Abstract:
The present invention is a folding bicycle that folds along a vertical axis into a compact, free standing unit. Specifically, the present invention comprises a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly connected at a hinge point. The method of folding the bicycle is quick and easy, resulting in a folded position wherein the front and rear wheels are near adjacent. An optional bushing assembly at the hinge point laterally separates the front and rear frame assemblies as the bicycle folds. The folded bicycle can be easily rolled while folded to another location. When stationary, the seat post and saddle act as a floor rest to keep the folded bicycle balanced in its upright position. The folding mechanism can be locked or unlocked using a remote wireless device, such as a mobile phone.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is a folding bicycle that folds along a vertical axis into a compact, free standing unit. Specifically, the present invention comprises a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly connected at a hinge point. The method of folding the bicycle is quick and easy, resulting in a folded position wherein the front and rear wheels are near adjacent. An optional bushing assembly at the hinge point laterally separates the front and rear frame assemblies as the bicycle folds. The folded bicycle can be easily rolled while folded to another location. When stationary, the seat post and saddle act as a floor rest to keep the folded bicycle balanced in its upright position. The folding mechanism can be locked or unlocked using a remote wireless device, such as a mobile phone. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The bicycle market, particularly in the United States and Europe, has been growing steadily. As the population adopts a healthier and fitness conscious lifestyle, many have turned to bicycling as part of their fitness regimen. Additionally, rising fuel costs, increased congestion on roads, lack of parking availability as well as the increased focus on eco-friendly means of transportation in order to curb pollution, have made bicycles the emerging alternatives for shorter distance transportation. Moreover, regulatory initiatives to promote cycling in order to reduce harmful carbon emissions and noise pollution have purred bicycle industry growth. 
         [0003]    In major cities where living and working space is at a premium, the downside of a traditional bicycle is its large footprint, so there has been an increased demand for folding bicycles that have a smaller footprint. The compact nature of a folding bicycle, allows it to be stored out of the way, in unused corners of an office or in an apartment closet, when not in use. Additionally, folding bicycles are ideal for commuting, where a person can ride to a train or subway, fold the bicycle to bring on the train, and then finishing the commute by unfolding the bike and riding to the office. 
         [0004]    However, because folding bicycles need to maintain a strong frame due to the stresses put on the frame while riding, the majority of folding bicycles maintain the traditional diamond frame configuration, which is made of two triangles; a main triangle and a paired rear triangle. 
         [0005]    The diamond frame construction makes it extremely difficult to fold a bicycle on the vertical axis as a vertical fold would require more than one folding point. As well, bicycles are in line from the front wheel assembly to the back wheel, so a vertical fold will result in the front and rear wheels coming into contact, limiting the folding range. Folding frames instead use a horizontal hinge point (with single or double hinges) allowing the bicycle to fold approximately in half along a horizontal axis. 
         [0006]    Other types of folding bicycles, such as the triangle hinge style, allow the rear triangle and wheel to be folded down and flipped forward, under the main frame tube. Some of these types may also have a secondary folding hinge at the front fork assembly. 
         [0007]    An additional problem with many folding bicycles is that although compact when folded, moving them while folded requires that they be carried. To make carrying the bicycles easier, most tend to use smaller wheels, which makes the folded bike easier to carry but also hampers the riding experience. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0008]    Consider several types of folding bicycles in the prior art. 
         [0009]    The Folding Bicycle Assembly in publication number U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,414 B1 uses a trifold system in which a plurality of hinge couplings allow the bike to fold in thirds. This system requires small wheels, and a modified diamond frame. The small wheels and small frame require a higher seat and steering column than traditional bicycles. As such, a plurality of quick-release clamps are required to lower the seat and handlebars when folded. The complicated folding mechanism not only takes time, but when opened, the seat and handlebars must be reset to the riders optimal position, which may need adjustment each time the bicycle is opened. 
         [0010]    The Folding Bicycle in patent publication number U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,089 B2 has small wheels on a small diamond frame. The invention requires the front wheel assembly to fold at the front fork assembly, and a dual vertical hinge on the rear wheel assembly, and a complicated folding strut assembly that separates the bicycle chain into two separate chain mechanisms, wherein the rear strut can picot around a second chain stay. An optional folding handlebar assembly can be added to increase the compactness. 
         [0011]    The Universal Folding Bicycle in U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,312 B1 has small wheels with a modified diamond frame configuration. The bicycle in this invention has freely adjustable folding handlebars, a vertically folding rotary joint on the front fork assembly with a telescopic springing mechanism, a telescopic seat stem, and a second rotary joint on the rear fork assembly with a telescopic springing mechanism. To fold the bicycle, the handlebars must be rotated 90 degrees to the vertical position, then the front back wheel are released and folded into the center frame. The seat is then swung into the center sliding out of a telescopic stem. 
         [0012]    Finally, the Folding Bicycle in U.S. Pat. No. 7,490,842 B1 also uses small wheels on a modified diamond frame. In this invention, the rear fork assembly extends to a pivot axis on the main horizontal frame tube between the seat post and handlebars. The vertical seat tube has a breakaway that splits the tube into an upper seat tube and a lower seat tube. The breakaway allows the rear wheel assembly, which includes the lower seat tube, to pivot forward around the pivot hinge toward the front wheel assembly. 
         [0013]    All of these folding mechanisms involve multiple steps that take considerable time to accomplish. There is a need for a folding bicycle that can be done easily and quickly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The current invention is a vertically folding bicycle with a unique frame geometry that allows the bicycle to fold vertically with a single hinge. 
         [0015]    The mechanical core of a bicycle is the bicycle frame, which provides points of attachment for the various components, such as the seat post, handlebars or wheel forks. The length of the frame tubes, and the angles at which they are attached, define a frame geometry. 
         [0016]    Frame geometry determines frame strength and performance characteristics. Frame geometries are dictated by the type or riding, i.e. racing bicycles have different frame geometries than mountain bicycles. For example, head tube angle is the angle the head tube forms with the ground. The steeper the angle, the faster a bike will turn and the better it will climb. A shallower angle provides for slower steering but increased stability at higher speeds. 
         [0017]    The invention utilizes a Y-frame geometry so that only a single hinge point is necessary, while also maintaining strength and performance characteristics of a traditional bicycle. 
         [0018]    The current invention has a front frame assembly having a forward end adapted for mechanical engagement with a front fork assembly, handlebar assembly and standard size front wheel assembly. A rear frame assembly having a rearward end adapted for mechanical engagement. The front frame assembly having a rearward end and the rear frame assembly having a forward end, each of the rearward and forward end being constructed and arranged for mechanical engagement with a hinge point. The frame has no enclosed triangle as is seen in the diamond and modified diamond configurations. 
         [0019]    The front wheel assembly and rear wheel assembly are in axial alignment when in an open position for riding. 
         [0020]    The hinge point contains a helicoidal bushing assembly that allows the bicycle to fold along a vertical axis, wherein the front and back wheel assemblies rotate in opposite directions between an open position and a folded position, within a folding arc around the bushing assembly. 
         [0021]    The front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly, rotating between the open position and the folded position, will separate laterally in an amount sufficient to permit the front wheel assembly and said rear wheel assembly to be essentially adjacent to each other. 
         [0022]    The hinge point can be locked at both the open position and closed position for added strength and support. 
         [0023]    A release lever for the locking mechanism can be locked as an added safety feature. 
         [0024]    The release lever can be unlocked using a wireless remote device. 
         [0025]    The seat post and saddle can also be used to balance the bicycle upright when in the folded position. 
         [0026]    The folding process is very simple, and can be folded in approximately one second, requiring minimal effort. In its folded position, the bicycle can be moved effortlessly by merely rolling the bicycle. 
         [0027]    The frame and folding mechanism are versatile and can be implemented as a traditional pedal bicycle, a pedal assist electric motor or other powered types of bicycles. 
         [0028]    Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the instant invention to have a standard sized bicycle frame that can be folded along a vertical axis into a compact unit. 
         [0029]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to have a method of folding a bicycle that can fold quickly and easily. 
         [0030]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provided additional frame support, safety and theft deterrence through the use of a locking mechanism, which can also be activated by a remote wireless device, such as a smartphone. 
         [0031]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  shows the bicycle frame open, in its riding configuration, with the front wheel assembly and rear wheel assembly axially aligned. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1B  shows the most common frame design for an upright bicycle. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1C  shows the current invention&#39;s unique frame geometry. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2A , shows a forward facing view of the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly separated at the hinge point. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2B  shows a rear facing view of the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly separated at the hinge point. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2C  shows a forward left side view of the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly connected at the hinge point. 
           [0038]      FIG. 2D  show a forward right side view of the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly connected at the hinge point. 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  shows the bicycle frame folding at the hinge point between the open position to the closed position along a folding arc. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  shows the bicycle frame in the folded position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5A  shows a right side cross-section of the hinge point at the open position. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5B  shows a left side cross-section of the hinge point at the open position. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  shows the helicoidal bushing assembly. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  shows the hinge point as viewed from the right side with the bicycle in the open position. 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  shows the front frame assembly and rear frame assembly in the open position, with the release lever located on the rear frame assembly. 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  is a left side view, cutaway of the rear frame assembly, showing the locking mechanism. 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  shows a right side cross-section view of additional components of the unlocking mechanism that unlock the release lever using a wireless remote device. 
           [0048]      FIG. 11  shows a left side cross-section view of additional components of the unlocking mechanism that unlock the release lever using a wireless remote device 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]    For clarity, the invention is shown with standard bicycle parts that are not unique to this invention. For the purposes of this description and associated claims, we adopt the following definitions. 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  shows the bicycle frame in the open position. 
         [0051]    The embodiment shown is a left side view, the horizontal X axis having a front  02  and a rear  04 ; the vertical Y axis having a top  06  and bottom  08 , and the lateral Z axis having a left side  10  and a right side  12 . 
         [0052]    The invention shows the following components common to most bicycles: a front tube  11 , handlebar  14 , rear brake lever  16 , head tube  17 , saddle  18 , front fork assembly  21 , front wheel assembly  22 , rear tube  25 , rear fork assembly  28 , rear wheel assembly  24 , crank set  30 , crank arm and pedals  32 , a front tube and a rear tube. 
         [0053]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  describes several components that are preferred but not required. The present description has a front disc brake  36  which is activated by the front brake lever  16  and an adjustable seat post  20 , 
         [0054]    The rear wheel  24  includes a power assists motor  40 , although a power assist motor is not required for the invention. The invention contemplates a standard rear wheel, drum brakes, a rear disk brake, rear derailleur, cog set or any other standard bicycle components. 
         [0055]    In contrast,  FIG. 1B  shows the most common frame design for an upright bicycle, the diamond frame, which is made of two triangles; a main triangle and a paired rear triangle. The frame needs to support itself and other components of the bicycle. These are considered static loads. In addition, the frame must bear the cyclist&#39;s weight, the forces of pedaling, braking, and the effects of the road&#39;s surface on the various stress points. These are dynamic loads that move throughout the frame&#39;s stress points and vary in intensity. 
         [0056]    The shaded arrows show the forces exerted on the frame. The diamond frame design is excellent for distributing forces as they shift during a ride. 
         [0057]      FIG. 1C  shows the current invention with a frame geometry that uses a single tube frame, not a diamond frame. This configuration enables the bicycle to fold along its vertical axis via a single central hinge point  46 . The frame geometry has different stress points than a diamond frame, as shown by the shaded arrows. Specifically, additional stress is placed on the crank set area and the hinge point  46 . 
         [0058]    A circular crank set enclosure  34  distributes the stress more evenly, providing additional strength. 
         [0059]    To enhance frame strength and maintain light weight, the bicycle frame is hollow, and constructed of an aluminum alloy. The present invention uses aluminum alloy 6063-T6, made by Alcoa, Inc., however, the invention contemplates other high tensile materials including, but not limited to aluminum 6061, steel, steel alloys, carbon fiber, or those materials not yet invented. 
         [0060]    Aluminum 6063-T6 has a number of properties that make it desirable for a bicycle frame, such as low density, ease of welding, favorable strength to weight ratio, heat- and high corrosion properties and low cost. 6063-T6 has as a density of 2.68 g/cm̂3 (0.0975 lb/cubic inch), an ultimate tensile strength of at least 28,000 psi (196 MPa) and yield strength of at least 23,000 psi (165 MPa). In thicknesses of 0.124-inch (3.1 mm) or less, it has elongation of 8% or more; in thicker sections, it has elongation of 10%. 
         [0061]    The frame has two sections: the front frame assembly  42 , and the rear frame assembly  44 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 2A , shows a forward facing view of the front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44  separated at the hinge point  46 . 
         [0063]    The front frame assembly  42  has a forward end with a head tube  17  adapted for mechanical engagement with a front fork assembly, the front fork assembly adapted for mechanical engagement with the front wheel assembly  22 . 
         [0064]    The rear frame assembly  44  has a rearward end adapted for mechanical engagement with a rear fork assembly  28 , the rear fork assembly adapted for mechanical engagement with a rear wheel assembly  24 . 
         [0065]    The rear frame assembly  44  also has a rearward end adapted for mechanical engagement with seat extension post  51 , the seat extension post having a mechanical engagement with a seat post  20 . 
         [0066]    The rear frame assembly  44  may also contain a handle  49 , which can be used by the rider to hold the bicycle frame during the folding process. 
         [0067]    The front frame assembly  42  has a rearward end, a curved rotation member  45  and the rear frame assembly  44  has a forward end, a square rotation member  47 . 
         [0068]    The curved rotation member  45  and the square rotation member  47  being constructed and arranged for mechanical engagement with a hinge point  46 . 
         [0069]    The dotted lines  48  in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  indicate the connection point of the curved rotation member  45  and the square rotation member  47 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 2B  shows the front frame assembly  42  and rear frame assembly  44 , as viewed from the front of the bicycle. 
         [0071]      FIG. 2C  shows a forward left side view of the front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44  connected at the hinge point  46 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 2D  show a forward right side view of the front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44  connected at the hinge point  46 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 3  shows the front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44  folding at the hinge point  46  along the vertical axis. The front frame assembly  42 , and the rear frame assembly  44  swing along the folding arc  48 , from the open position  50  to the folded position  52 . 
         [0074]    The front wheel assembly  22  and rear wheel assembly  24  are in axial alignment when in an open position for riding; 
         [0075]    The front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44  are constructed and arranged for rotation in opposite directions, between the open position  50  and the folded position  52 , within a folding arc  48 . wherein, upon rotation, the front frame assembly  42  and rear frame assembly  44  separates laterally in an amount sufficient to permit the front wheel assembly  22  and the rear wheel assembly  24  to be essentially adjacent to each other. 
         [0076]      FIG. 4  shows the bicycle frame in its folded position. The front wheel assembly  22  and rear wheel  24  are essentially adjacent. 
         [0077]    In another embodiment, the saddle  18  balances the bicycle in the upright position, when folded. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5A  shows a right side view, cross-section of the hinge point  46  at the open position. 
         [0079]    In one embodiment, the front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44  fold around a helicoidal bushing assembly  54  at the hinge point  46 ; wherein the hinge point  46  contains bushing holes. 
         [0080]    The front frame assembly contains a bushing hole  55  inside the curved rotation member  47 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 5B  shows a left side cross-section of the hinge point  46  at the open position. In this view, the rear frame assembly  44  contains a bushing hole  57  in the square rotation member  47 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 6  shows the helicoidal bushing assembly  54 , containing a helicoidal axle  58  having two or more external helical threads  62 , sometimes called female threads, and a helicoidal bushing  60  surrounding a part of the helicoidal axle  58 ; the helicoidal bushing  60  having interior extrusions  64  that fit within the external helical threads  62 . 
         [0083]    The helicoidal bushing  60  is adapted for rotation around the helicoidal axle  58 ; the helicoidal bushing assembly  54  elongating or contracting during rotation, which laterally separates the front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44 . 
         [0084]    The embodiment shown uses a helicoidal bushing  60  that allows free linear movement around the helicoidal axle  58  but other methods are contemplated, including but not limited to free rotation around a fixed axis. 
         [0085]    The elongation distance is determined by both the size of the helicoidal bushing assembly  54  and the spacing between the external threads  62  on the helicoidal axle  58 . The distance required will depend on the width necessary to avoid contact with bicycle component during the folding process. For example, the current embodiment uses street tires 26″×1.0 and a 250w 46v rear wheel brushless electric motor, requiring a lateral separation of at least 40 millimeters in order to fold fully. 
         [0086]    The helicoidal bushing assembly  54  in the current embodiment is 5 mm wide, 2 mm deep, with 96 pitch grooves, although other sizes are contemplated. 
         [0087]    The helicoidal bushing assembly  54  should be manufactured of a material with the strength comparable to at least SAE 4140 steel. 
         [0088]    While there is no limitation on the size of the helicoidal bushing assembly  54 , the greater the lateral movement, the more force required to fold and unfold the bicycle. Also, a longer helicoidal bushing assembly  54  could interfere with pedaling. As well, wider separation of the wheels in the folding position decreases stability of the folded bicycle in its standing position. It is therefore recommended that lateral movement requirements be minimized to the extent possible. 
         [0089]    In the current embodiment wherein the front fork assembly  21  and the rear fork assembly  28  are single forks, which minimizes the lateral distance required when folding the frame. 
         [0090]    To ensure that the frames rotation is confined to the angle of the folding arc  48 , (within the folding arc open point  50  and folding arc folded point  52 ), the frames have structural stopping points. 
         [0091]      FIG. 7  shows the hinge point as viewed from the right side with the bicycle in the open position. The front frame assembly  42  is attached to a cross-section of the rear frame assembly  44 . 
         [0092]    The curved rotation member  45  has an open stop notch  72 , which is a cutaway area that corresponds to a stop extension  74  on the upper end of the rear frame assembly  44 . 
         [0093]    The folding arc open position  50  corresponds to the position where the open stop notch  72  comes into contact with the open stop extension  74 , preventing any further open rotation. 
         [0094]    The curved rotation member  45  also has a folding stop point  76  on the opposite side of the front frame assembly  42  from stop notch  72 . The folding stop point  76  is an area that corresponds to a folded stop area  78  on the upper end of the rear frame assembly  44 . When folding the frames, they are rotated along the folding arc  48  from the folding arc open point  50  to the folding arc folded point  52 . The folding arc folded point  52  corresponds to the position where the folded stop point  76  comes into contact with the folded stop area  78 , preventing any further folded rotation. 
         [0095]    Other means of preventing rotation beyond the folding arc&#39;s open and folded points are contemplated. 
         [0096]    In another embodiment, the hinge point can be locked in the open position  50  or the folded position  52  by means of a locking pin. 
         [0097]    In one embodiment, to fold the bicycle, a brake is applied to the rear wheel assembly  24  and the hinge point is unlocked. The rider subsequently rolls the front frame assembly  42  forward until the front wheel assembly  22  and the rear wheel assembly  24  are near adjacent, and engaging a locking pin. 
         [0098]    The rear brake is engaged using the rear brake lever  16 . 
         [0099]    In the folded position, the front wheel assembly  22  and the rear wheel assembly  24  can rotate freely, allowing the bicycle to be wheeled to a different location while remaining in the folded position. The optional handle  49  on the rear frame assembly  44  can be used to hold the bicycle upright when rolling. 
         [0100]    Opening the bike uses the reverse process. Holding the brake lever allows the rear wheel assembly  24  to remain stationary while the front wheel assembly  22  moves forward until the bicycle is in the open position. 
         [0101]    Holding the brake while folding is not required. 
         [0102]    The bicycle frame folds from an open position  50  to a folded position  52  by unlocking the hinge point  46  located between a front frame assembly  42  and a rear frame assembly  44 , and applying upward force on the rear frame assembly  44 , wherein the front wheel assembly  22  and the rear wheel assembly  24  roll into a near adjacent position. 
         [0103]    To open the bicycle frame, unlock the hinge point  46 , wherein gravity exerts force onto the center mass, rolling the rear wheel assembly  24  backward while the front wheel assembly  22  rolls forward, until the frame is in the open position  50 . 
         [0104]    In both the open position  50  and the closed folded position  52 , it is recommended that the hinge point  46  be locked to add additional stability. 
         [0105]    The present invention contemplates many ways to lock the hinge point. 
         [0106]    One embodiment uses a combination electronic/mechanical release mechanism, housed inside the rear frame assembly  44 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 8  shows the front frame assembly  42  and rear frame assembly  44  in the open position, with the release lever  80  located on the rear frame assembly. 
         [0108]      FIG. 9  is a left side view, cutaway, of the rear frame assembly  44  showing the components for the locking mechanism. 
         [0109]    In this view, the bicycle frame is in its open position  50 . The front frame assembly  42  and rear frame assembly  44  are locked at the hinge point  46  via a locking pin  88 , that fits into a hole in the curved rotation member  45  of the front frame assembly  44 . 
         [0110]    To unlock the hinge point  46 , the locking pin  88  must be removed from the hole in the curved rotation member  45 , which will enable the front frame assembly  42  and rear frame assembly  44  to rotate around the helicoidal bushing assembly  54 , from the folding arc open position  50  to the folding arc folded position  52 . 
         [0111]    In one embodiment, the upper end of the release lever  80  connects to a handle axle  94 . 
         [0112]    Lifting the lower handle allows the release lever  80  to rotate around the handle axle  94  in an arc. Attached to the inside face of the release lever  80 , there is a glide extension  92 , which is a flat rounded rectangle extrusion with an open glide channel  93  along its center. 
         [0113]    Action arm  90  has a Y-shape configuration, wherein the right side prong of the action arm  90  connects to the handle axis  94 , around which the action arm  90  can pivot. The lower end of the action arm  90  has a glide, which is a protruding cylinder that fits into the glide extension channel  93 . Rotating the action arm  90  allows the lower end to move in an arc inside the confines of the glide extension channel  93 . 
         [0114]    Spring  91  stabilizes the release lever  80 . 
         [0115]    The pulling arm  96  is a T-shaped part that sits between the action arm  90  and locking pin  88 . The base of the pulling arm  96  is connected to the left prong of the action arm  90 . The left upper end of the pulling arm  96  is connected to a secondary axle  98  around which the pulling arm  96  can pivot. The right upper end of the pulling arm  96  is connected to the locking pin  88 . 
         [0116]    In the embodiment shown, to unlock the hinge point  46 , merely pull the release lever  80 , which rotates vertically around the handle axis  94 . The glide extension  92  moves toward the rear of the bicycle until the end of the glide channel  93  makes contact with the lower end of the action arm  90 , forcing the action arm  90  to rotate around the handle axle  94 . The action arm  90  rotation forces the pulling arm  96  to rotate clockwise around the secondary axle  98 , pulling the locking pin  88  out of the curved rotation member  45 , allowing the front frame assembly  42  and the rear frame assembly  44  to rotate in opposite directions about the helicoidal bushing assembly  54 , folding the bicycle. 
         [0117]    As a theft safety feature, the release lever  80  is flush with the outside of rear frame assembly  44 , inaccessible to the rider. 
         [0118]      FIG. 10  shows a right side cross-section view of additional components of the unlocking mechanism that unlock the release lever using a wireless remote device. 
         [0119]    The wireless remote device can be a standalone unit, or a mobile app on a smartphone. Other activation devices or wireless protocols are contemplated, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, near field communications (NFC) or manual devices such as a key or a combination lock. 
         [0120]    The micro servo  82  is connected is a powered unit, connected to batteries via a micro servo cable  88 . 
         [0121]    On one embodiment, the bicycle has a pedal assist motor  40  attached to the rear wheel hub  69 . Both the power assist motor  40  and the micro servo  82  share batteries located in the front frame assembly  42 . Other battery storage locations and other types of power are contemplated. 
         [0122]      FIG. 11  shows a left side cross-section view of hinge point  46  with the additional components of the unlocking mechanism that can unlock the release lever  80  from a wireless remote device. 
         [0123]    The micro servo  82  is connected to a locking disk  84 . A flange  100  on the left side of the action arm  90  fits into a notch  102  in the locking disk  84 , holding the action arm  90  in place. The lower edge of the locking disk  84  rests against the glide extension  92 . 
         [0124]    Activating the micro servo  82  rotates the locking disk  84 , spinning the notch  102  away from the flange  100 , unlocking the action arm  90 . Spring  91  pushes the action arm rearward wherein the action arm glide  95  comes into contact with the end of the glide channel  93 , forcing the lower end of the release lever  80  out, away from its flush position on rear frame assembly  44 . 
         [0125]    The release lever  80  can now be accessed by the rider. 
         [0126]    In the preferred embodiment, the release lever  80  also acts as a gripping point for folding and unfolding the frame as well as wheeling the bicycle while in its folded position. 
         [0127]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0128]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0129]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.