Title of Invention	REINFORCEMENT MECHANISM FOR THE FOLDING JOINT OF A SINGLE-MAIN-BEAM FOLDING BICYCLE.
Abstract	The present invention discloses a reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, mainly aiming to solve the problem of poor rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle of prior art. According to the present invention, a reinforcement mechanism is foldable and installed between the main beam and the seat tube; when the bicycle is in its open mode, the seat tube, the main beam and the reinforcement mechanism constitute a triangle together, and the folding joint is located on the main beam within the triangle. by adding a reinforcement mechanism, the reinforcement mechanism can bear part of the stress, the forces applied to the main beam are reduced, and consequently, the forces applied to the folding joint are reduced. Thus, the rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle is enhanced.

Title of Invention

REINFORCEMENT MECHANISM FOR THE FOLDING JOINT OF A SINGLE-MAIN-BEAM FOLDING BICYCLE.

Abstract

The present invention discloses a reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, mainly aiming to solve the problem of poor rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle of prior art. According to the present invention, a reinforcement mechanism is foldable and installed between the main beam and the seat tube; when the bicycle is in its open mode, the seat tube, the main beam and the reinforcement mechanism constitute a triangle together, and the folding joint is located on the main beam within the triangle. by adding a reinforcement mechanism, the reinforcement mechanism can bear part of the stress, the forces applied to the main beam are reduced, and consequently, the forces applied to the folding joint are reduced. Thus, the rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle is enhanced.

Full Text	Field of the Invention This invention relates to a reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle. Background of the Invention A folding bicycle is equipped with a folding joint at the center of its main beam, by the folding joint, the main beam of the bicycle can be folded in two by 180°. A folding bicycle can either have single main beam or double main beams. A double-main-beam folding bicycle is equipped with folding joints on both main beams, so that, when the bicycle is in its open mode, the strength and the rigidity of the whole bicycle can be ensured. But on the other hand, the rotation axes of the two folding joints of the two main beams should be completely co-linear, which demands a very high machining precision. In addition, when the bicycle is being folded or opened, the user should operate two folding joints, which is inconvenient for use. A single-main-beam bicycle is simple in structure, and convenient for use, but when the user is riding the bicycle, a relatively larger stress is applied to the folding joint, and the rigidity is relatively poor, even if the main beam is made of large tubes with thicker walls. Summary of the Invention The aim of this invention is to provide a reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, so as to further enhance the rigidity of the single-main-beam folding bicycle. According to the present invention, a reinforcement mechanism is provided for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, both ends of the main beam, which is joined together with a folding joint near its center, are connected to the seat tube and the head tube respectively; the reinforcement mechanism which is foldable during the course of folding/unfolding actions of the main beam and in the form of a rod installed between the main beam and the seat tube; when the bicycle is in its open mode, the seat tube, the main beam and the reinforcement rod constitute a triangle together, and the folding joint is located on the main beam within the triangle. According to the present invention, a reinforcement rod, which participates in folding/unfolding actions of the main beam is added between the main beam and the seat tube; the main beam, the seat tube and the reinforcement rod constitute a stable triangle together. Therefore, when the bicycle is being ridden, the reinforcement rod can bear part of the stress, the forces applied to the main beam are reduced, and consequently, the forces applied to the folding joint are reduced. Thus, the strength of the folding joint is ensured, the rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle is enhanced, and in the meantime, the advantage of convenient operation of the single-main-beam bicycle with one folding joint is maintained. Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings Figure 1 shows a kind of reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of the single-main-beam bicycle in its open mode according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows the folded mode of the reinforcement mechanism of Fig. 1; Figure 3 shows another kind of reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of the single-main-beam bicycle in its open mode according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows another kind of reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of the single-main-beam bicycle in its open mode according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Embodiment 1: As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the main beam 18 which is joined together with a folding joint 2 near its center intersects with and is connected to the seat tube 19. A foldable reinforcement rod 1 is installed between the main beam 18 and the seat tube 19. The reinforcement rod 1, the seat tube 19 and the main beam 18 constitute a triangle together, and the folding joint 2 is located within the triangle. The reinforcement rod 1 is divided into two segments 5, 6, which are connected to the seat tube 19 and the main beam 18 respectively, and the free ends of the two reinforcement segments 5, 6 are engageable concave and convex structure respectively. The two reinforcement segments 5, 6 are connected to the main beam 18 and the seat tube 19 respectively at an angle by which the concave and convex structure of the free ends of the reinforcement segments will be engaging with each other exactly when the main beam 18 is in its open mode. The reinforcement rod 1 is installed above the main beam 18, where the two reinforcement segments 5, 6 are in contact with each other closely under pressure, and bear part of the stress, therefore, the forces applied to the main beam 18 are reduced. The reinforcement rod 1 will not affect the folding/unfolding actions of the main beam 18. Embodiment 2: As shown in Fig. 3, the reinforcement rod 1 is connected to the main beam 18 by hinge, the other end of the reinforcement rod 1 has a hook 20, while a protruding pin 23 is secured on the seat tube 19. When the bicycle is in its open mode, the hook 20 of the reinforcement rod 1 can be hanged to the pin 23, by doing so, the main beam 18, seat tube 19 and the reinforcement rod 1 constitute a triangle. When the bicycle is folded, the folding of the main beam will not be affected if you release the reinforcement rod 1 from the pin 23, and put it in parallel with the main beam 18. Other technical features are the same as those of embodiment 1. Embodiment 3: As shown in Fig. 4, a fixing stand 14 is installed on the main beam 18, the reinforcement mechanism 1 is in the form of a unstretchable member and divided into at least two segments, one segment 15 of which is secured to the seat tube or the bottom bracket on the seat tube 19, while one end of another reinforcement segment 16 passes through the fixing stand 14 and connected by screw with the adjusting nut 17, and the two reinforcement segments 15, 16 are connected with each other by rings and buckles. When the bicycle is in its open mode, the reinforcement mechanism 1, the main beam 18 and the seat tube 19 constitute a triangle, the reinforcement mechanism 1 is below the main beam 18, by operating the adjusting nut 17, the ring-and-buckle connection between the two reinforcement segments 15, 16 is strained, the reinforcement mechanism 1 will bear part of the stress, and the forces applied to the main beam 18 are reduced. When the bicycle is in its folded mode, the two reinforcement segments 15, 16 are connected with one another by rings and buckles, the reinforcement mechanism 1 can be curved, so that, the folding of the main beam 18 will not be affected. Other technical features are the same as those of embodiment 1. I CLAIM: 1. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, wherein both ends of the main beam (18), which is joined together with a folding joint (2) near its center, are connected to the seat tube (19) and the head tube respectively; characterized in that, the reinforcement mechanism (1) is foldable and in a form of a rod installed between the main beam (18) and the seat tube (19); when the bicycle is in its open mode, the seat tube (19), the main beam (18) and the reinforcement rod (1) constitute a triangle together, and the folding joint (2) is located on the main beam within the triangle 2. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the reinforcement mechanism (1) is in the form of a rod and divided into two segments (5, 6), which are connected to the seat tube (19) and the main beam (18) respectively, and the free ends of the two reinforcement segments (5, 6) are engageable concave structure (3) and convex structure (4) respectively. 3. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein , the reinforcement mechanism (1) is in the form of a rod and connected to the main beam (18) by hinge, the other end of the reinforcement mechanism (1) has a hook (20), while a protruding pin (23) is secured on the seat tube (19), when the bicycle is in its open mode, the hook (20) of the reinforcement mechanism (1) can be hanged to the pin (23). 4. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, a fixing stand (14) is installed on the main beam (18), the reinforcement mechanism (1) is in the form of a unstretchable member and divided into at least two segments, one segment (15) of which is secured to the seat tube or the bottom bracket on the seat tube (19), while one end of another reinforcement segment (16) passes through the fixing stand (14) and connected by screw with the adjusting nut (17), and the two reinforcement segments (15, 16) are connected with one another by rings and buckles. The present invention discloses a reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, mainly aiming to solve the problem of poor rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle of prior art. According to the present invention, a reinforcement mechanism is foldable and installed between the main beam and the seat tube; when the bicycle is in its open mode, the seat tube, the main beam and the reinforcement mechanism constitute a triangle together, and the folding joint is located on the main beam within the triangle. By adding a reinforcement mechanism, the reinforcement mechanism can bear part of the stress, the forces applied to the main beam are reduced, and consequently, the forces applied to the folding joint are reduced. Thus, the rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle is enhanced.

Full Text

Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a reinforcement mechanism for the folding
joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle.
Background of the Invention
A folding bicycle is equipped with a folding joint at the center of its
main beam, by the folding joint, the main beam of the bicycle can be
folded in two by 180°. A folding bicycle can either have single main
beam or double main beams. A double-main-beam folding bicycle is
equipped with folding joints on both main beams, so that, when the
bicycle is in its open mode, the strength and the rigidity of the whole
bicycle can be ensured. But on the other hand, the rotation axes of the two
folding joints of the two main beams should be completely co-linear,
which demands a very high machining precision. In addition, when the
bicycle is being folded or opened, the user should operate two folding
joints, which is inconvenient for use. A single-main-beam bicycle is
simple in structure, and convenient for use, but when the user is riding the
bicycle, a relatively larger stress is applied to the folding joint, and the
rigidity is relatively poor, even if the main beam is made of large tubes
with thicker walls.
Summary of the Invention

The aim of this invention is to provide a reinforcement mechanism
for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, so as to
further enhance the rigidity of the single-main-beam folding bicycle.
According to the present invention, a reinforcement mechanism is
provided for the folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, both
ends of the main beam, which is joined together with a folding joint near
its center, are connected to the seat tube and the head tube respectively;
the reinforcement mechanism which is foldable during the course of
folding/unfolding actions of the main beam and in the form of a rod
installed between the main beam and the seat tube; when the bicycle is in
its open mode, the seat tube, the main beam and the reinforcement rod
constitute a triangle together, and the folding joint is located on the main
beam within the triangle.
According to the present invention, a reinforcement rod, which
participates in folding/unfolding actions of the main beam is added
between the main beam and the seat tube; the main beam, the seat tube
and the reinforcement rod constitute a stable triangle together. Therefore,
when the bicycle is being ridden, the reinforcement rod can bear part of
the stress, the forces applied to the main beam are reduced, and
consequently, the forces applied to the folding joint are reduced. Thus, the
strength of the folding joint is ensured, the rigidity of the
single-main-beam bicycle is enhanced, and in the meantime, the

advantage of convenient operation of the single-main-beam bicycle with
one folding joint is maintained.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
Figure 1 shows a kind of reinforcement mechanism for the folding
joint of the single-main-beam bicycle in its open mode according to the
present invention;
Figure 2 shows the folded mode of the reinforcement mechanism of
Fig. 1;
Figure 3 shows another kind of reinforcement mechanism for the
folding joint of the single-main-beam bicycle in its open mode according
to the present invention;
Figure 4 shows another kind of reinforcement mechanism for the folding
joint of the single-main-beam bicycle in its open mode according to the
present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Embodiment 1:
As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the main beam 18 which is joined together
with a folding joint 2 near its center intersects with and is connected to
the seat tube 19. A foldable reinforcement rod 1 is installed between the

main beam 18 and the seat tube 19. The reinforcement rod 1, the seat tube
19 and the main beam 18 constitute a triangle together, and the folding
joint 2 is located within the triangle. The reinforcement rod 1 is divided
into two segments 5, 6, which are connected to the seat tube 19 and the
main beam 18 respectively, and the free ends of the two reinforcement
segments 5, 6 are engageable concave and convex structure respectively.
The two reinforcement segments 5, 6 are connected to the main beam 18
and the seat tube 19 respectively at an angle by which the concave and
convex structure of the free ends of the reinforcement segments will be
engaging with each other exactly when the main beam 18 is in its open
mode. The reinforcement rod 1 is installed above the main beam 18,
where the two reinforcement segments 5, 6 are in contact with each other
closely under pressure, and bear part of the stress, therefore, the forces
applied to the main beam 18 are reduced. The reinforcement rod 1 will
not affect the folding/unfolding actions of the main beam 18.
Embodiment 2:
As shown in Fig. 3, the reinforcement rod 1 is connected to the main
beam 18 by hinge, the other end of the reinforcement rod 1 has a hook 20,
while a protruding pin 23 is secured on the seat tube 19. When the bicycle
is in its open mode, the hook 20 of the reinforcement rod 1 can be hanged
to the pin 23, by doing so, the main beam 18, seat tube 19 and the

reinforcement rod 1 constitute a triangle. When the bicycle is folded, the
folding of the main beam will not be affected if you release the
reinforcement rod 1 from the pin 23, and put it in parallel with the main
beam 18. Other technical features are the same as those of embodiment 1.
Embodiment 3:
As shown in Fig. 4, a fixing stand 14 is installed on the main beam 18,
the reinforcement mechanism 1 is in the form of a unstretchable member
and divided into at least two segments, one segment 15 of which is
secured to the seat tube or the bottom bracket on the seat tube 19, while
one end of another reinforcement segment 16 passes through the fixing
stand 14 and connected by screw with the adjusting nut 17, and the two
reinforcement segments 15, 16 are connected with each other by rings
and buckles. When the bicycle is in its open mode, the reinforcement
mechanism 1, the main beam 18 and the seat tube 19 constitute a triangle,
the reinforcement mechanism 1 is below the main beam 18, by operating
the adjusting nut 17, the ring-and-buckle connection between the two
reinforcement segments 15, 16 is strained, the reinforcement mechanism
1 will bear part of the stress, and the forces applied to the main beam 18
are reduced. When the bicycle is in its folded mode, the two
reinforcement segments 15, 16 are connected with one another by rings
and buckles, the reinforcement mechanism 1 can be curved, so that, the
folding of the main beam 18 will not be affected. Other technical features

are the same as those of embodiment 1.

I CLAIM:
1. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a
single-main-beam folding bicycle, wherein both ends of the main
beam (18), which is joined together with a folding joint (2) near its
center, are connected to the seat tube (19) and the head tube
respectively; characterized in that, the reinforcement mechanism (1) is
foldable and in a form of a rod installed between the main beam (18)
and the seat tube (19); when the bicycle is in its open mode, the seat
tube (19), the main beam (18) and the reinforcement rod (1) constitute
a triangle together, and the folding joint (2) is located on the main
beam within the triangle
2. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a
single-main-beam folding bicycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the
reinforcement mechanism (1) is in the form of a rod and divided into
two segments (5, 6), which are connected to the seat tube (19) and the
main beam (18) respectively, and the free ends of the two
reinforcement segments (5, 6) are engageable concave structure (3)
and convex structure (4) respectively.
3. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a

single-main-beam folding bicycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein , the
reinforcement mechanism (1) is in the form of a rod and connected to
the main beam (18) by hinge, the other end of the reinforcement
mechanism (1) has a hook (20), while a protruding pin (23) is secured
on the seat tube (19), when the bicycle is in its open mode, the hook
(20) of the reinforcement mechanism (1) can be hanged to the pin
(23).
4. A reinforcement mechanism for the folding joint of a single-main-beam
folding bicycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein, a fixing stand (14) is
installed on the main beam (18), the reinforcement mechanism (1) is in
the form of a unstretchable member and divided into at least two
segments, one segment (15) of which is secured to the seat tube or the
bottom bracket on the seat tube (19), while one end of another
reinforcement segment (16) passes through the fixing stand (14) and
connected by screw with the adjusting nut (17), and the two
reinforcement segments (15, 16) are connected with one another by
rings and buckles.
The present invention discloses a reinforcement mechanism for the
folding joint of a single-main-beam folding bicycle, mainly aiming to
solve the problem of poor rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle of
prior art. According to the present invention, a reinforcement mechanism
is foldable and installed between the main beam and the seat tube; when
the bicycle is in its open mode, the seat tube, the main beam and the
reinforcement mechanism constitute a triangle together, and the folding
joint is located on the main beam within the triangle. By adding a
reinforcement mechanism, the reinforcement mechanism can bear part of
the stress, the forces applied to the main beam are reduced, and
consequently, the forces applied to the folding joint are reduced. Thus, the
rigidity of the single-main-beam bicycle is enhanced.

Documents:

679-kolnp-2003-granted-abstract.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-claims.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-correspondence.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-description (complete).pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-drawings.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-examination report.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-form 1.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-form 18.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-form 2.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-form 26.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-form 3.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-form 5.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-letter patent.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-priority document.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-specification.pdf

679-kolnp-2003-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

216074

Indian Patent Application Number

679/KOLNP/2003

PG Journal Number

10/2008

Publication Date

07-Mar-2008

Grant Date

06-Mar-2008

Date of Filing

28-May-2003

Name of Patentee

HON, DAVID TAK-WEI

Applicant Address

BLDG. DAHON, FURONG INDUSTRIAL ZONE, FURONG 6TH ROAD, SHAJING TOWN, BAO AN, SHENZHEN, 518125, P.R. CHINA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	XU DALAI	BLDG. DAHON, FURONG INDUSTRIAL ZONE, FURONG 6TH ROAD, SHAJING TOWN, BAO AN, SHENZHEN, 518125, P.R. CHINA
2	HON, DAVID TAK-WEI	BLDG. DAHON, FURONG INDUSTRIAL ZONE, FURONG 6TH ROAD, SHAJING TOWN, BAO AN, SHENZHEN, 518125, P.R. CHINA

PCT International Classification Number

B 62 K 15/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/CN01/01647

PCT International Filing date

2001-12-26

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	00260163.X	2000-12-27	China