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Continuously variable transmission for bicycles

  • US 20030221892A1
  • Filed: 03/31/2003
  • Published: 12/04/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A continuously variable transmission for bicycles comprising:

  • a transmission mechanism having a plurality of link units, each comprising a plurality of transmission links, for converting rotary motion of an input shaft rotated by a pedal-operated crankshaft into swinging motion;

    a one-way clutch coupled to each of said link units for converting the swinging motion of the link units into rotary motion of an output shaft; and

    a transmission control mechanism for moving an end of a transmission control link having an opposite end pivotally coupled to each of said link units thereby to continuously vary the rotational speed of said output shaft, wherein a drive link of said transmission links of each of said link units is pivotally supported on an eccentric ring coupled to said input shaft for rotation in unison therewith, said continuously variable transmission being disposed between front and rear wheels of a bicycle in a longitudinal direction thereof and substantially upwardly of a hypothetical plane which contains the axis of rotation of said front wheel and the axis of rotation of said rear wheel.

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