Tricycle

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to human powered vehicles and, more specifically, to a new and novel tricycle with adjustable linkage for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore the linkage can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel toward the rear wheels provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel away from the rear axle provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative the seat allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the drive mechanism.

[0004] Additionally, the present invention has a cantilevered seat with the seat at one distal end and the other forming a yoke connected to the front wheel steering column whereby left movement of the seat results in a right turn of the front wheel and a right movement of the seat results in a left turn of the front wheel.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] There are other human powered vehicle devices designed having one or more components of the present invention. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 86,405 issued to Irwin on Feb. 2, 1869.

[0007] Another patent was issued to Giles on Jan. 11, 1881 as U.S. Pat. No. 236,572. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 246,682 was issued to Lorenzo on Sep. 6, 1881 and still yet another was issued on Jun. 17, 1890 to Brock as U.S. Pat. No. 430,107.

[0008] Another patent was issued to Schmiedel on Aug. 8, 1893 as U.S. Pat. No. 502,866. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 627,680 was issued to Brock on Jun. 27, 1899. Another was issued to Anderson on Sep. 26, 1899 as U.S. Pat. No. 633,746 and still yet another was issued on Dec. 24, 1918 to Benson as U.S. Pat. No. 1,288,809.

[0009] Another patent was issued to Holland on Sep. 28, 1965 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,208,764. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,902 was issued to Maebe on Mar. 26, 1985. Another was issued to Douglas et al on Jan. 14, 1975 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,264 and still yet another was issued on Oct. 11, 1994 to Lofgren et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,084.

[0010] The invention is a three-wheel velocipede where the rider's seat is connected with the guide frame so as to swivel or swing laterally therewith. A pivot bolt forms the direct connection and turns in a socket on the front end of the connecting brace. To the upper end on the socket is secured a transverse stationary hand-support.

[0011] The invention is a velocipede having more than two wheels; and it consists, principally, in the clutch coupling on one of the driving wheels; in a seat capable of vibrating in a vertical plane transverse to the line of advance and steering-gear connected therewith, so that the vehicle may be steered by swaying the body toward one side or the other; in a hollow reach to house and protect the steering shaft; in the projecting crank-arm of the steering-shaft; in the projecting crank-arm of the steering shaft with pendant crank ends, the weight whereof tends to keep the steering wheel in median position.

[0012] The invention is a shaft having a large drive wheel and two small ratchet-wheels rigidly secured thereto, and provided with recesses at its ends, into which the axle-arms are secured.

[0013] The invention relates to three-wheel velocipedes or tricycles and consists of devices to permit of adjusting the middle or steering wheel through the medium of the tricycle seat by the body of the rider, leaving both the hands and the feet free, as for driving the vehicle. Also, in connection with said steering devices, of a driving mechanism having one or more pairs of vertical levers united by a horizontal bar or bars, whereby a support is afforded to the body of the rider in the act of steering by the seat.

[0014] The invention is a bicycle frame, a steering wheel, a laterally swinging saddle frame suspended from the bicycle frame and a connection between the steering wheel and the saddle frame, whereby the wheel is operated by the swinging of the said saddle frame.

[0015] The present invention is partly related to improvements for turning the steering-wheel of a bicycle by connection with a vertically pivoted seat, and partly to the means for pivoting the steering-wheel upon the end of a fixed axle, partly to a toggle connection between the pedal and the driving, partly to a double-fulcrumed hand-lever connected to the driving crank, and partly to a frame built upon a single horizontal frame-bar for supporting the said mechanism effectively. The invention consists in attaching the front wheel steering fork to the saddle-post and so connecting the former with the front wheel that the said wheel may be readily swiveled by the movement of the rider upon the saddle.

[0016] The invention is a bicycle embodying in its organization a frame composed of rigid tubes, a driving wheel mounted in the rigid frame, a steering wheel mounted in a steering fork pivoted within one of the oblique tubes of the frame, and a saddle rigidly connected with the pivoted shank of the steering fork, the point of contact between the steering wheel and the ground being substantially in line with the shank of the steering fork.

[0017] The invention relates to improvements in a combined velocipede and go-cart. An object of the invention is to provide a velocipede for small children which is particularly adapted for indoor use and so arranged that it can be easily propelled by a child and steered by moving the seat.

[0018] The invention relates to a four wheeled cart having a novel steering arrangement whereby the vehicle is steered by twisting the body of the user in a rotatable seat, thereby providing a cart in which steering is accomplished without the use of the hands of the user.

[0019] A velocipede having a front wheel assembly carrying a front wheel and a rear wheel assembly carrying a pair of co-axial rear wheels. The wheel assemblies are pivotally connected approximately midway between the axis of rotation of the front wheel and the axis of rotation of the pair of rear wheels by a pivotal coupling member that is rotatable around an axis that lies in the longitudinal plane of the velocipede at an angle of 20 degrees from the vertical. A spring within the pivotal coupling member limits the relative displacement of the wheel assemblies to 25 degrees on either side of the vehicle's normal forward position in response to sideways tilting of the front wheel assembly by means of a weight shifting or leaning motion of the rider of the velocipede.

[0020] A three-wheeled vehicle having a front body member carrying front wheel seat, hand pedals and leg supports pivotally connected to a rear body member carrying the rear wheels and handlebar. The front body member includes a seat for the operator and pedals to be operated by the rider's hands. The seat, pedals, front wheel and leg supports are maintained in a fixed relationship whereby pivoting of the front frame portion simultaneously pivots the seat, pedals, drive line and front wheel to maintain said fixed relationship while turning and supplying power to the front wheel. A stabilizing dampener between front and rear frame sections provides smooth steering and inhibits undesired, inadvertent, side to side movement of the rider's body and thereby repetitive back and forth turning of the vehicle.

[0021] A three-wheeled vehicle having a front body member carrying front wheel seat, hand pedals and leg supports pivotally connected to a rear body member carrying the rear wheels and handlebar. The front body member includes a seat for the operator and pedals to be operated by the rider's hands. The seat, pedals, front wheel and leg supports are maintained in a fixed relationship whereby pivoting of the front frame portion simultaneously pivots the seat, pedals, drive line and front wheel to maintain said fixed relationship while turning and supplying power to the front wheel. A stabilizing dampener between front and rear frame sections provides smooth steering and inhibits undesired, inadvertent, side to side movement of the rider's body and thereby repetitive back and forth turning of the vehicle.

[0022] While these human powered vehicles may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

[0023] The present invention discloses a new and novel tricycle with adjustable linkage for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore, the linkage can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel toward the rear wheels provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel away from the rear axle provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative to the seat allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the drive mechanism. Additionally, the present invention has a cantilevered seat with the seat at one distal end and the other end forming a yoke connected to the front wheel steering pivot column whereby left movement of the seat results in a right turn of the front wheel and a right movement of the seat results in a left turn of the front wheel.

[0024] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having linkage means for varying the position of the guide wheel and drive mechanism.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having means for adjusting the back rest of the seat in a vertical movement.

[0026] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having means for adjusting the inclination of the back rest of the seat.

[0027] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle where the drive mechanism can be positioned whereby the rider can use their hands to power the vehicle.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle where the guide wheel can be move closer to or further from the rear axle.

[0029] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having a cantilevered seat forming a yoke for the drive column at one distal end.

[0030] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human-powered vehicle where the rider can steer the guide wheel by means of the seat by shifting their weight left and right.

[0031] Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

[0032] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a tricycle with adjustable linkage for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore the linkage can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel toward the rear wheels provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel away from the rear axle provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative the seat allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the drive mechanism. Additionally a cantilevered seat with the seat at one distal end and the other forming a yoke connected to the front wheel steering column allows the rider to steer the vehicle by moving the seat laterally.

[0033] The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

[0034] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0035] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tricycle.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the two main parts of the tricycle.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering operation of the tricycle.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a top view of the tricycle shown in FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the joints around the front wheel.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the front joints.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a side view of the tricycle.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a sliding movement of the front wheel.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the pedal assembly fully extended forward.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the pedal assembly pulled up close for hand pedaling.

[0050] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the pedal and chain support arm assemblies.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a side view of the front wheel and pedal assembly in which the chain support arm assembly is relaxed for maximum extension of the drive chain.

[0052] FIG. 17 is the same view of the front wheel and pedal assembly in FIG. 16 with the chain support arm assembly tightened.

[0053] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the back seat assembly.

[0054] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the back seat tilted back.

[0055] FIG. 20 is a side view of the tricycle with the seat assembly lifted up.

[0056] FIG. 21 is a view of an alternate seat.

[0057] FIG. 22 is a view of an alternate seat in moveable positions.

[0058] With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.

[0059] A pivot axis

[0060] B pivot axis

[0061] C pivot axis

[0062] 10 present invention

[0063] 12 sprockets

[0064] 14 front wheel

[0065] 16 pedal assembly

[0066] 18 handle assembly

[0067] 20 foot rest

[0068] 22 rear wheel

[0069] 23 axle

[0070] 24 bottom seat

[0071] 25 tongue

[0072] 26 back seat

[0073] 28 main frame

[0074] 30 seat frame

[0075] 32 seat frame clamp

[0076] 34 steering pivot column

[0077] 35 radial arms

[0078] 36 front wheel assembly

[0079] 37 locking means

[0080] 38 steering pivot slot

[0081] 40 drive chain

[0082] 42 seat assembly

[0083] 44 primary extension clamp

[0084] 48 pedal extension clamp

[0085] 52 front wheel column

[0086] 54 pedal column

[0087] 56 front wheel arm

[0088] 58 front wheel axle

[0089] 60 front wheel arm clamp

[0090] 62 pedal U-fork

[0091] 64 seat frame pivot

[0092] 66 chain support arm assembly

[0093] 68 drive chain

[0094] 70 derailleur assembly

[0095] 72 pedal clamp

[0096] 74 roller arm body

[0097] 76 chain guard

[0098] 78 chain roller

[0099] 80 roller pin

[0100] 84 back seat frame

[0101] 86 back seat column

[0102] 88 back seat extension clamp

[0103] 90 back seat joints

[0104] 92 slide retainer

[0105] The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims.

[0106] Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle of the present invention 10. Shown is the present invention 10 with the derailleur line and the brake lines removed for a clearer view. The sprockets 12 and the derailleur are installed in the front wheel 14. The pedal assembly 16 is positioned over the front wheel 14 to drive it. The front wheel 14 and the pedal assembly 16 can be repositioned using various joints. Also shown are the handle assembly 18 and a pair of foot rests 20, a pair of rear wheels 22, a bottom seat 24 and a back seat 26.

[0107] Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an exploded view of the two main parts, the rear main frame 28 and front wheel assembly 36, of the tricycle of the present invention 10. The main frame 28 of the tricycle 10 holds the two rear wheels 22 on the ends of axle 23 and has a tongue-like member 25 thereon. The seat frame 30 holds the seats 24, 26 and is pivotably at 69 attached to the seat frame clamp 32, which is rigidly fixed to the steering pivot column 34 and the front wheel assembly 36. These two components, the rear main frame 28 and the front wheel assembly 36, are pivotably engaged to form the tricycle. Also shown are the pedal assembly 16, handle assembly 18, foot rest 20, steering pivot slot 38, and drive chain 40.

[0108] Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a perspective view of the steering operation of the tricycle of the present invention 10. Steering is accomplished by a user applying torque to the front wheel assembly 36 and seat assembly 42 with bottom seat 24 and back seat 26 by pushing the handles of handle assembly 18 with the hands while pedaling with the feet. Alternatively, the steering torque can also be applied by pushing the foot rests 20 with feet while pedaling with the hands. The front wheel assembly 36 and seat frame assembly 42 is itself unstable, but the added weight of a rider on the bottom seat 24 stabilizes the front wheel assembly 36 and seat frame assembly 42.

[0109] Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a top view of the tricycle of the present invention shown in FIG. 3. Fixed to the main frame 28 are the handle assemblies 18 and the foot rests 20 which provide the leverage needed to apply the steering torque to the front wheel assembly 36 and seat frame assembly 42 with bottom seat 24 and back seat 26 attached thereto.

[0110] Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a close-up view of the joints associated with the front wheel 14. Extending downward from the two radially extended opposed arms 35 on the lower end of the steering pivot column 34 are two, a right and a left, symmetrical primary extension clamps 44, pivoting around the axis A. Joined to these are the pedal extension clamps 48 (only right side shown) and the front wheel columns 52, pivoting around the axis B. The pedal columns 54 are attached to the pedal extension clamps 48, pivoting around the axis C. The front wheel 14 is attached to the front wheel arm 56 by the front wheel axle 58. The front wheel arm 56 is attached to the front wheel arm clamp 60, which is slidably clamped to the front wheel columns 52. The entire front wheel assembly and pedal assembly, therefore, pivot around the axis A. The front wheel 14 can also pivot around the axis B independently as well as slide along the front wheel columns 52. The pedal assembly (not shown) can pivot around the axes B and C without affecting the front wheel 14. Also shown are the main frame 28 rotatably disposed on the steering pivot column 34 and seat frame 30. The pivot joints A, B and C are fixedly pivotable having means for being fixed such as fastening, clamping or locking means 37 as shown.

[0111] Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is an exploded view of the front joints as previously disclosed. The front joints in FIG. 5 are exploded and shown from the left side (of a rider). All of the extension clamps, columns and arms are positioned and moved and operated symmetrically on both the left and right sides. Also shown is the pedal U-fork 62.

[0112] Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a side view of the tricycle 10. Clearly seen are the primary extension clamps 44 and the front wheel columns 52 stemming from the steering pivot column 34. These extension clamps 44 and columns 52 can be independently adjusted for optimum position of the front wheel 14. Also shown is the seat frame pivot 64. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown.

[0113] Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel 14. The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the front wheel 14 in a vertical plane around the pivot axis A. This pivoting movement rotates the entire wheel assembly 36 and the pedal assembly 16 as one body along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0114] Turning to FIG. 9, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel 14. The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the front wheel assembly 36 around the pivot axis B. The pivot axis B can be used to rotate the front wheel assembly 36 and the pedal assembly 16 independently or together. This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0115] Turning to FIG. 10, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly 16. The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the pedal assembly 16 around the pivot axis B. The pivot axis B can be used to rotate the front wheel assembly 36 and the pedal assembly 16 independently or together. This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0116] Turning to FIG. 11, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly 16. The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the pedal assembly 16 around the pivot axis C. The pivot axis C is used to change the pedal assembly 16 without affecting the front wheel assembly 36. This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0117] Turning to FIG. 12, shown therein is a diagram of a sliding movement of the front wheel assembly 36. This diagram shows the front wheel arm clamp 60 sliding along the front wheel column 52 carrying the front wheel assembly 36 with it. This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0118] Turning to FIG. 13, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle 10 with the pedal assembly 16 fully extended forward for foot peddling. All three pivot axes A, B and C as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can be used to position the pedal assembly 16 in a comfortable and functional position. Shown here is the pedal assembly 16 fully extended out to the front for comfortable pedaling by the feet. The pedal U-fork 62 allows the pedal assembly 16 to be tilted deep into the forward position. The chain support arm assembly 66 is rotated counterclockwise to keep the drive chain 68 taut or tight.

[0119] Turning to FIG. 14, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle 10 with the pedal assembly 16 pulled up close for hand pedaling. When pedaling is done by hand, the rider's feet are on foot rests 20 and provide necessary torque for steering. The chain support arm assembly 66 is relaxed for the drive chain 68 to be stretched upward. The chain support arm assembly 66 works in conjunction with the derailleur assembly 70 in making sure that the drive chain 68 is always properly tensioned.

[0120] Turning to FIG. 15, shown therein is an exploded view of the pedal assembly 16 and chain support arm assemblies 66. The pedal assembly 16 and the chain support arm assembly 66 are rotationally inserted into the pedal clamp 72, thereby sharing the same axis of rotation. The body of the chain support arm assembly 66 comprises the roller arm body 74 fixed to the chain guard 76. A chain roller 78 on a roller pin 80 is rotationally fixed at the ends of each of the two roller arms 74. The chain support arm 66 employs means to fix it in position once adjusted.

[0121] Turning to FIG. 16, shown therein is a side view of the front wheel 14 and pedal assembly 16 in which the chain support arm assembly 66 is relaxed for maximum extension of the drive chain 68. The chain support arm assembly 66 and the pedal assembly 16 share a common axis of rotation. The chain support arm assembly 66 can be fixed in position frictionally or by spring tension.

[0122] Turning to FIG. 17, shown therein is the same view of the front wheel 14 and pedal assembly 16 in FIG. 16 with the chain support arm assembly 66 tightened. Turning the chain support arm assembly 66 counterclockwise tightens the drive chain 68. This is shown in this Figure with the pedal assembly 16 in the same position as in FIG. 16 for comparison. Tightening the drive chain 68 and lowering of the pedal assembly 16 will usually be done in conjunction.

[0123] Turning to FIG. 18, shown therein is a perspective view of the back seat assembly 42. The tricycle is shown here without the wheels for a clearer view. The back seat frame 84 with back seat 26 attached thereto is inserted into the back seat column 86, which is pivotably joined to the back seat extension clamp 88. The back seat extension clamp 88 is, in turn, pivotably connected to the seat frame 30. This configuration comprises, two back seat joints 90 for adjusting the back seat 26.

[0124] Turning to FIG. 19, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle 10 with the back seat 26 tilted back. The tricycle 10 is shown here with the back seat 26 tilted back for a comfortable recumbent riding. Besides changing the angle of the back seat 26, the two back seat joints 90 can be used in unison to bring the back seat forward and back. Also shown is bottom seat 24.

[0125] Turning to FIG. 20, shown therein is a side view of the tricycle 10 with the seat assembly 42 lifted up. The seat frame 30 is pivotably attached at 64 to the seat frame clamp 32, thereby allowing the seat assembly 42 to be lifted up. The seat frame clamp 32 itself is rigidly fixed to the steering pivot column 34. Also shown are the back seat 26, main frame 28 and seat frame pivot 64.

[0126] Turning to FIG. 21, shown therein is a view of an alternate seat design. The tricycle of the present invention can be provided with alternate style seats 24, 26 as the one illustrated.

[0127] Turning to FIG. 22, shown therein is an alternate seat 24, 26 in movable positions. FIG. 22 is an illustrative view of an alternate seat 24, 26 of the present invention showing the moveability of the seat 24, 26 as it rides within a slide retainer 92 attached to the rear axle 23. Seats 24, 26 are fixed together and partially rotate in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.