RECHARGEABLE SAILING RECUMBENT TRICYCLE
A cycle for sailing on land comprising a recumbent tricycle with a first wheel and seat positioned aft of second and third wheels. A frame boom extending anteriorly of the front wheels engages a tricycle sprint to support a sailing system. The jib sail of the sailing system may be adjusted during use through swing of the jib boom. The mast and combination of forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint sidestays cooperatively support attachment and use of jib sail to recumbent tricycle allowing application of wind force to stably motivate the land cycle. Further improvements disclosed and claimed include an electrical system including an electrical generator in cooperation with the rear wheel to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for storage and use with accessories as well as an electrical motor which may be controlled to allow application of mechanical force in addition to wind force for vehicle motivation.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of previously filed patent application Ser. No. 11,329,903 filed on Jan. 11, 2006. Applicant herein claims priority from said patent application and incorporates said patent application by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNo federal funds were used to develop or create the invention and described in the patent application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an apparatus for improving the performance of a recumbent tricycle by allowing the user to harness the motive force of wind and generate electricity during use.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIXNot Applicable
In overview, the apparatus and method as described herein teaches a sailing method and apparatus which allows a sail to be added to a recumbent tricycle. The inventor discloses and claims adding a frontally mounted sail to an existing recumbent tricycle through a combination of parts sold as a kit, the method of mounting and using said front sail in combination with a recumbent tricycle and a land sail cycle wherein the sail and recumbent tricycle are integral as well as any other means to accomplish the function of frontally mounted sails in combination with recumbent tricycles.
In the following description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
Recumbent tricycles (sometimes referred to simply as “trikes”) are closely related to recumbent bicycles, although they have three wheels instead of two. Tricycles come in two varieties, the delta, with two rear wheels, and the tadpole, with two front wheels. Most recent high-performance tricycles are of the tadpole variety. Tricycles are very stable and are capable of turning sharply without leaning, producing lateral “g forces” similar to a sports car.
Jib sail 40, as shown may be made of any suitable strong lightweight material compatible with sailing which may or may not be transparent. Suitable jib sail 40 materials may include canvas, Aramid fibre laminates, (also known by the tradename Kevlar®) polyurethane films, Dacron®, Mylar or Pentex laminates, woven fabrics, monofilm and composites incorporating carbon or any combination thereof. As designed, the rider may operate the land sail vehicle with a jib sail having a material that is relatively opaque. Rider visibility may be increased by choosing a sail that is fully transparent or as shown in
As shown in
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The forestay 28 is attached to the top of the mast 27 at one end and at the front end of the tricycle sprint 44 at the other end (
As shown in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Luff line 50, as illustrated in
The front point where the curves of the two tubes comprising the butterfly jib boom 43 meet is defined as the butterfly jib boom apex 51 (
As shown in
The preferred materials for the rigid jib spar 52 are carbon fiber composites for lightweight flexibility and rigidity. Alternative materials such as plastics and lightweight metals or combinations thereof may also be selected. The rigid jib spar 52 may also be tubular or hollow. The rigid forestay 55 and rigid jib spar 52 may be implemented together as shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
The generator 63 converts the mechanical energy of the rotational forces from the recumbent tricycle rear wheel 15 to electrical energy. The generator 63 may act as a type of regenerative braking, because when the generator 63 is engaged and the batteries 68 are being charged, the recumbent tricycle rear wheel 15 experiences more rotational resistance than when the generator 63 is not engaged. In this same manner, the electrical system may be used by the operator as a type of hill descent control, wherein the speed at which the recumbent tricycle 1 is allowed to descend an incline may be partially controlled by the operator's engagement of the generator 63. The principle energy input is derived from the motive force of the wind as captured by sail 40 and converted into electrical energy by the electrical generating system previously described.
The electrical energy generated by the generator 63 is transferred to batteries 68 through electrical wiring 79 (
The generator may be switched to a load or no load state via the generator on/off switch 71 on the control box 66 (
As shown in
In the embodiment shown in
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, variations or modifications would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the appended claims should not be limited to their literal terms, but should be broadly construed in accordance with the scope of the invention, as described above.
Claims
1) A land cycle for sailing on land comprising:
- a) a recumbent tricycle, wherein said recumbent tricycle includes: i) a frame having a shape approximating a triangle, having first, second and third vertices; ii) a first wheel having a sprocket, said first wheel connected to said frame and positioned at said first vertex of said frame; iii) a second and third wheel attached to said second and third vertices of said frame, said second wheel and said third wheel opposedly aligned, and wherein said first wheel is positioned behind said second and third wheels; iv) a seat for supporting a rider, said seat positioned behind said second and third wheels and attached to said frame; v) a frame boom extending anteriorly of said second and third wheels; vi) a chain wheel supportably attached to said boom and positioned anteriorly of said seat, said chain wheel connecting a set of pedals for input of motive force by said rider to a chain driving said first wheel sprocket; vii)a braking system acting on said second and third wheels and controllable by said rider; viii) a steering system acting on said second and third wheels and controllable by said rider;
- b) an electrical system, said electrical system comprising: i) an electrical energy generating means, wherein said electrical energy generating means is operable to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy; ii) an electrical energy storing means, wherein said electrical storing means is operable to store electrical energy; iii) a powering means, wherein said powering means is operable to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy; and, iv) an electrical distribution system, wherein said electrical distribution system is operable to allow communication among said electrical energy generating means, said electrical energy storing means and said powering means;
- c) a tricycle sprint having a first and second end, said first end of said tricycle sprint engaged with said frame between said second and third wheels, said second end of said tricycle sprint positioned anteriorly of second and third wheels;
- d) a vertically positioned mast having a first and second end, said first end of said mast engaged with said frame between said second and third wheels;
- e) a forestay having a first and second end, said first end of said forestay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said forestay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint;
- f) a back stay having a first and second end, said first end of said back stay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said back stay attached to said frame, proximate said first vertex;
- g) a starboard mast sidestay having a first and second end, said first end of said starboard mast sidestay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said starboard mast sidestay attached to said frame at said second vertex;
- h) a port mast sidestay having a first and second end, said first end of said port mast sidestay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said port mast sidestay attached to said frame at said third vertex;
- i) a starboard sprint sidestay having a first and second end, said first end of said starboard sprint sidestay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint and said second end of said starboard sprint sidestay attached to said frame proximate said second vertex;
- j) a port sprint sidestay having a first and second end, said first end of said port sprint sidestay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint and said second end of said port sprint sidestay attached to said frame proximate said third vertex;
- k) a tricycle sprint bottom stay having a first and second end, said first end of said tricycle sprint bottom stay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint and said second end of said tricycle sprint bottom stay attached to said frame proximate to said mast interface with said frame;
- l) a luff line having a first and second end, said first end of said luff line connected to said second end of said mast and said second end of said luff line connected to a furler positioned at said second end of said tricycle sprint;
- m) a butterfly jib boom having a first and second end, said second end of said butterfly jib boom attached to said forestay;
- n) a jib sail having a triangular shape and swivelly attached along its first portion by said luff line, said jib sail positioned within said butterfly jib boom, said jib sail adjusted by attachment of said top portion of said jib sail to said mast and wherein said forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint stays cooperatively support attachment and use of said jib sail to said recumbent tricycle thereby allowing a rider to apply wind force to stably motivate said land cycle.
2) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical energy generating means is further defined as a generator.
3) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical energy generating means is further defined as an alternator.
4) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical energy storing means is further defined as a plurality of batteries.
5) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 1 wherein said powering means is further defined as a direct current electrical motor capable of varying mechanical energy output rotational speeds.
6) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical system is further defined as including a throttling means, wherein said throttling means is operable to vary the amount of electrical energy transferred to said powering means via a user interface and wherein said throttling means communicates with other elements of said electrical system via said electrical distribution system.
7) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 6 wherein said throttling means is further defined as a variable resistance electrical circuit.
8) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 6 wherein said electrical system further comprises:
- a) a system key for opening and closing a master circuit, wherein said master circuit controls electricity flowing between said electrical energy generating means, said electrical energy storing means, said powering means and said throttling means;
- b) a load light for indicating whether said electrical energy generating means is engaged;
- c) a toggle switch for engaging said electrical energy generating means; and,
- d) a stored electricity display for determining and displaying the amount of stored electrical energy in said electrical energy storing means.
9) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical energy generating means is rotationally engaged with said first wheel so that rotational forces of said first wheel are transferred to said electrical energy generating means.
10) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 9 wherein said first wheel is further defined as having an inner portion for engagement with a coupling means, said coupling means operable to couple said inner portion of said first wheel with said electrical energy generating means, and a plurality of outer portions on either side of said inner portion, said plurality of outer portions operable for engagement with the ground surface and wherein said plurality of outer portions are affixed to said inner portion.
11) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 1 wherein said powering means is coupled to said first wheel via a rear chain, an outside sprocket on said powering means and a sprocket on said first wheel and wherein said powering means is coupled to said chain wheel via a front chain and an inside sprocket on said powering means.
12) The land cycle for sailing on land as set forth in claim 11 wherein said inner sprocket is capable of a “free wheel” state wherein said powering means is engaged and applying rotational energy to said outer sprocket but not applying rotational energy to said inner sprocket.
13) The land cycle for sailing on land as described in claim 1 having a braking system acting upon said first wheel, independent of said braking system acting upon said second and third wheels.
14) The land cycle for sailing on land as described in claim 1 wherein said tricycle sprint is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber composite, plastic and combinations thereof.
15) A land cycle as described in claim 14 wherein said forestay is tubular and comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber composite, plastic and combinations thereof.
16) A land cycle as described in claim 15 wherein said luff line is replaced with a rigid jib spar, said rigid jib spar having a first and second end wherein said first end of said rigid jib spar is connected to said second end of said mast and said second end of said rigid jib spar is connected to a furler, said rigid jib functioning to increase overall efficiency of said jib sail during operation by maintaining maximum wind exposure through enhanced rigidity of said jib sail.
17) A land cycle as described in claim 16 wherein said rigid jib spar is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber composite, plastic and combinations thereof.
18) A land cycle as described in claim 17 wherein said rigid jib spar has a circular shape.
19) A land cycle as described in claim 11 wherein said forestay and sleeve have a tubular circular shape.
20) A land cycle as described in claim 1, wherein said jib sail is transparent.
21) A land cycle as described in claim 1, wherein said jib sail has a transparent window.
22) A land cycle as described in claim 20, wherein said jib sail is self-tacking.
23) A land cycle as described in claim 21, wherein said jib sail is self-tacking.
24) A land cycle as described in claim 1, wherein said wherein said tricycle sprint has a caster mounted for ground contact.
