With Propulsion Means Patents (Class 280/210)
  • Patent number: 11124217
    Abstract: A stroller assembly may be configurable as an assembled stroller having selected components defining one of a plurality of potential stroller configurations. The stroller assembly may include a plurality of constituent assemblies. Each of the constituent assemblies may include a plurality of selectable components that, when selected and combined into the assembled stroller, define a corresponding expression of the stroller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Britax Child Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie Zhao, Joel Hyrum Bennett, Brandon Cory Hoover, Michael E. Calvert
  • Patent number: 11021201
    Abstract: A telescoping carer's handle for a child's kick scooter comprising a padded handle on one end of a telescoping pole mechanism. The telescoping pole mechanism is arranged parallel to and attaches to the vertical portion of the child kick scooter's T-bar handlebar by means of one or more clamps and brackets. The telescoping carer's handle is reversibly extendable and retractable from the scooter in a direction substantially upwards and downwards, respectively, relative to the handlebar portion of the scooter. There can be a locking mechanism between adjacent telescoping tubes that allows the user to raise or lower the top of the pole and then lock it into position so that, in use, a carer located adjacent to the scooter can grasp the handle at a comfortable height and safely steer, stop and or propel the scooter and child, and alternatively retract the carer's handle when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Jon Paul Tkach
  • Patent number: 10647375
    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: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTD
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 9150273
    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: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF PTE LTD
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 9108693
    Abstract: A user-propelled vehicle is adapted for use as a ride on vehicle. The user-propelled ride on vehicle has a frame, a rider support platform, a steering column, a front cross member, a rear cross member, and a plurality of a caster assemblies coupled to the front and rear cross members at a front forward tilting angle to the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fitzwater, Ian Grout
  • Publication number: 20150145230
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to brake a bicycle is disclosed. An elongated member is attach to a front mounting post of a bicycle and extends outward from the front mounting post in a substantially horizontal plane. The elongated member includes a pair of wide main sections respectively disposed adjacent the midsection and is adapted to support arms of a bicycle rider when the elongated member is attached to the front mounting post. A first recess is formed in the member bottom that is located adjacent a member end. A pin is coupled to the member and extends through the recess. The brake handle is positioned at least partially within each recess. A brake handle is rotatably coupled to the pin. The brake handles couples to a bicycle brake cable to brake the bicycle in response to a bicycle user partially rotating the handle about the pin within the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: BikeStreet USA
    Inventor: David L. Poole
  • Patent number: 8973934
    Abstract: An elliptical propulsion system for stroller assemblies. The elliptical propulsion system has a propulsion frame assembly, a propulsion assembly, and a propulsion wheel assembly. The propulsion frame assembly is removably mounted onto a stroller assembly. Further having elliptical motion means to cause propulsion wheel assembly to rotate and propel the stroller assembly when the propulsion frame assembly, propulsion assembly, and propulsion wheel assembly are in an extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SOBE Stroller LLC
    Inventor: Pier Paolo Visconti
  • Publication number: 20150028557
    Abstract: The present invention reduces or eliminates suspension induced lower portion chain grow for rear derailer equipped bicycle drive trains using a pivoting mount for the common chain guide pulley. Attached about or near concentric with the chain ring and bottom bracket this mounting plate has a pivotally connected link to the suspension. The chain guide pulley is positioned to “take-up” or store some lower portion of chain length around the chain ring. Suspension activation creates pivotal movement of the guide mounting plate to relieve suspension induced chain grow by releasing some or the entire taken-up length of the lower portion of the drive chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Raymond Twers
  • Patent number: 8911332
    Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: HPN Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David W Kraus, Dean Maro
  • Publication number: 20140265217
    Abstract: A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Payne
  • Publication number: 20140265208
    Abstract: The vehicle includes a frame member to be suspended relative to the ground. The suspension of the invention includes an arm (such as a swingarm), a slide link, and a control link. The arm having a first end and a second end; it extends between the frame generally at the first end and the ground-engaging member generally at the second end. The slide link is coupled between the frame and the arm. The slide link is rotationally fixed to the arm to rotationally move therewith. It is pivotally secured to the frame. The control link is also coupled to the frame and to the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Darrell W. Voss
  • Publication number: 20140224556
    Abstract: Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or. liquid. fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Albert Mroz
  • Publication number: 20140217694
    Abstract: A user-propelled vehicle is adapted for use as a ride on vehicle. The user-propelled ride on vehicle has a frame, a rider support platform, a steering column, a front cross member, a rear cross member, and a plurality of a caster assemblies coupled to the front and rear cross members at a front forward tilting angle to the vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fitzwater, Ian Grout
  • Publication number: 20140203536
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a riding walker assembly includes a support assembly and a drive assembly. The support assembly may include a frame work supporting a seat assembly, and a plurality of wheels operatively coupled to the frame work and configured to rollably engage a floor surface. The drive assembly may include a drive wheel configured to engage the floor surface, and a pedal assembly operatively coupled to the drive wheel such that rotation of the pedal assembly rotates the drive wheel. The riding walker assembly may further include a coupling assembly operatively coupling the drive assembly to the support assembly, the coupling assembly being configured to selectively engage and disengage the drive wheel from the floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Philip C. Whitener
  • Publication number: 20140175769
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact, carry-on vehicles configured to shield a user from the drive mechanism. The vehicles are generally foldable, carry-on vehicles having a chassis that converts to a protective carry-on case for the vehicle. The vehicles are foldable with a drive mechanism that is (i) compact, (ii) at least substantially enclosed, (iii) clean, and (iv) generally shielded from contact by the user in the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Patent number: 8684121
    Abstract: A wearable mobility device comprising a base for the placement of a shoe, the base including a heel-support section, a battery pack, a tail reflector, and a wireless receiver. The device including a first wheel having a wheel hub motor embedded therein, the motor rotatably connected to a first partial axial shaft connected to the base. The device including a second wheel having a wheel hub motor controller embedded therein, the motor controller rotatably connected to a second partial axial shaft connected to the base and operative to control a speed of rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel. The device also including a remote control for controlling the speed of rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel, the remote control operative to transmit one or more control signals to the wireless receiver, the wireless receiver being electrically coupled to the motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Acton, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Treadway
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140076651
    Abstract: A folding type bicycle including a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, and a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, wherein the hinge device comprises a hinge shaft configured to rotatably connect the front frame, the center frame and the rear from to one another at a central portion of the hinge shaft, an operating lever provided at an end portion of the hinge shaft, and a locking pin member provided while being spaced apart from the hinge shaft to fix an unfolded state of the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame in accordance with pivoting of the operating lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeong Rae KIM, Chang Bok Ko
  • Publication number: 20140070514
    Abstract: A bicycle including a frame, a load carrying base, two front wheels, two rear wheels, a steering mechanism, a brake mechanism, a pedal mechanism, a chain drive mechanism, and a saddle unit. The frame is a retractable frame, including a rear support frame, a down tube, a transverse tube, and at least two telescopic casing tube assemblies that are arranged side by side. Each of the telescopic casing tube assemblies includes a front casing tube, a middle rod, and a rear casing tube. The load carrying base includes a cross bar, a front connecting rod, a left connecting rod, a right connecting rod, a rear connecting rod and internally hinged bars for linking the connecting rods. The two front wheels are respectively connected to two ends of the cross bar through a bearing at the top ends of a front fork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Weifeng DAI
  • Patent number: 8662513
    Abstract: A human powered land vehicle sufficiently rigid so as to transport a human rider constructed only from palpably recyclable and shreddably recyclable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: I.G. Cardboard Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Izhar Gafni
  • Patent number: 8660728
    Abstract: A bicycle motor control system is configured to control a drive assistance motor that can be installed on a bicycle having a drive force transmitting body. The bicycle motor control system comprises a memory device, a pedaling force detecting device, a propulsion force calculating section and a motor control section. The memory device stores a tooth count of a plurality of transmitting teeth of the drive force transmitting body. The pedaling force detecting device detects a pedaling force. The propulsion force calculating section calculates a propulsion force based on a pedaling force detected by the pedaling force detecting device and the tooth count of the transmitting teeth stored in the memory device. The motor control section controls the motor based on the propulsion force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takao Saida
  • Patent number: 8646794
    Abstract: A three-wheeled motorized vehicle with a reverse trike or tadpole configuration is described. The vehicle includes a rear frame coupled to a single rear wheel and a front frame that is operatively coupled to a pair of front wheels mounted on opposite sides of the front frame. The rear frame is pivotably coupled to the front frame by a first coupling located along a top portion of the front frame and a second coupling located along a bottom portion of the front frame. The first coupling is located forward of the second coupling to provide a negative rake angle. Handlebars affixed to the front frame pivot the front frame, an engine mounted therein, and the front wheels about the first and second couplings. The location of the first and second couplings also causes the rear frame to lean out of a vertical plane when the front frame is pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Mullin
  • Patent number: 8602432
    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: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 8602434
    Abstract: A double chainring drivetrain system for bicycles that allows riders to apply force directly to a pair of chainrings, one on either side of the bottom bracket. The double chainring drivetrain system has two crank arms, each connected to a peripheral rim portion of the chainrings, and two drive chains. A hub on the rear wheel has two sprockets such that the two drive chains extend between the chainrings and the rear sprockets for transfer of applied rotational forces from the pedals on either side of the bicycle through the two chainrings to the rear sprockets on hub of the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Julian E. Woods
  • Publication number: 20130313802
    Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: HPN Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. KRAUS, Dean Maro
  • Patent number: 8567804
    Abstract: A mobile device for supporting a user in a standing, sitting, or kneeling position such as to increase the mobility of paraplegic persons or other users incapable of moving as desired. The mobile device includes a drivable base having wheels and/or track members, a platform pivotally connected to the base and movable from a horizontal position to a forwardly-angled position, an actuator connected to the platform for angular adjustment of the platform, a pair of leg supporting assemblies connected to the platform and being hinged along a lengthwise axis, a pair of actuators connected to the leg supporting assemblies for pivoting the leg supporting assemblies, and a securing assembly connected to the leg supporting assemblies for securing a user to the device. The device also includes a wireless handheld controller for operating the drive unit and actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jody M. Hoenhause
  • Patent number: 8535206
    Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided that steers by imparting a variable amount of toe or camber to a wheel, and is capable of imparting both toe and camber using a single mechanism. Some versions of the steering mechanism can provide extremely high stability during turns controlled by the simple leaning of the operator. Vehicles using the mechanism are provided, including lean-steered vehicles, and including a three-wheeled mobile elliptically driven device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: HPN Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kraus, Dean Maro
  • Patent number: 8534689
    Abstract: A child vehicle includes a front frame having a handlebar and at least one front wheel, and a rear frame movably coupled thereto and having at least one rear wheel. At least one graphical interface is coupled to the vehicle and includes a placard having a frame secured to the vehicle and a working surface disposed generally within the frame. The working surface is configured to be marked thereon by the child using a marking utensil so as to create an artistic expression for customizing the vehicle. A tool-less coupling between the front and rear frames and an associated method of a tool-less assembly of a child vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventor: Donald K. Jessie, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130168942
    Abstract: A pedal drive system for a bicycle includes a front spiral cone pulley and a rear pulley. The front spiral cone pulley is attached to a crank arm, and the rear pulley is attached to a rear wheel on a bicycle in some embodiments. A power cable, or tension linkage, extends between the front spiral cone pulley and the rear pulley. The front spiral cone pulley is angularly moveable relative to the first crank arm such that the radial position of the point of engagement between the power cable and the front spiral cone pulley may be selectively manipulated for controlling the gear ratio between the front spiral cone pulley and the rear pulley. In some embodiments, the rear pulley is also a spiral cone pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Musgrove
  • Patent number: 8469369
    Abstract: A combined seat with compression device for interactively actuating a sound effects unit incorporated into a ride on toy vehicle as a user bounces up and down on the combined seat with compression device. The toy includes a frame for a ride-on toy vehicle, a sound effects unit having a housing secured to the frame, a seat secured to the frame and movable between first and second positions, an actuating mechanism attached at the seat for engagement with the sound effects unit, and a deformable compression device positioned at the seat capable of depressing as the seat is moved from the first the position to the second position to interactively activate the sound effects unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. McCarthy, Craig McElhaney, Steven Lee Unruh
  • Patent number: 8465037
    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: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Trike MNF Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Publication number: 20130075995
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame and a front wheel. The tricycle includes a first rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a second rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a front suspension system and a rear suspension system functionally coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a drive system coupled to the frame and a wheel hub fixedly coupled to the first drive shaft. The drive system includes a transmission system coupling a first drive train to a second drive train. The tricycle includes a locking device configured to lock the relative position of the wheel hub and the rear axle, wherein the locking device is selectably adjustably between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle locked together, and the second mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle shaft independently rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Mark E. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20120248730
    Abstract: A bicycle having a wheel and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector engages the stay, and a chain guide member is coupled to the stay protector to support and align the chain. The chain guide member comprises a guide mount and a guide carriage. The guide mount is secured to the stay protector, and the guide carriage is supported by the guide mount. The bicycle chain passes through a channel formed on the guide carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon Dale Sloan, David Allen, Jan Talavasek, Joseph Edward Buckley
  • Publication number: 20120248732
    Abstract: A bicycle is provided with a frame, a drive member and a bicycle brake. The drive member is movably mounted to the frame for driving the bicycle. The bicycle brake is mounted to the frame. The bicycle brake includes a quick release mechanism that has an operating part and a contact part. The operating part is operatively arranged to be toggled between a closed position and a released position that is separated from the closed position. The contact part is provided on the operating part and configured such that the operating part contacts the drive member while the operating part is positioned at the released position. The contact part is configured such that after the contact part contacts the drive member due to operation of the drive member, the operating part is then moved from the released position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Etsuyoshi WATARAI, Osamu KARIYAMA, Masahiro NAKAKURA
  • Patent number: 8201839
    Abstract: The present invention is applied to pedal vehicles, or mixture of electric and pedal vehicles, or combination of electric and pedal vehicles, especially to a bicycle capable of being pedaled bidirectionally and driven to move in unidirectional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8186698
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame and a front wheel. The tricycle includes a first rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a second rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a front suspension system and a rear suspension system functionally coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a drive system coupled to the frame and a wheel hub fixedly coupled to the first drive shaft. The drive system includes a transmission system coupling a first drive train to a second drive train. The tricycle includes a locking device configured to lock the relative position of the wheel hub and the rear axle, wherein the locking device is selectably adjustably between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle locked together, and the second mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle shaft independently rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Mark E. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20120104722
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame and a front wheel. The tricycle includes a first rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a second rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a front suspension system and a rear suspension system functionally coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a drive system coupled to the frame and a wheel hub fixedly coupled to the first drive shaft. The drive system includes a transmission system coupling a first drive train to a second drive train. The tricycle includes a locking device configured to lock the relative position of the wheel hub and the rear axle, wherein the locking device is selectably adjustably between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle locked together, and the second mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle shaft independently rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Mark E. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20120007330
    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 in at least one second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: HEINZ KETTLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: JOACHIM KETTLER, KARIN KETTLER
  • Patent number: 8066294
    Abstract: A portable jogging tricycle includes a main frame, a handle base, a rear wheel support frame connected to opposite sides of the handle base, two front wheel support frames and two foldable frames attached between the handle base and the front wheel support frame. The foldable frame includes a plurality of scissor lifts and is used for folding the two front wheel support frames close to the handle base. The main frame includes a plurality of pivoted arms for folding the main frame together to fold in the handle base and the rear wheel support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Te Tsai
  • Patent number: 8056915
    Abstract: A stepping scooter includes a scooter body for supporting a rider, a moving system, a driving system and a steering lever. The moving system includes a driving wheel rotatably connected with the scooter body, a driven wheel coaxially aligned with the driving wheel and rotatably connected with the scooter body. The driving system includes a driving arrangement pivotally connected to the scooter body, and a transmission and speeding up arrangement engaged with the driving arrangement to convert a human power applied on the driving arrangement into a rotation power to drive the moving system. When the human power is applied on the driving arrangement, the driving wheel is rotated so as to drive the driven wheel to move forward. On the other hand, the transmission and speeding up arrangement is capable of increasing a transmission velocity twice to save a physical force for the rider at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mingfang Pang
  • Publication number: 20110224047
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising, a paddle lever, a hinge joint, the hinge joint pivotally attached to the paddle lever, a hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston pivotally attached to the paddle lever, a crankshaft, a piston bar, the piston bar pivotally attached to the paddle lever on a first end and to the crankshaft on a second end, a chain assembly, the chain assembly interlocked to the crankshaft, and a wheel, the wheel attached to the chain assembly by a rear axle, wherein a force pushes down the paddle lever hinged on the pivot joint, the force is transmitted to both the hydraulic piston and the crankshaft at the same time therefore rotating the wheel. A method of transportation comprising, using human force to simultaneously move a crankshaft and a hydraulic piston, whereby a wheel is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: WILLIAM SANS
  • Publication number: 20110133427
    Abstract: A human powered land vehicle sufficiently rigid so as to transport a human rider constructed only from pulpably recyclable and shreddably recyclable materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Tsafrir Bashan, Izhar Gafni
  • Publication number: 20110095505
