WO2006136658A1

WO2006136658A1 - Quadricycle

Info

Publication number: WO2006136658A1
Application number: PCT/FI2006/050269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kari Rajalahti
Original assignee: Kari Rajalahti
Priority date: 2005-06-21
Filing date: 2006-06-19
Publication date: 2006-12-28
Also published as: FI20055334A0; FI20055334A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bicycle called quadricycle. The quadricycle comprises a longitudinal frame (1) and four wheels (2, 3) connected thereto with support and axle structures. It also has a seat (4), steering means (5), and power transmission (6). In the invention, the front wheels (2) are connected to the longitudinal frame with a front frame (9), and the back wheels (3) that are joined together with a back axle (17) are, in turn, connected to the longitudinal frame with back arms (18a, 18b). At least the back arms connecting the back axle to the longitudinal frame are connected rotatably to the longitudinal frame in such a manner that the back axle is rotatable from its first position extending from a back part (8) of the device parallel to the longitudinal axle (10) of the longitudinal frame to a position substantially against the longitudinal frame.

Description

QUADRICYCLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device called a quadricycle according to the preamble of claim 1 , and it is also referred to as a recumbent based on the driving position.

[0002] A considerable number of different pedalled means of transport are previously known. In addition to the ordinary bicycle, various means of transport are known, in which the disadvantageous driving position of the bicycle is altered to better utilise the power of the user. This has produced recum- bents of different type with both two and three wheels.

[0003] The different solutions of the recumbent have in common the slightly odd and very recumbent driving position, in which the head and feet of the person using the recumbent are on approximately the same level. Due to this driving position, especially the two-wheel recumbent is considered frightening and difficult to drive. The primary purpose of the driving position is to optimise the structural cross-sectional area of the recumbent in reducing air resistance in particular. In addition to the odd driving position, recumbents are also quite low, and their visibility among other traffic is poor, thus increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

[0004] Using this type of recumbent in daily exercise is, therefore, dubious, and the bicycle is quite poorly suited for use by the elderly and/or less agile population group.

[0005] In addition to the above-mentioned two- or three-wheel recumbents, publication FR 2,848,252 or US 6,203,043, for instance, describe a device with four wheels. The devices in the publications are, however, equipped with rather complex front wheel support arrangements that make their manufacture difficult and expensive. The devices in the publications also have large outer dimensions and, thus, take a lot of space during transportation, storage, and use in the traffic.

[0006] Finally, it can be noted that especially for the aging population or for people otherwise less agile, there are very few inexpensive and easy-to-use exercise devices suitable just for their needs. A person with impaired mobility is primarily offered a walker. This type of device is of course safe and provides its user good support for movement, but it is intended for very limited movement, where the distances are short and the person has little to carry along.

[0007] On the other hand, for a person with impaired mobility or sense of balance, there are three-wheel bicycles of the type described in patent publication Fl 113,635, for example. However, these have an unfavourably "invalidic" image, and they are not much used especially among the aging population.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is thus an object of the present invention to develop a quadricycle so as to provide a novel solution for the above-mentioned problems that due to the drawbacks in the prior art.

[0009] This object is achieved with a quadricycle having the characteristics defined in the claims. More precisely, the device of the invention is primarily characterised by what is stated in the characterising part of claim 1.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea that by manufacturing an easily collapsible quadricycle, it is possible to solve many of the transportation and storage problems conventionally associated with the device. A thus provided frame structure has been found excellent and allows several improvements to the conventional device.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "quadricycle" thus means a four-wheel means of transport that is usually pedalled.

[0013] The terms "front", "back", "above" and "below", etc. used in the specification indicate the characteristics of the invention in directions relative to the quadricycle of the invention as it is in the attached figures.

[0014] The invention provides significant advantages. The collapsi- bility of the quadricycle makes easy distribution possible. The device can be placed on a conventional transport pallet, and it can be quickly and easily assembled for use. The collapsibility of the device also facilitates its storage in the storerooms of small dwellings.

