Abstract:
An adult scale three-wheeled device facilitates movement for mobility challenged persons. The device is foot propelled while seated either through walking while seated or pedaling. The device is provided with a limited footprint for navigating confined areas while the individual is seated in a substantially standing position, with the pedals being repositionable so as to allow unobstructed walking while remaining seated. A lockable braking system prevents one or more wheels from turning. The device is collapsible for storage.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/588,199, entitled Orthopedic Mobility Device, filed on Aug. 17, 2012, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/525,338, entitled “A foldable adult tricycle for mobility, exercise and rest support for those with joint problems”, filed on Aug. 19, 2011, the contents both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    This invention relates to the field of adult mobility devices. A field that includes devices such as wheelchairs and strollers designed to provide a physical assist to individuals moving from one location to another. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    It is well recognized that there is a societal need for devices that provide a physical assist to human movement. The earliest known human riddle queries what creature moves on three legs in the evening. The answer to the Sphinx&#39;s riddle is man and the third leg: a cane. 
         [0006]    Whether as a result of age, disability or disease many people find a need for assistance in moving from one location to another. Numerous devices have been designed to address this need: from the simple cane or walking stick to motorized wheelchairs. 
         [0007]    The need for mobility assistance is specific depending on the limitations of the individual. Consequently the solution must be specifically tailored to the individual circumstances it seeks to address. A wheelchair is inappropriate for someone who requires a cane, and a cane is inappropriate for someone who requires a wheelchair. 
         [0008]    Walkers have become a common solution for people who require more support than a single point support, such as a cane, can provide but who are still mobile enough to walk. Additionally there is a physical and psychological benefit to maintaining physical exercise and independence. However some people, because of their physical condition, require more support than that provided by walker while still requiring less than that provided by a wheelchair. Many people who are effected by joint problems (such as problems with the back, hip, knee or foot), heart limitations, or who tire easily may have the use of their legs but due to discomfort or energy level require frequent or constant support to relieve parts of their body from carrying their full weight. There is therefore a need for a device that will substantially support a person&#39;s weight, and at the same time provide them with the capacity to propel themselves with their legs as well as their arms. A device such as a walker provides stability but little weight support. A wheelchair provides substantial physical support but provides little ability to propel oneself with their legs. This application presents an inventive solution that addresses this societal need. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Tricycles traditionally have found extensive use as a children&#39;s toy. They are designed low to the ground and with relatively widely splayed rear wheels. This provides a low center of gravity and great stability. However the design that benefits a child proves unworkable for an adult, particularly inside a residence, due to the dimensions of an adult scaled version. It is also unworkable for someone who has mobility problems because of its low seat position. 
         [0010]    One aspect of the present invention provides a three-wheeled device (tricycle) designed to provide improved mobility for people who are physically challenged through some condition such as age, infirmity, disability or disease. The adult sized three-wheel device is designed to support a seated adult in a substantially standing position while maintaining a limited footprint. The “footprint” is defined as the two dimensional surface area covered by device and defined at its outer boundary by the points where the device contacts the surface (such as a floor). A “limited footprint” in the context of this application is defined as a footprint restricted in size by a fixed ratio. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the invention the tricycle provides pedals that may be used to propel the tricycle. These pedals may be repositionable or removable so as not to interfere with the user walking the device. “Walking the device” refers to moving the vehicle by using the feet to exert a force directly against the ground while remaining seated, causing the device to move. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the invention the tricycle is collapsible for convenience of storage or transport. The device may also incorporate parts such as the seat, handlebars, pedals, and wheels, which may be adjusted or removed. This provides for additional storage flexibility by disassembly as well as providing for the use of interchangeable parts for different operating situations. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one aspect of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one aspect of the present invention manipulated for easy storage. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a pedal assembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the steering element with phantom lines representing alternate positioning. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top schematic view of a footprint created by the surface contact points of three wheels. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side schematic view of seat height relative to the distance between two wheels. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , with portions thereof shown in phantom to indicate optional movement. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of an embodiment that employs the optionally movable aspect of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , with brake portions shown in an engaged orientation. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 12 , with brake portions shown in a disengaged orientation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific aspects in which the invention may be practiced. These aspects are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other aspects may be utilized. It is also to be understood that structural, procedural and system changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       General Overview 
       [0027]    Aspects of the present invention include an adult tricycle  10  as in  FIG. 1  comprising a front frame  14  that is connected to a wheel  40 . The wheel  40  is connected to a pedal  30  on each side of the wheel  40  by a connecting bars  28 . This pedal wheel assembly attached to the frame  14  allows the vehicle to be propelled by applying pressure to pedals  30  resulting in torque on the connecting bars  28  which rotate the wheel  40 . The steering element  16  is connected to the wheel assembly so that rotation of the steering element  16  causes a rotational force to be applied perpendicular to the axis of the wheel  40  causing a change in direction of the vehicle&#39;s  10  movement. 
         [0028]    The seat  22  is supported by a seat-supporting element  20  that couples the front frame  14  to the rear wheel-connecting elements  18 . These rear wheel-connecting elements  18  are in turn supported by the rear wheels  38 . It should be noted that, although this aspect represents the seat-supporting element  20  as connecting to two separate wheel-connecting elements  18 , this is not to be viewed as a design restriction. In another aspect the wheel-connecting elements  18  may be connected to a rear frame, the rear frame then connecting to the seat-supporting element. Moreover, it should be recognized that seat-supporting element  20  may be either rigidly, or hingedly, coupled to front frame  14 , depending on the particular application. A rigid configuration, as shown, may be desired for simplicity and low cost. A hinged coupling may permit the seat-supporting element  20  to be rotated into a folded position in which it extends substantially parallel to the front frame  14 , for enhanced compactness when folded. 
         [0029]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , in one aspect of the invention the vehicle  10  is collapsible and includes easily removable parts. In this aspect the connection between the rear wheel-connecting elements  18  and the seat-supporting element  20  are hinged allowing the rear wheels  38  and wheel-supporting elements to rotate downward and inward relative to the seat-supporting element  20  so that the distance from the rear wheels  38  and the front wheel  40  is reduced, but also the distance between the two rear wheels  38  is reduced, when in the collapsed position. It is also shown in this aspect that a seat-supporting post  24  is removable from a seat supporting sleeve  42 , the sleeve  42  being a part of, or integrally coupled to, the seat-supporting element  20 . Furthermore the pedals  30  may be folded inwards (see  FIG. 3  description to follow). The steering element  16  may also be uncoupled from the front frame  14  and moved independently (See  FIG. 4  description to follow). 
         [0030]    As seen in  FIG. 3 , in one aspect of the invention the pedal assembly is shown. The connecting bars/rods  28  is attached to the pedal  30  by means of a hinge  32 . This hinge allows for the pedal  30  to be folded inwardly into a position shown in phantom lines, i.e., so that the pedals lie within a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the wheel  40  as shown in  FIG. 2 . These folding pedals provide for easier storage. In addition, the pedals  30  may be maintained in the folded position to permit a user to walk the vehicle without the pedals obstructing the motion of the user&#39;s feet. 
         [0031]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , in one aspect of the invention the steering element  16  is shown. In this aspect, the steering element includes a substantially horizontal bar and a vertical bar configured for slidable receipt within a sleeve disposed at the top of the front frame  14 . Holes  36  may be provided so that removable pins  46  may be inserted or removed to rigidly couple or uncouple the steering element  16  from the front frame  14  allowing for ease of storage or interchangeable steering elements. It should be recognized that the flat steering element  16  is merely exemplary, and that any number of handlebar configurations known to those skilled in the art of bicycle fabrication, may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the steering element may be folded backwards or downwards for ease of storage, such as shown in phantom at  16 ′ in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0032]    As seen in  FIG. 5 , a footprint of device  10  is defined by lines connecting the surface contact points of the front wheel  40  and two rear wheels  38  when in the deployed configuration of  FIG. 1 . The distance A′ between the front wheel  40  and a rear wheel  38  is shown as well as the distance B′ between the two rear wheels  38 . 
         [0033]    As seen in  FIG. 6 , dimensions of device  10  as shown from a substantially elevational perspective include the relative height C′ of seat  22  ( FIG. 1 ) and the distance D′ between the two wheels furthest apart from one another (i.e., between wheel  40  and a wheel  38  in the embodiment shown). 
