Polycycles Patents (Class 280/282)
  • Patent number: 11970238
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle including a handle part that includes a handle, what is connected to be steerable by the handle, a rear wheel connected to a pedal, and a frame part that connects what is described above and the rear wheel, in which the frame part is expandable and contractible between a first position in which a movement of what is described above is permitted, and a second position in which a movement of what is described above is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Shintani, Shigeki Ohno, Yasuyuki Kato, Thomas Waldner, Simon Henning
  • Patent number: 11970239
    Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a vehicle system that includes a foot-deck-based vehicle and a seat accessory structure. The foot-deck-based vehicle includes a foot deck, a handle structure and a plurality of wheels. The foot deck is positioned to support—a user and includes a first handle structure receiving feature. The handle structure is detachably connectable to the first handle structure receiving feature. The seat accessory structure has a seat body and is detachably connectable to the foot deck so as to form a seat-based vehicle. The seat accessory structure has a second handle structure receiving feature thereon. The handle structure is detachably connectable to the second handle structure receiving feature, so as to be positioned for gripping by a secondary person when the secondary person is urging the seat-based vehicle to roll on the ground surface while the user is seated on the seat body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: YVOLVE SPORTS LIMITED
    Inventor: John McGowan
  • Patent number: 11964694
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a kart and a frame thereof. The frame includes: a first frame including an outer sleeve and a first fixing piece arranged on the outer sleeve; a second frame including an inner sleeve defined with at least the two first perforations in an axial direction of the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve being fitted over the inner sleeve, one of the first frame and the second frame being a front frame and the other one being a rear frame; a second fixing piece including a rod section and a fitting section, the rod section being connected to a lower portion of the fitting section, the rod section protruding into any one of the first perforations of the inner sleeve from the first fixing piece, and the fitting section being fitted with the first fixing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ninebot (Changzhou) Tech Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Lou, Dekun Kong, Tao Jiang, Ji Lin
  • Patent number: 11932348
    Abstract: A transportation apparatus that combines pedaled and motored locomotion as selected by the rider. The apparatus includes a set of structural frames including a front frame and a rear frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the front frame and rear frame may be folded together to reduce the size of the apparatus for storage. The apparatus includes a pedal set coupled to a prime mover and motion transfer element located to the front end of the apparatus that together enable pedaled movement without a front axle. One or more rear wheels are motorized for pedal assistance or direct motorized locomotion. The apparatus is relatively low weight and can transport a plurality of passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: David M. DeLorme
  • Patent number: 11912363
    Abstract: A control device is configured to control a telescopic apparatus that is provided on a human-powered vehicle. The control device includes at least one sensor and an electronic controller. The at least one sensor is configured to detect an operating condition of the human-powered vehicle. The operating condition includes at least two of a sitting condition of a rider, a power input to the human-powered vehicle, and a forward speed of the human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller is configured to selectively control the telescopic apparatus of the human-powered vehicle in accordance to the operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 11738821
    Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components and analysis devices are described herein. An example suspension component includes a first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopic arrangement having an interior space, a spring system including a pneumatic chamber containing a mass of a gas forming a pneumatic spring configured to resist compression of the telescopic arrangement, and a suspension component analysis (SCA) device. The SCA device may include a pressure sensor to detect a pressure of the gas in the pneumatic chamber and provide a signal indicative of the detected pressure and circuitry configured to receive the signal. The circuitry and the pressure sensor are at least partially disposed in the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Krugman, Jack Greetis, James Meyer, Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 11654994
    Abstract: A running bike that can be operated selectively with and without power. The running bike includes a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, the rear fork having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a handlebar rotatably engaged with the front fork for steering the running bike. A frame extends between and connects the front fork and the rear fork. The frame includes a down tube having a first end connected to the front fork and a second end opposite the first end and positioned adjacent the rear fork, a top tube connected to and extending between the down tube and the upper portion of the rear fork, and a drivetrain receiving region defined as an area rearward of the down tube, forward of the rear wheel, and below the top tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: StaCyc, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Ryan Ragland, Eric Johnson, Phillip Charles Burke
  • Patent number: 11560195
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having cross sectional profiles. The profiles are designed according to certain criteria to enhance bicycle performance. The profiles for multiple frame members may each fall within a range for each of aspect ratio, circumference, drag coefficient, first moment of inertia and/or second moment of inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingmar Jungnickel, Christopher Yu, Douglas Graham Russell
  • Patent number: 11511823
    Abstract: A mobility scooter conversion kit and method that utilizes a standard mobility scooter as its base frame to make the scooter resemble any motor vehicle. The main frame of the scooter is only altered by adding an extension member with a bracket, replacing a first bolt on the seat frame with a long bolt, and reversing the orientation of a second bolt on the opposite side of the seat frame. The first body member that resembles the front of a motor vehicle has a recess that sits on the steering column of the scooter and is secured into place with a latching mechanism. The second body member that resembles the rear end of a motor vehicle is hooked on to the bracket of the extension member and secured into place using the long bolt and a bolt attachment connecting to the reversed bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Neice
  • Patent number: 11505237
    Abstract: A child swing steering vehicle comprises: a vehicle frame; wheels disposed at the bottom of the vehicle frame; steering wheels disposed in rear or front of the wheels; a steering mechanism to steer the steering wheels when the child's body is tilted to the left or right, the steering wheels are connected to the vehicle frame via the steering mechanism; the steering vehicle further comprising auxiliary wheels; the left and right sides of the vehicle frame are respectively provided with at least one auxiliary wheel; a sum of the number of the wheels and the steering wheels is greater than or equal to three, and the bottom of the wheels and the bottom of the steering wheels are both located in the same plane; when the child swing steering vehicle is turning, the bottom of the auxiliary wheel is located in the plane, thereby enabling a good stability in steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Goodbaby Child Products Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui Cai, Tiewen Zhu, Peng Liu
  • Patent number: 11505026
    Abstract: Suspension assembly including a body associable to the chassis of the tilting vehicle and two junction devices opposite with respect to the body; the junction devices being articulated to the body by means of connecting elements, wherein each junction device includes a first structural junction portion rotationally coupled in a first coupling site to a first connecting element and a second structural joint portion rotationally coupled in a second coupling site to a second connecting element; and wherein the suspension assembly further includes elasto-damping elements associated with the hinge devices and adapted to damp the stresses transmitted by the wheels; and wherein each hinge device includes a dynamic junction portion rotationally coupled to a elasto-damping element in a dynamic junction coupling site; and wherein the junction device rigidly determines the relative positioning and spatial orientation of the first structural joint portion, the second structural joint portion and the dynamic joint portion
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Onorino Di Tanna, Stefano Bartolozzi, Mario Donato Santucci
  • Patent number: 11505020
    Abstract: A convertible handle having a shaft portion and a grip portion. The grip portion is configured to slide along the length the shaft portion to expose a tongue on the shaft portion. In a manual configuration, the grip portion is used for manually pulling a cart. When not in the manual configuration, the shaft may be attached to a vehicle via the tongue for towing by vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Tricam Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Wernberg, Benjamin P. Williams, Joseph P. Foley
  • Patent number: 11383785
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tilting structure of a mobility device, the tilting structure including: a base frame; a tilting bar coupled to the base frame to be able to rotate in two side directions on a rotational center fixed to the base frame; front wheels having a rotary shaft fixed to steering knuckles vertically extending; first connection links each having a first end rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle and a second end rotatably coupled to the base frame; second connection links each having a first end rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle at a position spaced over or under the coupling position of the first connection link and a second end rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the rotational center of the tilting bar; and shock-absorbing members each having a first end fixed to the base frame and a second end connected to the steering knuckle, the first connection link, or the second connection link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jung Nam Choi, Sung Dae Lim
  • Patent number: 11364966
    Abstract: A tricycle that allows riding in adequate conditions over any type of terrain is disclosed, the tricycle having a structural frame onto which a seat and several pedals are incorporated, equipped with a rolling assembly made up of one rear wheel and two parallel front wheels, with the front wheels incorporated into two mounting forks equipped with several respective stems projecting upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Gonzalo Garcia-Atance Fatjo
  • Patent number: 11207932
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a frame, a damper and a rocker arm. The frame is connected with the rocker arm through the damper, the swing part of swing arm limits the swing arm's rotation angle by matching the limit structure on the frame; the bottom of damper is provided with the universal structure, the damper is connected with the rocker arm through the universal structure, and the universal structure controls the damper in free deflection. A deviation motion of vehicle wheels on both ends by coordinating the swing arm, vibration damper, etc. to avoid the slipping and rollover due to great sides way upon vehicle steering and the lateral wheels disengagement from ground and to enhance the safety of cornering driving of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG TAOTAO VEHICLES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guidong Lou, Weihao Liu, Yali Ying, Yi Ni, Xiaoliang Shi
  • Patent number: 11148746
    Abstract: A foldable personal such as a tricycle which can be convertible into a stroller, is configured for accommodating a child therein and for preventing, when desired, the child from being able to steer the vehicle, vehicle having an operational state and a storage state, in which it can take an extremely compact form. The vehicle has a longitudinal axis lying in its vertical plane of symmetry and having a horizontal reference plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, and it takes its compact form in the storage state both in the direction along its longitudinal axis and in the directions perpendicular to this axis both along the plane of symmetry and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Doona Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoav Shabtai Mazar, Maxim Holtzman
  • Patent number: 11117636
    Abstract: A tilting motor cycle with at least three wheels including: a frame, at least one front wheel, a rear end comprising an engine group and a couple of rear wheels, where the rear end is hinged to the frame in order to allow a rolling of the frame around a rolling axis and a pitching of the rear end around a pitching axis, where the rear end is further connected to the frame by means of a suspension system including: a couple of uprights connected at the bottom by means of two first hinges to the engine group, at least one first crosspiece hinged at the distal ends thereof to the uprights, the center of the first crosspiece being connected to the frame directly or indirectly by means of a transmission element, the uprights or the transmission element including a suspension to dampen the rear end with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Raffaelli
  • Patent number: 10967929
    Abstract: The present invention provides a leaning vehicle comprising a leaning frame (1), a front suspension assembly (2), an undercarriage element (3), a rear suspension assembly (4) and a motor (10), wherein the leaning frame (1) comprises a straddle seat (5) and a hand steering element (6), the hand steering element operatively connected to the front suspension assembly (2); the undercarriage element comprises a front section (7) and a rear section (8), and is connected to a suspension connecting element (9); the front suspension assembly (2) comprises two ground engaging members (13) and at least one shock absorber (20), and is connected to the leaning frame (1) and the suspension connecting element, such that the ground engaging members (13) of the front suspension assembly will tilt in the same direction as the leaning frame; the rear suspension assembly (4) comprises at least one rear ground engaging member (23) and is connected to the rear section (8) of the undercarriage element; wherein the leaning frame (1)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Brudeli Tech Holding AS
    Inventor: Geir Brudeli
  • Patent number: 10933938
    Abstract: A foldable personal such as a tricycle which can be convertible into a stroller, is configured for accommodating a child therein and for preventing, when desired, the child from being able to steer the vehicle, vehicle having an operational state and a storage state, in which it can take an extremely compact form. The vehicle has a longitudinal axis lying in its vertical plane of symmetry and having a horizontal reference plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry, and it takes its compact form in the storage state both in the direction along its longitudinal axis and in the directions perpendicular to this axis both along the plane of symmetry and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: DOONA HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventors: Yoav Shabtai Mazar, Maxim Holtzman
  • Patent number: 10814928
    Abstract: A tricycle is provided having a front frame assembly, a rear frame assembly pivotally connected to the front frame assembly, and a release assembly connected to both the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly to secure the rear frame assembly to the front frame assembly in a use position and alternately in a storage position. The release assembly is moveable to allow for transitioning the rear frame assembly to the storage position from the use position. A foot rest is connected to the tricycle and is also moveable between a use position and a storage position. The tricycle also has a restraint hoop and a canopy, and quick release mechanisms to removably secure the restraint hoop and the canopy to the tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fitzwater, Collin Ostergaard
  • Patent number: 10589772
    Abstract: In an aspect a vehicle is provided, and includes a frame a front wheel and a rear assembly. The front wheel is rotatably mounted to the frame. The rear assembly includes a first rear wheel support and a second rear wheel support. Each of the wheel supports is movably mounted to the frame. The rear assembly further includes a first rear wheel and a second rear wheel. The first and second rear wheels are rotatably mounted to the first rear wheel supports respectively. The rear assembly is positionable in a first position in which the first and second rear wheels are substantially immediately adjacent one another to operate as a single rear wheel, and a second position in which the first and second rear wheels are spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: YVOLVE SPORTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas O Connell, Matthew Ernest Golias
  • Patent number: 10518838
    Abstract: A frame of a vehicle includes a front fork unit pivotably connected to a head tube of a vehicle body mechanism, a crank axle disposed on the front fork unit for two front-wheel cranks to be pivoted thereon. Two front wheels are pivotably disposed on the cranks, respectively. A front-wheel counteracting mechanism is pivotably connected between each of the cranks and the front fork unit to transmit an impact force to the cranks so as to cause opposite upward and downward movements of the front wheels to thereby keep the front wheels in contact with the ground and to render movement of the vehicle steady and safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Fu-Long Chang
  • Patent number: 10493813
    Abstract: A structure of rocking controller of a saddle riding type vehicle includes a rocking lock mechanism configured to lock lateral rocking of the vehicle body; wherein the rocking lock mechanism includes an arc shaped lock plate which crosses with an axial direction of a rocking shaft of the vehicle body and a lock caliper configured to lock a relative rocking between the lock plate and the lock caliper by clamping the lock plate, and a motor for the actuator is arranged in front of the rocking lock mechanism and the rotating drive shaft of the motor is arranged so as to penetrate an inner circumferential region of the arc shaped lock plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yotaro Mori, Hiroyuki Kaneta
  • Patent number: 10421516
    Abstract: A vehicle in which traveling can be stabilized and the risk of overturning can be reduced, a vehicle with a pair of first suspension arms, a pair of second suspension arms connected to the pair of first suspension arms via a pair of joints, a pair of shock absorbers for connecting the pair of first suspension arms and pair of second suspension arms, a pair of forks as to allow turning about a steering axis with respect to the pair of second suspension arms, a pair of front wheels arranged on the pair of forks, a vehicle body to which the pair of front wheels are included, and a leaning part for leaning the vehicle body. The tread width increases as the vehicle body is leaned by the leaning part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: EQUOS RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keizo Araki
  • Patent number: 9981708
    Abstract: In a vehicle, a portion of an upper cross member and a portion of a lower cross member at least temporarily overlap each other without coming into contact with each other when a body frame of the vehicle is caused to lean from an upright state to the left or the right with a maximum angle, as viewed from a front in a direction along a lower intermediate connecting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kohsuke Ohno
  • Patent number: 9688339
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a restrictor that prevents movement of a brake controlling operation transmission member and is provided at an upper portion of at least one of an upper cross portion, a right side portion, and a left side portion. The brake controlling operation transmission member includes a leaning-associated deforming portion that is located between a brake controller and the restrictor to deform in response to the leaning of a body frame and a wheel-turning-associated deforming portion at least a portion of which is located between the leaning-associated deforming portion and a brake device to deform in response to the turning of a right front wheel and a left front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yosuke Hirayama
  • Patent number: 9677294
    Abstract: A drive system for a pool cleaner is disclosed, the drive system including a motor operatively connected relative to an axle for driving rotation of the axle. The axel in turn is connected to and drives the rotation of (i) a roller assembly including a roller for cleaning a target surface and (ii) a wheel drive assembly engaged with an idler gear for driving a wheel. Notably the axis of rotation of the roller assembly is different than the axis of rotation of the wheel. Thus, the wheel drive assembly may drive the wheel by interacting with a surface of a cylindrical flange of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Joseph Renaud, Seth Darrell Renigar, Graham M. Hayes, Omar E. Osuna
  • Patent number: 9550542
    Abstract: A kit for an electric cycle includes a powertrain module including a case, a battery disposed in the case, an electric motor in communication with the battery and disposed in the case, and a connecting port on the case. The kit includes a first module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port and a wheel rotatably connected to the frame member, a second module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port, and a releasable locking feature on the connecting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dueñas Figueroa, Luis Alfonso Domínguez Victorio, Haydee Guadalupe Martinez Rivera, Raciel Cruz Ramirez, Ramón Jáuregui Ortiz, José Guillermo Saavedra Roman, Ana Laura Quintanar Meléndez, Daniel Amaury Menchaca Gonzalez, José de Jesús Martinez Colin
  • Patent number: 9493205
    Abstract: A tricycle with foldable double wheel assembly comprises: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a double-wheel assembly respectively disposed at front end and rear end of the frame, and a handlebar assembly matching with the single-wheel assembly to control steering, the double-wheel assembly comprising a supporting beam and two wheels disposed on the supporting beam, wherein the supporting beam comprises two branches of same structures, the two wheels being respectively disposed on the two branches, the supporting beam having a first stable state where the two branches are open, and a second stable state where the two branches are put together side by side. The supporting beam in the double-wheel assembly of the present utility model is foldable so that it is not necessary to occupy a relatively large space to carry/store the tricycle and the usage convenience of the tricycle is thus improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Ilan Ben Meir
  • Patent number: 9327725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a driveline and suspension system for a vehicle and, more particularly, methods and systems for driveline-suspension coupling in a narrow multi-track leaning vehicle with three or more wheels and with at least two driving wheels. There are provided graphical and computational methods for determining driveline and suspension geometries for narrow multi-track vehicles, as well as apparatuses including the geometric configurations, and exhibiting improved driveline-suspension coupling behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Eric N. Anderfaas
  • Patent number: 9296443
    Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SBYKE USA LLC
    Inventor: Bradley E. Wernli
  • Patent number: 9278723
    Abstract: A recumbent vehicle is disclosed, which generally consists of a front, seat and rear chassis. The seat chassis is operatively connected to upper and lower pivot joints, which allow for the seat chassis, and thus the rider, to move independently from the remainder of the vehicle. The upper and lower pivot joints are each comprised of subcomponents such as spherical axial bearings along with a coil to create the independent movement, which manifests itself during turns and when hitting obstacles on the terrain. The rider can control the direction of the recumbent vehicle by using a steering arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Co2Zero Inc.
    Inventor: Marcel Merette
  • Patent number: 9193408
    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: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Heinz Kettler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Kettler, Karin Kettler
  • Patent number: 9114842
    Abstract: A tricycle is provided for supporting multiple passengers. The multi-passenger tricycle has a frame member, a steering assembly, a rear axle assembly, an auxiliary handlebar and a rear passenger foot platform. The steering assembly is rotatable and is coupled to a first end of the frame member. The rear axle assembly is coupled to the second end of the frame member. The auxiliary handlebar is coupled to the frame member between the first end and the second end of the frame member. The rear passenger foot platform is coupled to the frame member adjacent a second end of the frame member, and is at least partially above the rear axle assembly. Preferably, the rear passenger foot platform includes a first foot platform on one side of the frame member and a second foot platform on an opposing side of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Elliott Bartels
  • Patent number: 9039025
    Abstract: A foldable children's tricycle comprises a tricycle front, a link device and a positioning assembly. The tricycle can be folded by using the link device, which can save space and reduce transportation cost. In addition, an inserting rod of the positioning assembly can be engaged in first or second positioning grooves of the link device, so the tricycle can be fixed when expanding or folding, thus improving the structural strength of the tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Ming-He Shih
  • Publication number: 20150042063
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments provide a frame for a one person three-wheeled human powered vehicle, the rear portion of which resembles an upright bicycle frame capable of supporting a fixed rear drive wheel substantially in alignment with the frame centerline. The frame has a left-side lateral extension and a right-side lateral extension, each of which includes a head tube at or near its outer end where front forks or steering posts can be secured. Each front fork or steering post can then hold one of two front steerable wheels. The frame is compatible with shock-absorbing suspension technology, which can be employed if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Lawrence Serpa
  • Publication number: 20150021877
    Abstract: A cycle frame easily converted from a bicycle to a tricycle and vice versa, and to a cycle and a baby carriage using same. The cycle includes a main frame including a main support and a pair of sub-supports branching from the main support, a pair of conversion frames, front end portions thereof being hingeably connected to rear end portions of the sub-supports such that the distance between rear end portions thereof is adjustable, a pair of connection brackets respectively connected to the rear end portions of the conversion frames, a fork frame rotatably connected to the front end portion of the main support, a front wheel shaft rotatably connected to the fork frame, a main rear wheel shaft, both ends thereof being respectively and separably connected to the connection brackets, and a propelling pedal rotatably mounted on the main support and drive-connected to the main rear wheel shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jung Keon KIM
  • Publication number: 20140346752
    Abstract: A recumbent cycle includes a toothed belt drive system and rear suspension. It also includes a double A-arm suspension assembly and at least one transmission having a planetary gear arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8825322
    Abstract: A bicycle component controlling includes at least a first sensor and a controller. The first sensor detects a first operating condition, whether a rider is sitting on a bicycle seat. A second sensor is provided that detects a second operating condition. The sensors output signals indicative of the respective operating conditions. The controller is operatively connected to at least the first sensor and possibly the second sensor. The controller is configured to generate a component control command to control a bicycle component based on at least the first signal and the possibly the second signal. The bicycle component is a component other than an automatic transmission and a suspension when the second sensor is not provided. If the second sensor is provided, a suspension and automatic transmission is controlled, or components other than an automatic transmission and a suspension is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hideki Ikemoto, Tadashi Ichida, Nobukatsu Hara, Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 8820765
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a seating platform featuring a first pair of seat mounting holes, a second pair of seat mounting holes positioned rearward of the first pair of seat mounting holes and a third pair of seat mounting holes positioned rearward of the second pair of seat mounting holes. A seatback is provided with a pair of hooks and a pair of snaps. Each of the snaps includes a catch portion. The hooks and snaps are adapted to engage the first and second pair of seat mounting holes to secure the seatback in a first position. The hooks and snaps are also adapted to engage the second and third pair of seat mounting holes to secure the seatback in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Agati, Edward Paramadilok
  • 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: 8740235
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF PTE Ltd
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 8720927
    Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle having a spine frame, supported by a rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels, and supporting a recumbent seat pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom extends forwardly of the spine and supports a pedal crank assembly. The front wheels each support a lateral arm with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection attached at the proximal end. A pivot connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom to fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, a clamp arrests the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
  • Patent number: 8702114
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Tyler Hadzicki, Joseph Hadzicki
  • Patent number: 8678412
    Abstract: The present invention features a low-rider tricycle kit for converting a standard bicycle to a low-rider tricycle. The kit contains a low-rider tricycle frame, a low-rider tricycle front fork assembly, a low-rider tricycle handlebar having a first grip and a second grip, a low-rider tricycle seat, and a low-rider tricycle front fender for substituting with a standard bicycle frame. The kit further includes a low-rider tricycle headlight assembly, a low-rider tricycle tail light assembly, a low-rider tricycle mirror, a double-rear-wheel axle assembly, a storage cavity, and a storage cart that attaches to and sets into the storage cavity of the double-rear-wheel axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Oliveras, Jr., Jesse Oliveras
  • Patent number: 8672339
    Abstract: An unmotorized sand-rideable bicycle utilizes oversized balloon tires that have an enlarged footprint to permit the bicycle to ride up over even loose sand to provide ease of pedaling as well as enhanced steering and stability over that associated with standard bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: All Terrian Bike, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Raike, III, Gene Langmesser
  • Patent number: 8662514
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-person tricycle are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes two front drive wheel assemblies, each having an independent drive train assembly, and includes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to a steering mechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operated by one or more riders. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle may be configured or designed to enable two front riders to sit side-by-side, and further may be configured or designed to enable each rider to independently exert and/or vary his or her own pedaling force and/or pedaling cadence without substantially affecting steering of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin James
  • Patent number: 8636293
    Abstract: This invention relates to a foldable vehicle comprising at least three wheels which of one wheel is a steering wheel, a steering handle, a frame connected with the steering element and having at least one standing surface. Upon folding the frame will be movable with respect to the steering handle to statically fit together in a compact manner Hereby a practical and efficient vehicle for personal transportation and commuting is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Me-Mover ApS
    Inventor: Jonas Eliasson
  • Patent number: 8634979
    Abstract: A drive device and a drive control method for the electric bicycle are disclosed. The drive device of the electric bicycle is equipped with a power supply/storage unit, a compact motor, an inclination sensor, a brake actuation sensor, a pedal-rotating speed sensor and a drive control module. The drive device performs integrated calculations using the inclination information of the inclination sensor, the brake actuation information of the brake actuation sensor and the pedal-rotating speed information of the pedal-rotating speed sensor, so the drive control modules instructs the compact motor and the power supply/storage unit to quickly enter an auxiliary drive mode for rotating wheels of the electric bicycle, or to enter an energy recovery mode for storing electrical energy generated by the compact motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Shih-Hsiang Chien, Shih-Hsin Hsu, Tian-Hua Liu, Jui-Ling Chen, Yi-Hsuan Lee
  • Patent number: 8596649
    Abstract: A riding toy provides a spin-out feature. The riding toy includes a frame, a steerable front wheel mounted to the frame and a rear wheel mounted to the frame. A rear carriage is pivotally attached to the frame so as to pivot about a generally horizontal axis. A caster is mounted to the rear carriage so as to pivot about a generally vertical axis. A lever is pivotally attached to the frame. A link has a leading end pivotally connected to the lever and a trailing end pivotally connected to the rear carriage. As a result, the riding toy may be changed from a traditional configuration, where the rear wheel of the riding toy contacts a riding surface upon which the riding toy is being ridden, to a spin-out configuration, where the caster lifts the rear wheel of the riding toy off of the riding surface, by pulling the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bricker