[0015] The present quadricycle provides a comfortable and practical driving position regardless of the size of the user. A good driving position also contributes to achieving an efficient pedalling position. A device like the present quadricycle is characterised in that the driving position and related arrangements are not only optimised for reducing tractive resistance. Optimising the driving position aims at an as advantageous solution as possible in terms of tractive resistance, usability, and safety.

[0016] Because the structure of the quadricycle of the invention is light, easy to service and use, it provides an opportunity to exercise in a healthy and safe manner. The use of the device is easy even for a person with reduced strength, and it activates for instance the elderly population to exercise more than before.

[0017] Because the aging population is especially susceptible to stumbling accidents, the quadricycle helps people move even on a slippery base without the risk of falling. Similarly, the device naturally enables persons suffering from balance problems to move in quite a new way. By activating various user and age groups to year-round exercise, it is possible to produce health effects that may even prevent the national diseases from occurring.

[0018] The present quadricycle is a beneficial means of transport that makes it possible for a person to move both short and medium-length distances independently. The device can be used daily or for excursions. To reduce the air resistance of the quadricycle and to improve the driving conditions, the device can at a small cost be equipped with various weather guards, for instance. These include small top covers that can be tailored for various uses and for different climates. In addition to the top cover, the device can be equipped with additional equipment facilitating its use, such as transport racks, additional seats, or even radio communication devices.

[0019] The structure of the device of the invention also permits adding a simple spring suspension system. This type of spring suspension system makes riding the quadricycle both safe and comfortable.

[0020] Further advantages provided by the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION FO THE FIGURES

[0021] In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawing, in which

Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a quadricycle obliquely from the front,

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a preferred frame solution of the quadricycle with its rigid frame in the driving position, Figure 3 shows the frame solution of Figure 2 in the storage position,

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second preferred spring- suspended frame solution of the quadricycle in the driving position, and

Figure 5 shows the frame solution of Figure 4 in the storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The structural parts of the embodiments of the quadricycle are in the following marked with reference numbers in the figures, and the numbers correspond to the numbers used in the following description.

[0023] The quadricycle being examined preferably comprises a longitudinal frame 1 formed of a continuous frame beam. To this longitudinal frame, four wheels, front wheels 2 and back wheels 3, are attached with special support and axle structures. The quadricycle is in a usual manner equipped with at least one suitable seat 4, steering means 5, and power transmission 6.

[0024] The longitudinal frame 1 comprises a front part 7 and back part 8. The front wheels 2 are attached to the front part with a separate front frame 9 in such a manner that the front wheels are preferably resilient with respect to the longitudinal frame. The resilience of the front wheels is in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 produced with the design of the front frame joining the front wheels to the longitudinal frame. The front frame extends at its longitudinal frame side end substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axle 10 on the longitudinal frame. In its front wheel side end, the front frame extends substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axle of the longitudinal frame. This L-shaped part of the front frame permits a slight resilient movement of the front frame.

[0025] In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the front frame 9 is substantially rigidly fixed to the longitudinal frame 1 , whereas in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, this joint is shown as at least momentarily rotatable. In the latter embodiment, the front frame may as shown in the figures be made up of a two-part structure with two front arms 9a and 9b arranged rotatable with respect to each other. The front frame may also be made up of a structure in which the front frame comprises a uniform piece according to Figures 2 and 3, which, however, is rotatable with respect to the longitudinal frame in accordance with Figures 4 and 5.

[0026] Even though the quadricycle of the figures is depicted in such a manner that both the front wheel side outermost parts of the front frame 9 attached to the longitudinal frame 1 and supporting the front wheels 2 extend towards the back part 8, the front frame is also rotatable in the opposite direction with respect to the longitudinal frame. The front wheels can thus be rotated from the front part to a position extending from the longitudinal frame in the direction of the longitudinal axle 10.

[0027] In the embodiment, in which the front frame 9 is rotatable with respect to the longitudinal frame 1 , the quadricycle can be equipped with a separate spring suspension system 11 between the front frame and longitudinal frame, which can preferably be equipped with a shock absorber known per se. Because the front wheels are mounted separately at the opposite ends of the front frame with a mechanical mounting system known per se, the joint between the front frame and front wheel can be equipped with a separate spring suspension system 12, if required. The front wheels can then be joined to the front frame with sleeve-like spring elements, for instance.

