CA1242473A - Cruisecycle - Google Patents
CruisecycleInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242473A CA1242473A CA000492896A CA492896A CA1242473A CA 1242473 A CA1242473 A CA 1242473A CA 000492896 A CA000492896 A CA 000492896A CA 492896 A CA492896 A CA 492896A CA 1242473 A CA1242473 A CA 1242473A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- support structure
- bicycle
- extending
- plate
- 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
- B62M1/36—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with rotary cranks, e.g. with pedal cranks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K3/00—Bicycles
- B62K3/005—Recumbent-type bicycles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A bicycle structure includes a low slung seat and a pedal arrangement which is disposed ahead of the seat and just below the level of the seat. Thus, in operation, the legs of a rider of the bicycle will be in a substantially horizontal disposition whereby the bicycle will be propelled by the horizontal pumping motion of the rider rather than the vertical pumping motion of a conventional bicycle.
Description
The invention relates to a novel bicycle structure.
More specifically, the invention relates to such a structure wherein the seat is low slung and the pedal arrangement is disposed ahead of the seat at a level just below the level of the seat, whereby, in operation, the legs of the rider will be in a substantially horizontal disposition.
There are many different styles and structures of bicycles. However, regardless of the styles, all bicycles have the common feature of a high slung seat, i.e., a seat which is above the top level of the tallest wheel of the bicycle, usually, the rear wheel. In the prior art bi-cyles, the pedals are disposed substantially vertically below the seat, so that, in operation, the legs of the rider are in a substantially vertical disposition. With such an arrangement, the bicycle is propelled by vertical pumping action of the legs of the rider. Such vertical pumping is hard on the back oE the rider and, in addition, is not the most efficient method of propelling the bicycle. As is well known, a person can exert far more force with his legs in a horizontal direction than he can in a vertical direction.
It is therefore an ob~ect of the invention to provide a novel bicycle structure which overcomes the above disadvan-tages.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such a bicycle structure which is not as demanding on the rider's back.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a bicycle structure which is propelled by a hori-zontal pumping action of the rider's legs.
In accordance with the invention, a novel bicycle structure has a low slung seat and the pedal arrange-ment is disposed ahead of the seat at a level just below the level of the seat whereby, in operation, the legs of the rider will be in a substantially horizontal disposition.
The invention will be better understood by an examination of the following description, together with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a side view of the bicycle;
FIGURE 2 illustrates the rear wheel connection plate assembly;
FIGURE 3 is a side view of the rear wheel connect-; ing arrangement;
FIGURE 4 is a top view of Figure 3;
FIGURE 5 illustrates the front wheel steering assembly as seen from above;
FIGURE 6 illustrates the method of connection on one side o:E the steering assembly; and FIGURE 7 is a front view of Figure 6.
Referring to the drawings, a bicycle structure in accordance with the invention indicated generally at 1 comprises a rear wheel 3 and a front wheel 5. A low slung seat 7 is disposed between the front and rear wheels and is supported on a seat support structure which includes at least one tubular member 9 and preferably a second tubular member 11 which is disposed in parallel arrangement to the : tubular member 9.
- The rear wheel is connected to the rear end of -the seat support structure by a rear wheel support and attach-ment structure 13. The front wheel is connected to the seat support structure by the front wheel support and steer-ing structure 15. As is obvious, the seat support structure extends between the rear wheel support and attachment structure 13 and the front wheel supported steering structure 15.
The structure 13 includes a plate member 17 and a channelled plate holder member 19. As seen in Figures
More specifically, the invention relates to such a structure wherein the seat is low slung and the pedal arrangement is disposed ahead of the seat at a level just below the level of the seat, whereby, in operation, the legs of the rider will be in a substantially horizontal disposition.
There are many different styles and structures of bicycles. However, regardless of the styles, all bicycles have the common feature of a high slung seat, i.e., a seat which is above the top level of the tallest wheel of the bicycle, usually, the rear wheel. In the prior art bi-cyles, the pedals are disposed substantially vertically below the seat, so that, in operation, the legs of the rider are in a substantially vertical disposition. With such an arrangement, the bicycle is propelled by vertical pumping action of the legs of the rider. Such vertical pumping is hard on the back oE the rider and, in addition, is not the most efficient method of propelling the bicycle. As is well known, a person can exert far more force with his legs in a horizontal direction than he can in a vertical direction.
It is therefore an ob~ect of the invention to provide a novel bicycle structure which overcomes the above disadvan-tages.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such a bicycle structure which is not as demanding on the rider's back.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a bicycle structure which is propelled by a hori-zontal pumping action of the rider's legs.
In accordance with the invention, a novel bicycle structure has a low slung seat and the pedal arrange-ment is disposed ahead of the seat at a level just below the level of the seat whereby, in operation, the legs of the rider will be in a substantially horizontal disposition.
The invention will be better understood by an examination of the following description, together with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a side view of the bicycle;
FIGURE 2 illustrates the rear wheel connection plate assembly;
FIGURE 3 is a side view of the rear wheel connect-; ing arrangement;
FIGURE 4 is a top view of Figure 3;
FIGURE 5 illustrates the front wheel steering assembly as seen from above;
FIGURE 6 illustrates the method of connection on one side o:E the steering assembly; and FIGURE 7 is a front view of Figure 6.
Referring to the drawings, a bicycle structure in accordance with the invention indicated generally at 1 comprises a rear wheel 3 and a front wheel 5. A low slung seat 7 is disposed between the front and rear wheels and is supported on a seat support structure which includes at least one tubular member 9 and preferably a second tubular member 11 which is disposed in parallel arrangement to the : tubular member 9.
- The rear wheel is connected to the rear end of -the seat support structure by a rear wheel support and attach-ment structure 13. The front wheel is connected to the seat support structure by the front wheel support and steer-ing structure 15. As is obvious, the seat support structure extends between the rear wheel support and attachment structure 13 and the front wheel supported steering structure 15.
The structure 13 includes a plate member 17 and a channelled plate holder member 19. As seen in Figures
2, 3 and 4, the plate member 17, which is attached to the seat support structure, slides into the channelled holder 19 and is supported at the bottom edge thereof by an upturned flange 20 of the holder 19. Extending rearwardly from the holder 19 is a rear wheel holding assembly 21 comprising a triangular shaped steel rod 23L extend-ing on the left-hand side of thè wheel and 23R extending on the right-hand side thereof. A central member 25 which, as can be seen, is U-shaped in top view, extends centrally from the holder 19 on either side of the rear wheel. The left-hand triangular rod 23L and the left-hand side of the central member are attached, at the far end thereof, to a half circular plate 27L on the left-hand side of the wheel, and the triangular rod 23R and the right-hand side of the central member are connected, at the far ends thereof, to a half circular plate 27R. The plates are disposed centrally of-the rear wheel and support the axle 28 of the rear wheel.
The plate 17 is removably connected to the channel member 19 by wing nut and bolt arrangement 29 which extends through allgned openings in both the plate 17 and the plate holder 19.
7~
The front wheel support and steering structure 15 comprises a handlebar arrangement 31 which is pivotably connected to vertical bar 33. The vertical bar is, of course, attached at the front end of the seat support stxucture. The handlebar arrangement is pivotably supported by the vertical bar 33.
The bottom end 35 of the handlebar structure is fixedly connected to a first lateral bar 37 as best seen in Figure 5. Extending in parallel arrangement to the first lateral bar 37 is a second lateral bar 39, and the two lateral bars are connected to each other on the left- and right-hand sides respectively by connecting rods 41L and 41R. The second lateral bar 39 is fixedly connected to fork 43. The fork 43, as is well ]cnown in the art, extends on either side of the front wheel and supports the axle 44 of the front wheel.
Each connecting rod 41L and 41R is pivotally connected at the ends thereof to respective ones of the lateral bars 37 and 39. The method of connection is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.
Referring to these figures, the pivotal connection for the rods comprises a nut 45 welded to the undersides of respective ones of the bars 37 and 39. Bolts 47 are screwed into respective ones of the nuts 45, but are left at least one turn loose so that the bars will be pivotable relative to the nut and bolt arrangement. Rods 41L and 41R are connected to the bolts 47 at the ends thereof.
Weld spots 49 are used to connect the connecting rods 41L to the bolts 47, and welding spots 51 are used to weld the nuts 45 to the underside of the lateral bars 37 and 39.
When the handlebar is rotated, because of the fixed connection between the bottom end 35 of the handlebar and the lateral bar 37, the lateral bar 37 will follow the motion of the handlebar. This motion is transmitted by connecting rods 41R and 41L to the lateral bar 39. Because of the fixed connection between the lateral bar 39 and the fork 43, the rotary motion is also transmitted to the front wheel. Accordingly, the front wheel will follow the rotary motion of the handlebar.
The pedal arrangement 53 is supported by spacer tubes 55 and 57 which extend, in substantially parallel arrangement, between the vertical bar 33 and the fork 43.
The pedal arrangement 53 is mounted for rotary motion on pedal holder 58 supported by spacer tube 57. As usual, a chain lin]c will extend from the pedal arrangement to the rear wheel whereby to propel the bicycle. Obviously, the chain link can extend from the pedal arrangement to the front wheel.
An arrangement is also provided for the horizontal adjustment of the seat. The arrangement comprises a fixed member 59, which is fixed to the tubular member 9, and which comprises a plurality of openings 61. A shank 63 extends downwardly from the seat and includes an opening 65. The opening 65 is aligned with one of the openings 61 whereby to adjust the horizontal position of the seat.
A pin (not shown) would then be inserted through the aligned openings 61 and 65.
- As can be seen, the seat of -the novel bicycle structure is low slung, that is, the level of the seat is below the top level H3 of the tallest wheel of the bicycle.
.3 More importantly, the pedal arrangement is disposed ahead of the seat and just below the level of the seat. Thus, ln operation, the legs of a rider when engaging the pedals would be disposed in a substantially horizontal disposition.
Accordingly, the bicycle will be propelled by a horizontal pumping motion of the legs of the rider which provides a substantially greater force than a vertical pumping motion.
In addition, because the seat is low slung, and because the rider is exercising the horizontal pumping motion, the exercise of propelling the bicycle will not be as demanding on the back of the rider as would the conventional bicycle.
Finally, because of the low center of gravity of the novel bicycle structure when being driven by a rider, it is possible to handle even 90 turns at high speeds without a great deal of steering effort and without tipping the bicycle.
Although a particular embodiment has been described, this was for the purpose of illustrating, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications, which will come readily to the mind of one skilled in the art, are within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
.
The plate 17 is removably connected to the channel member 19 by wing nut and bolt arrangement 29 which extends through allgned openings in both the plate 17 and the plate holder 19.
7~
The front wheel support and steering structure 15 comprises a handlebar arrangement 31 which is pivotably connected to vertical bar 33. The vertical bar is, of course, attached at the front end of the seat support stxucture. The handlebar arrangement is pivotably supported by the vertical bar 33.
The bottom end 35 of the handlebar structure is fixedly connected to a first lateral bar 37 as best seen in Figure 5. Extending in parallel arrangement to the first lateral bar 37 is a second lateral bar 39, and the two lateral bars are connected to each other on the left- and right-hand sides respectively by connecting rods 41L and 41R. The second lateral bar 39 is fixedly connected to fork 43. The fork 43, as is well ]cnown in the art, extends on either side of the front wheel and supports the axle 44 of the front wheel.
Each connecting rod 41L and 41R is pivotally connected at the ends thereof to respective ones of the lateral bars 37 and 39. The method of connection is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.
Referring to these figures, the pivotal connection for the rods comprises a nut 45 welded to the undersides of respective ones of the bars 37 and 39. Bolts 47 are screwed into respective ones of the nuts 45, but are left at least one turn loose so that the bars will be pivotable relative to the nut and bolt arrangement. Rods 41L and 41R are connected to the bolts 47 at the ends thereof.
Weld spots 49 are used to connect the connecting rods 41L to the bolts 47, and welding spots 51 are used to weld the nuts 45 to the underside of the lateral bars 37 and 39.
When the handlebar is rotated, because of the fixed connection between the bottom end 35 of the handlebar and the lateral bar 37, the lateral bar 37 will follow the motion of the handlebar. This motion is transmitted by connecting rods 41R and 41L to the lateral bar 39. Because of the fixed connection between the lateral bar 39 and the fork 43, the rotary motion is also transmitted to the front wheel. Accordingly, the front wheel will follow the rotary motion of the handlebar.
The pedal arrangement 53 is supported by spacer tubes 55 and 57 which extend, in substantially parallel arrangement, between the vertical bar 33 and the fork 43.
The pedal arrangement 53 is mounted for rotary motion on pedal holder 58 supported by spacer tube 57. As usual, a chain lin]c will extend from the pedal arrangement to the rear wheel whereby to propel the bicycle. Obviously, the chain link can extend from the pedal arrangement to the front wheel.
An arrangement is also provided for the horizontal adjustment of the seat. The arrangement comprises a fixed member 59, which is fixed to the tubular member 9, and which comprises a plurality of openings 61. A shank 63 extends downwardly from the seat and includes an opening 65. The opening 65 is aligned with one of the openings 61 whereby to adjust the horizontal position of the seat.
A pin (not shown) would then be inserted through the aligned openings 61 and 65.
- As can be seen, the seat of -the novel bicycle structure is low slung, that is, the level of the seat is below the top level H3 of the tallest wheel of the bicycle.
.3 More importantly, the pedal arrangement is disposed ahead of the seat and just below the level of the seat. Thus, ln operation, the legs of a rider when engaging the pedals would be disposed in a substantially horizontal disposition.
Accordingly, the bicycle will be propelled by a horizontal pumping motion of the legs of the rider which provides a substantially greater force than a vertical pumping motion.
In addition, because the seat is low slung, and because the rider is exercising the horizontal pumping motion, the exercise of propelling the bicycle will not be as demanding on the back of the rider as would the conventional bicycle.
Finally, because of the low center of gravity of the novel bicycle structure when being driven by a rider, it is possible to handle even 90 turns at high speeds without a great deal of steering effort and without tipping the bicycle.
Although a particular embodiment has been described, this was for the purpose of illustrating, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications, which will come readily to the mind of one skilled in the art, are within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
.
Claims (7)
1. A bicycle structure, comprising:
a rear wheel and a rear wheel support structure;
a front wheel and a front wheel support structure;
a seat;
a seat support structure extending between said front wheel support structure and said rear wheel support structure; and a pedal arrangement;
characterized in that said seat is supported on said seat support structure and is low slung, and said pedal arrangement is disposed ahead of said seat just below the level of said seat;
a vertical bar connected to the front end of said seat support structure;
a handlebar arrangement pivotably supported by said vertical bar;
the bottom end of said handlebar being fixedly connected to a first lateral bar such that the bar rotates with the handlebar;
a fork member connected to the front wheel and extending on either side thereof;
a second lateral bar, disposed in parallel arrange-ment with said first lateral bar, and fixedly connected to the top end of said fork such that said fork, and thereby said front wheel, rotates with said second lateral bar;
connecting means connecting said first lateral bar to said second lateral bar;
whereby, said front wheel follows the rotational movement of said handlebar.
a rear wheel and a rear wheel support structure;
a front wheel and a front wheel support structure;
a seat;
a seat support structure extending between said front wheel support structure and said rear wheel support structure; and a pedal arrangement;
characterized in that said seat is supported on said seat support structure and is low slung, and said pedal arrangement is disposed ahead of said seat just below the level of said seat;
a vertical bar connected to the front end of said seat support structure;
a handlebar arrangement pivotably supported by said vertical bar;
the bottom end of said handlebar being fixedly connected to a first lateral bar such that the bar rotates with the handlebar;
a fork member connected to the front wheel and extending on either side thereof;
a second lateral bar, disposed in parallel arrange-ment with said first lateral bar, and fixedly connected to the top end of said fork such that said fork, and thereby said front wheel, rotates with said second lateral bar;
connecting means connecting said first lateral bar to said second lateral bar;
whereby, said front wheel follows the rotational movement of said handlebar.
2. A bicycle as defined in claim 1 wherein said seat support structure comprises at least one tubular member extending from said front wheel support structure to said rear wheel support structure;
and including means for adjusting the horizontal position of said seat.
and including means for adjusting the horizontal position of said seat.
3. A bicycle as defined in claim 2 wherein said rear wheel support structure comprises a plate member connected to the rear end of said seat support structure;
a channelled plate support member;
said plate member being insertable into said channelled plate support member;
a tubular structure extending rearwardly from said channelled plate support member on either side of said rear wheel;
an upturned flange at the bottom end of said plate support member for arresting downward vertical motion of said plate member when said plate member is inserted in said channelled plate support member; and means for releasably connecting said plate member to said channelled plate support member.
a channelled plate support member;
said plate member being insertable into said channelled plate support member;
a tubular structure extending rearwardly from said channelled plate support member on either side of said rear wheel;
an upturned flange at the bottom end of said plate support member for arresting downward vertical motion of said plate member when said plate member is inserted in said channelled plate support member; and means for releasably connecting said plate member to said channelled plate support member.
4. A bicycle as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for releasably connecting comprises an opening in said plate member and an aligned opening in said plate support member;
a nut and bolt arrangement extending through said aligned openings.
a nut and bolt arrangement extending through said aligned openings.
5. A bicycle as defined in claim 4 wherein said connecting means comprises two connecting rods extending from said first lateral bar to said second lateral bar on either side of said fork.
6. A bicycle as defined in claim 5 and further including spacer tubes extending between said vertical bar and said fork;
said pedal arrangement being disposed between said spacer bars; and means extending from said spacer bars for rotatably suporting said pedal arrangement.
said pedal arrangement being disposed between said spacer bars; and means extending from said spacer bars for rotatably suporting said pedal arrangement.
7. A bicycle as defined in claim 6 wherein said seat is at a level below the top level of said rear wheel.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000492896A CA1242473A (en) | 1985-10-11 | 1985-10-11 | Cruisecycle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000492896A CA1242473A (en) | 1985-10-11 | 1985-10-11 | Cruisecycle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242473A true CA1242473A (en) | 1988-09-27 |
Family
ID=4131617
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000492896A Expired CA1242473A (en) | 1985-10-11 | 1985-10-11 | Cruisecycle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1242473A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5066032A (en) * | 1990-09-07 | 1991-11-19 | Vooren Charles R Van | Wheel chair cycle apparatus |
-
1985
- 1985-10-11 CA CA000492896A patent/CA1242473A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5066032A (en) * | 1990-09-07 | 1991-11-19 | Vooren Charles R Van | Wheel chair cycle apparatus |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |