WO2009120157A1 - Unicycle - Google Patents

Unicycle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009120157A1
WO2009120157A1 PCT/SI2009/000012 SI2009000012W WO2009120157A1 WO 2009120157 A1 WO2009120157 A1 WO 2009120157A1 SI 2009000012 W SI2009000012 W SI 2009000012W WO 2009120157 A1 WO2009120157 A1 WO 2009120157A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unicycle
wheel
axis
rotational connection
turning means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SI2009/000012
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Aleksander Polutnik
Original Assignee
Aleksander Polutnik
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aleksander Polutnik filed Critical Aleksander Polutnik
Priority to EP09726380A priority Critical patent/EP2362842B1/en
Priority to US12/736,232 priority patent/US8381847B2/en
Publication of WO2009120157A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009120157A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K1/00—Unicycles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K11/00—Motorcycles, engine-assisted cycles or motor scooters with one or two wheels
    • B62K11/007—Automatic balancing machines with single main ground engaging wheel or coaxial wheels supporting a rider
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2200/00—Type of vehicles
    • B60L2200/14—Vehicles with one wheel only
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2250/00—Driver interactions
    • B60L2250/26—Driver interactions by pedal actuation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2260/00—Operating Modes
    • B60L2260/20—Drive modes; Transition between modes
    • B60L2260/34—Stabilising upright position of vehicles, e.g. of single axle vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2270/00—Problem solutions or means not otherwise provided for
    • B60L2270/10—Emission reduction
    • B60L2270/14—Emission reduction of noise
    • B60L2270/145—Structure borne vibrations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a unicycle with a motor drive for transportation of a person.
  • Unicycles have been known for a long time.
  • the main characteristic of unicycles lies in that the contact between the riding surface and the wheel of a unicycle is essentially single-point. Riding a unicycle is very demanding, because the user has to balance it in two dimensions: in the riding direction trans versally to the riding direction.
  • the invention comprises a motor drive, a gyroscope serving to generate an electrical signal proportional to the decline of the unicycle's axis from the vertical, and a corresponding electronic control circuit that receives an electric signal from the gyroscope thus controlling the torque or the speed of the motor drive respectively.
  • a user of the unicycle accelerates the vehicle by leaning his body forward. By leaning the body backwards the speed of the unicycle decreases.
  • the first of the two possibilities is less demanding as to the implementation, yet can be performed only at higher speeds of the unicycle.
  • Turning by twisting the body can be archived in a way that the user twists his upper part of the body to one direction, wherein the unicycle is turned to the other direction. This kind of turning requires much skill and training.
  • a technical problem is how to assure a unicycle that is easy to balance in the direction transversal to the riding direction, that will be easier to turn and therefore easier to steer and will thus require less time for a user to master it.
  • a unicycle according to the present invention comprises:
  • a wheel with a drive means that can be an electromotor, an internal combustion engine or any other kind of drive, and a fork, in the branched end of which a wheel is rotatably mounted, and
  • an upper part of the unicycle which further comprises a seat and a support frame.
  • a rotational connection is arranged between the lower end of the support frame of the upper part of the unicycle and the unbranched end of the fork of the lower part of the unicycle enabling rotational movement of the upper part of the unicycle relative to the lower part.
  • Said connection is formed as a plain bearing, a roller bearing or in any other known manner.
  • the median of the unicycle substantially intersects the central axis of the wheel and forms an angle of 0° to 90°, preferably of 0° to 45°, even more preferably of 15° to 25° with the axis of the rotational connection.
  • the intersection of the median of the unicycle and the axis of the rotational connection lies preferably underneath the surface of riding.
  • Turning means is provided for the user to achieve the turning of the upper part of the unicycle relative to the lower part.
  • Turning means is connected to the lower part of the unicycle.
  • Turning means can be connected to the lower part of the unicycle in a fixed manner or by means of a mechanism.
  • a spring element is arranged, whose one end is firmly connected with the upper part of the unicycle and the other end is firmly connected with the lower part of the unicycle.
  • the unicycle is provided with any kind of known gyroscope and a respective electric control system that enable balancing of the unicycle in the riding direction.
  • the user sits on the unicycle and by leaning forward achieves the acceleration of the unicycle. Due to acceleration the body sets to the upright position. By leaning the body backwards, the speed of the unicycle starts to decrease and as a result the body sets to the upright position again. The user can thus change the speed of the unicycle and at the same time the balancing in the riding direction is achieved.
  • the user achieves the turning of the lower part of the unicycle relative to the upper part by applying force to the turning means.
  • the wheel slightly leans.
  • Physical background of the forces involved (gravity force, centrifugal force etc.) in riding the unicycle according to the present invention is very similar to that of riding a bicycle.
  • the user applies force to the turning means in two cases: when he wants to achieve the turning of the unicycle when he balances the unicycle in the direction transversal to the riding direction.
  • the turning means can be activated by the force of feet or arms.
  • the force applied to the turning means causes the turning of the lower part of the unicycle relative to the upper part.
  • the spring element mutually aligns the lower part and the upper part of the unicycle.
  • the task of the damper element is to damp vibrations thus increasing the stability of riding the unicycle.
  • the advantage of the present invention lies in easier turning of the unicycle and in easier balancing in the direction transversal to the riding direction.
  • a practical consequence thereof is that the user learns to ride such unicycle in a substantially shorter time.
  • the unicycle becomes more interesting for a broader circle of users and can even replace a car or other transporting means on short distances in urban districts.
  • a unicycle 1 according to the present invention comprises:
  • a lower part 2 of the unicycle 1 which further comprises a wheel 4 with a drive means, which can be an electromotor integrated into the wheel 4, and a fork 5, in the branched end of which is rotatably mounted the wheel 4, and
  • an upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 which further comprises a seat 6 and a support frame 7.
  • a rotational connection 8 is arranged between the lower end of the support frame 7 of the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 and the unbranched end of the fork 5 of the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1 enabling the rotational movement of the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 relative to the lower part 2.
  • connection is preferably formed as a bearing, which can be a plain bearing or a roller bearing.
  • the median A of the unicycle substantially intersects the axis B of the wheel 4 and forms an angle ⁇ of 0° to 90°, preferably of 0° to 45°, even more preferably of 15° to 25° with the axis C of the rotational connection 8.
  • the intersection of the median A of the unicycle 1 and the axis C of the rotational connection 8 lies preferably underneath the surface of riding.
  • a turning means is provided for the user to achieve the turning of the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 relative to the lower part 2.
  • the turning means is connected to the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
  • the turning means of the first embodiment is formed as a pair of pedals 9 arranged on the fork 5 substantially along the axis B of the wheel 4, one on each side of the wheel 4 of the unicycle 1.
  • the pedals 9 are firmly connected to the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
  • the turning means of the second embodiment is formed as a handlebar 12 arranged in the axis C of the rotational connection 8.
  • the handlebar 12 is firmly connected to the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
  • the turning means of the third embodiment is formed as a handlebar 13 arranged offset to the axis C of the rotational connection 8 and by means of the crank mechanism 14 connected with the unbranched end of the fork 5 of the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
  • the pair of pedals 9 arranged on the fork 5 serves only to support the feet, not to steer the unicycle 1.
  • a spring element is arranged that is formed as a torque spiral spring 10 with one end firmly connected with the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 and with the other end firmly connected with the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
  • a damping element is arranged that is formed as a fluid damper 11 with one end firmly connected with the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 and with the other end firmly connected with the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
  • the unicycle 1 is provided with any kind of known gyroscope and a respective electric control system that enable balancing of the unicycle in the riding direction.
  • the user sits on the unicycle 1 and achieves the acceleration of the unicycle 1 by leaning his body forward. Due to acceleration the body sets to the upright position. By leaning his body backwards, the speed of the unicycle 1 starts to decrease and as a result the body sets to the upright position again. The user can thus change the speed of the unicycle 1 and at the same time the balancing in the riding direction is achieved.
  • the user applies force to the turning means 9, 12, 13 to achieve the turning of the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1 relative to the upper part 3. In the same manner the user balances the unicycle 1 in the direction transversal to the riding direction.
  • the turning means of the first embodiment is formed as a pair of pedals 9.
  • the user acts on the pedals 9 directly by the force of his feet.
  • For turning left/right the user presses the left/right pedal 9 with the left/right foot down.
  • the turning means of the second and the third embodiment is formed as a handlebar 12, 13.
  • the user acts on the handlebar 12, 13 directly by the force of his arms.
  • For turning left/right the user turns the handlebar 12, 13 to the left/right by hands.
  • the spiral spring 10 aligns the lower part 2 and the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 to each other.
  • the task of the damper 11 is to damp vibration and to increase the stability in riding the unicycle 1.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

Abstract

A unicycle (1) comprising a lower part (2) of the unicycle (1), which further comprises a wheel (4) with a drive means and a fork (5), in the branched end of which said wheel (4) is rotatably mounted, and an upper part (3) of the unicycle (1), which further comprises a seat (6) and a support frame (7). The lower part (2) and the upper part (3) are connected by means of a rotational connection (8), enabling the rotational movement of the upper part (3) of the unicycle (1) relative to the lower part (2). The unicycle (1) is therefore easier to steer and to balance.

Description

UNICYCLE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a unicycle with a motor drive for transportation of a person.
State of the Art
Unicycles have been known for a long time. The main characteristic of unicycles lies in that the contact between the riding surface and the wheel of a unicycle is essentially single-point. Riding a unicycle is very demanding, because the user has to balance it in two dimensions: in the riding direction trans versally to the riding direction.
Riding such unicycle calls for much skill and training and this is the reason unicycles are often seen in circus performances. A typical user needs at least a month to master riding a unicycle.
First known unicycles were feet driven by means of pedals. Riding such unicycle is straining and tiresome, yet the velocity achieved is low.
Later unicycles with a motor drive (electromotor or internal combustion engine) and a corresponding control system were developed, said control system being intended to balance the unicycle in the riding direction. Such solution is disclosed in US 3,399,742. The invention comprises a motor drive, a gyroscope serving to generate an electrical signal proportional to the decline of the unicycle's axis from the vertical, and a corresponding electronic control circuit that receives an electric signal from the gyroscope thus controlling the torque or the speed of the motor drive respectively. A user of the unicycle accelerates the vehicle by leaning his body forward. By leaning the body backwards the speed of the unicycle decreases.
As a unicycle is dynamically unstable in both the longitudinal and transversal directions, the control of such system is relatively complicated. With the development of microprocessors and sensors, the problem of longitudinal balancing has been mastered.
Although the problem of longitudinal balancing of a unicycle was satisfactorily solved by the above mentioned solutions, the problem of transversal balancing of a unicycle remains unsolved. Riding such unicycle is not much easier, because maintaining transversal balance is very demanding. Transversal balancing during a ride of a unicycle is achieved by turning. The user has two possibilities for turning the unicycle: by leaning his body in the direction transversal to the riding direction, and by twisting his body.
The first of the two possibilities is less demanding as to the implementation, yet can be performed only at higher speeds of the unicycle. Turning by twisting the body can be archived in a way that the user twists his upper part of the body to one direction, wherein the unicycle is turned to the other direction. This kind of turning requires much skill and training.
Technical Problem
A technical problem is how to assure a unicycle that is easy to balance in the direction transversal to the riding direction, that will be easier to turn and therefore easier to steer and will thus require less time for a user to master it.
Solution to the Technical Problem A unicycle according to the present invention comprises:
- a lower part of the unicycle, which further comprises a wheel with a drive means that can be an electromotor, an internal combustion engine or any other kind of drive, and a fork, in the branched end of which a wheel is rotatably mounted, and
- an upper part of the unicycle, which further comprises a seat and a support frame. Between the lower end of the support frame of the upper part of the unicycle and the unbranched end of the fork of the lower part of the unicycle a rotational connection is arranged enabling rotational movement of the upper part of the unicycle relative to the lower part. Said connection is formed as a plain bearing, a roller bearing or in any other known manner.
By riding the unicycle at constant speed the median of the unicycle substantially intersects the central axis of the wheel and forms an angle of 0° to 90°, preferably of 0° to 45°, even more preferably of 15° to 25° with the axis of the rotational connection. The intersection of the median of the unicycle and the axis of the rotational connection lies preferably underneath the surface of riding.
Turning means is provided for the user to achieve the turning of the upper part of the unicycle relative to the lower part. Turning means is connected to the lower part of the unicycle. Turning means can be connected to the lower part of the unicycle in a fixed manner or by means of a mechanism.
Between the lower part and the upper part of the unicycle a spring element is arranged, whose one end is firmly connected with the upper part of the unicycle and the other end is firmly connected with the lower part of the unicycle.
Between the lower part and the upper part of the unicycle a damper element is arranged, whose one end is firmly connected with the upper part of the unicycle and the other end is firmly connected with the lower part of the unicycle. The unicycle is provided with any kind of known gyroscope and a respective electric control system that enable balancing of the unicycle in the riding direction.
After the drive with the system for longitudinal balancing is switched on, the user sits on the unicycle and by leaning forward achieves the acceleration of the unicycle. Due to acceleration the body sets to the upright position. By leaning the body backwards, the speed of the unicycle starts to decrease and as a result the body sets to the upright position again. The user can thus change the speed of the unicycle and at the same time the balancing in the riding direction is achieved.
The user achieves the turning of the lower part of the unicycle relative to the upper part by applying force to the turning means. The wheel slightly leans. Physical background of the forces involved (gravity force, centrifugal force etc.) in riding the unicycle according to the present invention is very similar to that of riding a bicycle. The user applies force to the turning means in two cases: when he wants to achieve the turning of the unicycle when he balances the unicycle in the direction transversal to the riding direction.
The turning means can be activated by the force of feet or arms. The force applied to the turning means causes the turning of the lower part of the unicycle relative to the upper part.
As the user ceases to apply force to the turning means, the spring element mutually aligns the lower part and the upper part of the unicycle. The task of the damper element is to damp vibrations thus increasing the stability of riding the unicycle.
In comparison with the previously known solutions, the advantage of the present invention lies in easier turning of the unicycle and in easier balancing in the direction transversal to the riding direction. A practical consequence thereof is that the user learns to ride such unicycle in a substantially shorter time. The unicycle becomes more interesting for a broader circle of users and can even replace a car or other transporting means on short distances in urban districts.
Figure 1 : Unicycle
Figure 2: Unicycle with a handlebar
Figure 3: Unicycle with a handlebar with crank mechanism
A unicycle 1 according to the present invention comprises:
- a lower part 2 of the unicycle 1 , which further comprises a wheel 4 with a drive means, which can be an electromotor integrated into the wheel 4, and a fork 5, in the branched end of which is rotatably mounted the wheel 4, and
- an upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 , which further comprises a seat 6 and a support frame 7. Between the lower end of the support frame 7 of the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 and the unbranched end of the fork 5 of the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1 a rotational connection 8 is arranged enabling the rotational movement of the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 relative to the lower part 2.
Said connection is preferably formed as a bearing, which can be a plain bearing or a roller bearing.
By riding the unicycle 1 at constant speed, the median A of the unicycle substantially intersects the axis B of the wheel 4 and forms an angle α of 0° to 90°, preferably of 0° to 45°, even more preferably of 15° to 25° with the axis C of the rotational connection 8. The intersection of the median A of the unicycle 1 and the axis C of the rotational connection 8 lies preferably underneath the surface of riding.
A turning means is provided for the user to achieve the turning of the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 relative to the lower part 2. The turning means is connected to the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1. The turning means of the first embodiment is formed as a pair of pedals 9 arranged on the fork 5 substantially along the axis B of the wheel 4, one on each side of the wheel 4 of the unicycle 1. The pedals 9 are firmly connected to the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
The turning means of the second embodiment is formed as a handlebar 12 arranged in the axis C of the rotational connection 8. The handlebar 12 is firmly connected to the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
The turning means of the third embodiment is formed as a handlebar 13 arranged offset to the axis C of the rotational connection 8 and by means of the crank mechanism 14 connected with the unbranched end of the fork 5 of the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
In the second and the third embodiment the pair of pedals 9 arranged on the fork 5 serves only to support the feet, not to steer the unicycle 1.
Between the lower part 2 and the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 a spring element is arranged that is formed as a torque spiral spring 10 with one end firmly connected with the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 and with the other end firmly connected with the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
Between the lower part 2 and the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 a damping element is arranged that is formed as a fluid damper 11 with one end firmly connected with the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 and with the other end firmly connected with the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1.
The unicycle 1 is provided with any kind of known gyroscope and a respective electric control system that enable balancing of the unicycle in the riding direction. After the drive with the system for longitudinal balancing is switched on, the user sits on the unicycle 1 and achieves the acceleration of the unicycle 1 by leaning his body forward. Due to acceleration the body sets to the upright position. By leaning his body backwards, the speed of the unicycle 1 starts to decrease and as a result the body sets to the upright position again. The user can thus change the speed of the unicycle 1 and at the same time the balancing in the riding direction is achieved.
The user applies force to the turning means 9, 12, 13 to achieve the turning of the lower part 2 of the unicycle 1 relative to the upper part 3. In the same manner the user balances the unicycle 1 in the direction transversal to the riding direction.
The turning means of the first embodiment is formed as a pair of pedals 9. The user acts on the pedals 9 directly by the force of his feet. For turning left/right the user presses the left/right pedal 9 with the left/right foot down.
The turning means of the second and the third embodiment is formed as a handlebar 12, 13. The user acts on the handlebar 12, 13 directly by the force of his arms. For turning left/right the user turns the handlebar 12, 13 to the left/right by hands.
As user ceases to apply force to the turning means 9, 12, 13, the spiral spring 10 aligns the lower part 2 and the upper part 3 of the unicycle 1 to each other. The task of the damper 11 is to damp vibration and to increase the stability in riding the unicycle 1.

Claims

Claims
1. A unicycle (1) comprising a lower part (2) of the unicycle (1), further comprising a wheel (4) with a drive means and a fork (5), in the branched end of which said wheel (4) is rotatably mounted, and an upper part (3) of the unicycle (1), further comprising a seat (6) and a support frame (7), wherein a connection (8) is arranged between the lower end of the support frame
(7) and the unbranched end of the fork (5), characterized in that said connection (8) between the lower part (2) and the upper part (3) of the unicycle (1) is formed as a rotational connection (8).
2. The unicycle according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotational connection
(8) is formed as a plain bearing.
3. The unicycle according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotational connection (8) is formed as a roller bearing.
4. The unicycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the median (A) of the unicycle (1) substantially intersects the axis (B) of the wheel (4).
5. The unicycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the median (A) of the unicycle (1) forms an angle (α) of 0° to 90° with the axis (C) of the rotational connection (8).
6. The unicycle according to claim 5, characterized in that the angle (α) is preferably between 0° and 45°.
7. The unicycle according to claim 6, characterized in that the angle (α) is preferably between 15° and 25°.
8. The unicycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intersection of the median (A) of the unicycle (1) and the axis (C) of the rotational connection (8) lies preferably underneath the surface of riding.
9. The unicycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the lower part (2) of the unicycle (1) a turning means (9, 12, 13) is arranged to turn the lower part (2) of the unicycle (1) relative to the upper part (3).
10. The unicycle according to claim 9, characterized in that the turning means is formed as a pair of pedals (9) arranged on the fork (5) substantially along the axis (B) of the wheel (4), one on each side of the wheel (4) of the unicycle (1).
11. The unicycle according to claim 9, characterized in that the turning means is formed as a handlebar (12) arranged in the axis (C) of the rotational connection (8).
12. The unicycle according to claim 9, characterized in that the turning means is formed as a handlebar (13) arranged offset to the axis (C) of the rotational connection (8).
13. The unicycle according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that turning means (9, 12) is firmly connected to the lower part (2) of the unicycle (1).
14. The unicycle according to claim 12, characterized in that turning means (13) is connected with the lower part (2) of the unicycle (1) by means of a crank mechanism (14).
15. The unicycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the lower part (2) and the upper part (3) of the unicycle (1) a spring element (10) is arranged, whose one end is firmly connected with the upper part (3) of the unicycle (1) and the other end is firmly connected with the lower part (2) of the unicycle (1).
16. The unicycle according to claim 15, characterized in that the spring element (10) is formed as a torque spiral spring.
17. The unicycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the lower part (2) and the upper part (3) of the unicycle (1) a damping element (11) is arranged, whose one end is firmly connected with the upper part (3) of the unicycle (1) and the other end is firmly connected with the lower part (2) of the unicycle (1).
18. The unicycle according to claim 17, characterized in that the damping element (11) is formed as a fluid damper.
PCT/SI2009/000012 2008-03-26 2009-03-18 Unicycle WO2009120157A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09726380A EP2362842B1 (en) 2008-03-26 2009-03-18 Unicycle
US12/736,232 US8381847B2 (en) 2008-03-26 2009-03-18 Unicycle

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI200800064A SI22748A (en) 2008-03-26 2008-03-26 Monocycle
SIP-200800064 2008-03-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009120157A1 true WO2009120157A1 (en) 2009-10-01

Family

ID=40843269

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SI2009/000012 WO2009120157A1 (en) 2008-03-26 2009-03-18 Unicycle

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US8381847B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2362842B1 (en)
SI (1) SI22748A (en)
WO (1) WO2009120157A1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010014938A1 (en) 2010-04-14 2011-10-20 Thomas Rank Motor operated wheeled vehicle has electric drive and limited broad in back, so that drive wheel with disk brake, chain drive with chain protection are controlled by driver
EP2409905A1 (en) 2010-07-23 2012-01-25 Christian Verduron Powered unicycle
RU2456195C2 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-07-20 Павел Сергеевич Сулимов One-wheel vehicle and vehicle stabiliser
WO2012160400A1 (en) 2011-05-23 2012-11-29 University Of Zagreb Self-balancing vehicle having only one wheel or having one segmented wheel, and method for self-balancing control of such a vehicle
USD941948S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2022-01-25 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD958278S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2022-07-19 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD960043S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2022-08-09 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
US11654995B2 (en) 2017-12-22 2023-05-23 Razor Usa Llc Electric balance vehicles

Families Citing this family (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8800697B2 (en) * 2009-09-01 2014-08-12 Ryno Motors, Inc. Electric-powered self-balancing unicycle with steering linkage between handlebars and wheel forks
JP2011068222A (en) * 2009-09-24 2011-04-07 Honda Motor Co Ltd Control device of inverted pendulum type vehicle
US8998232B2 (en) * 2010-01-17 2015-04-07 Shane Chen Recumbant style powered unicycle
TW201132545A (en) * 2010-03-24 2011-10-01 Nat Univ Tsing Hua Individual green-energy carrying device with single wheel and self-balancing function
WO2014031904A2 (en) * 2012-08-22 2014-02-27 Ryno Motors, Inc. Electric-powered self-balancing unicycle
TWI488768B (en) * 2013-03-07 2015-06-21 Nat Univ Tsing Hua Self-balancing single-wheel transportation device
USD739307S1 (en) * 2013-04-30 2015-09-22 Ryno Motors, Inc. One-wheeled vehicle
US9533727B2 (en) * 2013-05-02 2017-01-03 Shane Chen Unicycle with inner leg supports
CN103407532A (en) * 2013-08-26 2013-11-27 刘石创 Single wheel and single rod self-balancing electric vehicle
USD774956S1 (en) * 2013-10-18 2016-12-27 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Auto-unicycle with a safety wheel
JP6107614B2 (en) * 2013-11-15 2017-04-05 トヨタ自動車株式会社 vehicle
US9481423B2 (en) * 2013-12-09 2016-11-01 Shane Chen Single-wheel structure transportation device with extendable walking handle
USD733203S1 (en) 2013-12-17 2015-06-30 Roambotics Inc. Personal robot
USD747668S1 (en) * 2014-02-10 2016-01-19 Shane Chen One-wheeled vehicle
JP6184348B2 (en) * 2014-03-07 2017-08-23 本田技研工業株式会社 Inverted pendulum type vehicle
WO2016106372A1 (en) 2014-12-23 2016-06-30 Razor Usa Llc Powered unicycle with handle
JP2018083431A (en) * 2015-02-24 2018-05-31 株式会社シムスインターナショナル Electrically-driven single-wheel bike
GB2540352A (en) * 2015-07-10 2017-01-18 Artemev Timur Self-balancing powered transportation device
US9796444B1 (en) * 2016-11-29 2017-10-24 Global Win Technology Co., Ltd. Foldable structure of electric vehicle
CN113212622A (en) * 2021-06-24 2021-08-06 深圳百客电子商务有限公司 Balance car, control method thereof and kart taking balance car as power
CN113577797B (en) * 2021-07-30 2024-10-11 北京市杂技学校 Special rotating walking centrifugal automatic tilting table for acrobatics

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE97326C (en) *
JPS4833485U (en) * 1971-08-27 1973-04-23
JPS5689788U (en) * 1979-12-14 1981-07-17
US20060279057A1 (en) * 2003-07-22 2006-12-14 Nihon University Monocycle

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3399742A (en) * 1966-06-23 1968-09-03 Franklin S. Malick Powered unicycle
JPS5516762B2 (en) 1971-09-03 1980-05-07
JPS5836909B2 (en) 1979-12-21 1983-08-12 富士通株式会社 color graphic display device
USD273287S (en) * 1981-08-13 1984-04-03 Evans Joseph M Unicycle
US6561294B1 (en) * 1995-02-03 2003-05-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Balancing vehicle with passive pivotable support

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE97326C (en) *
JPS4833485U (en) * 1971-08-27 1973-04-23
JPS5689788U (en) * 1979-12-14 1981-07-17
US20060279057A1 (en) * 2003-07-22 2006-12-14 Nihon University Monocycle

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010014938A1 (en) 2010-04-14 2011-10-20 Thomas Rank Motor operated wheeled vehicle has electric drive and limited broad in back, so that drive wheel with disk brake, chain drive with chain protection are controlled by driver
DE102010014938B4 (en) * 2010-04-14 2016-09-29 Thomas Rank Motor-driven unicycle vehicle
EP2409905A1 (en) 2010-07-23 2012-01-25 Christian Verduron Powered unicycle
RU2456195C2 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-07-20 Павел Сергеевич Сулимов One-wheel vehicle and vehicle stabiliser
WO2012160400A1 (en) 2011-05-23 2012-11-29 University Of Zagreb Self-balancing vehicle having only one wheel or having one segmented wheel, and method for self-balancing control of such a vehicle
USD941948S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2022-01-25 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD958278S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2022-07-19 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD960043S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2022-08-09 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD1002764S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2023-10-24 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD1013080S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2024-01-30 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
US11654995B2 (en) 2017-12-22 2023-05-23 Razor Usa Llc Electric balance vehicles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US8381847B2 (en) 2013-02-26
EP2362842A1 (en) 2011-09-07
US20110056757A1 (en) 2011-03-10
SI22748A (en) 2009-10-31
EP2362842B1 (en) 2012-05-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2362842B1 (en) Unicycle
US8225891B2 (en) Inverted pendulum mobile vehicle
US8800697B2 (en) Electric-powered self-balancing unicycle with steering linkage between handlebars and wheel forks
US8342546B2 (en) Two-wheeled in-line vehicle with torque generator
US20170363429A1 (en) Two-wheel electric vehicle
TWI713766B (en) Control device for bicycle and electric auxiliary unit for bicycle with the device
WO2012099138A1 (en) Vehicle
CN101417682A (en) Pre and post direction self balance type electric unicycle
TWI832423B (en) Tilt control devices and tilt vehicles
JP2012011995A (en) Vehicle
JP7178604B2 (en) bicycle
JP2006168503A (en) Tricycle
WO2015020685A2 (en) Frame for a human-powered vehicle
JP5458722B2 (en) vehicle
CN105966515A (en) Self-balance electric skateboard car
CN111372840A (en) Vehicle with a steering wheel
JP2011042181A (en) Vehicle
JP7099905B2 (en) Control device for human-powered vehicles and drive system for human-powered vehicles
WO2017057514A1 (en) Bicycle
JP2023137688A (en) Control device
JP2011194953A (en) Vehicle
CN206528569U (en) A kind of scooter
WO2024048529A1 (en) Leaning vehicle
WO2024048534A1 (en) Leaning vehicle
WO2023073855A1 (en) Vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 09726380

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 12736232

Country of ref document: US

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2009726380

Country of ref document: EP