[0028] The front wheels 2 are arranged to the front frame 9 through pivoted axles 13, whereby their turning movement is steered with a steering rod 14 of the steering means 5 supported against the longitudinal frame 1 of the quadricycle. The steering rod is equipped with a handle bar 15 or some other suitable means for steering the device. The steering movement is transmitted from the steering rod to the front wheels through track rods 16 connected to the front wheels and also to the pivoted axles 13, for instance.

[0029] The steering rod is movably attached to the longitudinal frame, so the angle between the steering rod and longitudinal frame can be altered to adjust the height of the handle bar, or to turn the steering means substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame to minimise the required transportation or storage space.

[0030] Back wheels 3 joined together with a back axle 17 are attached to the back part 8 of the quadricycle. The back axle is attached to the longitudinal frame 1 with at least two back arms 18a and 18b, whose shape preferably corresponds to the shape of the parts 9a and 9b of the front frame 9 extending on the opposite sides of the longitudinal frame. Thus, each back arm of the figures extends at its longitudinal frame side end substantially perpen- dicular to the longitudinal axle 10 of the longitudinal frame. At its back wheel side end, the back arm extends substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axle of the longitudinal frame, thus permitting even a slight resilient movement of the back wheel.

[0031] In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the back arms 18a and 18b are joined substantially rigidly together, but are, however, preferably arranged to be at least momentarily rotatable with respect to the longitudinal frame 1. The back arms can then be wedged with a locking element 19 to be substantially stationary with respect to the longitudinal frame, as shown in Figure 2, when the quadricycle is driven. By releasing the locking element, the back arms can be turned with respect to the longitudinal frame from their first position extending from the back part parallel to the longitudinal frame to the position of Figure 3, in which they are substantially below the longitudinal frame. The back arms can thus be turned from the driving position of Figure 2 into the transportation position of Figure 3, or vice versa. The present device can naturally also be manufactured as an embodiment, in which both the front and back frames are rigidly fixed to the longitudinal frame.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 present an embodiment, in which the back arms 18a and 18b are connected to each other with a rotating axle. The rotating axle forming a "stabilizer" absorbs the divergent movements of the arms and thus prevents the vehicle from tilting too much. When the back arms are at the same time rotatable with respect to the longitudinal frame, as shown in the figures, the spring suspension system of the quadricycle can be significantly improved by arranging between the back arms and longitudinal frame one or more springs 20 that preferably have a shock absorber known per se. In the manner shown in Figures 4 and 5, the back arms are rotatable between the driving and storage positions as long as the spring and/or shock absorber is first detached from the longitudinal frame or back arm.

[0033] For the person using the quadricycle, there must naturally be a seat 4. A seat with a backrest and guaranteeing good pedalling force is arranged to a seat frame 21 in the longitudinal frame 1 to be movable and turn- able with respect to the frame 1. The seat frame makes it possible to use in the quadricycle various ready-made seats or seats tailored for this specific purpose. The seat frame comprises for instance a bottom guide bar 22 articulated to the longitudinal frame and a backrest support iron 23 articulated to the guide bar. Due to the articulated joints 24 and 25 between the longitudinal frame and bottom guide bar and between the bottom guide bar and the support iron, the seat frame can be turned substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame to facilitate the storage and transportation of the quadricycle.

[0034] The movement of the present quadricycle is usually achieved through a pedal- and chain-transmitted power transmission 6 known per se. In the present quadricycle, the moving force produced by the user with pedals is directed by using one or more chains or other such mechanical transfer device to the back axle 17 joining the back wheels 3. The transfer device is then connected to the back axle by utilising a power transmission arrangement known per se, which is not described in greater detail herein. The structure of the power transmission arrangement makes it possible to change the direction of travel of the quadricycle. The device can thus be equipped with a reverse function.

