CA1140181A - Handicapped child's exercise tricycle - Google Patents
Handicapped child's exercise tricycleInfo
- Publication number
- CA1140181A CA1140181A CA000360640A CA360640A CA1140181A CA 1140181 A CA1140181 A CA 1140181A CA 000360640 A CA000360640 A CA 000360640A CA 360640 A CA360640 A CA 360640A CA 1140181 A CA1140181 A CA 1140181A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tricycle
- supported
- shaft
- frame member
- front wheel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M1/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles
- B62M1/12—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles operated by both hand and foot power
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
There is provided an improved tricycle for handicapped children which provides increased mobility and is of therapeutic value. The tricycle comprises a first frame member extending upwardly and forwardly from a rear wheel assembly to a front wheel assembly;
and joining the two assemblies; said front wheel assembly supported in a substantially vertical second member at the forward end of said first member, said assembly comprising a third frame member supported in and extending upwardly from said second member and adapted to support a shaft at an upper end thereof, a first substantially hori-zontal shaft journalled for rotation in said third frame member, a pair of hand cranks, one attached to each end of said first shaft, and a sprocket fixed to said first shaft for rotation therewith; and a fourth frame member supported in and extending downwardly from said substantially vertical member, and terminating in a forked configura-tion, a front wheel supported for rotation on a second substantially horizontal shaft supported in said forked configuration; and a sprocket fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith and with said wheel; an endless chain operatively interconnecting said sprockets;
a pair of stationary foot supports attached independently of said front wheel assembly, and extending downwardly intermediate the ends of said first frame member; said rear wheel assembly comprising a framework, an elongated axle shaft supported in said framework and a pair of wheels attached for rotation one at each end of said axle; and a seat mounted on said first frame member.
There is provided an improved tricycle for handicapped children which provides increased mobility and is of therapeutic value. The tricycle comprises a first frame member extending upwardly and forwardly from a rear wheel assembly to a front wheel assembly;
and joining the two assemblies; said front wheel assembly supported in a substantially vertical second member at the forward end of said first member, said assembly comprising a third frame member supported in and extending upwardly from said second member and adapted to support a shaft at an upper end thereof, a first substantially hori-zontal shaft journalled for rotation in said third frame member, a pair of hand cranks, one attached to each end of said first shaft, and a sprocket fixed to said first shaft for rotation therewith; and a fourth frame member supported in and extending downwardly from said substantially vertical member, and terminating in a forked configura-tion, a front wheel supported for rotation on a second substantially horizontal shaft supported in said forked configuration; and a sprocket fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith and with said wheel; an endless chain operatively interconnecting said sprockets;
a pair of stationary foot supports attached independently of said front wheel assembly, and extending downwardly intermediate the ends of said first frame member; said rear wheel assembly comprising a framework, an elongated axle shaft supported in said framework and a pair of wheels attached for rotation one at each end of said axle; and a seat mounted on said first frame member.
Description
114q31t31 This application relates to a therapeutic device comprising a wheeled vehi~le, preferably a tricycle, capable of being driven by a physicall~ handicapped child.
As is well known, handicapped persons, particularly children, frequently suffer great hardship as a result of their lack of mobility. Therefore, various devices are available as aids to mobility. Examples of these are braces and wheelchairs. Clearly such devices are limited in their usefulness.
A further problem faced by these individuals is the frequent necessity for therapy of various kinds to strengthen or simply promote the use of different muscles. Again, devices are available for this purpose, but these are frequently prohibitively expensive and so located only in hospitals or similar therapy centres.
PRIOR ART
Examples of prior art devices are found in Canadian Letters Patent Nos. 333,001, granted June 6, 1933, to Schimmel, and 891,657, granted January 25, 1972, to McGuire. The former provides a handpowered tricycle; and the latter, a stationary exercise device including upper and lower interconnecting sprockets for arm and leg exercises. Each of these devices is clearly limited in its usefulness in view of the interrelated problems discussed above.
