US20080073137A1 - Continuously variable drivetrain - Google Patents
Continuously variable drivetrain Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080073137A1 US20080073137A1 US11/951,985 US95198507A US2008073137A1 US 20080073137 A1 US20080073137 A1 US 20080073137A1 US 95198507 A US95198507 A US 95198507A US 2008073137 A1 US2008073137 A1 US 2008073137A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- drive
- pulley
- crank
- lever
- hub
- 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
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J1/00—Saddles or other seats for cycles; Arrangement thereof; Component parts
- B62J1/28—Other additional equipment, e.g. back-rests for children
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K15/00—Collapsible or foldable cycles
- B62K15/006—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K3/00—Bicycles
- B62K3/005—Recumbent-type bicycles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K3/00—Bicycles
- B62K3/02—Frames
- B62K3/10—Frames of single-beam type, i.e. connecting steering head to rear axle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M1/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles
- B62M1/24—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with reciprocating levers, e.g. foot levers
- B62M1/28—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with reciprocating levers, e.g. foot levers characterised by the use of flexible drive members, e.g. chains
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H9/00—Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members
- F16H9/02—Gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio, or for reversing rotary motion, by endless flexible members without members having orbital motion
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
- Y10T74/18056—Rotary to or from reciprocating or oscillating
- Y10T74/18232—Crank and lever
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20576—Elements
- Y10T74/20582—Levers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/21—Elements
- Y10T74/2164—Cranks and pedals
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to mechanical power transmission systems and more specifically to continuously variable drivetrains.
- Pulley and belt systems used to transmit mechanical energy are very common and have been used extensively in industry for decades. Their benefits of low cost, reliability, modularity, and high efficiency have created thousands of applications.
- two pulleys are used, although three, four, five, or more pulleys may be employed.
- one belt or cable is used, although systems with multiple belts are not uncommon, such as those used in automobiles. With these systems, two or more pulleys have two or more annular grooves that are designed to accommodate two or more belts.
- Pulleys can be made from steel, aluminum, plastic, and other materials. The material choice is often determined by the amount of power to be transferred.
- Pulleys come in many different sizes, ranging from miniature pulleys with a diameter of less than 10 millimeters to very large pulleys over a meter in diameter.
- Belts are made from many different materials, but all of them are flexible. Often, a rubber belt is used with embedded steel strands to increase strength. Other common materials used in belt construction are urethane, neoprene, steel, and composites.
- the belt profile can be round, V shaped, flat, grooved, or other shapes. Timing belts use a series of tooth shaped ridges which engage corresponding indentations in a pulley to maximize power transfer and eliminate slip. Some belts employ grooves to allow them to wrap around smaller diameter pulleys.
- pulley and belt drivetrains are endless, which means that they transfer power rotationally from one pulley to another.
- the pulleys are rigidly attached to rotating drive and driven shafts and a circular belt rotates endlessly in a closed loop.
- Idler pulleys are frequently used to create and maintain tension on the belt to prevent slippage and premature failure.
- Idler pulleys do not transfer power and typically employ a bearing in the bore of the pulley to minimize friction and increase life. The bearing and idler pulley assembly is often pressed over a non-rotating shaft.
- Reciprocating pulley and belt, or cable, drivetrains are often found in human powered systems.
- Exercise equipment frequently uses a cable that is attached to weights at one end and to a bar or other device which a person can push or pull. The weight is lifted and then returned to its resting state.
- An idler pulley is generally suspended at a height above the weights. This lifting and lowering of the weight creates reciprocating motion of the cable and pulley.
- exercise machines such as those simulating the motion of climbing stairs can use similar reciprocating pulley and cable drivetrains. All of these drivetrains suffer from a loss of kinetic energy at the end of each stroke.
- a bar For example, in a bicep curl, the human grasps a bar with both hands and lifts the bar to a position near the chest, and then returns it to the resting state. Kinetic energy is created during movement of the bar and then lost when the movement is stopped at the end of the stroke.
- Some exercise machines including Nautilus type equipment, employ a cam which causes the weights to move more rapidly at the end of the stroke. This effect creates more efficient exercise by minimizing the loss of kinetic energy. The exercise is also more efficient because it becomes more difficult as the muscle contracts. During contraction the mechanical advantage of a muscle increases and it becomes more powerful. As the muscle position changes and creates a larger mechanical advantage, with cam or Nautilus type equipment, the weight simultaneously becomes more difficult to lift.
- Linear drive systems in human powered vehicles have been attempted many times. However, they are not as efficient as commonly used drivetrains, such as sprocket and chain systems used on bicycles, due to the loss of kinetic energy at the end of each stroke. Many of the human powered linear drive systems are also complex, and each gear, bearing, pulley, cable, chain, or sprocket used in the drivetrain reduces efficiency. The complex systems are also heavy, and weight is a significant factor in human powered vehicles because it increases inertia and power requirements. Complex systems are also more expensive and more prone to breaking.
- the most common human powered vehicle is a bicycle.
- a bicycle uses a sprocket and chain drivetrain which very efficiently transfers human power to the rear wheel.
- power is only efficiently created through about 60 degrees of the stroke, and only becomes very efficient for about 30 degrees of the 360 degree rotary stroke.
- This stroke also creates two large torque spikes per revolution.
- a high pedaling speed is required to achieve high efficiency. This high pedaling speed reduces the torque spikes and also creates momentum to carry the pedals through the power phase of the stroke.
- the majority of people are not comfortable pedaling at a high speed and consequently do not maintain a cadence which maximizes the efficiency inherent in a bicycle's rotary stroke.
- a pulley and cable drivetrain which continuously varies speed and torque throughout its stroke.
- the continuously variable drivetrain incorporates two pedals, which are contacted by a person's feet, and move in reciprocating motion to transmit power.
- Each pedal attaches to a crank which rotates along an arc defined by a pivot point at an end opposite the pedal.
- the cranks attach to a frame, which in some systems comprises the support structure for a human powered vehicle or exercise equipment.
- a pulley Also attached to each crank is a pulley, the pulley positioned at a distance from the crank pivot point to produce the correct rotational speed of a drive pulley.
- the drive pulley of which there is one for each crank, has a drive cable wrapped around a deep annular groove. The drive cable terminates at the interior of the drive pulley.
- the drive cable then travels around a first idler pulley and at a second end is attached to the frame.
- a second, dependent cable is used to raise one pedal while the other is depressed.
- the dependent cable is attached at each end to each of the cranks.
- the dependent cable then travels around a second idler pulley which is attached to the frame.
- the idler pulley is positioned above the cranks so that the dependent cable is tensioned by each crank.
- the continuously variable drivetrain is used in conjunction with human powered vehicles, specifically a bicycle.
- the drivetrain allows the seat to be removed from the bicycle.
- the user stands on the pedals near the rear of the bicycle and in some aspects leans forward on a chest support.
- the dependent cable and the dependent pulley are eliminated to allow each crank to be operated independently of the other. This allows the user to pedal with one leg, both legs simultaneously, or to vary the starting and ending positions of the stroke.
- the pedals may utilize a cover which extends over the top of the foot or fasteners to attach the user's shoes to the pedals.
- the idler pulley is eliminated and the drive cable terminates at and is attached to the crank. This has the effect of reducing the speed at which the drive pulley rotates. In other systems two or more idler pulleys are attached to each crank, which increases the speed at which the drive pulley rotates.
- a compound pulley is used to accelerate the ratio change of the continuously variable drivetrain.
- the compound pulley one for each drive pulley, incorporates two deep annular grooves to accommodate two cables.
- One cable is the drive cable and the second cable is the compound cable.
- one cable is unwinding from the compound pulley while the other cable is winding onto the compound pulley.
- a compound pulley is attached to each crank, and a lever is attached to each crank.
- the lever is connected to the crank with a lever pivot, and in one embodiment has lever pulleys attached at both ends of the lever.
- a lever cable runs from the compound pulley, around the lever pulleys, and terminates at a strong stationary structure, such as the frame. The lever contacts a roller, which causes the lever to swing and pull more cable at the end of the stroke than at the beginning of the stroke.
- One aspect of the invention is directed to a drivetrain having a crank coupled to a lever pivot, and a lever operably coupled to the crank; the lever is configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about the lever pivot during a power phase of a stroke.
- Yet another aspect of the invention concerns a drivetrain having a crank, a pulley attached to the crank, a lever operably coupled to the crank, and a lever stop operably coupled to the lever.
- a different aspect of the invention relates to a drivetrain that includes a lever configured to rotate about an axis during a stroke of the drivetrain, the stroke comprising a power phase and a return phase.
- the drivetrain additionally includes a hook attached to the lever, a lever stop configured to cooperate with the lever, and a drive pulley operationally coupled to the lever.
- the invention concerns a drivetrain provided with first and second rotatable cranks and a crank pivot, wherein the cranks are configured to rotate less than 180 degrees about the crank pivot during a power phase of a stroke.
- the drivetrain can additionally exhibit first and second lever pivots attached respectively to the first and second rotatable cranks, and first and second levers attached respectively to the first and second lever pivots, wherein the levers are configured to rotate less than 300 degrees during the power phase.
- the drivetrain in some cases, additionally includes at least one crank pulley attached to each crank, at least one lever stop operably coupled to each lever, and at least one drive pulley operably coupled to each crank.
- the invention is directed to a drivetrain configured to convert human power to mechanical propulsive power.
- the drivetrain has a lever configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during a power phase of a stroke, a hook attached to the lever, and a first pulley attached to the lever.
- the invention covers a drivetrain with two levers and two lever pivots, wherein each lever pivot attaches to a respective lever, and wherein each lever is configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about a respective lever pivot during a power phase of a stroke.
- the drivetrain can also have first and second lever pulleys attached to each lever, two compound pulleys, and two flexible tension members, each flexible member contacting a respective compound pulley, first lever pulley, and second lever pulley.
- a different aspect of the invention relates to a drivetrain having a crank configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke, a lever pivot coupled to the crank, and a drive pulley having a spiraling root.
- the drivetrain includes a flexible tension member operably coupled to the crank and the drive pulley such that a first end of the flexible tension member terminates at the root of the drive pulley, the flexible tension member is spirally wound on the drive pulley at the beginning of the power phase, and the flexible tension member unwinds from the drive pulley during the power phase.
- Yet one more aspect of the invention concerns a drivetrain having a crank configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke, a lever pivot coupled to the crank, and a lever operably coupled to the crank via the lever pivot; the lever can be configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about the lever pivot during the power phase.
- Still another embodiment of the invention addresses a bicycle having first and second cranks, each crank configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke.
- the bicycle can have first and second lever pivots coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks.
- the bicycle additionally includes first and second levers operably coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks, the first and second levers configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about the first and second lever pivots during the power phase.
- the bicycle can also have a frame, wherein the first and second cranks and/or the first and second levers are coupled to the frame.
- a front wheel and a rear wheel operably couple to the frame.
- One aspect of the invention is directed to a human powered vehicle having a frame, at least one wheel attached to the frame, and at least one crank which is configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke; the crank is operably coupled to the wheel.
- the human powered vehicle components are configured such that during the power phase a rotation of the crank causes a rotation of the wheel, and wherein the power phase is continuously variable and causes the wheel to rotate more rapidly at the beginning than at the end of the power phase.
- the invention addresses a continuously variable drivetrain having first and second foot pedals and first and second cranks; wherein the first and second foot pedals couple, respectively, to the first and second cranks.
- the drivetrain can be configured such that the cranks are capable of reciprocating motion, and the cranks rotate along an arc defined by a crank pivot point located at an end distal from the pedals.
- the drivetrain can further include a frame adapted to support the cranks, and first and second drive pulleys coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks.
- the drivetrain additionally has first and second crank pulleys coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks; the crank pulleys can be positioned at a distance from the crank pivot point.
- the drivetrain has a first drive cable wrapped around the first drive pulley and the first crank pulley, and a second drive cable wrapped around the second drive pulley and the second crank pulley.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle utilizing a continuously variable drivetrain (CVD) and a chest support.
- CVD continuously variable drivetrain
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame and CVD of the bicycle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the chest support of the bicycle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an end view of the support base of the bicycle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the frame of the bicycle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the frame of the bicycle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the frame of the bicycle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a Detail A view of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a side view of the bicycle of FIG. 1 with its front wheel removed and the chest support folded down.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bicycle of FIG. 1 with its front wheel removed and the chest support folded down.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the CVD of the bicycle of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the CVD of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is a cutaway section view of the hub of the CVD of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a crank of the CVD of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 15 is a perspective side view of the drive pulley of the CVD of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 16 is an end view of a drive pulley of the CVD of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a portion of a CVD of FIG. 12 showing cable movement at different locations in a stroke.
- FIG. 18 is a second schematic view of a portion of a CVD of FIG. 12 showing cable movement at different locations in a stroke.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a drive cable at the beginning of a stroke.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a drive cable at the end of the stroke.
- FIG. 21 is a graphical comparison of a stroke of the bicycle of FIG. 1 with the stroke of a conventional bicycle.
- FIG. 22 is a chart showing stroke torques of the bicycle of FIG. 1 and a conventional bicycle.
- FIG. 23 is perspective view of an alternative CVD.
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of yet another alternative CVD.
- FIG. 25 is a front view of a pulley used in the CVD of FIG. 24 .
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of yet one more alternative CVD.
- FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a CVD that can be used in exercise equipment.
- FIG. 28 is a side view of a scooter using a CVD.
- FIG. 29 is a side view of yet another alternative CVD.
- FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the CVD of FIG. 29 .
- FIG. 31 is a partially schematic view of the CVD of FIG. 29 at the start of a stroke.
- FIG. 32 is a partially schematic view of the CVD of FIG. 29 at the middle of a stroke.
- FIG. 33 is a partially schematic view of the CVD of FIG. 29 at the end of a stroke.
- FIG. 34 is a section view of a drive pulley used in the CVD of FIG. 29 .
- FIG. 35 is a partially schematic view of an alternative CVD at the start of a stroke.
- FIG. 36 is a partially schematic view of an alternative CVD at the middle of a stroke.
- FIG. 37 is a partial schematic view of an alternative CVD at the end of a stroke.
- FIG. 38 is a side view of a lever that can be used with the CVD of FIG. 29 .
- FIGS. 39A-39D are schematic views showing contrasting different leg positions of a user operating a conventional bicycle and a CVD.
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a bicycle and frame that can be used with the CVDs disclosed here.
- FIG. 41 is a perspective view of yet another bicycle frame that can be used with the CVDs disclosed here.
- inventive embodiments disclosed here are related to technology described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/799,601, filed on May 11, 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the terms “operationally connected,” “operationally coupled”, “operationally linked”, “operably connected”, “operably coupled”, “operably linked,” and like terms refer to a relationship (mechanical, linkage, coupling, etc.) between elements whereby operation of one element results in a corresponding, following, or simultaneous operation or actuation of a second element. It is noted that in using said terms to describe inventive embodiments, specific structures or mechanisms that link or couple the elements are typically described. However, unless otherwise specifically stated, when one of said terms is used, the term indicates that the actual linkage or coupling may take a variety of forms, which in certain instances will be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant technology.
- Components which are used on both the left and right side of a vehicle or equipment are designated with the letters a and b.
- the left lever crank might labeled lever crank 615 a
- the right lever crank might labeled lever crank 615 b .
- all of the components on a side are designated with the letter a
- all substantially similar components on another side are designated with the letter b; when a component is referred to generically without a side designation, the a or b suffix is removed.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a bicycle 100 , where the bicycle seat has been removed and a chest support 90 added to accommodate a continuously variable drivetrain 10 , hereinafter referred to as a CVD 10 .
- the bicycle 100 also has a front wheel 80 , a fork 86 , handlebars 87 , a frame 60 , and a rear wheel 84 , typical of conventional bicycles.
- the front and rear wheels 80 , 84 may use bicycle wheels that are spoked, solid, molded, and any other wheels that can be used for a bicycle.
- the fork 86 has two blades which attach to the front axle on each side of the front wheel 80 ; however, the fork 86 may also be of single blade structure.
- the fork 86 may be replaced by a component that can provide steering of the front wheel 80 .
- the handlebars 87 may be constructed of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, wood, or any other suitable material, and the shape can be modified to suit an individual user's preference.
- the chest support 90 is comprised of a support 92 , which can be foam, an inflatable cushion, netting, or any other material which provides support for the user's chest. The size, thickness, and shape of the support can be modified to suit the user's preferences. To accommodate the female anatomy, depressions or cups may be formed into the support 92 .
- the support 92 is constructed of foam or other lightweight flexible material and a firm support structure 93 is attached to the foam on the underside of the support 92 .
- a support clamp 94 is positioned underneath and attached to the firm support structure of the support 92 .
- the support clamp 94 provides for attachment of the support 92 to the support tube 95 .
- the support clamp 94 also allows the user to tilt the support 92 to optimize the user's position.
- the support clamp 94 may be constructed of several different designs, including traditional methods used to attach and tilt a bicycle seat.
- the support clamp 94 is plastic and integrally formed with the support structure 93 .
- the support clamp 94 consists of two protrusions 94 A extending underneath the support 92 , each protrusion 94 A having a hole 94 B to allow a bolt or quick release clamp to be inserted through the holes 94 B in the support clamp 94 .
- the support clamp 94 is positioned over the top of a support tube 95 , which has a support hole 96 integral thereto. In other embodiments, the support clamp 94 may use the same design to attach bicycle seats to seat posts.
- the support tube 95 is positioned between the two protrusions 94 A of the support clamp 94 and the support hole 96 is aligned so that it is concentric with the holes of the protrusions.
- the bolt or quick release clamp is inserted through one protrusion, through the support hole 96 , and through the second protrusion.
- a nut or clamp can be used to secure and tighten the support 92 , to hold it in a preferred position.
- the support tube 95 is a cylindrical tube made from aluminum, titanium, steel, plastic, a composite such as carbon fiber, or any other suitable rigid, strong material.
- the support tube 95 is capable of being raised or lowered so that the height of the support 92 can be adjusted to accommodate different users.
- the support tube 95 fits into a hole 91 in a support base 97 , the hole 91 having a slightly larger diameter than the support tube 95 .
- the support base 97 at a first end is generally cylindrical to allow insertion of the support tube 95 , and at a second end has an aperture 99 with an axis approximately 90 degrees to the axis of the support tube 95 .
- the support base 97 has a slot 89 to allow a quick release clamp, commonly used in the art, to be positioned around the first end of the support base 97 and clamp the support base 97 , and squeeze the support tube 95 firmly, thus holding it in position to prevent movement when the weight of the user's chest is on the support 92 .
- a quick release clamp commonly used in the art
- the aperture 99 is slightly larger than and fits over the frame 60 .
- the aperture 99 is split on a side below the frame to allow frame fastener 98 to fasten securely and rigidly the support base 97 to the frame 60 .
- the frame fastener 98 has two fastener holes 88 which extend through both sides of the split in the support base 97 , to allow common fasteners such as bolts or quick release clamps to be used to tighten the frame fastener 98 to the frame 60 .
- the support base 97 can be moved along the axis of the frame 60 either closer to the front wheel 80 , or closer to rear wheel 84 , to accommodate preferences and sizes of different users.
- the frame 60 is a structural component, and can be constructed of steel, aluminum, titanium, beryllium, carbon fiber or other composite, a plastic, such as glass filled nylon, or any other suitable material.
- the frame 60 may be composed of two or more materials.
- the body of the frame 60 can be made from carbon fiber while the dropouts may be steel.
- the frame 60 is not subjected to the loads and stresses of a conventional bicycle frame. Because the bicycle seat is eliminated, there is only a small amount of weight from the user distributed to the frame 60 . Since the user is standing and leaning forward, most of the user's weight is on pedals 16 .
- the pedals 16 ultimately transfer most of the user's weight to the rear axle 33 .
- There is a small amount of weight on the chest support 90 which is transferred to a top tube 62 , and ultimately to a head tube 61 .
- the frame 60 can be made significantly lighter than conventional bicycle frames.
- the head tube 61 a generally cylindrical part of the frame 60 , and common in the art, provides for fastening of the fork 86 and steering of the bicycle 100 .
- Attached to the head tube 61 is the top tube 62 , a generally cylindrical tube, typically attached at a first end to the head tube 61 by welding if the frame 60 is metal or plastic.
- the frame 60 is molded from plastic and the top tube 62 is integrally formed with the head tube 61 .
- the head tube 61 and top tube 62 may also be joined by gluing, using an epoxy, or other high strength adhesive.
- the top tube 62 extends rearward toward the rear wheel 84 , and terminates at first and second hinges 64 , 65 .
- the hinges 64 , 65 are composed of strong, rigid tubing such as steel, titanium, or aluminum and provide for folding and storage of the bicycle 100 .
- each hinge is comprised of three separate tubes.
- the middle sections 66 are welded, or permanently attached to the top tube 62 with adhesive, or the middle sections 66 can be integrally molded into the top tube 62 .
- the top and bottom sections 67 , 68 respectively, are permanently affixed to a back tube 69 using the same attachment method as the middle section 66 .
- a permanent pin 70 is permanently inserted into the hinge 64 through the top, middle, and bottom sections 66 , 67 , 68 .
- the second hinge 65 (not fully shown) utilizes a removable pin 71 .
- the removable pin 71 is inserted into the second hinge 65 in the same manner as the permanent pin 70 is inserted into the first hinge 64 .
- the user may pull and remove the removable pin 71 , so that when the front half of the frame 60 is folded it will pivot on the axis of the permanent pin 70 . In this manner, the frame 60 can be folded approximately in half.
- the back tube 69 is a short, generally cylindrical component with approximately the same shape, and made from the same material, as the top tube 62 .
- the back tube 69 extends rearward in substantially the same direction as the top tube 62 and terminates at a pulley mount 73 .
- the pulley mount 73 made from the same material as the top tube 62 , attaches, protects, and conceals a dependent pulley 24 in a cavity 74 within the pulley mount 73 , and forms an attachment point for the back tube 69 , top stays 76 , and down stays 77 .
- a pulley shaft hole 75 is also formed in the pulley mount 73 , and is a location where a pulley shaft (not shown) is inserted through the top of the pulley shaft hole 75 , then through the dependent pulley 24 , and finally through the bottom of the pulley shaft hole 75 .
- the pulley shaft may be secured with common fasteners, such as a lock nut or retaining ring, or any other suitable method.
- Top stays 76 can be integrally formed with the pulley mount 73 , or made separately and welded, glued, or otherwise bonded to the pulley mount 73 .
- the top stays 76 one on the left side and one on the right side of the frame 60 , are made from the same material as the rest of the frame 60 , although in other embodiments a different material can be used.
- the down stays 77 are also attached to the pulley mount 73 at a first end, and can be integrally molded or welded, or glued to the pulley mount 73 .
- the down stays 77 in a preferred embodiment, are made of the same material as the top stays 76 .
- the down stays 77 extend down and slightly rearward from the pulley mount 73 , and are positioned on each side of the rear wheel 84 .
- the down stays 77 are generally elongated tubes and become wider, or farther apart from each other and the rear wheel 84 , near their second end to allow for attachment of cranks 15 .
- Crank connectors 79 are positioned near the second end, near the bottom of the down stays 77 , and a crank shaft 14 is attached to each crank connector 79 , providing for arcuate motion of the cranks 15 .
- the cranks 15 are positioned between the rear wheel 84 and the crank connectors 79 .
- crank stays 78 Joining the down stays 77 , slightly above and closer to the rear axle 33 , are crank stays 78 .
- the crank stays 78 are made from the same material as the down stays 77 , and serve to support and anchor the cranks 15 .
- the crank stays 78 are generally elongated tubes that move closer together and closer to the rear wheel 84 at a second end near the rear axle 33 .
- the crank stays 78 join the top stays 76 at a second end near the rear axle 33 .
- Dropouts 63 can be either attached to the crank stays 78 or molded integrally into the crank stays 78 . In a preferred embodiment, the dropouts 63 are constructed of steel or aluminum and serve as an attachment point for the rear axle 33 .
- the rear wheel 84 is positioned between the crank stays 78 , the down stays 77 , and the top stays 76 .
- the rear axle 33 is attached to the dropouts 63 with standard fasteners such as nuts and washers.
- the bicycle 100 can easily be made portable because the top tube 62 is the only component of the frame 60 attaching the front end to the rear end.
- the down tube, seat tube, and bottom bracket, components of the frame of a conventional bicycle are eliminated. If the front wheel 80 is removed, and the chest support 90 is collapsed and rotated down 180 degrees so that it is positioned between the frame 60 and the ground or riding surface, the bicycle 100 can be quickly folded to a small size.
- the frame 60 can also be made in two separate pieces (not shown) separated at the axis of the pulley shaft hole 75 .
- a first section comprised of the head tube 61 , the top tube 62 , and the pulley mount 73 (the back tube 69 and the hinges 64 , 65 are eliminated) extends to and terminates at the pulley shaft hole 75 .
- a second section begins at the axis of the pulley shaft hole 75 and extends rearward. The second section is designed to contact the first section at two areas, one on the left side and one on the right side of both the first and second sections.
- the second section has a second pulley shaft hole 75 b formed at the top and bottom concentric with and outside of the pulley shaft hole 75 on the first section.
- the pulley shaft is inserted first through the top portion of the second pulley shaft hole 75 b , then through the top portion of the pulley shaft hole 75 , then through the dependent pulley 24 , then through the bottom portion of the pulley shaft hole 75 , and finally through the bottom portion of the second pulley shaft hole 75 b .
- the first and second sections of the frame 60 separate, splitting the bicycle 100 approximately in half.
- the CVD 10 includes two cranks 15 a , 15 b , which move in reciprocating motion when a user powers the CVD 10 . From an original, resting position at the beginning of a stroke, the movement of the cranks 15 can be defined as a power stroke, which occurs when a crank 15 is depressed by a user, and a return stroke, which occurs when the crank 15 returns to its original position at the beginning of the stroke.
- the cranks 15 are elongated members which begin with a crank pivot 17 at a first end, and have a first section 22 which is generally straight.
- the crank pivot 17 is a through hole providing for attachment of the crank shaft 14 .
- the cranks 15 include a pedal mount 18 for attachment of the pedals 16 .
- a second section 19 of the crank 15 is designed to position the pedals 16 above the first section 22 .
- the second section 19 is curved upward so that the cranks 15 can be made from one piece and strength is maximized.
- the second section 19 may extend from 10 to 90 degrees, or another angle (for example, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), to the first section 22 .
- the second section 19 may also be welded to the first section 22 , or attached by any other suitable method.
- the second section 19 serves three functions:
- crank pulley 23 It lowers a crank pulley 23 so that a more favorable speed ratio is obtained through positioning of the crank pulley 23 relative to a drive pulley 28 .
- the cranks 15 can be made from aluminum, steel, titanium, plastic, a composite such as carbon fiber, or another suitable material.
- the pedals 16 can be conventional bike pedals or can be platforms that are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to the cranks 15 . In one embodiment, the pedals 16 are platforms that have limited rotational capability to accommodate the bending of the legs while a user powers the CVD 10 .
- the pedals 16 can be made from aluminum, steel, titanium, plastic, a composite such as carbon fiber, or another suitable material. The user places a foot on each pedal 16 , and by alternately depressing each pedal 16 a , 16 b , delivers power to the CVD 10 , which power is then transferred to a bicycle, scooter, exercise equipment, boat, submarine, plane, or any other human powered device.
- crank pulley 23 is also attached to each crank 15 .
- the crank pulley 23 is an idler pulley that serves to increase the speed ratio of the CVD 10 .
- the crank pulley 23 can have an idler bearing 26 inserted into its bore to minimize friction.
- An idler shaft 27 is inserted through the idler bearing 26 and is then threaded into a pulley connector 20 to fasten the crank pulley 23 to the crank 15 .
- the idler shaft 27 can be pressed into the pulley connector 20 or welded, or fastened with other conventional fasteners.
- the pulley connector 20 is a round through hole, but it can be made with a square, hexagonal, or any other suitable shaped hole. The hole can also be blind, and in some embodiments the idler shaft 27 can be made integral with the crank 15 , eliminating the need for the pulley connector 20 .
- clamp mounts 21 which in a preferred embodiment are through holes located on the first section 22 of the crank 15 .
- the clamp mounts 21 can be countersunk so that if a screw or bolt is used for attachment the heads will be flush with the crank 15 .
- the clamp mounts 21 allow insertion of fasteners such as screws, bolts, or pins to provide attachment of cable clamps 29 .
- the cable clamps 29 are a strong, rigid component made from steel although titanium, aluminum, and other materials may be used. Each cable clamp 29 has two through holes to allow insertion of two machine screws.
- the machine screws are inserted first through the clamp mounts 21 , then through a first cable clamp 29 A 1 , and then threaded into a second cable clamp 29 A 2 .
- the machine screws can be first inserted through the second cable clamp 29 A 2 .
- only one cable clamp 29 A is used and a dependent cable 31 is clamped between the crank 15 and the cable clamp 29 A.
- the dependent cable 31 is a flexible tension member that in some embodiments has minimal creep and a break strength greater than the maximum force exerted by the user.
- the dependent cable 31 can be constructed of a composite material such as Vectran or Kevlar, but can also be made from other materials, including steel.
- a first end of the dependent cable 31 is operably attached to the crank 15 a , and at a second end it is operably attached to the crank 15 b , with the above described cable clamps 29 .
- the dependent cable 31 wraps around the dependent pulley 24 so that when the crank 15 a is depressed the crank 15 b rises, and vice versa.
- the dependent pulley 24 is constructed of aluminum, although steel, plastic (such as glass filled nylon), a composite material, or any other suitable material can be used.
- the dependent pulley 24 is an idler pulley and has a dependent bearing 32 attached at its center to minimize friction.
- the dependent pulley 24 is positioned in the cavity 74 of the frame 60 and the pulley shaft (not shown) is inserted through the top of the pulley shaft hole 75 , through the bore of the dependent bearing 32 , and then through the lower portion of the pulley shaft hole 75 .
- the hub 40 of the CVD 10 is disclosed.
- the hub 40 is comprised of a hub shell 41 , a generally cylindrical component that contains and protects the one way clutches 42 , the torque drivers 43 , and the rear axle 33 .
- the hub shell 41 can be constructed of steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber or another composite, or any other suitable material.
- the hub shell 41 includes spoke flanges 44 , so that the hub shell 41 can be attached to the rear wheel 84 .
- the one way clutches 42 Attached to the hub shell 41 on its inside diameter are one way clutches 42 .
- the one way clutches 42 each alternately provide torque to the hub shell 41 , rotating the rear wheel 84 .
- the one way clutches 42 are roller clutches of the type utilizing hardened steel pins circumferentially spaced around the inside diameter of the roller clutch housing. Hardened steel ramps are positioned around the pins, and springs are attached to the pins to provide for instant lockup of the roller clutch.
- the one way clutch can be of the sprag clutch type, where one or more pawls contact ratchet teeth during lock up.
- the one way clutches 42 are rigidly attached to the hub shell 41 using an interference fit. They can also be attached with welding, adhesive, or standard fasteners. Contacting the roller clutch pins from the inside of the one way clutches 42 are torque drivers 43 .
- the torque drivers 43 in a preferred embodiment are hardened steel cylinders with a smooth outside diameter.
- the outside surface of the torque drivers 43 contact the one way clutches 42 using a tolerance so that when torque is transferred to the one way clutches 42 they lock up, thus rotating the hub shell 41 .
- the clutch 42 b is in clutch mode and freewheeling, and vice versa.
- the lock up mode of the clutch 42 a occurs when the crank 15 a is depressed, and the clutch 42 b freewheels as the crank 15 b is raised.
- hub bearings 45 are positioned adjacent to and contact hub races 46 on each side of the hub shell 41 .
- the hub bearings 45 are angular contact bearings although radial bearings or thrust bearings may be used.
- the hub bearings 45 are constructed from individual balls, although cylindrical rollers may be used. In one embodiment, the hub bearings 45 incorporate ball retainers, but individual balls or sealed cartridge bearings may also be used.
- the hub bearings 45 provide for relative movement between the hub shell 41 and the drive pulleys 28 , and provide radial and axial support to the hub shell 41 .
- the hub bearings 45 on a second side contact the pulley races 47 , which contact and are attached to the drive pulleys 28 .
- a second set of bearings, the axle bearings 55 are positioned adjacent to the drive pulleys 28 , and provide radial and axial support to the drive pulleys 28 .
- the axle bearings 55 are angular contact bearings but in other embodiments, they can be radial or thrust bearings.
- the axle bearings 55 on a first side contact the axle races 56 of the drive pulleys 28 .
- On a second, side the axle bearings 55 contact races on cone nuts 57 .
- the cone nuts 57 are threaded nuts which can be screwed onto corresponding threads on the rear axle 33 and tightened up against the axle bearings 55 .
- the rear axle 33 in one embodiment is a threaded rod that defines the longitudinal axis of the hub 40 .
- the rear axle 33 is attached to the dropouts 63 (shown in FIG. 7 ) of the frame 60 using conventional fasteners such as threaded nuts and washers.
- the torque drivers 43 are rigidly attached to and rotate with the drive pulleys 28 .
- the drive pulleys 28 are positioned on each side of the hub shell 41 and are concentric with the rear axle 33 , which is also the longitudinal axis of the CVD 10 .
- the drive pulley 28 , the torque driver 43 , and the pulley race 47 are constructed from the same piece, preferably hardened steel. However, any one of these three components can be constructed separately, and of different materials.
- the pulley race 47 and the torque driver 43 may be constructed of a separate piece of hardened steel and attached to the drive pulley 28 , which can be constructed of aluminum, mild steel, titanium, plastic, a composite, or any other suitable material.
- the drive pulley 28 is a disc shaped component with an annular groove in its center to house a drive cable 52 .
- each drive pulley 28 contains a spring hole 48 , a cable hole 49 , and a clamp hole 50 .
- the spring hole 48 provides a space for insertion of a first end of a return spring 51 , which can be positioned concentrically with the rear axle 33 .
- the return spring 51 is made from spring steel wire and spirals radially away from the rear axle 33 .
- the return spring 51 at a first end is attached to the drive pulley 28 via the spring hole 48 .
- the return spring 51 is attached to the frame 60 . Attachment to the frame 60 can be made with standard fasteners or a hole can be created in the frame 60 into which the second end of the return spring 51 can be inserted.
- the second end is the outside diameter (the larger diameter) of the return spring 51 and the first end is the inside diameter (the smaller diameter).
- the return spring 51 can be positioned so that the coils decrease in diameter as the return spring 51 is tensioned when a crank 15 is depressed during the power stroke. In some embodiments the return spring 51 only needs to provide enough tension to prevent the drive cable 52 from becoming slack on the return stroke. In other embodiments, the return spring 51 is strong enough to return the crank 15 to the beginning, or top of, the stroke.
- the tensioned return spring 51 rotates the drive pulley 28 in the opposite direction that it rotates during the power stroke, returning the drive pulley to its original position, and assists in lifting the crank 15 to a position at the beginning of the stroke.
- the spring hole 48 is slightly larger than the material comprising the return springs 51 and is a perforation in the side of the drive pulley 28 facing away from the center of the hub 40 .
- a radially located cable hole 49 positioned at the root of a drive groove 53 in the drive pulley 28 allows for insertion of a first end of the drive cable 52 .
- the drive cable 52 is attached to the drive pulley 28 with a set screw (not shown) or another suitable fastener that is threaded into a clamp hole 50 .
- the clamp hole 50 can be a tapped hole that is located on a side of the drive pulley 28 facing away from the center of the hub 40 .
- the drive cable 52 is then wrapped around the drive pulley 28 within the drive groove 53 so that the drive cable 52 wraps around itself multiple times.
- the number of winds of the drive cable 52 in the drive groove 53 varies considerably with the application, and in the case of a human powered vehicle, is dependent on the speed and diameter of the wheel, propeller, flywheel, or other rotating driven component.
- the number of winds of the drive cable 52 is also dependent on the size and physical condition of the user and also the diameter of the drive pulley 28 .
- the drive cable 52 will have from two to six windings but in a few applications the drive cable 52 may be wound more than 12 revolutions around the drive pulley 28 and as few as 1 ⁇ 2 revolutions. In some applications, the drive cables 52 are wound a sufficient number of revolutions so that there is approximately one revolution left in the drive groove 53 when the cranks 15 are depressed and at the end of their power stroke.
- the root diameter surface of the drive groove 53 is knurled or otherwise roughened so that it grabs the drive cable 52 and distributes the tension on the drive cable 52 to a larger area, lessening the stress on the first end of the drive cable 52 .
- the drive cable 52 after being wound around the drive pulley 28 , travels around the crank pulley 23 (seen in FIG. 11 ).
- the drive cable 52 wraps around the crank pulley 23 so that the drive cable 52 first contacts the crank pulley 23 on a forward side facing the hub 40 , and it becomes disconnected, or leaves the crank pulley 23 on a rearward side facing away from the hub 40 .
- the drive cable 52 is routed in the opposite direction around the crank pulley 23 and the manner in which the drive cable 52 is wrapped around the crank pulley 23 is dependent on the desired rate of change of the stroke.
- the drive cable 52 terminates and is attached to a cable end 54 , which is constructed of a rigid, strong material such as aluminum, steel, titanium.
- the cable ends 54 provide for clamping of a second end of the drive cable 52 using standard fasteners, and are rigidly attached to the frame 60 .
- the cable ends 54 can be welded to the frame 60 , fastened with machine screws, nuts, and washers, or any other suitable method.
- the drive cable 52 is attached to the frame 60 directly with common fasteners and the cable ends 54 are eliminated.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the crank 15 , drive pulley 28 , and drive cable 52 .
- FIG. 17 two positions of the crank 15 are depicted. In position A, which is the location of crank 15 at the beginning of a stroke, the drive cable 52 is shown attached directly to the crank 15 . To make the explanation of the following principle easier to understand, the crank pulley 23 is not shown.
- the crank 15 has rotated 10 degrees relative to position A, which in some embodiments is approximately 33% of the length of the stroke.
- the stroke length can be made longer or shorter depending upon the size of the user, the size and rotational speed of the wheel, propeller, flywheel, or other rotating driven component, and the diameter of the drive pulley 28 .
- the difference between the length of the drive cable 52 in positions A and B is very small.
- the length of the drive cable 52 is approximately 20% longer than in position A. In some embodiments, this results in the drive pulley 28 rotating a small amount, and when the CVD 10 is used with a bicycle 100 , produces a lower speed of the rear wheel 84 .
- positions C and D of the crank 15 are depicted.
- the difference between positions C and D is again 10 degrees, or approximately 33% of the stroke length.
- Position D represents the crank 15 position at the end of a stroke. It is easily seen in FIG. 18 that the drive cable 52 is longer in position D than in position C. It can be seen by comparing FIGS. 17 and 18 that the drive cable 52 travels over 50% farther with the same 10 degrees of movement of the crank 15 in FIG. 18 than in FIG. 17 . This increase in travel of the drive cable 52 increases the speed of rotation of the drive pulley 28 and the speed of rotation of rear wheel 84 . The acceleration of the rear wheel 84 changes continuously with respect to time from the beginning of the stroke to the end of the stroke.
- the continuously (over time) variable speed and torque change can be adjusted by varying the position of the crank pivot 17 , the length of the crank 15 , the position of drive pulley 28 relative to crank 15 , the diameter of drive pulley 28 , the position and diameter of the crank pulley 23 , the diameter of drive cable 52 , and the length of the cable, among other things.
- the crank 15 when the crank 15 is at a larger angle relative to the drive cable 52 , the crank 15 creates more rotation of the drive pulley 28 for an equivalent distance traveled through the stroke. If the crank 15 is at a small angle relative to the cable 52 , the crank 15 will typically produce a small amount of rotation of the drive pulley 28 when the crank 15 is depressed during a stroke.
- An angle Z between the drive cable 52 and the crank 15 changes continuously throughout the stroke and will cause changes in the rotational speed of the drive pulley 28 if all other variables remain the same.
- an angle Z 2 of the drive cable 52 relative to the crank 15 is greater at the end of a stroke relative to an angle Z 1 at the beginning of a stroke; this results in increased rotation of the drive pulley 28 at the end of a stroke compared to the beginning of a stroke if all other variables remain the same.
- the change in rotation of the drive pulley 28 is continuously variable.
- FIG. 19 a schematic view of the position of the drive cable 52 wrapped around the drive pulley 28 at the beginning of a stroke is depicted.
- the drive pulley 28 has been hidden. It can be seen that the drive cable 52 has been wound around the drive pulley 28 approximately 3.15 times.
- FIG. 20 a schematic view of the position of the drive cable 52 at the end of a stroke is depicted. To make the explanation of the following principle easier, the drive pulley 28 has been hidden. It can be seen that the drive cable 52 has unwound from the drive pulley 28 so that the number of revolutions remaining is approximately 1.1.
- the drive cable 52 has a larger diameter, which decreases speed and increases torque at the drive pulley 28 relative to the smaller diameter of drive cable 52 at the end of a stroke.
- This variation in speed and torque is continuously variable, meaning that the speed and torque at the drive pulley 28 changes continuously with respect to time throughout the stroke.
- the rate at which the speed and the torque changes can be varied and is controlled by the root diameter of the drive pulley 28 , the diameter of the drive cable 52 , the number of revolutions the drive cable 52 is wrapped around the drive pulley 28 , the length of the crank 15 , the length of the stroke, and other variables.
- This speed increase is difficult to realize on a CVD bicycle because the bicycle begins to accelerate rapidly, the cranks 15 become difficult to depress, and significantly more force is required to be applied by the user.
- the amount of acceleration can be controlled through proper design of the CVD 10 .
- the increase in force required to reach the end of the stroke is insufficient under normal operating conditions. This means that the cranks 15 will slow down and stop on the power stroke before reaching the end of the stroke unless the user applies significant power. This eliminates the loss in kinetic energy at the end of each stroke.
- the end of the power stroke occurs when the opposite crank 15 on its return stroke contacts the frame 60 .
- an intermediary component (not shown) positioned between the crank 15 and the frame 60 stops the return stroke of the crank 15 .
- This intermediary component can be constructed of a resilient material such as urethane or rubber and can be adjusted to suit the preference of the user.
- the intermediary component can be attached to the frame 60 with common fasteners.
- the length and position of the stroke can be controlled by varying the length and the position of the drive cables 52 and the dependent cable 31 .
- the length of the dependent cable 31 can be adjusted by loosening the two machine screws that are inserted into the clamp mounts 21 of a crank 15 . This loosens the force that the cable clamps 29 apply to the dependent cable 31 .
- the length of the dependent cable 31 can then be lengthened or shortened. If the dependent cable 31 is lengthened the cranks 15 move farther away from the dependent pulley 24 , or closer to the ground when the CVD 10 is used in conjunction with the bicycle 100 . This changes the position of the user on the bicycle 100 and changes the speed of the bicycle 100 .
- the cranks 15 move farther from the dependent pulley 24 , the distance between each of the cranks 15 also increases and unwinds some of the drive cable 52 from the drive pulleys 28 . This increases the speed ratio of the CVD 10 and the bicycle 100 .
- the length of the drive cables 52 can be adjusted in the same manner. If the fasteners attaching the drive cables 52 to the cable ends 54 are loosened, the drive cables 52 can be lengthened or shortened. If the drive cables 52 are lengthened, the return springs 51 wind the additional drive cable 52 onto the drive pulleys 28 , decreasing speed and increasing torque to drive pulleys 28 . If the drive cables 52 are shortened, speed increases and torque decreases. Thus, the user can configure the speed ratio of the CVD 10 to suit his or her personal preference.
- a stroke comparison is made between a traditional rotary stroke on a bicycle and the stroke of the CVD 10 .
- a circle A depicts the stroke of a traditional bicycle. Significantly, less than 90 degrees of a 360-degree stroke produces power, and only about 60 degrees of the stroke efficiently produces power, shown by the 60-degree sign between the upper and lower positions X of a conventional bicycle crank. The conventional rotary stroke only becomes very efficient through about half, or 30 degrees of the 60-degree stroke.
- the arc B depicts the length of the stroke of the CVD 10 , which very efficiently produces power through an approximately 30 degree range.
- the user's legs do not move nearly as much as in a conventional rotary stroke, lowering stress on the knees and other joints, and reducing muscle fatigue.
- torque is compared between a conventional rotary stroke and the CVD 10 stroke.
- Increasing torque is plotted on the vertical Y axis on the left side of the graph, while the horizontal X axis depicts time, or the percentage of the stroke completed.
- the curve C denotes the torque of a conventional rotary bicycle drivetrain through one complete stroke.
- This torque spike occurs twice per revolution, as a first leg and then a second leg pass through the power portion of the stroke.
- the torque of the stroke drops sharply when the cranks are substantially vertical, at the beginning and halfway through the stroke.
- the user must maintain a high cadence to transfer power efficiently.
- the curve D denotes the torque through the stroke of the CVD 10 .
- Torque is steady and level throughout the stroke because not only are the degrees of rotation through the stroke small (between 20-40 degrees in some embodiments) and ideally configured to produce power, but also because the radius of the drive cable 52 to the center of the drive pulley 28 decreases as the crank 15 moves through the power phase of the stroke. This action decreases torque.
- the legs straighten the leg muscles become more efficient and produce more force towards the end of the stroke, offsetting the decrease in distance of the drive cable 52 to the center of the drive pulley 28 . Still referring to FIG.
- the maximum torque produced by the CVD 10 is lower than a conventional rotary drivetrain, reducing stress on the user and the CVD 10 components, but the average torque is higher. This occurs because much more of the user's weight is applied to the pedals 16 , due to the fact that there is no seat. Thus, the force applied to the pedals 16 is much greater.
- the dependent cable 31 is removed and replaced by two independent cables 131 a , 131 b , which are attached to the cranks 15 a , 15 b , respectively. At a second end, the independent cables 131 attach to the frame 60 .
- the independent cables 131 can use common fasteners or cable clamps 29 for attachment to the frame 60 . Because the dependent cable 31 is eliminated, in some embodiments the crank 15 a does not return to its original position when the crank 15 b is in its power stroke, and vice versa. This requires that a stop be implemented to end the power stroke of the CVD 110 .
- the independent cables 131 which like the dependent cable 31 are flexible tension members, accomplish this purpose by becoming taut at the end of the power stroke.
- the length of the independent cables 131 can be adjusted in the same manner as the dependent cable 31 .
- Independent pedals 116 replace the pedals 16 of CVD 10 .
- the independent pedals 116 allow the user to pull the cranks 15 on the return stroke.
- a cover 117 attached to the pedals 116 , covers the tops of the user's feet.
- the pedals 116 incorporate toe clips (not shown) so the user can pull the cranks 15 .
- the independent pedals 116 can be clipless pedals and the user wears matching clipless shoes which engage and attach to hooks or other fasteners on the independent pedals 116 .
- the return spring 51 (shown in FIG. 11 ) is configured to lift the cranks 15 during the return phase of the stroke, and the independent pedals 116 are not needed to raise the cranks.
- the user can adjust the length of the stroke as with CVD 10 , but can also adjust the height of the stroke by lifting the cranks 15 higher when pedaling, which produces a slower speed and a higher torque.
- the user can also depress the cranks 15 farther on the power stroke, increasing the speed and reducing the torque.
- Significant ratio changes in the speed and torque of the CVD 110 can be achieved in this manner.
- the user can also pedal with one foot only or with both feet at the same time.
- FIGS. 11, 24 , and 25 an alternative CVD 210 with a compound pulley 204 is disclosed.
- CVD 210 with a compound pulley 204 is disclosed.
- side a the drive pulley 28 a , crank pulley 23 a , and compound pulley 204 a have been hidden so that the drive cable 202 a and the compound cable 206 a are visible.
- side b of FIG. 24 the drive cable 202 b and the compound cable 206 b have been hidden so that compound pulley 204 b is easily visible.
- the CVD 210 is similar to the CVD 10 , but the CVD 210 includes compound pulleys 204 a , 204 b .
- the compound pulleys 204 attach to the frame 60 in the same manner that the crank pulley 23 connects to the crank 15 .
- the compound pulleys 204 can be made of the same material and in the same fashion as the drive pulleys 28 .
- the drive cable 202 travels from the drive pulley 28 to a first compound groove 208 a in compound pulley 204 .
- the drive cable 202 wraps around a first compound groove 208 a in the compound pulley 204 a , and the drive cable 202 fastens to the compound pulley 204 .
- Compound cable 206 wraps around a second compound groove 208 b in the compound pulley 204 and fastens to the compound pulley 204 . In some embodiments, the Compound cable 206 then wraps around the crank pulley 23 before terminating at the frame 60 .
- the compound pulley 204 increases the speed change of the CVD 210 during a stroke, as compared to the stroke of the CVD 10 .
- the drive cable 202 winds onto the compound pulley 204 during a power stroke, while the compound cable 206 unwinds. This creates easy pedaling at the beginning of the power stroke, rapidly increasing the speed of the drive pulley 28 , and thus the difficulty of pedaling toward the end of the power stroke.
- the speed change can be varied by making the first and second compound grooves 208 a , 208 b different diameters, and by changing the diameter of the compound pulley 204 relative to the drive pulley 28 .
- FIGS. 11, 24 , and 26 an alternative CVD 310 with a compound pulley 204 is disclosed.
- the CVD 310 substantially similar to the CVD 210 , and FIG. 26 is depicted in the same way as FIG. 24 .
- the crank pulley 23 , the idler bearing 26 , and the idler shaft 27 are not used and, rather, the compound cable 206 attaches to the crank 15 instead of to the frame 60 .
- Additional cable clamps 29 are used to attach the compound cable 206 to the crank 15 .
- the CVD 410 is substantially similar to the CVD 210 , except that the CVD 410 is configured with an integral brake or generator 215 .
- an annular flux disc 406 is pressed onto the hub shell 41 with an interference fit.
- the flux disc 406 can be made from high conducting material, such as aluminum or copper.
- the flux disc 406 has multiple annular grooves, similar to those in the compound pulley 204 .
- a brake 404 which can be constructed of steel, plastic, a composite, or another suitable material, has annular protrusions which are designed to be inserted into the space between the annular grooves of the flux disc 406 .
- the brake 404 is designed to fasten to a frame or other rigid structure.
- a nut (not shown) attaches to the brake and a bolt (not shown) threads into the nut. The bolt and the nut control the position of the brake 404 relative to the flux disc 406 .
- Brake magnets 408 which are glued or fastened with common fasteners to the sides of the protrusions of the brake 404 , fit into the spaces between the annular grooves of the flux disc 406 with a small amount of clearance.
- the CVD 410 When the CVD 410 is powered by a user, resistance is controlled by positioning the brake 404 closer or farther from the flux disc 406 by rotating the bolt. When the brake magnets 408 move farther into the flux disc 406 , more resistance is created, and vice versa. The resistance for the CVD 410 is created without any contacting parts.
- the brake magnets 408 can also be the magnets used in a permanent magnet generator and the flux disc 406 can be modified to become the armature of a permanent magnet generator. In this embodiment, the resistance, or braking, produced by the permanent magnet generator is converted to electricity.
- crank pulleys 523 are near the end of the cranks 515 (the end where the pedals 517 attach to the cranks 515 ) to maximize the amount of travel of both the drive cable 502 and the compound cable 506 .
- the crank pivots 517 are located near the back of the rear wheel to maximize the length of the cranks 515 .
- a cover 533 which attaches to the frame with common fasteners or by welding, provides attachment for the compound pulleys 504 .
- the compound pulleys 504 can be attached to the frame with common fasteners.
- the compound cable 506 attaches to the cover 533 , while in other embodiments the compound cable 506 attaches to the frame 560 .
- the frame 62 of the bicycle 600 can be substantially similar to frame 60 of the bicycle 100 but can have a frame tail 602 .
- the frame tail 602 extends rearward and downward from the crank stay 78 .
- the frame tail 602 can be attached to the frame 62 by welding, with fasteners or adhesive, or any other suitable method to produce a strong, rigid connection.
- the frame tail 602 is preferably a strong, rigid, part of the frame 62 having a hole to accept a lever stop 604 .
- the lever stop 604 in some embodiments is a hardened pin, but the lever stop 604 can also be configured as a shaft for a bearing.
- a lever bushing 606 fits over the lever stop 604 and is held in place by a retaining ring that is inserted into a groove in the lever stop 604 (not shown).
- the lever bushing 606 can be a low friction cylindrical component that provides for relative motion between the lever stop 604 and the lever bushing 606 .
- the lever bushing 606 can be a roller bearing, such as a needle roller or radial bearing.
- a lever crank 615 can be substantially similar to the crank 15 of bicycle 100 but can have a lever pivot 612 and a lever slot 618 .
- the lever pivot 612 is a hole for receiving a lever pin 613 .
- the lever pin 613 can be rigidly attached to the lever crank 615 with an interference fit, welding, adhesive, or any other suitable method.
- the lever slot 618 is preferably a slot formed into the lever crank 615 near the pedal 16 .
- the lever slot 618 includes multiple notches which allow a compound pulley shaft 620 , to be secured at various locations so that the distance between a compound pulley 622 and a lever crank pivot 616 can be adjusted.
- the compound pulley shaft 620 can be attached to the lever crank 615 with standard fasteners, and in one embodiment a well known quick release (not shown) is used.
- a well known quick release (not shown) is used.
- a lever 608 attaches to the lever crank 615 with the lever pin 613 , which in some embodiments is a hardened steel pin with a head.
- a bushing or bearing placed over the lever pin 613 can be used to minimize friction between the lever 608 and the lever pin 613 .
- a hole is formed into a first end of the lever 608 to which a first lever pulley shaft 638 is rigidly attached with an interference fit, welding, adhesive, or any other suitable method.
- a first lever pulley 634 Positioned over the first lever pulley shaft 638 is , which is an idler pulley and is free to rotate.
- the first lever pulley shaft 638 has a head on one end to prevent the first lever pulley 634 from coming off the first lever pulley shaft 638 .
- a second end of the lever 608 is a second hole where a second lever pulley shaft 640 is inserted using the same attachment method as the first lever pulley shaft 638 .
- a second lever pulley 636 which in some embodiments is substantially the same as the first lever pulley 634 and is also an idler pulley, is positioned over the second lever pulley shaft 640 .
- a guide surface 614 which is of a shape to produce the desired movement and rotation of the lever 608 , is formed on one side of the lever 608 between the second lever pulley 636 and the lever pivot 612 .
- the lever bushing 606 rolls along the guide surface 614 during a stroke.
- the lever bushing 606 is preferably adapted to minimize friction and is positioned over the lever stop 604 .
- the movement of the lever bushing 606 forces the lever 608 to rotate in a direction that causes the compound cable 632 to wrap around the first and second lever pulleys 634 , 636 .
- the first lever pulley 634 comes contacts the compound cable 632 before the second lever pulley 636 .
- Both the first and second lever pulleys 634 , 636 increase the amount of compound cable 632 that is pulled during the stroke.
- the lever 608 is configured to increase the rate of change of the amount of compound cable 632 pulled throughout the stroke. For example, near the beginning of a stroke, the amount of compound cable 632 pulled during the first 5 degrees of rotation of the lever crank 615 can be one centimeter, while in the last 5 degrees of rotation of the lever crank 615 five centimeters of the compound cable 632 can be pulled.
- the rate of change and length of the compound cable 632 pulled during a stroke are controlled by many variables including the distance from the lever pivot 612 to the crank pivot 616 , the length of the lever 608 , the shape of the guide surface 614 , the location of the lever stop 604 , the distance between the lever pivot 612 and the first lever pulley 634 , the distance between the lever pivot 612 and the second lever pulley 636 , the distance between the compound pulley 622 and the crank pivot 616 , the degrees of rotation of the lever crank 615 during a stroke, whether a line drawn between the first lever pulley shaft 638 and the second lever pulley shaft 640 is coincident with the center of the lever pivot 612 or is offset, and the termination point of the compound cable 632 .
- a CVD 601 using a lever 608 can include a lever hook 610 , which can be a generally curved portion that forms a hook at the end of the lever 608 on the side of the second lever pulley 636 .
- the lever hook 610 preferably limits the rotation of the lever crank 615 during a stroke, catching the lever stop 604 or lever bushing 606 and stopping the rotation of the lever crank 615 at the end of a stroke.
- the lever hook 610 can be adapted to stop the rotation of the lever crank 615 as the lever crank 615 returns to the beginning of the stroke.
- the lever 608 is shown at the beginning of a stroke.
- the lever hook 610 has caught on the lever bushing 606 during the return stroke and has prevented the lever crank 615 from swinging closer to a drive pulley 650 .
- the same return spring 51 can be used on the CVD 601 as on the CVD 10 , and the return spring 51 is strong enough to rotate the lever crank 615 on the return stroke back to its starting position.
- the lever pivot 612 begins to move closer to the lever stop 604 .
- the first lever pulley 634 is in contact with the compound cable 632 .
- FIG. 32 depicts the stroke midway through its power phase.
- the lever crank 615 is close to the lever stop 604 .
- the lever hook 610 has moved away from the lever stop 604 , and the lever pivot 612 is closer to the lever stop 604 , causing the lever 608 to rotate more rapidly, pulling more of the compound cable 632 , and thus increasing the rate of change and accelerating the rotation of the rear wheel 84 (seen in FIG. 29 ). This occurs because the first lever pulley 634 pulls more of the compound cable 632 .
- the second lever pulley 636 is about to contact the compound cable 632 .
- FIG. 33 depicts the stroke at the end of its power phase.
- the lever crank 615 has passed the lever stop 604 , and the lever bushing 606 has rolled along the guide surface 614 until the lever bushing 606 has again contacted the lever hook 610 , stopping the lever crank 615 and ending the power phase of the stroke.
- the lever 608 has rotated in the same direction throughout the power phase of the stroke.
- the lever 608 rotates in the reverse direction, returning to its starting position.
- the rate of change and rotational speed of the drive pulley 650 continues to increase throughout the stroke because the second lever pulley 636 has engaged and pulled a significant amount of compound cable 632 , and the drive cable 630 has continued to lengthen.
- the acceleration of the drive pulley 650 increases linearly throughout the stroke.
- the rear wheel 84 typically rotates more slowly and pedaling becomes more difficult.
- the user is unable to exert enough force to actuate the lever cranks 615 throughout the entire stroke.
- Pedaling becomes too difficult toward the end of the stroke, which stops the stroke.
- the user will be pushed toward the beginning of the stroke, where pedaling is easier.
- This action also moves the user forward on the bicycle 600 , which is advantageous when ascending a hill.
- the user can choose to shorten the length of the stroke to make pedaling easier.
- the CVD 601 automatically shifts the ratio to suit the needs of the user.
- the drive pulley has a spiraling root 652 at its root.
- the spiraling root 652 radius increases at a substantially linear rate throughout one turn, or 360 degrees of rotation. In some embodiments, the spiraling root 652 radius increases an amount substantially equal to the diameter of the drive cable 630 over one turn.
- the drive cable 630 can have a lug 658 attached at an end that terminates at the smallest radius of the spiraling root 652 .
- the lug 658 is a common fastener that has a flat area with a lug hole 659 to allow insertion of a screw (not shown).
- the flat portion of the lug 658 which includes the lug hole 659 , is inserted into a pulley slot 654 , which is formed into the spiraling root 652 .
- the screw in some embodiments is a flat head screw and can be inserted into a countersunk fastening hole 656 which is aligned radially with the lug hole 659 , so that the flat head screw is first inserted into a countersunk portion of the fastening hole, then through the lug hole 659 , then threaded into a threaded portion of the fastening hole 656 .
- the CVD 700 is similar to the CVD 601 , using a crank 710 and a transfer lever 720 .
- the transfer lever 720 pivots about a lever pivot 722 , which can be rigidly attached to a non-moving component, such as a frame (not shown).
- the components of the lever pivot 722 can be substantially similar to the components of the lever pivot 612 .
- a pulley shaft 726 and a pulley 724 can be attached near a second end of the lever 720 .
- the crank 710 pivots about a crank pivot 712 .
- a pedal 16 attaches to a second end of the crank 710 .
- a stop 714 and a bushing 716 are also attached to the crank 710 .
- a drive cable 730 wraps around a drive pulley 750 .
- a compound cable 732 is rigidly attached to a rigid, non-moving component, such as a frame (not shown).
- FIG. 35 shows the CVD 700 at the beginning of the power phase of a stroke or the end of the return phase of a stroke.
- the bushing 716 contacts a guide surface 728 on the lever 720 and, as the user actuates the pedal 16 , the crank 710 begins to move through the power phase of the stroke.
- the bushing 716 rolls on the guide surface 728 .
- FIG. 36 shows the CVD 700 midway through the power phase of a stroke.
- the crank 710 and the bushing 716 have moved closer to the lever pivot 722 , which causes the lever 720 to rotate more rapidly, pulling more of the drive cable 730 and the compound cable 732 , which results in an increasing rate of change.
- FIG. 37 shows the CVD 700 at the end of the power phase of a stroke.
- the crank 710 and the lever 720 are nearly parallel, and the bushing 716 has moved closest to the lever pivot 722 , which further increases the rotational speed of the lever 720 and the rate of change in the amount of the compound cable 732 and the drive cable 730 pulled.
- the guide surface 728 can be any shape which produces the desired rate of change.
- the guide surface 728 is straight, while in other embodiments it is a curve.
- the guide surface 728 is a spline or a curve produced by multiple radii.
- the lever 609 has generally flat sides 380 that terminate at a lever pivot end 381 and at a distal slider guide end 382 .
- the lever 609 includes one or more pulley attachment couplings 383 , which can be holes for receiving the shafts of the pulleys.
- the pulley attachment couplings 383 can be located at, near, or in the vicinity of the lever pivot end 381 .
- the lever 609 includes additionally one or more pulley attachment couplings 384 near, at, or in the vicinity of the slider guide end 382 . It is preferable to provide multiple pulley attachment couplings 383 , 384 to, among other things, allow for flexibility in choosing the location of the pulleys (not shown).
- the lever 609 is provided with a lever pivot attachment coupling 385 , which is positioned between the lever pivot end 381 and the slider guide end 382 . As shown in FIG. 38 , the lever pivot attachment coupling can be positioned near to the pulley attachment couplings 383 .
- a mid-lever portion 386 of the lever 609 , between the lever pivot attachment coupling 385 and the slider guide end 382 is preferably provided with a curved guide surface 387 . In one embodiment, the guide surface 387 defines an elliptical arc.
- the guide surface 387 is characterized relative to an elliptical arc 388 having a major axis 389 of about 6-inches and a minor axis 390 of about 3-inches.
- a width 391 of the lever 609 can be about 1.5-inches.
- an axis 392 collinear with the centers of the pulley attachment couplings 383 and the pivot lever attachment coupling 385 is located at an angle A 1 of about 140-degrees relative to the major axis 389 .
- the distance between the centers of the pulley attachment couplings 383 and the lever pivot attachment coupling 385 is about 1-2.5-inches, and more preferably 1.5-2.0-inches.
- the guide surface 387 transitions into a radius 393 or a radius 394 , which can be, for example, a 0.75-inch radius. It should be noted that although the guide surface 387 has been described in one embodiment as being defined by an elliptical arc, in other embodiments the guide surface 387 can be defined by various shapes of curves, or even straight lines. For some applications, the guide surface 387 can be composed of multiple, sequential curves, which at least some of them can have different radii.
- FIGS. 39A-39D some physiological benefits of using a CVD are discussed.
- FIGS. 39A and 39B depict a user's leg position at the top and bottom of a rotary stroke, commonly used on bicycles.
- FIGS. 39C and 39D depict a user's leg position at the top and bottom of a stroke when a CVD is used on a bicycle.
- FIGS. 39A-39D show a user's upper leg 770 , knee 772 , and lower leg 774 .
- FIG. 39A shows the distance 776 between two pedals of a typical bicycle using 170 mm cranks. The total distance 776 between the pedals is 340 mm.
- FIG. 39A shows the distance 776 between two pedals of a typical bicycle using 170 mm cranks. The total distance 776 between the pedals is 340 mm.
- FIG. 39A shows the distance 776 between two pedals of a typical bicycle using 170 mm cranks. The total distance 776 between the pedals is
- FIG. 39B shows that at the bottom of a conventional rotary bicycle stroke, the user's leg is slightly bent.
- FIG. 39B shows the distance 777 between the bottom of a user's foot at the bottom of a conventional rotary stroke and the bottom/end of the stroke of a CVD.
- FIG. 39C shows that at the end of the power phase of a CVD stroke, the user's leg is substantially straight.
- FIG. 39D shows the distance 778 between the pedals at the top/start and bottom/end of a CVD stroke, which is 235 mm, or 69% of the length of the rotary stroke. More importantly, the user's leg is bent at an angle of about 91 degrees in FIG. 39D , while in FIG. 39A the user's leg is bent at an angle of about 68 degrees.
- FIG. 39 there are many physiological benefits to minimizing the amount a user must bend their legs when pedaling.
- One obvious benefit is that it is easier, because the user need not move his legs as much or lift his legs as high.
- Another benefit is that there is less stress on the knees, and this is important for people with knee problems.
- Another benefit is that more muscles are used in the CVD stroke than in the conventional rotary stroke of a bicycle, and more of an activated muscle is used.
- stair climbing which is analogous to the movement produced by the CVD stroke, activates almost all of the muscles of the lower body, including the hip flexors and the gluteus muscles.
- Still another benefit of the CVD stroke is that muscle contractions are more efficient when muscles are lengthened or approach lengthening rather than when they are shortened. Termed concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions, eccentric muscle contractions can be far more efficient. For example, studies have shown that cycling produces muscle movement that is about 15% efficient, while the muscles used in running up an incline, which more closely approximates the movement produced by the CVD stroke, achieve about 34% efficiency. Still another benefit of the CVD stroke is that the users are able to switch their body weight from side to side, easily applying all of their weight to the power phase of a CVD stroke, which produces much more force than is achieved when a user is applying force to the pedals when seated on a bicycle.
- the bicycle 4010 includes a frame 4015 supported by a front wheel 4020 and a rear wheel 4025 .
- Top tubes 4030 extend from a head tube 4035 to a wheel axle (not shown) of the rear wheel 4025 .
- the top tubes 4030 can be adapted to receive and secure the wheel axle.
- the rear wheel 4025 is placed between the top tube 4030 A and the top tube 4030 B.
- a first portion of the top tubes 4030 is actually a single tube, which then bifurcates into two tubes as it approaches the rear wheel 4025 .
- a down tube 4040 extends from the head tube 4035 toward a lower portion of the rear wheel 4025 , and is positioned generally in the same plane as that of the rear wheel 4025 (that is, the down tube 4035 preferably terminates in front of, and is aligned with, the rear wheel 4025 ).
- Tying tubes 4045 are coupled to the top tubes 4030 and to the down tube 4040 .
- the tying tube 4045 A is fastened at one end to the top tube 4030 A and at a second end to the bottom tube 4040 .
- the bottom tube 4040 is provided with an extension, or a support rod, or a shaft (not shown) for coupling the tying tubes 4045 to the down tube 4040 .
- the bicycle 4010 includes a chest support 4050 that is coupled to the frame 4015 by a chest support tube 4055 , which is fastened to one or both of the down tubes 4030 .
- the fastening between the chest support tube 4055 and the down tubes 4030 can be adapted to allow selection of location of the chest support tube 4055 along the length of the down tubes 4030 .
- reciprocating cranks 4060 can be coupled to crank pivots 4065 , which can be supported by and located near, at, or in the vicinity of, the down tube 4040 and/or the tying tubes 4045 .
- Lever stops 4070 can be coupled the tying tubes 4045 to provide a guiding structure for a movement of a lever (not shown in FIG. 40 ) such as the levers 608 and 720 described above.
- a bicycle 4100 can include a frame 4105 that includes a head tube 4110 coupled to a down tube 4115 .
- a chest support 4120 can be received and/or supported on a chest support tube 4125 , which couples to the down tube 4115 via a chest support tube clamp 4130 .
- the chest support tube clamp 4130 is adapted to be removable and allow selection of location of the chest support clamp 4130 a desired length of the down tube 4115 .
- a portion 4112 of the down tube 4115 can bend in front of, and extend toward a lower part of, a rear wheel 4135 .
- downstays 4140 couple the down tube 4115 to a rear wheel axle (not shown) of the bicycle 4100 .
- the downstays 4140 couple to the rear wheel axle by a bracket 4145 .
- crank stays 4150 couple the downstays 4140 to the down tube 4115 .
- the down tube 4115 is provided with an extension, connecting hub, or shaft 4155 adapted to couple to the crank stays 4150 .
- the downstays 4140 and the crank stays 4150 can be formed integrally into one piece.
- the rear wheel 4135 is placed between pairs of crank stays 4150 and downstays 4140 .
- a crank 4160 which in some embodiments is reciprocating and adapted to turn only through an angle that is less than 360 degrees, can be coupled to the down tube 4115 and/or to the crank stay 4160 .
- the crank 4160 is rotationally coupled to the connecting hub 4155 .
- a lever stop 4165 can be attached to the crank stay 4150 to provide a guide structure to a movement of a lever (not shown in FIG. 41 ) such as the levers 608 and 720 of the CVDs described above.
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Abstract
Drivetrains and frames for vehicles, equipment, machines, etc. Some embodiments of the drivetrains and frames are particularly suited for human powered machines, such as bicycles and exercise equipment. In some embodiments, a drivetrain includes a reciprocating crank coupled to a crank pivot. A lever couples to the crank via a lever pivot positioned on the crank. A lever stop cooperates with a lever guide surface to guide a motion of the lever as the lever pivots about the lever pivot. The lever and/or the crank are operably coupled to a drive pulley, idler pulley, and/or compound pulley. In some embodiments, a drive cable operably couples the lever and/or the crank to the drive pulley, idler pulley, and/or the compound pulley. In one embodiment, one or more pulleys couple to the lever's distal ends. In some embodiments, the drivetrain includes a wheel hub adapted to receive torque from the crank via a drive pulley.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/747,068, filed on May 10, 2007, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/799,601, filed on May 11, 2006. The entire disclosure of each of the above applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C1, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C2, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C3, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C4, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C5, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C6, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C8, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. LINEARB.031C9, all filed on even date and which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to mechanical power transmission systems and more specifically to continuously variable drivetrains.
- 2. Related Art
- Pulley and belt systems used to transmit mechanical energy are very common and have been used extensively in industry for decades. Their benefits of low cost, reliability, modularity, and high efficiency have created thousands of applications. Typically, two pulleys are used, although three, four, five, or more pulleys may be employed. Generally one belt or cable is used, although systems with multiple belts are not uncommon, such as those used in automobiles. With these systems, two or more pulleys have two or more annular grooves that are designed to accommodate two or more belts. Pulleys can be made from steel, aluminum, plastic, and other materials. The material choice is often determined by the amount of power to be transferred. Pulleys come in many different sizes, ranging from miniature pulleys with a diameter of less than 10 millimeters to very large pulleys over a meter in diameter. Belts are made from many different materials, but all of them are flexible. Often, a rubber belt is used with embedded steel strands to increase strength. Other common materials used in belt construction are urethane, neoprene, steel, and composites. The belt profile can be round, V shaped, flat, grooved, or other shapes. Timing belts use a series of tooth shaped ridges which engage corresponding indentations in a pulley to maximize power transfer and eliminate slip. Some belts employ grooves to allow them to wrap around smaller diameter pulleys.
- Most pulley and belt drivetrains are endless, which means that they transfer power rotationally from one pulley to another. The pulleys are rigidly attached to rotating drive and driven shafts and a circular belt rotates endlessly in a closed loop. Idler pulleys are frequently used to create and maintain tension on the belt to prevent slippage and premature failure. Idler pulleys do not transfer power and typically employ a bearing in the bore of the pulley to minimize friction and increase life. The bearing and idler pulley assembly is often pressed over a non-rotating shaft.
- Reciprocating pulley and belt, or cable, drivetrains are often found in human powered systems. Exercise equipment frequently uses a cable that is attached to weights at one end and to a bar or other device which a person can push or pull. The weight is lifted and then returned to its resting state. An idler pulley is generally suspended at a height above the weights. This lifting and lowering of the weight creates reciprocating motion of the cable and pulley. Similarly, exercise machines such as those simulating the motion of climbing stairs can use similar reciprocating pulley and cable drivetrains. All of these drivetrains suffer from a loss of kinetic energy at the end of each stroke. For example, in a bicep curl, the human grasps a bar with both hands and lifts the bar to a position near the chest, and then returns it to the resting state. Kinetic energy is created during movement of the bar and then lost when the movement is stopped at the end of the stroke. Some exercise machines, including Nautilus type equipment, employ a cam which causes the weights to move more rapidly at the end of the stroke. This effect creates more efficient exercise by minimizing the loss of kinetic energy. The exercise is also more efficient because it becomes more difficult as the muscle contracts. During contraction the mechanical advantage of a muscle increases and it becomes more powerful. As the muscle position changes and creates a larger mechanical advantage, with cam or Nautilus type equipment, the weight simultaneously becomes more difficult to lift.
- Linear drive systems in human powered vehicles have been attempted many times. However, they are not as efficient as commonly used drivetrains, such as sprocket and chain systems used on bicycles, due to the loss of kinetic energy at the end of each stroke. Many of the human powered linear drive systems are also complex, and each gear, bearing, pulley, cable, chain, or sprocket used in the drivetrain reduces efficiency. The complex systems are also heavy, and weight is a significant factor in human powered vehicles because it increases inertia and power requirements. Complex systems are also more expensive and more prone to breaking.
- The most common human powered vehicle is a bicycle. A bicycle uses a sprocket and chain drivetrain which very efficiently transfers human power to the rear wheel. However, power is only efficiently created through about 60 degrees of the stroke, and only becomes very efficient for about 30 degrees of the 360 degree rotary stroke. This stroke also creates two large torque spikes per revolution. In order to reduce stress on the body (especially the knees), and minimize fatigue, a high pedaling speed is required to achieve high efficiency. This high pedaling speed reduces the torque spikes and also creates momentum to carry the pedals through the power phase of the stroke. However, the majority of people are not comfortable pedaling at a high speed and consequently do not maintain a cadence which maximizes the efficiency inherent in a bicycle's rotary stroke.
- Further, the most common complaint from individuals riding bicycles is discomfort created by the bike seat. This discomfort is significant enough to keep many people from riding bikes, and to reduce the frequency that others use their bicycles. Recent studies showing that bicycle riding contributes to impotence and other health problems aggravate the discomfort problem caused from bike seats. However, maximizing the efficiency inherent in the bicycle drivetrain requires that the user stay seated while pedaling. This position is more conducive to a higher cadence and expends less of the user's energy. Riding a bicycle seated creates a situation where most of the user's weight is on the seat, and thus prevents the majority of the user's weight from being applied to the pedals. This loss in force can only be regained by pedaling at high speed, where there is a corresponding drop in torque and less force needs to be applied to the pedals to maintain an efficient power output.
