Extensible And Knockdown Patents (Class 280/278)
  • Patent number: 9561832
    Abstract: A foldable scooter is disclosed with two rotational connections to the steering column, and a fixing structure that maintains the frame elements fixed relative to each other and stable when riding. Once the fixing structure is disengaged, the frame elements are free to rotate relative to each other such that the scooter can be folded into a more compact dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Jing He, Hongping He
  • Patent number: 9481419
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle, with a bicycle seat assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. Rotation movement of the bicycle seat assembly is possible, seen in the driving direction, to the left and to the right side and is independent of the steering movement of the bicycle. The axis of rotation of the bicycle seat assembly is arranged in front of the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction, and the seating surface of the bicycle seat is arranged behind the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction. The rotatable bicycle seat assembly enables an upright riding position by dodging the cyclist's leg pedaling downwards through a rotational movement. At the same time it supports the hip side of the other leg. The driver is supported by the bicycle seat even in the upright riding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Karsten Bettin
  • Patent number: 9475540
    Abstract: A handlebar attachment for use with an existing handlebar of a bicycle is provided. The handlebar attachment includes a curvature to provide a user with different hand placement positions to enhance rider comfort and safety. The handlebar attachment includes a bar member pivotably mounted to the existing handlebar of the bicycle, the bar member having a pair of symmetric halves continuously connected together, each symmetric half of the pair of symmetric halves having a plurality of bent sections continuously connected together. The bar member is designed to pivotably adjust relative to the existing handlebar to one of a plurality of locking positions to permit hands of the user to rest on any of the plurality of bent sections of the symmetric halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: John Gregory Demay
  • Patent number: 9457864
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising a bicycle with an integrated folding system comprising: a first latch system in a stem of the bicycle; a second latch system in a headset of the bicycle; a third latch system in a frame of the bicycle; and wherein the first latch system, the second latch system, and the third latch system work simultaneously to fold the bicycle to a compact size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jess R. Bailie, Lawrence G. Cole, Brett Crockett
  • Patent number: 9428065
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic folding electronic car that is driven with power supplied from a battery and folded automatically including: a body portion to which a front frame and a rear frame are connected rotatably through a connection shaft and on which a support shaft is formed on an upper part of the rear frame so as to support the front frame from a rear side; a front wheel portion that is arranged on a front of the body portion and is provided with a pair of front wheels connected through a front wheel shaft and a braking means; a rear wheel portion that is arranged on a rear of the body portion and is provided with a pair of rear wheels connected through a rear wheel shaft and a driving means; a handle portion including a handle frame connected upright to the front wheel shaft, an operation panel arranged on an upper part of the handle frame and provided with a folding switch and a handle formed on an upper part and provided with an acceleration lever and a hand brake; a seat portion a front of which is c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KC Motors Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won Dong Lee, Yong Joo Kim, Ki Won Lee, Kyoung Hoon Yoon, Tae Ho Kim, Chang Won Seo, Tae Hyoun Jang
  • Patent number: 9381973
    Abstract: An e-bike center module includes a substantially straight first center module connecting surface that is releasably connectable to a substantially straight front module connecting surface. A substantially straight second center module connecting surface is releasably connectable to a substantially straight rear module connecting surface. the center module is part of a bicycle frame when the first center module connecting surface is connected to the front module connecting surface and the second center module connecting surface is connected to the rear module connecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Preston Williams
  • Patent number: 9359035
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle is provided in its self-propelled use position in its folded-out state, for transporting and for storage in its folded-up state and in both its folded-out and folded up states has fixing components for maintaining the reliability of these states, and in its folded-up state it has significantly lower space demand as compared to its folded-out state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gábor Gerencsér
  • Patent number: 9359036
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a top tube, a head tube rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the top tube about a first pivot, a seat tube having an upper portion rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the top tube about a second pivot, and a chain stay rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the seat tube about a third pivot. The head tube and the seat tube each pivot between operating positions away from the top tube and storage positions substantially along the top tube, and the chain stay pivots between an operating position away from the seat tube and a storage position along the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9327791
