Tricycle

The present invention relates to a tricycle designed to carry a person, comprising:

a front wheel located substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tricycle; two rear wheels positioned transversely on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle;

- a connecting frame of a wheel, comprising a rotatable portion which can be rotated in the transverse direction around an inclined axis essentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tricycle:

a footrest that is part of the frame or is mounted on a frame; a second user bracket that is part of the frame or is mounted on the frame.

The tricycle according to the present invention is a tricycle powered by soil repulsion with a foot or by means of a motor.

The longitudinal axis of the tricycle is the axis along the conventional direction of the tricycle movement. The longitudinal direction of the tricycle is the direction in the conventional direction of the tricycle movement.

To ensure better stability, the tricycle includes a front wheel and two rear wheels ..

Utilizing the current state of the art of vehicles having a frame including a rotating section allows the vehicle to adapt to the curves to be covered, it is necessary that the vehicle's axle moves transversely in relation to the direction of movement to facilitate curves. In these vehicles the seat is mounted on a rotating part to adjust the inclination of this part. Document WO 2005/077683 A1 specifically describes a tricycle improved in a manner in which the seat is mounted on a rotating part with means for detecting the transverse force that the user exerts on the seat. These detecting elements form a functional system with tilting elements of the rotating part. The tilting element actively controls the degree of tilting of the rotating part depending on said measured force.

A control system that uses a seat in this way is not perfect from an ergonomic point of view.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose an alternative to a tricycle consisting of a frame comprising a rotating part that provides optimum ergonomics for the driver.

This goal can be achieved by producing a tricycle for transporting a person, consisting of:

a front wheel located substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tricycle; two rear wheels situated transversely on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle:

- a connecting frame of a wheel, comprising a rotatable portion which can be rotated in the transverse direction around an inclined axis essentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tricycle:

a footrest that is part of the frame or is mounted on a frame; a second user bracket that is part of the frame or is mounted on the frame.

the frame essentially comprising a stationary portion in relation to the supporting plane of the three wheels. a rotatable portion that is able to rotate relative to a substantially stationary portion positioned in the front portion of the tricycle. connecting the front wheel and having a footstool and a substantially stationary part of the frame located in the rear part of the tricycle. connecting the rear wheels and equipped with the second footstool which is designed as a sciatic support.

According to the invention, the seat of the tricycle in a sitting position is replaced by a sciatic support that provides optimal ergonomics for the driver. The sciatic support is additionally located in the essentially stationary part of the frame, not the rotational part of the frame. The inclination of the articulation part can thus be directly adapted to the user's legs, and not with the use of a seat that is mounted on a substantially stationary section, the adjustment is much more ergonomic. In addition, adjusting to the use of the feet improves driving conditions and is more ergonomic. The system works directly, without intermediary elements and provides increased response speed. With this configuration, the tricycle according to the invention is more manoeuvrable than the tricycles proposed with the current state of the art.

The tricycle according to the invention is even more agile in a design in which the tilting axis is located in a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the tricycle and substantially perpendicular to the supporting plane of the three wheels. This axis is inclined from 1 ° to 10 ° in relation to the supporting plane of the three wheels. The slope tends to change when the tricycle is loaded.

The tilting axis is generally inclined from 5 ° to 8 °, and in a more preferred arrangement it is substantially inclined by 6 ° with respect to the supporting plane of the three wheels.

The maximum deviation of the rotating part in relation to the axis of tilting is substantially 15 °.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tricycle includes centering elements for the pivot point to allow the rotating part of the frame to return to its initial position. In more precise terms, these centering elements may comprise cylinders. The pressure of these cylinders is significantly regulated so that they can be set, for example, according to the weight or the preferred user feeling.

Significantly, the footstool of the tricycle according to the invention is arranged in such a way as to ensure that the user's legs are inclined relative to the supporting plane of the three wheels. The user's position with this inclination provides the user with perfect posture ergonomics, so that the user can stay in a vertical position for much longer.

According to a more preferred embodiment, the footrest is in the form of one or more leg bars (s). The use of supporting rods ensures that the system has perfect ergonomic inclination. Preferred bars of the footrest are round.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sciatica support may rotate with respect to the frame about a rotary axis that is substantially located on a plane containing a longitudinal axis of the tryeyelk and which is substantially inclined from 45 ° to 90 ° relative to the bearing plane of the three wheels. Significantly, the tilt axis is in this case significantly deviated from 65 ° to 70 °.

The maximum preferred inclination of the sciatic support around the axis of tilting is substantially 15 °.

According to a preferred embodiment of the tryeykla, according to the invention comprising such pivotal sciatic support, the tricycle comprises means for centering the sciatic support in such a way as to restore the sciatic support to the initial position. In more detail, the centering means may include a torsion spring.

