Extensible And Knockdown Patents (Class 280/278)
  • Patent number: 5419573
    Abstract: A controlling mechanism for folding mechanism includes a front frame member and a rear frame member. A coupling mechanism generally includes a coupling tube which forms also a part of the front frame member and a coupling shaft which forms also a part of the rear frame member. The coupling tube can be rotatably and slidably mounted to the coupling shaft to facilitate an easy folding of the front frame member with respect to the rear frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Fu-Hsiung Kao
  • Patent number: 5419574
    Abstract: A recumbent bicycle designed to be flexible in its geometry, adjustable in wheel base, position of seat, position and angle of front fork steering head tube mechanism, lead of front wheel bearing position on front fork, and/or position of foot pedal crank mechanism, allowing ergometric optimization for riding ease, comfort, stability, safety, etc.The unique aspect of the present invention is that the relationship between the bicycle seat and the rear wheel can be ergonomically optimized, and then the positioning of other elements can be optimized for the individual rider without altering the rear wheel to rider relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Paul J. Krumm
  • Patent number: 5403027
    Abstract: A drive unit of a bicycle includes a crankshaft having a pair of cranks, a chain wheel fixed to the crankshaft, and a free wheel fixed to a rotating shaft of a rear wheel and rotatably mounted on the crankshaft. An opposed pair of support frames rotatably support the crankshaft as well as the rear wheel and is hinged to a horizontal frame supporting a saddle such that the rear wheel support frames can be folded about the hinge to reduce the total length of the bicycle. A speed change unit includes a shaft rotatably supported by the pair of support frames on which a free wheel and a speed change wheel are mounted. A pair of chains connect the crankshaft and the free wheel of the drive unit to the speed change wheel and the free wheel of the speed change unit to transmit the rotating force of the chain wheel to the free wheel of the drive unit. The hinge locates the axis of the crankshaft of the drive unit on or behind a vertical center line of the saddle to reduce fatigue in operating the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Chul Hwang
  • Patent number: 5398955
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle including (a) a stem tube including a first section slidably mounted in a second section pivotally linked to a third section, a handle bar mounted on the first section of the stem tube, the third section of the stem tube rotatably mounted in a head tube and (b) a top tube comprising a first section pivotally linked to a second section, the first section of the top tube fixed to the head tube, the second section of the top tube fixed to a downtube and a seat tube wherein a seat post is slidably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Ching-Tsung Yeh
  • Patent number: 5360225
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle frame comprises a front frame made up of a head tube, a top tube and a down tube, and a rear frame made up of a seat tube, a bottom bracket tube, a seat stay and a chain stay. The top tube is provided at the rear end thereof with a connection tube to receive therein a seat post. The bottom bracket tube is provided at the center of the front end thereof with an extension tube which faces the front wheel and is pivoted at the front end thereof to the bottom end of the down tube. The front frame and the rear frame are fastened together by means of the seat post which is inserted into the connection tube and the seat tube. The front frame and the rear frame are rotatable in relation to each other when the seat post is pulled out of the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Robert W. P. Chen
  • Patent number: 5351979
    Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame having two wheels suspended rotatably therein, whereof the one is driven and the other is steerable relative to the frame via a subframe, wherein the frame bears a saddle-like seat element in addition to a rotatable steering member, wherein the subframe for the steerable wheel is situated under the seat element and the driven wheel under the steering member and wherein a coupling mechanism is arranged between the steering member and the sub-frame, whereby due to the reversal of the wheel function it is possible to directly drive the front wheel whereby the distance between both wheels can be considerably reduced, and therewith the length of the bicycle, while preserving a comparatively large wheel diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Langenberg B.V.
