Abstract: A hand-operable operating assembly for a vehicle, such as a three-wheeled cycle. The drive mechanism comprises opposing members, such as oppositely oriented crank handles. A sprocket and chain assembly connects the hand crank to the pedal crank on the cycle. A grip is attached to each crank handle. The grip is pivotally attached to the crank handle and is also connected to a cable system that steers the front guidance wheel on the cycle. Thus, the front wheel is turned by simply pivoting one or both of the grips. To keep the grips properly oriented for the operator rearward of the crank handles, the crank handles are rotatably attached to the crank rods. A timing belt is provided on each crank handle to maintain the correct orientation of the handle as it orbits the crankshaft. Thus, the cycle can be steered and driven simultaneously by operation of the grips. Moreover, the grips are positioned so that they pivot about their central transverse axes.

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: A wheelchair exercise system for allowing wheelchair users to strengthen, rehabilitate, and develop their muscles. The wheelchair exercise system includes a wheelchair with a frame having a pair of downwardly depending front legs. A cross portion of a front yoke is mounted to the front legs of the wheelchair. A front axle is rotatably mounted to a forwards extent of the front yoke which extends from the cross portion. A pair of front wheels are coupled to the front axle. A pair of foot pedals are coupled to the front axle to rotate the front axle.

Abstract: The hand and foot powered bicycle has an elongated frame supported by a front and rear wheel. A handle bar lever is mounted to the frame adjacent to the steering column such that the handle bar lever may be raised and lowered by moving the attached handle bar up and forward and down and rearward. The handle bar lever is connected to a front sprocket wheel by lever arm linkage attached to sprocket wheel crank arms. This front sprocket wheel is linked to the rear wheel gears by two chain loops and a mid sprocket wheel assembly. With this linkage, as the handle bar is raised and lowered, this motion is translated to rotate the rear wheels. The hand and foot powered bicycle is steered by the handle bar connected to the front wheel forks through a pair of steering cables which are crossed between their abutments to give a correct turn for a turn of the handle bar.

Abstract: A bicycle has separate chain-and-sprocket drive mechanisms for the front and rear wheels. The front wheel drive includes a cross shaft and a pair of crank arms at the ends of the cross shaft, both of which crank arms extend in the same radial direction from the cross shaft. The cross shaft and crank arms serve the dual function of enabling steering the bicycle similarly to conventional handlebars and also driving the chain-and-sprocket mechanism for the front wheel. At the ends of the crank arms, a pair of outwardly-directed diametrically-opposed axles form bearing surfaces for a pair of freely rotatable hand grips. A drive sprocket on the cross shaft is rotated by cranking the hand grips in a continuous 360 degree rotary motion, and through the chain, driving a driven sprocket associated with the front wheel.

Abstract: An upright in-line cycle having a frame, front steerable wheel, drivable rear wheel, drive sprocket, driven sprocket, oscillatory steering levers, a fork assembly, a drive crank assembly, and drive with connecting rods operably connected such that the oscillatory levers are pivotally mounted on the fork joumaled to connecting rods such that the oscillatory levers are substantially perpendicular to the connecting rods and the connecting rods are substantially parallel to the plane of the ground. The oscillatory levers and connecting rods are operably connected so that the alternate pushing or pulling on the oscillatory levers drives the cycle forward, convening upper body energy into rotational energy. The manner in which the oscillatory levers are journaled to the forward end of the connecting rods, by tie rod ends or two-way joints, permits the levers to pivot in a lateral left or right direction thereby permitting steering of the front wheel.

Abstract: A ride-on, human-powered vehicle a frame, which is integrally formed with the body of the vehicle. A front axle includes spaced-apart, steerable axle elements located on either side of the front end of the frame, each steerable axle element having a wheel rotatably mounted thereon A steering/power mechanism is mounted on the frame for oscillating motion relative to the frame that includes a steering shaft for steering the front wheels having a handle bar located at the upper end thereof. Foot rests are located at the lower end of the steering/power mechanism. A chain extends from the steering/power mechanism to the rear axle. A combination of the handle bar and the foot rests allow the rider to power the vehicle through the use of arms and legs simultaneously.

