Patent Abstract:
A bicycle apparatus with interchangeable front fork is disclosed. The bicycle comprises a frame and a quick release assembly for securing the removable front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame&#39;s head tube. The interchangeable front fork attachment assembly and quick release assembly allows for the quick interchanging of front fork with varying attachments which utilize different methods to achieve motion.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to current pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/958,707, filed on Aug. 5, 2013, which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/679,921, filed on Aug. 6, 2012. This application also claims priority to current pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/112,881, filed on Feb. 6, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This document generally relates to a multi-purpose type of recreational vehicle equipment, and more particularly, to a multi-purpose bicycle with an interchangeable front assembly such as a fork. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Traditional bicycles generally include two wheel assemblies: one for powering the bicycle and one for steering. Bicycles with various types of wheel assemblies have been designed for use in different situations, environmental conditions, and varying terrain. Typically, these bicycles are designed such that a specific type of wheel assembly can be fixed to the bicycle frame to achieve its intended purpose, which may make the bicycle as a whole specialized for a particular purpose. 
         [0004]    Bicycles with fixed type wheel assemblies, or the particular-purpose bicycles, may be limited to use when the environment or road condition is suitable. For example, inclement weather conditions such as snow or ice, which are frequently experienced during the long winter season in northern areas, can substantially limit the utility of the Particular-purpose bicycles, thereby reducing their overall value to the users. The users of a particular-purpose bicycle may be forced to own recreational equipment of various types so that they can choose the proper equipment according to the weather conditions and selected terrain. This can be costly and inconvenient to the users. For example, a multitude of recreational vehicles can occupy a large storage space. 
         [0005]    Multi-purpose bicycles have been proposed in which the front wheel assembly can be removed from the front fork assembly and replaced with a different assembly such as a ski. Although this approach attempts to address the functional limitations of the bicycles with a specific type of wheel assemblies, the replacement typically requires the user to disassemble the original configuration, and then reconfigure the bicycle for a different use whenever the user wishes variety or the conditions necessitate. The reconfiguration process can be time consuming and may require special tools or skills in order to complete the reconfiguration. 
         [0006]    A bicycle with quick release wheel hub assemblies can allow a user to reconfigure the bicycle from a wheel to a different attachment such as a ski without the use of tools. However, the quick release wheel hub assemblies are prone to unintentional wheel release during use, increasing the risk of injury. Therefore, the present inventor has recognized that there remains a considerable need for a multi-purpose bicycle for use in various environmental conditions, and methods for configuring or reconfiguring such a bicycle to other desired forms of recreational equipment with improved efficacy a n d safety. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Various embodiments described herein can help improve the functionality and the ease of use of a multi-purpose bicycle. For example, according to one embodiment of the present document, a vehicle apparatus can comprise a bicycle frame including a head tube, a front fork attachment assembly, a quick release assembly, and a front fork attachment. The quick release assembly can be configured to secure a proximal end of the front fork attachment assembly to an end of the head tube of the bicycle frame. The front fork attachment can be sized, shaped, or configured to secure permanently to the distal end of the front fork attachment assembly. The interchangeable front fork attachment assemblies can securely attach to a plethora of front fork attachment assemblies. 
         [0008]    A method of reconfiguring a bicycle can comprise receiving a bicycle with a first detachable front fork attachment assembly attached to a bicycle frame through a head tube of the bicycle frame, where the first front fork attachment assembly can be coupled to a first front fork attachment. The method can include unlocking a quick release assembly, and detaching the first front fork attachment assembly from the bicycle frame when the quick release assembly is unlocked. A second detachable front fork attachment assembly, which is coupled to a second front fork attachment, can be received. The method can include attaching the second front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and locking a quick release assembly to allow the reconfigured bicycle to be used in different conditions or environment. 
         [0009]    A quick release assembly can be configured for securing a front fork attachment assembly to a head tube of a bicycle. The quick release assembly can include a lever, a n attachment clamp coupled to the lever, and an attachment port. The lever can be configured to toggle the attachment clamp between an open and a closed position. The attachment port can be fastened to the attachment clamp. At least a portion of the front fork attachment assembly can be insertable into the attachment port, and the front fork attachment assembly can be secured within the head tube via the attachment clamp. 
         [0010]    The above summary of the various aspects and embodiments is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the bicycle with interchangeable front fork attachment assembly. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the bicycle with interchangeable front fork attachment assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    While the bicycle with interchangeable front fork attachment assembly is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. Such embodiments are demonstrative and not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive embodiments of the present subject matter. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle with interchangeable front fork, according to some embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a front fork attachment assembly of the bicycle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle with a dual ski front fork attachment assembly. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle with a dual wheel front fork attachment assembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle with a raked front fork attachment assembly. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A-B  are perspective views of quick release assemblies and portions of the environment in which the quick release assembly operates, according to some embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a method for reconfiguring the multi-purpose bicycle of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8A-B  illustrate the operation of the quick connect mechanism. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a view of the quick connect mechanism from the perspective of the insertion point of the front fork assembly. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10A-B  is a detailed view of the disassembled quick connect mechanism. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11A-B  shows how the inner mechanism of the quick connect mechanism operates. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Disclosed herein is a multi-purpose vehicle, such as a bicycle, for entertainment or general transportation purposes. The bicycle can include a front fork assembly configured to be coupled to a variety of interchangeable front fork attachments. The interchangeable front fork attachments, such as those conditioned for various terrain types or weather conditions, can increase the utility of the bicycle, reduce the need for separate recreational vehicles for separate terrain, and reduce the physical storage space an owner may otherwise need. Although a recreational vehicle such as a recreational bicycle is provided as an example in this document, the apparatus and the methods described herein can be adapted to configure a vehicle to other types of two or multiple wheeled motorized or manually powered vehicles. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle  100  with interchangeable front fork, according to some embodiments. The bicycle  100  can include a front fork attachment assembly  102 , a front fork attachment  104 , a handlebar assembly  106 , a quick release assembly  108 , and a bicycle frame  112 . The bicycle frame  112  can include a head tube  110  disposed at the front of the bicycle  100 . 
         [0025]    The front fork attachment assembly  102  can be secured to the bicycle frame  112  via a quick release assembly  108 . The quick release assembly  108  can be mounted directly adjacent to the head tube  110 . The head tube  110  can be made as a hollow cylindrical tube and can be permanently fastened to the bicycle frame  112 . The head tube  110  can allow a front fork attachment assembly  102  and/or a handlebar assembly  106  to be inserted into or otherwise fastened to the head tube  110 , and further secured to the bicycle frame  112  via the quick release assembly  108 . The head tube  110  can be constructed from a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, titanium, or other suitable metals, or non-metals which allow a front fork attachment assembly  102  or a handlebar assembly  106  to be reliably secured to the bicycle frame  112 . 
         [0026]    The front fork attachment assembly  102  can be constructed as a pair of supports, secured to one another. The front fork attachment assembly  102  can be connected at one end to a front fork attachment  104 , and at another end be insertable within the head tube  110 . In an example, the front fork attachment assembly  102  can include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the front fork attachment assembly  102  can be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be secured to the head tube  110 , and thereby secured to the bicycle frame  112 . The distal end of the front fork attachment assembly  102  can be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be coupled to one of a variety of front fork attachments  104 . 
         [0027]    The front fork attachment assembly  102  can be made out of a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, titanium, or other suitable metals. The front fork attachment assembly can also be made out of non-metal, synthetic materials such as plastic, polymers, or other materials with desired strength and durability that allow the front fork attachment assembly  102  to reliably support the weight of a user operating the multi-purpose bicycle  100 . 
         [0028]    A plurality of front fork attachment assemblies  102  and front fork attachments  104  can allow the user to quickly insert and secure the chosen front fork attachment assembly  102  with a desired front fork attachment  104  according to terrain, weather, or other conditions or recreational purposes. Examples of the fork attachment  104  can include a ski, a snowboard, an ice skate, and one or multiple wheel assemblies, among others. In some examples, at least a portion of the front fork attachment assembly  102  can be made at a uniform size or shape such that multiple front fork attachment assemblies  102  can be interchangeably attached to or detached from the head tube  110 . For example, the front fork attachment assembly  102  can have a uniform size and shape on at least the proximal end of the attachment assembly  102  such that various types of front fork attachment assembly  102  can be securely attached to the distal end of the head tube  110 . 
         [0029]    In an example, the front fork attachment assembly  102  can be permanently attached to a front fork attachment  104  to form an integrated unit, such that the front fork attachment assembly  102  and the associated front fork attachment  104  can be jointly attached to or detached from the head tube  110 . The permanently attached front fork attachment  104  can allow the user to quickly assemble a desired front fork attachment  104  and the front fork attachment assembly  102 , or to efficiently replace an existing front fork attachment assembly  102  with another front fork attachment assembly  102  of the same or different type. In another example, the front fork attachment assembly  102  can be configured such that the front fork attachment  104  can be detachable from the front fork attachment assembly  102  and interchanged with another front fork attachment  104 . For example, a wheel can be detached from the front fork assembly  102 , and a ski can be attached to the same front fork attachment assembly  102  for use in the bicycle  100 . 
         [0030]    The quick release assembly  108  can be mounted adjacent to a proximal end or a distal end of the head tube  110 . The quick release assembly  108  can be constructed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to a push-button coupler joint, cotter key/pin, screw and wing-nut, clamp, or other types of securable connections. The quick release assembly  108  can be configured to secure interchangeable front fork attachment assembly  102  and can allow for the multi-purpose bicycle  100  to be adapted for variable conditions. The quick release assembly  108  can secure a handlebar assembly  106  to the head tube  110 , thereby connecting the handlebar assembly  106  to the bicycle frame  112 . In an example, the handlebar assembly  106  has at least a portion shaped and configured to be insertable into or otherwise coupled to the proximal end of the head tube  110 . The quick release assembly  108  can be configured to secure a user-selected handlebar assembly  106  to the head tube  110 , or to detach the handlebar assembly  106  from the head tube  110 . The quick release assembly  108  can be configured to secure or release both the front fork attachment assembly  102  and the handlebar assembly  106 to or from the head tube  110  separately or concurrently. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a front fork attachment assembly  102  of the bicycle of  FIG. 1 . The front fork attachment assembly  102  can be secured to the cylindrical-shaped head tube  110  of the bicycle frame via the quick release assembly  108 . 
         [0032]    The proximal end of the front fork attachment assembly  102  can be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be coupled to at least a portion of the head tube  110 . For example, the proximal end of the front fork attachment assembly  102  can have at least a partially cylindrical shape coaxial with the head tube  110 , and a diameter smaller than that of the distal end of the head tube  110  to facilitate the insertion of the proximal end of the front fork attachment assembly  102  into the distal end of the head tube  110 . 
         [0033]    The distal end of the handlebar assembly  106  can be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be coupled to at least a portion of the head tube  110 . For example, the distal end of the handlebar assembly  106  can have at least a partially cylindrical shape coaxial with the head tube  110 , and a diameter smaller than that of the proximal end of the head tube  110  to facilitate the insertion of the distal end of the handlebar assembly  106  into the proximal end of the head tube  110 . 
         [0034]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the quick release assembly  108  can be mounted adjacent to the proximal end of the head tube  110 . The quick release assembly  108  can be configured to secure the handlebar assembly  106  or the front fork attachment assembly  102  to the head tube  110  through a proximal end or a distal end of the head tube  110 , when the handlebar assembly  106  or the front fork attachment assembly  102  is inserted or otherwise coupled to the head tube  110 . The quick release assembly  108  can also release the handlebar assembly  106  or the front fork attachment assembly  102  from the head tube  110 . In an example, the quick-release assembly  108  can secure or release the handlebar assembly  106  and the front fork attachment assembly  102  separately. In another example, the quick release assembly  108  can secure or release the handlebar assembly  106  and the front fork attachment assembly  102  concurrently. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle  300  with a removable front fork attachment assembly  302  and quick release assembly  108 . The front fork attachment assembly  302  is coupled to a dual-ski fork attachment  304  which may be used in snow or ice conditions. The front fork attachment assembly  302  includes a proximal end sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be insertable into a head tube  110  of the bicycle when the front fork attachment assembly  302  or the dual-ski fork attachment  304  is user-adjusted to a desired height or position. The quick release assembly  108  can engage the head tube  110  such as to tightly secure the inserted portion of the front fork attachment assembly  302  within the head tube  110 . In an example, the dual-ski fork attachment  304  can be permanently attached to the front fork attachment assembly  302 , such that the dual-ski fork attachment  304  and the front fork attachment assembly  302  can be jointly attached to or released from the head tube  110 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle  400  with a removable front fork attachment assembly  402  and quick release assembly  108 . The front fork attachment assembly  402  is coupled to a dual-wheel fork attachment  404  which may be used in various road conditions or terrain such as for enhanced stability. The front fork attachment assembly  402  includes a proximal end sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be insertable into the head tube  110  of the bicycle when the front fork attachment assembly  402  or the dual-wheel fork attachment  404  is user-adjusted to a desired height or position, such as to level with the rear wheel of the multi-purpose bicycle  400 . The quick release assembly  108  can engage the head tube  110  to tightly secure the inserted portion of the front fork attachment assembly  402  within the head tube  110 . The dual-wheel fork attachment  404  can be permanently attached to the front fork attachment assembly  402 , such that the dual-wheel fork attachment  404  and the front fork attachment assembly  402  can be jointly attached to or released from the head tube  110 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose bicycle of  500  with removable front fork attachment assembly  502  and quick release assembly  108 . The front fork attachment assembly  502  is raked which may be used in various conditions such as for recreational sports. The front fork attachment assembly  502  includes a proximal end sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be insertable into the head tube  110  of the bicycle when the front fork attachment assembly  502  or the attached raked front wheel fork attachment  504  is user-adjusted to a desired height or position, such as to level with the rear wheel of the multi-purpose bicycle  500 . The quick release assembly  108  can engage the head tube  110  such as to tightly secure the inserted portion of the front fork attachment assembly  502  within the head tube  110 . The raked front wheel fork attachment  504  can be permanently attached to the front fork attachment assembly  502 , such that the raked front wheel fork attachment  504  and the front fork attachment assembly  502  can be jointly attached to or released from the head tube  110 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 6A-B  are perspective views of a quick release assembly  600  and portions of the environment in which the quick release assembly  600  operates, according to some embodiments. The quick release assembly  600  is an example of the quick release assembly  108 . Therefore, the quick release assembly  600  can be used in any of multi-purpose bicycles as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6A  illustrates various components and the configuration of the quick release assembly  600 , and  FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the assembled quick release assembly  600 . The quick release assembly  600  may include a lever  602 , an attachment clamp  604  coupled to the lever  602 , and an attachment port  606 . The lever  602  can be configured to toggle the attachment clamp  604  between an open and a closed position. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , when the lever  602  toggles the attachment clamp  604  to the close position, the attachment clamp  604  can secure the front fork attachment assembly  102  through a portion of the front fork attachment assembly  102  inserted within the attachment port  606 . The attachment port  606  can have multiple port compartments each sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to accommodate a respective attachment such as the front fork attachment assembly  102  and the handlebar assembly  106 . 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the attachment port  606  can include three linearly arranged port compartments parallel to each other. The two outer port compartments can allow for insertion by the two supports of the front fork attachment assembly  102 , and the center port compartment can allow for insertion by the handlebar assembly  106  through the head tube  110 . 
         [0041]    The closing of the attachment clamp  604  can secure the handlebar assembly  106  through a partially inserted portion within the attachment port  606 . In some examples, the attachment port  606  can be configured to allow for both the handlebar assembly  106  and the front fork attachment assembly  102  to be simultaneously secured to the bicycle frame  112 . 
         [0042]    At least a portion of the attachment port  606  can be inserted into the head tube  110 . For example, the attachment port  606  can include a cylindrical portion coaxial with the head tube  110 , where the cylindrical portion of the attachment port  606  can have a diameter smaller than that of the head tube  110  such as to facilitate the insertion of the attachment port into the head tube. The respective coupling portions of the attachment port  606  and the head tube  110  can include mechanisms configured to allow for the handlebar assembly  106  to be rotated freely within the head tube  110 . For example, the respective coupling portions of the attachment port  606  and the head tube  110  can be coupled to one or more bearings such as ball bearings, roller bearings, or other bearings, or be processed with lubrication including bearing grease. 
         [0043]    The quick release assembly  600  can include a confirmation mechanism providing feedback to the user about the attachment or detachment between the front fork attachment assembly  102  and the attachment port  606 . The confirmation mechanism can include visual, audio, audio-visual, or other types of confirmation mechanisms. In an example, the quick release assembly  600  may include an indicator invisible when the front fork attachment assembly  102  is not properly inserted. The indicator pops up on or around the outer surface of the quick release assembly  600  and becomes visible to the user only when the front fork attachment assembly  102  is properly inserted. In an example, the indicator, when popping up, can generate a audible sound alerting the user the proper insertion. Same or similar visual or audio confirmation mechanisms can be used to indicate that the handlebar assembly  106  is properly inserted and secured within the attachment port  606 . 
         [0044]    The quick release assembly  600  can be constructed from a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, titanium, or other suitable metals, or non-metals which allow the quick release assembly  600  to reliably secure the front fork attachment assembly  102  and or the handlebar assembly  106  to the bicycle frame  112 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a method  700  for reconfiguring a multi-purpose bicycle. The method  700  can be used in assembling a multi-purpose bicycle with interchangeable front fork attachment assembly such as one of the multi-purpose bicycles  100 ,  300 ,  400  or  500  and the several fork attachments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . 
         [0046]    At  701 , a bicycle with a first detachable front fork attachment assembly is obtained, received or otherwise available. The bicycle, such as one of the multi-purpose bicycles  100 ,  300 ,  400  or  500 , can include a quick release assembly that can tightly secure the first front fork attachment assembly to the bicycle frame such as through a head tube. In an example, the head tube can have a hollow cylindrical shape that accommodates at least a portion of the first front fork attachment assembly insertable into the head tube. The first front fork attachment assembly can include and may be permanently coupled to a front fork attachment such as a ski, a snowboard, an ice skate, one or more wheels, or other fork attachments. 
         [0047]    At  702 , the quick release assembly can be unlocked such as to allow the secured first front fork attachment assembly to be removable from the bicycle frame. The quick release assembly can include one or more of securable connections such as a push-button coupler joint, a cotter key or pin, a screw, or a wing-nut. The quick release assembly can be manually adjusted to either a lock position or an unlock position. When setting to the unlock position, the quick release assembly can disengage at least the portion of the first front fork attachment assembly from the head tube of the bicycle. For example, unlocking the quick release assembly can release the proximal end of the first front fork attachment assembly from the head tube of the bicycle. 
         [0048]    The first front fork attachment assembly can be detached from the bicycle frame at  703  when the quick release assembly is unlocked. For example, the inserted portion of  10  the first front fork attachment assembly can be removed from the distal end of the head tube. The front fork attachment associated with the first front fork attachment assembly can also be detached from the bicycle. 
         [0049]    At  704 , a second detachable front fork attachment assembly may be selected, received or otherwise available. The second front fork attachment assembly can include and/or be coupled to a second front fork attachment such as a ski, a snowboard, an ice skate, one or more wheel assembly, among others. The second front fork attachment assembly can be of a different type than the first front fork attachment assembly, and may be adapted to be used in a condition or environment different than what the first front fork attachment assembly is used for, or for a different recreational activity as a user may choose. In an example, the second front fork attachment assembly can be of a same or similar type as the first front fork attachment assembly, such as to replace a malfunctioned or defected first front fork attachment assembly and use the bicycle in a manner or under conditions similar to that where the first front fork attachment assembly is used. 
         [0050]    At  705 , the second front fork attachment assembly can be attached to the bicycle frame such as through an end of the head tube from which the first front fork attachment assembly is detached. For example, the proximal end of the second front fork attachment assembly can have at least a partially cylindrical shape coaxial with the head tube, and a diameter smaller than that of the distal end of the head tube such as to facilitate the insertion of the proximal end of the second front fork attachment assembly into the distal end of the head tube. 
         [0051]    At  706 , the quick release assembly can be locked such as to allow the inserted portion of the second front fork attachment assembly to be tightly secured within the head tube of the bicycle. The one or more securable connections within the quick release assembly can be manually adjusted to a lock position, and the quick release assembly can engage at least the portion of the second front fork attachment assembly to the head tube of the bicycle. 
         [0052]    In an example, the quick release assembly can comprise a lever, an attachment clamp coupled to the lever, wherein the lever is configured to toggle the attachment clamp between an open and a closed position, and an attachment port fastened to the attachment clamp wherein at least a portion of the front fork attachment assembly is insertable into the attachment port, wherein the front fork attachment assembly is securable within the head tube via the attachment clamp. 
         [0053]    In an example, a handlebar assembly can be insertable into the attachment port and wherein the handlebar assembly is securable within the attachment port via the attachment clamp. 
         [0054]    In an example, the quick release assembly can be made of metal selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum, and titanium. 
         [0055]    In an example, the quick release assembly can be configured to display at least one of a visual confirmation or an audio confirmation of the front fork attachment assembly inserted and secured within the attachment port. 
         [0056]    In an example, the quick release assembly can be configured to display at least one of a visual confirmation or an audio confirmation of the handlebar assembly inserted and secured within the attachment port. 
         [0057]    Shown below in  FIGS. 8-11  is an exemplary embodiment of a quick release assembly.  FIGS. 8-9  are intended to show the general function and design of the quick release assembly.  FIGS. 10-11  have been drawn to show one example of how the internal mechanism of the quick release assembly may operate. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are external views of the quick release assembly.  FIG. 8A  shows the quick assembly while the front fork attachment  801  is still connected to the quick connect mechanism  850 .  FIG. 8B  shows how the quick connect mechanism  850  is operated so that the front fork attachment  801  can be released from the inner connect socket  802 . 
         [0059]    Looking at  FIG. 8A , the main external parts of the quick connect mechanism  850  are the inner connect socket  802 , the outer slide cover  803 , the positioning spring  804 , and the outer flange  806 . The cylindrical inner connect socket  802 , shown in more detail in  FIGS. 9-11 , acts as the receiving port for the front fork attachment  801 . The outer slide cover  803 , which goes around the outside of the inner connect socket  802 , is held in place by the positioning spring  804  and is used to unlock the front fork assembly  801  from the inner connect socket  802 . The outer flange  806  provides a base for the rest of the quick connect mechanism  850 . Both the inner connect socket  802  and positioning spring  804  are anchored to the outer flange  806 . There are multiple ways for the inner connect socket  802  and positioning spring  804  to be connected to the outer flange  806 ; for example, they may be welded onto the outer flange  806 , the outer flange  806  may be threaded so that the the inner connect socket  802  can screw into it, or the outer flange  806  may have been tunneled to allow the positioning spring  804  to wind into the flange. Depending upon the inner mechanisms of the quick connect mechanism  850 , the positioning spring  804  may not need to be anchored to the outer flange  804  because in some embodiments it would only serve to prevent the flange from being pressed upward into a release position. Lastly, the other end of the outer flange  806  is connected to the upper bike frame  805 , which would connect this quick connect mechanism  850  to the rest of the bike frame and handlebars. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8B  contains the same elements as  FIG. 8A , but depicts the quick connect mechanism  850  in a position where the front fork assembly  801  can disengage from the inner connect socket  802 . The quick connect mechanism  850  allows the front fork assembly  801  to disengage from inner connect socket  802  when the outer slide cover  803  has been pushed in direction G (against the bias of the positioning spring  804 ). The end of the front fork assembly  801  has a hexagonal shaped end  807  with an intermediary channel  808  that allows for the locking pin head  901  (not shown) to engage with the end of the front fork assembly  801  and lock the front fork assembly  801  into place. The intermediary channel  808  is a depression around the hexagonal shaped end  807  such that the locking pin head  901  can push into it and prevent the vertical movement of the front fork assembly  801 . In alternate embodiments, the hexagonal shaped end  801  could be in any other shape, but was chosen because this shape helps prevents the front fork assembly from rotating; a circular end should be avoided as it would put more pressure on the locking pin head  901  (not shown). Alternate embodiment may also allow for the outer slide cover  803  to slide in the opposite direction of direction G to release the front end assembly  801 ; the direction the outer slide cover must be pushed is dependent upon the inner mechanism of the quick connect mechanism. 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  is a detailed view of the quick connect mechanism  850  to show the insertion slot of the inner connect socket  802  that end of the front end assembly  801  inserts into. The insertion slot of the inner connect socket  802  has a locking pin head  901  that sticks out into the insertion slot and is configured to lock the front end assembly  801  into the insertion slot when the locking pin head  901  pushes into the intermediary channel  807  of the front end assembly  801 . The inner connect socket also includes stopping tabs  902  that prevents the outer slide cover  803  from being forced off the inner connect socket  802 . These stopping tabs  902  could be connected in a number of different ways, including being welded or screwed onto the inner connect socket  802 . This embodiment shows four stopping tabs  902 , but any number of tabs could be used. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show the disassembled quick connect mechanism  850 .  FIG. 10A  depicts the outer slide cover  803  and includes the internal view of the outer slide cover  1005  (shown in the dash lines). Also shown (in dashed lines) is the outer slide cover&#39;s inside shape  1005 . The inside of the outer slide cover  803  includes an inside ridge  1004 . The inside ridge  1004  can be used in attaching the positing spring  804  to the outside slid cover. The positioning spring  804  can be attached to the inside ridge  1004  in many different ways; for example, they could be attached by being welded together or the end of the positioning spring  804  could be designed to allow it to be screwed into the inner wall of the outer slide cover. The most important function of the inside ridge  1004  is to help in the operation of the pin lever  1101  (which will be explained in more detail when descripting  FIGS. 11A and 11B ).  FIG. 10B  is a detailed view of the locking mechanism, which includes the pin lever  1101 , locking pin  1001 , locking pin spring  1002 , and the inner connect socket  802 . The inner connect socket  802  has an inner pin hole  1009  (which allows for the locking pin  1001  and locking pin head  901  to pass through the inner connect socket  802 ) and lever groove  1003 . The lever groove  1003  is a groove in the inner connect socket  802  that the pin lever  1101  is seated in during the quick connect mechanism&#39;s  850  operation. An important feature of the lever groove  1003  is its balancing point ridge  1006  and lever trough  1007 . These features allow the lever pin&#39;s point  1008  to move in along the X-axis to change the position of the locking pin  1001  and locking pin head  901 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict the operation of the locking pin  1001 . The locking pin  1001  is held into position by the locking pin spring  1002  and pin lever  1101 . The locking pin spring  1002  is biased away from surface of the inner connect socket  802  (and the locking pin hole  1009 ) in direction R, while the pin lever  1101  and its lever pin&#39;s point  1008  is pushing the locking pin  1001  opposite to direction R (the opposite direction of locking pin spring  1002 ).  FIG. 11A  shows the locking pin  1001  when it&#39;s in the locked position and the front end assembly  801  (shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) cannot be inserted or removed from the inner connect socket  802  because the locking pin head (shown in  FIGS. 9 &amp; 10B ) blocks the inside of the inner connect socket  802 .  FIG. 11B  shows the locking pin  1001  when it is not in the locked position, which occurs when the pin lever&#39;s point  1008  is no longer pushing down on the locking pin  1001  as hard in a direction opposite of direction R and allows the inner connect socket to be clear of the locking pin head  901 . The amount of force the pin lever&#39;s point  1008  puts on the locking pin  1001  is determined by the positioning of the outer sleeve cover&#39;s  803  inside ridge  1004  (which is shown in  FIG. 11A  and as a dotted line to help explain the mechanism&#39;s mechanics). The pin lever  1004  slightly rotates around the balancing point ridge  1006  (shown in  FIG. 10B ) when the inside ridge  1004  moves downward in the Y direction, which occurs when the user has pushed the outer slide cover  803  downward (as shown in  FIG. 8B ). When the outer slide cover  803  is pushed downward in the Y direction, it allows for the pin lever  1101  to slightly rotate; the pin lever  1101  will rotate when allowed to do so because of the force transferred upon the pin lever&#39;s point  1008  from the locking spring  1002  through the locking pin  1001 . 
         [0064]    The current embodiment depicts the outer slide cover  803  having a square inside ridge  1004 , but alternate embodiments may allow for a sloped inside ridge  1004  that would act upon the locking pin  1001  directly. Alternate embodiments may be configured with a quick connect mechanism  850  that works by pushing on the outer slide cover  803  in the opposite direction. 
         [0065]    The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. 
         [0066]    In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. 
         [0067]    In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
         [0068]    The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1