Abstract: A wheelchair frame assembly for a self-balancing board. The wheelchair frame assembly is mountable to the self-balancing board. The self-balancing board includes at least one gyroscopic assembly and includes two wheels on opposing ends of an axle, controlled by two upper surfaces that independently pivot about the axle. Independent pivoting of each of the two upper surfaces controls a speed of an adjacent wheel, and a direction of the self-balancing board. The wheelchair frame assembly includes a seat, a footrest, a forward caster wheel, a rearward caster wheel, a left handlebar, and a right handlebar. The handlebars interface with the two upper surfaces to enable an individual seated in the wheelchair frame assembly to control speed and direction of the self-balancing board by moving the handlebars, thereby pivoting the two upper surfaces and causing the two wheels to independently rotate.

Abstract: A wheelchair with a ratchet/pawl drive system comprising a seat back, a seat bottom, a frame, two mounting brackets, two car guide tracks, two front wheel assemblies, two car assemblies, two brake assemblies, two drive wheels, and two wheelchair wheels. The ratchet/pawl drive comprises at least one drive wheel sprocket, at least one ratchet/pawl assembly, at least one forward-neutral-reverse lever and at least one brake assembly. The ratcheting/pawl drive system may be included in a novel wheelchair or may be integrated into existing standard wheelchairs as a retrofit kit.

Abstract: A transmission device for a wheelchair with a rehabilitation function includes a first transmission shaft, a second transmission shaft coaxial to the first transmission shaft, and a sliding member. The first transmission shaft includes a first engaging portion. The second transmission shaft includes a driving section. The sliding member is mounted around the driving section to permit synchronous rotation. The sliding member has a second engaging portion and is slideable between a transmission position in which the second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion and a release position in which the second engaging portion disengages from the first engaging portion. A wheelchair includes two transmission devices associated with two rear wheels and two footrests. The footrests can be actuated when the rear wheels move.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wheelchair drive mechanism adapted to mount to a wheelchair includes a drive lever adapted to be rotated forward and rearward by a user of the wheelchair, a clutch mechanism associated with the drive lever, wherein actuation of the clutch mechanism causes the drive lever to be coupled to a wheel of the wheelchair such that they rotate together, and a clutch actuation device provided on the drive lever that is operable by the wheelchair user to actuate the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A mini standing hand powered tricycle for sidewalks, indoor large surfaces, etc. conceived for users, with weak legs and strong arms that get tired walking. The tricycle is propulse by a conventional bicycle hand pedal sprocket wheel and chain to allow driving, steering, and braking by the user in a standing position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a bicycle, which comprises a handlebar assembly (1); an upright tube (2) having a first end fixedly connected with the handlebar assembly (1) and a second end rotatably connected with a front fork arm (6); a rocker arm (14) extending from the second end of the upright tube towards a front wheel, thereby forming a driving lever with the upright tube; a flywheel (8) mounted on the front wheel; and a cable (16) having a first end fixed to a position (7) where an end of the front fork arm (6) is located, and a second end trained in a pulley (15) mounted at the free end of the rocker arm (14) to be fixed at the flywheel (8) of the front wheel. The free end of the rocker arm is movable forward and backward with forward and backward movement of the handlebar assembly, thereby causing rotation of the flywheel (8) through the cable so as to drive the front wheel to rotate.

Abstract: A manually powered wheelchair includes a first lever associated with a first rear wheel and demountably coupled to a first drivetrain, the first lever having a first brake thereon. The wheelchair also includes a second lever associated with a second rear wheel and demountably coupled to a second drivetrain, the second lever having a second brake thereon. Each drivetrain includes a chainring, a chain, and a freewheel, and each drivetrain has a fixed gear ratio. The freewheel of each drivetrain is actuated by manual pivoting of the lever associated therewith. In use, the wheelchair achieves changes in mechanical advantage when a user shifts the user's hands up and down the first and second levers.

Abstract: A mechanism for manually powering a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a frame and a first driver attached to the frame. The first driver rotates a driven wheel. A lever arm is pivotally attached to the frame and includes a first end having a pair of handles sized to be grasped and moved in a rowing motion by both hands of a person and a second end that rotatably attaches to a disk shaped second driver. A linkage is moved by the second driver when the person pivots the first end of the lever arm and the linkage rotates the first driver and the driven wheel. A steerable wheel and a steering member that are operated by the lever arm steer the steerable wheel. The steering member communicates moveably with a telescoping universal joint, the telescoping universal joint enabling the lever arm to be pivoted and steered.

