Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of linear human power to a rotating member is disclosed, which is adaptable to exercise equipment, wheeled chairs, scooters, bicycles, tricycles, etc. The hands of the operator apply the power during the downward stroke of an up-and-down pumping action, and many of the operator's muscle groups are employed. Various drive ratios are provided, and the mechanism is simple with few components. A preferred embodiment is detailed in which the apparatus is used to propel a scooter.

Abstract: This invention provides wheelchair propulsion devices that do not contact the axles of the wheels to which they are attached, that decrease the amount of force required to propel the wheelchair, and that can be easily installed. The devices toggle between sliding with and engaging with the push ring depending on the force applied by the user. This invention provides kits comprising a device of this invention and instructions for assembling the device, instructions for using the device, and/or a device for the opposite side of the wheelchair. This invention provides methods for propelling a wheelchair. This invention provides non-axle-contacting, manual wheelchair propulsion devices for use by a wheelchair rider. The devices contact the push ring of a wheelchair in three or more locations.

Abstract: A wheelchair which shifts between forward and reverse by virtue of a roller mechanism which grabs in one direction and slips an opposite direction, thereby preventing binding. The shift mechanism is initiated by rotation of a shift paddle which is located on a extremity of a lever arm remote from the roller mechanism.

Abstract: A rowing bicycle comprised of a frame (1), a steering unit (55), a powering unit (56) having a dual motion gear (23), wheels (2) and (3) and a seat (5). The frame (1) is designed so as to have the user sit in a position where his or her legs are almost horizontally straight. The steering unit (55) pivots left and right about a center bar (19) located in between the frame (1) to allow a user to turn the bicycle while the dual motion gear (23) allows the user to power the bicycle both when pushing the steering unit (55) forward and when pulling the steering unit (55) back.

Abstract: A wheeled apparatus is provided that converts alternate back and forth longitudinal motion supplied by the arms of a user to a pair of members into rotary motion that is used to drive the apparatus forward. The members move in opposite direction pulling and releasing a pair of chain segments that each a freewheel. Each freewheel drives an axle when rotated in one direction and coasts in the opposite direction. A drive gear is attached to the axle and supplies power to a driven gear attached to a multi-speed internal gear hub. A brake is also attached to the hub. An optional supplemental source of motive power such as an electric motor or gasoline engine can also be included.

Abstract: The invention provides a propulsion, braking and anti-rollback control assembly for use in manually propelled vehicles such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wheelchair with a control lever assembly and related force conveyance connecter that propel, brake and steer the wheelchair in a mechanically advantageous way while minimizing rollback. A seat-activated auxiliary braking system is also provided. Additionally, the invention provides a selective anti-rollback disengagement system that facilitates selective rollback.

Abstract: A wheelchair which shifts between forward and reverse by virtue of a roller mechanism which grabs in one direction and slips an opposite direction, thereby preventing binding. The shift mechanism is initiated by rotation of a shift paddle which is located on a extremity of a lever arm remote from the roller mechanism.

Abstract: A drive for a wheelchair having two larger diameter drive wheels with axles, the drive with regard to each drive wheel, including inner and outer disks flanking the drive wheel and being in fixed rotational relation with the drive wheel about the axle, a lever having a lever axis, the lever rotatable about the axle and about the lever axis, a cam selectively rotatable about the lever axis by the lever to and from a contact position and a non-contact position with respect to the outer disk, and a shoe positioned for contact engagement with the inner disk when the cam is in the first position. When the lever is rotated about the axle, and the cam is in the contact position, the cam and the shoe frictionally engage the respective disks propelling the wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelchair apparatus for permitting a user to sit in an upright position while operating a wheelchair. The wheelchair apparatus includes a chair member being designed for supporting the user. The chair member has a seat portion. The chair member has a frame portion. The chair member has at least one drive wheel. The drive wheel is rotatably coupled to the frame portion. The chair member has at least one support wheel. The support wheel is coupled to the frame portion. The support wheel is designed for permitting the chair member to roll along the support surface. At least one lever assembly is operationally coupled to the drive wheel. The lever assembly is coupled to the chair member. The lever assembly is for rotating the drive wheel for propelling the chair member across the support surface when the lever assembly is actuated by the user.

