Abstract
Disclosed herein is a folding bicycle comprising a handlepost joint and two joints in the mainbeam forward of the seat tube, wherein the pins of the hinges in the two mainbeam joints (i) are located on opposite sides of the mainbeam when viewed in a top view, and (ii) when the bicycle in folded, place the front wheel parallel to rear wheel and the wheel axles inline on the same lateral axis or on parallel lateral axes, wherein the wheels roll in parallel track.
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A folding bicycle frame equipped with front and rear wheels wherein the height of the folded package is no greater than a wheel external diameter.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. A folding bicycle frame comprising at least two joints in the mainbeam, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped with front and rear wheels, each joint comprises a hinge, the hinge axes alternate on each side of the mainbeam, and the front and rear wheel sizes can be the same or different.
6. A folding bicycle frame comprising at least two folding joints in the mainbeam, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped with front and rear wheels and a folding fixing means that provides at least two user-selectable separations of the front and rear wheels when the frame is folded, and wherein the wheels roll in parallel track when the frame is folded.
7. A folding bicycle frame of claims 2, 5, 6, and 15-17, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped with front and rear wheels with wheel sizes in the range from 8″ to 36″.
8. A folding bicycle frame equipped with wheels and tires of 20″ wheel size and a drive system, wherein the folded frame with wheels attached, without disassembly of the frame, fits inside an airline legal suitcase.
9. A folding bicycle frame equipped with wheels and tires of 20″ wheel size and a drive system, wherein the folded frame with wheels attached, without disassembly of the frame, has a minimum folded volume not greater than airline legal volume.
10. A folding bicycle frame of claims 8 to 9, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped a handlebar assembly, seat post, and saddle.
11. A folding bicycle frame of claims 8 to 9, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped a handlebar assembly, seat post, saddle, one or more cargo holders, and when the frame is folded, the front and rear wheels roll in parallel track without removal of a cargo holder.
12. A folding bicycle frame of claims 8 to 9, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped a handlebar assembly, seat post, saddle, folded fixing means, one or more cargo holders, and when the frame is folded, the front and rear wheels roll in parallel track without removal of a cargo holder.
13. A folding bicycle frame that has structural elements corresponding to the design variables recited in Table 2 and that produces a box area defined as:
14. A folding bicycle frame that has structural elements corresponding to the design variables recited in Table 2 and that produces a box area defined as:
15. A folding bicycle frame comprising at least two joints in the mainbeam, each joint comprises a hinge, the hinge axes alternate on each side of the mainbeam, and the frame is equipped with front and rear wheels wherein the height of the folded package is no greater than a wheel external diameter.
16. A folding bicycle frame comprising at least two joints in the mainbeam, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped with front and rear wheels, the front and rear wheel sizes can be the same or different, and the height of the folded package is no greater than a wheel external diameter.
17. A folding bicycle frame comprising at least two folding joints in the mainbeam, wherein the bicycle frame is equipped with front and rear wheels and a folding fixing means that provides at least two user-selectable separations of the front and rear wheels when the frame is folded.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0124] FIG. 1A shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0125] FIG. 1B shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0126] FIG. 1C shows a side perspective view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0127] FIG. 2A shows a top perspective view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, partially folded.
[0128] FIG. 2B shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, partially folded.
[0129] FIG. 2C shows a top perspective view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, partially folded.
[0130] FIG. 2D shows a rear perspective view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, partially folded.
[0131] FIG. 3A shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis.
[0132] FIG. 3B shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis.
[0133] FIG. 3C shows a rear view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis.
[0134] FIG. 3D shows a rear perspective view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis.
[0135] FIG. 4A shows a top view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0136] FIG. 4B shows a side view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0137] FIG. 5A shows a top perspective view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0138] FIG. 5B shows a side view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0139] FIG. 5C shows a rear perspective view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0140] FIG. 5D shows a side view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0141] FIG. 5E shows a rear view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track, with optionally detached left crank arm and optionally detached right pedal.
[0142] FIG. 6A shows a top view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0143] FIG. 6B shows a side view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0144] FIG. 6C shows a rear view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track, with optionally detached left crank arm and optionally detached right pedal.
[0145] FIG. 6D shows a side view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0146] FIG. 6E shows a rear view of a 20″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0147] FIG. 7A shows a side view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0148] FIG. 7B shows a side view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, unfolded.
[0149] FIG. 8A shows a side view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0150] FIG. 8B shows a top view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0151] FIG. 8C shows a rear perspective view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0152] FIG. 8D shows a side view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0153] FIG. 8E shows a top view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0154] FIG. 8F shows a rear view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0155] FIG. 9A shows a side view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0156] FIG. 9B shows a top view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0157] FIG. 9C shows a rear view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0158] FIG. 9D shows a side view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0159] FIG. 9E shows a top view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0160] FIG. 9F shows a rear view of a 16″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0161] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0162] FIG. 11A shows a top view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0163] FIG. 11B shows a side perspective view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0164] FIG. 11C shows a rear view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0165] FIG. 12A shows a top view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0166] FIG. 12B shows a side view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0167] FIG. 12C shows a rear view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0168] FIG. 12D shows a top view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0169] FIG. 12E shows a side view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0170] FIG. 12F shows a rear view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0171] FIG. 12G shows a rear view of a 24″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0172] FIG. 13A shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0173] FIG. 13B shows a top view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, unfolded.
[0174] FIG. 13C shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, unfolded.
[0175] FIG. 13D shows a front view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, unfolded.
[0176] FIG. 14A shows a top view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0177] FIG. 14B shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0178] FIG. 14C shows a rear view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0179] FIG. 15A shows a top view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0180] FIG. 15B shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0181] FIG. 15C shows a rear view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0182] FIG. 15D shows a top view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0183] FIG. 15E shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0184] FIG. 15F shows a rear view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with axles on the same Z axis with parallel track.
[0185] FIG. 16A shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, with diamond frame, unfolded.
[0186] FIG. 16B shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, with diamond frame, unfolded.
[0187] FIG. 16C shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, with diamond frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0188] FIG. 16D shows a side view of a 28″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, with diamond frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0189] FIG. 17A shows a side view of a 28″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle, with step-through frame, unfolded.
[0190] FIG. 17B shows a side view of a 28″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle, with step-through frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0191] FIG. 17C shows a side view of a 28″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, with step-through frame, folded to minimum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0192] FIG. 17D shows a side view of a 28″ CCWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, with step-through frame, unfolded.
[0193] FIG. 18 shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to minimum Z dimension, with the Y dimension of the folded mainbeam greater than the Y dimension of the wheel external diameter.
[0194] FIG. 19A shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded with front axle disposed forward of the rear axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0195] FIG. 19B shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded with front axle disposed forward of the rear axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0196] FIG. 19C shows a rear view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded with front axle disposed forward of the rear axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0197] FIG. 19D shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded with front axle disposed forward of the rear axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0198] FIG. 19E shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded with front axle disposed forward of the rear axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0199] FIG. 19F shows a rear view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded with front axle disposed forward of the rear axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0200] FIG. 20A shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded with rear axle disposed forward of the front axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0201] FIG. 20B shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded with rear axle disposed forward of the front axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0202] FIG. 20C shows a rear view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded with rear axle disposed forward of the front axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0203] FIG. 20D shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded with rear axle disposed forward of the front axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0204] FIG. 20E shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded with rear axle disposed forward of the front axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0205] FIG. 20F shows a rear view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded with rear axle disposed forward of the front axle to decrease the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0206] FIG. 21A shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0207] FIG. 21B shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0208] FIG. 21C shows a rear view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0209] FIG. 21D shows a side view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0210] FIG. 21E shows a top view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0211] FIG. 21F shows a rear view of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0212] FIG. 22A shows a side view diagram of how Design Variables are measured.
[0213] FIG. 22B shows a top view diagram of how Design Variables are measured.
[0214] FIGS. 23A to 23E show the steps used to fold a trifold bicycle.
[0215] FIG. 24A shows a trifold bicycle folded with a reversed fork.
[0216] FIG. 24B shows a trifold bicycle folded with a non-reversed fork.
[0217] FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of a fully folded Trifold Design version v09a with dashed lines delimiting minimum folded volume. The pedal protruding outside the dashed line is detachable. The outlined fenders are optional.
[0218] FIG. 25B shows a bottom view of a fully folded Trifold Design version v09a with dashed lines delimiting minimum folded volume. The pedal protruding outside the dashed line is detachable. The outlined fenders are optional.
[0219] FIG. 25C shows a side view of a fully folded Trifold Design version v09a with dashed lines delimiting minimum folded volume. The pedal protruding outside the dashed line is detachable. The outlined fenders are optional.
[0220] FIG. 25D shows a rear view of a fully folded Trifold Design version v09a with dashed lines delimiting minimum folded volume. The pedal protruding outside the dashed line is detachable. The outlined fenders are optional.
[0221] FIG. 25E shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with measurements of Design Variables as recited in the data banner on that Drawing Sheet.
[0222] FIG. 26 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with the primary datum centered on the rear dropout.
[0223] FIG. 27 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with a computation using Equation 1 of fork measurements and angles.
[0224] FIG. 28 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with a computation using Equation 2 of FMS and FS measurements and angles.
[0225] FIG. 29 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with measurements and angles of the projections of the front and rear hinges on the baseline.
[0226] FIG. 30 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equation 3 of measurements and angles of the projections on the baseline of the front and rear hinges.
[0227] FIG. 31 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with measurements and angles of the projections on the baseline of the mainbeam segments and hinges, dimensions of STH and HTH, calculation of the y.sub.FS dimension using Eqn. 3A.
[0228] FIG. 32 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equation 4 of measurements and angles of the projections on the baseline of the front and rear hinges.
[0229] FIG. 33 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equation 5 of measurements and angles of the projections on the baseline of the fork.
[0230] FIG. 34 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equation 6 of MS.
[0231] FIG. 35 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equation 7 of measurements and angles of the folded rear hinge after folding: step 1 in deriving the box area equations using dimensions and angles calculated in FIGS. 27 to 34.
[0232] FIG. 36 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equations 8 and 9 of measurements and angles of the folded rear hinge: step 2 in deriving the box area equations.
[0233] FIG. 37 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equations 10 to 12 of measurements and angles of the folded rear hinge: step 3 in deriving the box area equations.
[0234] FIG. 38 shows a side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equation 13 of measurements and angles of the folded rear hinge: step 4 in deriving the box area equations.
[0235] FIG. 39 shows a partial side view of an unfolded Trifold Design version v09a, with measurements and angles of the folded rear hinge, FMS, MMS, and fork: step 5 in deriving the box area equations.
[0236] FIG. 40 shows a partial side view of a folded middle segment and front segment of a Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equations 14 and 15 of measurements and angles of the folded FMS, MMS, and fork: step 6 in deriving the box area equations.
[0237] FIG. 41 shows a partial side view of a folded middle segment and front segment of a Trifold Design version v09a, with computation using Equation 11 of measurements and angles of the folded front hinge: step 7 in deriving the box area equations.
[0238] FIG. 41 shows a side view of a Trifold Design version v09a, before and after folding of the front and rear hinges, with measurements and related angles of the folded location of the front and rear dropouts: step 8 in deriving the box area equations.
[0239] FIG. 42 shows a side view of a Trifold Design version v09a, before and after folding of the front and rear hinges: step 8 in deriving the box area equations.
[0240] FIG. 43 shows a side view of a Trifold Design version v09a, before and after folding of the front and rear hinges, and with computation using Equation 16 to derive box area Equation A: step 9 in deriving the box area equations.
[0241] FIG. 44 shows the derivation using Equation 17 of box area Equation A: step 10 in deriving the box area equations.
[0242] FIG. 45 shows a side view of a Trifold Design version v09a, before and after folding of the front and rear hinges, and with geometric relationships used to derive box area Equation B: step 11 in deriving the box area equations.
[0243] FIG. 46 shows the derivation using Equation 18 of box area Equation B: step 12 in deriving the box area equations
[0244] FIG. 47 presents two alternate equations, Equation A and Equation B, that compute minimum box area using alternate trigonometric analyses derived in the preceding Figures.
[0245] FIG. 48 a histogram of Design Variable variability as a function of wheel size.
[0246] FIG. 49 shows a stud and latched receiver embodiment of a folded fixing means (FFM, and rear dropout and front dropout positions after a Trifold design bicycle frame is folded).
[0247] FIG. 50A shows a sliding disc and latched receiver embodiment of a folded fixing means. FIGS. 50B to 50E show operation of the sliding disc and latched receiver folded fixing means.
[0248] FIG. 51A shows two magnetic folded fixing means on a single frame (FFM, rear dropout, and front dropout positions after a Trifold design bicycle frame is folded). FIG. 51B shows operation of a single magnetic folded fixing means (isolated view).
[0249] FIG. 52 shows location on a Trifold design bicycle frame of the corresponding halves of a single magnetic folded fixing means, with close-up views.
[0250] FIG. 53A shows a “snowboard strap” and latch folded fixing means before insertion of the strap into the latch. FIG. 53B shows a snowboard strap and latch folded fixing means after insertion of the strap into the latch.
[0251] FIG. 54 shows a strap and stud folded fixing means after inserting the stud through the strap of a folded Trifold design bicycle frame. The strap is typically anchored on the mainbeam and the stud is affixed to the head tube.
[0252] FIG. 55A shows a rear view of a sliding disc and receiver embodiment of a folded fixing means affixed to the axles of a Trifold design folding bicycle. FIGS. 55B to 55C show operation of the sliding disc and receiver folded fixing means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLES
[0253] Table 1 on Drawing Sheet 33 recites the Design Variables of the trifold bicycle shown in FIG. 22A.
[0254] Table 2 on Drawing Sheet 34 recites acronyms and corresponding abbreviated definitions of the Design Variables.
[0255] Tables 3A and 3B on Drawing Sheets 35 and 36 recite Design Variables for various configurations of trifold bicycles of the invention. Specifications for Design Variables for versions of the Trifold Design recited in Tables 3A and 3B (a version is a numbered row in Tables 3A and 3B) are presented in detail in the Drawing Sheets of the '754 application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0256] The present invention is directed to a folding bicycle frame, and to bicycles built with that frame, wherein a rear mainbeam joint folds in the direction opposite from the direction in which a front mainbeam joint folds. This core design feature is called the Trifold Design. The third joint in the Trifold Design is the handlepost joint. In the Trifold Design, if the rear mainbeam joint folds clockwise, the front mainbeam joint folds counterclockwise; if the rear mainbeam joint folds counterclockwise, the front mainbeam joint folds clockwise. Each mainbeam joint comprises a hinge, hinge pin, and structural elements integral with the knuckles of each hinge leaf. By selection of 25 Design Variables (see Tables 1, 2, 3A, and 3B), i.e., the wheel size, wheelbase, folding direction, wheel external diameter, rear hinge angle, rear hinge distance from the rear dropout on the baseline, rear hinge height above the baseline, rear hinge axis distance from the vertical center plane, front hinge angle, front hinge distance from the rear dropout on the baseline, front hinge height above the baseline, front hinge distance from the vertical center plane, head tube angle, rear segment length, middle segment length, front segment length, fork length, fork offset, center stay length, front chain ring diameter, bottom bracket distance from the baseline, front hub width, and rear hub width, the wheels of a folded bicycle of the invention can be disposed in a parallel track, free to roll, and have a user-selected separation while maintaining parallel track. Although most of the Design Variables are well known in the art of folding bicycles, introducing mainbeam joints that fold in opposite directions into folding bicycle design is heretofore unknown and provides unexpected and very useful benefits, particularly (i) decreased folded package area (and decreased folded package volume) and more rectilinear shapes, (ii) the ability to fold a Trifold Design bicycle loaded with cargo without removal of cargo, and (iii) the ability to roll a folded Trifold Design bicycle on both wheels without yaw, whether loaded with cargo or not, as a result of the wheels' having parallel track when the bicycle is folded. Typically, a folded Trifold Design bicycle, with or without attached cargo, is rolled by pushing a saddle secured on an un-retracted seat post and steered by turning that saddle. Importantly, front and rear brakes operate normally when a Trifold Design bicycle is folded and rolled on its wheels.
[0257] The Trifold Design produces a greater variety of rectilinear folded package shapes and significantly reduced folded package volume compared with prior art folding bicycles with the same wheel size. A most preferred Trifold Design has a Y dimension no larger than the rear wheel external diameter. A preferred Trifold Design has a Y dimension slightly larger than the rear wheel external diameter, or alternatively, than the maximum Y dimension of the rear fender on a bicycle equipped with a rear fender. The Trifold Design applied to 20″ wheel sizes produces the first 20″ folding bicycle that folds to an airline legal volume without disassembly of the frame. The Trifold Design can be applied to any wheel size, e.g, 8″ to 36″, and the reduction of folded package volume increases in proportion to the wheel size. For instance, the folded package volume of a 26″ wheel size Trifold Design bicycle is approximately the same as the folded package volume of a 24″ wheel size bifold bicycle. These smaller volumes are of great commercial value in sales of folding bikes to urban dwellers, bicycle commuters, airline passengers who travel with bicycles, and users of mass transit. The ability of a user to select alternate folded volumes, e.g., when transporting cargo on a Trifold Design bicycle, without diminishing the ability to transit barrier areas when rolling a folded Trifold Design bicycle on both wheels, is unknown in the prior art.
[0258] The 25 Design Variables used to specify a Trifold Design are defined in the Definitions section above and shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. For convenience in reviewing the Figures, the legends used for the Design Variables is presented in Table 2. All 25 Design Variables interact to place the rear wheel, front wheel, and handlepost joint in a desired folded configuration, such as a folded configuration in which the rear wheel and front wheel are aligned in parallel track, and while parallel track is maintained in the folded configuration, the rear wheel and front wheel can be set at a user-selected distance of separation.
[0259] Among the 25 Design Variables, the paramount Design Variables are having rear and front mainbeam joints with opposite folding directions. After selecting the folding directions of the rear and front mainbeam joint hinges, the remaining Design Variables are fine tuned to produce a target folded package area, shape, and volume. Trifold Designs with a given rear hinge angle (“RHA”) and rear hinge distance (“RHD”), and a given front hinge angle (“FHA”) and front hinge distance (“FHD”), can produced radically different folded packages by varying the rear hinge height (“RHH”) and front hinge height (“FHH”), among other Design Variables. The use of three-dimensional modelling software, such as Solidworks®, and the equations described below, enable rapid selection of Design Variable values for a given folded package area, shape, and volume.
[0260] The chain ring is on the right side of bicycles. In some CWr configurations in which the rear mainbeam joint is close to the seat tube, the chain ring prevents folding the middle mainbeam segment to a position parallel to the baseline; such configurations are less acceptable (i.e., not as commercially viable) because of the resultant larger folded package.
[0261] FIGS. 1A to 3D show unfolded and folded views of a 20″ CWr version of a Trifold Design bicycle. In Tables 3A and 3B, rows 1 to 23 recite the Design Variables for 23 different combinations of Design Variables for a 20″ CWr Trifold Design. In Tables 3A and 3B, Design Variable combinations recited in row 1 (version v20 A), 2 (version v20 A1), row 9 (version v20 G), row 10 (version v20 H), and row 15 (version v20 M) are preferred for producing the smallest folded package area and volume and acceptably rectilinear folded package shape. FIGS. 1A to 3D include preferred embodiments that incorporate the Design Variables recited in the preceding individually named rows 1, 2, 9, 10, and 15 of Tables 3A and 3B. In Tables 3A and 3B, Design Variable combinations recited in row 8 (version v20 F) and rows 20 to 23 (versions v20 W1 to v20 W4) produce either weird folded package shapes or have structural interferences (e.g., the mainframe middle segment interferes with the crankset in version v20 F). All versions incorporate the Trifold Design. The left pedal protruding from the Folded Package in FIG. 3C is an attached, quick-release pedal, similar to the pedal shown in FIG. 6C (detached, quick-release right pedal).
[0262] FIGS. 4A to 6E show unfolded and folded views of a 20″ CCWr version of a Trifold Design bicycle. The right pedal in FIG. 6C is a detached, quick-release pedal. Quick-release pedals are commercially available from multiple sources (e.g., mkspedal.com, wellgopedal.com).
[0263] FIGS. 7A to 9F show unfolded and folded views of a 16″ CWr version of a Trifold Design bicycle. In Tables 3A and 3B, rows 24 to 26 recite the Design Variables for 3 different combinations of Design Variables for a 16″ CWr Trifold Design. In Tables 3A and 3B, Design Variable combinations in row 24 (version v03A) and row 26 (version v03C) are preferred for producing the smallest folded package area and volume and acceptably rectilinear folded package shape. FIGS. 7A to 9F include preferred embodiments of rows 24 and 25 in Tables 3A and 3B.
[0264] FIGS. 10 to 12F show unfolded and folded views of a 24″ CWr version of a Trifold Design bicycle. In Tables 3A and 3B, rows 27 to 29 recite the Design Variables for 3 different combinations of Design Variables for a 24″ CWr Trifold Design. In Tables 3A and 3B, Design Variable combinations recited in row 27 (version v09a), row 28 (version v09b), and row 29 (version v09c) are preferred for producing the smallest folded package volume and acceptably rectilinear folded package shape. FIGS. 10 to 12F include preferred embodiments of rows 27 to 29 in Tables 3A and 3B.
[0265] FIGS. 13A to 16D show unfolded and folded views of a 28″ CWr version of a Trifold Design bicycle. In Tables 3A and 3B, rows 30 to 32 recite the Design Variables for 3 different combinations of Design Variables for a 28″ CWr Trifold Design. In Tables 3A and 3B, Design Variable combinations recited in row 30 (version v10a), row 31 (version v10b), and row 32 (version v10c) are preferred for producing the smallest folded package volume and acceptably rectilinear folded package shape. FIGS. 13A to 16D include preferred embodiments of rows 30 to 32 in Tables 3A and 3B.
[0266] FIGS. 17A to 17D show the Trifold Design applied to CCWr step-through frame, in contrast to the CWr single-beam frames shown in FIGS. 1 to 3D and FIGS. 7A to 15F, and the CWr diamond frame shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D.
[0267] FIG. 18 shows the result of Design Variables selected to produce a folded package shape with the Y dimension of the folded mainbeam greater than the Y dimension of the wheel external diameter. A typical design goal for the smallest folded package volume is that the rear wheel diameter be the largest Y dimension measurement.
[0268] FIGS. 19A to 20F show that the folded configuration of a Trifold Design bicycle can place (i) the rear wheel axle and front wheel axle on the same Z axis, (ii) the rear axle behind the front axle in the X dimension, or (iii) the rear axle in front of the front axle in the X dimension. Positions (ii) and (iii) reduce the Z dimension of the folded package.
[0269] FIGS. 21A to 21F show various views of a 20″ CWr version of a trifold bicycle frame, and bicycle, folded to maximum Z dimension with parallel track.
[0270] FIGS. 22A to 22B shows how Design Variables are measured, and the 25 Design Variables for the Trifold Design in FIGS. 22A and 22B are recited in Table 1.
[0271] FIGS. 23A to 23E show the steps used to fold a trifold bicycle. To fold an unfolded trifold bicycle of the invention (FIG. 23A), the seat post clamp is released and the seat post lowered (FIG. 23B), the rear mainbeam joint is folded (FIG. 23C) (after releasing a rear joint unfolded fixing means on bicycles so equipped), the front mainbeam joint is folded (FIG. 23D) (after releasing a front joint unfolded fixing means on bicycles so equipped), and the handlepost joint is folded (FIG. 23E) (after releasing a handlepost joint unfolded fixing means on bicycles so equipped). If the trifold bicycle is equipped with a folded fixing means, the folded fixing means is engaged after completing the step in FIG. 23E.
[0272] FIG. 24A shows a trifold bicycle folded after the fork is reversed from its position in an unfolded trifold bicycle. FIG. 24B shows a trifold bicycle folded with a non-reversed fork (not rotated 180 degrees from its position in an unfolded trifold bicycle). Folding with a reversed fork provides a design option, especially for Trifold Designs with large fork offsets.
[0273] The Trifold Design can be applied to design folding bicycles in which the front wheel and rear wheels are different sizes. The Trifold Design can be applied to design folding bicycles with pedal drive systems, motorized drive systems, or combined pedal and motorized drive systems. A Trifold Design folding bicycle is preferably equipped with an unfolded fixing means on each joint, and one or more folded fixing means, including the mating elements that engage such unfolded fixing means and folded fixing means.