    Abstract: An exercise vehicle is provided with an improved push/pull rod steering system for use in directing vehicle travel and maintaining balance without interfering significantly with vehicle power. The vehicle includes a frame with an attached drive system that includes a drive wheel. The drive system includes arm levers operatively connected to the drive wheel so that counter-reciprocal movement of the arm levers produces rotation of the drive wheel. The steering system includes a guidance wheel rotatively coupled with the frame, a steering crank which is operatively coupled with the guidance wheel, hand levers pivotally attached to the arm levers and push/pull rod assemblies connecting the hand levers to the steering crank. When one hand lever pivots, the steering crank rotates, causing the guidance wheel to turn while simultaneously causing the other hand lever to pivot the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Coe Heath
  • Patent number: 7887076
    Abstract: A skateboard-like personal vehicle comprises a platform, a pair of steerable front wheels controlled by an upright steering lever movable left or right about a longitudinal pivot axis by one hand of the rider, a pair of rear wheels, one of which is driven by a reciprocable foot pedal, and an upright post which can be gripped by the rider's other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Joshua Adams
  • Publication number: 20100320716
    Abstract: A human-driven traveling apparatus includes, among other features, a pedal assembly driving rear wheels using force inputted from both feet of a user. The pedal assembly includes first and second pedals connected to the frame to be rotatable up/down for the user to press down with both feet, respectively, first and second rotary circular plates rotatably connected to the frame, a first power transmission mechanism transmitting rotational force of the first pedal rotated by the force applied by the user, to the first rotary circular plate, a second power transmission mechanism transmitting rotational force of the second pedal rotated by the force applied by the user, to the second rotary circular shaft, and a third power transmission mechanism transmitting the rotational force of the first and second rotary circular plates to the rear wheels to drive the rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Min Kyung SUNG
  • Publication number: 20100308556
    Abstract: This invention relates to the drive technique of bicycles, particularly two-wheel and rear-wheel driven ones. This invention comprises a front-wheel driver unit which moves rectilinearly and directly matches the front-wheel ratchet wheel, to drive the front wheel. It also contains a curvilinear rear-wheel driver unit which moves along a curve and directly matches the rear-wheel ratchet wheel to drive the rear wheel. The two-wheel driven bicycle has a head tube in the front to form a bracket to support the cyclist's shoulders so that the cyclist, while using his or her arms to steer the bicycle and drive the front wheel, does not have to make big effort to support his/her upper body. In the case of the rear-wheel driven bicycle, the identical rear-wheel driver unit used for said two-wheel driven bicycle is used, and the front wheel and the handlebars are just the same as that of a conventional bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Qi Nong Jin, Jian Jin, Gang Guo
  • Publication number: 20100289244
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle, for example, a self-propelled and/or pedal vehicle such as a tricycle, bicycle, scooter, micro-scooter, or collapsible scooter, for example, adapted for use by children or infants. Accordingly, a self-propelled vehicle comprising illuminatable direction indicator means comprising left turn and right turn indictor means, which selectably operate by turning of a steering means or column of the self-propelled vehicle to the left or to the right, respectively, the steering means or column comprising handlebars in one embodiment. The self-propelled vehicle may comprise a tricycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: H Grossman Limited
    Inventor: Martin Grossman
  • Publication number: 20100270772
    Abstract: This invention concerns a recreational vehicle comprising a body having a front wheel and a rear wheel mounted thereto by a mounting system that allows relative movement between an axis of the rear wheel and an axis of the front wheel. Biasing means is provided for urging the axes of the front and rear wheels towards each other. A locking system locks at least one of the front and rear wheels against rotation in one direction whilst allowing rotation of that wheel in the other direction. The invention also concerns a recreational vehicle comprising a body having at least one bouncing element mounted thereto, the bouncing element having sufficient resilience to allow a user to bounce the recreational vehicle and wherein the bouncing element is mounted to the body by a mounting system, which defines an axis of rotation for the bouncing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Ian Webb, Miles Gilbert Mann, Ian Redfern
  • Publication number: 20100270771
    Abstract: Walking auxiliary equipment 10 includes a walking unit 12 and a bogie 14. The walking unit 12 has a lumber frame 16 put onto the lumber region of a user, a below-knee frame 34 put onto the leg of a user, an above-knee frame 26 for coupling the lumber frame 16 to the below-knee frame 34, through a first joint K1 and a second joint K2, and an assistance force imparting device 102. The assistance force imparting device 102 includes a first actuator 104 for generating assistance force to flex the first joint K1, a second actuator 106 for generating assistance force to flex the second joint K2, a third actuator 108 for generating assistance force to extend the second joint K2, and a fourth actuator 110 for generating assistance force to extend the first joint K1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ADMINSTRATIVE ORGANIZATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Takeo Karato, Kazutaka Irie, Kazuaki Hiramatsu, Yutaka Sato
  • Publication number: 20100253036
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a main frame, a drive axle rotatably mounted on the main frame, a chainwheel secured on the drive axle, an eccentric shaft secured on the drive axle, a support post mounted on the main frame, a rocking arm pivotally mounted on the support post, and a linking member having an upper end pivotally connected with the rocking arm to move with the rocking arm and a lower end pivotally connected with the eccentric shaft to move the eccentric shaft. The rocking arm has two opposite sides each provided with a pedal. Thus, the wheeled vehicle is driven to move forward by stepping the pedals of the rocking arm upward and downward in a reciprocal manner to provide a different pedalling manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ping-Sheng Liu, Wen-Chin Huang