Abstract: A conveyance to carry humans, such as a wheelchair, is described having levers on each side of the wheelchair that are manually moved forward and backward to propel the conveyance. The levers are connected to a tooth clutch mechanism that allow the user to shift into forward, reverse or neutral, brake, and change mechanical advantage (gear ratio), all this without removing the user's hands from the drive levers.

Abstract: A backward pedaling bicycle comprises a frame, a rearward wheel and forward wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, a driving gear coupled to the rearward wheel, a pedaling gear rotatably coupled to the frame, first and second redirection gears rotatably coupled to the frame, a roller chain operatively coupled to the driving gear, the pedaling gear, and the first and second redirection gears, and an elongated steering stem and handle bars coupled to the frame and positioned to facilitate an upright seating position of the rider while pedaling and holding the handle bars. Accordingly, backward pedaling by the rider about the pedaling gear rotates the driving gear in a forward rotational direction via the first and second redirection gears, thereby causing forward propulsion of the backward pedaling bicycle. The first and second redirection gears can each be coupled between the pedaling gear and an axis of rotation of the forward wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission allows a bicycle operator to change the radius of a pedal crank's transmission gear as sliding gear segments, radially arranged on a base ring assembly, vary their relative radial position from the center of the base plate. These gear segments slide in and out to change the effective radius of the gear. Spring biased locking pins engage adjustable control plates as the crank rotates. The locking pins release to make further adjustments to increase or decrease the effective radius. The transmission may also be used as a variable-ratio prime mover for other motive power applications, to transfer power from the wheel to another rotating component. The transfer of power may be via a chain or a belt.

Abstract: A foldable tricycle, including a front wheel assembly; a mainframe, latched to the front wheel assembly via a front mount; a pair of rear-wheel assemblies; a pair of folding ring assemblies coupling the rear-wheel assemblies to the mainframe; and a mechanism for simultaneously unlocking the pair of ring assemblies and unlatching the mainframe from the front wheel assembly so that a single pulling motion on the mechanism unlocks and unlatches the foldable tricycle from an assembled state thereof so as to be converted to a folded state thereof.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a manually-operated mobility device includes a hand rim configured to receive a propulsion force from a user of the manually-operated mobility device, a wheel hub fixedly attached to a wheel for the manually-operated mobility device, and a planetary gear system including a sun gear, a ring gear, and one or more planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear. The one or more planetary gears are supported by a planet carrier. One of the sun gear and the ring gear is fixedly coupled to the hand rim and the other of the sun gear and the ring gear is fixedly coupled to the wheel hub.

Abstract: A reverser mechanism particularly developed to provide better posture to the wheelchair user and a more efficient propulsion during a forward movement (wheelchair touch) by means of the application of a traction force to the handrims, which is contrary to the rotating movement of the rear wheels (movement contrary to the propulsion), allowing the wheelchair user to adopt a more comfortable and straight position during the effort made to move the wheelchair forward.

Abstract: A vehicle that includes a vehicle frame having a steering device, a first vehicle wheel fastened to the steering device, one or more second vehicle wheels fastened to the vehicle frame, a braking device, and a drive device having a pedal crank that can be driven by pedals. The vehicle further includes a freewheel clutch and an optionally engageable reverse gear mechanism. When the freewheel clutch is in an engaged state in a drive mode during the forward movement of the pedals, force is transmitted from the drive device to at least the second vehicle wheel. The freewheel clutch can be switched from the drive mode into a braking mode when the reverse gear mechanism is in the engaged state so that, in the braking mode, the pedal crank and the at least one second vehicle wheel are connected to each other in a torsionally rigid manner.

Abstract: A reverser mechanism particularly developed to provide better posture to the wheelchair user and a more efficient propulsion during a forward movement (wheelchair touch) by means of the application of a traction force to the handrims, which is contrary to the rotating movement of the rear wheels (movement contrary to the propulsion), allowing the wheelchair user to adopt a more comfortable and straight position during the effort made to move the wheelchair forward.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a human powered rail bike. The rail bike includes a chassis having a predetermined shape. Rail wheels comprising a pair of front wheels and rear wheels, roll along two rails of the track which are arranged side by side. A plurality of seats is mounted to the chassis. A one-way clutch capable of changing direction limits the rotating direction of an axle to one direction, that is, a forward direction or a backward direction. A plurality of crank pedals is rotatably mounted to the chassis, and is connected to the one-way clutch capable of changing direction via a chain. A direction conversion lever functions to convert the rotating direction of the one-way clutch. Further, a pair of brake units is provided to reduce the speed of the rail bike or stop the rail bike.

Abstract: A powered vehicle and method of operating is described for on and off-road use. The powered vehicle comprises a chassis and a first and second axle coupled to the chassis having at least one wheel coupled to the first axle and at least two wheels coupled to the second axle. The powered vehicle further comprises a movable seat configured to support a rider sitting down on the seat, and configured to move relative to the chassis in order to provide a steering mechanism for the powered vehicle. For example, the movable seat provides a mechanism for the rider to shift his or her weight relative to the chassis to cause the steering mechanism for the powered vehicle.

Abstract: Improved mechanical structure for increased efficiency in the transfer of the peddling force applied to a pedal crank assembly to the rear wheel of a bicycle is disclosed. This structure increases efficiency by decreasing the loss of exerted energy when peddling at dead spots, which dead spots are the common terminology used to refer to when the legs are either at down-stroke and up-stroke positions.

Abstract: A bicycle braking device includes a second drive assembly between the crankshaft and the rear axle of the bicycle. The second drive assembly includes a chain drive and pair of engaged gears for reversing the direction of rotation of the crankshaft with respect to the rear axle when the second drive is engaged. The device further includes a clutch for selectively engaging or disengaging the assembly. When the bicycle is moving forward and the second drive is engaged, the pedals will rotate in reverse of the direction of rotation required to propel the bicycle forward. A bicycle rider can apply force through his feet and legs against the rotating pedals to thereby slow and stop a moving bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle having dual-purpose pedals is provided, wherein the structure of a main shaft tube of the bicycle is improved. The structure has a main shaft, a first spring, a gear bushing, a crank, a second spring, a washer and a fixing unit. The main shaft is received in the main shaft tube. The first spring is telescoped onto the main shaft. The washer, the second spring, and the gear bushing are received in order in a crank hole of the crank. The washer is fixed at the distal end of the main shaft by a screw. The fixing unit passes through and is fixed on the main shaft tube. The bicycle can be used as a conventional bicycle having a one-up-one-down, 360-degree, circular rotation pedaling function. The user can also change and control the two pedals to accomplish a same-up-same-down pedaling function for enhancing entertainment during use.

Abstract: Clutch for a pedal vehicle having pedals and a frame and a method of transmitting power from the pedals, wherein the clutch is shiftable in two rotational directions. The clutch includes a drive shaft which can rotate in each of two directions upon corresponding rotation of the pedals in each of the two directions. A catch element is fixedly secured to the drive shaft. A driven shaft is provided. An engagement mechanism is arranged between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. A fixed member is provided. A holding element frictionally engages the fixed member. A spring element is biased to release the engagement mechanism from engagement with the driven shaft. The clutch allows the pedal vehicle to be moved in each of the two directions with or without corresponding movement of the pedals.

Abstract: A bicycle with a forward and backward pedaling system which drives a bicycle forward in either a forward or a backward pedaling.

Abstract: A forward drive apparatus for a bicycle is provided to work the bicycle in a forward rotation even during the back-pedaling of the bicycle.

Abstract: A twist vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a steering unit, a twisting unit and a connecting member in which when subsequent clockwise and anti-clockwise movements are imparted to the steering unit, the movements are then transferred to the twisting unit, causing the twisting unit to rotate accordingly, and therefore drive the twist vehicle to move forwardly. The twist vehicle further includes an anti-reverse system which includes at least two locking member provided to the pair of driving wheels respectively, and a pair of locking panels in which each locking panel has at least one biasing member for rotatably engaging with the locking member, so as to restrict the pair of driving wheels to be rotated in one direction only.

Abstract: A traveling and accelerating system for bicycles includes a frame having a front wheel at a front part and a rear wheel at a rear part thereof; a pair of pedals fixed at both sides of a shaft which is rotatably supported at a boss being fixed under a center of the frame, to be driven by a user's feet; a driving sprocket axially fixed on the shaft for transmitting rotation power via a chain to the rear wheel; a housing attached at one side of the boss to be closed with a cap and having a hollow cross-sectional shape to accommodate accessories; a pinion axially fixed on the shaft beside the driving sprocket in the housing; a first gear member accommodated in the housing and having an inner gear part along its inner diameter; a second gear member movably contacting the first gear member and provided with planetary gears to be engaged with the inner gear part of the first gear, the planetary gears being fixed by pins and rotatable in relation to the pins; a pair of latch means respectively inserted and fixed

Abstract: A driving direction changing apparatus of a rear hub of a bicycle, having a driving portion and a driving direction changing portion, which is capable of always outputting driving force in only one direction, that is, forward, by receiving the forward and rearward driving force of a pedal shaft, is provided.

Abstract: A drive system for a velocipede, such as a tricycle, which includes forward and reverse pedaling capabilities as well as coasting and braking capabilities.

Abstract: A bicycle mechanism to permit a forward force to be applied to the bicycle's drive wheel by backward rotation of the bicycle's pedals in addition to permitting a forward force to be applied to the drive wheel by a forward rotation of said pedals. The bicycle mechanism preferably has pedal arms, having pedals mounted thereon, mounted on a pedal shaft to drive the pedal shaft in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and a driving means to cause the forward movement of the bicycle when the pedal shaft is driven in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: A forward-drive apparatus for a bicycle comprises a drive transferring portion 40 including a pedal 20 fixed to a pedal shaft 22 of a bicycle and for transferring the drive force to a drive sprocket 30 connected by means of a chain to a rear wheel; a drive switching portion 50 for enabling the drive force generated from the drive transferring portion 40 to rotate the rear wheel in a forward or idle state; and a drive coupling portion 60 for enabling the forward or idle rotation of the drive sprocket 30 according to the operation of the drive switching portion 50 and for working the bicycle in a forward or idle rotation according to the selection of a lever during the back-pedaling of the bicycle, thereby relieving user's fatigues preventing the loss of the physical energy and enabling the well-muscled movement of legs in every-day life.

Abstract: In a first form, a drive sprocket is driven constantly in a forward direction. It is mounted on a central main shaft. A pair of mutually opposed one-way clutches each have a driving part on the shaft and a driven part on the sprocket, and in pedaling in either of opposite directions, the corresponding clutch becomes active and drives the sprocket in corresponding direction which is the same forward direction. In a second form, there is a direct drive unit, and a reverse drive unit, respectively driving the sprocket in its same forward direction.

Abstract: An improved bicycle driving apparatus structured to generate driving power including a driving assembly to generate driving power, a tracking assembly to transmit the driving power to the rear wheel, a speed-shifting assembly structured to permit changing of the gears. The driving assembly includes a right pedal assembly and a left pedal assembly, each structured for movement in an alternating direction and along a generally arcuate path of less than 360 degrees. The driving assembly also includes a variable speed transmission assembly structured to vary the amount of power required for movement of the right and left pedal assemblies. The right pedal assembly includes a right pedal cylindrical hub secured to a drive shaft. Furthermore, it includes a first and second pulling rod, a first and second auxiliary pulling rod, and a right pedal arm extending from the right pedal cylindrical shaft. The left pedal assembly includes a left pedal arm, a first roller, and a second roller disposed upon the drive shaft.

Abstract: A bicycle mechanism to permit a forward force to be applied to the bicycle's drive wheel by backward rotation of the bicycle's pedals in addition to permitting a forward force to be applied to the drive wheel by a forward rotation of said pedals. The bicycle mechanism preferably has pedal arms, having pedals mounted thereon, mounted on a pedal shaft to drive the pedal shaft in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and a driving means to cause the forward movement of the bicycle when the pedal shaft is driven in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of power transmission, and more specially, to a torque responsive belt tensioner for a friction belt. Because of recent concerns for the ecology of our planet there has been a resurgence of interest in human powered vehicles (HPV). This category incudes two, three and four-wheeled vehicles. The invention answers the need-for a power transmitting apparatus that will:a) provide forward motion,b) provide a coasting mode,c) provide a braking action,d) provide a reverse.The belt drive tensioner of this invention is lightweight and simple. It includes a rigid backing plate and idler carrier positioned on a drive shaft adjacent to a drive pulley. Two belt engaging members, rollers, or perpendicular columns or projections of sufficient height to contact the exterior surface of the drive belt are carried by the rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a first power train to propel the bicycle forward, a second power train to propel the bicycle forward and backward, and means for setting each of the first and second power trains from withdrawn mode into operative mode or vice versa. With this arrangement, the bicycle can be used for different purposes.

Abstract: A clutch operated, bi-directional bicycle gear box assembly for forward and rearward peddling to still move the bicycle forward, comprised of: a gear box housing, the housing attached to the bicycle frame; a pair of foot pedals; a pair of crank arms; a bottom bracket spindle; a sprocket; a sprocket drive gear; a clutch subassembly, the subassembly consisting of a pair of clutch disks attached to a spacer, each clutch disk having a pair of pins; a reversing drive gear; a transfer gear, and; a shifting lever. The housing provides attachment of the components. The crank arms, attached to each pedal and to the bottom bracket spindle, transfer the pedaling motion to the bottom bracket spindle. Once the gear is in the first position, the rider can pedal forward (clockwise) in order to induce forward motion in the bicycle.

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 3-wheeled velociman having individual power transmission units 40 to each of the co-axial rear wheels 11, 12. Power to the units is supplied by a pair of hand activated levers 50, 51 each of which connects with an input shaft 41 to the respective unit via a ratchet mechanism 55 and transmits the power to the input shaft 41 in the desired forward or reverse rotational direction depending on the position of a pawl engagable with the ratchet.A gear change switch 60 controls the forward, reverse or neutral position of the pawl and consequently the rotational direction of the input shaft. The switch 60 is adjacent the hand grip of each lever 50, 51, and so is easily operated by the user. The input shaft drives an output shaft 42 on which the corresponding rear wheel is mounted.The hand levers are fulcrummed to the input shaft below and to the rear of the seat 18 and lie at an acute angle to the horizontal making operation of the levers by the user less tiring on the user's arms than on upright levers.

Abstract: A four wheel, pedal driven vehicle particularly adapted for two persons seated in tandem, wherein each person alone or together can operate the vehicle by pedaling and steering. The vehicle comprises a unitary frame, a front spindle yoke assembly in combination with front handle bars and with front wheel forks of each front wheel, a steering control system in combination with the yoke assembly and rear handle bar means, a continuous drive chain assembly which is in combination with sprockets and pedals of both operator positions and which is in combination with transmission means and a rear drive assembly, whereby the drive chain can be driven from either tandem position. The vehicle has an associated body shell and cowls as well as conventional brakes, lights, etc.

Abstract: A three wheeled amphibian vehicle operated by pedal power and including an air blower coupled to a disk turbine. The turbine is a flat circular rotatable structure having blade cavities on both upper and lower faces. Twin nozzles, connected to the blower, direct air streams toward the blades and form a coupling means which can be controlled to provide a variable speed ratio between the pedals and the driving wheel, thereby acting as a gear box including Drive, Neutral and Reverse. A spring coupled by a clutch mechanism to the driving shaft may be used to store energy while coasting down hill and then deliver the stored energy to the shaft when climbing up hill. Retractable pontoons are provided for traveling on water.