[0274] A Trifold Design bicycle may have cargo attachment points, which cargo attachment points may optionally be part of the folded fixing means. The folded fixing means may be detachable or non-detachable from a Trifold design frame, and may provide a fixed Z distance of separation of the wheels of a folded Trifold Design bicycle, in parallel or near-parallel track, or provide selection of various Z distances of separation of the wheels of a folded Trifold Design bicycle, in parallel or near-parallel track. A Trifold Design folding bicycle to be checked as baggage on an airline has a folded package volume no greater than airline legal volume, and achieving such airline legal volume of the folded package does not require disassembly of the bicycle (other than folding of folding pedals, detaching quick-release pedals, or folding of a folding crank arm). A CWr fold protects the rear derailleur on Trifold Design bicycles equipped with a rear derailleur. A CCWr fold avoids possible conflicts with the chain ring in designs in which the rear mainbeam joint is close to the seat tube.
[0275] Selection of the Design Variables determines the folded package volume and dimensions, which folded package volume for wheel sizes greater than 20″ are typically greater than airline legal volume. In a Trifold Design bicycle frame, the front hinge axis and the rear hinge axis always intersect in a side view of the frame.
[0276] In summary, the Trifold Design provides (i) a folding bicycle frame wherein a rear mainbeam joint folds in the direction opposite from the direction in which a front mainbeam joint folds, (ii) a folding bicycle wherein the height of the folded package can be equal to or greater than the wheel external diameter, (iii) a folding bicycle frame wherein the hinge pin of a rear mainbeam joint is on the opposite side of the mainbeam from the hinge pin of a front mainbeam joint, (iv) a folding bicycle with 20″ or smaller wheel size that folds to a folded package volume not greater than airline legal volume, (v) a folding bicycle frame comprising at least two joints in the mainbeam, wherein each joint comprises a hinge, and the hinge axes alternate on each side of the mainbeam, and the wheels of the folded bicycle roll in parallel track, and (vi) a folding bicycle wherein a rear mainbeam joint folds in the direction opposite from the direction in which a front mainbeam joint folds, wherein the front and rear wheel diameters can be the same or different.
[0277] FIGS. 25A to 25E show a Trifold design version 09a in both folded (FIGS. 25A to 25D) and unfolded (FIG. 25E) configurations. The folded package area, or “box area”, of a fully folded Trifold design version 09a can be computed using the Design Variables and either Equation A or Equation B shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of a fully folded Trifold Design version v09a with dashed lines delimiting minimum folded package volume. FIGS. 25B to 25D show a bottom, side, and rear views of a fully folded Trifold Design version v09a with dashed lines delimiting area of the fully folded bicycle.
[0278] As shown in FIG. 47, the minimum box area (“X*Y” dimensions, in side view) of a fully folded Trifold Design bicycle is described mathematically by Equation A (28.6% of versions in Tables 3A and 3B) and Equation B (62.9% of versions in Tables 3A and 3B). Equations A and B use different trigonometric approaches to calculate the box area, and produce very similar results. Minimum folded volume is the minimum box area multiplied by the sum of (RAW+FAW). As noted above, the mainbeam joints allow the front axle to be placed forward or aft of the rear axles when a Trifold Design bicycle is folded, which can reduce the overall width of the folded package without increasing the box area. FAW and RAW are not necessary to compute the box area.
[0279] The equations in FIGS. 26 to 47 were derived by analysis of v09a of the Trifold Design shown in FIGS. 25A to 25E, as such derivation is shown in FIGS. 26 to 46, and then confirmed by analysis of the other versions of the Trifold Design listed in Tables 3A and 3B. The data banner shown with FIGS. 25A to 25E provides specific Design Variables, as also recited in row 27 of Tables 3A and 3B hereof for Version v09a. Version v09a is a 24″ CWr embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12G of this application. Design Variable variability as a function of wheel size is shown in FIG. 48.
[0280] The greatest X and Y dimensions of a fully folded Trifold Design bicycle are used to calculate the box area of the bicycle when folded. The X-dimension is congruent with the wheelbase, while the Y-dimension is congruent with the folded position and angles of the front and rear mainbeam hinges. Optional components, such as fenders, can increase the overall x-dimension.
[0281] The analysis of the Design Variables and Trifold Design versions in Tables 3A and 3B focused on those that determine the minimum box area of a fully folded Trifold Design bicycle. Derivation of the Equations A and B disclosed that the following Design Variables are necessary to produce a folded bicycle of Trifold Design with wheels in parallel track and with minimal box area: BB, CS, FAW, FCHD, FHA, FHD, FHH, FL, FO, FS, HTA, HTH, RAW, RHA, RHAD, RHD, RHH, STH, WB, and WEX. FAW and RAW are necessary Design Variables for determining width (Z dimension) of a folded bicycle of Trifold Design, and the maximum width occurs when the front and rear axles are aligned inline on the same Z axis. FAW includes the Z dimension of the handlebar assembly when the handlepost joint is fully folded. The handlebar of a Trifold design folding bicycle typically has a quick release that can be unlocked to rotate the handlebar to minimize the Z-axis dimension of the folded package volume.
[0282] The STH Design Variable includes the Y dimension of the lower half the handlepost joint; the upper half of a handlepost joint folds with handlepost and handlebar assembly. Of the Design Variables that determine box area, five are constant (FD, HTH, RHAD, RHW, and STH) for a given folding direction, and three are nearly constant (HTA, CS, and FCHD) with standard deviations of 1%, 6%, and 7%, respectively. In most cases, the constant Design Variables do not contribute to the overall rectilinear “X*Y” or “box area” of a folded Trifold Design bicycle; in some cases, STH may not be an element of the Y dimension of the box area. Of the three parameters that are nearly constant, both CS and FCHD will restrict minimizing the box area of the bicycle.
[0283] As shown in FIG. 48 (showing standard deviations of the Design Variables for the 35 designs presented in the '574 application), the highest design flexibilities, in order of the largest standard deviation as a function of the wheel size, are as follows: (i) 16 inch wheel: FHD, FS, MS, and RHD; (ii) 20 inch wheel: FHD, RHD, FHH, RHH, MS, RS, and FS; (iii) 24 inch wheel: FHD, MS, FS, FHH, RHD, and RHH, and (iv) 28 inch wheel: MS, FS, FHH, and RHH.
[0284] Derivation of Equations A and B based Trifold Design version v09a, shown in FIGS. 25A to 25E, was as follows: the (0,0,0,) primary datum was assigned to the center of the rear dropout, as shown in FIG. 26.
[0285] FIGS. 27 to 28 show the computation of fork measurements and angles and projections thereof on the baseline, and corresponding Equation Nos. 1 to 2. The steps in FIGS. 27 to 28 determine the location of the front dropout relative to the rear dropout when the rear and front mainbeam hinges are folded. In FIG. 27, θ.sub.3 is the angle between the head tube and the front fork (front fork offset angle). Using the fork angle and length, the location of the front dropout is determined relative to the rear dropout when rear and front hinges are fully folded. The projection in front of the fork is a factor in the Y-dimension of the box area. In FIG. 28, θ.sub.1 is the angle of the front hinge relative to the head tube.
[0286] FIGS. 29 to 33 show the computation of front and rear hinge angles and projections thereof on the baseline, and corresponding Equation Nos. 3 to 5. The steps in FIGS. 29 to 33 determine the projection of the front and rear mainbeam hinges, the projection of the front mainbeam segment on the baseline, the resultant angle when the rear hinge is folded, and the location of the front hinge when the both the rear and front hinges are folded.
[0287] In FIG. 30, the front hinge projection and the head tube to front hub length are determined. θ.sub.2 is the angle of the rear hinge projection; θ.sub.4 is the angle of the front hinge projection; RH.sub.CL is the distance from the datum to the rear hinge, when projected; and FH.sub.CL is the distance from the datum to the front hinge, when projected.
[0288] In FIG. 32, the front segment length and angles are used to determine the resultant angles when the front hinge is fully folded. θ.sub.5 is the angle between the front hub and the front hinge.
[0289] FIGS. 34 to 42 show the computation, using Equation Nos. 6 to 15, of the resultant angles after fully folding the front and rear hinges. In FIGS. 34 and 35, dimensions are calculated that are required to resolve (i) the resultant angle, and (ii) the location of the front hinge, when the rear hinge is fully folded. In FIGS. 35 to 39, φ1 is the angle of the rear hinge when fully folded. In FIG. 36, α2 is the angle of the front hinge when the rear hinge has been fully folded.
[0290] In FIG. 37, y.sub.FH is the y-dimension distance from the front hinge centerline to the datum when the frame is fully folded; x.sub.FH-offset is the distance from the front hinge centerline to the rear hinge centerline when the frame is fully folded; X.sub.FH is the x-dimension distance from the front hinge centerline to the datum when the frame is fully folded. In FIG. 37, RH.sub.CL is synonymous with (i.e., equivalent to) RS.
[0291] FIG. 38 shows the location of the MMS when the frame in fully folded. In FIG. 38, φ.sub.1 is the angle of the rear hinge when the frame is fully folded; α.sub.1 is the projection angle of the rear hinge when the frame is fully folded.
[0292] FIG. 39 shows the location of the MMS, FMS, and front dropout when the frame is fully folded. In FIG. 39, φ.sub.1 is the angle of the rear hinge when folded; φ.sub.2 is the angle of the front hinge when folded.
[0293] FIG. 40 shows the location of the MMS, FMS, and front dropout, and the dimension of y.sub.RH, when the frame is fully folded. In FIG. 40 and higher Figure numbers, “hub” is synonymous with “front dropout”. Hub Offset.sub.x is the x-dimension distance from the datum (rear dropout centerline) to the front dropout centerline in a fully folded frame. A positive x-dimension offset value indicates the front dropout is forward of the rear dropout; a negative x-dimension offset value indicates the front dropout is to the rear of the rear dropout. Hub Offset.sub.y is the y-dimension distance from the datum (rear dropout centerline) to the front dropout centerline in a fully folded frame. A positive y-dimension value indicates the front dropout is above the rear dropout; a negative y-dimension value indicates the front dropout is below the rear dropout. Eqn. 15 calculates the values for Hub Offset.sub.x and Hub Offset.sub.y.
[0294] FIG. 41 shows the location of the MMS, FMS, and front dropout, and the x and y dimension offsets of the front dropout vs. the datum when the frame is fully folded. In FIG. 41, φ.sub.1 is the angle of the rear hinge when folded.
[0295] FIG. 42 shows a fully folded Trifold design frame overlaid on an unfolded Trifold design frame.
[0296] The box area, or folded package area, can be computed using alternate sets of x and y dimensions. A first set of equations, used to compute box area 1, is based on the vertical plane originally defined by baseline between the front and rear dropouts, i.e., along the vertical center plane. A second set of equations, used to compute box area 2, is based on the rear hinge when folded relative to the middle mainbeam segment angle, along with the perpendicular axis, which basically corresponds to the angle of the front and middle mainbeam segments (or the angle between the front and rear hinges prior to hinge folding). The solutions for box area using Equations A and B are very close, and are used as crosschecks during the Trifold design process.
[0297] The steps in FIGS. 35 to 42 determine location of the front dropout when the both the rear and front hinges are folded, and derive the variables and values required to compute box area 1 using Equation A, and to compute box area 2 using Equation B.
[0298] FIGS. 43 to 44 show the computation of the x and y dimensions of the box area of a fully folded Trifold frame using a first trigonometric approach shown in Equation A of FIG. 47. Equation A computes a first value of box area, i.e., box area 1. In Eqn. 16 in FIG. 43, “Offset” is the absolute distance of the front dropout relative to the datum. In FIG. 43, the 411.037 value was calculated in FIG. 33. The Design Variables are those recited in Table 2.
[0299] FIGS. 45 to 46 show the computation of the x and y dimensions of the box area of a fully folded Trifold frame using a second trigonometric approach shown in Equation B. Equation B of FIG. 47 computes an alternate value of box area, i.e., box area 2.
[0300] FIG. 47 presents two alternate equations, Equation A and Equation B, that compute minimum box area using alternate trigonometric analyses derived in the preceding Figures.
[0301] FIG. 48 is a histogram of Design Variable variability as a function of wheel size. Note that the greatest design variability in 24″ and smaller frames is the location of the front hinge (distance from the rear dropout to the projection of the front hinge on the baseline), while the greatest design variability in 28″ frames is the middle mainbeam segment length.
[0302] FIG. 49 shows a stud and latched receiver embodiment of a folded fixing means (rear mainbeam and front fork locations after a Trifold design bicycle frame is folded). In this embodiment, the receiver is integrally formed in the rear mainbeam (left element in FIG. 49) and the stud is affixed to a fork leg.
[0303] FIG. 50A shows a sliding disc and latched receiver embodiment of a folded fixing means. FIGS. 50B to 50E show operation of the sliding disc and latched receiver folded fixing means. The receiver is typically affixed on the rear mainbeam near the rear dropout closest to the fork after folding of a Trifold design folding bicycle, and the sliding disc is affixed to a fork leg.
[0304] FIG. 51A shows two magnetic folded fixing means on a single frame (rear mainbeam and front fork after a Trifold design bicycle frame is folded). FIG. 51B shows operation of a single magnetic folded fixing means (isolated view). After folding of a Trifold design folding bicycle, a magnet affixed on the rear mainbeam near the rear dropout closest to the fork after folding of a Trifold design folding mates with a magnet affixed to a fork leg.
[0305] FIG. 52 shows location on a Trifold design bicycle frame of the corresponding halves of a single magnetic folded fixing means.
[0306] FIG. 53A shows a strap and latch snowboard folded fixing means before insertion of the strap into the latch. FIG. 53B shows a strap and latch snowboard folded fixing means after insertion of the strap into the latch. The strap is typically anchored on the mainbeam and the latch is affixed to a fork leg. The strap is rigid enough to maintain a user-selected separation of the front and rear wheels when a Trifold design bicycle is folded and rolled.
[0307] FIG. 54 shows a perforated strap and stud folded fixing means after a stud on the head tube of a Trifold design bicycle has been inserted through a hole in the perforated strap of a folded Trifold design bicycle frame. The strap is typically anchored on the mainbeam and the stud is affixed to the head tube.
[0308] FIG. 55A shows a rear view of a sliding disc and non-latching receiver embodiment of a folded fixing means affixed to the axles of a Trifold design folding bicycle. FIGS. 55B to 55C show operation of the sliding disc and receiver folded fixing means. The sliding disc and non-latching receiver can be magnetic, in which case the disc and receiver couple both physically and magnetically.
[0309] Further modifications will also suggest themselves to those skilled in this art, and such are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
