WO2007046599A1

WO2007046599A1 - Unicycle having double acceleration function

Info

Publication number: WO2007046599A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/004166
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeung Chil Song
Original assignee: Jeung Chil Song
Priority date: 2005-10-17
Filing date: 2006-10-16
Publication date: 2007-04-26
Also published as: KR200412116Y1

Abstract

A unicycle having a double acceleration function is disclosed, which includes two pairs of sprockets connected by two endless chains that can perform double acceleration of the unicycle, an one-way clutch that can continuously move forward the unicycle even if the operation of pedals is terminated, a height adjustment member adjusting the height of a saddle, a brake member controlling the speed of the unicycle, and a folding member folding the saddle. The unicycle also includes a frame, first and second rotation axes independently and rotatably fixed to intermediate and lower end portions of the frame, a wheel independently and rotatably mounted on the first rotation axis and having a break member on one side of the wheel, a pair of pedals coupled to crank shafts engaged to both ends of the first rotation axis, a first sprocket integrally engaged to one side of the first rotation axis, a second sprocket integrally engaged to one side of the second rotation axis, a first endless chain connecting the first and second sprockets, a third sprocket integrally engaged to the other side of the second rotation axis, a fourth sprocket integrally engaged to the wheel, a second endless chain connecting the third and fourth sprockets, and a saddle mounted on an upper end of the frame.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title]

UNICYCLE HAVING DOUBLE ACCELERATION FUNCTION

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a unicycle having a double acceleration function, which includes two pairs of sprockets connected by two endless chains that can perform double acceleration of the unicycle, a one-way clutch that can continuously move the unicycle foreward even if the operation of pedals is terminated, a height adjustment member adjusting the height of a saddle, a brake member controlling the speed of the unicycle, and a folding member folding the saddle.

[Background Art] A cycle or bicycle is used worldwide as a basic means of transportation effective in aerobic training, since it is inexpensive and its upkeep is hardly required.

The bicycle includes a frame, front and rear wheels rotatably fixed to the frame, a sprocket rotated by pedals, an endless chain connecting the rear wheel and the sprocket, and a handlebar attached to a fork.

A rider sits on a saddle and steers with the handlebar attached to the fork. The rider propels the bicycle with the pedals attached to cranks that turn the sprocket. An endless chain transmits power from the sprocket to the rear wheel. The reason why the bicycle propels in balance is that the inertial generated when it runs acts on the bicycle. Contrary to such a common bicycle, a unicycle having one wheel includes a frame, one wheel fixed to the lower portion of the frame, pedals coupled to the wheels via cranks, and a saddle fixed to the upper portion of the frame to support a weight of a rider. In case of such a unicycle, the wheel is directly rotated by the pedals. Consequently, if the rotation of the pedals is stopped, the kinetic energy transferred to the wheel is eliminated, and the inertial does not act on the unicycle, so that the rider loses her or his balance and thus falls down.

Since it is difficult to accelerate the unicycle, the unicycle is not proper to operate longer distance. Also, in order to stably operate the unicycle, the rider must continuously move forward or backward to balance her or his weight. Consequently, it is not popularized.

Also, a unicycle including a sprocket and an endless chain as a bicycle has been proposed in order to solve the above problems. According to the proposed unicycle, a large sprocket coupled to pedals is fixed to the upper portion of a frame, a small sprocket is positioned under the large sprocket, and a saddleis fixed to the frame over the large sprocket at a desired distance from the large sprocket. Therefore, the unicycle has a drawback in that since a height of a saddle is increased, there is a danger of an injury due to the falling.

Since the unicycle is not widely popularized due to the above problems, it is not used for recreational or sports equipment or as a simple transporation means. As a result, it is limitedly used as circus equipment or by specific means. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above- mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a unicycle having a double acceleration function which includes two pairs of sprockets connected by two endless chains that can perform double acceleration of the unicycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provided a unicycle having a double acceleration function which includes a one-way clutch that can continuously move the unicycle forward even if the operation of pedals is terminated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unicycle having a double acceleration function which includes a height adjustment member adjusting the height of a saddle, a brake member controlling the speed of the unicycle, and a folding member folding the saddle.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention.

[Technical Solution]

In order to accomplish the above-mentioned objects, there is provided a unicycle having a double acceleration function, which includes a frame, first and second rotation axes independently and rotatably fixed to intermediate and lower end portions of the frame, a wheel independently and rotatably mounted on the first rotation axis and having a break member on one side of the wheel, a pair of pedals coupled to crank shafts engaged to both ends of the first rotation axis, a first sprocket rigidly engaged to one side of the first rotation axis, a second sprocket rigidly engaged to one side of the second rotation axis, a first endless chain connecting the first and second sprockets, a third sprocket rigidly engaged to the other side of the second rotation axis, a fourth sprocket rigidly engaged to the wheel, a second endless chain connecting the third and fourth sprockets, and a saddle mounted on an upper end of the frame. The frame may be provided with a height adjustment member adjusting the height of a saddle and a folding member folding the saddle.

The saddle may be provided with a brake handle connected to the brake member by a wire to control the brake member.

The unicycle may further comprise an auxiliary wheel means fixed to the lower portion of the frame to stably operate the unicycle.

The auxiliary wheel means may include two support rods having one ends pivotably coupled to the left and right end portions of the frame, an auxiliary wheel rotatably coupled to the other ends of the support rods, and a positioning member fixed to left and right lower ends of the frame to fix the position of the support rods.

[Advantageous Effects]

With the above arrangement, the unicycle has an advantage of performing double acceleration of the unicycle by using two pairs of sprockets connected through two endless chains. Also, the unicycle can continuously move forward through the one^¬ way clutch even if the operation of pedals is terminated.

The unicycle includes the height adjustment member adjusting the height of the saddle, the brake means controlling the speed of the unicycle, and the folding means folding the saddle.

[Description of Drawings]

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side view of a unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a right side view of a unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the operation of a brake means of a unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the operation of a folding means of a unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the operation of an auxiliary wheel of a unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Best Mode]

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the operation of a brake means of the unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the operation of a folding means of the unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the operation of an auxiliary wheel of the unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A unicycle 1 having a double acceleration function, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes two pairs of sprockets 40, 42, 44, and 46 connected by two endless chains 50 and 52 that can perform double acceleration of the unicycle, a one-way clutch that can continuously rotate a wheel 20 and thus move forward the unicycle even if the operation of pedals 30 is terminated, a height adjustment member adjusting the height of a saddle, a brake member controlling the speed of the unicycle, and a folding member folding the saddle. As shown in FIGs. 1 to 6, the unicycle also includes a frame 10, first and second rotation axes 12 and 14 independently and rotatably fixed to intermediate and lower end portions of the frame 10, a wheel 20 independently and rotatably mounted on the first rotation axis and having a break member 70 on one side of the wheel, a pair of pedals 30 coupled to crank shafts 32 engaged to both ends of the first rotation axis 12, a first sprocket 40 rigidly engaged to one side of the first rotation axis 12, a second sprocket 42 rigidly engaged to one side of the second rotation axis 14, a first endless chain 50 connecting the first and second sprockets 40 and 42, a third sprocket 44 rigidly engaged to the other side of the second rotation axis 14, a fourth sprocket 46 rigidly engaged to the wheel 20, a second endless chain 52 connecting the third and fourth sprockets 44 and 46, and a saddle 60 mounted on an upper end of the frame 10.

The frame 10 serves as a support on which components of the unicycle 1 are mounted. Preferably, the lower end of the frame is divided into two parts extending downward, as a fork.

Preferably, the frame is made of metal, and is coated with anti-rust or anti-corrosion paints.

The first and second rotation axes 12 and 14 are fixed to the lower end and intermediate portion of the frame 10 so that the rotation axes are independently rotated on the frame 10. The pedals 30, the first and fourth sprockets 40 and 46, and the wheel 20 are fixed to first axis 12, while the second and third sprockets 42 and 44 are fixed to the second rotation axis 14.

The wheel 20 is fixed to the center of the first rotation axis 12. The wheel 20 contacts the ground to operate the unicycle 1 . The wheel 20 is rotated independent of the first rotation axis 12, and the brake means 70 and a wire 76 are fixed to one side of the wheel 20.

The first sprocket 40 is rigidly fixed to one side of the first rotation axis 12 to which the wheel 20 is fixed, and the fourth sprocket 46 is rigidly fixed to the other side of the first rotation axis 12 together with the wheel 20. The first sprocket 40 is rigidly fixed to the first rotation axis 12, and thus is rotated together with the first rotation axis 12. The fourth sprocket 46 is rigidly formed with the wheel 20. The fourth sprocket 46 serves as a one^¬ way clutch so as to transfer a driving force to the wheel 20 in a forward direction only. If the pedals 30 are reversely rotated or are stopped, the fourth sprocket 46 is rotated independent of the wheel 20.

The pedals 30 are fixed to crank shafts 32 provided at both sides of the first rotation axis 12. The pedals 30 are rotated by a rider.

The pedals 30 transfer the forward driving force only to the wheel 20 through the fourth sprocket 46. If the pedals 30 are not rotated or reversely rotated, the pedals 30 run idle so that it can be rotated independent of the wheel 20.

The second rotation axis 14 fixed to the intermediate portion of the frame 10 is provided at both sides thereof with the second sprocket 42 coupled to the first sprocket 40 via the first endless chain 50 and the third sprocket 44 coupled to the fourth sprocket 46 via the second endless chain

52.

The second and third sprockets 42 and 44 are rigidly formed with the second rotation axis 14, so that the sprockets 42 and 44 are rotated around the second rotation axis 14 on the frame 10.

The saddle 60 is fixed to the upper end of the frame 10 provided with the first and second rotation axes 12 and 14. The rider sits on the saddle 60 to operate the unicycle 1 , and the saddle 60 supports the weight of the rider.

The height of the saddle 60 can be adjusted by a height adjustment means 80, and also can be folded by a folding means 90. The height adjustment means 80 is to adjust the height of the saddle 60 depending upon the rider. Preferably, the upper frame 10 is inserted into or drawn out from the lower frame 10 by using an adjustment screw 82.

The folding means 90 is to fold the upper frame 10 fixed to the saddle 60, so as to easily keep the unicycle 1 . Preferably, the folding means 90 is hingedly connected to the upper portion of the height adjustment means 80, and is folded by a push button 92 step by step.

The saddle 60 is provided on the front side thereof with a grip handle 72, an adjustment lever 74 fixed to the grip handle 72, and a wire 76 connecting the adjustment lever 74 with the wheel 20.

The grip handle 72 is gripped by a hand of the rider, if necessary, when the unicycle 1 operates. If the adjustment lever 74 fixed to one side of the grip handle 72 is pulled up, the rotation of the wheel 20 is stopped by the brake means connected to the wheel 20 by the wire 76. Preferably, the wire 76 is made by twisting a plurality of iron wires.

If the wire 76 connected to the wheel 20 is pulled up by the adjustment lever 74, the brake rubber (not shown) is in contact with one side of the rotating wheel to stop the rotation of the wheel 20 with the frictional force generated between the brake rubber and the wheel. If the adjustment lever 74 is released, the brake rubber contacting one side of the wheel 20 is detached from the wheel 20. In case the pedals 30 are rotated, the wheel 20 rotates.

Preferably, the frame 10 is provided at the lower portion thereof with an auxiliary wheel means 100. The auxiliary wheel means 100 includes an auxiliary wheel 103, the position of the auxiliary wheel 103 being positioned at front and rear portions of the wheel 20, so that the unicycle of the present invention can stably operate as the bicycle. As shown in FIG. 6, The auxiliary wheel means 100 includes two support rods 101 having one ends pivotably coupled to the left and right end portions of the frame 10, the auxiliary wheel 103 rotatably coupled to the other ends of the support rods 101 , and a positioning member 105 fixed to left and right lower ends of the frame 10 to fix the position of the support rods 101 .

Preferably, the auxiliary wheel 103 has a diameter far smaller than that of the wheel 20 so as to assist the one-wheel operation. The positioning member 105 may be branched from the left and right lower ends of the frame 10 in front and rear directions so that the support rods 101 are pivoted to selectively fix the position of the auxiliary wheel 103 at front and rear portions of the wheel 20.

The positioning member 105 may be configured in such a way that the support rods 101 can be fixed at several stages in front and rear directions. To this end, the support rods 101 are provided with resilient bosses, and the positioning member 105 is provided with engaging holes. Alternatively, the support rods 101 may be provided with a through- hole, and the positioning member 105 may be provided with several through- holes which communicate with the through-hole of the support rod 101 , so that the position of the support rods 101 can be fixed by means of a desired fastening member which is inserted into the through-hole of the support rods 101 and the through-hole of the positioning member 105.

The operation of the unicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. First, the frame 10 folded by the folding means 90 is unfolded by pushing the push button 92 down, and the height of the saddle 60 is properly adjusted by controlling the adjustment screw 82 of the height adjusting means 80. The rider sits on the saddle60, and then turns the pedals 80.

The first rotation axis 12 is rotated by the crank shaft 32 by the pedals

30. As the first rotation axis 12 is rotated independent of the frame 10, the first sprocket 40 rigidly fixed to the first rotation axis 12 is rotated. The second sprocket 42 connected to the first sprocket 40 via the first endless chain 50 is rotated to primarily accelerate the unicycle.

Also, as the second sprocket 42 is rotated, the second rotation axis 14 rigidly fixed to the second sprocket 42 is rotated. Then, the third sprocket 44 rigidly fixed to the second rotation axis 14 is rotated. In this instance, the second rotation axis 14 is also rotated independent of the frame 10. As a result, the fourth sprocket 46 connected to the third sprocket 44 via the second endless chain 52 is rotated to secondarily accelerate the unicycle. The wheel 20 rigidly fixed to the fourth sprocket 46 is rotated to operate the unicycle 1.

Since the fourth sprocket 46 is configured as the one-way clutch, the wheel 20 can be moved forward, in case of stopping the rotation of the pedals 30 or reversely rotating the pedals 30. Therefore, the unicycle 1 of the present invention can move advance with the inertial, without losing the balance.

Also, on forward movement, the rotation of the wheel 20 is stopped by pulling the adjustment lever 74 of the brake means 70 up, if necessary. If the adjustment lever 74 is released, the rider can turn the pedals 40 to move forward.

In case the unicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with the auxiliary wheel means 100, the unicycle can be stably operated as the bicycle.

[Industrial Applicability]

As apparent from the above description, the unicycle has an advantage of performing double acceleration of the unicycle by using two pairs of sprockets connected by two endless chains.

Also, the unicycle can continuously move forward through the one^¬ way clutch even if the operation of pedals is terminated.

The forgoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1 ]

A unicycle having a double acceleration function comprising: a frame; first and second rotation axes independently and rotatably fixed to intermediate and lower end portions of the frame; a wheel independently and rotatably mounted on the first rotation axis, and having a break member on one side of the wheel; a pair of pedals coupled to crank shafts engaged to both ends of the first rotation axis; a first sprocket rigidly engaged to one side of the first rotation axis; a second sprocket rigidly engaged to one side of the second rotation axis; a first endless chain connecting the first and second sprockets; a third sprocket rigidly engaged to the other side of the second rotation axis; a fourth sprocket rigidly engaged to the wheel; a second endless chain connecting the third and fourth sprockets; and a saddle mounted on an upper end of the frame.

[Claim 2]

The unicycle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the frame is provided with a height adjustment member adjusting a height of a saddle and a folding member folding the saddle.

[Claim 3]

The unicycle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the saddle is provided with a brake handle connected to the brake member by a wire to control the brake member.

[Claim 4]

The unicycle as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary wheel means fixed to a lower portion of the frame to stably operate the unicycle.

[Claim 5]

The unicycle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the auxiliary wheel means includes two support rods having one ends pivotably coupled to the left and right end portions of the frame, an auxiliary wheel rotatably coupled to the other ends of the support rods, and a positioning member fixed to left and right lower ends of the frame to fix the position of the support rods.