Abstract:
The present invention  10  discloses a new and novel tricycle with adjustable linkage  48, 54  for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore, the linkage  44, 52  can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel  14  toward the rear wheels  22  provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel  14  away from the rear wheels  22  provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage  48, 54  provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative to the seat  24  allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the pedal assembly  16 . Additionally, the present invention  10  has a cantilevered seat frame  30  with the seat  24  at one distal end and the other end forming a yoke  32  connected to the front wheel steering pivot column  34  whereby left movement of the seat  24  results in a right turn of the front wheel  14  and a right movement of the seat  24  results in a left turn of the front wheel  14.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to human powered vehicles and, more specifically, to a new and novel tricycle with adjustable linkage for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore the linkage can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel toward the rear wheels provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel away from the rear axle provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative the seat allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the drive mechanism. 
     Additionally, the present invention has a cantilevered seat with the seat at one distal end and the other forming a yoke connected to the front wheel steering column whereby left movement of the seat results in a right turn of the front wheel and a right movement of the seat results in a left turn of the front wheel. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other human powered vehicle devices designed having one or more components of the present invention. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 86,405 issued to Irwin on Feb. 2, 1869. 
     Another patent was issued to Giles on Jan. 11, 1881 as U.S. Pat. No. 236,572. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 246,682 was issued to Lorenzo on Sep. 6, 1881 and still yet another was issued on Jun. 17, 1890 to Brock as U.S. Pat. No. 430,107. 
     Another patent was issued to Schmiedel on Aug. 8, 1893 as U.S. Pat. No. 502,866. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 627,680 was issued to Brock on Jun. 27, 1899. Another was issued to Anderson on Sep. 26, 1899 as U.S. Pat. No. 633,746 and still yet another was issued on Dec. 24, 1918 to Benson as U.S. Pat. No. 1,288,809. 
     Another patent was issued to Holland on Sep. 28, 1965 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,208,764. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,902 was issued to Maebe on Mar. 26, 1985. Another was issued to Douglas et al on Jan. 14, 1975 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,264 and still yet another was issued on Oct. 11, 1994 to Lofgren et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,084. 
     The invention is a three-wheel velocipede where the rider&#39;s seat is connected with the guide frame so as to swivel or swing laterally therewith. A pivot bolt forms the direct connection and turns in a socket on the front end of the connecting brace. To the upper end on the socket is secured a transverse stationary hand-support. 
     The invention is a velocipede having more than two wheels; and it consists, principally, in the clutch coupling on one of the driving wheels; in a seat capable of vibrating in a vertical plane transverse to the line of advance and steering-gear connected therewith, so that the vehicle may be steered by swaying the body toward one side or the other; in a hollow reach to house and protect the steering shaft; in the projecting crank-arm of the steering-shaft; in the projecting crank-arm of the steering shaft with pendant crank ends, the weight whereof tends to keep the steering wheel in median position. 
     The invention is a shaft having a large drive wheel and two small ratchet-wheels rigidly secured thereto, and provided with recesses at its ends, into which the axle-arms are secured. 
     The invention relates to three-wheel velocipedes or tricycles and consists of devices to permit of adjusting the middle or steering wheel through the medium of the tricycle seat by the body of the rider, leaving both the hands and the feet free, as for driving the vehicle. Also, in connection with said steering devices, of a driving mechanism having one or more pairs of vertical levers united by a horizontal bar or bars, whereby a support is afforded to the body of the rider in the act of steering by the seat. 
     The invention is a bicycle frame, a steering wheel, a laterally swinging saddle frame suspended from the bicycle frame and a connection between the steering wheel and the saddle frame, whereby the wheel is operated by the swinging of the said saddle frame. 
     The present invention is partly related to improvements for turning the steering-wheel of a bicycle by connection with a vertically pivoted seat, and partly to the means for pivoting the steering-wheel upon the end of a fixed axle, partly to a toggle connection between the pedal and the driving, partly to a double-fulcrumed hand-lever connected to the driving crank, and partly to a frame built upon a single horizontal frame-bar for supporting the said mechanism effectively. The invention consists in attaching the front wheel steering fork to the saddle-post and so connecting the former with the front wheel that the said wheel may be readily swiveled by the movement of the rider upon the saddle. 
     The invention is a bicycle embodying in its organization a frame composed of rigid tubes, a driving wheel mounted in the rigid frame, a steering wheel mounted in a steering fork pivoted within one of the oblique tubes of the frame, and a saddle rigidly connected with the pivoted shank of the steering fork, the point of contact between the steering wheel and the ground being substantially in line with the shank of the steering fork. 
     The invention relates to improvements in a combined velocipede and go-cart. An object of the invention is to provide a velocipede for small children which is particularly adapted for indoor use and so arranged that it can be easily propelled by a child and steered by moving the seat. 
     The invention relates to a four wheeled cart having a novel steering arrangement whereby the vehicle is steered by twisting the body of the user in a rotatable seat, thereby providing a cart in which steering is accomplished without the use of the hands of the user. 
     A velocipede having a front wheel assembly carrying a front wheel and a rear wheel assembly carrying a pair of co-axial rear wheels. The wheel assemblies are pivotally connected approximately midway between the axis of rotation of the front wheel and the axis of rotation of the pair of rear wheels by a pivotal coupling member that is rotatable around an axis that lies in the longitudinal plane of the velocipede at an angle of 20 degrees from the vertical. A spring within the pivotal coupling member limits the relative displacement of the wheel assemblies to 25 degrees on either side of the vehicle&#39;s normal forward position in response to sideways tilting of the front wheel assembly by means of a weight shifting or leaning motion of the rider of the velocipede. 
     A three-wheeled vehicle having a front body member carrying front wheel seat, hand pedals and leg supports pivotally connected to a rear body member carrying the rear wheels and handlebar. The front body member includes a seat for the operator and pedals to be operated by the rider&#39;s hands. The seat, pedals, front wheel and leg supports are maintained in a fixed relationship whereby pivoting of the front frame portion simultaneously pivots the seat, pedals, drive line and front wheel to maintain said fixed relationship while turning and supplying power to the front wheel. A stabilizing dampener between front and rear frame sections provides smooth steering and inhibits undesired, inadvertent, side to side movement of the rider&#39;s body and thereby repetitive back and forth turning of the vehicle. 
     A three-wheeled vehicle having a front body member carrying front wheel seat, hand pedals and leg supports pivotally connected to a rear body member carrying the rear wheels and handlebar. The front body member includes a seat for the operator and pedals to be operated by the rider&#39;s hands. The seat, pedals, front wheel and leg supports are maintained in a fixed relationship whereby pivoting of the front frame portion simultaneously pivots the seat, pedals, drive line and front wheel to maintain said fixed relationship while turning and supplying power to the front wheel. A stabilizing dampener between front and rear frame sections provides smooth steering and inhibits undesired, inadvertent, side to side movement of the rider&#39;s body and thereby repetitive back and forth turning of the vehicle. 
     While these human powered vehicles may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses a new and novel tricycle with adjustable linkage for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore, the linkage can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel toward the rear wheels provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel away from the rear axle provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative to the seat allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the drive mechanism. Additionally, the present invention has a cantilevered seat with the seat at one distal end and the other end forming a yoke connected to the front wheel steering pivot column whereby left movement of the seat results in a right turn of the front wheel and a right movement of the seat results in a left turn of the front wheel. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having linkage means for varying the position of the guide wheel and drive mechanism. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having means for adjusting the back rest of the seat in a vertical movement. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having means for adjusting the inclination of the back rest of the seat. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle where the drive mechanism can be positioned whereby the rider can use their hands to power the vehicle. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle where the guide wheel can be move closer to or further from the rear axle. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having a cantilevered seat forming a yoke for the drive column at one distal end. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human-powered vehicle where the rider can steer the guide wheel by means of the seat by shifting their weight left and right. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a tricycle with adjustable linkage for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore the linkage can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel toward the rear wheels provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel away from the rear axle provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative the seat allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the drive mechanism. Additionally a cantilevered seat with the seat at one distal end and the other forming a yoke connected to the front wheel steering column allows the rider to steer the vehicle by moving the seat laterally. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tricycle. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the two main parts of the tricycle. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering operation of the tricycle. 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the tricycle shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the joints around the front wheel. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the front joints. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the tricycle. 
     FIG. 8 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel. 
     FIG. 9 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel. 
     FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly. 
     FIG. 11 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly. 
     FIG. 12 is a diagram of a sliding movement of the front wheel. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the pedal assembly fully extended forward. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the pedal assembly pulled up close for hand pedaling. 
     FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the pedal and chain support arm assemblies. 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of the front wheel and pedal assembly in which the chain support arm assembly is relaxed for maximum extension of the drive chain. 
     FIG. 17 is the same view of the front wheel and pedal assembly in FIG. 16 with the chain support arm assembly tightened. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the back seat assembly. 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the back seat tilted back. 
     FIG. 20 is a side view of the tricycle with the seat assembly lifted up. 
     FIG. 21 is a view of an alternate seat. 
     FIG. 22 is a view of an alternate seat in moveable positions. 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings. 
     A pivot axis 
     B pivot axis 
     C pivot axis 
       10  present invention 
       12  sprockets 
       14  front wheel 
       16  pedal assembly 
       18  handle assembly 
       20  foot rest 
       22  rear wheel 
       23  axle 
       24  bottom seat 
       25  tongue 
       26  back seat 
       28  main frame 
       30  seat frame 
       32  seat frame clamp 
       34  steering pivot column 
       35  radial arms 
       36  front wheel assembly 
       37  locking means 
       38  steering pivot slot 
       40  drive chain 
       42  seat assembly 
       44  primary extension clamp 
       48  pedal extension clamp 
       52  front wheel column 
       54  pedal column 
       56  front wheel arm 
       58  front wheel axle 
       60  front wheel arm clamp 
       62  pedal U-fork 
       64  seat frame pivot 
       66  chain support arm assembly 
       68  drive chain 
       70  derailleur assembly 
       72  pedal clamp 
       74  roller arm body 
       76  chain guard 
       78  chain roller 
       80  roller pin 
       84  back seat frame 
       86  back seat column 
       88  back seat extension clamp 
       90  back seat joints 
       92  slide retainer 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims. 
     Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle of the present invention  10 . Shown is the present invention  10  with the derailleur line and the brake lines removed for a clearer view. The sprockets  12  and the derailleur are installed in the front wheel  14 . The pedal assembly  16  is positioned over the front wheel  14  to drive it. The front wheel  14  and the pedal assembly  16  can be repositioned using various joints. Also shown are the handle assembly  18  and a pair of foot rests  20 , a pair of rear wheels  22 , a bottom seat  24  and a back seat  26 . 
     Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is an exploded view of the two main parts, the rear main frame  28  and front wheel assembly  36 , of the tricycle of the present invention  10 . The main frame  28  of the tricycle  10  holds the two rear wheels  22  on the ends of axle  23  and has a tongue-like member  25  thereon. The seat frame  30  holds the seats  24 ,  26  and is pivotably at  69  attached to the seat frame clamp  32 , which is rigidly fixed to the steering pivot column  34  and the front wheel assembly  36 . These two components, the rear main frame  28  and the front wheel assembly  36 , are pivotably engaged to form the tricycle. Also shown are the pedal assembly  16 , handle assembly  18 , foot rest  20 , steering pivot slot  38 , and drive chain  40 . 
     Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a perspective view of the steering operation of the tricycle of the present invention  10 . Steering is accomplished by a user applying torque to the front wheel assembly  36  and seat assembly  42  with bottom seat  24  and back seat  26  by pushing the handles of handle assembly  18  with the hands while pedaling with the feet. Alternatively, the steering torque can also be applied by pushing the foot rests  20  with feet while pedaling with the hands. The front wheel assembly  36  and seat frame assembly  42  is itself unstable, but the added weight of a rider on the bottom seat  24  stabilizes the front wheel assembly  36  and seat frame assembly  42 . 
     Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a top view of the tricycle of the present invention shown in FIG.  3 . Fixed to the main frame  28  are the handle assemblies  18  and the foot rests  20  which provide the leverage needed to apply the steering torque to the front wheel assembly  36  and seat frame assembly  42  with bottom seat  24  and back seat  26  attached thereto. 
     Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a close-up view of the joints associated with the front wheel  14 . Extending downward from the two radially extended opposed arms  35  on the lower end of the steering pivot column  34  are two, a right and a left, symmetrical primary extension clamps  44 , pivoting around the axis A. Joined to these are the pedal extension clamps  48  (only right side shown) and the front wheel columns  52 , pivoting around the axis B. The pedal columns  54  are attached to the pedal extension clamps  48 , pivoting around the axis C. The front wheel  14  is attached to the front wheel arm  56  by the front wheel axle  58 . The front wheel arm  56  is attached to the front wheel arm clamp  60 , which is slidably clamped to the front wheel columns  52 . The entire front wheel assembly and pedal assembly, therefore, pivot around the axis A. The front wheel  14  can also pivot around the axis B independently as well as slide along the front wheel columns  52 . The pedal assembly (not shown) can pivot around the axes B and C without affecting the front wheel  14 . Also shown are the main frame  28  rotatably disposed on the steering pivot column  34  and seat frame  30 . The pivot joints A, B and C are fixedly pivotable having means for being fixed such as fastening, clamping or locking means  37  as shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is an exploded view of the front joints as previously disclosed. The front joints in FIG. 5 are exploded and shown from the left side (of a rider). All of the extension clamps, columns and arms are positioned and moved and operated symmetrically on both the left and right sides. Also shown is the pedal U-fork  62 . 
     Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a side view of the tricycle  10 . Clearly seen are the primary extension clamps  44  and the front wheel columns  52  stemming from the steering pivot column  34 . These extension clamps  44  and columns  52  can be independently adjusted for optimum position of the front wheel  14 . Also shown is the seat frame pivot  64 . Other elements previously disclosed are also shown. 
     Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel  14 . The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the front wheel  14  in a vertical plane around the pivot axis A. This pivoting movement rotates the entire wheel assembly  36  and the pedal assembly  16  as one body along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     Turning to FIG. 9, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel  14 . The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the front wheel assembly  36  around the pivot axis B. The pivot axis B can be used to rotate the front wheel assembly  36  and the pedal assembly  16  independently or together. This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     Turning to FIG. 10, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly  16 . The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the pedal assembly  16  around the pivot axis B. The pivot axis B can be used to rotate the front wheel assembly  36  and the pedal assembly  16  independently or together. This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     Turning to FIG. 11, shown therein is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly  16 . The diagram shows the pivoting movement of the pedal assembly  16  around the pivot axis C. The pivot axis C is used to change the pedal assembly  16  without affecting the front wheel assembly  36 . This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     Turning to FIG. 12, shown therein is a diagram of a sliding movement of the front wheel assembly  36 . This diagram shows the front wheel arm clamp  60  sliding along the front wheel column  52  carrying the front wheel assembly  36  with it. This movement is in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     Turning to FIG. 13, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle  10  with the pedal assembly  16  fully extended forward for foot peddling. All three pivot axes A, B and C as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can be used to position the pedal assembly  16  in a comfortable and functional position. Shown here is the pedal assembly  16  fully extended out to the front for comfortable pedaling by the feet. The pedal U-fork  62  allows the pedal assembly  16  to be tilted deep into the forward position. The chain support arm assembly  66  is rotated counterclockwise to keep the drive chain  68  taut or tight. 
     Turning to FIG. 14, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle  10  with the pedal assembly  16  pulled up close for hand pedaling. When pedaling is done by hand, the rider&#39;s feet are on foot rests  20  and provide necessary torque for steering. The chain support arm assembly  66  is relaxed for the drive chain  68  to be stretched upward. The chain support arm assembly  66  works in conjunction with the derailleur assembly  70  in making sure that the drive chain  68  is always properly tensioned. 
     Turning to FIG. 15, shown therein is an exploded view of the pedal assembly  16  and chain support arm assemblies  66 . The pedal assembly  16  and the chain support arm assembly  66  are rotationally inserted into the pedal clamp  72 , thereby sharing the same axis of rotation. The body of the chain support arm assembly  66  comprises the roller arm body  74  fixed to the chain guard  76 . A chain roller  78  on a roller pin  80  is rotationally fixed at the ends of each of the two roller arms  74 . The chain support arm  66  employs means to fix it in position once adjusted. 
     Turning to FIG. 16, shown therein is a side view of the front wheel  14  and pedal assembly  16  in which the chain support arm assembly  66  is relaxed for maximum extension of the drive chain  68 . The chain support arm assembly  66  and the pedal assembly  16  share a common axis of rotation. The chain support arm assembly  66  can be fixed in position frictionally or by spring tension. 
     Turning to FIG. 17, shown therein is the same view of the front wheel  14  and pedal assembly  16  in FIG. 16 with the chain support arm assembly  66  tightened. Turning the chain support arm assembly  66  counterclockwise tightens the drive chain  68 . This is shown in this Figure with the pedal assembly  16  in the same position as in FIG. 16 for comparison. Tightening the drive chain  68  and lowering of the pedal assembly  16  will usually be done in conjunction. 
     Turning to FIG. 18, shown therein is a perspective view of the back seat assembly  42 . The tricycle is shown here without the wheels for a clearer view. The back seat frame  84  with back seat  26  attached thereto is inserted into the back seat column  86 , which is pivotably joined to the back seat extension clamp  88 . The back seat extension clamp  88  is, in turn, pivotably connected to the seat frame  30 . This configuration comprises, two back seat joints  90  for adjusting the back seat  26 . 
     Turning to FIG. 19, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle  10  with the back seat  26  tilted back. The tricycle  10  is shown here with the back seat  26  tilted back for a comfortable recumbent riding. Besides changing the angle of the back seat  26 , the two back seat joints  90  can be used in unison to bring the back seat forward and back. Also shown is bottom seat  24 . 
     Turning to FIG. 20, shown therein is a side view of the tricycle  10  with the seat assembly  42  lifted up. The seat frame  30  is pivotably attached at  64  to the seat frame clamp  32 , thereby allowing the seat assembly  42  to be lifted up. The seat frame clamp  32  itself is rigidly fixed to the steering pivot column  34 . Also shown are the back seat  26 , main frame  28  and seat frame pivot  64 . 
     Turning to FIG. 21, shown therein is a view of an alternate seat design. The tricycle of the present invention can be provided with alternate style seats  24 ,  26  as the one illustrated. 
     Turning to FIG. 22, shown therein is an alternate seat  24 ,  26  in movable positions. FIG. 22 is an illustrative view of an alternate seat  24 ,  26  of the present invention showing the moveability of the seat  24 ,  26  as it rides within a slide retainer  92  attached to the rear axle  23 . Seats  24 ,  26  are fixed together and partially rotate in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.