h a l f b a k e r yIncidentally, why isn't "spacecraft" another word for "interior design"?
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The folding ped-a-cycle picks up where the kick scooter left off by giving the rider much more speed, that couldn't be achieved with the kicking motion.
It uses a toothed rack and foot driven levers that push the two rear wheels backward along the rack, giving the rear wheels a good spin. There
are two rear wheels, racks, and foot platforms, so both legs can contribute.
There is also a pulley attached to the top tube, and a steel cable routed thru the pulley attached to both the left and right levers. This cable and pulley system keeps the foot platforms in opposition. So when one foots pressing down, the other foot platform is being lifted back up to prepare for the next power stroke.
The drive wheels are mounted on a pawl and ratchet hubs, that has a small gear that spins the wheel when it is forced back along the rack. The pawl and ratchet allows the wheels to freewheel during the upstroke, and when coasting.
Riding the Mantis is very much like Tai Chi weight shifting - rhythmically shifting your weight from left foot to right. Riding is relaxing experience.
Getting started on the Mantis will take getting used to. First the rider must make sure one of the platforms is completely raised, place one foot on that platform, hop on, and quickly place the other foot on.
I haven't figured out braking yet, so I'm including a grappling hook and some clothes line with all orders.
Wear a helmet.
(?) Side View
http://216.230.201.53/mantisSide.jpg
[1st2know, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]
Top View
http://216.230.201.53/mantisTop.jpg
[1st2know, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]
(?) Folded
http://216.230.201.53/mantisFolded.jpg
Sorry about the graphic sizing. [1st2know, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]
Levercycle
http://www.abc.net....rs/txt/s2055118.htm
Similar in that the rider ergonomicaly shifts weight from left to right foot [spidermother, Nov 05 2008]
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This makes me think of the mechanism employed by the Honda "Kick-N-Go" back in the '70's or 80's. It used an interesting chain mechanism but could only be powered by one foot. I have mentally toyed with the idea of a similar mechanism that could capture power from both feet and in both directions of the stroke. |
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If you've never seen it, you should check around and see if you can find some good photos of Honda's creation. |
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I'm not sure I understand all the details, but you get a + for the drawings. |
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"Mantis" may have some negative associations. For marketing purposes a positive, active name may be better. "Roadhumper" could attract more customers. |
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Excellent drawings. Very clear. [+] |
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From your description I gathered that this have been partly baked. There is a 4-wheeled human powered scooter which can be propelled 3 different ways. Braking is done with drum brakes on front wheels. |
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1. Kicking like any kick scooter |
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2. Sideways weight shifting and steering fishtailing. Like with Trikke scooter |
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3. That ratchet device which I have though as well. |
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Check my link, is that something you thinking of? |
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None of the links work... |
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I've seen folding kick scooters with hand brakes. That'd work for braking, wouldn't it? |
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