Polycycles Patents (Class 280/282)
  • Patent number: 7722071
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses several improvements to handcycles. This invention introduces a blend between lean steer and pivot steer. The front wheel may be turned with only minimal twisting of the operator's legs. This invention uses two bearings and quick release axle to connect the front and rear frame together and provide the steering axis. This invention incorporates a means for adjusting the bike from fully reclined to a body forward position. The invention also incorporates a means of crank adjustment. In the embodiment of our new design the cable and housing are attached to the brake and shift levers by means of an intermediate device for the purpose of directing the shift and brake cable away from the rider's field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Shane Lofgren, Brian Charles Stewart
  • Patent number: 7694986
    Abstract: A stabilizer includes a base and a shaft rotatively mounted to the base. An arm attached to the shaft is able to swing about the axis of rotation defined by the shaft in response to centrifugal force. In one possible application, the stabilizer can be incorporated into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to the first frame, wherein the frames pivot with respect to one another about an axis of rotation. The second frame includes an outwardly extending support arm having a seat mounted thereon. The arm swings in response to centrifugal force so as to laterally displace the seat relative to the first frame. In one aspect, the seat is located below the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Mark S. Cowperthwaite
  • Patent number: 7661690
    Abstract: A cycle with a mechanical advantage drive and leaning steering system comprises a frame with at least one wheel rotationally attached to the frame. A drive rim is attached to the wheel adjacent to the outer circumference of the wheel. A pulley is rotationally attached to the frame. A belt is trained around and engages both the pulley and the drive rim. Because the belt is positioned at the outer circumference of the wheel a mechanical advantage is created that significantly reduces the amount of force required on the belt to propel the cycle. The cycle may be steered via the rotation of the rider's body on a seat. This rotation translates to rotation of a front portion of the frame with respect to the a rear portion of the frame about a pivoting interface portion, thereby causing the cycle to turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Scott McClure
  • Patent number: 7661501
    Abstract: An economically operated low cost wheeled vehicle that accommodates a single driver occupant is propelled by power provided by a controllable combination of pedaling action of the driver, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The vehicle is elongated upon a center axis between a front extremity and a rear extremity having a single, axially centered wheel that drives the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Joab Jay Perdue
  • Patent number: 7654545
    Abstract: This device is exercise equipment. It is a vehicle that is driven by arm and leg power. The device is a three wheeled vehicle that driven by the movement of the handlebars and the seat. The rider moves the handlebars and the seat back and forth. The handlebars are attached to the wheels by a set of pulleys. When the handlebars are moved back and forth they drive the wheels. The handle bars and the seat are attached to each other so that both the legs and the arm are exercised. Thus, an individual can ride around the town in his vehicle exercising his whole body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mathew S. Millirans
  • Patent number: 7654549
    Abstract: An improved semi-recumbent bicycle seat includes a frame having a main seat support tube and a steering mechanism including a front tire support fork. Front and rear wheels are mounted on the front tire support fork and on the frame. A bicycle seat is mounted above and forwards of the rear wheel, the bicycle seat including a bicycle seat frame, a seat base and a seat cushion. A seat back is adjustably mounted on the bicycle seat frame for adjustment of the height and spacing of the seat back relative to the seat base, and the seat cushion includes a generally flat planar front face and a forwardly tilted top surface which is tilted from horizontal between two and thirty degrees (2° and 30°). The bicycle seat frame is adjustably mounted on the main seat support tube free of any other support connection to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Day 6 Bicycles, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly Hutson
  • Publication number: 20090289437
    Abstract: The frame of the vehicle, which is capable of inclining in curves and preferably comprises a front wheel and two rear wheels, is rotatably mounted to a steering head beneath the driver's seat. Rigid driving elements are arranged in the area of this steering head, which couple the inclination of the vehicle frame to the opposite movements of the rear wheel swing arms by means of control elements in order to control the vehicle inclination and steer the rear wheels. In order to support the initial horizontal position of the tricycle, return springs are provided at the steering head, which force the rear wheel swing arms into a balanced mid-position. In slow vehicles suitable for rehabilitation purposes, the steering head beneath the driver's seat may be blocked by a brake in the starting phase. In faster vehicles, the movement of the rear wheel swing arms may be assisted by foot levers or manually operated hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Hektor STEINHILBER
  • Publication number: 20090277708
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-wheeled vehicle with centrally positioned motor and driver's seat. An exemplary embodiment has a frame for supporting a driver and a multitude of mechanical devices. A pair of steerable front wheels are rotatably affixed to the front portion of the frame. A rear wheel is rotatably affixed along the frame's centerline in the rear portion. A motor is affixed to the frame's centerline. The driver's seat is also affixed to the frame's centerline behind the motor and ahead of the rear wheel, so the driver sitting in the driver seat is in both a recumbent and straddle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 7552934
    Abstract: A pedalling vehicle includes a main body, two control handles, two drive links, and a transmission link. The main body includes a front frame a front wheel, a rear frame, two rotation devices, two rear wheels, two cranks, and two connecting members. The rotation devices are connected by the transmission link through connection of the connecting members so that the rotation devices are rotatable synchronously and the rear wheels are movable with the rotation devices synchronously. Thus, the two rear wheels are turned synchronously by connection of the transmission link so as to turn and change the travel direction of the pedalling vehicle exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Chin-Fa Lee, Yu-Shan Lee
  • Patent number: 7552790
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle (1) has a front section (10) having a front frame (105), a directionally controllable front wheel (101) and a steering column (104) with a handlebar (1040). A rear section (11) has a rear frame (107) and two rear wheels (102,103). The front section (10) of the vehicle is pivotable about a pivot axis (111) located intermediate the two rear wheels (102,103). The pivot axis (111) includes a pivot bar (401) and a pivot bar housing (402) in communication with a transmission mechanism having a first and second gear pairs (2) (3). The transmission mechanism is releasably connected to the steering column (104) and is capable of pivoting the first section (10) about the pivot axis (111) towards the center-of-curvature of a turn in accordance with the angle of the front wheel (101), thus providing greater stability for the vehicle (1) during a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: James C. Dower
  • Patent number: 7552933
    Abstract: A cargo trailer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the cargo trailer includes an elongated trailer frame having a longitudinal axis, at least one wheel carried by the trailer frame and a pair of cargo container mount members carried by the trailer frame and positionally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the trailer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Greg A. Beckman
  • Patent number: 7543829
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a coaster cycle having a front half which works similarly to a bicycle wherein it has handle bars that turn the front wheels. The front wheel turns left and right and also leans in both a left and right direction. The front wheel leans left to right and is connected to the rear wheels by a frame having multiple pivotal couplings so that the rear wheels lean left or right with exactly the same angle as the front wheels. The leaning of the front and rear wheels in concert gives the frame a unique design which allows it to make left and right high G-force turns in a very stable manner. Additional embodiments are disclosed which comprise twin, internal combustion engines being placed on the rear wheels of the vehicle in order to power the vehicle which also have independent thumb control throttles for controlling the rear wheels individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Danny Barnes
  • Patent number: 7540517
    Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: B.E.W. Squared, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley E. Wernli
  • Patent number: 7537233
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a saddle seat, and a separation unit. The frame includes a seat support and a pedal assembly adapted to be operated by two legs of a rider. The saddle seat is mounted on the seat support above the pedal assembly. The separation unit is adapted to prevent interfering movements between the two legs of the rider. The separation unit is connected to the seat support, and is disposed in front of the saddle seat and above the pedal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Gomier Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshi Huang
  • Patent number: 7533894
    Abstract: A cycle direction control which pivotally couples each of the opposed ends of an axle to a corresponding one each of a pair of members which operate in directionally opposed travel to control direction of an annular member which rotates about the axis of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Bradley Dean Ehler
  • Publication number: 20090108559
    Abstract: A tricycle adapted for use by children with autistic spectral disorder. A tricycle with toe clips, hand grips, seat belt, and adjustable handlebars and seat adapted for use by a child with autistic spectrum disorder. A tricycle with other distracting items to help lure use by a child with autistic spectrum disorder. A kit for the adaptation of a tricycle for use by children, and more specifically for use by children with autism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Pamela J. Merchant
  • Patent number: 7510042
    Abstract: In the seat belt apparatus of the invention, a belt retracting motor is operated so as to retract the seat belt by a predetermined amount when it is determined that the vehicle will roll over based on a lateral acceleration, a roll rate and a roll angle which are detected and calculated by a lateral acceleration sensor and a roll rate sensor, according to a predetermined first determination condition. Also, a pretensioner is operated so as to retract the seat belt by a predetermined amount when it is determined that the vehicle will roll over according to a second determination condition indicating that there is a higher possibility of rollover. When it is determined that the vehicle will not roll over, operation of the belt retracting motor is cancelled, and the seat belt is permitted to be pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Enomoto
  • Patent number: 7487987
    Abstract: This invention is a user-propelled riding toy. A platform on which a user stands is supported by at least two wheels; and a geartrain mounts to the wheels. The geartrain is adapted to receive a downward force from the pedals, and translate a portion of the downward force into a rotational force on the wheels. The geartrain also provides an upward return force acting on the pedal. The platform is propelled forward direction by the rotational force on the wheels. When one pedal is pressed down, the other pedal will be raised simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ningbo Landsurf Sports Equipment Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui Yan
  • Patent number: 7487982
    Abstract: A combination vehicle frame includes a base frame unit formed of a plurality of frame bars detachably connected to one another. One of the frame bars is provided with a head having intersected first through hole and second through hole. A rear wheel frame unit is detachably connected to the base frame unit remote from the head. A front wheel frame unit is selectively inserted through one of the first through hole and second through hole of the base frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: J.D. Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Do Chan
  • Patent number: 7481443
    Abstract: A tricycle convertible to a bicycle. The tricycle has a first wheel rotatably mounted on one end portion of a frame, and a pair of laterally spaced wheels rotatably mounted on a second end portion of the frame, wherein the laterally spaced wheels are movable, while the tricycle is in motion, between a first position with relatively wide ground-level spacing and a second position with minimal ground-level spacing. A wheel hub capable of providing adjustable wheel camber has left and right pivotally mounted axles extending laterally from the hub body, the axles each adapted to support a wheel and mounted so as to pivot vertically, and a dual camber control mechanism coupled to the axles and adapted to provide coordinated camber adjustment in the same direction for wheels on both axles. The hub has sufficient range of motion to allow the wheels to change from negative camber to positive camber, and is useful in a method of stabilizing a bicycle or the like to increase safety during rider training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: S. Scott Shim, Matthew C. Grossman, Ryan Lightbody
  • Publication number: 20090008164
    Abstract: Wheeled riding vehicles, including tricycles, with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include movable, collapsible tires/wheel axle assemblies, as well as folding frame parts and a unique handle that is removable and stowable within the vehicle frame when not used. The riding vehicle hangs totally flat on the wall, or fits in car trunks easily. One version is pedal powered, and a second embodiment provides for an integrated propulsion linkage providing for battery or motor power to the rear most wheels when they are moved into their operative position. The rear tire wheel assemblies also may be stowed and folded compactly inside a rear storage compartment with a lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Richard N. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7464951
    Abstract: A powered vehicle and method of operating is described for on and off-road use. The powered vehicle comprises a chassis and a first and second axle coupled to the chassis having at least one wheel coupled to the first axle and at least two wheels coupled to the second axle. The powered vehicle further comprises a movable seat configured to support a rider sitting down on the seat, and configured to move relative to the chassis in order to provide a steering mechanism for the powered vehicle. For example, the movable seat provides a mechanism for the rider to shift his or her weight relative to the chassis to cause the steering mechanism for the powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen R. Coray
  • Patent number: 7455308
    Abstract: A riding toy converts between a traditional or conventional upright trike configuration and a low slung chopper configuration. A front frame tube is joined to a head tube to which the front wheel and handlebars are piviotally attached. A rear frame tube is joined to a pair of rear wheels. The front and rear frame tubes are joined by a pivot shaft so that they rotate relative to one another. As a result, the rear portion of the riding toy may be flipped over to reconfigure the riding toy between the trike and chopper configurations. An opening is formed in the front frame tube and receives spring-loaded buttons that turn with the rear frame tube so that the riding toy may be locked in the desired configuration. The front frame tube is also split and features a clamp so that it can clamp down on a guide sleeve that is attached to the rear frame tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Thomas Schlegel, Mark Johnson, Mark Kurth
  • Patent number: 7445225
    Abstract: A land sail-propelled vehicle includes a one-piece molded body defining a seat in a top surface thereof. At least one tubular rear axle guide is bonded to, or molded into, a rear portion of the body. A rear axle assembly, including at least one rear axle, is removably insertable into the at least one rear axle guide. A tubular port is bonded to, or molded into, a front portion of the body. A steering assembly is removably insertable into the port. Tires, ice blades, or the like are attachable to the ends of the rear axle assembly and steering assembly so as to engage an underlying solid surface. A sail assembly is detachably connected to the steering assembly to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas M. Volk
  • Publication number: 20080258426
    Abstract: A bicycle comprising a longitudinally extending frame, a front wheel for steering disposed at the front of the frame, a rear wheel disposed at the rear thereof, and auxiliary wheels for assisting the traveling of the bicycle. The bicycle further comprises an auxiliary wheels for assisting the traveling of the bicycle. The bicycle further comprises an auxiliary means having first and second auxiliary supporting devices disposed on one side and the other side of the rear wheel. Each of the auxiliary supporting devices includes an arm having one end pivotally supported on the frame and the other free end movable in the vertical direction, an auxiliary wheel pivotally supported parallel with the rear wheel, an energizing means for energizing the arm in the rotating direction the auxiliary wheel moves downward, and an arm lock means securing the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: LAND WALKER LTD.
    Inventor: Kinya Kanou
  • Patent number: 7429055
    Abstract: A cycling device comprising a frame a plurality of pedals a plurality of wheels coupled to said frame, and a harness coupled to said frame wherein the harness allows a user to be coupled to said frame. In this case there can be for example, two driven wheels which are driven by the pedals and a non-driven guide wheel as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: D. Curtis DeForest, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080191447
    Abstract: A human powered vehicle of the pedal-driven type having four wheels, a composite monocoque chassis, four wheel independent suspension, and seat for supporting one or more occupant/driver/riders in a generally supine position, and an aerodynamic chassis enclosure with a transparent canopy which is openable for entry and egress of the rider. The preferred embodiment for a single rider has two steerable wheels located forward of the rider, and two fixed drive wheels positioned behind the rider. The drive wheel is equipped with a multi-sprocket gearing arrangement, and a large pedal-equipped sprocket wheel is mounted in a position slightly forward and above the common axis of the front wheels for the rider's feet. A single drive chain extends from the drive sprocket to the sprocket cluster and passes under/over idler rollers which direct the chain beneath the rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Richard Nowakowski
  • Publication number: 20080174087
    Abstract: A stabilizer includes a base and a shaft rotatively mounted to the base. An arm attached to the shaft is able to swing about the axis of rotation defined by the shaft in response to centrifugal force. In one possible application, the stabilizer can be incorporated into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to the first frame, wherein the frames pivot with respect to one another about an axis of rotation. The second frame includes an outwardly extending support arm having a seat mounted thereon. The arm swings in response to centrifugal force so as to laterally displace the seat relative to the first frame. In one aspect, the seat is located below the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Mark S. Cowperthwaite
  • Patent number: 7401799
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20080169625
    Abstract: A roller-wheeled bike structure comprises a main frame with a seat tube locked to a seatpost topped by a saddle with a level handle extending at the front lower section. A lower bracket having a five-way tube connected to a pedal chain set is welded to the lower front side of the seat tube. A rear fork is joined both to the back side of the lower bracket and the middle section of the seat tube. A transverse-extending guide shaft of the front wheel seat has both ends equipped with a guide plate and a front wheel respectively and conjoined to each other by a parallel link. The connecting tube is fixed to the lower bracket for the mounting of an operational control post composed of a coupling tube and a support rod. Therefore, the roller-wheeled bike can be stably ridden in multiple ways and economically collapsed for packing/shipping purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Ken Yen Tang
  • Patent number: 7374190
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a windshield and a second attaching device. The windshield has a shell part, a first attaching device at the lower part of the shell part, and the shell part includes a front portion and a rear portion, and the rear portion of the shell part is open. The second attaching device has one or more support beams extended outward from the outer rim substantially on the same plane of the attaching device. The shell part of the windshield is of a streamline shape. The support beams are fixed to the shell part. The windshield further includes a visor part, and the visor part is disposed at the top part of the windshield. The visor part of the windshield is made of plastic and transparent. The tricycle further includes a frame having a triangular truss, a frontal member, a rear wheel support bar, and a handle holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jae Hyun Hong
  • Patent number: 7354055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20070284843
    Abstract: A therapeutic tricycle for use by children with developmental disabilities includes both hand pedals and foot pedals connected by a drive chain. The foot pedals are connected to a fork tube, partially enclosed within a support tube and driven by a foot pedal sprocket. The hand pedals are supported by a head tube, slidably received within the fork tube and attached to a hand pedal sprocket. A chain tension adjustment assembly permits adjustment of the drive chain tension. A slot in the bottom of the head tube engages a transverse within the fork tube so the head tube and the fork tube remain in fixed relationship, thereby holding the chain sprockets in co-planar alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: John Joseph Copeland
  • Patent number: 7303199
    Abstract: A swinging device for a wheel set includes a center tube, an axle pipe and a restrictor. The center tube has round plates at the rear section. The round plates comprise lugs thereon. The axle pipe has a curved receiving base with a pair of fins extending from respective sides of the receiving base. The fins comprise through holes for insertion of bolts. The restrictor is pivotally connected to the rear section of the center tube and comprises ditches corresponding in position to the round plates of the center tube, so that the lugs of the round plates may be placed therein and slide along the ditches. The restrictor further comprises through holes corresponding in position to the through holes of the receiving base and the bolts. An elastic piece made of plastic material is placed between the rear section of the center tube and the axle pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Far Great Plastics Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Publication number: 20070205576
    Abstract: A swinging hub is disclosed for adjusting the camber of at least one wheel mounted for rotation about one of a two oppositely extending axles via a camber adjustment mechanism including an actuator coupled to the at least one axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eric S. Lynch, Anthony P. Beach
  • Patent number: 7264254
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Philip A. MacTaggart
  • Patent number: 7261308
    Abstract: The cycle accessory system for child strollers can convert an ordinary child stroller into a multi-child transport unit. The multi-child transport unit can have at least four modes. The first mode (referred to herein as the “child control” mode) allows the lead child to power and steer the multi-child transport unit. (Note: even in child control mode, an adult has the ability to at least keep the multi-child transport unit stationary.) The second mode (referred to herein as the “adult control” mode) removes the ability of the lead child to power or steer the multi-child transport unit and returns control to an adult to power and steer the multi-child transport unit. The third mode is a multi-child transport unit storage mode. And the fourth mode is a tricycle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Contraption Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberly S. Gwisdalla, John Michael Morgan
  • Patent number: 7249778
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a load-bearing body having a front end and a rear end, at least one carrier supporting the body on a surface on which the vehicle is positioned, and a steering device. The steering device includes at least one wheel and at least one castor-type wheel attached to the body and tiltable about a longitudinal axis of the body. In use, the at least one wheel and the at least one castor-type wheel contact a support surface and the vehicle is steerable by tilting the at least one castor-type wheel and the at least one wheel about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Flexibility Concepts, Ltd.
    Inventors: David K Scott, Thomas R Jackman
  • Patent number: 7237786
    Abstract: A rowing bicycle comprised of a frame (1), a steering unit (55), a powering unit (56) having a dual motion gear (23), wheels (2) and (3) and a seat (5). The frame (1) is designed so as to have the user sit in a position where his or her legs are almost horizontally straight. The steering unit (55) pivots left and right about a center bar (19) located in between the frame (1) to allow a user to turn the bicycle while the dual motion gear (23) allows the user to power the bicycle both when pushing the steering unit (55) forward and when pulling the steering unit (55) back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignees: Iaz's Custom Welding, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Montez
  • Patent number: 7195089
    Abstract: In the seat belt apparatus of the invention, a belt retracting motor is operated so as to retract the seat belt by a predetermined amount when it is determined that the vehicle will roll over based on a lateral acceleration, a roll rate and a roll angle which are detected and calculated by a lateral acceleration sensor and a roll rate sensor, according to a predetermined first determination condition. Also, a pretensioner is operated so as to retract the seat belt by a predetermined amount when it is determined that the vehicle will roll over according to a second determination condition indicating that there is a higher possibility of rollover. When it is determined that the vehicle will not roll over, operation of the belt retracting motor is cancelled, and the seat belt is permitted to be pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Enomoto
  • Patent number: 7195264
    Abstract: A manually powered rowing vehicle is provided. A chain is wrapped around a portion of first and second free-wheel wheel sprockets, which can spin freely in one direction but not the other. The first free-wheel drive sprocket drives a rear wheel. The second free-wheel drive sprocket connects to one end of a lever arm, which pivotally connects to a frame. When the rider pulls the other end of the lever arm towards their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket grabs the chain and pulls the chain forward. The chain in turn pulls the second free-wheel drive sprocket, which rotates the rear wheel forward. When the rider pushes the lever arm away from their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket spins freely to allow the lever arm to return to the pull position without moving the linked chain or the vehicle. Various embodiments for steering the vehicle are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Drymalski
  • Patent number: 7188853
    Abstract: A tricycle is comprised of a frame, a front wheel, a parallel four-bar linkage, two rear wheels, and two handlebars. The frame includes a stationary fork connected with the front wheel. The linkage is mounted at a rear section of the frame, having two side bars. The two rear wheels are rotatably mounted respectively to the two side bars. The two handlebars are fixed to the linkage and located beside bilateral sides of the seat cushion. The user can let the hands control the two handlebars to drive the tricycle to turn left or right and to enable the tricycle to lean sideward at the turning direction. While the tricycle runs faster, the turning steering can enable the tricycle to have “tail slide” effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kuo-Cheng Yen
  • Patent number: 7182355
    Abstract: A land cycle for sailing on land comprising a recumbent tricycle with a first wheel and seat positioned aft of second and third wheels. A boom extending anteriorly of the front wheels engages a tricycle sprint to support a sailing system, which includes a vertically positioned mast engaged with the recumbent tricycle frame between the front wheels. A jib sail is positioned within a butterfly jib boom attached to the forestay and may be adjusted during use by the rider. The mast and combination of forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint sidestays 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. Further improvements disclosed and claimed include an independent rear brake, butterfly jib boom sleeve, a tubular jib spar, and a tubular forestay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Philip A. MacTaggart
  • Patent number: 7121575
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer with an aerodynamic storage compartment and a two-wheel independent suspension. Swing arm suspensions for the wheels include swing arms pivotally mounted to the trailer above the wheel axle, wherein the swing arms are supported by wheel suspension shock absorbers. A suspension spring supported hitch design enables the motorcycle to rapidly move up and down independently of the trailer pitch velocity to reduce affecting the motorcycle. The aerodynamic storage compartment, the wheel suspension, and the suspension spring supported hitch help maintain a smooth ride for the motorcycle pulling the trailer and reduce the aerodynamic drag and associated fuel consumption and rear tire wear of the motorcycle, and the motorcycle aft frame fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas E. Finch
  • Patent number: 7114737
    Abstract: Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7100929
    Abstract: Wheeled personal mobility vehicles with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include a plurality of movable, collapsible wheel axle assemblies which are supported on a support frame and movable between an operative state where the wheels provide rolling support, and a collapsed state where the wheels are moved into the side elevational profile of the device. The embodiment provides for both integrated propulsion and steering linkage to the wheels when they are manually moved into their operative position, along with a collapsible steering mechanism, a support base and at least one collapsible seat. This embodiment may also provide for pedal power, battery, fuel cell or motive power as well as remote control operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Richard N. Shapiro, Philip A. Gurecki
  • Patent number: 7086657
    Abstract: A children's vehicle features a main frame member with a seat support member attached thereto. A generally horizontal plate is attached to the seat support member and features a central portion with a number of transverse ridges. Slots are formed in the plate on opposing sides of the central portion. The seat features a number of ridges formed on its bottom surface as well as a pair of bolt holes. Bolts pass through the seat bolt holes and the slots of the plate. Knobs engage the bottoms of the bolts and may be loosened to permit the seat to be moved relative to the plate and tightened so that the ridges of the seat engage the ridges of the plate to lock the seat in a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Thomas Schlegel
  • Patent number: 7077415
    Abstract: A vehicle body is provided with a rear wheel at a rear portion, and a front wheel coupled to a handle post. A swing-enabling shaft is rotatably provided on the upper portion of the handle post. A handlebars unit is attached to the swing-enabling shaft such that it can swing forward and backward relative to the vehicle body. When the handlebars unit is swung, a driving mechanism is driven. The driving mechanism rotates the front wheel such that the vehicle body advances, regardless of whether the handlebars unit is swung forward or backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: France Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Ikeda, Shoji Ohshita, Yoshio Sakai
  • 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: 7044491
    Abstract: A tricycle, including at least one frame, at least one front wheel, which is disposed in the front region of the frame, when viewed with respect to the preferred travel direction of the tricycle, and is steerable via a steering handle, and at least two rear wheels which are disposed in the rear region of the frame when viewed with respect to the preferred travel direction, wherein pivotal means are provided, which permit the rear wheels to be pivotable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Heinz Kettler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Kettler, Heinz Kettler, Reinhard Rocholl