Extensible And Knockdown Patents (Class 280/278)
  • Patent number: 8128113
    Abstract: The frame (10) comprises a seat tube (11) to the top end (11a) of which a saddle (12) is to be connected, and a front structure (14) and a rear structure (15) which are identical and have, in side view, a generally V-shaped configuration with the ends (14a, 14b; 15a, 15b) connected to the seat tube (11) and the respective vertices (14c, 15c) facing in opposite directions relative to the seat tube (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fioravanti S.R.L.
    Inventors: Matteo Fioravanti, Diego Squillace
  • Patent number: 8123242
    Abstract: A foldable steering column of vehicle including a steering member with a steering fork. The foldable steering column includes a base coupleable to the steering fork; a steering tube pivotally coupled to the base between at least a first position aligned with the base and second position not aligned with the base; and a sleeve operably associated with the base and the steering tube for positioning between a first position where the steering tube is secured to and aligned with the base and a second position where the steering tube is free to pivot relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: PT Motion Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent C. Teal, Bryan L. Pate
  • Patent number: 8123243
    Abstract: A foldable land vehicle employs two pivots: a first to rotate the rear-wheel assembly and shorten the distance between the chain-ring axle and the rear-wheel axle; and a second to rotate the chain-ring assembly and the rear-wheel assembly to align them with the main beam. The rear-wheel assembly detaches from the frame to enable rotation about the rear-wheel pivot. The rear-wheel pivot connects the chain-ring assembly to the rear-wheel assembly. The chain-ring pivot is preferably located on the main beam. Each pivot may be tilted from perpendicular to the approximate central vertical plane of the foldable land vehicle in order place the rear wheel and chain ring in a more compact state adjacent to the main beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: William M. Ho
  • Patent number: 8118322
    Abstract: Cycling apparatus (10) including at least one front wheel (12) and at least one rear wheel (14) rotatably mounted on axles on a frame (18), a riding sea (20) attached to the frame (18), a drive mechanism (24) coupled to at least one of the wheels for driving the cycling apparatus, at least one handlebar post (26) attached to a portion of the frame (18), and a carrier member (28) attachable to the frame (18) for carrying at least one of a child and an object therein and movable between first and second attachment orientations, wherein in the first attachment orientation the cycling apparatus is in a rider orientation drivable by a rider sitting on the seat, and wherein in the second attachment orientation the cycling apparatus is in a stroller orientation wherein the at least one handlebar post (26) is arranged with respect to the carrier member (28) to form a pushable stroller, wherein in the stroller orientation there are two rear wheels (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Taga Design & Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Shlomo Barak, Hagai Barak, Amit Barak, Miky Heimann, Boaz Ken-Dror
  • Patent number: 8066294
    Abstract: A portable jogging tricycle includes a main frame, a handle base, a rear wheel support frame connected to opposite sides of the handle base, two front wheel support frames and two foldable frames attached between the handle base and the front wheel support frame. The foldable frame includes a plurality of scissor lifts and is used for folding the two front wheel support frames close to the handle base. The main frame includes a plurality of pivoted arms for folding the main frame together to fold in the handle base and the rear wheel support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Te Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110198822
    Abstract: A child vehicle includes a front frame having a handlebar and at least one front wheel, and a rear frame movably coupled thereto and having at least one rear wheel. At least one graphical interface is coupled to the vehicle and includes a placard having a frame secured to the vehicle and a working surface disposed generally within the frame. The working surface is configured to be marked thereon by the child using a marking utensil so as to create an artistic expression for customizing the vehicle. A tool-less coupling between the front and rear frames and an associated method of a tool-less assembly of a child vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: HUFFY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Donald K. Jessie, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110193313
    Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable bicycle. The foldable bicycle includes a head frame having a first connection part, a first lower frame integrally formed with the head frame and provided at a terminal end thereof with a second fastening part, a second lower frame provided with a second connection part extending from one side of the perforation hole, a slide member coupled with the second lower frame to slidably move lengthwise along the second lower frame and provided at an upper portion thereof with a third connection part, a saddle frame provided at a lower portion thereof with a third fastening part rotatably coupled with the third connection part, and a horizontal frame provided at one end thereof with a fourth fastening part rotatably coupled with saddle frame, and at the other end thereof with a first fastening part rotatably coupled with a first connection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Keun Soo Yun
  • Patent number: 7988174
    Abstract: An electrically-extendible bicycle includes two shaft tubes, which are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of a head tube that is set atop a front fork. The two shaft tubes extend through a guide sleeve. The shaft tubes have bottom surfaces on which racks are respectively formed. A motor is set on a rear fork of the bicycle and is coupled to a transmission gear train, which mates the racks on the bottom surfaces of the shaft tubes. After the operation of the motor is activated, the transmission gear train selectively drives forward and backward movement of the shaft tubes so as to extend and retract the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Yueh-Tao Lee
  • Publication number: 20110169246
    Abstract: A folding apparatus for a bicycle frame includes a bicycle frame and at least one engaging device assembled on the bicycle frame. The bicycle frame includes at least one first tube and at least one second tube. Each of the at least one engaging device includes a stationary sleeve disposed on the second tube and has a series of second tooth formed thereon. A rotary sleeve is fixed to the first tube and rotatably mounted on the second tube. The rotary sleeve has a series of first tooth formed thereon for correspondingly engaging with the stationary sleeve. A locking device is movably mounted on the second tube for securely retaining the rotary sleeve firmly engaging with the stationary sleeve. When the locking device is released, the rotary sleeve and the first tube rotate relative to the second tube, and the bicycle frame is folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Wen Teng LIN
  • Patent number: 7967095
    Abstract: A powered vehicle has a rear frame assembly and a front frame assembly that are pivotally attached to one another, and can be pivoted from a normal fully-extended operating position to a folded position in which the frame assemblies are positioned substantially adjacent to one another, effectively reducing overall vehicle length to about half. One or more latch members lock the front and rear frame assemblies in the fully-extended, normal operating position, and they may be used to lock the frame assemblies in the folded position. The seat support structure may be integrated with the front and rear frame assemblies such that pivoting the frame assemblies toward the folded position collapses the seat support. The steering tiller may also be collapsible toward the front frame assembly. The rear wheels may be mounted on a transaxle that is pivotally mounted on the rear frame assembly. An extendable handle may be provided to assist in the folding operation and to tow the collapsed vehicle on its anti-tip rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Kosco, Charles J. Martis, Sterling G. Lamoreux, III
  • Publication number: 20110148069
    Abstract: A foldable land vehicle employs two pivots: a first to rotate the rear-wheel assembly and shorten the distance between the chain-ring axle and the rear-wheel axle; and a second to rotate the chain-ring assembly and the rear-wheel assembly to align them with the main beam. The rear-wheel assembly detaches from the frame to enable rotation about the rear-wheel pivot. The rear-wheel pivot connects the chain-ring assembly to the rear-wheel assembly. The chain-ring pivot is preferably located on the main beam. Each pivot may be tilted from perpendicular to the approximate central vertical plane of the foldable land vehicle in order place the rear wheel and chain ring in a more compact state adjacent to the main beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: William M. Ho
  • Patent number: 7942434
    Abstract: A disengageably coupled bicycle frame, utilizing a device for coupling a first tube and a second tube, the tubes having terminal ends and tube faces defined by their terminal ends, the device comprising a first plate member having a first plate member face and a first plate member rear and a second plate member having a second plate member face and a second plate member rear, the first plate member rear fastened by a fastening means to a face of the first tube, the second plate member rear fastened by a fastening means to a face of the second tube, and the first and second plate members fastened face to face by a fastening means, the fastening means being other than a clamp, the plate members not hingedly attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Brian T Myers
  • Publication number: 20110109059
    Abstract: A folding bicycle being foldable between an erect condition for riding and a compact folded condition, including a main frame, a rear frame coupling a rear wheel of the bicycle to the main frame, and a front arm coupling a front wheel of the bicycle to the main frame, wherein in folding the bicycle from the erect condition to the folded condition the rear frame is folded relative to the main frame about a pivot axis substantially transverse to the bicycle to overlap the front and rear wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Loane Dumaresq
  • Patent number: 7938421
    Abstract: A supporting member that carries at least 1 wheel and either rotates with the wheel to transmit mechanical power to and from it, and allows the wheel to rotate freely on it. The axle is an invention by itself and there is no prior art which has the axle attached to the housing. The axle and wheels can be removed and is therefore easier to ship. The axle can be used in a tricycle, trailer, caboose or any human or mechanical powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Sylvester Yen
  • Publication number: 20110100741
    Abstract: An adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes a base member, a support member, a left handlebar and a right handlebar. The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member and each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar is attached to the support member. The support member is configured to permit the left handlebar and the right handlebar to be selectively moved relative to the support member and the base member, independently of one another, to selectively adjust each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar in respective, generally longitudinal directions along a saddle-type vehicle, when the adjustable handlebar assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the saddle-type vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Robert S. Zimmerman, Daniel T. Sellars, Scott D. Batdorf
  • Patent number: 7926606
    Abstract: A walk-substituting vehicle includes a foldable chassis, a steering mechanism, a seat assembly, and a fixing device, which is movable to a fastening portion to prevent the chassis from folding from an in-use position; the chassis includes a main part and a footrest part; the vehicle can be moved to a folded configuration, wherein the chassis is folded, and the steering mechanism and the seat assembly lie on the chassis; the fixing device includes a pulling member pivoted on the footrest part, a joining member pivoted on the pulling member, and a pushing member joined on and slideable along a receiving recessed portion of the pulling member; when the fixing device is in the fastening position, the joining member will be hooked over the main part of the chassis, and the pushing member engaged with the joining member to prevent the joining member from pivoting relative to the pulling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur Wang
  • Publication number: 20110057413
    Abstract: An electrically-extendible bicycle includes two shaft tubes, which are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of a head tube that is set atop a front fork. The two shaft tubes extend through a guide sleeve. The shaft tubes have bottom surfaces on which racks are respectively formed. A motor is set on a rear fork of the bicycle and is coupled to a transmission gear train, which mates the racks on the bottom surfaces of the shaft tubes. After the operation of the motor is activated, the transmission gear train selectively drives forward and backward movement of the shaft tubes so as to extend and retract the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: YUEH-TAO LEE
  • Patent number: 7882918
    Abstract: An improved electric motor scooter includes: a front frame; a front wheel assembly coupled to the front frame and residing on a surface; a back frame; a back wheel assembly coupled to the back frame and residing on the surface; and a center pivot mechanism coupled to the front frame and the back frame. The center pivot mechanism includes a pivot and a folding axis around which the pivot rotates. The folding axis is not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the scooter and is tilted from the longitudinal axis at an angle. A rotation of the pivot in a direction folds the scooter vertically from the surface and moves the back wheel assembly toward the front wheel assembly according to the angle. During the folding, the front wheel assembly and the back wheel assembly each remains on the surface as the pivot rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ryan C. Chin, Raul-David Poblano, Michael Chia Liang Lin, Arthur Joseph Petron
  • Patent number: 7878521
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a cavity constructed to receive a sensor device. The cavity has a shape and a contour that generally matches a shape and a contour of the sensor device. Such a configuration maintains the aerodynamic contour of the frame when the sensor device is positioned in the cavity. An optional plug occupies the cavity when the sensor device is not positioned therein. Preferably, the sensor device is constructed to wirelessly communicate bicycle operation information to a receiver that is remotely located relative to the sensor device. More preferably, the cavity is formed in a fork of the bicycle and the sensor device is configured to monitor operation of a front wheel and wirelessly communicate the operation information to the remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Blomme, Dan Dacko, Barry Lewis
  • Patent number: 7862064
    Abstract: A recumbent bicycle includes a boom that telescopes within one end of a center tube in the main frame of the bicycle, and a boom clamp that encircles the center tube of the main frame at a location overlying at least a portion of the boom. The boom clamp has a locator tab which extends into a notch formed in the center tube, and within a slot formed in the boom while the boom telescopes within the center tube. The location of the slot in the boom, and the location of the tab relative to the center tube, are chosen to ensure that throughout the telescoping movement of the boom it is retained in a desired orientation with respect to the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles, LLC
    Inventor: Paulo Camasmie
  • Publication number: 20100301582
    Abstract: A portable jogging tricycle includes a main frame, a handle base, a rear wheel support frame connected to opposite sides of the handle base, two front wheel support frames and two foldable frames attached between the handle base and the front wheel support frame. The foldable frame includes a plurality of scissor lifts and is used for folding the two front wheel support frames close to the handle base. The main frame includes a plurality of pivoted arms for folding the main frame together to fold in the handle base and the rear wheel support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Hui-Te Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100289245
    Abstract: A folding bicycle includes a front portion and a rear portion that are pivotally connected and positioned with each other by a buffer hinge assembly, which also helps to improve comfort of riding. The folding bicycle further has a buckle unit allowing a stem of the folding bicycle to be rotated, bent and positioned with respect to the rest of the front portion, and a long-lever brake assembly allowing easy braking operation and protecting brake wires from malicious cut. An adjustable supporter is provided on a frame of the front portion for carrying an external object, such as a secondary seat or a basket, while a housing made of punched metal parts and incorporating a luggage box is provided at the rear portion of the folding bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Ji Yang
  • Patent number: 7828312
    Abstract: A folding bicycle includes: a front body having a front frame and a front wheel pivotally coupled to the front frame; a rear body having a rear frame axially coupled to and freely separable from the front frame and a rear wheel pivotally coupled to the rear frame; a folding mechanism provided between the front frame and the rear frame and configured for connection thereof; and a fastening mechanism for fastening the folding mechanism to at least one of the front frame and the rear frame so as for the front frame and the rear frame to be coupled together axially, firmly, and integrally, and allowing the folding mechanism to be received in at least one of the front frame and the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Han Yeh
  • Publication number: 20100230927
    Abstract: A folding bicycle includes a frame, a steering unit, a shaft tube coupled to a first end of the frame and to the steering unit, a front fork linked with the steering unit through the shaft tube, a front wheel mounted onto the front fork, a rear fork coupled to a second end of the frame, a rear wheel mounted onto the rear fork, and a seat unit installed onto the frame. A folding unit is installed at a central position of the frame, and the first and second ends of the frame include a first pivot and a second pivot respectively, such that if the frame is folded by means of the folding unit, the first and second pivots are stacked with each other to achieve the effect of reducing the folding volume of the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Chun-Chuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20100207351
    Abstract: An adjustable-length seat post has a stanchion with first and second openings. The seat post has a sliding tube, a locking device and an energy transmission device. The sliding tube is guided through the first opening into the stanchion and is displaceable along a longitudinal direction of extension of the stanchion. The sliding tube is movable relative to the stanchion. An overlap between stanchion and sliding tube in a first position is greater than in a second position. The locking device can be transferred between a locking position and a releasing position, wherein in the locking position the sliding tube is fixed. The energy transmission device can transmit energy from an external actuating element to be provided to the locking device for releasing or locking. When the sliding tube is in the second position, the energy transmission device arranged guided from an external actuating element to be supplied through the second opening of the stanchion as far as the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Patent number: 7775539
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment relates a method and device for joining structural members together, in a substantially transverse or in-line orientation, without the use of tools. This method and device can be used to join the structural members of a bicycle frame together, forming one or more sub-assemblies that can be easily disassembled or knocked down by hand for fast and easy shipping or storage. The current state of the art with knockdown bicycle frames requires detailed knowledge of bicycle assembly and components as well as a substantial amount of time to do so. The preferred embodiment does not require the use of specific tools and allows the novice to knockdown and re-assemble a bicycle frame in a few minutes, providing a quick, simple, and affordable way to temporarily store, ship, or travel with a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Jesse M. Menayan
  • Patent number: 7770913
    Abstract: A collapsible trailer and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the collapsible trailer includes a jointed lattice-work frame of scissor linkages which in the expanded position provide an open enclosure for transporting the load. Two orthogonally positioned collapsible crossbars span the open enclosure and releasably engage the lattice-work frame. A meshed netting is superposed to the collapsible crossbars and releasably coupled to the lattice-work frame. The collapsible trailer may be configured in a collapsed position for easy storage when not in use by removing the meshed netting, releasing the collapsible crossbars, and slidably collapsing the collapsible crossbars lengthwise and width wise in an accordion fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: John Cannon
  • Patent number: 7762570
    Abstract: A self-locking mechanism includes a first body member that rotates relative to a second body member, a lock lever rotatably coupled to the first body member and a biasing element that biases the rotation of the lock lever in a latching direction. The lock lever includes a cam portion that includes a cam surface configured to interface with a latch element on the second body member. The cam surface slidably engages the latch element and is configured so that the sliding engagement between the cam surface and the latch element causes the body members to be drawn together when the lock lever is rotated in the latching direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Studio Moderna SA
    Inventor: Miko Miheli{hacek over (c)}
  • Patent number: 7753388
