Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
280260000 | With gearing | 52 |
20080231014 | Bicycle Multi-Gear Cassette - A bicycle multi-gear cassette mountable to a wheel hub driver mechanism that includes truncated conical shell having a first opening proximate a small shell base and a second opening proximate a large shell base. The openings are coaxial with an axis of the shell. A plurality of toothed sprockets having different numbers of teeth are disposed on the shell and extend radially of the central axis. A torque load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. A radial load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. The shell, sprockets, and the load transmitting profiles embody a single piece. | 09-25-2008 |
20080252037 | Mounting System For An Internal Bicycle Transmission - A bicycle transmission assembly that is mountable to a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle frame. The bicycle transmission assembly includes an input crank assembly, an output chainring, a planetary gear mechanism, a control system and a mounting system. The planetary gear mechanism is mounted coaxially about an axis of the bottom bracket shell and provides a plurality of transmission paths. The control system is operatively connected to the planetary gear mechanism for selecting one of the transmission paths. The mounting system mounts the planetary gear mechanism and the control system to the bottom bracket shell. The mounting system includes at least one attachment point disposed on at least one frame boss extending radially outwardly from the bottom bracket shell. The control system is mounted nonrotatably to the at least one attachment point. | 10-16-2008 |
20090121450 | DRIVE APPARATUS - A drive apparatus for converting a substantially linear driving force to a rotary propulsive force, the apparatus including a pedal assembly for accepting a substantially linear drive force and fixed structure assembly for converting the substantially linear drive force to a rotary propulsive force. | 05-14-2009 |
20090243250 | BICYCLE SPROCKET ASSEMBLY - A bicycle sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket unit formed in one piece, a second sprocket unit formed in one piece and being hollow inside, and a third sprocket unit formed in one piece. The first sprocket unit includes at least one sprocket and a first protrusion. The second sprocket unit includes at least two sprockets with different outer diameter, a first recess formed in a side of the larger outer diameter sprocket and a second recess formed in a side of the smaller outer diameter sprocket. The third sprocket unit includes at least one sprocket and a second protrusion. In assembly, the first protrusion of the first sprocket unit engages with the first recess of the second sprocket unit and the second protrusion of the third sprocket unit engages with the second recess of the second sprocket unit. | 10-01-2009 |
20100225087 | Logical Third Axle Bicycle Gear Train - A logical third axle gear train for a bicycle, comprising a power gear operatively connected to at least one sprocket and adapted to be rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame. A drive gear is operatively connected to a hub assembly on which a drive wheel is mounted. A conversion gear adapted to be rotatably mounted on the bicycle frame is disposed between the power gear and drive gear to transmit torque from the power gear to drive gear. The drive wheel is removable from the bicycle frame without manipulation of a chain for driving the sprocket. | 09-09-2010 |
20100295264 | Airless, Chainless Bicycle - A durable, airless, chainless bicycle multiple riders of differing heights is disclosed. The bicycle is propelled by a drive shaft instead of a chain, making the drive assembly more dependable. The tires are made from a solid material and cannot go flat. The frame and other components of the bicycle are either inherently rust resistant or are coated to increase their rust resistance. The bicycle also has a front basket that is mounted such that the basket does not turn when the front wheel turns. Finally, the bicycle has a seat adjustment mechanism which allows the seat height to be adjusted without tools. | 11-25-2010 |
20100301581 | Mounting Method For Bottom Bracket Planetary - A mounting device for a bicycle having a bottom bracket planetary gear system with a sun gear or ring gear, and a bottom bracket shell positioned at the convergence of a plurality of frame parts of a bicycle frame is disclosed herein. The mounting device preferably has a control plate, a drive side bearing flange, a control input and control pawl. The control pawl blocks the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier of the planetary system of the bicycle transmission thereby transferring the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier force to the control pawl then to the control plate and then to the bicycle frame. | 12-02-2010 |
20110062678 | CHAINLESS BICYCLE DRIVE SYSTEM WITH SPEED CHANGE ARRANGEMENT - A chainless bicycle includes a drive system having a speed change arrangement is provided. In a first mode of speed change a forward pulling of a forward cable clockwise pivots a front pivotal member to move the forward sleeve rearward so that a first toothed portion of the forward sleeve clears a second gearwheel to move into a first gearwheel to mesh with a toothed portion of the first gearwheel whereby rotating a shaft will rotate a drive gear, the first gearwheel, the second gearwheel, the forward sleeve, a drive shaft, a rear sleeve, a fourth gearwheel, second inner engaging members, second outer engaging members, a third gearwheel, and a rear axle co-rotating with a rear wheel. | 03-17-2011 |
20120086183 | GREEN BIKE - A green bike comprises a frame, two wheels, a first internal-gear module and a second internal-gear module and a transmission element. The frame has a pedal, a front supporting unit, a rear supporting unit, and a seat unit. The two wheels are attached to the front supporting unit and the rear supporting unit, respectively. The transmission element is disposed in the frame or a tube shield linking to the frame. The first internal-gear module and the second internal-gear module are coupled with the pedal and at least one of the wheels. The transmission element links the first and the second internal-gear modules for delivering power to the at least one of the wheels. | 04-12-2012 |
20120292880 | Children's Vehicle with a Shifting Mechanism - A wheeled vehicle with an adjustable gear arrangement is disclosed. The gear arrangement can be adjusted by a child riding the wheeled vehicle. | 11-22-2012 |
20130043666 | Orthopedic Mobility Device - An adult scale three-wheeled device facilitates movement for mobility challenged persons. The device is foot propelled while seated either through walking while seated or pedaling. The device is provided with a limited footprint for navigating confined areas while the individual is seated in a substantially standing position, with the pedals being repositionable so as to allow unobstructed walking while remaining seated. A lockable braking system prevents one or more wheels from turning. The device is collapsible for storage. | 02-21-2013 |
20140265217 | Cycle Transmission Exhibiting Low Steering Interference Effects - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
20140284897 | TRANSMISSION UNIT WITH A PLANETARY GEARING SYSTEM - A transmission unit includes a planetary gearing system including a ring gear connected to a bicycle frame, a planet carrier with planet gears, and at least one sun gear that is engaged with the planet gears. A rear wheel shaft is coaxial with respect to the sun gear. A driving mechanism is operatively rotationally engaged with the planet carrier. At least one bearing is configured to bear the rear wheel shaft with respect to the bicycle frame and is arranged between the planetary gearing system and a seat of the rear wheel from an axial perspective. The bearing bears the rear wheel shaft inside from a radial perspective and is connected, either directly or indirectly, to the bicycle frame, externally from a radial perspective. The transmission unit provides at least one transmission ratio between a driving mechanism and the rear wheel shaft. | 09-25-2014 |
20150130160 | AMUSEMENT VEHICLE WITH ROWING-TYPE AUXILIARY DEVICE - An amusement vehicle with rowing-type auxiliary device mainly comprises a rotating apparatus pivotally disposed on the chassis and a controlling apparatus disposed on both sides of a seat of the chassis. The controlling apparatus comprises two controlling wheels pivoted on the chassis, a pair of transmission assemblages disposed on the chassis to drive the controlling wheel, and two controlling bars disposed to drive the transmission assemblages respectively. Each transmission assemblage includes a unidirectional device disposed on a driving gear which is connected to the controlling wheel. By using hands to cause a reciprocating movement of the controlling bars, the transmission assemblage drives the controlling wheels to rotate in one direction and move forwards. The rotating apparatus is controlled by stepping feet on to decide the moving direction. Therefore, users use hands and feet to obtain a self-propelling sliding motion, thereby increasing the exercise and amusement of the use. | 05-14-2015 |
20160374877 | Wheelchair with a Rehabilitation Function and Transmission Device Thereof - A transmission device for a wheelchair with a rehabilitation function includes a first transmission shaft, a second transmission shaft coaxial to the first transmission shaft, and a sliding member. The first transmission shaft includes a first engaging portion. The second transmission shaft includes a driving section. The sliding member is mounted around the driving section to permit synchronous rotation. The sliding member has a second engaging portion and is slideable between a transmission position in which the second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion and a release position in which the second engaging portion disengages from the first engaging portion. A wheelchair includes two transmission devices associated with two rear wheels and two footrests. The footrests can be actuated when the rear wheels move. | 12-29-2016 |
280261000 | Belt or chain | 37 |
20080217882 | TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE WITH REAR SUSPENSION - A two-wheeled vehicle, in particular a bicycle, with a rear suspension that includes a front chassis supporting a bottom bracket wheel, and a rear oscillating assembly supporting a rear drive wheel. The rear oscillating assembly is attached to the front chassis by a shock-absorber system, a top pivoting link with two pivot points at top and bottom, and a bottom pivoting link with two pivot points at rear and front. The top and bottom pivot points connect the top pivoting link to the front chassis and to the rear oscillating assembly respectively. The rear and front pivot points connect the bottom pivoting link to the front chassis and to the rear oscillating assembly respectively. Thus, during the compression of the shock-absorber system, the top pivoting link oscillates in relation to the chassis, and about an axis that is perpendicular to the chain line. | 09-11-2008 |
20090039613 | Ellipticycle with torque amplifying pedal beams and a fully enclosed multiple speed dual rear wheel drive - An Ellipticycle features a conventional bicycle front wheel assembly which is joined by two parallel lengths of bicycle tubing to a cast aluminum gear case within which a multiple speed transmission is enclosed. A crank shaft extends out through bearings in the left and right side halves of the gear case at its forward end with a crank arm fixed on each end of the crank shaft. A pedal beam is rotatably mounted near its center on a spindle fixed in the end each crank arm. A cam roller bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end engages a short length of steel angle riveted -on the inside of each pedal beam providing a downward force to counter balance the weight of the rider on the cantilevered -forward portion of the pedal beam. A length of aluminum tubing is bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end and encloses a drive shaft which passes out through bearings in the gear case. Power is delivered from the crank shaft to the transmission by a conventional bicycle chain coupling a large sprocket fixed on the crank shaft with a smaller sprocket fixed with multiple spur gears on a parallel shaft rotatably mounted in the gear case. A one way clutch is mounted on the outboard end of the drive shaft on each side between a pair of ball bearings inside the aluminum tube. Each rear wheel is fixed on an integral extension of the one way clutch on that side which drives the wheel yet permits differential rear wheel speeds on turns. | 02-12-2009 |
20090140507 | Bicycle with front and rear disk brakes operable approximately simultaneously - A bicycle includes front and rear disk brake units. The rear disk brake unit includes a rear brake lever unit, a rear brake disk, a rear caliper device, and a rear brake oil tube interconnecting the rear brake lever unit and the rear caliper device and having a first inner diameter. The front disk brake unit includes a front brake lever unit, a front brake disk, a front caliper device, and a front brake oil tube interconnecting the front brake lever unit and the front caliper device and having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter so as to allow for approximate simultaneous clamping of the front and rear caliper devices on the front and rear brake disks, respectively, when the front and rear brake lever units are operated simultaneously. | 06-04-2009 |
20090206575 | Labor saving device for electric and manual bicycle - In a labor saving device for an electric and manual bicycle, a five-way joint of the bicycle includes a first driving bushing, a ratchet at the first driving bushing and connected to a rotating axle by an elastically activated first wedge, a large gear disc, such that the motive power of a chain is transmitted to the axle of a rear wheel, and a second driving bushing is sheathed to the first driving bushing, and the center hole of the second driving bushing is installed with a ratchet in a direction opposite to the first driving bushing, and coupled with the first driving bushing by an elastically activated second wedge during a rotation, and a transmission gear is installed on a lateral side and engaged with a driving gear on a motor axle, such that when the driving power of the motor drives the bicycle to move forward, the rotating second driving bushing will drive the first driving bushing with the large gear disc to rotate the axle of the rear wheel, and the axle with the left and right cranks will remain still. On the other hand, when the crank is rotated with the axle, the first driving bushing with the large gear disc and the axle of the rear wheel is rotated and the second driving bushing with the motor axle will not be driven to rotate, so as to achieve the labor saving effect for the pedaling. | 08-20-2009 |
20100096827 | Folding electric bicycle with wheeled storage arrangement - A folding electric bicycle in one embodiment includes a front case comprising a door and two auxiliary wheels; a pivotal head tube; two handlebars; a swivel fork telescopically connected to the head tube; a front wheel; a drive mechanism comprising a folding frame, a front chain wheel, two pedals, a rear bracket, a rear wheel, first and second rear chain wheels, and a main drive chain rotatably fitted around the front chain wheel and the first rear chain wheel; a detachable seat assembly; a battery pack; an electric motor for rotating the rear wheel; and a driven wheel interconnecting the electric motor and the second rear chain wheel. For collapsing the bicycle, a driver detaches the seat assembly, folds the frame, places the frame, the seat assembly, and the rear wheel in the case, partially disposes the front wheel in the case, and closes the door. | 04-22-2010 |
20100219606 | Drive System for Vehicle - A drive system for vehicles which do not use engines or batteries, such as road vehicles, with two or more wheels. The system relies on the incorporation of one or more drive shafts including a common shaft, and two sprockets, one with a fewer number of teeth and another with a greater number of teeth. The shafts extend between the central star and the pinion gear of the vehicle that moves the drive wheel so that the motion from the central star is transmitted to the smaller sprocket by the first shaft, and then from the larger sprocket of the shaft to the smaller sprocket of the next shaft and so on up to the pinion gear. With this system, the vehicle speed is increased many times as the product of relations between larger and smaller gears of each drive shaft in the number of shafts are used. | 09-02-2010 |
20100244401 | BICYCLE SHIFTING CONTROL APPARATUS - A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gear selection signal receiving section, a gearshift determination section and a gearshift output section. The gear selection signal receiving section selectively receives a first gear selection signal and a first/second gear selection signal. The gearshift determination section determines a first rider shift intention for first gear shifting when the first gear selection signal is received, which meets a first signal criteria, and determines a second rider shift intention for performing second gear shifting in addition to the first shifting when the first/second gear selection signal is received by, which meets a second (different) signal criteria. The gearshift output section outputs a first gearshift signal upon determining the first rider shift intention or the second rider shift intention exists and outputs a second gearshift signal upon determining that the second rider shift intention exists. | 09-30-2010 |
20100253037 | DRIVING MECHANISM AND A BICYCLE USING THE SAME - A driving mechanism of the present invention includes a transmission disc, a transmission belt, a pair of cranks, a pair of arms, a pair of connecting bodies and a pair of pedals. The cranks and the arms are disposed on the frame of a bicycle, and the connecting bodies are disposed between distal ends of the cranks and the arms. Each pedal is disposed on the connecting body and is movable in an orbit. A vertical distance between the topmost point and the bottommost point of the orbit is H, and a horizontal distance between the front most point and a rearmost point is W, which satisfies the following relationship: H/W≧5/3. | 10-07-2010 |
20100295265 | Single-Speed Bicycle Conversion Apparatus, Methods, and Kits - Methods, apparatus, and kits for converting multiple speed bicycles to single speed are disclosed. The methods include removing a cassette of gears from the hub of a bicycle gear and installing a single gear between two clamps that are releasably secured to the hub. In some embodiments, the clamps may be split-ring clamps with ends that are connected by a fastener. Kits according to embodiments of the invention may include a gear and one or more clamps. | 11-25-2010 |
20110049831 | Belt Drive System - A self aligning belt drive system comprises a belt drive having a plurality of longitudinally spaced inner lobes each having an alignment groove. The system further comprises at least one pulley comprising a frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis and having a circular outer rim. A plurality of circumferential teeth extend radially and axially of the rim with each tooth being configured to be received between adjacent inner lugs of the drive belt. An alignment flange extends radially between circumferential teeth. The alignment flange is configured to be received in the alignment groove and the alignment flange extends no further radially from the rotational axis than the circumferential teeth. The circumferential teeth, the alignment flange and the alignment groove are configured so that with the alignment flange received in the alignment groove, the drive belt rides on the circumferential teeth. | 03-03-2011 |
20110079982 | Spiral Rotor Chain Shifting System - A mechanism for shifting a chain from one sprocket to another sprocket is disclosed herein. The mechanism preferably includes rotor assembly, a control element and a chain tensioner. The rotor assembly preferably has a conical shaped body with a chain slot having clearance windows and cam surfaces. The control element rotates the rotor assembly to shift the chain from one of the sprockets to another sprocket without lateral movement of the rotor assembly. | 04-07-2011 |
20110140390 | BICYCLE CRANK ASSEMBLY - A bicycle crank assembly is provided with a crank arm and an axial gap adjustment device. The crank arm has a crank axle mounting part, an extension part extending from the crank axle mounting part, a pedal attachment part provided on a radial outer end of the extension part and a sprocket attachment part. The axial gap adjustment device includes an adjustment adapter and an adjustment member. The adjustment adapter has a crank arm engagement structure that non-rotatably engages the crank arm, a first crank axle opening, and a first screw part. The adjustment member has a second crank axle opening, and a second screw part threadedly engaged with the first screw part to selectively position the adjustment member relative to the adjustment adapter. | 06-16-2011 |
20110215548 | Bicycle Drive System - The modified gear configuration of the bicycle drive system ultimately allows the rider to operate the bicycle in a very efficient manner. The gears allow for increased torque and power distribution to the bike's rear wheel. In turn, this reduces the amount of effort required to power the bicycle. This allows the rider to conserve energy, particularly when traveling long distances, which makes it easier for the rider to reach faster speeds and climb hills more easily. The bicycle also features taller wheel rims and tires which allow the rider to cover more distance with each pedal rotation in addition to providing a smoother ride. | 09-08-2011 |
20110241306 | Bicycle planetary gear transmission arrangement - A bicycle comprising a frame and at least one wheel attached to the frame, the frame further comprising a receiver, a first planetary gear transmission disposed in the receiver, the wheel having a hub, a second planetary gear transmission disposed in the hub, and an endless member for transmitting a torque trained between the first planetary gear transmission and the second planetary gear transmission. | 10-06-2011 |
20110241307 | Bike with Belt Transmission and its Frame - Bike comprising a first frame element extending from one end carrying a front wheel housing to a lower end, a second frame element extending to a lower end rigidly fixed to the first lower end, a rear fork comprising a chainstay extending from the first element to a spindle support and a seat stay extending from the spindle support to the second element, a crankset having a lateral chainring, a rear wheel driven by a sprocket inside the fork, a belt engaged with the chainring and the sprocket. The chainstay has a major portion arranged below a straight line passing through the lower ends of the chainring and of the sprocket. The belt extends through the triangle formed by the second frame element, the chainstay and the seat stay, which form an irremovable assembly. | 10-06-2011 |
20120181772 | COLLAPSIBLE VEHICLE - A vehicle with a collapsible body. With this construction a one-person's vehicle can be folded together to a very compact size with the dimensions of an average suitcase. The body comprises two halves: a front and back part. Each of these parts contains a lower and upper hollow section. Each upper hollow section can slide telescopically in and out the lower hollow section, thus enlarging or reducing the length of the corresponding part. In the collapsed state both parts with all their sections are nested into each other. A further reduction of the volume of the collapsed vehicle can be achieved by using a chassis with two retractable slidable frame parts. | 07-19-2012 |
20120280466 | Double Chainring Drivetrain - A double chainring drivetrain system for bicycles that allows riders to apply force directly to a pair of chainrings, one on either side of the bottom bracket. The double chainring drivetrain system has two crank arms, each connected to a peripheral rim portion of the chainrings, and two drive chains. A hub on the rear wheel has two sprockets such that the two drive chains extend between the chainrings and the rear sprockets for transfer of applied rotational forces from the pedals on either side of the bicycle through the two chainrings to the rear sprockets on hub of the rear wheel. | 11-08-2012 |
20130093157 | Collapsible Recumbent Tricycle - One embodiment of a tricycle having a spine frame, supported by a rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels, and supporting a recumbent seat pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom extends forwardly of the spine and supports a pedal crank assembly. The front wheels each support a lateral arm with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection attached at the proximal end. A pivot connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, clamping means arrest the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness. | 04-18-2013 |
20130119631 | Sand-rideable bicycle - An unmotorized sand-rideable bicycle utilizes oversized balloon tires that have an enlarged footprint to permit the bicycle to ride up over even loose sand to provide ease of pedaling as well as enhanced steering and stability over that associated with standard bicycles. | 05-16-2013 |
20130193668 | ADULT TRICYCLE - A tandem tricycle having a front frame portion and a detachable rear frame portion, which is configured to accommodate two riders. A drivetrain allows the riders to independently power the tricycle. A full suspension assembly provides a smoother ride. | 08-01-2013 |
20130207367 | MULTI-RIDER OR OCCUPANT HUMAN POWERED VEHICLES WITH REARWARD FACING RIDER OR OCCUPANT - A multi-rider or occupant human powered vehicle permits at least one rider or occupant to contribute to powering the vehicle while being seated in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle. By way of example, tandem bicycles are provided accommodating rearward-facing aft cyclists or rearward-facing fore cyclists. Other vehicles, such as tricycles, four-wheeled carts, and human powered watercraft, such as paddle boats, are also contemplated by the present invention. In one embodiment, a tandem bicycle with a rearward-facing occupant contributing to powering the vehicle via a single drive chain, belt, or shaft is disclosed. | 08-15-2013 |
20130228995 | PLANETARY GEAR MECHANISM FOR A BICYCLE - A planetary gear mechanism for a bicycle, and more particularly to a planetary gear mechanism comprising a first planetary mechanism connected coaxially in series to a second planetary mechanism, which second planetary mechanism is connected coaxially in series to a third planetary mechanism, the second planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the first planetary mechanism output, the third planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the second planetary mechanism output. | 09-05-2013 |
20140203536 | RIDING WALKERS HAVING PEDAL DRIVE ASSEMBLIES - In at least some embodiments, a riding walker assembly includes a support assembly and a drive assembly. The support assembly may include a frame work supporting a seat assembly, and a plurality of wheels operatively coupled to the frame work and configured to rollably engage a floor surface. The drive assembly may include a drive wheel configured to engage the floor surface, and a pedal assembly operatively coupled to the drive wheel such that rotation of the pedal assembly rotates the drive wheel. The riding walker assembly may further include a coupling assembly operatively coupling the drive assembly to the support assembly, the coupling assembly being configured to selectively engage and disengage the drive wheel from the floor surface. | 07-24-2014 |
20140210179 | PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR HUMAN POWERED VEHICLES - A propulsion system for human powered vehicles includes an outer lever having an input end and an output end. An orbiting sprocket is coupled to the output end of the outer lever. A fixed sprocket is also provided, with the orbiting sprocket orbiting around the fixed sprocket. A closed tension-bearing member engages an outer circumference of both the orbiting sprocket and the fixed sprocket. A driveshaft is co-axial with the fixed sprocket, the driveshaft being free to rotate with respect to the fixed sprocket and the crank lever being fixedly connected to the driveshaft and rotationally connected to the orbiting sprocket. A chassis is propelled by the driveshaft. Wherein application of a force on the input end of the outer lever causes the orbiting sprocket to orbit around the fixed sprocket and thereby rotate the crank lever to impart rotation to the driveshaft and propel the chassis. | 07-31-2014 |
20140217695 | Crank Assembly - This invention provides a novel solution for an optimally powered crank for a human-powered vehicle, such as a bicycle. This invention includes a novel system and method to optimize the length of each crank arm throughout the revolution of the crank assembly. First, a crank arm assembly is attached to the bicycle's existing spindle assembly. The crank arm assembly includes a rail section that is fixed at one end to the mounting section of the crank arm assembly. Next, the opposite end of the rail section is attached to the sliding section of the crank arm assembly. The sliding section of the crank arm assembly also includes a feature that allows the sliding section to collapse and expand along the rail section. The crank arm assembly also includes at least two track rollers mounted to the side of each sliding section designed to reduce friction and counter inertial forces associated with the crank arm assembly sliding along the tracks. Next, the assembly includes two tracks mounted on each side of the frame. The tracks are used to control the length of the crank arms at each angular position. Finally, the shape of each track is designed to coincide with the optimum crank arm length at the various angular positions as the crank arm rotates through a complete revolution. | 08-07-2014 |
20140265218 | Dual Drive Sprocket Pedal Bike - This invention is a bicycle for a standing rider including a frame, a drive support attached to a front support member having a front end and a rear end; a front crank arm rotationally attached to the front end of the drive support and attached to a front sprocket; a rear crank arm rotationally attached to the rear end of the drive support and attached to a rear sprocket; a pedal attached to the front crank arm and the rear crank arm so that when the crank arms rotate, the pedal remains parallel to the ground; a spacing member attached to the drive support and the mail support member so that the drive support is disposed parallel to the ground. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265219 | In Line Derailleur - The present invention is a derailleur comprising: a base plate disposed between the perimeter of a drive sprocket nest and a pedal sprocket; a chain guide attached to said base plate for moving a chain laterally causing said chain to move form sprocket to sprocket in a sprocket nest; a chain guide surface included in said chain guide for causing said chain to contact over ½ the perimeter of said pedal sprocket decreasing the likelihood of the chain slipping off said sprocket; and, a tension member attached to said base plate for removing slack in a chain as the chain moves from a larger sprocket to a smaller sprocket. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265220 | Low Profile Derailleur For Chain Driven Personal Vehicle - The present invention is a low profile derailleur for a chain driven personal vehicle with an attachment plate, a frame, a positioning angle included in said attachment plate, a transition rail attached to said attachment plate, a chain guide slidably attached to said transition rail, allowing said chain guide to move laterally in relation to an axis of a wheel carried by said frame causing a chain connected to a drive sprocket nest to move from sprocket to sprocket within said sprocket nest, a spring biasing said chain guide in one direction and a cable for moving said chain guide in an opposite direction causing the chain to move from sprocket to sprocket, an inner surface included in said chain guide for contacting said chain, when said chain guide moves said chain from a larger sprocket in the sprocket nest to a smaller sprocket. | 09-18-2014 |
20140300078 | DEVICE FOR THE PROPULSION AND ECCENTRIC BRAKING OF A VEHICLE - A device for the propulsion and eccentric braking of a vehicle having a pedal drive, which includes a first shaft, a drive mechanism including one or a plurality of chain wheels, belt pulleys or elements of a Cardan drive, a second hollow shaft arranged concentrically about the first shaft mounted into a rear wheel, a freewheel clutch mounted between the first shaft and the drive mechanism, and an optionally engageable reverse gear mechanism mounted between the first and the second shaft. The first and the second shafts are connected to each other in a torsionally rigid manner when the reverse gear mechanism is in the engaged and disengaged state. The freewheel clutch prevents a rotation of the drive mechanism relative to the first shaft in a clockwise direction and is in a freewheeling state when the drive mechanism rotates in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the first shaft. | 10-09-2014 |
20140306423 | Human Propulsion System - A human-propulsion-system utilizing an arm lever assembly and or a pedal assembly to be adapted to or incorporated into other mechanisms including, but not limited to, wheelchairs and vehicles. The arm lever assembly is reciprocated to provide power and rotated left or right to provide a means of (steering) control. Both the arm lever assembly and the pedal assembly are operatively connected to a converter, utilizing gears and one-way clutches, that receives the reciprocal movements of the arm lever assembly and the rotational movements of the pedal assembly and converts them into a unidirectional output, to be utilized in combination or independently. The arm lever assembly is further telescoping and offers a range of various leverages by changing the length of the force end when extended and retracted. | 10-16-2014 |
20140319798 | DRIVE SYSTEM FOR A PEDALED VEHICLE - A pedaled vehicle includes a frame having a crank for receiving a power input from a rider, a wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, and a drive system. The drive system includes a first sprocket operatively coupled to the crank, a second sprocket operatively coupled to the wheel, and a power transmitting element operatively coupled to the first and second sprockets for transmitting the power input from the rider at the crank to the wheel for moving the pedaled vehicle. The power transmitting element forms a closed-loop configuration and is arranged relative to the frame such that the power transmitting element is configured to be assembled to the vehicle or replaced on the vehicle without having to break the closed-loop configuration of the power transmitting element. | 10-30-2014 |
20150008655 | Tri-fold, vehicle chassis - The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units. | 01-08-2015 |
20150102580 | TWO-WHEEL VEHICLE STRUCTURE - The present invention provides a two wheel vehicle structure, including: a vehicle frame and a multi-ratio transmission system. The vehicle frame has two wheels and an input tubular member. A crank is attached at each end of the input tubular member. The multi-ratio transmission system includes: a multi-ratio transmission device, a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a chain. The multi-ratio transmission device is installed inside the input tubular member and located at a rotation center of the cranks. The second sprocket is coaxially installed on a wheel axle of a driving wheel. The chain is engaged with the first sprocket and the second sprocket. When the cranks rotate, the first sprocket also rotates in synchronization therewith. The rotational motion generated is transmitted to the multi-ratio transmission device and at the same time transmitted to the second sprocket through the chain, thereby propelling the driving wheel to rotate. | 04-16-2015 |
20150115568 | MOUNTING DEVICE FOR BICYCLE FRONT DERAILLEUR - A mounting device for mounting a front derailleur to a bicycle frame. The mounting device includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be adjustably mounted such that it is positioned around an axis that is defined by a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame, and an indicator configured to indicate an orientation of the mounting portion relative to a predetermined direction. | 04-30-2015 |
20150321719 | BICYCLE FRAME - A bicycle frame has a plurality of frame members that includes a first member and a second member, the first member having an outer sheath disposed at one end, wherein the outer sheath at least partially surrounds the second member with a gap therebetween such that the outer sheath does not directly touch the second member. An elastically deformable coupling is disposed in compression between the outer sheath and the second member, the elastically deformable coupling being disposed to at least partially fill the gap. | 11-12-2015 |
20160039494 | BICYCLE WITH PIVOTING DERAILLEUR HANGER - A bicycle having an assembly with a derailleur hanger is provided. The bicycle includes a frame having a chain stay member, the chain stay member having a first end adjacent a crank assembly and an opposing second end. A hub is removably coupled to the frame. A rear drop out member is coupled to the chain stay member, the drop out member having a recess, the slot having a first hole extending therethrough. A brake caliper is coupled to the chain stay member adjacent the second end. A derailleur hanger is movably coupled to the rear drop out member, the derailleur hanger having a protrusion positioned within the slot, the derailleur hanger being movable from a first position with the second hole arranged co-axial with the first hole and a second position, the hub being coupled to the drop out member when the derailleur hanger is in the first position. | 02-11-2016 |
20160144925 | Foldable Riding Vehicle - A foldable riding vehicle includes a frame having a front end and a rear end pivotally connected together, and including the front end thereof connected to a steering mechanism which includes a steering handle and which engages with a front wheel, and the rear end thereof having a first distal end pivotally connected to the front end and a second distal end engaging with a rear wheel. A seat support has a first end pivotally connected to the rear end of the frame and a second end supporting a seat. A pedal mechanism is movable between use and stowed positions. The foldable riding vehicle, in a folded position, includes the steering handle located a symmetrically with respect to the frame and the pedal mechanism moving to the stowed position, and allows the front wheel to locate above the rear wheel and not to abut a surface, and the rear wheel to rotate on the surface. | 05-26-2016 |