초록 ▼

A user powered vehicle which can be propelled upon an ice surface by applying force in repetitive power stroke movements in a rowing manner. The vehicle includes a main framework (10), a forward facing seat (64), a plurality of attached ice runners (14, 16) adapted to support the vehicle for efficie

A user powered vehicle which can be propelled upon an ice surface by applying force in repetitive power stroke movements in a rowing manner. The vehicle includes a main framework (10), a forward facing seat (64), a plurality of attached ice runners (14, 16) adapted to support the vehicle for efficient forward movement upon the operating surface, a movable propulsion wheel assembly (18) including at least one propulsion wheel (38) adapted to provide forward thrust when engaged with the operating surface, a rowing assembly (74) and footrest assembly (66) operable for converting rowing motions into propulsion force, and means (86) for transfer of weight from ice runners to propulsion wheel for increased traction during rowing power strokes and for re-transfer of weight to ice runners for improved efficiency between power strokes. The vehicle is adaptable for use on snow or land by replacing ice runners with skis or wheels respectively.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] In a user powered vehicle that is propelled upon an operating surface by applying force in repetitive power stroke movements of arms and legs in a rowing manner, including a framework, a seat, and at least three ground contacting members adapted to support said vehicle for forward m

[ I claim:] [1.] In a user powered vehicle that is propelled upon an operating surface by applying force in repetitive power stroke movements of arms and legs in a rowing manner, including a framework, a seat, and at least three ground contacting members adapted to support said vehicle for forward movement upon said operating, surface, the improvement comprising,(a) a propulsion wheel assembly including at least one propulsion wheel, a wheel axle, and a frame structure for supporting said wheel axle(b) means for attaching said propulsion wheel assembly to said framework to provide for movement of said propulsion wheel upwardly and downwardly in reference to said operating surface,(c) a rowing assembly secured to said framework and including a gripping member adapted for repetitive movements rearwardly in response to said repetitive power stroke movements of arms,(d) a footrest assembly slidably disposed upon said framework and adapted for repetitive movements forwardly in response to said repetitive power stroke movements of legs,(e) means, including at least one flexible force transmitting member, for drivingly connecting said gripping member and said footrest assembly to said propulsion wheel whereby movement of said flexible force transmitting member from a start position to a finish position in response to said power stroke movements imparts forward rotational movement to said propulsion wheel,(f) rewinding means operably connected to said flexible force transmitting member for moving said flexible force transmitting member from said finish position to said start position between said repetitive power stroke movements, and(g) weight transferring means interactive between said framework and said propulsion wheel assembly for repetitively transferring a portion of the weight supported by said ground contacting members to said propulsion wheel in concert with said repetitive power stroke movements whereby said propulsion wheel supports an increased amount of weight during said repetitive power stroke movements and a reduced amount of weight between said repetitive power stroke movements and whereby said propulsion wheel may be lifted from said operating surface after each of said power stroke movements.