Low Profile Patents (Class 280/288.1)
  • Patent number: 11358666
    Abstract: A bicycle seat accessory that includes an adjustable seat and a rear seat accessory to provide a seating surface for a user and a rider or passenger. The adjustable seat is movable between a first and second position and when in the second position, the seating surface of the seat substantially aligns with the seating surface of the rear seat accessory to form a substantially continuous seating surface. The frame of the bicycle includes an accessory shelf onto which the rear seat accessory can be mounted. Additionally, the frame includes one or more brackets to which footpeg accessories can be mounted to provide foot rests for the passenger of the bicycle while seated on the rear seat accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: RAD POWER BIKES INC.
    Inventor: Mike Radenbaugh
  • Patent number: 9758208
    Abstract: An aerodynamic front fork assembly for a bicycle may include an elongated crown portion extending from a steerer tube to a distal end behind a front wheel, with one or more fork blades projecting in a generally forward direction from the distal end of the crown portion to engage the front wheel. The crown portion may substantially fill the gap between the front wheel and the down tube of the bicycle, thereby collectively forming an airfoil with the front wheel and the down tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: William F. Logan
  • Patent number: 8820460
    Abstract: An electric powered personal mobility vehicle that includes at least one front wheel and an electric motor that provides rotational force to a wheel of the vehicle. The electric motor is supported by the vehicle and is powered by a rechargeable battery that is also supported by the vehicle. The vehicle can also include swivel caster wheels each configured to rotate about a wheel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Razor USA LLC
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert Hadley, William Griggs
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130062841
    Abstract: Invented are narrow vehicles for operation on soft surfaces for agricultural use. These would enhance worker productivity and make the work more attractive. It is essential that such vehicles be simple and low cost to enable wide adaptation. Such vehicles include a frame and a wheel set that enables a low seating position for a rider. This low seat position changes requirements for stability compared to most, familiar vehicle types. The intended low speed operation further eases the requirement for stability measures. The width of the vehicle is approximately the same width as the seated rider which enables vehicle use with narrowly spaced row crops. Wide drum wheels provide the needed stability, and with large diameter the drum has maximized footprint area which minimizes penetration into the soft underlying surface, enabling high efficiency operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: James K. Bullis
  • Patent number: 8292315
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle features a front frame, a seat thereon, a front wheel on the front frame, a rear frame, and a pair of wheels on the rear frame. A flexible joint exists between the front and rear frame sections ahead of the seat and rear wheels and behind the front wheel to enable relative pivoting of the front frame about a tiltable axis. A pair of link arms each have spherical joints with the front and rear frames at opposite sides thereof at a distance behind the flexible joint. A dynamic articulation axis intersects the flexible connection and an axis passing through the connections of the link arms to the front frame. The front frame is tiltable relative to the rear frame to shift the dynamic axis relative to either side from a default position positioning the front wheel in a straight orientation relative to the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Arne E. Pelkonen
  • Patent number: 8226103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Rodolfo (Rudy) Reyes
  • Patent number: 8210555
    Abstract: The vehicle has a single steered front wheel (1) mounted on a main frame (5) and two rear wheels (2, 3) mounted on a left (6) and right (7) frames. The left and right frames are connected to the main frame pivotally, which permits the vehicle to be folded into a compact position. The folded vehicle can stand up-right and can be moved to a storage place on two rear (2, 3) and two caster (145) wheels. For carrying inside a car the cycle also can be disassembled to four parts. The seat (9) has a two-point spring suspension with the axis higher than the center of gravity of the seated driver. It allows the seat with the driver to stay in a vertical position while driving on a lateral slope or to lean right and left as the vehicle is making a turn. The vehicle has a leg-operated back pedaling brake mechanism (15) and a car-style steering mechanism with a high-ratio cable reducer (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Alexandre Belenkov, Eugene Belenkov
  • Patent number: 8061465
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-wheeled vehicle with centrally positioned motor and driver's seat. An exemplary embodiment has a frame for supporting a driver and a multitude of mechanical devices. A pair of steerable front wheels are rotatably affixed to the front portion of the frame. A rear wheel is rotatably affixed along the frame's centerline in the rear portion. A motor is affixed to the frame's centerline. The driver's seat is also affixed to the frame's centerline behind the motor and ahead of the rear wheel, so the driver sitting in the driver seat is in both a recumbent and straddle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 7976046
    Abstract: Two versions of recumbent human powered three wheeled vehicles are disclosed. Both are of the tadpole type with two front wheels and one rear drive wheel. Both versions lean into turns causing weight transfer toward the inside of turns to prevent rollover during turns at speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Rathsack
  • Patent number: 7950682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a front-wheel driven, rear-wheel steered vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle having one front-wheel and one rear-wheel, wherein a power source is used to drive the front-wheel and a steering apparatus is used to transfer inputs from the user to the rear-wheel, and kits for creating such vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Colin Despins
  • Patent number: 7862064
    Abstract: A recumbent bicycle includes a boom that telescopes within one end of a center tube in the main frame of the bicycle, and a boom clamp that encircles the center tube of the main frame at a location overlying at least a portion of the boom. The boom clamp has a locator tab which extends into a notch formed in the center tube, and within a slot formed in the boom while the boom telescopes within the center tube. The location of the slot in the boom, and the location of the tab relative to the center tube, are chosen to ensure that throughout the telescoping movement of the boom it is retained in a desired orientation with respect to the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles, LLC
    Inventor: Paulo Camasmie
  • Patent number: 7753388
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a lightweight front wheel drive recumbent road bicycle and an associated frame. A front triangle is provided to which the drive train of a standard road group can be attached and utilized. A telescoping tube assembly is provided in the front triangle to permit the distance of a bottom bracket and crankset from a seat pan to be adjusted for riders of different sizes. The handlebar is coupled to an end of the telescoping tube assembly and no traditional handlebar stem attached to a steering tube is utilized, so that the structure provides maximum stiffness to better capture the input of the arms and upper body when maximum power is required. The seat pan and a seat back are integrated with the main frame truss structure to help ensure the maximum transfer of the rider's energy to the drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: John Irven Tolhurst
  • Patent number: 7748728
    Abstract: A recumbent tricycle pedicab consisting of a front frame and a rear frame pivotally interconnected in a manner which enables steering by leaning. The front frame supports, a single wheel, a pedal and drive mechanism, and a driver's seat, while the rear frame supports a fixed handlebar and a two-wheeled passenger/cargo cab. A cab frame supports side panels, a front to rear panel, a passenger seat at least one storage pouch, and signal lights. At least one window or panel which can be rolled down for protection of the passengers or rolled-up and secured to allow ventilation. The front to rear panel opens to allow entry. The pedicab also has a cargo and storage area behind the passenger seat and contents are secured using at least one cargo net attached to the cab frame. Decking on rear frame provides a floor for cab and entry area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Mark William Dixon
  • Patent number: 7722071
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses several improvements to handcycles. This invention introduces a blend between lean steer and pivot steer. The front wheel may be turned with only minimal twisting of the operator's legs. This invention uses two bearings and quick release axle to connect the front and rear frame together and provide the steering axis. This invention incorporates a means for adjusting the bike from fully reclined to a body forward position. The invention also incorporates a means of crank adjustment. In the embodiment of our new design the cable and housing are attached to the brake and shift levers by means of an intermediate device for the purpose of directing the shift and brake cable away from the rider's field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Shane Lofgren, Brian Charles Stewart
  • Patent number: 7654549
    Abstract: An improved semi-recumbent bicycle seat includes a frame having a main seat support tube and a steering mechanism including a front tire support fork. Front and rear wheels are mounted on the front tire support fork and on the frame. A bicycle seat is mounted above and forwards of the rear wheel, the bicycle seat including a bicycle seat frame, a seat base and a seat cushion. A seat back is adjustably mounted on the bicycle seat frame for adjustment of the height and spacing of the seat back relative to the seat base, and the seat cushion includes a generally flat planar front face and a forwardly tilted top surface which is tilted from horizontal between two and thirty degrees (2° and 30°). The bicycle seat frame is adjustably mounted on the main seat support tube free of any other support connection to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Day 6 Bicycles, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly Hutson
  • Publication number: 20090236821
    Abstract: A recumbent bicycle includes a boom that telescopes within one end of a center tube in the main frame of the bicycle, and a boom clamp that encircles the center tube of the main frame at a location overlying at least a portion of the boom. The boom clamp has a locator tab which extends into a notch formed in the center tube, and within a slot formed in the boom while the boom telescopes within the center tube. The location of the slot in the boom, and the location of the tab relative to the center tube, are chosen to ensure that throughout the telescoping movement of the boom it is retained in a desired orientation with respect to the main frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Paulo Camasmie
  • Patent number: 7588110
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-wheeled vehicle with centrally positioned motor and driver's seat. An exemplary embodiment has a frame for supporting a driver and a multitude of mechanical devices. A pair of steerable front wheels are rotatably affixed to the front portion of the frame. A rear wheel is rotatably affixed along the frame's centerline in the rear portion. A motor is affixed to the frame's centerline. The driver's seat is also affixed to the frame's centerline behind the motor and ahead of the rear wheel, so the driver sitting in the driver seat is in both a recumbent and straddle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 7562890
    Abstract: A front frame for a bicycle includes an upper tube, a lower tube and a head tube all of which are made of fiber reinforced material. The head tube extends integrally from a front end of the upper tube and a front end of the lower tube. The head tube has a chamber communicates with a chamber of the upper tube and a chamber of the lower tube. Two inner tubes are provided in the chamber of the upper tube. The abutted portions of the two inner tubes form a rib such that the structure strength of the upper tube is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Yuan Min An Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Pin Yu
  • Publication number: 20090066054
    Abstract: A reclining cycle includes a frame, a fixing member mounted on a top tube of the frame, two pairs of slides slidably mounted on the fixing member, a support member mounted on the slides and having two first support brackets and two second support brackets mounted on the slides respectively, two locking members mounted between the support member and the slides to releasably lock the first support brackets and the second support brackets of the support member onto the slides, and a seat mounted on the support member. Thus, the position and the inclined angle of the seat relative to the frame can be adjusted according to a user's requirement to provide a comfortable sensation to the user when the user is seated on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Susan Su
  • Publication number: 20080296864
    Abstract: An improved semi-recumbent bicycle seat includes a frame having a main seat support tube and a steering mechanism including a front tire support fork. Front and rear wheels are mounted on the front tire support fork and on the frame. A bicycle seat is mounted above and forwards of the rear wheel, the bicycle seat including a bicycle seat frame, a seat base and a seat cushion. A seat back is adjustably mounted on the bicycle seat frame for adjustment of the height and spacing of the seat back relative to the seat base, and the seat cushion includes a generally flat planar front face and a forwardly tilted top surface which is tilted from horizontal between two and thirty degrees (2° and 30°). The bicycle seat frame is adjustably mounted on the main seat support tube free of any other support connection to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kelly Hutson
  • Patent number: 7401799
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7395625
    Abstract: A device for mounting on a personal transporter intended to transport a rider in a standing position, for example a Segway HT, having a front panel disposed adjacent the front of the personal transporter and two side panels disposed adjacent the sides of the personal transporter. The device is releasably attachable to a personal transporter, and is suitable for displaying advertising. The device also provides protection to a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Benjamin Chladny
  • Patent number: 7357404
    Abstract: A progressive rear suspension linkage is used in the rear suspension of an ATV to aid in ride quality and safety by changing leverage ratio thru the travel of the rear suspension. The rear shock attaches to it as well as to the frame. The linkage system attaches to the frame at one end and to the rear suspension arm at the other end and changes leverage as the mounting point on the frame and the rear suspension arm come closer together or further apart as the rear suspension arms moves thru its travel. This in turn lets some linkages move in a scissors type movement with the rear shock bolted to it at a given point. This invention provides an improvement to the OEM designs, making for improved handling and safer control of ATVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Lazarus Sommers
  • Patent number: 7354055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20070284848
    Abstract: A drag-reducing structure for athletic equipment and other products is disclosed. The structure includes a substantially cylindrical portion and a plurality of turbulence generators secured to the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is substantially perpendicular to a direction of fluid movement, and the cylindrical portion has a leading edge oriented toward the direction of fluid movement. Each of the turbulence generators may have a V-shaped configuration with a point that is oriented toward the leading edge, or the turbulence generators may have another configuration. At least a portion of the turbulence generators are located in a range of 50 degrees and 90 degrees from the leading edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Willliam Brownlie
  • Patent number: 7188853
    Abstract: A tricycle is comprised of a frame, a front wheel, a parallel four-bar linkage, two rear wheels, and two handlebars. The frame includes a stationary fork connected with the front wheel. The linkage is mounted at a rear section of the frame, having two side bars. The two rear wheels are rotatably mounted respectively to the two side bars. The two handlebars are fixed to the linkage and located beside bilateral sides of the seat cushion. The user can let the hands control the two handlebars to drive the tricycle to turn left or right and to enable the tricycle to lean sideward at the turning direction. While the tricycle runs faster, the turning steering can enable the tricycle to have “tail slide” effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kuo-Cheng Yen
  • Patent number: 7114737
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7108097
    Abstract: An recumbent bicycle or tricycle, FIG. 1B, having an electric assist module mounted between the pedal mechanism and rear wheel gear mechanism. This mounting position allows the assist module to take advantage of the bicycle or tricycle's rear wheel gears to increase performance with the secondary advantage of reducing the length of the chain driving the rear wheel gears resulting in improved shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Brent Cecil Bolton, Wesley Robert Lapp
  • Patent number: 7048290
    Abstract: A recumbent bicycle having a single stroke linear type of pedaling wherein both legs protract and retract simultaneously so that a single push is made instead of alternating pushes. Various other adjustements are posssible to accomodate the length of a user legs and the degree of extension desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Stéphane Paquette
  • Patent number: 6994367
    Abstract: A metal and fiber reinforced plastic composite combines a welded metal tube spine with a reinforced plastic composite seat assembly, top tube and seat stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Mock, Michael L. Zeigle, David Hayes, Chad Lockart
  • Patent number: 6979014
    Abstract: A body frame for a vehicle includes a head pipe on which a front fork is mounted for permitting a turning movement. A box-shaped box frame portion extends obliquely rearward and downwards from the head pipe. A twin tube portion extends obliquely downward and rearward on the left and right sides from a rear end of the box frame portion. The twin tube portion has a smaller width than the width of the box frame portion. A rear frame portion extending obliquely rearward and downward from the rear ends of the twin tube portion has a greater width than the width of the twin tube portion. Accordingly, the body frame can be formed such that it has a high rigidity in the proximity of the head pipe but has a low rigidity at a central portion of the body. Accordingly, a load transmitted from the road surface to the head pipe through the front wheel and the box frame portion can support the front fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Morita
  • Patent number: 6929276
    Abstract: Improved mechanical structure for increased efficiency in the transfer of the peddling force applied to a pedal crank assembly to the rear wheel of a bicycle is disclosed. This structure increases efficiency by decreasing the loss of exerted energy when peddling at dead spots, which dead spots are the common terminology used to refer to when the legs are either at down-stroke and up-stroke positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Cyrus Varan
  • Patent number: 6845997
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a bicycle frame, a wheel set, a treading unit, a handlebar unit, and a seat unit. The bicycle frame has front and rear ends. The wheel set includes front and rear wheels disposed respectively on the front and rear ends of the bicycle frame. The treading unit is mounted on the bicycle frame for transmitting treading power to the wheel set. The handlebar unit is mounted on the bicycle frame and is coupled to the front wheel to permit steering of the front wheel. The handlebar unit is pivotable toward and away from the rear end of the bicycle frame. The seat unit is mounted adjustably on the bicycle frame to permit height adjustment thereof relative to the handlebar unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joe Chou
  • Patent number: 6695335
    Abstract: A cycle on which the user can assume a comfortable upright position, that has a frame with a mainly vertically directed seat tube and a handlebar with a steering tube that is directly fastened to a front fork. In front of the seat tube there is a seat that can be slid along the seat tube to adjust the height. This construction, with a cycle with an upright position of the user, allows a broad range of adjustment of the seat, making the cycle suitable for users of any size. The upright position of the user can be improved even more by placing the bottom bracket axle of the cycle lower than 10 cm above an imaginary line through the wheel axles of the front and rear wheel, preferably even under this line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Andries Gaastra
  • Patent number: 6685201
    Abstract: A road luge includes an elongated frame having a front end and a back end, a strut extending rearwardly and upwardly from the back end of the frame, a back axle supported on the strut and fixed in orientation relative to the frame, and a single back wheel rotationally mounted on the back axle along the centerline axis of elongation of the frame. The road luge has a front assembly attached to the frame at a location adjacent to the front end of the frame. The front assembly includes two rotationally mounted and steerable front wheels, with one front on either side of the frame. The road luge has a reclining body rest supported on the frame, so that a rider may recline on the body rest with the rider's torso in a substantially horizontal position, and with the rider's feet extending toward the front end of the frame, and the rider's head angled upwardly so as to permit vision toward the front end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Charles T. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6644677
    Abstract: A ergonomic tandem bicycle suitable for riders with some limited physical capabilities. The ergonomic tandem bicycle includes an elongated frame with an angled steering column attached to the front portion that positions the front wheel substantially in front of the frame, and the handlebars towards the rear. A transmission assembly includes the necessary pedal sprockets, along with idler sprockets that maintain continuous contact between the sprockets and the long drive chain required with this type of design. The seat is positioned in such a manner so as to allow the riders to sit in a near vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dana D. Rose
  • Patent number: 6616164
    Abstract: A recumbent or the like cycle includes an improved seat structure that can be used to facilitate angular positioning of the seat and/or handling of the cycle for transport and/or storage. The seat includes a mounting structure enabling fore-and-aft adjustment along the cycle as well as angular adjustment of the seat. The seat also preferably includes a material having reflective properties incorporated directly into the material of the seat, e.g., such as the fabric of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rans Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Schlitter, John Schlitter
  • Publication number: 20030160422
    Abstract: The recumbent bicycle design referred to here is the type which has the center of the crankset located vertically above the front wheel, and positioned horizontally anywhere from directly above the front wheel, to a position which is ahead of the front wheel, and is determined by the rider's leg length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: John Michael Cage
  • Patent number: 6609724
    Abstract: A cycle having front wheel forks with a front wheel, a steering device connected to the front wheel forks, and rear stays with a rear wheel that has a free-wheeling hub. The cycle of this invention also includes a frame which connects the forks and the stays, a scat that can be fastened to the frame, a rear wheel drive, and foot actuating means for the rear wheel drive. The frame is formed by an individual essentially horizontal rail. The foot actuating devices are displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The foot actuating devices are formed by a foot rest for both feet. The seat can be displaced on the rail in a longitudinal direction of the rail, and the steering device is formed by handlebars between which the rail extends. The handlebars are provided with hand grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Emil Dzvonik
  • Patent number: 6595535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle and like, having a rear wheel (22) or flywheel, and provided with a pedal group comprising a central shaft and a gear wheel (5) integrally coupled each other, a left crank (1) and a right crank (1), coupled on the two ends of the central shaft, characterised in that a pedal crank (7) is rotatably coupled with each one of said left and right cranks (1) by mechanical means (6, 8, 10) creating a freewheel like mechanism between the crank (1) and the corresponding pedal crank (7), a pedal (12) being coupled with one end of each one of the two pedal cranks (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: E.R.L. Invenzioni S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ernesto Farina
  • Patent number: 6588785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle, which is specifically adapted to be used as a bumper car. The vehicle is constructed from a frame that allows the vehicle to absorb and deliver impacts in a more efficient manner. Additionally, the vehicle includes steering and clutch assemblies-that allow for increased maneuverability. This increased maneuverability makes for,a more pleasurable and exciting bumper car game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: C & A Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Chuck Monary
  • Patent number: 6585278
    Abstract: A recumbent bicycle with (i) a cantilevered bicycle seat and (ii) a coaxial pivot and mid-drive sprocket around which the bicycle can be folded so as to form a more compact configuration. The folding of the bicycle is facilitated by the splaying of support arms for the coaxial pivot and mid-drive sprocket, which splaying allows the rear portion of the bicycle to be folded into a position lying between the splayed support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Joule Cycles, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Cerqua, Kim L. Sherman, Michael A. Wilson, Craig S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6572130
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle comprises a front subframe having a front wheel journaled thereto and a seat for a rider mounted thereon, and a rear subframe having a pair of rear wheels journaled thereto. The front subframe is journaled to the rear subframe at a kingpin axis, which defines a caster angle with respect to the vertical. The kingpin axis is spaced by a trail dimension from the rear axle axis. The caster angle and trail dimension, together with the wheelbase dimension between the front and rear axle axes and the track dimension across the rear wheels, are chosen cooperatively to define the desired handling characteristics of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: H. Peter Greene, Jr., Leonard R. Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6565106
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle with a front wheel drive system and a low profile operator seat that is positioned forward of the rear fork. The rear portion of the frame is telescopically connected to and selectively movable with respect to the front portion of the frame to provide a convenient adjustment that accommodates riders of all sizes. The wheeled vehicle also includes a releasably attached sidecar that can be quickly attached to or released from the vehicle frame by mating engagement of a slotted bracket with a rod, and a locking pin with a spring biased socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Zenon Lopez
  • 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: 6554308
    Abstract: A recumbent vehicle including parallel paired recumbent bicycles operatively and reversibly joined by a bracing assembly having less than four brace members, is provided. The parallel paired recumbent bicycles are easily separable, without the need for tools, for individual riding. A conversion kit for reversibly uniting a pair of recumbent bicycles so as to form a recumbent quad is similarly provided. The kit generally includes a bracing assembly including a pair of braces, and brackets adapted to reversibly receive portions of the braces therein. One of the brackets is a front bracket with another of the brackets being a rear bracket. The front bracket is supported by a front triangle of a diamond frame of the recumbent bicycle, with the rear bracket being supported by a rear triangle of the diamond frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Blackbird Designs Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Black
  • Patent number: 6527291
    Abstract: This bicycle, novel in both functionality and design, is a modified upright bicycle, which, because it incorporates a seat which is adjustable along an inclined Seat Beam, provides optimum dimensions for each individual rider. In addition, it exhibits improved safety, maneuverability, comfort and efficiency of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Carl R. Hurtig
  • Patent number: 6527290
    Abstract: A recumbent bicycle, the manufacture thereof, and apparatus for forming same, is provided. The recumbent bicycle generally includes a frame having joined forward and rearward frame portions. The forward frame portion is a sit-up bicycle frame adpated to support a steerable front ground engaging wheel. The rearward frame portion is adapted to support a suspension assembly and substantially bear a rider thereon. Preferably, the sit-up bicycle frame includes a head tube, down tube, bottom bracket, seat tube, chainstay, seatstay, and dropouts, and the rearward frame portion includes a supplemental chainstay. The rearward frame portion is joined to the forward frame portion such that the supplemental chainstay rearwardly extends from the dropouts as a substantial continuation of the chainstay of the forward frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: James G. Black
  • Patent number: 6497426
    Abstract: The bicycle of the invention provides a frame having forward and rear frame portions that are selectively attach and detach from each other in upright and recumbent positions. In the upright position, cranks are connected to a gear box that is adapted to drive a typical chain sprocket. In the recumbent position, the cranks are removed from the rear gear box and are attached to a forward gear box. A drive shaft is positioned between the gear boxes so that the bicycle rider may power the bicycle from the forward gear box. The bicycle may also be configured to be used as a tandem with a second set of cranks attached to the rear gear box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: James L. VanPelt