WO2007083334A1 - Bicycle with articulated pedal cranks - Google Patents

Bicycle with articulated pedal cranks Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007083334A1
WO2007083334A1 PCT/IT2006/000623 IT2006000623W WO2007083334A1 WO 2007083334 A1 WO2007083334 A1 WO 2007083334A1 IT 2006000623 W IT2006000623 W IT 2006000623W WO 2007083334 A1 WO2007083334 A1 WO 2007083334A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bicycle according
pedal crank
bicycle
pedal
crank element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2006/000623
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Franco Vizzarri
Original Assignee
Vizzarri, Jessica
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vizzarri, Jessica filed Critical Vizzarri, Jessica
Publication of WO2007083334A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007083334A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B62M1/26—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with reciprocating levers, e.g. foot levers characterised by rotary cranks combined with reciprocating levers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bicycle with articulated pedal cranks and, in particular, to a bicycle with articulated pedal cranks suitable for supporting the cyclist's entire foot during motion.
  • the propulsive force transmitted to a bicycle derives from the cyclist's muscular effort that exerts a pressure on the pedal.
  • the function of the foot in pedalling is therefore to transfer and transmit the propulsive action of the leg on the point of resistance, i.e. on pedal and pedal crank.
  • a bicycle comprising a pair of articulated pedal cranks, pivoted to a shaft of the crank axle, with which pedals are associated, each pedal crank comprising a first pedal crank element and a second pedal crank element, and being connected to return means suitable for ensuring a predetermined reciprocal motion between the first and second pedal crank element.
  • the Applicant has found that by making a bicycle that allows a thrust to be transmitted to the pedal using not only the front of the foot, but also the rear of the foot it is possible to fully exploit the power of the cyclist's leg thus obtaining a greater pedalling power for the same energy exertion or else a lesser energy exertion for the same pedalling power.
  • the Applicant has indeed found that the bicycle according to the present invention, for the same pedalling power, allows a reduction of the contraction of the muscles, therefore a decrease in pressure on the blood vessels and therefore a drop in heart rate.
  • the Applicant has also found that, by making a cycle that makes the cyclist's foot move in a way similar to that of walking it is possible to obtain a high pedalling efficiency from the biomechanical point of view during the entire cycle carried out by the pedals. In other words, by using firstly the rear part of the foot and then the front one to give the thrust to the pedal it is possible to reduce the cyclist's physical effort.
  • the bicycle according to the present invention allows also the stability of the cyclist to be increased during motion, especially in a off-saddle position and allows the manoeuvrability and safety of conventional bicycles to be conserved. Moreover, by moving the position of the saddle slightly forward with respect to conventional bicycles, it is possible to increase the stability of the front wheel and decrease the impact of the rear wheel on the ground in favour of a greater traction, further reducing the physical effort.
  • the positions taken up by the pedal cranks of the bicycle according to the present invention also allow a reduction of the size of the power gap, or dead spot, as well as an increase of the thrust on the pedal in the off- saddle position.
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of the bicycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • - figure 2 shows a partial top view of the bicycle of figure 1 ;
  • - figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of some details according to the present invention;
  • - figure 5 shows a side view of the bicycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • - figure 6 shows a partial top view of the bicycle of figure 5;
  • figure 7 shows the bicycle of figure 5 during motion. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
  • the bicycle according to the present invention comprises a frame, generically indicated by reference numeral 11 , which in turn comprises a top tube 19, an oblique tube 17, a seat tube 13 and a steering tube 53.
  • the bicycle according to the present invention also comprises a pair of articulated pedal cranks 1 , pivoted to the shaft 23 of the crank axle, with which pedals 35 are associated.
  • Each of said articulated pedal cranks 1 comprises two elements connected in an articulated manner: a first pedal crank element 21 and a second pedal crank element 31.
  • Each of said articulated pedal cranks 1 is also connected to return means suitable for ensuring a predetermined reciprocal motion between the first pedal crank element 21 and the second pedal crank element 31.
  • the second pedal crank element 31 is suitable for supporting both the front and the rear part of the cyclist's foot, or else the entire foot that shall therefore be completely resting upon it during motion. In this way the return means act upon the cyclist's entire foot making it perform the
  • first pedal crank element 21 comprises a first end 2 pivoted to the shaft 23 of the crank axle and a second end 3
  • the second pedal crank element 31 comprises a first end 4 pivoted to the second end 3 of said first pedal crank element 21 and a second end 5 to which a pedal 35 is pivoted.
  • the pedal 35 can be of the classical type or of the quick-release type, but in any case of the known type and therefore it will not be described any further. It may be connected to the articulated pedal crank 1 by screwing or interlocking or another known way.
  • the second pedal crank element 31 is provided with a support 33 for the cyclist's heel arranged near to the first end 4 of the second pedal crank element 31 itself.
  • the return means of the articulated pedal crank 1 are connected to the second end 5 of the second pedal crank element 31.
  • the return means may comprise a shaft of variable length, connected to the frame 11 of the bicycle.
  • said return means comprise a rod 39 suitable for sliding axially and at least partially in a sliding tube 45.
  • the sliding tube 45 is provided with a sleeve 43, shown in detail in figure 3, which comprises one or more rollers 6 suitable for guiding the sliding of said rod 39 inside said sliding tube 45.
  • said rollers 6 are three and are arranged circumferentially spaced by 120° from each other.
  • the sleeve 43 is positioned at the end of the sliding tube 45 closest to the articulated pedal crank 1 so as to be able to be easily removed in the case of maintenance.
  • the end of the sliding tube 45 farthest from the articulated pedal crank 1 is connected to the frame 11 of the bicycle preferably so as to be able to oscillate.
  • the sliding tube 45 oscillates on a plane parallel to the plane that contains the top tube 19, the oblique tube 17 and the seat tube 13.
  • the latter is suitable for receiving the saddle post 15 and is provided in an advanced position with respect to the crank axle, unlike conventional bicycles in which it is in line with the crank axle. This aims to confer stability to the bicycle and above all a correct posture to the cyclist so that he can pedal comfortably and impart greater power to the pedals.
  • the horizontal tube 19 is longer than the horizontal tube of a conventional bicycle by an amount equal to the length of the second pedal crank element 31. In particular, the distance between the crank axle and the front wheel of the bicycle is increased.
  • the rod 39 has an end pivoted to the second end 5 of the second pedal crank element 31 , at the pedal 35, and the other end provided with one or more rollers 7 suitable for guiding the sliding of the rod 39 itself inside the sliding tube 45. Said rollers 7 can be provided in addition or as an alternative to the sleeve 43 of the sliding tube 45.
  • the pedal 35, the second end 5 of the second pedal crank element 31 and an end of the rod 39 are preferably pivoted on the same shaft 37.
  • the rod 39 is provided with an interchangeable end 41 on which said rollers 7 are arranged. In this way it is easier to replace the rollers 7 during maintenance.
  • the sliding tube 45 is designed of a length such as to prevent the rod 39 from slipping out from it, however it is possible to provide a suitable stop device, suitable for avoiding the rod 39 being accidentally disassociated from the sliding tube 45.
  • the sliding tube 45 is provided with rotation means 8, visible in figure 4, associated with a pin 51. The latter is fixed to a support 55 formed in the steering tube 53 of the bicycle and is perpendicular to the plane containing the oblique tube 17, the top tube 19 and the steering tube 53. Said rotation means 8 are suitable for the oscillation of the sliding tube 45 around the pin 51 without interfering with the steering operations.
  • the pin 51 is advantageously provided with a ball bearing 49 suitable for decreasing the friction during oscillation.
  • the sliding tube 45 is provided with a support group at the frame comprising further rollers 49, mounted on supports 12, which are suitable for rolling, during motion, on a curved support 9 associated with the oblique tube 17 of the bicycle.
  • Said support group is used to support the return means and the motion transmission elements so as to avoid them being biased by excessive flexing especially in guide position off the saddle.
  • the support group is also used to protect the bicycle by preventing deformations of the return means and of the articulated pedal cranks 1 in the case of accidents or other unfortunate events.
  • the curved support 9 is integral with the oblique tube 17 for example through welding and the supports 12 of the further rollers 49 are fixed to the sliding tube 45 through screws.
  • the return means of the articulated pedal crank 1 are suitable for ensuring that, during motion, the second pedal crank element 31
  • the second end 3 of the first pedal crank element 21 is in the point closest to the ground.
  • the foot is guided by the bicycle according to the present invention to maintain a suitable position with respect to the tibia and to the pedal at all moments of pedalling. Indeed, when the foot is in the position farthest from the ground, i.e. at the start of the thrusting step, the articulated pedal crank 1 is in its first position, the first pedal crank element 21 is vertical and the second pedal
  • crank element 31 is inclined by an angle ⁇ that is not zero with respect to
  • the second pedal crank element 31 In going from the first to the second position, the second pedal crank element 31 is supported by the rod 39 of the return group that slides in the sliding tube 45 inserting and withdrawing from it, as shown by the arrows in figure 7, during pedalling.
  • a tandem that has the same advantages as the bicycle described above.
  • a tandem it is possible for example to provide: a further seat tube for the insertion of a second seat post; the extension of the second articulated pedal crank element 1 ; the addition of an addition pedal and/or of an additional heel support on said extended pedal crank; and a handlebar post for the second cyclist, as well as the obvious technical modifications required by the case, like for example a reduction of the front wheel.
  • the return means could comprise a spring device or else a hydraulic or pneumatic piston.
  • the rollers 7 and/or the sleeve 43 could be replaced with sliding guides or with pistons.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

Abstract

It is illustrated a bicycle comprising a pair of articulated pedal cranks, pivoted to the shaft (23) of the crank axle, with which the pedals (35) are associated, in which each of said pedal cranks is an articulated pedal crank (1) comprising a first pedal crank element (21) and a second pedal crank element (31), and is connected to return means suitable for ensuring a predetermined reciprocal motion between the first and second pedal crank element (21, 31).

Description

Title: Bicycle with articulated pedal cranks
****
DESCRIPTION
Background of the invention The present invention relates to a bicycle with articulated pedal cranks and, in particular, to a bicycle with articulated pedal cranks suitable for supporting the cyclist's entire foot during motion.
Prior art
The propulsive force transmitted to a bicycle derives from the cyclist's muscular effort that exerts a pressure on the pedal.
The function of the foot in pedalling is therefore to transfer and transmit the propulsive action of the leg on the point of resistance, i.e. on pedal and pedal crank.
In bicycles currently known such a propulsive action is transmitted to the pedal only through the front of the cyclist's foot.
In the past various attempts have been made to increase the efficiency of the propulsive force transmitted to the bicycle, and therefore the pedalling power, but without however obtaining appreciable results.
Amongst the known devices there are extendable pedal cranks like those produced by Gobat s.r.l. under the name Easy Crank, the oval drank sets produced by Shimano inc. and the devices suitable for eliminating the dead spot like those produced by Rotor Componentes Technologicos.
Such devices, however, do not allow the cyclist to achieve an appreciable energy saving. The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore to provide a bicycle that allows a noticeable saving of energy for the cyclist and at the same time ensures stability and comfort during motion. Summary of the present invention
Such a technical problem is solved by the Applicant with a bicycle comprising a pair of articulated pedal cranks, pivoted to a shaft of the crank axle, with which pedals are associated, each pedal crank comprising a first pedal crank element and a second pedal crank element, and being connected to return means suitable for ensuring a predetermined reciprocal motion between the first and second pedal crank element.
The Applicant has found that by making a bicycle that allows a thrust to be transmitted to the pedal using not only the front of the foot, but also the rear of the foot it is possible to fully exploit the power of the cyclist's leg thus obtaining a greater pedalling power for the same energy exertion or else a lesser energy exertion for the same pedalling power.
The Applicant has indeed found that the bicycle according to the present invention, for the same pedalling power, allows a reduction of the contraction of the muscles, therefore a decrease in pressure on the blood vessels and therefore a drop in heart rate. The Applicant has also found that, by making a cycle that makes the cyclist's foot move in a way similar to that of walking it is possible to obtain a high pedalling efficiency from the biomechanical point of view during the entire cycle carried out by the pedals. In other words, by using firstly the rear part of the foot and then the front one to give the thrust to the pedal it is possible to reduce the cyclist's physical effort.
Moreover, when the cyclist's foot is correctly placed during motion a correct posture and therefore a greater stability can be achieved throughout pedalling. The bicycle according to the present invention allows also the stability of the cyclist to be increased during motion, especially in a off-saddle position and allows the manoeuvrability and safety of conventional bicycles to be conserved. Moreover, by moving the position of the saddle slightly forward with respect to conventional bicycles, it is possible to increase the stability of the front wheel and decrease the impact of the rear wheel on the ground in favour of a greater traction, further reducing the physical effort. The positions taken up by the pedal cranks of the bicycle according to the present invention also allow a reduction of the size of the power gap, or dead spot, as well as an increase of the thrust on the pedal in the off- saddle position. Brief description of the figures
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention shall become clearer from the following description of some preferred examples of the bicycle according to the invention, given, for indicating and not limiting purposes, with reference to the attached drawings in which:
- figure 1 shows a side view of the bicycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 2 shows a partial top view of the bicycle of figure 1 ; - figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of some details according to the present invention;
- figure 5 shows a side view of the bicycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention; - figure 6 shows a partial top view of the bicycle of figure 5; and
- figure 7 shows the bicycle of figure 5 during motion. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
With reference to figure 1 it can be seen that the bicycle according to the present invention comprises a frame, generically indicated by reference numeral 11 , which in turn comprises a top tube 19, an oblique tube 17, a seat tube 13 and a steering tube 53.
The bicycle according to the present invention also comprises a pair of articulated pedal cranks 1 , pivoted to the shaft 23 of the crank axle, with which pedals 35 are associated. Each of said articulated pedal cranks 1 comprises two elements connected in an articulated manner: a first pedal crank element 21 and a second pedal crank element 31.
Each of said articulated pedal cranks 1 is also connected to return means suitable for ensuring a predetermined reciprocal motion between the first pedal crank element 21 and the second pedal crank element 31.
The second pedal crank element 31 is suitable for supporting both the front and the rear part of the cyclist's foot, or else the entire foot that shall therefore be completely resting upon it during motion. In this way the return means act upon the cyclist's entire foot making it perform the
desired movement explained hereafter. Referring also to figure 2, it can be seen that the first pedal crank element 21 comprises a first end 2 pivoted to the shaft 23 of the crank axle and a second end 3, whereas the second pedal crank element 31 comprises a first end 4 pivoted to the second end 3 of said first pedal crank element 21 and a second end 5 to which a pedal 35 is pivoted. The pedal 35 can be of the classical type or of the quick-release type, but in any case of the known type and therefore it will not be described any further. It may be connected to the articulated pedal crank 1 by screwing or interlocking or another known way. The second pedal crank element 31 is provided with a support 33 for the cyclist's heel arranged near to the first end 4 of the second pedal crank element 31 itself.
The return means of the articulated pedal crank 1 are connected to the second end 5 of the second pedal crank element 31. The return means may comprise a shaft of variable length, connected to the frame 11 of the bicycle.
Preferably, said return means comprise a rod 39 suitable for sliding axially and at least partially in a sliding tube 45. The sliding tube 45 is provided with a sleeve 43, shown in detail in figure 3, which comprises one or more rollers 6 suitable for guiding the sliding of said rod 39 inside said sliding tube 45. Preferably, said rollers 6 are three and are arranged circumferentially spaced by 120° from each other. The sleeve 43 is positioned at the end of the sliding tube 45 closest to the articulated pedal crank 1 so as to be able to be easily removed in the case of maintenance. The end of the sliding tube 45 farthest from the articulated pedal crank 1 is connected to the frame 11 of the bicycle preferably so as to be able to oscillate. In particular, the sliding tube 45 oscillates on a plane parallel to the plane that contains the top tube 19, the oblique tube 17 and the seat tube 13.
The latter is suitable for receiving the saddle post 15 and is provided in an advanced position with respect to the crank axle, unlike conventional bicycles in which it is in line with the crank axle. This aims to confer stability to the bicycle and above all a correct posture to the cyclist so that he can pedal comfortably and impart greater power to the pedals. Preferably, the horizontal tube 19 is longer than the horizontal tube of a conventional bicycle by an amount equal to the length of the second pedal crank element 31. In particular, the distance between the crank axle and the front wheel of the bicycle is increased. The rod 39 has an end pivoted to the second end 5 of the second pedal crank element 31 , at the pedal 35, and the other end provided with one or more rollers 7 suitable for guiding the sliding of the rod 39 itself inside the sliding tube 45. Said rollers 7 can be provided in addition or as an alternative to the sleeve 43 of the sliding tube 45.
The pedal 35, the second end 5 of the second pedal crank element 31 and an end of the rod 39 are preferably pivoted on the same shaft 37. Advantageously, the rod 39 is provided with an interchangeable end 41 on which said rollers 7 are arranged. In this way it is easier to replace the rollers 7 during maintenance. The sliding tube 45 is designed of a length such as to prevent the rod 39 from slipping out from it, however it is possible to provide a suitable stop device, suitable for avoiding the rod 39 being accidentally disassociated from the sliding tube 45. The sliding tube 45 is provided with rotation means 8, visible in figure 4, associated with a pin 51. The latter is fixed to a support 55 formed in the steering tube 53 of the bicycle and is perpendicular to the plane containing the oblique tube 17, the top tube 19 and the steering tube 53. Said rotation means 8 are suitable for the oscillation of the sliding tube 45 around the pin 51 without interfering with the steering operations.
The pin 51 is advantageously provided with a ball bearing 49 suitable for decreasing the friction during oscillation.
According to a second embodiment shown in figures 5, 6 and 7, the sliding tube 45 is provided with a support group at the frame comprising further rollers 49, mounted on supports 12, which are suitable for rolling, during motion, on a curved support 9 associated with the oblique tube 17 of the bicycle.
Said support group is used to support the return means and the motion transmission elements so as to avoid them being biased by excessive flexing especially in guide position off the saddle. The support group is also used to protect the bicycle by preventing deformations of the return means and of the articulated pedal cranks 1 in the case of accidents or other unfortunate events. Preferably, the curved support 9 is integral with the oblique tube 17 for example through welding and the supports 12 of the further rollers 49 are fixed to the sliding tube 45 through screws.
The return means of the articulated pedal crank 1 are suitable for ensuring that, during motion, the second pedal crank element 31
cyclically passes from a first position in which the angle α that it forms
with the horizontal is between 5° and 30° and in which the second end 3 of the first pedal crank element 21 is in the point farthest from the ground,
to a second position in which such an angle α is between 0° and 5°, and
the second end 3 of the first pedal crank element 21 is in the point closest to the ground. In other words, to ensure that the function of the foot of transmitting the propulsive action is carried out effectively and efficiently, the foot is guided by the bicycle according to the present invention to maintain a suitable position with respect to the tibia and to the pedal at all moments of pedalling. Indeed, when the foot is in the position farthest from the ground, i.e. at the start of the thrusting step, the articulated pedal crank 1 is in its first position, the first pedal crank element 21 is vertical and the second pedal
crank element 31 is inclined by an angle α that is not zero with respect to
the first pedal crank element 21 by an angle of less than 90°. In this position of foot flexing, the cyclist is induced to thrust with the rear of the foot since the cyclist's entire foot rests upon the second pedal crank element 31.
From this position, as the foot pushes, the cyclist is guided to increasingly use the front of the foot to thrust. Indeed, the first pedal crank element 21 rotates around the shaft 23 of the crank axle, the second pedal crank element 31 tends to go into horizontal position
decreasing the angle α until it goes into the second position, i.e. at the
end of the thrusting step and at the start of the recovery step in which the first pedal crank element 21 goes back to take up a vertical position, but opposite to the first, and the second pedal crank element is substantially
perpendicular to it and therefore the angle α is substantially zero.
In going from the first to the second position, the second pedal crank element 31 is supported by the rod 39 of the return group that slides in the sliding tube 45 inserting and withdrawing from it, as shown by the arrows in figure 7, during pedalling.
By making suitable modifications to the bicycle according to the present invention it is possible to obtain a tandem that has the same advantages as the bicycle described above. In the case of a tandem it is possible for example to provide: a further seat tube for the insertion of a second seat post; the extension of the second articulated pedal crank element 1 ; the addition of an addition pedal and/or of an additional heel support on said extended pedal crank; and a handlebar post for the second cyclist, as well as the obvious technical modifications required by the case, like for example a reduction of the front wheel.
All of these additional components could be retractable or foldable so as to be retracted or folded when the bicycle is used by a single cyclist. To make the bicycle according to the present invention it is possible to use any suitable known material. Further variants and/or additions can be made by men skilled in the art to the embodiments described and illustrated here without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.
For example, the return means could comprise a spring device or else a hydraulic or pneumatic piston. The rollers 7 and/or the sleeve 43 could be replaced with sliding guides or with pistons.

Claims

1. Bicycle comprising a pair of articulated pedal cranks, pivoted to a shaft (23) of the crank axle, with which pedals (35) are associated, characterised in that each of said pedal cranks is an articulated pedal crank (1) comprising a first pedal crank element (21) and a second pedal crank element (31 ), and is connected to return means suitable for ensuring a predetermined reciprocal motion between the first (21) and second (31) pedal crank element.
2. Bicycle according to claim 1 , characterised in that said second pedal crank element (31) is suitable for supporting both the front and the rear of the cyclist's foot during motion.
3. Bicycle according to claim 1 , characterised in that said second pedal crank element (31 ) is suitable for supporting the cyclist's entire foot during motion.
4. Bicycle according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said first pedal crank element (21) comprises a first end (2) pivoted to the shaft (23) of the crank axle and a second end (3), said second pedal crank element (31) comprising a first end (4) pivoted to said second end (3) of said first pedal crank element (21 ) and a second end (5) to which the pedal (35) is pivoted.
5. Bicycle according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said second pedal crank element (31 ) is provided with a support (33) for the cyclist's heel arranged near to the first end (4) thereof.
6. Bicycle according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said return means are connected to said second end (5) of the second pedal crank element (31).
7. Bicycle according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that said return means comprise a rod of variable length, connected to the frame of the bicycle itself.
8. Bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said return means comprise a rod (39) and a sliding tube (45), said rod (39) being suitable for sliding axially in the sliding tube (45).
9. Bicycle according to claim 8, characterised in that said sliding tube (45) is provided with a sleeve (43) comprising one or more rollers (6) suitable for guiding the sliding of said rod (39) inside said sliding tube (45).
10. Bicycle according to claim 9, characterised in that said rollers (6) are three and are arranged circumferentially spaced by 120° from each other.
11. Bicycle according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the sleeve (43) is positioned at the end of the sliding tube (45) closest to the articulated pedal crank (1), the other end of the sliding tube (45) being connected in a rotatable manner to the frame (11) of the bicycle.
12. Bicycle according to one of claims 8-11 , characterised in that the rod (39) has an end pivoted to the second end (5) of the second pedal crank element (31) and the other end provided with one or more rollers (7) suitable for guiding the sliding of the rod (39) itself inside the sliding tube (45).
13. Bicycle according to claim 12, characterised in that the rod (39) is provided with an interchangeable end (41 ) on which said rollers (7) are arranged.
14. Bicycle according to one of claims 8-13, characterised in that said return means are provided with a stop device suitable for avoiding the rod (39) being disassociated from the sliding tube (45).
15. Bicycle according to one of claims 8-14, characterised in that the sliding tube (45) is provided with rotation means (8) associated with a pin
(51 ) fixed to a support (55) formed in the steering tube (53) of the bicycle, said rotation means (8) being suitable for the rotation of the sliding tube (45) around the pin (51).
16. Bicycle according to claim 15, characterised in that the pin (51) is provided with a ball bearing (49).
17. Bicycle according to claims 15 or 16, characterised in that the sliding tube (45) is provided with a support group comprising further rollers (49) suitable for rolling, during motion, on a curved support (9) associated with the oblique tube (17) of the bicycle, said rollers (49) being mounted on supports (12) associated with the sliding tube (45).
18. Bicycle according to claim 17, characterised in that the curved support (9) is fixed to the oblique tube (17) through welding and the supports (12) of the further rollers (49) are fixed to the sliding tube (45) through screws.
19. Bicycle according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises a seat tube (13) suitable for receiving a saddle post (15) arranged in advanced position with respect to the crank axle.
20. Bicycle according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the return means are suitable for ensuring that, during motion, the second pedal crank element (31) cyclically passes from a first position in which the angle α that it forms with the horizontal is between 5° and 30°
to a second position in which such an angle α is between 0° and 5°, said
first position coinciding with the position in which the second end (3) of the first pedal crank element (21) is in the point farthest from the ground, and said position coinciding with the position in which the second end (3) of the first pedal crank element (21) is in the point closest to the ground.
PCT/IT2006/000623 2006-01-19 2006-08-22 Bicycle with articulated pedal cranks WO2007083334A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000080A ITMI20060080A1 (en) 2006-01-19 2006-01-19 INTEGRAL BICYCLE
ITMI2006A000080 2006-01-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007083334A1 true WO2007083334A1 (en) 2007-07-26

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IT (1) ITMI20060080A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007083334A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103773843A (en) * 2008-08-25 2014-05-07 詹森生物科技公司 Biomarkers for anti-TNF treatment in ulcerative colitis and related disorders
CN110588857A (en) * 2019-09-30 2019-12-20 王存国 Body-building scooter

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BE514368A (en) *
FR734913A (en) * 1932-04-09 1932-10-31 Device ensuring the rational lengthening and shortening of the lever arm of the cycle cranks
FR753285A (en) * 1933-03-31 1933-10-12 Device ensuring the rational lengthening and shortening of the lever arm of the cycle cranks
FR755303A (en) * 1933-05-09 1933-11-23 Advanced bicycle
FR777167A (en) * 1934-08-13 1935-02-13 Improvement in bicycles, tricycles and other pedal devices
DE824148C (en) * 1949-03-22 1951-12-10 Karl Koehnhak Pedal crank drive for bicycles
FR1296572A (en) * 1961-02-02 1962-06-22 Straight pedal transmission for all vehicles or pedal devices
DE3241142A1 (en) * 1981-11-09 1983-06-01 Fa. Jakob Jentschmann, 8048 Zürich Pedal crank drive device for a bicycle
EP0285858A2 (en) * 1987-04-03 1988-10-12 Brai Systems Srl Torque-multiplying kinematic device particularly for bicycles and bicycles employing said kinematic device
WO1996026103A1 (en) * 1995-02-20 1996-08-29 Pastor Alvarez Jose Enrique Transmission mechanism for bicycles by means of a lever and a rotating plate, adaptable to other types of vehicles

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE514368A (en) *
FR734913A (en) * 1932-04-09 1932-10-31 Device ensuring the rational lengthening and shortening of the lever arm of the cycle cranks
FR753285A (en) * 1933-03-31 1933-10-12 Device ensuring the rational lengthening and shortening of the lever arm of the cycle cranks
FR755303A (en) * 1933-05-09 1933-11-23 Advanced bicycle
FR777167A (en) * 1934-08-13 1935-02-13 Improvement in bicycles, tricycles and other pedal devices
DE824148C (en) * 1949-03-22 1951-12-10 Karl Koehnhak Pedal crank drive for bicycles
FR1296572A (en) * 1961-02-02 1962-06-22 Straight pedal transmission for all vehicles or pedal devices
DE3241142A1 (en) * 1981-11-09 1983-06-01 Fa. Jakob Jentschmann, 8048 Zürich Pedal crank drive device for a bicycle
EP0285858A2 (en) * 1987-04-03 1988-10-12 Brai Systems Srl Torque-multiplying kinematic device particularly for bicycles and bicycles employing said kinematic device
WO1996026103A1 (en) * 1995-02-20 1996-08-29 Pastor Alvarez Jose Enrique Transmission mechanism for bicycles by means of a lever and a rotating plate, adaptable to other types of vehicles

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103773843A (en) * 2008-08-25 2014-05-07 詹森生物科技公司 Biomarkers for anti-TNF treatment in ulcerative colitis and related disorders
CN110588857A (en) * 2019-09-30 2019-12-20 王存国 Body-building scooter

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