A frame for a velocipede

Abstract

A frame for a velocipede comprising a down tube. The down tube is provided with a break point or hinge comprising a lock 110. The lock is arranged to maintain the down tube in a deployed position when

Description

TECHNCAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a frame for a velocipede. BACKGROUND

[0002] Public highways are busy places and increasingly unsuitable for use by vulnerable riders of velocipedes, such as cyclists, in particular children or people who are beginning first ride such vehicles.

[0003] Furthermore, not every has the luxury of living within short distance of scenic green spaces where cycling may be more enjoyable than within busy urban spaces.

[0004] The above limitations have been previously remedied by transporting the velocipede to a suitable location for a vulnerable rider to enjoy. Such previous transport methods can involve cumbersome carriers fitted to the roof, rear door, or tow bar of a motorised vehicle (such as a car). These methods are undesirable in requiring special adapters and risk damage to the motor vehicle. Such methods are also not suitable for every kind of velocipede which may not fit a given carrier (e.g. Bicycles without a cross bar or velocipedes having three of more wheels).

[0005] A velocipede that is provided with a folding or otherwise collapsible frame can mitigate the issues with carriers, as such folding velocipedes may be collapsed and stowed within a motorised vehicle. However, previous folding mechanisms may be susceptible to accidental operation by vulnerable riders, who may not be familiar with the function of every part of their velocipede. Such mechanisms can also be difficult to operate by a supervisor, particularly if the vulnerable rider is in a state of excitement, wishing to commence their riding experience immediately. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, a frame for a velocipede includes a down tube, where the down tube is provided with a break point, where the down tube includes a lock, where the lock is arranged to maintain the down tube in a deployed position when in a locked configuration, and is further arranged to allow the down tube to enter a folded position when in an unlocked configuration, where the lock may be switched between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration by simultaneously pushing a first lock part and pulling a second lock part. In this way a complex movement is required on the part of the user to operate the lock. This ensures only intentional operation of the lock is permitted, thereby protecting a vulnerable rider.

[0007] The frame may also include one or more of a seat tube, a head tube, a seat stay, a chain stay, a bottom bracket, a dropout.

[0008] The first lock part may be a release button and the second lock part may be a bolt. The release button must be operated, and maintained in that operated state in order for the bolt to be moved.

[0009] Suitably, the lock is arranged co-incident with the break point, in this way the lock directly ensures the frame remains in a deployed position.

[0010] Preferably, the lock is arranged on a first section of the down tube and a complimentary keep is arranged on a second section of the down tube, the first section and second section arranged about the break point.

[0011] Optionally, when in the deployed position, the lock is arranged substantially vertical on the frame to ensure the lock is freely accessibly for operation.

[0012] Suitably, the break point is arranged such that the down tube, when in the folded position, presents a non-perpendicular cross section to a surface of down tube.

[0013] Preferably, the first lock part is housed within the second lock part. Optionally, the first lock part is tied to the second lock part. Housing and / or tying the first lock part to the second lock part ensures that the parts are in communication and must be operated together. This ensures accidental operation by an unauthorized user is prevented.

[0014] Suitably, a service is routed across the break point.

[0015] Preferably, when the frame includes a seat stay, the downtube is formed integrally with the seat stay.

[0016] Suitably, the first section and the second section are hingeably connected, such that the two sections are tied together when moved between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration. The two parts therefore do not separate such that they may move apart from each other, but instead rotate relative to one another while remaining proximate to the other part.

[0017] Preferably, either the first section or the second section includes a manifold. The down tube may split off into further tubes via such a manifold. In this way the down tube may be used to form other components of the frame, such as a seat stay or a chain stay.

[0018] Suitably, the lock is biased towards the locked configuration. In case of partial operation of the lock, biasing of the lock ensures the lock returns to the locked configuration without any external input. Partial or attempted operation could be caused by an unauthorized user, such as a vulnerable rider, or from vibrations during use of the velocipede.

[0019] A velocipede can include the frame as described above. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0020] A velocipede may be a bicycle or any other kind of human powered transport machine, including but not limited to unicycle, tricycle, quadricycle for use on land or water. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an perspective view of a velocipede.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a further perspective view of a velocipede.

[0024] FIG. 3 A, B, and C illustrate close-up views of the action of a lock of a frame.

[0025] FIG. 4 A and B show a cross-sectional view of a frame and lock in alternative positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a velocipede 102, in particular a bicycle, including the usual features of such a vehicle. That is, a saddle, wheels, peddles, drive system, handle bars, breaks, and a frame 104.

[0027] The frame 104 is formed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to a metal, including steel, aluminium, titanium, or a composite such as carbon fibre or a plastic.

[0028] The frame 104 is formed of a head tube 114, down tube 106, having a first section 124 and a second section 126, seat tube 112, seat stay 116, chain stays 118, and dropouts 120.

[0029] The down tube 106 further comprises a manifold 122 where the down tube 106 splits into multiple tubes and reveals an aperture through the down tube 106. The multiple tubes may form the seat stays 116 and / or the chain stays 118.

[0030] The down tube 106 has a break point 108 which divides the first section 124 and the second section 126, and about which the down tube 106 may move between a deployed configuration (as shown in FIG. 1) and a folded configuration.

[0031] The first section 124 and the second section 126 may be connected or tied together such that the first section 124 and the second section 126 are retained in close proximity irrespective of whether the frame 104 is in the deployed configuration or the folded configuration. This may be achieved, for example, via a hinge (not shown) or other pivoting means arranged adjacent the break point 108.

[0032] A service 128 is provided by a cable from the handlebars to another section of the velocipede 102, such services 128 allow a rider to operate a function of the velocipede 102, such as brakes, gearing, and / or suspension control. The service 128 passes over the break point 108 to operate parts of the velocipede 102 that are on the other side of the break point 108 relative to the handlebars.

[0033] The down tube 106 is further provided with a lock 110, arranged adjacent or coincident the break point 108. The lock 110 ensures the down tube 106 may not switch between the deployed configuration and the folded configuration without an intentional act being committed by an authorised user.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows the same velocipede 102 as FIG. 1, having all the same features and attributes. The lock 110 has been moved to the unlocked position, and the velocipede 102 folded, with the down tube 106 split at the break point 108. The first section 124 and the second section 126 of the down tube 106, when in the folded position, do not overlap each other, but are inclined. This is because the break point 108 is arranged on a bias. The bias is selected such that a complete velocipede 102 comprising such a frame 104, maintains both wheels on the ground when the frame 104 is folded. A mechanism may be provided to maintain the velocipede 102 in the folded position, to allow the velocipede 102 to be easily picked up without the first section 124 and the second section 126 moving. This may be provided by the lock 110 engaging with a further catch to hold the parts of the down tube 106 in their relative positions.

[0035] Further folding points may be provided to allows the velocipede 102 to further collapse to facilitate easy transport, such as folding handlebars.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows the external operation of the lock 110 by an authorised user. FIG. 3 A to C show a close up view of the velocipede 102 of FIG. 1 on the frame 104 at the break point 108.

[0037] The lock 110 comprises a first lock part 302 and a second lock part 304. The first lock part 302 may take the form of a button. The lock 110 is shown at rest in the locked position in FIG. 3 A.

[0038] In FIG. 3 B, the first lock part 302 is first pushed, and maintained in the pushed position. This releases the second lock part 304 and allows the 304 to be pulled, simultaneously as the 302 is maintained in the pushed position.

[0039] FIG. 3 C shows the lock 110 moved into the unlocked position with the first lock part 302 in the pushed position, and the second lock part 304, having been pulled, now in a disengaged position.

[0040] The requirement for the simultaneous pushing and pulling of the lock 110 ensures that the lock 110 can only be placed in an unlocked position with an intentional operation by an authorised user. Such a combination of movements is also unintuitive and difficult for a vulnerable rider to perform (such as a child).

[0041] FIG. 4 A and B show a cross section through the lock 110 and down tube 106 with the lock 110 in the locked (FIG. 4 A) and unlocked (FIG. 4 B) position.

[0042] In FIG. 4 A, the first lock part 302, shown as a release button 404, must be pushed to engage a ramped surface with the second lock part 304, shown as a bolt 402, via an interference fit with a collar. This then allows the bolt 402 to be raised by pulling the collar, while maintaining the push on the first lock part 302. Releasing the release button 404 while pulling the bolt 402, results in the ramped surface releasing its grip and the bolt 402 returns to its original position.

[0043] A biasing means (not shown), such as a coil spring or similar may be provided to maintain the release button 404 in the locked position, with the ramped surface disengaged. The same or separate biasing means may also act on the bolt 402, urging the bolt 402 towards the locked position, and engaged with the keep 202 of the second sections 126 on the down tube 106.

[0044] FIG. 4 B shows the lock in the unlocked position, with the second lock part 304 pulled to the end of its travel. The second lock part 304 is retained by the down tube 106 so that the lock may not unintentionally be fully removed from the down tube 106.

[0045] The bolt 402 is fully clear of the break points 108 and the first section 124 is free to move relative to the second sections 126 via coupling (such as a hinge, not shown), and the frame 104 placed into a folded position.

[0046] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0047] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0048] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

05 12 241. A frame for a velocipede comprising:a down tube comprising a break point and a lock, whereinthe lock is arranged:to maintain the down tube in a deployed position when in a locked configuration;to allow the down tube to enter a folded position when in an unlocked configuration; whereinthe lock is switchable between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration by simultaneously pushing a first lock part and pulling a second lock part; wherein the lock is arranged co-incident with the break point;the first lock part is a release button and the second lock part is a bolt; andthe first section is free to move relative to the second section when the bolt is fully clear of the break point.

2. The frame of claim 1 wherein the frame further comprises one or more of a seat tube, a head tube, a seat stay, a chain stay, a bottom bracket, a dropout.

3. The frame of claim 2, when comprising a seat stay, wherein the downtube is formed integrally with the seat stay.

4. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the lock is arranged on a first section of the down tube and a complimentary keep is arranged on a second section of the down tube, the first section and second section arranged about the break point.

5. The frame of claim 4 wherein the first section and the second section are hingeably connected.

6. The frame of claim 4 or 5 wherein either the first section or the second section comprises a manifold.

7. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein, when in the deployed position, the lock is arranged substantially vertical on the frame.05 12 248. The frame of any one of claims 1-5 or 7 wherein the break point is arranged such that the down tube, when in the folded position, presents an non-perpendicular cross section to a surface of down tube.

9. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the first lock part is housed within the second lock part.

10. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first lock part is tied to the second lock part.

11. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein a service is routed across the break point.

12. The frame of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the lock is biased towards the locked configuration.

13. A velocipede comprising a frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A velocipede as claimed in claim 13, wherein the velocipede is a bicycle.

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