Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-05
2001-02-20
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C280S253000, C280S220000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189907
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to manually powered carts and in particular to a cart powered by a treadle board that pivots up and down.
2. Prior Art and Objects
Various riding carts are known and four-wheel carts and wagons are common toys and exercise devices. Skateboards are another commonly used device where four wheels are mounted on a board. Toy cars using foot operated pedals for power have been in existence for a long time. The use of a manually powered cart or wagon on which to ride has been enjoyed by virtually everyone.
The existing carts are frequently difficult to power. Some require a slope so as to be propelled by gravity. Others require substantial leg or arm strength to be propelled. On the other hand, the treadle cart, according to the present invention, uses the rider's weight to power the cart and does so through a substantial mechanical advantage. The operator or rider merely shifts his or her weight back and forth on the treadle board, thus using much of the rider's body weight first to push one end of the treadle board down and then to push the other end of the treadle board down. In this way, with good balance, a rider can develop speed and have substantial endurance.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a treadle cart that is powered by shifting body weight.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cart that permits endurance for continued operation.
It is another object of the invention to provide a treadle cart that provides substantial mechanical advantage to provide both speed and ease of operation.
It is another object of the invention to provide a treadle cart that is durable.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as the description proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a four-wheel cart is provided. The four base wheels are mounted to rotate on a pair of axles mounted on a frame and to engage the ground. Above the frame, a treadle board is mounted to pivot at its midpoint on the frame. In this way, the treadle board may be moved up and down at each end. Along each side of the treadle cart is a drive means which is an elongated flexible member having two ends. The drive means may be a belt or a chain. The drive means extends from both ends of the treadle board and there is a drive means on both sides of the treadle cart. A drive train is activated by each drive means. A clutch unit is powered by each drive train so that when one drive means is powering the treadle cart and the other flexible drive means is being returned, the clutch unit on the side where the flexible drive means is being returned will slip. A brake mechanism and steering mechanism that is foot actuated is also preferably provided.
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patent: 5839737 (1998-11-01), Kruczek
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Nelson Clarice
Nelson Erdick
Cuff Michael
Swann J. J.
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