         [0034]    As previously mentioned the embodiments described hereinabove should be viewed in an illustrative rather than limiting sense. Moreover, in a variation of the foregoing, the pedals may be entirely removable or an additional feature such as a clip, detent, or other fastener may be included to conveniently hold them in a folded position. Moreover, rather than being disposed on the front steering wheel  40  as shown, the pedals may be rotatably disposed on a bracket on the frame, and connected via conventional chain drive, belt, or drive shaft, to a (for example, rear) drive wheel. Still further, it is contemplated that the connecting bars  28  and pedals  30  may be eliminated and replaced by a hand crank located at the position of steering element  16 , such as shown in  FIG. 7  at  28 ′, to effectively form a combined steering/drive element. The hand crank may be coupled via chain drive, belt, or drive shaft, etc., (not shown) to drive the wheel  40 . Thus, the user may propel the vehicle by use of the hands rather than the feet. In this aspect a platform or bar may be employed to support the user&#39;s feet. This resting bar for example might include a horizontal bar extending from the axle of the front wheel. 
         [0035]    In yet another aspect parts may be interchangeable to allow for customization for a particular user. Different styles and shapes of handlebars, seats, pedals and wheels may be employed. For example handlebars customized to provide additional resting support might be used. Wheels might be exchanged depending on the terrain (i.e. indoor use as opposed to outdoor use. The seat might be exchanged for one design or another depending on whether it is being used for exercise or relaxation. 
         [0036]    In yet another aspect a brake system may be employed allowing for the slowing or stopping of the vehicle. Furthermore these brakes may be fixed in the locked position rendering the vehicle immobile and increasing its stability. The braking system may be connected to one or more wheels and may use various technologies such as cable driven mechanical systems (such as shown and described hereinbelow with respect to  FIG. 8 ) or any alternative performing substantially the same function such as a remote electrical or motorized system. The brake may further be either a hand operated brake, a foot operated brake or any combination thereof. 
         [0037]    In yet another aspect the arrangement of the wheels may be reconfigured. One example of this might be a reverse tricycle arrangement with two wheels in front of the seated user and one wheel behind. The device might also employ more than three wheels such as a quadricycle design utilizing four wheels. Additional wheels might be employed for added support. 
         [0038]    The present invention thus provides a multi-wheeled mobility device for use by adults for whom movement is otherwise difficult. It provides a self-propelled vehicle that provides the added support of a seat and the stability of at least three wheels usable in various environments. Those environments may include, but are not limited to: malls, sidewalks, hallways and interior residential areas. 
         [0039]    In particular aspects the vehicle has a limited footprint, e.g., an area defined by the ground-engaging contact points (or geometric centers) of its wheels. The size of this footprint may be restricted to an area and shape that will allow maneuvering in the interior residential floor spaces typically navigated by a walking adult. Walking in this context is generally defined as the normal unobstructed bipedal directional movement and turning of an individual. 
         [0040]    In a particular aspect, the limited footprint may be defined in terms of an aspect ratio between the height C′ of the seat  22  and the distance D′ between the geometric centers of the two wheels located furthest from one another as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . In  FIG. 5  the distance A′ is shown as greater than B′ so in  FIG. 6 , for the purpose of determining the height to length ratio, the distance D′ would correspond to the distance A′ in  FIG. 5 . In an alternate aspect the distance B′ might be longer than A′ in which case B′ would correspond to D′ in  FIG. 6 . In particular aspects, the aspect ratio is at least 1:1, and may be as high as 2.5:1. In particular applications, the aspect ratio may be in a range of about 1.25:1 to 2:1. 
         [0041]    This description of a limited footprint need not be construed to be limited to three wheels. In a further aspect more than three wheels may be employed, e.g., in which the aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of seat height to the distance between the geometric centers of the two wheels located furthest from one another. 
         [0042]    In various other aspects numerous features may be incorporated into the vehicle. In yet another aspect the vehicle may comprise a noise-producing device such as a bell to alert people to the users presence. The vehicle may comprise a light for illumination or to notify people of the user&#39;s presence at night. The vehicle may also comprise an orientation sensitive mechanism to provide an alert if the vehicle tips beyond a preset threshold. The vehicle may also comprise a basket for transporting various personal items or groceries. A further feature may be a handle or push pad allowing a third party to assist the user up an incline or provide added stability by holding onto or pushing the vehicle. 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8-13 , additional implementations of the invention will be shown and described. As shown in  FIG. 8 , a mobility device  100  which is otherwise similar to device  10  described hereinabove, may be equipped with a handbrake  102  and/or an automatic limited turning radius device  104 . In the example shown, handbrake  102  may be a conventional cable actuated bicycle brake, including a hand actuatable lever  106  operatively engaged with a brake caliper  108  via cable  110 . Actuation of lever  106  serves to compress the caliper  108 , which is mounted on fork  116 , into engagement with the wheel  40  to effect braking in a conventional manner. And although a caliper  108  is shown, it should be recognized that any number of alternate approaches may be used, such as conventional disk brakes or drum brakes, or other types of brakes that may be developed in the future for bicycles and other vehicles. 
         [0044]    The handbrake  102  may thus be applied by squeezing the lever  106  which causes the brake pads to be pressed against the rim of the rotating wheel, to slow and then stop the rotation. The handle may also be locked in a conventional manner, to keep the wheel from rotating when the user releases the lever  106 . This approach may be conveniently used by relatively agile users. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , automatic limited turning radius device  104  is configured to limit the turning radius of the vehicle  100 , while also providing a bias that tends to return the handle bars  16  to the center position. In the particular example shown, steering is accomplished in a conventional manner, with a handlebar stem  112  that slidably passes through a head tube  114  portion of front frame  14 , to rigidly connect handlebar  16  to the front fork  116 . The stem  112  thus rotates within the head tube  114  when the user turns the handlebars  16  to turn the fork  116  and steer the vehicle. As best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the stem  112  is provided with an abutment  120  which is received within a notch (cut-out)  122  portion of head tube  114 . The edges of the notch  122  serve as stops to limit the turning radius of the vehicle, e.g., to 45 degrees on either side of center, as shown in  FIG. 10 . And while 45 degrees to either side of center (straight) is shown and described, it should be recognized that substantially any limit may be used, depending on the particular application. For example, in some implementations a turning radius as small as 10 degrees on either side of center may be desired, while in others, 60 degrees or more may be suitable. 
         [0046]    As also shown, bias elements  124 , e.g., in the form of springs, as shown, may be disposed on opposite sides of abutment  20 , between the abutment and the edges of notch  122 . In the particular example shown, bias elements  124  may be coil springs wound around a flexible guide that extends slidably through the abutment  120 , between the edges of notch  122 . When the user turns the handlebars  16 , the abutment  120  compresses one of the springs against its bias. When the turning has been completed, the bias of the compressed spring helps to return the handlebars  16  and fork  116  to the center/straight position. Thus, in this example, the spring loading will help hold the steering to straight ahead until turned by the user, and may then help to automatically return the steering to the straight ahead position if let go by the user. 
         [0047]    Moreover, in particular implementations, stem  112  may be configured to move axially within head tube  114 , e.g., to move abutment  120  into the position shown in phantom in  FIG. 9 , as will be discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 11-13 . 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIGS. 11-13  an embodiment shown as vehicle  110 ′ is substantially similar to vehicles  10  and  110 , but for the following variations. As shown, vehicle  110 ′ may include an automatic (e.g., reverse-acting) brake  130 , configured to automatically engage when the user is not on the seat  22 . This automatic brake  130  feature may take any number of forms, such as an electronic (e.g., ultrasonic) proximity sensor to detect the presence of the user, to actuate an electrically operated brake. Alternatively, automatic brake  130  may be a relatively simple mechanical device, as shown, including a flange  132  on head tube  114 , disposed to engage and spread a pair of upper caliper arm portions  134  against the bias of a spring  136  to disengage the wheel when a user is seated on the vehicle. In operation, when a user applies weight to the seat  22 , such as shown at  140  in  FIG. 11 , head tube  114  moves downward relative to stem  112  and fork  116  as shown at  142  of  FIGS. 11 and 13 . When so moved, the flange  132  engages and spreads the upper arm portions  134  of (fork-mounted) brake caliper  108 ′, against the bias of spring  136  to disengage the wheel as shown in  FIG. 13 . When the user dismounts from seat  22 , the bias of spring  136  contracts the arm portions  134  (raising the head tube  114  relative to fork  116  and stem  112 , e.g., into the position shown in phantom in  FIG. 9 ) so that caliper  108 ′ engages the wheel. In this manner, the reverse acting bicycle brake  130  is normally on, and locks the front wheel while vehicle  110 ′ is unmanned or not bring operated. This implementation may be particularly useful to disabled or elderly users, to reduce the chance of accidental movement of the vehicle  110 ′ when mounting or dismounting, and/or of free-rolling away from the user. 
         [0049]    It should be further understood that any of the features described with respect to one of the embodiments described herein may be similarly applied to any of the other embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0050]    In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.