GB2471380A

GB2471380A - Multi function vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2471380A
Application number: GB1010407A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Reginald Cardy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-25
Filing date: 2010-06-22
Publication date: 2010-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-22
Also published as: GB0910972D0; GB201010407D0; GB2471380B

Abstract

A multi function transport system comprises a frame with high back and low rear load bar incorporating multi point fixings (1, figure 1) at frequent intervals throughout the frame for the addition of coordinated items to enhance the function of the transport system in terms of load carrying capacity, weather protection and family travel. Items which may be attached include storage boxes, additional seats, pushchairs, trailers and a canopy. A lightweight canopy for weather protection can be removed and stored partially within the frame. A dynamo may be used when the vehicle is stationary by disconnecting a drive system from the wheels.

Description

MULTi FUNCTION TRANSPORT SYSTEM This invention relates to a coorthnated transport system, a vehide that is primarily, but not exdusively, rider prDpelled. Bicycles and tricydes are common worldwkie. A three-wheeled vehicle is described although other configurations are possible.

Over the years many add on accessories have been produced to provide other functions for rider propelled vehicles to enhance the performance and increase the canying capacity in terms of children, adults or baggage. All of the additional equipment accepts the existing form of the basic vehide that has not been designed specifically for these additions and attach in various ways. In most instances there is a degree of compromise and adaptation that reduces the effectiveness of the total package.

The invention presented has been designed from the outset as a multi function unit with a range of fully coordinated items that attach in a planned and integrated way.

The vehicle is a framed construction with the minimum number of outer profiles for the various sections although the wall thickness of any hollow sections may vary according to the strength required. Individual parts of the frame may be made from any suitable material including steel, aluminium, plastic or even wood in any combination. The frame with a high back and low rear load bar has a large number of common attachment points at frequent intervals along most sections of the frame. The attachment points are holes or lugs to receive a single type of fixing either threaded, expansion; twist Iodc or other form of fixing. All locations have simple plugsorcovers in place until used. All accessories are designed to utilise the universal system. Any number of suitable fixing positions may be used together and where loads are high spreader members may be added to distnbute the stress over several flxings An alternative fixing method comprises a simple universal damp that can be fixed to the common frame profile at any point and incorporates an attachment lug or fixing as above.

A tricycle form is the preferred configuration for stability and for the potential it provides for a wide ranges of functions and load carrying capacity The detailed features of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings in which.

Figure 1 shows the base vehide and frame with multi point fixings 1 (not all attachment points are shown they extend throughout most frame sections).

Figure 2 shows the rear view of the frame with hh back 1 and load bar 2 at the bottom. This is the main section of frame for attaching accessories arid has multi point fixings at frequent intervals throughout its length. Other frame sections also have multi point fixings.

Figure 3 shows modular storage units 1 rigid or flexible attached to the multi point fixings. There can be one large unit or a selection of smaller units used individually or in combination. The units may be provided with handles and trolley wheels for manual handling similar to normal bags or suitcases when removed from the vehicle. They also provide suitable surfaces for logos, advertising or other information.

Figure 4 shows weather protection in the form of a cape 1 worn by the rider that attaches to the frame by Velcro pads, hooks or studs that are attached to selected multi point fixing positions. Weather shields 2 of varying size may also be attached to the multi point fixings on the front of the frame.

FigureS shows the seat ion height adjustable supports that attach to the frame multi point fixings.

Figure 6 shows a seat bad 1 that may be a rigkl moulded panel attached to the multi point fixings or a flexible material stretched between the same points.

Figure 7 shows the load platform 1 that utilizes the multipoint fixings and the load bar for support. It may have a moulded surface with recesses to allow load items or other aceessories to locate or lod into it.

Figure 8 shows the location of the suspension 1 between the frame and the rear wheels.

Figure 9 shows a baby seat 1 that locates on the rear frame and is secured by the multipoint fixings.

Figure 10 shows a pushchair I that locks on to the toad bar and is retained using the multi point fixings.

Figure ii shows a shopping trolley i fixed in the same manner as the pushchair.

Figure 12 shows a pillion type rear faang seat I that uses the multi point fixings on the frame that can also have foot rests 2 using fixings on the load bar and a safety belt or harness 3 secured on the frame multi point fixings.

Figure 13 shows the use of the multi point fixings for mounting lights 1 at high or lower levels.

Figure l4showsa similaruseto l3forsafety reflectors 1.

Figure 15 shows a purpose-designed pet carrier 1 for transporting animals to the vet, suitable exercise areas or for other reasons again secured by the multi point fixings.

Figure 16 shows a trailer 1 foradditional canying capacity attached to the multi pointfixingson the load bar.

Figure 17 shows a high-badc trailer 1 attached as in 16 but with the addition of a stabhty restraint 2 to the multi point fixings at the top of the frame.

Figure 18 shows a second vehicle i of the same or different size with the front wheel removed attached by the multi point fixings on the load bar of the first vehide and the multi point fixings on the front of the second vehicle to form a tandem.

Figure 19 shows the pedal powered dynamo i that can also be contained within the lower storage compartment if required. The stable format of a tricycle when static allows the drive to the wheels to be disengaged while retaining the dynamo auxiliary charging capacity. A mechanical auxiliary drive is also possible when the vehide is static.

Figure 20 shows a battery 1 housed in the lower storage compartment that can be part of an electrical drive system using an electric hub motor in the front wheel or a motor acting on the chain drive. The supplementary motor assistance improves performance and load carrying ability Figure 21 shows parking pad 1 attached to the multi point fixing at the top of the frame that allows the vehide to be stored on the rear frame reducing the space oocupd when not in us Figure 22 shows the rear storage compartments 1 that can be specifically designed for the transportation of mail induding removable sorting racks if required.

Figure 23 shows the rear storage compartments 1 with an internal arrangement suitable for the transportation of paramedic equipment. Security locking and alarms may be included.

Figure 24 shows an arrangement of the storage compartments 1 similar to figures 22& 23 above but designed for use by police or community patrol officers.

Figure 25 shows the storage compartments 1 in use for food & drink deliveries or sales at sport, music, shopping or othervenues. The compartments may be thermally insulated to remain hot or cold. They can also be fitted with low voltage electrical connections to restore the hot or cold status between pumeys from an external source or boosted from the dynamo system in fIgure 19. Advertising as figure 3 may also be appropriafe for this function.

Figure 26 shows the possibilities for different frame styles that may be more sporting or provide different seating positions. The same multi function fixings are incorporated to retai the interchangeable nature of the attachments.

Figure 27 shows weather protection for the rider using tvo flexible rods attached to the multi point fixings at the front and to the fixings at the top of the high back. 1. A concertina canopy 2 slides along the rods and can be locked into position as required. Storage for the rods is provided within the hollow sections of the frame with plugged access points 3 at the top of the high back and on the low load bar.

Figure 28 shows the base vehiole with a selection of accessories attached for family use induding a rear seat, lights, front weather protection and roof canopies. This is one of many permutations to suit individual requirements.

Figure 29 shows a base vehicle with a different selection of accessories for load carrying and possible business use including front and canopy weather protection and a high back trailer with advertising potential on the body.

This tricycle format framed vehicle figure 1 with high back and low load bar figure 2 incorporates multiple fixing points throughout the mainly common sections of the frame allowing the easy attachment and removal of a range of coordinated accessories that enhance the functions available to the user.