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WO2014207774A1 - Vélo - Google Patents

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Publication number
WO2014207774A1
WO2014207774A1 PCT/IT2013/000199 IT2013000199W WO2014207774A1 WO 2014207774 A1 WO2014207774 A1 WO 2014207774A1 IT 2013000199 W IT2013000199 W IT 2013000199W WO 2014207774 A1 WO2014207774 A1 WO 2014207774A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bicycle
wheel
axis
respect
central
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IT2013/000199
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Fulvio SASSI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TECNO PROGET Srl
Original Assignee
TECNO PROGET Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TECNO PROGET Srl filed Critical TECNO PROGET Srl
Publication of WO2014207774A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014207774A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K15/00—Collapsible or foldable cycles
    • B62K15/006—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable
    • B62K15/008—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable foldable about 2 or more axes

Definitions

  • the present invention regards a bicycle that originated with the objective of obtaining a vehicle with a non-conventional frame, made in a new manner with elements never used in this technology, extremely light but at the same time solid and reliable.
  • the bicycle of the invention is a foldable bicycle that, in folded position, occupies little space due to a small but compact volume and in use position acquires a freestanding configuration without requiring locking devices that ensure this stability.
  • the described equipment allows combining the pleasure of moving on the road with any one type of road surface, asphalt or dirt, in a pleasant setting, in the middle of the woods, along a river or around the shores of a lake, all places far from noise and air pollution, reachable for example by car, tram or train without the transported bike constituting a serious impediment for its weight, size or manageability.
  • the innovation of the vehicle specifically consists of a new and characteristic manner of obtaining its structure, both regarding the employed materials and for the design characteristics of the sizing of said structure.
  • the invention thus regards a bicycle comprising a frame provided with a pair of axially coplanar wheels aligned at the ends of said frame and a kinematic sys- tern for the movement thereof, characterized in that said frame comprises at least one pair of flat elements, arranged parallel to each other at opposite sides of the axial center plane of said frame.
  • said frame comprises,
  • a front structure containing a first tube integral therewith, within which a shaft is freely rotating having the lower end (lower with respect to the ground) inte- gral with a fork that supports the rotation axis of a front wheel, freely rotating around the axis thereof, and the upper end integral with a drive handlebar of said bicycle,
  • said kinematic structure comprises
  • said bicycle being characterized in that said intermediate structure comprises two pairs of said flat and parallel elements, of equal length, said pairs being arranged parallel to each other.
  • figure 1 illustrates in perspective view, in a preferred embodiment, the foldable bicycle according to the invention, in its open, operative configuration
  • figure 2 illustrates, in perspective view according to a different display an- gle, the bicycle of figure 1 , in the same preferred embodiment
  • figure 3 illustrates, in perspective view according to another different display angle, the bicycle of figure 1, in the same preferred embodiment
  • figure 4 illustrates in perspective view the opposite side of the bicycle of figure 1, in the same preferred embodiment.
  • figure 5 illustrates, in side view according to the orientation of figure 1 , the bicycle according to the invention, folded on itself.
  • the bicycle of the invention comprises a frame and a kinematic structure for the movement thereof.
  • the frame comprises a plurality of flat structural elements, arranged parallel to each other on opposite sides of the axial center plane of said frame.
  • Such flat elements are metallic elements, in particular obtained from all types of aluminum, titanium or steel alloys, produced with the most advanced technologies such as water cutting or plasma cutting, or synthetic elements such as carbon fiber, possibly reinforced with other fiber types, e.g. rock wool, glass fibers or nylon fibers.
  • the aforesaid elements are assembled together with any known system according to the preference of the manufacturer.
  • the frame of the foldable bicycle substantially comprises a front structure 1 comprising a pair of flat elements 1 1 and 12, each obtained with a substantially rectangular elongated flange made of a material that is very resistant mechanically and very light, preferably comprised in the group of the abovementioned materials.
  • the pre- selected material is aluminum and, still more preferably, such flanges are provided with lightening openings 13.
  • the thickness of such flanges is preferably comprised between 5 and 15 mm, in a prototype built by the Applicant such thickness is equal to 8 mm.
  • the two flanges are connected to each other, at the longitudinal ends thereof, by a pair of plates 14 in a manner so as to obtain a box-like structure.
  • the aforesaid plates are coaxially perforated in order to allow the housing of a first tube 15 within which a shaft 16 is freely rotating around its axis, such shaft having the lower end (lower with respect to the ground) integral with a fork 17 that supports the rotation axis of a front wheel 18, freely rotating around the axis thereof, and the upper end integral with a drive handlebar 19 of said bicycle.
  • the shaft 16 is also axially movable within the tube 15, even if, of course, during travel its axial position with respect to the tube is fixed.
  • the ends 19.1 of the han- dlebar are hinged to a block 19.2 (figure 3) integral with the upper end of the shaft 16 in order to allow, with their downward folding, the decrease of the transverse bulk of the folded bicycle.
  • the fork 17 comprises a pair of flat elements 17.1 and 17.2, arranged parallel to each other, mutually connected at the upper end by a plate integral with said lower end of the shaft 16 and at the lower end by a pin that forms the rotation axis of the front wheel.
  • Such front structure is connected with an intermediate structure 2 constituted by four flanges 21 , two-by-two coplanar and parallel with each other, arranged in a pair on opposite sides of said front structure. More precisely, the two pairs of coplanar flanges 21 , like all the opposed flat elements of the entire frame structure, are arranged on opposite sides of the axial center plane of said bicycle.
  • the thickness of such flanges is preferably comprised between 5 and 15 mm; in a prototype built by the Applicant, such thickness is equal to 8 mm.
  • the aforesaid flanges 21 are hinged to the front structure in a double pair of coaxial hinges 22 and 23 mounted on the lower end, lower with respect to the ground, of the flanges 11 and 12.
  • each pair of coplanar flanges 21 are connected to an extension 24 of a pair of flanges 31 in two pairs of hinges 25 and 26 that coaxially connect together the corresponding flanges arranged on the opposite side of said front structure.
  • the axis r that connects together the hinges 22 and 23 lying in the same plane is parallel to the axis s that connects together the hinges 25 and 26, these also lying in the same plane, and is tilted according to an angle W with respect to the axis of the shaft 16, considered coplanar.
  • W is preferably comprised between 49 and 69 degrees; in a prototype constituted by the Applicant such value is equal to 59 degrees.
  • the aforesaid axis r is tilted according to an angle X with respect to the horizontal direction of the ground.
  • the value of X is preferably comprised between 31 and 51 degrees; in a prototype built by the Applicant such value is equal to 41 degrees.
  • the intermediate structure now described is connected with a central structure 3 having the end turned towards said handlebar connected with the rear part of the intermediate structure, by means of at least one hinge 27, (figure 3) pref- erably coaxial with the hinge 26. More particularly, the same rotation axis connects together the hinges 26 and 27. Preferably, the connection is obtained with a pair of hinges 27 respectively coaxial with the hinges 25 and 26.
  • the central structure comprises a pair of flat elements 31 and 32, each obtained with a sheet of material that is very resistant mechanically and very light, preferably the same material as the front and intermediate structures.
  • the pre-selected material is aluminum.
  • also such sheets are provided with lightening openings 33.
  • the thickness of such sheets is preferably comprised between 5 and 15 mm; in a prototype built by the Applicant, such thickness is equal to 8 mm.
  • the two sheets are connected to each other, on the end associated with the intermediate structure, by three pins 30, 34 and 35 orthogonal to the lying plane of the sheets, the pins 30 and 34 constituting the rotation axis of the hinges 25 and 26, the pin 35 constituting the rotation axis of a pair of pedals 36, integral and coaxial with a disc 37 and arranged on opposite sides of said disc.
  • said central structure is associated with a rear structure 4 by means of at least one hinge 38 whose pin 43 constitutes the rotation axis of said rear structure with respect to said central structure.
  • central structure has a box-like structure that contains at its interior a second tube 39 integral with the same, within which a tubular element 39.1 is freely slidable in axial direction, such element having the upper end (upper with respect to the ground) integral with a saddle 39.2 for the support of the rider of said bicycle.
  • the aforesaid rear structure 4 comprises a pair of longitudinal members 41 , arranged parallel and transversely connected together by crosspieces 42 which give solidity to the structure and longitudinal, transverse and torsional rigidity.
  • Said longitudinal members are each obtained with a material that is very resis- tant mechanically and very light, preferably the same material as the other structures.
  • the pre-selected material is aluminum.
  • also such longitudinal members are provided with lightening openings 40. They characterize a fork having a minimum width on the front end, directed towards the handlebar of the bicycle and a maximum width on the oppo- site end.
  • At least one of said longitudinal members has a flat triangular form lying in the same vertical plane as the adjacent sheet of the central structure.
  • the vertex of the triangle is directed towards the rear wheel, the base is oriented towards the central structure.
  • the thickness of said triangle is preferably comprised between 5 and 15 mm; in a prototype built by the Appli- cant such thickness is equal to 8 mm.
  • Both said longitudinal members are connected to the central structure by means of a hinge 38 in common with said central structure: more in detail, a single pin 43 connects together the central structure and the rear structure, allowing a mutual rotation between the two structures.
  • two discs are coaxially fitted, a second disc 44 and a third disc 45, preferably with different diameter; the second disc 44 preferably has lesser diameter than that of the third disc 45, still more preferably both have diameter less than that of the first disc 37. More detail will be given on this hereinbelow.
  • the two longitudinal members are connected together by a pin 46 that forms the rotation axis of the rear wheel of the bicycle.
  • the wheel is integral with a fourth coaxial disc 47, preferably with diameter greater than the di- ameter of the second disc.
  • a first transmission system mutually connects the first and second disc, a second transmission system mutually connects the third and fourth disc. Since said discs must transmit the movement imparted by the pedals to the rear wheel, they have a configuration suitable for such purpose; they can be pulleys coupled together with belts or toothed wheels coupled to- gether with toothed belts, but preferably they are toothed wheels connected with chains.
  • the front and rear wheels can have different diameter, with the front wheel preferably with diameter greater than that of the rear wheel, but still more preferably, the two wheels have the same diameter.
  • the configuration of the vehicle is freestanding.
  • the form of the longitudinal extension of the flanges 21 of the intermediate structure is such that they are in mutual contact at least at the ends thereof, and since such contact is not extended along a line of contact points as it would be in the case of structures with tubular elements, but occurs at opposite surfaces, with determined width of the element thickness, the contact gives rise to a solid and stable coupling that is not affected by the roughness of the road and of the rider thrusts.
  • This configuration of the vehicle cannot even change spatial orientation, since the articulated parallelogram created by the intermediate structure is by nature a non- deformable structure and its position is fixed by the line r which joints the hinges 22 and 23.
  • the rear end of the parallelogram constituted by the intermediate structure cannot rotate further down- ward, it can only rotate upward, as in fact occurs when one folds the bicycle.
  • the rear structure when the vehicle is in travel position, is situated in freestanding configuration. Indeed, the triangular plate that constitutes the front end of at least one longitudinal member is in abutment against the rear end of the central structure such that the longitudinal members cannot rotate further upward, lifting the rear wheel from the ground.
  • the Applicant preferably also uses two mechanical locks, constituted by the pins 50 and 51 , preferably controlled by a spring, which are inserted in corresponding holes on the front and rear structures in order to mechanically lock the mutual position between the front structure and the intermediate structure and between the central structure and the rear structure.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the vehicle of the invention in closed position.
  • the parallelo- gram of the intermediate structure is rotated upward until it is locked against the front structure or against the first tube contained therein.
  • the rear structure is rotated downward until the triangular end flange of a longitudinal member encounters a stop, e.g. a pin that connects the two plates of the central structure.
  • the shafts 16 and 391 which support the handlebar and the saddle are made to axially slide within the respective tubes and the lateral arms 19.1 of the handlebar are folded downward, making the bicycle assume its minimum bulk configuration.
  • a handle 52 preferably mounted on the central structure, allows an easy grasping of the bicycle for the movement thereof in closed configuration.
  • the invention solves the above-stated problems and achieves several advan- tages.
  • the bicycle is extremely light notwithstanding the relative complexity of its structure and hence can be easily moved, even by woman or child. At the same time, it is extremely strong due to its constituent elements and to the mutual assembly thereof.
  • the opening and folding of the bicycle are extremely simple; they do not require the use of particular tools and they do not require strong force, given that it is sufficient to impart a simple rotation to the structures in the vertical lying plane. This rotation, once triggered, proceeds nearly autonomously if accompanied by force even lower than that required to trigger it.
  • the reduced size of the folded bicycle does not prevent the movement thereof and the arrangement thereof even in a corner of the home.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un vélo qui comprend un châssis équipé d'une paire de roues coplanaires alignées axialement au niveau des extrémités du châssis et une structure cinématique pour le mouvement de celui-ci, ledit châssis comprenant au moins une paire d'éléments plats (11, 17.1, 21, 31) disposés parallèlement les uns par rapport aux autres sur des côtés opposés du plan central axial dudit châssis.
PCT/IT2013/000199 2013-06-27 2013-07-15 Vélo Ceased WO2014207774A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT001076A ITMI20131076A1 (it) 2013-06-27 2013-06-27 Bicicletta con telaio ad elementi piatti
ITMI2013A001076 2013-06-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014207774A1 true WO2014207774A1 (fr) 2014-12-31

Family

ID=49170773

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IT2013/000199 Ceased WO2014207774A1 (fr) 2013-06-27 2013-07-15 Vélo

Country Status (2)

Country Link
IT (1) ITMI20131076A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2014207774A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2016130046A (ja) * 2015-01-13 2016-07-21 豊田鉄工株式会社 折畳式車両
CN107140085A (zh) * 2016-11-24 2017-09-08 天津富士达自行车有限公司 一种快速折叠自行车

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0388540A1 (fr) * 1989-03-20 1990-09-26 Ching-Huang Tsai Vélo pliant
DE20313278U1 (de) * 2003-08-27 2003-10-16 Chu, Arthur, Chu Pei, Hsinchu Faltbares Fahrrad
WO2004014717A1 (fr) * 2002-08-07 2004-02-19 Sutherland Michael T Bicyclette pliable construite a partir d'elements de cadre en tole
US20070069499A1 (en) * 2005-09-26 2007-03-29 Wang-Hsing Lin Foldable bicycle

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0388540A1 (fr) * 1989-03-20 1990-09-26 Ching-Huang Tsai Vélo pliant
WO2004014717A1 (fr) * 2002-08-07 2004-02-19 Sutherland Michael T Bicyclette pliable construite a partir d'elements de cadre en tole
DE20313278U1 (de) * 2003-08-27 2003-10-16 Chu, Arthur, Chu Pei, Hsinchu Faltbares Fahrrad
US20070069499A1 (en) * 2005-09-26 2007-03-29 Wang-Hsing Lin Foldable bicycle

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2016130046A (ja) * 2015-01-13 2016-07-21 豊田鉄工株式会社 折畳式車両
WO2016113943A1 (fr) * 2015-01-13 2016-07-21 豊田鉄工株式会社 Véhicule pliable
US10150528B2 (en) 2015-01-13 2018-12-11 Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd. Folding vehicle
CN107140085A (zh) * 2016-11-24 2017-09-08 天津富士达自行车有限公司 一种快速折叠自行车

Also Published As

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