WO2005120939A1

WO2005120939A1 - Tricycle for extreme sports

Info

Publication number: WO2005120939A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/001754
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moon Sun Cho
Original assignee: Suntopia Industrial Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2004-06-10
Filing date: 2005-06-10
Publication date: 2005-12-22
Also published as: KR200360701Y1

Abstract

Disclosed is a tricycle for extreme sports, improved from conventional infant riding instruments. A main frame has a rear portion bent at 15-30 degrees and a coupling surface for coupling the saddle and the rear wheel shaft. A saddle is fixed to the coupling surface of the main frame. A back support surrounds upper rear body of rider. Wings are formed on both sides of the back support to transmit rider's weight to the main frame according to transfer of gravity center of rider. The rear wheel shaft is coupled to a lower surface of the coupling surface and also includes a rear wheel fixing frame hinged to center of the rear wheel shaft and a suspension composed of damper and spring between the rear wheel fixing frame and the rear wheel shaft. A shock-absorbing unit made of rubber block is positioned between the saddle and the coupling surface.

Description

Description TRICYCLE FOR EXTREME SPORTS Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a cycle operated by stepping pedals, and more particularly to a tricycle having one front wheel and two rear wheels. Background Art

[2] A tricycle is mostly manufactured as a riding toy on which an infant or a child may ride, as shown in Fig. 1.

[3] The tricycle of Fig. 1 is operated as follows. If a user steps on a pedal 1, power is transferred to a crank shaft by means of a crank, and the rotation of the crank shaft makes a front wheel 2 rotated. That is to say, the tricycle uses a front drive manner, and rear wheels are just connected to a rear wheel shaft. At this time, the crank shaft and the front wheel are connected at a rotational ratio of 1:1, so the front wheel 2 makes one turn when the pedal is stepped once.

[4] A tricycle for an adult or a teenager, which is basically identical to the above tricycle but has improved endurance and employs sprocket, chain and hub for power transmission, is also proposed as shown in Fig. 2.

[5] The tricycle shown in Fig. 2 uses a front drive manner like the tricycle shown in Fig. 1. However, this tricycle connects a sprocket 3 connected to a crank shaft and having a relatively large diameter to a relatively small sprocket 5 by means of a chain 4 so as to transmit power by stepping. That is to say, this tricycle uses the same principle for power transmission and operation as the conventional bicycle. But this tricycle is different from the conventional bicycle in the point that the front wheel is driven. In addition, a saddle 7 has a seat-like shape as shown in Fig. 2, so it is also called 'cycle riding with lying down'.

[6] Thus, this tricycle may put out good velocity rather than the infant tricycle of Fig. 1, so an adult or a teenager may use it.

[7] In addition, the tricycle of Fig. 2 may change direction as follows. As conceptually depicted in Fig. 3, the tricycle uses a camber angle that is an angle between a center line of the front wheel and the ground, in order to change a course.

[8] That is to say, as shown in (a) of Fig. 3, the tricycle includes an upper frame 2-1 coupled with a front wheel 2 and a saddle 7, and a lower frame 8-1 to which a rear wheel shaft is coupled to combine a rear wheel 8. The upper frame 2-1 and the lower frame 8-1 are hinged to each other at two points 9, 9-1 as shown in Fig. 3. Thus, the upper frame 2-1 is pivoted on the lower frame 8-1.

[9] As a result, if the upper frame 2- 1 moves right or left, a camber angle of the front wheel 2 is changed, so the tricycle changes direction right or left. If the upper frame 2- 1 is lifted left on the basis of a rider, the tricycle changes direction right, while, the upper frame 2- 1 is lifted right, the tricycle change direction left.

[10] In (b) of Fig. 3, the change of camber angle of the front wheel 2 is shown. The front wheel is laid left at left turn, and the front wheel is laid right at right turn.

[11] All of adults and teenagers may enjoy the conventional tricycle that is operated and turned using the above principle as shown in Fig. 2. However, the tricycle is not provided with a suspension for absorbing shocks, so shocks from the ground are transferred to a rider as they are. Thus, if a user rides the tricycle for a long time, the backbone may be damaged. In addition, this tricycle may be used on smooth grounds, and it may not be used on rough grounds, which are usual for extreme sports. Thus, the conventional tricycle has a limit for its usage as a sports means.

[12] In addition, since the upper frame 2-1 hinged at two points of the lower frame 8-1 is pivoted by means of transfer of the center of gravity of a rider to make a turn as illustrated in Fig. 3, the rider may feel uneasiness in riding the tricycle, and the tricycle may turn over at sharp curve. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[13] The present invention is designed to solve the problems of the conventional tricycle as mentioned above, and therefore an object of the invention is to provide a tricycle for extreme sports, which basically uses a chain for power transmission with coupling a suspension to a rear wheel shaft, is steered on the basis of a rear wheel by means of transfer of the center of gravity of a rider, stabilizes a riding state of the rider by means of integral main frame, improves endurance, and enables run on rough roads without overturning. Technical Solution

[14] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a tricycle for extreme sports including a pedal, a crank, a crank shaft, a first sprocket, a chain, a second sprocket and a hub axis for transmitting power by stepping, a front wheel composed of a rim coupled to the hub axis and a tire, a spoke for fixing the front wheel, a main frame to a front portion of which the spoke is integrated, a rear wheel shaft coupled to a rear portion of the main frame, right and left wheels composed of a hub coupled to both sides of the rear wheel shaft and tires, a brake, and a saddle, wherein the main frame has a rear portion bent at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees and has a coupling surface at the bent rear portion for coupling the saddle and the rear wheel shaft, wherein the saddle is fixed to an upper surface of the coupling surface of the main frame, a back support is formed to surround all rear sides of an upper body of a rider, and wings are formed on both sides of the back support to transmit weight of the rider to the main frame according to transfer of the center of gravity of the rider, wherein one side of the rear wheel shaft is coupled to a lower surface of the coupling surface of the main frame, the other side of the rear wheel shaft includes a rear wheel fixing frame hinged to a center of the rear wheel shaft and a suspension composed of a damper and a spring combined between the rear wheel fixing frame and the rear wheel shaft at both sides of the hinged portion, and wherein a shock-absorbing unit made of a rubber block is positioned between the saddle and the coupling surface of the main frame.

[15] At this time, it is preferable that the main frame is divided into a front portion and a rear portion, and the main frame may further includes a hinge cover hinged to the front portion and the rear portion so that the front portion and the rear portion are contacted perpendicularly with each other.

[16] In addition, the saddle on which the back support is formed is preferably divided into a hip portion on which the hip of the rider is seated and a back support portion for supporting the back of the rider, and the back support portion is preferably hinged to any of the hip portion and the main frame so that the hip portion and the back support portion are perpendicularly contacted with each other.

[17] In addition, the shock-absorbing unit preferably includes a through hole passing the rubber block vertically and a plurality of springs inserted into the through hole to absorb shock.

[18] Finally, a plate integrated with a coupling unit coupled to the rear wheel shaft after the right and left wheels coupled to the rear wheel shaft are detached is preferably further provided. Description of Drawings

[19] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a general tricycle;

[20] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an improved tricycle;

[21] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a direction-changing principle of the tricycle of Fig. 2;

[22] Fig. 4 shows a tricycle for extreme sports according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[23] Fig. 5 shows a main frame of the tricycle for extreme sports according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[24] Fig. 6 shows a main frame of the tricycle for extreme sports according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[25] Fig. 7 shows a rear wheel shaft of the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention;

[26] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a direction-changing principle of the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention; [27] Fig. 9 shows the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention and the conventional tricycle shown in Fig. 2 in comparison;

[28] Fig. 10 shows a saddle of the tricycle for extreme sports according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[29] Fig. 11 shows a shock-absorbing unit of the tricycle for extreme sports according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[30] Fig. 12 shows a tricycle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[31] Fig. 13 shows a plate of the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention. Best Mode

[32] Hereinafter, a tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[33] Fig. 4 shows a tricycle for extreme sports according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the tricycle of the present invention includes a power transmission means for transmitting power by stepping, a main frame 30 forming a main body, front and rear wheels, a saddle 60, a suspension 44, and a shock- absorbing unit 70.

