CA2284370A1 - Bicycle attachment for mobility on snow terrain (b-track) - Google Patents

Bicycle attachment for mobility on snow terrain (b-track) Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2284370A1
CA2284370A1 CA 2284370 CA2284370A CA2284370A1 CA 2284370 A1 CA2284370 A1 CA 2284370A1 CA 2284370 CA2284370 CA 2284370 CA 2284370 A CA2284370 A CA 2284370A CA 2284370 A1 CA2284370 A1 CA 2284370A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
track
wheel
snow
vehicle
design
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2284370
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yemane B. Gessesse
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2284370 priority Critical patent/CA2284370A1/en
Publication of CA2284370A1 publication Critical patent/CA2284370A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62MRIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M29/00Ground engaging propulsion devices for cycles, sledges, or rider-propelled wheeled vehicles, not otherwise provided for
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62KCYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K13/00Cycles convertible to, or transformable into, other types of cycles or land vehicle

Abstract

A simple traction attachment which is easy to assemble and connect to a bicycle is provided. This attachment enables the rider to traverse along a snow covered terrain by implementing a wider traction belt at the back wheel. This belt serves the dual purpose of preventing the bicycle wheel from digging deep into the snow and imparting motion through the rear wheel of the bicycle. The front wheel is connected to a simple ski-like attachment as there is no torque input that needs to be transmitted at this wheel, for the mobility of the bicycle. To ensure that there is no slippage in the transmission of torque at the rear wheel, the bicycle attachment, which will be referred to as the b-track, is designed such that a chain drive is utilized. This chain is connected to two sprockets located at the center of the rear wheel and at the front side of the b-track on the rear wheel. The uniqueness and novelty of this invention is the ease with which one can assemble this product and the relatively low cost of manufacture.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is in the field of the conversion of two, three or four wheeled limited terrain vehicles.
It enables existing light vehicles to be used on snow terrain converting them into vehicles capable of traversing this treacherous ground with relative ease. Because of the stability obtained by introducing this contraption, one can ride a vehicle on snow or ice for recreational as well as transportation purposes. Even though the application of the b-track for bicycles is discussed in detail, the same principle can be implemented to convert three or four wheeled light vehicles for mobility on snow.

DESCRIPTION OF PREVIOUS WORK RELATED TO THE INVENTION
The author of this invention was unable to locate a similar work patented before. However, some inventions that remotely resemble the principle of the intended use of this invention were filed by by Savard and Chabot and Howerton and Lewis who were awarded the Canadian Patent No. 2114150 and Canadian Patent No. 1219621, respectively. The patent of Howerton and Lewis is similar to the one obtained by Harris in the U.S. (US patent No. 3885641).
Savard and Chabot recommended to attach an extra wheel to the rear wheel and to hook up a track covering the rear wheel and the new additional wheel to provide a longer track in contact with the surface. This attachment may be used to go over ice. However, successful usage of this device on snow is questionable as the wheels and the narrow track covering the two rear wheels may sink into the snow. In addition, the width of the track is limited as it has to pass through the frame of the rear wheel of the bicycle The Howerton and Lewis invention which was filed for motorcycles relies on the transmission of torque from the rear wheel to the ground through the (theoretical) point contact which occurs at the interface of the wheel and the roller. Given the fact that this vehicle is operating in a wet terrain the slippage that is bound to occur at this point should be considerable. In addition, the design of the Snow Track Belt for Motorcycles involves some parts that tend to make the overall cost of the product relatively high. An added disadvantage is the fact that the attachment increases the height of the Motorcycle considerably compromising the stability of the vehicle (higher center of gravity).
The Harris invention is similar in design to the Howerton and Lewis invention and the same arguments can be forwarded as in the previous case. In fact Howerton and Lewis applied for their patents by making some improvements to the work done by Harris, with their new endless traction belt. The major difference is that a sprocket and a chain assembly on either side of the rear wheel is used to drive the traction belt in the case of Harris, where as the new design of the endless traction belt and roller assembly by Howerton and Lewis eliminates the need for the chain and sprocket. The design of Harris ensures the absence of slippage between the rollers and the traction belt, however, the same problem of slippage between the wheel and the roller, as discussed in the previous case applies here as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is designed to enable two wheeled vehicles (three or four wheeled ones as well, with some modifications to Figure 1 and Figure 2 depending upon the particular type of vehicle) to effectively traverse on snow terrain. The vehicle can be used for entertainment, exercise as well as transportation purposes. It consists of a simple slider attachment that is connected to the front wheel of the vehicle and track attachment that is connected to the rear wheel of the vehicle for transmitting the torque to the rubber tracks. These tracks enable the bicycle to move on the snow and also provide stability by increasing the area of contact at the wheels.
The b-track attachment consists of a ribbed rubber belt covering two cylinders at each end. These cylinders are connected to two shafts which in turn are used for carrying the rear wheel. The wheel sits on two bearings covered by a concave hard rubber made to match the outer profile of the circular tire. The b-track attachment of the rear wheel is designed such that the wheel will clear the ground by 1-2 cm such that it does not touch it while in motion. The motion is imparted to the track through the sprocket connected to the front of the attachment which is driven by a chain connected to the sprocket at the center of the rear wheel. Because the vehicle is not lifted from the ground considerably attachment of the b-track does not increase the height of the center of gravity. However, it does increase the stability by increasing the base contact area of the rear and front wheel significantly.
The steering is controlled by the front wheel and no extra mod~cation is essential after the slider attachment is connected to it. However, the rear wheel of the vehicle needs to be modified to connect the chain to the two sprockets of the rear wheel attachment, i.e., it is essential to attach a sprocket on the rear wheel. The braking of the vehicle is effected through the rear wheel alone as it is the only wheel which is capable of transmitting the torque, for imparting motion to the vehicle. The sprocket to be connected to the rear wheel is an offthe shelf item which is connected to the wheel by removing it just once. The inside diameter of the sprocket is equal to the outside diameter of the ridge plus a little clearance (~O.lmm) available on the left side of the rear wheel, which does not normally have any sprockets. To ensure that there is no slipping, a set screw is used to secure the sprocket in place.
The chain is also easy to assemble due to the fact that this off the shelf item is connected using a simple clip on rod using a pin at one end. Assembling and disassembling of this chain is done with relative ease by inserting this pin or taking it out respectively. The size of the chain can be easily determined from the center distance of the two sprockets and their diameters.
This in turn will depend upon the size of the wheel, which the b-track is designed for.
Due to the implementation of design for manufacture and design for assembly methodologies in the overall design process of the b-track, one can observe the relative ease with which the above items can be manufactured in bulk and assembled by the average person. The cylinders are all identical and the outside covers of the cylinders are also the same. The inside covers are also the same with one of them having a sprocket attached to it. Due to the fact that the different parts to be manufactured are minimum in number and the rest are off the shelf items the cost implications are relatively small.
The two wheeled vehicles (three or four wheeled as well) this invention is designed for, may run using human power as in the case of bicycles or may be powered using internal combustion engines as in the case of motor bicycles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Characteristic features of the invention are unique in design and this is apparent as shown in the figures (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Although variations and modifications can be implemented without departing from the initial concept of this invention, it is evident that the design given in this disclosure which can be used for converting existing two, three and four wheeled vehicles into vehicles capable of traversing over snow (with some modification in the case of three and four wheeled vehicles) is the major contribution of this patent request.
Figure 1 is a drawing of the assembled bicycle with the b-track.
Figure 2 is a drawing of the front and rear attachment of the b-track.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
There are a few components shown and labeled in Figure 1 and Figure 2, functionality of which will be explained as follows:
Figure 1 Part 1: The sprocket connected on this part is used to drive the chain (part 2) which transmits motion to the b-track. The inside diameter of the sprocket is drilled such that it is equal to the outside diameter of the ridge plus a little clearance (--0. lmm) on the rear wheel and connected to this part using a set screw.
Part 2: The chain connected to part 1 is responsible for driving the b-track on snow and assembly process of this part requires a special clip-on pin which can be easily put on to secure it in place.
Figure 2 Part 3: These are the bearings where the rear tire is supported on, while it is rolling on the b-track. It helps in increasing the stability of the bicycle and distributing the load from the bicycle to the b-track.
Part 4: Inner drum cover which also carnes the sprocket 8 as well as bearing 1 after it is assembled. Because the diameter of the outer edge is slightly bigger than the drum, it also serves the purpose of preventing the rubber track from sliding inwards as it is rotating. An added advantage of this cover is the prevention of material from getting into the hollow drum.
Part 5: The drum is used to engage the rubber tracks and transmit the motion without slippage because of the ribbed construction on the outside. In addition, there is an internal extrusion to hold the covers rigidly and transmit the motion without slipping.
Part 6: The rubber track which snugly fits on the drum (Part 3) is mainly used to transmit the torque to the traction surface and facilitate the mobility of the bicycle.
Part 7: The outer drum cover are all the same in construction and are used to cover the drum on the outside preventing unwanted material from getting into the hollow drum, transmitting the motion to the drum and also preventing the rubber track from sliding outward on the drum as it is rotating over it.
Part 8: The outer frame of the b-track is used to keep the bicycle in place rigidly balanced such that the top part is connected to the frame where the rear wheel is screwed on. It can be connected using the existing nut over the rear wheel rod. The ends of the horizontal tube are fitted with a bearing and are connected to the shaft which holds the drum and the bearings rigidly in place. This is the part which makes the design structurally sound.
Part 9: This shaft is used for holding the front and rear drums of the b-track in place and is also used to transmit the motion from the left drum to the right drum.
In addition it forms the rigid structural support required for this type of an apparatus by linking it with part 6.
Part 10: This is the sprocket connected to only one of the inner drum cover which is located on the opposite side of the existing rear wheel sprockets.
Part 11: This is the slider connected to the front wheel of the bicycle and steering of this mechanism can be done using the existing bars. Because there is no input transmitted through this wheel there is no harm done in restricting its motion.
Part 12: The connection of the front slider to the front wheel should be done using a rigid attachment. This part which is made from a metallic tube serves this purpose while it is not heavy. The end of the tube is made such that it fits onto the rod holding the front wheel and can be connected using the existing nut.
_ ~t_

Claims (14)

  1. Claim 1: The invention described in this application also known as the b-track, consists of a drive mechanism which can be connected to a bicycle, tricycle or a four wheeled vehicle to provide sufficient traction and prevent the said vehicle from sinking into the snow by allowing for a sufficient contact area. This reduces the interface contact pressure between the snow and the vehicle that has the b-track attachment connected to it.
  2. Claim 2: The front wheel of the vehicle is connected to the simple slider, provided the wheel is not part of the drive train which transmits the input torque from the rider/vehicle to the surface that it is riding on.
  3. Claim 3: The front wheel slider mentioned in 2 can be replaced by the rear attachment of the b-track as mentioned in 1, if this wheel is connected to the power train of the vehicle, i.e. it is capable of transmitting the torque input to the wheel.
  4. Claim 4: This invention mentioned in 1 can be used to enable two wheeled human powered vehicles (bicycles) to be ridden over a snow terrain for recreational, exercise as well as transportation purposes.
  5. Claim 5: This invention mentioned in 1 can be used to enable two wheeled internal combustion engine powered vehicles (motor bicycles, scooters) to be ridden over a snow terrain for recreational, exercise as well as recreational purposes, with the implementation of some modifications to the design, without deviating from the initial concept of the disclosure.
  6. Claim 6: This invention mentioned in 1 can be used to enable three wheeled human powered vehicles (tricycles) to be ridden over a snow terrain for recreational exercise as well as transportation purposes, with the implementation of some modifications to the design, without deviating from the initial concept of the disclosure.
  7. Claim 7: This invention mentioned in 1 can be used to enable three wheeled internal combustion engine powered vehicles (motor tricycles) to be ridden over a snow terrain for recreational, exercise as well as transportation purposes, with the implementation of some minor modifications to the design, without deviating from the initial concept of the disclosure.
  8. Claim 8: This invention mentioned in 1 can be used to enable four wheeled human powered vehicles to be ridden over a snow terrain for recreational exercise as well as transportation purposes, with the implementation of some modifications to the design, without deviating from the initial concept of the disclosure.
  9. Claim 9: This invention mentioned in 1 can be used to enable four wheeled internal combustion engine powered vehicles to be ridden over a snow terrain for recreational, exercise as well as transportation purposes, with the implementation of some modifications to the design, without deviating from the initial concept of the disclosure.
  10. Claim 10: The assembled component of the b-track mentioned in 1 is light in construction.
    Therefore, the total weight of the bicycle is not augmented considerably and transporting it attached to the vehicle or not is easy.
  11. Claim 11: The design of the cylinders of the b-track as described in l, over which the ribbed rubber rolls on, is 2-4 inches in diameter and 4 - 6 inches wide, to ensure sufficient traction and prevent digging into the snow.
  12. Claim 12: The design of the b-track mentioned in 1, is such that the assembly of the device does not involve the removal of the wheels of the vehicle. It uses the brake system of the rear wheel to slow down and stop it.
  13. Claim 13: The design specified in 1 and 2 shows that the air pressure of the tires is not detrimental to the operation of the b-track as there is a rigid contact between the frame of the bicycle and the b-track support assembly.
  14. Claim 14: The invention described in 1 has an aesthetically appealing feature and it is not bulky in construction.
CA 2284370 1999-09-20 1999-09-20 Bicycle attachment for mobility on snow terrain (b-track) Abandoned CA2284370A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2284370 CA2284370A1 (en) 1999-09-20 1999-09-20 Bicycle attachment for mobility on snow terrain (b-track)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2284370 CA2284370A1 (en) 1999-09-20 1999-09-20 Bicycle attachment for mobility on snow terrain (b-track)

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2284370A1 true CA2284370A1 (en) 2001-03-20

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2284370 Abandoned CA2284370A1 (en) 1999-09-20 1999-09-20 Bicycle attachment for mobility on snow terrain (b-track)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103112538A (en) * 2013-02-19 2013-05-22 韩旭 Novel dual purpose bicycle on snow field and non-snowfield
CN106741539A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-05-31 宋宇 A kind of electric mountain bike for being provided with plug-in drive mechanism
CN106828763A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-06-13 宋宇 The plug-in auxiliary pulley group of Multi-functional mountain bike
CN112498528A (en) * 2021-01-11 2021-03-16 车琳洁 New forms of energy electric motor car can dismantle anti-skidding wheel structure

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103112538A (en) * 2013-02-19 2013-05-22 韩旭 Novel dual purpose bicycle on snow field and non-snowfield
CN106741539A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-05-31 宋宇 A kind of electric mountain bike for being provided with plug-in drive mechanism
CN106828763A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-06-13 宋宇 The plug-in auxiliary pulley group of Multi-functional mountain bike
CN112498528A (en) * 2021-01-11 2021-03-16 车琳洁 New forms of energy electric motor car can dismantle anti-skidding wheel structure

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