WO2015005778A2

WO2015005778A2 - Bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2015005778A2
Application number: PCT/NL2014/050460
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacobus Cornelis Antonius De Kroon; Louis Huidekoper
Original assignee: Jacobus Cornelis Antonius De Kroon
Priority date: 2013-07-09
Filing date: 2014-07-08
Publication date: 2015-01-15
Also published as: WO2015005778A3

Abstract

The invention is directed to a bicycle having a steer, a frame with front wheel, rear wheel, front wheel suspension, rear wheel suspension and two pedals, wherein the pedals are suspended from the frame at the front by pendulums and are supported at their rear sides by cranks, which cranks directly drive the axle of the rear wheel, wherein the design of the frame, pedals, cranks and pendulum are so chosen that, in use, the front side of the pedal where the foot of the user is positioned and during the half cycle in which the pedal is loaded first moves forward and afterward moves a larger distance backward.

Description

BICYCLE The invention is directed to a bicycle having a steer, a frame with front wheel, rear wheel, front wheel suspension, rear wheel suspension and two pedals. The invention is especially directed to such bicycles which are propelled by humans by an elliptical pedaling motion that generally mimics the kinematics of running or walking.

Such a bicycle is described in US2008116655. This publication describes a bicycle provided with a steer, a linear frame with front wheel, rear wheel, front wheel suspension, rear wheel suspension and two pedals. The pedals are connected to the frame at their front ends. At their rear ends they are connected to cranks connected to a drive sprocket. The drive sprocket drives the rear wheel sprocket because they are linked by a chain as in conventional bicycles.

The use of a drive sprocket and rear wheel sprocket interconnected by a chain makes the bicycle of US2008116655 complicated and heavy.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a more simple design for a bicycle which can be propelled by humans by an elliptical pedaling motion that generally mimics the kinematics of running or walking.

This aim is achieved by the following bicycle. Bicycle having a steer, a frame with front wheel, rear wheel, front wheel suspension, rear wheel suspension and two pedals, wherein the pedals are suspended from the frame at the front by pendulums and are supported at their rear sides by cranks, which cranks directly drive the axle of the rear wheel, wherein the design of the frame, pedals, cranks and pendulum are so chosen that, in use, the front side of the pedal where the foot of the user is positioned and during the half cycle in which the pedal is loaded first moves forward and afterward moves a larger distance backward.

Applicants found that by directly driving the rear wheel by means of the cranks a bicycle is obtained which is simpler in design. The more simple design enables one to carry the bicycle more easily. The more simple design further enables one to fold the bicycle to a format which enables one to store away the bicycle in small spaces. The invention is therefore especially directed to a bicycle wherein the steer is provided with means to carry luggage and wherein the bicycle can be folded into a trolley, on which the luggage can remain in place on the steer during the folding operation. Because a saddle, chain wheels, a chain, and/or a spatial frame that may otherwise impede a compact folding are absent in the bicycle according to the invention a more simple folding of the bicycle is achievable. The bicycle according to the invention can, as a trolley, easily be taken along on public transport or in shops, knowing that luggage can be placed on the trolley. The foldable bicycle is advantageous because it enables one to combine public and other forms of transportation and the use of the bicycle. Because of its size in its folded state the bicycle can also be easily stored in a car on a boat, in an aircraft and so on. Further details and advantages will be described below.

In order to enable folding one or more or even all of the following measures may be present. The frame is suitably a linear frame. The front and rear wheel may be suspended unilateral or bilateral from the frame. In one embodiment both wheels are suspended unilaterally from the frame. Applicants found that the bicycle may also have a rear wheel suspended bilateral from the frame and a front wheel which may be suspended unilateral or bilateral from the frame. Especially the bilateral rear wheel suspension adds to the mechanical integrity of the bicycle when in use while still be sufficiently small to allow folding.

The connections between the pedals and the cranks can be disconnected. When the pedals and cranks are disconnected it becomes possible to position the pedals parallel to the frame. By positioning the pedals in its most forward position allowed by the pendulums, suitably fixing the rear end of the pedals to the frame, a folded pedals position results. In this position the pendulums will be positioned parallel to and in between the pedals and frame.

Preferably the frame is comprised of a beam and a unilateral suspension for the rear wheel interconnected by a rear folding point and wherein the frame may be folded along the rear folding point after the pedals are disconnected from the cranks and wherein the rear wheel and its suspension may end up parallel to the frame and the pedals. The axis of the rear folding point makes a compound angle of approximately 45 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane. This inclined axis allows that the rear wheel may be folded from its normal driving position to a plane which is perpendicular to the original vertical plane of the rear wheel and parallel to the plane comprising the two pedals and the beam.

The suspension of the front wheel is suitably connected to the frame at a front folding point comprising a horizontal folding axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle whereby, after folding, the front wheel may end up parallel to the pedals and flat against the folded rear wheel.

The steer is suitably connected to the frame at a steer folding point. Such a steer folding point enables that, after folding, the steer may end up parallel to and in between the pedals.

The invention relates to a bicycle that is ridden in a standing position, whereby most or all of the body weight is used for producing the necessary driving energy.

Preferably the bicycle is provided with additional small wheels which may be used as trolley wheels when the bicycle is folded. The bicycle may be provided with a luggage carrier on the steer. The luggage carrier may extend somewhat forward at its lower end to support luggage. Preferably the trolley wheels are provided to this forward extended support of the luggage carrier because it provides a good basis for these trolley wheels.

The invention is also directed to a method to convert a bicycle according to the present invention into a trolley by performing the following steps

(i) disconnecting the pedals from the cranks,

ii folding the suspension of the rear wheel such that the rear wheel ends up parallel to the pedals,

(iii) folding the suspension of the front wheel such that the front wheel ends up flat against the folded rear wheel, and

(iv) folding the steer such that the steer ends up parallel to and optionally in between the pedals.

In step (i) the pedals are suitably positioned parallel to the frame in its most forward position. In its most forward position the pendulums connecting the pedals to the frame are positioned in a forward direction as viewed from their connection point at the frame. The pendulums will be positioned parallel to and in between the pedals and frame. The pedals in their folded position may be fixed at their rear end to the frame. Steps (iii) may also be performed before performing step ii. In this manner pedals, pendulums and frame are positioned in one plane.

The amount of energy that the cyclist, who uses his or her full body weight for driving the bicycle, delivers is dependent on the vertical stroke of his or her feet, on his or her body weight, and on the time necessary for the cyclist to carry out a full movement cycle the vertical stroke of the feet will hereafter be called step. The step is only dependent on the position of the foot on the pedal. If the cyclist fully stands on the rear part of the pedals, close to the connection with the crank, the step is equal to twice the set length of the crank. For the chosen shape and with the pedal in the middle position i.e. when the crank takes up a vertical position, the front of the pedal barely moves in the vertical direction as it follows a part radial movement following the length of the pendulum. When the cyclist is positioned substantially in the middle of the pedals, the step the vertical movement is approximately equal to half of the maximum, i.e. equal to the set length of the crank, while the fore aft movement remains the same and governed by the crank length thus creating an oval movement. For this shape, the cyclist has the possibility of choosing the step i.e. the cyclist has the possibility of choosing how much energy he wants to deliver, a determining factor for the cycling speed by positioning himself more or less toward the front of the pedals. In order to achieve the preferred movement the bicycle is suitably provided with a pendulum having a forward inclination such that the position at which the pendulum is connected to the frame is more to the rear of the bicycle than the point at which the pendulum is attached to the pedal. The pendulum is connected to the frame and to the pedals by means of a hinge or any other means which allows the pendulum to move relative to the pedal and frame. This allows the desired relative movement between pedals and frame. The pendulum itself may be a stiff element, for example a metal bar or profile and the like.

The invention shall be illustrated using Figures 1-13. Figures 1-6 illustrate the folding procedure of the bicycle. Figures 7-8 illustrate the rear hub. Figures 9-13 illustrate the features of the bicycle enabling the movement a user makes when using a bicycle according to the invention as compared to a bicycle not having the features of the invention.

In the figures the following reference numbers will be used: 1 beam

2 steer

3 steering axle

4 front wheel

5 rear wheel

6 front axle

7 rear axle

8 unilateral suspension front wheel

9 unilateral suspension rear wheel 10 hub

11 crank

12 connection pedal with crank, detachable

13 pedal

14 pendulum

15 trolley plane

16 centre line

17 front folding point of the beam

18 rear folding point of the beam

19 folding point of the steer

20 pawl rack for neutral free movement

21 suspension of the pendulums on the beam

22 head with bearing steering axle

23 rear axle

24 pedalling axle

25 bearing part planetary wheels

26 sun gear

27 planetary wheels

28 satellite wheel

29 spindle

30 nut, bearing point for the pedal

31 coupling axle 32 gear wheel on the hub, coupling the spindles

33 gear on the coupling axle

34 toothed disk on the pedal axle

35 wheel on the spindle to adjust the length

36 connection pedal with spindle

Figure 1 is a side elevation view of the bicycle, whereas Figure 2 is a top plan view. Reference is made to terms like 'front', 'rear', 'forward', 'backward', 'vertical' or

'horizontal' , which terms directly relates to the normal use and driving direction of the bicycle and should not be found to limit the invention in any manner. With the orientation of a wheel the orientation of the plane is meant in which the circle of the wheel is present. The plane of the front wheel in its non-folded position is the plane in which the front wheel is positioned when driving in a straight line. Thus in case of no steering.

Figure 1 shows a bicycle provided with a tubular beam 1, a steer 2, a front wheel 4 and a unilateral suspension 8 for the front wheel 6. Further a rear wheel 5 is shown provided with a rear axle 7 which is directly driven by the two long pedals 13. The pedals 13 are each suspended at their front end from the frame by means of a pendulum 14. Pendulum 14 is connected to the beam 1 at suspension 21. Pendulum 14 enables the front end of the pedals to move up and down relative to the beam 1. The rear end of the pedals 13 are each connected to the rear axle 7 via a crank 11 at a detachable connection 12. The bicycle of Figure 1 has a linear frame comprising of beam 1 and unilateral suspension 9 of the rear wheel 5. Beam 1 and unilateral suspension 9 are connected by a rear folding point 18. Figure 1 further shows a front folding point 17, a steer folding point 19 and a head with steer bearing 22.

At the start of the folding operation the pedals 13 and the cranks 11 are disconnected at detachable connection 12. By choosing an easy to detach connection 12 it is possible to fold the bicycle quickly into a trolley. After disconnecting the cranks 11 the pedals 13 are only connected to the frame by the pendulums 14. The pedals 13 can now be moved in a forward direction to until the pendulums 14 end up parallel to and adjacent to the beam 1. The pedals 13, beam 1 and pendulums 14 may be brought into a single flat plane, which will hereafter be called the trolley plane 15. Figures 1-2 do not show a luggage rack or other means to attach luggage to the bicycle. Such means may be provided at the front of steer 2. A possible luggage rack may be connected at its lower end by means of a hinge to head 22 and at its upper end by means of a sliding connection to steer 2. Suitably the upper end connection can rotate and slide with respect to the steer 2 such that the luggage rack remains positioned along steer2 handle bar and does not alter its orientation in relation to the beam 1. This is advantageous because any luggage therefore can remain in place during the folding operation.

The rigidity of the pedals in the transverse direction is not caused by the connection 12 between the pedal and the crank, but by the connection of the pendulum 14 with the beam 1. This property further enables the folding the bicycle into a flat trolley. The remaining steps of the folding operation for the bicycle will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a representation of the beam 1 in side elevation view before the actual folding, whereas Figure 5 gives the same representation after the bicycle has been folded. Figure 4 gives a representation of the beam in plan top view before the folding, whereas Figure 6 gives the same representation after the folding.

In Figure 4 it can be seen that front folding point 17 is positioned adjacent the head 22. The axis of the folding point 17 runs parallel to the trolley plane 15 and perpendicular to the direction of beam 1. When carrying out the folding operation, the steer is positioned transversely. Subsequently the front wheel 4 and its suspension 8 and head 22 are folded as a whole approximately 90 degrees along folding point 17 towards beam 1. This brings the front wheel 4 against the trolley plane 15. The transversely positioning of the steer 2 is suitably such that after folding the unilateral suspension 8 of front wheel 4 is positioned above the folded front wheel 4. Thus suspension 8 will ultimately be sandwiched between front wheel 4 and beam 1 as shown in Figure 5.

Thanks to this way of carrying out the folding operation, the front wheel 4 will later be positioned with its flat side against the rear wheel 5 and parallel to the trolley plane 15.

Before the actual folding of the front wheel 4 to its folded position, the steer folding point 19 is also disconnected. During this phase of the folding operation the transverse front wheel 4 is positioned flat on the ground. Suitably the side of front wheel 4 not provided with the unilateral suspension 8 is facing the ground. The steer 2 is kept in a substantial vertical position such that any luggage which may be present on the steer can remain in place and does not change its orientation.

In the next step of the folding operation, the rear side of the bicycle is lifted while the handle bar remains approximately in the vertical position. The trolley plane 15 tilts forward until it is parallel to the almost vertically positioned steer 2. The folding can then be continued by disconnecting the rear folding point 18. The unilateral suspension 9 of the rear wheel 9 can now be folded, facilitated by the influence of Earth's gravity, approximately 180 degrees downward around the folding point 18. The folding axis of the folding point 18 is chosen such that after folding the rear wheel 5 and its suspension 9 is positioned against beam 1 and against or abuts the pedals 13 parallel to trolley plane 15. The axis of rear folding point 18 may make an angle of approximately 45 degrees in relation to the trolley plane 15, in such a way that after the folding operation the plane of the rear wheel 5 is rotated about 90 degrees and the rear wheel is positioned parallel to and against the trolley plane 15.

Finally vertically positioned steer is lowered such that the front wheel 4, which is still flat on the ground, is folded upward towards the plane 15 to end up against rear wheel 5 as shown in Figure 5. When the front wheel 4 is in its final folded position it will suitably be fixed, for example by a clicking mechanism, thereby immobilizing all parts of the bicycle. From Figure 5 it is clear that the unilateral suspension 9 of the rear wheel 5 and the unilateral suspension 8 of the front wheel 4 do not add any thickness of the trolley. The thickness of the trolley remains limited to the thickness of the folded beam plus the thickness of the two tyres.

In Figure 6 one can see the bicycle of Figure 5 from above.

Because of the fact that the pedals 13 directly drive the hub 10, a separate pedal axle is superfluous. The pedals 13 are relatively long which implies that the driving force is dependent on the position that the cyclist occupies on the pedals. The rotational speed of the rear wheel 5 is different, usually significantly greater than the rotational speed of the pedal axle which is incorporated into the hub 10. This is solved by incorporating a suitable transmission into the hub 10 having a desired gear ratio. Hub 10 may be provided with a gear having a fixed gear ratio. Suitably such a gear is combined with a crank 11 wherein the length of the crank can be adjusted while cycling. Alternatively the hub 10 is provided with multiple gears which gears may be changed when cycling.

Figure 7 shows a vertical cross-sectional representation of a rear axle of the rear wheel 5 with three gears, with hub 10 and cranks 11. The rear axle of the bicycle can also comprise more or fewer than three gears. The rear axle 23 is also a pedalling axle 24 and is connected to the unilateral suspension of the rear wheel 9. The pedalling axle 24 is connected with and drives the bearing part 25 of the planetary wheels of the hub. The immobile rear axle 23 is connected with the sun wheel 26 which in turn drives one of the three planetary wheels 27, as well as two bigger gear wheels that drive the satellite wheel 28. The pawl rack 20 between the satellite wheel and the outer hub makes possible the neutral or free movement of the rear wheel in the forward direction.

Figure 8 shows a bicycle wherein the adjustment of the length of the crank is represented. When unfolding a pedal, the crank 11 is clicked into one of the connecting points 36 of the crank. For clarity reasons Figure 8 shows no gear wheel. The crank 11 is produced in the form of a spindle 29 provided with a thread. The nut 36 of the spindle supports the pedal. The movement of the spindles about their longitudinal axis is coupled by means of a coupling axle 31. A gear wheel 32 around the spindle 29 drives the gear wheel 33 on the coupling axle 31.

By rotating the spindle the length of the cranks may be adjusted. The driving of the adjustment of the spindles takes place via the spindle at the side of the unilateral suspension 9. Around the pedalling axle 24 a toothed disk 34 is foreseen, with teeth that in any case during the adjustment of the length of the cranks come into contact with the gear wheel 35 on the spindle 29. When adjusting the length of the spindle 29, the crown gear 34 is coupled to the frame, for example by means of a pawl. Pedalling forward or backward moves the pedalling axle, whereas the crown gear remains immobile, and the gear wheel 35 on the crank 29 is driven and the spindle rotates about its longitudinal axis, thereby adjusting the length of the cranks.

The pendulum of the bicycle according to Figure 1 shows a slight forward inclination or can, in its neutral position, be vertical. Applicants found that cyclist with a small body height will have to stand relatively far up to the front of the pedals, whereas it would suffice for a taller cyclist to stand somewhat closer to the rear edge of the pedals. The shorter cyclist can therefore, the length of the crank being the same, deliver less driving energy per cycle. Furthermore each cyclist has his or her own ideal standing body position. Some cyclists will want to cycle with their arms stretched out, whereas others will prefer more bent arms. When using a bicycle such as the present bicycle the loaded foot carries out a forward-to-backward movement during the loaded half cycle. In the case of the bicycle as illustrated in Figure 1 the loaded foot first moves forward and only then almost an equal distance backward. At the end of the cycle, the foot returns almost completely to its initial position. For these different body positions the bicycle according to Figure 1 gives rise to differences in delivered driving energy per cycle. For this reason it is preferred to choose a design for the frame, pedals, cranks and pendulum that, in use, the front side of the pedal where the foot of the user is positioned and during the half cycle in which the pedal is loaded first moves forward and afterward moves a larger distance backward. The bicycle according to the invention will in use be much closer to the a natural walking movement. On the bicycle according to the invention the loaded foot does move slightly forward, but afterward moves a much larger distance backward.

The features and properties of the bicycle according to the invention with respect to this movement will be further illustrated using Figures 9-13. Figure 1 will be used only to illustrate the differences in movement. It will be clear that the features enabling folding as illustrated in Figures 1-6 are equally applicable to and present in the bicycles disclosed in Figures 9-13.

Figure 9 shows a bicycle as in Figure 1 except in that the pendulum 14 has a considerable forward inclination. By forward inclination is thus meant that the pendulum 14 runs from the front 38 of the pedal 13 to a point 21 on the frame which is positioned more to the rear. Preferably the pendulum 14 has a forward inclination during the entire cycle of the pedals 13 in use such as illustrated in Figure 11.

Figure 10 illustrates the movement of the pedals 13 and pendulum 14 of the bicycle according to Figure 1. The figure shows a curve 40 describing the position of the middle 39 of the pedal 13 through a complete cycle. The rear part of the crank describes a full circle during the movement. The bottom end part of the pendulum describes a short circular arc 41 between positions 14a and 14b. The longest axis of the almost elliptical curve 40 described by this middle 39 of the pedal is almost horizontal. From this figure it is clear that pendulum 14 has a backward inclination during part of the cycle.

Figure 11 illustrates the movement of the pedals 13 and pendulum 14 of a bicycle according to Figure 9. The figure shows a curve 42 described by the middle 39 of the pedal 13 of the bicycle. The extreme upper position 43 and the extreme lower position 44 of a pedal 13 are shown. A comparison of these positions 43 and 44 show that the slope of the pedal 13 changes only slightly and that the vertical movement is far less dependent on the positioning of the foot on the pedal. The longer axis of the almost elliptical curve 42 points upwards in the driving direction. The bottom end part of the pendulum describes a short circular arc 45 between positions 14c and 14d. It is clear from this figure that the pendulum 14 remains a forward inclination during the entire cycle of the pedals 13.

The curve 40 of Figure 10 is further illustrated in Figure 12. The starting point 46, the middle 47, and the end point 48 of the movement during the loaded part of the cycle can be seen, as well as the vertical path followed 49. The horizontal direction of movement is first forward and only thereafter rearward. The loaded foot therefore moves as far forward as it moves backward.

The curve 42 of Figure 11 is further illustrated by Figure 13. The starting point 50 of the movement during the part of the cycle in which the pedal is loaded, the middle 51, and also the end point 52 can be seen, as well as the vertical path followed 54. Also the horizontal path followed by the foot 53 can be seen in the Figure. During the loaded phase of the cycle, the foot carries out a movement that first slightly goes in the forward direction, after which it moves in the rear direction during the majority of the movement wherein the pedal is loaded. This results in that the user of a bicycle according to 11 Figure will use a movement closer to the walking movement than when a bicycle according to Figure 1 would be used.

A problem of the bicycle of Figures 1-13 having a front folding point comprising a horizontal folding axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle, is that it is found difficult to fabricate such a bicycle with enough mechanical strength.

Furthermore the folding method comprised that the steer has to be positioned transversely. This is not always optimal especially when luggage is present on the bicycle, especially on and in front of the steer. The following bicycle aims to provide a bicycle not having such disadvantages. The improved bicycle comprises a front wheel connected to the beam at a front folding point comprising an inclined folding axis. Such an axis allows that the steer can remain in its neutral driving direction while folding. The folding axis of the front folding point has a compound angle in space and is so chosen that, after folding, the front wheel and its suspension ends up parallel to the pedals and flat against the folded rear wheel or directly against the beam when starting with the steer in the driving direction. Thus the orientation of the wheel will move from a substantially vertical plane as present in the driving direction to a plane extending perpendicular to said vertical plane when folded.

The steer folding point and the front folding point will be connected by a part of the frame. This part is in turn connected to the beam, for example by means of a weld. The length of this part is suitably as small as possible to on the one hand allow folding and on the other hand to limit the height of the bicycle when folded. The folding axis as referred to in this application may be so called pivotal axis as also sown in the Figures.

The folding of the bicycle may be such either the rear or the front wheel is folded first wherein the remaining wheel is folded subsequently. This results in a folded bicycle comprising a layer comprising the rear wheel, an intermediate layer comprising the front wheel and a top layer comprising the beam, steer, pedals and pendulums or in a folded bicycle comprising a layer comprising the front wheel, an intermediate layer comprising the rear wheel and a top layer comprising the beam, steer, pedals and pendulums. In a next layer adjacent the top layer a luggage layer may be present.

The above preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figures 14-20. Figure 14 and 15 show a foldable bicycle 60 according to the invention from the front having a steer 61, a frame 62 with front wheel 63, rear wheel 64, front wheel suspension 65, rear wheel suspension 66 and two pedals 67. The pedals 67 are suspended from the frame 62 at the front by pendulums 68 and are supported at their rear sides by cranks 69. The cranks 69 directly drive the axle 70 of the rear wheel 64 and which cranks 69 may be disconnected from the pedals 67. The frame 62 is comprised of a beam 71 connected to the rear wheel suspension 66 by a rear folding point 72. The frame 62 may be folded along the rear folding point 72 after the cranks 69 are disconnected from the pedals 67 and wherein the rear wheel 64 and the rear wheel suspension 66 end up substantially parallel to the pedals. In other words the rear wheel 64 and suspension 66 move from a vertical plane to a plane parallel to a plane in which the two pedals 67 are present and which plane is suitably perpendicular to the vertical plane as shown in Figure 17-19.

Figure 16 shows a detail of the bicycle 60 of Figures 14 and 15 where the front wheel 63 is connected to the frame 62 at a front folding point 73 comprising an inclined folding axis 74, such that, after folding, the front wheel 63 ends up parallel to the pedals 67 and flat against the folded rear wheel 63 or directly against the pedals 68 and beam 71. The direction of the folding axis 74 may be about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal or with respect to the beam when viewed from aside as shown in Figure 15 and about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal when viewed from affront as shown in Figure 14. The orientation of the wheel 63 will move when folding from a vertical plane to a plane extending perpendicular said vertical plane and parallel to the plane of the folded rear wheel 64 and the two pedals 67 as shown in Figure 18 and 19. Preferably the steer 61 is positioned slightly backward with respect to an imaginary line which extends from the line connecting the position of the front folding point 73 and the steer folding point 75 as shown in Figure 16. In Figure 16 is shown how the pedals 68, after being disconnected from the cranks 69, may be positioned in a forward direction alongside the beam 71 and wherein the pendulums 68 are positioned in between the pedals 68 and beam 71 in the same plane.

In Figures 17-19 also show the steer 61 in its folded position parallel to the pedals. The steer 61 is folded at a folding point 75. Also shown is a carrier 76 for luggage provided with two trolley wheels 77. The steer 61 is hollow at the side facing the beam 71 when folded. This will result in that the hollow steer 61 embraces part of the beam 71 when the bicycle is folded as shown. Such a configuration saves space in the folded

configuration. Figure 16 also shows one of the pendulums 68 which are present in the same plane as the beam 71 and the pedals when folded.

Figure 20a, 20b and 20c show a folding sequence of the front wheel, wherein the wheel moves from a vertical plane to a plane perpendicular to said vertical plane. In Figure 20 a folding sequence is shown wherein the front wheel 63 is folded first. The rear wheel 64 is shown and in Figure 20c the disconnected cranks 69 become visible. Also shown is a bilateral suspension 66 of the rear wheel. The front wheel in this Figure has an unilateral suspension. The invention is also directed to a method to convert the above bicycle into a trolley by performing the following steps: (v) disconnecting the pedals from the cranks, (vi) folding the suspension of the rear wheel such that the rear wheel ends up parallel to the pedals, (vii) folding the suspension of the front wheel such that the front wheel ends up flat against the folded rear wheel while the position of the steer remains in its neutral position, and (viii) folding the steer such that the steer ends up on top of the beam. Steps (vi) and (vii) may also be performed in the reverse order.

The invention is therefore also directed to the following bicycle as illustrated in Figures 14-20. Foldable bicycle having a steer, a frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a front wheel suspension, a rear wheel suspension,

- wherein the frame is comprised of a beam connected to the rear wheel suspension by a rear folding point comprising an inclined pivotal axis, along which axis the rear wheel and the rear wheel suspension may be folded towards the beam and wherein the rear wheel can move during folding from a vertical plane to a plane perpendicular to said vertical plane ;

- wherein the front wheel is connected to the beam at a front folding point comprising an inclined pivotal axis, along which axis the front wheel and the front wheel suspension may be folded towards the beam and wherein the front wheel may move during folding from a vertical plane to a plane perpendicular to said vertical plane ;

- wherein the steer is connected to the beam at a folding point comprising a pivotal axis, along which axis the steer may be folded towards the beam.

The above bicycle may be any two wheel bicycle, for example a kick scooter, a motor cycle or bicycle. Preferably the bicycle comprises two pedals, wherein the pedals are suspended from the frame at the front by pendulums and are supported at their rear sides by cranks, which cranks directly or indirectly drive the axle of the rear wheel and which cranks may be disconnected from the pedals. Suitably the frame may be folded along the rear folding point after the pedals are disconnected from the cranks. The geometry of the relation between the pedals, the pendulums and the cranks can be optimised in various ways to make the best use of the available potential energy of the cyclist to convert this energy in kinematic energy and thus more efficient forward motion. One method of optimisation is described above.

The inclined pivotal axis of the rear folding point of the above bicycle is positioned to make a compound angle in space to facilitate the folding of the wheel from its normal vertical plane of the bicycle to a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane as shown in Figure 15. The plane perpendicular to the vertical plane is suitably parallel to the afore mentioned top layer comprising the beam, steer, pedals and pendulums

The inclined pivotal axis of the front folding point of the above bicycle is positioned to make a compound angle in space to facilitate the folding of the wheel from its normal vertical plane of the bicycle to a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The plane perpendicular to the vertical plane is suitably parallel to the afore mentioned top layer comprising the beam, steer, pedals and pendulums. The direction of the inclination is so chosen that an unilateral suspension preferably faces the beam in a situation where in the rear wheel is folded first. In case of a bilateral suspension the orientation is less critical.

Thus the invention is in this case directed to a bicycle, completely or partly ridden in a standing body position, whereby most or all of the body weight is used for producing the necessary driving energy. The bicycle can be folded into a flat trolley, on which luggage, purchased shopping articles, or other articles can be transported, or else in the luggage rack in front of the handle bar or steer, whereby the luggage can remain in place during and after the folding operation, of which a number of features have been described above. The driving is realized by means of long pedals on which the horizontal positioning of the foot in the riding direction of the bicycle, within certain limits, can be freely chosen, pedals that directly drive cranks foreseen in the heart of the rear axle and that directly drive the rear wheel, whereby the front sides of the pedals directly or indirectly are connected to the frame of the bicycle, and whereby the loaded foot carries out a downward movement, characterized by the fact that, when the foot is positioned near the middle of the pedal. In the loaded half cycle the foot carries out a movement of which the starting point is positioned relatively far in front of the position at the end of that loaded half cycle, a movement that shows great similarity to the movement of the loaded foot during a natural walking movement. The front side of the pedal, during the half cycle in which it is loaded with the major part of or with the full body weight, carries out a downward movement and simultaneously carries out a movement from front to back. The pedal is suspended at the front by means of a pendulum that, in a vertical position of the cranks, presents a strong inclination in the forward direction.

A characteristic feature of the bicycle according to the invention is the movement of the feet on the pedals during the half cycle during which the foot is being loaded by the full body weight. The loaded foot substantially carries out a downward and

simultaneously rearward movement. A consequence of this feature is that the kinematics of driving the bicycle are largely similar to the kinematics of the natural walking movement that man has acquired over a million years of evolution.

The bicycle according to the invention may suitably not have a saddle, chain wheels, a chain, and a spatial frame that would otherwise impede a compact folding. The bicycle according to the invention may have a linear frame with unilaterally suspended wheels and long pedals. The pedals are suspended at the front by pendulums and are supported at their rear sides by the cranks, and drive the axle that simultaneously carries out the function of rear axle.

Claims

1. Bicycle having a steer, a frame with front wheel, rear wheel, front wheel

suspension, rear wheel suspension and two pedals, wherein the pedals are suspended from the frame at the front by pendulums and are supported at their rear sides by cranks, which cranks directly drive the axle of the rear wheel, wherein the design of the frame, pedals, cranks and pendulum are so chosen that, in use, the front side of the pedal where the foot of the user is positioned and during the half cycle in which the pedal is loaded first moves forward and afterward moves a larger distance backward.

2. Bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the steer is provided with means to carry luggage and wherein the bicycle can be folded into a trolley, on which the luggage can remain in place on the steer during the folding operation.

3. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the frame is a linear frame.

4. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the front and rear wheel are suspended unilaterally from the frame.

5. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the rear wheel is suspended bilateral from the frame.

6. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the pendulum has a forward inclination such that the position at which the pendulum is connected to the frame is more to the rear of the bicycle than the point at which the pendulum is attached to the pedal.

7. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the rear wheel axis comprises a hub provided with a gear having a fixed gear ratio and the length of the crank can be adjusted while cycling.

8. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the rear wheel axis comprises a hub provided with multiple gears which gears may be changed when cycling.

9 Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the connections between the pedals and the cranks can be disconnected.

10. Bicycle according to claim 9, wherein the frame is comprised of a beam and a unilateral suspension for the rear wheel interconnected by a rear folding point and wherein the frame may be folded along the rear folding point after the pedals are disconnected from the cranks and wherein the rear wheel and its suspension may end up parallel to the pedals.

11. Bicycle according to claim 10, wherein the axis of the rear folding point makes an angle of approximately 45 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane.

12. Bicycle according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the suspension of the front wheel is connected to the frame at a front folding point comprising a horizontal folding axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle whereby, after folding, the front wheel may end up parallel to the pedals and flat against the folded rear wheel.

13. Bicycle according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the suspension of the front wheel is connected to the frame at a front folding point comprising an inclined folding axis at a compound angle in space allowing that the steer can remain in its neutral driving direction while folding and wherein the folding axis of the front folding point is so chosen that, after folding, the front wheel and its suspension ends up parallel to the pedals and flat against the folded rear wheel or directly against the beam.

14. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the steer is connected to the frame at a steer folding point such that, after folding, the steer ends up parallel to the pedals.

15. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the bicycle is provided with additional small wheels which may be used as trolley wheels when the bicycle is folded.

16. Bicycle according to claim 15, wherein the bicycle is provided with a luggage

carrier and wherein the luggage carrier is provided with the trolley wheels.

17. Method to convert a bicycle according to any one of claims 1-16 into a trolley by performing the following steps

(i) disconnecting the pedals from the cranks and positioning the pedals parallel to the frame in its most forward position,

(ii) folding the suspension of the rear wheel such that the rear wheel ends up parallel to the pedals,

(iii) folding the suspension of the front wheel such that the front wheel ends up flat against the rear wheel, and

18. Foldable bicycle having a steer, a frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a front wheel suspension, a rear wheel suspension,

- wherein the frame is comprised of a beam connected to the rear wheel suspension by a rear folding point comprising an inclined pivotal axis, along which axis the rear wheel and the rear wheel suspension may be folded towards the beam and wherein the rear wheel moves during folding from a vertical plane to a plane perpendicular to said vertical plane ;

- wherein the front wheel is connected to the beam at a front folding point comprising an inclined pivotal axis, along which axis the front wheel and the front wheel suspension may be folded towards the beam and wherein the front wheel moves during folding from a vertical plane to a plane perpendicular to said vertical plane;

19. Bicycle according to claim 18, wherein the bicycle further comprises two pedals, wherein the pedals are suspended from the frame at the front by pendulums and are supported at their rear sides by cranks, which cranks directly or indirectly drive the axle of the rear wheel and which cranks may be disconnected from the pedals.

20. Bicycle according to any one of claims 18-19, wherein the inclined pivotal axis of the rear folding point is positioned to make a compound angle in space to facilitate the folding of the wheel from its normal vertical plane of the bicycle to a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane and the inclined pivotal axis of the front wheel is positioned to make a compound angle in space to facilitate the folding of the wheel from its normal vertical plane of the bicycle to a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane.

21. Foldable bicycle according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein the steer is hollow at one side, which hollow side allows it to embrace part of the beam when the bicycle is folded.