    Abstract: A battery or mechanically powered, foldable, light two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle that is rapidly lockable and unlockable at two points. The vehicle includes an upper frame pipe consisting of two parallel parts, whose front end is connected to an upright element connecting the front wheel fork and the vehicle's handlebar with a certain length of the distal end of the upper frame pipe extending distally from under the saddle; a lower frame pipe consisting of two parallel parts, whose front end is connected to the upright element connecting the front wheel fork with the vehicle's handlebar, with the rear wheel or wheels located at the distal end; a support pipe consisting of two parallel parts between the saddle and the lower frame pipe, and extending below the lower frame pipe so that the lower end of the support pipe is equipped with leg supports. The vehicle has auxiliary transportation wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: STIGO OU
    Inventors: Matti Ounapuu, Rainer Nolvak, Ardo Reinsalu
  • Patent number: 9290228
    Abstract: A durable, full-sized, transformable bicycle that is capable of being comfortably ridden in outdoor or other rougher riding environments and that is capable of being transformed into a cart or the like capable of carrying heavy or awkward loads when transformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jess Kitchen
  • Patent number: 9290229
    Abstract: A bicycle chain stay coupling apparatus includes a first bracket component coupled to a seat tube of a bicycle frame, a connecting component of a chain stay of the bicycle frame, and a coupling component encasing the connecting component and coupled to the first bracket component. The coupling component is relatively more elastic than the first bracket component and the connecting component, and the coupling component is positioned in series between the first bracket component and the connecting component with respect to a common axle of the first bracket component, the connecting component, and the coupling component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9254884
    Abstract: A wheel converting mechanism for a child vehicle having a wheel includes an elongate body having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, wherein the third portion of the elongate body is configured to be coupled to the wheel of the child vehicle. The first portion and second portion are coupled together through a pivot joint that allows the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion about a pivot axis defined by the pivot joint. Additionally, the second portion and the third portion are coupled together through a swivel joint that allows the third portion to rotate relative to the second portion about a swivel axis defined by the swivel joint. A method of moving a wheel of a child vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Donald K. Jessie, Jr., Andrew Bean
  • Patent number: 9193414
    Abstract: A kick scooter at least includes a vehicle frame, an upright arm, a handle, a front wheel, left and right bearing bars, a flexible linkage mechanism, left and right rear wheels, and left and right footboards. The upright arm and the left and the right bearing bars are assembled to the vehicle frame. The handle and the front wheel are respectively mounted to an upper end and a lower end of the upright arm. The flexible linkage mechanism is coupled between the upright arm and the left and right bearing bars to provide the left and right bearing bars with swinging torques. The left and right rear wheels as well as the left and right footboards are respectively disposed at positions near rear ends of the left and right bearing bars. Centers of gravity of the left and right footboards are located between the left and right rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: HSIN LUNG ACCESSORIES CO., LTD
    Inventor: Cheng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 9187144
    Abstract: A vehicle configured for conversion between expanded and folded arrangements, includes a front frame assembly, a front wheel and a rear wheel assembly having a rear wheel carrier and a rear wheel coupled with the rear wheel carrier. A central frame assembly extends between the front frame assembly and the rear wheel assembly. A forward hinge coupling enables relative pivoting of the front frame assembly and the central frame assembly about a front frame pivot axis extending at an acute angle relative to a rear vertical transverse plane and at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane orthogonal to both a rear vertical longitudinal plane and the rear vertical transverse plane. A rearward hinge coupling enables relative pivoting of the central frame assembly and the rear wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Fook Fah Yap
  • Patent number: 9174692
    Abstract: A foldable mobility device includes a chassis assembly, a steering assembly rotatably coupled to the chassis assembly, a seat assembly coupled to the chassis assembly through a first folding mechanism configured to convert the seat assembly between a first folded position and a first unfolded position, a front wheel assembly coupled to the steering assembly and configured to be rotated by the steering assembly for steering the foldable mobility device, and one or more rear wheel assemblies coupled to the chassis assembly through a second folding mechanism configured to convert the one or more rear wheel assemblies between a second folded position and a second unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Acton, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Treadway, Janelle Wang Treadway, Enoch Morishima, Jason Hill
  • Patent number: 9114843
    Abstract: A collapsible cycle for use by a rider over a terrain surface comprises a frame having front and rear portions and a seat attached to the frame. A front wheel is rotatably attached to a steering member, the front wheel rotatable in a first plane about a primary axis, and the steering member being pivotally attached to the front frame portion for rotation about a secondary axis orthogonal to the primary axis. A user-operable steering mechanism is coupled to the steering member. A rear wheel is rotatably attached to the rear frame portion and rotatable in a third plane about a tertiary axis. A drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the front and/or rear wheel. The cycle is collapsible from an erect riding configuration to a collapsed configuration by repositioning the front and rear wheels into mutually closer proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: PROJECTGARLIC LIMITED
    Inventors: Grant James Ryan, Peter Lloyd Higgins, Caleb Peter Smith
  • Patent number: 9033089
    Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, THEODORE & ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Keith Albert Nagara, Tyler Gregory Rusnak
  • Publication number: 20150054254
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism for at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles having a through axle extending in the axial direction, a clamping device at a first end of the through axle and a fastener at the second end of the through axle and with a clamping mechanism for clamping the clamping device. The clamping device includes an engaging section for applying a clamping force from the clamping mechanism to the clamping device and a clamping section with an annular pressure area for clamping. The clamping device has a tubular mounting section extending from the clamping section in the direction of the second end of the through axle and to which the through axle is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Spahr, Jerome Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20150048585
    Abstract: A tricycle with foldable double wheel assembly comprises: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a double-wheel assembly respectively disposed at front end and rear end of the frame, and a handlebar assembly matching with the single-wheel assembly to control steering, the double-wheel assembly comprising a supporting beam and two wheels disposed on the supporting beam, wherein the supporting beam comprises two branches of same structures, the two wheels being respectively disposed on the two branches, the supporting beam having a first stable state where the two branches are open, and a second stable state where the two branches are put together side by side. The supporting beam in the double-wheel assembly of the present utility model is foldable so that it is not necessary to occupy a relatively large space to carry/store the tricycle and the usage convenience of the tricycle is thus improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Smart Trike MNF PTE LTD
    Inventor: Ilan Ben Meir
  • Publication number: 20150021876
    Abstract: The present invention produces a folding bicycle (1) having a frame (2) which extends in the main plane of extent (24), a front wheel (53) which can be pivoted about a first axis (56) which extends perpendicularly with respect to the main plane of extent (24), and a rear wheel (16) which can be pivoted about a second axis (23) which extends perpendicularly to the main plane of extent (24), wherein the frame (2) has a joint (37) such that the front and rear wheel (53, 16) can be pivoted with respect to one another about a third axis (41) which extends perpendicularly with respect to the roadway (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Markus Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20150008655
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: JON P. MOLDESTAD
  • Patent number: 8925950
    Abstract: A bicycle having a frame with two sections spaced apart at a distance, one section a left and one a right section, three connection respectively for a saddle, crank and front fork connected to the left and right sections. A rear fork is connected to the frame by a rotatable connection having an axis, and the rear fork can rotate from an extended position to a folded position where a wheel affixed to the rear fork inserts between the left and right sections. The rear fork may also have a series of links and a shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Mauro Falzari
  • Patent number: 8919798
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a quickly foldable bicycle. A front arm and an intermediate arm are hinged together; the intermediate arm is fixed on the intermediate tube; a rear fork is hinged on the intermediate tube or on the intermediate arm; a seat tube is slidably sleeved inside the intermediate tube; a connecting rod seat is provided at a lower end of the seat tube; a first joint bearing at the front end of the front connecting rod is connected to a fixing seat at a lower side of the front arm; a second joint bearing at the rear end of the front connecting rod is connected to the connecting rod seat; and two ends of the rear connecting rod are hinged to the rear fork and the connecting rod seat respectively. The bicycle can be folded quickly, has a firm structure, is easy to produce and is eye-pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dahon Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Xinxing He, Hanxin Zheng
  • Patent number: 8899607
    Abstract: A reinforcing and locking device for vehicle frame includes a reinforcing component (2), a connecting component and an eccentric locking component, the vehicle frame comprises a beam (1) and a seat tube (3). The beam (1) can be folded into at least two segments (11, 12). A hinge axle (81), through which various segments of the vehicle beam (1) are hinged with each other, is provided vertically. The reinforcing component (2) is connected to the beam (1) and the seat tube (3). The seat tube (3) is provided with a connecting component. A front end of the reinforcing component (2) is hinged with a front segment (11) of the beam (1), and a rear end of the reinforcing component (2) is connected with the seat tube (3) through the connecting component. The reinforcing and locking device for vehicle frame has good stability, simple structure and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dahon Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Zheng Li, Yiping Mo
