Abstract: A planetary gear assembly comprising a primary array (2) of co-axial planetary gear sets and a secondary array (3) of co-axial planetary gear sets, planetary gear set being provided with an associated gear engagement means (21), the arrangement being such that in use each planetary gear set and the associated gear engagement means are arranged for relative translational movement which is substantially parallel to the axis of the respective array of planetary gears and a rotational input drives a selected primary gear set which is engaged with the associated gear engagement means, the rotational output of the engaged primary gear set (2) being transmitted through the associated gear engagement means (21) to gear engagement means which is engaged with the associated selected secondary gear set (3), the output from the selected secondary gear set being transmitted to rotational output means (18, 49).

Abstract: A gear shift control apparatus comprises a shift command input that receives shift commands indicating a desired gear shift operation, a control output that outputs controls signals that control a gear shift unit to shift the bicycle transmission, a gear shift monitor that monitors a progress of a gear shift operation by the gear shift unit, and a gear shift controller operatively coupled to the shift command input, to the control output, and to the gear shift monitor. The gear shift controller receives a shift command and outputs a control signal that controls the operation of the gear shift unit to shift the bicycle transmission to a target gear. The gear shift controller modifies the control signal when the gear shift controller receives a second shift command corresponding to a second target gear that differs from a first target gear corresponding to a first shift command and the gear shift operation initiated by the first shift command has not completed.

Abstract: A pedal-type driving device suitable for a bicycle, including a main shaft rotatable about a central axis and a chain sprocket mounted about the main shaft for rotation therewith. There are two power transmission units mounted at opposite ends of the main shaft and each has a non-rotating first sprocket connectible to a support structure of the bicycle, a rotatable planetary second sprocket spaced radially outwardly from the first sprocket, a pedal, a crack connecting the pedal to the second sprocket, and a flexible drive member such as a timing belt extending around the first and second sprockets. The distance of each pedal from the central axis varies substantially as the pedals are moved about the central axis and this provides greater rotational torque to the shaft on the downward stroke of each pedal.

Abstract: Improved mechanical structure for increased efficiency in the transfer of the peddling force applied to a pedal crank assembly to the rear wheel of a bicycle is disclosed. This structure increases efficiency by decreasing the loss of exerted energy when peddling at dead spots, which dead spots are the common terminology used to refer to when the legs are either at down-stroke and up-stroke positions.

Abstract: An improved jack for supporting and moving a horizontally extending trailer tongue above the earth's surface having a longitudinally extending support shaft, a bracket rotatably attaching the support shaft to a trailer tongue by which the support shaft may be pivoted between a horizontal position and a vertical position, a wheel housing affixed to the support, a ground engaging wheel rotatably supported adjacent the wheel housing and having a wheel gear affixed thereto; a crank arm rotatably supported by the wheel housing adjacent an upper end thereof at a height closer to the trailer tongue than the earth's surface, and a rotation transfer system coupling the crank arm to the wheel for moving the trailer tongue, the elevation of the crank arm requiring reduced bending over by an operator standing on the earth's surface.

Abstract: A system for controlling a variable-ratio transmission is mounted on an apparatus (1) and associated with an actuator (2) for changing the transmission ratio, as well as operating means (3) for applying an input driving force to the transmission with a periodic action of given frequency. The system comprises first sensor means (5) which are sensitive to the driving force and can generate a respective first signal, second sensor means (6) which are sensitive to the spreed of operation of the apparatus (1) and can generate a respective second signal, as well as a control device (4) which is sensitive to the first and second signals and can control the actuator (2) in dependence on the first and second signals. The control device (4) is configured to determine, from the first and second signals, a reference signal indicative or a reference value of the frequency (CR).

Abstract: A bicycle with a forward and backward pedaling system which drives a bicycle forward in either a forward or a backward pedaling.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic shifting bicycle transmission comprises a control unit that communicates with a memory location. The memory location stores a plurality of shift tables. The control system uses the information in the shift tables to shift gears with a powered shifting device. The powered shifting device can be manipulated using shift switches in a manual operating mode. The shift switches also are used to switch between the plurality of shift tables.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a new and novel tricycle with adjustable linkage 48, 54 for varying the drive power for either foot or hand power. Furthermore, the linkage 44, 52 can also be used to vary the wheelbase. Moving the front wheel 14 toward the rear wheels 22 provides for a tighter turning radius. Moving the front wheel 14 away from the rear wheels 22 provides for greater stability at high speed. In addition the linkage 48, 54 provides for the selective placement along a horizontal and/or vertical plane relative to the seat 24 allowing persons of varying size to comfortably position the pedal assembly 16. Additionally, the present invention 10 has a cantilevered seat frame 30 with the seat 24 at one distal end and the other end forming a yoke 32 connected to the front wheel steering pivot column 34 whereby left movement of the seat 24 results in a right turn of the front wheel 14 and a right movement of the seat 24 results in a left turn of the front wheel 14.

Abstract: A compound drive foldable bicycle consisting of a bicycle in an unfolded state having a length between the outer edges of a front and a rear wheel that is divided into three sections such that the rear wheel is swung up and down into the unfolded and folded state on a second drive shaft that serves as a pivot point, while the front wheel is horizontally swung into the folded and folded state via a foldable locking mechanism that serves as a pivot point and which is positioned on the down tube (or the top tube) and, furthermore, situated within the circumferential perimeter of the chainring. As a result, the rear wheel is postured at the lower extent of the chainring and front wheel is postured at the lower extent of the saddle when the bicycle is in the folded state such that it is of the smallest and most flexible physical dimensions to save space and reduce packaging material requirements, thereby facilitating storage, placement, and shipping.

Abstract: Wheeled personal mobility vehicles with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include a plurality of movable, collapsible wheel axle assemblies which are supported on a support frame and movable between an operative state where the wheels provide rolling support, and a collapsed state where the wheels are moved into the side elevational profile of the device. The embodiment provides for both integrated propulsion and steering linkage to the wheels when they are manually moved into their operative position, along with a collapsible steering mechanism, a support base and at least one collapsible seat. This embodiment may also provide for pedal power, battery, fuel cell or motive power as well as remote control operation.

Abstract: A center support member connects the rear head tube to the front head tube. The rear wheel attaches to the rear fork extending upwards. The rear fork steerer column passes through the rear head tube and can rotate within the rear head tube by a bicycle bearing headset. A rear steering handle is connected to the rear fork steerer column. The rear steering handle is designed to contact the rider's lower arm and hand. The front wheel attaches to the front fork extending upwards. The front fork steerer column passes through the front head tube and can rotate within the front head tube by a bicycle bearing headset. A front steering handle is connected to the front fork steerer column. The front steering handle is designed to contact the rider's lower arm and hand. A rider support member attaches to the center support member extending downward.

Abstract: A bicycle braking device includes a second drive assembly between the crank shaft and the rear axle of the bicycle. The second drive assembly includes a chain drive and pair of engaged gears for reversing the direction of rotation of the crank shaft with respect to the rear axle when the second drive is engaged. The device further includes a clutch for selectively engaging or disengaging the assembly. When the bicycle is moving forward and the second drive is engaged, the pedals will rotate in reverse of the direction of rotation required to propel the bicycle forward. A bicycle rider can apply force through his feet and legs against the rotating pedals to thereby slow and stop a moving bicycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle, which is specifically adapted to be used as a bumper car. The vehicle is constructed from a frame that allows the vehicle to absorb and deliver impacts in a more efficient manner. Additionally, the vehicle includes steering and clutch assemblies-that allow for increased maneuverability. This increased maneuverability makes for,a more pleasurable and exciting bumper car game.