- The second most common complaint among bicycle users is difficulty when shifting. While this is rarely a problem with avid cyclists, infrequent users routinely shift in the wrong direction, shifting to a higher gear when starting up a hill, or vice versa. This problem can lead to the chain coming off of a sprocket, binding of the chain, a broken chain, and in rare cases the user getting injured in a fall. The problem frustrates enough people that it reduces the percentage of the population that ride a bicycle.
- There exists a need for a human powered drivetrain that eliminates the torque spike inherent in a bicycle drivetrain and that allows lower speed, efficient pedaling at a cadence comfortable for the majority of people. There also exists a need for a linear drivetrain that minimizes or eliminates the loss of kinetic energy at the end of each stroke. There exists a need for a simple, inexpensive, lightweight, and efficient linear drivetrain that can be altered to accommodate different user sizes and preferences. Additionally, there exists a need for human powered vehicles where discomfort from the seat is eliminated and that allows most or all of the user's weight to be applied to the pedals. Finally, there exists a need for a drivetrain which eliminates shifting of the derailleur system used to vary speed and torque on hills.
- The systems and methods herein described have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope as expressed by the claims that follow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments” one will understand how the features of the system and methods provide several advantages over traditional systems and methods.
- In one aspect, a pulley and cable drivetrain is disclosed which continuously varies speed and torque throughout its stroke. In some systems the continuously variable drivetrain incorporates two pedals, which are contacted by a person's feet, and move in reciprocating motion to transmit power. Each pedal attaches to a crank which rotates along an arc defined by a pivot point at an end opposite the pedal. The cranks attach to a frame, which in some systems comprises the support structure for a human powered vehicle or exercise equipment. Also attached to each crank is a pulley, the pulley positioned at a distance from the crank pivot point to produce the correct rotational speed of a drive pulley. The drive pulley, of which there is one for each crank, has a drive cable wrapped around a deep annular groove. The drive cable terminates at the interior of the drive pulley.
- In one aspect the drive cable then travels around a first idler pulley and at a second end is attached to the frame. A second, dependent cable is used to raise one pedal while the other is depressed. The dependent cable is attached at each end to each of the cranks. The dependent cable then travels around a second idler pulley which is attached to the frame. The idler pulley is positioned above the cranks so that the dependent cable is tensioned by each crank.
- In some applications the continuously variable drivetrain is used in conjunction with human powered vehicles, specifically a bicycle. The drivetrain allows the seat to be removed from the bicycle. The user stands on the pedals near the rear of the bicycle and in some aspects leans forward on a chest support.
- In some embodiments the dependent cable and the dependent pulley are eliminated to allow each crank to be operated independently of the other. This allows the user to pedal with one leg, both legs simultaneously, or to vary the starting and ending positions of the stroke. In some such systems, the pedals may utilize a cover which extends over the top of the foot or fasteners to attach the user's shoes to the pedals.
- In some systems the idler pulley is eliminated and the drive cable terminates at and is attached to the crank. This has the effect of reducing the speed at which the drive pulley rotates. In other systems two or more idler pulleys are attached to each crank, which increases the speed at which the drive pulley rotates.
- In some systems a compound pulley is used to accelerate the ratio change of the continuously variable drivetrain. The compound pulley, one for each drive pulley, incorporates two deep annular grooves to accommodate two cables. One cable is the drive cable and the second cable is the compound cable. Depending on whether the stroke is in its power or return phase, one cable is unwinding from the compound pulley while the other cable is winding onto the compound pulley.
- In another aspect, a compound pulley is attached to each crank, and a lever is attached to each crank. The lever is connected to the crank with a lever pivot, and in one embodiment has lever pulleys attached at both ends of the lever. A lever cable runs from the compound pulley, around the lever pulleys, and terminates at a strong stationary structure, such as the frame. The lever contacts a roller, which causes the lever to swing and pull more cable at the end of the stroke than at the beginning of the stroke.
- One aspect of the invention is directed to a drivetrain having a crank coupled to a lever pivot, and a lever operably coupled to the crank; the lever is configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about the lever pivot during a power phase of a stroke. Yet another aspect of the invention concerns a drivetrain having a crank, a pulley attached to the crank, a lever operably coupled to the crank, and a lever stop operably coupled to the lever.
- A different aspect of the invention relates to a drivetrain that includes a lever configured to rotate about an axis during a stroke of the drivetrain, the stroke comprising a power phase and a return phase. The drivetrain additionally includes a hook attached to the lever, a lever stop configured to cooperate with the lever, and a drive pulley operationally coupled to the lever. In some embodiments, the invention concerns a drivetrain provided with first and second rotatable cranks and a crank pivot, wherein the cranks are configured to rotate less than 180 degrees about the crank pivot during a power phase of a stroke. The drivetrain can additionally exhibit first and second lever pivots attached respectively to the first and second rotatable cranks, and first and second levers attached respectively to the first and second lever pivots, wherein the levers are configured to rotate less than 300 degrees during the power phase. The drivetrain, in some cases, additionally includes at least one crank pulley attached to each crank, at least one lever stop operably coupled to each lever, and at least one drive pulley operably coupled to each crank.
- In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a drivetrain configured to convert human power to mechanical propulsive power. The drivetrain has a lever configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during a power phase of a stroke, a hook attached to the lever, and a first pulley attached to the lever. In other embodiments, the invention covers a drivetrain with two levers and two lever pivots, wherein each lever pivot attaches to a respective lever, and wherein each lever is configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about a respective lever pivot during a power phase of a stroke. The drivetrain can also have first and second lever pulleys attached to each lever, two compound pulleys, and two flexible tension members, each flexible member contacting a respective compound pulley, first lever pulley, and second lever pulley.
- A different aspect of the invention relates to a drivetrain having a crank configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke, a lever pivot coupled to the crank, and a drive pulley having a spiraling root. In some embodiments, the drivetrain includes a flexible tension member operably coupled to the crank and the drive pulley such that a first end of the flexible tension member terminates at the root of the drive pulley, the flexible tension member is spirally wound on the drive pulley at the beginning of the power phase, and the flexible tension member unwinds from the drive pulley during the power phase. Yet one more aspect of the invention concerns a drivetrain having a crank configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke, a lever pivot coupled to the crank, and a lever operably coupled to the crank via the lever pivot; the lever can be configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about the lever pivot during the power phase.
- Still another embodiment of the invention addresses a bicycle having first and second cranks, each crank configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke. The bicycle can have first and second lever pivots coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks. In one case, the bicycle additionally includes first and second levers operably coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks, the first and second levers configured to rotate less than 360 degrees about the first and second lever pivots during the power phase. The bicycle can also have a frame, wherein the first and second cranks and/or the first and second levers are coupled to the frame. In some embodiments, a front wheel and a rear wheel operably couple to the frame.
- One aspect of the invention is directed to a human powered vehicle having a frame, at least one wheel attached to the frame, and at least one crank which is configured to rotate less than 360 degrees during the power phase of a stroke; the crank is operably coupled to the wheel. The human powered vehicle components are configured such that during the power phase a rotation of the crank causes a rotation of the wheel, and wherein the power phase is continuously variable and causes the wheel to rotate more rapidly at the beginning than at the end of the power phase.
- In some embodiments, the invention addresses a continuously variable drivetrain having first and second foot pedals and first and second cranks; wherein the first and second foot pedals couple, respectively, to the first and second cranks. The drivetrain can be configured such that the cranks are capable of reciprocating motion, and the cranks rotate along an arc defined by a crank pivot point located at an end distal from the pedals. The drivetrain can further include a frame adapted to support the cranks, and first and second drive pulleys coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks. The drivetrain additionally has first and second crank pulleys coupled, respectively, to the first and second cranks; the crank pulleys can be positioned at a distance from the crank pivot point. In some cases, the drivetrain has a first drive cable wrapped around the first drive pulley and the first crank pulley, and a second drive cable wrapped around the second drive pulley and the second crank pulley.
- These and other improvements will become apparent to those skilled in the art as they read the following detailed description and view the enclosed figures.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle utilizing a continuously variable drivetrain (CVD) and a chest support. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame and CVD of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the chest support of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an end view of the support base of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the frame of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the frame of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the frame of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a Detail A view ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a side view of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 with its front wheel removed and the chest support folded down. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 with its front wheel removed and the chest support folded down. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the CVD of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the CVD ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is a cutaway section view of the hub of the CVD ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a crank of the CVD ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective side view of the drive pulley of the CVD ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 16 is an end view of a drive pulley of the CVD ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a portion of a CVD ofFIG. 12 showing cable movement at different locations in a stroke. -
FIG. 18 is a second schematic view of a portion of a CVD ofFIG. 12 showing cable movement at different locations in a stroke. -
FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a drive cable at the beginning of a stroke. -
FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a drive cable at the end of the stroke. -
FIG. 21 is a graphical comparison of a stroke of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 with the stroke of a conventional bicycle. -
FIG. 22 is a chart showing stroke torques of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 and a conventional bicycle. -
FIG. 23 is perspective view of an alternative CVD. -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of yet another alternative CVD. -
FIG. 25 is a front view of a pulley used in the CVD ofFIG. 24 . -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of yet one more alternative CVD. -
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a CVD that can be used in exercise equipment. -
FIG. 28 is a side view of a scooter using a CVD. -
FIG. 29 is a side view of yet another alternative CVD. -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the CVD ofFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 31 is a partially schematic view of the CVD ofFIG. 29 at the start of a stroke. -
FIG. 32 is a partially schematic view of the CVD ofFIG. 29 at the middle of a stroke. -
FIG. 33 is a partially schematic view of the CVD ofFIG. 29 at the end of a stroke. -
FIG. 34 is a section view of a drive pulley used in the CVD ofFIG. 29 . -
FIG. 35 is a partially schematic view of an alternative CVD at the start of a stroke. -
FIG. 36 is a partially schematic view of an alternative CVD at the middle of a stroke. -
FIG. 37 is a partial schematic view of an alternative CVD at the end of a stroke. -
FIG. 38 is a side view of a lever that can be used with the CVD ofFIG. 29 . -
FIGS. 39A-39D are schematic views showing contrasting different leg positions of a user operating a conventional bicycle and a CVD. -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a bicycle and frame that can be used with the CVDs disclosed here. -
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of yet another bicycle frame that can be used with the CVDs disclosed here. - Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner including its specific use herein as well as other uses in the technical field, even though it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific preferred embodiments. This is further emphasized below with respect to some particular terms used herein. Any terminology intended to be interpreted by the reader in any restricted manner that is different than an accepted plain and ordinary meaning will be expressly and specifically defined as such in this specification and the descriptions of objects or advantages associated with certain embodiments is not intended to require structure fulfilling those objects in all embodiments.
- The inventive embodiments disclosed here are related to technology described in U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/799,601, filed on May 11, 2006, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As used here, the terms “operationally connected,” “operationally coupled”, “operationally linked”, “operably connected”, “operably coupled”, “operably linked,” and like terms, refer to a relationship (mechanical, linkage, coupling, etc.) between elements whereby operation of one element results in a corresponding, following, or simultaneous operation or actuation of a second element. It is noted that in using said terms to describe inventive embodiments, specific structures or mechanisms that link or couple the elements are typically described. However, unless otherwise specifically stated, when one of said terms is used, the term indicates that the actual linkage or coupling may take a variety of forms, which in certain instances will be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant technology. - Components which are used on both the left and right side of a vehicle or equipment are designated with the letters a and b. For example, where there are two lever cranks 615, the left lever crank might labeled lever crank 615 a, while the right lever crank might labeled lever crank 615 b. Generally, all of the components on a side are designated with the letter a, and all substantially similar components on another side are designated with the letter b; when a component is referred to generically without a side designation, the a or b suffix is removed.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 depict abicycle 100, where the bicycle seat has been removed and achest support 90 added to accommodate a continuouslyvariable drivetrain 10, hereinafter referred to as aCVD 10. Thebicycle 100 also has afront wheel 80, afork 86,handlebars 87, aframe 60, and arear wheel 84, typical of conventional bicycles. The front andrear wheels fork 86 has two blades which attach to the front axle on each side of thefront wheel 80; however, thefork 86 may also be of single blade structure. In other embodiments, thefork 86 may be replaced by a component that can provide steering of thefront wheel 80. Thehandlebars 87 may be constructed of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, wood, or any other suitable material, and the shape can be modified to suit an individual user's preference. Referring now toFIGS. 1-3 , thechest support 90 is comprised of asupport 92, which can be foam, an inflatable cushion, netting, or any other material which provides support for the user's chest. The size, thickness, and shape of the support can be modified to suit the user's preferences. To accommodate the female anatomy, depressions or cups may be formed into thesupport 92. In one embodiment, thesupport 92 is constructed of foam or other lightweight flexible material and afirm support structure 93 is attached to the foam on the underside of thesupport 92. In a preferred embodiment, asupport clamp 94 is positioned underneath and attached to the firm support structure of thesupport 92. Thesupport clamp 94 provides for attachment of thesupport 92 to thesupport tube 95. Thesupport clamp 94 also allows the user to tilt thesupport 92 to optimize the user's position. Thesupport clamp 94 may be constructed of several different designs, including traditional methods used to attach and tilt a bicycle seat. In one embodiment, thesupport clamp 94 is plastic and integrally formed with thesupport structure 93. Thesupport clamp 94 consists of twoprotrusions 94A extending underneath thesupport 92, eachprotrusion 94A having ahole 94B to allow a bolt or quick release clamp to be inserted through theholes 94B in thesupport clamp 94. Thesupport clamp 94 is positioned over the top of asupport tube 95, which has asupport hole 96 integral thereto. In other embodiments, thesupport clamp 94 may use the same design to attach bicycle seats to seat posts. Thesupport tube 95 is positioned between the twoprotrusions 94A of thesupport clamp 94 and thesupport hole 96 is aligned so that it is concentric with the holes of the protrusions. The bolt or quick release clamp is inserted through one protrusion, through thesupport hole 96, and through the second protrusion. A nut or clamp can be used to secure and tighten thesupport 92, to hold it in a preferred position. - Now referring to
FIGS. 1-4 , thesupport tube 95 is a cylindrical tube made from aluminum, titanium, steel, plastic, a composite such as carbon fiber, or any other suitable rigid, strong material. Thesupport tube 95 is capable of being raised or lowered so that the height of thesupport 92 can be adjusted to accommodate different users. Thesupport tube 95 fits into ahole 91 in asupport base 97, thehole 91 having a slightly larger diameter than thesupport tube 95. In a preferred embodiment thesupport base 97 at a first end is generally cylindrical to allow insertion of thesupport tube 95, and at a second end has anaperture 99 with an axis approximately 90 degrees to the axis of thesupport tube 95. At a first generally cylindrical end, thesupport base 97 has aslot 89 to allow a quick release clamp, commonly used in the art, to be positioned around the first end of thesupport base 97 and clamp thesupport base 97, and squeeze thesupport tube 95 firmly, thus holding it in position to prevent movement when the weight of the user's chest is on thesupport 92. - The
aperture 99 is slightly larger than and fits over theframe 60. Theaperture 99 is split on a side below the frame to allowframe fastener 98 to fasten securely and rigidly thesupport base 97 to theframe 60. In one embodiment, theframe fastener 98 has twofastener holes 88 which extend through both sides of the split in thesupport base 97, to allow common fasteners such as bolts or quick release clamps to be used to tighten theframe fastener 98 to theframe 60. Thesupport base 97 can be moved along the axis of theframe 60 either closer to thefront wheel 80, or closer torear wheel 84, to accommodate preferences and sizes of different users. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1, 2 , 5-8, and 13, aframe 60 of the bicycle ofFIG. 1 is disclosed. Theframe 60 is a structural component, and can be constructed of steel, aluminum, titanium, beryllium, carbon fiber or other composite, a plastic, such as glass filled nylon, or any other suitable material. Theframe 60 may be composed of two or more materials. For example, the body of theframe 60 can be made from carbon fiber while the dropouts may be steel. Theframe 60 is not subjected to the loads and stresses of a conventional bicycle frame. Because the bicycle seat is eliminated, there is only a small amount of weight from the user distributed to theframe 60. Since the user is standing and leaning forward, most of the user's weight is onpedals 16. Thepedals 16 ultimately transfer most of the user's weight to therear axle 33. There is a small amount of weight on thechest support 90, which is transferred to atop tube 62, and ultimately to ahead tube 61. Thus theframe 60 can be made significantly lighter than conventional bicycle frames. Thehead tube 61, a generally cylindrical part of theframe 60, and common in the art, provides for fastening of thefork 86 and steering of thebicycle 100. Attached to thehead tube 61 is thetop tube 62, a generally cylindrical tube, typically attached at a first end to thehead tube 61 by welding if theframe 60 is metal or plastic. In one embodiment, theframe 60 is molded from plastic and thetop tube 62 is integrally formed with thehead tube 61. Thehead tube 61 andtop tube 62 may also be joined by gluing, using an epoxy, or other high strength adhesive. Thetop tube 62 extends rearward toward therear wheel 84, and terminates at first and second hinges 64, 65. The hinges 64, 65 are composed of strong, rigid tubing such as steel, titanium, or aluminum and provide for folding and storage of thebicycle 100. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , each hinge is comprised of three separate tubes. The middle sections 66 are welded, or permanently attached to thetop tube 62 with adhesive, or the middle sections 66 can be integrally molded into thetop tube 62. The top and bottom sections 67, 68, respectively, are permanently affixed to aback tube 69 using the same attachment method as the middle section 66. Apermanent pin 70 is permanently inserted into thehinge 64 through the top, middle, and bottom sections 66, 67, 68. The second hinge 65 (not fully shown) utilizes aremovable pin 71. Theremovable pin 71 is inserted into thesecond hinge 65 in the same manner as thepermanent pin 70 is inserted into thefirst hinge 64. By grasping ahandle 72 on theremovable pin 71, the user may pull and remove theremovable pin 71, so that when the front half of theframe 60 is folded it will pivot on the axis of thepermanent pin 70. In this manner, theframe 60 can be folded approximately in half. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1, 2 , 5-8, and 11, theback tube 69 is described. Theback tube 69 is a short, generally cylindrical component with approximately the same shape, and made from the same material, as thetop tube 62. Theback tube 69 extends rearward in substantially the same direction as thetop tube 62 and terminates at apulley mount 73. Thepulley mount 73, made from the same material as thetop tube 62, attaches, protects, and conceals adependent pulley 24 in acavity 74 within thepulley mount 73, and forms an attachment point for theback tube 69, top stays 76, and down stays 77. Apulley shaft hole 75 is also formed in thepulley mount 73, and is a location where a pulley shaft (not shown) is inserted through the top of thepulley shaft hole 75, then through thedependent pulley 24, and finally through the bottom of thepulley shaft hole 75. The pulley shaft may be secured with common fasteners, such as a lock nut or retaining ring, or any other suitable method. - Top stays 76 can be integrally formed with the
pulley mount 73, or made separately and welded, glued, or otherwise bonded to thepulley mount 73. In one embodiment the top stays 76, one on the left side and one on the right side of theframe 60, are made from the same material as the rest of theframe 60, although in other embodiments a different material can be used. Similarly, the down stays 77 are also attached to the pulley mount 73 at a first end, and can be integrally molded or welded, or glued to thepulley mount 73. The down stays 77, in a preferred embodiment, are made of the same material as the top stays 76. The down stays 77, one on the left side and one on the right side of theframe 60, extend down and slightly rearward from thepulley mount 73, and are positioned on each side of therear wheel 84. The down stays 77 are generally elongated tubes and become wider, or farther apart from each other and therear wheel 84, near their second end to allow for attachment ofcranks 15. Crank connectors 79 are positioned near the second end, near the bottom of the down stays 77, and a crank shaft 14 is attached to each crank connector 79, providing for arcuate motion of thecranks 15. Thecranks 15 are positioned between therear wheel 84 and the crank connectors 79. Joining the down stays 77, slightly above and closer to therear axle 33, are crank stays 78. The crank stays 78, are made from the same material as the down stays 77, and serve to support and anchor thecranks 15. The crank stays 78 are generally elongated tubes that move closer together and closer to therear wheel 84 at a second end near therear axle 33. The crank stays 78 join the top stays 76 at a second end near therear axle 33. Dropouts 63 can be either attached to the crank stays 78 or molded integrally into the crank stays 78. In a preferred embodiment, the dropouts 63 are constructed of steel or aluminum and serve as an attachment point for therear axle 33. Therear wheel 84 is positioned between the crank stays 78, the down stays 77, and the top stays 76. Therear axle 33 is attached to the dropouts 63 with standard fasteners such as nuts and washers. - Referring now to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , thebicycle 100 can easily be made portable because thetop tube 62 is the only component of theframe 60 attaching the front end to the rear end. The down tube, seat tube, and bottom bracket, components of the frame of a conventional bicycle are eliminated. If thefront wheel 80 is removed, and thechest support 90 is collapsed and rotated down 180 degrees so that it is positioned between theframe 60 and the ground or riding surface, thebicycle 100 can be quickly folded to a small size. In addition to folding at the axis of thepermanent pin 70, theframe 60 can also be made in two separate pieces (not shown) separated at the axis of thepulley shaft hole 75. In this configuration, a first section comprised of thehead tube 61, thetop tube 62, and the pulley mount 73 (theback tube 69 and thehinges pulley shaft hole 75. A second section begins at the axis of thepulley shaft hole 75 and extends rearward. The second section is designed to contact the first section at two areas, one on the left side and one on the right side of both the first and second sections. The second section has a second pulley shaft hole 75 b formed at the top and bottom concentric with and outside of thepulley shaft hole 75 on the first section. The pulley shaft is inserted first through the top portion of the second pulley shaft hole 75 b, then through the top portion of thepulley shaft hole 75, then through thedependent pulley 24, then through the bottom portion of thepulley shaft hole 75, and finally through the bottom portion of the second pulley shaft hole 75 b. When the pulley shaft is removed, the first and second sections of theframe 60 separate, splitting thebicycle 100 approximately in half. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 11 , 12, and 14, aCVD 10 is disclosed. TheCVD 10 includes two cranks 15 a, 15 b, which move in reciprocating motion when a user powers theCVD 10. From an original, resting position at the beginning of a stroke, the movement of thecranks 15 can be defined as a power stroke, which occurs when acrank 15 is depressed by a user, and a return stroke, which occurs when thecrank 15 returns to its original position at the beginning of the stroke. In some embodiments, thecranks 15 are elongated members which begin with acrank pivot 17 at a first end, and have afirst section 22 which is generally straight. In some embodiments, thecrank pivot 17 is a through hole providing for attachment of the crank shaft 14. At a second end thecranks 15 include apedal mount 18 for attachment of thepedals 16. Asecond section 19 of thecrank 15 is designed to position thepedals 16 above thefirst section 22. In some embodiments, thesecond section 19 is curved upward so that thecranks 15 can be made from one piece and strength is maximized. In other embodiments, thesecond section 19 may extend from 10 to 90 degrees, or another angle (for example, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), to thefirst section 22. Thesecond section 19 may also be welded to thefirst section 22, or attached by any other suitable method. Thesecond section 19 serves three functions: - It provides clearance between the user and the
frame 60, allowing the user to pedal higher and at a more favorable angle, thus maximizing power, - It moves the user forward on the
bicycle 100 so that the user's weight is distributed appropriately, and - It lowers a crank pulley 23 so that a more favorable speed ratio is obtained through positioning of the crank pulley 23 relative to a drive
pulley 28. - The
cranks 15 can be made from aluminum, steel, titanium, plastic, a composite such as carbon fiber, or another suitable material. Thepedals 16 can be conventional bike pedals or can be platforms that are welded or otherwise rigidly attached to thecranks 15. In one embodiment, thepedals 16 are platforms that have limited rotational capability to accommodate the bending of the legs while a user powers theCVD 10. Thepedals 16 can be made from aluminum, steel, titanium, plastic, a composite such as carbon fiber, or another suitable material. The user places a foot on each pedal 16, and by alternately depressing each pedal 16 a, 16 b, delivers power to theCVD 10, which power is then transferred to a bicycle, scooter, exercise equipment, boat, submarine, plane, or any other human powered device. - Also attached to each crank 15 is the crank pulley 23. In some embodiments the crank pulley 23 is an idler pulley that serves to increase the speed ratio of the
CVD 10. The crank pulley 23 can have an idler bearing 26 inserted into its bore to minimize friction. An idler shaft 27 is inserted through the idler bearing 26 and is then threaded into apulley connector 20 to fasten the crank pulley 23 to thecrank 15. Alternatively, the idler shaft 27 can be pressed into thepulley connector 20 or welded, or fastened with other conventional fasteners. In some embodiments thepulley connector 20 is a round through hole, but it can be made with a square, hexagonal, or any other suitable shaped hole. The hole can also be blind, and in some embodiments the idler shaft 27 can be made integral with thecrank 15, eliminating the need for thepulley connector 20. - Also comprising part of the
crank 15 are clamp mounts 21, which in a preferred embodiment are through holes located on thefirst section 22 of thecrank 15. The clamp mounts 21 can be countersunk so that if a screw or bolt is used for attachment the heads will be flush with thecrank 15. The clamp mounts 21 allow insertion of fasteners such as screws, bolts, or pins to provide attachment of cable clamps 29. In some embodiments, the cable clamps 29 are a strong, rigid component made from steel although titanium, aluminum, and other materials may be used. Eachcable clamp 29 has two through holes to allow insertion of two machine screws. In some embodiments, the machine screws are inserted first through the clamp mounts 21, then through a first cable clamp 29A1, and then threaded into a second cable clamp 29A2. In other embodiments, the machine screws can be first inserted through the second cable clamp 29A2. In still other embodiments, only one cable clamp 29A is used and adependent cable 31 is clamped between thecrank 15 and the cable clamp 29A. - The
dependent cable 31 is a flexible tension member that in some embodiments has minimal creep and a break strength greater than the maximum force exerted by the user. Thedependent cable 31 can be constructed of a composite material such as Vectran or Kevlar, but can also be made from other materials, including steel. A first end of thedependent cable 31 is operably attached to the crank 15 a, and at a second end it is operably attached to the crank 15 b, with the above described cable clamps 29. At an area near its midpoint thedependent cable 31 wraps around thedependent pulley 24 so that when the crank 15 a is depressed the crank 15 b rises, and vice versa. In one embodiment, thedependent pulley 24 is constructed of aluminum, although steel, plastic (such as glass filled nylon), a composite material, or any other suitable material can be used. Thedependent pulley 24 is an idler pulley and has a dependent bearing 32 attached at its center to minimize friction. Thedependent pulley 24 is positioned in thecavity 74 of theframe 60 and the pulley shaft (not shown) is inserted through the top of thepulley shaft hole 75, through the bore of thedependent bearing 32, and then through the lower portion of thepulley shaft hole 75. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , thehub 40 of theCVD 10 is disclosed. Thehub 40 is comprised of ahub shell 41, a generally cylindrical component that contains and protects the one way clutches 42, thetorque drivers 43, and therear axle 33. Thehub shell 41 can be constructed of steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber or another composite, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, thehub shell 41 includes spoke flanges 44, so that thehub shell 41 can be attached to therear wheel 84. - Attached to the
hub shell 41 on its inside diameter are one way clutches 42. The one way clutches 42 each alternately provide torque to thehub shell 41, rotating therear wheel 84. In some embodiments the one way clutches 42 are roller clutches of the type utilizing hardened steel pins circumferentially spaced around the inside diameter of the roller clutch housing. Hardened steel ramps are positioned around the pins, and springs are attached to the pins to provide for instant lockup of the roller clutch. In another embodiment, the one way clutch can be of the sprag clutch type, where one or more pawls contact ratchet teeth during lock up. The one way clutches 42 are rigidly attached to thehub shell 41 using an interference fit. They can also be attached with welding, adhesive, or standard fasteners. Contacting the roller clutch pins from the inside of the one way clutches 42 aretorque drivers 43. - The
torque drivers 43 in a preferred embodiment are hardened steel cylinders with a smooth outside diameter. The outside surface of thetorque drivers 43 contact the one way clutches 42 using a tolerance so that when torque is transferred to the one way clutches 42 they lock up, thus rotating thehub shell 41. In some embodiments, when the clutch 42 a is locked up and transferring torque, the clutch 42 b is in clutch mode and freewheeling, and vice versa. The lock up mode of the clutch 42 a occurs when the crank 15 a is depressed, and the clutch 42 b freewheels as the crank 15 b is raised. - Still referring to
FIG. 13 , hub bearings 45 are positioned adjacent to and contact hub races 46 on each side of thehub shell 41. In a preferred embodiment, the hub bearings 45 are angular contact bearings although radial bearings or thrust bearings may be used. The hub bearings 45 are constructed from individual balls, although cylindrical rollers may be used. In one embodiment, the hub bearings 45 incorporate ball retainers, but individual balls or sealed cartridge bearings may also be used. The hub bearings 45 provide for relative movement between thehub shell 41 and the drive pulleys 28, and provide radial and axial support to thehub shell 41. The hub bearings 45 on a second side contact the pulley races 47, which contact and are attached to the drive pulleys 28. A second set of bearings, the axle bearings 55, are positioned adjacent to the drive pulleys 28, and provide radial and axial support to the drive pulleys 28. In some embodiments the axle bearings 55 are angular contact bearings but in other embodiments, they can be radial or thrust bearings. The axle bearings 55 on a first side contact the axle races 56 of the drive pulleys 28. On a second, side the axle bearings 55 contact races on cone nuts 57. In some embodiments, the cone nuts 57 are threaded nuts which can be screwed onto corresponding threads on therear axle 33 and tightened up against the axle bearings 55. Therear axle 33 in one embodiment is a threaded rod that defines the longitudinal axis of thehub 40. Therear axle 33 is attached to the dropouts 63 (shown inFIG. 7 ) of theframe 60 using conventional fasteners such as threaded nuts and washers. - Referring to
FIGS. 13, 15 , and 16, thetorque drivers 43 are rigidly attached to and rotate with the drive pulleys 28. The drive pulleys 28 are positioned on each side of thehub shell 41 and are concentric with therear axle 33, which is also the longitudinal axis of theCVD 10. In some embodiments, thedrive pulley 28, thetorque driver 43, and thepulley race 47, are constructed from the same piece, preferably hardened steel. However, any one of these three components can be constructed separately, and of different materials. For example, thepulley race 47 and thetorque driver 43 may be constructed of a separate piece of hardened steel and attached to the drivepulley 28, which can be constructed of aluminum, mild steel, titanium, plastic, a composite, or any other suitable material. Thedrive pulley 28 is a disc shaped component with an annular groove in its center to house adrive cable 52. - In some embodiments each drive
pulley 28 contains aspring hole 48, acable hole 49, and aclamp hole 50. Thespring hole 48 provides a space for insertion of a first end of a return spring 51, which can be positioned concentrically with therear axle 33. In some embodiments, the return spring 51 is made from spring steel wire and spirals radially away from therear axle 33. The return spring 51 at a first end is attached to the drivepulley 28 via thespring hole 48. At a second end the return spring 51 is attached to theframe 60. Attachment to theframe 60 can be made with standard fasteners or a hole can be created in theframe 60 into which the second end of the return spring 51 can be inserted. In some embodiments the second end is the outside diameter (the larger diameter) of the return spring 51 and the first end is the inside diameter (the smaller diameter). The return spring 51 can be positioned so that the coils decrease in diameter as the return spring 51 is tensioned when acrank 15 is depressed during the power stroke. In some embodiments the return spring 51 only needs to provide enough tension to prevent thedrive cable 52 from becoming slack on the return stroke. In other embodiments, the return spring 51 is strong enough to return thecrank 15 to the beginning, or top of, the stroke. The tensioned return spring 51 rotates thedrive pulley 28 in the opposite direction that it rotates during the power stroke, returning the drive pulley to its original position, and assists in lifting thecrank 15 to a position at the beginning of the stroke. Thespring hole 48 is slightly larger than the material comprising the return springs 51 and is a perforation in the side of thedrive pulley 28 facing away from the center of thehub 40. - A radially located
cable hole 49 positioned at the root of adrive groove 53 in thedrive pulley 28 allows for insertion of a first end of thedrive cable 52. In some embodiments thedrive cable 52 is attached to the drivepulley 28 with a set screw (not shown) or another suitable fastener that is threaded into aclamp hole 50. Theclamp hole 50 can be a tapped hole that is located on a side of thedrive pulley 28 facing away from the center of thehub 40. Thedrive cable 52 is then wrapped around thedrive pulley 28 within thedrive groove 53 so that thedrive cable 52 wraps around itself multiple times. - The number of winds of the
drive cable 52 in thedrive groove 53 varies considerably with the application, and in the case of a human powered vehicle, is dependent on the speed and diameter of the wheel, propeller, flywheel, or other rotating driven component. The number of winds of thedrive cable 52 is also dependent on the size and physical condition of the user and also the diameter of thedrive pulley 28. Generally, thedrive cable 52 will have from two to six windings but in a few applications thedrive cable 52 may be wound more than 12 revolutions around thedrive pulley 28 and as few as ½ revolutions. In some applications, thedrive cables 52 are wound a sufficient number of revolutions so that there is approximately one revolution left in thedrive groove 53 when thecranks 15 are depressed and at the end of their power stroke. By controlling the amount of thedrive cable 52 wrapped around thedrive groove 53 and leaving approximately one revolution, less tension is applied to the first end of thedrive cable 52. If possible, more than one revolution of thedrive cable 52 should remain in thedrive groove 53 so that thedrive cable 52 is wrapped around itself and friction on the sides of thedrive cable 52 and at the root of thedrive groove 53 will absorb a significant amount of the tension created when thedrive cable 52 is pulled. In one embodiment the root diameter surface of thedrive groove 53 is knurled or otherwise roughened so that it grabs thedrive cable 52 and distributes the tension on thedrive cable 52 to a larger area, lessening the stress on the first end of thedrive cable 52. - Still referring to
FIGS. 13, 15 , and 16, thedrive cable 52, after being wound around thedrive pulley 28, travels around the crank pulley 23 (seen inFIG. 11 ). In one embodiment thedrive cable 52 wraps around the crank pulley 23 so that thedrive cable 52 first contacts the crank pulley 23 on a forward side facing thehub 40, and it becomes disconnected, or leaves the crank pulley 23 on a rearward side facing away from thehub 40. In some embodiments, thedrive cable 52 is routed in the opposite direction around the crank pulley 23 and the manner in which thedrive cable 52 is wrapped around the crank pulley 23 is dependent on the desired rate of change of the stroke. Thedrive cable 52 terminates and is attached to acable end 54, which is constructed of a rigid, strong material such as aluminum, steel, titanium. The cable ends 54 provide for clamping of a second end of thedrive cable 52 using standard fasteners, and are rigidly attached to theframe 60. The cable ends 54 can be welded to theframe 60, fastened with machine screws, nuts, and washers, or any other suitable method. In one embodiment, thedrive cable 52 is attached to theframe 60 directly with common fasteners and the cable ends 54 are eliminated. - Referring to
FIGS. 17 and 18 , as the cranks 15 a, 15 b, alternately, are pushed and returned to the beginning of their stroke, the angle at which acrank 15 is positioned relative to a drivepulley 28 changes. This creates the opportunity to vary the speed and the torque at which thedrive pulley 28 operates throughout the stroke.FIG. 17 is a schematic view of thecrank 15, drivepulley 28, and drivecable 52. InFIG. 17 , two positions of thecrank 15 are depicted. In position A, which is the location of crank 15 at the beginning of a stroke, thedrive cable 52 is shown attached directly to thecrank 15. To make the explanation of the following principle easier to understand, the crank pulley 23 is not shown. In position B, thecrank 15 has rotated 10 degrees relative to position A, which in some embodiments is approximately 33% of the length of the stroke. In other embodiments, the stroke length can be made longer or shorter depending upon the size of the user, the size and rotational speed of the wheel, propeller, flywheel, or other rotating driven component, and the diameter of thedrive pulley 28. As can be seen inFIG. 17 , the difference between the length of thedrive cable 52 in positions A and B is very small. In position B, the length of thedrive cable 52 is approximately 20% longer than in position A. In some embodiments, this results in thedrive pulley 28 rotating a small amount, and when theCVD 10 is used with abicycle 100, produces a lower speed of therear wheel 84. - Referring now to
FIG. 18 , positions C and D of thecrank 15 are depicted. The difference between positions C and D is again 10 degrees, or approximately 33% of the stroke length. Position D represents the crank 15 position at the end of a stroke. It is easily seen inFIG. 18 that thedrive cable 52 is longer in position D than in position C. It can be seen by comparingFIGS. 17 and 18 that thedrive cable 52 travels over 50% farther with the same 10 degrees of movement of thecrank 15 inFIG. 18 than inFIG. 17 . This increase in travel of thedrive cable 52 increases the speed of rotation of thedrive pulley 28 and the speed of rotation ofrear wheel 84. The acceleration of therear wheel 84 changes continuously with respect to time from the beginning of the stroke to the end of the stroke. The continuously (over time) variable speed and torque change can be adjusted by varying the position of thecrank pivot 17, the length of thecrank 15, the position ofdrive pulley 28 relative to crank 15, the diameter ofdrive pulley 28, the position and diameter of the crank pulley 23, the diameter ofdrive cable 52, and the length of the cable, among other things. Generally, when thecrank 15 is at a larger angle relative to thedrive cable 52, thecrank 15 creates more rotation of thedrive pulley 28 for an equivalent distance traveled through the stroke. If thecrank 15 is at a small angle relative to thecable 52, thecrank 15 will typically produce a small amount of rotation of thedrive pulley 28 when thecrank 15 is depressed during a stroke. An angle Z between thedrive cable 52 and thecrank 15 changes continuously throughout the stroke and will cause changes in the rotational speed of thedrive pulley 28 if all other variables remain the same. Generally, an angle Z2 of thedrive cable 52 relative to thecrank 15 is greater at the end of a stroke relative to an angle Z1 at the beginning of a stroke; this results in increased rotation of thedrive pulley 28 at the end of a stroke compared to the beginning of a stroke if all other variables remain the same. The change in rotation of thedrive pulley 28 is continuously variable. - Referring to
FIG. 19 , a schematic view of the position of thedrive cable 52 wrapped around thedrive pulley 28 at the beginning of a stroke is depicted. To make the explanation of the following principle easier, thedrive pulley 28 has been hidden. It can be seen that thedrive cable 52 has been wound around thedrive pulley 28 approximately 3.15 times. Referring toFIG. 20 , a schematic view of the position of thedrive cable 52 at the end of a stroke is depicted. To make the explanation of the following principle easier, thedrive pulley 28 has been hidden. It can be seen that thedrive cable 52 has unwound from thedrive pulley 28 so that the number of revolutions remaining is approximately 1.1. - At the beginning of a stroke, the
drive cable 52 has a larger diameter, which decreases speed and increases torque at thedrive pulley 28 relative to the smaller diameter ofdrive cable 52 at the end of a stroke. This variation in speed and torque is continuously variable, meaning that the speed and torque at thedrive pulley 28 changes continuously with respect to time throughout the stroke. The rate at which the speed and the torque changes can be varied and is controlled by the root diameter of thedrive pulley 28, the diameter of thedrive cable 52, the number of revolutions thedrive cable 52 is wrapped around thedrive pulley 28, the length of thecrank 15, the length of the stroke, and other variables. - By combining an increase in speed inherent in the change in angular position of the crank 15 relative to the drive
pulley 28, and the decrease in diameter of thedrive cable 52 during the power stroke, a significant increase in speed can be realized at the end of the stroke. Significantly, the increase in speed is non-linear and increases rapidly toward the end of the stroke as the rate of change, or percentage of, the decrease in the diameter of thedrive cable 52 accelerates. Simultaneously, the angle of the crank 15 relative to the drivepulley 28 increases the amount ofdrive cable 52 pulled. The combined effect of these two phenomena creates a seamless increase in speed throughout the stroke. This speed increase is difficult to realize on a CVD bicycle because the bicycle begins to accelerate rapidly, thecranks 15 become difficult to depress, and significantly more force is required to be applied by the user. The amount of acceleration can be controlled through proper design of theCVD 10. In some embodiments, the increase in force required to reach the end of the stroke is insufficient under normal operating conditions. This means that thecranks 15 will slow down and stop on the power stroke before reaching the end of the stroke unless the user applies significant power. This eliminates the loss in kinetic energy at the end of each stroke. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the end of the power stroke occurs when the opposite crank 15 on its return stroke contacts theframe 60. In another embodiment, an intermediary component (not shown) positioned between thecrank 15 and theframe 60 stops the return stroke of thecrank 15. This intermediary component can be constructed of a resilient material such as urethane or rubber and can be adjusted to suit the preference of the user. The intermediary component can be attached to theframe 60 with common fasteners. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 11 -13, the length and position of the stroke can be controlled by varying the length and the position of thedrive cables 52 and thedependent cable 31. The length of thedependent cable 31 can be adjusted by loosening the two machine screws that are inserted into the clamp mounts 21 of acrank 15. This loosens the force that the cable clamps 29 apply to thedependent cable 31. The length of thedependent cable 31 can then be lengthened or shortened. If thedependent cable 31 is lengthened thecranks 15 move farther away from thedependent pulley 24, or closer to the ground when theCVD 10 is used in conjunction with thebicycle 100. This changes the position of the user on thebicycle 100 and changes the speed of thebicycle 100. When thecranks 15 move farther from thedependent pulley 24, the distance between each of thecranks 15 also increases and unwinds some of thedrive cable 52 from the drive pulleys 28. This increases the speed ratio of theCVD 10 and thebicycle 100. - The length of the
drive cables 52 can be adjusted in the same manner. If the fasteners attaching thedrive cables 52 to the cable ends 54 are loosened, thedrive cables 52 can be lengthened or shortened. If thedrive cables 52 are lengthened, the return springs 51 wind theadditional drive cable 52 onto the drive pulleys 28, decreasing speed and increasing torque to drivepulleys 28. If thedrive cables 52 are shortened, speed increases and torque decreases. Thus, the user can configure the speed ratio of theCVD 10 to suit his or her personal preference. - Referring now to
FIGS. 21 and 22 , a stroke comparison is made between a traditional rotary stroke on a bicycle and the stroke of theCVD 10. Referring toFIG. 21 , a circle A depicts the stroke of a traditional bicycle. Significantly, less than 90 degrees of a 360-degree stroke produces power, and only about 60 degrees of the stroke efficiently produces power, shown by the 60-degree sign between the upper and lower positions X of a conventional bicycle crank. The conventional rotary stroke only becomes very efficient through about half, or 30 degrees of the 60-degree stroke. The arc B depicts the length of the stroke of theCVD 10, which very efficiently produces power through an approximately 30 degree range. Importantly, the user's legs do not move nearly as much as in a conventional rotary stroke, lowering stress on the knees and other joints, and reducing muscle fatigue. - Referring to
FIG. 22 , torque is compared between a conventional rotary stroke and theCVD 10 stroke. Increasing torque is plotted on the vertical Y axis on the left side of the graph, while the horizontal X axis depicts time, or the percentage of the stroke completed. The curve C denotes the torque of a conventional rotary bicycle drivetrain through one complete stroke. As the user passes through the 60-degree portion of the stroke where power is produced, a significant torque spike occurs. This torque spike occurs twice per revolution, as a first leg and then a second leg pass through the power portion of the stroke. The torque of the stroke drops sharply when the cranks are substantially vertical, at the beginning and halfway through the stroke. To reduce the size of the torque spike and to maintain momentum through the power portion of the stroke, the user must maintain a high cadence to transfer power efficiently. - The curve D denotes the torque through the stroke of the
CVD 10. Torque is steady and level throughout the stroke because not only are the degrees of rotation through the stroke small (between 20-40 degrees in some embodiments) and ideally configured to produce power, but also because the radius of thedrive cable 52 to the center of thedrive pulley 28 decreases as thecrank 15 moves through the power phase of the stroke. This action decreases torque. Concurrently, as the legs straighten the leg muscles become more efficient and produce more force towards the end of the stroke, offsetting the decrease in distance of thedrive cable 52 to the center of thedrive pulley 28. Still referring toFIG. 22 , the maximum torque produced by theCVD 10 is lower than a conventional rotary drivetrain, reducing stress on the user and theCVD 10 components, but the average torque is higher. This occurs because much more of the user's weight is applied to thepedals 16, due to the fact that there is no seat. Thus, the force applied to thepedals 16 is much greater. - Referring now to
FIG. 23 , analternative CVD 110 with an independent stroke is described. For simplicity, only the differences between theCVD 110 and theCVD 10 will be discussed. Thedependent cable 31 is removed and replaced by two independent cables 131 a, 131 b, which are attached to the cranks 15 a, 15 b, respectively. At a second end, the independent cables 131 attach to theframe 60. The independent cables 131 can use common fasteners or cable clamps 29 for attachment to theframe 60. Because thedependent cable 31 is eliminated, in some embodiments the crank 15 a does not return to its original position when the crank 15 b is in its power stroke, and vice versa. This requires that a stop be implemented to end the power stroke of theCVD 110. The independent cables 131, which like thedependent cable 31 are flexible tension members, accomplish this purpose by becoming taut at the end of the power stroke. The length of the independent cables 131 can be adjusted in the same manner as thedependent cable 31. Independent pedals 116 replace thepedals 16 ofCVD 10. The independent pedals 116, allow the user to pull thecranks 15 on the return stroke. In some embodiments, acover 117, attached to the pedals 116, covers the tops of the user's feet. In other embodiments, the pedals 116 incorporate toe clips (not shown) so the user can pull thecranks 15. In still other embodiments, the independent pedals 116 can be clipless pedals and the user wears matching clipless shoes which engage and attach to hooks or other fasteners on the independent pedals 116. In still other embodiments, the return spring 51 (shown inFIG. 11 ) is configured to lift thecranks 15 during the return phase of the stroke, and the independent pedals 116 are not needed to raise the cranks. - Still referring to
FIG. 23 , the user can adjust the length of the stroke as withCVD 10, but can also adjust the height of the stroke by lifting thecranks 15 higher when pedaling, which produces a slower speed and a higher torque. The user can also depress thecranks 15 farther on the power stroke, increasing the speed and reducing the torque. Significant ratio changes in the speed and torque of theCVD 110 can be achieved in this manner. The user can also pedal with one foot only or with both feet at the same time. - Referring now to
FIGS. 11, 24 , and 25, analternative CVD 210 with acompound pulley 204 is disclosed. For simplicity, only the differences between theCVD 210 and theCVD 10 will be described. On one side ofFIG. 24 , side a, the drive pulley 28 a, crank pulley 23 a, and compound pulley 204 a have been hidden so that the drive cable 202 a and the compound cable 206 a are visible. On side b ofFIG. 24 , the drive cable 202 b and the compound cable 206 b have been hidden so that compound pulley 204 b is easily visible. TheCVD 210 is similar to theCVD 10, but theCVD 210 includes compound pulleys 204 a, 204 b. In one embodiment, the compound pulleys 204 attach to theframe 60 in the same manner that the crank pulley 23 connects to thecrank 15. The compound pulleys 204 can be made of the same material and in the same fashion as the drive pulleys 28. The drive cable 202 travels from thedrive pulley 28 to a first compound groove 208 a incompound pulley 204. The drive cable 202 wraps around a first compound groove 208 a in the compound pulley 204 a, and the drive cable 202 fastens to thecompound pulley 204. Compound cable 206 wraps around a second compound groove 208 b in thecompound pulley 204 and fastens to thecompound pulley 204. In some embodiments, the Compound cable 206 then wraps around the crank pulley 23 before terminating at theframe 60. - Still referring to
FIGS. 11, 24 , and 25, thecompound pulley 204 increases the speed change of theCVD 210 during a stroke, as compared to the stroke of theCVD 10. The drive cable 202 winds onto thecompound pulley 204 during a power stroke, while the compound cable 206 unwinds. This creates easy pedaling at the beginning of the power stroke, rapidly increasing the speed of thedrive pulley 28, and thus the difficulty of pedaling toward the end of the power stroke. The speed change can be varied by making the first and second compound grooves 208 a, 208 b different diameters, and by changing the diameter of thecompound pulley 204 relative to the drivepulley 28. - Referring now to
FIGS. 11, 24 , and 26, an alternative CVD 310 with acompound pulley 204 is disclosed. For simplicity, only the differences between the CVD 310 and theCVD 10 will be described. The CVD 310 substantially similar to theCVD 210, andFIG. 26 is depicted in the same way asFIG. 24 . In the CVD 310 the crank pulley 23, the idler bearing 26, and the idler shaft 27 are not used and, rather, the compound cable 206 attaches to the crank 15 instead of to theframe 60. Additional cable clamps 29 are used to attach the compound cable 206 to thecrank 15. - Referring now to
FIG. 27 , analternative CVD 410 is disclosed. For simplicity, only the differences between theCVD 410 and theCVD 210 will be described. TheCVD 410 is substantially similar to theCVD 210, except that theCVD 410 is configured with an integral brake orgenerator 215. In some embodiments, anannular flux disc 406 is pressed onto thehub shell 41 with an interference fit. Theflux disc 406 can be made from high conducting material, such as aluminum or copper. Theflux disc 406 has multiple annular grooves, similar to those in thecompound pulley 204. Abrake 404, which can be constructed of steel, plastic, a composite, or another suitable material, has annular protrusions which are designed to be inserted into the space between the annular grooves of theflux disc 406. Thebrake 404 is designed to fasten to a frame or other rigid structure. In one embodiment, a nut (not shown) attaches to the brake and a bolt (not shown) threads into the nut. The bolt and the nut control the position of thebrake 404 relative to theflux disc 406.Brake magnets 408, which are glued or fastened with common fasteners to the sides of the protrusions of thebrake 404, fit into the spaces between the annular grooves of theflux disc 406 with a small amount of clearance. When theCVD 410 is powered by a user, resistance is controlled by positioning thebrake 404 closer or farther from theflux disc 406 by rotating the bolt. When thebrake magnets 408 move farther into theflux disc 406, more resistance is created, and vice versa. The resistance for theCVD 410 is created without any contacting parts. Thebrake magnets 408 can also be the magnets used in a permanent magnet generator and theflux disc 406 can be modified to become the armature of a permanent magnet generator. In this embodiment, the resistance, or braking, produced by the permanent magnet generator is converted to electricity. - Referring now to
FIG. 28 , ascooter 500 utilizing a CVD 510 similar to theCVD 210 is disclosed. For simplicity, only the certain features of thescooter 500 will be explained. In a preferred embodiment, the crank pulleys 523 are near the end of the cranks 515 (the end where the pedals 517 attach to the cranks 515) to maximize the amount of travel of both the drive cable 502 and the compound cable 506. The crank pivots 517 are located near the back of the rear wheel to maximize the length of the cranks 515. Acover 533, which attaches to the frame with common fasteners or by welding, provides attachment for the compound pulleys 504. In other embodiments, the compound pulleys 504 can be attached to the frame with common fasteners. In one embodiment, the compound cable 506 attaches to thecover 533, while in other embodiments the compound cable 506 attaches to theframe 560. - Referring now to
FIGS. 29 and 30 , analternative CVD 605 used on abicycle 600 is described. For simplicity, only the differences between thebicycle 100 and thebicycle 600 will be described. Theframe 62 of thebicycle 600 can be substantially similar to frame 60 of thebicycle 100 but can have a frame tail 602. The frame tail 602, in one embodiment, extends rearward and downward from the crank stay 78. At a first end, the frame tail 602 can be attached to theframe 62 by welding, with fasteners or adhesive, or any other suitable method to produce a strong, rigid connection. The frame tail 602 is preferably a strong, rigid, part of theframe 62 having a hole to accept alever stop 604. Thelever stop 604 in some embodiments is a hardened pin, but the lever stop 604 can also be configured as a shaft for a bearing. In some embodiments, alever bushing 606 fits over thelever stop 604 and is held in place by a retaining ring that is inserted into a groove in the lever stop 604 (not shown). Thelever bushing 606 can be a low friction cylindrical component that provides for relative motion between thelever stop 604 and thelever bushing 606. In other embodiments, thelever bushing 606 can be a roller bearing, such as a needle roller or radial bearing. - Still referring to
FIGS. 29 and 30 , a lever crank 615 can be substantially similar to the crank 15 ofbicycle 100 but can have alever pivot 612 and alever slot 618. In some embodiments, thelever pivot 612 is a hole for receiving a lever pin 613. The lever pin 613 can be rigidly attached to the lever crank 615 with an interference fit, welding, adhesive, or any other suitable method. Thelever slot 618 is preferably a slot formed into the lever crank 615 near thepedal 16. In some embodiments, thelever slot 618 includes multiple notches which allow acompound pulley shaft 620, to be secured at various locations so that the distance between acompound pulley 622 and a lever crankpivot 616 can be adjusted. Thecompound pulley shaft 620 can be attached to the lever crank 615 with standard fasteners, and in one embodiment a well known quick release (not shown) is used. When thecompound pulley 622 is farther from the lever crankpivot 616, more of adrive cable 630 and acompound cable 632 is pulled, and thebicycle 600 shifts into a higher gear. When thecompound pulley 622 is closer to the lever crankpivot 616,less drive cable 630 andcompound cable 632 is pulled, and thebicycle 600 shifts into a lower gear. - Still referring to
FIGS. 29 and 30 , alever 608 is described. Thelever 608 attaches to the lever crank 615 with the lever pin 613, which in some embodiments is a hardened steel pin with a head. In some embodiments, a bushing or bearing (not shown) placed over the lever pin 613 can be used to minimize friction between thelever 608 and the lever pin 613. In one embodiment, a hole is formed into a first end of thelever 608 to which a firstlever pulley shaft 638 is rigidly attached with an interference fit, welding, adhesive, or any other suitable method. Positioned over the firstlever pulley shaft 638 is afirst lever pulley 634, which is an idler pulley and is free to rotate. In some embodiments, the firstlever pulley shaft 638 has a head on one end to prevent thefirst lever pulley 634 from coming off the firstlever pulley shaft 638. At a second end of thelever 608 is a second hole where a secondlever pulley shaft 640 is inserted using the same attachment method as the firstlever pulley shaft 638. Asecond lever pulley 636, which in some embodiments is substantially the same as thefirst lever pulley 634 and is also an idler pulley, is positioned over the secondlever pulley shaft 640. Aguide surface 614, which is of a shape to produce the desired movement and rotation of thelever 608, is formed on one side of thelever 608 between thesecond lever pulley 636 and thelever pivot 612. Thelever bushing 606 rolls along theguide surface 614 during a stroke. Thelever bushing 606 is preferably adapted to minimize friction and is positioned over thelever stop 604. The movement of thelever bushing 606 forces thelever 608 to rotate in a direction that causes thecompound cable 632 to wrap around the first and second lever pulleys 634, 636. In some embodiments, thefirst lever pulley 634 comes contacts thecompound cable 632 before thesecond lever pulley 636. Both the first and second lever pulleys 634, 636 increase the amount ofcompound cable 632 that is pulled during the stroke. In some embodiments, thelever 608 is configured to increase the rate of change of the amount ofcompound cable 632 pulled throughout the stroke. For example, near the beginning of a stroke, the amount ofcompound cable 632 pulled during the first 5 degrees of rotation of the lever crank 615 can be one centimeter, while in the last 5 degrees of rotation of the lever crank 615 five centimeters of thecompound cable 632 can be pulled. The rate of change and length of thecompound cable 632 pulled during a stroke are controlled by many variables including the distance from thelever pivot 612 to the crankpivot 616, the length of thelever 608, the shape of theguide surface 614, the location of thelever stop 604, the distance between thelever pivot 612 and thefirst lever pulley 634, the distance between thelever pivot 612 and thesecond lever pulley 636, the distance between thecompound pulley 622 and thecrank pivot 616, the degrees of rotation of the lever crank 615 during a stroke, whether a line drawn between the firstlever pulley shaft 638 and the secondlever pulley shaft 640 is coincident with the center of thelever pivot 612 or is offset, and the termination point of thecompound cable 632. - Referring now to