  • Patent number: 8894084
    Abstract: A vehicle having a front wheel, a main frame member and a rear wheel assembly including a rear wheel is configured for conversion between expanded and folded arrangements. A hinge coupling enables relative pivoting of forward and rearward portions of the main frame member about a main frame pivot axis extending at an acute angle relative to a rear vertical transverse plane and at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane. A rear wheel assembly hinge is configured to allow the rear wheel assembly to pivot relative to the main frame member within a vertical plane coincident with the rear vertical longitudinal plane. The front vertical longitudinal plane and the rear vertical longitudinal plane are spaced apart and approximately parallel, in the folded arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Fook Fah Yap
  • Patent number: 8894085
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing seat stay for a bicycle includes a seat tube coupler having two branches each having a first joint portion, two extended parts each having a second joint portion corresponding to one of the first joint portions, two shock-absorption members made of elastic materials and each held between the corresponsive first and second joint portions, and at least two fastener units. Each of the first joint portions has at least one first through hole. Each of the second joint portions has at least one second through hole. Each of the shock-absorption members includes at least one third through hole. Each of the at least two fastener units is mounted to one set of the at least one first, second, and third through holes to further interconnect the corresponsive first joint portion, second joint portion, and shock-absorption member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Yuan Min An Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
  • Patent number: 8887852
    Abstract: A foldable scooter has a first frame section hingedly connected to a second frame section and supported by front and rear wheels, and a locking organ for locking the foldable scooter in an unfolded state. Two longitudinally extending, spaced-apart shield elements extend upward from the second frame section. When folded, tops of the first and second frame sections face each other, with the at least one rear wheel between sides defined by the shield elements. The front wheel(s) is (are) steerable, but can be pivoted to a location at least partially between the sides defined by the shield elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Trikelet B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius Bernardus Schaap
  • Publication number: 20140333044
    Abstract: A folding bicycle and method for folding the folding bicycle is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Priest, Warren Fu, Julian Casablancas
  • Patent number: 8882124
    Abstract: A vehicle is configured for conversion between an expanded arrangement in which forward and rearward portions of a main frame member are coincident and a folded arrangement in which the forward and rearward portions are non-coincident. A hinge coupling enables relative pivoting of forward and rearward portions about a main frame pivot axis extending at acute angles relative to both a rear vertical transverse plane and a horizontal plane. A method of providing the vehicle in a folded arrangement includes configuring an elongate main frame member such that longitudinal axes of forward and rearward portions of the main frame member are non-coincidental, configuring a steering tube such that a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the steering tube lies within a plane parallel to and spaced apart from the front longitudinal plane while a distal portion lies within the vertical longitudinal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Fook Fah Yap
  • Publication number: 20140327226
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle is provided in its self-propelled use position in its folded-out state, for transporting and for storage in its folded-up state and in both its folded-out and folded up states has fixing components for maintaining the reliability of these states, and in its folded-up state it has significantly lower space demand as compared to its folded-out state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gábor Gerencsér
  • Patent number: 8876128
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Patent number: 8864159
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a first frame section carrying a handle bar assembly and a front wheel assembly; a second frame section carrying a crank unit and a rear wheel assembly; a first primary connecting arm carried by said first frame section being received into a second primary connecting arm carried by said second frame section, wherein said first primary connecting arm is telescopically carried by said second primary connecting arm for extending and retracting said first frame section relative to said second frame section; a mounting plate included in said second frame section extending over said rear wheel assembly; a plate suspension member included in said second frame section connecting said mounting plate to said rear wheel assembly for controlling relative motion between said mounting plate and said rear wheel assembly. A rider platform is carried by said mounting plate for accommodating a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Scolari
  • Publication number: 20140291959
