US4227589A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined engine and pedal powered vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-12-05
•
Granted: 1980-10-14
•
Expires: 1997-12-05
Abstract
Abstract A combined engine and pedal-powered multipassenger, multipurpose four-wheel vehicle constructed by operatively connecting any two compatibly configured, commercially available bicycles and powering at least one of its four wheels with auxiliary propulsion apparatus for optional power assist of such vehicle. The two bicycles are operatively interconnected into side by side, spaced apart and aligned relationship by plural, specifically configured members, each bent to form a longer mid-portion and two shorter end-portions; each mid-portion positioned substantially horizontally and transversely between the two bicycles and each shorter end-portion operatively attached to correspondingly positioned frame members of the two bicycles at two spaced-apart points. A steering assembly based on modified trapezium linkage principle of king-pin with track-arm and track-rod connection of the front wheels of the two bicycles to provided efficient steering from either bicycle. An auxiliary propulsion apparatus to drive at least one wheel of the vehicle provides a choice of usual pedal-power alone, auxiliary power alone, or any combination of the two. Variety of auxiliary accessories interchangeably attachable to the interconnecting members enable the vehicle to transport additional passengers and assorted cargo in varied combinations of them. All operating controls of the two bicycles and the auxiliary power assist apparatus are combined for operative control by one person. All protective attachments and obligatory accessories required for safe, legal operation of thus constructed vehicle over public streets and roads are effectively incorporated.
Inventors
- 👤 John J. Chika
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 12:37
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M6/00; B62M6/10; B62M6/25; B62K; B62K13/00; B62K13/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A combined motor and pedal-powered four-wheel vehicle comprising: a. two compatibly configured two-wheel tandem vehicles; b. plural, specifically configured, transversely rigid cross members operatively connecting said tandem vehicles in side-by-side parallel relation; each cross member bent to form a longer mid-portion and two shorter end-portions; said longer mid-portions positioned substantially horizontally and transversely between said tandem vehicles; said shorter end-portions aligned with and secured to corresponding frame members of said tandem type vehicles at plural spaced-apart points; c. a modified trapezium steering linkage operatively interconnecting conventional steerable front wheels of said tandem vehicles; d. auxiliary motor means of propulsion optionally propelling at least one wheel of said four-wheel vehicle; and e. means combining operative controls of said vehicle and its means of auxiliary propulsion for one-person operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A combined motor and pedal-powered four-wheel vehicle comprising: a. two compatibly configured two-wheel tandem vehicles; b. plural, specifically configured, transversely rigid cross members operatively connecting said tandem vehicles in side-by-side parallel relation; each cross member bent to form a longer mid-portion and two shorter end-portions; said longer mid-portions positioned substantially horizontally and transversely between said tandem vehicles; said shorter end-portions aligned with and secured to corresponding frame members of said tandem type vehicles at plural spaced-apart points; c. a modified trapezium steering linkage operatively interconnecting conventional steerable front wheels of said tandem vehicles; d. auxiliary motor means of propulsion optionally propelling at least one wheel of said four-wheel vehicle; and e. means combining operative controls of said vehicle and its means of auxiliary propulsion for one-person operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said tandem vehicles have pedal crank housings and said shorter end-portions of said cross members are secured to said frame members of said tandem vehicles in positions as far away from said crank housings as is practical.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said cross members are configured of such materials as will provide adequate strength for maintaining a stable side-by-side parallel relationship between the coupled two-wheel vehicles at all times while retaining torsional resiliency of the overall four-wheel vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary motor means propels at least one wheel of said four-wheel vehicle by means of a drive roller means operatively engaging with the surface of a tire on said wheel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein the power of said auxiliary motor is transferred to the wheels of said vehicle by means of modified differential and drive shaft means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein the power of said auxiliary motor means is transferred to at least one wheel of said vehicle by means of transversely positioned direct drive shaft means comprising a driver roller means on its outboard end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein one of said two-wheel vehicles already has its own auxiliary motor means of propulsion and the other two-wheel vehicle of similarly configured wheel base and wheel size has no additional means of motor propulsion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein both of said two-wheel vehicles has its own auxiliary motor means of propulsion and operational controls, further including means to combine the operational controls for efficient control by a single operator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein one of said two-wheel vehicles is motor propelled only, the other vehicle being a pedal propelled vehicle of similar wheel base and wheel size.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein one of said two-wheel vehicles is motor propelled only, the other vehicle being a pedal powered vehicle of compatible wheel base and wheel size to which auxiliary motor means of propulsion are added, further including means of combining the operational controls of both systems of propulsion to be operable by a single driver of said vehicle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
