This invention relates generally to devices used to train children to properly learn how to balance and control a two wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle or a motorcycle. Secondarily, the invention relates to devices for training children how to use a throttle and brake to control a motor driven vehicle such as a small motorcycle. The invention allows for the growth of the child's skills from initial balance, to the more complex task of combining balance, throttle control, and braking, enabled by a lightweight form, low seat height and narrow foot platform.
This section describes the background art of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. There is no intention, either express or implied, that the background art discussed in this section legally constitutes prior art.
There have been a number of recent advancements in the techniques and devices to use to teach children how to ride a bicycle. One example has been the use of a balance bike, also called a running bike, similar to that referenced in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2010/0052287 to Mcfarland (“McFarland”). The McFarland vehicle is primarily a bicycle with a low seat height, but does not include pedals or cranks to propel the vehicle. This arrangement allows for a child to use the child's feet and legs to propel and balance the bike by walking or running, until the skill level of the user increases and the child can push and coast the bike.
Further reference may be made to the following patents; U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,007; U.S. Patent Publication No. US201410077470; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,654.
While this concept has been great at teaching very young children how to balance, the youngest age groups still lack the ability, strength and dexterity to advance to riding a standard bicycle with pedals and cranks. Thus, actually pedaling the bicycle becomes the next skill that needs to be conquered. During this transition from running bike to bicycle, often parents must simply wait for the child's motor skills to develop to the point where the child can keep their feet on the pedals while pedaling in a circular motion.
In addition to learning the basic skill of balancing on two wheels, for motorcycle riding, a child must learn the basic throttle control system through the use of twisting the throttle on the handlebar. This technique is difficult to teach, and somewhat dangerous if there is not constant adult supervision. There have been previous attempts to aid children by putting training wheels on small motorcycles, which can allow training of some balancing skills to be separated from throttle control skills. While this technique may reduce anxiety and allow earlier development, training wheels still fail to provide a completely realistic training tool for learning balance and throttle control. Further, the weight and size of the bike are concerns for smaller and younger children. Another potential problem occurs when a motorcycle may be ridden too fast before the child has a chance to acquire the skills needed to modulate the throttle, thus becoming more dangerous than necessary.
Another problem arises when attempting to provide a vehicle that has a low enough seat height so that a small child can straddle the vehicle or sit on the seat and still keep both feet on the ground. For bicycles, this problem arises because of the space required to provide the pedals and gears, while for motorcycles, the problem relates to providing a relatively large engine and other components. As a result, for both bicycles and motorcycles, the seat height must be raised to accommodate these components, thus resulting in seat heights that are too high for a child to keep both feet on the ground.
In order to better understand the invention and to see how the same may be carried out in practice, non-limiting preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these embodiments of the invention may be in many different forms and thus the invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided as illustrative examples only so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the certain ones of the embodiments of the system, components and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the embodiment of the invention.
Therefore, the present invention provides a convertible running bike with a small, electronically controlled motor in order to solve training problems found in conventional solutions. As with the logic of a simple running bike, the convertible running bike allows a child to learn to use their feet and legs to balance, propel and stop before having to learn to drive the feet in a circular pedaling motion, without being able to easily touch the ground while sitting on the seat. Further, the motorized running bike of the present invention provides a controlled way for a child to propel the bike using their hand on a throttle in a similar manner used with motorcycles. The learning process for the convertible running bike may be controlled and adapted to each child's ability by an adult. This process can be further controlled by features included in the electronic capability such as maximum rates of speed. Because a child will remain interested with these new functions, the child can enjoy the motorized running bike without becoming frustrated with the complex task of driving their legs in a circular motion before they are physically capable.
The convertible motorized running bike of the present invention is designed to be both a toy, and also a training device for both a bicycle and motorcycle. The invention has a frame that acts in a similar function to one of today's current balance bikes, with no crank set or pedals, and has a slender profile that aids with walking/balancing leg movements. In this configuration, the frame is lightweight so that a young child can have confidence in handling, controlling and lifting the bike.
Once a child has mastered the basics and is able to coast, turn, and slow down for obstacles, the frame may be fitted with a motorized propulsion system. The frame is adapted to support the addition of the motorized system components, so that the motorized version of the present invention may be controlled in manners similar to an ATV or motorcycle. The motor may be easily attached to the frame in a prefabricated motor location, and a chain may then be installed to provide propulsion to the rear wheel. The motorized version may be controlled with either a thumb throttle or twist throttle. In various embodiments, the motor is an electrical type motor that may be modulated and controlled via the throttle by the rider. In other embodiments, the motor speed and bike acceleration may be preset by an adult through a smart device application, a wireless transmitter, or a directly connected cable, mechanism or programmable key to provide an extra level of safety for the child until they acquire the appropriate skill level to control the vehicle.
As a result, a child will be able to more easily learn the mechanics and skills of motorcycle riding on a lightweight vehicle, instead of heavier and more powerful vehicle, such as a gas powered motorcycle. By having the ability to continue learning motorcycle riding skills after learning balance skills, a child can maintain fun and interest during the time period before they begin to develop the leg skill to pedal a normal bicycle. In addition, a child can gain a tremendous amount of throttle control skill and vehicle awareness before they begin to ride a heavier and faster motorcycle.
In other embodiments, the convertible running bike may have the motorized components installed and in place, but not used, thus allowing a child to learn to balance the slightly heavier bike before activating the motorized system to provide propulsion to the bike.
A convertible running bike capable of selectively converting from a non-motorized configuration to a motorized configuration may include a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a handle bar rotatably engaged with the front fork for steering the bike, a frame and a seat connected to the frame. The frame may include a down tube portion connected to the front fork, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, a drivetrain receiving region for selectively receiving a drivetrain assembly, and a battery mount for selectively receiving a battery.
The convertible running bike may also include a drivetrain assembly disposed within the drivetrain receiving region and having a first sprocket, an electronic controller disposed within an electronic control housing receiving region and coupled to the drivetrain assembly, a battery disposed within the battery mount, a throttle sensor coupled to the electronic controller, a second sprocket connected to the rear wheel, a chain connected to the first sprocket and the second sprocket. In response to an input to the throttle sensor, the electronic controller causes the drivetrain assembly to rotate the first sprocket, the first sprocket driving the chain, and the chain rotating the second sprocket and the rear wheel and the convertible running bike operates in the motorized configuration.
In an embodiment, the bike may include a footrest. The drivetrain assembly may include a brush motor or a brushless motor. The frame may include a left portion and a right portion.
In another embodiment, a running bike capable of selectively converting from a non-motorized configuration to a motorized configuration may include a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a handle bar rotatably engaged with the front fork for steering the bike, a frame and a seat connected to the frame. The frame may include a down tube portion connected to the front fork, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, a drivetrain receiving region for selectively receiving a drivetrain assembly, a battery mount for selectively receiving a battery, such that the convertible running bike operates in the non-motorized configuration. In an embodiment, the bike may include a footrest. The frame may include a left portion and a right portion.
In a further embodiment, a method of selectively converting a convertible running bike from a non-motorized configuration to a motorized configuration where the convertible running bike includes a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a handle bar rotatably engaged with the front fork for steering the bike, a frame including a down tube portion connected to the front fork, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, a drivetrain receiving region for selectively receiving a drivetrain assembly, a battery mount for selectively receiving a battery; and a seat connected to the frame. The method may include disposing a drivetrain assembly having a first sprocket within the drivetrain receiving region, disposing an electronic controller within an electronic control housing receiving region and coupling to the drivetrain assembly, disposing a battery within the battery mount, coupling a throttle sensor to the electronic controller, connecting a second sprocket to the rear wheel, connecting a chain to the first sprocket and the second sprocket. In response to an input to the throttle sensor, the electronic controller causes the drivetrain assembly to rotate the first sprocket, the first sprocket driving the chain, and the chain rotating the second sprocket and the rear wheel, and the convertible running bike operates in the motorized configuration.
Referring now to
Also shown is footrest 46 attached to a plate 150 disposed on the bottom of the mainframe left portion 5 and the mainframe right portion 9 to provide a location for a child to rest their feet during coasting or propulsion. Further, the footrest 46 is shaped narrow enough with gentle angles to provide non-traumatic surfaces to the legs while the child balances and runs with the bike. More specifically, the footrest 46 includes an angled front portion 80 and an angled rear portion 81 that provide a gentle slope such that if a child is straddling the convertible running bike 1 and is standing either directly in front of or behind the footrest 46, if the bike moves in the direction of child's feet, the angled front portion 80 or the angled rear portion 81 cause the child's feet and/or legs to be pushed outwardly away from the bike. Therefore, unlike a conventional bicycle with pedals or motorcycle with footpegs, the footrest 46 will not tend to strike and potentially injure the child's feet and/or legs.
A freewheel sprocket 44 is rotatably attached in a conventional technique to the rear wheel 11. In an embodiment, the freewheel sprocket 44 may comprise a BMX freewheel sprocket. For the convertible running bike 1 in the motorized configuration, a chain 21 is selectively connected between the sprocket 44 and a sprocket 100 disposed on the drivetrain assembly 36. The purpose of the chain 21 is to transfer force from the sprocket 100 to the sprocket 44, which in turn forces the rear wheel 11 to rotate and move the bike 1. Because of the gear reduction of the motor and transmission 102, combined with the freewheel sprocket 44, rearward motion is limited. In an embodiment, the sprocket 44 and the sprocket 100 may comprise conventional parts, such as bicycle sprockets. Further, the drivetrain assembly 36 is not limited to a chain drive system, but may also comprise a belt drive, shaft drive or other drive mechanism.
As illustrated in the schematic diagram in
In the close-up and exploded views of
In an embodiment of the convertible running bike 1 in the motorized configuration,
Embodiments are shown below of the methods of converting the convertible running bike 1 from a non-motorized configuration into a motorized configuration. All of the steps below may be accomplished using conventional tools located in homes.
Conversion Method for Internal Electronic Control Assembly/External Battery Mount
Conversion Method for External Electronic Control/Battery Mount Assembly
Typically, electric cycles utilize a simpler direct motor connection without a large gear reduction. However, in embodiments of the present invention, the motor and transmission 102 employs a small, high rpm motor with a large planetary gear reduction and a 90 degree angle drive output, which allows for a lighter, more compact drivetrain. Additionally, combined with freewheel sprocket 44, this allows for conservation of energy, because the motor and transmission does not have to turn while coasting. This embodiment also limits rearward motion or rollback when a child stops on an upward incline. The small diameter and orientation of the motor and transmission 102 allows its placement in the frame assembly to provide a centralized center of gravity, as well as a narrow profile that provides additional clearance for children's legs for use as a running cycle.
In an embodiment, the CPU 104 may be programmed to sense the amp draw and determine whether the rider has “pushed” the bike to start the forward movement. This program feature provides an additional feature to require a rider to push the bike to start rolling, which would reduce the initial amp draw on the motor, and so the CPU 104 can sense that the rider started pushing the bike from zero. This feature may reduce concerns about a child grabbing and twisting the throttle, and possibly advancing forward with only one hand on the handlebars in an unsafe manner.
The CPU 104 may also have a sensor to determine orientation and acceleration of the running cycle. This can be utilized to limit or modify motor activity, as well as provide safety shutoff's if conditions warrant.
In an embodiment, the battery mount system 180 may interface with the battery 182 in a mechanical or electrical manner in order to select preset motor performance.
In various embodiments, the present invention can apply to other motorized transportation devices such as wheelchairs or strollers.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the above examples, it will be understood that many modifications and variations are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention shall not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended and contemplated to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/048,834 filed Sep. 11, 2014 and entitled “Motorized Running Cycle”, and which is incorporated in its entirety herewith.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62048834 | Sep 2014 | US |