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Title:
PARENT AND CHILD PEDAL -LESS CYCLE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/001130
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The inventions are series of designs in Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycles and Baby Carriers. There are four designs altogether, a five-wheel version of a parent and child cycle and a five- wheel version of a baby carrier, both comprising; 2 central wheels, two side supporting retractable wheels, foldable rear single wheeled platforms and handlebars with specially designed frames, wherein the front child handlebars and rear parent handlebars in the pedal- less cycle are connected by universal joint system, and wherein the rotary motion is transmitted from the rear handlebars to the front wheel by the foot propelling parent, the child on board being conveyed by the parent who stands on one leg on the specially adapted foldable rear platform while propelling with the other leg, and wherein a child cycle seat is mounted on the specially adapted frame in the cycle version and baby cradle mounted on the specially adapted frame in the carrier version. Two further designs of the present inventions of parent and child pedal-less cycle and baby carrier are also provided comprising; 3-wheel pedal-less cycle and a tree-wheel baby carrier wherein the rear parent handlebars and the front child handlebars in the cycle version are connected by 3 sections of drive shafts linked by universal joint system, wherein the rotary motion is transferred with the use of the specially adapted rear handlebars, and wherein propulsive power to convey the seated child is provided by the parent with the use of the specially adapted rear platform and handlebars, and wherein a child seat is mounted on the specially adapted frame in the cycle version and a baby cradle is mounted on the specially adapted frame in the carrier version.

Inventors:
ONIPEDE SYMEON (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2009/051022
Publication Date:
January 06, 2011
Filing Date:
August 14, 2009
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ONIPEDE SYMEON (GB)
International Classes:
B62H7/00; B62B5/00; B62K3/00; B62K5/04; B62B5/08
Domestic Patent References:
WO2008102023A12008-08-28
Foreign References:
JP2005096500A2005-04-14
US20050098972A12005-05-12
DE20316868U12003-12-24
EP1346900A12003-09-24
US1399833A1921-12-13
DE202006015865U12007-01-11
DE9205475U11992-06-25
JP2003312562A2003-11-06
US2907372A1959-10-06
US6530589B12003-03-11
US5338204A1994-08-16
DE10355161A12004-12-23
GB2195298A1988-04-07
US20010033069A12001-10-25
US20030034632A12003-02-20
DE202008011886U12008-11-06
SE67307C1
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Claims:
CLAIMS and amendments Re: Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycles and Baby Carriers

Application No: {GB0912561.8} PCT/GB2009/051022

1. A Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle with four optional designs and variations on the idea of Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycles wherein the first option consists of a child's seat, with handlebars and footrests for the child, which are mounted on a frame with two main wheels and two retractable side supporting wheels, and a foldable rear single wheeled platform and rear handlebars attached to the main frame for the parent's use;

wherein the second option consists of a cradle mounted on a similar frame of the five wheeled parent and child pedal-less cycle in place of a cycle seat;

wherein the third option consists of a three wheeled parent and child pedal-less cycle with a cycle seat, retractable footrest and handlebars for the child, and then a rear platform and handlebars for the parent, wherein all are mounted on a frame supported by three wheels; wherein the fourth variation consists of a cradle optionally mounted on a similar three wheel supported frame in place of a cycle seat;

wherein the seated child in the first and third options holds on to handlebars with feet firmly on retractable footrests while propulsive power is provided by the parent who stands on the rear wheeled platform on one foot while propelling the cycle with the other foot and using the rear handlebars to steer the cycle through the use of a universal joint system by which the parents' handlebars are connected to a front wheel fork, such that rotary motion is provided;

wherein the child on board the parent and child pedal-less cycle in options two and four are strapped onto the optionally mounted cradle.

2. A Parent and Child pedal-less cycle according to claim (1) with foldable single rear wheeled platform and retractable supporting side wheels so that the parent and child pedal-less cycle is thus convertible into a child pedal-less cycle in which the child can be gently pushed along ground surfaces.

3. A Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle/Stroller with optionally mounted cradle, foldable single rear wheeled-platform and retractable supporting side wheels as claimed in claim 1 such that the pedal-less foot-propelling cycle is thus converted into a baby buggy that can be gently pushed along ground surface.

4. A Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle according to claim 1 with retractable parent handlebars, foldable single rear wheeled-platform and retractable child footrests so that the device is thus converted into a pedal-less cycle for the child alone.

