Sturdy folding bicycle

Abstract

Improved components are provided for a bicycle which is powered by pedals, motor, or engine. Such bicycle can be folding or non-folding. The two components are 1) lever-locked handlebars mounted upon a sturdy steering column and 2) a sturdy offset seat column which can be height-adjustable. Included is a handle bar assembly having a pair of foldable handle bars mounted to a center section, which is mounted in turn on a steering column. Each of the handle bars has a cam mounted thereto with a lever attached to the cam, so that when each handle bar is pivoted up to its extended operating position, a lever and cam are pivoted so that the cam overlaps the center section in close proximity, holding each handle bar in such extended position. Pulling the levers out of their respective pockets and pivoting them and their cams in the reverse directions, releases the respective handlebars so that they can fold downwardly toward the steering column in a compact manner. The seat column is offset in order that it may fold around the steering column when used in a folding bicycle and the steering column, with folded handle bars, can fold toward and, e.g., over such seat column. The offset nature of the seat column also permits axial movement of seat column segments which can be fixed at desired elevations for a height-adjustable seat column.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.