Extensible And Knockdown Patents (Class 280/287)
  • Publication number: 20080309046
    Abstract: A person carrying vehicle includes a main frame, a seat pivoted on the main frame, a front frame, an articulate supporting member connecting the main frame and the front frame, and a telescopic steering mechanism pivoted on the front frame; by means of pivoting supporting rods of the seat downwards, folding the articulate supporting member as well as shorting and pivoting the steering mechanism, the vehicle can be reduced into a not-in-use configuration, wherein the supporting rods and a seat pad are received in a hollow holding portion of the main frame, a footrest board of the front frame hidden under the main frame, and a tube part of the steering mechanism is received in grooves on the seat; the vehicle has a lift handle at a front, and auxiliary casters at a rear, which are used for the vehicle to be moved in a sloping position on the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Arthur Wang
  • Publication number: 20080303243
    Abstract: Collapsible bicycle frame with an elongate tubular rigid seat post holding member, an elongate tubular rigid front fork holding member and an elongate tubular first rear fork and crank holding member. A slidable clevis joint holding the rear fork holding member to the front fork holding member. A clevis joint holds the seat post holding member to the front fork holding member. A clevis joint holds the lower end of the seat post holding member to a second rear fork member. The first rear fork holding member includes a standard crank holding aperture. The front fork holding member terminates at its top most point in a standard handle bar receiving aperture. The seat post holding member includes a lockable tubular extension member that can slidably retain a standard bicycle seat post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Francis Ying
  • Patent number: 7451848
    Abstract: A foldable personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising first and second units having first and second wheels being rotatable about first and second axles. A drive unit rotates the second wheel for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle. A pivot disposed substantially parallel to the first and second axles pivotably connects the first unit to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle. The foldable personal mobility vehicle may include a folding unit for automatically folding the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Flowers, George G. Flowers, Stephen Jarema, III, Edward J. Dwyer, Jr., Lee Volpe, Alex He, Robert C. Hopely, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080277901
    Abstract: A folding tricycle (1) for children comprises a frame (2) having a central part (3) carrying at its front a head tube (5) and connected at its rear to first ends (11) of rear arms (12) carrying a corresponding rotatable wheel (14), the first end (11) of said arms (12) being hinged to said central part (3) such as to be able to assume at least two working positions, in a first position said arms (12) extending from said central part (3) and in a second position they ling along the side of said part (3). The central part (3) of the frame (2) comprises a portion (17) connecting it to the arms (12) and presenting free surfaces (16) lying in planes inclined to a central plane (W) of the frame (2) and converging to the front said central part (3) of this latter, said first end (11) of said arms (12) being shaped to provide a form fit with said free surfaces (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ARTSANA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Catelli, Michele Catelli
  • Patent number: 7445224
    Abstract: A folding bicycle includes a frame (10) with a main member (11) extending in the fore and aft direction of the bicycle and a rear wheel assembly (19) in the region of a rearward end of the member (11). The assembly (19) is pivotably connected with the frame to be movable between a use position in which a rear wheel (20) of the assembly in side elevation of the bicycle is disposed rearwardly of the frame and a folded position in which the wheel in the side elevation is disposed partly alongside the main member (10). A pivot connection allowing lateral redisposition of the wheel in this manner can have the form of a hinge (31) with a horizontal axis inclined relative to the vertical longitudinal plane of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: ATB Sales Limited
    Inventor: Jon Frank Ross Whyte
  • Patent number: 7438306
    Abstract: A motorcycle fork rake extension kit provides an increased fork rake without welding and maintains a favorable trail. The extension kit includes an upper adapter block fixedly attached to an upper end of a steering head of a motorcycle frame and a lower adapter block fixedly attached to a lower end of the steering head of the motorcycle frame. Triple trees are rotatably attached to triple tree ends of the adapter blocks through steering head bearings. The triple tree ends of the adapter blocks are spaced away from the frame, the lower adapter block having a greater spacing to increase fork rake. The lower triple tree may further space the fork tubes forward to further increase fork rake. In a preferred embodiment, approximately 45 degrees of rake is provided with favorable trail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew Mrdeza, Joseph Gschweng
  • Publication number: 20080164675
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Pei-Chuan MA
  • Patent number: 7367576
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a head strut, a seat strut, and first and second bracing struts pivotally mounted to one another about four pivot axes such that lifting of a pivot joint of the first and second bracing struts towards the head strut results in turning of the first and second bracing struts to bring the bicycle into a folded position, where front and rear wheels are closer to each other and are held in tandem. A locking member is disposed to releasably lock the second bracing strut from turning relative to the first bracing strut when the bicycle is in a position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Liang-Fong Pan
  • Publication number: 20080088113
    Abstract: This invention relates a method and device for joining structural members together, in a substantially transverse or in-line orientation, without the use of tools. The preferred embodiment can be used to join the structural members of a bicycle frame together, forming one or more sub-assemblies that can be easily disassembled or knocked down by hand for fast and easy shipping or storage. The current state of the art with knockdown bicycle frames requires detailed knowledge of bicycle assembly and components as well as a substantial amount of time to do so. My invention does not require the use of specific tools and allows the novice to knockdown and re-assemble a bicycle frame in a few minutes, providing a quick, simple, and affordable way to temporarily store, ship, or travel with a bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Jesse M. Menayan
  • Patent number: 7347438
    Abstract: The present invention includes a front fork assembly for a cycle. The assembly includes a steering tube, front furcations fixed to the steering tube, and a drop-out bracket device fixed to a distal end of each front furcation. The drop-out bracket device has a tubular member having multiple drop-out brackets directed towards a front side of the cycle, a back side of the cycle, or both. Each drop-out bracket has a substantially planar fastening member and an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: James C. Raddin
  • Publication number: 20080067779
    Abstract: The disclosed folding mechanism comprises a rear frame member of a bicycle, which has a combining structure positioned at a front portion thereof, wherein the combining structure includes a first joining surface; a front frame member of the bicycle, which has a second joining surface positioned at a rear portion thereof for being joined with the first joining surface; at least one pivot structure, which is provided at an edge of the combining structure for connecting the front frame member, such that the front and rear frame members can relatively move on the pivot structure; and at least one binder, which is deposited at the combining structure of the rear frame member and a position on the front frame member adjacent to the combining structure for fixing the second joining surface of the front frame member and the first joining surface of the rear frame member at a combining position where the two joining surfaces contact mutually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Alfred Huang, Wen-Pin Chiu, Yung-Chen Lai, Yu-Che Huang
  • Patent number: 7341268
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a front frame, a rear frame, two seat plates, a middle frame, a seat post, and a handlebar unit. Thus, when the bicycle is folded, the front frame, the middle frame and the rear frame are parallel with other, and the handlebar unit is folded, so that the parts of the bicycle are fully folded to reduce the volume largely, thereby greatly saving the space of storage and transportation, and thereby facilitating a user carrying the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Wang-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 7341270
    Abstract: A rear rack for a folding bicycle. The rear rack includes right and left chassis bars and a support platform positioned above the chassis bars. Rear support struts are pivotally attached at their upper ends to the chassis bars adjacent their outer ends, the support struts having lower ends adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear dropout of a folding bicycle. Forward support struts are pivotally attached at their upper ends to the support platform adjacent its inner end, the lower ends adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear dropout. The forward support struts are releasably locked to the chassis bars when the rear rack is erected for carrying a load. A rear support strut is pivotally attached to the chassis bars adjacent their outer ends, and pivotally attached to the support platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: N. Hanz Scholz
  • Patent number: 7314226
    Abstract: Provided is a folding bicycle comprising two auxiliary rear wheels at both sides of a rear wheel; a seat including a seat tube extended downward; a first crossbar having a front end pivotably connected to a lower portion of a handle above a front wheel, and a rear end fixedly connected to an intermediate portion of the seat tube; a pair of second crossbars having two front ends pivotably connected to an intermediate portion of the handle, and two rear ends fixedly connected to both ends of an hub of the rear wheel. The first crossbar passes an intermediate portion of the second crossbar and is pivotably connected thereto. A flexible shock absorbing means is provided at a joining portion of the seat tube and the second crossbars. The shock absorbing means is adapted to elastically deform when a downward force is exerted on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Yu-Tu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7306206
    Abstract: Adjustable height bicycle seat mounting assemblies, bikes using such assemblies, and methods of use are provided. One such adjustable height bicycle seat mounting assembly includes first and second tubes in telescoping arrangement. The first tube is adapted to be coupled to a bicycle frame and the second tube is adapted to be coupled to a bicycle seat. A bulkhead is disposed in one of the first and second tubes. The bulkhead has an orifice therethrough, with a rod extending through the orifice and coupled to a movement device disposed near an end of the second tube. The first and second tubes are axially adjustable relative to one another by regulating a flow of a fluid disposed in the first and second tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Maverick American LLC
    Inventor: Paul H. Turner
  • Patent number: 7306249
    Abstract: A folding collapsible bicycle, which includes a front connecting bar pivoted to the bicycle frame and locked by a lock to hold a front fork, a retractable fork tube hinged to the front fork and locked thereto with a lock screw to hold two collapsible handlebars, and a seat pillar holder pivoted to the bicycle frame at the top and locked thereto with a lock to support a seat pillar and a saddle on the seat pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Wang-On Kwok, Pui Yee Noel Lo
  • Patent number: 7300066
    Abstract: A folding frame for a tricycle, scooter or child's bicycle has a front frame part on which the front wheels can be mounted and a rear frame part on which the rear wheels can be mounted. A swivelling joint with a front articulated part is mounted on the front frame part and a rear articulated part is mounted on the rear frame part. The first of the two articulated parts has a first recess and the second of the two articulated parts has a second and third recess. The first recess and the second recess are in alignment in the use position of use and the first recess and the third recess are aligned in the folded position. The first articulated part and the second articulated part are locked against one another in the use position and in the folded position via a pin which can be moved in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Heinz Kettler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karin Kettler, legal representative, Joachim Kettler, Reinhold Rocholl, Heinz Kettler, deceased
  • Patent number: 7290780
    Abstract: A folding bicycle comprises a support assembly pivotably connected to a portion of a head tube below a lower enlargement above a front wheel; and a rear wheel assembly comprising a front end pivotably connected to a quick release slidable along the head tube, an intermediate enhancement including a padded cross bar interconnected its right and left portions, an intermediate point pivotably connected to an intermediate point of the support assembly, and two auxiliary wheels fixedly connected to both ends of a hub of a rear wheel as kickstand. Unfastening and sliding the quick release the quick release upward until being stopped by a stop fixedly connected to handlebars, and fastening the quick release will fold the bicycle. Alternatively, unfastening and sliding the quick release downward until being stopped by the enlargement, and fastening the quick release will unfold the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Yu-Tu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7290956
    Abstract: A securing apparatus that releasably secures two or more mechanical elements is provided. The securing apparatus may be attached to one mechanical element and include abutment surfaces that abut at least one additional mechanical element. Forces exerted by the at least one additional mechanical element and the securing apparatus on each other serve to maintain the securing apparatus in a locked position. The securing apparatus may include a locking member that includes a protruded portion that extends at least partially beneath the securing apparatus and at least one mechanical element. A pull-ring may be provided to rotate the locking member and release the mechanical elements being secured. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Studio Moderna SA
    Inventor: Miko Miheli{hacek over (c)}
  • Patent number: 7278507
    Abstract: A collapsible personal transportation vehicle may be compacted and stowed in a mobile home, recreational vehicle, or the like, during periods of non-use and transport. Although the vehicle may be powered with a gasoline or electric power plant, a propane fueled engine is used due to its lighter weight and lack of fumes or leakage problems during transport. The vehicle may accommodate two riders, and achieve speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, or greater. To achieve sufficient collapsibility, the vehicle includes a seat assembly constructed from various pivoting members, whereby, during use, riders are seated above the motor, but during periods of non-use, the seat assembly folds down to fit into a space in front of the engine, with a height no greater than the engine and fuel tank(s). The preferred embodiment accommodates a roof structure as part of the collapsible seat assembly, which may be provided with a canopy and/or rear-view mirror, if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce Walworth
  • Publication number: 20070210556
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a folding bicycle, wherein a folding joint is installed on the beam, and the rear fork is hinged with the frame via a hinge axle, on the rear fork is installed a support bar which rests against the frame; and wherein the beam is S-shaped, and the hinge axle is tilted by an acute angle with respect to the central axle of the frame. When the bicycle is folded, the front and rear wheels are located separately, each at one side of the beam and within the concave section of the S-shaped beam, so that the bicycle is more compact and has a less width after being folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: David Tak-Wei Hon, Kai Liu, Jin Feng Li
  • Publication number: 20070205577
    Abstract: A human powered ground vehicle is provided and comprises a vehicle frame comprising a rear frame section and a mid-section, the mid-section comprising a forward end and a rearward end, wherein the rear frame section is pivotally connected at a sprocket assembly to the rearward end. Methods of folding and unfolding a foldable vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: James C.K. Lau
  • Patent number: 7264257
    Abstract: There is provided a frame assembly for a foldable cycle. The assembly has a rear frame portion including a mounting for a rear wheel; a forward frame portion, hingedly connecting to the rear frame portion such that the two are foldable towards each other; and hingedly connecting to the forward frame portion, a pivot assembly for a mounting arm including a mounting for a forward wheel. On folding of the cycle, hinged movement of the pivot assembly relative to the forward frame portion moves the mounting arm to move the forward wheel mounting relative to the forward frame portion. The rear frame portion and pivot assembly are coupled such that folding of the frame portions towards each other results in the distance between the forward frame portion and forward wheel mounting extending relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Sanders
  • Patent number: 7261310
    Abstract: The invention is a bicycle having adjustable orientation of the seat (6) and the pedals (4) with respect to the handle-bars (5). The bicycle comprising an x shaped frame comprised of a profile (31) and a rigid support member (32) that are rotatably connected to each other by a hollow pin (42). The rider of the bicycle can change the angle between the profile (31) and the rigid support member (32) to rotate about the hollow pin (42). The bicycle further comprises a seat (6), attached to the upper part of the rigid support member (32), a first toothed-wheel (33) attached to the frame (32) by means of a pin passing through the toothed-wheel (33) and the lower part of the rigid support member (32). The pin has a crank and pedal (4) attached to each of its ends. The bicycle also comprises a front gear and second toothed-wheel (7) attached to a pin that passes through the hollow pin (42) located between the seat (6) and the first toothed-wheel (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Nir Yifrah, Lee Golan
  • Patent number: 7258358
    Abstract: A bicycle seat post fixing structure includes a tubular attachment member and a tightening member. The tubular attachment member is configured to be fixed to the frame. The tubular attachment member includes a first threaded component and a first inner peripheral surface configured to receive the seat post. The tubular tightening member includes a second threaded component that mates with the first threaded component and a second inner peripheral surface configured to receive the seat post. One of the first and second threaded components is a female threaded component and the other of the first and second threaded components is a male threaded component having at least one slit formed therein. At least one of the male and female threaded components has tapered threads such that rotation of the tightening member in a tightening direction squeezes the male threaded component to hold the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Fukui
  • Patent number: 7243936
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle frame includes top and bottom connecting bars respectively pivotally connected between front and rear top tubes of the bicycle, a plurality of springs supported between the top and bottom connecting bars for pushing the top and bottom connecting bars vertically away from each other for allowing the front top tube and the rear top tube to be turned relative to each other between an operative position and a non-operative position, and a locking mechanism controlled by a locking lever to lock the top connecting bar and the bottom connecting bar in a position where the front top tube and the rear top tube aren't movable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Kuo-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7232144
    Abstract: A folding or collapsible bicycle includes a bifurcated solid frame defining a first storage space and a second storage space. The front and rear wheels are held by pivoting forks that can be selectively moved from an operational position to a closed position in the closed position, the front wheel is disposed in the first storage space and the rear wheel is disposed in the second storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Eduardo Colman
  • Patent number: 7229089
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle is provided. One feature of the foldable bicycle is that the central portion of the frame that defines the bicycle's geometry is substantially rigid. That is, the down tube, seat tube, top tube and bearing tube are substantially fixed relative to each other. Another feature of the foldable bicycle is that the front wheel can be folded into a position between the down tube, which is comprised of two tubes. Yet another feature is a tandem bicycle configuration that does not extend the length of the frame or the wheelbase. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Studio Moderna SA
    Inventor: Miko Mihelic
  • Patent number: 7210696
    Abstract: A folding frame for a tricycle, scooter or child's bicycle, with a front frame part on which the front wheels can be mounted at least indirectly, a rear frame part on which the rear wheels can be mounted, a swivelling joint with a front articulated part which is mounted on the front frame part, and with a rear articulated part which is mounted on the rear frame part, the first of the two articulated parts has a first recess and the second of the two articulated parts has a second recess and a third recess, the first recess and the second recess in the position of use of the frame are in alignment, and the first recess and the third recess in the folded position are in alignment, and the first articulated part and the second articulated part are locked against one another in the position of use and in the folded position via a pin which can be moved in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Heinz Kettler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kar{dot over (o)}n Kettler, legal representative, Joachim Kettler, Reinhold Rocholl, Heinz Kettler, deceased
  • Patent number: 7198281
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a bicycle frame, two driving wheels and a folding arrangement. The bicycle frame has a front portion, a rear portion, and a body frame including three supporting members to define a triangular structure. The folding arrangement includes a folding joint and a detachable connecting joint. The folding joint is provided at one of the supporting members to pivotally connect the front portion of the bicycle frame with the rear portion thereof. The detachable connecting joint is provided at another of the supporting member to disengage the triangular structure of the body frame, such that the front portion of the bicycle frame is adapted to pivotally fold towards the rear portion thereof via the folding joint to overlap the two driving wheels so as to fold up the foldable bicycle to a compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Yebao Bicycle Parts & Components Industrial (Schenzhen) Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Shou-Qing Huang
  • Patent number: 7175192
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a frame. A first foldable device is connected to a top tube of the frame so as to fold a front wheel together with a head tube and a handlebar backward at the first foldable device such that the front and rear wheels are located parallel with each other. At least one assistant wheel is connected to a lower end of a down tube so that the at least one assistant wheel cooperates with the front and rear wheels to form a stable triangle support arrangement and the foldable bicycle can be easily moved by the at least one assistant wheel cooperating with the front and rear wheels. A carry rack is located above the rear wheel, which can be positioned by engaging pivot rods of the carry rack with engaging members on two support rods connected to a hub of the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: I Shyong Lu
  • Patent number: 7159884
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a foldable bicycle frame which comprises a main frame and an enclosing frame foldably to define a receiving cavity; a front and a rear wheel assembly rotatably supported by the bicycle frame; a bicycle driving unit operatively mounted on the bicycle frame and connected to the two wheel assemblies for driving at least one of the wheel assemblies rotating; a steering unit longitudinally extended from the front wheel assembly for steering a moving direction of the front wheel assembly; and a folding arrangement. The folding arrangement includes a folding link connecting the front and the rear wheel assembly, the bicycle driving unit, the steering unit, the enclosing frame, and the main frame in a foldable manner; and a folding actuator operatively connected with the folding link in such a manner that the foldable bicycle is adapted to move between a folded position and an unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Hong Jiun Gu
  • Patent number: 7156409
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle includes a collapsible frame and a retaining device. The collapsible frame can be switched between an extended position and a collapsed position in a longitudinal direction. The wheels of the collapsible bicycle can still roll on the ground when the collapsible frame is in the collapsed position. The retaining device includes a trigger. The trigger can be operated in order to switch the retaining device between a retaining position and a releasing position. In the locking position, the retaining device retains the collapsible frame in the extended position. In the releasing position, the retaining device allows the collapsible frame to be switched to the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 7156405
    Abstract: A foldable two wheeled scooter includes a steering post with a front wheel at a lower end and handlebars at an upper end. A support tube connects with a folding mechanism enclosed in a protective housing and supportively connects with a running board having a rear wheel. The protective housing prevents a user from being harmed when moving the scooter from an upright position to a folded down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: James Wong Ka Ming
  • Patent number: 7140629
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle has a frame unit and a positioning unit. The frame unit includes a front wheel unit disposed on a front frame rod, a rear wheel unit disposed on a rear frame rod and aligned with the front wheel unit along a longitudinal direction of the bicycle, and a horizontal pivot pin interconnecting the front and rear frame rods rotatably such that the pivot pin and rotating axes of the front and rear wheel units forming generally an isosceles triangle. The positioning unit positions the rear frame rod behind the front frame rod, and is operable to allow for rotation of the front and rear frame rods about the pivot pin so as to dispose the bicycle at a folded position, where the front and rear wheel units are aligned with each other along a transverse direction of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 7100929
    Abstract: Wheeled personal mobility vehicles with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include a plurality of movable, collapsible wheel axle assemblies which are supported on a support frame and movable between an operative state where the wheels provide rolling support, and a collapsed state where the wheels are moved into the side elevational profile of the device. The embodiment provides for both integrated propulsion and steering linkage to the wheels when they are manually moved into their operative position, along with a collapsible steering mechanism, a support base and at least one collapsible seat. This embodiment may also provide for pedal power, battery, fuel cell or motive power as well as remote control operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Richard N. Shapiro, Philip A. Gurecki
  • Patent number: 7083180
    Abstract: Adjustable height bicycle seat mounting assemblies, bikes using such assemblies, and methods of use are provided. One such adjustable height bicycle seat mounting assembly includes first and second tubes in telescoping arrangement. The first tube is adapted to be coupled to a bicycle frame and the second tube is adapted to be coupled to a bicycle seat. A bulkhead is disposed in one of the first and second tubes. The bulkhead has an orifice therethrough, with a rod extending through the orifice and coupled to a movement device disposed near an end of the second tube. The first and second tubes are axially adjustable relative to one another by regulating a flow of a fluid disposed in the first and second tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Maverick American LLC
    Inventor: Paul H. Turner
  • Patent number: 7080847
    Abstract: A portable bicycle comprises a front bar having a front end coupled to a head tube, a rear frame section including a lower seat tube extended upwardly from a bottom bracket, a upper seat tube spaced and aligned with the lower seat tube, and a hollow rear bar for slidably receiving the front bar, the rear bar being intersected the upper and lower seat tubes, and a fastening mechanism for securing the front bar to the rear bar. Detaching a seat post and a saddle, unfastening the fastening mechanism, fully projecting the front bar from a rear opening of the rear bar, and fastening the fastening mechanism will shorten the distance between front and rear wheels to a minimum and facilitate the bicycle to store or carry in a much reduced size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chao
  • Patent number: 7059621
    Abstract: A foldable frame for a tricycle powered by physical force and/or a motor; the frame having a number of subframes interconnected to fold the component members of the frame; and the folding of a central subframe of the frame causes two lateral subframes supporting the rear lateral wheels to fold from a first fully unfolded position to a second fully folded position, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Carmelo Di Blasi, Carlo Maria Di Blasi
  • Patent number: 7055842
    Abstract: Provided is a folding electric bicycle comprising a front frame section; a rear frame section comprising two bent arms individually having one end pivotably coupled to an axle passed rear wheel, and two auxiliary wheels rotatably mounted in open ends of the bent arms; a crossbar comprising a front end and a rear end pivotably coupled to the front and rear frame sections respectively; a latch detachably interconnected the crossbar and the rear frame section; and a down tube interconnected the front and rear frame sections. The rear frame section can either retract toward the front frame section about the unfastened latch for folding or extend from the front frame section about the unfastened latch for extending. The auxiliary wheels are either disposed above the ground when the bicycle is ready or rotatable and contact with the ground when the bicycle is folded for facilitating moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Kentfa Advanced Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Li-Ju Lin
  • Patent number: 7044249
    Abstract: Front and rear parts of a frame of a three-wheeled cart can be joined together with a rearmost transverse rod of the front part being fitted in front trench-formed fitting portions of the rear part, a rear upright rod of the front part being fitted in a fitting portion of the rear part plus with a locking unit on rear part being engaged with an engaging hole of the front part to secure the front part to the rear part; a support rod is pivoted to the rear part; in assembling the frame, the support rod is positioned upright for holding the rear part steady together with two rear wheels such that one can use two hands instead of only one to effectively prevent the front part, only supported with a wheel, from tilting to one lateral side while moving the same to connect the same to the rear part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Ju-Yu Fan
  • Patent number: 7017931
    Abstract: A personal transportation apparatus for a user, including a frame; front and rear wheels connected to the frame and being rotatable about respective front and rear axes, driving mechanism for driving at least one wheel of the apparatus, the driving mechanism being powered by the user, and a receiving structure within which the user fits to operate the apparatus. The receiving structure includes a seat and a frontal support for supporting a frontal torso region of the user, whereby the receiving area is connected to the frame and is positioned such that the user is in a generally upright position when wearing the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Robert M. Hines
  • Patent number: 6997470
    Abstract: A pedaling apparatus (10) including a frame assembly having a front and a rear sections with a hollow seat tube (12), and a seat post (18) supported by said seat tube (12). The seat post (18) has attachment means for attaching a seat (16). The seat post (18) and the seat tube (12) are supporting the seat (16) at an adjustable position relative to the rear section. The seat tube (12) has a substantially curved part to accommodate therein a compatible curved part of the seat post (18). The curved parts of the seat tube (12) and the seat post (18) are configured for telescopic adjustment of the position of the attached seat (16) along a curved trajectory path extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to said rear section to suit users of different heights and physiques. The apparatus (10) may have a pair of pedals (26) arranged so that the user is sitting in a substantially upright pedaling position on the seat and is far enough behind the pedals (26) to give the legs an uncramped and efficient pedaling action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Peter David Clutton
  • Patent number: 6988741
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a new and novel tricycle with adjustable linkage 48, 54 for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore, the linkage 44, 52 can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel 14 toward the rear wheels 22 provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel 14 away from the rear wheels 22 provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition, the linkage 48, 54 provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative to the seat 24 allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the pedal assembly 16. Additionally, the present invention 10 has a cantilevered seat frame 30 with the seat 24 at one distal end and the other end forming a yoke 32 connected to the front wheel steering pivot column 34 whereby left movement of the seat 24 results in a right turn of the front wheel 14 and a right movement of the seat 24 results in a left turn of the front wheel 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Peter Borochov, Bernardo Y. Beresnitzky
  • Patent number: 6986522
    Abstract: A folding bicycle presents a number of advantages over both conventional and other foldable bicycles. The folded size of 12 ×25×6 inches (305×635×153 millimeters) compares favorably to other folding bicycles, and its 11 lb. (eleven pound, or 5 kilogram mass) weight is significantly superior to even the closest lightweight model at eighteen pounds, and about half of the average portable bike weight of twenty-two pounds. The folded volume of the bike at 1800 square inches is slightly over one cubic foot. The portable bicycle has a folding stowage time of about 10 seconds, and a deployment time of about 6 seconds. A folding pedal and handle bar design contributes significantly to a folded lateral profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Daka Research Inc.
    Inventors: Clive Marles Sinclair, Alexander Joseph Kalogroulis
  • Patent number: 6984194
    Abstract: An improved structure of a foldable bike includes a turntable containing an upper bearing and a lower bearing provided between a crossbar and a head tube; a pair of recesses being provided in symmetry in the turntable to be fixed by a locking mechanism provided below the crossbar; a folding structure and an absorber being provided to a seat pole of the bike with the absorber being locked to a chain stay; the bike being ready for riding when the locking mechanism and the absorber being fixed in position; and when the locking mechanism and absorber being released, the bike being folded up with the seat pole as a support to facilitate handling or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: New Art City Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pei-Chuan Ma
  • Patent number: 6979013
    Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a frame assembly that interconnects the front and rear wheels and that has a plurality of elements, which are interconnected by means of a plurality of horizontal pivot pins. Each of the pivot pins is inclined relative to a transverse direction of the bicycle. As such, the bicycle frame can be folded to align the front and rear wheels along a transverse direction of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 6973853
    Abstract: An infinitely variable angle adjusting device for a handlebar of a motorized vehicle includes a fixing seat, a handlebar stem, a pull handle, an adjusting base, a cover, two sockets, two slides, a compression spring, two urging ball units, a shaft, two press members, and a pull wire. Thus, the adjusting base is movable on the shaft freely, so that the handlebar stem is pivoted relative to the fixing seat, so as to adjust the included angle between the handlebar stem and the fixing seat arbitrarily, so that the inclined angle of the handlebar on the handlebar stem can be adjusted easily and arbitrarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Chienti Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Chu Chang
  • Patent number: 6968754
    Abstract: A crank arm (1) is provided that is connected to the crank head (2) through an elastic rotation axis (6) and a lock axis (7) having a reduced diameter (D) in the middle of said lock axis (7), the crank arm (1) also comprises a lock device (4) that is connected to the push button (5) and both together are easily moved down and upward with the user's thumb to release and lock the crank arm (1) between its operative and folded position, when the lock device (4) is pulled down a retaining spring (3) is compressed allowing the upper end of the lock axis (7) to flush with the crank arm hole (H) and releasing the crank arm (1) to rotate freely along its longitudinal plane with a 180° rotation angle in relation to the elastic rotation axis (6), by releasing the lock device (4) to its upper position it will lock the crank arm (1) at its folded position, then the fixation of the pedal-sprocket on the head crank (2) is performed by means of a fastening nut (5) which fix the crank head (2) to any commercially available p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Mario Jorge Leite Bandarra
  • Patent number: 6966572
    Abstract: A folding riding vehicle, such as a tricycle, feature a front frame element to which a front wheel and handlebars are mounted. A front bracket is attached to the front frame element and a seat bracket, to which a seat is mounted, is pivotally attached to the front bracket. A rear frame element has a pair of rear wheels mounted thereto and is attached to a rear bracket. The rear bracket is also pivotally mounted to the front bracket. The rear seat bracket features a pin that engages slots in the seat bracket. As a result, the seat bracket pivots with respect to the front bracket as the rear frame element is pivoted relative to the front bracket as the riding vehicle is moved between folded and unfolded configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Thomas Schlegel