Extensible And Knockdown Patents (Class 280/278)
  • Patent number: 4708219
    Abstract: A demountable sulky, which may be readily coupled and uncoupled to a steerable, motor-driven front wheel assembly, incorporates a T-bar having hoe-like blades provided on each of its ends, which are received in scabbards provided on the drive wheel assembly, and each of a pair of rear wheel frames. Latching mechanisms are provided to releasably, rigidly lock the hoe-like blades in position. Further, a releasable brace or rung bar component is used to auxiliarly, detachably lock the rear ends of the rear side wheel frames in rigidly spaced apart position in a safe and secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas A. Cresswell
  • Patent number: 4691930
    Abstract: A convertible wheeled vehicle which is capable of assembly into any one of a plurality of different vehicles includes a front wheel frame assembly. A wheel is mounted to the front wheel frame assembly. A chassis assembly has at least one wheel. A pair of vertically spaced plates extends from the front wheel assembly and a tubular connector associated with the chassis assembly is disposed therebetween. A pin extends between the plates and through the tubular connector for securing the chassis in any one of a plurality of orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: Michael Samuel
  • Patent number: 4688817
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for adjusting the steering column and handlebars of a snowmobile. The steering column has upper and lower sections, pivotable with respect to one another about a first lateral axis. A first pawl and cylinder, mounted respectively to the upper and lower sections, rigidly connect these sections when engaged, but permit these sections to pivot relative to each other when the pawl is retracted from the cylinder. A second pawl and cylinder are mounted at the top of the steering column upper section and rigidly connect the upper section and handlebars. Retraction of the second pawl from engagement with the second cylinder frees the handlebars for rotation, relative to the upper steering column section, about a second lateral axis parallel to the first axis. A single lever, pivotally mounted to the column upper section, has a cam which engages and retracts the first and second pawls simultaneously, for maximum ease in steering system adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Gregory J. Marier
  • Patent number: 4653767
    Abstract: A bicycle having a pair of wheels and a frame formed of two crossing bars that are detachable from each other so as to form a separate unicycle and a pedal bike, one of which includes a handle bar at a top, and the other a seat at its top, while each has one wheel at a lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Joseph Gajewski
  • Patent number: 4647060
    Abstract: A low-drag bicycle comprising an elongated, two piece, generally tubular frame of elliptical cross-section extending between the front and rear wheels wherein the cyclist assumes a recumbent position over the frame facing down and powers the cycle by means of a pedal arrangement and transmission directly connected to and concentrically arranged with the rear wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Philip Tomkinson
  • Patent number: 4647059
    Abstract: A bicycle is convertible into a unicycle by use of quick-release couplings. The front wheel and handlebar are separable from the frame and rear wheel of the bicycle by release of a quick-release coupling. The handlebar can be removed by another quick-release coupling and replaced with the saddle of the bicycle. The saddle itself is held in place by its own quick-release coupling. The crank and pedal of the bicycle can be moved and attached to the axle of the front wheel to permit pedaling of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Wang Shan Hai
  • Patent number: 4634138
    Abstract: The folding bicycle which includes front and rear wheels and a sprocket and pedal assembly mounted to a frame and a steering column and a seat column mounted to such frame, is provided wherein the seat column and the steering column fold into proximity with the frame and substantially in the plane of the frame, while the rear wheel and sprocket assembly pivot around the sprocket axis into proximity with the frame and the front wheel, also in the plane of such frame.The seat column has a bend or goose neck below the seat thereof to permit the seat column when folded toward the steering column, to curve around the base portion of the steering column and permit the steering column to fold thereover in planar proximity.Other features of the planar folding bicycle include foldable handle bars and foldable pedals and a sprocket belt drive which is positioned against the drive gear of the rear wheel by an adjustable nip guide roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Inventors: George E. Fryer, William Pilson, William J. Stephens, Charles H. Chandler
  • Patent number: 4621826
    Abstract: A knock-down tricycle has its main structural parts made of stamped metal or molded components which are relatively inexpensive to fabricate and which, when disassembled, occupy a minimum volume allowing the tricycle to be shipped in a knocked-down condition in a minimum size package. The various components of the tricycle can be assembled easily using simple tools and, when assembled, they form a tricycle which is unusually strong and sturdy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Ziegler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4611818
    Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible vehicle particularly of the two-wheeled type, which comprises a main frame supporting at least one rear wheel and a steering column pivotally connected to the cited frame ans supporting at least one front wheel. The peculiarity of the invention is that it comprises a saddle holder which encloses said frame laterally and is connected to the frame. The holder can be tilted toward the cited frame to bring the saddle forward of the frame. The upper section of the column is connected to the column to permit tilting toward said frame and handle bar sections are connected to the upper column section for tilting against the upper column section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Quasar s.r.l.
    Inventor: Italo Cammarata
  • Patent number: 4598923
    Abstract: A portable bicycle has an elongated first part carrying the handlebars and front-wheel fork at its forward end which can fold into the first part and concealed by swinging a second part down from its upright position and a third part forwardly and upwardly. The second part carries the seat and the third part carries the rear wheel. The second and third parts are hinged to the rear end of the first part and the three parts when folded together constitute a case of rectangular parallelopipedal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Licencia Talalmanyokat Ertekesito Vallalat
    Inventor: Lajos Csizmadia
  • Patent number: 4582335
    Abstract: The bicycle frame comprises a saddle tube, a steering head receiving a front fork rotatably therein, a frame top tube interconnecting top ends of the saddle tube and steering head, a front down tube interconnecting bottom ends of the saddle tube and steering head, and a rear fork assembly for supporting the rear wheel. The bottom ends of the saddle tube and front down tube are removably inserted and lockable in a crank axle block carrying the pedals. The front down tube and top tube have their front ends pivotally connected to the steering head and are provided with mutual locking means. A rear end of the top tube is connected to a sleeve positionable along the saddle tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Paioli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Laura Paioli, Primo Ricciotti, Antonio Gnudi, Gianni Generali
  • Patent number: 4579360
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle frame includes a substantially vertical center tube at a mid portion of a bicycle frame, an upper center tube and a lower center tube to be partially fitted in upper and lower ends of the center tube, respectively. A front half of the bicycle frame includes the center tube and a rear half of the bicycle frame include the upper and lower center tubes, thereby enabling the front and rear halves to be folded or extended about the vertical center tube into a folded position or running position. The bicycle frame comprises radially annularly arranged continuous V-shaped teeth on connection surfaces of the upper and lower center tubes and the center tubes, and clamping means for clamping the center tube and the upper and lower center tubes in engagement with the teeth on the connection surfaces, thereby enabling the bicycle frame to be folded or extended by releasing and then clamping the center tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ritsuo Nishimura, Nobuaki Shimada
  • Patent number: 4577879
    Abstract: A bicycle having a frame provided with a chain and sprocket assembly. The pedal cranks on the front sprocket of the sprocket assembly are pivotally coupled at their outer ends to a pair of bars near to but spaced from the front ends of the bars, the rear ends of the bars being slotted to shiftably receive a pair of pins secured to the frame. A pedal is on the front end of each bar, respectively, whereby the forward power stroke caused by pedal being driven downwardly by the rider follows a semicircular path; whereas, the pedal follows almost a substantially vertical path as moves from its lower position to its upper position during the return stroke. The frame includes at least one cable which is placed under tension to connect certain components of the frame together while eliminating excess weight to enhance the speed characteristics of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Inventor: Franciscus A. Vereyken
  • Patent number: 4560020
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light motorbike, the frame and transmission elements of which are of a special design, that is economical to build, is functional and has minimum space requirements.Incorporated in the transmission elements is a power takeoff that enables the motorbike to be used also to drive separate devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Motomec S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Mambelli
  • Patent number: 4546991
    Abstract: A tricycle which is capable of being converted either to a traditional high position in which a rider is seated relatively high on the frame, or to a low slung position in which the frame is inverted so that a rider is seated relatively low on the frame. To invert the frame, a front fork and handlebar are removable from the head tube of the tricycle and invertible relative to the frame and the seat is adjustable between a high and low position corresponding to the high and low slung tricycle positions. A rear deck is attached to a rear portion of the main tube and is tubular in shape so that it fully protects and encloses the rear axle of the tricycle in both the high and the low frame positions. A seat is mounted on the frame and is capable of forward and rearward adjustment as well as upward and downward adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Allen, Robert L. Diekman
  • Patent number: 4545450
    Abstract: A multipurpose externally controlled device that comprises an alternator, a compressor, and a centrifugal pump. The external power takeoff of the engine assembly provides, through a flexible transmission cable, motion to the shaft of the alternator. This, in turn, passes on rotary motion alternately to the shaft of the compressor or to that of the centrifugal pump via, for example, transmission elements keyed to the shaft of the alternator and motion receiving elements fixedly mounted on the shaft of the compressor and on that of the centrifugal pump. This operation is controlled by a lever extending outside the casing of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Motomec S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Mambelli
  • Patent number: 4540190
    Abstract: A frame for a bicycle in which two beams, which intersect to form a cruciform, in side elevation, extend between a head tube and a seat tube. Each beam being structurally efficient in the transverse plane. The cruciform being rendered structurally efficient in the vertical plane by a tie running beneath the cruciform and extending between lower regions of the head and seat tubes. The front and rear parts of the frame are separably joined to one another at the junction of the cruciform by means of a first coupling. The tie also being separable into front and rear parts, by means of a second coupling located immediately below the first coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Alex Moulton Limited
    Inventor: Alexander E. Moulton
  • Patent number: 4518057
    Abstract: A tricycle powered wheelchair carrier has a platform supported on the bight of a U-shaped axle between a pair of rear wheels supported at the ends of the axle legs. The platform is formed with a downwardly sloping ramp portion at the end extending beyond the rear wheels. A front wheel is connected to handlebars at the front of a platform by a linkage pivoted at the top. A front actuator is connected between this linkage and the platform. A rear actuator is connected between the U-shaped axle and the platform. A transmission couples an internal combustion engine to a rear wheel and includes a reverse gear. A locking bar has rear and side mutually perpendicular arms. The side arm is pivotal about a horizontal axis in bearings on the side of the carrier to allow the side arm to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position against the rear wheels of a wheelchair on the platform with the end of the rear arm having a stud seated in a socket attached to the other side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Inventor: Michael McCallum
  • Patent number: 4491337
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in men's and ladies' folding and tandem bicycles. The improvement provides commonality of structural and mechanical means and commonality of configuration components between a men's and ladies style bicycle, and tandem bicycles. This invention provides a bicycle with alternative men's and ladies' model structural means. It permits elimination of the top horizontal bar of the folding bicycle frame, allowing construction of a ladies' style folding bicycle, which folds on three axes with exclusive structural support means in the lower member or members fixedly secured to a vertical structural spreader bar in the rear of the bicycle frame. The said vertical bar provides vertical adjustable seat support means for the rider, with the seat remaining in proper forward adjustment during folding and unfolding of the bicycle. The improvement expands the capability of bicycle folding means into ladies' model configuration and tandem rider model configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Daniel R. Zuck
  • Patent number: 4462606
    Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse in novel ways, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Unique quick-release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are specially designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Hon Corporation International
    Inventor: David T. Hon
  • Patent number: 4460191
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle frame includes a lower frame and a front frame pivotally mounted on the lower frame, the lower frame having fork elements supporting a rear wheel axle. A seat tube is pivotally mounted on the lower frame. A front support stay is pivotally mounted on the front frame and is also pivotally mounted on the seat tube. A seat stay has an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being pivotally connected to the seat tube, the lower section being pivotally connected to the lower frame at the fork elements, the upper and lower sections each having a pair of upper and lower stay members respectively and a locking plate device connecting the upper and lower sections and operable to selectively provide a pivotal connection between the upper and lower sections to provide for folding of the bicycle and to effect a rigid connection between the upper and lower sections to provide assembled operability of the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishibashi, Kikuzo Takamiya
  • Patent number: 4460192
    Abstract: A frame for a folding bicycle includes a base frame having a triangular configuration, the base frame having a pair of back forks and a pair of lower stays joined to a pair of end members respectively. A main pipe is interconnected between the pair of back forks and the pair of lower stays, and a quadric link is connected to the triangular base frame. The guadric link includes the main pipe, a seat pipe, a front pipe, and an upper stay, along with a first pivot pivotally connecting the main pipe and the seat pipe to provide pivotal movement of the seat pipe relative to the main pipe, a second pivot pivotally connecting the main pipe and the front pipe to provide pivotal movement of the front pipe relative to the main pipe, a third pivot pivotally connecting the front pipe and the upper stay to provide pivotal movement between the front pipe and the upper stay, and a fourth pivot pivotally connecting the seat pipe and the upper stay to provide pivotal movement between the seat pipe and the upper stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kikuzo Takamiya, Hideyuki Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 4457529
    Abstract: A folding tricycle comprises a main frame having a rear frame member pivotally connected to a rear end thereof and a front fork pivotally connected to a front end thereof. A pair of wheels is rotatably mounted to the rear frame member and a front wheel is rotatably mounted to the front fork. Handle bars are pivotally mounted about a substantially horizontal axis to the front forks to move from a raised operating position to a lowered storage position. Locks are provided on the front and rear of the main frame member to lock the handle bars in their raised operable position and also to lock the rear frame member in an operable position, the rear frame member having a storage position with the wheels and rear frame member pivoted under the main frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Inventors: Louis Shamie, Sam Shamie
  • Patent number: 4448435
    Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Hon Corporation International
    Inventor: David T. Hon
  • Patent number: 4448437
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle has separate front and rear frames coupled to each other at a seat post formed by concentric frame members. A locking mechanism positions the frame members in either a rigid open or folded position. The pedal housing is located on the rear frame member either as an extension of the seat tube or positioned between the seat tube and the chain stays. The bicycle uses standard components to form the drive, brake and steering assemblies. In the folded state, the bicycle may be backpacked using available straps and webs that are attached to the front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Harry D. Montague
  • Patent number: 4443023
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a chain stay structure, a seat tube extending from the chain stay structure, an inclined down tube pivotally connected to the chain stay structure and disposed forward of the seat tube, a top longitudinally extending element connected between the seat tube and the down tube, a head pipe mounted on the down tube, and an eccentric device connecting the top element to at least one of the tubes to thereby provide for adjusting the pivotal position of the down tube and thereby the position of the head pipe relative to the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 4441729
    Abstract: A folding bicycle assembly generally having a front and rear subassembly which pivot about a sprocket hub to nest with each other to provide a compact assembly for storage or transfer. The bicycle assembly utilizes wheels of a standard size and is equipped with pedals and handle bars that fold to further minimize the size of the folded assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert N. Underwood
  • Patent number: 4440414
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a foldable bicycle including a main frame comprised of a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, a handlebar structure, a removably, adjustable seat structure, and two removable wheels. The two wheels include a front wheel and a rear wheel both of which are removably mounted to the bicycle frame by quick-release lock mechanisms. Upon removing the bicycles adjustable seat structure and the front wheel and rear wheel, the main frame may be folded by rotating the front frame portion oppositely with respect to the rear frame portion. Upon such folding, the two frame portions form a triangularly shaped unit which lies in three parallel planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventor: Fu-Chow Wang
  • Patent number: 4438942
    Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Hon Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Hon
  • Patent number: 4433852
    Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Hon Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Hon
  • Patent number: 4429891
    Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Hon Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Hon
  • Patent number: 4429890
    Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Hon Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Hon
  • Patent number: 4422663
    Abstract: A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, is elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse in novel ways, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame.Unique quick-release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are specially designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Hon Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Hon
  • Patent number: 4400003
    Abstract: A bicycle frame, having the usual front fork, back fork, steering head sleeve and pedal shaft sleeve has an oblique tube, extending towards the steering head sleeve, which is pivotably connected to the back fork and is substantially in alignment with the back fork. A bar extends from the pivot point towards a saddle support means, and a bar extends towards the pedal shaft sleeve. The bars are substantially in alignment and are being connected to the back fork and to the steering head sleeve by tensioning wires, by demountable and releasable insert and wiring connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Technic Design One N.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis F. de la Haye
  • Patent number: 4379566
    Abstract: An operator powered vehicle configured to be ridden by an operator in an upright or forced weight position wherein muscle force provided to pedals is augmented by the weight of the operator and by an upward force provided by the operator's arms on the handle bars. Lever-type pedal arms having an up and down motion are employed and the pedal arms are coupled to the rear wheel by one or two flexible drive cables. The cables are wrapped about the rear wheel hub in unsecured relation thereto so that the bicycle may be moved backwardly without damage to the drive cable or to the wheel. The ends of the cables are tensioned to prevent the cables from becoming unwrapped from the rear wheel hub. Means are provided to permit disassembly of the steering assembly and the front wheel from the frame to provide for ease of carrying and storage of the vehicle when it is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Creative Motion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Titcomb
  • Patent number: 4350360
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a bicycle, which starting from a kit of components is very simple to mount, and which in mounted condition in spite of a low price produces a stable bicycle, which is resistant to rough handling and negligence, and which has the requirements for good functioning also after a long time of use.The assembly of bicycle components according to the invention comprises a frame member (1). Furthermore, the assembly comprises a front fork component (2), which is provided with a shank portion (18), which forms axially acting thrust stops (17, 19a) engaging the upper and lower ends respectively of the steering hub, one of the thrust stops being formed by outwards pointing spring pawls (19) adapted to directly or indirectly cam into the corresponding end portion of the steering hub by snap action when the shank portion is being inserted into the steering hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Inventors: Jan G. Olsson, Lars E. Samuelsson
  • Patent number: 4296940
    Abstract: A folding bicycle comprises a frame, a front wheel and handlebars at the front end of the frame, a chain-driven rear wheel at the rear end of the frame, and a saddle carried at an intermediate part of the frame. The frame comprises a base formed as generally-aligned end-to-end tie members pivotally connected at their adjacent ends to a bearing unit, an apex joint bracket which is connected to the remote ends of the tie members by pivotal front strut members and a rigid rear strut member, and a support member which extends from the bearing unit and through the apex joint bracket and carries said saddle. The frame is collapsible on raising the support member to move the bearing unit towards the apex joint bracket and so swing the front and rear wheels downwardly into positions alongside one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: Hugh G. Herbert
  • Patent number: 4284288
    Abstract: A portable folding bicycle for compact storage in a folded position utilizes a main frame having front and rear frame sections supporting front and rear wheels and hinged together for folding and positioning the wheels into compact side-by-side relationship. A seat structure is removably attached to the rear frame section and power transmission members such as crank assemblies, sprockets and a drive chain extend between the rear frame section and the rear wheel for causing powered rotation. The front frame section has at least one frame member defining a receptacle for receipt of the front wheel upon folding, and a steering assembly affixed thereto and including upper and lower end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Inventor: Roger G. Fulton
  • Patent number: 4268055
    Abstract: A fork assembly for use in removably mounting a pair of bicycle fork tubes having longitudinally extending upper and lower brackets on a fork mounting tube of a bicycle frame comprising an inner tube rotatably mounted within the fork mounting tube and a rod extending through the inner tube. The brackets have rearwardly extending slots through which the rod passes to engage the fork assembly. A lower spool on the rod is adapted to engage the under side of the lower bracket and an upper spool on the rod is adapted to engage the under side of the upper bracket. The spools are movable longitudinally with the rod within the inner tube. Spring means within the inner tube yieldingly urges the spools into engagememt with the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Inventor: Theodore F. Bell
  • Patent number: 4252335
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle using union coupling assemblies attached to bisected frame bars and a bisected handlebar gooseneck which allow the bicycle frame to be separated into two sections and the handlebars to be removed. The union coupling assemblies consist of a threaded memeber, a flanged member, and a threaded collar securing the threaded member to the flanged member. The handlebar gooseneck coupling assembly is further provided with an interlocking key to prevent relative rotation of the upper and lower sections. The end portions of the bisected frame bars and the bisected handlebar gooseneck to be joined are fitted within the interior of the union coupling assemblies which have an internal recess comprised of a cylindrical surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Inventor: Richard K. Brenner
  • Patent number: 4219209
    Abstract: A bicycle with an articulated frame is described for novelty riding use. A rider may manipulate a clutch while riding the bicycle to cause restraint to be removed from a joint joining front and rear frame portions of the bicycle and maneuver in such a way as to cause the two frame portions to be angularly aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Inventor: Frank P. Haack
  • Patent number: 4203612
    Abstract: A velocipede has a frame with front and rear frame parts interconnected by a coupling so that the velocipede may be collapsed for storage or shipment, and so that it may be converted into different forms such as a tricycle or a bicycle, for example. In the illustrated examples the velocipede has a typical chain drive including pedals on a crank journalled in a crank hanger tube which is part of the rear frame part. The coupling includes the crank hanger tube which is snugly received in an upwardly opening cradle forming part of the front frame part. A tab at the top of the rear of the cradle is received in a slot in the rear of the crank hanger tube, and the front of the tube carries an upwardly extending plate with an alignment guide received in a hole in an upwardly extending plate of the front of the cradle to maintain the front and rear frame parts in alignment crosswise of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Inventor: Roger H. Feikema
  • Patent number: 4202561
    Abstract: A collapsible wheeled vehicle having a frame which includes a head tube and bottom bracket interconnected by a down tube. A seat tube, chain stay and strut are pivotally mounted on the bottom bracket. A first cable is connected at one end to the head tube and extends to the end of the chain stay with the intermediate portion of the cable engaging the strut. A second cable is also connected to the head tube and chain stay at its opposite ends, and the intermediate portion of the second cable is connected to the seat tube. When the cables are detached from the strut and seat tube, the vehicle may be collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Inventor: Edward H. Yonkers
  • Patent number: 4198069
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle primarily useful for play purposes can be constructed so that it can be manipulated or folded between an open position in which the vehicle can be used and a folded, relatively flat position in which it can conveniently be shipped and stored. The vehicle described includes sides or side panels which are connected by a front hinge and which are also connected by back and bottom panels. These back and bottom panels are hinged relative to one another and relative to the sides so as to permit folding and unfolding. Preferably the front hinge has a pivot pin which carries one of the wheels used to support the vehicle and which also carries a handle used in steering the vehicle. Other wheels are provided on the extremities of the sides remote from the front hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Inventors: Edward D. O'Brian, William M. Plachy
  • Patent number: 4182522
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel folding bicycle in which the rear wheel is mounted in a rear frame hinged to the main frame of the bicycle so that the rear frame can be folded beneath the bicycle. The main frame is also provided with a hinge and the handlebars fold downwardly. Special quick release clamps are also provided for the various folding parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Inventor: Andrew W. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 4168846
    Abstract: A novel tricycle wherein a seat and rearward wheel assembly are movable together and are variably secured to a central frame section toward or away from the forward wheel and handlebars in order to accommodate various sizes of riders while maintaining the same weight distribution of riders with respect to the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1979
    Assignee: PCA Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Carren
  • Patent number: 4165093
    Abstract: A three-point cambering vehicle having an upright steering frame supporting a steerable contact and a pair of rearwardly positioned and laterally spaced contacts which are connected to the steering frame through spring means for allowing cambering of the vehicle when the operator leans into a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Biskup
  • Patent number: 4132428
    Abstract: This invention teaches a foldable bicycle divided into a front frame part and a rear frame part. The front frame part and the rear frame part are hingedly and slideably connected together. A front fork and steering assembly is hingedly connected to the front frame part. A saddle supporting assembly is hingedly connected to the rear frame part. Locking structures are provided in operative association with each of the hinged connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Assignee: A. Lassiere Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Lassiere
  • Patent number: 4123079
    Abstract: A three-point cambering vehicle having an upright steering frame supporting a steerable contact and a pair of rearwardly positioned and laterally spaced contacts which are connected to the steering frame through spring means for allowing cambering of the vehicle when the operator leans into a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Biskup
  • Patent number: 4111447
    Abstract: This invention, which provides a folding bicycle, comprises a foldable frame structure including a front support assembly having handlebars and arranged to be rearwardly foldable. According to the invention, the user can very quickly and easily fold the bicycle by manually rearwardly folding the front support assembly which includes upper and lower sections interconnected by a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Ishida