    Abstract: A vehicle is configured for conversion between an expanded arrangement in which forward and rearward portions of a main frame member are coincident and a folded arrangement in which the forward and rearward portions are non-coincident. A hinge coupling enables relative pivoting of forward and rearward portions about a main frame pivot axis extending at acute angles relative to both a rear vertical transverse plane and a horizontal plane. A method of providing the vehicle in a folded arrangement includes configuring an elongate main frame member such that longitudinal axes of forward and rearward portions of the main frame member are non-coincidental, configuring a steering tube such that a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the steering tube lies within a plane parallel to and spaced apart from the front longitudinal plane while a distal portion lies within the vertical longitudinal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: FOOK FAH YAP
  • Patent number: 8844960
    Abstract: A foldable tricycle that transitions between a use orientation, and a transport or storage orientation. The tricycle has a frame including a first end and a second end of the frame, a fork rotatably connected adjacent the first end of the frame, a front wheel rotatably connected to the fork, and a handlebar assembly coupled to the fork to allow for steering of the fork. The tricycle also has first and second rear wheels adjacent the second end of the frame in the use position. The rear wheels are positioned a first distance from a longitudinal axis of the frame in the use position. The first and second wheels can be transitioned to a storage position adjacent the first end of the frame and at a second distance from the longitudinal axis of the frame in the storage position, wherein the first distance from the frame is greater than the second distance from the frame. The tricycle may also have a folding assembly pivotably coupled to the second end of the frame at a first pivot location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Young, Randall Alan Sandlin, Ross Elliot Bartels, Thomas K. Schlegel, Jason Fitzwater
  • Publication number: 20140262578
    Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle having an arrangement of wheels with two forward wheels and one back wheel and a profile adjustment feature is described. The back wheel may be configured as the steering wheel, and in some cases is the only steering wheel. The two forward wheels are configured essentially parallel with each other and the back wheel is configured essentially centered between and back from the two forward wheels. This arrangement of the wheels provides for a stability that does not require a person to maintain balance to keep the vehicle in an upright position. The profile adjustment feature may automatically adjust the height of the vehicle as a function of vehicle speed. As the vehicle speeds up, the height may be reduce to provide a more stable vehicle that is turned more by tilting the vehicle than by turning the back wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: David Calley
  • Patent number: 8827296
    Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: SBYKE USA LLC
    Inventor: Bradley E. Wernli
  • Patent number: 8814194
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle is disclosed. The disclosed folding type bicycle includes a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, the hinge device comprising a front hinge member provided at the front frame, a center hinge member provided at the center frame, and a rear hinge member provided at the rear frame, a hinge shaft centrally provided at the hinge device, a front rim provided at the front hinge member, a center rim provided at the center hinge member and a rear rim provided at the rear hinge member, and rolling members to enable rolling-contact among the front, center and rear rims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Jeong Rae Kim, Chang Bok Ko
  • Publication number: 20140225348
    Abstract: A foldable frame for bicycle is disclosed in the present invention. The foldable frame can be folded up in three simple steps because of the application of two releasable locking systems: (1) release a front locking system; (2) release a rear locking system; (3) fold up a pair of rear forks hinge joint with a crossbar towards the front wheel. Other parts such as seat tube and pedal bar which are hinge joint with the crossbar can be folded up towards the crossbar. To reduce weight of the frame, a single-tube suspension system is also employed at the front of the foldable frame. The foldable frame of the present invention is easy to fold, non-bulky, lightweight and affordable to strong force as compared to any conventional foldable bicycles. The present invention can be applied to bicycle or any two-wheel vehicles such as electricity-driven or petroleum-driven motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Sze Keung WU
  • Patent number: 8801022
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle capable of allowing the user to conveniently fold the bicycle, and having a minimal volume in a folded state is disclosed. The folding type bicycle includes a frame including a front frame, to which a front wheel and a handle are mounted, a center frame, to which pedals are mounted, and a rear frame, to which a rear wheel is mounted. At least one of the front, center, and rear frames includes a hinge plate bent from one end of the at least one frame. The front, center, and rear frames are pivotally coupled through the hinge plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Joon Kyu Song
  • Patent number: 8794654
    Abstract: A folding balance bike includes a frame, a front wheel assembly pivotally mounted on one end of the frame, and a rear wheel assembly pivotally mounted on the other end of the frame opposite to the front wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly is pivotable with respect to the frame to steer the folding balance bike. The rear wheel assembly is pivotable with respect to and able to be received into the frame to adjust a wheelbase of the folding balance bike to cause the folding balance bike to be operable between an operative state and a stored state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Wang-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8794653
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle including a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, and a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, wherein the hinge device comprises a hinge shaft configured to rotatably connect the front frame, the center frame and the rear from to one another at a central portion of the hinge shaft, an operating lever provided at an end portion of the hinge shaft, and a locking pin member provided while being spaced apart from the hinge shaft to fix an unfolded state of the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame in accordance with pivoting of the operating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Jeong Rae Kim, Chang Bok Ko
  • Patent number: 8794652
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting dissimilar materials is described. In one embodiment, the system may be used to produce a break apart frame that includes a first section and a second part which is disengagably connected to the first part by fastening members. The first part includes a head tube, a top tube and a down tube. The second section includes a bottom bracket, a seat tube, a pair of seat stays and a pair of chain stays. A connection tube extends from the bottom bracket so as to be disengagably connected to the down tube. An end tube is connected to the seat tube and disengagably connected to the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ritchey Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ritchey
  • Patent number: 8789840
    Abstract: A folding bicycle and method for folding the folding bicycle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Priest, Warren Fu, Julian Casablancas
  • Patent number: 8757651
    Abstract: A collapsible motorized two-wheeled cycle system features a two-wheeled cycle frame. The system features an upper hinge connected to a frame top horizontal member anterior component posterior end and a frame top horizontal member posterior component anterior end. A conical stiffener plug is located on the frame top horizontal member posterior component anterior end for snugly protruding into a conical stiffener plug aperture located on the frame top horizontal member anterior component posterior end. The system features a lower hinge connected to a frame bottom horizontal member anterior end and a frame anterior vertical member lower end. The system features a steering assembly located on a frame top horizontal member anterior end having a handlebar, a front fork, and a front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick A. Walker
  • Patent number: 8746722
    Abstract: A method of using a folding vehicle having a chassis that functions as a protective, carry-on casing is provided. The vehicle has a chassis with a center member, a rotatably-lockable front strut, a rotatably-lockable rear strut, and two pivot points for converting the vehicle from an operational state to a collapsed state; and, a drive member with a crankshaft. The crankshaft and the rotatably-lockable front strut pivot share a central axis of rotation; and, the releasably-lockable front strut and the releasably-lockable rear strut are configured to fold into a complementary relationship in the interior of the channel in the collapsed state. The channel functions as a protective, carry-on case for the folding vehicle in the collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Patent number: 8740238
    Abstract: A handlebar-steered suspension fork that includes an outer tube and an inner tube reciprocally slidable within the outer tube. The outer tube includes at least one radial load region and at least one transition region. A fiber-reinforced material is wrapped about at least one of the outer tube radial load regions and not wrapped about at least one of the outer tube transitions regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Craig S. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 8720927
    Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle having a spine frame, supported by a rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels, and supporting a recumbent seat pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom extends forwardly of the spine and supports a pedal crank assembly. The front wheels each support a lateral arm with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection attached at the proximal end. A pivot connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom to fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, a clamp arrests the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
  • Patent number: 8714576
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Patent number: 8714292
    Abstract: A motorized wheeled chair assembly facilitates movement by a person while seated on a chair. The assembly includes a frame and a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame. A seat and a motor are coupled to the frame. The motor is operationally coupled to one of the wheels defining a motorized wheel wherein the motor rotates the motorized wheel. A handle is coupled to the frame by an arm having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end removably coupled to the frame. A motor control is coupled to the handle and operationally coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Keith K. Wong
  • Patent number: 8707825
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein relate to an articulable crankset for converting a pedal-powered vehicle into a push-powered vehicle having the articulable crankset in a retracted position to provide at least less of an obstruction to a user's legs during use of the push-powered vehicle than a non-retractable crankset. The vehicle can be a bicycle, and the articulable crankset can be a component of a production bicycle or a component of a conversion kit that will convert a bicycle from a pedal-powered bicycle to a convertible bicycle that can also function as a push-powered bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kroozn, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kinting Shiu, Vanessa Chen-Hwa Shiu