In addition, and of specific concern here, the Schimmel device is of a design which removes its usefulness from an entire class of user. The rigid stirrup-like saddles fixed to the fork ~14`V181 which supports the front wheel prohibit use of this device by a class of user having lower body difficulties which will not allow the mobility necessary to maintain the feet in the saddles. For example, users with shorter legs or limited lateral mobility of the lower legs and ankles fall into this class. These and other advantages over the prior art will appear from the following description.
There is therefore a constant need for improved devices in these areas which are sufficiently inexpensive as to be widely available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device which offers advantages in each of the above areas. That is to say, it provides a high degree of mobility, is of therapeutic value, can be relatively inexpensively produced, and is useable by a much wider class of handicapped persons, particularly small children.
In its simplest form the invention consists of a child's tricycle on which the handlebars have heen replaced by a drive assembly including panel cranks attached to and driving a spocket; a second sprocket conventionally located on the fron~ hub assembly; a pair of foot supports suspended in a stationary configuration from the tricycle seat or frame; and an endless chain operatively interconnecting the two sprockets, whereby the tricycle can be propelled by arm action.
This device provides a high degree of mobility to persons who may have use of the upper body only, or partial use of both the upper and lower body.
Depending on the capabilities and requirements of the individual, the beneficial effects of the device will be felt in the upper or lower body or both.
The psychological effect on a handicapped child as a result of the increased mobility in a manner similr to that enjoyed by his or her peers may well in some cases outweigh the physically therapeutic benefits of the device.
It is thus clear that the benefits to be derived from the use of the device may vary from case to case in degree.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the Vl~l invention, Figure l illustrates in front perspective the de~ice fi~ed with upper pedal cranks only;
Figure 2 illustrates in rear perspective the device of Figure l; and Figure 3 illustrates in front perspective the device fitted with upper and lower pedal cranks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in Figure 1, the device of the present invention resembles an ordinary child's tricycle. Thus the upwardly and forwardly extending main frame member 2; the rear wheel assembly 4;
the frame member 6 and the support and steering mechanism 8 associated therewith; and the forks 10 and the front wheel 12 associated therewith may all be derived from such an ordinary tricycle.
The device of the invention as illustrated in Figure l includes in addition the hand crank and sprocket arrangement 14, the foot support 16 and the endless chain 18 located within the guard 19 interconnecting the two sprockets.
The foot supports 16 may be attached to the seat 38 as shown in Figure l or may be attached to frame member 2. They are advantageously attached to the seat 38 since in that case ad~ustment of the seat automatically adjusts the foot supports. On the other hand, if the supports are attached to frame member 2, some adjustment of leg length can be obtained by adjustment of seat 38. In either - 4 ~
case the foot supports are preferably positioned so as to limit the turning radius of the front wheel to thereby prevent tipping caused by too sharp or too rapid turning.
- 4a -114VlF~
The hand crank and sprocket arrangement 14 includes frame member 20 having a horizontally disposed hollow cylindrical portion 22 at the top thereof, a shaft 24 journalled for rotation in cylinder 22, a sprocket 26 (within guard 19) attached to said shaft 24 for rotation therewith, and a pair of hand cranks 28, one of said cranks attached to each end of said shaft 24 for rotation therewith. The cranks 28 extend perpendicular to said shaft 24 in opposite directions relative to each other.
With respect to Figure 3, the foot pedal and sprocket arrangement 29 is basically similar to the foot pedal arrangement in a normal tricycle in which the pedal cranks are attached to rotate with the front wheel 12. In the present device there is interposed between one of the pedal cranks 34 and the lower fork portion 30 a sprocket 32 (within guard l9). Sprocket 32 is operatively connected to the sprocket 26 by the endless chain 18.
The tricycle may therefore be propelled by either or both of the hand or pedal cranks and, in any event, both sets of cranks will rotate together.
In the Figure l embodiment, the pedal cranks are simply omitted although sprocket 32 is necessarily retained.
In a preferred embodiment the device is provided with a set of at least two gear trains whereby the gear ratio of the drive may be selectively altered. This alternate gearing facilitates movement over different surfaces, as, for example, grass or concrete.
The device preferably also includes a fourth or trailing wheel 36 extending rearwardly from the back of the device and `' 11~1~1 providing additional stability and protection against tipping in situations where the front wheel is raised relative to the rear wheels, as in driving uphill. This can be of particular importance in the case of individuals who might be incapable of taking precautionary measures to lessen the impact from a fall.
The device is also provided with a seat 38 which in the preferred embodiment not only provides vertical support as in the case of an ordinary tricycle, but also provides back and lateral support.
The seat may further be fitted with a restraining means such as a belt or a harness. The seat 38 is also preferably adjustable both vertically and horizontally relative to the frame.
In the Figure 3 embodiment, the lower pedals may be provided with ad~ustable frames whereby different leg lengths of the user can be taken into account. Alternatively, the lower pedals may be fitted with blocks 40 to customize the device to the proper leg length. The pedals and or supports 16 may be fitted with restraining ~eans for the feet such as a strap or a harness.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a therapeutic device comprising a wheeled vehicle, preferably a tricycle, capable of being driven by a physically handicapped child that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. ~hile the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. According, it is intended to embrace all such 4~?181 alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
As is well known, handicapped persons, particularly children, frequently suffer great hardship as a result of their lack of mobility. Therefore, various devices are available as aids to mobility. Examples of these are braces and wheelchairs. Clearly such devices are limited in their usefulness.
A further problem faced by these individuals is the frequent necessity for therapy of various kinds to strengthen or simply promote the use of different muscles. Again, devices are available for this purpose, but these are frequently prohibitively expensive and so located only in hospitals or similar therapy centres.
PRIOR ART
Examples of prior art devices are found in Canadian Letters Patent Nos. 333,001, granted June 6, 1933, to Schimmel, and 891,657, granted January 25, 1972, to McGuire. The former provides a handpowered tricycle; and the latter, a stationary exercise device including upper and lower interconnecting sprockets for arm and leg exercises. Each of these devices is clearly limited in its usefulness in view of the interrelated problems discussed above.
In addition, and of specific concern here, the Schimmel device is of a design which removes its usefulness from an entire class of user. The rigid stirrup-like saddles fixed to the fork ~14`V181 which supports the front wheel prohibit use of this device by a class of user having lower body difficulties which will not allow the mobility necessary to maintain the feet in the saddles. For example, users with shorter legs or limited lateral mobility of the lower legs and ankles fall into this class. These and other advantages over the prior art will appear from the following description.
There is therefore a constant need for improved devices in these areas which are sufficiently inexpensive as to be widely available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device which offers advantages in each of the above areas. That is to say, it provides a high degree of mobility, is of therapeutic value, can be relatively inexpensively produced, and is useable by a much wider class of handicapped persons, particularly small children.
In its simplest form the invention consists of a child's tricycle on which the handlebars have heen replaced by a drive assembly including panel cranks attached to and driving a spocket; a second sprocket conventionally located on the fron~ hub assembly; a pair of foot supports suspended in a stationary configuration from the tricycle seat or frame; and an endless chain operatively interconnecting the two sprockets, whereby the tricycle can be propelled by arm action.
This device provides a high degree of mobility to persons who may have use of the upper body only, or partial use of both the upper and lower body.
Depending on the capabilities and requirements of the individual, the beneficial effects of the device will be felt in the upper or lower body or both.
The psychological effect on a handicapped child as a result of the increased mobility in a manner similr to that enjoyed by his or her peers may well in some cases outweigh the physically therapeutic benefits of the device.
It is thus clear that the benefits to be derived from the use of the device may vary from case to case in degree.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the Vl~l invention, Figure l illustrates in front perspective the de~ice fi~ed with upper pedal cranks only;
Figure 2 illustrates in rear perspective the device of Figure l; and Figure 3 illustrates in front perspective the device fitted with upper and lower pedal cranks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in Figure 1, the device of the present invention resembles an ordinary child's tricycle. Thus the upwardly and forwardly extending main frame member 2; the rear wheel assembly 4;
the frame member 6 and the support and steering mechanism 8 associated therewith; and the forks 10 and the front wheel 12 associated therewith may all be derived from such an ordinary tricycle.
The device of the invention as illustrated in Figure l includes in addition the hand crank and sprocket arrangement 14, the foot support 16 and the endless chain 18 located within the guard 19 interconnecting the two sprockets.
The foot supports 16 may be attached to the seat 38 as shown in Figure l or may be attached to frame member 2. They are advantageously attached to the seat 38 since in that case ad~ustment of the seat automatically adjusts the foot supports. On the other hand, if the supports are attached to frame member 2, some adjustment of leg length can be obtained by adjustment of seat 38. In either - 4 ~
case the foot supports are preferably positioned so as to limit the turning radius of the front wheel to thereby prevent tipping caused by too sharp or too rapid turning.
- 4a -114VlF~
The hand crank and sprocket arrangement 14 includes frame member 20 having a horizontally disposed hollow cylindrical portion 22 at the top thereof, a shaft 24 journalled for rotation in cylinder 22, a sprocket 26 (within guard 19) attached to said shaft 24 for rotation therewith, and a pair of hand cranks 28, one of said cranks attached to each end of said shaft 24 for rotation therewith. The cranks 28 extend perpendicular to said shaft 24 in opposite directions relative to each other.
With respect to Figure 3, the foot pedal and sprocket arrangement 29 is basically similar to the foot pedal arrangement in a normal tricycle in which the pedal cranks are attached to rotate with the front wheel 12. In the present device there is interposed between one of the pedal cranks 34 and the lower fork portion 30 a sprocket 32 (within guard l9). Sprocket 32 is operatively connected to the sprocket 26 by the endless chain 18.
The tricycle may therefore be propelled by either or both of the hand or pedal cranks and, in any event, both sets of cranks will rotate together.
In the Figure l embodiment, the pedal cranks are simply omitted although sprocket 32 is necessarily retained.
In a preferred embodiment the device is provided with a set of at least two gear trains whereby the gear ratio of the drive may be selectively altered. This alternate gearing facilitates movement over different surfaces, as, for example, grass or concrete.
The device preferably also includes a fourth or trailing wheel 36 extending rearwardly from the back of the device and `' 11~1~1 providing additional stability and protection against tipping in situations where the front wheel is raised relative to the rear wheels, as in driving uphill. This can be of particular importance in the case of individuals who might be incapable of taking precautionary measures to lessen the impact from a fall.
The device is also provided with a seat 38 which in the preferred embodiment not only provides vertical support as in the case of an ordinary tricycle, but also provides back and lateral support.
The seat may further be fitted with a restraining means such as a belt or a harness. The seat 38 is also preferably adjustable both vertically and horizontally relative to the frame.
In the Figure 3 embodiment, the lower pedals may be provided with ad~ustable frames whereby different leg lengths of the user can be taken into account. Alternatively, the lower pedals may be fitted with blocks 40 to customize the device to the proper leg length. The pedals and or supports 16 may be fitted with restraining ~eans for the feet such as a strap or a harness.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a therapeutic device comprising a wheeled vehicle, preferably a tricycle, capable of being driven by a physically handicapped child that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. ~hile the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. According, it is intended to embrace all such 4~?181 alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims (8)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A tricycle comprising:
a first frame member extending upwardly and forwardly from a rear wheel assembly to a front wheel assembly; and Joining the two assemblies;
said front wheel assembly supported in a substantially vertical second member at the forward end of said first member, said assembly comprising a third frame member supported in and extending upwardly from said second member and adapted to support a shaft at an upper end thereof, a first substantially horizontal shaft journalled for rotation in said third frame member, a pair of hand cranks, one attached to each end of said first shaft, and a sprocket fixed to said first shaft for rotation therewith; and a fourth frame member supported in and extending downwardly from said substantially vertical member, and terminating in a forked configuration, a front wheel supported for rotation on a second substantially horizontal shaft supported in said forked configuration; and a sprocket fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith and with said wheel;
an endless chain operatively interconnecting said sprockets;
a pair of stationary foot supports attached independently of said front wheel assembly extending downwardly from and intermediate the ends of said first frame member, to positions to the sides of said front wheel, whereby said foot supports limit the turning radius of said tricycle, said rear wheel assembly comprising a framework, an elongated axle shaft supported in said framework and a pair of wheels attached for rotation one at each end of said axle;
and a seat mounted on said first frame member, said seat including back and side supports for a user.
a first frame member extending upwardly and forwardly from a rear wheel assembly to a front wheel assembly; and Joining the two assemblies;
said front wheel assembly supported in a substantially vertical second member at the forward end of said first member, said assembly comprising a third frame member supported in and extending upwardly from said second member and adapted to support a shaft at an upper end thereof, a first substantially horizontal shaft journalled for rotation in said third frame member, a pair of hand cranks, one attached to each end of said first shaft, and a sprocket fixed to said first shaft for rotation therewith; and a fourth frame member supported in and extending downwardly from said substantially vertical member, and terminating in a forked configuration, a front wheel supported for rotation on a second substantially horizontal shaft supported in said forked configuration; and a sprocket fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith and with said wheel;
an endless chain operatively interconnecting said sprockets;
a pair of stationary foot supports attached independently of said front wheel assembly extending downwardly from and intermediate the ends of said first frame member, to positions to the sides of said front wheel, whereby said foot supports limit the turning radius of said tricycle, said rear wheel assembly comprising a framework, an elongated axle shaft supported in said framework and a pair of wheels attached for rotation one at each end of said axle;
and a seat mounted on said first frame member, said seat including back and side supports for a user.
2. The tricycle of claim 1 including a fourth wheel mounted on a frame extending rearwardly from said tricycle, whereby backward tipping of said tricycle is prevented.
3. The tricycle of claim 1 including a fourth wheel mounted on a frame extending rearwardly from said tricycle and wherein in the normal operation of the tricycle said fourth wheel is located a predetermined distance above the surface upon which the remaining three wheels are located, whereby said fourth wheel operates to prevent backward tipping of said tricycle when said front wheel is rotated upwardly relative to said rear wheels.
4. The tricycle of claim 1 including means for altering the gear ratio between the pedal cranks and the final drive mechanism between at least two predetermined gear ratios.
5. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein said seat includes back and lateral supports for the tricycle user, and a seat belt or a harness whereby the tricycle user is restrained or supported in said seat.
6. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein said foot supports include supports for the back and sides of the feet of a user.
7. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein said foot supports are joined by frame members to said first frame member or to said seat.
8. The tricycle of claim 7 wherein said foot supports are provided with a strap or harness for restraining the feet of the user therein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000360640A CA1140181A (en) | 1980-09-19 | 1980-09-19 | Handicapped child's exercise tricycle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000360640A CA1140181A (en) | 1980-09-19 | 1980-09-19 | Handicapped child's exercise tricycle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1140181A true CA1140181A (en) | 1983-01-25 |
Family
ID=4117930
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000360640A Expired CA1140181A (en) | 1980-09-19 | 1980-09-19 | Handicapped child's exercise tricycle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1140181A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4863157A (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1989-09-05 | State University Of New York | Method and apparatus for exercising a paralyzed limb |
| US5242179A (en) * | 1991-10-11 | 1993-09-07 | Research Foundation Of The State University Of New York | Four-line exercising attachment for wheelchairs |
-
1980
- 1980-09-19 CA CA000360640A patent/CA1140181A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4863157A (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1989-09-05 | State University Of New York | Method and apparatus for exercising a paralyzed limb |
| US5242179A (en) * | 1991-10-11 | 1993-09-07 | Research Foundation Of The State University Of New York | Four-line exercising attachment for wheelchairs |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |