Abstract: A chainless transmission mechanism for a bicycle, including a right bottom bracket bearing axle holder and a left bottom bracket bearing axle holder bilaterally connected to the bottom bracket of a bicycle by connecting tubes and cone and locknuts to hold a bearing axle, a gear box coupled to one end of the freewheel hub of the bicycle, a transmission shaft having a bevel gear at one end engaged with a bevel gear in the bottom bracket bearing axle holder and a bevel gear at an opposite end engaged with a bevel gear on the freewheel hub, the bevel gear on the freewheel hub being mounted directly on the chain seat of the freewheel hub for gear clusters by a tightening up screw.

Abstract: A clutch operated, bi-directional bicycle gear box assembly for forward and rearward peddling to still move the bicycle forward, comprised of: a gear box housing, the housing attached to the bicycle frame; a pair of foot pedals; a pair of crank arms; a bottom bracket spindle; a sprocket; a sprocket drive gear; a clutch subassembly, the subassembly consisting of a pair of clutch disks attached to a spacer, each clutch disk having a pair of pins; a reversing drive gear; a transfer gear, and; a shifting lever. The housing provides attachment of the components. The crank arms, attached to each pedal and to the bottom bracket spindle, transfer the pedaling motion to the bottom bracket spindle. Once the gear is in the first position, the rider can pedal forward (clockwise) in order to induce forward motion in the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle drive mechanism which converts linear or elliptical reciprocating motion of the bicycle's pedals to rotary motion of the spindle and the wheels. The mechanism uses a simplified Cardan gear arrangement. There are two arms which rotate in opposite directions to each other. One of the arms is attached to the spindle and the other arm is rotatably connected to the first arm. The pedal is on the opposite end of the second arm from the first arm. The rotation of the two arms relative to each other is achieved through a planetary gear system. Thus the pedals define a linear or elliptical reciprocating path depending on the length of the second arm while imparting rotary motion to the spindle.

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

Abstract: A chainless bicycle has a frame with a top bar, steering tube, front forks, front wheel, handlebar assembly, seat assembly, seat tube, and front downtube. The seat tube and front downtube extend angularly downwardly and are connected at their lower ends to a special crank hanger which pivotally supports a pedal gear box containing drive gears connected to the pedal arms. A pair of hollow support tubes connected to the pedal gear box extend rearwardly to a rear wheel gear box at each side of the rear wheel. A drive shaft is rotatably carried in each support tube and each has a bevel gear at the front end selectively engaged with the drive gears in the pedal gear box and a bevel gear at the rear end inside the rear wheel gear box. The hub of the rear wheel has a drive and braking mechanism which is connected to bevel gears at each side. The gears of the rear wheel hub are received in toothed engagement with the bevel gears in the rear wheel gear boxes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic speed gear for bicycles or the like, of the type comprising a pinion assembly, each pinion having a different number of teeth, the pinions being coupled to the hub of a wheel of the bicycle and being adapted to be selectively connected, through a chain, to a driving pinion operated by the bicycle pedals, the switching of the chain from a pinion to another pinion, of the pinion assembly on the wheel, being carried by displacing a chain guide element arranged near the pinion assembly, the speed gear being characterized in that the displacement of the chain guide element, and accordingly the switching of the transmission ratio, is performed automatically, depending on the effort exerted on the pedals and the amount of which can be adjusted depending on the user's requirements.

Abstract: A combination chainless driving device of a bicycle comprises a five-way seat housing a crank axle and having a connecting portion and a front connecting mount fastened to an end of a fork connecting mount fastened to an end of a fork tube and provided with a front auxiliary gear mounted thereinto. The front auxiliary gear meshes with a main gear fastened to the crank axle. Fastened to another end of the fork tube is a rear connecting mount provided with a rear main gear mount thereinto. The rear connecting mount is fastened to a gear box in a manner that the rear main gear engages a rear auxiliary gear inside the gear box. The rear auxiliary gear has a shaft portion provided with an axial hole to receive therein a rear wheel axle. The gear box has an axle locking mount provided with an axle receiving slot for locking the rear wheel axle of a nave which is provided with a drive frame covered by a semicircular frame of the gear box and fastened to the axle locking mount by means of a rear cover.

Abstract: A crank mechanism is provided which has a first driven member constituted by a first shaft, and a second driven member constituted by a sleeve member-disposed around said first shaft. The sleeve member is retained in support means such that the sleeve member and the first shaft can rotate relatively to one another. A rotating arm is connected to the sleeve member, and attachment means is slidable along said rotating arm. First linkage means is provided between said attachment means and said first shaft, and second linkage means is provided between said sleeve member and said first shaft, whereby said attachment means can selectively describe any of a range of circular or elliptical paths. In the preferred embodiment, the linkage means are adjustable and include a counter-rotating arm associated with said first shaft, and a second shaft and a third shaft and gears associated therewith and with said first shaft, which gears transmit rotational movement from said first shaft to said sleeve member.

Abstract: A gear transmission mechanism for driving a bicycle to run, comprising a base supporting frame attached to the down tube, the seat tube and the seat stay; a first axle inserted through the rear wheel hub of a bicycle into one hole on said base supporting frame with the two opposite ends thereof respectively coupled with two cranks; a first gear mounted on said first axle and carried by it to rotate; a second axle fastened in another hole on said base supporting frame to carry a second gear, which is engaged with said first gear, and a third gear, which is engaged with a one-way gear on said rear wheel hub, to rotate. Rotating the cranks causes the wheel hub to carry the bicycle wheels to rotate.

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

Abstract: A lightweight, optionally foldable wheelchair which allows the user maximum control over both travel direction and seat position. The wheelchair is driven manually by an arrangement of drive gears, which are actuated by a drive gear selector and operated by rotating a pair of opposed handwheels, one of which is contacted by each of the occupant's hands. One of four or more different gears may be selected, including a "Forward Only" and a "Reverse Only" gear, which allow travel only in the direction selected. A dual function shift lever supports the drive gear selector and may be activated to disengage the drive gears and engage a seat positioning gear. When the seat positioning gear is engaged, rotation of the handwheels by the wheelchair occupant will activate a seat raising mechanism which moves the seat from a horizontal sitting position to a substantially vertical position toward the rear of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A one-piece crank arm for a bicycle is machined from high strength aerospace aluminum 7075-T6. One end of the crank arm has a threaded boss to be fastened in threads of an associated spider. The opposite end of the crank arm has a ball with a passage therein for connecting a pedal. The passage in the ball has a closed end and an axis which extends at a slight angle with respect to the axis of the threads of the boss. For weight reduction, elongated grooves are formed on opposite surfaces of the crank arm.

Abstract: The dual wheel driven bicycle utilizes an elongate flexible shaft or cable for transferring rotational motion or torque to the front wheel. In the preferred embodiment, a rear ring gear is mounted on the rear wheel to drive a rear gear assembly. One end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to and driven by the rear gear assembly; the opposite end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to a front gear assembly which engages and drives a front ring gear connected to the front wheel. A freewheel assembly is interposed between the front ring gear and the hub of the front wheel to facilitate cornering. In an alternative embodiment, the freewheel assembly is an integral part of the front gear assembly. This invention is applicable to multi-speed and single speed bicycles.

Abstract: A traction system for driving the front and rear wheels of a bicycle of the type including a gearshift connected to the rear wheel. The gearshift is coupled to a main drive chain which is driven by the pedals of the bicycle. A first auxiliary traction chain is coupled to the rear wheel such as to be driven by the rearwheel. A second auxiliary traction chain is coupled to the front wheel of the bicycle for driving the same. A flexible transmission formed of rigid and flexible shafts interconnected by cardan joints connects the first and second auxiliary traction chains so that motion of the rear wheel is coupled to the front wheel and both wheels are simultaneously driven.

Abstract: The dual wheel driven bicycle utilizes an elongate flexible shaft or cable for transferring rotational motion or torque to the front wheel. In the preferred embodiment, a rear ring gear is mounted on the rear wheel to drive a rear gear assembly. One end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to and driven by the rear gear assembly; the opposite end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to a front gear assembly which engages and drives a front ring gear connected to the front wheel. A freewheel assembly is interposed between the front ring gear and the hub of the front wheel to facilitate cornering. In an alternative embodiment, the freewheel assembly is an integral part of the front gear assembly. This invention is applicable to multispeed and single speed bicycles.

Abstract: A steplessly variable transmission is described in which a driving element and a driven element are adjustable eccentrically to one another and are coupled via pivotal levers which are journalled on one element and can be brought into force transmitting clamping engagement with the other element via coupling shoes. In the context of this series connection the two change speed units are inversely combined with an eccentric positioning device being provided which either jointly actuates the members with the ring tracks associated with the coupling elements or the members with the coupling elements. The force transmitting zones of engagement of the two units are angularly displaced relative to one another and the eccentricities of the two units and also the lever arms associated with the coupling elements can be so selected that ideal transmission ratios result which are largely free of fluctuations.

Abstract: An improved three-speed or coaster bicycle having a driver bevel gear connected to the pedals, a driven bevel gear at the hub of the rear wheel, one or more drive shafts having beveled gears at each end and capable of transmitting the rotation of the driver gear to the driven gear.

Abstract: A dual driven cycle and a kit for converting conventional, single driven cycles into dual driven cycles are disclosed. The invention is suitable for accommodating bicycles, motorcyles, dirt bikes, and other conventional cycles. These cycles have the known elements of a pedal-gear-chain driven first wheel and a non-driven second wheel. The kit comprises four general elements. First, a sprocket is connectable in fixed relation to the non-driven second wheel for conjoint movement with that wheel. Second, to receive power from the conventional drive train, a drive gear is mounted on either the pedal gear or chain of the cycle. Third, a cable gear is provided for mounting with respect to the cycle's frame and meshing with the sprocket. This cable gear drives the sprocket and, of necessity, the cycle's previously non-driven second wheel. The final general element of the kit is a rotatable cable which connects the cable gear to the drive gear and transfers the rotational motion of the drive gear to the second wheel.

Abstract: A driving device without chain for bicycle comprises a driving wheel mounted to a crank shaft, a rear gear mounted to a wheel hub for mounting a rear wheel of the bicycle, an input gear coupled with the driving wheel by means of an interconnecting link and a gear set having two identical gears respectively engaging the rear gear and the input gear.

Abstract: A chainless motocross bicycle features a bicycle frame with no bottom bracket or seat post, a pedal drive shaft located on the axis of the rear wheel, and a single speed planetary transmission located inside the rear wheel hub. The transmission includes a ring gear with an integral extension of the ring gear clamped in the bicycle frame dropout on the right side; multiple planet gears rotatably mounted on a planet gear carrier driven by the pedal drive shaft, with each planet gear in constant mesh with the ring gear and with a sun gear rotatably mounted on the pedal drive shaft; and a conventional one way clutch coupling the sun gear with the wheel hub. The compact nature, low maintenance, and simplicity of this arrangement provides an attractive alternative to chain driven motocross bicycles which are conventionally ridden with the rider standing on the pedals.

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

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

Abstract: An enclosed single-axle driving mechanism for bicycles to replace the traditional chain drive system, comprised of one pair of spiral driving gears and one pair of spiral driven gears for power transmission, to let the pedaling force be transmitted through a driving spindle to drive the axle of the free-wheel to rotate, so as to minimize space requirement and maximize the security.

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

Abstract: A transmission for bicycles, which substitutes the conventional chain transmission, and which comprises a rimcarrier plate connected to the pedal shaft of the bicycle. A plurality of concentric rings or rims engage with respective pinions mounted with freedom of rotation on a tubular transmission shaft. Within the transmission shaft is positioned a sliding element provided with a diametrical arm, which allows one of the pinions to be blocked at will with respect to the transmission shaft. One guiding rims-pinions group is complemented by a second similar guided rims-pinions group, at the other end of the shaft. The other group of rims and pinions may be selected by an identical arrangement in which a second guided rimcarrier plate transmits the movement through a multiplying planet assembly and ratchet pawls to the shaft of an outlet planetary pinion which is engaged with an engaging track provided on the inner side of the rim of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A dual driven cycle and a kit for converting conventional, single driven cycles into dual driven cycles are disclosed. The invention is suitable for accommodating bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and other conventional cycles. These cycles have the known elements of a pedal-gear-chain driven first wheel and a non-driven second wheel. The kit comprises four general elements. First, a sprocket is connectable in fixed relation to the non-driven second wheel for conjoint movement with that wheel. Second, to receive power from the conventional drive train, a drive gear is mounted on either the pedal gear or chain of the cycle. Third, a cable gear is provided for mounting with respect to the cycle's frame and meshing with the sprocket. This cable gear drives the sprocket and, of necessity, the cycle's previously non-driven second wheel.

Abstract: A gearing for attachment to a bicycle which multiplies the revolutions of the main tie rod shaft for each pedal turn through the use of a central shaft connected to the pedals which engages primary sprockets which engage secondary sprockets which in turn engage the internal teeth of a sprocket crown, whose external teeth operate a chain to a rear wheel sprocket.

Abstract: An automatic bicycle transmission includes in combination a sprocket wheel assembly which is responsive to the input torque applied at the pedals, a chain takeup assembly to maintain the chain taut under all operative positions of the sprocket wheel assembly and a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the takeup assembly by a control cable to apply hydraulic damping forces upon the sprocket wheel assembly to hydraulically smooth the transition between high gear ratio and low gear ratio positions. The sprocket wheel assembly includes a reference wheel that is rotated by the pedals and a pair of diametrically opposed chain gear sliders and a pair of diametrically opposed chain sliders. All of the sliders are simultaneously radially reciprocal along radial slots in the reference wheel in response to changes of input torque applied at the pedals.

Abstract: A multi-speed chainless drive mechanism for a cycle-type vehicle comprises a drive shaft rotatably driven by a pedal actuated gear train. The drive shaft, which includes a universal joint, extends away from the gear train. The drive mechanism also comprises a first support provided intermediate the gear train and the universal joint for rotatably supporting the drive shaft to a frame of the vehicle. An elongated shaft extends from the universal joint opposite the gear train. A variable ratio worm gear, more particularly a cone-shaped worm gear, has an opening defined centrally and longitudinally therethrough. The worm gear is slidably mounted on the elongated shaft and is adapted for rotation therewith. The worm gear meshes with a drive gear mounted to a drive wheel of the vehicle. Different gear ratios are thus provided in relation to the longitudinal position of the worm gear on the elongated shaft.

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

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

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

Abstract: A three stage, sixteen-speed, planetary driving wheel, with the pedal drive shaft on the axis of the wheel and vehicle interface fittings on both sides inboard of the pedal crank arms, for mounting in pedal powered vehicles to replace the chain and derailleur system used in conventional multiple speed bicycles. Because the planetary gear arrangement is completely enclosed inside the wheel hub where it is well protected from dirt, and because this driving wheel provides five low range speeds below direct drive, it is well suited for mountain bicycles or for transporting the payload of a bicycle camper up steep grades.

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

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

Abstract: A single speed planetary transmission located inside the wheel hub of a pedal-propelled vehicle such as a bicycle. The transmission is chainless and includes a pair of fixed ring gears, planetary gear carriers mounted for rotation with the drive shaft, planetary gears carried by the gear carriers and meshed with the fixed ring gears, and a sun gear meshed with the planetary gears and coupled to the hub by a conventional free-wheel ratchet mechanism. The transmission provides an optimum gear ratio in a compact, chainless, low maintenance assembly.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle includes a variable displacement fluid pump such as a radial plunger pump provided at a crankshaft of pedals and a fixed displacement fluid motor such as a gear motor at a rear wheel or a front wheel. The fluid pump and motor are connected through hydraulic passages. Plungers of the radial plunger pump are driven by a cam assembly whose eccentricity is adjustable by means of an eccentricity control means dependent upon the load acting upon the vehicle in a stepless manner, so that the speed of the vehicle can be changed in a stepless manner. Moreover, the vehicle includes automatic speed change means which automatically change the eccentricity of the eccentric cam assembly according to hydraulic pressure of the variable displacement fluid pump, so that the speed of the vehicle can be automatically changed.

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

Abstract: A power supply and transmission system for a bicycle of the type having a frame and a crank housing for a crank-and-pedal and from said crank housing a projecting fork carrying the drive wheel over the drive hub at the other end thereof, and in which the power transmission system comprises a drive shaft which at both ends is connected to angle gears at the crank housing and the drive hub and in which the drive shaft is enclosed in one of the fork tubes, and the power supply is directly connected to the power transmission system at the drive wheel hub. Preferably the crank housing is formed with a several stage gear. The drive wheel hub is formed as a free wheel hub which when pedaling the bicycle forwardly provides a power transmission between the drive shaft and the outer sleeve of the hub.

Abstract: An improved bicycle is provided and consists of a universal joint connecting the proximal ends of drive shaft sections together for transmitting motion from a crank axle to a drive wheel and bearing blocks mounted transversely across support arms to rotatably hold rear section of the drive shaft in position. In a modification the rear section of the drive shaft is adjustable.

Abstract: A chainwheel is supported on a pedal crank in a bicycle, in which lost motion is provided about the axis of the crank in order to prevent lock up when using a pedal crankshaft operated brake, by supporting the inner periphery and one side of the chain wheel on a chain wheel carrier, and taking up play on the other side of the chain wheel by using a nut to deform a resilient washer into a cone to prevent movement of the chain wheel relative to the crank other than about its axis. The nut may be an inner race of a crankshaft bearing if the pedal crank is integral with a pedal crankshaft. A spring controlling relative movement of the chain wheel about the crank is made progressive by causing it to wrap onto a cylindrical surface concentric with the crankshaft axis.

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

Abstract: An improvement in a shaft drive apparatus which is an outer casing extending over and liquid-tightly enclosing a torque damper on a propeller shaft which interconnects the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to a bevel gear mechanism on the rear wheel of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle. The casing is attached to the propeller shaft to rotate therewith. An outer covering can cover a universal joint which interconnects the torque damper and the input shaft of the bevel gear mechanism. The outer cover extends over and liquid-tightly surrounds the universal joint and engages the outer casing and has its interior in communication with an interior of the outer casing. The interior of the bevel gear casing can also communicate with the interior of the outer casing.

Abstract: A hand drive assembly for a wheelchair is disclosed. The assembly comprises a main axle adapted to be installed on each side of a regular wheelchair for rotatably mounting the wheel of the chair, a main gear rotatably mounted on the main axle and adapted to be coupled to the wheel, an elongated plate mounted upwardly at one end on the main axle and at a predetermined angular position with respect to the vertical ahead of the wheel, a driving axle rotatably mounted at the other end of the gear plate, a driving gear secured to the driving axle, a hand drive ring coupled to the driving axle for driving such driving gear, and an intermediate gear rotatably mounted on the gear plate and coupling the driving gear to the main gear to transmit motion of the hand drive ring to the regular wheel of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An improved-efficiency, pedal-operated drive mechanism for a bicycle employing an elliptical sprocket used in association with a planetary-type gear drive for providing an elliptical path of travel of the bicycle pedals. The gear arrangement is disposed in a circular frame mounted from the conventional bicycle frame having secured therein, in a stationary position, an internally-toothed ring gear. The planetary-type drive also includes a pair of rotatable pinion gears diametrically meshed with the ring gear and supported in a bearing housing within the frame on respective pedal axles which are each secured to a pedal arm. The motion of the pedals is along an elliptical locus as the pinion gears individually but synchronously rotate in the fixed ring gear. The sprocket which is preferably of elliptical shape is secured to the housing and rotates therewith driving the bicycle with an improved efficiency on the order of 25 percent or more in comparison to the conventional circular drive system.

Abstract: A pedal mechanism for a bicycle having a pedal crank formed of two telescopic elements, one of which is fixed the other being controlled by an assembly designed to impart thereto a reciprocating radial movement so that the length of the crank during rotation varies between predetermined minimum and maximum values. This arrangement increases the operating efficiency of the bicycle.

Abstract: A velocipede is provided in the form of a carriage supported by swivel wheels and having a drive or propelling wheel for engaging a support surface and propelling the velocipede along the surface. The propelling wheel has an axle secured to the lower end of a generally vertical shaft having a steering wheel at the upper end thereof so that the direction of the propelling wheel, and thus the direction in which the carriage travels, is controlled by turning the steering wheel. The steering wheel shaft and propelling wheel can be turned 360.degree. so that the velocipede can be turned to travel in any direction at any time. The velocipede is propelled by a pair of pedals on a Z shaft secured to a drive gear forming a part of the drive train for driving the propelling wheel. Gears are also provided transmitting rotational force to one end of a spool gear surrounding the steering shaft.