Folding Bike Structure

Abstract

The folding bicycle structure includes a support frame (2) having a rear wheel (3) and a front wheel (4), a handlebar (5) fixed to the frame (2), and a seat post (6) having a lower end removably fixed to the bearing frame (2) and an upper end associated with a saddle (7). The support frame (2) is divided into at least one front section (9) and at least one rear section (10), which are adapted to be connected to each of the wheels (3, 4) and are hinged to each other about a first hinge axis (11) so as to switch between an extended configuration and a compact configuration for use. The support frame (2) is also provided with one or more straps (14, 15), each having one end fixed to the support frame (2) and one free end provided with a hook, so that the respective strap can be untied (14, 15) and hooked onto another part of the structure to be used as a shoulder strap for transporting the structure in the compact configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is generally applicable in the technical field of wheeled vehicles, and in particular relates to the construction of a bicycle that is foldable and adapted to be carried by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, one of the drawbacks of typical bicycles is that they are difficult to transport on short or long journeys that require the use of other vehicles such as cars, trains or planes.

[0003] In fact, their particular shape makes them difficult to pack and particularly bulky to carry, so if they have to be carried as baggage in the cargo hold of an airplane, they are usually classified as special baggage and subject to an additional fee.

[0004] Various solutions are known that allow the overall dimensions of a bicycle to be reduced in order to facilitate transportation of the bicycle when it is not in use.

[0005] However, the known solutions are not optimized to make transportation easy and convenient, even in certain conditions such as travel by plane or train, and always require manual transportation of the vehicle in a closed configuration, which means that one or both hands are always occupied by the user, with obvious restrictions on movement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks and to provide a folding bicycle structure which is characterized by high efficiency and relatively cost-effectiveness.

[0007] A particular object is to provide a folding bicycle structure that can be easily moved from an open configuration for use typical of this type of vehicle to a folded configuration that is easy and convenient to transport and has relatively small overall dimensions.

[0008] A particular objective is to provide a foldable bicycle structure that, in its folded configuration, has maximum dimensions large enough to fit within the limits set by airlines for loading as standard baggage or as carry-on luggage.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a folding bicycle structure that, in the folded configuration, can be comfortably carried on a user's shoulder.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to realize a foldable bicycle structure that can be implemented with a common means including one or more supply batteries for use as an electric bicycle and still maintains the safety requirements for classification as baggage.

[0011] These objects, as well as others which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a folding bicycle structure according to claim 1, comprising a load-bearing frame having a rear wheel and a front wheel, a handlebar attached to said frame, and a steerer seatpost having a lower end removably fixed to said frame and an upper end associated with a saddle.

[0012] The load-bearing frame is divided into at least one front section and at least one rear section, each having a wheel, and hinged to one another for movement between an extended configuration for use to a compact configuration in which the wheels are substantially parallel to one another, and the frame is provided with one or more straps, each having one end fixed to the frame and one free end provided with a hook, which can be untied and hooked to another part of the structure and used as a strap for transporting the structure in the compact configuration.

[0013] This combination of features allows the structure to be closed into a particularly compact configuration for easy carrying via one or more straps that are worn around the user's shoulder or chest.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the structure are obtained according to the dependent claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] Further features and advantages of the structures according to the invention will become more apparent in the light of the detailed description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of some of the structures, illustrated as non-limiting examples with the aid of the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a folding bicycle structure according to a first preferred configuration of the present invention in a compact configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a folding bicycle structure according to a second preferred configuration of the present invention in a compact configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of a folding bicycle structure according to a third preferred configuration of the present invention in a compact configuration. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a front view of a folding bicycle structure according to a fourth preferred configuration of the present invention in a compact configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing structural details of the fifth configuration in the expanded configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the detail of FIG. 8 in compact configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a support frame according to a further configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further element that may be associated with a portion of the support frame of FIG. 10 and is intended to house one or more batteries. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the elements of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the element of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the frame of FIG. 10 with the element of FIG. 11 housed therein. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0016] In the accompanying drawings several typical configurations of folding bicycle structures according to the invention are shown diagrammatically, which are designed to be used to define a typical bicycle.

[0017] The bicycle structure may be designed to make any type and size of bicycle, without particular limitation.

[0018] In its most common form, the bicycle structure, generally designated 1, comprises a support frame 2 having a rear wheel 3 and a front wheel 4, a handlebar 5 attached to the frame 2, and a seat post 6 having a lower end removably secured to the frame 2 and an upper end associated with a saddle 7.

[0019] The structure 1 is also typically provided with a front and rear crown or pinion and may already be equipped with a central mechanism 8 configured according to any of the typical modalities for this type of element without any particular restriction.

[0020] According to a particular feature of the invention, the support frame 2 is divided into at least one front portion 9 and at least one rear portion 10 adapted to be constrained to the respective wheels 3, 4, for example by a typical fork arrangement not shown.

[0021] The two frame parts 9,10 are hinged to each other about a first vertical hinge axis 11 and move from an extended configuration for use to a compact configuration in which the wheels 3,4 are side-by-side and substantially parallel to each other as shown in the drawings, i.e. they have parallel planes perpendicular to their respective hubs 12,13.

[0022] In a particularly preferred but non-limiting manner, the respective hubs 12, 13 of the two wheels 3, 4 are arranged in a coaxial position relative to one another in a compact configuration.

[0023] Additionally, frame 2 is provided with one or more straps 14, 15, each having a fixed end to frame 2 and a free end with a hook, not visible in the figure, suitable for uncoiling and connecting each strap 14, 15 to another part of structure 1.

[0024] In this manner, straps 14, 15 may be used as shoulder straps that can be wrapped around a user's shoulders to facilitate carrying the structure in a compact form.

[0025] According to a particularly advantageous configuration, common to the variants illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, at least one, and preferably both, of the portions 9, 10 of the frame 2 will be hollow so that one or both of the straps 14, 15 can be accommodated therein.

[0026] The latter would be rolled up and housed in one of the hollow parts, for example the rear part 10, and would be able to be pulled out through suitable slots 16 present in the same hollow part 10 so that, after unwinding them, their respective free ends could be hooked onto another part of the structure.

[0027] According to a preferred configuration of the same figure, the free ends of the straps 14, 15 may be hooked to the undersheet by suitable hook elements not visible in the figure.

[0028] In this case, the seat post 6 would be completely removable from the frame 2, while the saddle 7 would be removable from the seat post 6 to which it is fixed by suitable connecting means not shown, but which has a variable configuration relative to the hub 12 of one of the wheels 3 in a position substantially parallel to the plane of the wheel itself, depending on the type of saddle.

[0029] Furthermore, one of the parts 9, 10 of the frame 2 also comprises a seat 17 for positioning and holding the seat post 6 in the detached state, wherein the post 6 is adapted to be arranged substantially parallel to the same part of the frame 2, so as not to affect the overall dimensions of the structure 1 in the compact form.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a third configuration of structure 1, in which straps 14, 15 are always positioned external to frame 2 and have both ends which allow them to be detached and hooked from parts of the structure such as handlebars 5 and saddle 7 as needed.

[0031] According to a particularly preferred configuration, the structure 1 in its compact form will have maximum dimensions of between 60x50x30 and 50x30x10, which would be classified as standard luggage if the structure 1 were to be transported as luggage in vehicles such as trains, planes and ships.

[0032] Even more preferably, the maximum size of the structure 1 in the compact form will not exceed the threshold of 55x40x20cm so as to be classifiable as baggage if required to board an aircraft.

[0033] Preferably, the weight of the structure 1 does not exceed 10Kg net of pedals and other accessories and any batteries so as to be suitable to be checked in as baggage in the cabin.

