Abstract: The present application discloses a standing vertical lower limb exercise device. The lower limb exercise device includes two major pivotal members, a horizontal bridge member that connects the major pivotal members, a stretchable spring, a string member for limiting a split angle formed by the two major pivotal members, and wheels, gears, and shafts to facilitate movement of the two major pivotal members. The stretchable spring and string member are coupled between the two major pivotal members. Wheels are coupled to each major pivotal member.

Abstract: Transmission system for a manually powered vehicle includes a pedal, an overrunning clutch system having a drum, and a power link coupled at its ends to the pedal and drum. The drum has a circular portion and a fin extending radially outward from the circular portion. The power link passes over the fin and at least a part of the circular portion and has a free portion between the fin and pedal. Movement of the pedal causes movement of the power link and rotation of the drum. A transmission member is coupled to the clutch system and a rotatable drive sprocket connected to a wheel of the vehicle. Rotation of the drum causes movement of the transmission member and rotation of the drive sprocket leading to wheel rotation. Rotation of the drum in the direction opposite to the second direction does not cause movement of the transmission member.

Abstract: A lever driven bicycle with synchronous drive ratio control is disclosed. The lever driven bicycle may include a pair of drive levers pivotable around an axis. The lever driven bicycle may also include a force applicator connected to each drive lever, each force applicator configured to receive an application of a force to rotate a drive wheel. The lever driven bicycle may further include a control mechanism connected to the pair of drive levers, the control mechanism configured to synchronously adjust a drive ratio of each drive lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a cycle-type exercise machine into another type of exercise machine includes a stationary frame structure that attaches to a frame of the cycle-type exercise machine, a pair of swing arms pivotally coupled with the stationary frame structure, and a pair of coupler bars pivotally coupled with the pair of swing arms on one end and rotationally attached to a crank bar of the cycle-type exercise machine on an opposite end.

Abstract: A motion transfer apparatus comprising a frame; at least one wheel shaft operably coupled to at least one wheel, the at least one wheel shaft rotatable on the frame; a gear assembly coupled to the at least one wheel shaft; at least one pedal engaging the gear assembly and movable by an appendage within a predetermined angular range to apply a force; at least one crank arm with a predetermined length coupled to the at least one pedal and to the gear assembly for applying the force directly from the pedal to the gear assembly to rotate the at least one wheel; and a restorative member generating a restorative force to return the pedal and the at least one crank arm from a lower stroke position to an upper stroke position.

Abstract: Demountable devices for transformation of treadle lever rocking movement into rotary movement of bicycle's drive shaft consist of two main units: redesigned driving unit for conventional bicycles and a reverse gear. Both units interact with each other through a flexible transmission. The devices can be mounted on most conventional bicycles. Bicycle's movement is provided by regular pressing of the cyclist's leg on the treadle lever. Length of the treadle lever can be adjustable.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device includes a wheeled platform with first and second pedals, the first and second pedals engaging drive mechanisms for first and second rear wheels of the device, respectively. First and second braking mechanisms provide independent braking of the first and second rear wheels of the device. The independent braking mechanisms of the rehabilitation device provide a method of steering the device.

Abstract: Wheel hub arrangement with three drum units comprising a hollow drum (18), a winding of a flexible pulling element fixed on the drum, and a biasing spring (22) in the hollow inner space. Respective free-wheels (36) are provided at sides of the hub unit (4). The wheel hub unit comprises a pair of spaced driving sleeves (33) arranged in axial direction and the sides of the driving sleeves facing to a drum unit and being connected therewith to transmit of torque only. The driving sleeves are surrounded by intermediate sleeves (38) and a spacing is formed between them, wherein a ball bearing (35) and one of the freewheels are arranged so that they are connected both with the outer surface of the driving sleeve and the inner surface of the intermediate sleeve. The intermediate sleeves are connected rigidly together and they are also connected at least during the driving sessions to an outer sleeve (40) of the wheel hub unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a quadrilateral frame to be utilized by a two-wheeled vehicle. The quadrilateral frame may include front and rear vertical assemblies, top and bottom collapsible horizontal assemblies, the horizontal assemblies to collapse vertically. By collapsing the horizontal assemblies of the quadrilateral frame, it is to be understood that the space occupied by the vehicle when it is not in use is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A recumbent human-powered vehicle is propelled by a reciprocating thrust motion using a linear drive mechanism connected by flexible power links to a double overrunning clutch transmission with returning springs. The vehicle has a wheel base approximately that of a conventional upright bicycle and does not utilize a crank transmission. The vehicle may be propelled with alternating, single or simultaneous leg motion with the use of pedal sliders positioned for independent pendulum-type oscillation. The linearly reciprocating pedals are rotationally linked to the transmission portion of the linear drive mechanism through a pair of flexible power links so as to transfer power from the pedals to the transmission, which includes a pair of overrunning clutches connected to the main chain axis allowing to transmit the moving force to the main chain axis. The overrunning clutches return back to idle mode with the use of returning springs.

Abstract: A drive mechanism effects a rotary power output in response to a reciprocating power input resulting from substantially linear forces applied to the drive mechanism, such as those forces applied by a rider on a bicycle. The drive mechanism includes input bevel gears meshed with corresponding output bevel gears coupled to a common power output shaft through clutches that effect a rotary power output at the power output shaft in response to the reciprocating power input from the substantially linear forces. Opposite crank arms are coupled with the input bevel gears such that each crank arm is advanced by an applied substantially linear force, and is retracted upon advancement of the opposite crank arm. In a bicycle, opposite pedals are coupled to corresponding crank arms and are moved through predetermined power strokes in response to substantially linear forces applied by a rider to effect corresponding rotational movements of the input bevel gears and concomitant rotary power output at the power output shaft.

Abstract: Alternating drive primarily for bicycles and similar driven vehicles, in which the rotation of driven pedals are converted into reciprocating swinging motion of swinging arms, and the swinging arms have respective driving arms (16, 16?) coupled to a head portion (14, 14?) surrounding the swinging shaft (11) of the pedals from which a traction arm (17, 17?) is extending out that closes an angle with the driving arm and the remote ends of the driving and traction arms (16, 17) are interconnected by a connection arm (20, 20?) A substantially triangular opening is formed between these arms, and the shaft of a driving wheel (15, 15?) is positioned in this opening, the traction arm defines a traction path (19, 19?), and a flexible pulling rope (28) that rotates the driven wheel of the vehicle is led around at least one rope wheel (26) that has a shaft (35) guided and led along the traction path for adjusting the transmission ratio.

Abstract: A human powered vehicle having a mechanism to run the vehicle by applying the operator's weight on at least one pedal in a reciprocating manner. The pedal moves a cranking body, which unwinds a drum. The drum is attached to at least one wheel by a directional freewheel clutch. The vehicle can also be simultaneously powered by a motor, whereas the motor takes over only when the vehicle reaches a certain speed, and automatically disengages when the vehicle slows down below a certain speed. Both the human powered and motor mechanism can operate independently without rotating any part of the other.

Abstract: A bicycle is equipped with an auxiliary power system to provide extra power for driving the bicycle forward. The auxiliary power system includes a base fixed to a frame of the bicycle, a power storage device connected to the base, and a ratchet device connecting the power storage device and a main transmission system of the bicycle. When pedals of the bicycle are turned in a forward direction, it may drive the bicycle forward but not the power storage device through the ratchet device. When the pedals are turned in a rearward direction, it may drive the power storage device through the ratchet device to store extra power in the power storage device. A rider may release the power stored in the power storage device to drive the bicycle forward through the ratchet device and the main transmission system.

Abstract: Alternating drive primarily for bicycles and similar driven vehicles, in which the rotation of driven pedals are converted into reciprocating swinging motion of swinging arms, and the swinging arms have respective driving arms (16, 16?) coupled to a head portion (14, 14?) surrounding the swinging shaft (11) of the pedals from which a traction arm (17, 17?) is extending out that closes an angle with the driving arm and the remote ends of the driving and traction arms (16, 17) are interconnected by a connection arm (20, 20?) A substantially triangular opening is formed between these arms, and the shaft of a driving wheel (15, 15?) is positioned in this opening, the traction arm defines a traction path (19, 19?), and a flexible pulling rope (28) that rotates the driven wheel of the vehicle is led around at least one rope wheel (26) that has a shaft (35) guided and led along the traction path for adjusting the transmission ratio.

Abstract: A non-motorized foot board scooter including a frame, a front wheel and a rear wheel, a steering assembly, and a drive train. The drive train includes a kick arm that rotates the rear wheel when the kick arm is pushed backwards by the rider. The kick arm is centered with the rear wheel and a kick guard is located between the rear wheel and the kick arm. A first sprocket is mounted to the arm. The rear wheel has an associated second sprocket that is connected to the rear wheel via a clutch. A chain is mounted to the frame and extends around the first and second sprockets. The chain is routed such that as the arm is rotated the chain is drawn across the second sprocket thereby rotating the drive wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bicycle structure which essentially provides a bicycle body enabling stand-riding such that the weight center of human body can be more concentrated between the front wheel and the rear wheel, and that the wheel base between the front wheel and the rear wheel can be shortened. Thus, the volume of the bicycle is further reduced to become more compact and to save cost. Transmission units are provided respectively at both sides of the bottom, which are independently operated and include pedals moving up and down. Freewheels are provided respectively at both sides of the rear wheel of the bicycle body, and the transmission units at both sides are respectively connected to the freewheels. Not only the structure is simple for easy assembly, but also the volume after folding is very small for easy carry. A number of speed change points can also be provided on each transmission unit to increase the stroke of the freewheel so that the goal of speed change can be achieved.

Abstract: A drive system (3) for a human powered vehicle. The drive system (3) includes at least one input member (31), a transmission system (21) arranged to convert movement of the input member (31) to rotation of an output member (83), and a lock mechanism (123) including at least one drive member (133) for selectively locking a drive wheel (11, 13) to rotation of the output member (83) for rotation therewith. The drive member (133) is arranged for movement from a first operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is not locked to the output member (83) to a second operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is locked to the output member (83), and back to the first operational position, under the control of a user of the vehicle. The drive system (3) allows the user to choose between propelling the vehicle using the drive system (3) or disengaging the drive system (3) from the drive wheel (11, 13) and propelling the vehicle by some other means, for example by wheel rims.

Abstract: Vehicle propelled by muscle power, in particular scooter, with at least one driving wheel and at least one tread surface (5, 5?) which is movable via a tread surface stroke, wherein the force transmission from the at least one tread surface (5, 5?) to the at least one driving wheel takes place by means of a driving element (6, 6?) which is guided with a nonpositive fir via a drive shaft (8, 8?) which is coupled to the driving wheel via a freewheeling mechanism, wherein the drive shaft (8, 8?) and/or preferably at least one deflecting roller (7, 7?) is/are divided into at least two axial regions (7b, 7c; 7b?, 7c?, 8a, 8b; 8a?; 8b?) with radii which differ from one another or are variable, and the driving element (6, 6?) is divided into partial sections with different cross sections which are designed in such a manner that the partial sections (6a, 6b 6c; 6a?, 6b? 6c?) of the driving element (6, 6?) are guided within the tread surface stroke (O-U) on the respectively corresponding axial region of the drive shaf

Abstract: A reciprocal upward and downward pedaling bicycle structure includes a main shaft of a free wheel at a chain wheel shaft, a driving body pivotally coupled to a frame of the main shaft, a pedal crank and a support rod on the driving body, and a driving belt linked to the main shaft and the support rod. An end of the driving belt is dragged to the frame by a resilient element. By the action of the resilient element ands the rotation of the main shaft, the crank and pedal are pulled by the driving belt to provide an upward bounce and the chain wheel drives the rear wheel shaft through the main driving belt. When the pedal is stepped downward, the main shaft and the chain wheel are rotated synchronously to drive the rear wheel of the bicycle to move forward.

Abstract: The improved wheelchair employs the use of two push levers attached to two forward drive gears, and two reverse drive gears, which propel the two main rear wheels of the chair through bicycle chains connecting the front drive gears to sprocket clusters mounted on the rear wheel axles. Direction control mechanisms allow the user to engage either forward or reverse drive gears, or disengage both, thereby producing forward, neutral, and reverse motion. Derailers are mounted behind each rear axle and are activated by shifter mechanisms mounted on the push levers. Disc brakes are mounted on the frame beside each wheel and activated by hand brake levers mounted on the push levers.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet mechanism includes a pair of roller clutches set to operate in opposite directions when engaged by a belt. During the forward motion of the ratchet assembly in either direction of propulsion of the belt, one roller clutch is disengaged while the other is engaged and locked, thereby propelling the belt. During the backward stroke, the engaged roller clutch is free to rotate. The result is that the reciprocating motion of the assembly is converted into the linear motion of the belt. The ratchet assembly includes a shift mechanism to reverse the engagement of the roller clutches and change the direction of propulsion of the belt produced by the push/pull action of the operator. The invention is advantageously used in conjunction with a wheelchair.

Abstract: A pedal lever type bicycle includes a pedal lever having a front portion and a rear portion, with an intermediate pivot point located substantially above the center of the rear wheel, and to the rear of the front of the rear wheel. The rear portion of the pedal lever has dog-leg configuration with a slider that is attached to a drive chain. The slider is mounted on a straight section of the rear portion of the pedal lever which extends slightly above and to the rear of the rear wheel hub, so that the chain exerts a force to move the slider outwardly on the rear portion of the pedal lever when it is in a lower position, and in the opposite direction when it is raised. Changes of mechanical advantage of 3 or 4 to 1 are available with this configuration of the pedal lever. The bicycle incorporates positive intuitive gear controls and quick release mechanisms for all major components of the propulsion system.

Abstract: Step pedal apparatus includes a pair of step pedals pivotally connected to a frame. The frame supports a front wheel and a rear drive wheel. The step pedals are coupled to a shaft for rotating the shaft on their downward pivoting through a pair of one way clutches. The step pedals operate independently of each other. The shaft is disposed between the step pedals and the rear wheel and is coupled to the rear wheel by a chain and a pair of sprockets. One sprocket is secured to and rotatable with the shaft and the other sprocket is coupled to the rear drive wheel. The step pedals are stabilized by a pair of arms coupled respectively to the step pedals and to the frame. The step pedals are indepedently coupled to the clutches by chains or cables extending between the frame and the clutches and rotate the clutches in response to the downward pivoting of the step pedals.

Abstract: A cycle having front wheel forks with a front wheel, a steering device connected to the front wheel forks, and rear stays with a rear wheel that has a free-wheeling hub. The cycle of this invention also includes a frame which connects the forks and the stays, a scat that can be fastened to the frame, a rear wheel drive, and foot actuating means for the rear wheel drive. The frame is formed by an individual essentially horizontal rail. The foot actuating devices are displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The foot actuating devices are formed by a foot rest for both feet. The seat can be displaced on the rail in a longitudinal direction of the rail, and the steering device is formed by handlebars between which the rail extends. The handlebars are provided with hand grips.

Abstract: An improved exerciser bike includes a frame having a front wheel and a handle for steering the front wheel, and includes two rear wheel axles. Two rear wheels are rotatably secured to the rear wheel axles. Each of the foot supports has a middle portion pivotally coupled to the frame. Two chains are engaged on the ratchet sprocket wheels. Each chain is first connected to a wire element which winds on a pulley and then connected to a resilient element and finally secured to an extension rod of the frame. So, the resilient element's length can be designed to be longer to magnify the restoring force and prolong the life of the resilient element.

Abstract: A folding tricycle, maximizing the exercise effect by allowing a user to pedal the tricycle while standing up on the pedals, as well as being easy to move and carry by being folded to be of a small size, is disclosed. The folding tricycle has a running unit consisting of a main frame, two front wheels, and a rear wheel. The main frame consists of two frame parts with a first folding part joining the two frame parts together, thus being foldable at the folding part. The two frame parts respectively have a front wheel shaft housing and a rear wheel support assembly. The tricycle also has steering unit used for steering the rear wheel. The steering unit has a second folding part, thus being foldable at the second folding part. The tricycle also has a brake unit used for selectively braking the front wheels.

Abstract: A man-powered vehicle comprises a frame, a front wheel set mounted on the frame, a rear wheel set mounted on the frame, at least one slide board, and a drive mechanism linking the slide board and the rear wheel set such that the rear wheel set is driven to turn at the time when the slide board slides back and forth on the frame.

Abstract: An exerciser bike includes a frame having a front wheel and a handle for steering the front wheel, and includes two rear wheel axles. Two rear wheels are rotatably secured to the rear wheel axles by two ratchet sprocket wheels. Two foot supports each has a middle portion pivotally coupled to the frame. Two chains are engaged on the ratchet sprocket wheels and each has two ends both secured to the foot support. The exerciser bike may be turned with the rear wheels when the rear wheels are actuated with different speeds. So, this invention is safe, stable and easy to be controlled.

Abstract: A man-propelled vehicle includes a frame with a seat, two pedals, and two hand-operated handles, each linked with the frame by actuating devices capable of communicating to them an alternating translational motion. The actuating devices are coupled with unidirectional rotary transmission devices on a drive shaft by links adapted to drive in rotation the rotary transmission device when the pedals and operating handles are actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for linearly driving a vehicle or machine. The apparatus includes a frame, at least one drive wheel, and at least one rotatable driver comprising a pulley or a sprocket, rotatably mounted with respect to the frame. Further, the system includes a flexible, elongated power transmitter comprising a belt, a chain, or a cable, the transmitter being mounted for reciprocating linear motion with respect to the frame and passing around and engaging the rotatable driver to rotate the driver in at least a first rotational direction. The apparatus also has a first and second pedal to engage the power transmitter in a first and second direction. The first and second pedals are mounted to the frame in a manner that permits only non-arcuate, linear reciprocating motion of the pedals with respect to the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved lever driven bicycle including a shifting mechanism for controlling a drive ratio between the oscillating lever and the drive wheel. The drive lever arrangement may be located about the front or rear wheels of the bicycle and, when about the rear wheel, may include a sole lever or dual levers. The drive lever arrangement includes a drive lever, a force applicator, a shifting mechanism, and a force converter which together transform the oscillating displacement of the lever to a rotation of the drive wheel. The shifting mechanism includes a slide block located about the lever which engages with the drive lever upon downward motion of the drive lever and controllably slides along the drive lever upon upward motion of the drive lever. The position of the slide block corresponds to a drive ratio between the drive lever and the drive wheel.

Abstract: An alternating drive for wheeled vehicles comprises two opposite pedals which can move on a circular path about a pedal shaft secured on the cycle frame. The alternating drive is characterized in that it is equipped with two cranks (26, 27; 26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) which can be moved within a predetermined oscillating angle range about an auxiliary shaft (25) secured to the frame (10). Between the cranks (26, 27; 26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) and the pedals (21) is a driver connection which transforms the circular motion into an alternating oscillating motion with phases mutually offset by a half oscillation period. Disposed on each side of the axle (50) of the driven wheel (12) is a free-wheel mechanism (56, 57). The free-wheel mechanism (56, 57) lock in opposite direction and are connected to the individual cranks (26, 27; 26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) by mutually independent traction elements (29; 82, 83).

Abstract: A propulsion system for a bicycle is disclosed. The propulsion system includes first and second levers pivotly mounted to the frame of the bicycle and the cyclist operates the bicycle by pushing the first ends of the levers in up and down directions. In one embodiment, a translation mechanism is connected to the second ends of the levers for translating the up and down movement of the levers into rotational movement of the rear wheel of the bicycle. In another embodiment, an additional translation mechanism is connected to the first ends of the levers for translating up and down movement of the first ends of the levers into rotational movement of the rear wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for propelling a manually-powered cycle including first and second pedals which move along spaced, linear paths of movement. The pedals are connected to the drive wheel of the cycle through elongated flexible transmission elements which wrap about rotatable crank members used to drive the cycle.

Abstract: An exercise cycle is propelled by a stair-stepping action of the driver's legs, with the feet placed on a pair of front-hinged footboards located along opposite sides of the vehicle. A novel cable and chain drive system delivers driving torque to the rear wheel assembly to propel the vehicle forward in response to the driver's weight being applied via the legs and feet to depress the footboards alternately: the driving mechanism is located in a lower forward portion of the cycle so as to keep the mechanism below the rear wheel height and thus provide a low profile.

Abstract: A human powered vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a frame with the capability for supporting an operator one the frame. The vehicle further includes a drive wheel mounted for rotation to the frame, and a mechanism powered by the drive wheel to propel the vehicle. A device is also provided for rotating the drive wheel to operate the power mechanism. A pedal lever arm is mounted to the frame for reciprocating movement between first and second positions, and a cam member is operatively secured to the frame and said pedal lever arm for pivotal oscillating movement in response to reciprocal movement of the lever arm. Finally, a linkage couples the cam member with the drive wheel rotating device and is mounted for longitudinal reciprocating movement relative to the length of the frame in response to the oscillating movement of the cam member to operate the drive wheel rotating device.

Abstract: A pedal-operated scooter which is characterized by a scooter frame having front and rear wheels, handle bars for steering the front wheel and a pedal-operated drive mechanism for unidirectionally propelling the rear wheel. The drive mechanism includes a pedal pivotally mounted on the scooter frame, with front and rear cables extending around corresponding cable pulleys and attached to corresponding sprocket chains. The sprocket chains engage corresponding parallel sprockets adapted for alternately driving the rear wheel when rotated in the forward direction and disengaging for free rotation in the opposite direction, responsive to pivoting of the pedal. A spring connects one end of the sprocket chains and engages a pair of spaced chain pulleys for alternately maintaining one set of the sprocket chains and connecting cables in tension responsive to free rotation of the corresponding sprocket when the opposite sprocket is being driven by the opposing sprocket chain and cable.

Abstract: A machine powered by forces exerted by the machine user on machine driving members, such as pedals, which drive a rotary driven member through a unique variable ratio drive system. The machine may be constructed and arranged for use as either a vehicular conveyance for the machine, user or a stationary exercise machine both of which operate in a manner that provides an effective therapeutic exercise for certain orthopedic problems, particularly spine and leg problems. A drive system for the machine and other uses.

Abstract: A self-propulsion device of the type for use with a skateboard or the like comprising, a self-propulsion device which may be mounted, as a unit, for replacement to the existing axle of a conventional skateboard or the like, the self-propulsion device comprising an axle having at least one drive roller rotatably mounted adjacent one end thereof, said axle being non-rotatable and being fixedly secured to a skateboard, the axle mounting thereon at least one spool member which receives a plurality of turns of a pull cord for rotating said spool in one direction upon actuation of said pull cord, a roller member rotatably journaled adjacent the free end of said axle for receiving added rotational force upon actuation of said pull cord, clutch means disposed on said axle between said drive spool and said roller for selectively imparting rotational movement of said spool to said roller, and resilient spring means disposed around said axle adjacent said first drive spool for automatically retracting said pull cord whe

Abstract: A spring drive and a spring drive scooter for use by an operator. The spring drive and spring drive scooter have a frame, a resilient member connected to the frame, a pedal, and a movement. The pedal is supported by the resilient member. The pedal is disposed to bear the operator. The pedal is capable, together with the operator, of oscillatory motion relative to the frame in response to at least roughly periodic impulses supplied to the pedal by the operator at a range of frequencies including a resonant frequency. The movement is connected to the frame and includes a final driven member. The movement is actuated by reciprocation of the pedal, the movement is capable of converting oscillatory motion of the pedal into circular motion of the final driven member.

Abstract: An operator powered skateboard including a platform, a drive assembly mounted to the platform about a pivot axis for axial displacement. The drive assembly including an external power assembly engaging a skateboard axle for causing rotation of the axle in one direction and a handle connected to the external power assembly for selectively engaging the power assembly. The skateboard including at least two pairs of wheels, one pair connected to the drive assembly, the other pair mounted to the platform about a second pivot axis for independent axial displacement.

Abstract: A children's mini-car includes a three-gear set disposed on a rear axle. The three-gear set, which is driven by the ropes disposed on both sides of the rear axle, is arranged to cooperate with accelerator pedals located on both sides of a front transverse rod to alternatively drive the rear wheels to move the mini-car forward. In addition, a gear shifting lever is used to control the gear set, so as to reverse the direction of movement of the mini-car with the aid of a rear view mirror. Furthermore, a detachable car seat can be removed from the mini-car and a steering wheel can be replaced by a movable pedal, such that the instant mini-car may act as a safe children's sliding car by utilizing an auxiliary brake system located below the steering wheel.

Abstract: A roller skate in which the automatic action of normal walking produces a driving action on the wheels. A heel kick to the pedal of the skate causes the putting in operative position of a control device. During the lifting of the skate, the control device comes back to a standby position. A toe kick to the pedal after the waiting position causes the putting in braking position of the control device. The braking is controlled by the depression of the pedal and is progressive. The control device is locked in the position selected and a new position requires the reversion to the standby position.

Abstract: A transmission for muscle-operated vehicles or appliances for converting forward and backward movements into rotational movement having a constant direction of rotation by means of two freewheeling devices which are driven alternately in opposite directions and act on a shaft in identical directions, wherein at least one additional freewheeling device is driven at the same time, though it operates in the opposite direction, a clutch mechanism either permitting the freewheeling devices to act in the same direction on the shaft for forward motion, or permitting the freewheeling devices to act in opposite directions on the shaft for reverse motion, or permitting none of the freewheeling devices to act on the shaft during idling.

Abstract: Propulsion and speed change mechanism for lever propelled bicycles having a pair of propulsion levers 4, each of which is built in one piece with a speed change arm 3 and mounted in each side of the main shaft portion 2 at the bottom of the bicycle frame 1. A rear axle 5 and a hub 6 is mounted on the rear shaft portion 2'. A one-way clutch mechanism has roller-type free wheels 11a installed at both ends of the rear axle. Chains 7", the ends of which may be connected together with a see-saw cable 7', are entrained around gears 7 and guide rollers 13. The free ends of the chains are connected by connecting bars 14 having pins to the speed change arm 3. Pivotally mounted members 15 of triangular shape and a cam bar 17 operated by a speed control knob 18 are used to change the effective length of the arm for speed control.

Abstract: An automatic speed variating means for bicycle includes a pedal having a driving rod, a speed controller having a magnetic actuator driven by the bicycle wheel and a driving chain driven by the driving rod wherein the depression of the pedal may drive the chain for normal bicycle running and the faster bicycle running may operate the magnetic actuator to exert a greater torque to automatically adjust the speed controller for faster speed variation.

Abstract: An automatic variable speed lever action drive for a pedal operated vehicle, in which a pedal lever pivotally mounted on each side of the vehicle frame is connected in part by an extensible and retractable cable to a driven wheel, the lever having a direct driving connection to the cable through a roller on a tension spring for deflecting the cable to varying degrees in accordance with the tension load on the cable. The lever has a knee joint type double pivot and is guided through the actuating stroke to substantially linearize the actual path of the pedal.

Abstract: A cycle, such as a bicycle, includes reciprocating pedal levers for applying power to the rear wheel through a pair of chains. The pedal lever includes a forwardly extending section for receiving a person's foot and a rearwardly extending portion for receiving a slider which is connected to one end of the chain which applies the power to the sprocket. The rearwardly extending portion of the pedal lever includes notches with perpendicular sides to engage a pawl on the slider. A release member extends longitudinally along the rearward portion of the pedal lever and also includes a series of notches generally co-extensive with those on the pedal lever, but having slanted surfaces, and being spaced differently from the spacing of the notches in the pedal lever, so that only one of the notches on the elongated release member lines up with a corresponding notch on the pedal lever.

Abstract: An operator powered vehicle configured to be ridden by an operator in an upright or forced weight position wherein muscle force provided to pedals is augmented by the weight of the operator and by an upward force provided by the operator's arms on the handle bars. Lever-type pedal arms having an up and down motion are employed and the pedal arms are coupled to the rear wheel by one or two flexible drive cables. The cables are wrapped about the rear wheel hub in unsecured relation thereto so that the bicycle may be moved backwardly without damage to the drive cable or to the wheel. The ends of the cables are tensioned to prevent the cables from becoming unwrapped from the rear wheel hub. Means are provided to permit disassembly of the steering assembly and the front wheel from the frame to provide for ease of carrying and storage of the vehicle when it is not being used.