[34] The power transmission means includes a pedal 10, a crank 11, a crank shaft 12, a first sprocket 13, a chain 14, a second sprocket 15 and a hub axis 16. The crank shaft 12 is coupled to the main frame 30, and the hub axis 16 is coupled to a spoke 31 of the main frame 30.

[35] The front wheel is composed of a rim 21 and a tire 22, and the rim 21 is coupled to the hub axis 16 for driving the front wheel.

[36] That is to say, power made by stepping is transmitted from the pedal 10 to the crank 11, and the first sprocket 13 coupled to the crank shaft 12 is rotated by means of rotation of the crank shaft 12.

[37] At this time, the rotation of the first sprocket 13 transmits power to the second sprocket 15 via the chain 14, and thus the hub axis 16 coupled to the second sprocket 15 is rotated, and accordingly the front wheel is driven.

[38] Though a rotation ratio of the first sprocket 13 and the second sprocket 15 is not described in detail in this embodiment, the sprockets may employ ones generally used in a cycle using a chain for power transmission. Furthermore, it is also possible that many sprockets with different diameters are used to be capable of changing speed.

[39] The main frame 30 is made of steel pipe. The spoke 31 is formed on a front portion of the main frame 30 to mount the front wheel thereto, while a rear portion of the main frame 30 is configured so that the suspension 44, the saddle 60 and the shock- absorbing unit 70 are coupled thereto. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, the rear portion of the main frame 30 is lifted at a predetermined angle within the range of 15 to 30 degrees, which is described later with reference to Fig. 5.

[40] A rear wheel shaft 40 is coupled to a rear lower portion of the main frame 30, and rear wheels composed of tires 52 coupled to a hub 51 are coupled to both sides of the rear wheel shaft 40.

[41] The saddle 60 includes a back support 61 and wings 62 formed on both sides of the back support 61.

[42] The shock-absorbing unit 70 is mounted between the main frame 30 and the saddle 60 so as to absorb shock transferred from the road surface.

[43] The rear wheel includes the hub 51 coupled to the rear wheel shaft 40 and the tire 52 coupled to the hub 51. That is to say, the rear wheel rotates by means of the rotation of the hub 51 coupled to the rear wheel shaft 40. At this time, though not shown in the figures, a bearing may be preferably further included when the rear wheel 40 is coupled to the hub 51 so as to facilitate better rolling.

[44] Thus, the present invention has three wheels, wherein the front wheel is driven by stepping and the rear wheels play a role of changing a direction.

[45] Though a brake device, or a braking device, is not shown in the figures, it is preferred that the hub axis 21 gives a braking force when being rotated in a reverse direction by stepping the pedal 10 oppositely so that the tricycle is braked by stepping, though the hub axis 21 plays a role identical to a general hub axis when it rotates in a normal direction.

[46] However, the braking device is not limited to the above case, but various braking devices used in general cycles may be employed.

[47] Fig. 5 shows a main frame of the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention. In Fig. 5, (a) of Fig. 5 shows the main frame 30 shown from above, (b) of Fig. 5 shows a section of the main frame 30, and (c) of Fig. 5 shows a side of the main frame 30.

[48] The main frame 30 employed in this embodiment is divided into a front portion, a middle portion and a rear portion, in brief. The crank shaft 12 is mounted to the front portion, and the spoke 31 is formed thereon to couple the hub axis 16 with the front wheel.

[49] As shown in (c) of Fig. 5, the rear portion is lifted up at a predetermined angle, for example at 15 to 30 degrees. In addition, the rear portion has a coupling surface 32 to couple the saddle or the rear wheel shaft with the main frame 30, and the block-type shock-absorbing unit 70 is positioned thereon. Though it is depicted in the figure that the shock-absorbing unit 70 is positioned upon the coupling surface 32, the shock- absorbing unit 70 may also be positioned on a lower surface thereof, not limited to the above case. [50] Thus, the shock-absorbing unit 70 may be positioned as shown in (b) of Fig. 5 in the later case.

[51] The shock- absorbing unit 70 has a block shape made of rubber, and has a plurality of through holes through which a coupling means passes, though not shown in the figures. It is also identically applied to the coupling surface 32, and positions of the through holes are identical.

[52] Fig. 6 shows a main frame of the tricycle for extreme sports according to an embodiment of the present invention. The main frame shown in Fig. 6 may be folded. As shown in (a) of Fig. 6, the main frame is divided into a front portion 30-1 and a rear portion 30-2, and the main frame further includes a hinge cover 33 hinged to the front portion 30- 1 and the rear portion 30-2 so that the front portion 30- 1 and the rear portion 30-2 may be contacted perpendicularly.

[53] Thus, since the front portion 30-1 and the rear portion 30-2 are hinged to the hinge cover 33 and pivoted, the main frame may be folded as shown in (b) of Fig. 6.

[54] Though specific configuration and hinging manner of the hinge cover 33 are not shown in detail in Fig. 6, the hinge cover 33 may be one generally used in a conventional folding-type cycle and may use hinging manners generally used, not limited to a specific example.

[55] Fig. 7 shows a rear wheel shaft of the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention. The rear wheel shaft shown in Fig. 7 is designed for changing a direction and absorbing shocks. The rear wheel shaft of Fig. 7 includes a rear wheel fixing frame 41 one side of which is coupled to the lower surface of the coupling surface 32 of the main frame 30 and the other side of which is hinged to the center of the rear wheel shaft, and suspensions respectively composed of dampers 42 and springs 43 coupled at both sides of the hinged portion between the rear wheel fixing frame 41 and the rear wheel shaft 40.

[56] The rear wheel fixing frame 41 is preferably configured as shown in (a) of Fig. 7, wherein its upper surface is coupled and fixed to a lower portion of the coupling surface 32 as shown in (b) of Fig. 7, its side is hinged to the suspension and its lower portion is hinged to the rear wheel shaft 40.

[57] The suspension is composed of the damper 42 and the spring 43. The rear wheel fixing frame 41 is hinged to one side of the dampers 42, and the other side of the dampers 42 is hinged to the rear wheel shaft 40.

[58] Such a suspension is also called a shock absorber, and it is used for movement of the rear wheels and plays a role of absorbing shocks. In particular, the damper 42 is acted during the movement of the suspension that is compressed and then restored and plays a role of converting shock energy into thermal energy. When the tricycle of the present invention runs on a tough road, the damper 42 absorbs shocks caused by the road surface.

[59] The spring 43 generates an energy that makes the suspension be restored after being compressed by shocks. That is to say, if there is no spring, the role of the suspension is disappeared after absorbing shock once.

[60] In addition, the spring 43 helps the coupling surface 32 and the rear wheel shaft 40 to be always kept in parallel as shown in (b) of Fig. 7. That is to say, if one of the suspensions is compressed due to transfer of the center of gravity of a rider, they are rotated, but, if the center of gravity is moved to the center after that, they become in parallel again due to the restoring force of the spring 43.

[61] The coupling surface 32, the rear wheel fixing frame 41 and the rear wheel shaft 40 are configured so that the rear wheel fixing frame 41 is coupled to the coupling surface lifted up at a predetermined angle as shown in (c) of Fig. 7, and the rear wheel shaft is hinged thereto.

[62] Thus, if one of the suspensions is compressed, the rear wheel shaft 40 itself is moved. It is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 8.

[63] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the principle of changing a direction of the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 8, if one of the suspensions is compressed due to a force caused by transfer of the center of gravity, the direction is changed toward the compressed suspension.

[64] That is to say, seeing (a) of Fig. 8 that shows changing a direction right, if the center of gravity is moved right, the right suspension 44- 1 is compressed, so the rear wheel shaft is moved in a counterclockwise direction.

[65] As a result, the tricycle of the present invention changes its direction right.

