Multi-wheeled cycle

• US 4,746,132 A
• Filed: 02/06/1987
• Issued: 05/24/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert W. Eagan
• Original Assignee: Robert W. Eagan
• Inventors: Eagan, Robert W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Love, John J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HILL, MITCHELL
• Application Number:
  US07/011,608
• Time in Patent Office: 473 Days
• Field of Search: 280/200, 280/204, 280/208, 280/210, 280/211, 280/226 R, 280/226 A, 280/239, 280/263, 280/265, 280/266, 280/270, 280/1.1 R, 280/1.11 R, 280/1.13, 280/92 , 280/282, 280/1, 280/189, 280/1.14, 280/1.203, 280/293
• US Class Current: 280/1.13
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 9/00 Children's cycles toy vehicles A63H17/00

Abstract

A multi-wheeled cycle comprising a frame, a main wheel, and at least one auxiliary wheel secured for rotation at one end of the frame forwardly or rearwardly of the main wheel, and a spaced-apart pair of auxiliary wheels secured for rotation at the other end of the frame rearwardly or forwardly of the main wheel. The main wheel is held for rotation to the mid-portion of the frame and includes a conventional crank and pedal assembly for foot rotation of the main wheel while the user is seated atop the cycle. The bottom of the main wheel lies below the plane defined by the bottoms of the auxiliary wheels to facilitate unique maneuvering and operation. The main wheel may also be pivotable about a vertical axis passing through it. All axes of rotation of the wheels are generally horizontal.

Claims

1. A multi-wheeled cycle operable as a unicycle comprising:

a frame having a mid-portion and first and second portions extending from said mid-portion in opposite directions;

a vertical axis extending through said mid-portion of said frame at the center thereof;

said frame mid-portion including a user support means located on said vertical axis for supporting the user while seated with legs astride said frame;

a main wheel rigidly connected for rotation to, and disposed from, said frame mid-portion in a fork;

said fork being generally upright, located on said vertical axis and having an upper end, and said main wheel having a horizontal axis located on said vertical axis;

a collar on said frame mid-portion having a vertical portion for receiving and supporting said upper end of said fork;

said main wheel having opposing pedals disposed from a crank operatively connected to said main wheel on said horizontal axis for propelling said cycle;

at least one auxiliary wheel rigidly connected for rotation to said frame first portion;

at least two spaced apart auxiliary wheels rigidly connected for rotation to said frame second portion;

the axes of rotation of said auxiliary wheels generally horizontal and parallel;

the bottom of said main wheel lying below the plane formed by the bottoms of said auxiliary wheels.

2. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

an additional auxiliary wheel rigidly connected for rotation to said frame first portion in spaced apart relation to said one auxiliary wheel.

3. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said user support means is a bicycle-type seat.

4. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said user support means is included in an ornamental figurine rigidly connected over and to said frame.

5. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a handle disposed and upwardly extending from said frame first portion.

6. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a handle disposed and upwardly extending from said frame second portion.

7. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said main wheel is also pivotable in relation to said frame about said vertical axis.

8. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 7, wherein:

said user support means is a bicycle-seat and is rigidly connected to and pivots with said main wheel.

9. A multi-wheeled cycle operable as a unicycle comprising:

a frame having a mid-portion and first and second portions extending from said mid-portion in opposite directions;

a cycle axis extending through said mid-portion of said frame at the center thereof;

user support means supported by said frame and located on said cycle axis above said frame for supporting a user while seated with legs astride said frame;

a fork supported by said frame and located on said cycle axis below said frame;

said fork being generally upright and having an upper end;

a collar on said frame mid-portion having a vertical portion for receiving and supporting said upper end of said fork;

a main wheel having an axis of rotation located on said cycle axis and mounted for rotation in said fork;

said main wheel having opposed pedals disposed from cranks operatively connected to propel said cycle;

at least one auxiliary wheel rigidly connected for rotation to said frame first portion;

at least two spaced apart auxiliary wheels rigidly connected for rotation to said frame second portion;

the axes of rotation of said main and auxiliary wheels being generally horizontal and parallel; and

the bottom of said main wheel lying below the plane formed operated as a unicycle by keeping said auxiliary wheels spaced from the ground.

10. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 9, further comprising:

an additional auxiliary wheel rigidly connected for rotation to said frame first portion in spaced apart relation to said one auxiliary wheel.

11. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 9, wherein:

said user support means is a bicycle-type seat.

12. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 9, wherein:

said user support means is a part of an ornamental figurine rigidly connected over and to said frame.

13. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 9, further comprising:

a handle disposed and upwardly extending from said frame first portion.

14. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 9, further comprising:

a handle disposed and upwardly extending from said frame second portion.

15. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 9, wherein:

said fork is pivotable in relation to said frame in said collar.

16. A multi-wheeled cycle as set forth in claim 11, wherein:

said user support means is rigidly connected to and pivots with said main wheel.