Extensible And Knockdown Patents (Class 280/278)
  • Patent number: 6979013
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a frame assembly that interconnects the front and rear wheels and that has a plurality of elements, which are interconnected by means of a plurality of horizontal pivot pins. Each of the pivot pins is inclined relative to a transverse direction of the bicycle. As such, the bicycle frame can be folded to align the front and rear wheels along a transverse direction of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 6979012
    Abstract: A rear wheel is axially removable from a bicycle frame after a support arm is pivoted away from an initial position overlying the rear wheel. A bicycle drive mechanism is not removed together with the rear wheel, but instead, is left mounted on another support arm. Both support arms straddle the rear wheel during bicycle use and are pivotable to fold the bicycle for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Aleksandr Sherman
  • Patent number: 6973853
    Abstract: An infinitely variable angle adjusting device for a handlebar of a motorized vehicle includes a fixing seat, a handlebar stem, a pull handle, an adjusting base, a cover, two sockets, two slides, a compression spring, two urging ball units, a shaft, two press members, and a pull wire. Thus, the adjusting base is movable on the shaft freely, so that the handlebar stem is pivoted relative to the fixing seat, so as to adjust the included angle between the handlebar stem and the fixing seat arbitrarily, so that the inclined angle of the handlebar on the handlebar stem can be adjusted easily and arbitrarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Chienti Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Chu Chang
  • Patent number: 6971658
    Abstract: A stretching bicycle comprises a front frame section having a hollow front bar as a portion of crossbar, a rear frame section having a hollow rear bar for slidably receiving the front bar, the front and rear bars being disposed in a straight line not aligned with the front and rear wheels, and fastening means for securing the front and rear bars together at a front opening and a rear opening of the rear bar respectively. The bicycle has the advantages of adjusting length for accommodating users of different body heights in use, saving storage space after disassembly, and being structurally strong and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 6968754
    Abstract: A crank arm (1) is provided that is connected to the crank head (2) through an elastic rotation axis (6) and a lock axis (7) having a reduced diameter (D) in the middle of said lock axis (7), the crank arm (1) also comprises a lock device (4) that is connected to the push button (5) and both together are easily moved down and upward with the user's thumb to release and lock the crank arm (1) between its operative and folded position, when the lock device (4) is pulled down a retaining spring (3) is compressed allowing the upper end of the lock axis (7) to flush with the crank arm hole (H) and releasing the crank arm (1) to rotate freely along its longitudinal plane with a 180° rotation angle in relation to the elastic rotation axis (6), by releasing the lock device (4) to its upper position it will lock the crank arm (1) at its folded position, then the fixation of the pedal-sprocket on the head crank (2) is performed by means of a fastening nut (5) which fix the crank head (2) to any commercially available p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Mario Jorge Leite Bandarra
  • Patent number: 6966570
    Abstract: A bike handle tightening device after separated from a bike frame includes a fix tube fixed on a bike frame and having a hollow interior, a vertical rod of a handle, a threaded rod inserting in the vertical rod from top and having a lower end protruding out of the vertical rod, and a tightening member screwing with the threaded rod and having a sloped end surface. The vertical rod and the tightening member are inserted in the fix tube, and the threaded rod is rotated to force the tightening member to move nearer to and contact and rotate along a sloped bottom end surface of the vertical rod so as to let the axis of the vertical rod and the tightening member move away from each other so that the vertical rod and the tightening member push against opposite portions of an inner wall of the fix tube to tighten the handle therein, reducing the size of the bike collapsed for convenience of transporting and storing and helping stabilize the bike after collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Ping-Tien Wang
  • Patent number: 6942235
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a front fork, a head tube, a support tube, an adjusting member, two support levers, a rear fork, and a hydraulic cylinder. Thus, when the foldable bicycle is folded, the rear wheel is in parallel with the front wheel, so that the user can simultaneously draw the rear wheel and the front wheel to move easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user moving the folded bicycle. In addition, the foldable bicycle is folded easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user folding the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Chang
  • Patent number: 6935649
    Abstract: A foldable tricycle includes a center frame, a front frame to which a front wheel is rotatably attached, a rear frame to which two rear wheels are rotatably attached, and a four-bar link including a first bar that is integrated with the front frame, a second bar that is integrated with the center frame, a third bar that is integrated with the rear frame, and a fourth bar. The fourth bar has a shape of plates and covers the other bars while the link operates between an unfolded position and a folded position. Lockers that locks the link in either the unfolded position or the folded position are provided and include a pin, two recesses that receives the pin, and a tension spring that presses the pin into the recesses. A semi-circle guide guides the pin between the two positions and also covers the third bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Cheol Wang Lim
  • Patent number: 6929277
    Abstract: A detachable bicycle comprises a front frame section including a joint tube at a rear end of the crossbar, a rear frame section including a sleeve extended forward, obliquely from the bottom bracket for receiving a lower portion of the down tube, and a seat tube extended upward from the bottom bracket of the joint tube wherein the seat tube is substantially perpendicular with respect to the down tube, and a seat post inserted through the joint tube and into the seat tube. The seat post and the seat tube are secured to the joint tube by two quick releases. The down tube is also secured to the sleeve by a quick release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 6893036
    Abstract: In a bicycle frame of the type wherein front and rear portions of the frame are connected together by a flexible spring member, the spring includes at least two laterally spaced, elongated rods extending between opposed mounting blocks in the front and rear portions of the frame, with the ends of the rods being held in the mounting blocks by a clamping mechanism that can be released to permit removal and replacement of the spring members when desired. A replaceable wire management tube is attached to the side of the crossbar of the bike by adhesive tape and extends at least a portion of the length of the crossbar. The bicycle frame can incorporate a folding mechanism that permits the front and rear portions of the bike to be folded together for easy portability of the bike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Mark L. Groendal, Robert E. Shook
  • Patent number: 6886844
    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: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ritchey Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ritchey
  • Patent number: 6886845
    Abstract: A detachable bicycle. The bicycle includes front and rear frame sections and a detachable device having a first assembly device including a lower first sleeve extended upward from a bottom bracket sleeved on a front axle of sprocket wheel. The first sleeve includes a snap member, and an upper second sleeve at a lower end of a seat tube. The second sleeve includes a mating snap member adapted to releasably couple to the snap member. The second assembly device is adjacent to the top of the seat tube. The second assembly device includes a first coupling device formed on the seat tube and a second coupling device formed at a forward end of the seat stay. The first and the second coupling devices are releasably coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 6883817
    Abstract: A folding bicycle comprises a retractable front tube set. Handles at two sides of the top of the front tube set can be folded to the same side. An eccentric rotation device is pivotally provided at the top of the front tube set to drive an internal tube to retract in an outer tube for positioning. A seat tube is pivotally connected with the front tube set. A saddle is provided at the top of the seat tube. A rear tube is pivotally connected with the seat tube. A fastening device is provided between the rear tube and the seat tube to fix the seat tube. The front tube set, the seat tube and the rear tube are connected together by a joint link, which provides the function of a joint to let the front tube set, the seat tube and the rear tube unfold or fold with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Kuo Yi Chu
  • Patent number: 6880848
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle has a frame, a front fork, a front wheel, a stem, a handlebar, a handlebar positioning device, a seat post, a seat, a rear fork, a rear wheel, a drive assembly, a shock absorber and a rear fork positioning device. The handlebar positioning device is mounted between the front fork and the stem so the stem can be folded toward the frame. The rear fork positioning device is mounted between the shock absorber and the rear fork so the rear fork can be folded toward the frame. Accordingly, the bicycle can be folded to reduce the space for storing or transporting the bicycle, and the structure of a foldable bicycle with a shock absorber is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Yueh-Fen Liu
  • Patent number: 6877756
    Abstract: A folding bicycle, wherein a head pipe is pivotally supported on the front end of a main frame so as to freely rotate, a handle shaft for rotatably supporting a front wheel is supported while being inserted into the head pipe, a rear wheel is rotatably supported on the rear end of the main frame, a saddle post having a saddle on the top end is pivotally supported on the rear side of a pivotal-support portion of the head pipe, a stay having the top end detachably fixed on the saddle post is pivotally supported on the front side of the rear wheel of the main frame, a crank gear is rotatably supported between a pivotal-support portion of the saddle post and a pivotal-support portion of the stay, a chain is looped over the crank gear and a small gear provided on the rear wheel, and the stay, the saddle post and the handle shaft can be folded so as to be overlaid one another along the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Atras Auto Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyasu Yamabe
