Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-02-27
Hurley, Kevin (Department: 3619)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C280S250000, C280S282000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193253
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to operating assemblies for vehicles, more specifically, to such mechanisms which are hand-operable and which combine the steering and driving functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bicycle riding is a popular pastime largely because of the fun and physical exercise it provides. However, those seeking a full body workout often are disappointed in the minimal upper body exercise afforded by riding conventional bicycles. Moreover, many people have weak or dysfunctional lower limbs and require a cycle that can be manually operated. Cycles have been developed with hand-operated drive systems. However, there remains a need for a manual operating system that conveniently combines the steering and the driving functions. There is also a need for a steering system that is operable by minimal wrist movement. Still further, there is a need for an operating system that uses opposing force to provide a stable sitting position for the operator while driving the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a manual operating assembly for a vehicle having a propeller and a steering mechanism. The manual operating assembly comprises a crankshaft rotatably supportable on the vehicle and operatively connectable to the propeller of the vehicle whereby rotation of the crankshaft is translated into activation of the propeller. The crankshaft is operated by a pair of opposing cranks each having a crank rod and a crank handle. One end of each crank rod is connected to the crankshaft and the other end of each crank rod is connected to the crank handle so that turning the crank handles rotates the crankshaft. The assembly includes a pair of grips, one drivingly connected to each crank handle so the grips turn with the crank handles. Each grip is rotatably supported relative to the crank rod so that as the crank rod is turned the grip remains rearward of the crank handle. Each grip is operatively connected to the steering mechanism of the vehicle and pivotally connected to the crank handle so that pivotation of the grip relative to the crank handle operates the steering mechanism. In this way, the vehicle can be steered and driven simultaneously by operation of at least one of the grips.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a manual operating assembly for a vehicle having a propeller and a steering mechanism. In this aspect, the manual operating assembly comprises a pair of opposing drive members operatively connectable to the propeller of the vehicle whereby opposing motion of the drive members is translated into movement of the propeller. Each drive member has a handle portion. The assembly includes a pair of elongated grips, one grip drivingly connected to the handle portion of each drive member so that the grip and the handle portion move together. The grips are pivotally connected to the handle portions and operatively connectable to the steering mechanism so that pivotation of the grip relative to the handle portion operates the steering mechanism. In this way, the vehicle can be steered and driven simultaneously by operation of at least one of the grips. In addition, each grip pivots substantially about its central transverse axis.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle comprising a frame and at least one propeller operatively mounted on the frame. The vehicle includes a steering system supported on the frame and a manual operating assembly. The operating assembly comprises a crankshaft rotatably supported on the frame and operatively connected to the propeller whereby rotation of the crankshaft is translated into activation of the propeller. The assembly includes a pair of opposing cranks each having a crank rod and a crank handle, one end of the crank rod being connected to the crankshaft and the other end of the rod connected to the crank handle so that turning the crank handles rotates the crankshaft. Also included is a pair of grips one drivingly connected to each crank handle, whereby the crank handle moves with the grip. Each grip is rotatably supported relative to the crank rod so that as the crank rod is turned the grip remains rearward of the crank handle. Each grip is operatively connected to the steering system and is pivotally connected to the crank handle so that pivotation of the grip relative to the crank handle steers the vehicle. In this way, the vehicle can be steered and driven simultaneously by operating at least one of the grips.
In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle comprising a frame, a propeller operatively mounted on the frame and a manual operating assembly. The assembly comprises a pair of opposing drive members operatively connected to the propeller whereby opposing motion of the drive members is translated into activation of the propeller. Each drive member has a handle portion. Included in the assembly are a pair of elongated grips, one grip drivingly connected to the handle portion of each drive member so that the handle portion and the grip move together. The grip is pivotally connected to the handle portion and operatively connected to the steering system so that pivotation of the grip relative to the handle portion steers the vehicle. In this way, the vehicle can be steered and driven simultaneously by operation of at least one of the grips. In addition, each grip pivots substantially about its central transverse axis.
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Trailmate “Fun Cycle! Series” brochure (Sarasota, Florida; Jan., 1999).
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Hurley Kevin
Lee Mary M.
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