25) A combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit for converting a recumbent tricycle to a land sail vehicle comprising:
- a) a tricycle sprint having a first and second end, said first end of said tricycle sprint engaged with said frame between said second and third wheels, said second end of said tricycle sprint positioned anteriorly of second and third wheels;
- b) a vertically positioned mast having a first and second end, said first end of said mast engaged with said frame between said second and third wheels;
- c) a forestay having a first and second end, said first end of said forestay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said forestay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint;
- d) a back stay having a first and second end, said first end of said back stay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said back stay attached to said frame, proximate said first vertex;
- e) a starboard mast sidestay having a first and second end, said first end of said starboard mast sidestay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said starboard mast sidestay attached to said frame at said second vertex;
- f) a port mast sidestay having a first and second end, said first end of said port mast sidestay attached to said second end of said mast and said second end of said port mast sidestay attached to said frame at said third vertex;
- g) a starboard sprint sidestay having a first and second end, said first end of said starboard sprint sidestay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint and said second end of said starboard sprint sidestay attached to said frame proximate said second vertex;
- h) a port sprint side stay having a first and second end, said first end of said port sprint side stay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint and said second end of said port sprint side stay attached to said frame proximate said third vertex;
- i) a tricycle sprint bottom stay having a first and second end, said first end of said tricycle sprint bottom stay attached to said second end of said tricycle sprint and said second end of said tricycle sprint bottom stay attached to said frame proximate to said mast interface with said frame;
- j) a luff line having a first and second end, said first end of said luff line connected to said second end of said mast and said second end of said luff line connected to a furler positioned at said second end of said tricycle sprint;
- k) a butterfly jib boom having a first and second end, said second end of said butterfly jib boom attached to said forestay;
- l) a jib sail having a triangular shape and swivelly attached along its first portion by said luff line, said jib sail positioned within said butterfly jib boom, said jib sail adjusted by attachment of said top portion of said jib sail to said mast and wherein said forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint stays cooperatively support attachment and use of said jib sail to said recumbent tricycle thereby allowing a rider to apply wind force to stably motivate said land cycle, when wind force is available;
- m) an electrical system, said electrical system comprising: i) an electrical energy generating means, wherein said electrical energy generating means is operable to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy; ii) an electrical energy storing means, wherein said electrical storing means is operable to store electrical energy; iii) a powering means, wherein said powering means is operable to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy; and, iv) an electrical distribution system, wherein said electrical distribution system is operable to allow communication among said electrical energy generating means, said electrical energy storing means and said powering means, thereby allowing a rider to use electrical energy alone or in combination with wind force, if available, to stably motivate said land cycle.
26) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 25 also including a sprint stay spreader with first and second ends positioned transverse of said tricycle sprint and wherein said first end of said sprint stay spreader cooperates with said port sprint sidestay and said second end of said sprint stay spreader cooperates with said starboard sprint sidestay to maintain a pre-determined distance between said port sprint sidestay and said starboard sprint sidestay.
27) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 26 further comprising:
- a) A back stay having a first and second section wherein said first section of said back stay is a single line having an end which is attached to said second end of said mast and said second section of said back stay is comprised of a first and second line wherein each of said first and second lines has an end for attachment; and,
- b) A stern stay bar having a first and second opposing ends is mounted to said recumbent tricycle frame in a position posterior of said first wheel and transverse to said first wheel and wherein said stern stay bar has a pre-determined length selected to maintain a predetermined distance between said first and second lines of said second section of said back stay and wherein the ends of said first and second lines of said second section of said back stay are attached to said first and seconds ends of stern stay bar.
28) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 27 also including a second braking system acting upon only said first wheel independent of said first braking system acting upon said second and third wheels.
29) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 28 also including a set of turnbuckles cooperatively engaged between first and said second ends, respectively, of said forestay, said back stay, said starboard mast sidestay, said port mast sidestay, said starboard sprint sidestay, said port sprint sidestay, and said tricycle sprint bottom stay to allow independent mechanical tension adjustment.
30) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 29 wherein said tricycle sprint is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber composite, plastic and combinations thereof.
31) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 30 wherein said forestay is tubular and comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber composite, plastic and combinations thereof.
32) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 31 wherein said rigid jib spar is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber composite, plastic and combinations thereof.
33) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 25 further comprising a second braking system acting upon said first wheel independent of said first braking system acting upon said second and third wheels.
34) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 33 wherein said jib sail is transparent.
35) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 34 wherein said jib sail has a transparent window.
36) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 31 wherein said rigid jib spar is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber composite, plastic and combinations thereof.
37) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 36 wherein said jib sail is transparent.
38) The combination of cooperating elements offered as a kit according to claim 37 wherein said jib sail has a transparent window.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 8, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 2, 2007
Inventor: Philip A. MacTaggart (Geneseo, IL)
Application Number: 11/518,045