Abstract: The assembly of the invention provides a direct frictional drive system for a wheeled vehicle having a vehicle frame whereby at least one drive roller is in frictional contact with a vehicle wheel, which includes a hub portion having a wheel axle, a rim portion, and a tire portion having a tread surface. The assembly comprises an assembly frame structure including an upper frame portion, an upper drive roller carrier portion, and a lower wheel axle coupling portion for attaching the assembly to a hub portion of the vehicle frame. The upper frame portion is connectable to the vehicle frame and the drive roller carrier portion rotatably supports at least one drive roller in frictional contact with the tread portion. A drive motor mounted to the drive roller carrier portion rotates the drive roller when the motor is activated.

Abstract: A human-powered vehicle power augmentation system produces a signal variable in response to applied force. The signal, transmitted to a control system, produces a motor-control signal which adds boost power to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the human input exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Below the threshold value, vehicle drive power is derived solely from the human input. Above the threshold value, boost power is added to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the applied force exceeds the threshold value. In one embodiment of the invention, a boost threshold control establishes the amount of human input above which boost is applied, while a boost max control establishes a slope of boost augmentation above the boost threshold. When the amount of boost applied approaches or reaches the maximum that is available, a shift indicator is actuated to inform the rider that the time has come to shift to a lower gear.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a bicycle having a motor that moves to a plurality of first positions (e.g., gear shifting positions) and to a second position (e.g., an antitheft position) includes a signal providing circuit that provides a first signal for commanding the motor to move from the plurality of first positions toward the second position and that provides a second signal for commanding the motor to move from the second position toward the plurality of first positions. A position indicating circuit is provided for generating a position indicating signal indicating when the motor is in a selected one of the plurality of first positions, and a motor inhibiting circuit is provided for generating a motor inhibiting signal for inhibiting the motor from moving toward the second position in response to the first signal when the position indicating signal indicates the motor is in the selected one of the plurality of first positions.

Abstract: An electric drive assembly for driving a bicycle includes an electric power pack containing a battery or batteries, an electric motor, a drive wheel, a control circuit, a recharger and an electric switch in a common housing. A rack is installed about the rear wheel of the bicycle to support the power pack either with an operating orientation or backwards in a non-operating orientation for transportation. When the power pack is supported in its operating orientation, the drive wheel is engaged with the rear tire of the bicycle so that the drive wheel may frictionally drive the rear wheel of the bicycle; and the electric switch is aligned with and engagable by a switch actuator mounted on the rack. A control lever, which is mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle, may be operated to cause a control cable to pivot the switch actuator into engagement with the electric switch to close the circuit between the battery or batteries and the electric motor.

Abstract: A motorized in-line blade roller skate having a longitudinally extending chassis plate with rear and front ends and several in-line blade roller members. A motor provides the necessary rotational movement that is transmitted through a cable to a gear assembly which in turn transmits it to a driving roller member. A bracket member is pivotally mounted to the rear end of the chassis plate and the driving roller member is rotatably mounted to the bracket. A clutch cable brings the driving roller member in contact with the rearmost roller member and thus transmitting the rotational movement to the latter. A second pivotally mounted bracket is provided for rotatably supporting the rear roller and is rigidly kept in place with, an adjustable linkage member. Adjusting this linkage member offset the wear and tear of the rear or driven roller and also permits a user to enhance gripping, preventing slip action, by bringing the rear roller member slightly below the plane defined by the other roller members.

Abstract: A power assist apparatus which includes a battery powered motor which is mounted on a manually operated vehicle such as a bicycle, which is to be selectively usable by the rider of the bicycle to not only assist in the manual operation of the bicycle but can be used as a sole source of operation of the bicycle. The power assist apparatus is normally fixedly mounted on the bicycle and is carried with that bicycle at all times. The power assist apparatus includes a housing and exteriorly mounted on that housing is a handle. Movement of the handle to various positions locates the power assist apparatus in either a disengaged position relative to a support wheel of the bicycle or to an engaged position relative to the support wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: To encourage the use of bicycles for both recreation and transportation by reducing the normally excessive load on the cyclist during hill climbing. A simple on/off push button controls the power assist while a clutch automatically handles both engagement and disengagement. The invention enables a powerful (80 to 150 watts of power delivered to the bicycle tire), compact, lightweight (2.5 to 4 kg) system capable of boosting a cyclist during the hills of a 1 to 2 hour bicycle ride. The system is compatible with most bicycles, is easy to install yet includes a theft deterrent mount. The system includes several safety features including a very modest high speed limit (e.g. 12 mph) beyond which power assist is automatically disabled, and a modest power level which can be overridden by normal bicycle brakes.

Abstract: An electrical auxiliary drive for a bicycle includes an inverted U-shaped bracket having a top wall disposed above a rear wheel of the bicycle and two side walls each fixedly mounted on a respective seat stay of the bicycle and each located adjacent to the rear wheel. Each of the two side walls of the bracket has an arcuate slot defined therein. Two motors are each mounted on a respective side wall of the bracket and each have a driving axle rotatably mounted thereon and slidably extending through an associated arcuate slot. A driven axle is mounted between the top wall of the bracket and the rear wheel and has two end portions each fixedly mounted on the driving axle of a respective motor. A driving wheel is fixedly mounted around the driven axle and detachably engages with the rear wheel.

Abstract: A power assist apparatus is to be mounted in a straddling position about the rear wheel of a bicycle. The power assist apparatus includes a housing with this housing to be mounted on a support bracket assembly which is fixedly mounted on the frame of the bicycle. The support bracket assembly includes pins which are to connect with the housing of the power assist apparatus. The latching assembly is to connect between the frame of the bicycle and the housing of the power assist apparatus with this latching assembly to be movable between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Abstract: Auxiliary drive apparatus including a wheel having an axis of rotation, and first and second wheel engagement elements arranged for driving engagement with the wheel, at least one of the wheel engagement elements being coupled to a motor, for being driven thereby, the first and second of wheel engagement elements being arranged for rotation about respective first and second engagement element rotation axes, the first and second wheel engagement elements being mounted such that the effective traction of the engagement thereof with the wheel increases automatically with increased resistance to rotation of the wheel and decreases automatically with decreased resistance to rotation of the wheel, and wherein a mounting of the first and second wheel engagement elements is such that a separation between the first and second wheel engagement element rotation axes, the separation lying parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel, is variable.

Abstract: A fluid coupling is combined with a one way clutch for the direct drive of a wheel from a small engine. The fluid coupling is mounted in cantilevered support or two ended bearing support from a small engine and has a small diameter inner driven shaft and a larger diameter out wheel driving shaft for contacting and directly driving a wheel. The inner driven shaft connects to a pump having a relatively larger outer diameter than either the driven or driving shaft. This pump is mounted on the opposite side of the driven wheel from the engine. The one way clutch is mounted between the inner and outer driven shafts and engages with only one direction of relative rotation between the wheel and engine. At any time that the speed of the engine is less than the current rotating speed of the wheel, the clutch engages.

Abstract: A friction applying engine starter which includes a chassis having a first end, a second end, a top edge and a bottom edge. A gasoline fuelled two cycle engine mounted on the chassis. The engine has an output shaft. A fuel tank is mounted on the chassis and is coupled with the engine to supply fuel. A friction roller is rotatably mounted at a first end of the chassis. A gear assembly is provided including a plurality of gears that are rotatably mounted on the chassis. The gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft of the engine and the friction roller. The gear assembly creates a gear reduction such that a plurality of revolutions of the output shaft of the engine are required for every revolution of the friction roller. Handles are secured to the chassis wjereby the chassis is manipulated to position the friction roller in a working position.

Abstract: An electrically motorized wheel, particularly useful for bicycles, has a hub with an electric motor housed therein. The motor is fixed with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel and has a drive shaft perpendicular to the wheel axis which engages a crown wheel inside the hub through freewheel mechanisms and at least one gear reduction mechanism so that the motorized wheel may operate at two different gear ratios in one direction upon reversal of the motor direction and operate in a freewheeling mode when no power is supplied or when the bicyclist applies manual power.

Abstract: A fluid coupling directly-drive a wheel from a small engine. The fluid coupling is mounted in cantilevered support or two ended bearing support from a small engine and has a small diameter inner driven shaft and a larger diameter out wheel driving shaft for contacting and directly driving a wheel. The inner driven shaft connects to a pump having a relatively larger outer diameter than either the driven or driving shaft. This pump is mounted on the opposite side of the driven wheel from the engine and preferably includes rotating vanes within one half a toroidal path having an attached eccentrically mounted toroidal plug for causing helical rotation of fluid about the plug. A turbine mates to the pump and includes rotating vanes within the other half of the toroidal path, these vanes being shaped around the toroidal plug of the pump.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system for a bicycle includes one or two electric motors secured to a mounting assembly attached to the bicycle, a drive roller that impinges on the front wheel of the bike, a battery pack secured to the frame of the bicycle, and a motor controller device operated by the bicycle rider. The mounting assembly is secured to the bicycle steerer tube and includes a laterally extending pivot shaft that is generally parallel to the axle of the adjacent front wheel. A pair of pivot arms are secured to opposed ends of the pivot shaft. A pair of electric motors are disposed face-to-face with their shafts in coaxial alignment and joined by a drive roller. Lower ends of the pivot arms are secured to respective electric motors. A main brace extends between the motors and includes an upper end adjustably secured to the pivot arms, and the lower end is also joined the electric motors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric propulsion system for a multi-wheeled vehicle including though not limited to a bicycle. The preferred embodiment consists of a standard street bicycle with multi-speed transmission, plus an electrical propulsion system and a solar charging apparatus. This preferred embodiment is normally powered by a combination of motor and pedals, coupled such that either or both may provide power at any time.

Abstract: A battery and generator operated electro-mechanical device looks like an engine and emits engine sounds. The engine attaches to a bicycle frame giving the bicycle the appearance of being a motor bike. The engine makes an authentic idle sound when first started up and sounds like an engine accelerating to full throttle as the bike is pedalled. In a second embodiment, a fully mechanical engine sound is produced whenever the bike is in motion. Both embodiments are housed in an authentic looking engine housing.

Abstract: The steering wheel of the vehicle is comprised of an annular roller bearing (22) having an interior annular element (23) which is integral with, for example, an interior element (26) of a second roller bearing (24) and an exterior annular element (21) of the annular roller bearing (22) supports a rim (19) and a tire (20). An exterior element (25) of the second roller bearing (24) is mounted via a pivot (40) supported by an articulated arm (17). The inclination of the second roller bearing and, consequently a caster angle of the steering wheel, is variable by way of a double-acting hydraulic actuator (42) which is supplied with hydraulic fluid by a hydraulic pump (46) driven by a motor (47) and controlled by an electronic circuit (48) coupled to a gear selector mechanism of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically driven auxiliary drive for vehicles including first and second electric motors each having associated therewith a friction drive element and apparatus for selectably bringing the friction drive elements into operative driving engagement with the tire of a vehicle wheel for driving thereof the friction drive elements being maintained in fixed mutually spaced relationship.

Abstract: A reverse drive apparatus for a motorcycle is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a drive wheel (12) for releasably engaging a wheel (15) of the motorcycle (11). The drive wheel (12) is driven by an electric motor (16) which is powered by the motorcycle's battery. Support means (20) are provided for securing the electric motor (16) to a stationary portion, preferably the frame (22), of the motorcycle (11). The support means (20) include means for selectively moving the drive wheel (12) into and out of engagement with the driven wheel (15) of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A reverse drive mechanism for attachment to a motorcycle having two wheels, an engine and transmission for driving same in conventional fashion. The reverse drive mechanism has an electric motor which is separately energized and will, through slip coupling friction structure, drive a friction drive wheel engaged with the tire on the rear wheel of the motorcycle. Appropriate energizing and limit switches are associated with this reverse drive mechanism for safety and ease of use thereof.

Abstract: An improved light-weight, highly portable motor scooter having an elongated tubular frame which serves as muffler for a gasoline engine, a rear wheel secured to the frame at the rearward end thereof, a generally vertical, tubular support member secured to the frame at the forward end, a generally vertical strut member rotatably received within the tubular support member and having a yoke on the lower end thereof below the tubular support member, the yoke receiving a front wheel, a horizontal platform mounted on the frame, an engine secured to the frame adjacent the rearward end having a converter for coupling the engine to the rear wheel, an elongated handle member pivotally affixed at its lower end to the upper end of the strut member, the handle member being pivoted in a forward direction to pull the scooter and in a rearward direction to lie adjacent and parallel the frame whereby the scooter can be carried and extendable in an axially aligned position relative to the strut member permitting the user to gu

Abstract: A drive system for an engine-driven light vehicle which transmits the engine rotation to a wheel of the vehicle through a friction roller during normal engine operation, and transmits the wheel rotation to the engine through the friction roller to start the engine. The friction roller has its drive shaft disposed parallel with the crankshaft of the engine, between which shafts is interposed a power transmission means, e.g. a gear train meshing with each other. At least one gear of the gear train is rotatably fitted on the crankshaft, with which engages a one-way clutch for transmitting the drive shaft rotation to the crankshaft with a ratio of speed change preset for the start of the engine. A planetary gear is coupled to the gear train for transmitting the crankshaft rotation to the drive shaft through the gear train with a large reduction ratio.

Abstract: A multi-speed friction drive suitable for propelling cycle vehicles comprises a drive frame attachable to the frame of the cycle, a drive motor mounted to the frame, a gear hub mounted to the drive frame and driven by the motor through a belt drive. A friction roller is formed on the outer shell of the gear hub, which is coupled to the belt drive through a shiftable gear arrangement internal to the gear hub. The cycle is propelled by frictional engagement of the roller with a cycle wheel.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive train system for a motor which can be bolted onto a conventional bicycle frame. The drive train has a pair of spaced parallel swing arms having two parts integrally joined at an apex and pivoting at the apex about the centerline of a crankshaft in the motor. The swing arms are fitted with an integral torque bar and an axle shaft, extending between the parallel swing arms. A relatively large diameter drive roller, with a special cleated surface geometry, is mounted on the axle shaft and driven from the motor shaft by way of gears, a chain or a belt. As the swing arms move in an arc, the center distances from the crankshaft to the axle shaft are always maintained constant. This enables the engine to be rigidly mounted in a symmetrical position over the bicycle wheel. A contact pressure between the cleated roller and the wheel is achieved by elongated coiled springs extending from the swing arms to a bicycle frame member.

Abstract: The vehicle comprises four compartments for receiving accumulator batteries. Two of these compartments are placed on each side of the frame of the vehicle in the median part of the latter. The other two compartments are disposed on each side of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The motor of the vehicle is preferably disposed under and at the rear of the saddle. Many advantages result from this arrangement which enables an increased production of this type of vehicle to be envisaged.

Abstract: A drive means is described which includes an electric motor which is pivoted in a substantially balanced position by a biasing means above a wheel of a vehicle. When the motor is actuated, the reactive torque generated causes the output drive shaft from the motor to engage the wheel of the vehicle. When the motor is deactivated, the biasing means forces the drive shaft out of engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: A combined engine and pedal-powered multipassenger, multipurpose four-wheel vehicle constructed by operatively connecting any two compatibly configured, commercially available bicycles and powering at least one of its four wheels with auxiliary propulsion apparatus for optional power assist of such vehicle. The two bicycles are operatively interconnected into side by side, spaced apart and aligned relationship by plural, specifically configured members, each bent to form a longer mid-portion and two shorter end-portions; each mid-portion positioned substantially horizontally and transversely between the two bicycles and each shorter end-portion operatively attached to correspondingly positioned frame members of the two bicycles at two spaced-apart points. A steering assembly based on modified trapezium linkage principle of king-pin with track-arm and track-rod connection of the front wheels of the two bicycles to provided efficient steering from either bicycle.

Abstract: A unit for power converting a bicycle including a carrier and a motor mounting bracket pivoted on the carrier. A control handle fixed to the bracket permits convenient manual manipulation of the bracket for controlling power transmission to a wheel of the bicycle. Various motor controls are carried on the control handle in a manner whereby their settings with respect to the motor are unaffected by movement of the control handle. The bracket, control handle, motor controls and motor are readily removable from the bicycle for such purposes as maintenance or security.

Abstract: A drive for a road wheel mounted in the frame of a motor-assisted bicycle comprises a drive housing pivotal transversely to the plane of the wheel and connected to the frame by an interposed elastomeric sleeve deformable by the pivotal movement of the drive housing. An engine in the housing has a crankshaft and a drive shaft is non-rotatably connected to the crankshaft. A bevel wheel is non-rotatably mounted on the drive shaft and a pressure roller is aligned with the bevel wheel in the axial direction of the road wheel, the bevel wheel and pressure roller being engageable with the road wheel on opposite sides thereof. A spring arm secured to the housing and carrying the pressure roller normally urges the bevel wheel and pressure roller into engagement with the respective sides of the road wheel.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle which features a removable fuel tank. The fuel tank may be selectively secured within a housing mounted on the frame of the bicycle. The housing and tank include means which cooperate upon insertion of the fuel tank to permit fuel to flow from the tank to the fuel line for the engine of the bicycle. Removal of the tank from the housing automatically seals the tank against spillage of fuel and permits the bicycle to be safely transported. The fuel tank also features an air vent which is automatically opened when the tank is secured in the housing.

Abstract: A bicycle engine provided with a transmission roller on the end of a forwardly extending driving shaft for contacting the front wheel tire is attached to the front of the handle bar via an engine frame attached to the front wheel fork. A clutch provided between the engine and the driving wheel starts the engine by transmitting the rotation of the wheel caused by pedaling and also prevents the transmission of engine rotation when the engine is kept idle.

Abstract: An apparatus for frictionally engaging and driving a rotatable wheel of a lightweight vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus has a pivotable handle which is movable between a first and a second position. In the first position the handle blocks access to a fuel tank while permitting operation of the engine and engagement of a driven friction surface with the rotatable wheel. In the second position of the handle, the engine is inoperable, the fuel tank may be refilled, and the friction surface cannot engage the rotatable wheel. Preferably, the handle provides means for pivoting the engine to and from a position in which the friction surface engages the rotatable wheel and for operationally engaging an electrical switch to control operation of the engine.