Foldable bicycle
AssigneeUrban Solutions B.V.
InventorDirk-Koen De Jong
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A foldable bicycle (1) includes a frame (100) subdivided into two frame halves (144, 145); frame-coupling means (300) intercoupling the two frame haves (144, 145), enabling those two frame halves (144, 145) to pivot relative to each other about a substantially vertical pivotal axis (143); and frame-locking means for locking the frame-coupling means (300) in an unfolded condition of the bicycle (1). According to an important aspect of the present invention, the saddle arm (110) can pivot about a substantially horizontally directed pivotal axis (201), and a forwardly directed pivotal movement of the saddle arm (110) uncouples a locking of the frame-coupling means (300) to permit a pivotal movement of the frame-coupling means (300).
Claims24
A foldable bicycle, comprising:
- a frame subdivided into two frame halves;
- a first frame half of the frame comprising a saddle arm with a saddle which can be mounted on one end thereof, and a second frame arm having a steering head mounted on one end thereof;
- frame-coupling means intercoupling the two frame halves, enabling said two frame halves to pivot relative to each other about a substantially vertical pivotal axis;
- and
- frame-locking means for locking the frame-coupling means in an unfolded condition of the bicycle;
- characterized in that:
- the saddle arm and the second frame arm are pivotally interconnected by pivot means whose pivotal axis is substantially horizontally directed, perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle;
- saddle arm-locking means are provided for locking the pivot means in an unfolded condition of the bicycle;
- and that said frame-locking means are coupled to the saddle arm such that a forwardly directed pivotal movement of the saddle arm removes the locking action of the frame-locking means to allow a pivotal movement of the frame-coupling means.
A method for manufacturing a bicycle comprising:
- manufacturing a saddle arm;
- manufacturing a second frame arm independently of the saddle arm, the second frame arm having a steering head mounted on one end thereof;
- and
- manufacturing a third frame arm, comprising at least drive means for the bicycle, the third frame arm being manufactured independently of the saddle arm and the second frame arm;
- forming a form casing over at least a part of the saddle arm, second arm and/or third arm in a mold by means of PUR or rubber or a plastic, whereupon the form casing rotationally intercouples the saddle arm, the second frame arm and the third frame arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.