WO1999025603A1 - Vehicule de divertissement - Google Patents

Vehicule de divertissement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999025603A1
WO1999025603A1 PCT/NZ1998/000156 NZ9800156W WO9925603A1 WO 1999025603 A1 WO1999025603 A1 WO 1999025603A1 NZ 9800156 W NZ9800156 W NZ 9800156W WO 9925603 A1 WO9925603 A1 WO 9925603A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steering
vehicle
vehicle frame
base portion
axle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ1998/000156
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Philip John Molesworth
Original Assignee
Sportluge New Zealand Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sportluge New Zealand Limited filed Critical Sportluge New Zealand Limited
Priority to AU97675/98A priority Critical patent/AU9767598A/en
Publication of WO1999025603A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999025603A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B62K21/00—Steering devices
    • 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
    • B62K17/00—Cycles not otherwise provided for
    • 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
    • B62K3/002—Bicycles without a seat, i.e. the rider operating the vehicle in a standing position, e.g. non-motorized scooters; non-motorized scooters with skis or runners

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a frame for a recreational vehicle and in particular, but not solely, to a gravity assisted recreational vehicle which is adapted to be controlled by a rider.
  • the frame is particularly suited for a recreational vehicle adapted for use on "off-road” tracks but can also be used on purpose built, smooth, tracks such as a luge track or the like.
  • Gravity assisted vehicles such as that described in NZ21 3951 above, are not adapted to be readily useable in an off-road situation.
  • the vehicle disclosed in NZ21 3951 for example, has a braking system in which a part of the body of the vehicle is lowered to the ground for braking the vehicle.
  • Such a system is unsuitable for use in off-road situations being intended to be propelled downhill by gravity on a smooth, usually purpose built, track.
  • the invention in a first aspect, is directed to a vehicle frame, the frame including a support part, a steering part, and at least one axle;
  • the support part including a base portion having a front end and a rear end, and an upright portion extending from the rear end of the base portion;
  • the steering part being adapted to connect to a steering assembly at one end thereof and to ground contact means at the other end thereof, the steering part being connected at, or adjacent to, the front end of the base portion of the support part;
  • the at least one axle being connected at, or adjacent to, the rear end of the base part of the support portion;
  • the steering part and the upright portion of the support part extend in the same plane from the base portion; and the base portion including a substantially convex receiving portion, the apex of the receiving portion being positioned on the base portion substantially in line with, but spaced apart from, the end of the steering part supporting the steering assembly.
  • the steering part is angled from the base portion in the direction of the upright portion.
  • the distal ends of the axle and the end of the steering part distal to the steering assembly are connected to ground contact means such as wheels, skates, skis or the like.
  • the upright portion of the support part extends from the base part a distance sufficient to extend beyond the head of a rider when seated.
  • the base portion and the upright portion are adapted to be able to releasably secure a seat to the vehicle frame.
  • the steering assembly is a steering wheel or a handle bar arrangement.
  • the steering part includes a tube connected to the front end of the base portion, the tube being adapted to receive therethrough a steering bar, the steering bar being connected to the steering assembly and to suitable ground contact means at the distal ends thereof.
  • the invention in a second aspect, may be seen to be directed to a vehicle including a vehicle frame as referred to above, the vehicle including a seat releasably attached to the support part of the vehicle frame, wheels attached to the distal ends of the axle and the end of the steering part distal the steering assembly.
  • the vehicle includes a braking system activateable by the rider from, or adjacent to, the steering assembly.
  • the braking system acts on each rear wheel individually.
  • the wheel at the end of the steering part distal the steering assembly is adapted, in use, to move about its vertical axis and to move from its horizontal axis.
  • the invention in a third aspect, may be seen to be directed to a three wheeled vehicle having two rear and one front wheel, the vehicle being a gravity assisted vehicle having a steering system utilising steering apparatus connected to the front wheel, the front wheel being adapted to turn and move from a substantially vertical plane such that the wheel presents a front edge to the ground surface and allows the side of the wheel to be presented to the ground surface.
