Abstract: A shock absorber for mounting between a first frame member and a second frame member of a bicycle includes a first member adapted to couple to the first frame member and a second member disposed within the first member and adapted to couple to the second frame member. The first and second members rotate relative to each other, and an elastic member is disposed between the first member and the second member so that the elastic member expands and contracts in response to relative rotation of the first member and the second member. A linking mechanism couples the first member with the second member so that the first member and the second member are axially and radially immovable relative to each other.

Abstract: A manually operated travelling vehicle with an auxiliary power device, which can detect a rotating torque applied to a rotating crank shaft (40) in non-contact manner. Supported on a body (15) is a manually operated prime mover wheel (5). A rotating coil (201) is provided coaxially on the prime mover wheel (5). A variable impedance device (202) is electrically connected to the rotating coil (201) such that impedance changes depending upon a load applied to the prime mover wheel (5). A stationary coil (101) is fixed to the body (15) to be coaxial with and spaced from the rotating coil (201) with a predetermined interval therebetween and is electromagnetically connected to the rotating coil (201). A detection circuit (109) is connected to the stationary coil (101) to detect a change in current or voltage applied to the stationary coil (101) from the rotating coil (201) in accordance with an impedance change in the variable impedance device (202).

Abstract: A variable pedal driving device for a bicycle, the device allowing the bicycle pedals to slide along crankshafts during operation of the device. Each pedal is coupled to a slide pipe slidably mounted on a crankshaft. The slide pipe is in turn connected to an eccentric member mounted on the main shaft of the driving device. When a pedal is driven in a forward direction, the eccentric member causes the pedal to extend out to a maximum distance from the main shaft, for more efficient driving of the bicycle.

Abstract: A shock absorbing member includes a first elastic body and a second elastic body at least partially overlapping the first elastic body in a rotational direction of a first member and the second member. An elasticity of the first elastic body is different from an elasticity of the second elastic body.

Abstract: A light-weight, strong and rigid rotatable spindle assembly utilizing a two-piece spindle suitable for employment in a variety of spindle applications, and in particular in a bicycle crankshaft assembly. Each spindle piece is integrally joined to a crank arm, and this joint, as well as the joint of the crank arm and the pedal tube, is reinforced with gussets. The two spindle pieces themselves are connected by means of a simple allen bolt within the interior of the bottom bracket shell, and this connection is thereby protected from the elements. As the two spindle pieces are pulled together by the allen bolt, they exert opposing forces on the inner race of a cartridge bearing, thereby fixing the lateral location of the spindle within the bottom bracket without exerting pre-load on the bearings. Proper alignment is easily accomplished by means of one or more spacers placed on either side of this inner race of the cartridge bearing.

Abstract: A rotary drive for a front wheel gear drive bicycle is described in which a front wheel gear assembly disposed on the hub of the front wheel, a torque balancing gear assembly disposed to the head tube of the bicycle, and a pedal gear assembly incorporated into the crank axle at the bottom bracket. They are all interconnected by a rigid coupling and a conventional multiple speed gear assembly can be incorporated in the system to select a preferred riding speed. The front wheel gear assembly, together with the torque balancing gear assembly, allow an efficient front wheel drive with smooth and stable steering and provides a mechanism for a true all terrain bicycle.

Abstract: The crankset for the driving of bicycles and other vehicles or machines by muscular force includes two coaxial crank spindles (8, 9), mounted in a bottom bracket tube and each provided with a radial arm (20, 22) beside one or more toothed chain rings driving a chain transmission. The chain ring carrier (15) has an axis (25) offset forwards with respect to the spindles and it is coupled to each radial arm by an articulated connecting rod. Sealing gaskets (42, 46, 53) are placed within the bottom bracket tube (2) and between both spindles to protect the spindle bearings (41, 45, 48, 51) as regards the exterior. The chain ring carrier (15) is mounted by sealed roller bearings (27) on an adjustable eccentric member (26) to adjust the direction of eccentricity. The two articulations (34) of the connecting rods on the chain ring carrier can be situated substantially facing the respective cranks (11, 13).

Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle includes a crank arm body having a pedal attachment hole on a first end thereof and a spindle attachment hole on a second end thereof. The crank arm body defines an elongated interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity is open to an exterior of the crank arm body. The opening can be used to access the cavity during and after manufacturing. In the method used to form the crank arm body according to the present invention, a sand mold core is positioned into a casting mold so that a melt space is formed around the sand mold core, molten metal is poured into the casting mold, and the molten metal is solidified to form a crank billet. Sand is preferably removed through an opening in the crank billet. This may be accomplished by drilling the crank billet to form the pedal attachment hole in a location that communicates with the sand mold and then removing sand through the pedal attachment hole.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal crank mounting arrangement in which two wheel boards are fixedly fastened to two opposite ends of a bottom bracket bearing axle of a bicycle, two flat-plate counter weights are respectively fixedly fastened to the wheel boards at an eccentric location in reversed directions, and two pedal assemblies are respectively fastened to the flat-plate counter weights for pedaling by legs to rotate the wheel boards, the bottom bracket bearing axle and the chain wheel being mounted on the bottom bracket bearing axle.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a bicycle comprising a pump unit driven by the rotation of the bicycle pedals, a hydraulic motor driven by the pump unit, a conduit system creating a closed hydraulic system for circulating hydraulic fluid between the pump unit and the hydraulic motor, and a pressure regulator for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump unit to the hydraulic motor and thereby controlling the speed at which the bicycle is propelled. The pump unit has a first gear assembly having teeth with a face width w.sub.1 and a whole depth d.sub.1 and the hydraulic motor has a second gear assembly having teeth with a face width w.sub.2 and a whole depth d.sub.2. The teeth upon the respective gear assemblies mesh together to form inter-tooth pockets which facilitates hydraulic fluid transfer about the closed hydraulic system. The rotary motion relationship between the first and second gear assemblies of the present invention, as defined by their respective teeth, may vary from approximately 2.

Abstract: A bottom bracket bearing assembly for bicycles comprising a plain axle 1 into which the inner rings of bearings 4, 4' employing steel rollers 3 or balls 3' may be pressed, the outer tracks of the bearings being provided within bracket cups 2, 2', whose outer diameters are adapted to be secured into the ends of the bracket shell 5. The bearings are held between pedal crank 8 and chain wheel 9 with a washer or a spring washer 6, expanding distance pieces 12, 13, or any suitable combination thereof. Pedal crank 8 or chain wheel crank 9 may be built into the axle.

Abstract: A crank assembly for a bicycle uses a plurality of auxiliary sprockets and chains to achieve high ratios of wheel speed to pedal-rotation speed. The compact crank assembly is especially well suited for use on full-suspension bicycles, as high gear ratios are attained without altering the normal size and layout of the main sprocket and drive chain of the bicycle. The auxiliary sprockets may be coupled by a simple axle or, alternatively, may be coupled by a rider-adjustable transmission to provide greater control over the gear ratio of the crank assembly.

Abstract: A crank gearwheel assembly for use with a bicycle, mainly includes a hollow crank body and a pair of integrated gearwheels of different diameters coupled to the crank body thereby avoiding an angular deviation between the gearwheels, and offering easy assembly, accurate speed-change, and reduced weight for a more light and speedy bicycle.

Abstract: A chainless transmission mechanism for a bicycle, including a casing mounted in a bottom bracket to hold a bottom bracket bearing axle, permitting the bottom bracket bearing axle to be driven by pedals to turn a rear-wheel hub through a transmission shaft and two transmission gear sets, wherein the bottom bracket has a first end, a second end, and a notch at the second end thereof; the casing is a cylindrical shell inserted through the bottom bracket, having a first end secured to the bottom bracket outside the first end of the bottom bracket by a clamp, a second end disposed outside the second end of the bottom bracket, and a hollow projecting block raised from its second end and forced into engagement with the notch at the second end of the bottom bracket.

Abstract: A drive system for a tandem bicycle (10) to allow a captain or a stoker to pedal independently of one another. A unidirectional bearing, e.g., a freewheel assembly (24) is incorporated in a captain crank assembly (20), a stoker crank assembly (100), or both assemblies. In the preferred embodiment of the captain crank assembly, a first adapter plate (36) and a second adapter plate (38) attach the freewheel assembly to a chainring (34). In the preferred embodiment of the stoker crank assembly, a first adapter plate (102) and a second adapter plate (104) attach the freewheel assembly to four chainrings (114, 128, 130, 134). The captain crank assembly is coupled to the stoker crank assembly by a single chain (12), and the stoker crank assembly is coupled to a rear hub (18) of the bicycle by a single chain (14). When the freewheel assembly is incorporated in both the captain crank assembly and the stoker crank assembly, either rider may stop pedaling while the other rider continues to pedal forward.

Abstract: A device for transmitting power between mechanical movements which includes a fluid pump coupled to a first mechanical movement for pumping a fluid, a fluid motor coupled to a second mechanical movement and a manifold connecting the fluid pump and the fluid motor capable of conducting fluid output from the fluid pump to the fluid motor to drive the fluid motor and recirculate the fluid back to said fluid pump. Either the fluid pump and/or the fluid motor incorporates a conjugate drive motion translator. The power transmission is suitable for use on a bicycle replacing the typical gears and chain and preferably includes a shunt to permit the motor to override the pump, an apportionment valve to control the ratio of movement between a first and second mechanical movement, and a brake valve for stopping the second mechanical movement. Either the fluid pump and/or fluid motor may be of a variable output design incorporating a crankshaft of variable stroke, adjustable on-the-fly.

Abstract: A bicycle is disclosed with a rhombus-like (preferably 60.degree.-120 .degree.), with circularly curved apexes, drive sprocket gear and a circular driven sprocket on the ear driven wheel. This gear arrangement varies the overall power input from the drive sprocket to the driven gear. The shape of the drive sprocket and the location of the drive pedal changes the gear ratio so that a low gear ratio is utilized during the horizontal portion of movement of the cyclist's legs and a high gear ratio is utilized during the vertical movement of the legs. The gear ratio with the rhomboidal gear is relatively constant during horizontal movement and abruptly changes at the approach to and during vertical movement of the cyclist's legs. While the rhombus-like, with circularly curved apexes, gear is shown primarily for bicycles it may be used in other systems for converting reciprocal to rotary movement with a change in gear ratio.

Abstract: A new bicycle with improved pedaling efficiency for allowing a length of crank arms to change during pedaling. The inventive device includes a pair of crank shafts secured to opposing ends of an existing sprocket shaft of a bicycle. Each of the crank shafts have an elongated slot extending a length thereof. Each of the crank shafts have a sliding bearing coupled with upper free ends thereof. Each of the sliding bearings have a roller disposed on a rear surface thereof. The rollers are coupled with a pair of circular races. The circular races each have a circular track for receiving the rollers therein. The circular races are coupled with the existing sprocket shafts of the bicycle. A pair of pedals are secured within the elongated slots of the pair of crank shafts. The pair of pedals have interior shaft portions secured to the sliding bearings.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided with a frame and a drive portion. The frame is at least partially hollow, and at least part of the drive portion is disposed in an interior of the frame. The drive portion includes a crank and a plurality of transmission means, in which one of the transmission means rotates another transmission means at a rotational speed higher than a rotational speed of the crank, which in turn rotates the rear wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: An alternating drive for wheeled vehicles comprises two opposite pedals which can move on a circular path about a pedal shaft secured on the cycle frame. The alternating drive is characterized in that it is equipped with two cranks (26, 27; 26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) which can be moved within a predetermined oscillating angle range about an auxiliary shaft (25) secured to the frame (10). Between the cranks (26, 27; 26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) and the pedals (21) is a driver connection which transforms the circular motion into an alternating oscillating motion with phases mutually offset by a half oscillation period. Disposed on each side of the axle (50) of the driven wheel (12) is a free-wheel mechanism (56, 57). The free-wheel mechanism (56, 57) lock in opposite direction and are connected to the individual cranks (26, 27; 26a, 27a; 26b, 27b) by mutually independent traction elements (29; 82, 83).

Abstract: A bicycle of a type capable of wheeling with a minimized pedalling force. The bicycle includes an internally threaded ring gear provided at a free end of a crank arm for applying a driving force to a wheel, an externally threaded gear rotatable in engagement with the internally threaded ring gear. The internally threaded ring gear and the externally threaded gear have a gear ratio chosen to be 2:1. A pedal having a tread is fixed to the externally threaded gear with the tread assuming an upwardly oriented, horizontal position when the free end of the crank arm is oriented forward from a crankshaft providing an axis of rotation of the crank arm and, at the same time, a portion of gear teeth of the internally threaded ring gear furthest from the crankshaft is engaged with the externally threaded gear.

Abstract: This invention is a bicycle torque detection apparatus for a bicycle having a pair of cranks each having a pedal, and a rotating shaft supporting the cranks to allow a user to step on the pedal to turn the cranks and drive a gear engaged with a chain. It comprises a detection section or rotating shaft consisting of magnetic alloy having magnetic anisotropy, the permeability of said detection section or rotating shaft being changed by torsional stress caused by the rotation of the cranks, and a coil unit disposed on the outer circumference of the detection section or rotating shaft to detect a change in the permeability of the detection section or rotating shaft.

Abstract: The bicycle gear crank arresting device comprises an axle, a first arresting member and a second arresting member. The axle is fastened pivotally with the five-way tube of a bicycle frame and is provided with a rotary rod. The first arresting member comprises a crank portion having an arcuate section and a linear section, which are connected at an intersection where an inclined line extending from the midpoint of the axis of the axle and forming a predetermined angle with the axis of the axle meets with a straight line extending from the outer side of the gear piece of the first arresting member for a predetermined distance. The linear section is perpendicular to the axis of the axle. The second arresting member has a crank portion corresponding in profile to the crank portion of the first arresting member. The first arresting member and the second arresting member are fastened with the rotary rod of the axle.

Abstract: A device for transmitting power between mechanical movements which includes a fluid pump coupled to a first mechanical movement for pumping a fluid, a fluid motor coupled to a second mechanical movement and a manifold connecting the fluid pump and the fluid motor capable of conducting fluid output from the fluid pump to the fluid motor to drive the fluid motor and recirculate the fluid back to said fluid pump. Either the fluid pump and/or the fluid motor incorporates a conjugate drive motion translator. The power transmission is suitable for use on a bicycle replacing the typical gears and chain and preferably includes a shunt to permit the motor to override the pump, an apportionment valve to control the ratio of movement between a first and second mechanical movement, and a brake valve for stopping the second mechanical movement.

Abstract: The crank arm of a bicycle is selectively shortened by removing the pedal and attaching one end of the shortener to the pedal opening in the crank arm, with the other end of the shortener being locked to the crank arm by a pair of cams positioned against opposite side edges of the crank arm. Rotation of bolts through the eccentrically mounted cams causes the cams to snugly engage the crank arm side edges to lock the shortener to the crank arm.

Abstract: A transmission assembly has a front transmission device, a rear transmission device, and a soft shaft connected to the front and rear transmission devices. Each transmission device has a fixed disk, a driving disk, a transmission gear, a casing, a connector, a bearing, a cushion, and a retarder. The driving disk is positioned on the fixed disk by a plurality of rivets. A large number of square holes are formed on the driving disk. The square hole receives a gear tooth of the transmission gear. The transmission gear and the retarder are connected pivotally. The retarder and a connector are connected pivotally also. The retarder comprises at least two intermeshed retarding gears. The connector is connected to the soft shaft. The transmission device is enclosed by a casing.

Abstract: A pedalling device, notably usable for all-surface bikes, comprises a pair of cranks in mechanical connection with a crank-gear spindle, and actuating means able to occupy a first pedalling state allowing direct mechanical transmission of the torque exerted by the pedals in the pedalling direction by means of a rigid coupling in rotation of the two cranks with respect to the transmission means, and a second shock-absorbing state making use of a suspension device procuring flexible coupling in rotation of the two cranks with respect to the frame when the user is pressing on both pedals exerting opposing forces without pedalling. The actuating means comprise a half-moon securedly united to the crank-gear spindle, and a cradle securedly united to the corresponding crank, in such a way as to be securedly united in the first conventional pedalling state, and independent from one another in the second state following a relative rocking movement determined by operation of the suspension device.

Abstract: A cycle is convertible between a standard cycle configuration for normal cycling and an exercise configuration in which the cycle is propelled forwards by alternate saddle strokes, and pedal strokes, the saddle stroke comprising putting the cyclist's weight on the saddle which moves downwardly driving the crank shaft and bringing the two in-phase pedals upwardly, the pedal stroke comprising pressing down on both pedals to bring the saddle up again. In the exercise configuration the cycle is prevented form stalling by an arrangement whereby when the pedals are at bottom dead center the weight on the saddle is applied to the crank at an angle to the vertical to maintain forward propulsion, and whereby when the saddle is at bottom dead center the pedals are just forward of top dead center so as to maintain forward propulsion. In the exercise configuration the pedals may be constrained to rotate in one direction only by means of a ratchet mechanism thereby preventing the pedals hitting the cyclist on the shins.

Abstract: A continuously variable friction drive transmission for a bicycle is provided by driving the rear bicycle wheel by frictional engagement with a rotating rim driver. The rim driver has a lateral conical surface matching a lateral conical surface of a driver plate. A transmission driver wheel is selectively positioned between the lateral conical surfaces of the rim driver and driver plate. The position along a shifting arm of the transmission driver wheel determines the speed ratios obtained between the driver plate and rim driver. The driver plate is then rotated by the pedal assembly through a speed increasing coupling. The transmission driver wheel is always in contact with the driver plate.

Abstract: A shiftable pedal bearing gearing for use in a pedal bearing of a type having a pedal bearing housing and a crank axle axially traversing the pedal bearing housing and carrying at least one pedal crank, for use in a bicycle or the like, includes a chainwheel mounted on the crank axle and a disk extending parallel to the chainwheel. Arranged between the chainwheel and the disk is a coupler which is rotatably mounted on the crank axle and movable in axial direction between two switching positions. The coupler, on the one hand, and the chainwheel and disk, on the other hand, have opposing sides of complementary configuration to allow interlocking or form-fitting connection at uniform surface pressure between said coupler and the chainwheel in one switching position and the disk in the other switching position.

Abstract: Non-circular front chain wheel for a crank gear is comprised of a crank gear wheel allowing to a progressive increase of the cycling torque from the dead point up to the point where the extension of the leg allows to create the maximum effort, due to a progressive variation of the primitive radius of the toothing between these two points, followed by a rapid decrease to the next dead point. The principle is that the force to be provided is proportional to the muscular force that the user may provide. The non-circular front chain wheel essentially pertains to the cycle industry but may also find applications in other fields, for example physical exercisers for body building or reeducation, and in general all apparatus utilizing cycling motion and a chain or belt transmission system between the front wheel or wheels of the crank gear and one or a plurality of pinions actuating the device to be driven.

Abstract: A multiple sprocket chainwheel for bicycle derailleurs to drive a hub bushing on the rear wheel by means of at least two sprockets which have different numbers of teeth, and which are located non-rotationally on a chainwheel bushing, whereby spacing connecting rings with bearings and a drive bushing are located between the sprockets, which drive bushing is driven in the driving direction by the chainwheel bushing by means of a freewheel mechanism, whereby the connecting rings have clamping projections which can be inserted into clamping points on the sprockets, which makes possible it possible to have an alternating arrangement in series of a sprocket, a connecting ring, a sprocket, a connecting ring etc. The desired position of one sprocket in relation to another is achieved when a guide tooth on the inside diameter of the one sprocket coincides with the guide tooth on another sprocket.

Abstract: The invention is a variable mechanical transmission for converting a rotary input into a rotary output. The transmission includes a spindle for mounting, allowing for rotation in response to the rotary input, a hub mounted on the spindle for rotation therewith, and a plurality of elongate arms. The arms are each pivotally mounted on the hub, with the pivoting axes of the arms being arranged about the spindle axis. Each arm carries at its outer end a clutched pinion which rotates in one direction only. The pinions engage the teeth of a gear. The gear is mountable on a frame for rotation about a gear axis paralleling the spindle axis and also for movement on a frame between concentric and extreme eccentric positions, at which the gear axis has a minimal and maximal displacement, respectively, from the hub axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a pedal-powered two-rider four-wheel vehicle which has a general configuration of two bicycles attached in a side-by-side relationship. The four-wheel vehicle includes four mechanisms which are utilized to construct the present invention: (a) a "king-pin" front-wheel steering system; (b) a differential axle; (c) an intermediate driving shaft; and (d) a unified brake system.

Abstract: A child's tricycle comprising a pair of rear wheels, a front wheel, a seat positioned between the front and rear wheels, a support for the seat extending between the front and rear wheels, a handle for steering, and a steering fork having an upper end for supporting the handle and a bifurcated lower end for supporting the front wheel. A one-piece crank extends through the front wheel and defines outer ends disposed on opposite sides of the front wheel for holding pedals whereby a child can propel the tricycle by applying foot pressure to the pedals to thereby turn the crank and associated front wheel. A driving connection between the crank and front wheel is provided by a centrally located bend in the crank, and a centrally located opening defined by the front wheel snugly receiving the bend. A head tube is eliminated by using a steering fork and steering wheel telescoping combination which extends through vertically-aligned openings in the tubular support extending longitudinally of the tricycle.

Abstract: A light-weight, strong and rigid bicycle crankshaft assembly utilizing a two-piece spindle. Each spindle piece is integrally joined to a crank arm, and this joint, as well as the joint of the crank arm and the pedal tube, is reinforced with gussets. The two spindle pieces themselves are connected by means of a simple allen bolt within the interior of the bottom bracket shell, and this connection is thereby protected from the elements. As the two spindle pieces are pulled together by the allen bolt, they exert opposing forces on the inner race of a cartridge bearing, thereby fixing the lateral location of the spindle within the bottom bracket without exerting pre-load on the bearings. Proper alignment is easily accomplished by means of one or more spacers placed on either side of this inner race of the cartridge bearing.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal arm is mounted on an occupant powered vehicle. The pedal arm is elongated and tubular, extending from one end, mounting pedals and cranks, to a remaining end that is pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame for adjustable pivotal movement about an axis. An internal drive assembly is provided within the pedal arm, extending from the crank arms to the remaining end of the pedal arm. An external drive assembly connects the internal drive assembly to at least one of the vehicle wheels. An adjuster is mounted between the pedal arm and vehicle frame to permit selective adjustment of the pedal position relative to the occupant seat. The pedal arm with the use of a pedal arm adjuster, pivots about a jack shaft located on the vehicle frame to meet the occupant's preferred pedal position.

Abstract: A balance-shifted personal carriage (19) designed for physically challenged persons such as paraplegics confined to wheelchairs. The carriage (19) basically consists of a base frame assembly (13) that supports a seating assembly (15) a pair of free pivoting wheels (18) located in the front, a pair of steerable wheels (20) controlled by the rider and located in the back, and a centrally located power wheel (22) that is controlled by the rider. The balanced-shifted carriage (19) is operated in either of two modes of operation: in Mode 1, the rider shifts their weight backwards to allow the steerable wheels to contact the floor at which time the power wheel (2) is made to rotate to propel the carriage; in Mode 2, the rider shifts their weight forward to cause the steerable wheels (20)to rise and allow the pivoting wheels (12) to contact the floor allowing the rider to pivot and move the carriage away from an obstacle.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is disclosed that has infinitely variable ratio without any need to reduce or remove power during shifts, requires very little effort to shift, and requires little or no effort to maintain shift position after shifting. It provides the ability to use single wheel drive, or multi-wheel drive with traction control, selectably. This invention may be used to power bicycles, but is not limited to bicycles as it may be built in any size or configuration.

Abstract: A rider propelled vehicle includes a frame having a hub portion. Each of two cranks has a crank shaft extending into the hub portion and mounted on the hub portion for rotation relative thereto independent of the other crank shaft. Both of the cranks can be rotated through a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position in which the force applied by the rider to the crank for propulsion of the vehicle is at a minimum. An output shaft extending from within the hub portion is operatively connected to a drive wheel of the vehicle for driving rotation of the drive wheel to propel the vehicle. The output shaft is mounted on the hub portion for rotation relative to the frame and the cranks. A torque transmission assembly interconnecting the output shaft with the crank shafts for transmitting torque from the crank shafts to the output shaft is contained within the frame.

Abstract: A supplementary device for vehicle pedal comprising an upper pedal piece having an open hole and a screw hole, a lower supporter having a slot on one end and a screw hole on the other end, and a locking plate located at the bottom of the lower supporter. Each end of the upper pedal piece and the locking plate are screwed, the slot of the lower supporter is inserted between the assembly, and the assembly is tightly screwed by bolts.

Abstract: A bicycle, in particular an all-terrain bicycle, with a front wheel which can be pivoted by means of a handlebar, a rear wheel, and a rear wheel drive assembly comprising a pedal unit, a transmission (19), and a gear element. The front wheel is driven by way a transmission interconnecting the rear wheel a cardan joint and another transmission interconnecting the cardan joint and the front wheel.

Abstract: A shifting clutch to improve the constant dual-wheel driven bicycle described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,116.070. The clutch allows a dual-wheel driven bicycle to be shifted, while moving or stationary, from single to a dual-wheel drive or vice-versa. This improves the dual-wheel drive bicycle because the constant dual-wheel drive creates additional rotational resistance and the dual-wheel drive is not needed in all riding situations all of the time. The clutch is a spring-loaded hinge device that holds the rear gear assembly of the prior art. A wire is attached to the clutch frame. The wire is guided along the bicycle frame to the handlebar of the bicycle. The wire is secured to a lever on the handlebar. The bicycle rider may move the lever to pull the wire that hinges the clutch frame and the attached rear gear into a rear ring gear. This engages the dual-wheel drive mode. The bicycle rider may move the lever to release the wire tension.

Abstract: For bicyclists having one leg shorter than the other, a crank and pedal assembly is provided to more evenly distribute the forces exerted by both legs when pedaling a bicycle. The crank and pedal assembly includes a drive axle rotatably mounted on a bicycle frame, and a chainwheel eccentrically mounted on the axle. A pair of crank arms extend generally perpendicularly away from the drive axle in opposite directions from one another, and pedals are rotatably mounted to the free ends of each crank arm in a traditional manner. The pedals are so mounted, however, to position the bottoms of the balls of the rider's feet to be offset from the axis of rotation of the respective pedals by the same distance but in opposite directions when the crank arms are vertically disposed. More specifically, the pedals are mounted such that the balls of the rider's feet are each offset a distance equivalent to one-half of the difference in the lengths of the rider's legs.

Abstract: An hydraulic drive mechanism for tricycles and the like comprises a variable volume, positive displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. The pump is dual chambered with each chamber operating a separate hydraulic system for separate drive wheels. Each chamber has three curved pivoting vanes around a central crankshaft. Each chamber also has two reservoirs which momentarily store hydraulic fluid. This temporary storage of fluid changes the volume output of the pump. Changes in pump volume output change drive ratios. The amount of fluid stored is controlled by the operator. Consequently, the drive mechanism changes drive ratios hydraulically. Also, the pivoting vanes in each chamber can be forced down by back pressure. This back pressure is generated by the hydraulic motor on each rear wheel. During cornering the outer radius wheel will rotate faster than the inner wheel and consequently will drive the hydraulic motor and generate back pressure and that pushes down the vanes.

Abstract: A bicycle comprises a frame having a sleeve portion adapted to support a bottom bracket/crank assembly and having an annular opening having its axis oriented substantially orthogonally to a vertical-longitudinal center plane of the bicycle, a bearing support ring attached to the sleeve portion in cantilevered relation and having an external bearing seat surface oriented substantially orthogonally to the vertical-longitudinal center plane, and a thin wall large diameter angular contact bearing having an inner race received on the bearing seat surface of the ring. A driving sprocket wheel set having an internal bearing seat surface is received on an outer race of the bearing. A first crank member having a crank arm located on the side of the sprocket wheel set opposite from the frame sleeve portion is fastened to the sprocket wheel set for rotation therewith. A sleeve portion of the first crank member overlies the opening in the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is disclosed that is selectably engageable to provide a bicycle that has normally driven and nondriven wheels with either single or dual wheel drive. The drive mechanism includes a power take off means that has: a first power transmission mechanism mounted on said frame; a second power transmission mechanism mounted on the bicycle frame in positive drive power transmitting engagement with a normally non-driven wheel of the bicycle; and a power transfer apparatus connected to receive power from the first power transmission mechanism and transmit it to the second power transmission mechanism. A coupling mechanism is operatively connected with the power take off and is selectively actuatable to place the first power transmission mechanism either in a drive position receiving power from the normally driven wheel or a disengaged non-power transmitting position.

Abstract: A unicycle includes a center wheel with two diametrically opposed pedals. Each pedal has a tilt limiting ground contactor such as a wheel or ball affixed to the free end. The ground contactor contacts the ground at the lowest point of pedal travel if the tilt limit is exceeded.

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

Abstract: A bicycle is provided that has a frame with a seat tube and a down tube aligned in the same plane, a chain stay rail, a free wheel mechanism and a crank hub. The bicycle is improved by having an enlarged crank sprocket rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to bike frame and able to provide a gear ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 with respect to the free wheel mechanism. The crank sprocket is stabilized to prevent it from wobbling and to maintain its rotation in a parallel plane. The crank sprocket is also extended away from the hub to allow the crank sprocket to rotate without coming in contact with the chain stay rail. Preferably, the crank sprocket can provide a gear ratio of 6.5 to 1 with respect to the free wheel mechanism and has a plane of rotation located at about the center of the axial width of the free wheel mechanism.