Abstract: On a multispeed bicycle wheel hub with a sun and planet gear mechanism having at least two multistage planet wheels, the planet wheels are each constructed of two parts, with a first planet wheel part having a rolling gearing segment forming one planet wheel stage and a clutch gearing segment having a clutch outside circumference gearing, as well as a second planet wheel part having at least one rolling gearing segment, each forming a planet wheel stage, as well as a receptacle opening for the clutch gearing segment of the first planet wheel part, which receptacle opening is equipped with a clutch inside circumference gearing which is engaged in the clutch outside circumference gearing. The second planet wheel part is formed by a sintered part, and the first planet wheel part is formed by a machined part, whereby the clutch outside circumference gearing has the same number of teeth and gear rim orientation as the clutch outside circumference gearing.

Abstract: A tandem bicycle drive train system includes a continuously variable transmission installed around each crank spindle driving an input crank spindle journalled in a continuously variable transmission unit whose output is connected to a drive sprocket which is journalled between the input crank spindle and the transmission unit. A manual ratio control assembly is suitably mounted to the frame member and positioned around the input crank spindle and suitably coupled with the transmission unit in a manner that provides a smooth, continuously variable change in the input to output rotational speed ratio. Each rider's ratio control is preferably coupled to a manual twist-grip on each rider's handle bar and can be adjusted independent of the other rider's control. The front unit output drives a single sprocket which drives one of two sprockets mounted on the rear unit. A second sprocket on the rear unit drives the rear wheel.

Abstract: A wheelchair drive system is described that operatively interposes a plural-speed hub subsystem between conventional rotatable hand wheels and their corresponding drive wheels, thereby providing wheelchair propulsion by rotary motion of the hand wheels and selective engagement of the drive wheels dependent upon a manually operated gear-shifting mechanism. Preferably, the hub subsystem includes symmetric left- and right-handed hubs each including a hub body fixedly connected with an easily accessible hand wheel, with the hub body rotating about a spindle fixedly mounted on the wheelchair and selectively gear-connectable to the drive wheel, the spindle being selectively connected to the drive wheel by the operation of a manually shiftable, plural-speed gear train.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical system for shifting gears on a multi-gear bicycle or other human-powered vehicle includes a closed loop derailleur position control system using circuitry for measuring derailleur position. Shifting gears is accomplished automatically based on rider cadence or manually using signals supplied by hand operated switches. The system calculates gear ratios based on bicycle speed and cadence and then sorts the gear ratios in order from lowest to highest. During automatic operation, the system calculates a cadence from bicycle speed and gear ratio, determines if the calculated cadence is within predetermined limits set by the rider, and it changes the gear ratio if the calculated cadence is not within the predetermined limits.

Abstract: This invention relates to bicycles, specifically to an improved speed changing mechanism for a bicycle. The primary attribute of this invention is the utilization of a pair of pinion shafts and a pair of face gears to accomplish variation in speed. The face gear teeth and pinion are designed so that only one pair of teeth mesh at a time so that effectively they run as a pair of spur gears. The pinion shafts both forward and aft float inside a telescopic sleeve which allows a large number of gear ratios to be installed on the bicycle. The telescopic sleeve functions as a drive shaft connecting the output of the crank to a follower. The cyclist can select a gear ratio at the crank end by positioning the forward pinion. The aft pinion is positioned by a cable plus a cable lever. The invention eliminates the chain and provides a constant speed ratio at the crank. The telescopic sleeve eliminates the tension in the chain and will increase bearing life.

Abstract: A shiftable pedal bearing for a bicycle or the like includes a pedal bearing housing supporting a hollow crank axle carrying pedal cranks, and a gear casing with pertaining chainwheel and accommodating a disk which extends parallel to the chainwheel. Arranged in the crank axle is a switch shaft which is actuatable from outside by a shifter so that a coupler, which is operatively connected to the switch shaft, is selectively engageable with circumferential recesses in the chainwheel and a disk. Each recess of the chainwheel and each recess of the disk is of stepped configuration to define a first recess section and a second recess section, with the coupler in a first stage engaging the first recess section with play and in a second stage snugly fitting in the second recess section with no play.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided for driving a rotating wheel having an axle mounted onto a support frame and especially a bicycle frame. The transmission comprises a power input means such as a dual crank-pedal mechanism attached to the frame for receiving power input along with a drive shaft. A plurality of driving elements are mounted for rotation freely about the drive shaft and have engagement means such as sprockets on the surface thereof, one of the driving elements being a lead driver connected to the drive shaft for driving rotation in one direction along with the drive shaft, the driving elements being located at successively greater distances along the shaft from the axle with the lead driver being the farthest from the axle. A drive plate is coupled to the rotating wheel and has on its surface a plurality of concentrically arranged engagement means such as holes which mate with the sprockets on the driving elements for transmitting rotational power from the drive shaft to the drive plate.

Abstract: A driving hub for a vehicle, particularly a bicycle, comprising a hub axle, a hub sleeve enclosing the hub axle, a driver, a friction gear, a coupling arrangement as well as a control arrangement for infinitely variable adjustment of the transmission ratio of the friction gear, is provided with a ball friction gear comprising a driving ring and a driven ring, a plurality of friction balls frictionally connecting the rings to one another, a friction ball carrier rotationally rigidly connected to the hub axle and a control arrangement for jointly pivoting of the ball spindles, said driving ring and said driven ring being in frictional contact with the friction balls on the respective side of the friction balls which faces away from the axis. A driving hub of this kind is of simple design, can be produced inexpensively and exhibits a high degree of efficiency.

Abstract: A multispeed, shaft-driven drive for a human propelled vehicle has a driving gear set of concentric ring gears, a driven gear set of concentric ring gears, a rotatable drive shaft having a pinion on each end and a control mechanism for moving the pinions axially of the shaft and into and out of engagement with selected ring gears.

Abstract: A gear shifting system for use on a derailleur equipped bicycle having automatic and manual modes of operation. A microcontroller is mounted to the bicycle frame. Sensors are also mounted to the frame to allow the microcontroller to determine the most efficient gear ratio based on the bicycle velocity and the user pedaling rate in the automatic mode of operation. Servomotors mounted to the bicycle frame are responsive to the outputs to drive the bicycle derailleur and provide the most efficient gear ratio. A control panel mounted to the bicycle handlebars allows the user to select either the automatic or manual operating mode, the latter allowing manual activation of the gear shifters through the microcontroller and servomotors. The microcontroller has at least two input capture functions responsive to bicycle velocity and the cadence, in the automatic mode, and two output compare functions which adjust the derailleurs accordingly.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the invention a transmission lever for transmitting an actuating force from a pull cable to a push rod of a bicycle hub gear change mechanism is pivotally mounted on a housing. The housing is provided with a sleeve which sleeve is rotatable and axially fixed with respect to the housing. The sleeve is provided with an internal thread for engagement with an external thread of a hub axle. For assembling the housing with the hub axle the sleeve can be locked against rotation with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with a multiple speed hub, each including a self-contained shifting mechanism for selectively changing gears. The hubs include both coasting and braking features and are controlled by drive rings mounted concentric with the wheelchair rear wheels. The mechanism permits hands-on shifting, coasting and braking actions.

Abstract: A variable speed shaft drive system for bicycles employs a drive shaft that is generally horizontally coupled between the pedals and the rear wheel of the bicycle. A pinion gear at the forward end of the drive shaft is engaged by a ring gear driven by the pedals to transmit drive power from the pedals to the drive shaft. A drive head at the rear end of the drive shaft frictionally engages a drive pick-up plate mounted to the rear wheel of the bicycle to transmit drive power from the rotating drive shaft to the rear wheel. Infinitely variable speed control is achieved by means of a shifting fork actuated by the user to position the drive head at selected distances from the center of the drive pick-up plate. Alternatively, a second drive head/pick-up ring combination may be substituted for the ring gear/pinion gear combination driven by the pedals to provide even smoother operation.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly for use in a bicycle wherein a wire connected at its one end to a derailleur is wound up or paid out to operate the derailleur. The assembly comprises a lever pivot fixed to the handlebar of the bicycle; a shift lever having a base-end boss portion rotatably supported by one end of the pivot and an arm portion extending from the boss portion; wire winder separate from the lever and rotatably supported by the pivot; a lever-coupled member provided between the boss portion and the winder and supported by the pivot so as to be rotatable with the winder; and a clutch for transmitting the rotation of the shift lever to the lever-coupled member. The shift lever is so biased by a spring as to return to a neutral position for starting rotation toward the wire winding direction and the wire paying-out direction.

Abstract: A changeable speed gear attachment for bicycles. including the first gear for interconnection with the front sprocket of a standard bicycle, and a second gear for interconnection with the rear sprocket of a standard bicycle, is disclosed. Shifting means, comprising a plurality of gears and an associated shift lever and transmission cable, are further disclosed. The device may be mounted on the rear frame members of the bicycle without modification of the frame, and the device may be used with bicycles having either a standard chain transmission or a direct-drive chainless transmission.

Abstract: A chainless drive for pedal powered tricycles features a pedal drive shaft located on the axis of the driving wheel and a five speed planetary transmission mounted concentric with the drive shaft and housed within the hub of the wheel. The transmission drives the wheel with a torque which is a multiple of the pedal torque for the two lowest speeds, provides a direct drive for the third speed, and drives the wheel at a multiple of the pedal speed for the two highest speeds. When used as a torque multiplier in the two low speeds, the transmission can drive the wheel either forward or in reverse depending on the direction the pedals are rotated, but permits coasting with the pedals stopped in speeds three, four, and five. A tricycle using this invention with a bin or flatbed should be useful in the factory or on the farm for the transport of parts or produce, or useful as a two passenger taxi with a seat assembly.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has particular usefulness in bicycles, completely eliminating the use of the commonly used derailleur and the exposed flexible cable and the readjustment problems inherent with that prior structure. The transmission includes separate concentric gear rings which to a certain extent operate independently of each other. A shift mechanism for shifting the transmission is such the transmission can not be shifted from one gear to a non-adjacent gear without stopping at a gear therebetween. That is, no gear can be skipped. This is accomplished by a particular relationship of a pawl, a pusher, a shift segment plate and barrels mounted on the shift segment plate, among other parts.

Abstract: A bicycle gear shift mechanism (8) to be actuated by an electric motor (m) has a carrier for an actuator member (S) comprising a tensioning arm (29) of a derailleur or a shift plunger of a hub gear transmission. According to the invention, the carrier comprises a cursor (27) slidably displaceable on at least two spaced parallel guides (26) mounted at stationary positions with respect to a housing (18). According to a further aspect, a control circuit for the bicycle gear shift mechanism to be actuated by a DC motor comprises a first and a second power control circuit (70,71) controlled by first and second flip-flop circuits (60, 61) the set inputs of which are connected to switches (68, 69) for shifting to higher or lower gear ratios, and the reset inputs of which are adapted to by activated via a switch (65) which is responsive to the gear-engaged state of the gear shift mechanism.

Abstract: An enclosed multiple speed drive for a tandem bicycle locates the pedal drive shaft for the rear rider on the axis of the rear wheel. The drive features a chain case which replaces the chain stay on the right side of the bicycle and an improved ten speed planetary transmission housed within a gear case inside the rear wheel hub. The chain case is press fit on a steel tube rotatably mounted in the bottom bracket, and a chain case cover on the right side, and a sun gear carrier on the left side, are clamped in the rear dropouts with over center quick releases. To change the rear tire, the chain case cover and the sun gear carrier are released from the dropouts and the chain case is rotated about the axis of the bottom bracket to swing the wheel clear of the frame. The tire can then be peeled off the rim from the left side and replaced without removing the wheel from the gear case or disturbing any of the drive train components.

Abstract: Drive mechanism, particularly for use with a bicycle, of the type having variable diameter drive and driven members connected by an endless belt which engages adjustable segments on the members. Through a control means the drive ratio can be adjusted to multiple, discrete settings. Belt wrap is maintained between the belt and the drive and driven members at all settings by two idlers which are independently supported for movement. A locking rail is used to release and secure the segments on the members and a split clutch is used with the driven member for easy rear wheel removal. The mechanism has a lost motion device to accommodate forward and rearward pedaling without harming the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is modular in construction so it can be used with frames of varying sizes and the drive mechanism can be quickly removed from or assembled to the bicycle frame when replacement is desired.

Abstract: An enclosed drive for a low maintenance bicycle features a chain case which replaces the conventional chain stay on the right side of the bicycle, and an improved nine speed planetary transmission housed within a gear case inside the rear wheel hub. The chain case is press fit on a steel tube rotatably mounted in the bottom bracket, and the rear spindle is clamped in the rear dropouts with over center quick disconnects. To change the rear tire, the rear spindle is released and the chain case is rotated about the axis of the bottom bracket to swing the rear wheel clear of the frame. The wheel, which is attached to the gear case with four bolts, can then be removed from the left side without disturbing or exposing any of the drive train components.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus for inflating an air bag is provided which comprises a housing body with an air intake opening of large diameter formed at the center of the housing body. Along an axis, there is a mixing chamber disposed at the center of the housing body and connected to the air intake opening with the axis and also connected so as to open into the air bag. A combustion chamber is formed inside the housing body on the inner side of the outer periphery thereof and generates a high-pressure gas upon combustion. There is a multiplicity of nozzles around the circumference of a junction portion between the air intake opening and the chamber which ejects the high pressure gas from the chamber toward an opening of the mixing chamber at high speed.

Abstract: A pedal powered recumbent tricycle with a fully enclosed drive features an extruded aluminum frame within which the brake cables, steering linkage, and a seventeen speed planetary transmission are housed. Power from a pedal crank assembly is delivered to the transmission by a conventional drive chain and pair of sprockets inside a sealed cover on the right side of the frame. Power is delivered from the transmission to the rear axles by a second drive chain and pair of sprockets inside a sealed cover on the left side of the frame. A one way clutch on the inboard end of each axle provides for differential rear wheel speeds on turns, along with positive dual wheel traction.

Abstract: A speed changing mechanism operable during both kinetic and static conditions. A gear 28 driven by bicycle pedals 30 in turn drives gear 32. Holes 38 in the face of the latter gear are engaged by gear 64 which is integral with output shaft 42. One end 72 of the output shaft is loosely supported in cup 78 whereby the shaft may be laterally shifted, then axially shifted so that gear 64 is withdrawn from one set of the holes 38, then reengaged with another set of the holes 38.

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: An enclosed drive for a mountain bicycle features a chain case which replaces the conventional chain stay on the right side of the bicycle coupled with an improved twelve speed transmission using four countershafts, which is housed in a gear case inside the rear wheel hub. The gear case is bolted to a cylindrical extension of the chain case which mounts the rear wheel bearing on the right side. The chain case is press fit on a steel tube rotatably mounted in the bottom bracket, and the chain case cover is a close shear fit on the rear spindle which is clamped with over center quick disconnects in dropouts at the lower ends of conventional seat stays. To change the rear tire, the rear spindle is released and the chain case is rotated about the axis of the bottom bracket to swing the wheel clear of the frame. The wheel can then be separated from the bicycle without disturbing or exposing any drive train components by removing four wheel nuts and pulling the wheel off from the left side.

Abstract: A low-drag bicycle comprising an elongated, two piece, generally tubular frame of elliptical cross-section extending between the front and rear wheels wherein the cyclist assumes a recumbent position over the frame facing down and powers the cycle by means of a pedal arrangement directly connected to and concentrically arranged with the rear wheel axle, which axle constitutes the input shaft of a continuously variable compound traction drive transmission for driving the rear wheel hub.

Abstract: A three-speed planetary transmission which mounts inside the wheel hub concentric with the pedal drive shaft on the axis of the driving wheel of a vehicle such as a tricycle taxi. The transmission is characterized by three planet gears mounted in bearings on a gear carrier fitting driven by the pedal drive shaft. Rotatable sun and ring gears, which can be selectively locked against rotation, are in constant mesh with the planet gears. Conventional free-wheel ratchet mechanisms transfer torque from the sun and ring gears to the wheel hub. Two low gear ratios are provided to facilitate initial movement of a heavily loaded vehicle. The simplified gear shift, low maintenance, and compact nature of this chainless three speed transmission provide an improved alternative to the conventional three-speed chain drive for heavily loaded tricycles.

Abstract: A dual range planetary transmission which is located inside the hub of the driving wheel of a pedal powered vehicle such as a front wheel drive bicycle camper.

Abstract: A thirteen-speed driving wheel which includes a pedal drive shaft on the axis of the wheel, pedal crank arms, and vehicle interface fittings on both sides for mounting in pedal powered vehicles to replace the chain and derailleur system used in conventional bicycles. The driving wheel is particularly well suited for use in front wheel drive recumbent bicycles and tricycles and, because the driving gears are all enclosed within the wheel hub, provides a compact, low maintenance alternative to conventional chain drives.

Abstract: A wheelchair hand propelled by the occupant. Levers on the sides in juxtaposition with the main wheels of the wheelchair are rotatable in the forward-backward direction about the main wheel axle as a fulcrum. A plurality of concentric ratchet rings affixed to each of the main wheels provides engagement for a discrete one of a plurality of pawls associated with each of the levers. The plurality of pawls is distributed progressively circumferentially about a shaft associated with each of the levers, and means are included to rotate the shaft to bring a discrete one of the pawls into operative relationship with a selected one of the concentric ratchet rings, thereby providing a selectable propulsion ratio. The ratchet teeth are oriented such that the pawls slide over them when the levers are pulled backward, but engage firmly when the levers are thrust forward.

Abstract: A multiple speed planetary transmission which mounts inside the wheel hub of the driving wheel or wheels of a bicycle or the like, concentric with the pedal drive shaft. The transmission includes a gear case mounted on ball bearings on the pedal drive shaft, a cylindrical extension of the gear case being clamped to the bicycle frame on one side. Multiple sets of different size planet gears are rotatably mounted on a planet gear carrier fitting driven by the pedal drive shaft. A ring gear is mounted in tracks in the gear case with its axial position adjustable so that it can be positioned to mesh with any one of multiple sets of different size planet gears. A sun gear assembly has its multiple gears in constant mesh, respectively, with multiple sets of planet gears. A conventional free-wheel ratchet mechanism drives the wheel hub from the sun gear assembly, and a second conventional free-wheel ratchet mechanism drives the sun gear assembly from the drive shaft to provide a direct drive option.

Abstract: An electronic/electromechanical transmission shifter has a velocity detector which generates an electrical signal representing the vehicle velocity. A microcomputer is connected to the velocity detector, to a plurality of manually controlled switches and to a digitally controlled linear actuator which is linked to the shift member of the vehicle. The shifter position is detected by a cam mounted on the screw shaft of the linear alternator operating against a plurality of microswitches which are mounted about and axially spaced along the screw shaft. The cam follower portions of the microswitches are engagable with the cam to indicate shifter position.

Abstract: A lever-operating type wheelchair includes a differential link mechanism connected to an operational lever, a pair of forward/backward clutch mechanisms driven to interlock with the link mechanism, and an expansion joint mechanism provided between the link mechanism and one of the clutch mechanisms. The lever-operated type wheelchair of this invention has better operational capability in use for one-handed operation due to a fulcrum and a knob of the operational lever arranged so as to make the operation thereof easier.

Abstract: The derailleur is shown in a retracted position allowing the dismantling of the rear wheel of the cycle. In this retracted position, it is maintained by an abutment which is rigid with the fixed part of the derailleur and is resiliently retained in a cavity defined by the concavity of a resiliently yieldable strip carried by a member fixed to the frame lug. In the operative position, the abutment is applied against the support surface of the lug.

Abstract: The fixing device is cheap and facilitates the mounting of the derailleur on the frame lug. This is achieved in providing on the support of the derailleur a wedging device which is rotatably mounted on the support with a high degree of friction and is adapted to cooperate with the frame lug. The support further comprises preferably an elastically yieldable device which is capable of clipping in the slot of the frame lug so as to center the support.

Abstract: A foot-operated mechanism (24) for actuating the rear derailleur (20) of a bicycle. The mechanism senses tension in the drive chain (22) and effects movement of the derailleur actuating cable (74) when driving tension is reduced from the drive chain (22). The actual shift of the derailleur occurs only upon reestablishment of tension in the drive chain (22) by applying a driving force to the pedals. The derailleur cable is connected, through a transfer mechanism (30), to a slotted driven wheel (42) which is normally biased into engagement with drive pins (64a) located on a drive wheel (26) which is attached to the crank mechanism (18) of the bicycle, and is moved out of engagement by a chain-engaging idler sprocket (50) attached to a pivot block (38) on which the driven wheel (42) is mounted.

Abstract: An improved bicycle drive assembly characterized by an elongated, rotary drive shaft, a front gear assembly coupling the forward end of the drive shaft to the bicycle's crank-and-pedal assembly, a disk gear provided with a plurality of radial grooves on its outer face, a torque-shift gear assembly slidingly engaged to the drive shaft and keyed for mutual rotation therewith, and an adjustable spring assembly for biasing the torque-shift gear assembly towards the center of the disk gear. As the torque on the drive shaft is increased the torque-shift gear assembly is forced laterally out across the face of the disk gear to cause a down-shift in gear ratios. As the torque on the drive shaft decreases the spring assembly forces the torque-shift gear back towards the center of the disk gear to up-shift the gearing ratio.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle which includes a frame, a steerable wheel mounted on the frame and at least one further wheel mounted for free rotation on the frame. A flywheel is mounted for rotation adjacent one of the wheels. The vehicle includes means for imparting rotation to the flywheel, and a clutch plate rotatably and coaxially mounted adjacent the same wheel to which the flywheel is adjacent. Speed-reduction means allows rotation of the flywheel to rotate the clutch plate at a faster rate than the flywheel, and a frictionless clutch is provided between the clutch plate and the adjacent wheel.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a human powered vehicle is disclosed having an improved speed sensing mechanism. A rotatable shaft is journalled in a support frame mounted on the vehicle and has a plurality of outwardly extending arms fixed to the shaft. Weights are slideably attached to each of the arms to slide along the arms and engage a thrust member. The thrust member has a surface at an acute angle with the axis of the shaft and is axially slideable along the shaft. A spring urges the thrust member toward the weights and a linkage connects the thrust member to the shift member of the transmission. The weight members are forced outwardly by centrifugal force a distance which is a function of a bicycle speed. The weight members force translation of the thrust member along the axis of the shaft a distance proportional to bicycle speed causing a proportional movement of the shift member.

Abstract: A front derailleur for a bicycle, which comprises a fixing member, two linkage members, and a movable member having a chain guide. The fixing member comprises a connecting portion for fixing the fixing member to a bottom bracket of the bicycle and an extension extending upwardly from the connecting portion, the extension being provided at its upper end with a pivot portion, so that the linkage members are pivoted to the pivot portion upwardly thereof to thereby position the chain guide above with respect to the fixing member.

Abstract: The shift mechanism is incorporated into the handlebar stem which goes into the front fork stem.

Abstract: A rear hub for a bicycle comprises a hub shell having a first and a second hub flange, a bearing cone extending from the first hub flange axially outwardly thereof, a driving member having a sprocket and being supported to the bearing cone through a unidirectional transmission mechanism, and a spoke protector having retainers engageable with the first hub flange for mounting the protector to the first hub flange.

Abstract: A variable ratio, or adjustable ratio, mechanical drive mechanism employs a rotatable driving element the effective diameter of which may be changed. The driving element is segmented to permit effective diameter change by an alteration in the relative position of the segments.Alteration is effected by forcing a change in the separation of the axis of driving element and the point of engagement of the driving element with the driven element.

Abstract: A derailleur serves to change the speed of a chain driven vehicle by moving a change-over frame having a tension and a guide pulley, the change-over frame being formed of a single plate and provided with a chain holder positioning radially outwardly of the guide pulley and keeping engagement of a driving chain therewith. Interaction between the change over frame and chain during the shifting of speed is substantially reduced. Chain position is maintained by means of a chain holder reducing chain interference with the change over frame. The chain may be removed with a minimum effort without special tools.

Abstract: A speed change device for a bicycle comprising an upper fixed transverse support and a lower movable transverse support carrying a chain guide and movable with the lower support to derail a chain with respect to a set of pinions of graduated size on a free wheel to change the gear ratios. An articulated parallelogram linkage connects the upper and lower supports to permit transverse displacement of the lower support; a pivotal member is pivotably mounted on the upper support and is adjustably connected to the lower support and a control cable is attached to the pivotal member at a pair of locations on opposite sides of the pivot axis thereof to pivot the pivotal member under the control of the cyclist and produce transverse displacement of the lower support and the chain guide thereon. The pivotal member and the upper support carry a detent arrangement for establishing stop positions corresponding to the engagement of the chain with the respective pinions on the free wheel.

Abstract: A drive system for providing propulsion forces having predetermined characteristics for a bicycle or the like having a rear wheel manually operable by application of rider generated input forces through pedals mounted on crank arms operatively connected to a crank shaft with cam means operable by the crank shaft and the crank arms, the cam means being designed to variously modify the available input and/or effective output force characteristics in accordance with predetermined desired characteristics and being operatively connected to and driving an oscillator means with bike speed change means associated therewith to provide a substantially infinitely variable selectable range of bike speeds, and rear wheel driving means operatively connected to and driven by the oscillator means and operatively connected to and driving the rear wheel of the bike with bike speed ratio changing means associated therewith to provide for selective multiplication of the ratio of application of available bike speeds in the substa

Abstract: A chain seizing device responds to reverse movement of the driving chain to declutch the wheel hub from the multiple drive sprocket and apply the coaster brake to the wheel hub. Forward rotation of the sprocket moves a clutch member axially in one direction to release the brake and engage the clutch. Reverse rotation of the sprocket shifts the clutch member in the opposite direction to disengage the clutch and apply the brake. The sprocket is reversed by an arm on the chain seizing device acting through a pawl engagable with the sprocket.

Abstract: A bicycle of the type comprising a frame and a front and rear wheel rotatably mounted to the frame is provided with improved means for rotatably driving the rear wheel. The driving means comprises a right and left foot lever pivotally connected at one end to the frame and adapted to be alternately depressed by the feet of the bicyclist. Each foot lever is coupled by a link to a pivot rod pivotally connected to the frame so that the alternate depression of the foot levers rotates the pivot rod between a first and a second rotational position. A radial torque lever is secured to the pivot rod and coupled by a third link member to a radial torque lever on the rear wheel driving means.

Abstract: A derailleur serves to change the speed of a chain driven vehicle by moving a change-over frame having a tension and a guide pulley, the change-over frame being formed of a single plate and provided with a chain holder positioning radially outwardly of the guide pulley and keeping engagement of a driving chain therewith. Interaction between the change over frame and chain during the shifting of speed is substantially reduced. Chain position is maintained by means of a chain holder reducing chain interference with the change over frame. The chain may be removed with a minimum effort without special tools.