Abstract: A front wheel drive fork is provided wherein the arm powered handlebar provides mechanical means for transforming the linear stokes of the rider to the rotary propelling of the front wheel. The front wheel drive is an improvement to existing cycles, is utilized to exercise the upper and lower extremities, and provides more traction to cyclists.

Abstract: A wheelchair is disclosed that comprises a drive system that includes typically two input members carried for oscillatory movement on a frame of the wheelchair. A transmission is system disposed to mechanically interconnect each input member to a respective main ground-engaging wheel of the wheelchair. The transmission system is configured such that oscillatory movement of the input member causes rotational movement of the wheel, thereby enabling a user of the wheelchair to propel it by applying effort to the input member. Independent movement of the two input members can be used to effect steering control of the wheelchair. The wheelchair preferably also has a braking system to resist movement of the main wheels.

Abstract: A manpower-driven cycle comprising a driving mechanism transforming a reciprocating motion of a handle into a rotary motion of a rear wheel. A steering and maintaining device comprises a telescopic actuating system with articulated tubes along parallelograms deformable in the direction of a longitudinal supporting rod. A pair of toothed meshing gears are linked by connecting rods to the telescopic actuating system to permanently maintain the handle axis in a vertical median plane passing through the rod.

Abstract: A wheeled apparatus is provided that converts alternate back and forth longitudinal motion supplied by the arms of a user to a pair of members into rotary motion that is used to drive the apparatus forward. The members drive special rack gears that include upper and side gear teeth. An idler gear engages the side teeth and maintains alignment between the two rack gears. The upper teeth of each rack gear drive a first gear of a pair of coaster gears. When the first gear is rotated or driven in a first direction a second gear of each coaster gear also rotates in the first direction. When the first gear is rotated in an opposite direction, the second gear is adapted to coast. Each second gear is operatively connected to a first and to a second driven gear by a first and second chain respectively. The first and second driven gears are attached to a rear wheel of the apparatus and which each are adapted to urge the apparatus forward.

Abstract: The invention provides a propulsion, braking and anti-rollback control assembly for use in manually propelled vehicles such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wheelchair with a control lever assembly and related force conveyance connecter that propel, brake and steer the wheelchair in a mechanically advantageous way while minimizing rollback. A seat-activated auxiliary braking system is also provided. Additionally, the invention provides a selective anti-rollback disengagement system that facilitates selective rollback.

Abstract: The present invention is a drive mechanism for human powered vehicles. In general, the invention is a unique drive mechanism for any human powered vehicle, such as a bicycle or a human powered boat. The mechanism enables the operator to efficiently apply both arm and leg power for motive force while maintaining the ability to steer using the arms. The mechanism couples the arm and leg motion in a harmonious union similar to a running motion but can be easily uncoupled should the operator prefer to power the vehicle only with leg power. The mechanism enables motive power to be applied with both the up and down stroke of either or both arms. Specifically the drive mechanism has oscillatable handlebars and a linkage connectable to the drive of the human powered vehicle.

Abstract: A front wheel drive child riding toy vehicle including a vehicle body, a power handle rod, a front wheel set, a shaft bracket and a rear wheel set mainly aims to generate a linearly proceeding function through a forward and rearward sway of the power handle rod, a rearward moving function through a forward and rearward sway of the power handle rod after being steered at 180 degrees, a steering function through a left and right rotation of the power hand rod without affecting the linearly proceeding structure of the vehicle body and to rotate at 360 degrees in a stationary state.

Abstract: A mini scooter includes a wheel member, a wheel support member, a steering rod, a steering rod support, a wheel cover plate, and a pedal. The wheel member includes a wheel with a transmission ring in the center, and a unidirectional rotary bearing, a pivot shaft of which serves as a wheel axle. Two ends of the wheel axle are respectively provided with cover plates. The cover plates are connected to the transmission ring. The wheel support member includes a wheel support with a top portion having a through hole and having an inverted U-shaped cross section. Securing bolts extend through through holes in the wheel support and engage with nuts. Two ends of the bearing pivot shaft are provided with axle bearings. Two sides of the wheel support respectively form circular holes for receiving the axle bearings. The wheel cover plate is disposed on and secured to the securing bolts in the through holes in the wheel support. The wheel cover plate has a top portion provided with front and rear stop blocks.