  • Figure 1 shows an elevated perspective view of a preferred form of the invention (excluding a seat);
  • Figure 2 shows a side plan view of the preferred form of the invention shown in Figure 1 in a nested, stacked, formation;
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the nested, stacked, formation of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of a preferred form of the invention.
  • the invention is generally directed to a frame for a gravity assisted vehicle.
  • the invention is directed to a vehicle frame which will allow a number of vehicles which use the frame to be stacked together for efficient transport.
  • One obvious difficulty with gravity assisted vehicles is, following use on a track or hill, the vehicles must be transported back to the top of the incline before they can be used again. It is a costly and time consuming exercise to move such vehicles individually and the more vehicles which can be transported at one time, with minimal damage to the vehicle, the more commercially advantageous this would be for an operator of a commercial business involving such vehicles.
  • the vehicle frame 1 as shown in Figure 1 includes two rear wheels 2 and a front wheel 3.
  • the wheels 2, 3 could be replaced by any suitable ground contact means which would be known to a person skilled in this art as would be suitable for the particular terrain on which a vehicle utilising the frame 1 would travel. Skates, skis or similar ground contact devices could be used.
  • the vehicle frame 1 includes a substantially "L" shaped support part 4 which includes a base portion 5 and an upright portion 6.
  • the upright portion 6 extending from the rear end of the base portion 5.
  • the vehicle frame 1 includes a steering part 7 which includes a combination of handle bars 8, the front wheel 3, and a tube 9 through which a rod (obscured) passes to connect the handle bars 8 to the front wheel 3.
  • the rod attaches to the front wheel 3 via a bracket 1 5 having side parts 1 6.
  • the wheel 3 has a central axle which passes centrally through the wheel 3 and which attaches to the side parts 1 6.
  • the frame 1 includes an axle 10 which connects the two rear wheels 2.
  • the axle 1 0 may be connected to the support part 4 by any means known in the art but will preferably be welded into position.
  • the axle 10 may be provided at any suitable position known to a skilled person such as beneath the base portion 5 for additional inherent frame strength.
  • the axle 10 may be a simple bar when the ground contact devices are skates, or skis, or the like.
  • a classic axle may be used to join wheels 3 is desired, however, these wheels may also operate independently if desired.
  • the base portion 5 includes a convex part 1 1 which lies beneath the handle bars 8.
  • the tube 9 of the steering part 7 lies in the same substantially vertical plane as the upright part 6 and is angled toward the upright part 6.
  • the length of the tube 9 and the connecting rod (obscured) therethrough may be of any suitable length as desired.
  • the angle of the tube 9 in relation to the base portion 5 may again be selected as desired and will, in large, be dependent upon the desired body position of the rider. It is envisaged that the angle of the tube 9 or the column combining the tube 9 and the rod (obscured in Figure 1 ) would be adapted to be adjusted as desired.
  • Such mechanisms are well known in the art but may add a position of potential weakness to the frame 1 .
  • the upright portion 6, in the preferred form, will be long enough to extend above the head of a rider when the rider is in the sitting position. Thus the upright portion 6 can act as a safety roll bar in case the vehicle, when in use, overturns.
  • the upright portion 6, as shown in Figure 1 is positioned at an angle substantially normal to the line of the base portion 5. This is a preferred angular relationship however, as will be known to a person skilled in the art, this angle (marked “Y") need not be normal but may be greater than 90 ° if desired. The angle should not, however be less than 90 ° as this is likely to cause the rider some discomfort.
  • the upright portion 6 may, of course, be of a variety of shapes and may be curved, for example, about the body of the rider if desired. It is also possible for two upright portions to be used or that the upright portion takes a substantially "Y" configuration as will be known in the art.
  • the components of the frame may be made up of known materials.
  • the support part 4 may comprise stainless steel tubing or Rectangular Hollow Section amongst other options.
  • the handle bars 8 may include rubber grips, or the like, if desired.
  • the handle bars 8 may be replaced by a steering wheel of known form or a simple straight bar. If the handle bars 8 were replaced by a steering wheel, the convex portion 1 1 would be aligned with the highest point of the steering wheel. The reason for this will be discussed further herein.
