Patent US1832474A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US3800613A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3800613A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable speed sprocket drive
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-03-29
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Granted: 1974-04-02
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Expires: 1993-03-29
Abstract
Abstract A variable speed sprocket drive utilizing multiple small coplanar sprockets mounted on hinged arms on a common shaft, with means for moving the arms radially in unison to vary the effective diameter of the sprocket group. Each sprocket has a clutch shoe which is frictionally engageable with a common clutch plate on a drive shaft. Control means is provided for rapid adjustment of the sprockets and for engaging and disengaging the clutch. A chain passes around the sprockets for coupling to mechanism to be driven, the structure being particularly adaptable to a bicycle, or other apparatus requiring a low speed variable drive.
Inventors
- 👤 M Clark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:06
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H9/00; F16H9/02; F16H9/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
A variable speed sprocket drive, comprising: a housing having a sprocket shaft rotatably mounted therein, with one end projecting from the housing; a sprocket assembly on said one end, including a plurality of radially movable pivoted arms, each of said arms having a sprocket rotatably mounted thereon; each of said sprockets having a clutch shoe fixed thereto, and said clutch shoes being coplanar; a drive shaft coaxially slidably mounted in said sprocket shaft; a clutch plate fixed on said drive shaft confronting said clutch shoes; clutch actuating means coupled to said clutch plate for selective engagement with the clutch shoes; speed control means coupled to said arms for moving the arms collectively and thus varying the effective diameter of the composite sprocket formed by the sprockets; and a drive chain extending around and supported by several of said sprockets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
A variable speed sprocket drive, comprising: a housing having a sprocket shaft rotatably mounted therein, with one end projecting from the housing; a sprocket assembly on said one end, including a plurality of radially movable pivoted arms, each of said arms having a sprocket rotatably mounted thereon; each of said sprockets having a clutch shoe fixed thereto, and said clutch shoes being coplanar; a drive shaft coaxially slidably mounted in said sprocket shaft; a clutch plate fixed on said drive shaft confronting said clutch shoes; clutch actuating means coupled to said clutch plate for selective engagement with the clutch shoes; speed control means coupled to said arms for moving the arms collectively and thus varying the effective diameter of the composite sprocket formed by the sprockets; and a drive chain extending around and supported by several of said sprockets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A variable speed sprocket drive according to claim 1, wherein said clutch actuating means includes a yoke pivotally mounted in said housing, straddling said drive shaft and pivotally connected thereto; and control means externally of the housing for shifting said yoke.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A variable speed sprocket drive according to claim 1, wherein said speed control means includes a sleeve axially slidable on said drive shaft, a plurality of posts extending from said sleeve to each of said arms, each post having an inclined ramp face engaging the respective arm; and means for moving said sleeve axially.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A variable speed sprocket drive according to claim 3, wherein said ramp faces engage the inner portions of said arms, the arms being spring biased inwardly against the ramp faces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A varible speed sprocket drive according to claim 3, wherein said last mentioned means includes a yoke pivotally mounted in said housing, straddling said sprocket shaft and pivotally connected thereto; and control means externally of said housing connected to said yoke.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A variable speed sprocket drive according to claim 5, wherein said last mentioned control means comprises a threaded nut carried by said yoke, a stem rotatably mounted in said housing and having a threaded portion in threaded engagement with said nut, and a control knob fixed to said stem.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
68 words
A variable speed sprocket drive according to claim 6, wherein said clutch actuating means comprises a second yoke pivotally mounted in said housing, straddling said drive shaft and pivotally connected thereto, said yoke having an arm extending therefrom; a push rod axially slidable in said stem and engaging said arm; and means for moving said push rod to swing siaid yoke for selective engagement of the clutch means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A variable speed sprocket drive according to claim 7, wherein said last mentioned means comprises a lever pivotally mounted on said knob, said push rod projecting through the knob, and said lever having a cam portion engaging said push rod.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
A variable speed sprocket drive according to claim 8, wherein said drive shaft has a cross baR fixed therein and extending outwardly through said sprocket shaft for driving connection therewith; a ring bearing secured to said cross bar; said second yoke being connected to said ring bearing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2584447A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-04-01 | 1977-10-01 | 1978-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-01 | 1981-10-01 | 1982-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-01 | 1985-10-01 | 1986-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |