A process for building recumbent bicycles to fit their riders. The first step is to build an adjustable recumbent bicycle frame designed for adjustability in the location of all the major elements of the bicycle; including position and angle of seat, position of wheels and pedals or other foot power means, position and caster angle of steering axis and position of handlebars or other steering means. Then individual riders or classes of riders test the adjustable frame model, and work out configurations that fit their body build and style of riding. Finally, lighter weight less adjustable or non-adjustable bicycle frames are built, copying the measurements between the elements of the adjustable frame bicycle, as configured when tested. One unique aspect of the present invention is that the adjustable frame utilized provides for both vertical and longitudinal adjustment between the bicycle seat and the rear wheel. Thus this parameter can be ergonomically optimized. Then the positioning of the front wheel and its steering geometry can be optimized. Finally the position of the foot pedal mechanism and handlebars can be optimized for the rider with respect to the other components.
A ergonomic tandem bicycle suitable for riders with some limited physical capabilities. The ergonomic tandem bicycle includes an elongated frame with an angled steering column attached to the front portion that positions the front wheel substantially in front of the frame, and the handlebars towards the rear. A transmission assembly includes the necessary pedal sprockets, along with idler sprockets that maintain continuous contact between the sprockets and the long drive chain required with this type of design. The seat is positioned in such a manner so as to allow the riders to sit in a near vertical position.
The bicycle of the invention provides a frame having forward and rear frame portions that are selectively attach and detach from each other in upright and recumbent positions. In the upright position, cranks are connected to a gear box that is adapted to drive a typical chain sprocket. In the recumbent position, the cranks are removed from the rear gear box and are attached to a forward gear box. A drive shaft is positioned between the gear boxes so that the bicycle rider may power the bicycle from the forward gear box. The bicycle may also be configured to be used as a tandem with a second set of cranks attached to the rear gear box.
A bicycle includes a bicycle frame, a wheel set, a treading unit, a handlebar unit, and a seat unit. The bicycle frame has front and rear ends. The wheel set includes front and rear wheels disposed respectively on the front and rear ends of the bicycle frame. The treading unit is mounted on the bicycle frame for transmitting treading power to the wheel set. The handlebar unit is mounted on the bicycle frame and is coupled to the front wheel to permit steering of the front wheel. The handlebar unit is pivotable toward and away from the rear end of the bicycle frame. The seat unit is mounted adjustably on the bicycle frame to permit height adjustment thereof relative to the handlebar unit.
A recumbent or the like cycle includes an improved seat structure that can be used to facilitate angular positioning of the seat and/or handling of the cycle for transport and/or storage. The seat includes a mounting structure enabling fore-and-aft adjustment along the cycle as well as angular adjustment of the seat. The seat also preferably includes a material having reflective properties incorporated directly into the material of the seat, e.g., such as the fabric of the seat.
A wheeled vehicle with a front wheel drive system and a low profile operator seat that is positioned forward of the rear fork. The rear portion of the frame is telescopically connected to and selectively movable with respect to the front portion of the frame to provide a convenient adjustment that accommodates riders of all sizes. The wheeled vehicle also includes a releasably attached sidecar that can be quickly attached to or released from the vehicle frame by mating engagement of a slotted bracket with a rod, and a locking pin with a spring biased socket.