[0035] It is, however, also possible to install to the present quadricycle a separate secondary power source for providing moving force. The secondary power source is not shown herein, but it could be arranged in the space 26 between the back arms 18a and 18b and below the seat frame 21 , from which its power axle is connected with a transfer device to the power transmission arrangement of the back axle. Due to the structure of the quadricycle, it is simple to arrange a secondary power source therein, and the required structural changes are very small. The structural changes are mainly limited to the support of the secondary power source to connect it to the rest of the power transmission mechanism. Because of this, the quadricycle is easy to equip with an engine at first delivery or by retrofitting.

[0036] To provide the necessary moving force, the quadricycle can be fitted with a combustion engine or electric motor as its secondary power source.

[0037] A separate power source mounted on the quadricycle can also be used as the main power transmission 6 of the device. The power source is then, as described above, preferably arranged in the space 26 between the back arms 18a and 18b and below the seat frame 21. By directing the moving force generated by the power source to the power transmission arrangement of the back axle, a means of transport is produced that is well suited for use by disabled persons or for other corresponding use. In this case, too, both a combustion engine and an electric motor can be used as the power source. [0038] To make the use of the quadricycle more versatile, it can be equipped with one or more transport racks for transporting goods or additional passengers. The quadricycle can also be equipped with a simple top cover that prevents the user from getting wet during driving, but also improves the air resistance coefficient of the device, thus making driving more comfortable.

[0039] It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention may be implemented in many different ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not restricted to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

[0040] Even thought the above specification and figures describe embodiments in which the front frame 9 and back arms 18a and 18b are ro- tatable with respect to the longitudinal frame 1 to a transport position below the frame 1 , nothing prevents this transport position from being an opposite position, i.e. above the frame 1.

Claims

1. A quadricycle comprising a longitudinal frame (1) and four wheels (2, 3) connected thereto with support and axle structures, the quadricycle being equipped with a seat (4), steering means (5) and power transmission (6), and the longitudinal frame having a front part (7) and a back part (8), with front wheels (2) attached to the front part using a separate front frame (9) in such a manner that the front wheels are spring-suspended with respect to the longitudinal frame, and with back wheels (3) joined together with a back axle (17) attached to the back part (8), the back axle being connected to the longitudinal frame with at least two back arms (18a, 18b), characterised in that the front frame (9) joining the front wheels (2) to the longitudinal frame (1) and the back arms (18a, 18b) connecting the back wheels (3) to the longitudinal frame extend at their longitudinal frame side end substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axle (10) of the longitudinal frame, and at the front and back wheel side end, they extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axle of the longitudinal frame, and that at least the back arms joining the back axle (17) to the longitudinal frame are connected rotatably to the longitudinal frame, whereby the back axle is rotatable from its first position extending from the back part (8) parallel to the longitudinal axle (10) of the longitudinal frame to a position substantially against the longitudinal frame.

2. A quadricycle as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the front frame (7) comprises support arms (9a, 9b) arranged rotatably to the longitudinal frame (1 ) and extending to the opposite sides thereof.

3. A quadricycle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that power transmission (6) comprises a moving force directed to the back axel (17) by pedals through a mechanical transfer device.

4. A quadricycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that power transmission (6) comprises a secondary power source for generating a moving force.

5. A quadricycle as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the secondary power source comprises a combustion engine for generating a moving force.

6. A quadricycle as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the secondary power source comprises an electric motor for generating a moving force.

7. A quadricycle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that power transmission (6) comprises a combustion engine for generating a moving force directed to the back axle (17).

8. A quadricycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the front frame (9) connected to the longitudinal frame (1 ) and supporting the front wheels (2) is rotatably connected to the longitudinal frame in such a manner that the front frame is rotatable from its first position directed substantially toward the back part of the longitudinal frame to a position extending from the front part parallel to the longitudinal axle of the longitudinal frame.

9. A quadricycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the front wheels (2) are connected to the front frame (9) through sleeve-like spring elements (12).

10. A quadricycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seat (4) in the quadricycle is arranged to the longitudinal frame (1 ) with a rotatably connected seat frame (21 ).

11. A quadricycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the quadricycle is equipped with at least one transport rack.

12. A quadricycle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the quadricycle is equipped with a top cover.