Movable Occupant Support Patents (Class 280/220)
  • Patent number: 11964727
    Abstract: A vehicle including a single front wheel arranged on a center line extending in a front-rear direction, two rear wheels arranged on a left side and a right side of the center line, a steering part arranged above the front wheel, a placement part on which feet of an occupant are placed, a first member rotatably supporting the front wheel and supporting the front wheel in a steerable manner by the steering part, a second member arranged behind the first member to rotatably support the two rear wheels, and a connecting part connecting the first member and the second member swingably in a left-right direction about an axial line extending in the front-rear direction. The placement part is supported by the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Striemo Inc.
    Inventor: Yotaro Mori
  • Patent number: 11685459
    Abstract: A foldable human-powered vehicle upon which users can ride is described. The vehicle includes a wheel assembly, a deck assembly, a seating assembly, a handle assembly, a deck support frame, and a brake assembly. The vehicle also includes a first and a second bicycle having a first handle disposed opposite a second handle. A first handle of the second bicycle is affixed to a second handle of a portion of the handle assembly to affix the second bicycle to the vehicle. A second handle of the first bicycle is affixed to a first handle of a portion of the handle assembly to affix the first bicycle to the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a rear component affixed to a portion of the deck assembly, where a head tube of a third bicycle is affixed to the rear component to affix the third bicycle to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Bonanno
  • Patent number: 11602682
    Abstract: Device and method embodiments for a rotation powered vehicle are described, the rotation powered vehicle being capable of converting a rotational motion of a platform pivotally secured to the rotation powered vehicle in either of two angular directions into a linear motion of the rotation powered vehicle in a single linear direction for the purposes of conveyance. In some cases, the angular motion of the platform may be slight when compared to the resultant linear powered stroke of the rotation powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: RXF Motions
    Inventors: Steven Craig Anderson, Philip R. Dinter
  • Patent number: 11565168
    Abstract: A skateboard system includes a first suspension member having first through third portions, each portion having a largest flat planar surface. The first portion includes a plurality of mount holes to mount it with a skateboard deck. The largest flat planar surface of the second portion is angled between fifteen and sixty degrees relative to the largest flat planar surface of the first portion and relative to the deck. The largest flat planar surface of the third portion is angled between fifteen and eighty degrees relative to the largest flat planar surface of the second portion. The third portion includes at least one opening to mount a truck assembly and/or a hanger with the third portion. The first suspension member flexes, such that an angle between the largest flat planar surface of the second portion and the deck decreases, in response to a first downward force on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Cruz Control Skate Company, LLC
    Inventors: Leonardo Alberto Moronta Blanco, Mark Augustine Puglia, Cameron Kyle Kunde, Seamus Scott Winters, Trevor Gerard Danna, Christian Miles Etherton, Max Thomas Marcel Heudebourg, Eamon Joseph McCarthy, Lucas Aidan Sonnergaard McGahren
  • Patent number: 11440608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kick scooter including a deck assembly (1) and a handlebar assembly (2); the handlebar assembly (2) includes a transversal handlebar (21) and a stand column (22), one end of the stand column (22) being connected to the transversal handlebar (21) and the other end of the stand column (22) being provided with a connecting post (23), an axial direction of the connecting post (23) forming an obtuse angle with an axial direction of the stand column (22); a plug hole (130) is provided in the deck assembly (1) and cooperates with the connecting post (23) by insertion, an axial direction of the plug hole (130) forming a sharp angle with a direction of extension of the deck assembly (1); when the connecting post (23) is located outside the plug hole (130), the handlebar assembly (2) is separated from the deck assembly (1); two locking slots (131) are provided at an insertion opening of the plug hole (130) and arranged respectively on two sides of the plug hole (130); and the connecting post
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: ID DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph Mazoyer, Philippe Bajard
  • Patent number: 11084550
    Abstract: A scooter includes a scooter body with substantially triangular front and rear body portions. The substantially triangular front body portion has a front side and a first connecting side. The front side and the first connecting side of the front body portion form a first acute angle. The substantially triangular rear body portion has a rear side and a second connecting side. The rear side and the second connecting side of the rear body portion form a second acute angle. The first and the second connecting sides are connected so as to linearly slide with respect to one another such that when the scooter body is in an extended state the front side is in a greater distance from the rear side than a distance when the scooter body is in a compact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Arturo Aguilar Ruelas, Hector Alberto Mendoza Saldivar
  • Patent number: 11058593
    Abstract: Mobility device for physically disabled people 1, comprising a chassis 10 with at least one motor for maneuvering the entire mobility device 1; a pivot arm 20, which at its lower end 22 is pivotably connected to the chassis 10; and a pelvis support 40, which is connected to an upper end 23 of the pivot arm 20; wherein a physically disabled person 2 can sit with the pelvis support 40 attached to its body, can move around with the mobility device 1 in a standing position on the chassis 10, and can change on its own from sitting to standing position, wherein all elements of the mobility device 1 except the elements directly contacting the body of the person 2 extending above pelvis height h of the sitting person 2 can be lowered or moved to or below this height h. The present invention further comprises a method for erecting of a sitting physically disabled person 2 and for fixing of the person 2 in standing position onto a motor-driven mobility device 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: MATIA ROBOTICS MEKATRONIK SISTEMLER AR-GE MUHENDISLIK YAZILLM SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Necati Hacikadiroglu, Enes Canidemir
  • Patent number: 10843061
    Abstract: The present invention comprises structural fenders for a riding device with laterally-spaced wheels, for example on a skateboard. Each wheel is covered by a structural fender that supports the wheel axle on each side of the wheel. Each wheel may have its own axle, or a pair of laterally-spaced wheels may have a single axle. The structural fenders may be used with a skateboard, scooter, or other riding device, and may be connected with a truck hanger comprised of three rigid bodies connected by revolute and spherical joints and a single compliant body to provide three primary motions: leaning, steering, and floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Rasyad Chung
  • Patent number: 10479435
    Abstract: A vehicle body frame includes a head section that rotatably supports a steering shaft, and main frames extending from the head section toward a rear side of a vehicle body. A cross section of the main frame in a direction crossing a vehicle body forward/rearward direction is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a vertical width larger than a lateral width. A carbon fiber reinforced resin in which carbon fibers are oriented uniformly in the vehicle body forward/rearward direction is installed on at least one of upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the main frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Iwakami, Shimpei Shikanai
  • Patent number: 10435102
    Abstract: The invention allows a rider to operate a bicycle in a recumbent position, and steer the bicycle using a direct underseat steering system. The recumbent position, compared to the typical upright riding position, greatly reduces air resistance and required effort. The direct underseat steering system is mechanically simple, which makes is less costly to manufacture, and the direct steering system is also less likely than linkage-based systems to be damaged in a crash. The frame geometry allows the manufacturer to use inexpensive materials and techniques, while still providing the rider adequate stiffness and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Chapin Del Sol White
  • Patent number: 10358180
    Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle has a first tube with a first distal end and a second tube with a second distal end. The first and second tubes are movable relative to one another to establish a distance between the first and second distal ends. A first pressure chamber has a loaded pressure proportional to a load applied along the tube axis. A second pressure chamber has a second pressure not proportional to the load. A flow path connects the first and second pressure chambers. A valve is disposed along the flow path and is configured to move between a closed position closing the flow path and an open position opening the flow path between the first and second pressure chambers. An isolator of the valve is configured to nullify any resultant force produced by the loaded pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Shipman, Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 10252760
    Abstract: A bicycle seat suspension system using a suspension arm mounted on the frame of a bicycle attached to the seat-post of the seat having two shock absorbers absorbing differing amounts of shock by virtue of a multiplier arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Martin G. Leon
  • Patent number: 9950760
    Abstract: A bicycle seat position changer is provided which allows the rider to quickly change the effective seat tube angle of the bicycle without requiring the use of tools. The seat position changer allows the rider to move the seat between a forward position and a rearward position, allowing a rider to select a more aerodynamic position or a traditional road position while riding, as required for comfort or by riding conditions. The seat position changer allows the rider to adjust the seat position between the forward and rearward positions while maintaining a consistent difference in seat-to-bottom-bracket length. In one embodiment the consistent difference in seat-to-bottom-bracket length is close to zero and imperceptible to the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Redshift Sports LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Dewei Ahnert, Erik Teig De Brun, Scott David Poff
  • Patent number: 9849626
    Abstract: A method of producing an interior trim part of a vehicle. The method includes forming a carrier having a carrier surface. The carrier surface is at least partially uneven. The method further includes applying a decorative paper layer on the carrier surface. The decorative paper layer is selectively folded at predetermined locations during or before being applied onto the carrier surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Ostner, Astrid Jünger, Andrea Fagner
  • Patent number: 9656709
    Abstract: A swing scooter includes a frame, a riser bar, a handlebar, a front wheel, at least two carrier rods, a flexible linking mechanism, at least two rear wheels, at least two pedals, at least two auxiliary wheels and at least two swinging modules. The auxiliary wheels are installed at the rear of the rear wheels. When the front wheel and the rear wheels touch the ground, the auxiliary wheels are situated at an appropriate height from the ground, and the swinging module is coupled between the carrier rods and the rear wheels. During use, the front and rear wheels situated at the general using status touch the ground, or the front of the scooter is tilted, such that the rear wheels and the auxiliary wheels touch the ground to add more fun to the use of the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: YVOLVE SPORTS LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9290227
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a head tube rotatably supporting first and second handlebars, and the handlebars each selectively pivot to a tow position extending away from the head tube. The bicycle frame includes first and second primary wheel mounts receiving first and second wheels, respectively, in a riding configuration of the bicycle frame, and one of the primary wheel mounts includes a first drive system coupling operably engaging one of the wheels with a bicycle control and power system. The bicycle frame further includes first and second secondary wheel mounts receiving the first and second wheels, respectively, in a towing configuration of the bicycle frame, and one of the secondary wheel mounts includes a second drive system coupling operably engaging one of the wheels with the bicycle control and power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9079061
    Abstract: This device is exercise equipment that can be used in the home or outside. It is a vehicle that is propelled by arm and leg power. The device is a three wheeled vehicle that driven by the movement of the handlebars and the seat. The rider moves the handlebars and the seat back and forth. The handlebars are attached to the wheels by a set of pulleys. When the handlebars are moved back and forth they drive the wheels. The handle bars and the seat are attached to each other so that both the legs and the arm are exercised. Thus, an individual can ride around the town in his vehicle exercising his whole body. He can also exercise in his home with a stand that holds the drive set of wheels off the floor so that the vehicle will not move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew S. Millirans
  • Publication number: 20150076786
    Abstract: A rider-propelled wheeled vehicle includes a support surface for supporting a user's feet, which defines a longitudinal axis, a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels associated with the support surface, a system for rotatably connecting the rear wheels to the support surface, and adapted to allow their oscillation about a first oscillation axis inclined with respect to the support surface. The rear wheels have respective first pivot axes independent of and transversally offset from each other for at least partial transfer of the propulsion exerted by the user on the support surface to such wheels and for generation of a reaction substantially parallel to the plane to thereby promote a forward motion of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Daniele Calabria, Arcangelo Sassolino
  • Patent number: 8888115
    Abstract: A bicycle seat tube assembly and seat post can be arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle. Desirably, a saddle is configured to be supported by a seat post which connects to a bicycle frame at the seat tube assembly. An open cavity can be formed between the seat tube assembly and the seat post. The open cavity can be configured to allow the system to act as a spring. Further, spring stiffness can be adjusted to reduce vibrations and increase damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Chubbuck
  • Patent number: 8864159
    Abstract: A bicycle frame having a first frame section carrying a handle bar assembly and a front wheel assembly; a second frame section carrying a crank unit and a rear wheel assembly; a first primary connecting arm carried by said first frame section being received into a second primary connecting arm carried by said second frame section, wherein said first primary connecting arm is telescopically carried by said second primary connecting arm for extending and retracting said first frame section relative to said second frame section; a mounting plate included in said second frame section extending over said rear wheel assembly; a plate suspension member included in said second frame section connecting said mounting plate to said rear wheel assembly for controlling relative motion between said mounting plate and said rear wheel assembly. A rider platform is carried by said mounting plate for accommodating a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Scolari
  • Publication number: 20140246841
    Abstract: A wheelchair is disclosed herein. The wheelchair includes a base frame extending in a fore-aft direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the fore-aft direction. The wheelchair also includes a plurality of wheels supporting the base frame for movement. The wheelchair also includes a seat frame operable to support a seat and a wheelchair occupant sitting in the seat. The wheelchair also includes a support assembly interconnecting the seat frame to the base frame for pivoting movement between an upright position, a fully-tilted position and an intermediate position between the upright position and the fully-tilted position. The support assembly utilizes a plurality of control paths to direct the seat frame in translating and rotating planar body motion that defines a fixed centrode. A center of gravity of the seat frame and the seat and the wheelchair occupant is definable in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Murray G. Slagerman, Thomas J. Whelan, Richard E. Schneider, Douglas H. Munsey
  • Patent number: 8820766
    Abstract: A tricycle has a frame, a front wheel with drive pedals, a seat, and a footboard. The footboard of the novel tricycle can optionally be mounted on the frame in a first orientation and at least a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Heinz Kettler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Kettler, Karin Kettler
  • Patent number: 8573624
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle and handlebar height adjustment device including a tubular element provided with elements for its connection to the saddle, and presenting a portion cooperating with a support element for the tubular element. The support element is associated with a ring nut rotating thereon and presenting a first thread cooperating with a corresponding first counter-thread provided on the tubular element. An alignment element is present to maintain the angular position between the tubular element and the support element. The ring nut is associated with the support element by way of a second thread cooperating with a corresponding second counter-thread provided on the support element. The first and second threads are counter-rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Angelo Morelli
  • Patent number: 8567804
    Abstract: A mobile device for supporting a user in a standing, sitting, or kneeling position such as to increase the mobility of paraplegic persons or other users incapable of moving as desired. The mobile device includes a drivable base having wheels and/or track members, a platform pivotally connected to the base and movable from a horizontal position to a forwardly-angled position, an actuator connected to the platform for angular adjustment of the platform, a pair of leg supporting assemblies connected to the platform and being hinged along a lengthwise axis, a pair of actuators connected to the leg supporting assemblies for pivoting the leg supporting assemblies, and a securing assembly connected to the leg supporting assemblies for securing a user to the device. The device also includes a wireless handheld controller for operating the drive unit and actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jody M. Hoenhause
  • Patent number: 8540264
    Abstract: A four wheel stepper bike having a body with an internal chamber containing a drive mechanism for transmitting power to a wheel, a steering linkage, and a brake. Foot pedal units on opposite side of the body are moved by an operator's feet to apply force to the drive mechanism. A steering column with handles hinged to the body and connected to the steering linkage is selectively movable to steer the bike and move between upright and folded positions. Bumpers attached to an end of the body support the bike in an upright position on a support surface when the steering column is in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Phillip E. Schlangen
  • Patent number: 8505945
    Abstract: A human-powered scooter propelled by side-to-side movement of the user. The scooter has a steering mechanism coupled to a front wheel, and two frame arms pivotably coupled to the steering mechanism and extending rearward, to which two rear wheels are respectively coupled. A novel linking piece such as a mechanical plate member coupled to the steering mechanism can releasable engage with the frame arms in order to restrict their pivoting to equal magnitude in opposite directions. The linking piece can also disengage from the frame arms to allow the frame arms to be folded up. The pivoting axes of the two frame arms are predetermined such that, when folded, the frame arms are as near as possible to being parallel to a main steering control shaft of the steering mechanism. A mechanism for directly braking at least one of the rear wheels is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8469369
    Abstract: A combined seat with compression device for interactively actuating a sound effects unit incorporated into a ride on toy vehicle as a user bounces up and down on the combined seat with compression device. The toy includes a frame for a ride-on toy vehicle, a sound effects unit having a housing secured to the frame, a seat secured to the frame and movable between first and second positions, an actuating mechanism attached at the seat for engagement with the sound effects unit, and a deformable compression device positioned at the seat capable of depressing as the seat is moved from the first the position to the second position to interactively activate the sound effects unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. McCarthy, Craig McElhaney, Steven Lee Unruh
  • Patent number: 8454045
    Abstract: A tricycle has a frame, a front wheel with drive pedals, a seat, and a footboard. The footboard of the novel tricycle can optionally be mounted on the frame in a first orientation and in at least one second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Heinz Kettler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Kettler, Karin Kettler
  • Patent number: 8398104
    Abstract: A bicycle seat adjustable device includes an outer tube with an inner tube movably inserted therein and a piston is connected to the inner tube. A valve control device includes an outer path tube in the inner tube, and a lower end of the outer path tube is connected to the piston and a top end of the outer path tube extends toward the inner tube. A movable piston is movably mounted to the outer path tube. An outer oil room and an inner air room are defined between the inner tube and the outer path tube. A valve unit is connected to the inner path tube to form an inner oil room and a path which communicates with the outer oil room and the inner oil room, and controlled by the valve unit. The inner tube and the inner path tube increases the travel distance of the hydraulic oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Jung Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8342552
    Abstract: Multiple pivot points on a bicycle frame provide for automatic adjustment of the saddle of the bicycle during usage of the bicycle within a range of positions. The bicycle will normally position the saddle in a neutral position area of the range of positions during steady pedaling over level ground. During sprinting the bicycle will position the saddle in a sprinting position area of the range of positions where the saddle raises and moves forward to maintain contact with the rider to support the rider. During downhill riding the bicycle will position the saddle in a downhill position area of the range of positions where the saddle drops and moves rearward while supporting the rider. A saddle locking assembly permit the rider to prevent the saddle from raising to permit the rider to raise off of the saddle when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Felton Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8346441
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body, a wheel rotatably supported and coaxially disposed on the body, and an occupant riding portion supported by the body. The motor vehicle is provided with a body attitude detector for detecting an attitude of the body and a body attitude controller for controlling the body attitude detected by the body attitude detector, wherein, in response to an inertial force or a centrifugal force generated by acceleration, deceleration or a turning motion of the motor vehicle, the occupant riding portion is moved so as to balance the inertial force or the centrifugal force. The motor vehicle further includes an occupant attitude controller for controlling an attitude of the occupant riding portion in accordance with a detection value detected by the body attitude detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: KabushikiKaisha Equos Research
    Inventors: Nobuaki Miki, Munehisa Horiguchi, Katsunori Doi
  • Patent number: 8322741
    Abstract: A wheelchair having a tiltable and translatable seat for compensating for shifting of the center of gravity of an occupant during tilting is provided. Such a wheelchair includes a frame, a first actuator, a seat assembly, and a first rigid link. The first actuator includes opposing front and rear ends coupled to the frame, a rod that extends between the front and rear ends, and a connector that is capable of translating in response to actuation of the rod. The seat assembly is directly coupled to the connector of the first actuator. The first rigid link has a front end and a rear end. The link front end is pivotably coupled to the frame, and the link rear end is pivotably coupled to the seat assembly. The link may be oriented such that as the connector translates, the first link impels the chair to tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: David Nathan Laslo, John C. Carminati
  • Patent number: 8272655
    Abstract: A mini bike for strengthening a leg muscle, and for enjoying amusement and a leisure time is provided. The mini bike having a pedal as a power generator includes: a driver having a first bevel gear in order to transmit rotation power generated by a rolling motion of a pedal; a second bevel gear installed to transmit rotation power generated in the driver; a first power transmission gear coaxially installed in the second bevel gear to transmit rotation power to a spline shaft; a clutch positioned at the spline shaft to selectively connect rotation power of the first power transmission gear to a first gearshift and a second gearshift and for controlling a low speed and a high speed; a first driving gear and a second driving gear for rotating by selection of the clutch; and a driving controller including a gearshift in which the clutch is connected to the cable in order to select the first gearshift and the second gearshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Mi Nar Kim
  • Patent number: 8262114
    Abstract: A tool-less coupling of a child vehicle having a front frame and a rear frame includes a post coupled to one of the front or rear frames; a locking insert having at least one flexible table coupled to the post, and a head tube coupled to the other of the front or rear frame, wherein an opening in a first end of the head tube is sized to cause inward flexing of the flexible tab as the post is inserted through the head tube, and the flexible tab flexes back outwardly after passing through the opening in the head tube so that a portion of the flexible tab is adjacent an end surface of the head tube such that the flexible tab cannot move back through the opening. Accordingly, the removal of the post from the head tube is prohibited and the front and rear frames are coupled together. A method for a tool-less assembly of a child vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventor: Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120217721
    Abstract: A bidirectional propulsion caster assembly is disclosed for enabling a rider to generate bi-directional motion from a ride-on device. A mounting bracket is attachable to the bottom of the device and defines a pivot axis extending in a generally transverse direction across the bottom of the device. A rocker bracket and caster shaft having a caster shaft axis are attached to the mounting bracket and pivot about the pivot axis along an arc between first and second positions. A wheel bracket is mounted to and rotates about the caster shaft. A wheel is mounted to the wheel bracket for rotation about a wheel axis angularly offset from the caster shaft axis. One or more changeable pivot stops may be attached to the rocker bracket or the mounting bracket and effective to further define the available arc of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas J. O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 8235397
    Abstract: An exercise bicycle with an eccentric wheel includes a cushioning body and an elastic driving device. The cushioning body includes a front frame, a rear frame, a pivot, and a suspension. The front frame has a handlebar, a front wheel and a saddle. The rear frame has a fixed portion and an eccentric rear wheel. The pivot is disposed between the front frame and the rear frame. The suspension is connected to the front frame and the rear frame. The elastic driving device is mounted in the fixed portion of the rear frame and has two casing pipes, two springs, two upper pedals, two pedal assemblies, and a connecting board. The exercise bicycle allows a user pumping the elastic driving device up and down as horse-riding to achieve an exercising purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: David Lee
  • Patent number: 8220813
    Abstract: A pedal-driven scooter includes a frame, a head tube, a driving mechanism and two pedals. The pedals can move alternatingly to power the driving mechanism and making the rear wheels to roll. Therefore, a user can standing on the pedals to operate the scooter without kicking the floor as the conventional scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Shui-Chuan Chou
  • Publication number: 20120133106
    Abstract: There is provided a wheel mounting assembly having a wheel fork. The fork includes an interior and an inwardly extending protrusion disposed within the interior. The assembly includes a rotatable member operatively connected to the fork and disposed within the interior of the fork. The protrusion abuts and positions in place the rotatable member. The assembly includes a shaft. The rotatable member rotatably connects the shaft to the wheel fork. The assembly includes a retaining member connected to the shaft. The retaining member is configured to abut the protrusion of the fork and thus inhibit dislodgement of the rotatable member from the fork when the shaft is tilted relative to the fork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Publication number: 20110285105
    Abstract: A human-powered personal transportation device powered by pedals which are operated by the user with a stepping motion. The bottom surfaces of the pedals are curved, and serve to guide cable means which transfer the downward stepping force into torque on a rear drive wheel. The curvature of the bottom surface of the pedals is such that the rearmost point of contact between each pedal and its respective cable means is dependent upon the position of the pedal. This causes a variable distance between said rearmost point of contact and the axle of the drive wheel, which translates to variable torque. Thus the continuous transmission functionality is a natural result of the curved pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8056915
    Abstract: A stepping scooter includes a scooter body for supporting a rider, a moving system, a driving system and a steering lever. The moving system includes a driving wheel rotatably connected with the scooter body, a driven wheel coaxially aligned with the driving wheel and rotatably connected with the scooter body. The driving system includes a driving arrangement pivotally connected to the scooter body, and a transmission and speeding up arrangement engaged with the driving arrangement to convert a human power applied on the driving arrangement into a rotation power to drive the moving system. When the human power is applied on the driving arrangement, the driving wheel is rotated so as to drive the driven wheel to move forward. On the other hand, the transmission and speeding up arrangement is capable of increasing a transmission velocity twice to save a physical force for the rider at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mingfang Pang
  • Patent number: 7988170
    Abstract: An improved scooter includes a frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a stem, a handle, left and right pedal devices, and left and right first driving devices and second driving device. The left and right first driving devices are driven by the left and right pedal devices respectively for solely or jointly driving the second driving devices, and the driven second driving devices can drive the rear wheel to rotate and roll forward, such that the front and rear wheels can jointly drive the scooter to move forward. Users can pedal the pedal device(s) by one leg or both legs alternately to operate the scooter. The scooter not only complies with the simple, smooth, power-saving, stable and safe ergonomic design, but also comes with a unique operation and driving mode and achieves the effects of providing a recreational sport with fun as well as a transportation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 7950736
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is slidably mounts to rails secured to a vehicle chassis. The rails extend downwardly and away from the steering shaft of the vehicle at a substantial slope. Grooves formed in the rails receive posts secured to the seat to slidably mount the seat. A plurality of registration surfaces, such as a row of apertures, are secured to the rails and engage one or more locking pins. The locking pins are actuated by cables extending to a lever positioned near the edge of the seat. Springs urge the locking pins into engagement with the registration surfaces when tension is not applied to the cables. In an alternative embodiment, an air spring mounts between the seat and vehicle chassis. The amount of air within the air spring controls the position of the seat along the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse W. Olson
  • Patent number: 7891685
    Abstract: A scooter driving structure includes a step member pivotally coupled to a scooter platform and swingable up and down, a first driving module installed at a position corresponding to the step member and comprising a driving rod, a guide wheel, a first driving wheel, a first driving belt and a position restoring element, and at least one second driving module installed between a pivotal axle of the first driving wheel and an axle center of a rear wheel and comprising a second driving wheel, a second driven wheel and a second driving belt. The step member is pedaled to move the driving rod of the first driving module and drive the first driving belt to rotate the first driving wheel, and the coaxial second driving wheel of the second driving module drives the second driven wheel and the rear wheel to rotate through the second driving belt, so as to achieve a dual drive effect of driving a scooter to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 7828313
    Abstract: An adjustable bicycle seat which is supported on a seat tube. The seat is vertically adjustable and held in place by a clamp. A spring is located within the tubular seat frame. The lower end of the spring is supported within the tubular seat frame. A seat tube clamp is positioned about the tubular seat frame which adjustably holds the seat tube at a desired height. Means are provided for limiting the upward movement of the seat to retain the seat tube within the tubular seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Henry Cienfuegos
  • Publication number: 20100237582
    Abstract: The vehicle has a single steered front wheel (1) mounted on a main frame (5) and two rear wheels (2, 3) mounted on a left (6) and right (7) frames. The left and right frames are connected to the main frame pivotally, which permits the vehicle to be folded into a compact position. The folded vehicle can stand up-right and can be moved to a storage place on two rear (2, 3) and two caster (145) wheels. For carrying inside a car the cycle also can be disassembled to four parts. The seat (9) has a two-point spring suspension with the axis higher than the center of gravity of the seated driver. It allows the seat with the driver to stay in a vertical position while driving on a lateral slope or to lean right and left as the vehicle is making a turn. The vehicle has a leg-operated back pedaling brake mechanism (15) and a car-style steering mechanism with a high-ratio cable reducer (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Alexandre Belenkov, Eugene Belenkov
  • Patent number: 7793956
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scooter with driving mechanism comprising a scooter assembly and at least a driving mechanism, wherein the scooter assembly has a treadle and a rear wheel; the driving mechanism comprises a reset device and a transmission device, which has an irreversible transmission unit and a passively driven gear, wherein the passively driven gear is driven by the driving gear in meshed manner to drive the irreversible transmission unit in relay way, the irreversible transmission unit, which is connected to the rear wheel, is served to drive the rear wheel to rotate in single direction. Thus, by means of the treading and releasing actions with the treadle, the scooter can be driven smoothly with benefits in not only the risk of tumbling down accident being avoided but also the effects in energy-saving and environmental protection being achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Laing Ban International Inc.
    Inventor: Mei-Yen Hsu
  • Patent number: 7793961
    Abstract: A removable foot support device for a motorcycle passenger generally comprises an elongate member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is removably mounted to a first portion of a motorcycle. A support member coupled to the second end portion of the elongate member includes a footrest surface for supporting the passenger's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel G. Day
  • Patent number: 7722068
    Abstract: An adjustable seat for a children's ride-on vehicle includes a seat having a pair of tubular brackets mounted thereto. A pair of rails are positioned on the frame of the vehicle and are received within the tubular brackets so that the seat slides on the rails. A series of seat adjustment holes are formed in each rail. Locking rods have distal ends that engage the seat adjustment holes in a removable fashion so that the seat may be selectively locked in position. A locking mechanism is mounted on the seat bottom and features a housing that encloses a compression spring and a pair of squeeze buttons that engage the locking rods and urge them into the seat adjustment holes of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Michelau
  • Patent number: 7717446
    Abstract: A bicycle that includes an elliptical pedaling motion is provided. The bicycle includes a frame, having a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a first and a second foot link guide track. A first and a second foot link, each including a foot platform and a guide track coupler that slideably couples each foot link to a respective foot link guide track and a crank assembly that is coupled to the first and second foot links and to a sprocket that is rotatably coupled to the frame. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: PT Motion Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Pate, Brent Teal
  • Publication number: 20100059968
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a body having a seat assembly configured to support a child; and a drive assembly adapted to selectively drive rotation of at least one driven wheel in a plurality of drive configurations, and including a motor assembly comprising at least one electric motor, at least one user input device positioned to receive inputs from a child supported by the seat assembly and adapted to selectively actuate the motor assembly, a battery assembly adapted to selectively energize the motor assembly, and a detection system adapted to detect whether an accessory is coupled to the body. The drive assembly being adapted to restrict driving of the at least one driven wheel to less than all drive configurations of the plurality of drive configurations based on the detection system detecting whether the accessory is coupled to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, Scott H. Mcilvain, David G. Waples