WO2009078634A2

WO2009078634A2 - Kicktricycle

Info

Publication number: WO2009078634A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/007401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chang-Soo Lee
Original assignee: Chang-Soo Lee
Priority date: 2007-12-14
Filing date: 2008-12-12
Publication date: 2009-06-25
Also published as: KR20090063712A; KR100949145B1; WO2009078634A3

Abstract

A kicktricycle includes a support shaft in which a front wheel is installed on a lower portion thereof, a steering section installed on an upper portion of the support shaft, a joint section disposed on the support shaft, and a pair of left and right footboard assemblies connected to the joint section such that the respective footboard assemblies are able to move outwards or inwards, the joint section including a main body fitted into the support shaft so as to rotate about the support shaft, a main axis fixed to a side of the main body, an auxiliary body installed onto the main axis so as to rotate about the main axis, and a pair of left and right operating frames connected to opposite ends of the auxiliary body so as to respectively move outwards or inwards.

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

[invention Title] KICKTRICYCLE [Technical Field] The present invention relates, in general, to a kicktricycle, and more particularly, to a kicktricycle which is achieved by an improvement of a conventional kickboard and allows a rider to arrive at his destination with a minimum quantity of motion while also taking into account his safety.

[Background Art]

Generally, a conventional kickboard is a vehicle which is composed of a footboard having a length of about 50cm with two wheels attached under the footboard and which operates such that it is moved to desired destination that a rider wants to reach by kicking the ground with his foot to gain momentum while the other foot is placed on the footboard.

The conventional kickboard includes a separate handle having a height of about Im. A rider controls his advancing direction using the handle while standing balancing his body with his feet on the footboard.

However, since when the kickboard is operated at high speed the rider has to step on a foot brake while balancing his body, the rider may get into danger if he is sluggish.

Further, since in order for the kickboard to pick up speed on a flat road, the rider has to kick the ground with his foot, which is physically painful to him, and since in order to decelerate the kickboard on a downward slope, the rider only presses the foot brake without using a separate brake system, and a dangerous situation results. Thus, recently, an improved kickboard has been studied which allows a rider to arrive at his destination with a minimum quantity of motion while also taking into account his safety.

Meanwhile, disclosed was a tricycle kickboard in Korean Patent Application No. 2005-50858, which includes a pair of decks having a footboard, on which both feet of a rider are placed, integrally combined with brake means braking on a wheel section, a pair of link frames shaft-coupled on an end with one end of the deck so as to make an angular motion within a defined range, the other ends of the link frames being separated, and jointing means shaft-coupled with the other ends of the link frames and a front wheel between the both ends, while providing both ends with spring- like shock-absorbers. However, the tricycle kickboard had the following problem. In the connection between the jointing means and the link frames, the link frames are coupled with their end-side bosses to an axis of the jointing means, so that the link frames or the bosses can be relatively freely mobile in a vertical direction, but rotation about the link frame themselves as an axis is not possible. Thus, when a rider kicks the ground while alternatively using both his feet on the two decks, or the rider tries to change an advancing direction, it is difficult to smoothly control the kickboard, and intense load is applied to a connection between the bosses and the axis, making it subject to breakage.

[Disclosure] [Technical Problem] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present invention is intended to propose a kicktricycle which adopts the principle of motion that, when a rider kicks the ground alternatively using both feet of the rider with the other foot placed on a single footboard as if he were inline-skating, link frames thereof rotate and thus it advances forward, can speed up after even a small momentum is provided while being easily controlled, thereby enabling smooth riding even in a defined space and allowing the rider to experience the benefits of high tech.

Further, the present invention is intended to propose a kicktricycle in which a joint is provided between a frame and a support shaft vertically connected from a steering unit to a front wheel so that motion of the frame is not restricted by a position, a slope, and a direction of the support shaft, but may be freely set, thereby providing efficient impetus even with small power and smooth control of an advancing direction as well.

[Technical Solution]

In order to achieve the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kicktricycle including a support shaft in which a front wheel is installed on a lower portion thereof, a steering section installed on an upper portion of the support shaft, a joint section disposed on the support shaft, and a pair of left and right footboard assemblies connected to the joint section such that the respective footboard assemblies are able to move outwards or inwards, the joint section including a main body fitted into the support shaft so as to rotate about the support shaft, a main axis fixed to a side of the main body, an auxiliary body installed onto the main axis so as to rotate about the main axis, and a pair of left and right operating frames connected to opposite ends of the auxiliary body so as to respectively move outwards or inwards. In an embodiment, the main body may include an upper body part fitted into the support shaft and fixed to an upper portion of the main body, a lower body part fitted into the support shaft and fixed to a lower portion of the main body, an upper bearing fitted into the support shaft and arranged on an upper portion of the upper body part, a lower bearing fitted into the support shaft and arranged on a lower portion of the lower body part, an upper coupling nut arranged on an upper portion of the upper bearing and coupled to the support shaft, and a lower coupling nut arranged on a lower portion of the lower bearing and coupled to the support shaft .

In an embodiment, the main body may further include upper right and upper left compression springs installed at an interval between the auxiliary body and the upper body, and lower right and lower left compression springs installed at an interval between the auxiliary body and the lower body.

In an embodiment, the main body may be provided with upper and lower pin holes on an upper surface and an undersurface thereof, and the upper body or the lower body may be provided, on a lower portion of the upper body or an upper portion of the lower body, with a coupling guide protrusion corresponding to the upper or lower pin hole. In an embodiment , the upper body or the lower body may be provided on both sides with upper right and upper left supports or lower right and lower left supports .

In an embodiment, the lower right and lower left supports may be provided with a first spring guide protrusion, and the upper right and upper left supports may be provided with a second spring guide protrusion.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary body may include lower right and lower left support sections on right and left sides, upper right and upper left -support sections separated from the lower right and lower left support sections, 3^rd and 4^th coupling holes provided in the upper right and upper left support sections, and 7th and 8th coupling holes provided in the lower right and lower left support sections corresponding to the 3^rd and 4^th coupling holes.

In an embodiment, the left and right operating frames may respectively include a 13^th coupling hole, a latch step separated from the 13^th coupling hole, a receiving groove provided between the left or right operating frame and the latch step, a first axis coupled through the 3^rd, 7^th, and 13^th coupling holes, a second axis coupled through the 4^th, 8^th, and 13^th coupling holes, and a right or left buffer member disposed in the receiving groove and fixed between the upper right and lower right support sections or the upper left and lower left support sections.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary body may be further provided on left and right upper surfaces or left and right undersurfaces with left or right grooves. In an embodiment, the left or right groove may be further provided with a third or fourth spring guide protrusion.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary body may include upper right and lower right bases on right and left upper surfaces or right and left undersurfaces, third spring guide protrusions provided on the lower right and lower left bases, and fourth spring guide protrusions provided on the upper right and upper left bases . In an embodiment, the left and right footboard assemblies may respectively include left and right rotating sections connected with the left and right operating frames, left and right footboard sections surrounding the left and right rotating sections and rotated in the left and right sides by the same, and left and right wheel sections provided below the left and right footboard sections.

In an embodiment, the left and right footboard sections may be respectively provided with a first footboard plate, a non-slip member provided below the first footboard plate, and a second footboard plate surrounding the non-slip member and coupled with the first footboard plate.

In an embodiment, the left and right rotating sections may respectively include left and right connecting frames connected with the left and right operating frames and having a rotation axis fixedly installed between the non-slip member and the second footboard plate so as to rotate the left and right footboard sections, first and second latch protrusions provided on both sides of the left and right connecting frames adjacent to the rotation axis, first or second latch members fixedly provided between the non-slip member and the second footboard section in such a manner as to be separated from the rotation axis so that it contacts the first or second latch protrusion and is engaged with the same according to a rotating direction of the left and right footboard sections, and a fixing bracket provided below the second footboard plate so as to fix the rotation axis and the first or second latch member.

In an embodiment, the first or second latch member may be composed of soft urethane rubber.

In an embodiment, the left and right wheel sections may include first and second wheel connecting frames provided below the left and right footboard sections, two or more wheels fixedly provided between the first and second wheel connecting frames, and a brake member provided between the first and second wheel connecting frames in such a way that it is separated from the two or more wheels so as to brake any one or more of the wheels .

[Advantageous Effects]

As set forth above, the kicktricycle of the present invention has effects as follows. First, it can be moved to a desired destination with minimized quantity of a motion while taking into account a rider's safety.

Second, it is easily operated and thus interests a rider so as to increase reliability of a product and demand therefor.

Third, it is able to turn quickly so that it can easily avoid dangerous situations and assist in developing highly skilled operating techniques.

Fourth, the joint section between the support shaft and the link frame allows the frame to freely operate, thereby easily generating momentum and ensuring free rotation even in a defined space, enabling more dynamic riding.

[Description of Drawings] FIG. 1 is a view explaining a kicktricycle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS . 2 and 3 are views explaining an example of a joint section according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 for explaining the joint section;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3 for explaining the joint section;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view explaining the joint section;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded views illustrating a detail of the joint section;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating another example of a joint section; FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a further example of a joint section;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are views illustrating an example of a left footboard assembly;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating the example of the left footboard assembly; and FIGS. 14 and 15 are views illustrating the rotating operation of the left footboard assembly.

[Best Mode]

Description will now be made of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings . <Embodiment>

FIG. 1 is a view explaining a kicktricycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the kicktricycle 1 is configured such that a front wheel 12 is rotatably installed on a lower portion of a support shaft 10, a steering section 14 is installed on an upper portion of the support shaft 10, a joint section 20 is arranged on the lower portion of the support shaft 10, and a pair of left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R is connected to the joint section 20.

The front wheel 13 is installed on a fork 12, which is mounted in a cap 11, which is mounted on the lower portion of the support shaft 10.

The support shaft 10 may be foldable, but such a foldable construction is not the gist of the present invention so detailed description thereof will be omitted. The steering section 14 is configured as an element like a handle of a common bike, and may further include a brake lever 15.

The brake lever 15 includes a wire and a brake member 150 to be described later which is arranged on the pair of left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R. The wire applies the brake on wheels of the left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R under the operation of the brake lever 15.

The joint section 20 allows that when seen in a front view, the left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R swivel in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and when artificial external force is removed, they return to their initial states.

Further, when seen in a plan view, the joint section 20 allows the left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R to move in the left and right directions distinct from each other, or vice versa, i.e. and to return close to each other.

Particularly, the left footboard assembly 17L may be constructed such that when it is opening or returning, it is movable solely irrespective of the right footboard assembly 17R.

Like this, the joint section 20 of the kicktricycle 1 of the invention can freely move the left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R in arbitrary directions, and the detailed description and structure of this will be described later.

Here, the joint section 20, which is adaptable to the kicktricycle 1 of the invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views explaining an example of the joint section 20 of the kicktricycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the joint section 20 of the kicktricycle 1 is configured such that a main body 30 is rotatably installed on the support shaft 10, an auxiliary body 70 is rotatably installed at the back of the main body 30, and a left frame 94L or a light frame 94R is rotatably installed on the auxiliary body 70. A left operating frame 16L extends from the left frame 94L, and a right operating frame 16R extends from the right frame 94R.

The left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R are installed on the left and right operating frames 16L and 16R, respectively.

The construction of the main body 30 rotatably installed on the support shaft 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 6, and 7.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 for explaining the joint section 20 of the kicktricycle 1, FIG. 6 is an exploded view explaining the joint section 20, and FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating a detail of the joint section of FIG. 6.

In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates the joint section 20 in two groups consisting of a first joint group 21 and a second joint group 22 for convenience of description, FIG. 7 illustrates the first joint group 21, and FIG. 8 to be described later illustrates the second joint group 22. On the support shaft 10, a lower coupling nut 61B, a lower bearing 6OB, a lower body 40, the main body 30, an upper body 50, an upper bearing 6OT, and an upper coupling nut 61T are arranged in order as listed from the upper portion of the fixing cap 11. The lower and upper coupling nuts 61B and 61T are coupled to the support shaft 10 so as to fix the upper body 50, the main body 30, and the lower body 40.

The upper and lower bearings 6OT and 6OB allow the upper body 50, the main body 30, and the lower body 40 to freely rotate on the support shaft 10.

The main body 30 is provided with a coupling tap 32T in a direction parallel with a first installing hole 31 as detailed in FIG. 7. Here, the coupling tap 32T may be constructed such that it is drilled or formed with a tap going to a certain depth.

Particularly, when the coupling tap 32T is formed to a certain depth in the main body 30, it can be made symmetric in a vertical direction.

The main body 30 may be provided on an upper surface and an undersurface with an upper pin hole 35T and a lower pin hole 35B.