  • the wheels 2, 3 may be made up of any suitable material as will be known in the art. Composite rubber material or a hard plastic material may be used. It is highly preferred that the front wheel 3 at least includes a thick tread which is capable of contacting and gripping the ground over which the vehicle will pass in order to impart the maximum amount of control over the vehicle.
  • gravity assisted vehicles can be difficult to steer and control. This is particularly so when the vehicle is a three wheeled vehicle with a single front wheel which is used for steering the vehicle.
  • the connection between the front wheel 3 and the remainder of the steering part 7 can best be seen in Figure 3 which shows the steering part 7 comprising handle bars 8, a cross piece 1 3, a connecting rod 14 (obscured in Figure 1 ), and tube 9 through which the connecting rod 14 passes.
  • the steering assembly 7 also includes a bracket 1 5, including side parts 1 6 which extend outside the front wheel 3.
  • the side parts 16 of the bracket 1 5 are adapted to attach with an axle 1 7 which passes through the centre portion of the front wheel 3.
  • the front wheel 3 is loosely held on the axle 1 7 but is maintained in a forward facing position in relation to the angle of the tube 9 and connecting rod 14 of the steering part 7.
  • the construction of the vehicle frame 1 is shown in Figure 1 , the positioning and length of the upright portion 6, the depth of the concave portion 1 1 in relation to the handle bars 8, as well as the size and positioning of the front wheel 3, allows the vehicle frame to be stacked in a nested manner for transportation. This can best be seen in Figures 2 and 3.
  • Figure 2 shows a number of the vehicle frames 1 in a nested relationship with each other.
  • the frame 1 is tipped such that the upright portion 6 rests on the ground.
  • a second frame is positioned such that the axle 10 of the rear wheels 2 rest on a part of the upright portion 6 adjacent to the connection between the upright portion 6 and the base portion 5.
  • the central portion 13 of the handle bars 8 are received within the convex receiving portion 1 1 on the base portion 5.
  • the front wheels 3, rest against each other as do the rear wheels 2. Therefore, a number of vehicles which use the vehicle frame 1 as shown in Figure 1 can be stacked in a nested manner against each other thus allowing safe, secure and efficient transport of a number of these vehicles from one site to another site.
  • a further aspect of the invention may also therefore be seen to be a three wheeled trolley which could exclude the convex receiving part 1 1 but which includes the forward facing front wheel 3 and the particular arrangement of the steering part 7 as described previously as the "reverse castor" arrangement.
  • the ability to nestably stack the vehicles using the vehicle frame 1 would optionally include the convex receiving part 1 1 .
  • the vehicle need not be a wheeled vehicle and may include skis or similar types of ground contacting apparatus dependent upon the terrain, and also that the vehicle may include more than three ground contacting wheels or skis (or the like) if desired. It is however a preferred option that the vehicle is a three wheeled vehicle which is able to be stacked in a nested manner for transport.
  • this figure shows the presence of two seat mounting points 1 7 for releasably securing a seat (not shown) to the upright portion 6 and to the base portion 5 of the vehicle frame 1 .
  • the seat mounting points 1 7 as shown in Figure 4 are depicted as plates attached to the vehicle frame 1 having holes 18 positioned to receive a nut and bolt arrangement to releasably secure a seat (not shown) to the frame 1 .
  • a variety of mechanisms for securing the seat to the frame may be used such as rivets, welds, snap fit brackets or the like.
  • the essential feature is that the seat is maintained securely in position on the vehicle frame 1 when a vehicle including the vehicle frame 1 is in use.
  • Figure 4 shows the presence of two independent brake actuators 1 9 on the handle bars 8 of the steering part 7.
  • the independent brake actuators 1 9 are of a known form comprising grip handle
  • the brakes act on the rear wheels 2 and, in a particularly preferred option, act on each of the individual rear wheels 2 independently via the corresponding brake actuators 1 9.
  • a braking system which acted on the front wheel 3 could be used but would not be preferred given the intended use of such vehicles on off-road terrain.
  • a suitable braking system is indicated in Figure
  • the brakes may be activated via a variety of means including foot activation which may also act on individual rear wheels or both simultaneously.
  • the receiving portion 1 1 (as is also shown in Figures 1 to 3) is positioned relative to the cross piece 1 3 on the handle bars 8 to allow the stacking of a number of vehicles utilising the vehicle frame 1 as has been described previously in relation to Figures 2 and 3 above.
  • the vehicle frame shown in Figures 1 to 4 does not show a seat which would be positioned and secured on the support part 4.
  • the seat would preferably be releasably secured to the upright portion 6 and/or the base portion 5 but could be permanently secured.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)

Abstract

Selon l'invention, un châssis de véhicule (1) comporte une partie support (4), une partie direction (7) et au moins un essieu (10). La partie support (4) comprend une partie de base (5) présentant une extrémité avant et une extrémité arrière, ainsi qu'une partie verticale (6) s'étendant à partir de l'extrémité arrière de la partie de base (5). La partie direction (7) est adaptée pour être reliée à un ensemble direction, à une de ses extrémités, et à un moyen en contact avec le sol (3), à son autre extrémité. Cette partie de direction (7) est reliée ou adjacente à l'extrémité avant de la partie de base (5) de la partie support (4). Le ou les essieux (10) sont reliés ou adjacents à l'extrémité arrière de la partie de base (5) de la partie support (4). La partie direction (7) et la partie verticale (6) de la partie support (4) s'étendent dans le même plan, à partir de la partie de base (5). Cette partie de base (5) comprend une partie de réception (11) sensiblement convexe, dont le sommet (12) est, sur la partie de base (5), sensiblement aligné avec l'extrémité de la partie direction (7) soutenant l'ensemble direction, mais à une certaine distance de cette extrémité.
PCT/NZ1998/000156 1997-10-24 1998-10-27 Vehicule de divertissement WO1999025603A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU97675/98A AU9767598A (en) 1997-10-24 1998-10-27 Recreational vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ32903697 1997-10-24
NZ329036 1997-10-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999025603A1 true WO1999025603A1 (fr) 1999-05-27

Family

ID=19926496

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ1998/000156 WO1999025603A1 (fr) 1997-10-24 1998-10-27 Vehicule de divertissement

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU9767598A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999025603A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2878032A (en) * 1955-09-08 1959-03-17 Earle G Hawke Three-wheeled motorcycle with rockable rear wheel assembly
AU2644671A (en) * 1970-03-16 1972-09-14 W. Newman Joseph Velocipede
AU7173374A (en) * 1974-07-29 1976-01-29 Suzuki Motor Company Limited Tricycle
US4281844A (en) * 1978-11-09 1981-08-04 Shendale Ltd. Steerable castored vehicle
US4359231A (en) * 1980-06-23 1982-11-16 Mulcahy Kevin M Steering mechanism for three-wheeled vehicles

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2878032A (en) * 1955-09-08 1959-03-17 Earle G Hawke Three-wheeled motorcycle with rockable rear wheel assembly
AU2644671A (en) * 1970-03-16 1972-09-14 W. Newman Joseph Velocipede
AU7173374A (en) * 1974-07-29 1976-01-29 Suzuki Motor Company Limited Tricycle
US4281844A (en) * 1978-11-09 1981-08-04 Shendale Ltd. Steerable castored vehicle
US4359231A (en) * 1980-06-23 1982-11-16 Mulcahy Kevin M Steering mechanism for three-wheeled vehicles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU9767598A (en) 1999-06-07

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