A suspended spindle assembly is disclosed for each of the front wheels of recumbent tricycles which absorb vibration and bumps to reduce rider fatigue while improving trike handling and rider comfort.

A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.

A device for converting reciprocating rectilinear motion into unidirectional circular motion is provided, which is capable of converting a man-powered rectilinear motion into a unidirectional circular motion by a combination of a rack and a gear, or a combination of a chain and a chain wheel, or a combination of a belt and a belt wheel, and under the conversion of a plurality of gear sets and unidirectional bearings. Each of the gear sets comprises a large gear, a medium gear and a small gear, thus transformation of output torque and a rotating speed can be achieved by transverse sliding meshing of the gear sets, and this speed regulation is quite convenient. In addition, the gear sets in a main body are randomly arranged according to actual needs, such as rectilinear arrangement, triangular arrangement and the like. In addition, a transportation vehicle using the device is also provided.

A suspended spindle assembly is disclosed for each of the front wheels of recumbent tricycles which absorb vibration and bumps to reduce rider fatigue while improving trike handling and rider comfort.

An inverted moving body includes: a riding part; a posture detection unit that detects a rotation angle of the riding part in a front-back direction; and a controller that switches, when a switching condition is satisfied, a non-inverted control state to an inverted control state. The inverted moving body includes a supporting part capable of supporting the inverted moving body in the inverted state while being in contact with the ground in the non-inverted control state. The switching condition includes a condition that an angle variation amount from the rotation angle of the riding part in the front-back direction in a state in which the supporting part is in contact with the ground is equal to or larger than a threshold.

A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.

A recumbent bicycle or recumbent tricycle with a removable rear fork that can be swapped with another rear style fork. The rear fork is clamped so that is cannot turn but can be easily swapped. The rear fork can be swapped according to riding conditions or for aesthetics. The rider may use one fork for stiff characteristics, another shock absorbing fork for off-road, or for any style or color at the discretion of the rider, thus allowing greater flexibility. Also, the bicycle includes removable tandem seat for a second rider with a removable pedal assembly for the second rider. In this way the same bicycle can be single or tandem capable. Another feature is a removable pannier rack assembly which adds more choices and capabilities for the rider. These various combinations are highly appealing to the cyclist community.

A collapsible tricycle having linkage to all three wheels enabling a smaller turning radius when all three wheels are tilted during a turn. The tricycle folds through the rear frame having a hinged rear axle with linkage to pivotal handle bars mounted to the rear frame that when pivoted from their storage position to their operative position also pivots the rear axle through said linkage from its stored position under the rear frame into its operative position. The rear axle is segmented so that when moved to its stored position under the rear frame each of the rear wheels can be pivotally collapsed against the frame.

A human powered aerodynamic amphibious recumbent vehicle having an outer shell that operates as the cycle exoskeleton, aerodynamic fairing, and boat hull. The vehicle includes a propulsion design adding paddles to the front drive wheels or pairing traditional pedaling to a propeller mounted on a kayak rudder via a flexible axle. Composite materials are used to form the vehicle and allow it to remain lightweight, abrasion tolerant, structurally rigid under rigorous operating conditions, and waterproof. The vehicle can enter and exit the water by riding directly in and out, or can be lifted by one person safely.

An arm powered cycle has an arm drive with a hand bar. Oscillating fore and aft movement of the hand bar is converted to rotational movement to drive a driven wheel by a dual, reverse motion slip clutch. The hand bar can have a U-shaped yoke with a seat positioned between uprights of the yoke. The yoke can be combined with an integrated steering mechanism to both drive the driven wheel and turn a directional wheel. A combiner can combine motion from the arm drive and a leg drive.