Abstract: A bicycle front wheel frame assembly includes a horizontal tubular member mounted in front of a head tube, a vertical rod assembly mounted between the tubular member and a front fork, and a horizontal rod assembly mounted between the tubular member and the head tube. Both lengths of the vertical rod assembly and the horizontal rod assembly are adjustable so as to adjust distances between the handles and the cyclist.

Abstract: A two-wheel drive hand and foot powered bicycle in accordance with the present invention includes a rear wheel that is driven by a foot pedal via a chain and derailleur mechanism. A front wheel is rotatably mounted to the bottom portions of first and second yokes. The first yoke is pivotally mounted to the front portion of the bicycle frame and the upper portion of the second yoke is rigidly mounted to the first yoke by a steering coupling member, wherein a steering torque applied to second yoke pivots the first yoke to turn the front wheel. A hand crank assembly is rotatably mounted to the steering coupling member and the upper portion of the second yoke. Power generated by operation of the hand crank assembly is transmitted by a chain to a sprocket assembly mounted to the front wheel. The operator may selectively power the front wheel, the rear wheel, or both wheels simultaneously.

Abstract: A bicycle with apparatus which enables the arms and/or legs of a cyclist to supply rotational force to the rear wheel to enhance acceleration and ease hill climbing is disclosed. The apparatus enables upon repeatedly pivoting the bicycle handle back-and-forth to supply rotational power to the rear wheel to enhance forward speed, especially in combination with the rotational force input by the pedals. An acceleration gear apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise vehicle is provided with an improved push/pull cable steering system for use in directing vehicle travel without interfering significantly with vehicle power. The vehicle includes a frame with a drive system attached thereto and includes at least one drive wheel coupled with the frame. Preferably, the drive system includes arm levers operatively connected to the drive wheel so that counter-reciprocal movement of the arm levers produces rotation of the drive wheel. The steering system includes a guidance wheel rotatably coupled with the frame, an elongate steering crank which is operatively coupled with the guidance wheel, hand levers pivotally attached to the arm levers and push/pull cabling assemblies connecting the hand levers to the steering crank.

Abstract: A frame (12) supporting two oscillatably movable members (16R) and (16L) for arms, and two reciprocally movable members (18R) and (18L) for feet. Cables (36) going off in pairs from each of the movable members in opposing directions, redirected by pulleys (34) toward and connected to rotatable members (14). Rotatable members (14) are coaxially connected with a sprocket wheel (42), and are also interconnected by additional cables (31) via pulleys (30) that are held back by springs (40), so as to cause one of a pair of rotatable members (14) to freely ratchet backwards while another one is turning forward. Sprocket wheel (42) is connected with a sprocket chain (44) to a vehicle propelling member (46). Handles (22R) and (22L) are connected with sleeved cables (26) to the topmost parts of movable members (16R) and (16L), and sleeved cables (26) connected at their other ends through a sleeved cable harness (282) to a steering pulley (28), that in turn is solidly connected to vehicle steering member (13).

Abstract: A front wheel drive system for a bicycle which can be installed on a bicycle to drive the front wheel by rocking the handlebars back and forth. A chain positioning and support mechanism is attached to the handlebar of a bicycle. The handle bar is attached to a rotatable outer sleeve of a handle bar stem. A rocker switch in the outer sleeve selectively locks the handle bar relative to the stem or allows the handle bar to rotate about the stem. A chain attached to the chain positioning and support mechanism engages a freewheel attached to the front hub of a bicycle and terminates in a spring connecting back to the chain positioning and support mechanism.

Abstract: A rowing powered cycle is provided with a pair of rowing arms movable through a fore-aft reciprocal stroke motion and coupled to a drive mechanism for driving the cycle. The rowing arms are additionally coupled to a steering linkage for steering the cycle in response to left or right tilting movement of the rowing arms. Cycle steering may be performed simultaneously with reciprocal stroking motion of the rowing arms to drive the cycle, or during coasting movement.

Abstract: An exercise device for mounting on a conventional bicycle provides upper body exercise, the device having an auxiliary handlebar that rotates about a shaft on which is mounted a auxiliary power unit. Movement of the auxiliary handlebar in a rotational motion against resistive force provides exercise to the upper body of the user. The movement of the auxiliary handlebar by the user additionally provides auxiliary force by which the front wheel of the conventional bicycle can be driven in conjunction with or independently of the rear wheel drive mechanism.

Abstract: A land vehicle or bicycle (110) is disclosed having a front wheel drive which includes an impulse drive mechanism and shock driver. The front wheel drive mechanism (140) includes a handle bar/driver mechanism (151) attached to an impulse drive mechanism (166). The bicycle (110) may be used such that the handle bar/driver mechanism (151) is fixed for use as a conventional bicycle or may be released by a twist grip (159) or thumb release (193) so that the bicycle may be driven by a drive mechanism (140). The shock drive mechanism (FIGS. 14-16) provides forward propulsion force due to the compression (308) and recoil (304) forces of a shock absorber (144) when the bicycle (110) encounters a bump, curb or other obstacle.

Abstract: A dual drive bicycle having a hand crank mechanism for applying driving power to the front wheel of the bicycle includes a stabilizer bar attached to a hand crank mechanism frame, the stabilizer bar including a chest saddle against which the rider positions the chest area of his upper body during operation of the front wheel hand crank mechanism. The force applied by the rider's upper body against the chest saddle acts to maintain forward alignment of the front wheel of the bicycle to thereby greatly improve the stability of the bicycle. In addition, the stabilizer bar and chest saddle combination provides a resistance against which the rider works while operating the front wheel hand crank mechanism.

Abstract: A human powered mechanism for propelling a wheeled land vehicle, a water vehicle (a boat or hydroplane) using either a water screw or a jet of water or an ultra-light aircraft with an air screw. The mechanism can utilize either arm or leg muscles or preferably, both arms and legs extending and retracting in a manner similar to walking or running as performed from a semi-recumbent position. Steering or other critical control is accomplished through another mechanism which is guided by the appropriate movement of the operator's head. The operators feet are placed on pedals which are attached to swinging members which pivot in a bearing at the upper end. The operator's hands grasp leverage arms which are cantilevered, the distal ends of which are attached to the same push-pull connecting rods as the above mentioned swinging members with foot pedals attached.

Abstract: A bicycle head tube assembly includes a connecting device connected between a handlebar lug thereof and a head tube thereof to absorb shocks, the connecting devices comprised of a soft covering and a stack of resilient steel plates covered within the soft covering, the resilient steel plates including a fixed steel plate at the top having two opposite ends welded to the lug and the head tube respectively, and stack of suspension steel plates alternatively welded to the lug or the head tube and having a respective free end spaced from the lug or the head tube at a distance.

Abstract: A dual drive bicycle includes an arm powered drive assembly including a drive mechanism mountable on one of the bicycle wheels or on the foot powered crank mechanism. The drive assembly includes a sprocket and a ratchet assembly for pivotal engagement with the sprocket wheel, a drive line coupled to the ratchet assembly for driving the ratchet assembly and the drive sprocket, and a free wheeling mechanism for coupling the ratchet assembly and the drive sprocket wheel. Movement of the handlebar moves the drive line which engages the ratchet assembly for driving the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism temporarily convert the front wheel of bicycles into a driving wheel, comprising a lever (5) hinged in front of and on top of the frame; the handlebar (E) is fixed to the lever together with a catch (14), with a mobile stopping tooth which cooperates with stopping means (11, 15) attached to the steering column (10), to block/release the handlebar which can be swung on a vertical plane; a transmission assembly, comprising a chain (7) which engages a free wheel (8) coaxial and fixed to the front wheel (I), transmits the alternate movement given to the handlebar to the free wheel; elastic return means for returning the handlebar to the original position are also provided. Control means (16, 17) for the stopping tooth of the catch (14) are attached to the handlebar.

Abstract: A wheelchair having two driving wheels (4, 19) with two corresponding hand levers (7, 20), and two transmission mechanisms (16) which convert the swinging motion of their levers (7, 20) into rotary movement of the driving wheels (4, 19). Each transmission mechanism (16) has a guide (34) accommodating, a rod (36) with a rack (38), a gear (40) interacting with the rack (38) and with the overrunning clutch (7) of its driving wheel (4), and a coupling (42). The driven wheel (3) is self-aligned.

Abstract: An O-ring is mounted to the wheel of a manually powered bicycle. A Teflon washer is mounted on the wheel sprocket contacting the O-ring. The friction between the O-ring and the Teflon washer are sufficient to move the crank sprocket away from dead center on a mechanism wherein the crank sprocket is rotated by manually oscillating the handle bars of the bicycle.

Abstract: A two wheeled human powered vehicle, having a frame with seating arrangement resembling a long wheelbase recumbent bicycle. The drive mechanism includes two parallel operating lever arms supporting a steering assembly on their upper end, fulcramed in the middle, and operably connected at their lower end to a linearly reciprocable footrest assembly. The operator forces the footrests forward directly with the legs while assisting with the arms by drawing the handlebar, thereby providing a rowing motion that utilizes arm and leg power independently. Linear motion is converted to rotational motion and power is transferred to the drive wheel via a jackshaft, including an overrunning clutch, along with a sprocket and an endless chain, operably connected to the drive wheel. Steering is accomplished through flexible sleeved cables, controllably connecting the handlebar to the front steering fork.

Abstract: The provision of power by the human body to bicycles, tricycles, exercise equipment, wheeled chairs or the like is effected using a hand-operated lever (35) and/or a pair of pendulums (23). The hand-operated lever is pivoted about an axle (33) on a frame (12) of the cycle or other equipment. Rotation of the lever about that axle in either direction causes a respective sprocket wheel (38) to rotate about an associated axis, with consequential rotation of a rotatable member (14) which drives the cycle or other equipment. A tensioning or recoil mechanism (40,42) returns the sprocket wheel or drum to its original position when the lever is rotated in the opposite direction about the axle. Similarly, forward movement of a pendulum about the axle (22) from which it depends causes an associated different sprocket wheel (28) or drum to rotate about the axis to cause the rotatable member to move and drive the cycle or other equipment.

Abstract: An auxiliary driving mechanism associated with the front wheel of a bicycle is equipped with a pair of pneumatically actuated cylinders secured in place by a pair of spaced triangular fixing brackets and connected to the handlebar of the bicycle pivotally operated up and down by a rider's hands so as to actuate the cylinders in driving connection to the shaft of the front wheel thereof by way of sprockets and transmission devices. The pivotal handlebar of the bicycle is also coupled to the front fork by way of a head tube and a handlebar stem so that the rider can also steer the bicycle with ease and safety. Moreover, the pneumatic cylinders can also be used as pumps for inlation of the tires when necessary with the help of extension tubes.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly for dampening and reducing the shock to which a cyclist is normally exposed is disclosed. The assembly includes a mounting block attached to the head of a bicycle front fork assembly. An upper linkage member and a lower linkage member that are parallel and spaced apart from each other are pivotally attached at their tail ends to the mounting block. A handlebar clamp for securing a handlebar thereto is pivotally attached to the front ends of the upper and lower linkage members. A dampening element is disposed against one of the linkage members for slowing the downward movement of the linkage members and serving as a sink for a downward force applied to the linkage members when the handlebars are urged downwards. In some preferred embodiments of the invention the dampening member is a layer of elastomeric material disposed between the upper and lower linkage members. In other embodiments of the invention the dampening members include a spring element.

Abstract: A four limb exercising attachment for wheelchairs which will permit the occupant of the wheelchair to exercise all four limbs simultaneously, thereby affording proper bilateral movement of the arms and legs. The exercising attachment will also propel the wheelchair when operated in a suitable manner. The attachment may be used with most standard wheelchairs of the type having right and left front and rear wheels. The attachment includes right and left mounting assemblies, each mounting assembly being securable to the frame of a standard 4 wheel wheelchair at three or more spaced apart locations. A common input shaft will extend between the left and right mounting assemblies after they are mounted upon the wheelchair.

Abstract: Apparatus of dual partially independent mechanism to propel bicycles or other vehicles, having a bottom bracket shell attached to a frame, a pair of main shafts mounted separately in said bottom bracket shell, a pair of propulsion levers supporting operating pedals, a pair of arcs each arc attached to each propulsion lever which is mounted on each main shaft, a pair of chains, each chain hooked with one end portion to one arc, and the other end portion of the chain entrained around one of the two freewheels which are mounted on a wheel hub which is disposed rearwardly of the bottom bracket shell, a pair of springs, each spring hooked from one end portion of a chain to the rear portion of each lever respectively.

Abstract: A dual drive bicycle having a steerable front wheel and a rear wheel that is driven. A foot-powered drive system includes a first rotatable shaft extending transversely to the bicycle. A rotatable drive sprocket is operatively connected to a second shaft rotatably mounted on the steering post in which the front wheel is mounted. A rotatable driven sprocket is mounted on the first shaft and is capable of rotating same for forward drive. A continuous drive chain extends about the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. A third rotatable shaft is mounted on the steering spindle so as to pivot with the front wheel when the latter is steered. A universal joint connects the second and thrid shafts at a location above the steering shaft. A further continuous chain and cooperating sprockets together with a hand-crank are provided to rotate the third shaft.

Abstract: A bicycle auxiliary power unit is provided wherein hand powered levers provide a mechanical means for transposing the natural power strokes of the rider to the mechanism propelling the vehicle. The auxiliary power unit provides a means for permitting a street bicycle to be utilized for exercising the upper and lower extremities.

Abstract: An arm and leg powered cycle using a linear reciprocating motion of arm and leg drive members to provide power. An elongated bicycle chassis has a forward and a rear wheel, a seat with a back rest for the operator, and lower and central support members. The arm drive member includes a rotatably mounted housing in which a plunger linearly reciprocates when an operator "rows" the plunger, using handlebars attached thereto. Pulling on the arm plunger tightens a cable attached at one end to the plunger and at the other end to a chain engaging sprocket, the sprocket being constrained to rotation in one direction by a one-way dog. The chain engaging sprocket engages a drive chain on the pulling or "drive" stroke, thereby pulling the chain through the stroke. This motion is transferred to drive the rear wheel through a series of gears and a transmission chain. Pushing on the leg drive member creates a drive stroke of the same type, also providing power to the drive chain.

Abstract: The vehicle and drive mechanism includes a vehicle frame having at least one steerable wheel carried thereon, an axle mounted on the frame and at least one driven wheel mounted on the axle. First and second ratcheted gears drivingly disposed on the axle to produce rotary motion of the axle when each gear is rotated in a first direction and coast relative to the axle when rotated in a second, opposite direction; an oscillating handle/footrest assembly operable to provide a driving force for the driven wheel and to provide braking action on a wheel.

Abstract: An alternative drive device for a bicycle comprising a drive wheel assembly having two drive shafts and a drive wheel with dual rachet assemblies therein; vertical frame for mounting the drive wheel assembly in frictional engagement with the bicycle front tire and connected to a first horizontal bar; vertical frame extension connected to said first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar, and attachable to a bicycle's handle bars; a pair of handles slidably mounted on the second horizontal bar, attached to a cable and pulley system that engages the drive wheel assembly, and capable of driving the device by reciprocal motion along the second horizontal bar wherein the motion of the handles causes the drive wheel, and hence the bicycle's front tire, to rotate.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a human-powered vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame, plural wheels and linear motion generating mechanism, which is operable by a human being, for generating substantially linear, oscillating motion. A motion converting device is provided for converting the oscillating motion into rotary motion. A mechanism for transmitting the rotary motion to the driving wheels is provided.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus for propelling an operator in earth traversing movement. The apparatus includes a frame mounting a pair of wheels which are operable to support an operator in earth traversing movement; a steering assembly borne by the frame and adapted to orient one of the wheels in a selected attitude; a pair of pedals rotatably borne by the frame and adapted to be individually engaged by the legs of the operator; and at least one reciprocally movable member slidably borne on the steering assembly and connected in force transmitting relation to one of the pedals, the member engaged by one of the hands of the operator and operable to impart physical force to the pedal thereby propelling the apparatus in earth traversing movement.

Abstract: A velocipede, for example a bicycle, having a front wheel drive is disclosed. The front wheel has a gear axially mounted thereon. In place of regular handlebars is a drive gear rotatably mounted on the upper front of a frame. The drive gear has coextensive handle means for rotating the drive gear. A first drive chain connects the drive gear to a plurality of different sized gears. A second drive chain connects the plurality of different sized gears to the gear axially mounted on the front wheel, whereby rotation of the hand means causes rotation of the front wheel. A derailleur is provided to change the position of the second chain on the plurality of different sized gears. Independently rotatable coextensive handles with cables extending to the outside allow for brake levers and derailleur levers to be mounted on the handles without becoming entangled during 360 degree rotation of the drive gear. The gear wheel is lockable to provide fixed handlebars.

Abstract: A bicycle having conventional foot pedals with driving rotating cranks connected to a load is improved with arm pedals. Preferably, each foot pedal forms the point of attachment of a line under tension. The line from each pedal passes upwardly from the pedal to a seat sheave in the vicinity of the seat. Thereafter, the line from the pedal goes forwardly to a forward sheave mounted on the front of the bicycle frame. From the forward sheave the line runs rearward to a second seat sheave and dead ends at a point of attachment on the opposite pedal. Hand pedals are connected to the line from each pedal in that portion of the line between the seat sheave and the forward sheave. Operation of the hand pedals is synchronized with the traditional foot cycling motion of the foot pedals. Upward stroke of the foot pedals is assisted with tension in the connected running rigging from both hand pedals.

Abstract: A dual system bicycle for hand and foot propelling operations including a handle device with a front link mechanism operatively installed on top of a front fork member fixed on a front wheel of a bicycle, and a lever device with a rear link mechanism movably connected between the front link and a pedal system installed in a lower portion of a frame structure and in the rear wheel through a chain wheel arrangement of the bicycle; thereby, the rider can use both hands and feet for propelling the bicycle, improving his bodily fitness and increasing the moving speed of the bicycle. Alternatively, the dual system bicycle can be easily changed into an ordinary bicycle mode for foot propulsion only.

Abstract: A riding bicycle normally driven over terrain by foot pedals operating on a sprocket shaft, is provided with hand cranks which operate through a flexible drive on the foot operated sprocket shaft, the flexible drive permitting full use of the steering fork throughout its range without impeding operation of the bicycle by the hand cranks.

Abstract: An exercise vehicle is provided where foot actuated pedals caused the vehicle to move forward by means of a one-way clutch and hand operated pulling motions may be utilized likewise by means of a one-way clutch to move the vehicle forward, the hand operated mechanism being part of an extensible steering column so that as the operator leans forward and moves back and extends or retracts his arms the steering column will lengthen or shorten as required. Irrespective of the position of the hand operated bar the front wheels may be rotated by rotating the hand operating bar.

Abstract: A machine for utilizing muscular energy is disclosed which can be driven, through separate operating means, by movement of a user's legs and by upper body (i.e. arms and torso) movement. The movement of the legs and the upper body movement need not be synchronized, and each part of the user's body can work at the rate most suited to it.A bicycle with a driven rear wheel is a typical example of such a machine. Both of the separate operating means can be arranged to drive a common spindle so that the power applied to the spindle is greater than would be the case in a conventional bicycle where only leg power is applied in driving the machine.

Abstract: A manual drive for a bicycle, or other usage, wherein a rotary crank is connected in driving relation with a bicycle wheel or other driven device, and a slotted block or yoke rides on a guide or pin by manual actuation, a connecting rod being connected between the yoke and crank to rotate the latter upon the yoke movement and thereby rotate the driven device.

Abstract: A recumbent bicycle includes a seat with a back rest and pedals forwardly of the seat so that reaction from the pedals can be communicated by the rider into the back rest of the seat. A pair of levers immediately in front of the seat can be operated in reciprocal movement to add to the propulsion effort of the pedals with the levers communicating to the chain wheel of the pedals through connecting levers and a further chain wheel. Steering movement is obtained by a common pivotal movement of the levers to the left or to the right about a longitudinal horizontal axis with the common movement of the levers being communicated to the front wheel by a system of levers.

Abstract: An apparatus which serves as a physical exerciser and as a means of locomotion is built up of a chassis and at least two, but preferably three wheels, one of which is positively driven. The rider occupies a seat and actuates a linearly reciprocable drive member, the motion of which is transmitted to the driven wheel via a link, the linear movement being transformed into rotatory movement.

Abstract: Separate pedal cranks are provided for the front and rear riders of a tandem bicycle having a front wheel of substantially smaller diameter than the rear wheel. Such front wheel is carried by a front fork journaled in a steering head directly below the front seat. The front pedal crank is carried at the end of a support arm extending generally horizontally forward from the steering head so that the front rider pedals in a sitting position with his or her legs extending forward. The front fork is connected to a steering shaft journaled in an upright steering post located behind the front seat. A rear seat substantially higher than the front seat is supported on an upright saddle post spaced rearward from the steering post but sufficiently close thereto for steering control of the bicycle by the rear rider.

Abstract: A bicycle with a foot cranked sprocket driven rear wheel assembly and a steering arm assembly substantially pivoting about the vertical axis more or less located in coincidence or near and substantially parallel to the axis of the bicycle frame member where the seat post is inserted. At the upper leading portion of the steering arm a hand crank is provided to drive a flexible shaft at one end of it through gearing means with the other end, the said shaft engaging another gear means to drive a ring gear that turns with the foot cranked sprocket. Connected at the lower lagging portion of the steering arm assembly are linking means which are also connected to the upper portion of the front fork to impart rotation of the front assembly about a vertical axis so that the steerable front wheel can be steered by the steering arm assembly.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle propelled by a rider comprises a frame, front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on the frame; and a tiller tube, provided with handle bars and foot pedals which may be used separately or together for providing oscillatory movement thereof about a pivotal axis of the tiller tube. The vehicle further includes cable drive means and at least one unidirectional clutch which when driven turns one or more wheels, preferably the rear wheels. The ends of the cable are rotatably anchored to a sheave mounted on the tiller tube, and means are provided for moving the sheave up and down the tube in infinitely variable increments for changing from a high-speed to a low-speed position and vice-versa so as to provide suitable speed changing. Means are also provided on said vehicle for braking and steering.

Abstract: A bicycle with a foot cranked sprocket driven rear wheel assembly and a steering arm assembly substantially pivoting about the vertical axis located substantially in coincidence or near and substantially parallel to the axis of the bicycle frame member where the seat post is inserted. At the upper leading portion of the steering arm a hand crank is provided to drive a flexible shaft at one end of it through gearing means with the other end, the shaft engaging another gear means to drive a ring gear that turns with the foot cranked sprocket. Connected at the lower lagging portion of the steering arm assembly are linking means which are also connected to the upper portion of the front fork to impart rotation of the front wheel assembly about a vertical axis so that the steerable front wheel can be steered by the steering arm assembly.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle permitting the use of an operator's arms and legs to power the vehicle. A multispeed hub assembly is offset from a powered wheel assembly and drives same with a roller chain. Arm and leg power is imparted respectively to a hand crankshaft and a live axle which power is transmitted to the multispeed hub via additional roller chains. A speed control for shifting the multispeed hub is actuated by handgrip rotation during normal hand crank operation to permit speed changes without release of either handgrip. A brake mechanism on the hand crankshaft actuates brake cables actuating caliper brakes upon reverse rotation of the hand crankshaft. The multispeed hub may include an internal coaster brake mechanism in one form of the invention.