  • Patent number: 6854752
    Abstract: A detachable bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a front frame section including a first crossbar, a rear frame section including a second crossbar having second fastening structure for matingly coupling to first fastening structure of the first crossbar when a rear open end of the first crossbar is inserted into the second crossbar, and a fastening mechanism including two ring fasteners. Each ring fastener is operative to fasten front and rear ends of the second crossbar on the open end of the first crossbar. An adverse effect caused by different forces exerted on the frame sections when a drives propels the bicycle by means of pedals can be substantially eliminated by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 6848699
    Abstract: A mini-tricycle capable of being controlled by legs for determining the direction of the mini-tricycle comprises a front frame and a rear frame. The front frame has a front wheel fork and a pedal fork. The front wheel fork has front wheel spindle. The front wheel spindle is pivotally connected to a front wheel and a follower. The follower is fixedly connected to a front wheel. The front wheel fork is connected to a lower end of the pedal fork. An upper end of the pedal fork is connected with a pedal seat. A pedal shaft is pivotally installed to the pedal seat. The pedal shaft is fixed with a driving means. The driven means serves to connect the driving means and the follower. Thereby, the volume and weight of the tricycle are reduced so that it can be carried easily. Moreover, the tricycle is suitable for children and adults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Ji-Huang Chen
  • Patent number: 6845997
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a bicycle frame, a wheel set, a treading unit, a handlebar unit, and a seat unit. The bicycle frame has front and rear ends. The wheel set includes front and rear wheels disposed respectively on the front and rear ends of the bicycle frame. The treading unit is mounted on the bicycle frame for transmitting treading power to the wheel set. The handlebar unit is mounted on the bicycle frame and is coupled to the front wheel to permit steering of the front wheel. The handlebar unit is pivotable toward and away from the rear end of the bicycle frame. The seat unit is mounted adjustably on the bicycle frame to permit height adjustment thereof relative to the handlebar unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joe Chou
  • Patent number: 6832774
    Abstract: A vehicle convertible between a bicycle and a scooter includes a frame constructed of a rigid material. The frame comprises a laterally extending post, a pair of spaced apart support tubes formed onto the post, and a footboard fixedly mounted onto the support tubes. Each support tube includes a first section which extends down and forward from the post at an angle of approximately 20 degrees and a second section which extends horizontally forward from the first section. A front fork is mounted onto the frame and supports a handlebar assembly. A front wheel is rotatably mounted onto the front fork and a rear wheel is rotatably mounted onto the frame, each wheel being approximately 12 inches in diameter. A seat assembly is mounted onto the frame and is capable of being pivotally displaced. A pedal assembly is mounted onto the post and serves to rotatably drive the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Eric R. Zaccagnini
  • Publication number: 20040245743
    Abstract: A portable bicycle comprises a front bar having a front end coupled to a head tube, a rear frame section including a lower seat tube extended upwardly from a bottom bracket, a upper seat tube spaced and aligned with the lower seat tube, and a hollow rear bar for slidably receiving the front bar, the rear bar being intersected the upper and lower seat tubes, and a fastening mechanism for securing the front bar to the rear bar. Detaching a seat post and a saddle, unfastening the fastening mechanism, fully projecting the front bar from a rear opening of the rear bar, and fastening the fastening mechanism will shorten the distance between front and rear wheels to a minimum and facilitate the bicycle to store or carry in a much reduced size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Publication number: 20040239070
    Abstract: A stretching bicycle comprises a front frame section having a hollow front bar as a portion of crossbar, a rear frame section having a hollow rear bar for slidably receiving the front bar, the front and rear bars being disposed in a straight line not aligned with the front and rear wheels, and fastening means for securing the front and rear bars together at a front opening and a rear opening of the rear bar respectively. The bicycle has the advantages of adjusting length for accommodating users of different body heights in use, saving storage space after disassembly, and being structurally strong and lightweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 6811174
    Abstract: A sports bicycle, especially a training bicycle, with handlebars, especially triathlon handlebars, which can be slipped onto the front supporting tube of the frame, with a carrying tube, the height of which can be adjusted and fixed at different levels, and with handle legs which are directed towards the front and connected by a U-shaped bracket, with a reversing module with an intermediate carrying tube, which can be inserted into the supporting tube and to which a clamp mounting for the carrying tube of the handlebars is disposed transversely for achieving a steeply upwardly directed position of the handle legs, the clamp mounting preferably being constructed as a mounting sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Luetkemueller, Bernd Puerschel
  • Publication number: 20040212171
    Abstract: A detachable bicycle is provided. The bicycle comprises front and rear frame sections and detachable means comprising a first assembly device including a lower first sleeve extended upward from a bottom bracket sleeved on a front axle of sprocket wheel, the first sleeve including a snap member, and an upper second sleeve at a lower end of a seat tube, the second sleeve featured a mating snap member adapted to releasably couple to the snap member; and a second assembly device adjacent top of the seat tube, the second assembly device including a first coupling device formed on the seat tube and a second coupling device formed at a forward end of the seat stay, the first and the second coupling devices being releasably coupled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Publication number: 20040201199
    Abstract: A learning-aid bicycle includes a main body, a connecting member, and a pedal set. In practice, the connecting member may be detached from the connecting portion of the main body, so that the pedal set is detached from the main body. Thus, the learner, such as the child, may be seated on the main body, with his two feet stepped on the ground, so as to ride and move the bicycle by his two feet, so that the learner may learn how to operate, maneuver, manipulate and balance the bicycle, without having to step on the cranks of the pedal set to ride and move the bicycle, thereby preventing the learner from falling down from the bicycle, and thereby protecting the learner's safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Joerg Liebetrau, Joerg Frohn
  • Patent number: 6799771
    Abstract: A folding bicycle comprises a frame including a front part whereon is mounted pivoting a steering rod having a lower end provided with a first wheel and an upper end provided with a handlebar, a rear part whereon is mounted a second wheel, and a central part whereon are mounted a saddle and a crankset connected to the rear wheel by transmission elements, such that the saddle, the crankset, the steering rod, the front wheel and the rear wheel are substantially contained in a common plane when the bicycle is unfolded. The frame includes elements articulating the front part and the rear part to the central part to reduce the bicycle wheelbase associated with elements for maintaining at least the front wheel and the rear wheel in the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: BeGo Production
    Inventor: Henri Bigot
  • Publication number: 20040178604
    Abstract: A foldable bike includes a head tube, a seat pole, and a seat stay; a head tube with a stem being provided at the top of the head tube, a bracket provided to the head tube to connect to a rising crossbar, another bracket being provided to the seat stay to connect to the descending seat stay, both of the crossbar and the seat stay expanding outwardly by means of the brackets to constitute riding position together with a hydraulic cylinder connected to the head tube and the seat pole, and an absorber provided between the seat pole and the seat stay, or both of the seat pole and the seat stay being folded forwardly with the respective bracket as the support to facilitate storage or handling when the bike is not used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Pei-Chuan Ma
  • Patent number: 6764090
    Abstract: A bicycle includes front and rear wheels, which are mounted respectively on front and rear ends of a bicycle frame. The bicycle frame has an inclined main tube that extends rearwardly and downwardly from a head tube to a seat tube. A drive sprocket is disposed on the main tube, and is located between the head tube and the seat tube. As such, the total length of the bicycle can be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Liang-Fong Pan
  • Patent number: 6739421
    Abstract: A frame 3 is divided at a substantial center portion thereof into a front frame part and a back frame part. The two frame parts are joined by a hinge portion 25 so that the divided frame can be folded in two. The frame 3 is provided with detection device 30 for detecting whether or not the frame 3 has been folded at the hinge portion 25. The motor 2 becomes inoperable when the detection device 30 detects the folding of the frame 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Miya
  • Publication number: 20040094932
    Abstract: A detachable bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a front frame section including a first crossbar, a rear frame section including a second crossbar having second fastening means for matingly coupling to first fastening means of the first crossbar when a rear open end of the first crossbar is inserted into the second crossbar, and a fastening mechanism including two ring fasteners. Each ring fastener is operative to fasten front and rear ends of the second crossbar on the open end of the first crossbar. An adverse effect caused by different forces exerted on the frame sections when a drives propels the bicycle by means of pedals can be substantially eliminated by the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Publication number: 20040083487
    Abstract: A technique of distributing digital content representing media streams, and keys for unlocking that content, to a user. Content is deliverable to the user separately from licenses to that content. Content is delivered encrypted. Licenses are delivered designating selected presentation devices owned by the user. The presentation devices include a secure portion, relatively resistant to tampering by the user, in which each presentation device maintains a unique presentation device key. The user owns one or more such presentation devices, coupled using a local communication link to a local library, which maintains a copy of the content in an encrypted form. The user can search the library for information generally available about the media stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Kaleidescape, a corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Collens, Stephen Watson, Michael A. Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20040061304
    Abstract: A foldable tricycle includes a center frame, a front frame to which a front wheel is rotatably attached, a rear frame to which two rear wheels are rotatably attached, and a four-bar link including a first bar that is integrated with the front frame, a second bar that is integrated with the center frame, a third bar that is integrated with the rear frame, and a fourth bar. The fourth bar has a shape of plates and covers the other bars while the link operates between an unfolded position and a folded position. Lockers that locks the link in either the unfolded position or the folded position are provided and include a pin, two recesses that receives the pin, and a tension spring that presses the pin into the recesses. A semi-circle guide guides the pin between the two positions and also covers the third bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: FRIENDLY TOYS, CORP. & SONGLIM TOY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Cheol Wang Lim
  • Patent number: 6712375
    Abstract: A stretchable bicycle comprises a separate but connectable crossbar consisting of a sliding bar extended rearward from a head tube of front frame and a cross tube fixed to a support tube of rear frame, the cross tube being adapted to telescopically receive and permit the sliding bar to project from its rear end. Also, two quick-releases are provided for fastening the sliding bar at both ends of the cross tube respectively. Hence, a distance between two wheels can be adjusted by sliding a desired portion of the sliding bar inside the cross tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 6702312
    Abstract: The universal folding bicycle according to the invention has the front arm (1) that is attached to the head assembly (2) on the frame (3) where the front swing arm (4) with the front wheel (22) are attached. The freely adjustable handlebars (9) are attached. The freely adjustable handlebars (9) are attached to the head assembly (2) via the rotary joint (5), the telescopic rod (6) and the handlebar axis (8) or via the handlebar attachement (7). The back wheel (13) is attached to the back swing arm (10) connected to the central assembly (11) formed by the pedals and cranks 12) and mounted on the frame (3). The back swing arm (10) can be equipped by the accessory arm (26). The seat (16) on a telescopic stem (15) is attached to the end of the frame (3) or via the pin (14) to the beginning of the frame (3). The seat (16) may be located in the swing arm (23) and may be equipped by the telescopic seat springing (24) or by the arm springing (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Pavel P. Mik{haeck over (s)}ik
  • Patent number: 6695334
    Abstract: A mini-bicycle includes a one-piece main tube and a head tube section which runs above fixing or locking structure in a side view and is tilted relative to the alignment of the steering tube which runs underneath the fixing or locking structure. A rear assembly brace structure is connected on its one end via a horizontal axle to the seat tube and on its opposite end via the horizontal axle to the main tube. The rear assembly brace structure has an additional axle or articulated axle in its middle area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: IKO-Sportartikel-Handels-GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Irlbacher
  • Patent number: 6688625
    Abstract: Bicycle (1), comprising a first frame part (2) connected to a second frame part (13). The second frame part (13) is provided with a drive (14), comprising a crankshaft (16) carrying a driving gear blade (19) and a rear axle (17) carrying a driven gear blade (23). The bicylce (1) has as a particular feature that the drive (14) further comprises a gear hub (18) carrying a first, input gear blade (27) and a second, output gear blade (28), which gear hub (18) is mounted on the second frame part (13) at a distance from the rear axle (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Accell Group N.V.
    Inventors: Jan A. M. Schreuder, Jorrit W. Schoonhoven
  • Patent number: 6688627
    Abstract: A bicycle, which readily converts to a chair, has front and rear joints to allow the front and rear wheel assemblies of the bicycle to move out of the plane of the bicycle frame to form a substantially U-shaped frame onto which a seat fabric may be stretched to form a sling chair. The fabric may be stowed in a roller tube and may be deployed in a manner similar to that of a retractable window shade. Retractable stands may be deployed under the wheels to provide the legs of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ruowei Z. T. Strange
  • Patent number: 6685206
    Abstract: In cycles, including tricycles, having a longitudinally extending frame supporting a front wheel and a subframe including a rear axle supporting a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels, and supporting a seat for a rider, and having a headtube comprising a tubular member extending axially along a steering axis, a front handlebar stem comprising a tubular member extending axially downwardly into the headtube, and a front wheel fork yoke comprising a tubular member extending axially upwardly into the headtube, simplified quick tool-free mounting assemblies are provided, including a tool-free frame-to-subframe mounting assembly mounting the frame to the subframe with an insertion motion requiring no tools, a tool-free seat-to-frame mounting assembly removably and adjustably mounting the seat to the frame with an insertion motion along the direction of travel of the cycle and requiring no tools, and a tool-free stem-to-yoke mounting assembly mounting the stem to the yoke with an insertion motion requiring no tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Cycle LLC
    Inventor: T. Gregory Blake
  • Patent number: 6685207
    Abstract: In a tricycle having a longitudinally extending frame supporting a front wheel, a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels, and a seat for a rider, a protective footwell is removably mounted to the tricycle and supports the feet of the rider in stroller mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Cycle LLC
    Inventor: T. Gregory Blake
  • Publication number: 20040000770
    Abstract: A one-sided spring-loaded arm for the front wheel of a bicycle consists of two parts (1,2), of which one is springing, and further, one of them is adapted to attach the front wheel of a bicycle and the other is adapted to be attached to the handlebar system of the bicycle. Part (2), which is adapted to attach the front wheel, is joined with part (1) slidingly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of part (1), as well as pivotally around this axis with a position fixation, as well as tiltably, with the axis of tilt lying in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of part (1), which is adapted to be attached to the handlebar system of the bicycle. Part (1), which is adapted to be attached to the handlebar system of the bicycle, may be spring-loaded and it comprises a supporting part (1.1), on which there is an auxiliary member (2.2) arranged slidingly and pivotally and positionally fixably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Pavel P. Miksik
  • Publication number: 20030234509
    Abstract: A bicycle folding device comprising a first folding portion and a second folding portion. The first folding portion has a groove, a first axial hole, an axial arranged guide hole, a buckling groove. The second folding portion has an inner axial hole. The pivotal unit serves to pivot the first folding portion and the second folding portion. The quick-detaching unit serves to position the second folding portion. A lever set is placed at a middle section between the second inner end and the second outer end. The lever set has a lever, a handle at a front end of the lever; and a key which is supported by an elastomer and is at a distal end of the lever set. By above structure, the bicycle frame can be assembled and detached easily and firmly. No noise occurs as the bicycle frame is transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Ying-Chi Chen, Tien-Hua Lin, Cheng-Fei Lin
  • Patent number: 6659487
    Abstract: A flexible bike frame includes a top bar assembly, a lower bar assembly having a forward end connected to the top bar assembly and extending downwardly and rearwardly, and a seat bar assembly mounted on the rear end of the top bar assembly and extending downwardly from the top bar assembly toward the lower bar assembly. A shock reducing assembly reduces the amount of force transferred from a riding surface to a user. A plurality of joint assemblies are mounted on the frame for permitting changes in the distance between the ends of the top bar assembly. A first joint assembly is positioned between front and middle sections of the top bar assembly, a second joint assembly is positioned between middle and rear sections of the top bar assembly, and a third joint assembly is positioned on the lower bar assembly adjacent to the sprocket drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Tony S. Raco
  • Publication number: 20030214112
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a stem extending downwardly from a handle, and a crank mechanism interconnecting the stem and a head tube. The crank mechanism includes a frame fixed on the head tube, a lever pivoted to a front end of the frame and extending uprightly therefrom, a crank pivoted to the rear end of the frame and extending uprightly therefrom, and a coupler member pivoted to an upper end of the crank and movably connected to an upper end of the lever so as to permit co-movement of the lever, the crank and the coupler member relative to the frame and so as to permit frontward and rearward movement of the handle together with the stem relative to the head tube. A locking unit is selectively and movably connected to two of the frame, the lever, the crank and the coupler member, and is operable between locking and unlocking positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Joe Chou
  • Patent number: 6641159
    Abstract: A compound drive foldable bicycle consisting of a bicycle in an unfolded state having a length between the outer edges of a front and a rear wheel that is divided into three sections such that the rear wheel is swung up and down into the unfolded and folded state on a second drive shaft that serves as a pivot point, while the front wheel is horizontally swung into the folded and folded state via a foldable locking mechanism that serves as a pivot point and which is positioned on the down tube (or the top tube) and, furthermore, situated within the circumferential perimeter of the chainring. As a result, the rear wheel is postured at the lower extent of the chainring and front wheel is postured at the lower extent of the saddle when the bicycle is in the folded state such that it is of the smallest and most flexible physical dimensions to save space and reduce packaging material requirements, thereby facilitating storage, placement, and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 6626604
    Abstract: A connecting element, particularly for connecting rear forks, also known as monostays, made of carbon to bicycle frames. The connecting element is constituted by a first insert and a second insert which are mutually detachably associable at a first end by way of mechanical connection element. The first and second inserts are respectively associated, at a second end, advantageously by way of adhesives, with the stem of a carbon monostay, and are associable with, or rigidly coupled to, a tubular extension of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Cicli Pinarello S.r.l.
    Inventor: Fausto Pinarello
  • Patent number: 6623023
    Abstract: A bicycle and a bicycle folding method which allow a rider to easily and securely fold and unfold the bicycle is described. The bicycle has a front wheel and a rear wheel; a saddle on which a rider rides; a pair of pedals to which the rider imparts drive force; a first frame for holding the front wheel in a rotative manner; a handle for changing the direction of the front wheel; a second frame for holding the rear wheel in a rotative manner; and a linking portion for linking a linking member of the first frame with a linking member of the second frame, wherein the first frame and the second frame are brought close to each other by the rider's lifting the linking portion with the front wheel and the rear wheel kept in contact with the ground, thereby folding up the bicycle with the front wheel and the rear wheel overlapping each other in at least one portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Niitsu, Shinpei Hirano, Atsushi Mamiya, Shinichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6609723
    Abstract: A collapsible tricycle for the use of young children has a front wheel, two rear wheels, a saddle, and a frame, to which the saddle is pivoted. The frame includes a front part, a stationary part secured to the front part, a rear part, and a connecting rod. The stationary part has two parallel walls at the rear portion; the front end of the saddle is pivotally connected to upper portions of the walls; the front portion of rear frame part is pivotally connected to the lower portions of the walls. The rear frame part has two parallel walls defining a space wider than the stationary part such that the stationary part can be partially received in the space when the tricycle is folded, allowing the folded tricycle to be relatively compact. The middle of the saddle is pivoted to the rear frame part. And, the connecting rod is pivoted to both the stationary part and the rear frame from two ends for preventing both from moving relative to each other when the tricycle is ridden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Jin Sun Gee Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: A-Chueh Chuang
  • Publication number: 20030155738
    Abstract: A bicycle folding stem with positioning structure comprises a frame having a seat tube and a head tube. A seat post has a tube inserted into the seat tube of the frame to be lifted and lowered and to be secured at any position. A seat is mounted on an end of the seat post having a locking portion. A front fork has a tube inserted into the head tube of the frame and a fork body at the bottom end of the tube for pivoting a wheel. A stem is pivoted on the front fork at the top end thereof to be turned to the seat post for said seat post being lowered and said locking portion of said seat locked said stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: RAZOR USA LLC.
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert Hadley, Erich A.T. Chang
  • Patent number: 6595539
    Abstract: Foldable two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame in which there is provided at least one central body (10), at least one group (20) supporting the rear wheel (21), at least one group (60) supporting the front wheel (61) and at least one group (50) for steering the front wheel (61), which are respectively hingeably joined to the central body (10), there being provided means for controlling (70) and actuating (L72,L73,L74, L75,L76) the rotation of groups (20,50,60) around the central body (10), so as to close/open the frame from an open configuration suitable for use to a closed configuration suitable for transportation and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Alessandro Belli
  • Patent number: 6595536
    Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a down tube and a horizontal stay that are pivotably connected to one another at midsections thereof as well as being slidably connected to steering and seat assemblies, respectively. The slightly canted arrangement of the various members and assemblies provides a rigid structure to support an operator during use yet allows the vehicle to be collapsed to a compact size for storage and shipping. The vehicle may be folded or collapsed in the form of an “X”, bringing the wheels into a side-by-side position, to reduce its overall size without compromising its structural rigidity when reopened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6588787
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable electric vehicle for recreation and travelling, which may provide an electric activation to make a recreation-travelling vehicle march forward without the auxiliary of manpower and also provide a seat for a user to be seated on. The main function of the invention is to provide a foldable and closeable framework that not only makes the invention easy to carry but also occupies smaller space. Through the design of a pivot connection axis, it may make a main vehicle frame and a direction-changing axis fixation seat of the invention able to be drawn in and leaned together. A chair frame may also be designed above the main vehicle and be leaned together on the main vehicle frame when the vehicle body is folded together. Thus, a foldable and closeable framework provided by the present invention is formed. Preferably, the handgrips may be matched with the vehicle body to be folded and closed together through a quick taking-apart set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignees: Hamba R & D Co., Ltd., Wuxi Top Absorber Company Limited
    Inventor: Pao-Yin Ou