GB2118495A - Folding tricycles - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a compact light weight folding tricycle, designed primarily for use by the disabled who are still to some extent ambulant. Essentially it consists of four groups of components, that when assembled make up into a small adult tricycle for use on pavements and in shops etc. The main frame to which are attached the two rear wheels that when folded are positioned against the main frame, thus reducing the width to 121 DIVIDED 2". The handlebars and front fork assembly is connected to the main frame by a docking system near the centre of the horizontal members. A tricycle suitable for use by the disabled may be knocked down into four components, the main frame part bearing the two rear wheels being foldable to position the rear wheels against the frame; in its knocked down state the tricycle is easily transportable. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Compact folding tricycle This invention relates to a method of folding a light weight Tricycle that is compact when broken down into its two or more component parts, thus enabling it to be stored in the minimum of space, such as the boot of a car for the use of disabled people who still retain part use of their legs.

This invention comprises of several assemblies as described below, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 7 Shows an expanded perspective view.

Figure 2 Shows the Main Frame assembly Figure 3 Shows a plan of the rear L.H. half of the main frame.

Figure 4 Shows the Wheel Folding assembly.

Figure 5 Shows the Drive assembly.

Figure 6 Shows the Front Fork and Wheel assembly.

Figure 7 Shows the Handlebar and Brake mechanism assembly.

Referring now to the drawings, The Trike comprises of a Main frame Figure 2, to which are fitted the two Wheel folding assemblies Figure 4, also the seat column, and Drive mechanism as depicted in Figure 5. The Front fork and wheel assembly Figure 6, is attached at its rear end, to the front of the Main frame by a "V" jointing bracket. Both sections being held together by a swivel clamp. The Handlebar and brake assembly Figure 7, is attached to the top of the Front fork assembly Figure 6, and retained by a spring loaded catch.

Main Frame assembly Figure 2. (loff). This comprises of an inverted "T" shaped frame. The horizontal member 1, is constructed from two sheet metal sections that when fitted together form a rectangular box section, this constitutes the main frame, accommodating the Drive assembly Figure 5, in the inside, and the two pivot brackets 4 on either side of the outside. On top of the left hand section of member 1 is welded a vertical member 2, (that receives seat column 3), also on the same surface and to the rear of member 2, is welded stay 5, that slopes forward and carries at its top end bracket plate 6, that is in line with bracket 7, which is welded to the rear face of vertical member 2. On either side of and towards the front of horizontal member 1, is fitted the two adjustable crank drive bearing plates 8.Just behind these slotted plates are fitted two chain adjusting snail cams 78. On either side of the rear end of this member 1, are fitted the two wheel drive bearing plates 9. Onto the front of horizontal meber 1, is welded the rear half of "V" jointing bracket 23, and on top is fitted swivel clamp 25. On the rear face of vertical member 2, is welded a centre stop boss 77, and on the front face a handle pivot tube 100.

Wheel Folding assembly, Figures 3 and 4. Is in fact two handed assemblies. The left hand unit being the drive wheel side, while the right hand side is fitted with a free running wheel. Common to both sides are the following components: Radial arms (2off). These comprise of two bearing tubes 101 welded to one end of separating struts 10, at the other ends of these two struts are welded the bearing tubes 102, (forming an "H" shaped frame).

Onto these bearing tubes 102 are welded two limit plates 38. This end of the radial arms rotate on one of the pivot tubes 22, that are bolted between pivot gusset plate 18, and the lower pivot plate 21, on the wheel cradle frame. The other end of this radial arm also rotates on pivot tubes 22, that are fixed between the lugs of pivot bracket 4, on the main frame.

Locking Stays, (2off). Each of these consists of two square tubes with pivot tubes at one end, and are joined together in the centre with pivot plates. A spring loaded latch holds the structure rigid when the sides are extended. These stays are positioned diagonaly with top pivot tube 26, on an axis bolt between brackets 7 and 6 on member 2 of the main frame. The bottom pivot tube 27, is connected to the wheel frames 16 and 17, by means of the top pivot hole in pivot gusset plate 18, and the pivot post 19.

The construction of these locking stays is as follows: The bottom pivot tube 27, is brazed to one end of square tube section 28, and at the other end two rectangular pivot plates 31, are welded flush with the outside of square tube section 28, and with the pivot hole positioned 1" in advance of the open end. On top of this open end of section 28, is brazed a striker plate 35. The top pivot tube 26, is brazed to one end of square tube section 29, at the other end of this section two square plates 30, are welded on the outside of and flush with the open end of section 29, the pivot holes in these two square plates are drilled 1" back from the open end. These two arsm are joined together with an axis pin 34, and when extended the open ends of the square tube sections 28 and 29 are positioned 1" off centre.In the top section 29, of this assembly is housed latch 32, that is biased towards the open end by a compression spring 33, this being retained by a pin that passes through the square tube section 29. The latch 32, itself being retained by a set screw 37, that is free to run in a slot cut in the top of section 29, thus limiting its travel. The front end of latch 32 is ramp shaped on its underside so that when the locking stay is being pivoted into the extended position this ramp will ride over striker plat 35, and in the fully extended position the latch will be engaged inside of the lower square tube section 28, thus locking the whole assembly rigid. The ends of a link chain 98, are attached to the two retaining screws 37, and is free to hang loose behind vertical member 2.Thus when this chain is lifted up by its plastic handle 97, the two latches 32, are moved out of engagement with the lower section 28, thus allowing the wheel assembly to fold in towards the main frame. These are held in this position by the lifting handle 81, that is attached to the handle pivot tube 100, on the vertical member 2 of the main frame. When lifted the rear extension lugs of this lifting handle 81, engage the bottom surfaces of square tube sections 29, of the locking stays, thus holding the whole assembly in the closed position for transport.

Drive assembly, Figure 5. This is usualy a one to one gear ratio transmition, using as in this case a cycle type chain and sprocket, or for lightness a timing belt with nylon pulleys. This assembly is contained within the horizontal member 1, of the main frame. The wheel drive shaft 13, is mounted in the two bearing plates 9, that are fixed to the rear of horizontal member 1, The crank shaft 12, is mounted in the two slotted adjustable bearing plates 8, that are retained by screws to the front end of horizontal member 1, Chain adjustment is achieved by rotating the snail cams 78, that are mounted just to the rear of these bearing plates. Fixed to the two shafts 12 and 13, are cycle sprocket wheels which are connected by drive chain 83. The slotted end of shaft 13, is attached by an axis pin to one end of drive link 15, and is positioned on the left of the main frame.The other end of drive link 15, is connected to the slot in drive yoke 14a, ofthewheel drive hub assembly, which runs in the two bearings 11,ofthe left hand wheel cradle frame 16, The ends of shaft 12, are machined to accommodate the pedal crank cotter pins.

Drive Wheel Hub assembly. This is composed of the following components: A 3c1/2 X 5/16" socket head screw 14c, on which is mounted the bearing collar 14b, The hub 14d has one end of the body cut away to form a driving dog, which matches up with a similar dog on drive yoke 14a This drive yoke 14a is threaded atthedog end to receive the socket head screw 14c, and is slotted at the other to take the drive link 15, The hub 14d is built into a standard spoked 12" x 21/4" cycle wheel, (The other two wheels have free running spindles.

Front Fork and Wheel assembly, Figure 6. This comprises of a horizontal extension member of the main frame, and is connected to it by the "V" joint bracket and swivel clamp. The front end of this member is curved upwards and is welded to the head bracket in which the head and fork assembly pivot. The construction of this assembly is as follows: At the rear end of horizontal member 40, is welded the front half of "V" jointing bracket 24, and on top is the swivel clamp locking pin 25a. The front end of member 40, is curved upwards and welded to head bracket 46, a gusset plate 49 is welded to these two parts.The head pivot tube 44, is fixed between the upper and lower lugs of the head bracket 46, by two m8 set screws, Free to rotate on this pivot tube 44, are two flanged bearings 55, that are inserted into the round head bearing tube 43, This head tube 43 is joined to the lower end of vertical steering column 41, by welding between them two spacer plates 45.

On the bottom end of steering column 41, is welded the forks 48, That in this case ar formed in the shape of an inverted "U" from bright M/s flat, with slots at the lower ends to receive the front wheel spindle. Above these slots are positioned 2 BA. tapped holes, these are to secure the spindle retaining plates 73, or the crutch holding cup supports 74, when used. A brake rod guide brush 42, is brazed on the top of the "U" fork 48, to receive the brake rod 54, At the top of steering column 41, and on the front surface and flush with the sides are welded handlebar pivot lugs and spacer 47, On the inside of this column and about 1" down from the top is brazed the brake rod guide plate 50, with a hole to receive the brake rod 54, this plate also acts as a stop for compression spring 56. On the top rear surface of steering column 41, is welded the brake catch block 57.The bottom end of brake rod 54 is welded to centre of the curved brake shoe 51. On the front top of this brake shoe is welded a guide plate 52, that is so positioned as to move freely against the front top surface of the "U" fork 48, when the brake is aplied. The top of brake rod 54 is threaded to take a dome nut 53, that retains the compression spring 56 under tension with guide plate 50.

Handlebar and Brake mechanism assembly. Figure 7. This assembly is constructed as follows: A round m/s tube 58, is bent to form a triangle, the open ends of which are welded in an upwards angle to handlebar head pivot channel 60, This channel is formed from 14g sheet M/s, and so shaped that at the front it carries the pivot axis pin 62, and at the rear a square hole to recieve the brake pull rod 63.

This pull rod 63, is square in section, and has the round pull handle 64 welded to its top end, to form a "T". The square section of this unit runs in the square guide tube 61, to which is welded fixing lug 68. Below guide tube 61, is a compression spring 33, which is retained by the brake spring cove stop 65, and is held in position by a grub screw. This assembly is fixed by lug 68, to bracket mounting stay 66, by two screws. This mounting stay 66, is welded across the round tube section 68, of the handlebars.

The handlebar assembly is attached to the front fork and wheel assembly Figure 6, by inserting axis pin 62 into the slots of pivot lugs 47 (on steering column 41). This is achieved by holding the handlebar assembly in an inverted position and in front of the steering column 41, When bringing the axis pin 62 into line with the slots on lugs 47, the front top edge of pivot channel 60, will engage the handlebar retaining catch 70, which will compress its spring thus allowing the axis pin to enter the slot, on rotating the handlebar assembly into its operating position the retaining catch 70 will move forward, and hold the assembly in place. The handlebar retaining catch 70 is part of the front fork and wheel assembly Figure 6. The catch and its spring 72, is mounted on an axis pin in the retainer catch bracket 71, that is welded to the front of steering column 41.

To dismantle rotate handlebars right over until the retaining catch is depressed, and then press down until disengaged.

To operate brake. In the rest position, under influence of compression spring 33, the nose of the square pull rod 63, is resting on top of brake catch block 57, on the steering column 41, thus preventing the depression of the handlebars. To apply brake pull brake handle 64 upwards, and push down on handlebars, this will bring brake shoe 51 into contact with the tyre. Further downwards pressure on the handlebars and by releasing grip on the brake handle will allow the nose of pull rod 63 to engage underneath the catch block 57, thus acting as a parking brake. To release parking brake, pull brake handle 64 upwards and allow handlebars to return to rest position.

To assemble the Tricycle. Place the main frame assembly on ground and push down on lifting handle 81, this will release locking stays, Pull out right side wheel assembly and push down on top of locking stay, making sure that latch 32 has engaged inside square tube section 28. Repeat with left hand drive wheel side. Attach handlebars to front fork assembly, as explained above, and engage parking brake. Now lift the main frame assembly by one of the pedals, and insert the tonge of front "V" joint 24, into the housing on the rear "V" joint 23, making sure tha the tops finish flush. Now turn the swivel clamp 25, on the main frame until the cam slot on its front end has engaged the cam locking pin 25a, on the rear end of horizontal member 40. Now insert seat column 3, together with saddle into vertical member 2, of the main frame.

To fold the tricycle. First apply parking brake, and remove saddle. Now disengage the swivel clamp 25, at centre "V" joint, and lift the front member out of engagement with the rear frame, this will then fall and should alive the pedals horizontally. Disengage the parking brake, and fold the handlebars right over forward and push down, this will remove them from the front fork assembly for ease of storage in car.

Folding the main frame. Grasp plastic handle 97, between the link chains 98, and jerk upwards and twist this will disengage latches 32, on the locking stays, and pull the wheel frames into the centre. With the other hand pull up lifting handle 81,the rear lugs of which will hold the whole assembly together for transport.

IMPORTANT. Make sure that the pedals are in line with the horizontal member of the main frame before folding.

Claims (22)

1. A small light weighttricyle that knocks down into component units, the main frame of which carries the rear wheels which fold into and against this frame.

2. A tricycle as in claim 1, that is propelled by cranks and pedals mounted on the main frame with the drive being transmitted to the rear drive shaft by chain and sprocket, or by belt and pulley.

3. A tricycle as in claim 1, propelled by hand grips mounted on the front fork assembly and driving the front wheel.

4. Atricycle as in claim 1, propelled by hand grips that swing up from the main frame and drive the rear wheel or wheels.

5. A tricycle as in claims 1,2 and 4, wherein the transmittion from the drive (on the main frame) is connected to the driving wheel or wheels by the means of a pivoted swivel arm, or universal joints.

6. A tricycle as in claims 1 and 5 but using flexible drive shafts.

7. A tricycle as in claim 1 wherein the wheels fold against the main frame.

8. A tricycle as in claims 1 and 7 wherein the wheels and their assemblies when folded are clamped in place for storing and transit.

9. A tricycle as in claims 1 and 8 wherein the carrying handle also operates as the clamping device.

10. Atricycle as in claims 1 and 7 wherein the folding pivot assembly is held riged when extended by a spring loaded latch or bolt.

11. A tricycle as in claim 1 wherein a jointing device in the horizontal member of the frame is provided.

12. A tricycle as in claim 11 wherein the front section is connected to the rear section by means of a "V" locking device that when assembled is held together with a swivel clamp lever mounted on one frame section which engages with a pin on the other section.

13. A tricycle as in claim 11 where the two sections are jointed by a pivoted plate thus allowing one half to fold back against the other

14. Atricycle as in claim 11 wherein a toggle clasp, or clamp pin is used to hold both sections riged.

15. A tricycle as in claims 1 and 11 wherein the front fork and handlebar assembly is detected from the main frame.

16. Atricycle as in claim 15 wherein the handlebars are detached from the front fork assembly.

17. A tricycle as in any of the preceding claims wherein a brake system is applied to the front wheel.

18. A tricycle as in claims 15 to 17 wherein a brake handle is incorporated with or on the handlebars, and by pressing down on the handlebars will operate as a braking system, and also as a parking brake.

19. A tricycle as in claims 15 to 18 wherein the brake is operated by a separate lever attached to the assembly.

20. A tricycle as in any of the preceding claims wherein the seat or saddle is detachable.

21. A tricycle as in claim 20 wherein the seat is adjustable for alevation relative to the wheels.

22. A tricycle substantially as herein-before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.