According to a particular embodiment, the sciatic support is mounted on the frame in a manner adjustable along the height, so that the height can be adjusted depending on the user's morphology.

According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the tricycle includes lateral supports that are attached substantially to both sides of the sciatic support and at least in part above the sciatic support in the manner of supporting the user transversely. These lateral supports are laterally adjustable in relation to the sciatic support. which allows you to adjust the width of the buttock support. In addition, the transverse supports may rotate, relative to the sciatic support about the axis of tilting, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle and substantially parallel to the plane of support of the three wheels. so that they can be lowered in such a way that the user can easily get in or off the tricycle.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail based on the following description of several preferred tricycles in accordance with the invention. The purpose of this specification is merely to provide an illustrative example of the invention and to indicate the further advantages and details of these tricycles in accordance with the invention, and thus can not be construed as limiting the scope of application of the invention or patented proprietary claims.

l detailed description will use digital markings to refer to the attached drawings, where:

Figure 1 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the tricycle according to the invention: Figure 2 is a side view of the tricycle. which is shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front view of the tricycle shown in figure 1 which shows the two positions of the tricycle between the rotating part of the tricycle with a rotation angle of 15 ° C; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the tricycle shown in Figure 1 at the junction between the substantially stationary part and the rotatable portion of the tricycle frame. which shows two positions between which the rotation part of the tricycle rotates by 15 °;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the front portion of the tricycle shown in Figure 1 in the location of the sciatic support. showing two positions between which the sciatic support rotates by 15 °:

Figure 6 is a plan view of part of the tricycle shown in Figure 1 in the location of the sciatic support. which shows the two positions of the sciatic support. between which the sciatica support rotates by 15 °;

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the tricycle shown in Figure 1, which shows the two positions of the tricycle, between which the pivot and throttle parts rotate by 15 °;

Figure 8 shows a detailed view of zone A of figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the front portion of the tricycle shown in Figure 1 in the location of the sciatic support. which shows the two positions of the sciatic support. between which the sciatic support moves up;

Figure 10 is a front view of a sciatic support with a lumbar support, lateral supports and a seat support that shows two positions of lateral supports between which the distance between the side supports is set; and

Figure 11 is a side view of the sciatic support with lumbar support, side supports and seat support which presents three positions of lateral supports between which the inclination of the side supports relative to the sciatic support is changed and which shows the two positions of the seat support between which the seat is retracted.

The figures show a tricycle (1) comprising a front wheel (2) and two rear wheels (3) as shown in figures I to 3 and 7. The front wheel (2) is arranged substantially on the longitudinal axis of the tricycle (1). The two rear wheels (3) are placed transversely on opposite sides in relation to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle (1). such that the tricycle (1) is substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle (1).

The frame (4) (Fig. 2) connects the wheels (2. 3). The frame (4) has a front part (4b) and a rear part (4a). The front section (4b) of the frame (4) consists of the platform (14) and post (13) and connects the front wheels (2) to the steering wheel (1 7). which can rotate in relation to the bar (13) in an obvious way. The inclination of the steering wheel (17) in relation to the post (13) is limited and amounts to 40 °. The steering wheel (17) is connected to the first end of the post (13). The other end of the post (13) is connected to the first end of the platform (14). The platform (14) allows the driver to place one foot on it and drive the tricycle (1). pushing off the ground with the other leg. The platform (14) can be. for example, with perforated anti slip foil for better foot adhesion. In the front of the platform (14). on both side surfaces a cylindrical rod (5) is mounted to serve as a footrest (5). to provide support when the tricycle is powered by engines (12). Due to the footrests (5) made in the form of cylindrical bars, the inclination of the feet automatically adapts to the most ergonomic position. A roller (20) is mounted under the platform (14), which allows it to easily overcome obstacles whose height is greater than or equal to the loose platform height (14). The platform (14) is slightly inclined in relation to the supporting plane of the three wheels (2. 3): This angle is between 5 ° and 15 °. which allows for better support for the feet. The other end of the platform (14) is connected to the rear part (4a) of the tricycle (1). The rear part (4a) includes a seatpost (15) and a hatch (16) supporting the rear wheels (3). The first end of the seatpost (15) is connected to the other end of the platform (14), while the other end of the seatpost (15) is connected in the central part of the arch (16). On the gantry structure (15) the sciatic support (6) is mounted with its lateral support (9), the lumbar support (10) and the retractable seat support (23). Episode of the seatpost (15). on which the sciatic support is mounted (6) is basically inclined by 66.5 ° in relation to the supporting plane of the three wheels (2, 3). This inclination is such that the user can set the legs on the footrests (5). and the back on sciatica support (9). obtaining an excellent ergonomic attitude. The arch (16) supporting the rear wheels (16) includes two arms extending transversely from the center of the hatch (16) to the rear wheels (3). The rear wheels (3) are equipped with an independent axis of rotation (21, 22). which frees the space between the wheels (3). necessary for the user to drive using muscles.

The front part (4b) is connected to the rear part (4a) by means of a hinge, which provides a lateral inclination of the front part (4b). The rear part (4a) is essentially stationary in relation to the supporting plane of the three wheels (2. 3). Thus, when the front portion (4b) is inclined relative to the rear portion (4b). the rear part (4a) and the rear wheels (3) are immobilized as a result of this rotation, and the front part (4b) and the front wheels (2) rotate relative to the supporting plane of the three wheels (2) as shown in figure 3 and figure 7. The tilting axis (19) of the front part (4b) is in the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the tricycle (1) and is substantially perpendicular to the supporting plane of the three wheels (2. 3). This axis (19) is essentially inclined by 6 ° in relation to the bearing plane of the three wheels (2.3), the inclination tends to change, when the tricycle (1) is loaded. Figures 3, 7 and 8 show the maximum inclination (a) of the rotating part (4b). which is essentially 15 degrees. The front part (4b) and rear part (4a) are connected to the force absorbing plate (18). which is fixedly fixed to the shaft (19) in the front part (4b), as shown in figure 1. On each side of the force plate (18) there is a cylinder (7) attached to the seat post (15) in the rear part (4a). By means of these elements, the front part (4b) is able to rotate relative to the rear part. Cylinders (7) are used as centers for centering the front part (4b) in a light manner to automatically centralize the front part (4b) to its starting position. Cylinders (7) are adjustable like this.

This arrangement allows the user to adjust the rotating part by means of legs.

The height of the sciatic support (6) of the tricycle (1) is adjusted on the seatpost (15). as shown in Figure 9, so that the height can be adjusted depending on the user's morphology. Numerous fastening elements that allow such displacement already exist and are known in the current state of the art.

The sciatic support (6) is further mounted pivotally in a transverse direction with respect to the seat post (15) about an axis essentially inclined by 66.5 ° with respect to the supporting plane of the three wheels (2-3), The inclination of the axle. around which support can be rotated is the same as in the seatpost (15). as shown in Figures 5 to 8. This allows the user to monitor the motion of the tricycle (1) via the sciatic support (6). The maximum inclination (β) of the sciatic support (6) around its axis of tilting is substantially 15 °. There are many known solutions in the current state of technology that use this type of connection.

Two springs (8). as shown in Figure 6, acting in opposite directions, are the centering elements for sciatic support (6). to ensure that the sciatic support (6) returns to the original position.

The lumbar support (10) installed to support the user's lower back is mounted above and in conjunction with the sciatic support (6). such that the support (10) adapts to all movements of the sciatic support (6) (see figures 5 to 8).

The two lateral supports (9) support lateral movements of the user in the pelvic region and are generally mounted on both sides of the sciatic support (6), and in conjunction with the sciatic support (6). so that they adapt to all sciatic support movements (see Figures 5 to 8).

The lateral supports (9) supporting the pelvis have adjustable width in relation to the sciatic support (6). as shown in figure 10. that the distance between the supports (9) can be adapted to the width of the wearer's hips. The lateral supports (9) may pivot with respect to the sciatic support (6) about a tilting axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle (1) and substantially parallel to the supporting plane of the three wheels (2, 3). so that it can be lowered in a way that the user can more easily get on or off the tricycle. Figure 11 shows three positions of side supports (9) with an angle of inclination (γ) of 15 ° between individual positions. Many systems for adjusting side supports (9) are possible.

Tricycle (1). as illustrated, further comprising a seat support (23). This seat bracket (23) gives the driver the opportunity to opt for support between the legs without having to use the side supports (9). The seat bracket (23) is pulled so that it can be lowered by an angle (Ó) of 60 ° as shown in Figure 11.

Tricycle (1). as shown, it is powered either by pushing the ground with the foot or through the motors (12). The motors {12) are mounted near the rear wheel axis, as shown in figure 2. yes. so as not to hinder the user's movements. The batteries (11) for the motors (12) are attached either inside the pillar (13) of the front frame (4) or in the base of the seat post (15) of the rear frame (4). It is also possible to equip the tricycle with a motor that is mounted on or in the frame (4) or on a single wheel (2. 3) or mount it on or in each wheel (2, 3). It is also possible to mount the battery (11) only on the post (13) or only on the seatpost (15). Different engine positions are possible, giving the possibility of additional tryey-wheel drive (1), not just with legs.