[0034] To further simplify transportation, the structure 1 can also include a covering element, not shown, suitable for covering the structure 1 when the frame 2 is in the compact configuration and possibly also when it is in the expanded configuration.

[0035] The covering element also has the function of protection from external agents and may be provided with one or more external pockets designed to hold any type of object, so as to transform the structure into a real travel backpack.

[0036] In addition to or instead of the covering element, it would also be possible to provide a bag, for example of plastic, provided with one or more compartments for the accessories.

[0037] The manner in which the various parts of the structure 1 are connected to the support frame 2 may vary depending on the requirements.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a first configuration, in which the handlebar 5 comprises a stem 18 hinged to the front portion 9 of the frame 2 and which, so as to always remain integral with the frame, changes from a raised position to a lowered position of typical use when the support frame 2 is in the compact configuration, by rotation about a second horizontal hinge axis 19, as seen in FIG. 2.

[0039] In the lowered position, the stem 18 of the handlebar 5 will be disposed parallel to the plane of the wheels 3,4.

[0040] A second configuration is shown in FIG. 3, where the handlebar 5 includes a tubular stem 18 having a telescoping structure that changes from an extended position of use to a lowered, compact position when the support frame 2 is in the compact configuration.

[0041] As can be seen in FIG. 4, in the lowered, compact position, the stem 18 of the handlebar 5 will be inserted almost completely within the hollow front portion 9 of the frame 2 .

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a further variant which differs essentially in the shape of the handlebar 5 and in the configuration of the straps 14, 15 previously described.

[0043] In particular, the handlebar 5 has an arched shape which, in the compact configuration, will provide support for the user's back and provide a highly ergonomic design in the compact configuration.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a further arrangement, which differs from the previous one in that the straps 14, 15 are wound up inside the handlebar 5 and in particular brought out through respective slots corresponding to each handle 20, 21 for hooking onto another part of the structure 1.

[0045] According to a further configuration, not shown in its entirety, the structure 1 may comprise a central mechanism associated with an electric motor having rechargeable battery power supply means.

[0046] Advantageously, the power supply means may comprise two or more rechargeable batteries 22, 23 housed in respective hollow portions 9, 10 of the frame 2, as can be seen in FIGS.

[0047] Furthermore, at least one or both of the batteries 22, 23 are housed in a removably manner in the respective hollow portions 9 of the frame 2 and can be removed, if necessary, so as not to exceed metrological limits imposed by law before they can be loaded, for example, into the hold or cabin of an aircraft.

[0048] According to a preferred configuration, there may be three lithium batteries 22, separated from each other, each with a bms card and sized so that their total energy that can be supplied is less than 100Wh, in order to respect the limits for the transportation of lithium in the air cabin.

[0049] If a bag is envisaged, it may have a special pocket for storing and inspecting the battery, as well as a special compartment with a built-in charger and a compartment for the cable.

[0050] FIG. 10 shows a second preferred, but not exclusive, configuration of the rear portion 10 of the support frame 2, which differs from the previous one by the presence of a handle 24 suitable for facilitating transport and gripping of the frame 2 in its folded, compact state, as well as the fact that it is configured to house a battery case 25 therein, as shown more clearly in FIG. 11.

[0051] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, as can also be seen in FIG. 12, the case 25 can comprise a first battery compartment 26 in which one or more housings are provided, for example three housings 27, for each of the three aforementioned lithium batteries 22, as represented in FIG. 13.

[0052] The case 25 may also include a second compartment 28 for housing a charger.

[0053] The first compartment 26 could be reclosable by a removable first lid 29 and could also provide a compartment 30 for a charging cable which can be removed through a special slot 31 accessible by removing a sliding cap 32.

[0054] Meanwhile, the second compartment 28 may be reclosable by a second cover 33, which may also be provided with a hole 34 for the charger socket and a peephole 35 for viewing an indicator light showing that the charger is charging, so that it may be used without being removed from the second compartment 28.

[0055] The portion 10 of the frame 2 may be suitably configured with suitable slots 36, 37 designed to allow access to the compartment 30 for the charging cable and the hole 34 for connecting to the charger without removing the case 25 from its interior.

[0056] Structure 1 may also be implemented with further accessories such as, by way of non-limiting example only, a built-in speaker, a built-in umbrella and / or umbrella holder, left and right turn indicators, a magnetic fastening system for a compact configuration.

[0057] The above folding bicycle structure is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all the details can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be changed as required without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A folding bicycle structure, comprising: A support frame (2) having rear wheels (3) and front wheels (4), A handlebar (5) fixed to the support frame (2); a seat post (6) having a lower end removably fixed to the support frame (2) and an upper end associated with a saddle (7); said support frame (2) is divided into at least one front portion (9) and at least one rear portion (10), adapted to be connected to each of said wheels (3, 4) and hinged to each other about a first hinge axis (11) for movement between an extended configuration of use and a compact configuration in which said wheels (3, 4) are substantially side-by-side and parallel to each other; said support frame (2) is provided with one or more straps (14, 15), each having one end fixed to said support frame (2) and one free end provided with a hook, so that each one of said straps (14, 15) can be unwound and hooked onto another part of said structure and used as a shoulder strap for transporting said structure in a compact form; At least one of the portions (9, 10) of the support frame (2) is hollow, and the one or more straps (14, 15) are wound up and housed within the at least one hollow portion (9, 10); A folding bicycle structure, characterized in that the support frame (2) comprises means for hooking the saddle (7) onto the hub (12) of one of the wheels (3, 4) and is arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the wheels (3, 4).

2. 2. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said one or more straps (14, 15) can be pulled through suitable slots (16) present in said at least one hollow portion (9, 10) so that, after uncoupling, their respective free ends can be connected to another part of the structure.

3. 3. The structure of claim 2, characterized in that in said compact form it has maximum overall dimensions between 60cm x 50cm x 30cm and 50cm x 30cm x 10cm.

4. 2. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the handlebar (5) comprises a stem (18) hingedly connected to the front portion (9) of the support frame (2) and moves from a raised position of use to a lowered position when the support frame (2) is in the compact configuration.

5. 2. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the handlebar (5) comprises a tubular stem (18) having a telescopic structure, which moves from an extended position of use to a lowered compact position when the support frame (2) is in the compact configuration.

6. 2. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat post (6) is completely removable from the support frame (2) and the saddle (7) is removable from the seat post (6).

7. 7. A structure according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the parts (9, 10) of the support frame (2) comprises a seat (17) for positioning and holding the seat post (6) in the detached state, the seat post (6) being adapted to be arranged substantially parallel to the part (9, 10) of the support frame on which the seat (17) is provided.

8. 2. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the saddle (7) is provided with elements for hooking the free ends of the one or more straps (15).

9. 2. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a central mechanism associated with an electric motor provided with rechargeable battery power means.

10. 10. The structure according to claim 9, characterized in that the power supply means comprises at least a pair of rechargeable batteries (22, 23) housed in each of the hollow portions (9, 10) of the support frame (2), at least one of the batteries (20, 21) being removable.

11. 10. The structure of claim 9, wherein said power supply means comprises three lithium batteries separated from one another, each having its own bms card, said batteries having a total energy supply capacity of less than 100 Wh.

12. 2. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a covering element adapted to cover said structure at least when said support frame is in said compact configuration, for protection against external agents.

13. 13. The structure of claim 12, wherein the covering element is provided with one or more external pockets.

14. 2. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the support frame (2) houses inside it a case (25) provided with a first compartment (26) for accommodating one or more batteries and a second compartment (28) for a charger, the support frame (2) being provided with one or more slots (36) for accessing the charger with the case (25) inserted in the support frame (2).

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