5. A Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle according to claims 1 and 4 with removable rear wheeled-platform and child footrests, and retractable parent's rear handlebars, so that the device is thus converted into a pedal-less cycle on which the child can go solo.

6. A Parent and Child Pedal-less five wheel Cycle and three wheel cycle according to claim 1 wherein the child's attempts to steer the Cycle with the use of the front handlebars is overridden by the parent's steering effort with the use of the rear handlebars which are linked to the front fork by the universal joint units, as well as with the brakes.

7. A versatile Parent and child Pedal-less Cycle as claimed in claim 1 that is essentially a three in one, i.e.;

(a) a parent and child pedal-less cycle cum scooter

(b) a parent pushing child's pedal-less cycle, and

(c) a child alone pedal-less cycle.

8. A three wheeled Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle as claimed in claim 1 with optionally mounted cradle in place of a cycle seat wherein the parent provides propulsive power with one leg while standing on the rear platform with the other leg.

9. A three wheeled Parent and Child Pedal-less cycle as in claims 1 and 8 comprising of a front and rear handlebars wherein both handlebars are linked by a universal joint system.

10. A three wheeled Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle according to claims 1 and 9 with three sections of drive shafts that are connected by a universal joint system that allow the transfer of rotary motion from the rear parent handlebars to the front wheel.

11. A three wheeled baby carrier according to claims 1 and 8 with 3 sections of drive shafts connected by a universal joint system that allows the transfer of rotary motion from the rear handlebars to the front wheel.

12. A three wheeled Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle with optionally mounted cradle according to claims 1, 8 and 11 with rear handlebars which are adjustable to a second position, thus allowing the parent to gently push a child along ground surfaces, instead of propelling with a non-standing leg.

13. A three wheeled Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle according to claim 1 consisting of adjustable rear handlebars that can be lowered or removed so that the child can propel himself without the aid of the parent.

14. A three wheeled Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle according to claims 1, 9 and 10, with fold out child footrests that are locked in place with a ratchet system.

Description:
DESCRIPTION

PARENT AND CHILD PEDAL -LESS CYCLE

Background:

As a kid I developed the habit of standing on a part of the rear wheel of a child's cycle or tricycle with one leg while providing propulsive power with my other foot and assuming a hunched position over the child cycle handlebars as I proceeded to thrill my little sister, niece or nephew. I was rebuked several times by grown-ups that the child's cycle was neither designed nor invented for the purpose for which I was using it. Now thirty odd years down the line, I have decided to respond to the admonishment by inventing and designing parent and child pedal-less cycles for the purpose I had in mind all those years ago, and much more, with the further invention of the pedal-less baby carriers.

While children generally enjoy the pleasure of cycling and particularly the thrill

and sensation generated through motion, they too often get tired rather quickly as a result of having to propel themselves in order to enjoy the delights of motion and gentle speed. Most adults and parents will be familiar with the not infrequent pleas from children..."Mummy; push, please..." or... "Daddy, more speed!"..."Go faster, faster, faster!"

Children will generally like to go faster on cycles, except that their own pedalling efforts can not produce sufficient power required for the thrilling sensation of gently speeding motion. On the night before the invention, I had observed myself in the magical realm of dreams where I had been drawing bicycle wheels. I woke up to continue my dreamland creative activity, and consequently, these series of designs and inventions in parent and child pedal- less cycle were brought to life!

Following the positive result of a worldwide patent search report I commissioned through reputable members of the Institute of Patentees and Inventors, I was compelled to invest the necessary effort, time, energy and funds on the fascinating inventions.

If ever there are reasonable arguments that the current range of pushchairs, baby carriers and baby buggies are too womanly that they tend to effeminate the "macho man", these series of designs in parent and child pedal-less cycles and baby carriers whereby the baby buggy is thus reinvented would go a long way in solving the problem of the unmanly pushchair, while at the same time effectively providing for the safety, comfort and well being of the child on board. These series of inventions, particularly the Parent and Child Pedal-less cycles further encourage more fatherly participation by promoting shared activities between parent and child. Even so these series of inventions are not aimed specifically at male parents. The arguments in favour of the Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycles, unlike the inspired baby carrier versions, are however more compelling and fascinating.

