Hand Propelled Patents (Class 280/242.1)
  • Patent number: 8967652
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat for supporting an occupant and a frame supporting the seat, where the frame further includes a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels connected by a differential for reversibly locking the second pair of wheels such that propulsion of only one of the wheels in the second pair of wheels results in both of wheels in the second pair of wheels moving in an identical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua Carmine Penn
  • Publication number: 20140306420
    Abstract: A human-powered-system utilizing an arm lever assembly and/or a pedal assembly to be adapted to or incorporated into other mechanisms including, but not limited to, wheelchairs and vehicles. The arm lever assembly includes an arm lever that is reciprocated to provide power and rotated left or right to provide steering control. Both assemblies are operatively connected to a convertor, utilizing gears and one-way clutches that receives the reciprocal movements of the arm lever and converts them into a unidirectional output, to be utilized in combination or independently. The arm lever is further telescoping and when utilizing a slide mechanism operatively connected to the convertor representing a first class lever offers a range of various leverages by correspondingly changing the length of the force and load end when extended and retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin A. Schminkey
  • Patent number: 8807584
    Abstract: A stabilizing device for a handcycle has an axle including an inner shaft and an outer shaft. A first stabilizing component is coupled to the inner shaft. A second stabilizing component is coupled to the outer shaft in proximity to the first stabilizing component. A locking component is configured to engage the first and second stabilizing components to reversibly reduce rotation of the inner shaft with respect to the outer shaft. Alternatively, a stabilizing device for a handcycle has a frame including first and second stabilizing members affixed to the frame. A locking member is configured to engage the first and second stabilizing members to stabilize the frame. The stabilizing components or members include receptacles, teeth, or a friction component. The locking component or member includes a pin or knob configured to adjust the first or second stabilizing member into a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lasher Sport, LLC.
    Inventor: William J. Lasher, III
  • Patent number: 8622178
    Abstract: An in-hub braking system for a wheelchair comprises a brake shell fixed against rotation movement in relation to a wheelchair frame. A wheelchair drive wheel having a hub supporting a braking system is supported for rotational movement in relation to the brake shell. A lever is operatively connected to the braking system for activating that braking system to cause the braking system to frictionally engage the brake shell. A push rim, which when urged forward, rotates the drive wheel in a forward direction to propel the wheelchair in a forward direction. When urged rearward together with the drive wheel, the push rim rotates with the drive wheel in a rearward direction to propel the wheelchair in a rearward direction. The push rim is operatively connected to the lever so that the push rim, which when urged rearward independent of the drive wheel, operates the lever to activate the braking system to frictionally engage the brake shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Jowers, Stephen H. Sprigle
  • Publication number: 20130345027
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow walker device designed to accommodate a human user lying prone, comprising a seat for supporting a user lying face-down on their abdomen or thighs, a plurality of substantially vertical supports for maintaining the seat at an elevation above a floor or other hard surface, a plurality of rolling wheels coupled to the distal end of the vertical supports to enable the device to be rolled along the floor or other hard surface, wherein a human user receiving therapy propels the device and the user using the user's hands in a conventional wheelbarrow walker therapy, and the device supports the weight of the user's midsection, thereby reducing strain on the user or on an assisting therapist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Lauren Haggerty
  • Patent number: 8540265
    Abstract: A scooter with a foot platform, front and rear wheels at the forward and rear ends of the foot platform, and a bearing at the forward end of the platform; a steering column mounting sleeve attached to the bearing, a front wheel drive shaft slidable within the steering column mounting sleeve, a hub extension at the lower end of the steering column mounting sleeve supporting the front wheel, a drive extension having a drive member on the lower end of the front wheel drive shaft, a drive pinion coupled to the front wheel and engaged with the drive member and hand bars at the upper end of the steering column mounting sleeve operable by downward movement to slide the front wheel drive shaft downwardly through the steering column mounting sleeve for driving the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Brendan W. Malone
  • Patent number: 8505946
    Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a hub-enclosing open ring engaging a hub disposed in a wheel rotatably, bars extending from two ends of the hub-enclosing open ring, an crescent-shaped cap member fixed to the bars above the tube portion, a power handle engaging the crescent-shaped cap member rotatably through an L-shaped end of the power handle, a wheel-holding plate fixed to the power handle with an angle and covered by the crescent-shaped cap member. The wheel-holding plate comprises a holding edge for pressing down on and holding the wheel. The hub-enclosing open ring, the bars, and the cap member are fixed to one another and configured to rotate about the hub, and the holding edge of the wheel-holding pate is configured to be pressed down on and engaged firmly to the wheel such that the wheel rotates about the hub by pushing and pulling the power handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Young Han Joo
  • Patent number: 8336897
    Abstract: A standard-sized bicycle includes a main frame, a rear drive wheel and a rowing mechanism. The rowing mechanism is coupled to the steering column about a fulcrum. The fulcrum allows the rowing mechanism to oscillate forward in response to a pushing force and backward in response to a pulling force. The rowing mechanism includes a power lever and a pair of drive levers. The power lever has a handle on one end. The power lever also has a second end. The pair of drive levers extend from the second end of the power lever and provide foot rests for additional force. Each of the pair of drive levers is in mechanical communication with the rear drive wheel such that a forward oscillation of the rowing mechanism will drive the rear drive wheel in a same direction of rotation to propel the bicycle forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Juliana Leslie
  • Patent number: 8336893
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for stacking boxes in a strawberry picking cart. The system includes spring-loaded hooks, where the spring-loaded hook is configured to support a stack of full strawberry boxes, and a platform, where the platform is configured to support a bottom strawberry box. The system also includes a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is configured to lift the platform such that the bottom strawberry box is positioned below the stack of full strawberry boxes. The lifting mechanism is also configured to remove the spring-loaded hook from the stack of full strawberry boxes. The lifting mechanism is further configured to raise the bottom strawberry box until the spring-loaded hook supports the bottom strawberry box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Dario Grossberger
  • Patent number: 8251391
    Abstract: Stem (12) is secured to fork (6). Head (27), bearing surface (28), recessed portions (29 and 21), and bearing surface (31) successively engage the interior of housing (13), comprising first bearing (14), laterally movable locking ring (18) and second bearing (15). Locking ring (18) is repelled to the left in diametral direction against spring means urging ring (18). When shoulder (20) has arrived at the height of rim portion (32) of ring (18) the spring means are released. Ring (18) displaces to the right and portion (32) engages groove (29) thus locking the stem in the axial direction. Due to the side location of the button 9, the device can easily be handled using the palm of a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Markus Kohler, Martin Primosig
  • Publication number: 20120187649
    Abstract: The present invention solves many of the problems for the wheelchair bound individual who wants an ergonomically sensible, convenient, yet powerful and stable wheelchair. The Trike's unique power source is provided by a rowing-type motion of the user rather than the less efficient “hand rim” grip or wrist propulsion. Power is generated both in the out rowing stroke and the in rowing stroke through a inventive power drive. The rowing motion significantly reduces the chances for repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel. Furthermore, the rowing motion and movements are designed to facilitate efficient propulsion and steering in combination, to be effected simultaneously. The rowing motion allows the user's full arm strength and full range of motion to assist in the powering of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher J. Bayne, Stephen Barker
  • Patent number: 8186699
    Abstract: A manual propulsion mechanism for wheelchairs utilizes a lever pivotally mounted to the hub of each rear wheel such that the wheelchair user can propel the chair with push/pull movements of the levers. Forward and reverse propulsion directions are accomplished by a system of one-way reversible clutches contained in the propulsion wheel hubs which also allow the levers to be operationally disconnected such that the chair can freewheel. Operator control of direction shifting is through pivoting motions imparted to the grip handles of the propulsion levers. In a preferred embodiment, improved ergonomics for propulsion direction changes are made possible by coordinating the direction of the shift pivot motion with the push/pull movement of the levers. This allows the operator to retain a comfortable, stable grip on the grip handle while simultaneously propelling and controlling direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Steve C. Green
  • Patent number: 8181977
    Abstract: A bicycle arm-drive apparatus includes a stationary mounting structure, an arm drive input mechanism, a drive motion transmission mechanism, and a plurality of connectors. One end of the mounting structure attaches to the front-center portion of the bicycle. The arm drive input mechanism includes a pair of control arms that pivotally attach to the other end of the mounting structure and generally extend rearward and outward from there. The operator grips each control arm, inputting arm power by driving them fore-and-aft. The drive motion transmission mechanism includes a pair of connecting rod assemblies running down opposite sides of the bicycle frame between the control arms and bicycle pedals. A plurality of connectors link the connecting rod assemblies to the pedals and control arms in order to transmit control arm fore-and-aft movement via the connecting rod assemblies to the pedals to enable the arm power to assist with bicycle pedaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher B. Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20110298194
    Abstract: A transport device for transporting a user may include a first riding platform to support a user and to propel the user, a second riding platform being opposed to the first riding platform to support the user and to propel the user, and a leading traverse frame member to connect the first platform with the second platform. The leading traverse frame member may allow the first rider platform to move radially and to move axially with respect to the second rider platform. The first riding platform may be connected to the second riding platform with a trailing frame member, and the trailing frame member may allow the first platform to move axially and move radially with respect to the second riding platform. The leading frame member may include a ball clevis, and the trailing frame member may include a ball clevis. The transport device may include a handle to propel the transport device, and the handle may be connected to a rack and pinion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Richard R. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7967313
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a pair of leg driven skis and hand operated levers for simultaneously applying power to a crank and drive sprocket to propel the vehicle. A pair of controllers, one at the top of each thrust lever, include handles that are pushed and pulled to reciprocate the levers and may simultaneously be rotated through wrist and forearm action to steer the vehicle. Auxiliary steering is provided through a handlebar mounted to the vehicle separately from the thrust levers. The skis are operatively coupled to their associated levers, either directly through a pivotal connection or indirectly through an elongate link rotatably coupled at one end to the lever and at the other end to the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: William E. Eggert
  • Patent number: 7967314
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle drive mechanism is provided that has a hand leverage arm and one or more horizontal gears to move associated drive gears. A drive chain meshed with a fixed drive sprocket keyed to the drive gears may be used to transmit motion from the horizontal gears to the vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas F. Mirabile
  • Patent number: 7963539
    Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a main frame and a seat mounted on the main frame. A pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels are also mounted on the frame. A propulsion mechanism is provided for driving the rear wheels, the propulsion mechanism comprising an arm lever for forward and back movement and a gear train between the arm lever and the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Bradley Baker
  • Patent number: 7959176
    Abstract: A conveyance has a plurality of wheels and, at least, first and second drive axles, which are mounted, or disposed, between the wheels. One of the wheels defines a first wheel that is rotatably mounted to one end of the first drive axle. A second of the wheels is rotatably mounted to one end of the second drive axle. The conveyance further includes a first actuation device for the first drive axle, on the opposite end of the first drive axle from the first wheel and proximate to the second wheel, and a second actuation device for the second drive axle on the opposite end of the second drive axle from the second wheel and proximate the first wheel. The first actuation device is selectively operated to apply a selective relative rotation to the first wheel and the second actuation device is selectively operated to apply a selective relative rotation to the second wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Alan Bidwell, Adrian Bidwell
  • Patent number: 7938419
    Abstract: A standard-sized bicycle includes a main frame, a rear drive wheel and a rowing mechanism. The rowing mechanism is coupled to the main frame about a fulcrum. The fulcrum allows the rowing mechanism to oscillate forward in response to a pushing force and backward in response to a pulling force. The rowing mechanism includes a power lever and a pair of drive levers. The power lever has a handle on one end. The power lever also has a second end. The pair of drive levers extend from the second end of the power lever. Each of the pair of drive levers is in mechanical communication with the rear drive wheel such that both a forward oscillation of the rowing mechanism and a backward oscillation of the rowing mechanism drive the rear drive wheel in a same direction of rotation to propel the bicycle forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Juliana Leslie
  • Patent number: 7896375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arm and leg powered bicycle, comprising handle levers, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a handle shaft, supporting frames, pedals, a pedal shaft, front and rear sprockets and a chain belt, wherein the bicycle further includes an operating means for vertically rotating the handle levers, said member consisting of a handle rotation shaft, an operating rod or rods and a handle rotation shaft support, and a means for transferring the rotating force of the handle levers to a pedal shaft, said means consisting of a crank shaft, a rotating shaft, a flexible joint, a driving gear and a driven gear mounted on a pedal shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Kie-Ho Cynn
  • Patent number: 7780179
    Abstract: A drive system (3) for a human powered vehicle. The drive system (3) includes at least one input member (31), a transmission system (21) arranged to convert movement of the input member (31) to rotation of an output member (83), and a lock mechanism (123) including at least one drive member (133) for selectively locking a drive wheel (11, 13) to rotation of the output member (83) for rotation therewith. The drive member (133) is arranged for movement from a first operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is not locked to the output member (83) to a second operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is locked to the output member (83), and back to the first operational position, under the control of a user of the vehicle. The drive system (3) allows the user to choose between propelling the vehicle using the drive system (3) or disengaging the drive system (3) from the drive wheel (11, 13) and propelling the vehicle by some other means, for example by wheel rims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Ramon Brown
  • Patent number: 7726676
    Abstract: A device for hand-driven operation of a guided wheel arranged on a steering gear is pivotable about a steering axis perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation. The device includes first and second handles, first and second coupling devices respectively arranged thereon, and a power transmission train coupled to transmit traction power to the second coupling device via coupling points for transmitting handle movement to a drive device cooperating with the guided wheel's hub. The power transmission train extends from the first coupling device via deflecting elements, thereby modifying the extension direction of the train, in a second power transmission section to the second coupling device such that the coupling devices move the coupling points of the train on substantially linear drive paths approaching and absenting of a symmetrical plane of guidance which is oriented in a perpendicular manner in relation to the axis of rotation of the guided wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Bernd Monno
  • Patent number: 7717447
    Abstract: A propulsion apparatus (20) which can be mounted to a wheel (8) (or integrally formed therewith) of a vehicle, for example a wheelchair. The propulsion apparatus (20) has a first portion which can be statically attached to either a rim of the wheel (8) or structural member which is rigidly attached to the wheel (8) projects therefrom. The propulsion apparatus (20) also has a second portion (23), which is pivotal about the rotational axis of the wheel (8). Furthermore, the propulsion apparatus (20) comprises coupling means which are interposed between the first and second portions so that when the second portion (23) is rotated about the axis of the wheel (8) it causes the first portion, and therefore also the wheel (8), to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Pure Global Limited
    Inventor: Robert Nicholas Charles Orford
  • Publication number: 20100059963
    Abstract: A dual-drive bicycle has a front wheel provided with a transmission device including: an active sprocket at a top end or another portion of a steering post; a transmission sprocket on one side of an axle of the front wheel; and a chain connecting the active sprocket and the transmission sprocket for power transmission. When mounted at the top end of the steering post, the active sprocket has both ends of its axle extended and equipped with driving handlebars for steering the bicycle and driving the front wheel. When mounted at another portion of the steering post, the active sprocket has one end of its axle extended and equipped with a driving handlebar for driving the front wheel. Thus, in addition to a conventional rear-wheel driving structure, the bicycle has a front-wheel driving device allowing the bicycle to be selectively driven by the rear wheel, the front wheel or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Cheng-Chen Liao
  • Publication number: 20080315548
    Abstract: A transit vehicle docking system including a pair of press plates driven inwardly against the opposite side of a wheelchair docked in a docking space in a transit vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: M&M, INC.
    Inventor: James A. Ditch
  • Publication number: 20080129007
    Abstract: A rowing bike operated in a manner similar to a rowing boat. The rowing bike includes a body frame, a handle part having both a front wheel and a foothold, and rear wheels provided at the back of the body frame. The body frame has two parallel guide rods oriented in a longitudinal direction. The rowing bike further includes two drive levers, one provided on each side of the body frame, so that, when the drive levers are repeatedly levered upwards, the driving force of the drive levers is transmitted to the rear wheels. The rowing bike further includes a seat movable along the guide rods. A rack having a spur gear is mounted to the seat. Thus, when the seat is linearly reciprocated forwards and backwards, the driving force of the seat is transmitted to the rear wheels through a gear mechanism engaging with the rack gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gil Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 7360780
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed by means of which an operator both propels and steers a scooter, tricycle, or bicycle with a single set of handlebars. Power is applied by pumping the handlebars up and down, and steering is positive, and very similar to that of a conventional bicycle or tricycle. Drive means includes a single one-way clutch and a reciprocating endless chain or cable member which does not require a rewind spring. The total mechanism is very simple, the reciprocating components are few and light weight, and a long stroke yields a functional efficiency and top speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Joe W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7344146
    Abstract: The improved wheelchair employs the use of two push levers attached to two forward drive gears, and two reverse drive gears, which propel the two main rear wheels of the chair through bicycle chains connecting the front drive gears to sprocket clusters mounted on the rear wheel axles. Direction control mechanisms allow the user to engage either forward or reverse drive gears, or disengage both, thereby producing forward, neutral, and reverse motion. Derailers are mounted behind each rear axle and are activated by shifter mechanisms mounted on the push levers. Disc brakes are mounted on the frame beside each wheel and activated by hand brake levers mounted on the push levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: William Gregory Taylor
  • Publication number: 20070290477
    Abstract: A hand propelled personal riding device having a riding platform for supporting a rider with a set of driving wheels and a second set of wheels for transporting the platform along a surface, a propulsion handle extending vertically from the platform and moveable in a reciprocating pivotal motion, a gear mechanism provided at the platform and connected to the propulsion handle for converting the reciprocating pivotal motion to a single directional rotary driving motion and a transmission shaft coupled to the gear mechanism for transferring the rotary driving motion of the gear mechanism to the set of driving wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Che Yin Lee
  • Patent number: 7303202
    Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of linear human power to a rotating member is disclosed, which is adaptable to exercise equipment, wheeled chairs, scooters, bicycles, tricycles, etc. The hands of the operator apply the power during the downward stroke of an up-and-down pumping action, and many of the operator's muscle groups are employed. Various drive ratios are provided, and the mechanism is simple with few components. A preferred embodiment is detailed in which the apparatus is used to propel a scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Joe W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7296811
    Abstract: This invention provides wheelchair propulsion devices that do not contact the axles of the wheels to which they are attached, that decrease the amount of force required to propel the wheelchair, and that can be easily installed. The devices toggle between sliding with and engaging with the push ring depending on the force applied by the user. This invention provides kits comprising a device of this invention and instructions for assembling the device, instructions for using the device, and/or a device for the opposite side of the wheelchair. This invention provides methods for propelling a wheelchair. This invention provides non-axle-contacting, manual wheelchair propulsion devices for use by a wheelchair rider. The devices contact the push ring of a wheelchair in three or more locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Frank P. Pettit
  • Patent number: 7293790
    Abstract: The invention relates with the omni-directional toy vehicle that can move in all directions of forward, backward, rotational, left and right movement by driving manually the omni-directional wheels installed at the vehicle and combining their rotational directions. The vehicle characterized by comprising a frame composing the body of the vehicle, at least three rotating axles which are installed at the lower part of the frame with a rotatable mechanism, at least three omni-directional wheels which are connected to the axles, at least three driving element which are connected to the axles and drive the omni-directional wheels and a seat located at the upper part of the frame. The vehicle can be driven and steered simultaneously by means of driving combinations of each omni-directional wheel without any additional steering element and make an operator be interested in the manual operation of omni-directional wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bstech Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyungseok Byun, Kyuman Choi, Seungyoup Lee
  • Patent number: 7140626
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a seatless frame for simulating running without the stress producing loads associated with each stride. The exercise apparatus has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, both of which are rotationally connected to the frame. The exercise apparatus includes two independent means for propelling the apparatus along a path of travel. The first means simulates a running motion via a pair of pedals that operate in an arcuate pattern. The second means for moving the apparatus along the path of travel includes a pair of hand actuated levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Peter W. Keay
  • Patent number: 7021639
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle of the type driven by operation of a handle. According to the present invention, a shaft rod of the bicycle is installed with a hinge so as to enable the handle to rotate forward or backward. The handle is bent by a constant angle on the basis of the hinge, thereby being divided into both upper and lower portions on the basis of the hinge. The handle is formed at the lower portion thereof with an elongated guide bore, and a roller is inserted inside the guide bore so as to move upward and downward along the guide bore. The roller is connected to the upper end of a rod, which is installed so as to move upward and downward in a rectilinear course according to pulling and pushing operation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Hun Geun Park
  • Patent number: 7007962
    Abstract: A child's swaying bike includes a seat, two rear rollers, a center rod, two front rollers, and a handlebar. The bike can move forward by swaying of the center rod to the right and the left. The handlebar can be pivotally connected quickly with the center rod by inserting a pivot to simplify the structure of the child's swaying bike. The handlebar has an intermediate horizontal potion and two L-shaped side portions extending from the two ends of the intermediate horizontal portion. The two L-shaped side portions are symmetrically positioned to let a child ride and sway safely and stably on the seat, designed to conform to ergonomics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Cargee Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Aei-Sheng Lai
  • Patent number: 6916032
    Abstract: The invention provides a propulsion, braking and anti-rollback control assembly for use in manually propelled vehicles such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wheelchair with a control lever assembly and related force conveyance connecter that propel, brake and steer the wheelchair in a mechanically advantageous way while minimizing rollback. A seat-activated auxiliary braking system is also provided. Additionally, the invention provides a selective anti-rollback disengagement system that facilitates selective rollback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: J.T. Labs, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sui-Kay Wong
  • Patent number: 6893035
    Abstract: A wheelchair which shifts between forward and reverse by virtue of a roller mechanism which grabs in one direction and slips an opposite direction, thereby preventing binding. The shift mechanism is initiated by rotation of a shift paddle which is located on a extremity of a lever arm remote from the roller mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Brian M. Watwood, Duane DeJong, Errol C. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6874587
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a vehicle frame, at least a driven wheel rotatably supported by the vehicle frame, and a power generator device including a clutch device for selectively engaging with the driven wheel assembly to drive the driven wheel rotate. The electric vehicle further includes an electric-free driving system including a transmission unit having a control portion positioned above the vehicle frame and a connecting portion extended underneath the vehicle frame, a steering device affixed to the control portion of the transmission unit for driving the connecting portion thereof to rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, a twister member having a driven portion connected to the connection portion of the transmission unit, and a pair of driving wheels spacedly and rotatably mounted to the twister member wherein the two driving wheels are spaced apart from the driven portion of the twister member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Jar Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 6866278
    Abstract: A small man-powered bump car that requires only human muscle as its energy source. Extended play, either individually or in a group, can be enjoyed by riders of the bump car in a relatively level ground. Riders are safely enclosed in a body panel while engaging in a healthy sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Malcolm C. Gochioco
  • Patent number: 6708996
    Abstract: A manpower-driven cycle comprising a driving mechanism transforming a reciprocating motion of a handle into a rotary motion of a rear wheel. A steering and maintaining device comprises a telescopic actuating system with articulated tubes along parallelograms deformable in the direction of a longitudinal supporting rod. A pair of toothed meshing gears are linked by connecting rods to the telescopic actuating system to permanently maintain the handle axis in a vertical median plane passing through the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Thierry Suptil
  • Publication number: 20030146056
    Abstract: A brake attachment apparatus is provided for a wheelchair and includes wheelchair connector means for connecting to the wheelchair, brake operator arm means which extend horizontally along a portion of the wheelchair, brake operator arm hinge means connected to the wheelchair connector means for connecting the brake operator arm means to the wheelchair connector means, and wheel brake member means connected to the brake operator arm means. When a patient rises from a sitting position in the wheelchair or is in a standing position and sits down in the wheelchair, the patient exerts downward pressure on the brake operator arm means, and that downward pressure is transmitted to the wheel brake member means for applying braking pressure on wheels of the wheelchair to prevent the wheelchair from moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Larry V. Wren
  • Patent number: 6581947
    Abstract: A hand cycle includes a frame and a seat which is pivotable relative to the frame about a longitudinally extending axis to effect steerage of the hand cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Stuart John Andrews, Wayne John Kotzur
  • Patent number: 6578860
    Abstract: The present invention implements a releasable wheel mounting mechanism and a dual braking system to provide a wheelchair that transforms from a conventional wheelchair to a companion wheelchair. A set of small rear wheels traditionally found on a companion wheelchair is mounted on the rear of the chair, along with a means for removably mounting a set of large wheels. When the large wheels are removed, the chair reverts to a companion chair having handles on the rear of the chair for steering by a second person. With the large wheels mounted on the chair, the chair serves as a conventional wheelchair capable of being steered and propelled by the chair's occupant. To enable the dual nature of the chair, the present invention employs a braking system that allows the chair to be stopped by the occupant in either mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Evermed
    Inventor: Dean C. Chang
  • Patent number: 6572129
    Abstract: A recumbent tricycle which includes a propulsion system which includes a combination of foot and arm power for propulsion. Pedals are operated with the rider's legs. Handles are also connected to the drive mechanism, with the handles pulled back and pushed forward to add to propulsive power. The handles are also connected through a tie rod arrangement to the front wheels such that the wheels may be turned so that the vehicle can be steered by moving the handles toward one side or the other. Preferably, two large front wheels similar to conventional bicycle wheels are provided in front, with a single smaller diameter but wider driven rear wheel. The rear wheel is mounted on a sub-frame pivotally secured to the vehicle frame and supported on a shock absorber. Brake and gear change mechanism controllers are mounted on the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory Bean
  • Patent number: 6561534
    Abstract: A twist vehicle which includes a rear operation system wherein the steering unit of twist vehicle is mounted in a relatively rear position with respect to the vehicle frame, such that a rider can drive the twist vehicle without leaning forwardly and uncomfortably. The function is achieved by connecting the steering unit by a driving member which is further mechanically connected to a driven member by a transmission belt, so that when clockwise and anti-clockwise movements are subsequently imparted to the steering unit, the motions can be transferred to the driven member which are frontwardly apart from the driving member with respect to the vehicle frame by the transmission belt, causing the twisting unit, which is connected to the driven member, to rotate according to the subsequently clockwise and anti-clockwise motions, and therefore causing the twist vehicle to move forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Hong-Jiun Gu
  • Patent number: 6557879
    Abstract: This is a hand-propelled wheeled device for a rider. The device includes: a frame with two sides; a first and second drive wheel rotatably mounted to the two sides; a first hand crank connected to the first drive wheel through a first crank hub, and a first wheel hub that is connected to and rotates the first drive wheel; a second hand crank connected to the second drive wheel through a second crank hub, and a second ratcheting hub that is connected to and rotates the second drive wheel; at least one shifting mechanism to change a leveraging ratio between the first hand crank and the first drive wheel and between the second hand crank and the second drive wheel; a pivoting backrest connected to the frame, wherein the pivoting backrest provides continuous back support to the rider; an adjustable hammock seat connected to the frame; a third support connected to the frame; and a braking mechanism to retard movement of the first and second drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6554309
    Abstract: A system for powering vehicles such as bicycles using leverage type pedals each connected to a freewheeling sprocket and then connected to a common drive shaft in the rear of the vehicle. A keyed shaft connects all free wheeling sprockets and provides for each sprocket to drive the keyed shaft in one rotational direction. A hand powering unit operates through a separate free wheeling sprocket and is also arranged like a lever in similar manner to the pedals. Lowered seating for horizontal movement of legs is preferred arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Thir
  • Publication number: 20030075896
    Abstract: The invention concerns a riding fitness machine for full-body training. In accordance with the invention, a force for muscle training that is typically linearly directed is converted by means of a so-called pantograph into torques used for driving, where the freely movable end (force arm) of the pantograph is movable by the operator in one dimension or two dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Bjorn Kohler
  • Publication number: 20030047901
    Abstract: A wheeled apparatus is provided that converts alternate back and forth longitudinal motion supplied by the arms of a user to a pair of members into rotary motion that is used to drive the apparatus forward. The members drive special rack gears that include upper and side gear teeth. An idler gear engages the side teeth and maintains alignment between the two rack gears. The upper teeth of each rack gear drive a first gear of a pair of coaster gears. When the first gear is rotated or driven in a first direction a second gear of each coaster gear also rotates in the first direction. When the first gear is rotated in an opposite direction, the second gear is adapted to coast. Each second gear is operatively connected to a first and to a second driven gear by a first and second chain respectively. The first and second driven gears are attached to a rear wheel of the apparatus and which each are adapted to urge the apparatus forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Nicholas Chait
  • Patent number: 6499755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignees: Jar Chen Weng
    Inventor: Hong-Jiun Gu