A main tap 33 is provided on a side of the main body 30 such that, when the main body 30 is viewed in a plan view, a thickness in the side of the main tap 33 relative to the first installing hole 31 may be thicker than the other side, so that the main tap 33 can be formed more longer.

That is, the main tap 33 is formed more longer so that it can be coupled with a main axis 101 to be described later in a tighter and firmer manner. The lower body 40 and the upper body 50 may be symmetric with each other from the side view.

The lower body 40 includes a second installing hole at the center, and a first installing hole 42 at a position corresponding to the coupling tap 32T of the main body 30.

On the upper surface of the lower body 40, a coupling guide protrusion 45 is formed at a position corresponding to the lower pin hole 35B of the main body 30. The coupling guide protrusion 45 serves as a guide for facilitating the assembly of the main body 30 and the lower body 40. The coupling guide protrusion 45 fixedly connects the upper body 50, the lower body 40, and the main body 30 with each other, and it may obviously be replaced by other connection means. At the back of the lower body 40, lower right and lower left supports 43R and 43L are provided.

On the upper surfaces of the lower right and lower left supports 43R and 43L, first spring guide protrusions 44 or grooves which are not illustrated in detail, but which receive lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL to be described later, may be provided.

The first spring guide protrusion 44 serves to prevent the lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL from becoming haphazardly disconnected therefrom. Here, the spring guide protrusion may be replaced with other means.

The upper body 50 is of the same construction as the lower body 40, and symmetric with the same from the side view.

That is, since the construction of the upper body 50 is substantially identical to that of the lower body 40, the overlapped construction will not be described.

In the connection with the main body 30, the lower body 40 or the upper body 50 is fitted with the main body, and then the lower or upper coupling bolt 62B or 62T is screwed to the coupling tap 32T via the first or second coupling hole 42 or 52.

That is, the lower or upper body 40 or 50 is fixedly coupled onto the main body 30 by means of the lower or upper coupling bolt 62B or 62T.

The construction of the auxiliary body 70 rotatably installed at the back of the main body 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8.

The main axis 101 is fixed to the main tap 33 provided on the side of the main body 30, and the auxiliary body 70 is rotatably installed on the main axis 101.

Further, the auxiliary body 70 is provided at the center with an axis hole 71 in which a plurality of 3^rd and 4^th bearings 99a and 99b is installed so as to allow the auxiliary body 70 to rotate in the main axis

101 in a smoother manner.

On an outer side of the 3^rd bearing 99a arranged in the direction of the main body 30, a bearing column 100 is further arranged, preventing the 3^rd bearing 99a from being haphazardly disconnected from the inside of the auxiliary body 70.

Although not illustrated in detail, the main axis 101 (which has been coupled with the main body 30) may be prevented from being released from the main body by means of screw-lock means. As the screw- lock means, the main axis may be permanently welded into the first installing hole 31 of the main body 30, or otherwise a pin may be fitted into both the main body 30 and the main axis 101. Further, the main axis 101 can be coupled into the main body 30 by using an adhesive applied to a screw section of the main axis 101.

The construction for rotatably installing the left and right frames 94L and 94R onto the auxiliary body 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8.

The left and right frames 94L and 94R are installed onto the left and right sides of the auxiliary body 70, and the construction for fixing the left and right frames 94L and 94R is symmetric relative to the main axis 101 from a plan view perspective.

The auxiliary body 70 is provided in left and right upper surfaces with left and right grooves 78L and 78R, and although not illustrated in detail, the auxiliary body 70 may be provided on left and right undersurfaces with other grooves symmetric with the left and right grooves 78L and 78R when seen from the front .

Further, although not illustrated in detail, spring guide protrusions may be directly formed on the right and left grooves 78R and 78L. The auxiliary body 70 is provided with lower right and lower left support sections 72R and 72L, which are symmetric relative to right and left sides as seen from the front . Further, upper right and upper left support sections 73R and 73L are disposed upwards from the lower right and lower left support sections 72R and 72L.

The upper right and upper left support sections 73R and 73L are respectively provided with 3^rd and 4^th coupling holes 77a and 77b.

Further, the lower right and lower left support sections 72R and 72L are respectively provided with 7^th and 8^th coupling holes 75a and 75b corresponding to the 3^rd and 4^th coupling holes 77a and 77b. The 7^th and 8^th coupling holes 75a and 75b may be provided with taps such as an internal screw.

