folded theieby allowing the overall area of the bicycle when stored to be reduced

The bicycle comprises front and rear wheels 5, 6, which are attached to a cential frame 8 The rear wheel is attached to the frame by a rear member 10 which is attached, at one end to the centre o f the wheel and at the other end, to a hub 14 on the central frame 8.

The front wheel is attached to the front end of the central frame 8 by struts or forks 18, 20 as shown. In the in-use position, the bicycle o f Figure 1 can act in a conventional manner in terms of the rider moving along a surface when on the bicycle and it should be appreciated that the design allows for full size wheels to be fitted to the central frame

To move the bicycle from the in-use position of Figure 1 to the storage position of Figure 2, then the following actions are performed. Firstly, a locking mechanism provided at the hub on the frame, is released and this serves to release the rear member from the in-use position in which, typically, limited movement with respect to the hub is permitted. Once released, the rear member and rear wheel, are free to rotate in the direction as indicated by arrow 22. Rotation about the pivot point on the hub allows the rear wheel and rear member to be moved to the position shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment the central frame upper member 24, is hollow or has a cavity formed therein which allows a portion of the rear wheel to be accommodated within the cavity as illustrated, thereby reducing the overall size of the folded bicycle.

The front wheel is also removed from the struts prior to rotating the rear wheel and member to the storage position and can be s tored at any suitable location with respect to the remainder of the frame. The front struts are themselves used to locate the rear wheel when moved into the storage position.

At this stage, the handlebars, pedals and/or seat can be moved to a storage position and /or removed and stored in a suitable location with respect to the remainder of the frame. This acts to minimise the space required for the storage of the bicycle in the folded condition.

It is p referred that the bicycle be as light as possible as well as being capable of being stored in a relatively small space. In order to achieve this, it is preferred that the central frame at least, is manufactured from any suitable material which allows the weight of the frame to be minimised whilst retaining the required rigidity and strength of the same.

In one arrangement, the drive arrangement between the hub and the rear wheel, is by a driven shaft or belt rather than by chain. The provision of a driven shaft or belt allows the drive means to be provided as a substantially sealed unit thereby minimising maintenance and/or need for repair and further improving the ease of use o f the bicycle in accordance with the invention. Any suitable drive arrangement can be utilised which allows the rear wheel to remain in contact as it is moved between the folded and in-use conditions.

A mechanical locking means is provided to allow and ensure that the rear member and rear wheel are at all times securely retained in the in use position with respect to the hub during the use of the bicycle. This will allow the safety of the rider to be maintained at all times. Typically the securement allows limited movement of the rear member with respect to the hub and is possible with respect to suspension means provided in the hub or adjacent thereto.

It will be appreciated that to move the bicycle from the folded to in-use condition the reverse of those actions performed to move from the in-use to folded condition will be performed by the user. The other components can be reconnected as required. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a different embodiment of the invention but incorporating the similar features of the invention and, where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the common elements Once again, when moving from the m-use condition of Figure 3 to the storage condition of Figuie 4, the front wheel can be removed and the rear wheel and real member rotated about the pivot axis 21 on the hub as indicated by arrow 22 such that the rear wheel is moved to lie between the front forks

In addition, in this embodiment, hinge points can be provided as indicated by reference numerals 31 on the members 31 a, 31 b of the frame to allow the portion of the frame which supports the saddle, to be moved downwardly to the position shown in Figure 4 to fuithei reduce the storage size.

The rear wheel 6 can be prevented from rotating too far in an open position by the backstop 42 The backstop can include a magnet 44 to help retain the wheel in the in use position Backstop 42 can also be selectively connected to rear member 10 to adjust the height of the saddle

The height of saddle allows the frame to be adjusted to suit children as well as adults, and can include screw adjustments to raise or lower the centre line of the hub with respect to the supporting surface, thereby changing the steering geometiy For example, if the saddle and/or hub is lowered, the ride is relaxed, wheieas if laised, the rider adopts a more aggressive po sture

The bicycle can also be configured in a variety of ways by substituting various components For example, the frame can accept 24 inch wheels for a leisure bicycle configuration, or 26 inch wheels for a mountain bike configuration The rear member may need to be substituted for a longer member to allow the larger wheel to be fitted. Similarly, the handlebars and/or other parts of the bicycle can be changed accordingly.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of an interchangeable rear triangular member 46, and also indicates mechanical suspension means 48 connected thereto, wherein the triangular member can move about the pivot axis 21 as hereinbefore described.

Figure 6 illustrates a partial view o f the hub in greater detail. The rear member can comprise one or more forks 32 and connects the rear wheel 6 to the hub such that the rear member is rotateable about the same axis 21 as the pedal support members or bracket 38. The gear sprocket 26 is also rotateable about this axis 21. The rear member 32 includes a collar mounted on the hub to facilitate rotation of the rear member 32 around axis 21. As the collar supports the rear member 32, the collar encircling the axis 21 , the bracket 38 can be removed from the hub independently of the same. The hub includes a bearing 28 to facilitate rotation of the collar 36, the mechanism described fits inside the carbon shell 40 of the hub which is lined with a an aluminium shell 30 protects the same from mechanical damage and provides the structure with strength.

As shown in Figures 7-8, the collar can comprise two portions 34, 36 which engage via complementary protrusions and recesses and enable the one-piece rear member 32 and wheel 6 to be reversibly locked or bolted 48 at a particular angular orientation with respect to the axis 21. The arrows indicate how the collar portions 34, 36 fit into the bearings, which are placed inside the aluminium shell 30 as hereinbefore described, and the rear member 32 is then connected accordingly by fitting over the same. A housing can also be provided for use with the bicycle of the invention. This housing can take two forms, a first form where the same, typically the size of a luggage suitcase, is used to locate and retain the bicycle in a folded storage condition therein. The housing can be provided in this form to have an interior cavity into which the bicycle is placed or alternatively, can be provided to have an internal cavity and internal location means formed as part o f the same to allow the pedals, handlebars, front wheel and/or the like to be retained in particular locations in the cavity. It is envisaged that this embodiment will ensure the optimum packaging of the bicycle in the folded position and therefore minimise the space required.

The housing can also take a second form wherein the housing is provided to be mounted on the bicycle when the bicycle is in the in-use condition. In this form, the housing is split into two storage means with a bridge portion joining the two such that the same can be mounted on the rear of the bicycle, behind the saddle and therefore act in the same manner as panniers. This arrangement has two functions, it firstly allows storage for the user of the bicycle to carry items when the bicycle is in use, and secondly, it allows the housing to be carried with the bicycle and therefore be readily available for storage of the bicycle when required.

It will therefore be appreciated that the current invention provides a foldable bicycle which is of considerable utility and a significant improvement on the conventional folded bicycles which are currently available.

Claims

1. A bicycle comprising; a frame including a hub; pedals connected to the hub to allow drive of the bicycle by rotating the same; a front wheel; a rear wheel connected to the frame by a supporting member; one or more portions of said bicycle movable between an in-use, extended position and a folded, storage position; movement of the rear wheel and supporting member between the said storage and extended positions is by pivoting the same about the hub to and from the front of the bicycle respectively; wherein the axes of rotation of the rear wheel about the hub, and the pedals about the hub, are substantially coaxial.

2. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the rear wheel and supporting member are rotateable so that the same pass below the hub or to the side o f the hub opposing that side on which a bicycle saddle may be located.

3. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the frame.

4. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the hub includes a collar, the rear wheel and supporting member are mounted on the collar, the collar rotating around the hub axis .

5. A bicycle according to claim 4 wherein the collar comprises two or more engaging portions, the rear wheel and supporting member mounted on one engaging portion and rotatable about the hub, the other engaging portion fixed to the hub

6. A bicycle according to claim 4 wherein the collar comprises two or more engaging portions, said engaging portions including a plurality of protrusions and recesses which mtercngage to reversibly lock the collar and thereby the rear wheel and supporting member in a particular position

7. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein drive means are provided connected to the hub and the rear wheel to allow drive of the bicycle.

8. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the pedals are moveable between an m-use, extended position and a folded, storage position.

9 A bicycle according to claim 7 wherein the drive means is in the form of a chain and sprocket mechanism, or a drive shaft assembly between the hub and the rear wheel

10 A bicycle according to claim 7 wherein the hub includes a gear system therein to allow the user to select one o f a plurality of gears for the drive means.

1 1 A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the front wheel is detachably connected to the frame via forks and/ or struts, which are capable of receiving the rear wheel when the same is moved to a storage position

12. A bicycle according to claim 1 1 wherein the forks and/or struts are moveable between an in-use, extended position and a folded, storage position.

13. A bicycle according to claim 12 wherein the forks and/ or struts depend outwardly from the front of the frame in the in-use, extended position.

14. A bicycle according to claim 12 wherein the forks and/ or struts lie substantially in line with the front portion of the frame in the folded, storage position.

15. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the frame includes retaining means for engaging at least a portion o f the rear wheel when moved to the storage position.

16. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the frame includes handlebars permanently fixed or detachably connected thereto.

17. A bicycle according to claim 16 wherein the handlebars are moveable between an in-use, extended position and a folded, storage position.

18. A bicycle according to claim 11 wherein the frame includes handlebars, said handlebars comprise at least two portions detachably mounted to the frame, said portions are linked in an in-use position and/or are at least partially positionable in the forks and/or struts in a storage position.

19. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the frame comprises one or more elongate members.

20. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein said elongate members are provided with hinging means and/or pivoting means to allow the same to be moved between an in-use, extended position and a folded, storage position.

21. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein the hub and/ or frame is provided with locating means to allow location of the supporting member and/or wheel in the in-use, extended position.

22. A bicycle according to claim 21 wherein the locating means restricts movement of the supporting member and /or wheel.

23. A bicycle according to claim 21 wherein the locating means acts against suspension means provided on the hub or frame.

24. A bicycle according to claim 21 wherein at least part of the locating means are magnetic.

25. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein one or more portions of the frame are selectively adjustable to alter the stance of the rider and/or allow riders of different size to ride the bicycle.

26. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein one or more portions of the bicycle can be substituted to allow the style of bicycle to be altered.

27. A bicycle according to claim 1 wherein any or any combination of the wheels, handlebars, pedals, frame members or other components of the bicycle can be s ubstituted to form a leisure, racing, or mountain style bicycle.

28. A bicycle storage pack including a bicycle adaptable between in-use and folded conditions, and a housing, said housing adaptable between a first condition to receive the bicycle therein when the bicycle is in the folded condition to allow the bicycle to be carried via the housing, and a second condition in which the housing can be received on the bicycle when the bicycle is in an in-use position and carried by the bicycle in the in-use position.