The present invention relates generally to bicycle frames and more specifically it relates to a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements for a high performance, full suspension bicycle having the ability to fold up in a package of compact size.
It can be appreciated that bicycle frames have been in use for years. Typically, bicycle frames are comprised of a tubular framework, with structural sections terminated at welded or brazed lug joints. Construction of bicycles having tubular framework requires the use of specialized jigs, alignment fixtures, a variety of cutting tools, and welding equipment for the complete assembly of such structures. Such manufacturing procedures are costly, time consuming, and prone to error.
Functionally, the main problem with conventional bicycle frames arises from the rigid tubular framework generally favored by constructors in the industry. Such frames are usually unable to fold into a configuration of reduced size for more convenient transport and storage. Another problem with conventional bicycle frames resides in the tubular construction itself, which is not the most structurally efficient means of carrying a load intended for said frame. Still another problem with conventional bicycle frames are permanency of traditional and contemporary tubular construction, which cannot be changed or upgraded by the rider to meet changing requirements or tastes. In addition, contemporary rear shock absorption systems on such tube frame bicycles tend to be mechanically complex, utilizing a number of bar linkages and pivots that form a significant portion of the bicycle's weight.
While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for a high performance, full suspension bicycle having the ability to fold up in a package of compact size.
It is an object of an aspect of this invention to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of a high performance, light weight, full suspension bicycle having the ability to fold up in a package of compact size. Such method of construction using plateframe structures offers design flexibility for creating variants of lighter and stronger structure than tubular frame bicycles. In addition, the structural plates forming this new configuration make use of automatic manufacturing techniques such as modern computer numerically controlled (CNC) production equipment, that reduce cost and manufacturing time, and increase versatility in relation to standard tubular frame bicycles. Said plateframe structures can be arranged in a virtually unlimited range of geometries to conform with operational requirements as defined by different market segments. In addition, this method results in a bike structure of greatly reduced cost, increased user convenience, and improved operational performance compared to the most advanced tubular bike frames currently available.
An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements for a high performance, full suspension bicycle having the ability to fold up in a package of compact size. The main frame is formed by two plate frame elements, patterned in the ergonomic dimensions and component arrangements therefrom used for contemporary mountain bikes. The patterned plate frame elements are cut from plate stock in a way that locates and mounts the operative elements in positions required for bike function. Such plate frame structure is of modular, lightweight, and weldless construction that can be assembled or disassembled with basic tools readily available to the consumer market. As an added benefit a mechanically simple, lightweight rear shock absorbing system is incorporated. The design also routes cables in an internal arrangement, separating them from rider or other attached components or accessories on the inboard side of the plateframe structure. Overall geometry and dimensions of this configuration can be altered to provide a fit for riders of various sizes. The structure makes use of a convex recessed main beam, as opposed to the topmost horizontal tubular type found in contemporary bicycles that occasionally present a safety hazard to the rider. Furthermore, the plateframe structure provides planar attachment surfaces for accessories that could not otherwise be fixed conveniently to a bicycle of traditional tubular design. The frame geometry can be formed in a variety of configurations giving a range of new appearances, functional enhancements, and ornamental details not possible with traditional tubular construction. Such method of construction using said plateframe structures offers design flexibility for creating variants of lighter and stronger structure than tubular frame bicycles with reduced manufacturing time and cost.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that is of lightweight construction and readily collapsible for convenient storage in an area of limited space, for example the trunk of an automobile or a household closet.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that meets or exceeds weight and performance specifications of contemporary mountain bikes at greatly reduced cost.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements having an integrated suspension capability equal to or better than other competitive mountain bikes currently available for consumer purchase using a simpler, lighter, and more reliable configuration.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that can be fitted by the rider to function with other compatible or formerly incompatible components; for example, certain structural items particular to a mountain bike can be substituted with road bike running gear.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that provides a number of attachment points for extra storage compartments or cases.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that fit a variety of riders with a minimum level of adjustment to plateframe design as required.
Another object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a folding bicycle constructed from plate structural elements that remove brake and derailleur cables from the exterior framework, where they can interfere with the rider or other frame mounted components.
Other objects and advantages of an aspect of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle frame comprising:
a central load bearing assembly comprising two spaced-apart frame elements maintained in spaced-apart relationship by a plurality of spacers;
a swingarm assembly having first and second ends, said first end being pivotably mounted on said central load bearing assembly at a first attachment point, said second end of said swingarm assembly having a rear wheel releasably secured thereon;
a headset mounted on said central load bearing assembly for supporting a steering and front fork assembly, said front fork assembly having a front wheel releasably mounted thereon; and
a crank bracket mounted between said two spaced-apart frame elements of said central load bearing assembly, said crank bracket being located offset from said first attachment point of said swingarm assembly, said crank bracket supporting a crank assembly.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a central load bearing assembly which has spaced apart frame elements, the frame elements providing for a first attachment point for a swingarm assembly, an attachment point for a headset, an attachment point for a tail block and an attachment point for a crank bracket, the method comprising folding a blank having two opposed frame elements interconnected by a web where the blank is folded along the web to provide spaced-apart opposed frame elements interconnected by an integral spine formed by said web.
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
An aspect of the present invention provides a new folding bicycle constructed from plate structural element construction wherein the same can be utilized for a high performance, full suspension bicycle having the ability to fold up in a package of compact size. The main frame is formed by opposed plate frame elements, patterned in the ergonomic dimensions and component arrangements therefrom used for contemporary mountain bikes. The patterned plate frame elements are cut from plate stock in a way that locates and mounts the operative elements in positions required for bike function. Such plate frame structure is of modular, lightweight, and weldless construction that can be assembled or disassembled with basic tools readily available to the consumer market. As an added benefit a mechanically simple, lightweight rear shock absorbing system is incorporated. The design also routes cables in an internal arrangement, separating them from rider or other attached components or accessories on the inboard side of the plateframe structure. Overall geometry and dimensions of this configuration can be altered to provide a fit for riders of various sizes. In one embodiment, the structure makes use of a convex recessed main beam, as opposed to the topmost horizontal tubular type found in contemporary bicycles that occasionally present a safety hazard to the rider. Furthermore, the plateframe structure provides planar attachment surfaces for accessories that could not otherwise be fixed conveniently to a bicycle of traditional tubular design. The structural plate frame elements forming this new configuration can be designed in a number of ways, giving a variety of new appearances, functional enhancements and ornamental details not possible before. The plateframe structures can also be arranged to form functional versions that are lighter, stronger and less costly than other comparable machines in the market. While the plateframe structures are generally planar, they may also be stamped to provide offset mounting points for operational elements or accessories.
The general purpose of an aspect of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new folding bicycle constructed from plate frame elements that has many of the advantages of the bicycle frames mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new folding bicycle constructed from plate frame elements which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art bicycle frames, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, an aspect of the present invention generally comprises a twin plateframe arrangement, fastened together at a plurality of fastener locations. The main frame is formed by two plate frame elements, patterned in the ergonomic dimensions and component arrangements therefrom used for contemporary mountain bikes. The patterned plate frame elements are cut from plate stock in a way that locates and mounts the operative elements in positions required for bike function. Joining the plate frame elements are a series of threaded fasteners, in combination with co-axial standoffs that keep the plate frame elements separated by a prescribed distance. The plate frame elements so joined comprise a central load bearing assembly to which a number of functional elements or accessories are mounted or attached. A plurality of drilled holes in one plate, with aligned tapped holes in the other are provided for fastener assemblies spanning across the plate array separated distance. A pivoting headset captured between the two plate frame elements is provided for rotating and stowing the front forks in the frame envelope. The pivoting headset is a machined block with provision for mounting to and rotating within the twin plate frame structure. A master bore drilled along the headset longitudinal axis captures and supports the front fork upright shaft. Drill holes in the pivoting headset through the transverse axis are used in conjunction with threaded fasteners for rigid attachment to the plate frame elements. The drill holes are arranged with respect to a pivot boss bearing on the pivot headset so that two fixed orientations relative to the frame are possible. One position gives a riding operational configuration, the other a folded stowed configuration. The tail block is a structural item used to capture the seat post and one end of the shock absorber. A master bore drilled along the tail block longitudinal axis captures and fixes the seat post. A pin eye bore, drilled across the clevis at the rear of the tail block, provide a mounting point for the shock absorber pin. Two counterbored and threaded holes directly behind the master seat post bore bridge a longitudinal slot, and provide a means for two socket head cap screws to tighten the tail block around the seat post. Two pairs of threaded blind holes at the tail block location, four per side, align with mating through-holes in both plate frames. A threaded fastener passes through each plate frame through-hole and fastens into the mating threads in the tail block blind holes. Integrated into the design is a pivotable swingarm assembly, attached at plateframe and shock absorber pinned connection points. In one embodiment, an integrated swingarm assembly is composed of four plateframe structures joined as two parallel running rails in a ladder configuration. The ladder is pinned at two locations; one for the shock absorber and one at the twin plate frame swingarm bearing. Each running rail is made from one swingarm and one rocker arm. The swingarms are left and right handed, and mount equipment specific to that side of the bike. A disk brake assembly on the left requires a brake swingarm, and the rear sprocket derailleur on the right requires a derailleur swingarm. Rocker arms in this assembly are mirror images, having the same profile for both sides. A series of threaded fasteners, in conjunction with co-axial stand offs, are used to join the swingarms and rocker arms together. The co-axial standoffs are used to step the swingarms relative to the rocker arms so that the ladder rails are properly spaced at the rear wheel axle. Two swingarm links, placed at either side of the shock absorber, fasten the rails together at the shock absorber pivot location. The swingarm links provide a means of force transmission from the rails to the shock absorber through a common pin, coaxially mounted to the swingarm links. Force transmission travels from the common pin through the shock absorber, where it is attenuated by some preset amount, to the tail block shock pin. The ladder pivots about a swingarm bearing mounted to the aft section of the twin plateframe structure. A master pin through the twin plateframe and swingarm bearing hold the two assemblies together.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of an aspect of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of an aspect of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate a folding bicycle constructed from plate frame elements.
The central load bearing assembly is formed by opposed plate frame elements, patterned in the ergonomic dimensions and component arrangements therefrom used for contemporary mountain bikes. The patterned plate frame elements are cut from plate stock in a way that locates and mounts operative elements in positions required for bike function. Joining the plate frame elements are a series of threaded fasteners, in combination with co-axial standoffs that keep the plate frame elements separated by a prescribed distance. The plate frame elements so joined comprise central load bearing assembly to which a number of operative elements or accessories are attached. A plurality of drilled holes in one plate, with aligned tapped holes in the other are provided for fastener assemblies spanning across the plate separated distance. As shown in
The pivoting headset is a machined monobloc with provision for mounting to and rotating within the plane of the central load bearing assembly. A master bore drilled along the headset longitudinal axis captures and supports the front fork upright shaft. Drill holes in the pivoting headset through the transverse, or thickness, axis are used in conjunction with threaded fasteners for rigid attachment to the plate frames. The drill holes are arranged with respect to the pivot boss bearing so that two fixed orientations relative to the frame are possible. One position gives a riding operational configuration, the other a folded stowed configuration. The pivoting headset attachment comprises a machined block as illustrated in
The tail block is a structural item used to capture the seat post and one end of the shock absorber. A master bore drilled along the tail block longitudinal axis captures and fixes the seat post. A pin eye bore, drilled across the clevis at the rear of the tail block, provide a mounting point for the shock absorber pin. Two counterbored and threaded holes directly behind the master seat post bore bridge a longitudinal slot, and provide a means for two socket head cap screws to tighten the tail block around the seat post. Two pairs of threaded blind holes, four per side, align with mating through-holes in both plate frames. A threaded fastener passes through each plate frame through-hole and fastens into the mating threads in the tail block blind holes. The tail block component comprises a machined body 5 as shown in FIGS. 1,3,7,8 and 18. Referring to
The swingarm ladder assembly is composed of four plateframe structures joined as two parallel running rails in a ladder configuration. The ladder is pinned at two locations; one for the shock absorber and one at the central load bearing assembly swingarm bearing. Each running rail is made from one swingarm and one rocker arm. The swingarms are left and right handed, and mount equipment specific to that side of the bike. A disk brake assembly 40 on the left requires a brake swingarm 8, and the rear sprocket derailleur on the right requires a derailleur swingarm 7. Both swingarms are illustrated in
A method for constructing a foldable bicycle frame made from opposed planar structural elements having suitable geometry for such function is provided. Such plateframe arrangement, held together at a plurality of co-axial fastener locations, mounts components as required for operation of a high performance, full suspension bicycle having the ability to fold up in a package of compact size. Said fasteners pass through aligned drill holes in both plate frame elements, one or both said plate frame elements having thread forms for fastener threaded engagement as is required for frame securement. This arrangement gives a plateframe structure of modular, lightweight, and weldless construction that can be assembled or disassembled with basic and readily available tools. Although two plate frame elements are prescribed in the embodiment, a practitioner skilled in the art can arrange such system with any number of said plate frame elements as is practicable.
For example, in an alternate embodiment, as shown in
The resulting folded frame provides the same mounting points and operational latitude for the mounted operational elements as that described for the embodiment shown, for example, in
The spine 104 of the folded frame shown in
The spine shown in
In any of the embodiments presented above, mounted to the forward plateframe area is a pivoting headset, with provision for rigidly fixing to and rotating within the twin plate frame structure as required. One position gives a riding operational configuration, the other a folded stowed configuration. Said pivoting headset mounts a rotatable front fork assembly extending therefrom. The front fork rotates within the pivoting headset freely as is required for bike steering function. A mechanically simple, lightweight rear shock absorbing system is integrated into the plateframe design. This shock absorbing system comprises a swingarm assembly, which is pivotally attached to the central load bearing assembly and shock absorber at pinned connection points. Coaxial holes at the rear of the plateframe structure mount a pivot pin that rotatably fastens the swingarm assembly to both plateframe elements, although attachment to a single plateframe is possible as a designer might opt for. A tail block is provided for capturing the top end of the shock absorber and transmitting mechanical loads generated while riding into the plateframe structure. As can be appreciated, the tail block also adjustably mounts a seat post, which may be altered by the rider for best seat position. The plateframe design also routes cables in an internal arrangement, separating them from rider or other attached components or accessories on the inboard side of the plateframe structure. A series of cable mounts mounted within the plate frames are held by frame fasteners and serve to constrain the cables. Overall geometry and dimensions of this configuration may be altered to provide a universal fit for riders of various sizes. In contrast to bicycles of traditional tubular design, the plate structure may be arranged in a variety of ways, giving new appearances and ornamental details not possible before. Furthermore, the plateframe structure makes possible a number of attachment points for additional accessories that could not otherwise be fixed conveniently to a bicycle of traditional tubular design. Said plateframe structures can also be arranged to form functional versions that are lighter, stronger and less costly than other comparable machines in the market.
The above method of construction using plateframe structures offers design flexibility for creating variants of lighter and stronger structure than tubular frame bicycles. In addition, the structural plates forming this new configuration make use of automatic manufacturing techniques that reduce cost and manufacturing time, and increase versatility in relation to standard tubular frame bicycles. Examples of technologies that can be used to prepare the patterns from plate stock include water jet cutting tables, CNC milling machines, flame cutting, industrial scroll saws and lasers. In the embodiment where the two plate frame elements are integral, a blank having the two opposed frame elements interconnected by a web is prepared. The blank is then folded along the web to provide spaced-apart opposed frame elements interconnected by an integral spine formed by the web. Optionally, the blank can be stamped prior to folding to form additional offsets of mounting points or other ornamental or functional purposes.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/CA03/01188 | 8/7/2003 | WO | 7/29/2005 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60401334 | Aug 2002 | US |