Manual operating assembly for a vehicle
US6193253A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62M1/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hand-operable operating assembly for a vehicle, such as a three-wheeled cycle. The drive mechanism comprises opposing members, such as oppositely oriented crank handles. A sprocket and chain assembly connects the hand crank to the pedal crank on the cycle. A grip is attached to each crank handle. The grip is pivotally attached to the crank handle and is also connected to a cable system that steers the front guidance wheel on the cycle. Thus, the front wheel is turned by simply pivoting one or both of the grips. To keep the grips properly oriented for the operator rearward of the crank handles, the crank handles are rotatably attached to the crank rods. A timing belt is provided on each crank handle to maintain the correct orientation of the handle as it orbits the crankshaft. Thus, the cycle can be steered and driven simultaneously by operation of the grips. Moreover, the grips are positioned so that they pivot about their central transverse axes. This means that the operator can turn the vehicle by a simple twist of the wrists while continuing to drive the vehicle by turning the crank handles, which are attached to the grips.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.