Patent · US Expired

Foldable and portable vehicle

US4438942A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
9References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 29, 1982
Grant dateMar 27, 1984
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 29, 2002

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62K2015/005
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A foldable, portable bicycle in which the handlebar, its elongated post, the seat assembly, the pedal crank and the frame are foldable quickly and easily into a compact and regular-shaped package that is easily portable and storable, and are unfoldable with similar speed and ease into a safe, durable and comfortable bicycle that accommodates adults of normal size. The frame is designed with a low profile that is substantially the same in height and thickness as the dimensions of the wheels and their supports, and the handlebar and seat assemblies extend upwardly to normal height, but fold and collapse, along with the pedals, to substantially within the confines outlined by the folded frame. Quick release latches are provided for the handlebar post, the seat post sections, the frame hinge and the pedal hinges, and the pedal cranks are designed for effective performance and easy, compact folding. Optional features include an enclosed front carrying compartment, a bracing cable permitting the seat post to be made of lighter materials, a rear carrying rack that extends the flat and low profile across the rear frame section, and a shopping cart mode in which the partially folded frame i…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.