FIGS. 31-33 , in some embodiments aCVD 601 using alever 608, can include alever hook 610, which can be a generally curved portion that forms a hook at the end of thelever 608 on the side of thesecond lever pulley 636. Thelever hook 610 preferably limits the rotation of the lever crank 615 during a stroke, catching the lever stop 604 orlever bushing 606 and stopping the rotation of the lever crank 615 at the end of a stroke. In one embodiment, thelever hook 610 can be adapted to stop the rotation of the lever crank 615 as the lever crank 615 returns to the beginning of the stroke. - Referring to
FIG. 31 , thelever 608 is shown at the beginning of a stroke. Thelever hook 610 has caught on thelever bushing 606 during the return stroke and has prevented the lever crank 615 from swinging closer to a drivepulley 650. It should be noted that the same return spring 51 can be used on theCVD 601 as on theCVD 10, and the return spring 51 is strong enough to rotate the lever crank 615 on the return stroke back to its starting position. As the stroke begins and the lever crank 615 begins to rotate, thelever pivot 612 begins to move closer to thelever stop 604. In some embodiments, thefirst lever pulley 634 is in contact with thecompound cable 632. -
FIG. 32 depicts the stroke midway through its power phase. The lever crank 615 is close to thelever stop 604. Thelever hook 610 has moved away from thelever stop 604, and thelever pivot 612 is closer to thelever stop 604, causing thelever 608 to rotate more rapidly, pulling more of thecompound cable 632, and thus increasing the rate of change and accelerating the rotation of the rear wheel 84 (seen inFIG. 29 ). This occurs because thefirst lever pulley 634 pulls more of thecompound cable 632. Note that thesecond lever pulley 636 is about to contact thecompound cable 632. -
FIG. 33 depicts the stroke at the end of its power phase. The lever crank 615 has passed thelever stop 604, and thelever bushing 606 has rolled along theguide surface 614 until thelever bushing 606 has again contacted thelever hook 610, stopping the lever crank 615 and ending the power phase of the stroke. Thelever 608 has rotated in the same direction throughout the power phase of the stroke. During the return phase of the stroke thelever 608 rotates in the reverse direction, returning to its starting position. In some embodiments, the rate of change and rotational speed of thedrive pulley 650 continues to increase throughout the stroke because thesecond lever pulley 636 has engaged and pulled a significant amount ofcompound cable 632, and thedrive cable 630 has continued to lengthen. - Referring now to
FIGS. 31-33 , in some embodiments the acceleration of thedrive pulley 650 increases linearly throughout the stroke. When theCVD 601 is implemented on abicycle 600, and the user is ascending a hill, therear wheel 84 typically rotates more slowly and pedaling becomes more difficult. In this situation, the user is unable to exert enough force to actuate the lever cranks 615 throughout the entire stroke. Pedaling becomes too difficult toward the end of the stroke, which stops the stroke. In such a situation, the user will be pushed toward the beginning of the stroke, where pedaling is easier. This action also moves the user forward on thebicycle 600, which is advantageous when ascending a hill. The user can choose to shorten the length of the stroke to make pedaling easier. When the user rides down a hill, therear wheel 84 rotates faster and thedrive pulley 650 also rotates faster to apply power to thebicycle 600. In this situation, pedaling becomes easier and the user moves farther through the stroke before it becomes too difficult to pedal. This action also moves the user farther back on thebicycle 600, which is advantageous when descending a hill. To summarize, in some embodiments, theCVD 601 automatically shifts the ratio to suit the needs of the user. - Referring now to
FIG. 34 , one embodiment of thedrive pulley 650 of thebicycle 600 will be described. The drive pulley has a spiralingroot 652 at its root. The spiralingroot 652 radius increases at a substantially linear rate throughout one turn, or 360 degrees of rotation. In some embodiments, the spiralingroot 652 radius increases an amount substantially equal to the diameter of thedrive cable 630 over one turn. Thedrive cable 630 can have alug 658 attached at an end that terminates at the smallest radius of the spiralingroot 652. Thelug 658 is a common fastener that has a flat area with alug hole 659 to allow insertion of a screw (not shown). The flat portion of thelug 658, which includes thelug hole 659, is inserted into apulley slot 654, which is formed into the spiralingroot 652. The screw in some embodiments is a flat head screw and can be inserted into a countersunkfastening hole 656 which is aligned radially with thelug hole 659, so that the flat head screw is first inserted into a countersunk portion of the fastening hole, then through thelug hole 659, then threaded into a threaded portion of thefastening hole 656. - Referring now to
FIGS. 35-37 , analternative CVD 700 is disclosed. TheCVD 700 is similar to theCVD 601, using acrank 710 and atransfer lever 720. At a first end, thetransfer lever 720 pivots about alever pivot 722, which can be rigidly attached to a non-moving component, such as a frame (not shown). The components of thelever pivot 722 can be substantially similar to the components of thelever pivot 612. Apulley shaft 726 and apulley 724 can be attached near a second end of thelever 720. At a first end, thecrank 710 pivots about acrank pivot 712. Apedal 16 attaches to a second end of thecrank 710. Also attached to the crank 710 are astop 714 and abushing 716. Adrive cable 730 wraps around adrive pulley 750. Acompound cable 732 is rigidly attached to a rigid, non-moving component, such as a frame (not shown). -
FIG. 35 shows theCVD 700 at the beginning of the power phase of a stroke or the end of the return phase of a stroke. Thebushing 716 contacts aguide surface 728 on thelever 720 and, as the user actuates thepedal 16, thecrank 710 begins to move through the power phase of the stroke. Thebushing 716 rolls on theguide surface 728.FIG. 36 shows theCVD 700 midway through the power phase of a stroke. The crank 710 and thebushing 716 have moved closer to thelever pivot 722, which causes thelever 720 to rotate more rapidly, pulling more of thedrive cable 730 and thecompound cable 732, which results in an increasing rate of change.FIG. 37 shows theCVD 700 at the end of the power phase of a stroke. The crank 710 and thelever 720 are nearly parallel, and thebushing 716 has moved closest to thelever pivot 722, which further increases the rotational speed of thelever 720 and the rate of change in the amount of thecompound cable 732 and thedrive cable 730 pulled. Theguide surface 728 can be any shape which produces the desired rate of change. For example, in some embodiments theguide surface 728 is straight, while in other embodiments it is a curve. In still other embodiments, theguide surface 728 is a spline or a curve produced by multiple radii. - Passing to
FIG. 38 now, it is shown alever 609 that can be used with various embodiments of the CVDs previously described. Thelever 609 has generallyflat sides 380 that terminate at alever pivot end 381 and at a distalslider guide end 382. In one embodiment, thelever 609 includes one or morepulley attachment couplings 383, which can be holes for receiving the shafts of the pulleys. Thepulley attachment couplings 383 can be located at, near, or in the vicinity of thelever pivot end 381. As illustrated inFIG. 38 , in some embodiments, thelever 609 includes additionally one or morepulley attachment couplings 384 near, at, or in the vicinity of theslider guide end 382. It is preferable to provide multiplepulley attachment couplings - In one embodiment, the
lever 609 is provided with a leverpivot attachment coupling 385, which is positioned between thelever pivot end 381 and theslider guide end 382. As shown inFIG. 38 , the lever pivot attachment coupling can be positioned near to thepulley attachment couplings 383. Amid-lever portion 386 of thelever 609, between the leverpivot attachment coupling 385 and theslider guide end 382 is preferably provided with acurved guide surface 387. In one embodiment, theguide surface 387 defines an elliptical arc. For example, for some applications, theguide surface 387 is characterized relative to anelliptical arc 388 having amajor axis 389 of about 6-inches and aminor axis 390 of about 3-inches. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 38 , awidth 391 of thelever 609 can be about 1.5-inches. In some embodiments, anaxis 392 collinear with the centers of thepulley attachment couplings 383 and the pivotlever attachment coupling 385 is located at an angle A1 of about 140-degrees relative to themajor axis 389. In one embodiment, the distance between the centers of thepulley attachment couplings 383 and the leverpivot attachment coupling 385 is about 1-2.5-inches, and more preferably 1.5-2.0-inches. In some embodiments, theguide surface 387 transitions into aradius 393 or aradius 394, which can be, for example, a 0.75-inch radius. It should be noted that although theguide surface 387 has been described in one embodiment as being defined by an elliptical arc, in other embodiments theguide surface 387 can be defined by various shapes of curves, or even straight lines. For some applications, theguide surface 387 can be composed of multiple, sequential curves, which at least some of them can have different radii. - Referring now to
FIGS. 39A-39D , some physiological benefits of using a CVD are discussed.FIGS. 39A and 39B depict a user's leg position at the top and bottom of a rotary stroke, commonly used on bicycles.FIGS. 39C and 39D depict a user's leg position at the top and bottom of a stroke when a CVD is used on a bicycle.FIGS. 39A-39D show a user'supper leg 770,knee 772, andlower leg 774.FIG. 39A shows thedistance 776 between two pedals of a typical bicycle using 170 mm cranks. Thetotal distance 776 between the pedals is 340 mm.FIG. 39B shows that at the bottom of a conventional rotary bicycle stroke, the user's leg is slightly bent.FIG. 39B shows thedistance 777 between the bottom of a user's foot at the bottom of a conventional rotary stroke and the bottom/end of the stroke of a CVD.FIG. 39C shows that at the end of the power phase of a CVD stroke, the user's leg is substantially straight.FIG. 39D shows thedistance 778 between the pedals at the top/start and bottom/end of a CVD stroke, which is 235 mm, or 69% of the length of the rotary stroke. More importantly, the user's leg is bent at an angle of about 91 degrees inFIG. 39D , while inFIG. 39A the user's leg is bent at an angle of about 68 degrees. - Still referring to
FIG. 39 , there are many physiological benefits to minimizing the amount a user must bend their legs when pedaling. One obvious benefit is that it is easier, because the user need not move his legs as much or lift his legs as high. Another benefit is that there is less stress on the knees, and this is important for people with knee problems. Another benefit is that more muscles are used in the CVD stroke than in the conventional rotary stroke of a bicycle, and more of an activated muscle is used. Studies have shown that stair climbing, which is analogous to the movement produced by the CVD stroke, activates almost all of the muscles of the lower body, including the hip flexors and the gluteus muscles. Still another benefit of the CVD stroke is that muscle contractions are more efficient when muscles are lengthened or approach lengthening rather than when they are shortened. Termed concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions, eccentric muscle contractions can be far more efficient. For example, studies have shown that cycling produces muscle movement that is about 15% efficient, while the muscles used in running up an incline, which more closely approximates the movement produced by the CVD stroke, achieve about 34% efficiency. Still another benefit of the CVD stroke is that the users are able to switch their body weight from side to side, easily applying all of their weight to the power phase of a CVD stroke, which produces much more force than is achieved when a user is applying force to the pedals when seated on a bicycle. - Referencing
FIG. 40 now, abicycle 4010 that can use various embodiments of the CVDs described here is shown. In one embodiment, thebicycle 4010 includes aframe 4015 supported by afront wheel 4020 and arear wheel 4025. Top tubes 4030 extend from ahead tube 4035 to a wheel axle (not shown) of therear wheel 4025. The top tubes 4030 can be adapted to receive and secure the wheel axle. Therear wheel 4025 is placed between thetop tube 4030A and thetop tube 4030B. In some embodiments, a first portion of the top tubes 4030 is actually a single tube, which then bifurcates into two tubes as it approaches therear wheel 4025. A down tube 4040 extends from thehead tube 4035 toward a lower portion of therear wheel 4025, and is positioned generally in the same plane as that of the rear wheel 4025 (that is, thedown tube 4035 preferably terminates in front of, and is aligned with, the rear wheel 4025). Tying tubes 4045 are coupled to the top tubes 4030 and to the down tube 4040. For example, the tyingtube 4045A is fastened at one end to thetop tube 4030A and at a second end to the bottom tube 4040. In some embodiments, the bottom tube 4040 is provided with an extension, or a support rod, or a shaft (not shown) for coupling the tying tubes 4045 to the down tube 4040. In some embodiments, thebicycle 4010 includes achest support 4050 that is coupled to theframe 4015 by achest support tube 4055, which is fastened to one or both of the down tubes 4030. The fastening between thechest support tube 4055 and the down tubes 4030 can be adapted to allow selection of location of thechest support tube 4055 along the length of the down tubes 4030. In one embodiment, reciprocating cranks 4060 can be coupled to crankpivots 4065, which can be supported by and located near, at, or in the vicinity of, the down tube 4040 and/or the tying tubes 4045. Lever stops 4070 can be coupled the tying tubes 4045 to provide a guiding structure for a movement of a lever (not shown inFIG. 40 ) such as thelevers - Passing to
FIG. 41 now, abicycle 4100 can include aframe 4105 that includes ahead tube 4110 coupled to a downtube 4115. A chest support 4120 can be received and/or supported on achest support tube 4125, which couples to thedown tube 4115 via a chestsupport tube clamp 4130. In some embodiments, the chestsupport tube clamp 4130 is adapted to be removable and allow selection of location of the chest support clamp 4130 a desired length of thedown tube 4115. As illustrated inFIG. 41 , aportion 4112 of thedown tube 4115 can bend in front of, and extend toward a lower part of, arear wheel 4135. - In some embodiments, downstays 4140 couple the
down tube 4115 to a rear wheel axle (not shown) of thebicycle 4100. In one embodiment, for example, thedownstays 4140 couple to the rear wheel axle by abracket 4145. In some embodiments, crank stays 4150 couple thedownstays 4140 to thedown tube 4115. Hence, in some cases, thedown tube 4115 is provided with an extension, connecting hub, orshaft 4155 adapted to couple to the crank stays 4150. As shown inFIG. 41 , in some embodiments, thedownstays 4140 and the crank stays 4150 can be formed integrally into one piece. Therear wheel 4135 is placed between pairs of crank stays 4150 anddownstays 4140. - A
crank 4160, which in some embodiments is reciprocating and adapted to turn only through an angle that is less than 360 degrees, can be coupled to thedown tube 4115 and/or to the crankstay 4160. In one embodiment, thecrank 4160 is rotationally coupled to the connectinghub 4155. Alever stop 4165 can be attached to the crankstay 4150 to provide a guide structure to a movement of a lever (not shown inFIG. 41 ) such as thelevers - The foregoing description details certain inventive embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the inventions disclosed here can be practiced in many ways. It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the inventive embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
Claims (22)
1. A drive hub comprising:
two drive pulleys mounted about a longitudinal axis of the drive hub;
two springs, one spring coupled to one pulley, each spring configured to bias a motion of its respective pulley;
two torque drivers, one torque driver coupled to one pulley, the torque drivers adapted to transfer torque from the pulley;
a hub shell; and
two one-way clutches, each one-way clutch coupling a respective torque driver to the hub shell.
2. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein a drive pulley comprises a bearing race that provides a rolling interface between the drive pulley and the hub shell.
3. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein the hub shell comprises a bearing race that provides a rolling interface between the hub shell and the drive pulley.
4. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein a torque drive and a drive pulley are one integral part.
5. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein the hub shell comprises flanges adapted to facilitate transfer of torque.
6. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein the one-way clutches are roller clutches.
7. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein the one-way clutches are sprag clutches.
8. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein the torque drivers are hardened steel cylinders.
9. The drive hub of claim 1 , wherein the torque drivers have smooth outer diameters.
10. The drive hub of claim 1 , further comprising a rear axle mounted along the longitudinal axis of the drive hub.
11. The drive hub of claim 10 , wherein the rear axle has threaded ends.
12. The drive hub of claim 10 , further comprising cone nuts coupled to the rear axle.
13. The drive hub of claim 12 , wherein the cone nuts are threaded nuts that can couple to the rear axle.
14. The drive hub of claim 12 , further comprising axle bearings operably coupled to the rear axle.
15. The drive hub of claim 14 , wherein the cone nuts couple to the axle bearings.
16. A drivetrain comprising:
a drive hub;
a first crank adapted to operate in reciprocating motion;
a second crank adapted to operate in reciprocating motion;
a first drive pulley adapted to drive the drive hub;
a second drive pulley adapted to drive the drive hub;
a first tension member that couples to the first drive pulley and operably couples to the first crank; and
a second tension member coupled to the second drive pulley and the second crank.
17. The drivetrain of claim 16 , wherein the drive hub comprises:
two springs, one spring coupled to one pulley, each spring configured to bias a motion of its respective pulley;
two torque drivers, one torque driver coupled to one pulley, the torque drivers adapted to transfer torque from the pulley;
a hub shell; and
two one-way clutches, each one-way clutch coupling a respective torque driver to the hub shell.
18. The drivetrain of claim 16 , wherein at least one of the first and second drive pulleys comprises a bearing race that provides a rolling interface between the at least one of the first and second drive pulleys and the hub shell.
19. The drivetrain of claim 16 , further comprising a first crank pulley and a second crank pulley, wherein the first crank pulley couples to the first crank, and wherein the second crank pulley couples to the second crank.
20. A bicycle comprising:
a frame;
a front wheel and a rear wheel;
a drive hub operably coupled to the frame and operably coupled to the rear wheel;
a first crank adapted to operate in reciprocating motion, and wherein the first crank is operably coupled to the frame;
a second crank adapted to operate in reciprocating motion, and wherein the second crank is operably coupled to the frame;
a first drive pulley adapted to drive the drive hub;
a second drive pulley adapted to drive the drive hub;
a first tension member coupled to the first drive pulley and a crank; and
a second tension member coupled to the second drive pulley and a crank.
21. The bicycle of claim 20 , wherein the drive hub comprises:
two springs, one spring coupled to one drive pulley, each spring configured to bias a motion of its respective drive pulley;
two torque drivers, one torque driver coupled to one drive pulley, the torque drivers adapted to transfer torque from the drive pulley;
a hub shell; and
two one-way clutches, each one-way clutch coupling a respective torque driver to the hub shell.
22. The bicycle of claim 21 , wherein at least one of the first and second drive pulleys comprises a bearing race that provides a rolling interface between the at least one of the first and second drive pulleys and the drive hub.
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US11/951,985 Abandoned US20080073137A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2007-12-06 | Continuously variable drivetrain |
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US11/951,974 Expired - Fee Related US7600771B2 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2007-12-06 | Continuously variable drivetrain |
US11/951,878 Abandoned US20080085795A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2007-12-06 | Continuously variable drivetrain |
US11/951,838 Abandoned US20080073467A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2007-12-06 | Continuously variable drivetrain |
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US11/951,921 Abandoned US20080085796A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 | 2007-12-06 | Continuously variable drivetrain |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080070729A1 (en) | 2008-03-20 |
US20080085795A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
TW200808613A (en) | 2008-02-16 |
US20080081715A1 (en) | 2008-04-03 |
EP2018314A2 (en) | 2009-01-28 |
US20080079236A1 (en) | 2008-04-03 |
US20080085797A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
EP2018314A4 (en) | 2010-04-14 |
WO2007133681A3 (en) | 2008-05-02 |
US20080073467A1 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
US20080073136A1 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
US20080085798A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
CN101484350A (en) | 2009-07-15 |
US20080085796A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 |
US7600771B2 (en) | 2009-10-13 |
WO2007133681A2 (en) | 2007-11-22 |
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