TATTERSHALL RAYMOND FREDERICK (US)
PESTELL NIGEL JOHN (US)
TATTERSHALL RAYMOND FREDERICK (US)
| US2973048A | 1961-02-28 | |||
| US2918134A | 1959-12-22 | |||
| US3713502A | 1973-01-30 | |||
| US3598195A | 1971-08-10 |
CLAIMS
1. A tricycle for riding or towing over terrain comprising: a frame with a front portion and a rear portion adapted to support at least one person; a front wheel fork rotatably mounted on the front portion; a front wheel rotatably mounted to the front wheel fork; a pair of rear wheels, one rear wheel disposed on either side of the frame and rotatably mounted to the rear portion of the frame;
a drive assembly secured to the frame and operably connected to the wheels; the drive assembly including a power source and a motor; the motor being coupled and driven by the power source; and being coupled to at least one wheel to drive the wheel;
a braking assembly comprising a first brake assembly coupled to one of the rear wheels and a second brake assembly coupled to the other one of the rear wheels; and
a steering assembly comprising an auxiliary handle, a handle bar and a connecting assembly; the auxiliary handle pivotally coupled to the front wheel fork; the connecting assembly having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end being pivotally connected to the front wheel fork and the distal end being rotationally and pivotally connected to the handle bar; the auxiliary handle and the handle bar each operationally coupled to the motor and the brake assembly;
wherein rotational movement of either the handle bar or the auxiliary handle about a generally vertical axis turns the front wheel fork in a corresponding direction.
2. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein the handle bar includes two terminal ends; a first hand grip and a first brake lever being attached to one terminal end of the handle bar; a second hand grip and a second brake lever being attached to the opposite terminal end of the handle bar; and wherein the first brake lever is connected to the first brake assembly and the second brake lever is connected to the second brake assembly.
3. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein the auxiliary steering handle is comprising a grip and a rod portion; the auxiliary steering handle operationally coupled to the motor by an electrical connection; the grip portion including at least one activation button for engaging the electrical connection and activating the motor.
4. The tricycle of claim 3 wherein an electric motor rheostat is attached to one of the handle grips.
5. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein the drive assembly is comprised of: a drive wheel, a drive chain, foot pedals, a gear hub, chain sprockets, a drive axle, shafts, a rotatory gear changer and a hub transmission.
6. The tricycle of claim 1 further comprising: a mounting assembly attached to the rear portion of the frame; the mounting assembly comprising an angled portion secured to and extending substantially vertically from the rear portion of the frame and a lateral support member secured to and extending substantially horizontally from the angled portion.
7. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein the frame has a top portion and a bottom portion; the frame including a safety frame fastened to the bottom portion of the frame; and the safety frame having a floor.
8. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein the front fork assembly comprises a vertically extending headset extension, a head tube, a downward pronged fork having a top portion; the vertically extending headset extension pivotally attached to the head tube; the head tube attached to the top portion of the vertical fork; and the auxiliary handle pivotally mounted to the headset extension.
9. The tricycle of claim 8, wherein the auxiliary handle is pivotally mounted to the headset extension using a spring loaded pivot pin and socket mechanism; the mechanism comprised of a u-shaped cylindrical collar and a left and right spring loaded pivot pins.
10. The tricycle of claim 5 wherein the power source is at least one battery; the motor is a variable dual-speed electric DC motor; and the at least one battery is electrically connected to the motor.
11. A tricycle for riding or towing over terrain comprising: 5 a frame with a front and rear portion; a seat secured to the frame; a frame with a front portion and rear portion adapted to support at least one person; a front wheel fork rotatably mounted on the front portion; o a front wheel rotatably mounted to front wheel fork; a pair of rear wheels, one rear wheel disposed on either side of the frame and rotatably mounted to the rear portion of the frame;
a drive assembly secured to the frame and operably connected to the wheels; 5 the drive assembly including a power source and a motor; the motor being coupled and driven by the power source; the motor also being directly coupled to at least one wheel to drive the wheel;
a braking assembly comprising of a first brake assembly coupled to one rear 0 wheel and a second brake assembly coupled to the second rear wheel; and
a steering assembly comprising of an auxiliary handle, a handle bar and a connecting assembly; the auxiliary handle pivotally coupled to front wheel fork; 5 connecting assembly having a proximal and a distal end; the proximal end of the connecting assembly pivotally connected to the front wheel fork and the distal end of the connecting assembly being rotationally and pivotally connected to the handle bar; the auxiliary handle and handle bar each operationally coupled to motor and 0 brake assembly;
wherein rotational movement of handle bar or of the auxiliary handle about a generally vertical axis rotates the front wheel fork in a corresponding direction.
12. The tricycle of claim 1 further comprising: a load spreading system including two pairs of identically sized and horizontally aligned rotatable wheels, one on each side of the rear portion of the frame, each pair of wheels having an inflatable bladder; the inflatable bladder capable of surrounding the circumference of each pair of wheels on inflation such that each bladder creates a unitary wheel having a larger contact surface area than that of each individual wheel.
13. The tricycle of claim 11 wherein the seat is semi-recumbent.
14. The tricycle of claim 10 wherein the auxiliary steering handle comprises a grip and a rod portion; the auxiliary steering handle is operationally coupled to motor by an electrical connection; the grip portion includes at least one activation button for engaging the electrical connection and activating the motor; and wherein the auxiliary handle may be used to tow the tricycle manually, or following the engagement of the motor with the handle, either partially or fully assisted by the motor.
15. The tricycle of claim 1 further comprising a load spreading system; the load spreading system including a pair of identically sized and horizontally aligned rear wheels, one pair of rear wheels disposed on either side of the frame and rotatabley mounted to the rear portion of the frame; a pair of identically sized and horizontally aligned front wheels rotatabley mounted to front wheel fork; and an inflatable bladder surrounding the circumference of each such wheel pair; and wherein the inflation of the bladder on each wheel pair creates a unitary wheel with a larger contact surface area than that of each individual wheel.
16. The tricycle of claim 11 further comprising a load spreading system; the load spreading system including a pair of identically sized and horizontally aligned rear wheels, one pair of rear wheels disposed on either side of the frame and rotatabley mounted to the rear portion of the frame; a pair of identically sized and horizontally aligned front wheels rotatabley mounted to front wheel fork; and an inflatable bladder surrounding the circumference of each such wheel pair; and wherein the inflation of the bladder on each wheel pair creates a unitary wheel with a larger contact surface area than that of each individual wheel.
7. The tricycle of claim 11 further comprising: a load spreading system including two pairs of identically sized and horizontally aligned rotatable wheels, one on each side of the rear portion of the frame, each pair of wheels having an inflatable bladder; the inflatable bladder capable of surrounding the circumference of each pair of wheels on inflation such that each bladder creates a unitary wheel having a larger contact surface area than that of each individual wheel. |
TRICYCLE FOR USE ON A GOLF COURSE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to motorized-tricycles for transporting a user and his belongings over terrain and more particularly to golf tricycles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently moving from one hole on a fairway to the next involves walking or traveling in a vehicle such as a four-wheeled, motorized golf cart. For those walking, manual and battery powered golf trolleys/caddies are available for lugging golf club bags around the fairway. While golf carts and golf trolleys/caddies make the trip from one hole to the next easier, neither option is ideal.
Golf carts are expensive and heavy. The average golf cart when occupied by two riders and their respective golf clubs, weighs approximately 1200 lbs. Consequently, use of such carts is damaging to courses.
The condition of the course itself on any particular day will often dictate whether a cart can be used. For example, on distressed, water-logged courses, carts are generally unusable as the weight of the cart causes the vehicle's tires to become lodged into the course.
Golf trolleys/caddies while typically less expensive and lighter than golf carts are not an ideal alternative to carts as they must be manually towed around the course by a user. The use of such trolleys/caddies can therefore be tiring for some individuals. The use of such trolleys/caddies also does not expedite a user's playing time, since users are still required to walk. Such trolleys are also not useful for individuals who are unable to walk from hole to hole. For such individuals, a golf cart or some alternative means of transportation is required.
One possible alternative to the golf cart and trolleys/caddies is a tricycle. Existing tricycles are difficult and tiring for some individuals to utilize as users must manually operate the foot pedals in order to move from one location to the next. Most existing tricycles also do not have any mechanism for towing and those that do, are physically
draining to operate as they are not power-assisted. The wheels of these tricycles also make travel over various terrains such as distressed, water-logged courses, difficult.
Tricycles are typically not designed for collapsing into a less bulky arrangement for storage and vehicular transport. Tricycles are also not easily transported by a vehicle using the currently available mounting devices for vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The current invention relates to a motorized tricycle which allows users, once seated on the tricycle, to move from one location to the next by manually pedalling the tricycle or by engaging the tricycle's motor.
The present invention is directed to a means of transportation for travelling over various types of terrains, including those which are distressed or water-logged.
In one aspect, the invention is a tricycle having a frame with a front and a rear portion, a semi-recumbent seat attached to the frame, three wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, a drive assembly for moving the wheels, a steering assembly connected to the frame and a mounting assembly for carrying objects such as golf bags. The drive assembly includes an electric and manual power source. The steering assembly includes a steering handle which is detachably and pivotally mounted to the front portion of the frame and connected to the front wheel such that a user of the tricycle may steer the vehicle by moving the handle in a horizontal direction. The steering handle is also attached to the drive assembly and in particular the electric power source or motor of the assembly such that the user of the tricycle can engage or disengage the motor using the steering handle. Users may therefore manually tow the tricycle using the steering handle with or without the assistance of the tricycle's motor.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention is the tricycle described in the paragraph above and including a permanent and non-removable steering handle bar located under the seat, allowing the rider to control the vehicle totally with manually operated hand controls. The hand control includes dual hand levered breaking assemblies, a variable power DC electric rheostat throttle control, a forward and reverse switch and an on and off ignition switch. In addition, the steering handle bar also houses a rotating gear shift assembly linked by a wire control to the internal hub transmission.
In another aspect, the invention is a tricycle having a frame with a front and a rear portion, a seat attached to the frame, three pairs of wheels rotatably attached to the frame, a drive assembly, a steering assembly connected to the frame, a mounting assembly and a load spreading system. One wheel is rotatably attached to the front portion of the frame and two pairs of identically sized and horizontally aligned wheels are attached to the rear portion of the frame, with one pair disposed on either side of the seat. The drive assembly includes an electric and manual power source. The steering assembly includes an auxiliary handle which is detachably and pivotally mounted to the front portion of the frame and which when attached, is connected to the front wheel such that a user of the tricycle may steer the vehicle by moving the handle in a horizontal direction. The steering handle is also attached to the drive assembly and in particular, the electric power source or motor of the assembly such that the user of the tricycle can engage or disengage the motor using the steering handle.
The load spreading system includes two pair of identically sized and horizontally aligned wheels. An inflatable bladder surrounds the circumference of each pair of wheels. Once inflated, the bladder creates a unitary wheel having a larger contact surface area than that of each individual wheel. When each of the two bladders is inflated, the weight of the tricycle is distributed over a larger surface area. By distributing the tricycle's weight over a larger area, the tricycle is able to travel more efficiently over distressed and/or water-logged terrain.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the load spreading system includes a pair of identically sized and horizontally aligned wheels, where each wheel rim is surrounded by a wide, non-inflatable airless tire having flexible edges that depress to increase the footprint as the wheel rotates past bottom dead center. The wheel rim and hub motor design incorporates two separate pieces, allowing the rim to be removed or changed by simply removing a secure locking ring. The locking ring is held in place by a number of threaded screws. The wide load-spreading tire rim assembly is interchangeable with a pneumatic tire rim assembly, which can be used on regular paved surfaces.
In another aspect, the invention is the tricycle mentioned above having either the steering assembly alone or having both the steering assembly and the load spreading system as discussed above, and which is capable of being collapsed and arranged into a transportation mode capable of being mounted to a transportation frame apparatus or
placed into storage. The transportation frame apparatus is capable of being secured to the tow/draw bar socket attached to the vehicle.
In another aspect, the invention is a transportation frame apparatus for mounting the above-mentioned tricycles to vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with the steering handle in the riding position
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with the steering handle in the towing position
Figure 3 shows a side view of the frame partially exploded
Figure 4 shows a side view of a partial portion of the frame.
Figure 5 shows a top down view of the preferred embodiment.
Figure 6 shows a partial top down view of the preferred embodiment.
Figure 7 shows a top down view of the drive axle assembly.
Figure 8a shows an exploded view of the bearing points on the axle assembly as shown in Figure 8b.
Figure 9a shows a perspective view of the tricycle having 410.0mm wheels.
Figure 9b shows a perspective view of the tricycle having 510.0mm rear wheels and a child seat attached.
Figure 9c shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of the tricycle.
Figure 10 shows a side view of partial portion of the frame of a tricycle having 410.0mm wheels.
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the handle bar assembly.
Figure 12a shows a top down view of the steering assembly showing the attachment of the steering rod to the vertical fork.
Figure 12b shows a side view of the handle bar assembly.
Figure 13a shows a side view of the hinged assembly for attaching the steering handle to the frame headset.
Figure 13b shows a top down view of the steering handle showing the electrical wires.
Figure 13c shows a top down view of the steering handle.
Figure 14a shows a top down view of the steering handle.
Figure 14b shows a top down view of the steering handle.
Figures 15a-c shows views of an alternative grip portion of the steering handle.
Figures 16a-b show a side view of the vertical extension for mounting personal belongings.
Figures 17a-b show a view of the load spreading assembly.
Figure 18a shows a side view of the load spreading assembly.
Figure 18b shows a cross-sectional side view of the load spreading assembly.
Figure 19a shows a perspective view of the seat.
Figure 19b shows a cross-sectional view of the seat.
Figures 20a-b show exploded views of the seat and Surrey top.
Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery.
Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the battery housing.
Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the tricycle, mounted for transportation
Figures 24a-c shows cross-sectional views of the transportation frame apparatus and its electric winch assembly.
Figure 24a shows a side view of the transportation frame attached to the vehicle draw bar assembly.
Figure 24b shows a front view of the height adjustable winch pole of the transportation.
Figure 24c shows a top down view of the pivot assembly that rotates the tricycle from a horizontal to a vertical position.
Figures 25a-b show a top down view of how the pivotal assembly of the transportation frame apparatus attaches and secures to the tricycle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Shown in Figures 1 and 2, is the preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 1 , the tricycle (1) includes a seat (10), a frame (11), one front wheel (12), a pair of rear wheels, a steering handle (13) and a handle bar (14). The preferred embodiment of the invention also includes an extension attached to the frame of the tricycle for mounting golf bags, child seats and/or other objects. The tricycle also includes a pair of foot pedals for manual operation and an attached power source such as a battery for automated movement. Figure 1 shows the steering handle in the riding position and
Figure 2 shows the steering handle in the towing position.
As can be seen in Figures 3 to 6, the frame runs the length of the tricycle and is comprised of a front riser (30a), a center portion (30b), a rear riser (30c) and a rear portion (31 ). The center portion (31a) of the frame is preferably constructed of a tube shaped-section of mild steel 50.0mm wide. The front riser (30a) and the rear riser (30c) are each angled risers of box section tubes preferably 50.0mm x 50.0mm which are hinged to the center portion of the frame at its terminal ends.
Any suitable seat may be mounted to the tricycle using the seat mount (32), but preferably the seat is semi-recumbent. Figures 19a and 19b illustrate one example of a semi-recumbent seat for attachment to the tricycle.
The seat illustrated in Figures 19a and 19b has a non-conductive, thick-welded carbon fibre/boron tube frame. An electric wire runs inside the tube to provide power for a to- mounted high intensity diode safety light (not shown). Steel seat spacing and mounting bars (191 ) are used in seat to support the rider. The bars (191) are bolted with blind-
headed bolts through the seat tube mounting plate (192). The seat tube (193) is preferably removable and self-centering to allow the rider to swivel seat left or right to ease access and egress. The "V" configuration of the seat tube uses gravity to return the seat to a center, front facing position. The seat may be covered with replaceable ballistic nylon mesh (194) and may have seat belt anchor points (195) and canopy mounting points (196). A canopy (200) may be attached to the canopy mounting points on the seat using mounting half tubes (196a) as shown in Figures 20a and 20b. A seat mount (32) is secured to the rear portion of the frame. The semi-recumbent seat (190) is inserted through the seat mount in order to secure the seat to the frame. The rear portion (31 ) has an insertion tongue (33) for insertion into the front portion (30) and attaching to one of the four attachment positions (34) provided on the front portion. By having several possible points of attachment for the rear portion, the vertical position of the seat mount (32) and therefore the seat, is adjustable.
As shown in Figure 5, attached to the underside of the frame is a safety frame (71 ). The safety frame (71 ) is preferably constructed of 40.0mm tube sections which are bent into a square shape, preferably with corner bends with an 80.0mm outside radius. The safety frame (71) bends downwardly following the angle of the tricycle is secured to the frame directly by a hinged bracket and a pair of horizontal support bars (72, 73). One bar is positioned on either side of the frame. Each horizontal support bar has two ends one of which is secured to the frame by centering bolts and the opposite end is secured to the safety frame by welds. Each horizontal support bar (72-73) is also welded to shafts (60a, 60b) which are located on either side of the frame and are welded to the safety frame.
A floor (74), preferably of poly propylene plastic is attached to the safety frame (71 ). The floor of the safety frame (71 ) may be used to carry baggage (169) or as shown in Figure 5, to mount the batteries (63, 64). Foot rests (75, 76) preferably of rubber, are located on either side of the frame and are attached to the safety frame (71).
Secured to the front portion of the frame is a head tube assembly which is comprised of a head tube (35) and a top and bottom bearing (36). A vertical fork assembly is rotatably attached to one end of the head tube via the bottom bearing (36). The vertical fork assembly includes a vertical fork (37) and a top portion (39). The front wheel assembly (48) (as shown in Figure 5) which is comprised of a wheel (61), a horizontal axle
extending through the wheel and attaching the wheel to fork [not shown], a rim and a disk brake assembly (62) is also secured to the front portion of the frame. Specifically, the wheel of this assembly is secured to the vertical fork (37) by a horizontal axle [not shown].
A pair of rear wheel assemblies (59) are located towards the rear portion of the frame and are secured to the safety frame via the shafts (60a,60b). As shown in Figures 5 and 7, each rear wheel assembly (59) is comprised of a disk brake assembly (70), a rim and a wheel (50, 51). The wheel is preferably a 510.0mm x 80.0mm balloon tire and the rim is preferably 510.0mm x 28.0mm. The optional detachable rim includes a large footprint air-less polyethylene tire with flexible edges that will spread the vehicles wait over a larger area, reducing the impact of the vehicle on waterlogged or distressed surfaces.
Figures 9a, 9b and 10 each shows an example of the preferred embodiment having a wheel assembly with a 410.0mm x 80. mm balloon tire and a 10.00mm x 28.0mm rim. An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 9c.
A drive axle (52), is attached to one of the rear wheels (50) and extends through one of the shafts (60a), a gear hub (53) and a chain sprocket (54). The gear hub (53) is preferably the Sturmey Archer™ 8 speed gear hub.
Secured within the wheel (51) of the opposite rear wheel assembly is an electric motor (77), which is preferable a DC brushless hub motor. The hub motor is connected by conventional mechanical means to the rear wheel to drive the wheel. A pair of batteries (63 and 64), one of which is located on either side of the frame, is connected to the electric motor (77) by conventional electrical wires. The batteries are each enclosed in separate battery housings.
As shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 5, a drive wheel (55) is secured to the front portion (30) of the frame. A pair of foot pedals (56) and a drive chain (57) is attached to the drive wheel (58). The drive chain (57) extends towards the rear portion (31) of the frame and is attached to a chain sprocket (54).
The drive assembly of the tricycle includes the front wheel, the drive wheel, the drive chain, the foot pedals, the gear hub, the chain sprockets, the drive axle, the shafts, the electric motor and the rear wheel assemblies (59).
Alternatively, one rear wheel contains a hub including the electric motor and the opposite wheel contains a look-a-like hub dummy. The look-a-like hub has live shaft axle which transmits the manual pedal power to the wheel to which the hub is attached. Preferably, the hub motor on the drive wheels is a 750W x 48 VDC unit which turns at a maximum of 200 revolutions. This gives the tricycle a maximum over ground speed of 12 mph when occupied by a rider. When used in the walking mode with the auxiliary handle or with a remote wireless control, the maximum speed of the tricycle is limited to 4 mph. The motor control provides a soft start and soft stop and regenerative breaking, which is automatically activated when the tricycle overruns the throttle rheostat import. Such a situation may be encountered by a rider travelling down a slope or by a user towing the tricycle.
The steering assembly which includes the steering handle (13) and handle bar (65) is shown in Figures 5, 11 and 12a-b. Attached to the frame is a vertically extending bar (69) which is pivotally attached to a horizontally extending plate (112). Bearings (36) are attached on either end of the head tube. The plate (112) is pivotally attached (28) to a horizontally extending rod (70). The rod (70) is pivotally secured (16) to the top portion of the vertical fork (37). Rotationally attached to the vertically extending bar or head tube (69) is a horizontally extending rod or head set extension (68) to which the handle bar (65) is attached. Hand grips (66, 67) are attached on either side of the bar and are preferably made of rubber. As shown in Figure 11 , brake levers (110) are also attached on either side of the handle bar (65) and are connected by conventional means to the brake assemblies attached to the wheels. An electric motor rheostat (111) is attached to one of the handle grips.
Also attached to the rear portion of the frame is the mounting assembly (160) as shown more particularly in Figures (16a) and (16b). The mounting assembly (160) comprises a vertical extension (161) which is secured to the rear portion of the frame. A pair of horizontally extending prongs (162) is secured to the vertical extension. Personal belongings such as a water bottle holder (164) may be mounted to the prongs (162). A basket (168) for holding miscellaneous accessories may be attached to the vertical riser. The prongs include a retention cradle (163), to which a golf bag (163a) may be attached using a snap-in rubber bungee (166) or other similar device for securing the bag.
Alternatively, a horizontal extension may be secured to the rear portion of the frame for mounting objects to the tricycle. Such a horizontal extension is suitable for securing a child seat or similar object.
A rider seated on the tricycle may operate the tricycle manually using the foot pedals or automatically by engaging the electric motor (77). Once engaged, the electric motor (77) rotates the wheel (51) to which it is attached. Similarly, rotation of the foot pedals causes the drive chain to rotate about the drive wheel and the chain sprocket. This in turn results in the rotation of the wheel to which the drive axle is attached (50). While seated, the rider may steer the tricycle by using the hand grips (66, 67) on the handle bar (65).
While the tricycle is in motion, the handle bar (65) may be used by the rider to steer. Rotating the handle bar in a horizontal direction moves the connector (68) in a horizontal direction which in turn rotates the vertically extending bar (69). Rotational movement in the vertically extending bar (69) results in vertical movement in the rod (70) which, in turn, results in the front wheel moving horizontally.
As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the steering handle (13) is comprised of a grip (130) and a rod portion (131). A vertically extending headset extension (132) is pivotally attached to the head tube (35) attached to the front portion of the frame and the top portion of the vertical fork. The steering handle is detachably secured to the headset extension preferably using a spring loaded pivot pin and socket mechanism (133). The mechanism is comprised of a u-shaped cylindrical collar (140) and left and right spring loaded pivot pins (133). The rod portion of the steering handle is preferably telescopic.
Electrical wires (134) extend through the grip (130) and rod portions (131) of the steering handle (13) and are connected to the electric motor (77). A rheostat type throttle assembly (135, 136) is located on at the end of the grip portion and is used to turn the electric motor on and off.
A steering handle with an alternatively shaped grip portion is shown in Figure 15. In this steering handle, a thumb control (150) on the grip portion is used to control the electric motor (77).
While riding the tricycle, a user may use the handle bars for steering the tricycle. When walking, the affixed steering handle/tiller (13) is pivoted away from the tricycle's seat, as seen in Figure 2, a user may use the steering handle (13) to tow the tricycle using either manual force or power from the electrical motor.
For ease of transport, the tricycle is mountable to conventional 2 inch vehicle tow or draw bar sockets using the transportation frame assembly. The transportation frame assembly is illustrated in Figure 23. Also illustrated in Figure 23, is the manner in which the tricycle may be collapsed into a transportation mode which is suitable for mounting to the transportation frame assembly. The various components comprising the transportation frame assembly namely, the tongue, pole assembly, half moon plate and winch assembly are shown in Figures 23 and 24.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 17 to 18. In this embodiment, a pair of identically sized and horizontally aligned wheel assemblies (170 and 171) is attached on either side of the drive axle (52). Each wheel assembly includes a pair of inflatable balloon tires (73a, 73b) and two rims (184a, 184b) preferably made of aluminium or steel, to which the inflatable tires are secured. Load spreader plates (172), preferably made of aluminium or steel, are positioned between each of the two tires comprising a wheel pair and are secured to the rim (184) of each tire, preferably by using hex screws (183) to secure one end of the load spreader plate to one of the rims (184a).
The load spreading assembly is shown more particularly in Figures (18a) and (18b). An inflatable bladder (180) is inserted between the rims (73a, 73b) of the wheel assembly and secured centrally in position by the bladder's inverted "T" section stabilizer/retainer (182). The bladder is preferably made of low pressure butyl rubber. When the bladder (180) is inflated, it moulds itself around the tires (73a, 73b) of each wheel assembly. Tire treads (181) surround the inflatable bladder (180). The inflation valve (185) for the bladder is preferably positioned between the two tires.
To construct the load spreading assembly, the bladder (while deflated) should be inserted between the rims while the tires are also deflated. Once the bladder is secured into position, the load spreader plate (172) is attached to the rims by securing one of its ends with a hex screw to one of the rims (184a). The screws are finger tightened until
firmly secured, but are not over-tightened. The bladders T-section is aligned equally between both rims. The tires and bladder are subsequently inflated, with the tires being inflated before the bladder.
Once inflated, the bladder creates one unitary wheel with a larger contact surface area than the two individual tires combined. As a result, the weight of the vehicle is spread over a larger portion of terrain. The load spreading system, in the inflated state, allows the tricycle to travel more easily over distressed and/or water-logged terrain. Easier travel is possible because the increased contact surface provided by the inflatable bladder helps the wheels of the tricycle travel over distressed terrain and also helps prevent the tricycle's wheels from lodging into water-logged terrain.
Alternatively, the load spreading assembly is composed of a detachable wheel rim surrounded by a wide, non-inflatable air-less tire with flexible edges that depress to increase the footprint as the wheel rotates past the bottom dead center. The wide load- spreading tire rim assembly is interchangeable with a pneumatic tire rim assembly, which can be used on regular paved surfaces.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact processes, materials and applications shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention and the appended claims and their equivalents.
Next Patent: COMBINATIONS OF BOTANICAL EXTRACTS FOR PROMOTING CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH