Linkage And Crank Patents (Class 280/247)
  • Patent number: 12257196
    Abstract: A wheelchair configured to impart motion on one or more lower extremities of a user to inhibit inelasticity in joints of one or more lower extremities as a result of extended immobility, and to promote a more natural alignment of one or more upper extremities of the user during manipulation of the wheelchair. The wheelchair includes a seat and a backrest, at least two ground-engaging wheels, a hand mechanism assembly including a hand grip on each side of the wheelchair, and a foot mechanism assembly including a footrest on each of the wheelchair. When a force is applied to one of the hand grips, the wheels rotate for locomotion, and the foot mechanism assembly is actuated, causing the foot rest on the opposite side from the hand grip to move in an arced path, and vice versa, thereby imparting contralateral locomotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Inventors: Linda Smith Swerdlow, Henning Zieger
  • Patent number: 11787509
    Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame, a tunnel, at least one ski operatively connected to the frame, a motor supported by the frame, and an endless drive track operatively connected to the motor. The tunnel extends above the endless drive track and has a first part and a second part. The second part extends rearward from the first part. The first part is made of a first material. The second part is made of a second material that is resilient. The second material is different from the first material. When a downward force is applied to a rear end of the second part, the second part bends downward from an original configuration such that the rear end of the second part moves toward the endless drive track. The second part returns at least approximately to its original configuration after removal of the downward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Mika Korsumaki
  • Patent number: 11052001
    Abstract: A mobile chair apparatus is described that comprises a drive assembly that preferably includes one or more moveable foot pedals, and drive wheels which rotate in response to rotation of the foot pedals by the mobile chair occupant, and a steering assembly which comprises two steering wheels and at least one tiller, configured such that forward and backward movement of said tiller will translate into movement of both steering wheels, wherein the drive assembly and the steering assembly concurrently enable the mobile chair occupant to propel and steer the mobile chair apparatus without assistance from another person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: VELOCHAIR GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Simons
  • Patent number: 9724253
    Abstract: A mechanical steering system for a wheelchair to permit a user's foot to pivotably adjust a pair of caster wheels of the wheelchair is provided. The system includes a platform coupled to a frame of the wheelchair, a foot controller assembly pivotably mounted to the platform and having a foot plate to receive the user's foot and a rod coupled to the foot plate, a drag linkage member coupled to the rod of the foot controller assembly, and a pair of lever arm assemblies pivotably mounted to the drag linkage member, each lever arm assembly having a lever rod coupled to a fork member, the fork member being coupled to one of the caster wheels. Pivotable movement of the foot plate is transferred through the drag linkage member to permit both lever rods of the lever arm assemblies to pivot, thereby enabling simultaneous pivotal adjustments of the caster wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventors: Brian M. Watwood, Christopher A. Zikry, Marcel T. Bernucci, Dat T. Ho, Phuong V. Dang, Steven Andrew Lucero
  • Patent number: 8967652
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat for supporting an occupant and a frame supporting the seat, where the frame further includes a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels connected by a differential for reversibly locking the second pair of wheels such that propulsion of only one of the wheels in the second pair of wheels results in both of wheels in the second pair of wheels moving in an identical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua Carmine Penn
  • Patent number: 8857838
    Abstract: A dual drive system for a non-motorized vehicle comprising a first drive unit disposed on a vehicle frame, wherein the first drive unit has a rotary action and is operatively associated with a first wheel assembly for turning a wheel; and, a second drive unit disposed on the vehicle frame, wherein the second drive unit has a lever action and is operatively associated with the first wheel assembly for turning the wheel. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are independently operable for turning the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Scolari, George Reiter
  • Patent number: 8857839
    Abstract: A lever drive system for a scooter including a crank arm having a first distal end pivotally carried on a frame and operatively associated with a drive sprocket, wherein reciprocating movement of the crank arm causes rotation of the drive sprocket for moving a drive chain operatively associated with a wheel assembly. A footrest is disposed on the crank arm for operating the crank arm. A cam member is pivotally mounted to the frame generally adjacent the crank arm. A cam follower is carried by the crank arm engaging the cam member, wherein movement of the crank arm causes the cam follower to move along a contoured control surface of the cam member for controlling an up and down movement of the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zike, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Scolari, George Reiter
  • Patent number: 8534690
    Abstract: A bicycle. A front bicycle wheel and rear bicycle wheel are connected to a bicycle frame. A steerer tube controls the left and right motion of the front bicycle wheel. A drive sprocket drives the rear bicycle wheel. Two hand grippable pivotally connected handles are each connected via a handle steering linkage connection to the steerer tube. They are both also connected via a second handle drive linkage to the drive sprocket. The pivoting of the handles in an approximately horizontal plane controls the left and right motion of the front bicycle wheel. The pivoting of the handles in an approximately vertical plane controls the rotation of the drive sprocket and drives the bicycle forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: David D. Price
  • Patent number: 8439379
    Abstract: A bicycle wherein the front wheel can be both steered and powered by reciprocal movement of the handle bars in a forward and rear direction. The drive system for the front wheel comprises a first linkage comprising two arms, one of which is a pivoting arm, and a second linkage comprising three arms, two of which are pivoting arms. The two arm linkage system is the primary driver in the sense of rotating a drive sprocket between two over center positions. The three arm linkage system, while also driving the drive sprocket, serves the primary function of moving the two arm linkage system over the two center positions, as the handle bars are reciprocated in forward and rear directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Mark T. Schanzer
  • Patent number: 8391841
    Abstract: A mutual authentication method is provided for securely agreeing application-security keys with mobile terminals supporting legacy Subscriber Identity Modules (e.g., GSM SIM and CDMA2000 R-UIM, which do not support 3G AKA mechanisms). A challenge-response key exchange is implemented between a bootstrapping server function (BSF) and mobile terminal (MT). The BSF generates an authentication challenge and sends it to the MT under a server-authenticated public key mechanism. The MT receives the challenge and determines whether it originates from the BSF based on a bootstrapping server certificate. The MT formulates a response to the authentication challenge based on keys derived from the authentication challenge and a pre-shared secret key. The BSF receives the authentication response and verifies whether it originates from the MT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: James F. Semple, Gregory S. Rose, John W. Nasielski
  • Patent number: 8181977
    Abstract: A bicycle arm-drive apparatus includes a stationary mounting structure, an arm drive input mechanism, a drive motion transmission mechanism, and a plurality of connectors. One end of the mounting structure attaches to the front-center portion of the bicycle. The arm drive input mechanism includes a pair of control arms that pivotally attach to the other end of the mounting structure and generally extend rearward and outward from there. The operator grips each control arm, inputting arm power by driving them fore-and-aft. The drive motion transmission mechanism includes a pair of connecting rod assemblies running down opposite sides of the bicycle frame between the control arms and bicycle pedals. A plurality of connectors link the connecting rod assemblies to the pedals and control arms in order to transmit control arm fore-and-aft movement via the connecting rod assemblies to the pedals to enable the arm power to assist with bicycle pedaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher B. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 8157280
    Abstract: A mechanism for manually powering a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a frame and a first driver attached to the frame. The first driver rotates a driven wheel. A lever arm is pivotally attached to the frame and includes a first end having a pair of handles sized to be grasped and moved in a rowing motion by both hands of a person and a second end that rotatably attaches to a disk shaped second driver. A linkage is moved by the second driver when the person pivots the first end of the lever arm and the linkage rotates the first driver and the driven wheel. A steerable wheel and a steering member that are operated by the lever arm steer the steerable wheel. The steering member communicates moveably with a telescoping universal joint, the telescoping universal joint enabling the lever arm to be pivoted and steered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Morse Cycle Company LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Drymalski
  • Patent number: 7780179
    Abstract: A drive system (3) for a human powered vehicle. The drive system (3) includes at least one input member (31), a transmission system (21) arranged to convert movement of the input member (31) to rotation of an output member (83), and a lock mechanism (123) including at least one drive member (133) for selectively locking a drive wheel (11, 13) to rotation of the output member (83) for rotation therewith. The drive member (133) is arranged for movement from a first operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is not locked to the output member (83) to a second operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is locked to the output member (83), and back to the first operational position, under the control of a user of the vehicle. The drive system (3) allows the user to choose between propelling the vehicle using the drive system (3) or disengaging the drive system (3) from the drive wheel (11, 13) and propelling the vehicle by some other means, for example by wheel rims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Ramon Brown
  • Patent number: 7753386
    Abstract: A steering mechanism and method for a manually powered vehicle are provided. The steering mechanism includes a stem. An inner shaft freely rotates within the stem. A first end of a first cable and a first end of a second cable are operatively connected to the inner shaft. A second end of the first cable and a second end of the second cable are operatively connected to a steering column. The steering column supports a wheel of the manually powered vehicle. The steering column and the wheel rotate in response to rotation of the steering bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Drymalski
  • Patent number: 7641210
    Abstract: A hand-operated assembly that supplies secondary drive power and steering control to a secondary drive wheel of a wheel chair. The assembly comprises a handle that is controlled with one hand and a linkage rod that extends from the handle to an eccentric arm fitted to a one-way clutch assembly at a secondary drive wheel support axle. Reciprocating up-down, pivoting movements of the handle over a range Y? in the Y axis directs a linkage rod to rotate an eccentric arm fitted to a one-way clutch and a drive axle of a small diameter, secondary drive wheel. Independent 360° rotation of the handle about a second, horizontal or Z axis steers the secondary drive wheel. A portion Y? of the range of handle motion directs a flange at the linkage arm to engage a brake piece that contacts the secondary drive wheel. Large diameter, hand driven, primary drive wheels are separately available to the user for effecting normal chair conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Babcock, George Knuteson
  • Patent number: 7413206
    Abstract: A drive system for use with a bicycle includes first and second gears arranged so that the second gear is rotatably driven responsive to the first gear. A freewheel is operatively coupled to the second gear, and a drive sprocket is operatively coupled to the freewheel. The freewheel causes the drive sprocket to be rotatably driven only when the first gear is driven in either the first direction or the second direction. A driven sprocket may be mounted coaxially and in driving relationship with a wheel of the bicycle. A chain may be used for linking the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. First and second levers extend from a support bar, which is coaxially mounted to the first gear. Reciprocal movement of the first and second levers causes the first gear to rotate, and correspondingly causes the second gear to rotate, thereby effecting rotation in the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Victor Medina Peña, Ricardo Medina Peña
  • Patent number: 7396031
    Abstract: A mobility device for use by the elderly or disabled persons, that does not require standing, balancing or walking and is propelled by leg paddling of a user, is disclosed. The mobility device comprises a pair of base members, an inverted U-shaped member disposed between the base members, front legs extending downwardly at 45 degrees with respect to the base members with swiveling wheels, a front cross bar disposed between the front legs, such that the front cross bar and the front legs define an opening receiving a user's legs while paddling. Also provided are rear legs with fixed wheels, handles extending outwardly at 70 degrees with respect to the base members, brakes engaging rear wheels, the brakes actuated by levers disposed on the handles, a seat, a back rest and arm rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Huynh
  • Patent number: 7344146
    Abstract: The improved wheelchair employs the use of two push levers attached to two forward drive gears, and two reverse drive gears, which propel the two main rear wheels of the chair through bicycle chains connecting the front drive gears to sprocket clusters mounted on the rear wheel axles. Direction control mechanisms allow the user to engage either forward or reverse drive gears, or disengage both, thereby producing forward, neutral, and reverse motion. Derailers are mounted behind each rear axle and are activated by shifter mechanisms mounted on the push levers. Disc brakes are mounted on the frame beside each wheel and activated by hand brake levers mounted on the push levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: William Gregory Taylor
  • Patent number: 7328906
    Abstract: A stroller apparatus for exercising the arms and a portion of an upper torso of a user includes a seat to receive and support a rider. A frame is coupled to the seat to support the seat in an elevated position above a ground surface. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame. A crankshaft is rotatably coupled to the frame and releasably engages a pair of the wheels. The crankshaft rotates the associated pair of the wheels when the crankshaft is rotated with respect to the frame and engages the associated pair of the wheels. A pair of handle assemblies is operationally coupled to the crankshaft and pivotally coupled to the frame. One of the handle assemblies pivots in a direction opposite the other one of the handle assemblies in a substantially scissor like motion to rotate the crankshaft with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jasminka K. Berkovich
  • Patent number: 7296811
    Abstract: This invention provides wheelchair propulsion devices that do not contact the axles of the wheels to which they are attached, that decrease the amount of force required to propel the wheelchair, and that can be easily installed. The devices toggle between sliding with and engaging with the push ring depending on the force applied by the user. This invention provides kits comprising a device of this invention and instructions for assembling the device, instructions for using the device, and/or a device for the opposite side of the wheelchair. This invention provides methods for propelling a wheelchair. This invention provides non-axle-contacting, manual wheelchair propulsion devices for use by a wheelchair rider. The devices contact the push ring of a wheelchair in three or more locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Frank P. Pettit
  • Patent number: 7066480
    Abstract: The steering system according to the invention provides a means of coordinating the movements of the two steering handles on a machine such as light tricycle type vehicles propelled by a pedal (5) and propulsion arms (6). The steering system comprises two handles (8) installed free to pivot, each handle being installed at the end of one of the propulsion arms (6) and a first cable (10) being fixed to the bottom of each handle. The second end is fixed to the steering shaft (9) of the tricycle. A second cable connects the two handles to each other to coordinate the movement of the handles (8). Application to leisure tricycles, light vehicles in general, indoor sports and medical re-education apparatus and static game facilities for leisure parks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Sport System Engineering
    Inventors: Rodolphe Brichet, Olivier Bonneau
  • Patent number: 6893035
    Abstract: A wheelchair which shifts between forward and reverse by virtue of a roller mechanism which grabs in one direction and slips an opposite direction, thereby preventing binding. The shift mechanism is initiated by rotation of a shift paddle which is located on a extremity of a lever arm remote from the roller mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Brian M. Watwood, Duane DeJong, Errol C. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6688623
    Abstract: The present invention is a drive mechanism for human powered vehicles. In general, the invention is a unique drive mechanism for any human powered vehicle, such as a bicycle or a human powered boat. The mechanism enables the operator to efficiently apply both arm and leg power for motive force while maintaining the ability to steer using the arms. The mechanism couples the arm and leg motion in a harmonious union similar to a running motion but can be easily uncoupled should the operator prefer to power the vehicle only with leg power. The mechanism enables motive power to be applied with both the up and down stroke of either or both arms. Specifically the drive mechanism has oscillatable handlebars and a linkage connectable to the drive of the human powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Robert L. Yunaska
  • Patent number: 6491125
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis having a generally reduced length and a snow flap pivotally attached to the rear portion of the chassis, above the track system. The track system extends rearwardly beyond the chassis, and the snow flap shields the track system above and behind from spraying snow. The snow flap is linked to the track system so that as the track system moves through a range of travel relative to the chassis, the snow flap pivots relative to the chassis with the track system. This configuration prevents damaging contact between the tread and the undersurface of the snow flap and/or the chassis. The reduced length of the chassis decreases the weight of the snowmobile and the polar moment of inertia, thereby improving turning performance. A bumper extends from the snow flap and can be used to lift the rear of the snowmobile more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Girouard, Berthold Fecteau, Jér{dot over (o)}me Wubbolts, Eric Bertrand
  • Patent number: 6086078
    Abstract: A rowing machine with a body frame assembly and actuated by a seated user. It includes a stabilizing wheel assembly with the ends of a pivotally mounted axle provided with wheels. A pivotally mounted front wheel assembly is designed for steering the machine and a rotably mounting rear wheel for supporting the bulk of the user's weight as it is transmitted the seat assembly to the frame of the machine and to the rear wheel. The steering mechanism includes a novel steering linkage rod connecting the fork supporting the front wheel and the pivotally mounted axle where the stabilizing wheel assembly is rotably mounted. The approximate distance from the pivoting axis of the front wheel to the point on which one end of the steering linkage is pivotally mounted corresponds to 3 inches. The length of the steering linkage rod is approximately 27 and 5/16 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Marcio C. Ferez
  • Patent number: 6032970
    Abstract: An upright in-line cycle having a frame, front steerable wheel, drivable rear wheel, drive sprocket, driven sprocket, oscillatory steering levers, a fork assembly, a drive crank assembly, and drive with connecting rods operably connected such that the oscillatory levers are pivotally mounted on the fork joumaled to connecting rods such that the oscillatory levers are substantially perpendicular to the connecting rods and the connecting rods are substantially parallel to the plane of the ground. The oscillatory levers and connecting rods are operably connected so that the alternate pushing or pulling on the oscillatory levers drives the cycle forward, convening upper body energy into rotational energy. The manner in which the oscillatory levers are journaled to the forward end of the connecting rods, by tie rod ends or two-way joints, permits the levers to pivot in a lateral left or right direction thereby permitting steering of the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Todd A. Porter
  • Patent number: 5713590
    Abstract: A vehicle has two steerable front wheels and two rear wheels that are driven by fore and aft motion of a handlebar atop a pivotted column assembly. Rotation of the handlebar steers the front wheels through a closed loop pretensioned push pull wire cable. The steering and propulsion actions are independent of one another. The column assembly translatory motion is converted to rotary motion of a sprocket by a crank mechanism. The sprocket drives a chain and derailer mechanism connected to the rear axle through an overrunning clutch for coasting forward free of the column assembly. An adjustable friction drag interposed between the rear axle and the chain drive provides enough yieldable connection between the column assembly and the rear wheels to overcome problems associated with dead center of the crank mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas S. Clark
  • Patent number: 5511810
    Abstract: A hand driving device for a bicycle, the bicycle having a frame including an inclined frame member and a steering head. The hand driving device has a pair of spaced apart hand levers pivotally connected to a pair of pivoted levers, which are in turn pivotally connected to a pair of pedal connecting rods. Each pedal connecting rod is pivotally supported on the axle of a bicycle pedal. A pedal connecting rod fastener is passed over and along each pedal connecting rod toward the end of the pedal connecting rod for enclosing the axle of the bicycle pedal in an arcuate notch defined the end of the rod. The pivoted levers of the hand driving device are each pivotally connected to a T-shaped bracket, the T-shaped bracket in turn being connected to a pair of fastening plates mounted on the inclined frame member and steering head of the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Kun-Yuan Tong
  • Patent number: 5499833
    Abstract: A manually-operated wheelchair is disclosed, which includesa frame to which two front wheels and two rear wheels are fastened pivotally, wherein the frame is provided respectively on both left and right sides thereof with a horizontal fixation rod; anda connection rod control mechanism provided respectively on both left and right sides of the frame containing a coupling rod, an operating rod fastened at one end thereof with the coupling rod, a crank fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the coupling rod and at another end thereof with the horizontal fixation rod, a rocking rod fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the coupling rod and at another end thereof with the horizontal fixation rod, a transmission wheel which is mounted on a pivoting point of the fixation rod and the crank and is fastened securely with the crank such that the transmission wheel and the crank can be actuated synchronously, and a transmission chain-connecting the transmission wheel to an axle of the front wheel for transmittin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Innchyn Her, Ping-Yi Chao, Ming-Jang Huang
  • Patent number: 5490686
    Abstract: A vehicle for converting oscillating human motion into linear vehicular translation. The inventive device includes a frame having first and second pairs of driving wheels rotatably mounted thereto. A pair of center wheels projects from the frame between the pairs of driving wheels to support the frame in conjunction with only one of the pairs of driving wheels. A propulsion and steering assembly mounted to the frame converts a manual pivoting movement of a lever arm about a horizontal axis into rotational torque applied to the driving wheels and further converts a manual pivoting of the lever arm about a vertical axis into steering of the center wheels to control the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Gern J. Clouse
  • Patent number: 5288092
    Abstract: An arm powered tricycle that has a frame with a passenger seat that is capable of forward, backward, or circular motion. The frame has a front wheel that consists of a sphere horizontally and rotatably mounted on an axle that can also rotate about a vertical axis so that it provides universal motion for the front wheel. The rear wheels are independently mounted on separate axles so that they rotate separately from one another. The rear axles are U-shaped in mid section with two concentric and parallel opposing ends that are rotatably mounted on the frame on one end, and are fixedly mounted to the wheel hub on the other end. Vertically pivotal levers are separately and individually furnished and mounted on each lateral side of the frame and are linked with a drive rod to the rear drive axles. The tricycle steers by slowing or stopping both arm levers to lock the rear wheels. Pushing the vertical levers back and forth provides rotation to the rear axles for propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventors: Amy L. Miller, Rabon D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5282640
    Abstract: An O-ring is mounted to the wheel of a manually powered bicycle. A Teflon washer is mounted on the wheel sprocket contacting the O-ring. The friction between the O-ring and the Teflon washer are sufficient to move the crank sprocket away from dead center on a mechanism wherein the crank sprocket is rotated by manually oscillating the handle bars of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Ben Lindsey
  • Patent number: 4960286
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle wherein a platform is mounted overlying a trio of support members wherein the platform is provided with a rearwardly and upwardly extending guard overlying a caliper arrangement mounted to a central support column of the trio of columns. Forwardly the columns fixedly are mounted to a support cylinder rotatably mounting a steering column therethrough. An uppermost end of the steering column pivotally mounts a handlebar wherein the handlebar is provided with an outwardly extending handlebar flange that fixedly mounts an uppermost end of a drive link with a lowermost end of the drive link mounted eccentrically to a drive disk secured to a remote end of a axle rotatably mounting the forward wheel of the vehicle. Oscillation of the handlebar relative to the steering column rotatably drives the drive disk and the forward wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventor: Kerry L. Henson
  • Patent number: 4749207
    Abstract: A non-motorized cart for carrying a rider who supplies propelling energy for the cart, including: a frame having an H-shaped form, a front end and a rear end; two front wheels and two rear wheels; a crank mechanism connected to the rear wheels for rotating the rear wheels in response to energy supplied by the rider; front wheel support members connecting the front wheels to the front end of the frame for pivotal movement in order to steer the cart; and a steering mechanism for steering the front wheels, including a steering lever pivotally mounted to the frame and having control members located to be engaged by the feet of the rider, and steering rods connected between the steering lever and the front wheel support members for pivoting the front wheels in response to pivoting movement of the steering lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Myung K. Oh
  • Patent number: 4573696
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle, primarily for children, comprising rigid frame having elongated seat and leg rest, and backrest integrally formed with and making an internal angle with the seat rest which may be slightly greater than 90 degrees. Beneath the seat adjacent apex of the angle, the frame is mounted on supporting means journalled on an axle which connects a pair of enlarged drive wheels. In normal operating position, the leg rest is supported above the ground by a first caster-like wheel. A similar second caster-like wheel is mounted to an externally projecting support near upper end of the backrest, which in normal operating position is held off the ground. The vehicle is propelled forward in a linear direction by operating the drive wheels either by a system of foot pedals or hand cranks. In another modification, in which the position of the seat is lowered, the drive wheels are rotated manually by knobs near the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Arthur N. Buroff
  • Patent number: 4548420
    Abstract: A manual drive for a bicycle, or other usage, wherein a rotary crank is connected in driving relation with a bicycle wheel or other driven device, and a slotted block or yoke rides on a guide or pin by manual actuation, a connecting rod being connected between the yoke and crank to rotate the latter upon the yoke movement and thereby rotate the driven device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Anthony F. Patroni, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4524987
    Abstract: This invention provides a tricycle having a simple frame that is shaped to provide an efficient low profile, lever actuation, which is adapted to be hand-operated for enjoyable, interesting and efficient training purposes, including efficient propulsion, and interesting and enjoyable arm-hand training and coordination. The frame also has low profile steering from a sitting or leg-outstretched position, which is comfortable, provides a low center of gravity and enhances the efficiency, enjoyment, training and coordination provided by the hand-operation. Still further, the frame is shaped to provide a strong, simple and effective coupling system for connecting more than one tricycle in a train for purposes of education, enjoyment, efficiency, training and coordination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Myung Keun Oh
    Inventor: Sang K. Kim
  • Patent number: 4460190
    Abstract: A three wheeled wheelchair wherein two of the wheels are leading wheels with the single wheel being a trailing wheel. The wheelchair is propelled through the use of a chain drive assembly which is to be manually operated through the use of a handle assembly. Adjacent the handle assembly is a seat which is to support the occupant of the wheelchair. The seat is cushionly supported by a shock absorber assembly. The handle assembly is attached to a steering mechanism which, through lateral movement of the handle assembly, causes the leading wheels to be turned in respect to the frame of the wheelchair. A separate turning wheel assembly is to be manually movable to an extended position to cause the trailing wheel to be spaced from the supportive surface thereby permitting three hundred and sixty degree turning of the wheelchair about a single point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Inventor: Erick M. Spiess
  • Patent number: 4421335
    Abstract: A control mechanism for a transmission apparatus for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle comprising an auxiliary change-speed transmission adapted to transmit power from the engine to a main transmission, a final reduction device for transmitting the output of the main transmission to the front axle and to the rear axle, a clutch connected to the final reduction device for transmitting the output of the main transmission for selectively connecting or disconnecting transmission of the output to one of the axles. An operation rod is longitudinally and slidably provided for swinging first and second guide plates. Each guide plate has a guide groove with which a part of a fork engages. By operating the operation rod, first and second guide plates are swung to cause the forks to shift with engagement with the guide grooves. The guide grooves are so arranged as to establish two-wheel high speed range driving, four-wheel high speed range driving and four-wheel low speed range driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadao Makishima, Seiichi Iwata
  • Patent number: 4189166
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle in the form of a scooter. The vehicle includes a main frame having a platform relatively close to the ground upon which a person can stand. Forward and rearward wheels arranged in tandem ground support the vehicle with the front wheel being attached to a handle bar by which the vehicle is steered. The handle bars are journaled to the main frame in such a manner that they can be grasped by the hands and manipulated in a fore and aft direction in order to propel the vehicle along the ground, while at the same time lateral motion of the handle bars provides for the before mentioned steering. The handle bars are connected to the front wheel by a drive mechanism that includes an over-the-center apparatus which moves the handle bars off dead center each extreme reciprocation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Inventor: Ben Lindsey
  • Patent number: 4098521
    Abstract: A wheelchair that may be used by disabled persons as a normal self-propelled vehicle and is easily convertible to a narrow attendant-propelled wheelchair for negotiating narrow passages such as airplane aisles and bathroom doors in places not equipped for the accommodation of the disabled. Wheels secondary to the main drive wheels are mounted within the limits of the frame perimeter and are not in ground contact when the main drive wheels are in use. Upon tilting the wheelchair, the secondary wheels contact the ground raising the primary wheels and enabling their rapid removal, the resulting chair being narrowed substantially to the width of the occupant. Steerable castor wheels are mounted inboard of the frame members allowing turns in tight places, and shortened or removable arms are provided for ease of lateral movement from or to the chair. Secondary footrests and drive linkage for secondary wheels are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignees: Reme Enterprises, Inc., National Patent Search Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Marvin Ferguson, Ernest Voshell Keith
  • Patent number: 3986725
    Abstract: A manually propelled vehicle having a main frame supported on front and rear ground engageable wheels, a support body on the frame for supporting an occupant, control means operable by the occupant and comprising an oscillating drive member mounted to pivot about an axis transverse of the vehicle, a connecting rod interconnecting the drive member to a crank mechanism formed in a support axle for the rear wheels. A handle is pivotally connected to the drive member, with a pair of bowden cables interconnecting the handle with steering linkage systems cooperating with the axles of the front wheels. The bowden cables pass through the pivot axis of the drive member. The arrangement being such that oscillation of the drive member will cause the rear wheels to be driven by the connecting rod and crank mechanism, while pivoting movement of the handle due to downward pressure applied to one side or other of the handle will facilitate steering of the front wheels via the bowden cables and steering linkage systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1976
    Inventor: Burton Alexander Terry