Extensible And Knockdown Patents (Class 280/287)
  • Patent number: 8894084
    Abstract: A vehicle having a front wheel, a main frame member and a rear wheel assembly including a rear wheel is configured for conversion between expanded and folded arrangements. A hinge coupling enables relative pivoting of forward and rearward portions of the main frame member about a main frame pivot axis extending at an acute angle relative to a rear vertical transverse plane and at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane. A rear wheel assembly hinge is configured to allow the rear wheel assembly to pivot relative to the main frame member within a vertical plane coincident with the rear vertical longitudinal plane. The front vertical longitudinal plane and the rear vertical longitudinal plane are spaced apart and approximately parallel, in the folded arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Fook Fah Yap
  • Patent number: 8887852
    Abstract: A foldable scooter has a first frame section hingedly connected to a second frame section and supported by front and rear wheels, and a locking organ for locking the foldable scooter in an unfolded state. Two longitudinally extending, spaced-apart shield elements extend upward from the second frame section. When folded, tops of the first and second frame sections face each other, with the at least one rear wheel between sides defined by the shield elements. The front wheel(s) is (are) steerable, but can be pivoted to a location at least partially between the sides defined by the shield elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Trikelet B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius Bernardus Schaap
  • Patent number: 8876128
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Publication number: 20140319800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal folding system for bicycles that comprise at least: handlebars including a locking element, a partition and a release button; a saddle pillar with a reinforcement and a female connector; a foot rest; a main bar; an anchor; a central bar which can pivot in relation to the main bar and is arched with a C-shaped cross-section; and a fork that can include foldable pedals. In addition, the invention comprises a chain wheel, an integral shifter, a drive belt, a luggage rack, saddle-bags/bag and, optionally, an i-phone holder and decorative elements. The system is characterised in that the longitudinal plane of the main bar is parallel to that defined by the rear wheel, but shifted slightly in relation thereto in order to prevent interference between the main bar and the rear wheel during folding. The bar, the handlebars and the fork pivot about an axis until the fork is positioned next to the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Rafael Marin Garrido
  • Patent number: 8864159
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a first frame section carrying a handle bar assembly and a front wheel assembly; a second frame section carrying a crank unit and a rear wheel assembly; a first primary connecting arm carried by said first frame section being received into a second primary connecting arm carried by said second frame section, wherein said first primary connecting arm is telescopically carried by said second primary connecting arm for extending and retracting said first frame section relative to said second frame section; a mounting plate included in said second frame section extending over said rear wheel assembly; a plate suspension member included in said second frame section connecting said mounting plate to said rear wheel assembly for controlling relative motion between said mounting plate and said rear wheel assembly. A rider platform is carried by said mounting plate for accommodating a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Scolari
  • Publication number: 20140265233
    Abstract: A wheel converting mechanism for a child vehicle having a wheel includes an elongate body having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, wherein the third portion of the elongate body is configured to be coupled to the wheel of the child vehicle. The first portion and second portion are coupled together through a pivot joint that allows the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion about a pivot axis defined by the pivot joint. Additionally, the second portion and the third portion are coupled together through a swivel joint that allows the third portion to rotate relative to the second portion about a swivel axis defined by the swivel joint. A method of moving a wheel of a child vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Donald K. Jessie, JR., Andrew Bean
  • Publication number: 20140265232
    Abstract: A shifting machine structure contains: a base unit, a seat unit, a hydraulic unit, a cushion support unit, a rod unit, and a control handle unit. Thereby, a pressing pedal and a releasing pedal of the hydraulic unit are pedaled to move the elderly or patients toward a desired position by using the base unit, the seat unit, the hydraulic unit, the cushion support unit, the rod unit, and the control handle unit, thus obtaining delivery safety and convenience. In addition, a copper sleeve and a copper piece of each of plural shafts of the seat unit rub with each other so as to enhance rigidity and durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jin-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 8833786
    Abstract: An apparatus including an upper post, a main post, a control tube, a tension spring, and a hydraulic reset. The upper post can include a compression spring. The main post can be configured to telescopically mate with the upper post. The control tube can be rotably coupled to the main post. The tension spring can be configured to pull the upper post to the main post. The hydraulic reset can be configured to compress the compression spring. The upper post and the control tube can be configured to selectively lock the upper post to the control tube at at least two positions. In a first position of the control tube, the control tube can be configured to engage the compression spring. In a second position of the control tube, the control tube can be configured to disengage the compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: David Camp, Jose Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20140239611
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a quickly foldable bicycle. A front arm and an intermediate arm are hinged together; the intermediate arm is fixed on the intermediate tube; a rear fork is hinged on the intermediate tube or on the intermediate arm; a seat tube is slidably sleeved inside the intermediate tube; a connecting rod seat is provided at a lower end of the seat tube; a first joint bearing at the front end of the front connecting rod is connected to a fixing seat at a lower side of the front arm; a second joint bearing at the rear end of the front connecting rod is connected to the connecting rod seat; and two ends of the rear connecting rod are hinged to the rear fork and the connecting rod seat respectively. The bicycle can be folded quickly, has a firm structure, is easy to produce and is eye-pleasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: DAHON TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Xinxing He, Hanxin Zheng
  • Patent number: 8814195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding bicycle assisted by an electric motor, comprising a frame with a down tube (4) with a back end with a seat tube (7) and a front end with a steering tube (10) housing a stem (9) connected in the upper zone to a handlebar (101) and in the lower zone to a front fork (11), a back fork (2) coupled to the back end of the down tube (4), a folding mechanism which allows folding the bicycle (1) about an articulating pin (12) to at least one folded position, and a locking mechanism for keeping the bicycle in said folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Beistegui Hermanos, S.L.
    Inventors: José Luis Beistegui Chirapozu, Javier Cuñado Landa
  • Patent number: 8801022
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle capable of allowing the user to conveniently fold the bicycle, and having a minimal volume in a folded state is disclosed. The folding type bicycle includes a frame including a front frame, to which a front wheel and a handle are mounted, a center frame, to which pedals are mounted, and a rear frame, to which a rear wheel is mounted. At least one of the front, center, and rear frames includes a hinge plate bent from one end of the at least one frame. The front, center, and rear frames are pivotally coupled through the hinge plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Joon Kyu Song
  • Publication number: 20140217698
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers
  • Patent number: 8794653
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle including a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, and a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, wherein the hinge device comprises a hinge shaft configured to rotatably connect the front frame, the center frame and the rear from to one another at a central portion of the hinge shaft, an operating lever provided at an end portion of the hinge shaft, and a locking pin member provided while being spaced apart from the hinge shaft to fix an unfolded state of the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame in accordance with pivoting of the operating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Jeong Rae Kim, Chang Bok Ko
  • Patent number: 8794652
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting dissimilar materials is described. In one embodiment, the system may be used to produce a break apart frame that includes a first section and a second part which is disengagably connected to the first part by fastening members. The first part includes a head tube, a top tube and a down tube. The second section includes a bottom bracket, a seat tube, a pair of seat stays and a pair of chain stays. A connection tube extends from the bottom bracket so as to be disengagably connected to the down tube. An end tube is connected to the seat tube and disengagably connected to the seat tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ritchey Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ritchey
  • Patent number: 8794654
    Abstract: A folding balance bike includes a frame, a front wheel assembly pivotally mounted on one end of the frame, and a rear wheel assembly pivotally mounted on the other end of the frame opposite to the front wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly is pivotable with respect to the frame to steer the folding balance bike. The rear wheel assembly is pivotable with respect to and able to be received into the frame to adjust a wheelbase of the folding balance bike to cause the folding balance bike to be operable between an operative state and a stored state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Wang-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8789840
    Abstract: A folding bicycle and method for folding the folding bicycle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Priest, Warren Fu, Julian Casablancas
  • Patent number: 8746730
    Abstract: A foldable frame includes first and second upper bars, first and second lower bars, and first and second pin joint pieces. The first and second pin joint pieces are respectively provided with first and second pin joint holes. The first and second lower bars are respectively fixed with the first and second pin joint pieces. The first pin joint piece is pin-jointed with the second pin joint piece through the first pin joint hole, and end surfaces of the first and second pin joint pieces respectively abut against end portions of the second and first lower bars. Two ends of the first upper bar are respectively pin-jointed with an upper end of a front wheel support and at the second pin joint hole of the second pin joint piece. Two ends of the second upper bar are respectively pin-jointed with a rear wheel support and at the second pin joint hole of the first pin joint piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dongguan Prestige Sporting Products Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chun Wu, Zhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8720927
    Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle having a spine frame, supported by a rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels, and supporting a recumbent seat pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom extends forwardly of the spine and supports a pedal crank assembly. The front wheels each support a lateral arm with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection attached at the proximal end. A pivot connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom to fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, a clamp arrests the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
  • Patent number: 8720918
    Abstract: A foldable scooter includes a pedal, front and rear wheel assemblies, a riser and two handlebars. The pedal includes front and rear parts hinged together and has a latch rod at an underside thereof to prevent the two parts from rotating toward each other. The front and rear parts respectively have a front shaft and a rear shaft extended in a front-rear direction along the pedal. The front wheel assembly includes a head tube, a front fork, a front wheel and a connecting base positioned to a rear side of the head tube and the front shaft. A positioning lever between the connecting base and the front part secures the front wheel assembly. The rear wheel assembly is positioned to the rear shaft, and a locking mechanism between the rear wheel assembly and the rear part prevents them from rotating relative to each other about the rear shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Xin Xin Li Bicycle Fittings (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsueh Tsan Liao
  • Patent number: 8714292
    Abstract: A motorized wheeled chair assembly facilitates movement by a person while seated on a chair. The assembly includes a frame and a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame. A seat and a motor are coupled to the frame. The motor is operationally coupled to one of the wheels defining a motorized wheel wherein the motor rotates the motorized wheel. A handle is coupled to the frame by an arm having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end removably coupled to the frame. A motor control is coupled to the handle and operationally coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Keith K. Wong
  • Patent number: 8714576
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Publication number: 20140117644
    Abstract: A wheelchair having two metastable positions. The wheelchair comprises a seat, a carriage, and a coupling. The seat comprises a seat frame having a front seat coupling axle and a rear seat coupling axle, and a flexible material coupled to the seat frame that transfers a weight of a user to the seat frame. The carriage comprises a front carriage coupling axle and a rear carriage coupling axle. The coupling comprises a right front tubular support, a left front tubular support, a right rear tubular support, and a left rear tubular support coupled by pivots to the axles of the seat and carriage. The tubular supports form two double rocker mechanisms, each double rocker mechanism constrained by stops to a range of rocking motion between a first metastable position and a second metastable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Dave Paul
  • Publication number: 20140097594
    Abstract: A foldable tricycle includes a first frame, a second frame movably coupled to the first frame, and a seat for supporting a rider, wherein the seat operates as an actuator for moving the first and second frames relative to each other. Additionally, a method of handling a foldable tricycle movable between a first position and a second position includes applying a force to the seat of the tricycle, wherein the applied force on the seat causes the tricycle to move from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: HUFFY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas Barchek, Jason Jewell, Andrew Bean, Donald K. Jessie, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140076649
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle is disclosed. The disclosed folding type bicycle includes a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, the hinge device comprising a front hinge member provided at the front frame, a center hinge member provided at the center frame, and a rear hinge member provided at the rear frame, a hinge shaft centrally provided at the hinge device, a front rim provided at the front hinge member, a center rim provided at the center hinge member and a rear rim provided at the rear hinge member, and rolling members to enable rolling-contact among the front, center and rear rims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeong Rae KIM, Chang Bok KO
  • Patent number: 8672336
    Abstract: The automatic scooter unlocking mechanism is an improvement to existing folding kick scooter designs whereby vertical movement of a telescoping handlebar automatically causes rotation, and a corresponding unlocking, of a scooter footboard latch. The inventive mechanism places an extension on to the rotating handle of the footboard latch and places the distal end of the extension in such a location so as to contact a protuberance located on the sliding portion of the telescoping handlebar. During contact, the extension is deflected and the handle of the footboard latch rotates and unlocks, allowing for free rotation of the scooter footboard between folded and unfolded states. The inventive mechanism can be integral to a kick scooter design or can take the form of a system that can be installed on to a pre-existing kick scooter in an aftermarket fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Hughesdon Turner, Ryan Patrick Murphy
  • Patent number: 8646801
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Publication number: 20130328285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device (5) for locking together a first tube (2) and a second tube (3), the first tube being slidably received in the second tube, the locking device comprising at least one rod (10) mounted to move into two positions and a cam system made up of at least two cams (6, 7, 8, 9) that are mounted on the first tube to pivot either into a first position in which the cams are not in contact with the second tube and allow the first tube to slide inside the second tube, or into a second position in which each of the cams exerts pressure on the inside face of the second tube and prevents the first tube from sliding inside the second tube. The rod is assembled with the cam system and is configured so that it at least moves the cams into their first position, a repositioning system being configured to return said cams into their second position. The invention also relates to a bicycle (1) equipped with such a locking device (5) arranged between a saddle post (2) and a saddle tube (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Fabien Frohlicher, Tony Marais, Pierre-Louis Bassetti
  • Patent number: 8602435
    Abstract: A bicycle frame hinge is provided having a lower and upper portion. The lower and upper portions being movable with respect to each other in both translation and rotation when in a storage condition, and are locked with respect to each other to prevent both translation and rotation when in a riding condition. The lower and upper portions are configured to form an internal cable passage way when the bicycle frame is in the riding condition, and when the bicycle frame is in the storage condition. The lower portion comprises two interlocking features, and the upper portion comprises two interlocking features configured to engage with the interlocking features of the lower portion when the bicycle frame is in the riding condition. A clamping mechanism is disposed between the two interlocking features of the lower and upper portions, the clamping mechanism configured to clamp the upper and lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cycling Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Philip Dodman, Torgny Fjeldskaar
  • Patent number: 8602436
    Abstract: Foldable bicycle including a first frame part (1) that supports the front wheel (4) and a second frame part (2) that supports the rear wheel (5), joined together by a joint (3) with a single geometrical rotation axis (X1) tilted with respect to the direction perpendicular to the bicycle's longitudinal plane. The joint (3) is an annular joint in the form of a ring that delimits an inner free space (6) that is wide enough to receive the hand of an adult, so that it forms a handle which is pulled upwards to produce the movement from the bicycle's unfolded position to the bicycle's folded position thanks to the actual weight of the bicycle and the relative rotation of the two frame parts (1, 2) around the geometrical rotation axis (X1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Joaquín Montero Basqueseaux
  • Publication number: 20130306392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable scooter capable of being in a first, unfolded state for transporting a person and in a second, folded state, the foldable scooter comprising a frame having a base comprising a first face capable of serving as a footrest and a second face opposite of the first face, at least one rear wheel being provided at said second face of the base; the foldable scooter further comprising a steering organ and at least one front wheel attached to the steering organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Antonius Bernardus SCHAAP
  • Publication number: 20130292197
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a quadrilateral frame to be utilized by a two-wheeled vehicle. The quadrilateral frame may include front and rear vertical assemblies, top and bottom collapsible horizontal assemblies, the horizontal assemblies to collapse vertically. By collapsing the horizontal assemblies of the quadrilateral frame, it is to be understood that the space occupied by the vehicle when it is not in use is significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Scott Lananna, Isao Takezawa
  • Publication number: 20130270793
    Abstract: A detachable top tube assembly includes inner and outer tube members telescopically received by one another. Each inner and outer tube member includes one or more of an elliptical cross-sectional shape or is arced along a longitudinal axis thereof to prevent rotation of the inner and outer tube members relative to one another. Each of a pair of yoke assemblies is disposed at opposite ends of the inner and outer tube members and include a rotatable gate assembly for opening and closing the yoke assemblies. A pair of spring biased members is provided for engagement with the rotatable gate assemblies to maintain the gate assemblies in a closed position. A pair of button covers is provided for depressably engaging each spring biased member so to allow the gate assemblies to be rotated relative to a respective inner and outer tube member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mitchell P. Pomerantz, James T. Stevens, Joseph R. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8556284
    Abstract: A modular bicycle comprising a first section having a front frame section and a first tire, a second section being couplable to the first section and comprising a central frame, and a third section being couplable to the second section and the first section, with the third section comprising a rear frame section, a second tire, and a handle bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: A-Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Appleman
  • Publication number: 20130249189
    Abstract: A bicycle having a frame with two sections spaced apart at a distance, one section a left and one a right section, three connection respectively for a saddle, crank and front fork connected to the left and right sections. A rear fork is connected to the frame by a rotatable connection having an axis, and the rear fork can rotate from an extended position to a folded position where a wheel affixed to the rear fork inserts between the left and right sections. The rear fork may also have a series of links and a shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Mauro Falzari
  • Patent number: 8528928
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle including a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, the hinge device comprising a front hinge member provided at the front frame, a center hinge member provided at the center frame, and a rear hinge member provided at the rear frame, and a hinge shaft configured to support a front hub, which is provided at a center of the front hinge member, a center hub, which is provided at a center of the center hinge member, and a rear hub, which is provided at a center of the rear hinge member, the hinge shaft passing through the front hub, the center hub and the rear hub, wherein the hinge shaft enables the supporting on at least two positions that are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the hinge shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Jeong Rae Kim, Chang Bok Ko
  • Publication number: 20130228996
    Abstract: A reinforcing and locking device for vehicle frame includes a reinforcing component (2), a connecting component and a locking component, the vehicle frame comprises a beam (1) and a seat tube (3). The beam (1) can be folded into at least two segments (11, 12). A hinge axle (81), through which various segments of the vehicle beam (1) are hinged with each other, is provided vertically. The reinforcing component (2) is connected to the beam (1) and the seat tube (3). The seat tube (3) is provided with a connecting component. A front end of the reinforcing component (2) is hinged with a front segment (11) of the beam (1), and a rear end of the reinforcing component (2) is connected with the seat tube (3) through the connecting component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: DAHON TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Zheng Li, Yiping Mo
  • Patent number: 8523212
    Abstract: A cycle (1) for use by a rider (11) over a terrain surface (36). The cycle (1) includes a frame (2) having front (3) and rear (4) portions; a seat (13); a front wheel (5) rotatable about a primary axis (17) and attached to a steering member (7); a steering mechanism (8) coupled to the steering member (7); a rear wheel (6), rotatably attached to the rear frame portion (4); a drive mechanism (21 or 88) operatively coupled to the front (5) and/or rear (6) wheel; at least one footrest (12, 92) on the front wheel (5). The steering member (7) is pivotally attached to the front frame portion (3) for rotation about a secondary axis (15) orthogonal to the primary axis (17). The cycle (1) is configured such that a rider (11) can be seated on the seat (13) in operative contact with the steering mechanism (7) when the cycle (1) is in motion, while permitting both feet of the seated rider (11) to reach the terrain surface (36) when the cycle (1) is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Projectgarlic Limited
    Inventors: Grant James Ryan, Peter Lloyd Higgins, Caleb Peter Smith
  • Patent number: 8523213
    Abstract: An adult scale three-wheeled device facilitates movement for mobility challenged persons. The device is foot propelled while seated either through walking while seated or pedaling. The device is provided with a limited footprint for navigating confined areas while the individual is seated in a substantially standing position, with the pedals being repositionable so as to allow unobstructed walking while remaining seated. A lockable braking system prevents one or more wheels from turning. The device is collapsible for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Raphael
  • Patent number: 8517406
    Abstract: A movable vehicle includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and a biasing mechanism. The first frame member includes a front wheel and a handlebar configured to turn the front wheel in various directions. The second frame member has at least one rear wheel and is coupled to the first frame member such that the first frame member can rotate with respect to the second frame member. The biasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the first and second frame members and biases the front wheel in a preferred direction, such as a straight direction. The biasing mechanism may include a resilient gasket and a cavity having at least partially corresponding polygonal cross sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Diekman, Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8511655
    Abstract: A seat post is disclosed. The seat post includes a pneumatic cylinder, a hollow pneumatic piston, a gap, a seal, a hydraulic cylinder, a hollow hydraulic piston, and a valve. The gap exists between the pneumatic cylinder and the pneumatic piston and communicates with the inside of the pneumatic piston. The seal is disposed at the pneumatic cylinder for sealing the gap. The hydraulic cylinder is disposed in the pneumatic piston and communicates with the inside of the pneumatic piston. One end of the hydraulic piston passes through pneumatic piston and is inserted into the hydraulic cylinder. The other end is disposed in the pneumatic cylinder and communicates with the inside of the pneumatic cylinder. The valve connects the pneumatic piston and the hydraulic cylinder for opening or closing the communication between the pneumatic piston and the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Durashox Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yan-Ting Wu
  • Patent number: 8505945
    Abstract: A human-powered scooter propelled by side-to-side movement of the user. The scooter has a steering mechanism coupled to a front wheel, and two frame arms pivotably coupled to the steering mechanism and extending rearward, to which two rear wheels are respectively coupled. A novel linking piece such as a mechanical plate member coupled to the steering mechanism can releasable engage with the frame arms in order to restrict their pivoting to equal magnitude in opposite directions. The linking piece can also disengage from the frame arms to allow the frame arms to be folded up. The pivoting axes of the two frame arms are predetermined such that, when folded, the frame arms are as near as possible to being parallel to a main steering control shaft of the steering mechanism. A mechanism for directly braking at least one of the rear wheels is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8490985
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a kick scooter comprising of 4 main assemblies: a center deck, a front wheel assembly, a rear wheel assembly, and a handle assembly, where these 4 assemblies have means to be easily and quickly separated from, and attached to, each other. The scooter allows the user to collapse the whole scooter into a compact volume so that it can be carried in a small backpack and be able to be reassembled for use in a few seconds and without any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Sergio Landau
  • Patent number: 8480113
    Abstract: The teaching provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Patent number: 8464609
    Abstract: An articulable crankset for converting a pedal-powered vehicle into a push-powered vehicle is provided. The articulable crankset can be in a retracted position to provide at least less of an obstruction to a user's legs during use of the push-powered vehicle than a non-retractable crankset. The vehicle can be a bicycle, and the articulable crankset can be a component of a production bicycle or a component of a conversion kit that will convert a bicycle from a pedal-powered bicycle to a convertible bicycle that can also function as a push-powered bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Kroozn, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kinting Shiu, Vanessa Chen-Hwa Shiu
  • Patent number: 8459678
    Abstract: A folding vehicle having a chassis that functions as a protective, carry-on casing is provided. The vehicle has a chassis with a center member, a rotatably-lockable front strut, a rotatably-lockable rear strut, and two pivot points for converting the vehicle from an operational state to a collapsed state; and, a drive member with a crankshaft. The crankshaft and the rotatably-lockable front strut pivot share a central axis of rotation; and, the releasably-lockable front strut and the releasably-lockable rear strut are configured to fold into a complementary relationship in the interior of the channel in the collapsed state. The channel functions as a protective, carry-on case for the folding vehicle in the collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Patent number: 8448971
    Abstract: There is provided a seat anti-theft assembly for use with a bicycle frame, the seat anti-theft assembly comprising a sleeve having a closed end, an open end and a sleeve chamber extending therebetween, the sleeve being mounted to the bicycle frame; a seat post having a seat end configured for receiving a seat thereon and an opposed engaging end adapted for engaging the sleeve chamber through the open end; a compartment mounted to the bicycle frame, the compartment having therein a compartment cavity in communication with a hollow lower portion of the bicycle frame, the compartment further having an access opening therein sized and shaped to allow access to the compartment cavity; a first stopping member mounted in the sleeve chamber; and a second stopping member associated with the seat post, the second stopping member being configured for cooperating with the first stopping member to allow slidable movement of the seat post along a restricted path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Societe de Velo en Libre-Service
    Inventor: Michel Giroux
  • Publication number: 20130119634
    Abstract: An apparatus including an upper post, a main post, a control tube, a tension spring, and a hydraulic reset. The upper post can include a compression spring. The main post can be configured to telescopically mate with the upper post. The control tube can be rotably coupled to the main post. The tension spring can be configured to pull the upper post to the main post. The hydraulic reset can be configured to compress the compression spring. The upper post and the control tube can be configured to selectively lock the upper post to the control tube at at least two positions. In a first position of the control tube, the control tube can be configured to engage the compression spring. In a second position of the control tube, the control tube can be configured to disengage the compression spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: David Camp, Jose Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20130119635
    Abstract: Foldable bicycle comprising a first frame part (1) that supports the front wheel (4) and a second frame part (2) that supports the rear wheel (5), joined together by a joint (3) with a single geometrical rotation axis (X1) tilted with respect to the direction perpendicular to the bicycle's longitudinal plane. The joint (3) is an annular joint in the form of a ring that delimits an inner free space (6) that is wide enough to receive the hand of an adult, so that it forms a handle which is pulled upwards to produce the movement from the bicycle's unfolded position to the bicycle's folded position thanks to the actual weight of the bicycle and the relative rotation of the two frame parts (1, 2) around the geometrical rotation axis (X1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Joaquín Montero Basqueseaux
  • Publication number: 20130093161
    Abstract: A system of folding mechanical components comprises a bearing ball, a stationary body defining at least one concave recess sized to receive at least a portion of the bearing ball, a rotatable body rotatably coupled to the stationary body and one or more button members. The rotatable body defines two channels therein, and one or more button members are sized to be disposed in the channels. Each button member defines a recess with a rounded concave portion sized to receive at least a portion of the bearing ball. In a locked position the bearing ball contacts the sloped recess of the stationary body. In an unlocked position the bearing ball contacts the rounded concave portions of the button members and has relatively more contact with the concave recess of the stationary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Studio Moderna SA
    Inventors: Zdenko Savsek, Ales Vozelj
  • Publication number: 20130087989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding bicycle assisted by an electric motor, comprising a frame with a down tube (4) with a back end with a seat tube (7) and a front end with a steering tube (10) housing a stem (9) connected in the upper zone to a handlebar (101) and in the lower zone to a front fork (11), a back fork (2) coupled to the back end of the down tube (4), a folding mechanism which allows folding the bicycle (1) about an articulating pin (12) to at least one folded position, and a locking mechanism for keeping the bicycle in said folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: BEISTEGUI HERMANOS, S.L.
    Inventor: BEISTEGUI HERMANOS, S.L.