Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-01
2002-04-30
Lerner, Avraham (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C074S495000, C280S272000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06378884
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application No. 299 11 652.2, filed on Jul. 5, 1999, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle steering head and in particular, to a steering head for a vehicle comprising a support tube which has rotatably supported therein a fork tube to which a wheel cover and a handlebar can be secured.
2. Discussion of Background Information
Vehicle steering heads of the above-described type are in particular used in bicycles or tricycles, and in particular in tricycles or bicycles for children.
In devices of the above-described type it is desirable for safety reasons that accidents be avoided which may be caused by an excessively large handlebar deflection. It has been found that when there is an excessively large handlebar deflection (e.g., the handle bar rotates beyond a point where effective steering occurs), the vehicle may tilt to the side. Moreover, such deflections or excessive rotation may run the risk that a user impacts his body against the handlebar. Additionally, the user may get caught with his/her feet in the front wheel and may be even be injured by the pedals.
A further drawback or disadvantage of prior-art devices occurs when they are pushed with a push rod type device. In such cases, these devices have a tendency towards uncontrolled steering movements of the front wheel which cannot be mastered or effectively controlled by small children, in particular.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention therefore provides a vehicle steering head of the above-mentioned type which is of a simple construction and which can operate in an easy and reliable manner. Moreover, this design avoids the drawbacks of the prior art and can in particular limit a handlebar deflection to a desired degree. The invention also has provision for locking the handlebar.
According to one aspect of the invention a latch element is secured to a fork tube on a portion provided inside the support tube. A linkage element is supported in the support tube for rotation therewith. The linkage element is displaceable or moveable in a longitudinal direction of the support tube. The linkage element comprises at least one stop surface which limits a rotation of the fork tube and can be brought into contact with the latch element. Moreover, the linkage element comprises at least one locking element which is releasably connectable to the latch element.
According to another aspect of the invention a latch element is supported on the support tube. A linkage element is arranged on the fork tube and connected to the tube for rotation therewith. The latch element is freely displaceable or moveable along the support tube. The linkage element comprises at least one stop surface which limits a rotation of the fork tube and can be brought into contact with the support tube. Moreover, at least one latch element is provided that is releasably connectable to the support tube.
The vehicle steering head according to the invention is characterized by a number of considerable advantages.
First of all, it is possible to install or utilize the steering head in a frame of any desired design, e.g. children's bicycles or tricycles. Ideally, the dimensions of the steering head are such that they do not interfere with the remaining structure of the frame within which it is installed. Of course, the steering head may be combined with any and all common types of frames where ever its advantageous design is desired. Accordingly, the steering head may be utilized in a variety of devices where limited deflection or rotation and/or locking are desired.
Because the invention utilizes a latch element which is arranged in the support tube, no functional parts of the steering head need be outwardly visible or accessible. Accordingly, the internal parts are less susceptible to damage. Additionally, this design is less likely to cause injury when used by children or infants.
As a result of utilizing a linkage element according to the invention, it is possible to reliably lock the fork tube and thus the wheel fork and the front wheel. Such a locking provision is easily be accomplished by displacing or moving the linkage element. This design ensures a high degree of operational safety and operational reliability.
The linkage element preferably utilizes stop surfaces which cooperate with the latch element in a manner where they are brought into contact with one another. In this way, the steering angle can be limited to a particularly or desired range. This limited range of motion of the steering angle can be realized according to the invention in different ways. The invention contemplates that the available steering angle is freely selectable within a wide desired range. This is of particular advantage to vehicles for children such as tricycles, which may require a steering angle of approximately 45° to each side. Of course, other desirable steering angles cab be utilized. However, by designing in the desired limited steering angle, lateral tilting of the tricycle or similar devices can be prevented or its risk significantly reduced. Additionally, the risk of injuries which may be caused by the pedals, e.g., devices which utilize pedals on the front wheel can be reduced. Finally, the risk of injury which can occur when the handlebar exceeds a controlled steering angle can be ruled out to a considerable extent.
The invention also provides for a linkage element having a locking element which is releasably connectable to the latch element. This design ensures that when a push rod is used for pushing the device, i.e., a tricycle, the front wheel thereof may be reliably locked in place during straight travel.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the latch element is designed in the form of a pin which extends in a direction transverse to the fork tube. The pin may extend through the fork tube such that it projects at both sides of the fork tube. Alternatively, the pin can project from the fork tube on only one side. Moreover, the pin can be firmly connected to the fork tube, e.g. by welding or other conventional attachment techniques. Additionally, it may be secured by press fitting with or without utilizing a knurled portion. Of course, the dimensions of the pin can easily be adapted to the respective conditions of use.
It should be noted that the manufacturing costs of the steering head are reduced by the above-described construction to quite a considerable degree.
In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the linkage element is substantially designed in the form of a hollow cylinder. Thus, the linkage element can be reliably guided in the support tube and surround the fork tube. Additionally, the linkage element can be designed as a single integral part or several parts which are either joined together or which cooperate together.
It is advantageous for the longitudinal displacement or movement of the linkage element to be along an axis of the support tube and the fork tube. Accordingly, the support tube may comprise at least one longitudinal slot or a similar recess through which a connection element extends which is connected to the linkage element. This design also utilizes a slide which is arranged outside the support tube.
The slide facilitates the ease of handling or movement of the linkage element. In such a design, a displacement of the slide, which may additionally be provided with locking mechanism or fixing safety mechanism, effects a corresponding displacement or movement of the linkage element. The locking mechanism or fixing mechanism allows for fixing the front wheel in a single or set travel position which is preferably straight. Moreover, the invention also contemplates that the linkage element may be provided with inclined inlet surfaces or intercepting mechanisms which engage the latch element so as to initiate a locking action when the front wheel
Greenblum & Bernstein P.L.C.
Heinz Kettler GmbH & Co.
Lerner Avraham
Winner Tony
LandOfFree
Vehicle steering head does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Vehicle steering head, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vehicle steering head will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2913281