Linkage And Ratchet Patents (Class 280/255)
  • Patent number: 10722409
    Abstract: A conveyance to carry humans, such as a wheelchair, is described having levers on each side of the wheelchair that are manually moved forward and backward to propel the conveyance. The user is able to shift into forward, reverse or neutral, brake, and change mechanical advantage (gear ratio), all this without removing the user's hands from the drive levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Douglas G. Robins
  • Patent number: 10351121
    Abstract: An electric motorcycle includes a driving command detecting device, a state value detecting device, an electric motor driving a drive wheel, a control unit for executing a non-normal mode causing output of the electric motor in a non-normal mode to differ from the output of the electric motor in a normal mode, the control unit configured to shift the electric motorcycle from one of the normal or non-normal modes to the other normal or non-normal mode, when the state value satisfies a predetermined shift condition, in one of the normal and non-normal modes, and a cornering determiner unit for determining cornering status, wherein the control unit causes a change in the output of the electric motor to be less, when the electric motorcycle is cornering and the shift condition is satisfied than when the cornering determiner unit determines the electric motorcycle is not cornering and the shift condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10189306
    Abstract: A rear hub for mountain bikes includes a hub body and a sprocket carrier rotatably provided on a hub axle. The hub body is coupled with the sprocket carrier via a freewheel mechanism. By providing a decoupling mechanism, it is possible to decouple the sprocket carrier from the hub body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Canyon Bicycles GmbH
    Inventors: Vincenz Thoma, Lutz Scheffer, Lorenz Lay
  • Patent number: 9787647
    Abstract: Decision trees can be securely evaluated with reasonable computation speed and bandwidth utilization. A user device encrypts input vectors using a client's public key in an additively homomorphic encryption system. A server computer effectively randomizes the decision tree for each use, such that a value indicative of a path resulting from applying an input vector to the decision tree is different each time the decision tree is used. The server computer homomorphically computes the evaluations of each decision node. The server computer provides the value indicative of the path through the decision tree as one part accessible by the client, and another part accessible by the server. The server computer uses the parts to look up a corresponding output value from a database of output values for each path. In this operation, only the output value corresponding to the combined parts can be retrieved, and only by the intended recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Wu, Tony Feng, Michael Naehrig, Kristin Lauter
  • Patent number: 9227683
    Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame and a front wheel. The tricycle includes a first rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a second rear wheel coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a front suspension system and a rear suspension system functionally coupled to the frame. The tricycle includes a drive system coupled to the frame and a wheel hub fixedly coupled to the first drive shaft. The drive system includes a transmission system coupling a first drive train to a second drive train. The tricycle includes a locking device configured to lock the relative position of the wheel hub and the rear axle, wherein the locking device is selectably adjustably between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle locked together, and the second mode includes the wheel hub and the rear axle shaft independently rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Mark E. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 9220648
    Abstract: The present invention is a wheelchair jack stand that may be affixed to the seat post and main chassis member of a wheelchair to enable easy removal of the wheel. The jack stand comprises a lever arm retaining rail, a locking pin, a stand member and a second hub affixed to the base of the seat post for connecting the stand member. The lever arm retaining rail has apertures along its length for receiving a locking pin, a first end affixed to the seat post and a second end affixed to the main chassis member. The stand member has a first hub, a leg connected to the first hub and a lever arm connected to the first hub and opposite the leg. The lever arm also has one opening to receive a locking pin that aligns with the one or more apertures of the lever arm retaining rail. The angle between the leg and the lever arm is about 100 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventors: Blaine C. Hunt, Calvin D. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8973936
    Abstract: A rehabilitation device includes a wheeled platform with first and second pedals, the first and second pedals engaging drive mechanisms for first and second rear wheels of the device, respectively. First and second braking mechanisms provide independent braking of the first and second rear wheels of the device. The independent braking mechanisms of the rehabilitation device provide a method of steering the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Scott Novins
  • Patent number: 8702115
    Abstract: A drive mechanism effects a rotary power output in response to a reciprocating power input resulting from substantially linear forces applied to the drive mechanism, such as those forces applied by a rider on a bicycle. The drive mechanism includes input bevel gears meshed with corresponding output bevel gears coupled to a common power output shaft through clutches that effect a rotary power output at the power output shaft in response to the reciprocating power input from the substantially linear forces. Opposite crank arms are coupled with the input bevel gears such that each crank arm is advanced by an applied substantially linear force, and is retracted upon advancement of the opposite crank arm. In a bicycle, opposite pedals are coupled to corresponding crank arms and are moved through predetermined power strokes in response to substantially linear forces applied by a rider to effect corresponding rotational movements of the input bevel gears and concomitant rotary power output at the power output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Radu Kramer, William X. Desmond
  • Patent number: 8657319
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which can be used to provide rotation motion to a driving wheel by the application of lateral motion by the user. It consists of axial track plate having a plurality of track paths with said guide paths having a plurality of slope sections. Additionally the caliper element can enable movement of a wheelchair's wheel from a first position to a second position. The caliper element is responsive to slope sections such that the slope sections can engage or disengage the caliper element. The caliper element's broad face is parallel to the track plate's broad face. The broad face is perpendicularly connected to each other via cylindrical pegs along the guide paths. The caliper element has a mating surface enabled to rotate a sprocket which is concentrically connected to a wheel hub where wheel rotates at the same angular velocity as the sprocket while the sprocket is in the engaged mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Geoffrey Cullen, Carlton Forse, Ryan Gresh
  • Patent number: 8286981
    Abstract: The present invention provides a propulsion assembly for a bicycle. The propulsion assembly includes a support member that at least extends from the bicycle frame to a distal end spaced-apart from the rear wheel. The assembly includes a first drive mechanism rotatably mounted on the frame and axially connected to the rear wheel for transmitting motion thereto. A second drive mechanism is rotatably mounted at the distal end of the support member and coupled with the first drive mechanism. Ratchet mechanisms axially extend from the second drive mechanism and connect to a pair of elongate members. The bicycle has pedal arms with pedals extending therefrom. The elongate members are pivotally, operatively connected to the pedals. The pedals with pedal arms are movable in a circular manner for transmitting rotational power to the elongate members for propelling the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Mclsaac
  • Patent number: 8240690
    Abstract: An energy transduction and conservation system has a rotatable primary driving arrangement and a rotatable driven arrangement, the driving and driven arrangements cooperating through an energy storage arrangement. The driving arrangement supplies energy to the energy storage arrangement through a one-way driving system which blocks energy release from the energy storage arrangement back to the driving arrangement. Relative rotation of the driving arrangement is transferred to the energy storage arrangement through a first releasable clutch acting on a one-way rotatable hub whereby energy stored is released only through the driven arrangement. A further one-way clutch is actuated by a differential angular rotational speed to disconnect the first releasable clutch and drive the hub at the same time the energy storage arrangement drives the driven arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Lawrence Wills
  • Patent number: 8229939
    Abstract: A server system maintains records and their associated attributes in a secure database. A plurality of queries generated by encrypting indices identifying a records and their associated attributes, by homomorphic encryption is received from a client system. A secret key is generated at a certain query count and is divided into randomly generated key shares. A key share sequence is homomorphically encrypted. A table is formed by encrypting the indices, secret key and attributes. Query responses, which each comprise the attributes for each of the records of the table of entries are provided. The key shares are decrypted sufficient to recover the secret key subject to a non-inference enabling query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Jessica N. Staddon, David P. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8157280
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Morse Cycle Company LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Drymalski
  • Patent number: 8152188
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Daedalus Wings, Inc.
    Inventor: Bart Kylstra
  • Publication number: 20110115190
    Abstract: The present invention provides a propulsion assembly for a bicycle. The propulsion assembly includes a support member that at least extends from the bicycle frame to a distal end spaced-apart from the rear wheel. The assembly includes a first drive mechanism rotatably mounted on the frame and axially connected to the rear wheel for transmitting motion thereto. A second drive mechanism is rotatably mounted at the distal end of the support member and coupled with the first drive mechanism. Ratchet mechanisms axially extend from the second drive mechanism and connect to a pair of elongate members. The bicycle has pedal arms with pedals extending therefrom. The elongate members are pivotally, operatively connected to the pedals. The pedals with pedal arms are movable in a circular manner for transmitting rotational power to the elongate members for propelling the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald McIsaac
  • Patent number: 7832753
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Gearwheel AB
    Inventor: Christofer Sörquist
  • Publication number: 20100283217
    Abstract: A scooter driving structure includes a step member pivotally coupled to a scooter platform and swingable up and down, a first driving module installed at a position corresponding to the step member and comprising a driving rod, a guide wheel, a first driving wheel, a first driving belt and a position restoring element, and at least one second driving module installed between a pivotal axle of the first driving wheel and an axle center of a rear wheel and comprising a second driving wheel, a second driven wheel and a second driving belt. The step member is pedaled to move the driving rod of the first driving module and drive the first driving belt to rotate the first driving wheel, and the coaxial second driving wheel of the second driving module drives the second driven wheel and the rear wheel to rotate through the second driving belt, so as to achieve a dual drive effect of driving a scooter to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jeeng-Neng Fan
  • Patent number: 7823898
    Abstract: The improved chainless drive of the present invention features a four speed planetary transmission housed within the hub of the driving wheel of an utility tricycle, and an vehicle frame which provides two options for delivering power to the transmission. In the first option the drive shaft, which extends out through bearings on the center line of the driving wheel, has a crank arm fixed on each end. A spindle is fixed in the end of each crank arm and a pedal beam is rotatably mounted near its center on each spindle. A cam roller mounted on each pedal beam near its aft end engages a short length of steel track fastened on the sides of a trunk bolted on the at end off the tricycle frame. The cam roller provides a downward force to counter balance the weight of the rider on the cantilevered forward end off the pedal beam increasing the force on the spindle and thus amplifying the torque delivered to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Dirck T. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7823899
    Abstract: The present invention provides a propulsion assembly for a bicycle. The propulsion assembly includes a support member that at least extends from the bicycle frame to a distal end spaced-apart from the rear wheel. The assembly includes a first drive mechanism rotatably mounted on the frame and axially connected to the rear wheel for transmitting motion thereto. A second drive mechanism is rotatably mounted at the distal end of the support member and coupled with the first drive mechanism. Ratchet mechanisms axially extend from the second drive mechanism and connect to a pair of elongate members having pedals. The pedals are movable from an upper position to a lower position for transmitting one-way rotational power to the second drive mechanism. There is a means for selectively returning the pair of elongate members from the lower position to the upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald McIsaac
  • Publication number: 20100187790
    Abstract: A scooter having a rockable platform upon which the rider stands with both feet. The platform is attached by a chain to one-way sprocket wheels mounted to the scooter. rear wheel rotating the rear wheel to propel the scooter in a forward direction as the front end of the platform moves and as the rear end portion of the platform moves down. The scooter has a position to allow the user to place one foot on the ground and one foot on the platform to propel the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Long Yu
  • Patent number: 7753387
    Abstract: A bicycle stepping apparatus to increase the moment of force and save manual stepping labor has a stepping means located between a sprocket and a crank of a bicycle. The stepping means has a socket wrench which has a hub on one end with ratchet teeth formed thereon to house a flywheel. The flywheel has a gear engageable with the hub. The axis of the flywheel is coupled on the axle of the sprocket and fastened by a nut. The socket wrench has another end opposite to the hub that has an elongate sliding track formed on the bottom side to slidable hold a pair of first bearings of an auxiliary bar. The auxiliary bar has a steel ring on the bottom end with a pair of second bearings coupled on two sides to allow a shaft of a pedal to run through. The socket wrench can increase the moment of force to save manual stepping labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ho Luen Corp.
    Inventor: Yi Pin Wei
  • Patent number: 7753386
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Drymalski
  • Patent number: 7726679
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maneuvering a trailer having jockey wheel assembly comprising a ground engaging wheel (33) rotatably mounted on an axle (34). The apparatus comprising a link member (20) which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the jockey wheel assembly adjacent the axle (34) and a lever assembly (10) removably securable to said link (20) and adapted to engage a peripheral surface (39) of said wheel (33), whereby movement of said lever (10) rotates said wheel (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Walter Bernard Albert Leuermann
  • Publication number: 20090261552
    Abstract: The present invention provides a propulsion assembly for a bicycle. The propulsion assembly includes a support member that at least extends from the bicycle frame to a distal end spaced-apart from the rear wheel. The assembly includes a first drive mechanism rotatably mounted on the frame and axially connected to the rear wheel for transmitting motion thereto. A second drive mechanism is rotatably mounted at the distal end of the support member and coupled with the first drive mechanism. Ratchet mechanisms axially extend from the second drive mechanism and connect to a pair of elongate members having pedals. The pedals are movable from an upper position to a lower position for transmitting one-way rotational power to the second drive mechanism. There is a means for selectively returning the pair of elongate members from the lower position to the upper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald McIsaac
  • Patent number: 7581742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the drive assembly coupled with the pedal thereon the frame, and the transmission assemblies rotated by the drive assembly. Thereby to step on the pedal repeatedly rotates the transmission assemblies to make the wheel rotate in single direction. Therefore, the invention can first enhance the operating stability and then get the exercise effect while the user kicks the ground to propel the pedal scooter and steps on the pedal repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Po-Lin Chiu, Shern-Ji Tsay, Ching Piao-Chang
  • Patent number: 7510201
    Abstract: A bicycle free from the conditions of having any part of the bicycle in the area between its wheels or horizontally adjacent to that area, except its pedal member and frontal portions of levers. A bicycle with two lever propulsion (14 and 15) machines having two levers formed in an approximate “L” shape. The shorter side of the “L” would be closely vertical and longer side would be closely horizontal when either lever is rotated to its lowest position. The pedaling system can also reciprocate with use of a high strength chain 6, having ends connected to the mid-portion of its levers. This chain 6 can be pulled over at least one mounted sprocket 56, mounted to the frame 4. Each lever is suspended above the ground by their connection to a member pivotal arm 53 suspended within the frame 4. The bicycle further has a reverse mechanism 30 to enable the bicycle to move backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Rashad Na'im Scarborough
  • Patent number: 7487987
    Abstract: This invention is a user-propelled riding toy. A platform on which a user stands is supported by at least two wheels; and a geartrain mounts to the wheels. The geartrain is adapted to receive a downward force from the pedals, and translate a portion of the downward force into a rotational force on the wheels. The geartrain also provides an upward return force acting on the pedal. The platform is propelled forward direction by the rotational force on the wheels. When one pedal is pressed down, the other pedal will be raised simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ningbo Landsurf Sports Equipment Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui Yan
  • Publication number: 20090020979
    Abstract: An automatically driving force releasing type one way rotation driving instrument for a wheelchair includes a one way clutch 50 for transmitting a driving force only when an output shaft 50b is connected to a drive wheel 13 of a wheelchair 10 and an input shaft 50a is driven in the direction in which the wheelchair 10 is moved forwardly, a rope member 35 which is wound around at least one part of an outer periphery of the input shaft 50a of the one way clutch 50, pulling means 32 and 33 for pulling one end of the rope member 35 with respect to a central part thereof in a direction away from the input shaft 50a, and restraining means 36 for restraining the other end of the rope member 35 with respect to the central part thereof from moving in the direction of the input shaft 50a due to pulling with the pulling means 32 and 33.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Japan Labour Health and Welfare Organization
    Inventors: Eiichi Genda, Kazushige Ohta
  • Patent number: 7445223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle drive unit that moves forward and backward and idles upon clockwise and counterclockwise pedaling, comprising: a drive shaft having one end located in an inner bearings of an internal bearing housing integrally formed with a rotary plate and the other end fixed to a clockwise one-way clutch and the inner wheel of a counterclockwise one-way clutch by means of a sunk key; a counterclockwise one-way clutch having a central gear press-fitted on its outer wheel; a ring gear engaged with the turnabout gear; a gear flange connected to a ring gear by means of a locking screw; a bearing housing of a dual structure consisting of an outer bearing housing having outer bearings; a brace attached to the outer circumference of the outer bearing housing by means of the locking screw; a detent pin unit for curving the internal bearing housing and the rotary plate; and a bicycle backward movement control unit having a hand lever and a detent latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jae Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 7370873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle drive unit of multiple pedaling modes, comprising a drive shaft on one side having a counterclockwise one-way clutch and a clockwise one-way clutch coupled thereto by means of sunk keys and the drive shaft is engaged with a ring gear having an outer circumference attached to a chain sprocket; a plurality of hollow turnabout gears engaged with the central gear of the drive shaft; a drive shaft on the other side having one side rotatably inserted into an inner bearing housing that is integrally formed with the rotary plate and the other side coupled to the inner wheels of the clockwise one-way clutch and the counterclockwise one-way clutch by means of the sunk keys and a plurality of turnabout gears, a two-way turnabout gear and a hollow turnabout gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Jae Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 7300065
    Abstract: A body weight-activated scooter having a rear, vertical chassis section and at least one front steering wheel mounted on a front chassis section and at least one rear drive-wheel, the scooter provided with a pair of systems substantially in alignment with a vertical gravity line for transferring power to at least one rear drive-wheel, each of the pair of systems comprising: a treadle bearing most of the weight of a rider at a heelward end; a weight-vector wheel; a return tension means; and an over-running clutch drive connected to the at least one rear drive-wheel and linked to the weight-vector wheel via a linking means, the over-running clutch drive providing sustained forward thrust when the treadle is depressed by the weight of a rider on the heelward end and the scooter is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Yair Tal
  • Patent number: 7195264
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Drymalski
  • Patent number: 6796570
    Abstract: A scooter includes a main frame, a tread board, a oneway bearing, and a linkage. Thus, the user can tread the pedal of the tread board successively to move the scooter forward, and the user's two feet need not to leave the main frame of the scooter, thereby facilitating the user operating the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Hung-Shen Chang
  • Patent number: 6764089
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Drymalski
  • Patent number: 6749211
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cycle, such as a bicycle, having reciprocal pedal levers for propelling at least one wheel of the cycle. The cycle has a frame that includes a rack, a left pedal lever with a rack and a right pedal lever with a rack. A pinion is carried on the frame with the pinion in simultaneous engagement with the racks on the frame and the pedal levers. A plurality of bearings are mounted around the pinion comprising at least a first bearing providing rotation between the pinion and the frame, a second bearing providing rotation between the pinion and the right pedal lever, and a third bearing providing rotation between the pinion and the left pedal lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Hugo H. Yliniemi
  • Patent number: 6688624
    Abstract: A front wheel of a scooter is pivotally mounted to a frame and includes an upwardly extending shaft supporting a handlebar for steering the scooter. A footpad or peg or pedal, mounted on a spring returned lever, is interconnected with the rear wheel through a gear mechanism supported by the frame. By pumping the footpad, rotation of the rear wheel and forward motion of the scooter occurs. The gear mechanism includes a first gear or sprocket mounted for rotation about the arms of rotation of the rear wheel. A further sprocket coaxially mounted is linked via a drive-chain to a sprocket on an offset shaft. A further sprocket on the offset shaft drives a final, drive sprocket via a further chain. And the final sprocket drives the rear wheel through a one way clutch. Depression of the footpad, peg or pedal moves a rack-like bar longitudinally. The bar is in engagement with and drives the first gear or sprocket. The bar may carry drive-chain cross-members or pins that engage the teeth of the first sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: GCP, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Christensen, Lewis Ghiz, Jonathan L. Perryman
  • Patent number: 6648355
    Abstract: Step pedal apparatus includes a pair of step pedals pivotally connected to a frame. The frame supports a front wheel and a rear drive wheel. The step pedals are coupled to a shaft for rotating the shaft on their downward pivoting through a pair of one way clutches. The step pedals operate independently of each other. The shaft is disposed between the step pedals and the rear wheel and is coupled to the rear wheel by a chain and a pair of sprockets. One sprocket is secured to and rotatable with the shaft and the other sprocket is coupled to the rear drive wheel. The step pedals are stabilized by a pair of arms coupled respectively to the step pedals and to the frame. The step pedals are indepedently coupled to the clutches by chains or cables extending between the frame and the clutches and rotate the clutches in response to the downward pivoting of the step pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Craig S. Ridenhour
  • Patent number: 6648354
    Abstract: The wheelchair incorporates a telescoping pivoting input lever. At its lower end, the lever carries a footrest for securement to the user's feet. At its upper end, the lever is connected to a horizontal shaft rotatably mounted to the wheelchair frame, at an elevation below the top surface of the seat. The user pivots his lower legs about the knee joints to produce an oscillating pivoting motion. A drive assembly, incorporating the shaft, engages the lever with a rear wheel of the wheelchair. The drive assembly functions to convert the oscillating pivoting motion to forward rotational motion and to transmit this motion to the wheel to drive it. The telescopic nature of the lever enables the user's knees to remain stationary. Means are provided to regulate the length of the lever so that the footrest supports the lower legs. Means are also provided for manually engaging or disengaging the drive assembly so that the user can put the wheels into free-wheeling mode, when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Biomotion Ltd.
    Inventor: Kelvin B. James
  • Patent number: 6634662
    Abstract: A driving shaft device of a toy twist car is disclosed. The toy twist car has a car body. A rear side of the car body has an idle wheel and a front end thereof is installed with a vertical driving shaft. A handle is installed and perpendicular to the driving shaft. A lower end of the driving shaft is vertically installed with a driving seat which is extended horizontally. A rear end of the driving seat is installed with two driving wheels at a right and left sides of the driving seat. The driving shaft is a rod body, an axial rod encloses the rod body. A lower and an upper ends of the rod body have outer threads. Surfaces of the rod body and axial rod are formed with buckling structures and a lower end of the axial rod is formed with a connecting shaft and a shoulder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Hong-Jiun Gu
  • Publication number: 20030193160
    Abstract: A pedal scooter comprises a frame carrying a steerable front ground wheel and at least one rear ground wheel. At least one reciprocating pedal is pivotally mounted to the frame about a pedal axis and has a foot engaging surface positioned rearward of the pedal axis. A flywheel is mounted for rotation on the frame. One-way drive connections between the reciprocating pedal and the flywheel and between the flywheel and the rear ground wheel are provided. Downward pivotal movement of the reciprocating pedal by application of the user's foot to the foot engaging surface causes rotation of the flywheel in a drive direction, which in turn causes rotation of the rear ground wheel in the drive direction. Upward pivotal return movement of the reciprocating pedal is possible without preventing continued rotation of the flywheel and the rear ground wheels in the drive direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Tuncer Mehmet
  • Publication number: 20030193159
    Abstract: Step pedal apparatus includes a pair of step pedals pivotally connected to a frame. The frame supports a front wheel and a rear drive wheel. The step pedals are coupled to a shaft for rotating the shaft on their downward pivoting through a pair of one way clutches. The step pedals operate independently of each other. The shaft is disposed between the step pedals and the rear wheel and is coupled to the rear wheel by a chain and a pair of sprockets. One sprocket is secured to and rotatable with the shaft and the other sprocket is coupled to the rear drive wheel. The step pedals are stabilized by a pair of arms coupled respectively to the step pedals and to the frame. The step pedals are independently coupled to the clutches by chains or cables extending between the frame and the clutches and rotate the clutches in response to the downward pivoting of the step pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Craig S. Ridenhour
  • Patent number: 6619682
    Abstract: An occupant propelled vehicle is provided that includes a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, front and rear wheels, a platform, a steering mechanism and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include a drive sprocket mounted on the frame, a driven sprocket, an endless chain provided around the drive sprocket and driven sprocket, and a pedal for an occupant to drive the drive sprocket and propel the vehicle in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Cactus Marketing Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nevin P. Carr, David P. Maurer
  • Patent number: 6595535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle and like, having a rear wheel (22) or flywheel, and provided with a pedal group comprising a central shaft and a gear wheel (5) integrally coupled each other, a left crank (1) and a right crank (1), coupled on the two ends of the central shaft, characterised in that a pedal crank (7) is rotatably coupled with each one of said left and right cranks (1) by mechanical means (6, 8, 10) creating a freewheel like mechanism between the crank (1) and the corresponding pedal crank (7), a pedal (12) being coupled with one end of each one of the two pedal cranks (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: E.R.L. Invenzioni S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ernesto Farina
  • Patent number: 6540648
    Abstract: An improved exerciser bike includes a frame having a front wheel and a handle for steering the front wheel, and includes two rear wheel axles. Two rear wheels are rotatably secured to the rear wheel axles. Each of the foot supports has a middle portion pivotally coupled to the frame. Two chains are engaged on the ratchet sprocket wheels. Each chain is first connected to a wire element which winds on a pulley and then connected to a resilient element and finally secured to an extension rod of the frame. So, the resilient element's length can be designed to be longer to magnify the restoring force and prolong the life of the resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Chao Chao
  • Patent number: 6499747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually powered vehicle, such as a child's ride-on toy. The vehicle is powered by a rocking, or up-and-down, motion of the rider. The rocking motion is mechanically translated into a force for propelling the ride-on vehicle via one or more ratcheting levers. The vehicle has two front, driven wheels and a single, rear steerable wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph S. Fagan
  • Patent number: 6402173
    Abstract: A gravity tricycle is driven by a power-saving drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Hsien-Chang Chiu
  • Patent number: 6382043
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission assembly comprises a gear shifting device and a reciprocating pedal device that are mounted to a bicycle frame. The reciprocating pedal device comprises a reverse gear train consisting of a first reverse gear and a second reverse gear to make two pedal rods move horizontally and reciprocatingly. Swaying movements of the pedal rods drive a single direction gear mechanism. The gear shifting device comprises a first idler gear and a second idler gear that are meshed with each other. A follower gear and the first idler gear are coaxially mounted with each other. The follower gear is connected to a single direction gear of the reciprocating pedal device via a transmission element. Pivotal movements of a gear shifting lever cause rotational movements of the carrier member such that the first idler gear or the second idler gear is meshed with a transmission gear to thereby drive the wheels of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ruey-chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 6311998
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: Leao Wang, Peter Wu
  • Patent number: 6299189
    Abstract: An exerciser bike includes a frame having a front wheel and a handle for steering the front wheel, and includes two rear wheel axles. Two rear wheels are rotatably secured to the rear wheel axles by two ratchet sprocket wheels. Two foot supports each has a middle portion pivotally coupled to the frame. Two chains are engaged on the ratchet sprocket wheels and each has two ends both secured to the foot support. The exerciser bike may be turned with the rear wheels when the rear wheels are actuated with different speeds. So, this invention is safe, stable and easy to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Yu-Chao Chao
  • Patent number: 6220615
    Abstract: A therapeutic wheelchair that includes an auxiliary frame attached to the main frame of the wheelchair. An auxiliary drive wheel is mounted in the auxiliary frame and is coupled through a drive linkage to a pair of leg operated levers whereby the auxiliary drive wheel is rotated as the levers are moved up and down to propel the wheelchair. A lifting mechanism is provided for raising the auxiliary drive wheel so that the wheel can be driven through the levers without propelling the wheelchair to provide therapy to a person confined to the chair or alternatively, allowing the chair to be used in a conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: H. F. Brown Machine Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Chubbuck