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:
[0001]    The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of our application titled “Tricyle”, Ser. No. 10/171,436, filed Jun. 13, 2002. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to human powered vehicles and, more specifically, to a new and novel tricycle with an 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.  
           [0004]    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.  
           [0005]    [0005] 2 . Description of the Prior Art  
           [0006]    The prior art related to human powered vehicles includes numerous examples of various types of wheeled vehicles. However, despite the developments of the prior art, while these devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they do not provide the range of functional capabilities provided by the present invention.  
         SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
         [0007]    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.  
           [0008]    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.  
           [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having means for adjusting the backrest of the seat in a vertical movement.  
           [0010]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle having means for adjusting the inclination of the backrest of the seat.  
           [0011]    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.  
           [0012]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle where the guide wheel can be moved closer to or further from the rear axle.  
           [0013]    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.  
           [0014]    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.  
           [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle in which the camber angle of selected wheels can be easily adjusted.  
           [0016]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a human powered vehicle which can be easily folded into a compact configuration for storage.  
           [0017]    Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.  
           [0018]    The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a tricycle with an 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.  
           [0019]    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 literally.  
           [0020]    Additionally, adjustment members are provided which facilitate adjustment of the camber angle of the rear wheels. This adjustment enables a rider to adjust the riding characteristics of the apparatus to suit varying conditions of terrain and operating speed.  
           [0021]    The various linkages, joints and members of the apparatus facilitate folding the apparatus into an extremely compact configuration for the purposes of storage and transportation of the apparatus in the trunk of an automobile.  
           [0022]    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.  
           [0023]    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  
       [0024]    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:  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tricycle made according to the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the two main parts of the tricycle;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the steering operation of the tricycle;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the steering operation of the tricycle;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the joints around the front wheel;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the front joints;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 is a side view of the tricycle;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the front wheel;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 11 is a diagram of a pivoting movement of the pedal assembly;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 12 is a diagram of a sliding movement of the front wheel;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the pedal assembly fully extended forward;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the pedal assembly pulled up close to hand pedaling;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the pedal and chain support arm assemblies,  
         [0040]    [0040]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;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 17 is the same view of the front wheel and pedal assembly in FIG. 16 with the chain support arm assembly tightened,  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the back seat assembly;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the tricycle with the back seat tilted back;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 20 is a side view of the tricycle with the seat assembly lifted up;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 21 is a view of an alternate seat;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 22 is a view of an alternate seat in moveable positions;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 23 is an enlarged, simplified and perspective fragmentary view of another alternate embodiment of the invention showing links which facilitate adjustment of ground clearance and adjustment of the camber angle of the rear wheels;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 24 is a simplified fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 23 showing a shock absorber for the rear wheels;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 25 is a fragmentary top view of the embodiment of FIG. 23 showing the start of the process of folding the tricycle;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 26 is a fragmentary top view similar to FIG. 25 showing the continuation of the process of folding the tricycle; and  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 27 is a simplified schematic front view of the tricycle of FIG. 23 with the tricycle shown in the folded configuration. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0052]    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  
         [0053]    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 .  
         [0054]    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 .  
         [0055]    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. In FIG. 3, the tricycle is turning to the left.  
         [0056]    Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a perspective view of the tricycle of the present invention with the tricycle turning to the right. 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.  
         [0057]    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.  
         [0058]    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   
         [0059]    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.  
         [0060]    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.  
         [0061]    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.  
         [0062]    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.  
         [0063]    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  
         [0064]    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.  
         [0065]    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.  
         [0066]    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.  
         [0067]    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.  
         [0068]    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 art assembly  66  can be fixed in position frictionally or by spring tension.  
         [0069]    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.  
         [0070]    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 .  
         [0071]    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  titlted 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 .  
         [0072]    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 ridigly fixed to the steering pivot column  34 . Also shown are the back seat  26 , main frame  28  and seat frame pivot  64 .  
         [0073]    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.  
         [0074]    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.  
         [0075]    Turning to FIGS.  23 - 27 , there is shown therein an alternative embodiment  100  of the tricycle which incorporates a capability for adjusting the road clearance, adjusting the camber angle of the rear wheels  102 ,  104 , and for folding the tricycle  100  into a compact configuration.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 23, which is a view looking toward the rear of the triangle  100 , shows that the axle  106  has a step portion  108  which includes the flat portion I  10 . The step portion  108  supports a lockable pivot  112  which is connected to a link  114 . The link  114  may be adjusted in the directions shown by the arrows  116 ,  118  to adjust the ground clearance of the tricycle  100 . This feature enables a user to easily accommodate various road conditions such as rough off-road conditions, smooth pavement and various degrees of intermediate road conditions.  
         [0077]    The outer end  120  of the link  114  includes a lockable pivot  122  which connects the link  114  and the block  124 . The lockable pivot  122  facilitates adjustment of the camber angle or angle of the wheel  102  relative to a vertical plane, in the directions shown by the arrow  126 ,  128 . This adjustment enables a user to adjust the riding and stability characteristics of the tricycle  100  for special riding conditions such as racing.  
         [0078]    The block  124  includes a lockable pivot  130  which enables the rear wheels  102 ,  104  to be folded into general alignment with the axle  106  as shown in FIG. 25 for the purpose of folding the triangle  100  in a manner which will be presently described.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 24 shown the rear wheel shaft  132  being supported by a link  134  which is connected to the block  124  by means of the pivot  134 .  
         [0080]    The link  134  and the block  124  are also connected by a shock absorber  138  which absorbs shocks by dampening the motion of the wheel  102  in the vertical direction as indicated by the arrows  140 ,  141  in FIG. 24 The shock absorber  138  improves the riding characteristics of the tricycle  100  and facilitates use in off-road and other adverse conditions The various lockable pivots are similar to the fixedly pivotable joints A, B and C which have locking means  37  as described above.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 25 is a simplified view showing the first step in the process of folding the tricycle  100 . The axle  106  as shown in FIG. 25 includes a latch  144  which attaches the end  146  of the axle  106  to the central axle support  148 . The axle  106  and the central axle support  148  are each tubular members and as shown in FIG. 26, the end  146  of the axle  106  has a portion  150  which projects into the opening  152  of the central axle support  146 . The central axle support  148  is connected to the main frame  28  which has been previously described.  
         [0082]    As shown in FIG. 25, the rear wheel  102  has been pivoted to a position which is generally in line with the axle  106 .  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 26 shows the axle  106  pivoted away from the central axle support  148 , in the direction shown by the arrow  154 , toward the front of the tricycle  100 . The axle  106 , the central axle support  148 , and the main frame  28  are connected by the links  156 .  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 27 is a simplified front view of the tricycle  100  in which selected previously described links and pivots, which connect the rear wheels  102  and the axle  106 , have been illustrated schematically by the broken lines  158 . The axles  106  have been rotated in the directions shown by the arrows  154 .  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 27 shows the folded configuration of the tricycle  100  in which the rear wheels  102  are nearly in line with and nearly parallel to, the front wheel  14  thereby forming an extremely compact configuration.  
         [0086]    The foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the specification herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various deviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention without departing from the main theme thereof.