The upper right and upper left support sections

73R and 73L are respectively provided with 5^th and 6^th coupling holes 76a and 76b in the outside of the 3^rd and 4^th coupling holes 77a and 77b when seen in a plan view .

The lower right and lower left support sections 72R and 72L are respectively provided with first and second taps 74a and 74b corresponding to the 5^th and 6^th coupling holes 76a and 76b.

Further, on the opposite upper sides of the auxiliary body 70, separate upper right and upper left bases 90TR and 90TL are further arranged, and on the opposite lower sides of the auxiliary body 70, separate lower right and lower left bases 90BR and 90BL are further arranged.

The upper right and upper left bases 90TR and

90TL are symmetric with each other, and the lower right and lower left bases 90BR and 90BL are also symmetric with each other. That is, the upper left base 90TL and the lower right base 90BR have the same construction, but are arranged opposite each other.

The lower right and lower left bases 90BR and

90BL, and the upper right and upper left bases 90TR and 90TL may be respectively provided on their outer surfaces with 3^rd and 4^th spring guide protrusions 91a and 91b.

The 3^rd spring guide protrusions 91a are fitted into the lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL so as to prevent them from being haphazardly disconnected therefrom.

The upper right and upper left compression springs 93TR and 93TL and the lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL may also be hereinafter referred to as "plural compression springs" for convenience of description. The 4^th spring guide protrusions 91b are fitted into the upper right and upper left compression springs 93TR and 93TL so as to prevent them from being haphazardly disconnected therefrom. Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9, the upper right and upper left compression springs 93TR and 93TL may be arranged slantwise in a trapezoidal shape as seen from the front or rear sides.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 10, the lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL may be arranged slantwise in an inverted- trapezoidal shape as seen from the front or rear sides.

That is, the upper right and lower left compression springs 93TR and 93BL may be arranged parallel with each other, as may also be the upper left and lower right compression springs 93TL and 93BR.

The upper right and upper left compression springs 93TR and 93TL are arranged in a trapezoidal shape, and the lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL are arranged in an inverted- trapezoidal shape.

Such a trapezoidal or inverted-trapezoidal shape is provided so that, when the auxiliary body 70 is swiveled around the main axis 101, stress to be applied to the plural compression springs is applied to the compression springs in a lengthwise direction. Thus, although stress occurs when the auxiliary body 70 irregularly rotates around the main body 30 during running of the kicktricycle, the compression springs can passively endure the stress. The above-mentioned springs may be replaced with a hydraulic or gas shock-absorber, a leaf spring or the like.

The upper right base 90TR, the upper left base 90TL, the lower right base 90BR, and the lower left base 90BL may be provided with 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th coupling holes 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d, which may be positioned corresponding to the 3^rd and 4^th coupling holes 77a and 77b.

That is, the upper right and upper left bases 90TR and 90TL, and the lower right and lower left bases

90BR and 90BL are composed of a material different from the auxiliary body 70, so that upon the assembly with the auxiliary body 70, they have the texture and shape different from those of the auxiliary body, increasing the feeling of one solid body.

The right frame 94R is disposed between the upper right and lower right support sections 73R and 72R.

The right frame 94R is provided with a vertical

13^th coupling hole 95, the circumference of which is provided with a latch step 96, and a receiving groove

97 is formed between the latch step 96 and the front portion of the right frame 94R.

That is, the right frame 94R is fitted between the upper right and lower right support sections 73R and 72R such that the 13^th coupling hole 95 corresponds to the 3^rd and 7^th coupling holes 77a and 75a, wherein a first axis 103a is inserted into the 3rd coupling hole.. The first axis 103a may be press-fitted into the 7^th coupling hole at its end part.

On the other hand, the end part of the first axis 103a may be formed with an external screw, and the 7^th coupling hole 75a may be provided with a tap. Here, the first axis 103a may be coupled through the 3^rd coupling hole 77a.

Further, the end part of the first axis 103a may be formed with an external screw, and a separate nut may be further formed at the outside of the 7^th coupling hole 75a. Here, the first axis 103a may be coupled with the separate nut .

Meanwhile, the left frame 94L has the same construction as the right frame 94R, wherein those constructions are symmetric with each other, so that detailed description on the left frame 94L will be omitted.

A right buffer member 98R may be installed in front of the right frame 94R.

The right buffer member 98R may be composed of an excellent shock-absorbable material like a tube body, such as rubber, urethane or the like.

That is, the right buffer member 98R is coupled between the upper right and lower right support sections 73R and 72R such that it corresponds to the

5^th coupling hole 76a and the first tap 74a, and the coupling is carried out by fitting a first coupling bolt 102a into the first tap 74a via the 5^th coupling hole 76a. The right buffer member 98R may be disposed in the receiving groove 97 of the right frame 94R as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Here, since FIG. 7 only illustrates an example of assembly of the upper and lower bodies 50 and 40 onto the upper and lower portions of the main body 30, the invention is not limited to a structure such as that depicted in FIG. 7.

For example, although FIG. 7 illustrates that the upper and lower bodies 50 and 40 are respectively assembled onto the upper and lower portions of the main body 30, it is possible to implement the assembly only between the main body 30 and the upper body 50 as illustrated in FIG. 9, and only between the main body

30 and the lower body 40 as illustrated in FIG. 10. That is, the embodiment of FIG. 9 is configured such that when the auxiliary body 70 returns to its initial horizontal state, a restoration force is generated by the upper right and upper left compression springs 93TR and 93TL.

Further, the embodiment of FIG. 10 is configured such that when the auxiliary body 70 returns to its initial horizontal state, a restoration force is generated by the lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are views illustrating an example of the left footboard assembly, FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating the example of the left footboard assembly, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are views illustrating the rotating operation of the left footboard assembly.

The right and left footboard assemblies of the kicktricycle of the invention are symmetric with each other. Therefore, only the left footboard assembly will be described as an example for convenience of description.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 15, the left footboard assembly 17L includes a rotating section 201, a footboard section 221, and a wheel section 241.

The rotating section 201 is connected with the left operating frame 16L. Specifically, the rotating section 201 includes a connecting frame 202, a first latch protrusion 204, a second latch protrusion 206, a first latch member 216, a second latch member 217, and a fixing bracket 212.

Here, the connecting frame 202 is connected with the operating frame 16L, and then a rotation axis 224a is coupled between a non-slip member 223 and a second footboard plate 225 of the footboard section 221 via a hole 203 of the connecting frame.

Here, the rotation axis 224a may be coupled with first or second bearing 213 or 215. The first or second bearing 213 or 215 serves to furthermore support the footboard section 221 and increase the coupling force on the connecting frame 202, efficiently rotating the connecting frame 202.

The first and second latch protrusions 204 and 206 are installed on both sides of the connecting frame 202 adjacent to the rotation axis 224a.

The first or second latch member 216 or 217 is disposed between the non-slip member 223 and the second footboard plate 225 of the footboard section 221 such that it is separated from the rotation axis 224a. Here, a first or second rotating sub-axis 224b or 224c is fixedly coupled with the first or second latch member 216 or 217.

The first or second latch member 216 or 217 comes into contact and engages with the first or second latch protrusion 204 or 206 according to the rotation direction of the footboard section 221. Here, the first or second latch member 216 or 217 is preferably composed of soft urethane rubber.

The fixing bracket 218 is installed below the second footboard plate 225 by means of first and second coupling bolts 219 and 220 such that the rotation axis

224a and first and second rotation sub-axes 224b and

224c are mounted thereto.

The footboard section 221 is installed to surround the rotating section 201 such that it is horizontally rotatable by means of the rotating section 201.

Here, the footboard section 221 includes a first footboard plate 222, the non-slip member 223, and the second footboard plate 225. The first footboard plate 222 is provided so that a rider can lay his leg thereon, and the non-slip member is installed below the first footboard plate 222 so as to prevent the rider from slipping off the footboard plate. The second footboard plate 225 is positioned below the non-slip member 223 and is coupled with the first footboard plate 222 while surrounding the non- slip member 223.

Here, the first footboard plate 222 and the non- slip member 223 may be respectively provided with a coupling groove 222a and a coupling protrusion 223a, and the first footboard plate 222, the non-slip member 223, and the second footboard plate 225 are coupled together by means of a boss 226 and 3^rd and 4^th coupling bolts 227 and 228. The wheel section 241 is installed below the footboard section 221. The wheel section 241 includes a first wheel connecting frame 242, a second wheel connecting frame 244, a wheel 246, and a brake member 250. The first and second wheel connecting frames 242 and 244 are separated and installed below the second footboard plate 225, and two or more wheels 246 are arranged between the first and second wheel connecting frames 242 and 244 and are coupled thereto by means of coupling means 247, 248, and 249.

The brake member 250 is disposed between the first and second wheel connecting frames 242 and 244 and is coupled with the two or more wheels 246 while being separated from them, so as to stop any one or more of the wheels 246.

Specifically, the brake member 250 includes a stopper 250a, a brake lining receptacle 250b, a torsion spring 250c, and a fixing pin 25Od.

The stopper 250a is positioned between the first and second wheel connecting frames 242 and 244 and is coupled with the two or more wheels 246 while being separated from them, so as to stop any one or more of the wheels 246.

Here, the brake lining receptacle 250b for receiving a brake lining is coupled onto the front portion of the stopper 250a by a 5^th coupling bolt 251, and the torsion spring 250c is positioned on a lateral side of the stopper 250a and is coupled thereto by the fixing pin 25Od so as to allow the stopper 250a to return to its initial position. Hereinafter, the operation of the kicktricycle of the present invention will be described.

While the kicktricycle 1 is in motion, a rider puts his feet on the left and right footboard assemblies 17L and 17R. The kicktricycle moves forwards in such a manner that the rider forces the left or right footboard assemblies 17L or 17R outwards while laterally moving a handle of the steering section 14 in a zigzag form as if he were skating. Here, when the steering section 14 swivels, at the joint section 20, the support shaft 10 is angularly rotated in the main body 30, turning in the direction of motion.

Further, according to the rider's motion, the left or right footboard assembly 17L or 17R spreads outwards or narrows to its initial position as shown in FIG . 5 .

Particularly, when the left or right footboard assembly 17L or 17R reaches an outermost or innermost position, the left or right frame 94L or 94R is brought into contact with the left or right buffer member 98L or 98R, so that the assembly cannot spread outwards or narrow inwards any further.

Particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a first inner wall 97a or a second inner wall 97a opposite the first wall compresses the left or right buffer member 98L or 98R and absorbs a shock as well.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the center of rotation of the left or right frame 94L or 94R, the first or second axis 103a or 103b is disposed in front of the center of the support shaft 10, and the auxiliary body 70 is installed at the back of the main body 30.

That is, a radius of rotation of the left or right footboard assembly 17L or 17R can be enlarged over that of a conventional kicktricycle of the same size, enabling safer operation.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 9, and 10, the left and right frames 94L and 94R are installed onto the auxiliary body 70 such that when a leading end of the left frame 94L moves down, a leading end of the right frame 94R opposite the left frame essentially moves up .

In order to create momentum during operation of the kicktricycle 1, a rider alternatively and repeatedly pushes out the left and right footboard assemblies as if he were pushing against the ground on the left or right side while transferring his weight to the left or right side. Here, the footboard assembly

(left or right side) which is not loaded with a rider's weight may rise momentarily so as to prevent generating friction with the ground.

As described above, if the rider's weight is placed on the left footboard assembly 17L, the right footboard assembly 17R rises from the ground so as to prevent contact with the same. The change in elevation may depend upon the rider's skill.

That is, since unnecessary resistance owing to friction with the ground is minimized while creating momentum during operation, more rapid speed is achieved. Further, the rising of any one of footboard assembly (left or right side) can be understood to mean that the auxiliary body 70 is angularly rotated from the main body 30, and the rotation can be restricted by stress occurring from the upper right and upper left compression springs 93TR and 93TL, and the lower right and lower left compression springs 93BR and 93BL, which are disposed between the auxiliary body 70 and the upper body 50, and between the auxiliary body 70 and the lower body 40.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the compression springs are disposed on both upper and lower sides and both left and right sides of the body, the compression springs arranged diagonally relative to the main axis 101 are simultaneously compressed and restored. Thus, the plurality of compression springs always endure stress and passively resist relatively great stress, thereby allowing stable operation.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the upper right and upper left compression springs or the lower right and lower left compression springs are disposed, the joint section 20 can be simplified so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced, thereby providing the compact kicktricycle without causing excessive stress to occur.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the left and right footboard assemblies can be laterally swiveled, so that a rider can force them outwards to obtain momentum, with the result that he can reach a desired destination with a minimum quantity of motion.

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[industrial Applicability]

The present invention is applicable to the field of a kicktricycle which is achieved by improving upon a conventional kickboard and it allows a rider to arrive at his destination with a minimum quantity of motion while also taking into account his safety.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim l]

A kicktricycle comprising: a support shaft in which a front wheel is installed on a lower portion thereof; a steering section installed on an upper portion of the support shaft; a joint section disposed on the support shaft; and a pair of left and right footboard assemblies connected to the joint section such that the respective footboard assemblies are able to move outwards or inwards, the joint section including: a main body fitted into the support shaft so as to rotate about the support shaft; a main axis fixed to a side of the main body; an auxiliary body installed onto the main axis so as to rotate about the main axis; and a pair of left and right operating frames connected to opposite ends of the auxiliary body so as to respectively move outwards or inwards.

[Claim 2]

The kicktricycle according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes: an upper body part fitted into the support shaft and fixed to an upper portion of the main body; a lower body part fitted into the support shaft and fixed to a lower portion of the main body; an upper bearing fitted into the support shaft and arranged on an upper portion of the upper body part ; a lower bearing fitted into the support shaft and arranged on a lower portion of the lower body part; an upper coupling nut arranged on an upper portion of the upper bearing and coupled to the support shaft; and a lower coupling nut arranged on a lower portion of the lower bearing and coupled to the support shaft.

[Claim 3]

The kicktricycle according to claim 2, wherein the main body further includes : upper right and upper left compression springs installed at an interval between the auxiliary body and the upper body; and lower right and lower left compression springs installed at an interval between the auxiliary body and the lower body.

[Claim 4 ]

The kicktricycle according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the upper body or the lower body is provided on both sides with upper right and upper left supports or lower right and lower left supports.

[Claim 5]

The kicktricycle according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary body includes: lower right and lower left support sections on right and left sides; upper right and upper left support sections separated from the lower right and lower left support sections ;

3^rd and 4^th coupling holes provided in the upper right and upper left support sections; and

7th and 8th coupling holes provided in the lower right and lower left support sections corresponding to the 3^rd and 4^th coupling holes.

[Claim 6] The kicktricycle according to claim 5, wherein the left and right operating frames respectively include : a 13^th coupling hole; a latch step separated from the 13^th coupling hole ; a receiving groove provided between the left or right operating frame and the latch step; a first axis coupled through the 3^rd, 7^th, and 13^th coupling holes; a second axis coupled through the 4^th, 8^th, and 13^th coupling holes,- and a right or left buffer member disposed in the receiving groove and fixed between the upper right and lower right support sections or the upper left and lower left support sections.

[Claim 7]

The kicktricycle according to claim 5, wherein the auxiliary body is further provided on left and right upper surfaces or left and right undersurfaces with left or right grooves.

[Claim 8]

The kicktricycle according to claim 5, wherein the auxiliary body includes: upper right and upper left bases or lower right and lower left bases on right and left upper surfaces or right and left undersurfaces.

[Claim 9] The kicktricycle according to claim 1, wherein the left and right footboard assemblies respectively include : left and right rotating sections connected with the left and right operating frames; left and right footboard sections surrounding the left and right rotating sections and rotated in the left and right sides by the same; and left and right wheel sections provided below the left and right footboard sections.

[Claim lθ]

The kicktricycle according to claim 9, wherein the left and right footboard sections respectively include : a first footboard plate; a non-slip member provided below the first footboard plate; and a second footboard plate surrounding the non-slip member and coupled with the first footboard plate.

[Claim ll]

The kicktricycle according to claim 10, wherein the left and right rotating sections respectively include : left and right connecting frames connected with the left and right operating frames and having a rotation axis fixedly installed between the non-slip member and the second footboard plate so as to rotate the left and right footboard sections; first and second latch protrusions provided on both sides of the left and right connecting frames adjacent to the rotation axis; a first or second latch member fixedly provided between the non-slip member and the second footboard section in such a manner as to be separated from the rotation axis so that it contacts the first or second latch protrusion and is engaged with the same according to a rotating direction of the left and right footboard sections,- and a fixing bracket provided below the second footboard plate so as to fix the rotation axis and the first or second latch member.