Abstract: The present patent application describes a modular crankset for bicycles. The described modular crankset is useful for users, since it solves issues related to the speed of replacement of elements, the easiness of the replacement procedures and lowers the weight of the set without compromising the consistency and rigidity of the set. The current technology is applicable to any bicycle available in the market, including electrical bicycles, and it is especially interesting for competition bicycles, wherein the replacement of the constituent elements of the crankset should be made as quickly as possible.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising at least one limb, in particular for use in rehabilitation and/or fitness, with a supporting frame and a generator of circular motion, which can be rotated on a rotary shaft associated with the supporting frame, and a limb support for resting and/or supporting at least one limb. A rotational shaft arranged radially off-set with respect to the rotary shaft of the generator of circular motion is associated with the generator of circular motion to rotatably mount a rotator. The limb support is associated with the rotator, preferably eccentric to the rotational shaft. The trajectory of the limb support is elliptical, the ellipse being formed by an overlapping of the circular motions of the generator of circular motion and the rotator.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a main device having a handle member and a seat member, the main device having a driver set rotatably assembled, the driver set having a first driver member, the first driver member having a plurality of first driver units, the driver set having two pedals assembled at two sides thereof, the main device having a wheel member rotatably assembled thereon, a second driver member assembled at an axle of the wheel member, the second driver member having a plurality of second driver units, a first connecting member connecting the first driver member and the second driver member so as to drive the wheel member to rotate, the first connecting member mounted around one first driver unit and one second driver unit, a resistance device assembled on the main device, the resistance device configured to create a resistance force to the wheel member.

Abstract: The invention is a crank assembly designed to allow the length of the crank arms to vary throughout the revolution of the crank. A spindle is attached to the bottom bracket assembly of a bicycle. The spindle is comprised of a cylindrical shaft with a mating feature at each end. A first crank arm assembly is attached to the spindle's left mating feature. The left crank arm assembly includes the crank arm, slider assembly, bearing, track, and pedal. Next, a second crank arm assembly is attached to the spindle's right mating feature. The right crank arm assembly includes the chain ring base, bearing, track, crank arm, slider assembly, pedal, and chain ring. Finally, the trajectory of the pedals in this invention follows a unique curve designed to allow the optimum expansion and contraction of the crank arms coinciding with the optimum amount of torque and angular speed.

Abstract: An eccentric bottom bracket for a bicycle. The eccentric bottom bracket includes opposing first and second members. The first member and the second member each include a body and a flange. Each body is sized and shaped to penetrate an opening of a bottom bracket shell of a bicycle. Each flange is sized and shaped to prevent complete admittance of the member into the bottom bracket shell. Each body also has a bearing guide with an axis that is parallel to but offset from a center axis of the bottom bracket shell when that body is fit into the bottom bracket shell. The eccentric bottom bracket also includes a tightening assembly for selectively applying a compressive force between the body of the first member and the body of the second member. The compressive force secures the first member and the second member to the bottom bracket shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical element, and more particularly, to a crank connected to a bicycle pedal or a handle for rotating a rotary body and to a bicycle using the same. The present invention uses a cylindrical cam, an end cam, or a swash plate cam, and the shafts of these cams and a shaft of a pedal or a handle for applying force are equipped with a miter gear (a bevel gear the number of teeth of which is 1:1 and the shaft angle of which is 90 degrees), such that the crank retracts/extends one time per one rotation of the pedal or the handle.

Abstract: A pedalling method and device for a user in standing position. The device includes a drive shaft whereof the rotation about its axis is coupled with the rotation of two right and left pedals. The pedals are mutually assembled via a plurality of cranks, connecting rods, and pivots such that: the pedals can travel freely along a circular path, for a constant rotational speed of the shaft, the speeds of the pedals are recurrent at equal time intervals but out of phase, minimal at lower dead center, maximal at upper dead center, and when the pedals are simultaneously at a common height lower than that of the center of the trajectory, the speeds of the pedals are equal. The vertical oscillation of the center of gravity of a user in standing position is reduced compared to a conventional pedal assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a pedal apparatus is provided. The pedal apparatus comprises a pedal member including a seat and an axle configured to cooperate with the seat to support the pedal member. The pedal apparatus is configured such that a rotation of the pedal member with respect to the axle causes translation of the pedal member with respect to the axle.

Abstract: An improved power transfer mechanism for use on a human-powered machine, adapted to be drivingly connected to a power take-off device of said machines, includes: a housing adapted in use, to be disposed within a frame of said human-powered machine; at least one crankshaft adapted to be disposed within said housing; respective left-side and right-side crank arms each adapted to be drivingly associated with an end of said at least one crankshaft; and drive transfer means adapted to co-operate with said at least one crankshaft and each associated crank arm, the arrangement being such that a first member of the group comprising and left-side and right-side crank arms and said power take-off device is adapted to be attached to said at least one crankshaft, such that each of the second and third of said members is adapted to be rotatable relative to said first of said members, and each other, only to a limited and controlled degree, whilst not be movable axially or in a longitudinal direction relative to said at le

Abstract: A releasable pedal mounting system having a pedal adapter that is adapted to engage a pedal and a pedal support member that is engageable to an apparatus, the support member including pedal adapter retention means that is adapted to allow mounting of the pedal adapter to the pedal support member when the pedal adapter retention means is in a first position and slideable engagement of the pedal adapter retention means to the pedal adapter retention region when in a second position, whereby the pedal adapter is secured to the pedal support member in a locked position.

Abstract: A crank transmission mechanism includes a crank unit having a rail portion connected to an end thereof and a guide member is connected with a shaft which is connected with a disk. The rail portion is movably engaged with the guide member. A transmission unit is connected between the crank unit and the disk, the rail portion and the guide member are connected to the transmission unit. The transmission unit is adjusted according to the relative position between the rail portion of the crank unit and the guide member. The crank transmission mechanism is compact and the torque can be adjusted by slowly adjusting the length of the crank unit. The crank transmission mechanism can be used to bicycles, tricycles and elliptical exercising machine.

Abstract: A rotary rehabilitation apparatus is presented for rehabilitation of a person's extremity, including the joints and assorted muscles, tendons, ligaments, that can be tailored to the person's needs based upon their physical size, type of injury, and plan for recovery. The apparatus facilitates the adjustment of the range of motion of the user's extremity in a cycling action by offsetting a moveable lever from a fixed lever at a plurality of angles. As the user's extremity moves in a circular path, the extremity engages in extension and flexion to cause movements in the articulations formed at the user's joints.

Abstract: A configurable chain drive transmission, which is propelled by two bent, prolonged, and extendable levers, that can be attached on to an existing chain drive transmission found on bicycles, wheelchairs, carts, and other forms of transportation to increase its output and usefulness.

Abstract: A rehab cycle crank having a pedal assembly, center assembly, anchor assembly, two rods, and pneumatic cylinder; wherein the pedal assembly includes a pedal plate, pedal base, and housing; wherein the center assembly includes a primary member and a secondary member; wherein each rod includes a first end and a second end; wherein the pneumatic cylinder includes a first end and a second end; wherein the housing of the pedal assembly is connected to the first end of each rod; wherein the anchor assembly is connected to the second end of at least one of the rods and the second end of the pneumatic cylinder; wherein the rods extend slidably through the primary member of the center assembly; wherein the primary member is attached to the secondary member by a central hub; wherein the secondary member comprises a crank arm into which the crank spindle of a cycle is inserted.

Abstract: A crank apparatus includes a driven member rotatably mounted to a machine, and a crank arm attached at an inner end thereof to the driven member at a rotational axis of the driven member such that the driven member and crank arm rotate together. An axle is slidably mounted to the crank arm such that the axle is maintained substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the driven member as it slides from an inner point on the crank arm, to an outer point on the crank arm, and a bias element is arranged to exert a force on the axle toward the rotational axis of the driven member.

Abstract: A rotary rehabilitation apparatus for rehabilitation of a person's extremity, including the joints and assorted muscles, tendons, ligaments, that can be tailored to the person's needs based upon their physical size, type of injury, and plan for recovery. The apparatus facilitates the adjustment of the range of motion of the user's extremity in a cycling action by offsetting a moveable lever from a fixed lever at a plurality of angles. As the user's extremity moves in a circular path, the extremity engages in extension and flexion to cause movements in the articulations formed at the user's joints.

Abstract: This invention is a bicycle crank and pedal assembly with a self-extending and retracting crank arm. The assembly only has three one-piece components that move relative to each other, if the bearings used in friction reduction are ignored. It is simple in design, compact in size and very effective in delivering the benefits of a self-extending and retracting crank arm. In particular, the assembly has (a) the maximum arm length for over 90 degrees of arm directions in the power down stroke and (b) the minimum arm length for close to 90 degrees of arm directions in the return up stroke.

Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle pedal has a fixed axle with an end operatively connected to a wheel of the bicycle and a guide axle connected to the fixed axle to form a crank. A bicycle pedal is rotatably mounted on a slider which is movably mounted on a guide portion of the guide rod for translation therealong. The ration of gyration of the pedal can be varied by sliding the pedal along the guide axle and/or telescoping the guide axle relative to the fixed axle. The slider and mounted pedal can be rotated toward the bicycle frame for compact storage.

Abstract: A bicycle crank mechanism comprises a main crank, a follower crank, and a connecting lever disposed between free ends of the main and follower cranks. A second fixed fulcrum shaft of the follower crank is arranged obliquely upwardly and backwardly of a first fixed fulcrum shaft of the main crank, the follower crank extending downward beyond a line connecting the first and second fixed fulcrum shafts from the second fixed fulcrum shaft such that the second free fulcrum shaft is swung below the line connecting the first and second fixed fulcrum shafts. A pedal is attached to a projection end of the lever and arranged in the vicinity of the free end of the main crank, the pedal being rotated along a non-circular track passing between the first and second fixed fulcrum shafts, and the first fixed fulcrum shaft being located at an internal area of the track.

Abstract: A crank arm of a bicycle having an effective crank arm length that can be selectively adjusted for increasing the comfort and performance of the rider. The crank arm includes a crank arm member rotatably connected about a crank arm member rotational axis to a base member. The base member includes a spindle bore defining a spindle rotational axis, which is eccentric with respect to the crank arm member rotational axis. The opposite end of the crank arm member includes a pedal bore defining a pedal rotational axis. The crank arm further includes a fastener to selectively couple the base member to the crank arm member for rotation therewith.

Abstract: An improved structure of a gear cluster for a bicycle having a crankset mounted with a crankshaft provided with a planetary gear module, wherein the planetary gear module includes a big wheel and a small wheel section and the planetary gear module drives an inner gear module mounted onto a gear plate, One lateral side of the crankshaft is provided with a driving structure including a second driving wheel and a third driving wheel engageable with the big and small wheels and the crankshaft is provided with a regulating structure for the positioning of the driving structure. The regulating structure includes two sets of a second and a third ratchet blocks for the positioning or free rotating of the second and the third driving wheels. The regulating structure is provided with a triggering structure to act on different ratchet block.

Abstract: The pedal crank of the present invention includes a cam having a channel therein, a hub fixed to the shaft of the exercise machine, an arm operable with a cam follower and a pair of rods. The arm includes the pedal or other force applying member of the exercise machine, and the cam follower extends into the channel of the cam. The rods extend from the hub to the arm such that the distance between the hub and the arm may vary according to the length of the rods. The shaft of the exercise machine extends through an eccentric hole in the cam. A pair of channels are machined in either the hub or the arm in which the rods reciprocate. The pedal crank is capable of extension to a maximum length of the rods which corresponds to the range of maximum biomechanical force applied to the leg of the user to the pedal or other force applying member of the exercise machine. The pedal crank then retracts in length on rotation to a point corresponding to the minimum biomechanical force.

Abstract: A transmission for a bicycle pedal has a fixed axle with an end operatively connected to a wheel of the bicycle and a guide axle connected to the fixed axle to form a crank. A bicycle pedal is rotatably mounted on a slider which is movably mounted on a guide portion of the guide rod for translation therealong. The ration of gyration of the pedal can be varied by sliding the pedal along the guide axle and/or telescoping the guide axle relative to the fixed axle. The slider and mounted pedal can be rotated toward the bicycle frame for compact storage.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission has a plurality of cone gears with multiple gear surfaces and a corresponding plurality of ratio-change assemblies for selecting one of the gear surfaces of each cone gear. One cone gear provides reductions of the input rotary speed while the other cone gears provide increases in the input rotary speed. The ratio-change assemblies include apparatus for moving its gear surface both vertically and horizontally. The transmission includes a telescopic pedal arm assembly for input power and torque. The telescopic pedal arm is driven between an extended position and a retracted position during each revolution so that the available torque increases in conjunction with available leg power.

Abstract: To reduce the load alternately imposed on the rider's legs when the pedals are stepped and to use the muscle of the entire legs in a well balanced manner, thereby naturally returning the pedals to the initial position of the stepping operation without forming an unnatural bending state of each leg at the returning track of the pedal.

Abstract: This invention is a bicycle crank and pedal assembly with a self-extending and retracting crank arm. The assembly only has three one-piece components that move relative to each other, if the bearings used in friction reduction are ignored. It is simple, compact and very effective in delivering the benefits of a self-extending and retracting crank arm. In particular, the assembly has (a) the maximum arm length for over 90 degrees of arm positions in the power down stroke and (b) the minimum arm length for close to 90 degrees of arm positions in the return up stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pedaling system using independent crank arms, a power plate—which rotates about an axis at a distance from and parallel to the axis of the bottom bracket—that is mounted by means of bearings on an eccentric support that can be fixed to the casing of the bottom bracket, and a transfer arm which is integral with the crank arm opposite to the side of the plates by means of an axle of the bottom bracket. Torque is thus transmitted from the crank arm on the side of the plates and from the transfer arm by means of two pushers that are connected to points diametrically opposite to the plate. During pedaling, relative development gradually increases as each pedal descends and the bicycle gains inertia. When the pedal is approaching the end of its descending phase and the tangential component of the force being applied decreases, the torque load decreases more rapidly.

Abstract: A variable length crank arm assembly (10) is disclosed which is mounted to a bicycle (11). The crank arm assembly (10) has a pair of oppositely disposed crank arms (25) each having a boss (26) from which extends a forked, crank arm member (27). Each crank arm member (27) has a first portion (28) that extends to a second portion (29). The second portion (29) has a proximal stop (31) and a distal stop plate (32). The crank arm assembly (10) also includes a slide (34) slideably mounted upon the second portion (29). A pair of proximal springs (37) are mounted upon the arm member second portion (29) which bias the slide (34) toward distal stop plate (32). A pair of distal springs (38) are mounted upon the second portion (29) which bias the slide (34) toward the proximal stops (31). A pedal assembly (41) is rotatably mounted to the slide (34). The pedal assembly (41) includes a shaft (42) extending from slide (34) and a conventional pedal (43) rotatably mounted to shaft (42).

Abstract: A planetary sphere/ring gear, comprising a sphere and a ring, which are interconnected by a ball and a socket. The ball is located on the edge of a circular opening in the ring and the socket is located on the body of the sphere. Used in conjunction with this planetary sphere/ring gear is a pedal-powered three or more wheeled vehicle which comprises a chain wheel, and pedals which swivel and which swing on a cradle. An operator's seat also swings on said cradle. Even though traversing across slopes, the chain wheel, pedals and seat are in a straight-with-the-world position, which is a natural and comfortable position for pedaling. The planetary sphere/ring gear is needed in the vehicle to allow the toothed ring, with a drive chain around it, to change its axis to line up with the drive wheel, as it swivels and swings.

Abstract: A cycle (or an adaptation for a cycle) comprises a primary crank arranged for rotation about a first axis, a secondary crank, and connection means for selective connection of the secondary crank to the primary crank at a selected one of a plurality of positions on both the primary crank and the secondary crank. A pedal is mounted on the secondary crank, and selectively operable means is provided for either permitting or preventing rotation of the secondary crank relative to the primary crank, in dependence of the nature of the disabilities or injuries of the user of the cycle.

Abstract: A pedal driving mechanism for a bicycle which contains structurally improved pedal arms on which pedals are installed to increase the rotary radius of the pedals during the running of the bicycle to obtain optimum driving energy with minimum physical energy consumption, wherein the structure of pedaling mechanism defines a joining line formed by the tooth-coupling of a fixing gear and a rotary gear with the axle line of a driving arm at a right angle, and the trace of the linkage formed by a connection arm and a connection link is set to move in a spiral motion forced to rotate with respect to the center of the fixing gear.

Abstract: The unit comprises two variable-length pedal cranks (20) having a common rotation pin (21) of transverse axis (A), and a mechanism (34, 35, 36) for varying the length of the two pedal cranks (20) on the basis of their angular position; the position of the axes of the pedals (25) in the vertical plane of projection defines, as the angular position of the pedal cranks (20) varies, an endless closed curve (F) about a reference axis (R) which is displaced by an angle of about 15 degrees forwards from the axis (N) passing through the center of the seat (11) of the bicycle and intersecting the axis (A) of the pin (21).

Abstract: The pedal crank of the present invention includes a cam having a channel therein, a hub fixed to the shaft of the exercise machine, an arm operable with a cam follower and a pair of rods. The arm includes the pedal or other force applying member of the exercise machine, and the cam follower extends into the channel of the cam. The rods extend from the hub to the arm such that the distance between the hub and the arm may vary according to the length of the rods. The shaft of the exercise machine extends through an eccentric hole in the cam. A pair of channels are machined in either the hub or the arm in which the rods reciprocate. The pedal crank is capable of extension to a maximum length of the rods which corresponds to the range of maximum biomechanical force applied to the leg of the user to the pedal or other force applying member of the exercise machine. The pedal crank then retracts in length on rotation to a point corresponding to the minimum biomechanical force.

Abstract: A variable drive mechanism for bicycle comprising a pair of input torque crank arms supported for independent rotation about a first axis and operatively connected to an output torque member rotating about a second axis. The rotary angular location of the two axes is adjustable and lockable in order to provide smoother pedaling motion or to eliminate the top dead center as is preferred with mountain bikes. With this drive mechanism, a constant speed of the output member will provide the input crank arm with a single variation of speed per revolution.

Abstract: A apparatus for gearless shifting, includes at least one crank, and an arm assembly, coupled to the at least one crank, for telescoping to adjust a length of the at least one crank, to selectively and controllably adjust a stroke length of the at least one crank. A pump also is provided including a variable-stroke length apparatus.

Abstract: The unit comprises two variable-length pedal cranks (20) having a common rotation pin (21) of transverse axis (A), and means (34, 35, 36) for varying the length of the two pedal cranks (20) on the basis of their angular position; the position of the axes of the pedals (25) in the vertical plane of projection defines, as the angular position of the pedal cranks (20) varies, an endless closed curve (F) about a reference axis (R) which is displaced by an angle of about 15 degrees forwards from the axis (N) passing through the center of the seat (12) of the bicycle and intersecting the axis (A) of the pin (21).

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly comprises pedals, crank arms, an axle and a chainring assembly. The pedals, crank arms, and axle are coupled to the chainring assembly through an elastic element in the form of a U-shaped spring. This elastic coupling allows relative angular rotation between pedals and chainring proportional to the force exerted on the pedals by a bicycle rider. The proportionality constant, or elasticity, is adjustable by repositioning the spring within its supporting structure. The elasticity may be thus adjusted to enable accurate calibration of measurement instrumentation associated with the crank assembly, or for any purpose for which an an adjustable elastic coupling is desirable.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly includes a spindle connection arrangement for connecting a first and second crank arm to a bicycle frame. The first crank arm includes a first portion of the spindle and the second crank arm includes a second portion of the spindle. The first and second spindle portions are connected to one another using two spaced apart bearing surfaces that provide a durable yet easily disassemblable spindle. The crank assembly also includes a removable chain ring and a chain ring adjuster for adjusting the position of the chain ring along the rotational axis of the spindle in order to allow the chain ring to be properly aligned with other components of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the assembly includes variable length crank arms that increase the ground clearance of the crank assembly and improve the leverage provided by the crank assembly during the downward stroke of the crank assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for translating a radial force applied to a crank into additional rotary motion by a crankshaft is described as including a crank mechanically coupled to the crankshaft that is adapted to extend away from the crankshaft and also toward the crankshaft. A spring is used to apply a biasing force to urge the crank toward the crankshaft. According to a first described embodiment, extension of the crank from the crankshaft acts upon flexible chain attached to the crank and to a cam so that extension of the crank causes additional rotation of the cam. The cam is attached to the crankshaft so that the extension of the crank also causes additional rotation by the crankshaft. According to a second embodiment, a pedal carrier arm is disposed at an angle intermediate a pair of members which define a primary crank and is held adjacent to each of a pair of rollers that are attached to the primary crank.