[66] In addition, seeing (b) of Fig. 8 that shows changing a direction left, if the center of gravity is moved left, the left suspension 44-2 is compressed, so the rear wheel shaft is moved in a clockwise direction.

[67] As a result, the tricycle of the present invention changes its direction left.

[68] Thus, the tricycle of the present invention may be steered using the rear wheel shaft by transferring the center of gravity of a rider without any steering device or controlling the front wheel.

[69] Fig. 9 shows the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention in comparison to a conventional tricycle shown in Fig. 2. The conventional tricycle illustrated in Fig. 2 may change its direction by means of transfer of the center of gravity without any steering device, but a method for transferring the center of gravity and a steering principle according to the transfer of the center of gravity of the tricycle are different from those of the present invention.

[70] That is to say, the tricycle of the prior art is pivoted on an upper portion based on the rider to transfer the center of gravity as shown in (a) of Fig. 9. In addition, as il- lustrated with reference to Fig. 3, such transfer of the center of gravity makes the front wheel moved, and the tricycle changes a direction accordingly.

[71] However, the tricycle of the present invention transfers the center of gravity based on the rear wheel shaft as shown in (b) of Fig. 9, ensuring easy transfer of the center of gravity. Thus, the tricycle of the present invention ensures excellent ability in changing a direction. In addition, though a rider appears to be hung on the conventional tricycle, a rider may seat on the main body in case of the tricycle of the present invention, ensuring stable riding state.

[72] Fig. 10 shows an example of the saddle employed in the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention. The saddle shown in Fig. 10 is just an example. The saddle is divided into a hip portion 60-1 on which the hip of a rider is seated and a back support portion 60-2 for supporting the back of the rider. The hip portion 60-1 and the back support portion 60-2 are hinged to each other so that the hip portion 60-1 may be perpendicularly contacted with the back support portion 60-2. That is to say, the back support portion 60-2 on which the wings 62 are formed to help transfer of the center of gravity is pivoted on a hinged axis 60-3.

[73] Thus, when the tricycle of the present invention is carried or stored, the back support portion 60-2 may be folded to reduce the whole volume.

[74] Fig. 11 shows an example of the shock-absorbing unit employed in the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention. In Fig. 11, a plurality of springs 72 are added to the block-type shock-absorbing unit 70 made of rubber so as to enhance a shock- absorbing ability and a restoring force. As shown in (a) of Fig. 11, a plurality of through holes 71 are formed to vertically pass through the block so as to ensure a space for the springs 72 to be inserted therein.

[75] The springs 72 are inserted into the block-type shock-absorbing unit 70 made of rubber, in which the plurality of through holes 71 are formed.

[76] That is to say, the springs 72 are inserted into the through holes 71 formed in the shock- absorbing unit 70 as shown in the sectional view (b) of Fig. 11.

[77] Thus, the springs 72 absorb vibration and abrupt shocks transmitted via the main frame and the rear wheel shaft together with the suspensions, and also enhances feeling of riding.

[78] Fig. 12 shows a tricycle according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the back support portion 60-2 of the saddle is hinged 60-3 to the main frame 30. Thus, the back support portion 60-2 may be pivoted on the hinged portion 60-3 with the main frame 30 and thus it may be folded toward the hip portion 60-1. In addition, Fig. 12 more clearly shows the coupling state of the rear wheel shat 40 and the suspension 44, already illustrated in Fig. 4. That is to say, as shown in Fig. 12, the rear wheel shaft 40 is hinged to the rear wheel fixing frame 41 coupled and fixed to the main frame 30. At this time, two suspensions 44 are mounted between the rear wheel fixing frame 41 and the rear wheel shaft 40 as shown in Fig. 12. Thus, it may be understood that the tricycle of the present invention may absorb shocks and change its direction.

[79] Fig. 13 shows a plate employed in the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention. The tricycle shown in Fig. 13 is designed for use on an icy road, and a plate 80 integrated with a coupling unit 81 coupled to the rear wheel shaft 40 is replaced wit the rear wheel as shown in (a) of Fig. 13.

[80] That is to say, as shown in (b) of Fig. 13, right and left rear wheels coupled to the rear wheel shaft 40 are detached, and the coupling unit 81 is coupled to the rear wheel shaft 40. Namely, as shown in Fig. 13, the plate 80 is coupled to the rear wheel shaft to play a role of the rear wheel.

[81] In addition, the tire 22 of the front wheel is preferably a spike tire or a snow tire to enhance a grounding force on a snowy or icy road.

[82] The present invention is described above in detail only based on specific examples, but it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the invention, and such modifications and changes are pertaining to the scope of claims as a matter of course. Industrial Applicability

[83] As described above, the tricycle for extreme sports according to the present invention has three wheels for anyone to drive easily, is steered using the rear wheel shaft, has the suspensions and the shock-absorbing unit, and allows running even when the condition of road surface is bad. Thus, the tricycle of the present invention may be used for extreme sports. In addition, since the saddle and the main frame are integrated to prevent the tricycle from being turned over due to abrupt change of direction during running, thereby improving stability.

[84] In addition, since the main frame or the back support of the saddle may be folded by means of hinges, the tricycle may reduce its volume for better storage and carriage.

[85] Moreover, when the plate is replaced with the rear wheel to enable running on a snowy or icy road, the tricycle of the present invention may be used on a snowy or icy road.

Claims

[1] A tricycle for extreme sports including a pedal (10), a crank (11), a crank shaft (12), a first sprocket (13), a chain (14), a second sprocket (15) and a hub axis (16) for transmitting power by stepping, a front wheel composed of a rim (21) coupled to the hub axis (16) and a tire (22), a spoke (31) for fixing the front wheel, a main frame (30) to a front portion of which the spoke (31) is integrated, a rear wheel shaft (40) coupled to a rear portion of the main frame (30), right and left wheels composed of a hub (51) coupled to both sides of the rear wheel shaft (40) and tires (22), a brake, and a saddle (60), wherein the main frame (30) has a rear portion bent at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees and has a coupling surface (32) at the bent rear portion for coupling the saddle (60) and the rear wheel shaft (40), wherein the saddle (60) is fixed to an upper surface of the coupling surface (32) of the main frame (30), a back support (61) is formed to surround all rear sides of an upper body of a rider, and wings (62) are formed on both sides of the back support (61) to transmit weight of the rider to the main frame according to transfer of the center of gravity of the rider, wherein one side of the rear wheel shaft (40) is coupled to a lower surface of the coupling surface (32) of the main frame (30), the other side of the rear wheel shaft (40) includes a rear wheel fixing frame (41) hinged to a center of the rear wheel shaft and a suspension composed of a damper (42) and a spring (43) combined between the rear wheel fixing frame (41) and the rear wheel shaft (40) at both sides of the hinged portion, and wherein a shock-absorbing unit (70) made of a rubber block is positioned between the saddle (60) and the coupling surface (32) of the main frame (30).

[2] The tricycle for extreme sports according to claim 1, wherein the main frame (30) is divided into a front portion (30-1) and a rear portion (30-2), and the main frame (30) further includes a hinge cover (33) hinged to the front portion (30-1) and the rear portion (30-2) so that the front portion (30-1) and the rear portion (30-2) are contacted perpendicularly with each other.

[3] The tricycle for extreme sports according to claim 1, wherein the saddle (60) on which the back support (61) is formed is divided into a hip portion (60-1) on which the hip of the rider is seated and a back support portion (60-2) for supporting the back of the rider, and the back support portion (60-2) is hinged to any of the hip portion (60-1) and the main frame (30) so that the hip portion (60-1) and the back support portion (60-2) are perpendicularly contacted with each other. [4] The tricycle for extreme sports according to claim 1, wherein the shock- absorbing unit (70) includes a through hole (71) passing the rubber block vertically and a plurality of springs (72) inserted into the through hole (71) to absorb shock. [5] The tricycle for extreme sports according to claim 1, wherein a plate (80) integrated with a coupling unit (81) coupled to the rear wheel shaft (40) after the right and left wheels coupled to the rear wheel shaft (40) are detached is further provided.