FR2604916A1 - Cycle for collective game - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a collective game device enabling children to move over ground which may be sandy, or over a pool. It consists of a shell 1 formed from three branches separated by 120 DEG , each equipped with a sphere 2 acting as a free wheel and as a float, from a seat 3 and from a drive system which transmits the efforts accomplished by the child to a central element. The latter, used as a wheel for traction and steering 11, is equipped with a steering wheel 16. The trajectory of the device will be linear, circular or random according to the instantaneous position of the steering wheel 16 associated with the forces exerted on the pedals and bottom bracket assembly 5 by the children. The device according to the invention is intended particularly for the collective entertainment of children. It is designed for introducing them to the combination of joint efforts, to the affirmation of personality of each one and to psycho-motor learning.

Description

 The present invention relates to a device allowing one, two or three seated children, -to move on a ground that may be slightly sandy, or on a body of water-of shallow depth.

 The device according to the invention consists of a toy composed of three branches spaced 120 degrees around a central axis, and forming a shell. Each branch is equipped with a sphere serving as freewheel or float, of a set propellant and a seat. The spheres, trapped in a cage, rotate freely 360 degrees in all planes. At the intersection of the three branches supporting the spheres is implanted a central element serving as a pivot, wheel or blades for example, thanks to a movable fork.This is equipped with a steering wheel common to all the occupants of the toy, rotating 360 degrees around the vertical axis, thus giving the direction of the desired trajectory.The central element is Equipped with a tractor system activated from each branch. The force exerted on the pedals causes the rotation of the central element, hence the movement of the toy along a path chosen via the steering wheel. -this will be linear, circular, or random according to the choice of the participants.

According to a desired variant of the central element, the wheel is equipped with blades allowing the movement of the device over a small body of water, the three spheres then playing the role of float
According to a preferred embodiment, the shell of the device, the spheres, as well as certain parts used for drive and steering can be produced by injection molding in reinforced or unarmoured thermosetting plastics.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: FIGS. I 7,2,3 show in top view, front view and
in section the device according to the invention.

-Figures 4,5 represent in section the variants of the element
central.

FIG. 6 represents the proposed variant of the transmission
of the device according to the invention.

 The device shown in Figures I 1,2 and 3 comprises a shell (1) formed of three branches arranged at 120 degrees on a horizontal plane, in which are housed three spheres (2) constituted by beach ball by exenple. brar.ehe is equipped with a seat or saddle (3) and a set of propellants including a crankset (5) provided with a pulley (4). A belt (15) guided by idler pulleys (6) transmits the force aecorpli on the pedal to a crazy pulley with four grooves (7) placed on the support axis of the movable fork (8). The fourth groove is used by a transfer belt (9) which, guided by two idler pulleys (13) located on either side of one of the branches of the movable fork (8) leads to the fixed pulley (10) of the central element, the wheel (11) for example. on one or more of the pedals of the device is retransmitted thereby to the central element rotating it and causing the displacement of the toy. the direction of the trnjec to ire is chosen by the occupant (s) of the device using the steering wheel (16) fixedly attached to the axis of the movable fork (8) supporting the central element. the path followed by the cheek and will be linear, circular or a combination of the two, depending on the instantaneous position of the steering wheel, associated with the forces exerted on the pedal (s).

 In the embodiment according to Figure 4 the central element is a paddle wheel (17), allowing the device to move on a small body of water, the three spheres then serving as floats, hence a good stability.

 In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the central element is a wheel fitted with small blades (18) fixed to the spokes of the wheel, allowing the device to operate on slightly sandy soil and on a small body of water, the three spheres (2) serving both as freewheels and floats.

 In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the drive of the central element from the pedals is ensured by gears (19) (20) (21) and a coupling bar (23).

 the device according to the invention is particularly intended for the collective amusement of children. It is designed for the initiation of these to the association of joint effort, the assertion of the personality of each and to a psychomotor learning.

Claims (6)

 1) Collective play device for children, characterized in that it comprises a shell (1) equipped with three spheres (2) placed at 120 degrees on a horizontal plane serving as freewheels, three seats (3), and d '' a drive system for transmitting the efforts made by children to a central element fitted with a steering wheel (16), used as a driving and steering wheel. The trajectory can be linear, circular or random depending on the instantaneous position of the steering wheel 16) and the pressure exerted on the pedals (5).  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized by a motor system consisting of a pedal (5) fixed to each of the three branches forming the shell (1) which drives the central element, ur.e wheel (11) or a paddle wheel (17) for example, by the set of pulleys (4) (6) (7) (13) (10) and belts (12) (9), thus allows the dice  S placement of the toy according to the trajectory chosen using the steering wheel.  3) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by the motor system consisting of a pedal (5) fixed to each of the three branches forming the shell (1) which drives the central element. By means of gears (19) ( 20) (21) and a tie rod (23).  4) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central element is a driving wheel (11) thus allowing the machine on the ground.  5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central element is a driving wheel (11) equipped with small blades (18). fixed to the spokes of the wheel, allowing the movement of the device on a ground which can be slightly sandy and on a small body of water; The spheres serving as freewheels or floats.  6) Device according to any one of claims 1 1,2 and 3 characterized in that the central element is a paddle wheel (17) allowing the toy to move only on a small body of water.