BICYCLE HANDLEBAR FOLDING MECHANISM

Abstract

A product comprising a pair of foldable handles (101, 102), wherein a wedge (142) having two wedge-shaped tapered outer edges (152, 154) can be engaged between the pair of handles (101, 102) to lock the pair of handles (101, 102) in a first position, and a release mechanism connected to the wedge (142), wherein the operation of the release mechanism moves the wedge (142) to release the handles (101, 102) and unlocks the handles (101, 102) to move the pair of handles (101, 102) into a folded position, wherein the pair of handles (101, 102) defines a slot (156) into which the wedge (142) engages and which has two wedge-shaped tapered inner edges (157, 158) having the wedge (142) engages in the slot (156) to minimize the play between the pair of handles (101, 102), for which the outer edges (152, 154) of the wedge (142) engage with the inner edges (157,158) of the slot (156) fit together.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The field to which the invention relates includes bicycles and, in particular, folding bicycles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many manually operated products may include handles that can be grasped to manipulate the product or to provide manual input to influence its operation. The handles can take on a variety of easily gripped shapes, and this may include dual extensions to allow for two-handed operation. The length and shape of the handles can be selected to provide a comfortable grip and / or a mechanical advantage when moving product components, and as such, they may require space.

[0003] US Patent 575,266 A discloses a bicycle handlebar with a pair of grips, each end of which has a gear that engages with a rack located between the grips. When the grips are pivoted, the rack is displaced, ensuring synchronous movement of the grips. To lock the grips in a desired pivot position, a U-shaped clamp is slid onto the rack, preventing further movement of the rack.

[0004] Essentially comparable folding bicycle handlebars are also described in the publications FR 37 037 E, FR 910 226 A, FR 992 969 A, WO 00 / 15 488 A1, US 5 988 928 A and US 3 388 612 A. SUMMARY OF THE ILLUSTRATED VARIATIONS

[0005] One objective of the invention is to create a bicycle handlebar folding mechanism that is particularly free of play.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0007] Several illustrated variations can include a product that incorporates a pair of folding handles. Folding reduces the space the handles occupy. A wedge can be engaged between the pair of handles to lock them in a first position. A release mechanism can be connected to the wedge. Activating the release mechanism moves the wedge to disengage and unlock the handles. Unlocking allows the pair of handles to be moved into a folded position.

[0008] A product can include a number of additional variations, which may include a handle. A joint may be included at one end of the handle. The joint may define an opening. A pin may extend through the opening. The handle may rotate around the pin. Another handle may include a second joint at one end. The second joint may define a second opening. A second pin may extend through the second opening. The other handle may rotate around the second pin. A wedge may engage between the joints to lock the handles in position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Selected examples of variations of the invention are more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle according to a number of variations. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a handlebar system in a fragmentary view for use with a bicycle. Fig. 1 according to a number of variations. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates part of the handlebar locking mechanism of the system. Fig. 2, where the wedge is removed in a perspective view according to a number of variations. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates, in a fragmentary view, the handlebar area of ​​a bicycle using the system of Fig. 2 in a folded position according to a number of variations. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates part of the wedge for the handlebar locking mechanism of Fig. 3 according to a number of variations. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates part of the handlebar locking mechanism of the system. Fig. 2 according to a number of variations. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a joint area of ​​a handlebar locking mechanism of the system by Fig. 2, with the handles removed according to a number of variations. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a release mechanism of the system of Fig. 2 according to a number of variations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATORY VARIATIONS

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a number of variations that a bicycle 40 can include. In any number of variations, the bicycle 40 can include a frame 42, which may include a main tube 44 connected to a seat tube 46. The main tube 44 may include a hinge 41 to allow the frame 42 to be folded, making the bicycle 40 easier to transport and store. A locking release 43 can unlock the hinge 41. Additional hinges may be included to facilitate folding the frame 42 into a reduced pack size for storage or transport. A head tube 45 may extend from the main tube 44. The head tube 45 may be operatively connected to a front fork 56, which may be attached to a front wheel 54.A handlebar assembly 48 can be attached to the steering tube 45 and can be used to control the direction of the front wheel 54 via the front fork 56. The handlebar assembly 48 can have a grip 102 in the foreground. Fig. 1 include and can have an opposite handle 101 (in Fig. 2 shown) in the background of Fig. 1. Control mechanisms 50 may be provided on the bicycle 40, such as on the handlebar assembly 48, on the steering tube 45 as shown, or on other parts of the frame 42. The control mechanisms 50 may be designed and arranged to communicate with one or more input receiving or control devices of the bicycle 40. The one or more input receiving or control devices may include latches, release mechanisms, other mechanical devices, or other mechanisms, which may include electronic devices, to receive input signals and / or communicate data. The one or more input receiving or control devices may perform functions or operations in response to inputs from the control mechanisms and / or may further communicate with various components of the bicycle 40.In a number of variations, the control mechanisms 50 can be arranged on other parts of the frame 42 in combination with, or alternatively to, the steering tube 45 or the handlebar assembly 48. The control mechanisms 50 can be levers, buttons, other human interface devices, or other mechanisms that can be manually manipulated. The single or multiple control mechanisms 50 can communicate with controlled devices in a number of ways, such as through mechanical links, electrical conductors, or wireless links.

[0011] The bicycle 40 can include a drive system 55 that can operate on manual inputs, motor-driven inputs, or a combination thereof. The drive system 55 can include a crank assembly 62, which can include a crankshaft 64 connected to a first pedal assembly 66 and a second pedal assembly 70. The first pedal assembly 66 can include a first foot pedal 68, and the second pedal assembly 70 can include a second foot pedal 72. A connected element 71, which can be a sprocket, a pulley, or another device for connecting to a drive wheel 82, can be operationally connected to the crankshaft 64 to drive a connecting element 76.The connecting link 76 can be a chain or a belt driving the connecting element 71 and can be operationally connected to the rear connecting element 78, which is operationally connected to a hub 80 of a drive wheel 82. The drive wheel 82 can be a road wheel contacting the surface on which the bicycle 40 operates. The connecting element 78 can be a sprocket, a pulley, or another suitable device for driving the connecting link 76. The bicycle 40 can be a bicycle, a tricycle, or a quadricycle, having the crank assembly 62 designed and arranged to allow a rider to input power using the first pedal assembly 66 and the second pedal assembly 70, and can include a motor-driven unit that can be packaged in the drive system 55.

[0012] In a number of variations, as further described in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the steering rod assembly 48 of the bicycle 40 can include a handle 101 and a handle 102, each extending from a central post assembly 104. The central post assembly 104 can be located at the upper end of the steering tube 45 of the bicycle 40. The handles 101 and 102 can extend in opposite directions from the central post assembly 104 and can be used individually or in tandem to manually rotate the steering tube 45 and the connected wheel 54. With further reference to Fig. 3. The handle 101 can be connected to or formed with a joint 106, which can be a knuckle joint. The joint 106 can include a knuckle 107 with an eye 108, which can include an opening 110 that can extend completely through the eye 108. The opening 110 can be arranged through the eye 108 in an orientation that can be substantially perpendicular to the end 112 of the handle 101. The knuckle 107 can include a post 109 extending from the eye 108, which can be connected to or formed with the handle 101. In the Fig. In the orientation shown in Figure 2, the opening 110 can extend through the eyelet 108 in a substantially vertical direction, which may be perpendicular to the post 109. A pin 114 can extend through the opening 110 and may be attached to the central post assembly 104, for example, to a plate 116. A bearing 118 can be arranged in the opening 110 between the eyelet 108 and the pin 114. The bearing 118 may be separate from the eyelet 108 and the pin 114, or it may be part of one and / or the other. The eyelet 108 and the connected post 109 and the handle 101 can be rotatable about the pin 114 and can therefore be rotated relative to the main tube 44 and can be rotatable relative to the steering tube 45. Similarly, the handle 102 can be connected to or shaped with a joint 120, which can also be a fork joint.The joint 120 can include a steering knuckle 121 with an eyelet 122, which can include an opening 124 that extends completely through the eyelet 122. The opening 124 can be arranged through the eyelet 122 in an orientation that can be substantially perpendicular to the end 127 of the handle 102. The steering knuckle 121 can include a post 123 extending from the eyelet 108, which can be connected to or formed with the handle 102. In the in . Fig. In the orientation shown in Figure 2, the opening 124 can extend through the eyelet 122 in a substantially vertical direction, which may be perpendicular to the post 123. In a number of variations, the posts 109 and 123 can form a segment with a reduced cross-sectional area (as in Figure 2). Fig. (7 shown) have openings onto which the handles 101, 102 can be positioned, with the segment being received within the respective handle. A pin 126 can extend through the opening 124 and can be attached to the central post assembly 104, for example, to a plate 116. A bearing 128 can be arranged in the opening 124 between the eyelet 122 and the pin 126. The bearing 128 can be separate from the eyelet 122 and the pin 126, or it can be part of one and / or the other. The eyelet 122 and the connected post 123 and the handle 102 can be rotatable about the pin 126 and can therefore be rotated relative to the main tube 44 and can be rotatable relative to the steering tube 45. In a number of variations, the pins 114, 126 can be bolts with enlarged heads, arranged on one side of the eyelets 108, 122, and on the opposite side the bolts can be screwed into the plate 116.The pins 114, 126 can hold the handles 101, 102 on the center post arrangement 104.

[0013] In several variations, the steering knuckle 107 can have a gear section 130, which may be located on the eyelet 108. The gear section 130 can have a number 132 teeth. The gear section 130 can be located on the eyelet 108 at and around the central region 134 of the center post assembly 104. The gear section 130 can be formed as part of the eyelet 108 or attached to it. Similarly, the steering knuckle 121 can have a gear section 136 on the eyelet 122. The gear section 136 can have a number 138 teeth. The gear section 136 can be located on the eyelet 122 at and around the central region 134 of the center post assembly 104. The gear section 136 can be formed as part of the eyelet 122 or attached to it. The gear section 136 can be brought into engagement with the gear section 130, with the teeth 138 being in engagement with the teeth 132.Consequently, the rotation of handle 101 around pin 114 can drive the rotation of handle 102 through the interlocking teeth 132, 138. Similarly, the rotation of handle 102 around pin 126 can drive the rotation of handle 101 through the interlocking teeth 138, 132. In other words, handles 101 and 102 can be rotated in a synchronized action, with input provided at one or both of handles 101, 102. This allows for one-handed folding of handles 101, 102 into a folded position, as shown in [reference]. Fig. Figure 4 shows that when folded, the handles 101, 102 can be arranged substantially parallel to each other and can extend over the frame 42 of the bicycle 40, while the wheel 54 remains straight ahead. The folded handles 101, 102 can occupy a narrow lateral space sideways over the bicycle 40, compared to the unfolded operative steering position of Fig. 2.

[0014] Handles 101 and 102 can be used in a number of variations in the Fig. The steering knuckles 107 and 121 can be locked in the operative steering position shown in Figure 2. A locking arrangement 140 can engage between the eyelets 108 and 122 and can prevent rotation of the steering knuckles 107 and 121. The locking arrangement 140 can include a wedge 142. As shown in Figure 2, the steering knuckles 108 and 122 can be locked in the operative steering position shown in Figure 2. A locking arrangement 140 can engage between the eyelets 108 and 122 and can prevent rotation of the steering knuckles 107 and 121. The locking arrangement 140 can include a wedge 142. Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the wedge 142 can include a guide 144. The guide 144 can include side walls 145 and 146 with a flat wall 147 extending between the side walls 145 and 146. The guide 144 can be connected at its base 148 to the main body 149 of the wedge 142. The guide 144 can engage in a wedge groove 150 formed in the lugs 108 and 122, as shown in the figures. Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the engagement between the wedge 142 and the eyelets 108, 122 can lock the wedge 142 onto the steering knuckles 107, 121 when the handles 101 and 102 are in the operative steering position of Fig. 2 befinden. Unter Bezugnahme auf Fig. 6 können die Außenkanten 152 und 154 des Keils 142 in einen Schlitz 156 eingreifen, der durch die Ösen 108, 122 gebildet wird. Die Kanten 157 und 158 des Schlitzes 156 können gegen die Ränder 152 oder 154 des Keils 142 zusammenpassen, um als ein Anschlag gegen eine Drehung der Griffe 101 und 102 aufeinander zu wirken. Der Keil 142 kann verjüngt sein und wird zu seinem terminalen Ende 160 schmaler. Der Schlitz 156 kann in ähnlicher Weise verjüngt sein. Der Keil 142 kann mit einer keilartigen Wirkung in den Schlitz 156 gleiten. Die Zahnradabschnitte 130, 136 können von dem Keil 142 beabstandet angeordnet sein, um eine Interferenz zu vermeiden. The keyway 150 can be formed in the eyelets 108, 122 within the slot 156. When the wedge 142 is pulled out of the slot 156, the guide 144 can slide in the keyway 150. This can keep the wedge 142 in alignment, as its outer edges 152, 154 can separate from the edges 157 and 158 of the slot 156.

[0015] The wedge 142 can be used in a number of variations with a shaft 162 (in the Fig. 2 and Fig. (4 shown) connected, which may be included in and slide within the center post assembly 104. A spring 164 may extend between the wedge 142 and a stop 165 and may surround the shaft 162. The spring 164 may act to force the wedge 142 into the slot 156 to hold the handles 101, 102 in the operative steering position of Fig. 2 to lock. The wedge 142 can move into the slot 156 in an automatic locking action under the force of the spring 164 when the handles 101 and 102 are unfolded. The wedge 142 can have retaining features in the form of projections 167, 169 (in Fig. (5 shown) can assume, which can each engage in the undersides 171, 173 of the eyelets 108 or 122. With reference to Fig. 7. For example, the axle stub 121 can have a recess 176 in the eyelet 122, which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the projection 169 to provide the counter-holding element. The axle stub 107 can include a recess 175 in the eyelet 108, which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the projection 167 to provide the counter-holding element. The projections 167, 169 can act as detents in the recesses 175 or 176 in the knuckles 107, 121 and can help to hold the handles 101, 102 in the folded position. Fig. 4 to hold when they enter the recesses 175, 176. The handles 101, 102 can be moved into the steering position of Fig. 2 can be rotated by applying a force to overcome friction in order to displace the projections 167, 169 out of the recesses 175, 176.

[0016] Wave 162 can be found in a number of variations (in the Fig. 2 and Fig. (4 shown) be hollow or tubular and a cable 170 can extend through the shaft 162 and can include an enlarged end 172 connected to the wedge 142. The cable 170 can be connected to the control mechanism 50, which may be located remotely from the wedge 142. Actuation of the control mechanism 50 can pull the cable 170 and move the wedge 142 to compress the spring 164, thereby unlocking the handles 101, 102 by moving the wedge 142 into the unlocked position, as shown in Fig. 4 shown. When handles 101 and 102 are unlocked, they can be manually moved into the position of Fig. 4 can be folded. This release mechanism for the handles 101, 102 can be operated by a single operator, for example by providing a lever as a control mechanism 50. In a number of variations, the control mechanism 50 can be connected to both the joint 41 and the wedge 142, so that multiple releases can be effected by a single operation. For example, as shown schematically in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the control mechanism 50 includes a lever 51 which can be connected to the wedge 142 via cables to segments 180 and 182. The lever 51 can also be connected via a cable segment 180 to a locking release 43 of the joint 41 and a cable segment 184. The operation of the lever 51 can simultaneously move the wedge 142 to unlock the handles 101 and 102 for folding and can move the locking release 43 to unlock the connection 41 for folding the frame 42. In a number of variations, additional connections can be made to the cable 180 if desired.

[0017] Through the variations described above, the steering of a bicycle 40 with limited play can be provided by handles 101, 102 that can be folded into a compact package and unfolded into a firmly locked position. The engagement gear sections 130, 136 can synchronize the movement of the handles 101, 102 to create a manual folding mechanism and to support the provision of a robust arrangement.

Claims

[1] Product comprising a pair of handles (101, 102) that are foldable, wherein a wedge (142) having two wedge-shaped tapered outer edges (152, 154) can be engaged between the pair of handles (101, 102) to lock the pair of handles (101, 102) in a first position, and a release mechanism connected to the wedge (142), wherein the operation of the release mechanism moves the wedge (142) to release the handles (101, 102) and unlocks the handles (101, 102) to move the pair of handles (101, 102) into a folded position, wherein the pair of handles (101, 102) defines a slot (156) into which the wedge (142) engages and which has two wedge-shaped tapered outer edges (152, 154). has inner edges (157, 158), wherein the wedge (142) engages in the slot (156) to minimize the play between the pair of handles (101, 102), for which the outer edges (152, 154) of the wedge (142) engage with the inner edges (157,158) of the slot (156) fit together. [2] Product according to claim 1, wherein the release mechanism has a control mechanism (50) which is connected to the wedge (142), wherein the release mechanism is arranged at a remote location from the wedge (142). [3] Product according to claim 1, wherein the pair of handles (101, 102) defines a keyway (150) in the slot (156) and has a guide (144) extending from the wedge (142), wherein the guide (144) engages in the keyway (150). [4] Product according to claim 1, further comprising a spring (164) which engages with the wedge (142) and automatically forces the wedge (142) to lock the pair of handles (101,102). [5] Product according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of handles (101,102) has an eyelet (108 / 122) with a pin (114 / 126) extending through each eyelet (108 / 114), wherein each pair of handles (101,102) rotates about one of the pins (114,126). [6] Product according to claim 5, comprising a gear section (130) at each eyelet (108), wherein the gear sections (130, 136) mesh with each other, such that the pair of handles (101, 102) rotate synchronously, so that folding one of the two handles (101, 102) moves the other handle (101 / 102) to fold. [7] Bicycle (40) with a product according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle (40) includes a frame (42) with a joint (41) which enables the bicycle (40) to be folded, wherein the release mechanism is connected to both the wedge (142) and the joint (41) to unlock both at the same time.

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