GB2343870A - Cycle, scooter or exercise machine - Google Patents

Cycle, scooter or exercise machine Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2343870A
GB2343870A GB9925354A GB9925354A GB2343870A GB 2343870 A GB2343870 A GB 2343870A GB 9925354 A GB9925354 A GB 9925354A GB 9925354 A GB9925354 A GB 9925354A GB 2343870 A GB2343870 A GB 2343870A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
scooter
cycle
platform
exercise machine
regions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9925354A
Other versions
GB2343870B (en
GB9925354D0 (en
Inventor
Shaw Associates Laurence
Andrew John Georgiou
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB9925354D0 publication Critical patent/GB9925354D0/en
Publication of GB2343870A publication Critical patent/GB2343870A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2343870B publication Critical patent/GB2343870B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M1/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles
    • B62M1/36—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with rotary cranks, e.g. with pedal cranks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K3/00—Bicycles
    • B62K3/002—Bicycles without a seat, i.e. the rider operating the vehicle in a standing position, e.g. non-motorized scooters; non-motorized scooters with skis or runners
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
    • A63B2022/0611—Particular details or arrangement of cranks
    • A63B2022/0629—Particular details or arrangement of cranks each pedal being supported by two or more cranks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
    • A63B2022/0635—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers specially adapted for a particular use
    • A63B2022/0647—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers specially adapted for a particular use for cycling in a standing position, i.e. without a seat or support for the trunk
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/20—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)

Abstract

The cycle &c has forward and rear crank assemblies (C1-4) coupled to left and right platforms (7, 8) so as to form parallelogram linkages. The cycle &c is propelled by the user transferring weight between the platforms (7, 8) and is easy for children to ride.

Description

SCOOTER, CYCLE OR EXERCISE MACHINE The present invention relates to a scooter, cycle or exercise machine.
A conventional pedal cycle requires a certain degree of co-ordination to ride and it is not always easy for children and even some adults to learn to ride a bicycle.
A scooter is much easier to learn to use but the means of locomotion, involving pushing with one foot, is not very efficient. As a result, children often lose interest in a scooter.
An object of the present invention is to provide a scooter, cycle or exercise machine wherein at least some of the above disadvantages are alleviated.
Accordingly the invention provides a cycle, scooter or exercise machine having at least one movable platform arranged to transmit power from the user to the cycle, scooter or exercise machine, the platform being pivotally supported at non-coincident axes defined by two spaced apart regions thereof.
The platform, being supported at spaced apart regions thereof (preferably forward and rearward regions) enables a more even distribution of foot loading and body weight (particularly if there are two such platforms located side by side) and as a result the cycle, scooter or exercise machine is easier to use.
Preferably the platform is constrained to maintain a substantially constant inclination throughout its motion. This feature further aids balancing.
Preferably the or each platform is maintained substantially horizontal.
Preferably the length of the platform (as measured in the direction of the spacing between said regions) is 150 mm or greater, more preferably 300 mm or greater.
This feature makes it easier for the user to support his or her entire foot on a platform (rather than just the front portion as in the case of a conventional pedal) and aids balance.
Other preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.
A preferred embodiment is described below by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a bicycle or scooter in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bicycle/scooter of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a further bicycle/scooter in accordance with the invention, and Figure 4 is a top plan view of the bicycle/scooter of Figure 3.
For the sake of convenience the machines of Figures 1 and 2 and Figures 3 and 4 will be referred to as scooters (because they have a platform on which the user can stand, and no seatpost or saddle) but they could also be regarded as cycles (because they are driven by a crank assembly somewhat in the manner of a pedal cycle). It will be apparent that both the construction and mode of use differ appreciably from those of conventional cycles and scooters.
Referring to Figure 1, the scooter comprises a frame 3 having a conventional front tube 3A in which is mounted a conventional handlebar and front fork assembly 4, carrying a front wheel 1 and enabling the scooter to be steered in a conventional manner. A rear wheel 2 is coupled to a rear sprocket 5 which is in turn coupled to a drive chain 6, optionally via a conventional derailleur or hub gear arrangement (not shown) which is in turn driven by a chain wheel 17.
Chain wheel 17 is driven by right and left cranks Cl and C2. As best seen in Figure 2, the handlebar and fork assembly 4 carries conventional brake handles for operating front and rear brakes in a conventional manner.
As described thus far the scooter is identical to a conventional bicycle.
In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention, the frame 3 is provided with a further bearing B in which is journalled a further crank assembly comprising left and right cranks C4 and C3, which are identical to cranks C2 and C 1 respectively.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a left-hand platform 7, having a length of e. g. 350 mm or more, is pivotally coupled at forward and rearward regions thereof to cranks C4 and C2, defining spaced apart pivot axes X4 and X2 respectively.
Platform 7 and cranks C2 and C4 define a parallelogram linkage.
Similarly, a right-hand platform 8 is coupled about pivot axes X1 and X3 to cranks C 1 and C3 and thereby forms a further parallelogram linkage.
Thus axes A1 and A2 of the front and rear crank assemblies have the same spacing as the spacing between axes X2 and X4 and between axes X1 and X3.
In use, the user initially back pedals the platform assembly until one platform (e. g. the right hand platform'83 reaches its lowest level and then puts his/her right foot on that platform, while pushing his/her left foot rearward on the ground to achieve balance and momentum (as with a normal scooter).
As the scooter moves forward the user transfers his/her weight via the left foot to the left hand platform 7, which at this point is slightly forward of top dead centre position, forcing the platform to its lowest level, by which time the initial right hand platform reaches or moves slightly beyond the top dead centre position. The user now transfers his/her weight to the right hand platform via the right foot, thereby applying further propulsion to the scooter.
The rider, now fully mounted on the scooter, continues to propel the scooter by transferring his/her weight between the alternate platforms as they reach top dead centre position.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 (in which parts corresponding to those of Figures 1 and 2 are indicated by the same reference numerals) the crank assemblies Cl, C2 and C3, C4 are coupled to fixed sprockets S2 and Sl respectively which are coupled together by a further chain E. This feature ensures that the crank assemblies rotate exactly in unison and thereby prevents tilting of the platforms 7 and 8. Also the axes A1 and A2 of the crank assemblies are somewhat lower than in the embodiment of figure 1, the crank assemblies being mounted in bearings B'and B"which are in line with bottom frame member.
In both embodiments the pedalling motion is somewhat different from that involved in pedalling an ordinary cycle because the feet remain horizontal and little if any power is transmitted by tilting the foot about the ankle. Accordingly it is envisaged that the mechanism could advantageously be used in a stationary exercise machine, having e. g. a generator or other power sink rather than a road wheel connected to the drive chain 6.

Claims (10)

  1. CLAIMS 1. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine having at least one movable platform arranged to transmit power from the user to the cycle, scooter or exercise machine, the platform being pivotally supported at non-coincident axes defined by two spaced apart regions thereof.
  2. 2. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the platform is pivotally supported at forward and rearward regions thereof.
  3. 3. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, comprising two such platforms located side by side and coupled to at least one crank assembly.
  4. 4. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the platform is constrained to maintain a substantially constant inclination throughout its motion.
  5. 5. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the platform is pivotally coupled at front and rear regions thereof to respective crank assemblies, the crank assemblies and platform defining a parallelogram linkage.
  6. 6. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 5, wherein at least one crank assembly is coupled to a drive chain assembly which transmits drive to a wheel of the cycle, scooter or exercise machine.
  7. 7. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the platform is coupled to forward and rear crank assemblies on which respective sprocket wheels are mounted, the sprocket wheels being rotationally coupled together by a chain.
  8. 8. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said regions are spaced apart in the direction of the length of the platform and the length of the platform is 150 mm or greater.
  9. 9. A cycle, scooter or exercise machine as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said regions are spaced apart in the direction of the length of the platform and the length of the platform is 300 mm or greater.
  10. 10. A cycle or scooter substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
GB9925354A 1998-11-04 1999-10-26 Scooter Expired - Fee Related GB2343870B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9824212A GB9824212D0 (en) 1998-11-04 1998-11-04 Scooter,cycle or exercise machine

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9925354D0 GB9925354D0 (en) 1999-12-29
GB2343870A true GB2343870A (en) 2000-05-24
GB2343870B GB2343870B (en) 2002-06-12

Family

ID=10841855

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9824212A Ceased GB9824212D0 (en) 1998-11-04 1998-11-04 Scooter,cycle or exercise machine
GB9925354A Expired - Fee Related GB2343870B (en) 1998-11-04 1999-10-26 Scooter

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9824212A Ceased GB9824212D0 (en) 1998-11-04 1998-11-04 Scooter,cycle or exercise machine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB9824212D0 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2815930A1 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-05-03 Didier Zuber Roller skate propulsion device for bicycle comprises platforms, replacing usual pedals, on which roller skates are moved
FR2827567A1 (en) * 2001-07-18 2003-01-24 Pascal Denier Folding cycle comprises rectangular tube with steering column at one end and U-shaped part carrying rear wheel at other end, articulation above column allows its folding down horizontally
EP1818248A2 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-15 Schmidt, Hans Eberhard Pedal wheels
WO2012172135A1 (en) * 2011-06-13 2012-12-20 Gomez Cruzado Jose Antonio Pedal-powered vehicle
JP2015131575A (en) * 2014-01-14 2015-07-23 大阪クレーンエンジニアリング株式会社 Standing ride type bicycle
IT201700115632A1 (en) * 2017-10-13 2019-04-13 Bertolini Federica Maria Chiara TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING YIELD IN BICYCLE AND MUSCULAR PROPULSION MACHINES

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB399926A (en) * 1932-05-31 1933-10-19 Harold Doran Mullett Improvements in propelling mechanism for cycles and like vehicles
US4779863A (en) * 1987-06-26 1988-10-25 Yang Kuey M Running exercise bicycle
WO1993024359A1 (en) * 1992-06-04 1993-12-09 Evgeny Grigorievich Kombarov Bicycle
WO1995003093A2 (en) * 1993-07-19 1995-02-02 Vladimir Andreevich Spichkin Exercise bicycle
US5403255A (en) * 1992-11-02 1995-04-04 Johnston; Gary L. Stationary exercising apparatus
WO1998005549A1 (en) * 1996-08-01 1998-02-12 Schaeffler Max Pedal arrangement for a bicycle

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB399926A (en) * 1932-05-31 1933-10-19 Harold Doran Mullett Improvements in propelling mechanism for cycles and like vehicles
US4779863A (en) * 1987-06-26 1988-10-25 Yang Kuey M Running exercise bicycle
WO1993024359A1 (en) * 1992-06-04 1993-12-09 Evgeny Grigorievich Kombarov Bicycle
US5403255A (en) * 1992-11-02 1995-04-04 Johnston; Gary L. Stationary exercising apparatus
WO1995003093A2 (en) * 1993-07-19 1995-02-02 Vladimir Andreevich Spichkin Exercise bicycle
WO1998005549A1 (en) * 1996-08-01 1998-02-12 Schaeffler Max Pedal arrangement for a bicycle

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2815930A1 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-05-03 Didier Zuber Roller skate propulsion device for bicycle comprises platforms, replacing usual pedals, on which roller skates are moved
FR2827567A1 (en) * 2001-07-18 2003-01-24 Pascal Denier Folding cycle comprises rectangular tube with steering column at one end and U-shaped part carrying rear wheel at other end, articulation above column allows its folding down horizontally
WO2003008260A1 (en) * 2001-07-18 2003-01-30 Pascal Denier Novel type of collapsible cycle
EP1818248A2 (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-15 Schmidt, Hans Eberhard Pedal wheels
EP1818248A3 (en) * 2006-02-10 2009-03-18 Schmidt, Hans Eberhard Pedal wheels
WO2012172135A1 (en) * 2011-06-13 2012-12-20 Gomez Cruzado Jose Antonio Pedal-powered vehicle
JP2015131575A (en) * 2014-01-14 2015-07-23 大阪クレーンエンジニアリング株式会社 Standing ride type bicycle
IT201700115632A1 (en) * 2017-10-13 2019-04-13 Bertolini Federica Maria Chiara TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING YIELD IN BICYCLE AND MUSCULAR PROPULSION MACHINES

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2343870B (en) 2002-06-12
GB9925354D0 (en) 1999-12-29
GB9824212D0 (en) 1998-12-30

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20061026