Interconnected Steering Means Patents (Class 280/240)
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Patent number: 11708121Abstract: An adaptor bar includes a retractable tube unit. Two end parts are respectively connected to two respective ends of the tube unit. Two C-shaped hooks are respectively fixed to the two ends of the tube unit. Each hook includes a first connection portion. Two plates are respectively connected to the two end parts. Each plate includes a first section, a second section and a third section. The second section is formed inclinedly between the first and third sections. The third section of each plate is fixed to the end part corresponding thereto. The first section of each plate is removably engaged with the first connection portion of the hook by sliding the end part. The first section includes a first recess and a second recess. The second recess is located close to the second section and includes a recessed reinforcement which reinforces a portion between the first and second sections.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: KING RACK INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Chiu Kuei Wang
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Patent number: 11572130Abstract: A bicycle pedal attachment includes an elongated pole, similar to hiking pole, which is removably attachable to the pedals of a bicycle or tricycle. The bike pedal attachment includes a bracket assembly and a pole assembly. The bracket assembly includes a support bracket attachable to a bicycle pedal. The distal end of the support bracket includes a ball joint extend therefrom. The ball joint then serves as an operative connection point for the pole assembly. The pole assembly includes an elongated telescopic pole with a locking mechanism at a distal end. The locking mechanism includes a slidable locking member that engages with the ball joint thereon. Once assembled thereon, the bike pedal attachment allows a user to use their hands eases the cycling motion performed on the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Inventor: Michael V. Huth
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Patent number: 11492070Abstract: A cardan joint steering titanium alloy hand and foot cooperatively operated bicycle capable of being ridden with one leg comprises a bicycle front wheel, a front wheel fork frame, a bicycle rear wheel, a frame body, a seat cushion assembly, a steering handlebar, paired chain wheels and a rear wheel fork frame. The upper end of a front fork rotating shaft and the lower end of an assisting stem are connected through a cardan joint component, symmetric ratchet wheels are provided on the two sides of the bicycle rear wheel, the paired chain wheels are fixed to the two sides of a frame middle shaft, pedal shaft pins are symmetrically provided on the outer sides of the paired chain wheels, and the paired chain wheels and the symmetric ratchet wheels are connected through symmetric chains.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: WENZHOU SAMCOOL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventors: Zhixiong Zhang, Yuren Chen
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Patent number: 11427280Abstract: A system, generally for use with light personal vehicles such as bicycles or e-bikes, for enabling a vehicle trailer and a tow bar to be interconnected in either a braking configuration or a non-braking configuration, is described. Also described is a braking kit for interconnecting a tow bar and a vehicle trailer in a braking configuration, wherein the vehicle trailer comprises a connection interface dimensioned to be connected with an end of the tow bar in a non-braking configuration. When the tow bar and the trailer are interconnected in the braking configuration, at least a threshold amount of rearward force imparted via the tow bar during vehicle braking causes the actuation of at least one brake associated with the trailer wheels. The same tow bar can be used in either braking or non-braking configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Pi Manufacturing Inc.Inventor: Robert Bell
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Patent number: 10940063Abstract: A reciprocating drive motion wheelchair is provided. The wheelchair device includes a low-profile wheelchair that utilizes push bars pivotally connected to the wheelchair frame and operably connected to a crank bar, which run parallel to the ground and connects back to a crank on each wheel. An additional pair of wheels is disposed rearward of the drive wheels and prevents the wheelchair from tipping, thus allowing the user to utilize the push bars to move the wheelchair quickly and easily.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Inventor: Ben Eason
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Patent number: 10328988Abstract: A scooter is provided. The scooter comprises a frame assembly including a main frame for a user, an extendable frame movably connected to the main frame and configured to be extendable away from the main frame at an interface at which the main frame and the extendable frame meet, and a wheel assembly connected to the frame assembly. The extendable frame forms a cargo space at an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Eui Shik Bang, James Yu-Hsin Kuo, Chelsia Ka Po Lau, Daniel Tang, Jack Li
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Patent number: 10167043Abstract: A vehicle includes a right front wheel, a left front wheel, a brake operator, grips, and a steering force transmission which transmits a steering force to the right front wheel and the left front wheel. The steering force transmission includes a steering shaft, a handlebar, and a tie rod. Brake operators, which operate the brakes, and the grips are located on the handlebar, and a rubber damper located on the steering force transmission significantly reduces or prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the grips, wherein the vibrations are due to a difference between a frictional force generated between the right front wheel and a corresponding road surface and a frictional force generated between the left front wheel and a corresponding road surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takaaki Monna, Yosuke Hirayama
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Patent number: 9428244Abstract: A manually-powered vehicle propelled by muscular force, whose user maintains a standing position, and whose drive is hand-held. The vehicle according to the invention includes two drive wheels, with independent mechanisms installed inside them, which transform the swinging motion of the levers into unidirectional gyration of the drive wheels axis thus driving the vehicle forward, at least one neutral wheel mounted in a way allowing rotation around the vertical axis, and where a low-slung platform is attached directly to the casing of the mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: TORQWAY Sp. z o.o.Inventor: Andrzej Sobolewski
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Patent number: 8740235Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Smart Trike MNF PTE LtdInventor: Yoram Baron
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Patent number: 8714576Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: MDM Productivity, Inc.Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
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Patent number: 8702114Abstract: A vehicle with front and rear steering is disclosed. The vehicle can be a cycle. The cycle includes a front wheel steered by a front hand-steering mechanism, and two back wheels steered by a back hand-steering mechanism. The back wheels are dual inclined casters with full rotational movement. A drive train forward of the front wheel drives the front wheel, while a rider is inclined in a seat in a recumbent orientation. The front and rear steering provides unlimited maneuverability and turning capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Inventors: Tyler Hadzicki, Joseph Hadzicki
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Publication number: 20140091550Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTDInventor: Yoram Baron
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Patent number: 8602432Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Smart Trike MNF Pte Ltd.Inventor: Yoram Baron
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Patent number: 8465037Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Smart Trike MNF Pte Ltd.Inventor: Yoram Baron
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Patent number: 8448969Abstract: An exercise vehicle is provided with an improved push/pull rod steering system for use in directing vehicle travel and maintaining balance without interfering significantly with vehicle power. The vehicle includes a frame with an attached drive system that includes a drive wheel. The drive system includes arm levers operatively connected to the drive wheel so that counter-reciprocal movement of the arm levers produces rotation of the drive wheel. The steering system includes a guidance wheel rotatively coupled with the frame, a steering crank which is operatively coupled with the guidance wheel, hand levers pivotally attached to the arm levers and push/pull rod assemblies connecting the hand levers to the steering crank. When one hand lever pivots, the steering crank rotates, causing the guidance wheel to turn while simultaneously causing the other hand lever to pivot the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventor: Steven Coe Heath
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Publication number: 20130049321Abstract: A vehicle with front and rear steering is disclosed. The vehicle can be a cycle. The cycle includes a front wheel steered by a front hand-steering mechanism, and two back wheels steered by a back hand-steering mechanism. The back wheels are dual inclined casters with full rotational movement. A drive train forward of the front wheel drives the front wheel, while a rider is inclined in a seat in a recumbent orientation. The front and rear steering provides unlimited maneuverability and turning capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Tyler Hadzicki, Joseph Hadzicki
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Publication number: 20120181770Abstract: The invention relates to a two-wheeled cycle having an arm crank drive and a leg crank drive. The cycle has steering by means of shaft legs, wherein the cycle is steered by tilting, and the cycle has at least one steering support element which dampens, limits, or fixes the steering motion or exerts a restoring force in the straight-ahead position of the steering wheel. In addition, the geometry of the steering axis and of the fork offset are optimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventor: Martin Kraiss
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Patent number: 8118320Abstract: A steering mechanism for a push-and-pull vehicle provides a handlebar to be used to steer a vehicle left and right while simultaneously being used to drive the vehicle forward by pushing and pulling action. The handlebar is at the top of a swing pole, the swing pole being held by a turning sleeve on a swing arm pivoted on the vehicle frame. The swing pole connects the handlebar to a frame supported u-joint which is connected to a vehicle steering mechanism. The turning sleeve connects the handlebar and swing pole to the swing arm, the output of the swing arm driving the vehicle forward.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventor: Rocky Jenlon Lee
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Publication number: 20120001400Abstract: A vehicle with front and rear steering is disclosed. The vehicle can be a cycle. The cycle includes a front wheel steered by a front hand-steering mechanism, and two back wheels steered by a back hand-steering mechanism. The back wheels are dual inclined casters with full rotational movement. A drive train forward of the front wheel drives the front wheel, while a rider is inclined in a seat in a recumbent orientation. The front and rear steering provides unlimited maneuverability and turning capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: TYLER HADZICKI, Joseph Hadzicki
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Publication number: 20110278814Abstract: A personal transportation device comprises a riding platform supported by one or more wheels, a steering mechanism at least partially embedded in the riding platform and a drive wheel assembly. A first wheel may be steerable while a second wheel is a slave wheel. The steering mechanism may be foot-operated. The drive wheel may be hand-propelled and non-steerable. The drive wheel is operatively connected to a drive sprocket and chain and is coupled to the riding platform by a platform frame. The personal transportation device may comprise one or more track arm assemblies coupled to the drive wheel assembly such that movement of the track arm assemblies operates the drive wheel assembly and rotates a drive wheel to propel the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventor: EDWARD WALTER
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Patent number: 7992889Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle that is converted from a stroller for carrying a passenger and cycle operated by a rider to a combined unit. More specifically, the invention relates to a stroller and a bicycle combined, physically and operationally, such that the operator of the cycle portion of the stroller-cycle can control operation of the stroller portion while the stroller-cycle is in motion.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Soma Cycle, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ehrenreich, Joel Hoag, Brian Rhee
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Patent number: 7914030Abstract: A braking and steering assembly in a vehicle having a pushing section and a riding section. The assembly includes an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the riding section. The upper connection post has an upper end and a lower threaded end. The assembly further includes a lower connection post containing braking and steering components for the pushing section. The lower connection post has an aperture for threadedly receiving the lower threaded end of the upper connection post. The assembly also includes a rotatable front knob fixed to the upper end of the upper connection post. Rotatably tightening the front knob connects the lower end of the upper connection post with the upper end of the lower connection post. Braking and steering in the riding section controls braking and steering in the pushing section.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Soma Cycle, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ehrenreich, Joel Hoag, Brian Rhee
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Publication number: 20100300789Abstract: Front wheel drive vehicles, bicycles or motorized scooters, include an enclosed drive belt connected to provide power to the front wheel through a chain, where the vehicle is steered by way of a front fork extending outside and over the head tube of the frame, and methods of use thereof. Movable linkages, which may be belts, chains, or other linkages, provide power generated using pedals or a motor to the front wheel. The belts are preferably enclosed within the frame or the front fork to prevent interference or damage. A chain is preferably used to drive the front wheel. Having the front fork outside the head tube allows for the head tube to route the linkage from the frame to the front fork without interference by the steering connection to the front wheel, allowing for a full range of motion of the front wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Rodolfo (Rudy) Reyes
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Publication number: 20100283216Abstract: A bicycle with two front wheels includes: a main frame provided at its front end with a vertically oriented head tube; a pair of front wheels non-rotatably provided on both ends of a front wheel shaft held below the head tube; a rear wheel that is rotatably supported by a rear end of the main frame; driving means for driving the front wheels; and steering means for steering the front wheels. The steering means includes a steering handle, and a steering shaft extending from the steering handle downward and including a vertical steering shaft portion that is rotatably supported by the head tube and that has a lower end for turning the front wheel shaft. The driving means includes a horizontal driving shaft pivotally supported by the main frame, and a vertical driving body that can be rotated by the horizontal driving shaft and that is coaxial with the head tube, and the vertical driving body rotates the front wheel shaft through driving-interconnection means.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Kinya Kanou
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Patent number: 7798510Abstract: A vehicle including: a front wheel; two rear wheels; a seat configured to allow a rider to lean forward when the vehicle travels; and a frame that includes a front frame section and a rear frame section, the front frame section extending from the seat to at least an axis of rotation of the front wheel and connecting the seat to the front wheel, the rear frame section extending from the first frame section rearward and connecting the rear wheels to the first frame section, the frame sections being pivotably connected at a pivot point between the main wheel and the seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventors: Scott Patrick Comstock, Kurt Joseph Comstock
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Patent number: 7547029Abstract: A child transport vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame; displacement means depending from the frame; a vehicle attachment connector mounted on the vehicle frame and including a vehicle attachment connection site, the connector and the connection site may be configured to facilitate convertibility and usefulness of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: 634182 Alberta Ltd.Inventors: Daniel William Britton, Graham Alexander Lemee, Barry Dean Wylant, Antony William Stephen Gellion
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Patent number: 7237786Abstract: A rowing bicycle comprised of a frame (1), a steering unit (55), a powering unit (56) having a dual motion gear (23), wheels (2) and (3) and a seat (5). The frame (1) is designed so as to have the user sit in a position where his or her legs are almost horizontally straight. The steering unit (55) pivots left and right about a center bar (19) located in between the frame (1) to allow a user to turn the bicycle while the dual motion gear (23) allows the user to power the bicycle both when pushing the steering unit (55) forward and when pulling the steering unit (55) back.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignees: Iaz's Custom Welding, Inc.Inventor: Douglas R. Montez
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Patent number: 7168723Abstract: Front wheel drive mechanism for toy vehicles in which supports are attached to the vehicle, with a drive bar being positioned between them, at each end of which is mounted a respective sub-assembly including a clasp and a cross link, of which two legs are fitted into respective openings in the clasp mounted on the end of the bar and whose other two ends are fitted into respective openings in another respective clasp attached to each wheel of the vehicle. The system is completed by a respective L-shaped rotational element connected to the ends of the clasp of the wheel, and in which are fitted the ends of a steering bar that has a U-shaped part in the center into which the steering axle is fitted, with one end bent into an L and the other end fastened to the steering wheel of the vehicle, with the entire assembly being attached to the vehicle by the supports and with the wheels and hub caps being attached at the end.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Magic Toys Do Brasil Ind. E Com. Ltda.Inventor: Joaquim Matias de Oliveira
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Patent number: 7000934Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a two-wheel bicycle system wherein a pair of long levers are arranged on the cross-beam of the frame, to provide the fulcrum for the motion of the levers. The tops of the levers comprise handles perpendicular to such levers, with linkages to a circular and rotatable crank, which rotates in a plane parallel to the ground about a column commonly found in the steering mechanism for such a bicycle. The bottom ends of the levers connect to linking members to connect such levers to the pedals commonly found in such a bicycle. Such linking members are provided so that they are disconnected and then rotatable to be mounted on the diagonal frame piece of the bicycle, when the bicycle is used with hand-operated steering and foot-operated power. Before disconnection, only upper body energy is used to control both steering and powering the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: William Capek
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Patent number: 6712167Abstract: An electrical twist vehicle includes a transmission system which enables a rider to selectively switch between electrically operated mode and manually operated mode for two rear wheels of the electrical twist vehicle by shifting a control member into a predefined position. In electrically operated mode, the two rear wheels of the electrical twist vehicle are driven by an electrical driving device whereas in manually operated mode, the two rear wheels of the electrical twist vehicle are set to free rotating. The transmission system includes a driving wheel connected to an electrical driving device, a driven wheel connected to a rear wheels axle, a transmission belt connecting the driving and driven wheel, and a biasing wheel wherein in electrically operated mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventor: Hong-Jiun Gu
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Patent number: 6676147Abstract: In an airbag device (10) wherein within a casing (12) opening upwardly an inflator (16) and an airbag (14) are housed at its bottom part and the opening side, respectively, a cylindrical diffuser (18) surrounding the outer circumference of the inflator (16) is provided, which has a partition wall (40) projecting toward the opening side of the casing and partitioning an airbag-housing space into a forward side and a rearward side relative to the vehicle, in which to house the airbag (14) dividedly, and a lip portion (32) of the airbag (14) is superposed downwards of the diffuser (18) thereby to lock the bottom part of the diffuser (18) to the bottom surface of the casing (12). Thus, it is easy, albeit compart, to control the deployment behavior of the airbag and excellent in workability of assembling the airbag in the casing.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Ozaki, Kenji Shibayama, Kazuaki Bito, Takeshi Yamaji, Hidehito Sogi, Takashi Sasaki, Yoshinori Mihara
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Patent number: 6634662Abstract: A driving shaft device of a toy twist car is disclosed. The toy twist car has a car body. A rear side of the car body has an idle wheel and a front end thereof is installed with a vertical driving shaft. A handle is installed and perpendicular to the driving shaft. A lower end of the driving shaft is vertically installed with a driving seat which is extended horizontally. A rear end of the driving seat is installed with two driving wheels at a right and left sides of the driving seat. The driving shaft is a rod body, an axial rod encloses the rod body. A lower and an upper ends of the rod body have outer threads. Surfaces of the rod body and axial rod are formed with buckling structures and a lower end of the axial rod is formed with a connecting shaft and a shoulder portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Hong-Jiun Gu
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Patent number: 6616163Abstract: A combined skateboard scooter/exerciser comprises a handlebar, a board, a steering device, a transmission device, and a wheel device. The steering rod is rotatably supported by the board and thus rotatable relative to the board. In addition, the steering rod is movable back and forth relative to the board. The handlebar is mounted to an upper end of the steering rod to move therewith. The steering device is mounted to a lower end of the steering rod to move therewith. The wheel device is mounted to the steering device. The transmission device is mounted between the lower end of the steering rod and the wheel device such that back and forth movement of the steering rod urges the wheel device to move forward via transmission by the transmission device.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Jung-Tien Lee
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Patent number: 6581949Abstract: A wheeled vehicle that is convertible between a bicycle mode and a scooter mode. The cycle scooter includes a front wheel drive system with an operator seat that is movable between a lowered position that provides for comfortable operation of the vehicle in the bicycle mode, and a raised position for comfortable operation in the scooter mode. The frame includes rear and front portions that are pivotally attached and movable between a folded storage position and an extended operating position.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Zenon Lopez
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Patent number: 6499755Abstract: The present invention relates to an operation arrangement, particularly to an operation arrangement for a twist vehicle having a sliding slot located on an end portion of an driving frame, a pivot shaft located opposite to the sliding slot, a sliding shaft with one end sliding freely along the sliding slot and another end being connected to a rocking arm, a steering shaft being connected directly and perpendicularly to the rocking arm and operated by a steering wheel. As a result, the steering wheel for the twist vehicle can be extended backwardly towards the rear portion of the operating wheels, close to the user's operation position. This arrangement can improve ease of operation by moving the steering wheel towards the user and also maintain better stability by extending the length of the wheelbase and effectively causing the center of gravity to be shifted toward the idle wheel axle.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignees: Jar Chen WengInventor: Hong-Jiun Gu
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Patent number: 6378882Abstract: An exercise cycle comprising a frame, a hinge, and a drive mechanism. The frame comprises a forward frame member and a rearward frame member. The hinge operatively connects the forward frame member to the rearward frame member such that the forward and rearward frame members are pivotally moveable relative to each other about a hinge axis between operable and stowable positions. The drive mechanism includes an endless loop assembly. The exercise cycle is configured such that the frame may be folded without removal of the endless loop assembly. The cycle further includes left and right linearly reciprocating assemblies. The left reciprocating assembly is configured for being moved back and forth with foot pressure and hand pressure from a user's left hand and left foot. The right reciprocating assembly is configured for being moved back and forth with foot pressure and hand pressure from a user's right hand and right foot.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventor: John Devine
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Patent number: 6375208Abstract: A combined skateboard scooter/exerciser comprises a handlebar, a front body, a transmission device, a wheel device, and a board. A rear end of the front body is pivoted to the board and includes a slot through which a steering rod extends. The steering rod is attached to the handlebar to move therewith and movable along the slot. The transmission device is engaged with the steering rod and the wheel device such that back and forth movement of the steering rod urges the wheel device to move forward via transmission by the transmission device. The wheel device includes wheels attached to front and rear ends of the board. The user may stand on the board and operate the handlebar and the steering rod to move back and forth to thereby move the combined skateboard scooter/exerciser forward while achieving a rowing-like exercise effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Jung Tien Lee
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Patent number: 6328325Abstract: A wheeled vehicle having plural wheels referenced to a frame. The vehicle includes plural seats. Human power applied through handles and the seats converts and balances a first oscillatory motion along a first axis into rotational motion, while simultaneously converting oscillatory motion along a second axis into motion about an axis connected to a reference frame. The first oscillatory motion is output for useful work. The second oscillatory motion is used for vehicle control. The vehicle may be used in a stationary state as both a teamwork and physical-conditioning device and to generate power for useful work while the vehicle is stationary. Alternately, the power generated by the occupants may couple through a transmission to rotational motion to drive wheels, and thus to propel the vehicle. Precise steering control is provided for when the vehicle is being propelled.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Charles Greenwood
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Patent number: 6311998Abstract: The present invention relates to a geared scooter comprising a deck assembly, a handlebar, a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are arranged at front and rear ends of the deck assembly. The handlebar is pivotably disposed at the front end of the deck assembly and pivotably connected to one end of the coupling mechanism while the other end of the coupling mechanism is mounted on the drive mechanism of the rear wheel assembly. The drive mechanism is pivotably mounted on the rear wheel assembly in one body. In swinging the handlebar, the rear wheel assembly is driven with the drive mechanism by the coupling mechanism to create a forward power.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventors: Leao Wang, Peter Wu
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Patent number: 6224078Abstract: An occupant-propelled vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, a vehicle propulsion system with a movable force receiver, and a vehicle steering arrangement in one embodiment comprising a tilt-grip steering post, a steering drum, a steered wheel, a steered drum, and a flexible, sheathed cable. An inner member of the cable overlies the steered drum and the steering drum whereby a pivoting of the tilt-grip steering post induces a steering of the steered wheel. The steering post may have an axis of rotation perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and tangent to an arc of rotation of the moveable force receiver. The diameters of the steered and steering drums may be varied, and the steered drum may be disengagably indexed to the steered wheel. The steered wheel may be coupled to a second wheel to steer the second wheel in response to a steering of the steered wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Steven Tidcomb
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Patent number: 6206394Abstract: An exercise apparatus to exercise the upper and lower body that is powered by a simulated rowing motion is described. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, front and rear wheels, a slide rail, a lever arm, a steering mechanism and a drive mechanism that translates the user's energy to propel the exercise apparatus. The rotation point of the lever arm, the fulcrum of the lever arm, the maximum distance the lever arm travels fore and aft, and the length of the lower portion of the lever arm, among others is adjustable to maximize efficiency or effectiveness of exercising the user's upper and lower body. Stabilizing members are attachable to the rear wheel axle, wherein the stabilizing members are adjustable to either elevate the rear wheel above the riding surface or provide stabilization to the extent required by the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: O.S. Designs, Inc.Inventors: Scott B. Olson, David P. Sauter
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Patent number: 6036215Abstract: An improved apparatus for linking two or more bicycles together in tandem by means of a light-weight tubular member, wherein said member is attached a leading bicycle in a location near or on the seat and to the head tube of the trailing bicycle by a quick-release fastener. A separation means insures that the apparatus will automatically separate from the trailing bicycle in the event of excessive force being applied. An alignment means is provided to cause the trailing bicycle to track in substantial alignment with the leading bicycle. Cushioning material is provided on each coupling means to absorb shock and to minimize abrasive wear and to prevent marring of the respective bicycles.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Ronald Frank Bruner
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Patent number: 6036210Abstract: A handcycle supports a rider in a forward leaning ("modified prone") position, with the feet of the rider in straps above the rear axle, and the arms hanging generally downwardly toward a pedal assembly. The pedal assembly is generally at about the chest portion of the rider, which increases the leverage that can be applied to rotate the hand pedals, thereby increasing the speed of the bicycle. The central bar of the cycle frame extends upwardly and forwardly to support a rider at an angle of between about 15 and 45 degrees, and more preferably at an angle of about 30 degrees from the rear axle. Appropriate padding and supports can be provided along the mid-portion of the bar to support the chest of the rider at the proper angle. A damper assembly connected between the front fork and the frame of the cycle provides variation in dampening for front wheel stability in changing road conditions. The gear shift and brakes are also easily accessible.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: David V. Lee
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Patent number: 5975549Abstract: A system for simultaneously mounting a plurality of accessories such as panniers, baskets, trailer hitch and trailer, luggage carrier, wheel fender, etc. to a bicycle frame includes an upper mounting block rigidly attachable to the frame below the bicycle seat, and two lower stirrup members rigidly attachable to the frame adjacent the wheel axle on either side of the wheel. The upper mounting block has a socket for holding a tow bar and slots for mounting a luggage carrier, both of which have legs which are lockably inserted into receiving slots in the stirrup members. A key lock locks the mounting block to the bicycle frame and the accessories to the mounting block. Accessories may be locked to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventor: Lynn Marie Ockenden
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Patent number: 5876052Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is powered by a simulated rowing motion is described. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, slide rail, lever arm, steering mechanism and drive mechanism which together require the use of both the rider's upper and lower body muscles. A portion of the steering cables and drive mechanism are contained within a hollow portion of the lever arm. This containment provides added safety to the rider and reduces the likelihood of the cables or chain catching in either the clothing of the rider or objects the rider passes while riding the exercise apparatus. A stand is demountably engaged to the rear axle, providing the option of using the exercise apparatus as a stationary exercise machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: O.S. Designs, Inc.Inventors: Scott B. Olson, David Fowlkes, Jr., David P. Sauter
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Patent number: 5492349Abstract: An improved self-propelled wagon of the type having a body including front and rear ends, a front axle pivotally mounted to the front end, a rear axle mounted to the rear end, and a propelling means for transmitting the human force of the user to the rear axle. The improvement comprises a sliding gear assembly that includes a hollow tube having proximal and distal ends, a small spur sprocket freely rotably mounted at the proximal end of the hollow tube and a large spur sprocket means freely rotably mounted at said distal end of the hollow tube. The rotation of the sprockets driving corresponding chains trained thereon and causing the rotation of the rear axle. The sliding gear assembly is adapted such that a user may adjust the sliding gear assembly to selectively intermesh with, and turn, the small spur sprocket or the large spur sprocket. The improvement also comprises a steering assembly having a tube, horizontal rod, vertical rod, a fork and rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Inventor: Marcio C. Ferez
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Patent number: 5490686Abstract: A vehicle for converting oscillating human motion into linear vehicular translation. The inventive device includes a frame having first and second pairs of driving wheels rotatably mounted thereto. A pair of center wheels projects from the frame between the pairs of driving wheels to support the frame in conjunction with only one of the pairs of driving wheels. A propulsion and steering assembly mounted to the frame converts a manual pivoting movement of a lever arm about a horizontal axis into rotational torque applied to the driving wheels and further converts a manual pivoting of the lever arm about a vertical axis into steering of the center wheels to control the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Inventor: Gern J. Clouse
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Patent number: 5397145Abstract: A four wheel velocipede includes a single front to rear frame member connected to front and rear axle assemblies. The steering mechanism is coupled to the front axle assembly by a pipe braced to the frame member. In one embodiment, the frame member is bent over to one side and contains a drive linkage driven by a pedal operated crank assembly connected to a central cantilevered pipe for driving a rear wheel. In a second embodiment, a front wheel drive includes universal joints connecting the front axles to a pedal driven crank for permitting the front wheels to be driven while simultaneously steered. A horizontally extending cross member crank pivots about a vertical axis on the frame member for driving the pedal driven crank via a pair of reach arms connected to the cross member crank.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Inventor: Carlos Kobluk
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Patent number: 5297810Abstract: A wheelchair having two driving wheels (4, 19) with two corresponding hand levers (7, 20), and two transmission mechanisms (16) which convert the swinging motion of their levers (7, 20) into rotary movement of the driving wheels (4, 19). Each transmission mechanism (16) has a guide (34) accommodating, a rod (36) with a rack (38), a gear (40) interacting with the rack (38) and with the overrunning clutch (7) of its driving wheel (4), and a coupling (42). The driven wheel (3) is self-aligned.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: Mezhdunarodny Fond Miloserdia I ZdorovyaInventor: Sergei N. Lukyanov
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Patent number: 5240267Abstract: A tricycle (20) disclosed includes a front section (22) and rear section (24). The front section (22) is articulated with respect to the rear section (24) so that the front section (22) can be leaned with respect to the rear section (24) from a normal orientation to lean orientation. A caliper assembly (70) interconnects the front and rear sections (22,24) at the point of articulation and includes arms (72,74) which spread when the front section (22) is leaned with respect to the rear section (24). A biasing member (76) connected to the spreadable arms (72,74) biases the arms together to obviate lean orientation. The front section (22) includes a steerable drive wheel (42) including a hub (44), a central sprocket (34) spaced from the hub (44) and an endless belt (48) interconnecting the hub (44) with the sprocket (48) to provide front wheel drive unaffected by drive apparatus. Rear wheels (86,88) are adjustably spaceable by the movement of frame arms (82,84).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Inventor: Peter Owsen