US3850044A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bicycle transmission
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-05-10
•
Granted: 1974-11-26
•
Expires: 1993-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A transmission particularly designed for use with bicycles which includes an infinitely variable sprocket device for adjusting the various speeds at which the bicycle may be driven. The infinitely variable sprocket includes a first driving member attached to and for rotation with the pedals of the bicycle having a purality of chain engaging, driving elements thereon which elements are arranged for radial shifting such that the effective driving diameter of the drive sprocket may be increased or decreased. The radial shifting of these members is obtained through a control plate having a generally circular scroll path defined thereon in which the individual chain driving elements are guided such that when the drive plate and scroll plate are normally rotated together the driving elements will be maintained in one position and when the relative speeds of the scroll plate and the driving plate are changed the individual drive elements will be shifted radially inwardly or outwardly. In addition to this the individual drive elements are individual sprocket elements or sprocket segments which are arranged for one way rotation such that an idle position of the pedals may also be maintained.
Inventors
- 👤 D Hagen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:48
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M9/00; B62M9/04; B62M9/06; B62M9/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A transmission for a bicycle or similar chain driven vehicle which vehicle includes a pedal, crank arrangement, said transmission including: a. a first drive plate arranged for driving rotation with the pedal crank arrangement; b. a plurality of individual chain engaging elements arranged on said drive plate and being radially moveable thereon; c. means for adjustably positioning said chain engaging elements on said drive plate; d. said chain engaging elements including arcuate sprocket members mounted for rotation in one direction relation to said drive plate; e. said means for adjustably positioning said chain engaging elements including: 1. a scroll plate member defining at least one path of ever increasing radius thereon, said scroll plate being mounted for free rotation and being positioned adjacent said drive plate; 2. guide means extending from said chain engaging elements into said path; 3. radially extending guides on said drive plate, said guide means arranged to move radially within said guides; f. means for providing relative rotation between said drive and said scroll plate whereby said chain engaging elemetns are driven by the guides to vary the radial positions thereof; and, g. said means for providing relative rotation between said drive and scroll plates including brake means shiftable into braking engagement with said scroll plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
210 words
A transmission for a bicycle or similar chain driven vehicle which vehicle includes a pedal, crank arrangement, said transmission including: a. a first drive plate arranged for driving rotation with the pedal crank arrangement; b. a plurality of individual chain engaging elements arranged on said drive plate and being radially moveable thereon; c. means for adjustably positioning said chain engaging elements on said drive plate; d. said chain engaging elements including arcuate sprocket members mounted for rotation in one direction relation to said drive plate; e. said means for adjustably positioning said chain engaging elements including: 1. a scroll plate member defining at least one path of ever increasing radius thereon, said scroll plate being mounted for free rotation and being positioned adjacent said drive plate; 2. guide means extending from said chain engaging elements into said path; 3. radially extending guides on said drive plate, said guide means arranged to move radially within said guides; f. means for providing relative rotation between said drive and said scroll plate whereby said chain engaging elemetns are driven by the guides to vary the radial positions thereof; and, g. said means for providing relative rotation between said drive and scroll plates including brake means shiftable into braking engagement with said scroll plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
guide means extending from said chain engaging elements into said path;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
guide means extending from said chain engaging elements into said path;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
guide means extending from said chain engaging elements into said path;
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
guide means extending from said chain engaging elements into said path;
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The structure as set forth in claim 1 and said radially extending guides including radially extending guide slots formed in said drive plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
radially extending guides on said drive plate, said guide means arranged to move radially within said guides; f. means for providing relative rotation between said drive and said scroll plate whereby said chain engaging elemetns are driven by the guides to vary the radial positions thereof; and, g. said means for providing relative rotation between said drive and scroll plates including brake means shiftable into braking engagement with said scroll plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
71 words
radially extending guides on said drive plate, said guide means arranged to move radially within said guides; f. means for providing relative rotation between said drive and said scroll plate whereby said chain engaging elemetns are driven by the guides to vary the radial positions thereof; and, g. said means for providing relative rotation between said drive and scroll plates including brake means shiftable into braking engagement with said scroll plate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 and hand lever means and control cable means connected to said brake means for actuation thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
radially extending guides on said drive plate, said guide means arranged to extend into said guides; and,
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
radially extending guides on said drive plate, said guide means arranged to extend into said guides; and,
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
means for providing relative rotation between said drive and scroll plates including brake means shiftable into braking engagement with said scroll plate whereby said chain engaging elements are driven by the radially extending guides to vary their radial positions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
means for providing relative rotation between said drive and scroll plates including brake means shiftable into braking engagement with said scroll plate whereby said chain engaging elements are driven by the radially extending guides to vary their radial positions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
69 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 and means for mounting said sprocket members including: a. a first mounting block arranged for sliding movement in said radial guide slots; b. said guide means extending from one side of said block and establishing a first axis; and, c. a sprocket mounting shoulder extending from the other side of said block establishing a second axis radially offset from said first axis.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The structure set forth in claim 4 and said offset being determined for each said sprocket in conjunction with the rate of radial increase of said guide path to maintain said sprockets in concentric relation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 and said scroll plate having a plurality of openings formed at least partially therethrough for cleaning of said scroll as said guide means are moved therepast.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The structure set forth in claim 6 and said scroll plate being formed from a first, generally flat plate and a second scroll defining plate and means for attaching the same together.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
99 words
A drive mechanism for a bicycle or similar chain driven vehicle, which vehicle includes a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket for driving a rear wheel for the vehicle, said mechanism including; a. a first dRive plate arranged for driving rotation with the rear wheel of the vehicle; b. a plurality of individual chain engaging elements arranged on said drive plate and being radially moveable thereon, said chain engaging elements including arcuate sprocket members mounted for rotation in one direction relative to said drive plate; c. means for adjustably positioning said chain engaging elements on said drive plate including;
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
99 words
A drive mechanism for a bicycle or similar chain driven vehicle, which vehicle includes a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket for driving a rear wheel for the vehicle, said mechanism including; a. a first dRive plate arranged for driving rotation with the rear wheel of the vehicle; b. a plurality of individual chain engaging elements arranged on said drive plate and being radially moveable thereon, said chain engaging elements including arcuate sprocket members mounted for rotation in one direction relative to said drive plate; c. means for adjustably positioning said chain engaging elements on said drive plate including;
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |