Recumbent tricycle sail

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the performance of a recumbent tricycle by allowing the user to harness the motive force of wind.

[0002] (Not Applicable)

[0003] None

[0004] No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application.

[0005] Not Applicable

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
	Element Name	Element Number
	recumbent tricycle	1
	hub mount	2
	front wheels	3
	recumbent tricycle boom	4
	outriggers	5
	main frame	6
	chain wheel	7
	pedals	8
	accessory mounting tube	9
	chain	10
	chain guide	11
	right side brake handle	12
	left side brake handle	13
	seat	14
	recumbent tricycle rear wheel	15
	sprint caster	16
	steering rods for front wheels	17
	handle bars	18
	rear wheel brake handle	19
	rear wheel brake line	20
	front derailleur shifter	21
	rear derailleur shifter	22
	rear wheel frame fork	23
	rear wheel brake	24
	rear wheel tricycle rack	25
	mast mount	26
	mast	27
	forestay	28
	starboard (right) sprint sidestay	29
	port (left) sprint sidestay	30
	back stay	31
	sprint sidestay spreader	32
	derailleur shifter line	33
	stern stay bar	34
	dogleg	35
	rear starboard (right side) stay	36
	rear port (left side) stay	37
	starboard (right) mast sidestay	38
	port (left side) mast sidestay	39
	jib (head) sail	40
	tricycle sprint bottom stay	41
	jib sheet	42
	butterfly jib boom	43
	tricycle sprint	44
	butterfly jib boom bracket with cleat	45
	jib sheet mast cleat	46
	jib swivel	47
	jib furler	48
	jib sail furler line	49
	luff line	50
	butterfly jib boom apex	51
	rigid jib spar	52
	butterfly jib boom sleeve	53
	turnbuckle	54
	rigid forestay	55
	securement pins	56
	support strut	57
	mast rigging subsystem	58
	tricycle sprint rigging subsystem	59
	sail deployment subsystem	60
	sailing system	61
	sail window	62
	disc brake	86
	disc brake caliper	87

[0019] In overview, the apparatus and method as described herein teaches a sailing method and apparatus which allows a sail to be added to a recumbent tricycle. The inventor discloses and claims adding a frontally mounted sail to an existing recumbent tricycle through a combination of parts sold as a kit, the method of mounting and using said front sail in combination with a recumbent tricycle and a land sail cycle wherein the sail and recumbent tricycle are integral as well as any other means to accomplish the function of frontally mounted sails in combination with recumbent tricycles.

[0020] In the following 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.

[0021] Recumbent tricycles (sometimes referred to simply as “trikes”) are closely related to recumbent bicycles, although they have three wheels instead of two. Tricycles come in two varieties, the delta, with two rear wheels, and the tadpole, with two front wheels. Most recent high-performance tricycles are of the tadpole variety. Tricycles are very stable and are capable of turning sharply without leaning, producing lateral “g forces” similar to a sports car.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the sailing system 61 as mounted to a recumbent tricycle 1 and as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 6–10. FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 show the recumbent tricycle 1 with various sections of sailing system 61 removed to highlight certain elements and features discussed in greater detail herein. In overview, the sailing system 61 is composed of a mast rigging subsystem 58 (FIG. 1A), tricycle sprint rigging subsystem 59 (FIG. 1B) and sail deployment subsystem 60 (FIG. 1C). The mast rigging subsystem 58 includes mast 27 and various stays, as shown generally at FIG. 1A in complete lines and described in more detail herein, which are affixed between the recumbent tricycle 1 and the mast 27. A stay, as typically used in nautical applications, is defined as a wire, rope or cable. The mast rigging subsystem stays support the mast 27 and distribute forces generated by the jib sail 40 across the mast rigging subsystem 58 and recumbent tricycle 1 to allow for stable operation of the recumbent tricycle 1 during land sailing. The tricycle sprint rigging subsystem 59, as shown generally at FIG. 1B in complete lines, including tricycle sprint 44, sprint sidestays 29 and 30, jib boom 43 and luff line 50, along with other elements further described and defined herein, generally function to support the tricycle sprint 44 which supports the jib sail 40 as deployed. Sail deployment subsystem 60 shown at FIG. 1C in complete lines includes jib sail 40, jib sheet 42, butterfly jib boom 43, butterfly jib boom bracket with cleat 45, jib sheet mast cleat 46, jib swivel 47, jib furler 48, jib sail furler line 49 and luff line 50 along with other elements further described and defined herein, functioning to deploy jib sail 40 and cooperating with the other elements and subsystems of sailing system 61 and recumbent tricycle 1.

[0023] Jib sail 40, as shown may be made of any suitable strong lightweight material compatible with sailing which may or may not be transparent. Suitable jib sail 40 materials may include canvas, Aramid fibre laminates, (also known by the tradename Kevlar®) polyurethane films, Dacron®, Mylar or Pentex laminates, woven fabrics, monofilm and composites incorporating carbon or any combination thereof. As designed, the rider may operate the land sail vehicle with a jib sail having a material that is relatively opaque. Rider visibility may be increased by choosing a sail that is fully transparent or as shown in FIG. 1 having a transparent sail window 62.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates the lower front portion of the recumbent tricycle 1, as found in the prior art, with seat 14 removed to better show frame 6. The general shape of the tricycle frame 6 is that of an isosceles triangle with a rear wheel 15 at the first vertice of the triangle, proximate to rear wheel frame fork 23 and front wheels 3 at the second and third vertices of the triangle.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5 the portions of the frame 6 extending out sideways from the center to the wheels are known as outriggers 5. Hub mounts 2 connect the outriggers 5 to the front wheels 3. Extending anteriorly out from front wheels 3 is boom 4 upon which chain wheel 7 has been mounted (FIG. 2). Pedals 8 turn chain wheel 7, which is connected through chain 10 to a sprocket attached to rear wheel 15. Turning chain wheel 7 allows motive force to be applied by a rider sitting on seat 14 attached to frame 6, positioned posterior to front wheels 3. A front derailleur shifter 21 allows changes in the front crankset gear ratio (not shown) through derailleur shifter line 33 (FIG. 5) and rear derailleur shifter 22 allows changes in rear cassette gear ratio (not shown) to further improve user selection of tricycle speeds. The tricycle 1 may also be slowed down or stopped using independent brakes (shown as disc brakes 86 and calipers 87 in FIG. 5) mounted at both left and right front wheels 3 and controlled by right and left brake handles 12, 13 (FIG. 2). Directional control and steering by the rider is delivered through handle bars 18 (FIG. 5) which are connected to front wheel steering rods 17. To allow the rider to manage the jib sail 40 with left hand and control the recumbent tricycle 1 with right hand, a rear brake 24 (FIG. 2) has been added to the rear wheel 15. The rear brake 24 also allows stable control of the recumbent tricycle 1 through a single brake controlled by the rear brake handle 19 (FIG. 6), thus freeing the rider's other hand to control the jib sail 40 through jib sail sheet 42. Most recumbent tricycles of the tadpole variety used with this sailing system do not come outfitted with a rear-wheel brake. This rear wheel brake disclosed and claimed herein provides even braking with one hand, freeing the rider's other hand to control the sail deployment subsystem 60 of the sailing system 61. The rear wheel brake 24 as shown is one means of stably braking the land sail vehicle using one hand, as recited in the claims.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates the lower support portion of the tricycle sprint rigging subsystem 59 as attached to the recumbent tricycle 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the tricycle sprint 44 has a first and second end. The first end of the tricycle sprint 44 is engaged with the boom 4 portion of the tricycle 1 between the front wheels 3 and is positioned anteriorly of the front wheels 3 (second and third vertices). The tricycle sprint 44 may be a hollow tapered tube made to be lightweight and strong. The preferred material is a carbon fiber composite, but other materials may be chosen such as plastic, steel and or aluminum. This element comprises the upper portion of the tricycle sprint rigging subsystem 59 shown generally at FIG. 1B and the lower portion of the sail deployment subsystem 60. It may be mounted to or simply engage boom 4 at the front axle.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the front (or second end) of the tricycle sprint 44 is connected to the lower end of the forestay line 28 and the lower end of the luff line 50 through jib furler 48. As shown, actual connection hardware is an eye-bolt (no numeral assigned). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other attachment means and methods including screws and brackets may be used without departing from the spirit and intent of present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the first end of the tricycle sprint 44 detachably abuts boom 4 (FIG. 2). The various sprint sidestays (FIG. 3) shown provide the necessary tension to hold the tricycle sprint 44 in place against the recumbent tricycle boom 4. With proper modification, the tricycle sprint 44 may also be attached to the boom 4 with securements such as bolts, brackets and screws. The tricycle sprint 44 may be also formed integral with the frame of the recumbent tricycle 1. The tricycle sprint 44 as shown is one means of providing support for the lower portion of sailing system 61, as recited in the claims. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 the front (or second end) of tricycle sprint 44 incorporates a caster 16 or wheel means to protect the tricycle sprint 44 in the event of contact with the ground. The caster 16 as shown is one means of providing support for the tricycle sprint 44, as recited in the claims.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, 1A and FIG. 7, the mast rigging subsystem 58 has a vertically positioned mast 27 having a first and second end. The first end of the mast 27 mounts to the mast mount 26 (FIG. 5) for engagement with and mounting upon the tricycle frame 6 between the second and third wheels 3. For stability, the mast 27 is mounted in the center between the second and third wheels 3. The mast 27 is supported by a forestay 28 (FIG. 1) which is a component of both mast and tricycle rigging subsystems, 58 and 59, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the mast mount 26 (FIG. 2) is not secured to the frame 6 of the recumbent tricycle 1 but only abuts against it. Those skilled in the arts will appreciate that mast mount 26 may also be secured to the frame 6 with bolts or brackets, or made integral to the frame 6. The mast mount 26 and mast 27 may also be fabricated in either one or two distinct pieces. The mast 27 and mast mount 26, as shown, are one means of vertically supporting the upper portion of sailing system 61, as recited in the claims.

[0029] The forestay 28 is attached to the top of the mast 27 at one end and at the front end of the tricycle sprint 44 at the other end (FIG. 1). A back stay 31 having a first end attached to the top end of the mast 27 and a second end attached to the tricycle frame 6 proximate the rear vertice. The forestay 28 is one means of supporting the anterior portion of the sailing system 61, as recited in the claims.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the back stay 31 starts as one line but may be split into two lines using a dogleg 35 before attachment to the stern stay bar 34 which attaches to the rear wheel tricycle rack 25 (FIG. 7). In this configuration, the stern stay bar 34 maintains the position of the rear starboard stay 36 and rear port stay 37 creating or maintaining a functional space for the rider. The back stay 31 is one means of supporting the rear portion of the mast rigging subsystem 58, as recited in the claims. The rear wheel tricycle rack 25 provides one means of attachment of the rear portion of the mast rigging subsystem 59 to the recumbent tricycle 1, as recited in the claims.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the starboard mast sidestay 38 has a first and second end. The first or upper end of the starboard mast sidestay 38 (FIG. 7) is connected to the top end of the mast 27. The second or lower end of the starboard mast sidestay 38 connects to the second vertice of the frame 6, which in this embodiment is the hub mount 2 of the tricycle 1 (FIG. 5). The starboard mast sidestay 38 (FIG. 7) directs sail system 61 support forces to the right side of tricycle 1 to increase stability. Also as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the port mast sidestay 39 has a first and second end. The first or upper end of which is connected to the top end of the mast 27. The second or lower end of the port mast sidestay 39 connects to the third vertice of the frame 6, which in this embodiment is the hub mount 2 of the tricycle 1. The port mast sidestay 39 directs the mast rigging subsystem 58 support forces to the left side of tricycle 1 to increase stability. The starboard and port mast sidestays 38, 39 work together to prevent the mast 27 from moving sideways. (FIG. 1A) The starboard mast sidestay 38 and port mast sidestay 39 are one means of restricting the mast 27 from moving sideways, as recited in the claims.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, a starboard (right) sprint sidestay 29 supports the right front of the tricycle sprint rigging subsystem 59. The starboard sprint sidestay 29 connects to the tricycle sprint 44 at the front and then runs through the stay spreader 32 to connect to wheel mount 2 (FIG. 5), proximate the second vertice of tricycle frame 6. Correspondingly, a port (left) sprint sidestay 30 (FIG. 3) supports the left front of the tricycle sprint rigging subsystem 59. The port sprint sidestay 30 connects to tricycle sprint 44 at the front and runs through the sprint stay spreader 32 to connect to wheel mount 2 (FIG. 5), proximate third vertice of tricycle frame 6. The combination of sprint sidestays stabilize the front of the tricycle sprint 44 and restrict sideways movement during sail operation. The starboard sprint sidestay 29 and port sprint sidestay 30 are one means of restricting the tricycle sprint 44 from moving sideways, as recited in the claims. Tricycle sprint bottom stay 41 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 attaches at the first end to the underside of recumbent tricycle boom 4 (FIG. 2). The first end of bottom stay 41 may also be connected to the tricycle frame proximate to the mast mount 26, as long as the tricycle sprint bottom stay 41 does not interfere with the chain wheel 7, pedals 8 or chain 10. The second end of tricycle sprint bottom stay 41 is attached to the front end of the tricycle sprint 44. Tricycle sprint bottom stay 41 provides support for the front portion of tricycle sprint rigging subsystem 59. The tricycle sprint bottom stay 41 prevents the tricycle sprint 44 from moving upwards when the jib sail 40 is active. The tricycle sprint bottom stay 41 is one means of restricting the tricycle sprint 44 from moving upwards, as recited in the claims.

[0033] Luff line 50, as illustrated in FIG. 8, is a cable or rope running through the front inside portion of the jib sail 40 which is connected at the top to the jib sail swivel 47 (FIG. 1) and at the bottom to the jib furler 48, which is connected to tricycle sprint 44. The jib furler 48 rotates to furl and unfurl the jib sail 40 in combination with jib sail swivel 47. FIG. 7 illustrates the jib sail 40 furled. The jib sail 40 is connected at its upper end to mast 27 (FIG. 1) at jib sail swivel 47 and at its lower end connects to the anterior end of tricycle sprint 44 at jib sail furler 48. The jib sail 40 has a luff line 50 (FIG. 8) on the leading edge which supports it under load. Deployment of the jib sail 40 (FIG. 1) allows the recumbent tricycle 1 to capture the wind and be used as a land cycle sail vehicle. The jib sail 40 is one means of sail for the land cycle sail vehicle, as recited in the claims. The luff line 50 as shown in detail at FIG. 8 is one means of supporting the jib sail 40, as recited in the claims. Additionally, the combination of jib sail swivel 47 and jib sail furler 48 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 are one means of deploying the jib sail 40, as recited in the claims.

[0034] FIGS. 3, 7 and 8 illustrate the butterfly jib boom 43 which bi-sects the lower portion of the jib sail 40. The front portion of the butterfly jib boom 43 is attached to the forestay 28. The leading edge of the jib sail 40 (sometimes referred to as the sail “luff”) and the luff line 50, run inside the front portion of the butterfly jib boom 43, but are not attached to the forestay 28 nor to the butterfly jib boom 43, in order that the jib sail 40 may be furled freely. The butterfly jib boom 43 acts to hold jib sail 40 taunt when unfurled by butterfly jib boom bracket with cleat 45 (FIG. 6). The butterfly jib boom bracket with cleat 45 also acts to allow jib sail 40 to be partially or wholly furled, depending on wind conditions. The butterfly jib boom 43 is one means of varying the amount of sail area exposed to the wind, as recited in the claims.

[0035] The front point where the curves of the two tubes comprising the butterfly jib boom 43 meet is defined as the butterfly jib boom apex 51 (FIG. 8). The butterfly jib boom apex 51 is also the connection point to the forestay 28. The butterfly jib boom 43, as attached to forestay 28, permits the rear end of the butterfly jib boom 43, together with the jib sail 40, to swing to the port or starboard side of the recumbent tricycle 1, depending on the direction of the wind. FIG. 11 illustrates butterfly jib boom 43 and jib sail 40 swung out to the port side of the recumbent tricycle 1. This action of the butterfly jib boom 43 permits the jib sail 40 to be “self-tacking” when the operator changes the direction of the recumbent tricycle 1 relative to the wind. The butterfly jib boom 43 is one means of deploying the jib sail 40 to be self-tacking, as recited in the claims.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates further embodiments of the sailing system disclosed herein wherein line comprising forestay 28 has been replaced by rigid forestay 55. Preferred materials for the rigid forestay 55 are carbon fiber composites for lightweight, flexibility and rigidity. Alternative materials such as plastics and lightweight metals or combinations thereof may also be selected. As shown in FIG. 9 and more particularly in FIG. 10, the apex of the butterfly jib boom 51 has been further modified with the addition of a butterfly jib boom sleeve 53. This modification improves upon the butterfly jib boom 43. The butterfly jib boom sleeve 53 fits over the rigid forestay 55 and allows the butterfly jib boom 43 to swing from side to side without permitting the opposite end of the butterfly jib boom 43 to move up or down. The support struts 57 are one means to further strengthen the connection of the butterfly jib boom sleeve 53 to the butterfly jib boom 43. Securement pins 56 restrict movement of the butterfly jib boom sleeve 53 along the tubular forestay 55. To reduce the weight of the rigid forestay 55, it may be tubular or hollow.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 10, the addition of the butterfly jib boom sleeve 53 to the butterfly jib boom 43 and the use of a rigid tube as a forestay, inside the butterfly jib boom sleeve 53, prevents the back end of the butterfly jib boom 43 from moving up or down while sailing, which would otherwise cause slack or bending in the sail surface area. This improvement makes the self-tacking jib sail 40 maintain maximum surface area exposed to the wind at all times increasing the efficiency of the jib sail 40. The butterfly jib boom sleeve 53 in combination with butterfly jib boom 43 is one means of allowing the rear end of the butterfly jib boom 43 to swing laterally while maintaining maximum surface area exposed to the wind at all times, as recited in the claims. Securement pins 56 are one means of restricting movement of the butterfly jib boom sleeve 53 along the tubular forestay 55, as recited in the claims. FIG. 11 illustrates the position of the butterfly jib boom 43 as jib sail 40 is swung out away from the tricycle 1 during sail deployment.

[0038] FIGS. 9 and 10 also illustrate another embodiment of the sailing system disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the luff line 50 has also been replaced with a rigid jib spar 52, also capable of minimal flex and having enhanced rigidity, similar to the rigid forestay 55. This rigid jib spar 52 does not bow out or bend as does luff line 50. During sailing, rigid jib spar 52 increases overall efficiency of jib sail 40 during operation by maintaining maximum exposure of “luff” to the wind, by not bending.

[0039] The preferred materials for the rigid jib spar 52 are carbon fiber composites for lightweight flexibility and rigidity. Alternative materials such as plastics and lightweight metals or combinations thereof may also be selected. The rigid jib spar 52 may also be tubular or hollow. The rigid forestay 55 and rigid jib spar 52 may be implemented together as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 or independently. Although rigid forestay 55 and rigid jib spar 52 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are circular, non-circular shapes may also be chosen. The rigid forestay 55 is one means of increasing the rigidity of both the mast rigging subsystem 59 and sail deployment subsystem 60, as recited in the claims. The rigid jib spar 52 is one means of increasing the rigidity of the sailing system 61 to enhance sail performance, as recited in the claims.

[0040] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, variations or modifications would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the appended claims should not be limited to their literal terms, but should be broadly construed in accordance with the scope of the invention, as described above.