How do you fit a traditional 700c wheel bicycle into a standard sized suitcase to avoid oversized luggage fees? I chose to tackle this problem as a side project and ended up designing, prototyping, and patenting the knockdown bike.
26"x26"x10"
These 3 dimensions, added together equal 62", the checked baggage total linear length limit. Anything greater carries significant oversize charges ($$$). The pictured suitcase is exactly these dimensions as well. Fitting a full sized bicycle into this suitcase would allow for serious cyclists to travel without compromise.
Inspiration
The patented frame joint was inspired by coffee. An espresso portafilter locks into place with a bayonette style twist lock. This seemed like an ideal tool-less method to quickly join a bike frame together.
Early Prototyping
The joint would be employed at 3 key parts of a double-diamond bike frame, allowing for minimal technical knowledge to both assemble and disassemble the bike. Initial 3D prints looked promising for both strength and use-ability.
Titanium Build 1.0
It works! The first rideable prototype was a success. It cleanly and easily fit into the suitcase and was fairly easy to assemble/disassemble. Many details were learned at this stage which informed the next build.
Utility Patented
I went fairly deep on the patent process; researching, writing, defending, and eventually patenting the joint design.
Assemble / Disassemble
These videos show the steps to assemble and disassemble the knockdown bike, a process that should be simple enough for most cyclists who are determined to travel with a full-sized road bike.