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a lightweight front wheel drive recumbent road bicycle and an associated frame. A front triangle is provided to which the drive train of a standard road group can be attached and utilized. A telescoping tube assembly is provided in the front triangle to permit the distance of a bottom bracket and crankset from a seat pan to be adjusted for riders of different sizes. The handlebar is coupled to an end of the telescoping tube assembly and no traditional handlebar stem attached to a steering tube is utilized, so that the structure provides maximum stiffness to better capture the input of the arms and upper body when maximum power is required. The seat pan and a seat back are integrated with the main frame truss structure to help ensure the maximum transfer of the rider's energy to the drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: John Irven Tolhurst
  • Publication number: 20100148467
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible bicycle (1), having a frame (2), which is collapsible in its plane, wherein the frame (2) comprises: a head tube (3), having a collapsible bicycle front side end (10) in which a front wheel fork (12), which receives a front wheel (13), is mounted; a seat stay (5), having an end (38), which receives a seat tube (39); a lever (6), being articulated at a first articulation point (50), being at a collapsible bicycle rear side end (37) of the head tube (3), and at a second articulation point (49), being at the end (38) of the seat stay (5), which receives the seat tube (39), wherein the lever (6), in relation to the seat stay (5), being arranged to the collapsible bicycle front side in a riding position of the collapsible bicycle (1); and a down tube (4), being articulated at a third articulation point (18), being at the collapsible bicycle front side end (10) of the head tube (3), and at a fourth articulation point (24), being at an end (38a) of the seat stay (5), whic
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Hoerdum, Christian Bitsch
  • Publication number: 20100133777
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a connector assembly for assembling at least two portions of a bicycle frame has first and second connectors, adapted to be mounted to the frame. The first connector has a body with an inner aperture, a peripheral region, a threaded exterior profile greater than a body outer profile and an axial contact surface. The second connector has a body with an exterior profile, a pilot to be received in the first connector inner aperture and a peripheral region having an exterior profile and an axial contact surface. A sleeve has a first region with an aperture to receive the second connector body exterior profile, a second region with an inner profile to receive the second connector peripheral region exterior profile, and a threaded region engaging the first connector threaded exterior profile for fastening the connector assembly and maintaining engagement of the pilot and axial contact surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: KENNETH MARVIN DANIELS
  • Patent number: 7722070
    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: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Ritchey Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ritchey
  • Patent number: 7722068
    Abstract: An adjustable seat for a children's ride-on vehicle includes a seat having a pair of tubular brackets mounted thereto. A pair of rails are positioned on the frame of the vehicle and are received within the tubular brackets so that the seat slides on the rails. A series of seat adjustment holes are formed in each rail. Locking rods have distal ends that engage the seat adjustment holes in a removable fashion so that the seat may be selectively locked in position. A locking mechanism is mounted on the seat bottom and features a housing that encloses a compression spring and a pair of squeeze buttons that engage the locking rods and urge them into the seat adjustment holes of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Michelau
  • Publication number: 20100096827
    Abstract: A folding electric bicycle in one embodiment includes a front case comprising a door and two auxiliary wheels; a pivotal head tube; two handlebars; a swivel fork telescopically connected to the head tube; a front wheel; a drive mechanism comprising a folding frame, a front chain wheel, two pedals, a rear bracket, a rear wheel, first and second rear chain wheels, and a main drive chain rotatably fitted around the front chain wheel and the first rear chain wheel; a detachable seat assembly; a battery pack; an electric motor for rotating the rear wheel; and a driven wheel interconnecting the electric motor and the second rear chain wheel. For collapsing the bicycle, a driver detaches the seat assembly, folds the frame, places the frame, the seat assembly, and the rear wheel in the case, partially disposes the front wheel in the case, and closes the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Fu-Hsun Tsai
  • Patent number: 7699333
    Abstract: In a saddle tube for a bicycle frame, especially a racing bicycle frame, the bottom bracket end (22) of the saddle tube is wider in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (24) of the frame than in the longitudinal direction (24) of the frame. According to the invention, the saddle tube (18) has a flat portion (32) at the chain ring side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Christian Smolik
  • Patent number: 7681900
    Abstract: A quick release structure for a bicycle comprises a positioning post and an engaging member. The positioning post and the engaging member are disposed on the two tubes of the bicycle, respectively. The positioning post includes a stopping block and a spring. When the positioning post is inserted into the engaging member, the stopping block can be used together with the spring to restrict the positioning post in the engaging member, so that the two tubes of the bicycle can be assembled. When the stopping block is pressed, the positioning post can disengage from the engaging member. Hence, the quick release structure for a bicycle can be quickly assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ming Cycle Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai-Shan Chang
  • Publication number: 20100066053
    Abstract: Foldable frame for vehicles with two or more wheels characterized in that it comprises a front fork connected in a usual way to a steering column tube. Said steering column tube is, in turn, connected to a main frame of the vehicle by means of a hinge and by means of a connecting rod which can be operated to make the fork rotate about the hinge to position it adjacent to the frame and thus reduce the overall longitudinal size of the folded vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Carmelo Di Blasi, Carlo Mario Di Blasi
  • Publication number: 20100066054
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle has a frame assembly, a front wheel, a rear wheel assembly, a seat and a handle bar. The frame assembly has a head tube assembly, a downtube assembly, a seat tube assembly, a cross bar assembly, which are connected pivotally to each other. The front wheel and the handle bar are connected to the head tube assembly. the rear wheel assembly is connected to the downtube assembly. The seat is connected to the seat tube assembly. The downtube assembly has a front downtube and a rear downtube, which are connected pivotally to each other. The cross bar assembly has a front cross bar and a rear cross bar, which are connected detachably to each other. Therefore, the collapsible bicycle is folded and unfolded quickly without using any hand tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: I-Huang CHEN
  • Patent number: 7669872
    Abstract: The disclosed folding mechanism comprises a rear frame member of a bicycle, which has a combining structure positioned at a front portion thereof, wherein the combining structure includes a first joining surface; a front frame member of the bicycle, which has a second joining surface positioned at a rear portion thereof for being joined with the first joining surface; at least one pivot structure, which is provided at an edge of the combining structure for connecting the front frame member, such that the front and rear frame members can relatively move on the pivot structure; and at least one binder, which is deposited at the combining structure of the rear frame member and a position on the front frame member adjacent to the combining structure for fixing the second joining surface of the front frame member and the first joining surface of the rear frame member at a combining position where the two joining surfaces contact mutually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cycling & Health Tech Industry R & D Center
    Inventors: Alfred Huang, Wen-Pin Chiu, Yung-Chen Lai, Yu-Che Huang
  • Patent number: 7658252
    Abstract: Wheeled riding vehicles, including tricycles, with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include movable, collapsible tires/wheel axle assemblies, as well as folding frame parts and a unique handle that is removable and stowable within the vehicle frame when not used. The riding vehicle hangs totally flat on the wall, or fits in car trunks easily. One version is pedal powered, and a second embodiment provides for an integrated propulsion linkage providing for battery or motor power to the rear most wheels when they are moved into their operative position. The rear tire wheel assemblies also may be stowed and folded compactly inside a rear storage compartment with a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Richard N. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7651109
    Abstract: There is provided a foldable land vehicle comprising an elongate main frame generally defining a longitudinal axis running from a front end of the vehicle to a rear end of the vehicle, a front part including a front wheel, a rear part including a rear wheel, a first joint means for connecting the front part to the main frame and for folding the front part to a lateral side of the main frame, and a second joint means for connecting the rear part to said main frame and for folding the rear part to below the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Dynacraft BSC LLC
    Inventor: Wai Lop Tong
  • Patent number: 7637521
    Abstract: A bracket attaches rigidly to the steering head tube member at the front of a motorcycle frame, so that the fork steering assembly can be relocated and pivotally attached to the front of the bracket. This bracket permits the fork steering assembly to be mounted in a new position which is ahead of, and higher, or lower than its former, manufacturer's specified position. The steering axis can be positioned such that it is tilted at a greater angle of inclination from the vertical, permitting use of longer fork tubes. The bracket permits any motorcycle to be reversibly modified to have the appearance and handling characteristics of a chopper style motorcycle. No modifications to the motorcycles frame are needed, in order to relocate the fork steering assembly. Thus, the originality and value of the motorcycle, if the owner decides to, later, revert to the original appearance, is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robert William Grant
  • Publication number: 20090289434
    Abstract: A folding bicycle includes an X-shaped frame consisting of a lower front, a lower rear, an upper front, and an upper rear supporting arm; a front and a rear wheel respectively mounted to distal ends of the lower front and lower rear supporting arms; a saddle pivotally connected to a distal end of the upper rear supporting arm; a handlebar rotatably connected to a distal end of the upper front supporting arm; a locking mechanism mounted between the lower front and lower rear supporting arms for holding the frame in an extended position; and a steering mechanism arranged between the handlebar and the front wheel for steering the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: U10 INC.
    Inventor: I Shun Lin
  • Patent number: 7614632
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a folding bicycle comprising a head and a frame, wherein the head includes a handlebar, a handlebar stem, a folding joint, and a front fork, and the front fork has two fork blades each of which is inwardly recessed. When the handlebar is folded downwards with the handlebar stem, the handlebar can be further folded and placed in the recess of the fork blade without interfering with the fork blade. Thus, the folding bicycle can be further folded with a less folded volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: David Tak-Wei Hon
  • Patent number: 7614631
    Abstract: A release device mounted in a bicycle includes a fork including a socket at a bent portion and two yoke arms extended downward from both sides of the socket to mount a front wheel at distal ends thereof; a sleeve fastened in the socket with an upper portion thereof projecting from the socket, the sleeve including at least one longitudinal top slit; an abutment tube including an upper extension passing a head tube to be threadedly secured to a stem; and a clamp put on an upper portion of the sleeve. The clamp is adapted to either fasten the sleeve and the abutment tube together by contracting the slit by exerting a force in a first direction or unfasten the sleeve and the abutment tube by exerting a force in a second direction opposing the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 7591473
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a folding bicycle, wherein a folding joint is installed on the beam, and the rear fork is hinged with the frame via a hinge axle, on the rear fork is installed a support bar which rests against the frame; and wherein the beam is S-shaped, and the hinge axle is tilted by an acute angle with respect to the central axle of the frame. When the bicycle is folded, the front and rear wheels are located separately, each at one side of the beam and within the concave section of the S-shaped beam, so that the bicycle is more compact and has a less width after being folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Kai Liu, Jin Feng Li
  • Patent number: 7584977
    Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes a forked first frame member coupled to a second frame member via a coupling device. The coupling device includes first and second tab units, and a fastening unit. The first tab unit is mounted on the first frame member, and includes a pair of first tabs, each formed with a first coupling hole and an angle-adjusting hole unit. The second tab unit is mounted on the second frame member, and includes a pair of second tabs, each formed with a second coupling hole and an engaging hole unit to be registered with the first coupling holes and the angle-adjusting hole units, respectively. The fastening unit includes a first fastener extended removably through the first and second coupling holes, and a second fastener extended removably through the angle-adjusting hole units and the engaging hole units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Gomier Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshi Huang
  • Patent number: 7584978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable bicycle (1) comprising a first channel (10) for supporting handlebars (7) when folding the bicycle. The invention also relates to a method of folding such a bicycle. This folding method involves at least five horizontal folding axes (17, 18, 19,20,21) allowing a compact folded bicycle to be obtained in which all the components forming the bicycle are folded within each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Christian Pourias
  • Patent number: 7578515
    Abstract: A modular bicycle comprising a first section having a front frame section and a first tire, a second section being couplable to the first section and comprising a central frame, and a third section being couplable to the second section and the first section, with the third section comprising a rear frame section, a second tire, and a handle bar. The bicycle also comprises pedals that are removably securable to the crank arms of the bicycle. The pedals comprise a foot rest, a base section secured to the foot rest, and a locking member pivotally connected to the base section. The locking member is insertable into a through bore located on the crank arm and is pivotally rotatable towards the crank arm, thereby securing the pedal to the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Harry Appleman
  • Publication number: 20090152829
    Abstract: A knee scooter includes a substantially V-shaped chassis formed by a pair of extensions joined together at a vertex. At the vertex, the extensions form an angle of about sixty degrees. Further, the extensions establish a foot-space in the interior of the angle and define a chassis centerline that bisects the angle. An adjustment tube is selectively engageable with the first extension of the chassis to orient the adjustment tube substantially perpendicular to the plane of the chassis. Further, engagement with the first extension off-sets the adjustment tube from the centerline of the chassis. In use, a user rests one knee on the seat while propelling the knee scooter with his/her other leg in the foot-space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Dale Anderson