Abstract: A hand-pull powered scooter comprises a platform body, the front end of which is connected with a headtube shaft; an actuation bar pivotally located at the top of the headtube shaft for swinging movement; a frontfork an upper end of which is inserted into said headtube shaft, a lower end of which is rotatbly pivoted to a front wheel; a gearbox, which includes a plurality of shafts, a plurality of unidirectional gears supported on said shafts, and reduction gears set provided below the platform body; a pair of rear wheels which are rotatably supported on the shaft of the end gear of the gearbox. The lower end of the actuation bar moves a horizontal rack in reciprocative movement via the ends of a plurality of connecting rods. The forward stroke of rack drives a uni-directional gear, and the backward stroke another reverse uni-directional gear, and the rack also drives the end gear in both strokes and both directions.

Abstract: A mini scooter includes a wheel member, a wheel support member, a steering rod, a steering rod support, a wheel cover plate, and a pedal. The wheel member includes a wheel with a transmission ring in the center, and a unidirectional rotary bearing, a pivot shaft of which serves as a wheel axle. Two ends of the wheel axle are respectively provided with cover plates. The cover plates are connected to the transmission ring. The wheel support member includes a wheel support with a top portion having a through hole and having an inverted U-shaped cross section. Securing bolts extend through through holes in the wheel support and engage with nuts. Two ends of the bearing pivot shaft are provided with axle bearings. Two sides of the wheel support respectively form circular holes for receiving the axle bearings. The wheel cover plate is disposed on and secured to the securing bolts in the through holes in the wheel support. The wheel cover plate has a top portion provided with front and rear stop blocks.

Abstract: A hand powered cart uses a drive mechanism having a power lever operated by the operator's hands and arms, and is steerable by the operator's feet. The drive mechanism includes a closed drive chain that is given forward motion by a one-way freewheeling power sprocket, and that loops around idler sprockets, a drive sprocket, and a take-up sprocket. The power sprocket is attached to a reciprocating power lever, and moves back and forth. When moving forward, the power sprocket drives the drive chain. When moving backwards, the power sprocket freewheels without disengaging from the chain. The take-up sprocket is forced against the chain by a spring, and maintains the chain within a predetermined range of tension.

Abstract: A hand powered cart uses a drive mechanism having a power lever operated by the operator's hands and arms, and is steerable by the operator's feet. The drive mechanism includes a closed drive chain that is given forward motion by a one-way freewheeling power sprocket, and that loops around idler sprockets, a drive sprocket, and a take-up sprocket. The power sprocket is attached to a reciprocating power lever, and moves back and forth. When moving forward, the power sprocket drives the drive chain. When moving backwards, the power sprocket freewheels without disengaging from the chain. The take-up sprocket is forced against the chain by a spring, and maintains the chain within a predetermined range of tension.

Abstract: A wheeled apparatus is provided that converts alternate back and forth longitudinal motion supplied by the arms of a user to a pair of members into rotary motion that is used to drive the apparatus forward. The members drive special rack gears that include upper and side gear teeth. An idler gear engages the side teeth and maintains alignment between the two rack gears. The upper teeth of each rack gear drive a first gear of a pair of coaster gears. When the first gear is rotated or driven in a first direction a second gear of each coaster gear also rotates in the first direction. When the first gear is rotated in an opposite direction, the second gear is adapted to coast. Each second gear is operatively connected to a first and to a second driven gear by a first and second chain respectively. The first and second driven gears are attached to a rear wheel of the apparatus and which each are adapted to urge the apparatus forward.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a base having one or more wheels attached to the front portion and having a seat attached to the rear portion. A maneuvering device includes a tube rotatably engaged through the front portion of the base and includes a wheel device attached to one end and separated from the tube, and a handle device secured to the tube for rotating the wheel device of the maneuvering device in order to move the vehicle either forward or rearward. A cushioning member is engaged on the outer peripheral portion of the base for cushioning purposes.

Abstract: A combined skateboard scooter/exerciser comprises a handlebar, a board, a steering device, a transmission device, and a wheel device. The steering rod is rotatably supported by the board and thus rotatable relative to the board. In addition, the steering rod is movable back and forth relative to the board. The handlebar is mounted to an upper end of the steering rod to move therewith. The steering device is mounted to a lower end of the steering rod to move therewith. The wheel device is mounted to the steering device. The transmission device is mounted between the lower end of the steering rod and the wheel device such that back and forth movement of the steering rod urges the wheel device to move forward via transmission by the transmission device.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle having plural wheels referenced to a frame. The vehicle includes plural seats. Human power applied through handles and the seats converts and balances a first oscillatory motion along a first axis into rotational motion, while simultaneously converting oscillatory motion along a second axis into motion about an axis connected to a reference frame. The first oscillatory motion is output for useful work. The second oscillatory motion is used for vehicle control. The vehicle may be used in a stationary state as both a teamwork and physical-conditioning device and to generate power for useful work while the vehicle is stationary. Alternately, the power generated by the occupants may couple through a transmission to rotational motion to drive wheels, and thus to propel the vehicle. Precise steering control is provided for when the vehicle is being propelled.

Abstract: A manually operated ergonomic wheelchair comprises a pair of levers (10) which are pivotably mounted on said wheelchair and can be operated by the user by hand-grips (12) and/or pedals, so as to cause rotation of the wheels (3) of the wheelchair by a chain transmission (14, 19). Each lever (10) has a reciprocating oscillatory movement and has a lower branch (15, 16) in the form of a fork closed by an arched support (13) having a variable distance from the fulcrum (11) of the lever. The transmission consists of a chain section (14) attached to the two arms (15, 16) of said fork, guided by the arc (13) and meshing with a gear wheel (18) located between the arms (15, 16) of the fork. The gear wheel (18) is coplanar with the plane of oscillation of the chain section (14) and is associated, directly or by a train of driven gears (11, 20), with the hub (6) of the wheel (3) of the wheelchair, one of said gear wheels (18, 20) being a freewheel.

Abstract: This is a hand-propelled wheeled device for a rider. The device includes: a frame with two sides; a first and second drive wheel rotatably mounted to the two sides; a first hand crank connected to the first drive wheel through a first crank hub, and a first wheel hub that is connected to and rotates the first drive wheel; a second hand crank connected to the second drive wheel through a second crank hub, and a second ratcheting hub that is connected to and rotates the second drive wheel; at least one shifting mechanism to change a leveraging ratio between the first hand crank and the first drive wheel and between the second hand crank and the second drive wheel; a pivoting backrest connected to the frame, wherein the pivoting backrest provides continuous back support to the rider; an adjustable hammock seat connected to the frame; a third support connected to the frame; and a braking mechanism to retard movement of the first and second drive wheels.

Abstract: To produce a wheelchair with high forward-moving efficiency, incorporating a simple structured driving mechanism that is compact enough to be fitted between the wheel and the frame. Thanks to this driving mechanism, the wheelchair moves forward not only when the operation lever is pushed but also when it is pulled. For the less frequent backward movement, the push rim continues to be used. An operation lever 2 is rockably established on each of the left and right sides of the moving direction of frame 1. Each operation lever 2 is provided with a pair of one-way-clutch-driving links 41, 42, in such a way that one ends of these 41, 42, are linked to the operation lever 2 via mutually spaced apart sub pivots 51, 52 at a certain distance forward from said main pivot 3, while the other ends of said links 41, 42 are linked to a pair of forward and backward arms 71, 72, which are established on opposite sides of a hub spindle of a one-way clutch.

Abstract: An occupant-propelled vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, a vehicle propulsion system with a movable force receiver, and a vehicle steering arrangement in one embodiment comprising a tilt-grip steering post, a steering drum, a steered wheel, a steered drum, and a flexible, sheathed cable. An inner member of the cable overlies the steered drum and the steering drum whereby a pivoting of the tilt-grip steering post induces a steering of the steered wheel. The steering post may have an axis of rotation perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and tangent to an arc of rotation of the moveable force receiver. The diameters of the steered and steering drums may be varied, and the steered drum may be disengagably indexed to the steered wheel. The steered wheel may be coupled to a second wheel to steer the second wheel in response to a steering of the steered wheel.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to exercise the upper and lower body that is powered by a simulated rowing motion is described. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, front and rear wheels, a slide rail, a lever arm, a steering mechanism and a drive mechanism that translates the user's energy to propel the exercise apparatus. The rotation point of the lever arm, the fulcrum of the lever arm, the maximum distance the lever arm travels fore and aft, and the length of the lower portion of the lever arm, among others is adjustable to maximize efficiency or effectiveness of exercising the user's upper and lower body. Stabilizing members are attachable to the rear wheel axle, wherein the stabilizing members are adjustable to either elevate the rear wheel above the riding surface or provide stabilization to the extent required by the user.

Abstract: A skateboarding vehicle including a rear wheel and a brake shoe, which are pivoted to the rear end of a deck board. The deck board is provided at the front end with two guide plates and an arresting wheel set which is disposed between the two guide plates such that the arresting wheel set is connected to the handlebar frame by a link member.

Abstract: An occupant-propelled vehicle comprising a vehicle body and a first vehicle propulsion system that comprises a first drive wheel, a drum rotatably coupled to the vehicle frame and drivingly engaged with the drive wheel, a movable force receiver, an elongated and flexible motion conversion member drivably coupled with the force receiver with a first reference point spaced a given effective-travel distance from a second reference point and a body portion overlying the drum, and an actuator mechanism for actuating the motion conversion member between a slackened, disengaged state and a tensioned state wherein there is frictional engagement between the drum and the motion conversion member. The actuator mechanism may be automatic or manual.

Abstract: The invention comprises a drive system for use in association with a wheelchair. The drive system includes at least one input gear system, a structure for powering at least one input gear system, at least one transfer gear system, a positioning member, and a structure for transferring movement of the transfer gear system to a wheel. The positioning member positions the desired one of at least two sets of gears of the at least one transfer gear with at least one of the two sets of gears of the at least one input gear system through slidable movement of the at least one of the transfer gear system and the input gear system along their respective axes of rotation. This, in turn, engages the desired gear of the transfer gear system to the desired gear of the input gear system during continuous rotation of these gears. Additionally, the invention includes a handle member for use with a linear conversion system.

Abstract: A wheelchair driver having a simple, efficient structure is mountable to a horizontal frame extension of a wheelchair between a wheel and the wheelchair's frame. The driver is mounted directly to a spindle sleeve fastened to the horizontal frame extension which provides a race for the driver to run upon. The spindle sleeve also isolates the driver from the wheel preventing any friction between the wheel and the driver. The driver has a lever extending upward from the spindle sleeve above the tire of the wheel. A handle is provided on the uppermost end for a user. The lever has a pawl extending over the tire of the wheel. The pawl has teeth on a lower surface and contacts against the tire. When the lever is rotated around the spindle sleeve, the pawl teeth grab the tire, causing the wheelchair to move. When the lever is stopped or rotated oppositely, the pawl teeth release the tire and allow the wheelchair's momentum to move the wheelchair until another forward rotation of the lever provides additional force.

Abstract: The arm-driven vehicle has a drive mechanism comprising a driving member. A movable chain attachment is secured to the driving member and the chain attachment has spaced apart fork legs and a rod member extending therebetween. A movable arm has one end operatively attached to a fork leg that is attached to the arm-driven vehicle. A movable gear is in operative engagement with the movable arm via a pin. A chain is in operative engagement with the movable chain attachment via a bar segment. The bar segment is rotatably attached to the rod member of the fork legs so that the vehicle may be driven forwardly by moving the driving member back and forth.

Abstract: A drive assistance device is disclosed to assist the occupants of ordinary manual weelchairs to propel themselves. Rather than grasping the grip rings secured to the main wheels of the wheelchair the drive assist provides laterally positioned handles upon which the propulsion force can be comfortably applied. The drive assist device can be simple removed for the wheelchair by the occupant when not required. The device does not require any modification of the ordinary wheelchair. The hub assembly components of the drive assist device are simply bolted to the ordinary wheelchair using the existing fastener arrangement and if necessary can be as easily unbolted and removed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is powered by a simulated rowing motion is described. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, slide rail, lever arm, steering mechanism and drive mechanism which together require the use of both the rider's upper and lower body muscles. A portion of the steering cables and drive mechanism are contained within a hollow portion of the lever arm. This containment provides added safety to the rider and reduces the likelihood of the cables or chain catching in either the clothing of the rider or objects the rider passes while riding the exercise apparatus. A stand is demountably engaged to the rear axle, providing the option of using the exercise apparatus as a stationary exercise machine.

Abstract: A user powered vehicle which can be propelled upon an ice surface by applying force in repetitive power stroke movements in a rowing manner. The vehicle includes a main framework (10), a forward facing seat (64), a plurality of attached ice runners (14, 16) adapted to support the vehicle for efficient forward movement upon the operating surface, a movable propulsion wheel assembly (18) including at least one propulsion wheel (38) adapted to provide forward thrust when engaged with the operating surface, a rowing assembly (74) and footrest assembly (66) operable for converting rowing motions into propulsion force, and means (86) for transfer of weight from ice runners to propulsion wheel for increased traction during rowing power strokes and for re-transfer of weight to ice runners for improved efficiency between power strokes. The vehicle is adaptable for use on snow or land by replacing ice runners with skis or wheels respectively.

Abstract: A human powered vehicle, such as a wheelchair or recumbent vehicle, that has a flywheel assisted drive. The human powered vehicle includes a frame that rides upon at least two wheels. A seat is supported by the frame. Adjacent to either side of the seat is a rowing lever used to turn the flywheel. Each rowing lever is coupled to a mechanism that converts the reciprocal movement of the rowing lever into a rotational movement that is applied to the flywheel. The flywheel is coupled to at least one of the wheels that supports the frame, via a transmission that selectively transfers the rotational movement of the flywheel to the wheels. As a result, the rowing levers do not directly drive the wheels of the vehicle. Rather,the rowing levers drive the flywheel and the flywheel drives the wheels.

Abstract: A gymnastic toy car comprising a car body with a housing and a chassis, two front wheels on the front two sides of the chassis, two rear wheels on the rear two sides thereof through a rear axle, two rockers on two fixing frames on the front two sides of chassis, the upper ends of two rockers extending to the upper side of housing, a four-bar linkage between the two front wheels, two drive mechanisms on the rear axle, and a brake device on the chassis nearby one rear wheel on one side. Shaking the two rockers forward and rearward continuously and simultaneously or alternately actuates the two drive mechanisms to drive the two rear wheels moving forward. Shaking and tilting the two rockers left or right actuates both the two rear wheels moving ahead and the four-bar linkage turning the two front wheels left or right, and stopping the shaking of two rockers and stamping the pedal of brake device slows down or stops moving the two rear wheels.

Abstract: The apparatus has the form of a non-self-braking helical mechanism located inside casing (24) and having a driving member (2) and a driven member (1) connected to the driving member (2) through rolling bodies (3). The driving member (2) is connected to unit (5) for applying an axial force to ensure free axial displacement, free rotation, locking, and engagement with two surfaces, of which one is a locking surface, and the other is a sliding surface, with corresponding identical surfaces of the unit (5). The unit (5) is connected to a mechanism for generating an axial force in the form of a helical transmission (9, 11) ensuring generation of a torque to change the turning angle of the driven member (1), and has a mechanism (17) for varying the axial force. Driving member (9) of helical transmission (9, 11) is positioned coaxially with the driven member (1) and rigidly connected to unit (5) and to mechanism (17) for engagement with the driving and driven members (2, 1).

Abstract: A wheelchair having a structural frame, a first pair of front, ground-engaging wheels and a pair of fixed drive wheel assemblies, each including a hub is provided. The invention further includes a free floating handle or lever arm rotatably attached to at least one of the drive wheel assemblies. The lever arm engages the hub of each wheel drive assembly through the use of a friction engagement system, thereby enabling propulsive forces to be exerted on the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair in either a forward or rearward direction. The leverage thereby obtained is not limited by the radius of the wheel rim and the amount of leverage desired may be controlled by the user simply by placing the user's grasp at various locations along the lever arm. The lever arm and friction engagement system may also serve as a braking system for the wheelchair.

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: A movable chair includes a chair main body and a pair of left and right traveling devices. The chair main body has a seat portion. The traveling devices are disposed on left and right sides of the chair main body and are designed to move the chair main body while supporting the chair main body. The traveling devices includes traveling frames disposed along a traveling direction, endless rail portions respectively disposed around the traveling frames, endless tracks respectively wound around the endless rail portions, a driving section for driving the endless tacks, and a control section for allowing a sitting person to control the driving section. The endless tracks includes endless driving belts, and a plurality of ground-contact feet mounted on the endless driving belts and having different shapes.

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: Bicycle driven by alternating rowing movement which utilizes conventional frame, brakes, steering and fittings and having as distinctive feature axially articulated steering handles which act as a lever producing axial and alternating (rowing) movements. The lower end of the lever is connected to a device which turns the alternating movement into a rotating movement and which is driven by the driving flange. The movement of the steering handles-lever is connected to a sliding seat mounted on a slider affixed to the frame of the bicycle and to both footrests.

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 user-propelled vehicle has a wheelchair embodiment and a three-wheeled skateboard embodiment. In the wheelchair embodiment, a foldable frame has a seat for supporting the user and a propulsor movably attached to the frame for allowing the user to pump the propulsor. The propulsor is engaged with both rear wheels of the wheelchair through independent ratchet-clutch mechanisms for permitting torque to be transferred to one or both wheels when the propulsor is pumped to propel and steer the wheelchair. In the three-wheeled skateboard embodiment, a frame has two wheels mounted in tandem near the front of the frame and a third wheel mounted on the centerline of the frame behind the front wheels. Two pedals are hingedly mounted side-by-side on the frame and are ratchetably engaged with the rear wheel. Each pedal is movable between a thrust position, wherein the front portion of the pedal is raised from the frame, and a rest position, wherein the pedal is flush with the frame.

Abstract: An attachment is provided which may be mounted on a conventional wheelchair to enable the conventional wheelchair to traverse a regular terrain. The attachment comprises a pair of wheel drive assemblies which are mounted to the rear wheels of the wheelchair. Each of the wheel drive assemblies comprises inner and outer plates which embrace the inner and outer surfaces of the wheel and which are interconnected by means of bolts. The nut or bolt head is positioned outwardly of the outer surface of the outer plate and has a ratchet wrench mounted thereon. A hollow pipe embraces the upper end of the ratchet wrench and extends upwardly therefrom. An inverted U-shaped member has its opposite ends rotatably received by the upper ends of the hollow pipes.

Abstract: An arm powered tricycle that has a frame with a passenger seat that is capable of forward, backward, or circular motion. The frame has a front wheel that consists of a sphere horizontally and rotatably mounted on an axle that can also rotate about a vertical axis so that it provides universal motion for the front wheel. The rear wheels are independently mounted on separate axles so that they rotate separately from one another. The rear axles are U-shaped in mid section with two concentric and parallel opposing ends that are rotatably mounted on the frame on one end, and are fixedly mounted to the wheel hub on the other end. Vertically pivotal levers are separately and individually furnished and mounted on each lateral side of the frame and are linked with a drive rod to the rear drive axles. The tricycle steers by slowing or stopping both arm levers to lock the rear wheels. Pushing the vertical levers back and forth provides rotation to the rear axles for propulsion.