CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/247,095, filed on October 27, 2015, entitled "Whole Body Cycling Scooter and Drive Methods", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a driving and steering (D&S) system or assembly, as well as various vehicles comprising the system. More particularly, the system comprises at least a crank wheel, a double-wheel transmission, a flywheel and a drive wheel assembled with a triangular basic framework. Although a scooter will be used as a representative example to illustrate the invention, it should be appreciated that the present invention may find applications in other vehicles such as bicycle, tricycle, recumbent, wheelchair, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A comprehensive or whole-body exercise is beneficial to the physical well-being of human. As people walk from place to place, their lower body is being exercised. Moreover, traditional bikes and scooters are also leg and foot driven. In contrast, the upper body cannot get the same level of exercising when people are walking, running, and biking, and the upper body may remain flabby and un-toned. It is equally important for people to have strong muscles in upper body such as biceps and pectorals, since muscle tissue at rest burns the body's calories faster than fat does. Therefore, toning people's entire body will create a more efficient way to burn calories and ultimately lose weight.

[0004] There is a need for a hand or arm powered wheeled vehicle that can be used by individuals on the street to exercise not only upper body and lower body, but also improve physical balance and coordination, in addition to serve other purposes such as recreation and transportation.

[0005] Advantageously, the present invention can meet such a need by providing a novel driving and steering system or assembly, as well as various vehicles comprising the system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a driving and steering system (D&S system) comprising a crank wheel for power input, a double-wheel transmission, a flywheel, a drive wheel for power output, and three connecting members. The flywheel and the drive wheel share a common axle. A first connecting member is used to connect the crank wheel and the double-wheel transmission. A second connecting member is employed to connect the common axle and the first connecting member. A third connecting member connects the double-wheel transmission and the common axle. Alternatively, the third connecting member can be used connect the double-wheel transmission and the terminal portion of the second connecting member that is in the proximity of the common axle. A frame connector is rotatably mounted on the second connecting member for connecting the D&S system to the frame of a vehicle. A user or rider can rotate the crank wheel, which drives the double-wheel transmission to rotate, which drives the flywheel to rotate, which drives the drive wheel to rotate on the ground, and to haul the vehicle. The user can steer the drive wheel by rotating the crank wheel using the second connecting member as an actual axle around the frame connector.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle comprising a frame and a driving and steering system (D&S system). The D&S system comprises a crank wheel for power input, a double-wheel transmission, a flywheel, a drive wheel for power output, and three connecting members. The flywheel and the drive wheel share a common axle. A first connecting member is used to connect the crank wheel and the double-wheel transmission. A second connecting member is employed to connect the common axle and the first connecting member. A third connecting member connects the double-wheel transmission and the common axle. Alternatively, the third connecting member can be used connect the double-wheel transmission and the terminal portion of the second connecting member that is in the proximity of the common axle. A frame connector is rotatably mounted on the second connecting member, and the D&S system is connected to said frame through such a frame connector. A user or rider can rotate the crank wheel, which drives the double-wheel transmission to rotate, which drives the flywheel to rotate, which drives the drive wheel to rotate on the ground, and to haul the vehicle. The user can steer the vehicle by rotating the crank wheel using the second connecting member as an actual axle around the frame connector.

[0008] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. All the figures are schematic and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures and discussed below have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Well-known structures and devices are shown in simplified form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

[0010] Fig. 1A schematically illustrates a driving and steering system (D&S system) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. IB schematically illustrates another driving and steering system (D&S system) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates an adj ustable connection between the second connecting member and the first connecting member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 3 illustrates a collapsible D&S system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 4 shows that the position of the crank wheel is adjustable for varying heights of riders in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 5 demonstrates a scooter including the D&S system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a rowing wheelchair including the D&S system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a rowing recumbent including the D&S system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 8 shows an all-wheel-drive rowing bicycle including the D&S system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 9 is the isometric view of a collapsible rowing scooter in an operative configuration (not collapsed) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 10 is the isometric view of a collapsible rowing scooter in a storage configuration (completely collapsed) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 11 is the isometric view of a collapsible rowing scooter in a transportation configuration (incompletely collapsed) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 12 is the side view of a collapsible rowing scooter in an operative configuration (not collapsed) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 13 is the rear view of a collapsible rowing scooter in an operative configuration (not collapsed) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement.

[0025] Fig. 1 A schematically illustrates a driving and steering system (D&S system) or assembly (D&S assembly) in accordance to an embodiment of the invention. The system includes a crank wheel 106 for power input, a double- wheel transmission 107, a flywheel 108, a drive wheel 112 for power output, a first connecting member 104, a second connecting member 160, and a third connecting member 105. For power input, the D&S system may be driven or powered by a hand, an arm, a foot, a leg, or any combination thereof.

[0026] The flywheel 108 and the drive wheel 112 share a common central shaft or axle 150. Drive wheel 112 can transform received torque into tractive force, which generates motion between the vehicle including the D&S system and a tangential surface (e.g. a road), through the force of friction.

[0027] The first connecting member 104 is used to connect the crank wheel 106 and the double- wheel transmission 107. Crank wheel 106 converts the reciprocating motion of the rider's arms or legs into rotational motion used to drive a chain or belt, which in turn drives drive wheel 112 ultimately. For example, crank wheel 106 may consist of one or more sprockets (AKA chainrings or chainwheels), and arms or crankarms to which hand grips or foot pedals attach. Crank wheel 106 may be connected to first connecting member 104 by the bottom bracket.

[0028] The second connecting member 160 is employed to connect the common axle 150 and the first connecting member 104. in one embodiment as shown in Panel (a), the third connecting member 105 connects the double-wheel transmission 107 and the common axle 150. In another embodiment as shown in Panel (b), the third connecting member 105 connects the double-wheel transmission 107 and the terminal portion of the second connecting member 1 0 that is in the proximity of the common axle 150. A frame connector 170 is rotatably mounted on the second connecting member 160 for connecting to the frame 180 of a vehicle. Frame connector 170 may be fixedly secured to frame 180, but it may be removably secured to frame 180 as well. Generally, frame 180 has a front, a rear, and a support platform to support a standing or sitting user. The frame may be fabricated from metal tubing and covered with a wood or metal platform. At least one rear wheel is rotatably mounted to the rear of the frame. For example, two rear wheels can provide greater balance and stability. Drive wheel 112 is generally the front wheel that rotatably mounted to the lower end of second connecting member 160.

[0029] A mechanism to drive and turn the vehicle is implemented in the invention. For example, a user can rotate the crank wheel 106, which causes rotation of the double-wheel transmission 107, which causes rotation of the flywheel 108 and the attached drive wheel 112. The user can steer the drive wheel 112 by rotating the crank wheel 106 using the second connecting member 160 as an actual axle around the frame connector 170.

[0030] In various embodiments, second connecting member 160 comprises a fork/steerer and a stem-in-tube structure, which is extended from the fork/steerer, and the stem can slide or telescope inside the tube to adjust the length of second connecting member An adjustable collar may be mounted on the first connecting member 104, and the position of the adjustable collar can be adjusted along the first connecting member 104. The second connecting member 160 connects to the first connecting member 104 via a quick release such as a short skewer that links the adjustable collar and the stem. When the quick release is released, the adjustable collar and the stem are disconnected from each other. The first connecting member 104 can then be folded toward the third connecting member 105, which can then be folded toward second connecting member 160. A safety device may be used to link the first connecting member 104 and the second connecting member 160 to prevent unexpected separation of the two.

[0031] Fig. IB and Fig. 2 are illustrative views of a D&S system embodying the design of Fig. 1A. Referring to the figures, head tube 01 is an example of frame connector 170. First chainstay 04 or 04 A and second chainstay 05 or 05 A are examples of first and third connecting members 104 and 105, respectively. Second connecting member 160 includes fork/steerer 02 and a stem-inside- tube structure 03 or 03A, in which a stem can slide or telescope up and down inside the tube to adjust the length of second connecting member 160 for varying heights of riders. Head tube 01 is mounted on fork/steerer 02, which is connected to a stem-inside-tube structure 03 or 03 A. The end of the stem of 03 or 03 A is connected to first chainstay 04/04A. Atop end bottom bracket spindle is used to connect crank wheel 06 and crank arms 11. A bottom end bottom bracket spindle connects to double-wheel transmission 07, and the bottom bracket shell connects to the top end of second chainstay 05/05A. The bottom end of second chainstay 05/05A is connected to the lower ends of fork/steerer 02. A double chainstay structure is thus formed, and the structure can accommodate a double chain or double belt power driver system. First chain or first belt 09 operatively connects crank wheel 06 to double wheel transmission 07 and transmits/transfers power therebetween. Second chain or second belt 10 operatively connects double wheel transmission 07 to flywheel 08 and drive wheel 12, and transmits/transfers power therebetween. Desired power and speed can thus be delivered to drive wheel 12 on the ground.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the D&S system of the invention can be improved by adding some features of adjustment and foldability. Referring to Fig. 2, an adjustable collar 13 may be mounted on first chainstay 04/04 A, and may adjust its position on the chainstay to adjust the height of crank wheel 06. Adjustable collar 13 may have a connection structure on the bottom bracket to accept a pivot connection with the head of stem in 03/03 A. A quick release 35 is used to conveniently and quickly connect and release the adjustable collar 13 and chainstay 04/04A from the head of stem in 03/03 A.

[0033] Double-wheel transmission 107 may function as a hinge assembly that permits the first connecting member 104 to fold back on second connecting member 160, making the vehicle into a more compact form. Angular adjustment of the first connecting member 104 relative to second connecting member 160 can thus be carried out. Such angular adjustment can reduce the overall height of the D&S system and increase the portability thereof. Fig. 3 shows how the D&S system of the invention is folded. When the quick release 35 is released, first chainstay 04A will be able to pivot over the axle connecting bottom bracket with the second Chainstay 05/05A and fold over onto second chainstay 05/05A. Then, the components assembled on the first chainstay 04/04A and second chainstay 05/05A will be able to pivot over the joints on the fork 02 and fold toward tube/stem 03A.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the position of crank wheel 06 can be moved up and down, or forward and backward, by adjusting the length of tube/stem 03/03 A, adjusting the position of collar 13 on first chainstay 04/04A, or adjusting both. The adjustment uses the pivot point between first chainstay 04/04A and second chainstay 05/05A, as well as the pivot point between second chainstay 05/05A and fork/steerer 02. [0035] In various embodiments, the vehicle of the invention may be selected from a scooter, a wheelchair, a recumbent, a tricycle, a bicycle and the like, as shown in Figs. 5-8. Fig. 5 shows that frame 180 in Fig. 1 A may be a frame FAO 1 used for a rowing scooter, a rowing kick scooter, or an electric motor (EM) assisted rowing scooter. Fig. 6 shows that frame 180 in Fig. 1A may be a frame FA02 used for a rowing wheelchair, or an electric motor (EM) assisted rowing wheelchair. Fig. 7 shows that frame 180 in Fig. 1 A may be a frame FA03 used for an all-body- work rowing recumbent, or an electric motor (EM) assisted all-body- work rowing recumbent. Fig. 8 shows that frame 180 in Fig. 1 A may be a frame FA04 used for an all-wheel-drive rowing bicycle.

[0036] Denotations of reference numbers in Figs. 9-13 are listed in the following: head tube 01; steerer/fork 02; an assembly of extension tube and stem 03 A; a quick release 35 such as a short skewer; first chainstay 04B; second chainstay 05A with split hub housing; first crankset 06A on crank arm 11 ; second crankset 07A with two chainrings; cassette and derailleur 08A; first chain loop 09A; second chain loop 10A; crank arm 11 ; front wheel/tire/hub 12; adjustable collar or connector 13; right hand (RH) handles/grips 14; left hand (LH) handles/grips 15; brake lever 16; shifter 17; brake cable 18; shift cable 19; stays collapse-in cable 20; front brake 21 ; front fender 22; anchor eye 23; steering suspension spring 24; release lever 25; step frame 26; step board 27; rear wheel/tire/hub 28; fender brake 29; rear reflector 30; mounting slot clip 31 ; mount screw 32; clamp collar 33; position pin 34; and quick release 35.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is a scooter. When the release lever 25 on the frame connector 170 (head tube 01) is released, the scooter frame can be separated from the head tube 01 on the second connecting member 160. The separated scooter frame can be attached to the second connecting member 160 using two linking devices, making the scooter collapsible. Moreover, the second connecting member 160 may connect to the first connecting member 104 via a quick connector. When the quick connector is released, the first connecting member 104 and third connecting member 105 can be folded onto the second connecting member 160, making the scooter more collapsible.

[0038] Fig. 9, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are the isometric view, side view, and rear view respectively of a rowing scooter according to an embodiment of the invention. A quick connect structure such as pins and lock with a release lever 25 is employed to connect or disconnect head tube 01 and the step frame 26. Head tube 01 is mounted on the steerer/fork 02 as conventional bicycle does. To assure the steering and travel stability, head tube 01 is also equipped with a set of steering suspensions 24 holding on both sides of the steerer/fork 02. One eye of anchor eyelets 23 is attached to fork/steerer 02, and the other eye is an anchor hole anchoring the steering suspension spring 24.

[0039] Assembly 03/03A is a combination of an extension tube and a stem. With a pinch wedge connection mechanism, the extension tube connects into the steerer tube of fork/steerer 02. An end of the extension tube connects with the stem, allowing the stem to adjust the position along with the tube. The stem has a pinch wedge expand connector to hold on and adjust along in the extension tube like a conventional head stem, but with a structure on the other end to accept a quick release 35. The quick release 35 may be a short skewer.

[0040] Adjustable collar or connector 13 has a collar clamp structure to adjust position and it is fastened on the tube body of the first chainstay 04B. A fork structure like a bicycle steerer fork is used to work with the quick release e.g. short skewer 35 on the stem end of assembly 03 A, and to be locked up or released by the short skewer.

[0041] First chainstay 04B is an assembly. One part is a weld structured part of major tube and bottom bracket shell to host bottom bracket, spindle to connect with Crankset 06A and Crank Arms 11. A weld on plate at the other end of the tube is used to take the push force from other part of the assembly for adjusting chain tension. Another part is also a weld structured part with two side brackets to hold a bottom bracket shell on one end and a short tube on the other end. The inside diameter of the tube shell is able to allow the tube end from other welded part sliding in and out for position adjustment. The external end of the tube shell has a slot allowing a collar clamp to fasten it on the inner tube from the other part after the tension adjustment. On the end of the short tube between two side brackets, a hold nut is weld on to accept the tension adjustment screw bolt.

[0042] Second chainstay 05 A is also an assembly part. The major body is a weld assembly, with two wide ends on the bottom to accept axle bolt from fork/steerer 02, and two narrow ends on the top to assemble with a split hub housing and connect with the bottom bracket shell from first chainstay 04B.

[0043] First crankset 06A is designed with the crank on the RH crank arm and with one attached chainring. Second crankset 07A is built with a crank and two attached chainrings. Cassette with 5- speed derailleur 08A rotatably links to one chainring of second crankset 07A using second chain loop 10A, and first crankset 06A rotatably links to another chainring of second crankset 07A using first chain loop 09A. Front wheel 12A is an assembly of a tire, rim and hub, and can be rotated by rotating cassette with 5-speed derailleur 08A. The transmission from one level of mechanical advantage serves to allow the operator to change gears making hill ascent easier.

[0044] It should be appreciate that any other suitable cogset or cluster may be used, in the form of freewheel or cassette. A cogset is the set of multiple sprockets that attaches to the hub. It works with the derailleur to provide multiple gear ratios to the rider. Unlike freewheels, cassettes have a series of straight splines that form the mechanical connection between the sprockets and the freehub, which contains the ratcheting mechanism. The entire cassette is held on the hub by means of a threaded lockring.

[0045] Adjustable connector 13 is adjustable along first chainstay 04A. First chainstay 04B has a connect structure on the bottom bracket to accept a pivot connection with the second chainstay 05A. First chainstay 04B can connect to the head of stem in assembly 3A using a quick release 35.

[0046] The scooter may be propelled and directed using a rider's hands. The rider's hands can move in unison to propel right hand (RH) handle/grip 14 and left hand (LH) handles/grip 1 and to move the scooter forward and to steer. For example, counter-clockwise rotation of the hand driven crank wheel 106 causes drive wheel 112 to propel the scooter forward. However, it should be appreciated that clockwise rotation can propel the scooter forward if a different configuration is used. In exemplary embodiment, RH handle 14 may be an assembly of, for example, a RH T- spindle, a short Φ7/8 OD tube and a short Φ7/8 ID tube. LH handle 15 may be an assembly of, for example, a LH T-spindle, a short Φ7/8 OD tube and a short Φ7/8 ID tube. A user can adjust LH 5- speed shifter 17 via shift cable 19 to change vehicle speed, and use LH brake lever 16 via brake cable 18 and front rim brake 21 to stop the scooter. Front fender 22 prevents water spray out from the ground from the front wheel 12 A.

[0047] In operation, the rider of the scooter both steers and drives via right hand (RH) handle/grip 14 and left hand (LH) handle/grip 15. As with a normal bike, the rider controls the direction of travel by rotating handles/grips 14 and 15 in the chosen direction. To drive the scooter, the rider rotates handles/grips 14 and 15 in the counterclockwise direction. The rider's hands may rotate handles/grips 14 and 15 in unison, with both hand moving forward/down/back/up in unison. This drive movement facilitates conversion of the driver's weight into drive power as the user shift his weight back and forth. Because the user can convert his back and forth movement into drive power, less upper body strength and exertion is required to propel the scooter.

[0048] The scooter may be slowed and stopped when the rider's foot presses conventional fender brake 29. Step board 27 that is mounted on step frame 26 can function as a support platform to support a standing user. Other parts of the scooter of the invention is similar to traditional scooter, and may include, for example, rear tire/rim/hub assembly 28, and rear reflector/brake light 30, which will not be described in details for conciseness.

[0049] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are isometric views of the rowing scooter in an embodiment of the invention. Referring to Fig. 11 , the rider can push lock/release lever 25 to disconnect the main frame (including step frame 26 and rear tire/rim/hub assembly 28 etc.) from head tube 01. Mt slot clip 31 is then used to clip on mount screw 32 on the fork side of fork/steerer 02. Collar clamp 33, which is assembled with a pin/locking ring 34 and clamping on the extend tube of extend tube/stem 03 A, can collaborate with the clip-on of 31 and 32, with locking pin insert to the position hole on the step board, and the locking ring can clip under the stop on the down tube of the step frame to hold the main frame and the step frame together. The size of the scooter is thus reduced, and the scooter is portable and convenient for storage and transportation. Referring to Fig. 10, the rider can disconnect first chainstay 04B from connector 13, and fold first chainstay 04B toward second chainstay 05A to further improve the portability of the scooter.

[0050] When the quick release 35 is released, all the parts assembled on both first chainstay and second chainstay would be allowed to pivot too far. Therefore, in preferred embodiment of the invention, a safety device may be used to prevent such incidence, and hold all of chainstays close to tube/stem 03/03A/03B. For example, a cable such as a stays collapse-in cable may be used to connect first chainstay to tube/stem 03/03A/03B.

[0051] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicant to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.