WO2012063116A1

WO2012063116A1 - Compactable means of locomotion

Info

Publication number: WO2012063116A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/002640
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adriano Girardi
Original assignee: Adriano Girardi
Priority date: 2010-11-09
Filing date: 2011-11-09
Publication date: 2012-05-18
Also published as: ITNO20100008A1

Abstract

Compactable means of locomotion comprising a frame (6), formed by two separate pipes, to which are connected: a saddle (1), at least two wheels: a rear wheel (61) and a front wheel (60), connected to a fork (24), which positions itself between the two pipes of frame (6). Said means of locomotion comprises handlebars, comprising a first support tube (27), to which two handgrips (15) are connected. Such handlebars, in passing from an operative use configuration to an operative closed configuration, positions itself inside the means itself, parallel to frame 6. Said handgrips (15) position themselves parallel to said first support tube (27). The means comprises a system of lever mechanisms, comprising at least one first shaft (17), a plurality of pins (19, 23), and at least one first support (21). Said system of lever mechanisms is adapted for allowing the handlebars, front wheel (60) and handgrips (15) to be folded up, simultaneously, with a single movement.

Description

TITLE : COMPACTABLE MEANS OF LOCOMOTION

The present invention concerns a means of locomotion, for example a bicycle or motorcycle with two or more wheels, in which, through a single system of lever mechanisms, many fold-up or compactable components of the same means are moved simultaneously, passing from a first operative use configuration to a second operative closed configuration and vice-versa.

Two-wheeled means of locomotion, such as bicycles and motorcycles, have the limitation, when the means is not used to transport people, of taking up substantial space, in some cases being bulky, especially in small or busy areas. Often such two-wheeled means of locomotion make it impossible to place it in other means of locomotion such as cars, trains, buses, subways, etc., or in any case are difficult to transport manually. Indeed, the protrusions needed for riding such as handlebars, wheels, handgrips, pedals and the saddle are particularly bulky when the means is stationary.

There are known compactable cycles, for example bicycles, in which it is possible to pass from a first use configuration, in which the user can use such a cycle, to a closed configuration, in which the dimensions of the cycle itself are reduced to take up less space or to be transported with greater ease.

For example, patent application EP0388540 describes a folding bicycle including a mechanism for rotating the front wheel towards the inside of the bicycle and simultaneously lowering the saddle, rotating about a pivot. Such a bicycle allows the handgrips to be closed through a manual operation, in particular each handle is fixed through a ring nut and once unscrewed it is possible to position the handles in the desired configuration. Each folding element is moved independently and separately from the remaining elements .

On the other hand, patent application FR2827829 describes a fording bicycle in which it is possible to rotate the front wheel towards the inside of the bicycle itself, lower the handlebars, making it rotate about a pin towards the inside of the bicycle itself, lower the saddle, rotating about a further pin. Such movements unconnected to one another, thus requiring at least three distinct operations in order to be able to fold away the saddle, the handlebars and the front wheel of such a bicycle. Indeed, there is no system of lever mechanisms capable of linking together at least two mobile portions of the folding bicycle. Moreover, the handgrips cannot be folded away to reduce the bulk.

A folding bicycle is also known, described in American patent application US2007/187922 , in which, like for the aforementioned French patent application, it is possible to move the front wheel, saddle and handgrips, but such operations are carried out independently from the others, since there is no lever mechanism capable of linking the movement of such parts of the means.

International patent application WO2004/110852 , describes a mechanism for folding away the front wheel, a mechanism for folding away the handgrips, a mechanism for lowering the saddle and a mechanism for folding away the rear wheel. Also in such a patent there are no lever mechanisms capable of simultaneously moving, in a linked manner, at least two folding elements included in said bicycle . Finally, German patent application DE2713790 describes a cycle in which the movement of the front wheel, the movement of the saddle and the movement of the handlebars are linked by a system of lever mechanisms. However, such a solution does not foresee the reduction of the bulk by the handgrips, which remain outside of the shape of the frame. Moreover, such a system of lever mechanisms penalizes the solidity of the frame itself. Moreover, such a lever mechanism is very fragile, in some cases leading to jamming of the system of levers, due to knocks, no longer allowing the cycle itself to be opened or closed correctly.

The cycles or motorcycles of the prior art do not allow the folding components to be moved quickly with a small number of operations that the user must perform to go from an operative use configuration to a closed configuration and vice-versa, still keeping an adequate level of safety and strength of the cycle or motorcycle itself .

The proposals up to now on the market are such as not to allow easy manual transportation of the unused means, once folded up, and in any case do not satisfy the requirements of users that are not very strong.

Moreover, the mechanisms for folding up the means of locomotion are many and complex as well as being unsafe and in some cases even dangerous .

The present invention proposes to solve the aforementioned problems, by making a folding means of locomotion the frame of which ensures an adequate level of safety such as to allow the transportation even of two people, in which a system of lever mechanisms is included that is capable of simultaneously moving the front wheel, the handlebars and the handgrips in order to pass from a use configuration to a closed configuration and vice-versa, reducing the operations necessary to carry out such a passage, also reducing the maximum bulk in the closed configuration .

Such a means of locomotion is also able to be easily transported by the user when it is in the closed configuration .

An aspect of the present invention concerns a cotnpactable means of locomotion with the characteristics of the attached independent claim 1.

The additional characteristics are given in the attached dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the compactable means of locomotion, according to the present invention, will become clearer from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof and from the attached tables, which respectively illustrate:

• figure 1 shows the entire means of locomotion, in a perspective view, arranged in an operative use configuration;

• figure 2 shows a detailed perspective view of the system of lever mechanisms adapted for moving the front wheel, the handlebars and the handgrips , in the operative use configuration;

· figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the system of levers adapted for moving the saddle, in the operative use configuration;

• figure 4 shows a detailed perspective view of the rear part of the means of locomotion, including the support wheels for transporting the means in the operative closed configuration; • figure 5 shows an overall perspective view of the means of locomotion in an operative closed configuration.

With reference to the quoted figures, the compactable means of locomotion comprises:

- a frame 6, formed from two separate pipes or tubes, substantially parallel, to which are connected:

- a saddle 1, connected to frame 6 through a first lever mechanism;

- at least two wheels, a rear wheel 61 and a front wheel 60. Said front wheel 60 is connected to a fork 24, which, in passing from an operative use configuration to an operative closed configuration, rotating about a first pin 25, positions itself between the two pipes of frame 6.

Said means of locomotion also comprises handlebars which in turn comprise a first support tube 27, to which two handgrips 15 are connected.

Such handlebars, in passing from the operative closed configuration to the operative use configuration, rotating about a second pin 58, position themselves inside the means itself, parallel to frame 6, reducing the bulk.

Said handgrips 15, in passing from the first operative closed configuration to a second operative use configuration, rotate about a third pin 16, reducing the bulk, positioning themselves parallel to said first support tube 27.

The compactable means of locomotion comprises a system of lever mechanisms, in turn comprising at least one first shaft 17, a plurality of pins (19, 23) , and at least one first support 21. Said a system of lever mechanisms is adapted for allowing the handlebars, front wheel 60 and handgrips 15 to be folded up, simultaneously with a single movement by the user. An embodiment of said system of lever mechanisms is for example illustrated in figure 2. In detail, the two handgrips 15, elongated in shape, preferably slightly curved, are each fixed at one end to a first support structure 270, pinned to a third pin 16. Such a first support structure 270 is fixed to the upper end of said first support tube 27. Each handgrip 15 is supported by a first shaft 17, which keeps corresponding handgrip 15 in the desired configuration. The two first shafts 17 connect handgrips 15 to a first bush 18. The same first bush 18 has at least two first pins 19 connected to it. Said first pins 19 are arranged parallel to one another, so that said first support tube 27 is arranged between them.

Each of said first pins 19, at the other end, is connected to a first support 21, through a fourth pin 20.

Said first support 21 also has said first support tube 27 connected to it, through said second pin 58. Such a second pin 58 allows the rotation of support tube 27 itself going towards the inside of the means of locomotion, preferably parallel to frame 6, in passing from the use configuration to the closed configuration, to help the operator and decrease the bulk.

Said system of lever mechanisms also comprises at least two second pins 23, arranged parallel to one another.

Each of said second pins 23 is connected at one end to a respective first pin 19 through a fifth pin 22. Such a fifth pin 22 is arranged, preferably, about one third of the way down each first pin 19, starting from the end connected to the first support 21.

Each of said second pins 23, at a second end, is connected to fork 24, so as to connect, in combination with said first pins 19, fork 24 of front wheel 60 to the first bush 18.

In the operative use configuration, fork 24 of front wheel 60 is able to rotate about a vertical axis "Z" , in order to be able to steer. Moreover, it is able to rotate about said first pin 25 to pass from the operative use configuration to the closed configuration and vice-versa.

Said pins 19 and 23, preferably made from materials with high hardness, comprise slots adapted for lightening the pins themselves.

Said first bush 18, comprised in said system of lever mechanisms, is able to slide along the first support tube 27 in order to allow the passage from a use configuration to a closed configuration and vice-versa.

In the operative use configuration, the first bush 18 is kept in position by a first catch 26, for example a spring catch, preferably arranged on said first support tube 27. Said first bush 18, kept in position by the first catch 26, rigidly blocks the system of lever mechanisms, making it possible to use the means as an effective means of transport. Indeed, in such an operative condition the first catch 26 prevents the first bush 18 from sliding along the first support tube 27.

The passage from the operative use configuration to the operative closed configuration of the handlebars, of handgrips 15 and of front wheel 60, comprises the following steps :

• deactivating the first catch 26,

• lowering the first bush 18, sliding along said first support tube 27

• lowering the handlebars into the closed configuration . together with this last step, thanks to the system of lever mechanisms, with a single operation the handlebars are lowered, handgrips 15 are folded away, and front wheel 60 is folded away, preferably between the pipes of frame 6.

Front wheel 60 is kept in a position parallel to frame

6 through two flanges 62 adapted for housing front wheel 60 between them when the means of locomotion is in the closed configuration, preventing possible involuntary rotations of fork 24 about an axis parallel to a vertical axis "Z" .

In detail, the step of lowering the first bush 18 ensures that said first shafts 17, by lowering make handgrips 15 rotate downwards, positioning them substantially parallel to the first support tube 27. The lowering of the handlebars ensures that the fifth pin 22 lowers, forcing the rotation of fork 24 about the first pin 25, moving front wheel 60 towards frame 6.

In order to go back to the use configuration it is sufficient to lift the handlebars until the first bush is blocked once again by the first catch 26, for example automatically. Said lifting operation ensures that handgrips 15 and front wheel 60 simultaneously reposition themselves in the use configuration.

The means of locomotion, according to the present invention, reduces its bulk by folding away saddle 1, through a first lever mechanism. In detail, as for example illustrated in figure 3, saddle 1 is supported by a first connection tube 2 inserted in a second support 3, allowing a continuous adjustment of the vertical position of saddle 1 itself.

Said second support 3 , arranged on top of a second support tube 4, is adapted for rotating about the sixth pin 5. Said second support tube 4 is fixed, in its lower part, to frame 6, so as to rotate about a seventh pin 7.

Parallel to said second support tube 4 a first connection shaft 8 is arranged, in order to keep saddle 1 in horizontal position in both operative configurations. Indeed, while saddle 1 lowers said first connection shaft 8 prevents the free rotation of saddle 1 itself.

Said lever mechanism also comprises a second bush 9 that slides along the second support tube 4 in order to allow the passage from a use configuration to a closed configuration and vice-versa of saddle 1 itself. At the side of said second bush 9 two third pins 11 are pinned, arranged parallel to one another in a mirror-like position with respect to the second bush 9.

Said third pins 11 are adapted for rotating, at a lower end thereof, about the eighth pin 12, comprised in frame 6. Said third pins 11, preferably made from materials with high hardness, comprise slots adapted for lightening the pins themselves.

In the operative use configuration, the second bush 9 is kept in position by a second catch 10, preferably a spring catch, which pokes out from the second support tube 4, or through an abutment means. Indeed, in such an operative condition the second catch 10 prevents the second bush 9 from sliding along the first tube 4.

In the embodiment with a spring, the second catch 10 is made from a shaped spring, which, when saddle 1 is in the use configuration, acts as abutment and block of the second bush 9. Whereas, when the saddle is passing from the closed configuration to the use configuration, the second bush 9, in its rise along the second support tube 4, presses on the shaped spring on a bevelled side, lowering it in a suitable slit, not illustrated, allowing the second bush 9 to slide.

When the second bush 9 has reached the bottom of its stroke, the other end of the bevelled spring will be free to lift itself, thus blocking the second bush 9. In such a situation the saddle will be in the use configuration. In order to unblock said second bush 9 and allow the passage by saddle 1 from the use configuration to the closed configuration it is sufficient to lower the bevelled end of the shaped spring of the second catch 10. Said operating principle is also valid for the embodiment with a spring of the first catch 26.

In the use configuration, the relative position between said second bush 9, of the eighth pin 12 and of the seventh pin 7 prevent the involuntary sliding of the second bush 9 itself, consequently keeping saddle 1 blocked in the use configuration.

The position between said second bush 9, of the eighth pin 12 and of the seventh pin 7 is offset, keeping saddle 1 in a rigid and secure position.

In order for saddle 1 to get from the operative use configuration to the operative closed configuration the following steps are carried out:

• deactivate the second catch 10,

· slide the second bush 9 along the second support tube 4

• lower saddle 1 into the closed position

• position the end of the first tube 2 between the pipes of frame 6.

In order to reposition saddle 1 in the use configuration it is sufficient to lift it until the second bush 9 is blocked once again by the second catch 10. In both operative configurations saddle 1 can in any case be continuously vertically adjusted and adapted to the user's requirements. The passage from one operative configuration to the other, and vice-versa, does not modify the height adjustments of saddle 1 that the user has set as a function of his requirements .

The two parallel pipes or tubes, comprised in frame 6, are arranged at a predetermined distance apart, adapted for allowing the means of locomotion to be folded up, allowing the projection of tube 2 and front wheel 60 to be housed between said pipes .

The means of locomotion according to the present invention comprises pedals 65, which can be folded up, taking up a vertical position when the means of locomotion is in the closed configuration, whereas they take up a horizontal position with respect to the ground in the use configuration .

The means of locomotion according to the present invention also comprises at least two rollers adapted for making it easier to transport the means itself once folded up, preferably arranged on top of said front wheel 61.

A first embodiment, for example illustrated in figure 4, each roller comprises at least one small wheel 31 removably fixed to at least one second shaft 30. Each of said second shafts 30 is fixed onto a third support 32 in order to be able to rotate about a ninth pin 33.

At least one elastic means 34, for example a helical spring, holds said third shaft 30 in the use configuration in a closed position, arranged parallel to frame 6. The same elastic means 34, following the passage from the use configuration to the closed configuration, holds the third shaft 30 in an open position, outside of the shape of the means of locomotion.

It is therefore easy to use the rollers by simply, for example manually, by moving said second shafts 30 outwards, outside of the shape of the means of locomotion itself to open such rollers, when the means of locomotion is in the operative closed configuration; or else inwards, in the shape of the means of locomotion, when the means of locomotion is in the operative use configuration.

Moreover, the first support 21, arranged in the front portion of the means of locomotion, has a handle 36 fixed to it that, rotating about a tenth pin 37, can be used as a holding point for transporting the means of locomotion, according to the present invention, by pulling the means on the aforementioned rollers.

In a second embodiment, as for example illustrated in figures 1 and 5, such rollers are fixed, rigidly connected to frame 6 , in order not to increase the bulk of the means of locomotion when the same means is in the operative closed configuration.

The means of locomotion according to the present invention also comprises at least one rear band 35, arranged in the rear part of the means itself and connected to frame 6, comprising at least one resting surface adapted, possibly in combination with the rollers, for ensuring that the means of locomotion rests safely, when it is arranged in a vertical position. Indeed, the means of locomotion, according to the present invention, can be positioned vertically in order to reduce its bulk, even in small areas .

The means of locomotion according to the present invention can be transported by pulling it along on the two rollers, or it can be transported manually, for example like a suitcase, after having put it in a suitable bag.

Such a bag, not illustrated, is made so as to cover such means of locomotion once it is in the closed configuration, arranged vertically. Such a bag makes it possible, through suitable slits, to make both small wheels 31 and handle 36 stick out. The bag also comprises a shoulder strap and a handle. Such a shoulder strap and such a handle make it possible to transport the means by slipping the arm in the shoulder strap and resting it on the shoulder, like a rucksack, or carrying it with one hand, like a suitcase.

Said bag prevents the means of locomotion, in its closed configuration, from being able to scratch or ruin nearby objects.

Optionally, in the rear part, the means of locomotion comprises footboards 69 for transporting a further passenger. Said footboards 69, preferably foldable away, are, for example, arranged on rear band 35, pivoted on fourth supports 38. Said footboards 69 can be positioned horizontally with respect to the ground, for example when the means is in the operative use configuration and a passenger must be transported in addition to the rider of the same means; otherwise, they can be in vertical position, for example when the means is in the operative closed configuration or when there is no passenger in addition to the rider of the means.

Preferably, the steps for folding up the means of locomotion are the following:

· folding up saddle.1;

• folding up the handlebars with the consequent movement of front wheel 60 and of handgrips 15; • folding up of pedals 65

The means of locomotion, according to the present invention makes it possible to easily and safely close the projections of the means itself. Once such a means of locomotion has been folded up it is easy to transport manually and it can be arranged in small spaces. This closing operation can be carried out by any user, even one that is not very strong.

The components of the means of locomotion, according to the present invention, are made so as to ensure the lightness of the means of transport itself, maintaining a high level of strength in order to avoid possible jamming of the lever mechanisms, even after knocks. Indeed, the lever mechanisms, comprised in the means of locomotion, always ensure the correct movement of the components .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. Compactable means of locomotion comprising:

- a frame (6) , comprising two separate pipes or tubes, to which are connected:

- a saddle (1) , connected to the frame (6) through a first lever mechanism;

- at least two wheels:

• a rear wheel (61) and

• a front wheel (60) , connected to a fork (24) , which, in passing from an operative use configuration to an operative closed configuration, by rotating around a first pin (25) , is positioned between the two pipes of the frame (6) ;

said means of locomotion comprises handlebars, comprising a first support tube (27) , to which two handgrips (15) are connected;

said handlebars, in passing from an operative use configuration to an operative closed configuration, by- rotating about a second pin ⁴ (58), positioning themselves inside the means itself, parallel to the frame (6) ;

said handgrips (15) , in passing from an operative use configuration to an operative closed configuration, rotate about a third pin (16) , positioning themselves parallel to said first support tube (27) ;

characterised in that it comprises a system of lever mechanisms, comprising

• at least one first shaft (17) ,

• a plurality of pins (19, 23) , and

• at least one first support (21) ,

adapted for allowing the handlebars, the front wheel (60) and the handgrips (15) to be folded up, simultaneously, with a single movement.

2. Means of locomotion according to claim 1, wherein the saddle (1) is supported by a first connection tube (2) inserted in a second support (3) , arranged on top of a second support tube (4) ,

said second support (3) is adapted for rotating about a sixth pin (5) ;

said second support tube (4) is fixed, in a lower part thereof, to the frame (6) , so as to rotate about a seventh pin (7) ;

parallel to said second support tube (4) a first connection shaft (8) is arranged, in order to keep the saddle (1) in horizontal position in both operative configurations, preventing the free rotation of the saddle (1) itself.

3. Means of locomotion according to claim 1, wherein the system of lever mechanisms comprises a first bush (18) , slidable along the second tube (27) ;

in an operative use configuration, said first bush (18) , kept in position through a first catch (26) , is adapted for blocking the system of lever mechanisms.

4. Means of locomotion according to claim 2, wherein the lever mechanism comprises a second bush (9) slidable along the first tube (4)

in a use configuration, said second bush (9) , kept in position through a second block (10) , is adapted for blocking the saddle (1) .

5. Means of locomotion according to claim 4, wherein said second bush (9) is connected by two third pins (11) , rotating in their lower end about an eighth pin (12) , adapted for keeping the second bush (9) in position.

6. Means of locomotion according to claim 5, wherein, in the use configuration, the position of said second bush (9), of said eighth pin (12) and of said seventh pin (7) is offset, keeping the saddle (1) blocked.

7. Means of locomotion according to claim 3, wherein the handgrips (15) are connected, through two first shafts (17), to the first bush (18), to which at least two first pins (19) are connected at a first end thereof;

such first pins (19) , at a second end, through a fourth pin

(20) , are connected to a first support (21) ;

said first support (21) has said first support tube (27) connected to it, through said second pin (58) , allowing the rotation of the support tube (27) itself;

said system of lever mechanisms comprises at least two second pins (23), connected at a first end to a respective first pin (19) , through a fifth pin (22) , and at a second end they are connected to the fork (24) .

8. Means according to claim 1, wherein two rollers are included, each comprising a small wheel (31) fixed, in a removable manner to a second shaft (30) which in turn, through a third support (32) , is fixed to the frame (6) , allowing the means of transport to be rolled once folded up.

9. Means according to claim 8, wherein the first support

(21) has a handle (36) connected to it that can be used to pull the means when the means of transport itself is folded up.

10. Means according to claim 1, wherein in the rear part of the means there is at least one rear band (35) , connected to the frame (6) , comprising at least one support surface adapted for ensuring a secure support for the means of locomotion, when it is in the operative closed configuration, arranged in a vertical position.