Statement of invention:

According to the present inventions there are provided Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycles and Baby Carriers comprising; 5-wheel version of a cycle and a baby carrier with 2 central wheels, two side supporting retractable wheels, foldable rear single wheeled platforms and handlebars with specially designed frames, wherein the front child handlebars and rear parent handlebars in the pedal-less cycle are connected by universal joint system, and wherein the rotary motion is transmitted from the rear handlebars to the front wheel by the foot propelling parent, the child on board being conveyed by the parent who stands on one leg on the specially adapted foldable rear platform while propelling with the other leg, and wherein a child cycle seat is mounted on the specially adapted frame in the cycle version and baby cradle mounted on the specially adapted frame in the carrier version.

Two further designs of the present inventions of parent and child pedal-less cycle and baby carrier are also provided comprising; 3-wheel pedal-less cycle and baby carrier wherein the rear parent handlebars and front child handlebars in the cycle version are connected by 3 sections of drive shafts linked by universal joint system, wherein the rotary motion is transferred with the use of the specially adapted rear handlebars, and wherein propulsive power to convey the seated child is provided by the parent with the use of the specially adapted rear platform and handlebars, and wherein a child seat is mounted on the specially adapted frame in the cycle version and a baby cradle is mounted on the specially adapted frame in the carrier version. Description

This invention therefore relates to a number of designs in pedal-less cycles that allow the child to delight in the exhilaration of moderately moving cycle with the added sensation of steering while propulsive power is provided by the parent or an adult positioned on a carefully constructed wheeled platform at the rear of the device.

Unlike the typical cycles for two or three people in which the child is stuck at the rear with slightly limited view of the road ahead, the pedal-less parent and child cycles allow the child to feel he is in the "driving seat" as it were, though the use of a Universal Unit or Cardan Joint system ensures that the steering responsibility, as well as that of providing the rotary motion and propulsive power, belong to the parent or adult.

A further development of the principal idea behind the parent and child pedal-less cycles has also led to the innovative designs in Baby Carriers comprising of the central frames of the pedal-less cycles in Options/Models (1) and (3), but instead of cycle seats, cradles or child carriers are mounted on the specially adapted frames of the pedal-less cycles to effectively take a huge inventive step in versions of baby carriers as shown in Options (2) and (4).

The pedal-less child carriers have the added advantages of

(1) Easing the burden of pushing a baby buggy,

(2) Versatility in that the parent may opt to push in the normal way,

(3) A source of some sort of exercise to the active parent, while

(4) Simultaneously providing some sort of excitement and joint activity for the parent and child.

Option (1) {Malia Model} is a design aimed at parents and children with age range of between 2-6 years.

A Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle consisting of two main central wheels, two small retractable side supporting wheels, and a further single little wheel supporting the parent platform at the rear of the device. The two retractable supporting wheels are chiefly employed to stabilise the device, but they could also be deployed in motion as additional support if the parent needs them. The parent handlebar is connected to the front fork by the use of a Universal Unit or Cardan joint system that enables the transmission of motive power or the rotary motion, and further allows the parent to steer the mechanism from behind and override the attempts of the child to steer while holding on to the child handlebar. Occasionally, the parent may allow the child to steer but the parent does retain master control. The parent adopts a standing and scooting position on the wheeled platform at the rear of the device and the child is seated while holding on to the front handlebars. The child also places his feet on a retractable footrest when the device is in motion. The pedal-less cycle is powered from the rear by the parent who stands with one leg on the rear platform and propels with the other foot. The small size of the rear wheel supporting the parent platform enables the parent to generate propulsion in a gentle manner and effortlessly without huge jerks that might discomfort the child. Possible strain on the parent's back is also negated by the low centre of gravity resulting from the design of the rear platform. The rear parent platform is foldable and the quick release mechanism allows the platform to be locked into the vertical position, thus converted in to a type of pushchair. The versatility enables the parent to push the device particularly in shopping malls and other crowded areas. The parent handlebars are adjustable for comfort and use a braking shaft system that is linked to the wheels. The design is sufficiently compact, and is foldable for easy storage particularly in cars and public transportation systems. The special construction and the method by which the parent platform is connected to the cycle's main rear wheel allows for flexing and much smoother ride on rough surfaces.

Further versatility of the Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle is appreciated when the parent handlebars are lowered or completely removed, the rear platform locked into a folded position or removed, and child footrest removed or folded, such that the contraption is thus concerted into a pedal-less cycle for the child alone. Brief Descriptions of Diagrams on Option 1 {Malia Model} of the Parent and child pedal-less cycle.

Fig {1} Left View page shows the main three wheels of the Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle, the child's seat and handlebars as well as the adjustable parent handlebars with the retractable side supporting wheels, as well as the universal joint system that connects the adjustable parent handlebars with the front wheel fork by which rotary motion is possible.

Fig {2} Right View page shows that the child's footrest are in the down position as well as the side supporting wheels and the rear wheeled parent platform of the present invention.

Fog {3} Front View sheet shows a clear view of the two handlebars with the braking system clearly visible on the parent handlebar.

Fig {4} Back View sheet shows the down position of the side supporting wheels, the adjustable child's cycle seat, and the adjustable parent handlebar.

Fig {5} Top View page shows the parent and child pedal-less cycle with the two handlebars, a child's seat and retractable/removable footrest and the parent platform for providing propulsive power.

Fig {6} Bottom View page gives an indication of the strength of the specially adapted parent platform by way of reinforcement and on which the parent stands on one leg while providing propulsive power with the other leg. Also clearly visible are the side retractable side supporting wheels and the child's feet position.

Fig {7} Front Isometric View page of the present invention shows the child's sitting position with handlebars, footrest, and the parent's position on the rear wheeled platform and adjustable handlebars that allow master control during steering.

Fig {8} Back Isometric View page shows the parent's standing position on the foldable rear platform while holding on to the adjustable handlebars which, with the aid of universal joint system, transmit the rotary motion to the front wheel fork.

Option (2) A Pedal-less Baby Carrier based on the Model (1) Parent and Child Pedal-less Cycle, but with a number of important changes and differences.

The Pedal-less Baby Carrier is a design aimed at parents with babies or toddlers and has a comfortable cradle which is mounted onto the frame devised for the Pedal-less cycle. The carrier has seat belts or restrainers to keep the child in place and for safety purposes. The position of the carrier is adjustable but usually tilted to reclining position. The supporting wheels are particularly useful in stabilising the device when the child is being placed in the cradle. The carrier has a useful bag positioned between the parent handlebars and the mounted cradle as well as a detachable rain cover/sunshade. Adjustment knob for parent handlebars and adjustment knob for the stand/stabilisers are easily accessed from the parent's position at the rear. As in Model (1), the rear parent platform is foldable for when the parent chooses to rather push than propel with her foot.

Brief Description of the diagrams of the Option 2 Parent and Child Pedal-less Carrier.

Fig {9} Left View page shows the pedal-less baby carrier with the foldable platform which when folded allows the parent to push as normal baby buggy, the side supporting wheels that provide stability particularly when loading the child onto the carrier and the universal joint system by which motive power is transmitted to the front wheel fork.

Fig {10} Right view page shows usual position of the crib on the frame with the useful bag between the adjustable handlebar and carrier and the removable rain cover/sun screen on the crib. Fig {11} Front View sheet shows the restrainers/seat-belt and safety guard on the carrier, as well as clear view of the braking system on parent handlebars and the deployed position of the side supporting wheels.

Fig {12} Back View page gives indication of the stability of the child carrier when the side supporting wheels are deployed, shows the foldable rear wheeled platform and adjustable handlebars

Fig {13} Top View page shows the pedal-less baby carrier with handlebars and platform on which the parent may stand on one leg while propelling with the other leg.

Fig {14} Bottom View page shows the 2 main wheels in line with the small wheel of the specially reinforced rear platform, the parent handlebars and the carrier mounted on specially adapted frame.

Fig {15} Front Isometric View Page shows the comfortable sitting or reclining position of the child in the carrier and the position of the parent when the rear wheel platform is deployed. The quick release mechanism that connects the parent platform to the rear main wheel is also visible and it can keep the platform firmly locked in folded position such that the user may push the contraption as a normal baby buggy.

Fig {16} Back Isometric View gives clear position of the foldable rear platform when fully deployed, the position of parent when foot propelling, the removable rain cover/ sun screen on the cradle and the universal joint system by which the rotary motion is transferred to the front wheel.

Option (3) {Sasha Model} is designed for parents with children aged 2-6.

The Sasha model is a Parent and Child Pedal-less Three Wheel Cycle consisting of a front child's seat and a rear parent's platform with adjustable handlebars on a frame that uses the three drive shaft system which are linked with a universal joint system.

The device is powered by the parent who adopts a standing position on the specially adapted rear platform with one leg and propels with the other foot. The rear wheels supporting the platform are much smaller than the front wheel; this ensures a low centre of gravity and allows effortless propulsion and a smoother ride for the child on board.

An added feature to this Sasha model/option 3 is that when the detachable parent handlebars are removed completely, or lowered with the use of the polymer sleeve, the child may enjoy the versatility of going solo as in normal child pedal-less cycle, though in this case, a pedal- less tricycle.

For the purposes of easy storage, the parent handlebars can be removed from the connection point that is lower than the back of the child's seat.

Brief Description of diagrams of Option 3 {Sasha model}

Fig {17} Front Isometric View gives a perspective of the child's handlebars which are directly connected to the front fork, the larger size front wheel and the child's fold-out footrest that are locked in position by a ratchet system.

Fig {18} Rear Isometric view of the present invention shows the relatively smaller sizes of the two rear wheels to the front wheel. The smaller size rear wheels ensure that the parent can effortlessly propel the pedal-less cycle with on leg while standing on the platform with the other leg. The rear isometric view also shows the connection point below the child's seat where the handlebars can be removed to allow the child to go solo. Fig {19} Front View page gives an indication of the strength of the specially adapted parent platform, the little pouch behind the child's seat and the fold-out child's footrest.

Fig {20} Back View page gives a fascinating perspective of the height adjustable parent handlebars with the polymer sleeve which when pulled clear of the universal joint, enables the handlebars to tilt such that the pedal-less cycle is thus converted and can be pushed like a buggy.

Fig {21} Top View page gives a perspective of the relative positions of the parent and child, the three main wheels as well as the handlebars.

Fig {22} Bottom View shows the child's seat and parent platform of the present invention have ribbings to strengthen the polymer which are in turn screwed onto metal frames.

Fig {23} Right View shows the child's sitting position with the fold-out footrest and the parent platform with rear handlebars in upright position.

Fig {24} Left View page shows the parent handlebars and front child handlebars connected by 3 sections of drive shafts linked by universal joint system which allows the transfer of the rotary motion from the parent handlebars to the front wheel.

Option (4) is a three-wheel pedal-less cycle designed for parents with children aged 0-2 years.

The Pedal-less Three-Wheel Child Carrier is based on Option 3 {Sasha model} Pedal-less Three-Wheel Cycle except that the Child Carrier has a mounted cradle instead of a cycle seat. In Sum, option 4 comprises of cradle that can be tilted on to a reclined position, specially adapted handlebars and a rear platform for the parent's use, such that the child, comfortable in the crib, is conveyed by the parent who stands on the specially constructed rear platform on one leg while propelling with the other foot and using the specially adapted rear handlebar to steer through the use of the adapted universal joint system that connects the parent handlebar to the front wheel and thus provides the rotary motion.

The cradle has restrainers/seat belt to keep the child in place, as opposed to the situation in the pedal-less cycles of model 1 {Malia} & model 3 {Sasha} in which the child holds on to the handlebars while feet are placed on retractable footrests. The carrier has a pouch for parent & child's belongings. The adjustable handlebars do have hand braking system linked to the wheels and the parent's handlebars are also completely detachable for storage and transportation.

Brief Description of drawings of the Option 4 three-wheel pedal-less baby carrier.

Fig {25} Front Isometric View gives an interesting perspective of the mounted cradle in an upright position. The child safety guard and seat belts are also clearly visible.

Fig {26} Rear Isometric gives a fascinating perspective of the middle section of the 3 drive shafts that are connected by universal joint system thus allowing the transfer of the rotary motion from the rear parent handlebars to the front wheel. The polymer sleeve that can be pulled clear of the universal joint so that the handlebars can tilt downwards, thus enabling the present invention to be pushed like a normal buggy, is also indicated from this rear isometric view.

Fig {27} Front View page shows the main three wheels, the child's seating/reclining position with the safety belt, and the braking system on the parent handlebars

Fig {28} Back View page shows the smaller two rear wheels supporting the parent platform, the position at which the parent platform is adjusted enabling versatile use of the baby stroller. Fig {29} Right View page shows the good size bag behind the cradle and the relative sizes of the front main wheel and the two rear wheels.

Fig {30} Left View of the present invention shows the mounted carrier in an upright position, also that it can be tilted to a reclining position and the fly nuts along the arched channel can clamp the baby carrier into desired position.

Fig {31} Bottom View shows the ribbing underneath the platform to strengthen the polymer and the specially adapted metal frame on which the carrier and platform are mounted.

Fig {32} Top View shows the three-wheel pedal-less baby carrier of the present invention with the mounted cradle and braking system on the handlebars.