An extremely compact, low cost, folding motorcycle or motor scooter is provided by means of a novel, rod-like construction. A frame-like chassis defines a compartment for receiving the front and wheel assembly in the folded condition. Portions of the chassis are removable for this purpose. Other portions of the chassis provide pivot means for the front and rear wheel assemblies. The pivot means are skewed at an angle with respect to an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle so that the front and rear wheel assemblies bypass each other and are in side-by-side relationship in the folded condition. An internal combustion engine is used for the drive means with the seat of the motorcycle preferably being at least partially hollow in order to define a fuel tank. The handle-bar assembly is foldable and is removably keyed to the steering means. The aforementioned abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
A collapsible bicycle comprises a frame, a front and rear wheels rotatably attached thereto, and a drivetrain for transmitting torque to the rear wheel, with the frame including a movable structure on which the rear wheel is attached. The frame carries a pair of lower stay elements on a lower portion thereof and a fork member on an upper portion thereof with the prongs of the fork member defining a pair of upper stay elements. The front ends of the lower stay elements are adjoined with respective pivot rings attached to a bottom bracket of the frame so as to enable the rotation of the movable structure thereabout, while the male and female elements of a quick-release type connector are provided on the shank portion of the fork member and an upper portion of a seat tube of the frame to enable the fixing of the movable structure thereto. The frame is further provided with an arcuate down tube adapted for the positioning thereunder of the rear wheel and movable structure when the bicycle is in a compacted form. This being accomplished by first disconnecting the fork member from the frame and then rotating the movable structure about the bottom bracket until the rim of the rear wheel is in proximity with the down tube.
A collapsible bicycle includes a rigid main frame and a collapsible rear frame movable between riding and storage positions. The rigid main frame supports the front wheel, pedals, handlebars, and seat, and the rear frame supports the rear wheel. The rear frame includes a first pair of struts which are pivotally connected to the main frame at the lower rear portion thereof and a second pair of struts which are pivotally connected to the first pair of struts. When the rear frame is in the riding position, the first pair of struts extends rearwardly from the main frame, and the second pair of struts extends upwardly and forwardly from the rear ends of the struts of the first pair to a connector on the upper rear portion of the main frame which connects the second pair of struts to the rear of the main frame. When the bicycle is to be stored, the struts of the second pair are disconnected from the connector at the rear of the main frame, the two pairs of struts are pivoted forwardly about the pivot connection between the main frame and the first pair of struts, and the struts of the second pair are connected to a second connector on the upper front portion of the main frame.
Apparatus for mounting a sidecar to a motorcycle having a vertically disposed trapezoid-shaped frame section comprised of elongate struts interconnected at their ends defining a first vertex adjacent the motorcycle seat cushion and second and third vertices substantially below and in front of the first vertex includes three mounting bracket plates that are secured to the frame adjacent the three vertices, respectively. In one embodiment, three mounting brackets overlie two struts of the frame adjacent the vertex and are respectively clamped thereto by U-bolts. In another embodiment, a front engine mount of the motorcycle adjacent the third vertex is replaced by a mounting bracket plate which is secured to both the engine block and a frame member. Each mounting bracket plate carries the male portion of a clevispin connector for releasably attaching the sidecar to the mounting bracket plates.
A portable foldable motor scooter with a substantially triangular chassis, each corner of which is pivotable and one leg of which is hinged to allow the chassis to be folded to a collapsed condition. A steering column is pivotally connected to the forward corner of the chassis and is detachable from the chassis. The driver's seat is supported on front and rear linkages, the front linkage including a triangular portion containing the leg hinge of the chassis. A single removable pin normally locks this hinge and maintains the front seat-supporting linkage rigid. Upon removal of the pin the chassis can be folded to its collapsed position and the seat can be swung downwardly toward the rear wheel and can be latched to the rear wheel fender, holding the chassis in its collapsed position. The steering column has handle bars which can be swung inwardly and fastened so as not to protrude from the folded vehicle.
A foldable bicycle has separate front and rear frames coupled to each other at a seat post formed by concentric frame members. A locking mechanism positions the frame members in either a rigid open or folded position. The pedal housing is located on the rear frame member either as an extension of the seat tube or positioned between the seat tube and the chain stays. The bicycle uses standard components to form the drive, brake and steering assemblies. In the folded state, the bicycle may be backpacked using available straps and webs that are attached to the front frame.