Abstract: A motion control system for lever propulsion of a wheelchair enables a number of different manipulations at the hand grip of the lever. In some embodiments, as many as five user-controlled operations may be performed without need to remove a hand from the hand grip. A user applies force to the hand grip to initiate the motion lever in its forward and rearward strokes. In addition, the hand grip may be pivoted relative to the lever in order to control a brake. A parking brake mechanism may be provided at the hand grip to apply constant brake force. The direction shifter at the top of the hand grip may be used to shift between forward, neutral and rearward modes of operation. In some embodiments, steering of a front caster wheel is possible by rotating the hand grip. Further along the lever, the power applied per lever stroke is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheelchair with a pair of levers on either side that actuate a reciprocating gear-ratchet assembly for moving the wheelchair when the levers are moved.

Abstract: The proposed invention is a human powered cycle/vehicle which utilizes a reciprocating arcuate linear handlebar motion to operate a double acting asynchronous propulsion mechanism which imparts constantly proportional input versus output motion to its' surface engaging propulsion wheel(s). The propulsion mechanism contains a complex mechanism which causes both backward and forward motions of a set of handlebars to propel the machine forward. A drive-train clutch (52) may be included which enables the propulsion mechanism to be disengaged thus allowing the cycle/vehicle to be reversed and or moved (pushed) in either direction via its' surface engaging wheel(s) in isolation to the propulsion mechanism. A steering mechanism may also be attached to the handlebars (1) which are rotated clockwise to steer the machine to the right and anti-clockwise to steer the machine to the left.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment of a propulsion system to a wheelchair frame includes a clamp which remains fixed to the frame, while an attachment device that enables three dimensions of adjustability permits quick release of a main wheel and the propulsion system (e.g., lever drive, pushrim and motor drive) that propels the main wheel. The clamp includes a first alignment feature, such as a pin. A spring-loaded latch may also be included. The attachment device includes a second alignment feature, such as a hole or slot, configured to mate with the first. To permit alignment for a number of different wheelchair frame geometries, the attachment device is rotatable to provide angular adjustability, structured to permit lengthwise adjustability, and coupled using hardware which provides offset adjustability in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A gear shift pertaining to a hub of a wheel with a quick lock. The hub has a gear which is supported round a shaft with an outer end and an inner end. The inner end of the shaft is suspended via a suspension device on a vehicle. The quick lock includes a rod which runs in a cylindrical hole which is concentric within and with the shaft and a catch which locks the wheel with the shaft to the suspension device. The gear shift includes the shaft, the rod and a control, all so adapted that the rod has a neutral position relative to the shaft and wherein a movement, relative to the shaft, of the rod from the neutral position in a direction from the outer end of the shaft towards the inner end of the shaft disengages the catch so that the wheel together with the shaft can be locked to and released from the suspension device.

Abstract: A drive system (3) for a human powered vehicle. The drive system (3) includes at least one input member (31), a transmission system (21) arranged to convert movement of the input member (31) to rotation of an output member (83), and a lock mechanism (123) including at least one drive member (133) for selectively locking a drive wheel (11, 13) to rotation of the output member (83) for rotation therewith. The drive member (133) is arranged for movement from a first operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is not locked to the output member (83) to a second operational position in which the drive wheel (11, 13) is locked to the output member (83), and back to the first operational position, under the control of a user of the vehicle. The drive system (3) allows the user to choose between propelling the vehicle using the drive system (3) or disengaging the drive system (3) from the drive wheel (11, 13) and propelling the vehicle by some other means, for example by wheel rims.

Abstract: A steering mechanism and method for a manually powered vehicle are provided. The steering mechanism includes a stem. An inner shaft freely rotates within the stem. A first end of a first cable and a first end of a second cable are operatively connected to the inner shaft. A second end of the first cable and a second end of the second cable are operatively connected to a steering column. The steering column supports a wheel of the manually powered vehicle. The steering column and the wheel rotate in response to rotation of the steering bar.

Abstract: A quick board with a handle to operate the driving power of a front wheel is used for leisure, taste and amusement activities of teenagers, adults, children and others. In the quick board according to the present invention, the driving power to drive a front wheel is operated by only a handle of the quick board, thereby strengthening the muscular strength of the arms and waist of a user and minimizing the components of the quick board to avoid the complicated configuration in appearance. When a child who has a difficulty in pivoting a driving frame forward and backward operatively connected to a handle part to drive the front wheel uses a quick board, a front wheel cover part of a main body frame and the driving frame are selectively fixed so that such a user can enjoy the quick board in a stable and safe state.

Abstract: A power transmission device of a land rowing machine which generates a propelling force to be applied to wheels by pulling and pushing levers or moving a seat forward and backward is disclosed. The levers having uni-directional ratchet wheels A are installed at opposite ends of a motive shaft which passes through a side surface portion of the propelling part. A seat lever which has a uni-directional ratchet wheel B in the same direction as that of the uni-directional ratchet wheels A and interlocks with the seat is disposed on the motive shaft between the levers. A passive gear which is engaged with a motive gear installed on the motive shaft is installed on a passive shaft with the rear wheel part mounted thereon.

Abstract: A hand-operated assembly that supplies secondary drive power and steering control to a secondary drive wheel of a wheel chair. The assembly comprises a handle that is controlled with one hand and a linkage rod that extends from the handle to an eccentric arm fitted to a one-way clutch assembly at a secondary drive wheel support axle. Reciprocating up-down, pivoting movements of the handle over a range Y? in the Y axis directs a linkage rod to rotate an eccentric arm fitted to a one-way clutch and a drive axle of a small diameter, secondary drive wheel. Independent 360° rotation of the handle about a second, horizontal or Z axis steers the secondary drive wheel. A portion Y? of the range of handle motion directs a flange at the linkage arm to engage a brake piece that contacts the secondary drive wheel. Large diameter, hand driven, primary drive wheels are separately available to the user for effecting normal chair conveyance.

Abstract: A system for providing a wheelchair user access to forward, neutral and reverse movement while maintaining a continuous grip, silent operation, and allowing for small rotational movements of the wheelchair wheel to be easily made. The system includes a one-way bearing which is attached to a wheelchair wheel such that the center of the one-way bearing is coaxial with the wheelchair wheel axle, a drive axle mounted through the center of said one-way bearing, and a drive rod.

Abstract: A drive system for use with a bicycle includes first and second gears arranged so that the second gear is rotatably driven responsive to the first gear. A freewheel is operatively coupled to the second gear, and a drive sprocket is operatively coupled to the freewheel. The freewheel causes the drive sprocket to be rotatably driven only when the first gear is driven in either the first direction or the second direction. A driven sprocket may be mounted coaxially and in driving relationship with a wheel of the bicycle. A chain may be used for linking the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. First and second levers extend from a support bar, which is coaxially mounted to the first gear. Reciprocal movement of the first and second levers causes the first gear to rotate, and correspondingly causes the second gear to rotate, thereby effecting rotation in the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket.

Abstract: A mobility device for use by the elderly or disabled persons, that does not require standing, balancing or walking and is propelled by leg paddling of a user, is disclosed. The mobility device comprises a pair of base members, an inverted U-shaped member disposed between the base members, front legs extending downwardly at 45 degrees with respect to the base members with swiveling wheels, a front cross bar disposed between the front legs, such that the front cross bar and the front legs define an opening receiving a user's legs while paddling. Also provided are rear legs with fixed wheels, handles extending outwardly at 70 degrees with respect to the base members, brakes engaging rear wheels, the brakes actuated by levers disposed on the handles, a seat, a back rest and arm rests.

Abstract: Tiller truck provided with force transmitter in order to transmit a pumping movement with the tiller to the wheels via a coupling in order to facilitate the movement of the truck. The coupling is arranged so that it can be set for force transfer forward or rearward or in an entirely free position. A control for the control of the coupling is arranged in the tiller handle.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed by means of which an operator both propels and steers a scooter, tricycle, or bicycle with a single set of handlebars. Power is applied by pumping the handlebars up and down, and steering is positive, and very similar to that of a conventional bicycle or tricycle. Drive means includes a single one-way clutch and a reciprocating endless chain or cable member which does not require a rewind spring. The total mechanism is very simple, the reciprocating components are few and light weight, and a long stroke yields a functional efficiency and top speed.

Abstract: The improved wheelchair employs the use of two push levers attached to two forward drive gears, and two reverse drive gears, which propel the two main rear wheels of the chair through bicycle chains connecting the front drive gears to sprocket clusters mounted on the rear wheel axles. Direction control mechanisms allow the user to engage either forward or reverse drive gears, or disengage both, thereby producing forward, neutral, and reverse motion. Derailers are mounted behind each rear axle and are activated by shifter mechanisms mounted on the push levers. Disc brakes are mounted on the frame beside each wheel and activated by hand brake levers mounted on the push levers.

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: A manually powered rowing vehicle is provided. A chain is wrapped around a portion of first and second free-wheel wheel sprockets, which can spin freely in one direction but not the other. The first free-wheel drive sprocket drives a rear wheel. The second free-wheel drive sprocket connects to one end of a lever arm, which pivotally connects to a frame. When the rider pulls the other end of the lever arm towards their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket grabs the chain and pulls the chain forward. The chain in turn pulls the second free-wheel drive sprocket, which rotates the rear wheel forward. When the rider pushes the lever arm away from their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket spins freely to allow the lever arm to return to the pull position without moving the linked chain or the vehicle. Various embodiments for steering the vehicle are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle body is provided with a rear wheel at a rear portion, and a front wheel coupled to a handle post. A swing-enabling shaft is rotatably provided on the upper portion of the handle post. A handlebars unit is attached to the swing-enabling shaft such that it can swing forward and backward relative to the vehicle body. When the handlebars unit is swung, a driving mechanism is driven. The driving mechanism rotates the front wheel such that the vehicle body advances, regardless of whether the handlebars unit is swung forward or backward.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manually powered rowing vehicle. In one embodiment, a chain wraps around a portion of first and second free-wheel wheel sprockets, which can spin freely in one direction but not the other. The first free-wheel drive sprocket drives a rear wheel. The second free-wheel drive sprocket connects to one end of a lever arm, which pivotally connects to a frame. When the rider pulls the other end of the lever arm towards their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket grabs the chain and pulls the chain forward. The chain in turn pulls the second free-wheel drive sprocket, which rotates the rear wheel forward. When the rider pushes the lever arm away from their body, the first free-wheel drive sprocket spins freely to allow the lever arm to return to the pull position without moving the linked chain or the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheelchair drive mechanism having a transmission providing forward, rearward and neutral motion through movement of a drive arm in an arcuate path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle of the type driven by operation of a handle. According to the present invention, a shaft rod of the bicycle is installed with a hinge so as to enable the handle to rotate forward or backward. The handle is bent by a constant angle on the basis of the hinge, thereby being divided into both upper and lower portions on the basis of the hinge. The handle is formed at the lower portion thereof with an elongated guide bore, and a roller is inserted inside the guide bore so as to move upward and downward along the guide bore. The roller is connected to the upper end of a rod, which is installed so as to move upward and downward in a rectilinear course according to pulling and pushing operation of the handle. The rod is associated at the lower end thereof with a rotating cam by means of a connection link. The cam is installed at one side thereof with a driving gear rotating along with the cam, and the driving gear is provided at an internal portion thereof with a ratchet.

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 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 wheelchair having two driving mechanisms comprises a frame body formed from a plurality of links; an axle for supporting the frame body; two rear wheels connected to the two ends of the axle; and two driving mechanisms arranged on the two sides of the frame body, respectively, to synchronously drive the rotation of the two rear wheels, each of said two driving mechanisms comprising:

Abstract: A wheelchair including three component parts: a propulsion means, a support means provided with means for receiving the legs of a chair, and a chair. The propulsion means is removably engaged with the support means by sliding the propulsion means into the support means. The propulsion means includes a ratchet and sprocket means. The occupant propels the wheelchair forward and backward by moving a handle attached to the ratchet in a rowing type motion. A chair is then engaged with the support means by inserting the chair legs into the means for receiving the chair legs on the support. The means located on the support for receiving chair legs can be varied to accommodate a variety of chair types. The chair is optionally provided with a central opening for facilitating toilet use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economical, universal wheelchair conversion kit which offers two, hand-powered, variable-resistive, drive mechanisms for the main wheels of a wheelchair which can be retrofitted to existing wheelchairs and that provide the operator of the vehicle means of easy mobility, independent brakes for safety and maneuverability, and the resistive means for exercising the upper body musculature and the cardiovascular systems while using the chair in either a mobile or stationary configuration. The present invention enables the elevation of the wheelchair rear wheels such that the wheelchair is dedicated to an exercise function. In all, the present invention provides a comprehensive solution to the mobility and immobility health related problems of many wheelchair bound persons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a geared scooter comprising a deck assembly, a handlebar, a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are arranged at front and rear ends of the deck assembly. The handlebar is pivotably disposed at the front end of the deck assembly and pivotably connected to one end of the coupling mechanism while the other end of the coupling mechanism is mounted on the drive mechanism of the rear wheel assembly. The drive mechanism is pivotably mounted on the rear wheel assembly in one body. In swinging the handlebar, the rear wheel assembly is driven with the drive mechanism by the coupling mechanism to create a forward power.

Abstract: The physical properties of an elastane, i.e. spandex, filament may be selectively altered basically by stretching the filament to a selected degree while heating the filament to a selected temperature above its glass transition temperature to set the filament at a reduced denier and a reduced degree of elongation. The tenacity of the filament may increase or decrease depending upon variable parameters of the methodology. The method may be performed on a single elastane filament or simultaneously on multiple filaments, e.g., in a draw warping operation.

Abstract: A wheel chair is provided, including a wheel chair frame including a seat portion, an axle structure and two lateral wheels mounted to the axle structure for rolling the wheel chair over a support surface; and a manual propulsion mechanism including first and second clutches mounted to the wheel axle structure, each of the clutches having an outer clutch drum which engages and rotates an internal clutch core affixed to the wheel axle structure when rotated in one direction and disengages the clutch core and spins freely when rotated in the opposing direction; a lever arm affixed to a lever arm axle rotatably fitted through the frame to a drive cable pulley; a drive cable engagingly wrapped around the drive cable pulley and engagingly around the first clutch drum, and extending from the first clutch drum engagingly around a reversing pulley rotatably mounted on a pulley stem secured to the frame, and from the reversing pulley engagingly around the second clutch drum wound in the opposite direction from its win

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: This wheelchair employs the use of push levers attached to drive gear sprockets, which propel the main rear wheels of the chair through bicycle chains connecting the front sprockets to gear clusters mounted on the rear wheel axles. Ratchet mechanisms allow each push lever to transmit power in either a forward or reverse direction. Derailers are mounted over the rear axles and are activated by shifter mechanisms mounted on the push levers. Calliper-type wheel brakes are mounted on the frame beside each wheel and activated by hand brake levers mounted on the push levers.

Abstract: This improvement is for a hand operated wheel chair or exercise machine. The machine uses two racks to operate two one way clutches to furnish forward motion from both the forward and backward strokes of the input lever arm. The mechanical advantage of the input lever arm is readily changeable to affect the overall gear ratio of the drive. Steering is accomplished by turning a wheel on the lever arm. The control is similar to that on a wheel controlled airplane.

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

Abstract: A wheel chair system including a pair of levers mounted to each side of an operator seated in the wheelchair, each lever having a handle which the operator can articulate between a position aligned with the levers and a position normal to the levers. The levers are each connected to a planetary gear system and a double ratchet assembly and are movable by the operator forwardly and rearwardly through an arc. Each double ratchet assembly is connected to two chains, one of which is driven when the lever is rotated in one direction and the other of which is driven when the ratchet is rotated in the opposite direction. The handles, levers, ratchets and gears are configured and interconnected such that when the operator moves the handles and levers through a rowing motion, the wheel chair is powered in a forward direction. The gear set can be chosen, and modified, to be compatible with the strength characteristics of the upper body musculature of the operator.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: A drive apparatus and method for continuously transmitting power to an axle to rotatingly drive the axle are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a flexible ratch such as a flexible chain, belt, or cable, and cooperating first and second ratch engaging members for alternatively engaging the flexible ratch to continuously drive an axle. To operate the apparatus, one moves the first and second ratch engaging members in a first direction which causes the first ratch engaging member to engage and drive the flexible ratch which rotatingly drives the axle. One then reverses the ratch engaging members' direction of movement which causes the simultaneous releasing and engaging of the ratch by the first and second ratch engaging members, respectively, which continuously drives the axle.