Patent US3921741A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3921741A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bicycle with electric motor assist
Assignee: JM Huber Corp
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Filing: 1974-07-11
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Granted: 1975-11-25
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Expires: 1994-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A pedal-operable bicycle is provided with supplemental electric power means to assist the operator in traversing hilly terrain. The electric power means comprises a storage battery, a wheel-hub mounted direct current motor operated either as a motor or a generator, and handle bar actuated electronic control means for applying power to energize the motor or to connect it as a generator to recharge the battery when traveling downgrade and/or to brake the vehicle to a slower speed. An alternate arrangement using a separate motor and generator is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Irwin P Garfinkle
- 👤 Robert J Mcnair
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:06
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M6/00; B62M6/40; B62M6/45; B62M6/60; B62M6/65; B60; B60L; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/12; B60L2220/00; B60L2220/40; B60L2220/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
An electric power assisted vehicle comprising: a frame; wheels rotatably mounted on said frame; a pedal system for driving at Least one of said wheels, said driving system including an overdrive clutch mechanism which permits the pedals to power said drive wheel while at the same time preventing the pedals from being driven by said wheel; drive motor means connected to said one wheel; voltage generator means coupled to one of said wheels; a rechargeable battery source; and electric power connecting means selectively coupling said battery source to said motor or said generator, said electric power connecting means including a combination motor and generator control unit, said unit having separate motor and generator control sections therein, each comprising manually variable current regulating resistor elements, each having a power disconnected position, and including means for biasing said resistor elements to said power off position when released by an operator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
An electric power assisted vehicle comprising: a frame; wheels rotatably mounted on said frame; a pedal system for driving at Least one of said wheels, said driving system including an overdrive clutch mechanism which permits the pedals to power said drive wheel while at the same time preventing the pedals from being driven by said wheel; drive motor means connected to said one wheel; voltage generator means coupled to one of said wheels; a rechargeable battery source; and electric power connecting means selectively coupling said battery source to said motor or said generator, said electric power connecting means including a combination motor and generator control unit, said unit having separate motor and generator control sections therein, each comprising manually variable current regulating resistor elements, each having a power disconnected position, and including means for biasing said resistor elements to said power off position when released by an operator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the drive motor is of the slot-wound clamped rotor type and is integrally mounted in the wheel hub.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said drive motor means and said generator means comprise a permanent magnet motor which is convertible to a generator in its driven state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said drive motor means and generator means are separate units, and means are provided for selectively clutching one or the other of said units.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the current regulating resistor elements respectively provide proportional control of said drive motor and said generating means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said vehicle is a bicycle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said control means includes means for converting said drive motor to a dynamic brake.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-24 | 1979-05-26 | 1979-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-24 | 1983-05-26 | 1983-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-24 | 1987-05-26 | 1987-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |