WO2020058864A1

WO2020058864A1 - A folding mechanism for a tricycle

Info

Publication number: WO2020058864A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057847
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoram Baron
Original assignee: Smart Trike MNF. Pte. Ltd.
Priority date: 2018-09-20
Filing date: 2019-09-18
Publication date: 2020-03-26

Abstract

The present invention, relates to a collapsible tricycle, comprising: (a) an elongated center support having opposing ends; (b) a pair of rear wheels; (c) a rear wheel support frame having a first end configured to rotabably support said rear wheels and a second end connected to said elongated center support; (d) a handgrip frame having a first end configured for grasping by an attendant and a second end connected to said elongated center support, wherein said elongated center support and said handgrip frame cooperate to form a closed loop; (e) a pair of main hinges each located on an opposing end of said elongated center support, said main hinges being configured to permit relative pivotal movement between said handgrip frame and said rear wheel support frame; (f) a front end, including a rider handle, a front wheel, and a head tube for rotatably supporting said rider handle and said front wheel; (g) a foldable auxiliary arm, having an inner hinge, for assisting in collapsing said tricycle, which is connected, on one side, to said front end and on the other side to said rear wheel support frame; and wherein said auxiliary arm is configured to fold said front end, in relations to said elongated center support, when said rear wheel support starts to pivot in relations to said handgrip frame, such that in a collapsed mode said handgrip frame lies adjacent to said to said rider handle.

Description

A FOLDING MECHANISM FOR A TRICYCLE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of riding vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a foldable tricycle.

Background of the Invention

As of today, many types of tricycles for children exist. In a typical toy shop one can encounter a number of tricycles differing in size, shape and color. However, due to the relatively large space these tricycles occupy, transporting and storing these tricycles are becoming problems of a major nuisance. This is especially true for carrying these tricycles, for example, in the trunk of a car.

Therefore, an easy and simple method is desired for folding a tricycle.

US 6,966,572 discloses a folding tricycle, which features a front frame element to which a front wheel and handlebars are mounted. A front bracket is attached to the front frame element and a seat bracket, to which a seat is mounted, is pivotally attached to the front bracket. A rear frame element has a pair of rear wheels mounted thereto and is attached to a rear bracket. The rear bracket is also pivotally mounted to the front bracket. The rear seat bracket features a pin that engages slots in the seat bracket. As a result, the seat bracket pivots with respect to the front bracket as the rear frame element is pivoted relative to the front bracket as the riding vehicle is moved between folded and unfolded configurations. However, the described folding technique is complex. US 7,300,066 discloses a folding frame for a tricycle which has a front frame part on which the front wheels can be mounted and a rear frame part on which the rear wheels can be mounted. A rotating joint with a front articulated part is mounted on the front frame part and a rear articulated part is mounted on the rear frame part. The first of the two articulated parts has a first recess and the second of the two articulated parts has a second and third recess. The first recess and the second recess are in alignment in the use position and the first recess and the third recess are aligned in the folded position. The first articulated part and the second articulated part are locked against one another in the use position and in the folded position via a pin which can be moved in the recesses. Nevertheless, the described folding system is inconvenient.

US 9,227,686 discloses a foldable tricycle, having a front wheel assembly, and a mainframe, latched to the front wheel assembly via a front mount. The disclosed tricycle also has a pair of rear wheel assemblies, and a pair of folding ring assemblies coupling the rear wheel assemblies to the mainframe. The described tricycle also features a mechanism for simultaneously unlocking the pair of ring assemblies and unlatching the mainframe from the front wheel assembly so that a single pulling motion on the mechanism unlocks and unlatches the foldable tricycle from an assembled state thereof to a folded state thereof. Nevertheless, the described foldable tricycle is costly to manufacture.

WO 2017/182947 describes a lockable folding mechanism, for a tricycle, having an elongated center support, a pair of rear wheels, a rear wheel support frame, and a handgrip frame. However, the described folding mechanism is cumbersome. Is would therefore be desired to propose a system void of the problems discussed above.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable riding vehicle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tricycle folding mechanism for easy and simple folding and unfolding.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a foldable tricycle that has a foldable parental handle.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a foldable tricycle, where the tricycle folds up into a small package.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

The present invention, relates to a collapsible tricycle, comprising: (a) an elongated center support having opposing ends! (b) a pair of rear wheels! (c) a rear wheel support frame having a first end configured to rotabably support said rear wheels and a second end connected to said elongated center support! (d) a handgrip frame having a first end configured for grasping by an attendant and a second end connected to said elongated center support, wherein said elongated center support and said handgrip frame cooperate to form a closed loop! (e) a pair of main hinges each located on an opposing end of said elongated center support, said main hinges being configured to permit relative pivotal movement between said handgrip frame and said rear wheel support frame! (£⁾ a front end, including a rider handle, a front wheel, and a head tube for rotatably supporting said rider handle and said front wheel! (g) a forward support interconnecting said front end and said elongated center support! (h) a front end hinge, connected to said forward support at a location between said head tube and said elongated center support, and being configured to permit said front end to pivot relative to said elongated center support! (i) a back folding handle for enabling a user to simultaneously disengage the lock of each of said pair of main hinges for releasing said pair of main hinges and for releasing said front end hinge! j) a foldable auxiliary arm, having an inner hinge, for assisting in collapsing said tricycle, which is connected, on one side, to said front end and on the other side to said rear wheel support frame! and (k) wherein said auxiliary arm is configured to fold said front end, in relations to said elongated center support, when said rear wheel support starts to pivot in relations to said handgrip frame, such that in a collapsed mode said handgrip frame lies adjacent to said to said rider handle.

Preferably, the collapsible tricycle, further includes a pair of opposing handgrip hinges on opposing sides of the handgrip frame, wherein said handgrip hinges are configured to enable, in the collapsed mode, an upper portion of said handgrip frame to be pivoted to a position toward a lower portion of said handgrip frame.

Preferably, the lower portion of the handgrip frame has a length that approximates a length of the rear wheel frame.

Preferably, the forward support is substantially orthogonal to the center support. Preferably, the collapsible tricycle, further includes a seat mounted atop the center support and the forward support.

Preferably, the handgrip frame and the rear wheel frame are interconnected through the pair of main hinges.

Preferably, the rear wheel frame includes an axle extending between the opposing pair of arms extending from the center support.

Preferably, the second end of the rear wheel frame is connected to the elongated center support via the pair of main hinges.

Preferably, the second end of the handgrip frame is connected to the elongated center support via the pair of main hinges.

Preferably, both the second end of the rear wheel frame and the second end of the handgrip frame are connected to the elongated center support via the pair of main hinges.

Preferably, the collapsible tricycle further comprises a seat mounted on the forward support, and wherein the front-end hinge is located between the head tube and the seat.

Preferably, the collapsible tricycle further comprises a foldable canopy for protecting the rider from the sun or rain.

Preferably, the collapsible tricycle further comprises a rear brake which can lock at least one rear wheel. Preferably, the auxiliary arm is used as a support for a foot rest.

Preferably, the auxiliary arm has the shape of a wish bone.

Preferably, the front-end hinge is controlled by the back-folding handle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings ^:

Fig. Fig. 1 is a diagram depicting a collapsible tricycle, in its open position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram depicting the lower rear part of the tricycle, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram depicting the elongated center support and some of its related parts, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a diagram depicting the elongated center support and some of its related parts, where parts of the hinges have been removed, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a diagram depicting the tricycle, in a possible first mode, where the tricycle may be propelled and steered by a rider, according to an embodiment.

Fig 6 depicts an isometric view of the collapsible tricycle in the second mode, according to an embodiment.

Fig 7 depicts an isometric view of the collapsible tricycle, where the tricycle may be used for accommodating a sleeping child, according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 depicts an isometric view of the collapsible tricycle, where the tricycle may hold a bassinet for accommodating a baby, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a diagram depicting the tricycle in a collapsed position, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10 is an isometric side view diagram of the tricycle in a collapsed position, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a diagram depicting a front-end hinge when the collapsible tricycle is in an unfolded configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a diagram depicting a collapsible tricycle having 2 front wheels, in its open position, according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 13 is a diagram depicting the tricycle having 2 front wheels in a collapsed position, according to another embodiment.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embo im nts!

The terms“screw” “rivet” ’’pin” and“bolt” may be used throughout the description interchangeably and are meant to include any element that can be used for connecting more than one component, where in some of the cases may allow at least one of the components to rotate, e.g. axis like, in respect to at least one of the other components.

Hereinafter, parts, elements and components that are depicted in more than one figure are referenced by the same numerals.

The terms of “front”, “rear”,“down”,“up”, “bottom”, “upper”, “horizontal”, “vertical” or any reference to sides or directions are used throughout the description for the sake of brevity alone and are not meant to be limiting in any way.

Fig. 1 is a diagram depicting a collapsible tricycle, in its open position, i.e. unfolded configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. A tricycle, as used herein, includes any vehicle with at least one wheel in the front and at least two wheels in the rear. The collapsible tricycle 100, as depicted for example in its open position in Fig. 1, may be collapsed and folded into a small package using a foldable auxiliary arm 410 as depicted, for example, in Fig. 9.

Fig. 1, for example, depicts an isometric view of a collapsible tricycle, which may be propelled by a pedaling rider, in a first mode, or may be propelled by an attendant, who pushes the tricycle, in a second mode. The tricycle 100 may have 2 rear wheels 172 and 173 which may by rotatably supported by a rear wheel support frame 170, for example. The rear wheel support frame 170 may have a first end configured to rotabably support said rear wheels 172- 173 and a second end connected to the elongated center support 211. The elongated center support 211 may have opposing ends. A pair of main hinges may each be located on an opposing end of the elongated center support 211. The main hinges may be configured to permit relative pivotal movement between the handgrip frame 147- 148 and said rear wheel support frame 170.

Embodiments of the invention may include a front end 200, where the front end 200 may comprise a rider handle 150, a front wheel 130, a fork 139 for rotatably holding the front wheel 130, a fork’s stem (not shown), and a head tube 180 for rotatably supporting a rider handle 150 and for rotatably supporting the fork’s stem. The forward 210 support may interconnect the front end 200 and the center support 211. Fig. 2 is a diagram depicting the lower rear part of the tricycle, described in relations to Fig. 1, according to an embodiment. The tricycle 100 may have a back handle 550 for enabling a user to simultaneously disengage the lock of each of the pair of main hinges, such as main hinge 151, of the center support 211, for releasing the pair of main hinges and for releasing the front-end hinge 561 for collapsing the tricycle 100, as depicted in Fig. 9. Thus, the back handle 550 may be used for enabling a user to fold and collapse the tricycle 100.

As depicted, in Fig. 2, the rear wheel frame 170 may include an axle 175 and a pair of arms 176 and 177 extending from the center support 211. The pair of arms, 176 and 177, may each be connected at its upper end to the the main hinges 151 and 152 respectively. Thus, the rear wheel frame 170 may be connected to the elongated center support 211 via the pair of main hinges 151 and 152.

Embodiments may also include a front-end hinge 561, connected to the forward support 210 at a location between the head tube 180 and the center support 211, and being configured to permit the front end 200 to pivot relative to the center support 211. The front-end hinge 561, may be connected to the forward support 210 at a location between the head tube 180 and the center support 211, and being configured to permit said front end 200 to pivot relative to said center support 211. In one embodiment the front-end hinge 561 may have an additional security lock for ensuring that the front-end hinge 561 does not fold unintentionally. The security lock may be a lever or any one of the known locks in the art. - lO -

In one embodiment, a foldable auxiliary arm 410, may be connected, on one side, to the head tube 180, and on the other side to the rear wheel support frame 170. In one embodiment the auxiliary arm may have a shape similar to a wish bone for connection, on one side, to the head tube 180, and on the other side to both sides of rear wheel support frame 170. In one embodiment the auxiliary arm 410 may have an inner hinge for folding. In one embodiment, the auxiliary arm 410 is configured to fold the front end 200, in relations to the elongated center support 211, when the rear wheel support 170 starts to pivot in relations to the handgrip frame 140, such that in a collapsed mode the handgrip frame 140 lies adjacent to the elongated center support 211. The auxiliary arm 410 and the inner hinge will be described in greater detail in relations to Fig. 11. In one embodiment, the rear wheel frame 170 includes an axle 175 extending between the opposing pair of arms extending from the center support. In one embodiment, the auxiliary arm 410 may be used as a support for a foot rest 416.

The forward support 210 may be interconnected to the center support 211, wielded to the center support 211, or connected to the center support 211 by any other means such as bonding, screws, threading, or any other mechanism permitting connection of the forward support 210 to the center support 211. In an embodiment, the forward support 210 is interconnected about the center of the center support 211 and is substantially orthogonal to the center support 211.

Fig. 3 is a diagram depicting the elongated center support 211 and some of its related parts, according to an embodiment. As, described in relations to Fig. 2, the back handle 550 may be used for enabling a user to fold and collapse the tricycle 100. Thus, when the back handle 550 is pulled away from the center support 211, the inner slides (not shown) may be pulled inside from within the hinges 151· 151, respectively, for allowing the hinges 151· 152 to rotate in relation to the center support 211. In one embodiment once the back handle 550 is pulled away from the center support 211, and the inner slides (not shown) are pulled inside from within the hinges 151· 151, the hinges 151- 152 start to rotate in relation to the center support 211 due to gravity. The main hinges 151 and 152 may be configured to permit relative pivotal movement between the lower portion handgrip frame 147- 148 and the rear wheel support frame 170, and the elongated center support 211, such as depicted in Fig. 1. Thus, main hinges 151 and 152 are in fact hinges that may rotatably connect three parts of the tricycle 100, where each of the three parts may pivot in relations to the other two^ (a) the handgrip frame (b) the rear wheel support frame! and (c) the elongated center support.

Fig. 4 is a diagram depicting the elongated center support 211 and some of its related parts, described in relations to Fig. 3, where parts of the hinges have been removed, according to an embodiment. For the sake of brevity, parts of the hinge 151 have been removed and parts of the hinge 152 have been separated depicting an exploded view, in the diagram. On its rear side, slide 541 may be connected, by a cable or in any other way, to the back-folding handle 550. The rear side of slide 541 may also be held by a spring or any other contracting element which can push the slide 541 outwards. Similarly, to slide 541, slide 542 may also have a non-circular shape at its front end, for holding the parts of the hinge in a fixed state for preventing their relative rotation, when the slide 542 is in the outwards position. The parts 552 and 553, of the hinge, may each have a cavity which is a mirror image, or a partial mirror image, of the non-circular shape of the front end of the slide 542. Thus, when the front side of slide 542 is inserted inside the hinge parts 552-553, i.e. outwards, its non-circular shape holds the hinge parts 552-553 and prevents the hinge parts 552-553 from pivoting in relations to themselves or in relation to the center support 211. Other non-circular shapes and other embodiments are possible for locking the hinges 151- 152.

As depicted, in Fig. 4, the front ends of the slides, which form a lock for locking the hinge parts together, such as parts 552-553, disengage from the hinge parts effectively allowing the hinge parts to pivot in relations to themselves and in relation to the center support 211, according to an embodiment.

As depicted in Fig. 1, for example, embodiments may also include a handgrip 140 and a handgrip frame having a first end 146, configured for grasping by an attendant, and a second end 147- 148, connected to the elongated center support 211, wherein the elongated center support 211 and the handgrip frame (146- 148) cooperate to form a closed loop. In one embodiment, this closed loop is generally in the shape of a rectangle with a rounded handgrip end. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the handgrip frame, e.g. the second end 147, has a length that approximates a length of the rear wheel frame 170.

An attendant who is pushing the tricycle from behind may use the hand grip 140 for propelling and steering the tricycle in the second mode. In one embodiment, the hand grip 140 may be telescopically extendable (not shown), for adjusting the height of the hand grip 140 to the comfortable height of the attendant, or for folding the tricycle 100, or for folding the hand grip 140 when it is not in use. In another embodiment, the hand grip 140 may further include a pair of opposing handgrip hinges, such as hinge 141 on opposing sides of the first end 146 of the handgrip frame, wherein the handgrip hinges are configured to enable, the upper portion 146 of the handgrip frame to be pivoted to a position toward a lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame. In one embodiment, release button 149 may be pushed into the handgrip fame for enabling the folding, of the upper portion 146 of the handgrip frame to be pivoted to a position toward a lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame, as shown in Fig. 5. Thus, the release button 149 may be used for folding the hand grip frame, as known in the art.

In one embodiment the hand grip 140 may folded backwards using the pair of opposing handgrip hinges, such as hinge 141 on opposing sides of the first end 146 of the handgrip frame, wherein the handgrip hinges are configured to enable, the upper portion 146 of the handgrip frame to be pivoted to a position toward a lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame. In another embodiment the hand grip 140 may folded frontwards using the pair of opposing handgrip hinges, wherein the handgrip hinges are configured to enable, the upper portion 146 of the handgrip frame to be pivoted to a position toward a lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame.

In the first mode, the rider may steer the tricycle by using rider handle 150 and may propel the tricycle 100 by pedaling the pedals. In this first mode the rider handle 150 may be rotatably connected with the front wheel 130 such that when the rider turns the rider handle 150 left or right, the front wheel 130 turns accordingly.

The tricycle 100 may have a seat 120 for the rider of the tricycle 100. The tricycle 100 may also have a back support 121 for supporting the back of the rider. The back support 121 may be made of plastic, cloth, or any other rigid or soft material or any combination thereof, where the back support 121 may have a plastic part covered by a fabric for example. In one embodiment, the tricycle 100 may have a foldable canopy (not shown) which can be opened for protecting the rider from the sun or rain. The seat 120 may be made of plastic, cloth, or any other rigid or soft material or any combination thereof, where the seat 120 may have a plastic part covered by a fabric for example. The back support 121 may be connected to the hand grip frame 140, by straps, fabric sleeves, loops, Velcro, Tictac or by any other connecting means.

In one embodiment, the seat 120 is mounted on the forward support 210. In an embodiment, the front-end hinge may be located between the head tube 180 and the seat 120.

In one embodiment, the tricycle may also have a rear brake, such as brake 174, which can lock one rear wheel or both rear wheels.

Tricycle 100 may have at least one front wheel 130 which may be pedaled by the left pedal 131 and a right pedal 132 by the rider in the first mode.

Fig. 5 is a diagram depicting the tricycle 100, in a possible first mode, where the tricycle may be propelled and steered by a rider, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment the first end 146 of the handgrip frame is pivoted to a position toward a lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame by pivoting the pair of hinges 141 and 142 located on the opposing sides of the handgrip frame. In this state, when the handgrip frame is pivoted down, the tricycle may be used for the first mode where the tricycle may be propelled and steered by a rider sitting on the seat 120. In one option the canopy 160 may be pivoted down as well by pivoting the pair of hinges 141 and 142 located on the opposing sides of the handgrip frame. In one embodiment the hinges 141 and 142 may be released by release button 149, described in relations to Fig.1, or any other mechanism for holding the hinges in a fixed state, when the tricycle is in the second mode, and for releasing the hinges, for permitting the first end 146 of the handgrip frame to pivot to a position toward a lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame. Embodiments may also include a snap in place release button, or any other mechanism, where the button may be pressed, pulled, turned, etc., for pivoting the hinges 141- 142, and for holding the hinge 141- 142 in a fixed state.

Embodiments of the invention may include a pair of pedals, each pedal configured to rotate the front wheel 130. Numerous types of pedals may be employed constant with embodiments of the invention. Such pedals may include fixed pedals, removable pedals, foldable pedals, or pedals that flip up, retract, or have an otherwise alterable configuration. Thus, as used herein, the term pedal refers to any structure that permits a rider to propel a tricycle using foot power. An example of pedals, consistent with embodiments of the invention, includes pedal 131. In addition, a pedal may be configured to rotate the front wheel 130 a portion of the time, (e.g., during the first mode) when the rider propels the tricycle 100, and may be removable from, disengagable from, folded onto, or otherwise deactivatable during a second portion of the time, (e.g., during the second mode when an attendant pushes the tricycle from behind). Each of pedals may be connected to the center of the front wheel 130, via pedal rod 137, as depicted in Fig. 5 for example. The pedal rod 137 may be continuous and connected to both pedals, or the pedal rod may be configured of two independent sections, each connected to a separate one of the pedals. In a first mode of operation, the propelling factor of pedal rod may be connected, by any mechanical interconnection means, to a rotating factor of the front wheel 130, thereby allowing rotation of the front wheel 130 using the pedal rod. By rotating the pedal rod, the front wheel 130 may be rotated about its center axis, i.e. about the middle part of pedal rod which may act as the front wheel 130 axle. Alternatively, the front wheel 130 may have a separate axle to which one or a pair of pedal rods connects. In the second mode of operation, the propelling factor of pedal rod 132 may be disconnected, by any mechanical interconnection means, from the rotating factor of the front wheel 130, thereby allowing the front wheel 130 to rotate independently from the pedal rod 132.

The pedal rod may include three parts: a middle part located at a center of the wheel 130 and used, among others, as an axle of wheel 130, a right side for connection to a right pedal, and a left side for connection to a left pedal such as pedal 131. In an embodiment the right and left side may be removable from, disengagable from, folded onto, or otherwise deactivatable from the center of the wheel 130, during the second mode.

Embodiments of the invention may include at least one blade configured to support the front wheel in a manner permitting the front wheel to rotate about the front wheel axis. As used herein, the term "blade" includes any structure capable of supporting the front wheel in a rotatable manner. A wheel may be supported, for example, on a single blade or on a pair of blades. For example, Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a blade 139 used to rotatably support wheel 130. When a pair of blades are employed, they are typically interconnected at upper ends opposite points at which they interconnect to the wheel axis and are collectively referred to as a fork (although, as used herein, the term fork may also include structures that have just one blade.) The fork may be formed of individual blades that curve toward each other, or, interconnecting structure may join two individual fork blades.

The middle part of the pedal rod may be pivotally held by the opposing distal ends of fork blades in a manner such that the front wheel 130 is capable of rotating about its center axis. A mud guard 134, as described in relations to Fig. 1, may be disposed near a top of the fork, opposite distal ends supporting the wheel.

The rider may use the rider handle 150, which may be rotatably held by the head tube 180, for turning the front wheel 130 left or right for steering the tricycle.

Fig 6 depicts an isometric view of the collapsible tricycle in the second mode, according to an embodiment. In this second mode the tricycle 100 may be propelled by an attendant, who pushes the tricycle 100, and steers the tricycle right or left. Embodiments of the invention may also include a stem (not shown) configured to extend from the head tube 180 in a manner permitting the stem to rotate, i.e. rotatably connectable to the frame. A stem may be any structure connectable to the fork and that is capable of conveying a turning force to the fork and/or that supports the fork in a rotatable manner. The stem may be rotatably connected to the frame's head tube 180. In one embodiment, the tricycle 100 may have a foldable canopy 160 which can be opened for protecting the rider from the sun or rain. Fig 7 depicts an isometric view of the collapsible tricycle, where the tricycle may be used for accommodating a sleeping child, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the back support 121, which may be connected to the hand grip frame, may be lowered, fully or partially, for allowing the rider to rest or sleep. In one embodiment the back support 121 may be lowered to form an angle of at least 150 degrees between the back support 121 and the seat 120. In another embodiment the back support 121 may be lowered to form an angle of about 160 degrees between the back support 121 and the seat 120. In another embodiment the back support 121 may be lowered to form an angle of about 180 degrees between the back support 121 and the seat 120. In one embodiment the back support 121 may be raised to form an angle of at least 95 degrees between the back support 121 and the seat 120. In another embodiment the back support 121 may be raised to form an angle of about 100 degrees between the back support 121 and the seat 120. In one embodiment the back support 121 may be lowered by up to 60 degrees from its sitting position to its sleeping position. In one embodiment the back support 121 may be lowered by up to 80 degrees from its sitting position to its sleeping position.

Fig. 8 depicts an isometric view of the collapsible tricycle, where the tricycle may hold a bassinet for accommodating a baby, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the tricycle described in relations to Fig. 7 may be used to hold a bassinet 820 for accommodating a baby, in the second mode. The bassinet 820 may be attached to the tricycle using any of the known methods such as screws, rivets, etc.

As depicted in Fig. 2, the collapsible tricycle 100 may include a back handle 550, or any other mechanical mechanism that may be used for folding the tricycle 100. Thus, according to an embodiment, the tricycle 100 may be pulled and folded in one motion. In another embodiment the tricycle 100 may be collapsed and folded in two motions including (a) pressing the release button 149 into the handgrip fame (b) folding the upper portion 146 of the handgrip frame to be pivoted to a position toward a lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame (c) pulling the back handle 550 and folding the tricycle 100. In other embodiments any combination of some or more of the motions described above may be used for collapsing the tricycle 100. In an embodiment, the tricycle 100 may be folded using one hand.

For the sake of brevity, a description is set forth for enabling a user to simultaneously disengage the lock of each of the pair of main hinges 151· 152 of the collapsing mechanism of the tricycle, by pulling the back handle 550. Nevertheless, other mechanisms may be used as well, for disengaging the locks of the main hinges, which are within the capability of those skilled in the art, such as by pulling, pushing, turning, or moving of a strap, belt, lever, knob, handle, switch, grip, button, or any other action using any other control means.

Fig. 9 is a diagram depicting the tricycle 100 in a collapsed position, according to an embodiment. In the collapsed position, i.e. folded configuration, the total measurements of the folded tricycle may be less than 56X45X25cm. In one embodiment, the total measurements of the folded tricycle do not exceed 115cm. In another embodiment, the total measurements of the folded tricycle, without the rear wheels, do not exceed 115cm. In this collapsed position the front end 200 may be in a pivoted position toward the center support 211. As depicted, the front end hinge 212 and the pair of hinges 151· 152 may be configured such that the lower portion 147- 148 of the handgrip frame lies adjacent the rear wheel support frame 170, as also depicted in Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 is an isometric side view diagram of the tricycle in a collapsed position, according to an embodiment. As depicted in Fig 9 the tricycle may be folded and collapsed to a small package where the lower portion 147 of the handgrip frame lies adjacent the rear wheel support frame 170.

In one embodiment the tricycle has a front swivel wheel, i.e. crazy wheel, for easy steerability in the second mode. During the second mode, when an attendant pushes the tricycle from behind, the tricycle may be steered by the attendant from behind by pushing the tricycle left and right and where the front swivel wheel aligns itself left or right accordingly. For the sake of brevity a description is set forth for the configuration of the front swivel wheel. The central axis of the stem of the fork of the front wheel extends in an offset from rotational axis of front wheel by a distance. In one embodiment, the offset distance is in a range of about 15mm and 40mm. As the offset distance decreases with all else equal, so to decreases an ability to turn the tricycle from behind using the hand grip. Thus, in one embodiment, the angle between the stem and the fork is between about 165 and 179 degrees, and the minimum diameter of the stem is at least three times less than the width of the front wheel. This combination of geometries is exemplary of a configuration that may permit an attendant to steer, in the second mode, when the stem axis a leads the wheel axis, or may permit the tricycle rider to steer, in the first mode, when the wheel axis leads the stem axis, as will be discussed later in greater detail.

In one embodiment the stem axis is designed to lead the front wheel axis in the second mode of parental steering control. The leading stem axis, in such instances, positions the pedals further rearward than they would ordinarily be if the stem axis trailed the wheel axis, e.g. as in the first mode, potentially giving rise to a concern that the pedals may be too close to the rider for comfort. However, by employing a minimal angle between the fork and the stem, the peddles may be maintained at a sufficient and comfortable distance from the rider without necessarily having to adjust the rider's position rearward, such as might occur with an adjustable frame (although adjustable frames may be used together with all embodiments of the invention).

In one embodiment, the shortest distance between the front wheel center and the imaginary line of the stem axis is between 10mm-30mm. In another embodiment, the shortest distance between the front wheel center and the imaginary line of the stem axis is between 15mnr40mm. In yet another embodiment, the shortest distance between the front wheel center and the imaginary line of the stem axis is between 15mnr50mm. In yet another embodiment, the front wheel axis is designed to trail the stem axis in the second mode of operation. The figure though is non-limiting and alternatives may be employed, consistent with principles of the invention described herein.

The rider handle, in a first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, may be configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. Rotational coupling and decoupling of the rider handle from the fork may be accomplished in numerous mechanical ways, and the invention, in its broadest sense, is not limited to any particular mechanical interconnection. Rather, any manner in which the rider handle may be coupled and uncoupled to the fork is considered to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. Moreover, the location of a coupling decoupling mechanism is not necessarily critical to embodiments of the invention. It may be located between a rider handle assembly and a stem, or it may be located between a stem and a fork.

The described folding mechanism may be used for folding and unfolding other vehicles as well.

Fig. 11 is a diagram depicting a front end hinge when the collapsible tricycle is in an unfolded configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a front end hinge is depicted such as front end hinge 222. Front end hinge 222 is depicted in its closed position while the tricycle is in its unfolded configuration, e.g. in the first or second mode. As described, in relations to Fig. 1, the front end hinge 222 may be connected to the forward support 210 at a location between the head tube 180 and the forward support

210, and may be configured to permit the head tube 180 to pivot relative to the forward support 210. The front end hinge 222 may have a safety top 232 for covering the release mechanism of the front end hinge 222. In one embodiment the auxiliary arm 410 may have an inner hinge 416 for folding the auxiliary arm 410 when collapsing the tricycle. In this embodiment, the auxiliary arm 410 may be configured to fold the front end, of the tricycle, in relations to the elongated center support 211, when the rear wheel support starts to pivot in relations to the handgrip frame, such that in a collapsed mode the handgrip frame 140 lies adjacent to the elongated center support

211. In another embodiment, in a collapsed mode the handgrip frame 140 lies adjacent to the rider handle 150.

Fig. 12 is a diagram depicting a collapsible tricycle having 2 front wheels, in its open position, i.e. unfolded configuration, according to another embodiment of the invention. The collapsible tricycle 300, may be collapsed and folded into a small package using a foldable auxiliary arm as depicted, for example, in Fig. 13.

The tricycle 300 may have 2 rear wheels 172 and 173 which may by rotatably supported by a rear wheel support frame, for example. The rear wheel support frame may have a first end configured to rotabably support said rear wheels 172- 173 and a second end connected to the elongated center support 211. The elongated center support 211 may have opposing ends. A pair of main hinges may each be located on an opposing end of the elongated center support 211. The main hinges may be configured to permit relative pivotal movement between the handgrip frame 147- 148 and said rear wheel support frame 170.

Embodiments of the invention may include a front end 400, where the front end 400 may comprise a rider handle 150, two front wheels 332-333, a fork 339 for rotatably holding the front wheels 332-333, a fork’s stem (not shown), and a head tube 180 for rotatably supporting a rider handle 150 and for rotatably supporting the fork’s stem.

In some embodiments, the front end may be capable of accepting different forks. For example, the fork holding two front wheels may be taken out from the front end and a different fork holding only one front wheel may be inserted in its place, or vice versa. In one embodiment the stem of the fork may be held or released using a clasping mechanism, held by a spring or any other known mechanism, where the fork and its stem may be released with its attached front wheel(s) and replaced by a different fork and stem with its own attached front wheel(s). Fig. 13 is a diagram depicting the tricycle 300 having 2 front wheels in a collapsed position, according to another embodiment. In the collapsed position, i.e. folded configuration, the total measurements of the folded tricycle may be less than 56X45X25cm. In one embodiment, the total measurements of the folded tricycle do not exceed 115cm. In another embodiment, the total measurements of the folded tricycle, without the rear wheels, do not exceed 115cm. In this collapsed position the front end may be in a pivoted position toward the center support. As depicted, the front end hinge and the pair of hinges 151· 152 may be configured such that the lower portion 147- 148 of the handgrip frame lies adjacent the rider handle 150.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of equivalents or alternatives that are within the capability of those skilled in the art, without departing from the invention or exceeding the scope of claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible tricycle, comprising: an elongated center support having opposing ends! a pair of rear wheels! a rear wheel support frame having a first end configured to rotabably support said rear wheels and a second end connected to said elongated center support! a handgrip frame having a first end configured for grasping by an attendant and a second end connected to said elongated center support, wherein said elongated center support and said handgrip frame cooperate to form a closed loop! a pair of main hinges each located on an opposing end of said elongated center support, said main hinges being configured to permit relative pivotal movement between said handgrip frame and said rear wheel support frame! a front end, including a rider handle, a front wheel, and a head tube for rotatably supporting said rider handle and said front wheel! a forward support interconnecting said front end and said elongated center support! a front end hinge, connected to said forward support at a location between said head tube and said elongated center support, and being configured to permit said front end to pivot relative to said elongated center support; a back folding handle for enabling a user to simultaneously disengage the lock of each of said pair of main hinges for releasing said pair of main hinges and for releasing said front end hinge! a foldable auxiliary arm, having an inner hinge, for assisting in collapsing said tricycle, which is connected, on one side, to said front end and on the other side to said rear wheel support frame! and wherein said auxiliary arm is configured to fold said front end, in relations to said elongated center support, when said rear wheel support starts to pivot in relations to said handgrip frame, such that in a collapsed mode said handgrip frame lies adjacent to said rider handle.

2. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, further including a pair of opposing handgrip hinges on opposing sides of the handgrip frame, wherein said handgrip hinges are configured to enable, in the collapsed mode, an upper portion of said handgrip frame to be pivoted to a position toward a lower portion of said handgrip frame.

3. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the handgrip frame has a length that approximates a length of the rear wheel frame.

4. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, wherein the forward support is

substantially orthogonal to the center support.

5. The collapsible tricycle of claim l, further including a seat mounted atop the center support and the forward support.

6. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, wherein the handgrip frame and the rear wheel frame are interconnected through the pair of main hinges.

7. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, wherein the rear wheel frame

includes an axle extending between the opposing pair of arms extending from the center support.

8. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, where the second end of the rear wheel frame is connected to the elongated center support via the pair of main hinges.

9. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, wherein the second end of the

handgrip frame is connected to the elongated center support via the pair of main hinges.

10. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, wherein both the second end of the rear wheel frame and the second end of the handgrip frame are connected to the elongated center support via the pair of main hinges.

11. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, further comprising a seat mounted on the forward support, and wherein the front-end hinge is located between the head tube and the seat.

12. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, further comprising a foldable canopy for protecting the rider from the sun or rain.

13. The collapsible tricycle of claim l , further comprising a rear brake which can lock at least one rear wheel.

14. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, where the auxiliary arm is used as a support for a foot rest.

15. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, where the auxiliary arm has the shape of a wish bone.

16. The collapsible tricycle of claim 1, where the front-end hinge is

controlled by the back-folding handle.