The structure of claim 1, comprising protective enclosures, safety shields, guards and covers for said auxiliary motor means and its accessories to prevent vehicle users from incurring any harmful contact and bodily injuries when in normal transport and when said vehicle is involved in a collision.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
60 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said two-wheel vehicles function as two rigid structures forming left and right sides of a combined vehicle, each side structure configured sufficiently strong to operatively support its own front and rear wheel and all necessary supportive and operative means required to safely propel said four-wheeled vehicle by any combination of motor and pedal-powered means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure of claim 1, comprising means for prominent display of identification on said vehicle to visually separate it from other transport vehicles sharing the traffic pattern on public streets and roads.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 13, comprising means of extending said means for prominent display of identification to sufficient height to make it easily visible above the common height of regular motor vehicles using public streets and roads.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary motor means of propulsion comprises electrically powered motor means powered by electricity from rechargeable storage batteries.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
The structure of claim 15, wherein said electrically powered motor means is adjustably and operatively positioned in proximity of only one wheel of said vehicle, comprising only one shaft with a rim driver means for optional propulsion of one of the wheels of said vehicle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
The structure of claim 15, comprising means to secure and transport said storage batteries in rigid enclosures secured to said vehicle in a manner to insure that said batteries will not cause any bodily harm to users when said vehicle is involved in any type of a collision.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structure of claim 15, comprising means to allow said storage batteries to be repeatedly recharged by means connecting them with conventional electrical outlets.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The structure of claim 15, wherein said electrically powered motor means is of the reversible type, enabling said vehicle to be propelled in both forward and rearward directions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The structure of claim 15, wherein two electrically powered motors are operatively installed to propel two separate wheels of said vehicle, comprising dual control means enabling the operator of said vehicle to use them individually and in combination.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The structure of claim 15, wherein said electrically powered motor means is of the double-ended shaft type, positioned transversely to said vehicle, configured to optionally propel either back wheel individually or in combination.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
77 words
The structure of claim 21, wherein said electrically powered motor means is secured to auxiliary supporting structure means in stationary position, its double-ended shaft aligned with shafts of rim drivers when they are in full operative engagement with tires of said vehicle, flexible coupling means connecting said motor shafts with said rim driver shafts, clutch means to engage and disengage said rim drivers to and from operative engagement with the tires of the wheels of said vehicle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said longer mid-portions of said cross members are adapted to support specifically configured means to accommodate and transport extra passengers and assorted cargoes in varied combinations.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination of claim 23, wherein said specifically configured means comprise fastenners, tie-down and tethering means to secure cargoes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination of claim 23, wherein said specifically configured means comprise protective screens, panels of soft and rigid materials to form protective enclosures for said cargo and passengers against the elements and road hazards.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 23, wherein said specifically configured means comprise seats, foot rests, hand rests, assist bars for comfort, convenience and safety of users of said vehicle.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 26, wherein said seats comprise specifically configured body restraining means for protection of their occupants during a collision of said vehicle.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 26, wherein said seats are of the contour-type shell configuration, molded of synthetic materials, securable to face in either direction.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination of claim 26, wherein said seats are of tubular frame configuration spanned with webbing means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 23, comprising a platform and upwardly extended lateral sides to provide secure holding means for persons standing on said platform and means of enclosing said sides with swing gate.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of claim 30, wherein said lateral sides of said platform are extendible to support a roof panel assembly for said vehicle.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 31, comprising roof panels and side curtain means of pliable material configured for repeated installation and removal from said lateral sides, and swing-type gate means connecting the back corners of said lateral sides.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said two-wheel vehicles comprise two similarly configured bicycles.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
46 words
The structure of claim 33, wherein said bicycles are of the ladies type configuration, said shorter end-portions of said connecting members secured to down tubes, seat tubes and chain stays by two spaced-apart bolt means located as far away from the pedal crank housings as practical.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The structure of claim 33, wherein said auxiliary motor means propel said vehicle by means of specifically configured rim driver means being forced into direct frictional contact with the tire of at least one wheel of said vehicle.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The structure of claim 35, wherein said rim driver means are positioned and operatively supported by the frame structures of said two-wheel vehicles.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The structure of claim 35, wherein said rim drivers are actuated into and out of operative engagement with said tires by means of specifically configured swing-arm means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure of claim 35, wherein said rim drivers are actuated into and out of operative engagement with said tires by slidably operable means secured to seat-stays of said two wheel vehicles.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
42 words
The structure of claim 35, wherein said rim drivers are of as large a diameter as can be operatively accommodated within the space defined by the seat-tube, seat-stays and the outside circumference of said bicycle tires while permitting engaged and disengaged positions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The structure of claim 35, wherein said rim drivers are configured of suitable material, produced in easily assembled parts to facilitate assembly, installation, replacement and repair.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 35 wherein those outer portions of said rim drivers which come in direct frictional contact with the driven wheels of said vehicle are replaceable and exchangeable.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
33 words
The structure of claim 35, wherein said rim drivers, when employed to propel both left and right wheels of said vehicle, comprise differential means allowing said vehicle to drive around curves and corners.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure of claim 42, wherein said differential means comprise specifically modified ratchet and roller means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure of claim 42, wherein said differential means comprise specifically modified ratchet and pawl means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The structure of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary motor means comprises an internal combustion engine.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The structure of claim 45, wherein said combustion engine is of the horizontal crankshaft configuration, secured to auxiliary structure supported by said transverse cross members.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
The structure of claim 45, wherein said combustion engine comprises means to generate sufficient electricity to charge a storage battery and to provide sufficient electric power to operate all electrical accessories of said vehicle.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
The structure of claim 45, comprising means to start said combustion engine by other than electrically powered means, means to generate sufficient electricity to power and control all electric accessories of said vehicle.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
The structure of claim 45, wherein said combustion engine is of the vertical crankshaft configuration, secured to an auxiliary structure supported by said transverse cross members.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 49, wherein the power of said engine is transferred to wheels of said vehicle by rim driver means operatively positioned behind seat stays and above the tires of the wheels of said vehicle.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
54 words
The structure of claim 45, wherein said engine means comprises on its power shaft side a pulley means which is operatively aligned with another similarly configured pulley means secured to a transverse drive shaft means, the two pulleys operatively connected by belt means, means to control the tension of said belt over said pulleys.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 51, wherein said pulleys are of multiple step configuration to provide plural optional ratios of torque and velocity transfer between said engine and said vehicle wheels.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure of claim 52, comprising control means to enable the operator of said vehicle to control said optional torque transfer from a normal driving position while said vehicle is in motion.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 51, wherein said transverse drive shaft means comprises on its outboard ends specifically configured rim driver means for operative contact with tires on the vehicle wheels.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The structure of claim 54, comprising means to engage said rim driver means with said tires individually and selectively.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The structure of claim 54, comprising means for operative engagement of said rim drivers with said tires when said belt means are under tension over said pulleys.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure of claim 56, wherein said means for operative engagement of said rim drivers with said tires comprise modified clutch means operable by a driver of said vehicle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-14 | 1984-04-14 | 1984-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-14 | 1988-04-14 | 1988-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-14 | 1992-04-14 | 1992-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |