Detachable handlebar and front fork for compactable bicycles

Abstract

There is provided at least one of a detachable handlebar and a front fork for a compactable bicycle. The compactable bicycle includes: a frame; a fork rotatably connected to the frame; a first wheel rotationally connected to the fork; a second wheel rotationally connected to the frame and in mechanical connection to a crank; a saddle connected to the frame; a stem detachable connectable to the fork, the stem rotates the fork relative to the frame when attached; a handlebar connected to the stem; and a hinge located intermediate the stem and the frame to permit detachment of the handlebar and the stem from the frame.

Description

DETACHABLE HANDLEBAR AND FRONT FORK FOR COMPACTABLE BICYCLESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The following generally relates to compactable bicycles; and more particularly, a detachable handlebar and a front fork for compactable bicycles.BACKGROUND

[0002] Compactable bicycles (sometimes referred to simply as folding bicycles) are a type of bicycle designed to be folded or otherwise compacted into a compact orientation. Some compactable bicycles employ folding mechanisms. Folding bicycles can be particularly useful for people who commute using multiple modes of transportation. When transiting from one mode of transportation to the next, a rider can fold or unfold a folding bicycle to carry or otherwise roll the bicycle while in the compacted configuration or ride it like a conventional bicycle. In some cases, folding bicycles are preferred when available storage space is limited where the rider lives or works. For example, some folding bicycles can be stored in a small space inside an apartment or underneath an office desk. In some cases, folding bicycles can be kept inside a car.

[0003] The design of foldable bicycles varies but typically includes several hinges, joints, and detachable mechanisms. Such components allow different sections of the frame and other components of the bicycle to be folded into a compact orientation or unfolded to a ridable form. In some cases, components of a folding bicycle can be separated from each other to fold the bicycle, or to allow the bicycle to be in its most compact orientation. In some cases, components of a folding bicycle can move relative to each other around hinges or over sliding mechanisms. In other cases, folding bicycles include separable joints that may allow for easy removal of some components completely. Unfolding and assembly of folding bicycles to their ridable configuration can require reversal of the folding process and may involve adjustment of one or more components.

[0004] For folding bicycles, the components of the folding bicycle should generally be positionable in a compact orientation to save space. Placement and orientation of a handlebar and a fork in the compact orientation of the folding bicycle is challenging dueto the relatively complex shape of the handlebar and the fork and the importance of the strength of connection between the handlebar and the front wheel to provide overall safety and reliability of the of the bicycle.SUMMARY

[0005] In various aspects, there is provided a foldable bicycle with a detachable handlebar. The foldable bicycle comprising: a frame; a fork rotatably connected to the frame; a first wheel rotationally connected to the fork; a second wheel rotationally connected to the frame and in mechanical connection to a pair of pedals; a saddle connected to the frame; a stem detachable connectable to the fork, the stem rotates the fork relative to the frame when attached; a handlebar connected to the stem; and a hinge located intermediate the stem and the frame to permit detachment of the handlebar and the stem from the frame.

[0006] In further aspects, there is provided a foldable bicycle comprising: a frame; a front fork rotatably connected to the frame, the rotatable connection between the front fork and the frame comprising a removable interlocking mechanism to permit detachment of the fork from the frame; a first wheel rotationally connected to the fork; a second wheel rotationally connected to the frame and in mechanical connection to a pair of pedals; a saddle connected to the frame; a stem connected to the front fork; and a handlebar connected to the stem.

[0007] In another aspect, a compactable bicycle is provided and includes a frame including a head tube, a rear wheel rotatably connected to the frame and in mechanical connection to a crank, a steerer member that is pivotally mounted in the head tube, a front fork connected to the steerer member, a front wheel rotatably connected to the front fork, a handlebar stem, a handlebar connected to the handlebar stem, and a handlebar stem locking member. The handlebar stem is detachably connectable by a stem hinge to the steerer member to drive pivoting of the front fork so as to steer the compactable bicycle. The stem hinge is positioned to permit movement of the handlebar stem between a handlebar stem folded position and a handlebar stem unfolded position. The handlebar stem locking member is positionable in a handlebar stem locking position to lock thehandlebar stem in the handlebar stem unfolded position. The stem hinge includes a first stem hinge member, a second stem hinge member, wherein the first and second stem hinge members are pivotally connected together, and a stem hinge lock member that is movable between a stem hinge locking position to hold the handlebar stem and the steerer member together through the stem hinge, and a stem hinge separation position to permit the handlebar stem and the steerer member to be separated from one another.

[0008] In another aspect, a compactable bicycle is provided and include a frame including a head tube, a rear wheel rotatably connected to the frame and in mechanical connection to a crank, a steerer member that is pivotally mounted in the head tube, a handlebar stem connected to the steerer member, a handlebar connected to the handlebar stem, a front fork that is detachably connectable by a fork hinge to the steerer member to drive pivoting of the front fork so as to steer the compactable bicycle, wherein the fork hinge is positioned to permit movement of the front fork between a front fork folded position and a front fork unfolded position, a front wheel rotatably connected to the front fork, and a front fork locking member that is positionable in a front fork locking position to lock the front fork in the front fork unfolded position and is positionable in a front fork unlocking position to permit the front fork to pivot to the front fork folded position. The fork hinge includes a first fork hinge member, a second fork hinge member, wherein the first and second fork hinge members are pivotally connected together, and a fork hinge lock member that is positionable in a fork hinge locking position to hold the front fork and the steerer member together through the fork hinge, and a fork hinge separation position to permit the front fork and the steerer member to be separated from one another.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a folding bicycle in its ridable form in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1 in a compact orientation;

[0012] FIG. 2A is a front elevation view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1 with a handlebar stem in a folded position;

[0013] FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1 with a handlebar stem detached from a remainder of the folding bicycle;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a detachable handlebar of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the detachable handlebar of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 4A is a sectional elevation view of a stem hinge from the folding bicycle of FIG. 1 , with a stem hinge locking member in a stem hinge locking position;

[0017] FIG. 4B is a sectional elevation view of the stem hinge shown in FIG. 4A, with the stem hinge locking member in a stem hinge separation position;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a yet further perspective view of the detachable handlebar of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a yet further perspective view of the detachable handlebar of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a yet further perspective view of the detachable handlebar and the front fork of folding bicycle of FIG. 1 ;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a front fork of folding bicycle of FIG. 1 ;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective partial view of the front fork of folding bicycle of FIG. 1 ;

[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded partial view of the front fork of folding bicycle of FIG. 1 ;

[0024] FIG. 11 is another perspective partial view of the front fork of folding bicycle of FIG. 1 ; and

[0025] FIG. 12 is yet another perspective partial view of the front fork of folding bicycle of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0027] The terms ‘comprising’ and ‘including’ and their various conjugations (e.g. ‘comprises’) will be understood to be inclusive and open-ended, and not exclusive. This means that if an element A includes or comprises an element B, it will be understood that element A could include or comprise other elements in addition to including or comprising element B. The term ‘having’ and its various conjugations are also to be understood as being open-ended in the same way as ‘comprising’ and ‘including’. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

[0029] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: "or" as used throughout is inclusive, as though written "and / or"; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns such that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; "exemplary" should be understood as "illustrative" or "exemplifying" and not necessarily as "preferred" over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term "a" or "an" will be understood to denote "at least one" in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean "one".

[0030] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0031] As used in this document, "attached" in describing the relationship between two connected parts includes the case in which the two connected parts are "directly attached" with the two connected parts being in contact with each other, and the case in which the connected parts are "indirectly attached" and not in contact with each other, but connected by one or more intervening other part(s) between.

[0032] As used in this document, terms describing relative positions of elements such as ‘top’, ‘upper’, ‘bottom’, ‘lower’, or other analogous terms will be understood to refer to the placement of the described element during use of the apparatus of which it is a part unless the context would make it clear that it is otherwise. It will be understood that theaforementioned placement of an element, for example, can still be considered its placement even when the object that it is a part of is lying in some position other than the position in which it will be used. As an example, if reference is made to a device having an upper member, it will be understood that the upper member is being described as having an upper position when the device that it is a part of is in use or is in position for use, unless the context would make it clear that it is otherwise. Further to this example, it will be understood that the aforementioned upper member of the object can still be considered its upper member even when the object is lying on its side, for storage, or for transport, or for some other reason.

[0033] The embodiments of the disclosures described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 , shown is an embodiment of a folding bicycle 10. The folding bicycle 10 includes a frame 11 , which, in the example shown, may be considered to include a front frame 12 and a rear frame 14. The folding bicycle 10 further includes a first wheel 16 (also referred to as a front wheel 16), a second wheel 18 (also referred to as a rear wheel 18), a handlebar 20, a crank 22, a saddle post 24, a saddle 26, a front fork 28, a steerer member 29 pivotally mounted in a head tube 72 of the frame 11 , and a handlebar stem 30 to which the handlebar 20 is connected. The front frame 12 and the rear frame 14 (i.e. the frame), and the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 define a longitudinal axis 9 for the bicycle, which is along the direction that the bicycle travels on a level ground surface when the front wheel 14 is held straight using the handlebar 20.

[0035] The front fork 28 may have two arms as a typical bicycle front fork has, or may alternatively have a single arm on a single side of the front wheel 16 (referred to as a monofork). The front wheel 16 is rotatably connected to the front fork 28.

[0036] The rear wheel 18 is rotatably connected to the frame 11 (e.g. to the rear frame 14), and in mechanical connection to the crank 22. The mechanical connection between the rear wheel 18 and the crank 22 may be any suitable type of mechanical connection, so as to transmit rotation of the crank 18 to the rear wheel 18. For example, the mechanical connection may be by way of one or more front sprockets on the crank 22 and one or more rear sprockets on the rear wheel 18 and a bicycle chain that extends between the one or more front and rear sprockets as is well known in the art of bicycles. A front sprocket is shown at 31. A rear sprocket is shown at 33 in dashed lines, and a chain is shown in simple dashed lines at 35 extending between the front and rear sprockets 31 and 33. A derailleur and other associated elements (such as one or more gear shifts) may be provided and are well known in the art.

[0037] Optionally, pedals may be provided with the folding bicycle 10 or the folding bicycle 10 may be shipped without pedals for a rider to install pedals of their choosing on the crank 22. The folding bicycle 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 does not show pedals, but shows the attachment points for them on the crank 22.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the folding bicycle 10 is foldable around three hinges: a front frame hinge 32 on top of the front fork 28 (also referred to as a fork hinge 32), a rear frame hinge 34 connecting the front frame 12 and the rear frame 14, and a handlebar hinge 36 (also referred to as a stem hinge 36) at the bottom of the handlebar stem 30.

[0039] The handlebar stem 30 is, in some embodiments, detachably connectable by the stem hinge 36 to the steerer member 29 to drive pivoting of the front fork 28 so as to steer the compactable bicycle 10. The stem hinge 36 is positioned to permit movement of the handlebar stem 30 between a handlebar stem folded position (FIG. 2) and a handlebar stem unfolded position (FIG. 1).

[0040] A handlebar stem locking member 42 is positionable in a handlebar stem locking position (FIG. 1) to lock the handlebar stem 30 in the handlebar stem unfolded position (FIG. 1). For this purpose, the handlebar stem locking member 42 may include a projection that is slidable inside the handlebar stem 30. When the handlebar stem lockingmember 42 is advanced downwards towards the handlebar stem locking position, it may extend across from the handlebar stem 30 into the steerer member 29, thereby coupling the handlebar stem 30 and the steerer member 29 together. When the handlebar stem locking member 42 is retracted so as only to extend in the handlebar stem 30, (FIG. 2), this may correspond to a handlebar stem unlocking position for the handlebar stem locking member 42. Examples of suitable handlebar stem locking members 42 are shown in US Patent 11 ,235,833 and US Patent 12,233,982, the contents of both of which are incorporated fully herein by reference.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows the example folding bicycle 10 in a compact configuration. The first wheel 16 is folded by pivoting the front fork 28 backwards to a front fork folded position, using the front frame hinge 32. In the front fork folded position, the first wheel 16 is positioned generally adjacent to and optionally parallel with the front frame 12. The second wheel 18 is folded by pivoting downwards and forward around the rear frame hinge 34 to be positioned generally adjacent to and parallel with the front frame 12 on the opposite side of the front frame 12 to the folded first wheel 16. As a result, the first wheel 16 and the second wheel 18 are parallel with one another, to permit rolling of the compactable bicycle 10 on a ground surface (shown at G) when the front fork 28 is in the front fork folded position.

[0042] A rear clamp 38 is divided into a first part 38a and a second part 38b, and is used to hold the rear frame 14 in an unfolded position in alignment with the front frame 12 or to release the rear frame 14 to permit the rear frame 14 to move to a folded position to bring the rear wheel 18 alongside the front frame 12.

[0043] The detachable handlebar 20 and the stem 30 are folded sideways and downwards to be positioned generally adjacent to the folded second wheel 18. In some cases, a handlebar holder (not shown) can be used to secure the detachable handlebar 20 to the frame 11.

[0044] In the compact configuration of the bicycle 10 (FIG. 2), the front frame 12 is positioned between the first wheel 16 and the second wheel 18. The width of thecompacted folding bicycle 10 may be best shown at W in FIG. 2A. A length of the compacted folding bicycle 10 may be best shown at L in FIG. 2.

[0045] Positioning of the handlebar 20 in its compact orientation on the outer side of the second wheel 18 adds the thickness of the detachable handlebar 20 to the total minimum thickness that can be achieved by the folded bicycle 10. Any increase of the compact orientation for the folding bicycle is generally undesirable. Also, the detachable handlebar 20 can be bulky and require additional volume to allow for attachment of bicycle components or to increase comfort and safety of the bicycle. It is therefore advantageous to reduce the size of the folding bicycle 10 by simplifying or minimizing the size or features of the detachable handlebar 20.

[0046] In some cases, the handlebar hinge 36 can serve as a mechanical connection between the stem 30 and the steerer member 29 and therefore between the stem 30 and the front fork 28.

[0047] The handlebar 20 and handlebar 30 stem, when detached, from the rest of the folding bicycle 10, can be positioned in any location relative to other components of the compact folding bicycle 10, thereby reducing the width W of the compacted folding bicycle 10.

[0048] In some cases, the handlebar hinge 36 can include two leaf-and-knuckles and may include a detachable pin. FIG. 3 shows an example of a two leaf-and-knuckles hinge arrangement for the handlebar hinge 36. As shown, the upper side 44 of the two leaf-and- knuckles of the handlebar hinge 36 is connected to the stem 30 and the lower side 46 of the leaf-and-knuckle is connected to the front fork 28. The handlebar hinge 36 may be equipped with a removable pin 48, or a retractable but not removable pin, to permit detaching one of the two sides of the handlebar hinge 36 from the other. The removable pin can be retained in the hinge hole using any suitable form of retention mechanism, for example, a locking hitch pin, a ball lock pin, a spring-loaded pin, a wire-lock pin, or a pin- and-clip combination.

[0049] The illustration of FIG. 3 further shows a locking mechanism 54 for the removable pin 48. In this example embodiment, the locking mechanism 54 is generally formed using an L-shaped plate, which is hinged on the upper side 44 of the handlebar hinge 36 using a screw 56. The removable pin 48 can have a wide end 50 and a narrow end 52. The wide end 50 can be used to pull the removable pin 48 from the hinge hole and has a size larger than the hinge hole of the handlebar hinge 36. The narrow end 52 of the removable pin 48 is selected to be small enough to pass through the hinge hole and allow for removal of the hinge pin 48 from the handlebar hinge 36. In some cases, the edges of the narrow end 52 may be chamfered to facilitate insertion, movement, or removal of the removable pin 48.

[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 further illustrate the removable pin 48 and the locking mechanism 54. The locking mechanism 54 is pushed upwards using a torsion bar 58 which is formed from the L-shaped plate of the locking mechanism 54 as an extended bar. The torsion bar 58 is bent downwards towards the upper surface of the upper side 44 of the handlebar hinge 36.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows the removable pin 48 in a partially pulled-out configuration. The partially pulled-out portion of the removable pin 48 reveals a circumferential locking groove 62 on the removable pin 48, adjacent to the wide end 50 of the removable pin 48. Additionally, a locking hole 64 on the side plate of the locking mechanism 54 is demonstrated. The removable pin 48 is pushed out from the locking hole 64. In a locked- in configuration, the removable pin 48 is completely pushed into the hinge hole and the locking mechanism 54 is pushed up by the force of the torsion bar 58 to engage the locking edge 64 of the locking mechanism 54 with the locking groove 62 and retain the removable pin 48 inside the hinge hole.

[0052] The locking hole 64 can have a circular form, an oval form, an elongated hole, or any other form that allows engagement and disengagement of the locking groove 62 and the locking hole 64.

[0053] In order to pull the removable pin 48, the upper surface 60 of the locking mechanism 54 is pushed down, by a user, against the force of the torsion bar 58 torelease the locking edge 62 from the locking groove 64. While holding the locking mechanism 54 down, the removable pin 48 then can be sufficiently pulled out to separate the upped side 44 from the lower side 46 of the handlebar hinge 36 and separate the handlebar 20 from the stem 30 of the bicycle 10.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows an example embodiment of a retractable, but not completely removable, form of the removable pin 48; illustrated in the handlebar hinge 36 in a separated configuration. The removable pin 48 is equipped with a spring-loaded pin 66 which is radially extended outwards from the removable pin 48. When the removable pin 48 is pushed out or pulled into the hinge hole of the handlebar hinge 36, the spring-loaded pin 66 freely moves inside a longitudinal groove 68 and 70 inside the hinge hole. By continuing to pull the removable pin 48 out from the hinge pin, the spring-loaded pin 66 gets engaged with the locking edges 64 of the locking mechanism 54, which prevents the removable pin 48 from being completely removed from the upper side 44 of the handlebar hinge 36.

