GB2371271A

GB2371271A - Single wheeled horse-drawn vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2371271A
Application number: GB0101510A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Mulholland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-19
Filing date: 2001-01-19
Publication date: 2002-07-24
Also published as: GB0101510D0

Abstract

An horse-drawn vehicle which has a single ground engaging wheel 6. A seat 10 is provide for the rider that is disposed directly above the wheel 6, two shafts 4 connect the vehicle to a harness on the horse and the shafts have pivotable adjustable linkages 16 which allow adjustment of the seat 10. The vehicle has increased stability over two wheeled vehicles when driven over difficult terrain such as diagonal hill assents.

Description

VEHICLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a vehicle for drawing by a horse, pony, or other suitable animal. The term"horsedrawn"will be used for convenience for such vehicles.

(2) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Horse-drawn vehicles such as traps, carriages and chariots are well known. A problem with such vehicles is that they may become unstable and overturn when riding over difficult terrain, for example when going diagonally up a hill.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a horse-drawn vehicle which has a single groundengaging wheel.

Another aspect of the invention provides a horse-drawn vehicle comprising a frame which has a seat for a rider, a single wheel rotatably mounted in relation to the frame for engagement with the ground, and means for securing the frame to a harness.

I have found that a horse-drawn vehicle with a single wheel can easily be ridden over terrain which would tend

to cause a conventional horse-drawn vehicle to become unstable, such as a journey diagonally up a hill. The vehicle can be of simple construction and can be made small enough to be ridden on a bridle path.

The vehicle is particularly suitable for being drawn by a pony, but it could of course be manufactured to a size suitable for it to be drawn by other animals, for example a horse, a mule, or a large dog. For convenience hereinafter the invention will be described with reference to its being drawn by a pony, but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

The frame may be secured to a harness on the pony by means of a pair of shafts which will be disposed either side of the pony, in a manner known per se.

The frame and seat may be constructed from any suitable structural materials well known to those skilled in the art, for example steel, fibreglass, or structural plastics materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame is connected to the shafts by means of a hinge linkage which can be locked in a preferred configuration. This arrangement can permit the shafts to pivoted so that they overlie the frame, thereby permitting the vehicle to occupy a small enough space to be fitted into the boot of a motor vehicle, or to be conveniently boxed up for storage or shipping.

Suitable lockable hinge arrangements are known per se.

The seat may be connected to the hinge linkage by means of a shaft or beam so as to permit the seat to be pivotally adjusted.

Another aspect of the invention provides a horse-drawn vehicle including a frame and a pair of shafts for securing the vehicle to a harness, wherein the frame is connected to the shafts by means of a hinge. The hinge is preferably lockable to secure the frame and shafts in a desired angular relationship.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a horse-drawn vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the vehicle of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a rear view of the vehicle of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The vehicle comprises a frame 2 which is provided with a seat 10 for a rider to sit on, and a single groundengaging wheel 6 which is rotatably mounted on the frame 2. The wheel 6 is located directly beneath the seat 10, and a curved footplate 12 is provided on the frame 2, around the wheel 6, for the rider's feet. A mudguard 18 is also provided on the frame 2. A mesh 8 on the frame 2 provides an additional support surface for the rider's feet or for luggage.

A pair of shafts 4 are provided for securing the vehicle to a harness on a pony in a known manner. The shafts 4 are connected to the frame 2 by a hinge linkage 16. The

hinge linkage 16 comprises a locking pin 20 on which are mounted a plurality of segments 22. The segments 22 can be locked by the locking pin 20 to prevent relative movement, or unlocked to permit rotation of the segments.

Suitable locking arrangements will be well known to persons skilled in the art of hinge manufacture. A pair of segments 22 is connected to the frame 2, and another pair is connected to the shafts 4 so that when the hinge 16 is locked the shafts 4 are rigidly connected to the frame 2. Unlocking the hinge 16 permits the shafts 4 to be swung back to overlie the frame 2.

Additional means, known per se, could also be provided for securing the vehicle to the pony.

A central segment 22 of the hinge linkage 16 is connected to a seat 10 by a bar 12. This arrangement permits the seat 10 to be pivoted to a desired position and then fixed in that position when the hinge is locked. It will be understood that the rider could ride the vehicle in a standing position, so that the seat is not essential.

The invention provides a horse-drawn vehicle of simple construction which is suitable for riding over a variety of terrains.

Claims

1. A horse-drawn vehicle which has a single ground engaging wheel.

2. A horse-drawn vehicle comprising a frame which has a seat for a rider, a single wheel rotatably mounted in relation to the frame for engagement with the ground, and means for securing the frame to a harness.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the means for securing the frame to a harness comprises a pair of shafts which will be disposed either side of the harness.

4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the frame is connected to the shafts by means of a hinge linkage which can be locked in a preferred configuration.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the seat is connected to the hinge linkage by means of a shaft or beam so as to permit the seat to be pivotally adjusted.

6. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wheel is located directly beneath the seat.

7. A horse-drawn vehicle which has a single groundengaging wheel, substantially as herein described with reference to or as shown in the drawings.