    Inventor: Christianus P. Langen
  • Patent number: 5337609
    Abstract: An improved handlebar structure for a collapsible bicycle mainly uses a locking mechanism to clamp and lock the upper tube and the lower tube of the bicycle together. The locking mechanism comprises a bolt, a pressing lever and a U-shaped clamping member. The bolt feeds through the pivotal connection of the upper tube and the lower tube, with its front end being secured to the U-shaped clamping member and its rear end being coupled to the pressing lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Su-Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 5330219
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a front frame having a cross bar, a rear frame including a center post, and a leaf-spring-like flexible plate interconnecting the cross bar to the center post. A shock-absorbing member is pivotally secured at its ends to the front end of the cross bar and to the bottom of the center post in a triangular arrangement. The shock-absorbing member includes a coil spring that stores energy as the shock absorber member is extended in a first direction and the frame is expanded, which energy is returned to the bicycle frame upon relaxation of the coil spring. However, the shock-absorbing member is substantially incompressible in the opposite direction so that it prevents the front and rear frames from collapsing undesirably. This also allows forces to be transmitted from the front frame to the rear frame through the shock-absorbing member in the second opposite direction thus taking some stress off of the flexible plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Greendale Bicycle Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Groendal, Richard D. Vaughn, Ricky A. Engvall
  • Patent number: 5318144
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle arranged for disassembly and assembly to facilitate transporting of the vehicle. A unitized drive unit, composed two drive wheels, a motor and a transmission for driving the drive wheels in response to the motor, is selectively mounted on and removed from a unitized support frame which serves as the basic support structure for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Assembled Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard E. Berlinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5301570
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an auxiliary handle to a handlebar of a bicycle includes a tubular member having a partition plate which divides the tubular member into a first section which clamps the handlebar and a second section which has a first engaging member. A cylindrical member has a first end inserted into the second section of the tubular member. The cylindrical member has a blind bore and a second engaging member which engages the first engaging member of the tubular member in order to prevent the cylindrical member and tubular member being rotated with respect to each other. A bolt has a threaded end connected to the partition plate and an enlarged end. A spring member is disposed between the enlarged head of the bolt and the bottom of the blind bore of the cylindrical member, urging the first and second engaging members to engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Min-Tsung Li
  • Patent number: 5301972
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bicycle frame folder including two pivoted folding frames, a stop block received in between the folding frames and driven by a control lever to lock the folding frames in the closed position or to unlock the folding frames for permitting them to be opened in folding up the bicycle frame tubes connected thereto, a guide screw turned to move the stop block forwards in locking the folding frames in the closed position or backwards in releasing the folding frames, the control lever having a spring supported safety hook releasably hooked on a stub retaining rod on the lower folding frame as the folding frames are closed and locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Gin-Chaung Lee
  • Patent number: 5277267
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable golf cart including a main frame assembly and a wheel assembly operatively connected to the main frame assembly for movement of the main frame assembly along a surface. The golf cart further includes a collapsible support assembly operatively connected to the main said frame assembly for selective movement between an erected position and a collapsed position relative to the main frame assembly. A seating member for a cart rider is operatively connected to the collapsible support means for movement with the collapsible support means between the above mentioned positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. Tiffany
  • Patent number: 5269550
    Abstract: A bicycle of the "mountain bike" type having two aligned foldable joints in the frame, a folding handlebar assembly and a foldable pedal. Each of the frame joints is mounted in a gap in a tubular frame member and includes two disks disposed flushly against the ends of the tubular members with smaller plugs fast in the members, and two hinge leaves extending across the gap longitudinally of the frame. A rivet on one side of the joint joins two ears on the leaves to form the hinge axis, and a headed fastener with a hexagonal socket is recessed into the thickened central portion of the upper leaf and threaded into the lower leaf to clamp the leaves together. Interlocking ribs between two ears on the other side of the joint prevent relative pivoting movement when the leaves are clamped together. The handlebar assembly has upper and lower tubular adjustment sections for both upward and forward adjustment of the handlebar, and an angled hinge between these sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Dahon California, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Hon, Chuan Liao, Guo M. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5224726
    Abstract: An improved, self energizing bicycle saddle post clamp easily operated by local or remote control from a handlebar lever. The design is self energizing, with holding action increasing with load. No adjustment is required; small variations in post size or wear are self compensating. Basically only one simple moving part is involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: George H. Gill
  • Patent number: 5222751
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle frame comprises a front triangular portion and a rear triangular portion. The former includes a top tube, a down tube, a head tube and a seat tube while the latter contains a bottom bracket tube, a seat stay, a chain stay and a seat tube. Both front and rear triangular portions are hinged by means of upper and lower coupling pieces so that they can pivot to be folded. Upon being unfolded, both front and rear triangular portions are held securely by virtue of a seat stay which extends beyond the seat tube to be fastened securely to the top tube. Front and rear triangular portions can be also held so securely in another manner that a seat post is inserted into connection tube and seat tube which are coaxially arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Robert W. P. Chen
  • Patent number: 5205573
    Abstract: The bicycle can be disassembled in a compact arrangement, and comprises front and rear foldable subassemblies, and first and second couplers for detachably connecting these front and rear subassemblies together. The couplers connect respectively a front end of the crossbar to the head tube, and a lower end of the down tube to the pedal crank axle housing. The front subassembly includes a down tube having an upper end pivotally connected to the head tube for folding the down tube over the front wheel fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Sghaier Mhedhbi
  • Patent number: 5197349
    Abstract: A handlebar stem provides a cylindrical quill tube having a hollow upper end and a lower end adapted to be placed snugly within a steering tube. The lower end has press fit thereon an insert having an external portion with an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the quill tube. The lower edge of each of the insert and quill tube are cut such that it defines an ovular plane through both the insert and quill tube. The lower end engages flushly with a similarly cut expander bolt having a cylindrical outer surface of substantially similar outer diameter to that of the quill tube and insert. The expander bolt is axially joined to the insert by means of a screw placed through the insert and into a threaded hole in the expander bolt with the head of the screw abutting an uppermost surface of the insert within the quill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: William P. Herman
  • Patent number: 5193834
    Abstract: With the bicycle in its normal standing position, the front fork (16) with its front wheel (6) is, by means of the handle bar assembly (700), turned 180.degree. to the rearward direction, and in this position it is blocked from turning, in that the handle bar elements (701, 702) are folded down, each against its respective upper frame member. The left crank arm subassembly (500) is removed. The rear wheel, after being loosened, is then slided forward on two guide tracks, and then tightened again. Thereafter, the front wheel (6) is removed. The front frame subassembly (300) and the rear frame triangle subassembly (200) are then turned into each other, about pivot bearing (203), whereby as the two subassemblies are turned, the two lower front frame member come between the two seat pillars and two rear fork members, and the rear wheel comes between the two lower front frame members, and then between the two upper front frame members, until the end position is reached. The total elapsed time is about 45 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: John S. Strozyk
  • Patent number: 5186482
    Abstract: Bicycle with folding frame having a frame defining a lower longitudinal member which rotatably supports a rear wheel and a pedal crank shaft. A saddle upright and a handlebar upright are hinged to the lower longitudinal member, are substantially parallel to one another and are joined by an upper cross-member which is substantially parallel to the lower longitudinal member and is hinged to the uprights to provide an articulated-parallelogram coupling. A steering sleeve is articulated to the handlebar upright, supports a front wheel, and is associated with a handlebar. A locking bar for retaining the frame in operating position is furthermore provided and is arranged diagonally to the articulated parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Richard Sapper
  • Patent number: 5183129
    Abstract: An improved, highly portable, collapsible scooter having a front frame extending upwardly from a front portion of a lower frame and being pivotally secured thereto. The front frame is secured at its upper end to steering means, and a front wheel is rotatably secured to the steering means. A rear wheel is rotatably secured to a rear portion of the lower frame, and a platform for supporting a rider is secured to the lower frame between the front and rear wheels. Lock means releasably lock the front frame and lower frame in an operating position or in a collapsed position in which the front frame extends rearwardly from the front portion of the lower frame. An engine is preferably coupled with the rear wheel of the scooter using a belt drive system which preferably includes toothed pulleys and a notched drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Robert M. Powell
  • Patent number: 5149112
    Abstract: A conversion bar for converting a female style bicycle to a male bicycle. The bar is comprised of two, elongated sleeve segments telescoped together for sliding, longitudinal adjustment. Mounting assemblies are pivotally attached to the free end of each sleeve segment for angular orientation as required for secure mounting to the upright seat post and either the handle bar post or the diagonal frame tube at the front end of the bicycle. When so mounted, the conversion bar extends horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Kidz First, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Nauman, Dale E. Stenberg
  • Patent number: 5145196
    Abstract: The invention is an improvement on a tricycle of the type having a rear drive wheel and a pair of forward steering or guide wheels. The improved tricycle has a rigid frame extending along a central axis. Lateral supports extend from either side of the frame, each such support having a guide wheel mounted on the outer portion. A kingpin arrangement at each outer portion is for steering the front wheels. A linkage extends between the kingpins for maintaining the guide wheels parallel irrespective of steering angle. The lateral supports are retractable with respect to the frame so that the tricycle is collapsible. Such tricycle also includes an adjustable, detachable seat mounted relatively high above the ground so the rider's visibility is improved. Such seat is elevated with respect to the pedal sprocket so that while pedaling, the rider's knees do not interfere with vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Dennis J. Langkamp
  • Patent number: 5135246
    Abstract: A foldable tandem bicycle employs three separate frames joined at concentric seat tubes. The frames have quick release clamps to lock the frames into an open rigid orientation. The center frame has several configurations, unisex one having a closed complete frame with one diagonal brace and a second one with a pair of diagonal braces to eliminate the need for a top tube. A third embodiment employs in-line intermediate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Harry Montague
  • Patent number: 5125678
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle having a main frame that supports front and rear wheels that are each connected with the main frame by quick release hub fasteners to enable quick disconnection from the frame of each of the front and rear wheels. The main frame includes a pedal drive bearing housing that rotatably carries a toothed pedal drive wheel that includes drive pedals to enable the rear wheel to be driven through a drive chain that passes over the toothed drive wheel and over a toothed crank wheel coupled with the rear wheel. The rear wheel is supported by a rear wheel support that extends from the main frame and that includes a rear wheel strut and a rear wheel pivot arm that are each pivotally connected with the main frame and that are each separably connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Ulrich Bogen
  • Patent number: 5101920
    Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle including rear and front frame sections which are quickly and easily engageable and disconnectable one to another. The rear frame section has a pair of coaxial rear spaced wheels and a pair of locator pins laterally extending preferably from each side margin adjacent each forward corner of the rear frame section. These locator pins engage with a locking bar rearwardly extending from and adjacent each rear corner of said front frame section. Each bar has a notch formed into its lower and upper margins adapted to engage the locator pins in a pivotal motion to guide the front and rear frame sections into abutting generally coplaner assembled relationship, thus preventing fore and aft and vertical movement therebetween. A latch-type connector preferably centrally positioned releasibly secures this coplaner relationship during use of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Alpha Mobility, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5072961
    Abstract: An all-purpose frame 1 is provided which extends at an angle from a rear-wheel fork 5 attachable to the rear axle of a bicycle to swivelable steering connection 6 to a front-wheel 17 of the bicycle. The frame 1 can be a rectangular-tube beam 40, an I beam 42, a channel beam 44, a foam beam, a honeycomb beam or such other form of beam as provides a separation of top girders 2 and bottom girders 3 with a strucutral positioning member 4. Beam material can be ferrous alloy, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, adhered fibers, and various combinations of foamed, honeycombed or otherwise porous materials in combination with relatively solid girders. Connection of the rear-wheel fork 5 to the frame 1 can be resilient vertically for a cushioning spring effect to decrease frame-weight requirement for absorbing impact and increasing rider comfort. The front-wheel fork 7 can be provided with resilient connection for the same reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Dennis P. Huppe
  • Patent number: 5069468
    Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible bicycle and in particular to one including a top tube, a seat tube pivotally connected with one end of the top tube, a down tube pivotally connected at the lower end with a lower end of the seat tube and being collapsible at the intermediate portion, a reinforcing tube pivotally connected at the upper end with an intermediate portion of the top tube and having at the lower end two rollers and a spring-loaded positioning member adapting to groove and the recess of the down tube respectively, a head tube fixedly connected with down tube and pivotally connected with the top tube, a handlebar composed of a major bar and an auxiliary bar, and two crank arms pivotally connected with an axle of the bicycle and being able to be folded in alignment with center of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventors: Shu-Huey Tsai, Duan-Huey Tsai
  • Patent number: 5052706
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle which is characterized by a top bar of the main frame having two angled and pivotally connected sections allowing the front portion of the bicycle to be folded downwardly and backwardly toward the rear portion of the frame by a two-piece support bar provided between the main frame and the saddle pillar of the bicycle, which has a control lever to quickly separate the support bar for folding purposes, by a handle-bar stem having a locking mechanism at its lower portion which has a pulling arm for quickly controlling the bending or straightening of the handle-bar stem; and by a pair of pedals which may be turned inwardly due to a special connection thereof, the bicycle is easily folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventors: Duan-Huey Tsai, Shwu-Huey Tsai
  • Patent number: 5041043
    Abstract: The support member of a motorcycle simulation push toy which connects the wheel to the handlebars is fashioned from a pair of telescoping pieces so that the length of the support member can be adjusted. The support member can be fixed at several predetermined lengths by means of a plurality of through-bolts and nuts which securely fasten the telescoping pieces in a particular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: TCA Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Hoke
  • Patent number: 5020624
    Abstract: A modular power drive scooter, including as modular components a seat, a seat post, a mainframe, a trailer and at least one battery, is built in a manner allowing quick and easy disassembly of the scooter for compact storage. In assembled form, the seat post supports the seat and also serves as a lock pin which prevents separation of the mainframe from the trailer. The mainframe includes a front wheel, a tiller assembly for steering the scooter, and recesses for accommodating one or more batteries. The trailer includes a pair of rear wheels coupled to a differential which is driven by an electric motor, and a removable storage tray that provides access to the motor. A stem member extending from the trailer engages the mainframe in an overlapping relation whereby apertures in the stem member align with ports in the mainframe. The seat post is inserted into a selected port to determine the spacing of the seat from the tiller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Everest & Jennings, Inc.
    Inventors: Elaine M. Nesterick, Robert W. Reynolds, Spencer L. MacKay, Cleve A. Graham
  • Patent number: 4995626
    Abstract: A foldable tandem bicycle employs three separate frames joined at concentric seat tubes. The frames have quick release clamps to lock the frames into an open rigid orientation. The center frame has several configurations, male one having a closed complete frame with one diagonal brace and a female one with a pair of diagonal braces to eliminate the need for a top tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Harry D. Montague
  • Patent number: 4925203
    Abstract: A two wheel semi-recumbent bicycle provided in several embodiments on which the rider sits elevated above the rear wheel on a high-back bucket style seat supported by an angled top tube. The position of the pedal crank assembly is forward and upward of the pedal crank position of conventional bicycles and downward and rearward of that normally associated with fully recumbent bicycles relative to the seat. The rider steers by way of long upwardly curved handlebars affixed to an elongated steering stem originating in a front steering head assembly. The steering stem extends upward and rearward terminating under the area of the rider's upper legs. One version of the semi-recumbent bicycle features a telescoping angled top tube supporting the seat at its upper end to allow both vertical and horizontal adjustment of the rider's position. Other embodiments are provided with removable seat and chain stays replaceable with stay of various lengths to effectively alter both the size and frame geometries of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Clive E. Buckler
  • Patent number: 4911458
    Abstract: An improved folding bicycle comprising a folding hinge mechanism as well as a set of foldable handle-bar and a collapsible seat structure. During normal use, the folding hinge mechanism is easily associated with multi-securing effect to ensure the safety of ride. While stored, it can be alternatively unlocked and separated manually, enabling the bicycle to be folded up for reducing the storing room. Furthermore, the set of handle-bar and saddle adjusting device can be used to simply adjust the dimensions of the bicycle to meet the requirement of any use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventors: Chin C. Lin, Mao N. Lin
  • Patent number: 4909537
    Abstract: The vehicle has a chassis formed of a front strut and a seat strut which are attached together so as to be angularly adjustable about a horizontal axis. The seat strut telescopically carries a seat post with a seat thereon. The front strut telescopically carries a front post. Angularly adjustably mounted on the top of the front post is the steering head which rotatably carries the front fork. A wheel is mounted on the lower end of the front fork. A power strut is also mounted on the chassis axis. A telescopically mounted post extends from the power strut and rotatably carries a rear wheel thereon. In this way, complete adjustability is achieved. Pedals are mounted on the chassis axis and are connected to drive the rear wheel. A motor may be additionally or alternatively installed. In addition, different kinds of wheels and different numbers of wheels as well as skis and the like can alternatively be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Alan A. Tratner
  • Patent number: 4900047
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle with separate complete front and rear frames joined at the seat post by concentric frame members. An alignment mechanism automatically actuates as the frames are rotated into a frame open position. A binder bolt mechanism locks the frames open in a rigid orientation. The bicycle frame and components may be configured as a lightweight ten-speed bicycle or as an all terrain bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventors: Harry Montague, David Montague
  • Patent number: 4896559
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting vehicle handlebars includes a lower hub intergral with a vehicle steering column, and an upper hub formed as an integral part of the handlebars. Two opposed diamond-shaped plates rotationally receive both hubs. Two locking gears, one integral with each hub, form various interlocking engagement with one of the plates, corresponding to different handlebar position settings. A release lever, pivotally attached to one of the plates, is pivotable to urge the plates away from one another to release the locking engagment of the gears and projection groove, enabling movement of the handlebars to different settings. A spring loaded detent prevents inadvertent release of the mechanism, and must be moved against the force of a torsion spring prior to the pivoting of the release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Gregory J. Marier, Tommy O. Moats
  • Patent number: 4895386
    Abstract: A bicycle with collapsible frame, which incorporates front and rear frame posts and at least one cross-beam interconnecting said frame posts. The bicycle, which with one of a few simple hand manipulations, in a few seconds, can be folded into a compact unit. The bicycle has an absolutely rigid frame when the bicycle is in its position of use, and in collapsed position it is only little bulky with a substantial extension in one direction only. The cross-beam of the frame is a two-part cross-beam. The two parts of the cross-beam are articulatedly connected to each other and to the frame posts. The two parts of the cross-beam at folding of the frame are pivotable towards the front and the rear frame posts respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventors: Sven Hellestam, Otto Linander
  • Patent number: 4887826
    Abstract: A lightweight foldable wheelchair is provided which comprises a seat having a base and a back hingedly attached to the base, the back being foldable to overlie the seat base; a pair of large wheels each demountably attached to the end of an axle at the bottom rear of the seat base and rearward of the center of gravity of the chair; a first strut having its rearward end hingedly mounted to the underside forward portion of the seat base of the seat; and a second strut having its rearward end hingedly mounted to the underside of the seat base of the seat rearwardly of the first strut and forward of the wheel axle, the forward ends of both struts abutting below and forward of the seat and securing a demountable caster wheel and hingedly mounted footrest, and the struts being foldable to underlie the seat. The wheelchair can therefore be folded into a compact configuration when the wheels are demounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Richard D. Kantner
  • Patent number: 4865337
    Abstract: A kit of parts for assembling a number of toy vehicles having at least a bucket, two spine members with each having one portion of its length extending at an angle to the other, a support member, three wheels each with an axle therefor, and connectors for all these parts. The parts are all so constructed that they may be assembled together by use of the connectors to form at least a tricycle and a wheelbarrow. At least one of the spine members and the support member is capable of assembly in at least two different positions relative to the bucket to create the differing toys. The kit includes only a relatively small number of parts but is versatile because of the ability of certain parts to perform at least two different functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Martin Robert Disler
    Inventors: Martin R. Disler, Federico D. de la Pena
  • Patent number: 4861058
    Abstract: A disassemblable three wheeled, sulky vehicle for the handicapped and others desiring assistance has a steerable front wheel drive unit comprising a steering column mounting assembly with a motor driven wheel. A sulky frame assembly supports a pair of transversely spaced apart rear wheels in tricycle formation with said front wheel and a coupling assembly detachably secures the front wheel drive unit and sulky frame assembly. A seat structure is mounted on the upper end of said frame assembly which comprises a bottom frame member which has a pair of upwardly extending, relatively foldable frames for supporting said seat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas A. Cresswell
  • Patent number: 4844494
    Abstract: A bicycle which comprises a frame carrying at its rear end a wheel actuated by a pedal mechanism while the front end carries a collar. A brace is pivoted to the frame in the region of the pedal mechanism and so is a saddle post. The front end of the brace also carries a collar, both collars are slideable along an upright stem carrying the handle bars at the upper end and the front wheel of the bicycle at its lower end. A latch releasably holds the frame collar on the lower end of the stem while a cable attached at both ends to the handle bar and to the brace collar and also attached to the brace collar serves to maintain the latter in an intermediate position along the stem, whereby the brace, the front portion of the frame and the lower part of the stem forms a triangle holding the bicycle in erected position. A releasable stay rod pivotally connected to the saddle post and releasably latched to the rear portion of the frame, maintains the saddle in erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Pierre Blanchard
  • Patent number: 4842292
    Abstract: A foldable multipurpose bicycle includes a foldable main frame, a foldable handlebar assembly, a removable seat assembly, a pair of foldable pedal assemblies, a front brake assembly, and a foldable rear brake assembly. By using a pair of quick-release lock mechanisms, a pair of wheels can be connected quickly to the main frame to form a bicycle for riding on land. Alternatively, a front wheel and a tripod can be connected to the main frame to form an exercise bicycle. Or, a float assembly and a propeller assembly can be connected to the main frame to form an hydro-bicycle for riding on smooth surfaced water. The float assembly and the propeller assembly can be mounted removably on the rear portion of the main frame. The bicycle can be folded into a relatively small wheel-like unit which is capable of being conveniently pushed on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Fu-Chao Wang
  • Patent number: 4830133
    Abstract: A two or three-wheeled vehicle, motorized or not, in which the handle-bar and the front fork are hinged to the steering hub so that they can be upset from their normal operative position to a contracted vehicle position reduced in overall dimensions, in which the front wheel center is put underneath the frame front part and the handle-bar is upset in an essentially horizontal way, so reducing the vehicle overall dimensions in length and in its front part height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Bruno Gaddi
  • Patent number: 4824131
    Abstract: A new design of collapsible/folding bicycle construction which mainframe, handlebars, footpedals are all collapsible. Another main feature is that the connections of the mainframe, handlebars, seat stem, seat reinforcement rods are all adjustable, thus allowing minimal space consumption and enable easy transportion handling and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Ching H. Thay
  • Patent number: 4786070
    Abstract: A folding recumbent bicycle wherein a bicycle of recumbent design includes a three-section main frame which folds at two hinged locations; a steering bar which folds at a hinged location and handlegrip members which fold to lie along the steering bar; and a seat and backrest which fold down essentially parallel to the main frame member. Forward and rear seat support members may each include a box-like storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Grover M. Adee
  • Patent number: 4770434
    Abstract: The vehicle disclosed offers significant economies from both manufacturer and user standpoints, by virtue of its being embodied in two distinct sections, front and rear, that are joined by way of a detachable coupling located between the swivel sleeve which carries the front fork and the frame which carries the rear wheel, or wheels; in a preferred embodiment, the detachable coupling is of a quick-release type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Zen Pietro
  • Patent number: 4767130
    Abstract: A foldable pedicab has a foldable assembly which includes a main frame, two back frames mounted rotatably on the main frame, two seat frames mounted rotatably on the back frames respectively, two armrest members mounted rotatably on the back frames respectively, and two footrests mounted rotatably on the main frame. The seat frames are locked releasably on the main frame. The armrest frames are locked releasably on the seat frames. A swing wheel is mounted removably on leading end of the foldable assembly. Two main wheels are mounted removably on opposite sides of the foldable assembly. If necessary, a driving wheel assembly may be mounted removably on tail end of the foldable assembly so that the pedicab can be drived by a person riding on the driving wheel assembly. In absence of the driving wheel, the pedicab can form a hand-pushable wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventor: Wang Fu-Chao
  • Patent number: 4756542
    Abstract: A seperable multiple-wheel cycle includes an upper coupler operatively coupling or uncoupling a left top-tube portion of a top tube secured toward a rear wheel and a right top-tube portion of a top tube secured toward a front wheel, a lower coupler operatively coupling or uncoupling a left down-tube portion of rear wheel and a right down-tube portion of a front wheel and a wire coupler also operatively coupling or uncoupling a first wire secured to a brake or clutch fixed on a rear wheel and a second wire secured to a lever fixed on a front handle bar, so that the couplers can be operated to uncouple the front-wheel part from a rear-wheel part for breakdown uses, or to couple the front part with the rear part for assembling a cycle for running purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Tzu-Tsan Yang
  • Patent number: 4732403
    Abstract: A folding moped has a collapsible support for the saddle constituted by two parallel pillars with lower jointed end portions which are inserted within two hollow parts fixed to the frame for sliding between an inserted position in which the pillars are held in an erect condition and a withdrawn position in which the joints project above the respective hollow parts to allow the pillars to be collapsed forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: ALGAT S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renzo Grattapaglia
  • Patent number: 4718688
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle comprises a triangular frame formed from three struts A, B and C. The bottom strut C can be disconnected from the forward strut B by operating a releasable pivot joint J so that the strut C can be folded up against the rear strut A. A universal joint between struts A and B then allows these two struts to be folded to lie alongside one another with the pair of wheels W1 and W2 lying side by side. Cranked portions 7 and 8 of the struts A and B provide offset supports for the wheels to one side only so that they can readily be positioned side by side and ideally locked together. The folded framework can then be transported, if required, by grasping a support 6 or handlebars H and running the unit along the ground on the pair of wheels W1 and W2. A saddle S is adjustably mounted on the rear strut A by a sliding support 39 having fixing clamps 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Mark A. Sanders