[0055] The attachment of the detached handlebar 20 can be performed by generally reversing the steps used to remove the handlebar 20. For example, the two sides of the handlebar hinge 36 can be connected to each other again. The detachable handlebar 20 and stem 30 may then be positioned on the upper side of the front fork 28. Finally, the detachable clamping mechanism 42 can be fastened and secured.

[0056] Embodiments of a detachable handlebar are provided for a folding bicycle that advantageously make the dimensions of the folding bicycle smaller in its compact orientation; while not affecting the size, strength, or usability of the bicycle in the ridable orientation.

[0057] Reference is made to FIGs. 3-6 for additional description of the stem hinge 36. The upper side 44 of the two leaf-and-knuckles may be referred to as a first stem hinge member 44. The lower side 46 of the two leaf-and-knuckles may be referred to as a second stem hinge member 46. The first and second stem hinge members 44 and 46 are pivotally connected together in any suitable way. In the example shown, they are pivotally connected together by way of the pin 48, which may be referred to as a stemhinge pin 48. However, any other suitable way of pivotally connecting the first and second stem hinge members 44 and 46 may alternatively be used.

[0058] The locking mechanism 54 may also be referred to as a stem hinge lock member 54. The stem hinge lock member 54 is movable between a stem hinge locking position (FIG. 4A) to hold the handlebar stem 30 and the steerer member 29 together through the stem hinge 36, and a stem hinge separation position (FIG. 4B) to permit the handlebar stem 30 and the steerer member 29 to be separated from one another.

[0059] As can be seen in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the compactable bicycle 10 has a first width W (FIG. 2A) when the handlebar stem 30 is in the folded position, and a second width W (FIG. 2B) when the handlebar stem 30 is detached from the steerer member 29 and is placed alongside the frame 11 , such that the second width W is smaller than the first width W. This is because it is possible to position the handlebar 20 and the handlebar stem 30 more efficiently (e.g. closer to the rest of the folding bicycle 10) when the handlebar stem 30 is detached from the steerer member 29. This may be due to the orientation of the stem hinge 36 itself. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the stem hinge 36 may be structured to pivot about a stem hinge axis (FIG. 3) that is oriented such that, when the handlebar stem 30 is in the handlebar stem folded position the handlebar 20 is oriented such that a first handlebar end 20a (FIG. 2A) is closer to a longitudinal vertical plane (PLV) for the compactable bicycle 10 than is a second handlebar end 20b.

[0060] Because the handlebar 20 is oriented as described above when the handlebar stem 30 is in the handlebar stem folded position (FIG. 2A), the width W of the folding bicycle 10 is wider than it might otherwise be if it was possible to position the handlebar stem 30 in a more efficient orientation. By permitting the handlebar stem 30 to be detached from the steerer member 29, the handlebar stem 30 and the handlebar 20 may be positioned and oriented as desired in order to reduce the width W of the folding bicycle 10 in the compacted configuration as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0061] Separately, it will be noted that when the handlebar stem 30 is in the handlebar stem folded position, a lateral force acting on the handlebar stem 30 (e.g. by the folding bicycle 10 impacting something laterally adjacent to it, or by lying the compacted foldingbicycle 10 on its side and placing something heavy on top of it) can cause stress in the stem hinge 36. By permitting the handlebar stem 30 to be detached from the steerer member 29, lateral forces such as those described above do not risk stressing or damaging the stem hinge 36. This is advantageous, even in an embodiment where there is no benefit in terms of a reduced width for the compactable bicycle 10 in the compacted configuration.

[0062] The first stem hinge member 44 may be connected to the handlebar stem 30, and the second stem hinge member 46 may be connected to the steerer member 29. Positioning of the stem hinge lock member 54 in the stem hinge locking position (FIG. 4A) holds the first and second stem hinge members 44 and 46 pivotally connected together. Positioning of the stem hinge lock member 54 in the stem hinge separation position (FIG. 4B) permits the first and second stem hinge members 44 and 46 to be separated from one another so as to permit detachment of the handlebar stem 30 from the steerer member 29.

[0063] The first stem hinge member 44 includes at least one first hinge pin aperture 101 (referred to as a hinge hole above). The second stem hinge member 46 includes at least one second hinge pin aperture 103 (also referred to as a hinge hole above). In the example embodiment shown, the first stem hinge member 44 has two first hinge pin apertures 101 and the second stem hinge member 46 has two second hinge pin apertures 103. The stem hinge 36 may further include the stem hinge pin 48 that is removably extendible through the at least one first hinge pin aperture 101 and the at least one second hinge pin aperture 103.

[0064] When the stem hinge lock member 54 is in the stem hinge locking position the stem hinge lock member 54 holds the hinge pin 48 in the at least one first hinge pin aperture 101 and the at least one second hinge pin aperture 103 to permit pivoting of the handlebar stem 30 from the handlebar stem unfolded position to the handlebar stem folded position relative to the steerer member 29, and when the stem hinge lock member 54 is in the stem hinge separation position the stem hinge lock member 54 permits removal of the hinge pin 48 from the at least one first hinge pin aperture 101 and the atleast one second hinge pin aperture 103, so as to permit detachment of the handlebar stem 30 from the steerer member 29.

[0065] The stem hinge 36 may further include a stem hinge lock member biasing member 57 (an example of which is referred to as a torsion bar 58) that urges the stem hinge lock member 54 towards the stem hinge locking position.

[0066] The stem hinge pin 48 includes a hinge pin head 105, a hinge pin shaft 107, and a hinge pin groove 62 positioned on the hinge pin shaft 107 (optionally immediately adjacent the hinge pin head 105).

[0067] The stem hinge lock member 54 includes a lock member projection 120 that extends into the hinge pin groove 62 when the stem hinge lock member 54 is in the locking position, and that is removed from the hinge pin groove 62 when the stem hinge lock member 54 is in the stem hinge separation position.

[0068] Optionally, the hinge pin groove 62 extends about an entirety of a circumference of the hinge pin shaft 107. As a result, the hinge pin 48 can be positioned in any rotational orientation in the at least one first and second hinge pin apertures 101 and 103, such that the hinge pin groove 62 is still positioned to receive the lock member projection 120 of the stem hinge lock member 54.

[0069] The stem hinge lock member 54 and the stem hinge lock member biasing member 58 may optionally be integrally connected to one another. The stem hinge lock member biasing member 58 may extend as a living hinge from the stem hinge lock member 54 and may resiliently engage the frame 11 , such that pressing the stem hinge lock member 54 towards the frame 11 (FIG. 4B) resiliently flexes the living hinge and moves the stem hinge lock member 54 from the stem hinge locking position to the stem hinge separation position, and letting go of the stem hinge lock member 54 permits the living hinge to drive the stem hinge lock member 54 back to the stem hinge locking position.

[0070] Now referring to FIG. 7, an example embodiment of the front fork 28 is shown.As noted above, the frame 11 (in this embodiment, the front frame 12) has a head tube72, and includes a plurality of other tubes. In the example shown, the front frame 12 includes an upper connecting tube 74, and a lower connecting tube 76, both connecting tubes 74 and 76 extending from the base frame 12. Any other suitable arrangement of frame members may alternatively be used.

[0071] The handlebar stem 30 is connected to the handlebar hinge 36, which is connected to an upper fork portion 78, which may also be referred to as a fork engagement member 78, and which is part of the steerer member 29. The fork engagement member 78 has a fork engagement member 80, which is rotationally connected to the upper and lower sides of the head tube 72 using upper extension arm 82 and lower extension arm 84. The front fork 28 is pivotally and translationally connected to the fork engagement member 80 (and therefore to the steerer member 29) by means of a pivoting connection assembly 86, which is part of the fork hinge 32. The pivoting connection assembly 86 has an outer portion 88 and an inner portion 90, which in some cases, is laterally slidable relative to the outer portion 88. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer portion 88 is detachably connected to the lower extension arm 84, and the inner portion is connected to the front fork 28.

[0072] In some embodiments the front fork 28 may be detachable, as described below.

[0073] In some cases, the pivoting connection assembly 86 has a breakaway mechanism. When a user unfolds the bicycle, the user should lock the fork to the fork engagement member to make the bicycle structurally stable for a ride. The breakaway mechanism accommodates situations when a user forgets to lock the fork before sitting on the bicycle. In such cases, the breakaway mechanism will detach the fork and allow it to be folded forwards; and in some cases, be pulled out, or ripped off, of connection to the bicycle.

[0074] FIGS. 8 to 10 show an example of the outer portion 86 of the pivoting connection assembly 88, which has a breakaway mechanism. The outer portion 86 has an upper portion 92 and a lower portion 94. The upper portion 92 is detachably connected to the lower extension arm 84. A suitable element, such as a wing screw, a knob screw, or a form of quick-connect clamp, or any other type of screw such as a countersunk screw,may be used to connect the upper portion 92 to the lower extension arm 84. In some cases, an inner sleeve 96 is placed inside the lower portion 94 to engage with the inner portion 90 of the pivoting connection assembly 86. The upper portion 92 sits on the lower portion 94 over an interface surface 98, which is generally extended parallel to the pivoting axis of the outer portion 86 of the pivoting connection assembly 88. The upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94 are held on each other using a clamping element 100, such as a wide head bolt 102, however, any other suitable clamping element can be used.

[0075] In an example, the wide head bolt 102 can be screwed to the lower portion 94. In other cases, the wide head bolt 102 may be screwed to the upper portion 92, An elastic member 104 such as a spring, a rubber ring, or a ring made from an elastomer is positioned between the head rim 106 of the wide head bolt 102 and the upper portion 92 and lower portion 94. The elastic member 104 is tensioned by head rim 106 of the wide head bolt 102 on one side of the elastic member 104 and on the opposite side of the elastic member 104; the elastic member 104 is tensioned by either of or by both the upper portion 92 and lower portion 94.

[0076] In an example, the upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94 can be protruded outwardly towards the front side of bicycle 10. The interface surface 98 can form an extruded S-curve interface surface 106 between the upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94. The S-curve interface surface 106 can consist of a rear support surface 108, an upper curve surface 110, a lower curve surface 112, and a front support surface 114.

[0077] In some cases, a compressive force can be transferred between the upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94, at least when the fork 28 is not locked to the bicycle 10. It is understood that in FIG. 8, the rear support surface 108 and front support surface 114 are generally configured to provide sufficient surfaces to facilitate the transfer of the compressive forces between the upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94. Additionally, for the upper curve surface 110 and the lower curve surface 112, the mating surfaces of the upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94 can be interlocked and laterally pushed against each other using clamping mechanism 100 and the elastic member 104. The direction of the applied lateral interlocking force is generally perpendicular to the pivotalaxis of the pivoting connection assembly 86. Other forms of interface surfaces 106 can be used to achieve similar results.

[0078] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 10, a support tooth 116 is formed on the lower portion 94 to engage with a receiving recess for the support tooth 116 on the upper portion 92. The support tooth 116 generally bears the sideways lateral forces between the upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94, and along the pivotal axis of the pivoting connection assembly 86. In some cases, the support tooth 116 is positioned on the upper portion 92 and the receiving recession is positioned on the lower portion 94. In some other cases, two or more teeth are used. Other forms of lateral support such as a friction-based interface surface be used to achieve similar results.

[0079] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 10, a looped receiving recessed channel 110 is formed on the front side of the upper portion 92 and the lower portion 94 to receive the elastic member 104. The recessed channel 110 is formed by an upper recessed channel 111a on the upper portion 92, and a lower recessed channel 111b on the lower portion 94. FIG. 9 shows the upper side 111a, and lower side 111b of a cylindrical recessed channel 110. Other forms of the recessed channel 110, such as a conical or dome-shaped recessed channel, may be used. The surfaces of the elastic member 104 are configured to sit on both the upper side 111a and the lower side 111 b of the recessed channel 110 and receive the wide head bolt 102 and the clamping force of the head rim 106 of the wide head bolt 102.

[0080] FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example of the pivoting connection assembly 86 in its detached state. As shown in FIG. 12, the front fork 28 is not locked to the fork engagement member 78 and has detached from the pivoting connection assembly 86. The breaking force has rotated the lower portion 94 towards the front side of the bicycle 10, sufficiently to compress the elastic member 104, and slide the upper curve surface 110 of the upper portion 92 towards and past the lower curve surface 112 of the lower portion 94; while the support tooth 116 has laterally supported the rotation the lower portion 94 relative to the upper portion 92. The user can loosen or remove the wide headbolt 102 to position the upper portion 92, the lower portion 94, and the elastic member 104, and fasten the wide head bolt 102 back to use the bicycle again.

[0081] The fork hinge 32 will now be described using different wording. While the folding bicycle 10 is shown as including both the stem hinge 36 and the fork hinge 32 it will be noted that, in embodiments in which the stem hinge 36 is provided, the folding bicycle 10 may optionally not include the fork hinge 32, and may instead have no fork hinge at all or may have a fork hinge that permits folding of the front fork 28 without permitting detachment of the front fork 28. In such embodiments, it may simply be said that the front fork is connected to the steerer member. Analogously, it will be noted that, in embodiments in which the fork hinge 32 is provided, the folding bicycle 10 may optionally not include the stem hinge 36, and may instead have no stem hinge at all or may have a stem hinge that permits folding of the handlebar stem 30 without permitting detachment of the handlebar stem 30. Thus, in such embodiments, it may simply be said that the handlebar stem is connected to the steerer member.

[0082] In the embodiment in which the fork hinge 32 is provided, the front fork may be said to be detachably connectable by the fork hinge 32 to the steerer member 29 to drive pivoting of the front fork 28 so as to steer the compactable bicycle 10. The fork hinge 32 is positioned to permit movement of the front fork 28 between a front fork folded position (FIG. 2) and a front fork unfolded position (FIG. 1).

[0083] The folding bicycle 10 further includes a front fork locking member 122 in a front fork locking position (FIG. 1) to lock the front fork 28 in the front fork unfolded position and is positionable in a front fork unlocking position (FIG. 2) to permit the front fork 28 to pivot to the front fork folded position. For this purpose, the front fork locking member 122 may include a projection that is slidable inside the front fork 28. When the front fork locking member 122 is advanced upwards towards the front fork locking position, it may extend across from the front fork 28 into the steerer member 29 (specifically into the fork engagement member 78), thereby coupling the front fork 28 and the steerer member 29 fixedly together. When the h front fork locking member 122 is retracted so as only to extend in the front fork 28 (FIG. 2), this may correspond to a front fork unlocking positionfor the front fork locking member 122. Examples of suitable front fork locking members 42 are shown in US Patent 11 ,235,833 and US Patent 12,233,982.

[0084] The fork hinge 32 includes a first fork hinge member 94 (referred to above as the lower portion 94 of the outer portion 86), and a second fork hinge member 90 (referred to above as the inner member 90). The first and second fork hinge members 94 and 90 are pivotally connected together.

[0085] The fork hinge 32 further includes a fork hinge lock member 100 (referred to above as a clamping member 100), which is positionable in a fork hinge locking position (FIG. 8) to hold the front fork 28 and the steerer member 29 together through the fork hinge 32, and a fork hinge separation position (FIG. 10) to permit the front fork 28 and the steerer member 29 to be separated from one another.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the first fork hinge member 94 is optionally connectable to one of the steerer member 29 and the front fork 28, and the second fork hinge member 90 is optionally connected to the other one of the steerer member 29 and the front fork 28. The first and second fork hinge members may be pivotally connected together. When the fork hinge lock member 100 is in the fork hinge locking position, the fork hinge lock member 100 releasably holds the first fork hinge member 94 to said one of the steerer member 29 and the front fork 28, and when the fork hinge lock member 100 is in the fork hinge separation position, the fork hinge lock member 100 permits the first fork hinge member 94 to be separated from said one of the steerer member 29 and the front fork 28 so as to permit detachment of the front fork 28 from the steerer member 29.

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the first fork hinge member 94 is connectable to the steerer member 29, and the second fork hinge member 90 is connected to the front fork 28.

[0088] Optionally, the steerer member 29 has a pivot element 124 that extends pivotally through the head tube 72 (FIG. 2A) and the fork engagement element 80 that is positioned for engagement with front fork 28. When the front fork 28 is in the front fork folded position, the fork engagement element 80 is positioned forward of the pivot element(as can be seen in FIG. 1). When the front fork 28 is detached from the steerer member 29, the steerer member 29 is pivotable to move the fork engagement element 80 rearwardly so as to reduce a length of the compactable bicycle 10. In other words, when the front fork 28 is in the folded position and is still connected the steerer member 29, the front fork 28 limits how much the steerer member 29 can pivot. However, when the front fork 28 is detached from the steerer member 29, the steerer member 29 can pivot more freely thereby permitting the fork engagement element 80 to move rearwardly.

[0089] Optionally, one of the first and second fork hinge members 94 and 90 is a hinge sleeve 128 and the other of the first and second fork hinge members is a pass-through member 130. One of the hinge sleeve 128 and the hinge pass-through member 130 includes a helical groove 132, and the other of the hinge sleeve 128 and the hinge pass- through member 130 includes a projection 134 that is engageable with the helical groove 132. In the embodiment shown, the hinge sleeve 128 includes the projection 134 (specifically, three projections 134) and the hinge pass-through member 130 includes the helical groove 132 (specifically, three helical grooves 132) for receiving the three projections 134. In the embodiment shown the projections 134 are helical ‘threads’, however it is alternatively possible for the projections 134 to be simple cylindrical or conical projections that fit in the helical grooves 132.

[0090] The hinge sleeve 128 may be oriented transversely such that, when the front fork 28 is pivoted to the front fork folded position, the front wheel 16 (and the front fork 28) are shifted laterally, such that the front wheel 16 is parallel to the rear wheel 18 to permit rolling of the compactable bicycle 10 on the ground surface G when the front fork 28 is in the front fork folded position.

[0091] Optionally, the first fork hinge member 94 is mountable to a mounting member 92 (referred to above as the upper member 92) on said one of the steerer member 29 and the front fork 28. In the embodiment shown, the mounting member 92 is on the steerer member 29. The fork hinge locking member 100 may be a clamping member that is mountable to one of the first fork hinge member 94 and the mounting member 92 to clamp the first fork hinge member 94 and the mounting member 92 together.

[0092] Optionally, the fork hinge 32 further includes a deformable member 104 (more narrowly referred to above as an elastic member 104) that is positioned between the mounting member 92 and one of the first fork hinge member 94 and the clamping member 100. At least one of the mounting member 92, the first fork hinge member 94 and the clamping member 100 has a first breakaway surface 140 and another one of the mounting member 92, the first fork hinge member 94 and the clamping member 100 has a second breakaway surface 142. In the embodiment shown, the first breakaway surface 140 is on the mounting member 92 and the second breakaway surface 142 is on the first fork hinge member 94. The first and second breakaway surfaces 140 and 142 are oriented such that, when the front fork locking member 122 is in the front fork unlocking position and the clamping member 100 holds the first fork hinge member 94 to the mounting member 92 and the front fork 28 is in the front fork unfolded position, a downward force F1 on the frame by a rider (not shown) sitting on the frame 11 and a reactionary upward force F2 by a ground surface on the front wheel 16 drives sliding of the first and second breakaway surfaces 140 and 142 past one another and a selected amount of deformation of the deformable member 104 so as to release the first fork hinge member 94 from the mounting member 92 (FIG. 12), so as to notify the rider that the front fork locking member 122 is in the front fork unlocking position. This ensures that the rider does not inadvertently unfold the front fork 28 and mount the first fork hinge member 94 to the mounting member 92, and ride away, having forgotten to move the front fork locking member 122 to the front fork locking position.

[0093] Optionally, the deformable member 104 is elastomeric (e.g. made from an elastomer such as rubber or a synthetic elastomer) to permit resilient return of the deformable member 104 to a starting shape for reuse after release of the first fork hinge member 94 from the mounting member 92.

[0094] Optionally, the first fork hinge member 94 is removable from the second fork hinge member 90 after release of the first fork hinge member 94 from the mounting member 92. This may be achieved by simply pulling the first fork hinge member 94 off of the second fork hinge member 90, while spinning it slightly to account for the helical groove 132 that is engaged with the projection 134.

[0095] In embodiments of the folding bicycle 10 it may be possible for the folding bicycle 10 to include one or both of the fork hinge 32 and the stem hinge 36 to permit a particularly compact arrangement for the folding bicycle 10 when in the compacted configuration. This may permit the folding bicycle 10 to be transported places, such as on an airplane. It will be understood that at least some airlines have size restrictions for certain types of cargo.

[0096] Separately, it will be noted that when the front fork 28 is in the front fork folded position, a lateral force acting on the front fork 28 (e.g. by the folding bicycle 10 impacting something laterally adjacent to it, or by lying the compacted folding bicycle 10 on its side and placing something heavy on top of it) can cause stress in the fork hinge 32. By permitting the front fork 28 to be detached from the steerer member 29, lateral forces such as those described above do not risk stressing or damaging the fork hinge 32. This is advantageous, even in an embodiment where there is no benefit in terms of a reduced length for the compactable bicycle 10 in the compacted configuration.

[0097] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A compactable bicycle, comprising: a frame including a head tube; a rear wheel rotatably connected to the frame and in mechanical connection to a crank; a steerer member that is pivotally mounted in the head tube; a front fork connected to the steerer member; a front wheel rotatably connected to the front fork; a handlebar stem detachably connectable by a stem hinge to the steerer member to drive pivoting of the front fork so as to steer the compactable bicycle, wherein the stem hinge is positioned to permit movement of the handlebar stem between a handlebar stem folded position and a handlebar stem unfolded position; a handlebar connected to the handlebar stem; a handlebar stem locking member that is positionable in a handlebar stem locking position to lock the handlebar stem in the handlebar stem unfolded position; and wherein the stem hinge includes a first stem hinge member, a second stem hinge member, wherein the first and second stem hinge members are pivotally connected together, a stem hinge lock member that is movable between a stem hinge locking position to hold the handlebar stem and the steerer member together through the stem hinge, and a stem hinge separation position to permit the handlebar stem and the steerer member to be separated from one another.

2. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the compactable bicycle has a first width when the handlebar stem is in the folded position, and a second width when the handlebar stem is detached from the steerer member and is placed alongside the frame, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width.

3. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first stem hinge member is connected to the handlebar stem, the second stem hinge member is connected to the steerer member, and wherein positioning of the stem hinge lock member in the stem hinge locking position holds the first and second stem hinge members pivotally connected together, and positioning of the stem hinge lock member in the stem hinge separation position permits the first and second stem hinge members to be separated from one another so as to permit detachment of the handlebar stem from the steerer member.

4. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first stem hinge member includes at least one first hinge pin aperture, and the second stem hinge member includes at least one second hinge pin aperture, wherein the stem hinge further includes a stem hinge pin that is removably extendible through the at least one first hinge pin aperture and the at least one second hinge pin aperture, wherein when the stem hinge lock member is in the stem hinge locking position the hinge lock member holds the hinge pin in the at least one first hinge pin aperture and the at least one second hinge pin aperture to permit pivoting of the handlebar stem from the handlebar stem unfolded position to the handlebar stem folded position relative to the steerer member, and when the stem hinge lock member is in the stem hinge separation position the hinge lock member permits removal of the hinge pin from the at least one first hinge pin aperture and the at least one second hinge pin aperture, so as to permit detachment of the handlebar stem from the steerer member, and wherein the stem hinge further includes a stem hinge lock member biasing member that urges the stem hinge lock member towards the stem hinge locking position.

5. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stem hinge includes a hinge pin head, a hinge pin shaft, and a hinge pin groove positioned on the hinge pin shaft, and wherein the stem hinge lock member includes a lock member projection that extends into the hinge pin groove when the stem hinge lock member is in the lockingposition, and that is removed from the hinge pin groove when the stem hinge lock member is in the release position.

6. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the stem hinge lock member and the stem hinge lock member biasing member are integrally connected to one another, wherein the stem hinge lock member biasing member extends as a living hinge from the stem hinge lock member and resiliently engages the frame, such that pressing the stem hinge lock member towards the frame resiliently flexes the living hinge and moves the stem hinge lock member from the stem hinge locking position to the stem hinge separation position, and letting go of the stem hinge lock member permits the living hinge to drive the stem hinge lock member back to the stem hinge locking position.

7. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hinge pin groove extends about an entirety of a circumference of the hinge pin shaft.

8. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the handlebar has a first handlebar end and a second handlebar end, and wherein the stem hinge is structured to pivot about a stem hinge axis that is oriented such that, when the handlebar stem is in the handlebar stem folded position the handlebar is oriented such that the first handlebar end is closer to a longitudinal vertical plane for the compactable bicycle than is the second handlebar end.

9. A compactable bicycle comprising: a frame including a head tube; a rear wheel rotatably connected to the frame and in mechanical connection to a crank; a steerer member that is pivotally mounted in the head tube; a handlebar stem connected to the steerer member; a handlebar connected to the handlebar stem; a front fork that is detachably connectable by a fork hinge to the steerer member to drive pivoting of the front fork so as to steer the compactable bicycle, wherein the forkhinge is positioned to permit movement of the front fork between a front fork folded position and a front fork unfolded position; a front wheel rotatably connected to the front fork; a front fork locking member that is positionable in a front fork locking position to lock the front fork in the front fork unfolded position and is positionable in a front fork unlocking position to permit the front fork to pivot to the front fork folded position; wherein the fork hinge includes a first fork hinge member, a second fork hinge member, wherein the first and second fork hinge members are pivotally connected together, a fork hinge lock member that is positionable in a fork hinge locking position to hold the front fork and the steerer member together through the fork hinge, and a fork hinge separation position to permit the front fork and the steerer member to be separated from one another.

10. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first fork hinge member is connectable to one of the steerer member and the front fork, and the second fork hinge member is connected to the other one of the steerer member and the front fork, wherein the first and second fork hinge members are pivotally connected together, wherein, when the fork hinge lock member is in the fork hinge locking position, the fork hinge lock member releasably holds the first fork hinge member to said one of the steerer member and the front fork, and when the fork hinge lock member is in the fork hinge separation position, the fork hinge lock member permits the first fork hinge member to be separated from said one of the steerer member and the front fork so as to permit detachment of the front fork from the steerer member.

11. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the steerer member has a pivot element that extends pivotally through the head tube and a fork engagement element that is positioned for engagement with front fork,wherein, when the front fork is in the front fork folded position, the fork engagement element is positioned forward of the pivot element, and wherein, when the front fork is detached from the steerer member, the steerer member is pivotable to move the fork engagement element rearwardly so as to reduce a length of the compactable bicycle.

12. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 9, wherein one of the first and second fork hinge members is a hinge sleeve and the other of the first and second fork hinge members is a pass-through member, wherein one of the hinge sleeve and the hinge pass- through member includes a helical groove, and the other of the hinge sleeve and the hinge pass-through member includes a projection that is engageable with the helical groove, wherein the hinge sleeve is oriented transversely such that, when the front fork is pivoted to the front fork folded position, the front wheel is shifted laterally and is parallel to the rear wheel to permit rolling of the compactable bicycle on a ground surface when the front fork is in the front fork folded position.

13. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first fork hinge member is mountable to a mounting member on said one of the steerer member and the front fork, wherein the fork hinge locking member is a clamping member that is mountable to one of the first fork hinge member and the mounting member to clamp the first fork hinge member and the mounting member together.

14. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fork hinge further includes a deformable member that is positioned between the mounting member and one of the first fork hinge member and the clamping member, and wherein at least one of the mounting member, the first fork hinge member and the clamping member has a first breakaway surface and another one of the mounting member, the first fork hinge member and the clamping member has a second breakaway surface, wherein the first and second breakaway surfaces are oriented such that, when the front fork locking member is in the front fork unlocking position and the clamping member holds the first fork hinge memberto the mounting member and the front fork is in the front fork unfolded position, a downward force on the frame by a rider sitting on the frame and a reactionary upward force by a ground surface on the front wheel drives sliding of the first and second breakaway surfaces past one another and a selected amount of deformation of the deformable member so as to release the first fork hinge member from the mounting member, so as to notify the rider that the front fork locking member is in the front fork unlocking position.

15. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the deformable member is elastomeric to permit resilient return of the deformable member to a starting shape for reuse after release of the first fork hinge member from the mounting member.

16. The compactable bicycle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first fork hinge member is removable from the second fork hinge after release of the first fork hinge member from the mounting member.

Images