Transformable bicycle or tricycle

A transformable bicycle or tricycle is presently provided. The transformable bicycle has a first seat and a second seat disposed rearward or forward of the first seat. At least one of the first seat and the second seat is transformable and has a planar seat and a planar back. The transformable seat is configured and disposed to transform into an enclosure or into a flat planar bench having the planar seat and the planar back substantially in the same plane.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention generally relates to transformable bicycles or tricycles, more specifically toward a bicycle or tricycle having a transformable seat configured and disposed to transform into an enclosure or into a flat planar bench having a planar seat portion and a planar back portion configured to become disposed in substantially in the same plane.

BACKGROUND

Bicycles and tricycles come in many configurations and may have one or two seats. For example, tandem bicycles typically have a front seat and a back seat. Many accessories are available for bicycles and tricycles. For example, trailers, carriers, racks, trunks, bags, child seats, and a variety of other accessories are available for bicycles and tricycles.

It may be desirous for a bicycle or tricycle to be transformable to enable it to have added functionality when desired.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a transformable bicycle or tricycle is provided. The transformable bicycle or trickle has a steerable front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A frame operable holds the steerable front wheel and the at least one rear wheel. At least two pedals are configured and disposed to rotate at least one rear wheel and move the bicycle or tricycle, upon rotating the pedals. The bicycle or tricycle has a first seat and a second seat disposed rearward or forward of the first seat. At least one of the first seat and the second seat is transformable and has a planar seat and a planar back. The transformable seat is configured and disposed to transform into an enclosure or into a flat planar bench having the planar seat and the planar back substantially in the same plane.

In at least one other aspect of the present disclosure, a transformable tricycle is provided. The transformable tricycle has a steerable front wheel and two rear wheels. A frame extends between an axle supporting the rear wheels and a fork holding the steerable front wheel. At least two pedals are configured and disposed to rotate at least one of the rear wheels and move the bicycle or tricycle, upon rotating the pedals. The transformable tricycle has a first transformable seat and a second seat disposed rearward or forward of the first seat. The first transformable seat has a planar seat portion rotatingly or hingedly held to an edge of a planar back portion. The first seat is configured and disposed to transform into the flat planar bench having the planar seat portion and the planar back portion disposed substantially in the same plane.

In at least one further aspect of the present disclosure, a transformable bicycle or tricycle is provided. The transformable bicycle or tricycle has a steerable front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A frame extends between a rear axle supporting the at least one rear wheel and a fork holding the steerable front wheel. At least two pedals are configured and disposed to rotate the at least one rear wheel and move the bicycle or tricycle, upon rotating the pedals. The transformable bicycle or tricycle has a first seat and a second seat disposed rearward of the first seat. The second seat has a planar seat and a planar back and is configured and disposed to transform into an enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a transformable or extendable tricycle is provided. The extendable tricycle has a front wheel and two back wheels. An axle may extend between the two back wheels or each back wheel may have its own axle. At least one extendable frame bar is configured and disposed to operable hold the rear wheels and the front wheel. For example, the transformable tricycle may have one or more lower extendable frame bars and/or one or more upper extendable frame bars configured and disposed to operable hold the rear axle(s) or rear wheels, and the front wheel. The transformable tricycle may have an extendable pedal bar and the extendable pedal bar may extend between a rear set of pedals and a front set of pedals.

The transformable tricycle has an extending mechanism configured and disposed to extend a length of the extendable or transformable tricycle, or a distance between the front wheel and the back wheels, from a lesser length and to a greater length, and retracted back to the lesser length. Upon the extendable tricycle being extended to the greater length, the extendable tricycle has at least one extendable frame bar in an extended orientation and operable holding the rear wheels and the front wheel. For example, the transformable tricycle may have one or more lower extending frame bars, one or more upper extending frame bars, and an extendable pedal bar in an extended configuration.

In at least another embodiment, the presently disclosed extendable tricycle has a transformable seat. The transformable seat has a back portion hingedly attached to a seat portion. The extendable tricycle may have a rear seat which also may have a back portion hingedly attached to a seat portion. The transformable seat may be configured and disposed to form a substantially planar bench with the back portions and the seat portions of the front and rear seats in substantially the same plane, upon the extendable tricycle being extended to the greater or longer length. One of the seats may be configured and disposed to be moved toward the rear of the extendable tricycle, upon the extendable tricycle being retracted to a lesser length. For example, the frame is extendable and retractable and a first seat may be configured to move rearward and forward of a second seat, upon the first seat having its planar seat and planar back disposed in substantially the same plane and the frame being retracted and extended.

The presently disclosed transformable or extendable tricycle, or foldable trike, may be used for exercise, traveling, transporting people and or products. Seats may be designed as comfortable slim sport seats that may fold into a saddle ride position and or bench seats. The back seat may be widened to fit two children or two slim adults or one big person may fit comfortably. The back seat may be wider and may fold to a saddle ride position, and the back portion of the rear seat may fold flat as a bench. Seats and other adjustable or moving parts may be designed to be secured using a ratchet hinges. The front seat and/or back seat may form a flat surface that may allow a person to lie down straight like on an exercise bench. The front seat may fold under and behind the back seat when the trike is folded or shortened.

The transformable tricycle may be foldable or extendable having one or more of: (1) a front frame pressing on the front wheel and secured on a front post, wherein the front frame carries the front seat; (2) a back frame pressing on the two back wheels secured on a back axle, wherein the back frame carries the back seat; (3) a power screw or lead screw that rotates or spines on the back frame to retract or extend the front frame; (4) a nut attached to the front frame and connected to the power screw, when the power screw is configured to rotate in the back frame and the nut is configured and disposed to move forward or backward which may act as an arm that pushes or pulls the front frame to extend and to retract or fold the tricycle; (5) a peddling system with two foot pedal bars that extend and retract with the tricycle; (6) two foot pedals attached to each of the pedal bars, one proximate the front of the pedal bars and the other proximate the back of the pedal bars; (7) two arms pedals connected to the pedal bars to allow back riders to power the trike using arms; (8) the two pedal bars parallel to each other and configured to move back and forth in opposite directions from each other to the front and the back of the tricycle; and (9) the transformable tricycle being configured to have a driver sit in the front holding a handle bar for steering and pushing the pedal bars using leg while the back riders pushes the pedal bars while sitting and pushing or pulling arm pedals while sitting or standing.

The presently disclosed extendable tricycle, or foldable trike, may be configured for combining cycling and electrification while harnessing and uniting solar, wind and human-power in one machine. An objective may be to provide the comfort and security of an electric vehicle while giving the option to move and perform physical exercise whether the vehicle is moving or standing still. The transformable tricycle may have one or more of the following characteristics: (1) three wheels, two back wheels and a shorter, wider front wheel; (2) a foldable or extendable frame, wherein the tricycle is completely functional while shortened or lengthened; (3) foldable seats, front and back seat, configured fold to a flat bench or saddle seat; (4) head shield and/or body shield to secure riders; (5) paddling, or pedaling, system which may allow for up to three pedalers, or two pedalers and a paddler, to exercise at the same time, with the back riders exercising using their hands and/or and legs. (6) locking and towing capabilities to tow another trike or attachments and to secure it in a charging station or while transported on another vehicle; (7) a front wheel hub, an internal battery, a second removable and/or replaceable battery which may be secured to the front frame post to enable replacing the battery and allow traveling long distance without the need to stop for long time to charge; (8) a lighting system, head, tail, breaks and turn signals and a horn connected to a 12V battery and dynamo hub; (9) an aerodynamic body design to reduce drag; (10) floating capabilities; (11) trike outer body “doors and or sealing” which may act as a shield to protect and shelter the rider(s) which may be configured to fold or to act as a sail and/or solar charger to harness and use wind and solar power; (12) a dynamo or alternator hub configured to charge a battery and store human power, braking, and downhill power. Spring may be used to harness gravity or downhill power; (13) the tricycle of the present disclosure may be functional or operable at any point between the two lengths “a” and “b”, or a greater length and a lesser length; (14) pedalers may use the pedal bars while sitting with their back supported, or sitting in a saddle ride position, or they may use the pedal bars while standing; (15) a locking system or towing capabilities, where the tricycle may be locked or connected to be pulled or pushed using a second tricycle; and (16) the locking system may also be configured to secure the tricycle to a base or dock when standing or parked.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments and aspects of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The same reference numbers may be used in the figures to refer to the same or like parts. The presently disclosed embodiments, aspects, and features of the present invention are not to limit the presently claimed invention as other and different embodiments, aspects, and features will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure.

FIG.1shows a perspective view of a transformable, foldable, or extendable tricycle100of the present disclosure in an extended orientation. Tricycle100is shown transformed into an extended, a longer, or a greater length and is configured to be retracted to a shorter or lesser length. Extendable tricycle100comprises a front wheel121, two back wheels118, and an axle119extending between two back wheels118, and at least one extendable frame bar106,106a, and116. For example, transformable tricycle100may have a pair of lower extendable frame bars116, at least one upper extendable frame bar106and/or106a. The frame bars are configured and disposed to operable hold rear wheels118and steerable front wheel121.

Extendable pedal bar120extends between a rear set of pedals124and a front set of pedals122. An extending mechanism102is configured and disposed to extend a length of extendable tricycle100, or a distance between front wheel121and back wheels118, from a lesser length “b” to a greater length “a”, and back to lesser length “b”. The extending and folding or retracting of extendable tricycle100may be performed by turning crank104or by activating motor104a.

In at least one embodiment, upon extendable tricycle100being extended to the greater “a”, extendable tricycle100has the pair of lower extending frame bars116, the at least one upper extending frame bar106, and the extendable pedal bars120in an extended configuration, as shown inFIG.1.

Extendable tricycle100may have a forward seat support110configured and disposed to support a seat or portion thereof. Forward seat support110may be adjustable. For example, forward seat support110may be configured and disposed to be moved forward or rearward, upon extending and retracting extendable tricycle100. Extendable tricycle100may have a rearward seat support112configured and disposed to support a seat or portion thereof. Steering stem114may extend upward from a frontal portion of tricycle100for the attachment of handle bars or steering wheel.

FIG.2shows a perspective view of a transformable, foldable, or extendable tricycle101of the present disclosure in a retracted orientation. Tricycle101is shown transformed into retracted, shorter, or a lesser length “b” and is configured to be extended to a greater length, such as length “a”. Extendable tricycle101comprises a front wheel121, two back wheels118, and an axle119extending between two back wheels118, and at least one extendable frame bar106. For example, transformable tricycle101may have a pair of lower extendable frame bars106. The frame bars are configured and disposed to operable hold rear wheels118and steerable front wheel121.

Extendable pedal bar120operable holds pedals124. Extending mechanism102is configured and disposed to extend a length of extendable tricycle101, or a distance between front wheel121and back wheels118, from lesser length “b” to a greater length, such as length “a”, and back to lesser length “b”. The extending and folding or retracting of extendable tricycle101may be performed by turning crank104or activating motor104a. Transformable tricycle101may have one or more pairs of paddle bars126. Paddle bars126may be configured and disposed to enable a rider to move tricycle101by pushing and/or pulling paddle bars126. For example, one or two paddle bars126may be in communication with a pedal bar120and may be configured to enable a front and/or rear seat rider to power transformable tricycle101by hand.

Upon extendable tricycle101being retracted to lesser length “b”, extendable tricycle101has at least one frame bar106and the extendable pedal bars120in retracted configuration, as shown inFIG.2. Extendable tricycle101may have a forward seat mounting area111configured and disposed to support a seat or portion thereof. A seat may be mounted to the frame, proximate forward seat mounting area111and the forward seat may be configured and disposed to be moved forward or rearward, upon extending and retracting extendable tricycle101. Extendable tricycle101may have a rearward seat support112configured and disposed to support a seat or portion thereof. Steering stem114may extend upward from a frontal portion of tricycle101for the attachment of handle bars or steering wheel.

FIG.3shows an illustrative view of extending mechanism102configured and disposed to extend, and retract, the transformable tricycle of the present disclosure. For example, extending mechanism102may be configured to transform the tricycle between the lesser length “b” and the greater length “a”. In at least one embodiment, extending mechanism102may have two upper extendable frame bars106. Upper extendable frame bars106may extend from, and be attached to, plate108and through apertures in housing103. For example, upper extendable frame bars106may be welded to plate108. Plate108may have a threaded aperture109configured and disposed to threadingly engage with longitudinal screw105. Crank104, or motor104a, may be configured to rotate longitudinal screw105and move plate108, forward and reward in housing103. The forward and rearward movement of plate108extends and contracts upper extendable frame bars106with respect to housing103. Therefore, the rotation of crank104in a first direction retracts foldable or extendable tricycle100or101to lesser length “b” and the rotation of crank104in a second direction extends foldable or extendable tricycle100or101to greater length “a”. It is to be understood, that the transformable tricycle of the present disclosure may be configured to be extended and retracted with electrical power, such as with electric motor104a.

FIG.4shows an illustrative top view of a transformable, foldable, or extendable tricycle103of the present disclosure in an extended orientation. Tricycle103is shown transformed into an extended, a longer, or a greater length and is configured to be retracted to a shorter or lesser length. Extendable tricycle103comprises a front wheel121, two back wheels118, and an axle119extending between two back wheels118, and at least one extendable frame bar106. For example, transformable tricycle103may have a pair of extendable frame bars106. Frame bars106are configured and disposed to operable hold or support rear wheels118and steerable front wheel121.

Extendable pedal bars120extend between a rear set of pedals124and a front set of pedals122. An extending mechanism102is configured and disposed to extend a length of extendable tricycle103, or a distance between front wheel121and back wheels118, from a lesser length and to a greater length a′, and back to the lesser length. The extending and folding or retracting of extendable tricycle103may be performed by turning crank104. In at least one embodiment, upon extendable tricycle103being extended to the greater a′, extendable tricycle103has the pair of lower extending frame bars116, the at least one upper extending frame bar106, and the extendable pedal bars120in an extended configuration, as shown inFIG.4.

Extendable tricycle103may have a forward seat support configured and disposed to support a seat or portion thereof. Extendable tricycle103may have a rearward seat support configured and disposed to support a seat or portion thereof.

Frame bars106may act as a frontal frame portion and may be connected to, or in communication with, the steering post114. Frame bars106may hold extending mechanism102. Extending mechanism102may have a housing which may function a rear frame portion that holds the back or rear seat and may be supported or secured on the rear axle. For example, the rear wheels and the rear axle may hold the extending mechanism. Frame bars106may also hold the extending mechanism102. When extending mechanism102is activated, by turning crank104or engaging an electric motor, longitudinal screw105pulls extendable bars106into extending mechanism102or its housing. The extendable bars106may be supported on the front wheel, fork, and the steering post, while the extending mechanism102may be supported on the back wheels or rear axle. The extending mechanism102, or the rear frame portion, holds or carries the rear seats and the extending frame bars may hold the front first seat.

FIGS.5a,5b, and5care views of seats that may be adapted for the foldable or extendable tricycle of the present disclosure. For example,FIG.5ashows a side view of a forward or first seat150and a second or reward seat155. Transformable seat150may have a back portion154hingedly attached to a seat portion152. Seat portion152may be held and supported on extendable tricycle100,101, or103with a forward seat support, such as forward seat support110. A rear, or second, seat155has a back portion158hingedly attached to a seat portion156.

Transformable seats150and/or155may be configured and disposed to form a substantially planar bench. For example, transformable seat150may be configured for rotating planar back154about a hinge153and moving back portion154into substantially the same plane as planar seat portion152. Likewise, transformable second seat155may be configured for rotating planar back158about a hinge157and moving back portion158into substantially the same plane as planar seat portion156.

FIG.5ba perspective view of seats155and155being disposed in a planar bench configuration. For example, back portions154and158and seat portions152and156of first seat150and second seat155are disposed in substantially the same plane. The presently disclosed transformable tricycle may be disposed in this configuration the transformable tricycle being extended to the greater length, such as length “a”. Second seat155may have a seat support113which may be adapted to fit with rear seat support112or a rear portion of the frame.

Upon back portions154and158and seat portions152and156being disposed in substantially the same plane, first seat150may be configured to be moved rearward of second seat155. For example, rear seat support112and/or113may have an opening for moving first seat150under second seat155, upon the transformable tricycle being retracted. Additionally, first seat150or second seat155may be configured to be moved out of the common plane for moving first seat under second seat155. Upon moving first seat150behind first seat150, seat backs158and154may be disposed in an upright orientation, as shown inFIG.5c.

In at least one embodiment, the presently disclosed transformable tricycle has a transformable seat150. Transformable seat150may have a back portion154hingedly attached to a seat portion152. Seat portion152may be held and supported on the transformable tricycle, such as with forward seat support110. Seat150may be configured to be moved toward the rear of the transformable tricycle, upon the transformable tricycle being retracted to a lesser length, such as length “b”.

The presently disclosed transformable tricycle may have a transformable second seat155with a planar seat portion156with an edge rotatingly or hingedly held to an edge of planar back portion158and be configured and disposed to transform into the flat planar bench having its planar seat and its planar back disposed substantially in the same plane. Second seat155may have a planar seat extending portion156awith an edge rotatingly or hingedly held to opposite edges of planar seat156and a planar back extending portion158awith an edge rotatingly or hingedly held to opposite edges of planar back158.

In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a transformable bicycle or tricycle has a seat that is transformable between a seat and a carrier. Transformable bicycle or tricycle200may have a transformable seat201.FIG.6shows a perspective view of transformable bicycle or tricycle200having transformable seat201transferred into a carrier andFIG.7shows transformable seat201transformed into a seat.FIG.8shows transformable bicycle or tricycle200having seat201being transformed and a sidewall having an opening.

Transformable seat201may have may have a bottom208adapted to be held with the frame or a support extending from the frame. A rear wall211may be adapted to extend upward from proximate a rear edge of bottom208. Transformable seat201may have a first sidewall206and a second sidewall207, each of the sidewalls may be adapted to extend upward from proximate a side edge of bottom208.

At least one of first sidewall206and second sidewall207may be configured to have an opening. For example, first sidewall206and/or second sidewall207may have two side portions,206aand206b, hingedly attached to each other. In a first configuration of the hingedly attached side portions,206aand206b, provides a substantially closed side sidewall of Transformable seat201as shown inFIG.6. A second configuration of the hingedly attached side portions,206aand206b, provides a side having an opening as shown inFIGS.7and8.

The presently disclosed transformable seat201may have two planar portions,202and204, hingedly attached to each other and having an end hingedly attached proximate an upper edge of the rear wall211. A first configuration of the hingedly attached planar portions,202and204, provides a substantially closed top and a front wall of transformable seat201as shown inFIG.6. A second configuration of the hingedly attached planar portions,202and204, provides a seat between first sidewall206and second sidewall207, as shown inFIG.7.

Side portions206aand206bmay be triangular and may be configured to provide a side having a triangular opening as shown inFIGS.7and8. First sidewall206and second sidewall207may both have the two side portions,206aand206b, hingedly attached to each other. One or more lights212may be supported with transformable seat201, as shown inFIG.6. In at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed transformable bicycle, the walls of the carrier are insulated which may be advantageous in maintaining a temperature of items being carried in the carrier.

Presently disclosed is a method of transforming a transformable seat from a seat to a carrier and from a carrier to a seat. The transformable seat is adapted to be held or towed, in the form of a trailer, by a bicycle or tricycle. A vertical seat back is lifted from a vertical orientation and placed into a horizontal orientation to provide a top wall, or roof, of a carrier. A seat cushion is lifted from a horizontal orientation and placed into a vertical orientation to provide a front wall of the carrier. This may be performed by hingedly rotating the seat back about a back wall and hingedly rotating the seat cushion about the seat back. The method may also comprise transforming one or both sides to an opening.

Upon the transformable seat201being transformed into a seat, it may be transformed back into the carrier by moving the horizontally orientated top wall, or roof, of the carrier into a vertical orientation to provide a seat back. The front wall of the carrier may be moved from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation to provide a seat cushion.

Upon reading the present disclosure, it will become apparent to one skilled in the art that other and different structures of the transformable bicycle or tricycle may become known. For example, the front wall and top wall of the carrier may be comprised of a variety of materials such as rigid, semi-rigid, or non-rigid materials. For example, a subtle material such as sheet of cloth or polymeric material may be provided for the transformation of the transformable seat from a seat to a carrier and back to the carrier.