Abstract: A bicycle having front wheel drive and rear wheel steering, having a frame, a front wheel, handlebars, and a rear wheel. A rear steering assembly allows the rear wheel to be pivoted by a rear pulley assembly. A front steering assembly includes a front pulley assembly connected to the handlebars so that when the handlebars are pivoted the front pulley assembly is rotated. A left and right cable connect the front pulley assembly and rear pulley assembly so that when the handlebars are pivoted the rear wheel is pivoted in response. A driven sprocket is attached to the front wheel which is linked to a drive sprocket by a chain. A rotary power source such as human driven pedals or an engine is attached to the drive sprocket so that the front wheel is driven.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle that is convertible between a bicycle mode and a scooter mode. The cycle scooter includes a front wheel drive system with an operator seat that is movable between a lowered position that provides for comfortable operation of the vehicle in the bicycle mode, and a raised position for comfortable operation in the scooter mode. The frame includes rear and front portions that are pivotally attached and movable between a folded storage position and an extended operating position.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle, which is specifically adapted to be used as a bumper car. The vehicle is constructed from a frame that allows the vehicle to absorb and deliver impacts in a more efficient manner. Additionally, the vehicle includes steering and clutch assemblies that allow for increased maneuverability. This increased maneuverability makes for a more pleasurable and exciting bumper car game.

Abstract: A human powered drive units each including a pair of a rotatable member having a sprocket and a supporting member having a sprocket, which are arranged up and down, and including a chain extended around the rotatable member and the supporting member, are disposed at left and right sides, respectively. The left and right rotatable members 1, 100 are fixed on a driving shaft 15. A chain ring 6 on which the load is applied is mounted on the driving shaft between upper rotatable member 1 and rotatable member 100. In each of the units, constraining means including a free crank (10 for the right-hand unit, and 1000 for the left-hand unit) and arm (11 for the right-hand unit, and 1100 for the left-hand unit), is provided so as to maintain perpendicularity of a shaft of the pedal relative to the plane in which the chain moves.

Abstract: The invention is a wheeled vehicle with a front wheel drive system and a low profile operator seat that is positioned forward of the rear fork. The rear portion of the frame is telescopically connected to and selectively movable with respect to the front portion of the frame to provide a convenient adjustment that accommodates riders of all sizes. The wheeled vehicle also includes a releasably attached sidecar that can be quickly attached to or released from the vehicle frame by mating engagement of a slotted bracket with a rod, and a locking pin with a spring biased socket.

Abstract: A bicycle having front wheel drive and rear wheel steering, having a frame, a front wheel, handlebars, and a rear wheel. A rear steering assembly allows the rear wheel to be pivoted by a rear pulley assembly. A front steering assembly includes a front pulley assembly connected to the handlebars so that when the handlebars are pivoted the front pulley assembly is rotated. A left and right cable connect the front pulley assembly and rear pulley assembly so that when the handlebars are pivoted the rear wheel is pivoted in response. A driven sprocket is attached to the front wheel which is linked to a drive sprocket by a chain. A rotary power source such as human driven pedals or an engine is attached to the drive sprocket so that the front wheel is driven.

Abstract: A power-saving driving device for treading the pedals of a bicycle is disclosed. Thereby, the driver may use a smaller force to tread a bicycle so that a higher efficiency is provided. The power-saving device comprises two crank axles. The two crank axles are fixed to a gear box. Two spur gears are engaged to the gear box, and two free wheels are installed at an exterior of the gear box. The two spur gears and two free wheels are connected to the two crank axles. The two free wheels are connected through a chain; and a chain wheel and a bearing are connected to the crank axles. Thereby, the forces from the right and left legs can be outputted effectively. The driving of a bicycle and the power necessary are improved. Therefore, the driver treads the pedals with a smaller depth and thus the physical consumption is reduced.

Abstract: A bicycle features an automatically shifting transmission. The shifting is controlled by a controller. The controller has a number of ranges that comprise a subset of the available gear steps. The operator of the bicycle can select an appropriate range and the controller shifts gears within the range depending upon a preset map of bicycle speeds and gear steps. The operator can select other ranges as desired by upshifting or downshifting. The controller also has at least one cruising mode that decreases the likelihood of inadvertent shifting during operation of the bicycle at speeds within a preset range of speeds. In addition, the controller has an elapse mode that further reduces the number of available gear steps in a range during resumed operation after slowing below a preset speed or stopping.

Abstract: An improved two-wheel-drive bicycle having, in certain preferred forms, a chain-driven front-drive mechanism having a gearing arrangement attached to the fork assembly, whereby the gear arrangement, using fixed-axis and variable-axis turning members, transfers rotational power from the drive mechanism along and around the steering axis to the front sprocket. Certain preferred embodiments include particular gearing arrangements and particular ways of getting bicycle power to the fixed-axis turning members.

Abstract: A shifting mechanism for a bicycle or other wheeled cycle has at least two gear wheels, of which at least one is segmented. The segments are movable into and out of a driving position. Motion of the segments occurs at a circumferential location out of the driving zone, at a location where the driving band, typically a chain, is not contacting the segment. The shifting mechanism can be provided at the front chain ring, or at the rear, gear sprocket. For a front chain wheel, the free zone is generally the rearward half of the chain ring, while for the rear gear sprocket, the free zone is generally the forward half. The moving segments can be toothed gates which flip perpendicularly to the plane in which the chain resides. The gates may be actuated by a moving mechanism powered by an actuator, such as a D.C. motor, under control of a signal processor, such as a microprocessor.

Abstract: A folding bicycle includes a folding mechanism that permits the folding bicycle in its extended state to be folded at an intermediate region between a front wheel and a rear wheel. The folding bicycle is folded by the folding mechanism such that the front wheel is brought to a position at one side of the rear wheel. An axle shift mechanism permits a axle of the rear wheel to be shifted to a position toward the intermediate region. A chain-holding mechanism holds a sprocket chain at a predetermined position when the axle is shifted to the position toward the intermediate region by the axle shift mechanism, to thereby release engagement between a rear wheel-side sprocket and the sprocket chain.

Abstract: A traveling and accelerating system for bicycles includes a frame having a front wheel at a front part and a rear wheel at a rear part thereof; a pair of pedals fixed at both sides of a shaft which is rotatably supported at a boss being fixed under a center of the frame, to be driven by a user's feet; a driving sprocket axially fixed on the shaft for transmitting rotation power via a chain to the rear wheel; a housing attached at one side of the boss to be closed with a cap and having a hollow cross-sectional shape to accommodate accessories; a pinion axially fixed on the shaft beside the driving sprocket in the housing; a first gear member accommodated in the housing and having an inner gear part along its inner diameter; a second gear member movably contacting the first gear member and provided with planetary gears to be engaged with the inner gear part of the first gear, the planetary gears being fixed by pins and rotatable in relation to the pins; a pair of latch means respectively inserted and fixed

Abstract: A bicycle features an automatically shifting transmission. The shifting is controlled by a controller. The controller has a number of ranges that comprise a subset of the available gear steps. The operator of the bicycle can select an appropriate range and the controller shifts gears within the range depending upon a preset map of bicycle speeds and gear steps. The operator can select other ranges as desired by upshifting or downshifting. The controller also has at least one cruising mode that decreases the likelihood of inadvertent shifting during operation of the bicycle at speeds within a preset range of speeds. In addition, the controller has an elapse mode that further reduces the number of available gear steps in a range during resumed operation after slowing below a preset speed or stopping.

Abstract: A shifting mechanism for a bicycle or other wheeled cycle has at least two gear wheels, of which at least one is segmented. The segments are movable into and out of a driving position. Motion of the segments occurs at a circumferential location out of the driving zone, at a location where the driving band, typically a chain, is not contacting the segment. The shifting mechanism can be provided at the front chain ring, or at the rear, gear sprocket. For a front chain wheel, the free zone is generally the rearward half of the chain ring, while for the rear gear sprocket, the free zone is generally the forward half. The moving segments can be toothed gates which flip perpendicularly to the plane in which the chain resides. The gates may be actuated by a moving mechanism powered by an actuator, such as a D.C. motor, under control of a signal processor, such as a microprocessor.

Abstract: A human propelled vehicle, e.g., bicycle, has a propelling mechanism that allows crank arms longer than eight inches. The propelling mechanism includes first and second shafts coupled to first and second crank arms and trained to a gear train, which is trained to a conversion mechanism, which is trained to an output shaft. The crank arms extend rearwardly from their shafts so that the axes of the pedals mounted to the crank arms reciprocate in opposite directions through an arc that passes behind the bottom bracket axle.

Abstract: Improved mechanical structure for increased efficiency in the transfer of the peddling force applied to a pedal crank assembly to the rear wheel of a bicycle is disclosed. This structure increases efficiency by decreasing the loss of exerted energy when peddling at dead spots, which dead spots are the common terminology used to refer to when the legs are either at down-stroke and up-stroke positions.

Abstract: The improved bicycle frame is designed for adult bicycles. It is made of single tubes only. The chainstay and the seatstay are of slightly larger diameters than the neck tube, top tube, down tube, and seat tube. This is so because more than half of the load is carried in the rear part of the bicycle. Therefore, the chainstay and the seatstay are the stronger members of the frame. The fork for the rear wheel is attached at an angle of 45° in order to reduce the vertical component of the load at the rear. The improved bicycle frame is designed to have small wheels only. The wheels are less than half the diameters of the big wheels in use today. The small wheels reduce the effort needed to push the pedals. The improved bicycle frame is strong, sturdy, and stable. The bicycle using the improved bicycle frame is a quality bicycle.

Abstract: A system for powering vehicles such as bicycles using leverage type pedals each connected to a freewheeling sprocket and then connected to a common drive shaft in the rear of the vehicle. A keyed shaft connects all free wheeling sprockets and provides for each sprocket to drive the keyed shaft in one rotational direction. A hand powering unit operates through a separate free wheeling sprocket and is also arranged like a lever in similar manner to the pedals. Lowered seating for horizontal movement of legs is preferred arrangement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bicycle that has an elevated lower frame surface to allow for continuous pedaling of the bicycle in a tight banked turn. At least one transmission with that has an output rotational speed greater than its input rotational speed is provided. The transmissions and rear wheel are carried by an assembly that is pivotally attached to the bicycle frame and easily detached therefrom. A shock absorber is positioned between the frame and rear wheel assembly to dampen vertical movement there between.

Abstract: A system for controlling gear shifting in a transmission of a cycle, includes at least one gear wheel or sprocket on which a transmission element is engaged to perform transmission of motion as a result of movement in a predetermined direction. The gear shifting is carried out by changing the position of engagement of the transmission member with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket. The system further includes at least one sensor for detecting the movement in corresponding direction of movement of the motion transmitting element for generating a signal and a control unit for controlling the change of the position of the element for transmitting motion with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket when the signal indicates that the element for transmitting motion is moving in the given direction.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting a motor or other control device to a bicycle frame includes a bracket base for supporting the control device at least partially above a chain stay, and a bracket support extending from the bracket base for coupling the bracket base to at least one of a chain stay, a seat stay, a seat tube, or a bottom bracket shell.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a bicycle. The system directs the rear wheel along a predetermined, S-shaped path as the suspension is compressed. The path is configured to provide a chainstay lengthening effect only at those points where this is needed to counterbalance the pedal inputs of the rider; at those points in the wheel travel path where there is a chainstay lengthening effect, the chain tension which results from the pedal inputs exerts a downward force on the rear wheel, preventing unwanted compression of the suspension. The system employs a dual eccentric crank mechanism mounted adjacent the bottom bracket shell to provide the desired control characteristics.

Abstract: An engaging and disengaging gear for a bicycle includes an axle rotatably mounted in a five-way tube on the bicycle to connect to two pedal cranks, a thimble fixedly connected to one end of the five-way tube, an internally threaded transmission bevel gear received in the thimble, a chain wheel mounted on the axle between the thimble and a collar of the axle, and a ring spring fixed to outer surface of the transmission gear. The axle has an externally threaded section between the thimble and the chain wheel for extending through and engaging with the internally threaded transmission gear. An outer periphery of the ring spring slightly contacts with inner wall of the thimble to provide a resistance to a maximum static friction force between the transmission gear and the axle that are screwed together. When the axle is caused to turn forward, the transmission gear moves along the axle toward the chain wheel and engages with the latter, causing the chain wheel to rotate forward, too.

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

Abstract: A semi-recumbent, human powered, four wheel cycle has an independent front suspension and wheels that are turned. A conventional bicycle chain drive drives one or both front wheels. The rear wheels are also driven in additional embodiments.

Abstract: An improved cycle transmission comprising 1) a freewheel cluster rotatably coupled to the rear wheel of a bicycle and in axial alignment with the rear wheel axle; 2) a crank assembly having one or more laterally moveable chain rings rotatably coupled to a front section of the bicycle frame and in axial alignment with the pedal axle; and 3) a drive chain entrained around both the freewheel and chain ring. In a first embodiment, the crank assembly comprises a single chain ring which is laterally moveable with respect to the cycle frame. Lateral movement of the chain ring occurs in direct response to changes in the position of the drive chain on the freewheel cluster. The lateral movement of the chain ring allows the drive chain to maintain itself within a single plane relative to the chosen freewheel sprocket, thereby eliminating lateral bias.

Abstract: A guide pulley mounting mechanism for use with a bicycle derailleur. A rear take-up pulley is mounted to a plunger rod that travels within a plunger frame in a more or less horizontal arrangement with respect to the bicycle frame. A bias spring mechanism urges the rear take-up pulley in an outboard direction such that tension is maintained on the chain as different main gear sprockets are selected.

Abstract: A direct drive bicycle comprising a main frame. Rotatably mounted within the main frame is a variable rate transmission unit having rotatable input and output shafts. Rotatably connected to the main frame is a chain wheel. The chain wheel is mechanically coupled to the input shaft of the transmission unit in a manner wherein the rotation of the chain wheel facilitates the rotation of the input shaft.

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 wheelchair includes a support frame and wheels and casters rotatably cocted to the support frame. A rotatable steering member is slidably connected to a caster swivel support frame for steering the wheelchair. The wheelchair also includes a collapsible seat frame as well as a pedal operated transmission to drive the wheels of the wheelchair. A single brake lever brings two brake elements into engagement with the wheels to lock the wheelchair against rolling movement.

Abstract: An aerodynamic bicycle that reduces intra-abdominal pressure, improves aerodynamic performance, and improves muscular power efficiency includes various structures to support and hold the driver in a lying down, prone position, rather than in a sitting position. The bicycle includes: (a) a front wheel; (b) a rear wheel; (c) a frame connected to the front wheel and the rear wheel; (d) a handlebar for controlling a direction of travel of the bicycle; (e) a seat member supporting a gluteus region of the bicycle driver; (f) a first support member for supporting hips of the driver; (g) a second support member for supporting an axillary or sternal region of the driver; (h) a first, smaller sprocket located at the hub of the rear wheel; (i) a pedal unit including two pedals and a second sprocket located proximate to a circumference of the rear wheel; and (j) a chain connecting the first sprocket and the second sprocket.

Abstract: A direct drive bicycle comprising a bicycle frame having a housing attached thereto. Rotatably mounted within the housing is a variable rate transmission unit having rotatable input and output shafts. Rotatably connected to the housing is a chain wheel. The chain wheel is mechanically coupled to the input shaft of the transmission unit in a manner wherein the rotation of the chain wheel facilitates the rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A two wheel drive bicycle has fixed rear wheel and a turnable front wheel, a chain ring rotatable by way of an external rotation force, and a bicycle frame comprising a top tube and a head tube. A front drive chain runs, in sequence, from the chain ring, about a chain tensioner, around a first pulley of a pulley system, around a freewheel of the front wheel, around a second pulley of the pulley system, and back to the chain ring. The pulley system is fixed adjacent the head tube. The chain tensioner is characterized by a retractable third pulley attached to a spring means, the spring means being biased in a direction away from the front freewheel.

Abstract: A direct drive bicycle comprising a main frame. Rotatably mounted within the main frame is a variable rate transmission unit having rotatable input and output shafts. Rotatably connected to the main frame is a chain wheel. The chain wheel is mechanically coupled to the input shaft of the transmission unit in a manner wherein the rotation of the chain wheel facilitates the rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: The in line tricycle has a horizontal frame (34) having three wheels in line namely: a front wheel (20), an inner rear wheel (24), and an outer rear wheel (26); a chainwheel (22) and its adjuncts mounted thereunder. A modified freewheel is attached to the hub of the inner rear wheel (24) while a regular freewheel is attached to the hub of the outer rear wheel (26).