Bicycle and power transmission system

• US 4,133,550 A
• Filed: 02/03/1978
• Issued: 01/09/1979
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lawrence G. Brown
• Original Assignee: Lawrence G. Brown
• Inventors: Brown, Lawrence G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Peters, Jr., Joseph F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Siemens, Terrance L.
• Application Number:
  US05/874,786
• Time in Patent Office: 340 Days
• Field of Search: 280/200, 280/210, 280/236, 280/238, 280/241, 280/251, 280/253, 280/255, 280/256, 280/259, 280/261
• US Class Current: 280/210
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 25/04 hand actuated
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 9/04 of changeable ratio

Abstract

A drive system for providing propulsion forces having predetermined characteristics for a bicycle or the like having a rear wheel manually operable by application of rider generated input forces through pedals mounted on crank arms operatively connected to a crank shaft with cam means operable by the crank shaft and the crank arms, the cam means being designed to variously modify the available input and/or effective output force characteristics in accordance with predetermined desired characteristics and being operatively connected to and driving an oscillator means with bike speed change means associated therewith to provide a substantially infinitely variable selectable range of bike speeds, and rear wheel driving means operatively connected to and driven by the oscillator means and operatively connected to and driving the rear wheel of the bike with bike speed ratio changing means associated therewith to provide for selective multiplication of the ratio of application of available bike speeds in the substantially infinitely variable range of speeds provided by the oscillator means to the rear wheel of the bike.

Claims

1. A bicycle or the like comprising:

front and rear wheel means for enabling movement of the bicycle;

frame means for supporting said wheel means and a bicycle rider;

drive shaft means operably associated with the rear wheel means for unidirectional rotary motion by application of output force thereto to rotate the rear wheel means to propel the bicycle;

foot operated pedal means mounted on said frame means for application of input forces by the bicycle rider;

rotatable crank arm means mounted on said frame means and connected to said foot operated pedal means for rotary movement about an axis of rotation by application of the input forces and providing a 360°

power input cycle therebetween;

cam means mounted on said frame means for movement relative thereto and for operative association with each of said rotatable crank arm means for controlling the application of the input forces to said drive shaft means in accordance with predetermined force transfer characteristics;

oscillator means mounted on said frame means for movement relative thereto about an axis of oscillation and for operative association with said cam means for transfer of the input forces to said oscillator means for causing oscillating movement of said oscillator means in accordance with the predetermined force transfer characteristics provided by said cam means;

rear wheel drive means operably associated with said drive shaft means and said oscillator means for movement relative to said drive shaft means and for transfer of the input forces from said oscillator means to said rear wheel drive means and for applying output forces to said drive shaft means; and

speed change means associated with said oscillator means for selective change of the velocity of the movement of said rear wheel drive means within a predetermined range of selectable velocities.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and further comprising:

speed ratio multiplication means associated with said rear wheel drive means for increasing or decreasing the velocity imparted to said rear wheel drive means by said oscillator means throughout said range of selectable velocities.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for varying the rate of movement of said oscillator means relative to the rate of movement of said crank arm means during each 360°

power input cycle.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for varying the rate of movement of said crank arm means relative to the movement of said oscillator means.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for varying the relative rates of movement of both said crank arm means and said oscillator means.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 and wherein said cam means being further constructed and arranged for causing transmission of output force from said rear wheel drive means to said drive shaft means which output force is simultaneously derived from each of said crank arm means during a selected portion of each power input cycle.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for providing harmonic force transfer characteristics corresponding to harmonic force transfer characteristics of said crank arm means.

8. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for providing harmonic force transfer characteristics inversely corresponding to harmonic force transfer characteristics of said crank arm means.

9. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for providing varying force transfer characteristics corresponding to varying force transfer characteristics of each of said crank arm means resulting from varying force transfer characteristics of the legs and feet of a particular bicycle rider.

10. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for providing force transfer characteristics corresponding to force transfer characteristics of said crank arm means resulting from varying force transfer characteristics and abilities of various classes of bicycle riders.

11. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein each of said rotatable crank arm means being operatively connected to said drive shaft means through a separate drive system comprising one each of said cam means, said oscillator means, said rear wheel drive means, and said speed change means.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11 and further comprising:

remote control means mounted on said frame means for manual operation by a bicycle rider during a power input cycle and operably connected to each of said speed change means for selectively uniformly changing the velocity of the movement of each of said rear wheel drive means during the same power input cycle.

13. The invention as defined in claim 12 and further comprising:

speed ratio multiplication means associated with each of said rear wheel drive means for increasing or decreasing the speed ratio between said rear wheel drive means and said oscillator means throughout said range of selectable velocities provided by said speed change means.

14. The invention as defined in claim 13 and further comprising:

additional remote control means mounted on said frame means for manual operation by a bicycle rider during a power input cycle and operably connected to each of said speed ratio multiplication means for selectively uniformly changing the speed ratio between each of said rear wheel drive means and each associated oscillator means during the same power input cycle.

15. The invention as defined in claim 14 and wherein said remote control means and said additional remote control means are mounted in juxtaposition for simultaneous operation by a bicycle rider.

16. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said oscillator means comprising:

a pull arm portion extending generally vertically upwardly relative to said axis of oscillation and being movable between a maximum rearward position and a maximum forward position relative to the rear wheel means; and

said rear wheel drive means being connected to said pull arm portion and being movable therewith for causing unidirectional rotary movement of said drive shaft means during movement of said pull arm portion from said maximum rearward position to said maximum forward position.

17. The invention as defined in claim 16 and wherein said rear wheel drive means being further constructed and arranged for reciprocable movement relative to said drive shaft means.

18. The invention as defined in claim 17 and wherein said cam means and said oscillator means being further constructed and arranged for causing variable velocity reciprocating movement of said rear wheel drive means.

19. The invention as defined in claim 16 and wherein said speed change means comprising:

a variably radially adjustable connector member mounted on said pull arm portion for radial inward and outward adjusting movement thereon relative to said axis of oscillation and being connected to said rear wheel drive means.

20. The invention as defined in claim 16 and said rear wheel drive means comprising:

a movable wheel member mounted for reciprocable movement between a maximum radially inward position and a maximum radially outward position relative to said drive shaft means;

said reciprocable force transmission member being trained over said movable wheel member for reciprocable movement therewith;

said movable wheel member being connected to said oscillator means for causing reciprocable movement of said wheel member and said reciprocating force transmission member during oscillating movement of said oscillator means; and

said movable wheel member and said reciprocating force transmission member being movable along a path of motion extending generally forwardly horizontally from said drive shaft means to said oscillator means to provide substantially straight line transfer of force therebetween.

21. The invention as defined in claim 16 and wherein said oscillator means further comprising:

a cam arm portion extending generally transversely relative to said pull arm portion;

a roller member mounted on said cam arm member;

said cam means comprising;

a rotatable cam plate member fixedly mounted on said crank arm means for rotation therewith;

a cam surface on said plate member having a predetermined fixed relationship to said crank arm means, and said roller member being operatively engaged with said cam surface to maintain a predetermined variable positional relationship between said oscillator means and said crank arm means during a power input cycle.

22. The invention as defined in claim 21 and wherein:

said cam plate member and said cam arm portion and said pull arm portion are located in juxtaposition to and in transversely offset relationship to said crank arm means.

23. The invention as defined in claim 22 and wherein each of said rotatable crank arm means being operatively connected to said drive shaft means through a separate drive system comprising one each of said cam means, said oscillator means, said rear wheel drive means, and said speed change means.

24. The invention as defined in claim 23 and wherein said frame means comprising:

spaced frame portions defining a drive system cavity therebetween, and each separate drive system being mounted in said drive system cavity.

25. The invention as defined in claim 24 and further comprising:

guard means mounted on said spaced frame portions to enclose drive system cavity to prevent contact between a bicycle rider and each separate drive system.

26. The invention as defined in claim 16 and wherein:

said pull arm portion having a forwardly facing elongated radially extending force transfer surface;

gripping means on said force transfer surface for gripping engagement with said speed change means;

said speed change means comprising a connecting slide member having rearwardly facing gripping means for gripping engagement with said gripping means on said force transfer surface; and

cable means connected to said connecting slide member to selectively release the gripping means and radially adjust the position of said connecting slide member along said force transfer surface.

27. The invention as defined in claim 26 and further comprising:

pull rod means pivotally connected to said connecting slide member and being operatively connected to said rear wheel drive means for transfer of the input forces from said oscillator means to said rear wheel drive means.

28. The invention as defined in claim 27 and wherein said pull rod means comprising:

spaced connecting rod members defining a cavity therebetween, said pull arm portion of said oscillator means extending between said spaced connecting rod members, said spaced connecting rod members extending forwardly beyond said force transfer surface; and

connecting pin means extending between said spaced connecting rod members in front of said force transfer surface and connecting said connecting slide member to said pull rod means.

29. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said rear wheel drive means comprising:

a block and tackle system having a reciprocable force transmission member operably associated with said drive shaft means.

30. The invention as defined in claim 29 and wherein said rear wheel drive means further comprising:

a movable wheel member mounted for reciprocable movement between a maximum radially inward position and a maximum radially outward position relative to said drive shaft means;

said reciprocable force transmission member being trained over said movable wheel member for reciprocable movement therewith, and said movable wheel member being connected to said oscillator means for causing reciprocable movement of said wheel member and said reciprocable force transmission member during oscillating movement of said oscillator means.

31. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means comprising:

a rotatable plate member fixedly mounted on said crank arm means for rotation therewith;

a cam surface on said plate member having a predetermined fixed relationship to said crank arm means; and

a cam follower member operatively connected to said oscillator means and operatively engageable with said cam surface to maintain a predetermined variable positional relationship between said oscillator means and said crank arm means during a power input cycle.

32. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means comprising:

a cam surface fixedly mounted on said oscillator means for oscillating movement therewith, and having a predetermined positional relationship relative to said crank arm means; and

a cam member operatively connected to and movable by and having a fixed relative positional relationship with said crank arm means, and said driving cam member being operatively engageable with said cam surface on said oscillator means to maintain a predetermined variable positional relationship between said oscillator means and said crank arm means during a power input cycle.

33. The invention as defined in claim 1 and wherein said cam means comprising:

driving cam means operatively connected to and movable by and having a fixed positional relationship with said crank arm means;

driven cam means operatively connected to said oscillator means and operatively engageable with said driving cam means, to maintain a predetermined variable positional relationship between said oscillator means and said crank arm means during a power input cycle.

34. The invention as defined in claim 33 and wherein said cam means being further constructed and arranged for causing transmission of output force from said rear wheel drive means to said drive shaft means which output force is simultaneously derived from each of said crank arm means during a selected portion of each power input cycle.

35. The invention as defined in claim 34 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for providing harmonic force transfer characteristics corresponding to harmonic force transfer characteristics of said crank arm means.

36. The invention as defined in claim 34 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for providing harmonic force transfer characteristics inversely corresponding to harmonic force transfer characteristics of said crank arm means.

37. The invention as defined in claim 34 and wherein said cam means being constructed and arranged for providing force transfer characteristics corresponding to force transfer characteristics of said crank arm means resulting from varying force transfer characteristics and abilities of various classes of bicycle riders.

38. A method of varyingly applying input force during repetitive power input cycles of a rotary or reciprocating input system of a bicycle or the like operatively connected to a rotary output system of a bicycle in which the input system is subject to varying magnitude and direction of application of input force and varying effective resistance of the output system during each power input cycle, comprising:

varying the magnitude and direction of the transmitted input force during each power input cycle by continuously varying the effective radial and circumferential location of application of the transmitted input force in accordance with the varying effective resistance characteristics encountered by the input system; and

continuously maintaining the application of the transmitted input force to the rotary output system throughout each power input cycle.

39. The invention as defined in claim 38 and in which maximum transmitted input force is generated at those circumferential locations of the application of input force to the system at which the effective input force is minimal.

40. The invention as defined in claim 38 and in which maximum transmitted input force is generated at those circumferential locations of the application of input force to the input system at which the effective input force is maximal.

41. The invention as defined in claim 38 and in which the variations in magnitude and direction of the transmitted input force are selected in accordance with predetermined variations of the input force.

42. The invention as defined in claim 41 and in which the predetermined variations of the input force are based upon varying capabilities of bicycle riders.

43. The invention as defined in claim 38 and further comprising:

varying the rear wheel position relative to the pedal position during each 360°

input force application cycle so that the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is variably transferred to the pedals in a predetermined manner.

44. The invention as defined in claim 38 and further comprising:

reducing the amount of input force required to overcome the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation at each rear wheel position during each 360°

input force application cycle while varying the rear wheel position relative to the pedal position during each 360°

input force application cycle so that the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is variably transferred to the pedals during each 360°

input force application cycle in a predetermined manner.

45. The invention as defined in claim 38 and further comprising:

varying the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation in accordance with and relative to pedal positions.

46. The invention as defined in claim 38 and further comprising:

variously matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the resistance to rotation of the rear wheel.

47. The invention as defined in claim 46 and wherein the maximum input force capability of the rider is matched with the maximum effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation.

48. The invention as defined in claim 47 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is maximized between pedal positions of approximately 15°

to approximately 165°

.

49. The invention as defined in claim 38 and further comprising:

variously matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the minimum resistance to rotation of the rear wheel.

50. The invention as defined in claim 49 and wherein the amount of available torque at the rear wheel is concentrated between pedal positions of approximately 35°

and approximately 145°

.

51. The invention as defined in claim 49 and wherein the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is concentrated between pedal positions of approximately 0°

and approximately 30°

.

52. The invention as defined in claim 49 and wherein the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is progressively decreased between pedal positions of approximately 35°

to approximately 90°

.

53. The invention as defined in claim 49 and wherein the amount of available torque at the rear wheel is reduced between pedal positions of approximately 0°

and approximately 35° and

between pedal positions of approximately 145°

to approximately 180°

.

54. The invention as defined in claim 49 and wherein the amount of available torque at the rear wheel is at a maximum between pedal positions of approximately 60°

and approximately 120°

.

55. The invention as defined in claim 49 and wherein the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is concentrated between pedal positions of approximately 150°

and approximately 180°

.

56. The invention as defined in claim 49 and wherein the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is progressively increased between pedal positions of approximately 90°

to approximately 150°

.

57. The invention as defined in claim 38 and wherein the maximum input force capability of the rider is matched with the maximum force transmittal capability of the drive system.

58. The invention as defined in claim 38 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is of relatively large magnitude between pedal positions of approximately 0°

to approximately 15°

.

59. The invention as defined in claim 58 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is reduced between pedal positions of approximately 15°

to approximately 35°

.

60. The invention as defined in claim 59 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is further reduced between pedal positions of approximately 35°

and approximately 65°

.

61. The invention as defined in claim 60 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is further reduced between pedal positions between approximately 65°

and approximately 130°

.

62. The invention as defined in claim 61 and wherein the available torque at the wheel means is increased between pedal positions between approximately 130°

to approximately 145°

.

63. The invention as defined in claim 61 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is increased between pedal positions between approximately 130°

to approximately 145°

.

64. The invention as defined in claim 63 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is increased between pedal positions between approximately 145°

to approximately 165°

.

65. The invention as defined in claim 64 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is further increased between pedal positions of between approximately 165°

to approximately 180°

.

66. The invention as defined in claim 63 and wherein the available torque at the wheel means is increased between pedal positions between approximately 145°

to approximately 165°

.

67. The invention as defined in claim 66 and wherein the available torque at the wheel means is further increased between pedal positions of between approximately 165°

to approximately 180°

.

68. The invention as defined in claim 38 and wherein the available torque at the rear wheel is generally increased between pedal positions of approximately 0°

to approximately 35°

.

69. The invention as defined in claim 68 and wherein available torque is generally decreased between pedal positions of approximately 35°

to approximately 145°

.

70. The invention as defined in claim 69 and wherein available torque is generally increased between pedal positions of approximately 145°

to approximately 180°

.

71. A bicycle comprising:

rotatable wheel means for causing movement of the bicycle;

pedal means for supporting the foot of a rider and for transferring input force from the foot of the rider to said wheel means;

rotatable crank arm means connected to and rotatably operable through said pedal means for transferring input force from said pedal means to said wheel means during a 360°

power input cycle;

shaft means connected to said crank arm means for rotatably supporting said crank arm means;

input-output force correlating means operably connected to and operable by said crank arm means for correlating input force from said crank arm means with output force delivered to said wheel means during the power input cycle and for continuously maintaining the application of output force to said wheel means throughout each power input cycle; and

rear wheel drive means connected to and operable by said input-output force correlating means to said wheel means.

72. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlating means being further arranged and constructed for varying the wheel means position relative to the pedal position during each 360°

input force application cycle so that the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is variably transferred to the pedals in a predetermined manner.

73. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlating means being further arranged and constructed for reducing the amount of input force required to overcome the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation at each rear wheel position during each 360°

input force application cycle while varying the rear wheel position relative to the pedal position during each 360°

input force application cycle so that the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is variably transferred to the pedals during each 360°

input force application cycle in a predetermined manner.

74. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlating means being further arranged and constructed for varying the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation in accordance with and relative to pedal positions.

75. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlating means being further arranged and constructed for variously matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the resistance to rotation of the wheel means.

76. The invention as defined in claim 75 and wherein the maximum input force capability of the rider is matched with the maximum effective resistance of the wheel means to rotation.

77. The invention as defined in claim 76 and wherein the available torque at the wheel means is maximized between pedal positions of approximately 15°

to approximately 165°

.

78. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlation means being further arranged and constructed for variously matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the minimum resistance to rotation of the wheel means.

79. The invention as defined in claim 78 and wherein the effective resistance of the wheel means to rotation is concentrated between pedal positions of approximately 0°

and approximately 30°

.

80. The invention as defined in claim 78 and wherein the effective resistance of the wheel means to rotation is progressively decreased between pedal positions of approximately 35°

to approximately 90°

.

81. The invention as defined in claim 78 and wherein the amount of available torque at the wheel means is reduced between pedal positions of approximately 0°

and approximately 35° and

between pedal positions of approximately 145°

to approximately 180°

.

82. The invention as defined in claim 78 and wherein the amount of available torque at the wheel means is concentrated between pedal positions of approximately 35°

and approximately 145°

.

83. The invention as defined in claim 82 and wherein the amount of available torque at the wheel means is at a maximum between pedal positions of approximately 60°

and approximately 120°

.

84. The invention as defined in claim 82 and wherein the effective resistance of the wheel means to rotation is concentrated between pedal positions of approximately 150°

and approximately 180°

.

85. The invention as defined in claim 82 and wherein the effective resistance of the wheel means to rotation is progressively increased between pedal positions of approximately 90°

to approximately 150°

.

86. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlation means being further arranged and constructed for matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the maximum force transmittal capability of the drive system.

87. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlation means being further arranged and constructed for providing available torque at the wheel means of relatively large magnitude between pedal positions of approximately 0°

to approximately 15°

.

88. The invention as defined in claim 87 and wherein the available torque at the wheel means is reduced between pedal positions of approximately 15°

to approximately 35°

.

89. The invention as defined in claim 88 and wherein the available torque at the wheel means is further reduced between pedal positions of approximately 35°

and approximately 65°

.

90. The invention as defined in claim 89 and wherein the available torque at the wheel means is further reduced between pedal positions between approximately 65°

and approximately 130°

.

91. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlation means being further arranged and constructed for generally increasing available torque at the wheel means between pedal positions of approximately 0°

to approximately 35°

.

92. The invention as defined in claim 91 and wherein available torque is generally decreased between pedal positions of approximately 35°

to approximately 145°

.

93. The invention as defined in claim 92 and wherein available torque is generally increased between pedal positions of approximately 145°

to 180°

.

94. The invention as defined in claim 71 and wherein said input-output force correlating means comprising cam means for providing a force transfer surface to change the force input characteristics of said rotatable crank arm means in a predetermined manner.

95. The invention as defined in claim 94 and further comprising substantially variable speed change means connected to and operable by said input-output force correlating means for providing a range of selectable driving speeds for the bicycle.

96. The invention as defined in claim 95 and wherein said rear wheel drive means comprising speed ratio changing means for selectively changing the selectable driving speeds provided by said variable speed change means.

97. The invention as defined in claim 95 and wherein said variable speed change means comprising oscillator means pivotally mounted on the bicycle for oscillating movement between a rearward position and a forward position defining a force transfer work range.

98. The invention as defined in claim 97 and wherein:

said crank arm means comprises two crank arm members extending radially oppositely relative to said shaft means and being circumferentially spaced apart 180°

;

said pedal means comprising two pedal members, one of said pedal members being operatively connected to one of said crank arm members for transferring force from one foot of the rider to said wheel means, and the other of said pedal members being connected to the other of said crank arm members for transferring force from the other foot of the rider to said wheel means; and

said cam means comprising two cam members, one of said cam members being connected to and operable by one of said crank arm members, and the other of said cam means being connected to and operable by the other of said crank arm members, each of said cam members having contoured cam surfaces arranged to transfer force from said crank arm members to said oscillator means at predetermined times during rotation of said crank arm members and to vary forces transferred from said crank arm members to said oscillator means in accordance with the rotational position of said crank arm members.

99. The invention as defined in claim 98 and wherein:

said oscillator means comprises two oscillator arm members, one of said oscillator arm members being operatively connected to one of said cam members and the other of said oscillator arm members being operatively connected to the other of said cam members;

second shaft means pivotally supporting said oscillator arm members, said oscillator arm members being arranged and constructed to be oscillatable relative to said second shaft means equal circumferential distances and to be equally oppositely movable to one another.

100. The invention as defined in claim 99 and wherein said oscillator arm means being further arranged and adapted for terminating the rearward movement of each oscillator means and initiating forward movement before termination of the forward movement of the other oscillator means to provide overlapping portions of force transfer from each oscillator means to said rear wheel means.

101. The invention as defined in claim 99 and wherein:

each of said oscillatable arm members having connection means mounted thereon and movable therewith for transferring force from said oscillatable arm members to said rear wheel drive means;

adjustment means associated with said connection means for varying the radial position of said connection means relative to said oscillatable arm members to change the distance of arcuate movement of said connection means as imparted thereto by the oscillating movement of said oscillatable arm members.

102. The invention as defined in claim 101 and further comprising:

remote control means operatively connected to said adjustment means and being operable by the rider for simultaneously effecting uniform adjustment of the radial position of said connecting means.

103. The invention as defined in claim 102 and wherein:

said remote control means comprises release means associated with said adjustment means for adjusting the radial position of said connecting means during the oscillatory movement of said oscillatable arm members.

104. The invention as defined in claim 103 and wherein:

said rear wheel drive means comprises two rear wheel drive systems, one system being connected to and operable by one of said oscillatable arm members, and the other system being connected to and operable by the other of said oscillatable arm members, said rear wheel drive systems being arranged and constructed to alternatively transfer force to said wheel means.

105. The invention as defined in claim 104 and wherein:

said oscillatable arm members and said cam means being arranged and constructed to provide overlapping forward driving movement of said oscillator arm members and said rear wheel drive systems.

106. The invention as defined in claim 105 and further comprising:

force application adjustment means associated with said rear wheel drive systems for varying the ratio of force transfer from said rear wheel drive systems to said wheel means to selectively change the speed range of the bicycle.

107. The invention as defined in claim 106 and further comprising:

second remote control means operatively connected to said force adjustment means and being operable by the rider for simultaneously uniformly varying the ratio of force transfer from said rear wheel drive systems to said rear wheel means.

108. The invention as defined in claim 107 and wherein:

said first and second remote control means being located in juxtaposition for contemporaneous operation by the rider.

109. A bicycle or the like comprising:

frame means for supporting the bicycle components;

front and rear wheel means having parallel axis of rotation for enabling movement of the bicycle;

rear wheel drive means mounted on said frame means for causing rotation of said rear wheel means;

crank arm means rotatably mounted on said frame means and having an axis of rotation parallel to said axes of rotation of the wheel means for application of normally generally harmonic input forces for propelling the bicycle during a 360°

power input cycle;

movable cam means being mounted on said frame means in juxtaposition to said crank arm means and being operable by said crank arm means for transferring force from said crank arm means to the rear wheel drive means;

movable oscillator means for operative association with said cam means and for oscillating movement between a rearwardmost position and a forwardmost position for transferring force from said cam means to the rear wheel drive means, the normal generally harmonic characteristics of force transferred by rotational movement of said crank arm means being changed by said cam means to variably displace said oscillator means in accordance with predetermined force transfer characteristics other than normal generally harmonic force characteristics; and

adjustable first connecting means selectively movably positionable relative to said oscillator means for connecting said oscillator means to said rear wheel drive means and for providing a range of variable speeds of rotation to be imparted to said rear wheel means and for transferring forces in accordance with said predetermined force transfer characteristics to said rear wheel drive means.

110. The invention as defined in claim 109 and wherein said oscillator means and said cam means having a common axis of movement.

111. The invention as defined in claim 110 and wherein said cam means comprising a cam surface mounted on and movable with said oscillator means.

112. The invention as defined in claim 111 and wherein said cam surface being elongated.

113. The invention as defined in claim 109 and further comprising:

roller arm means operatively connected to and being rotatable with said crank arm means for transferring the input forces from said crank arm means to said cam means;

rotatable roller means having an axis of rotation parallel to said axis of rotation of said crank arm means and being mounted on and carried by said roller arm means for transferring the input forces from said roller arm means to cam means.

114. The invention as defined in claim 113 wherein said cam means and said oscillator means are unitary and comprise:

a pull arm extending generally radially outwardly upwardly relative to said common axis of movement;

an elongated forwardly facing force transfer surface on said pull arm extending generally radially outwardly relative to said common axis of movement, said first connecting means being mounted on said pull arm and being engageable with said force transfer surface in various selectable radially displaced positions therealong for transferring force to said rear wheel drive means and for providing the range of variable speeds of rotation of the rear wheel of the bicycle;

a cam arm extending generally radially outwardly forwardly relative to said common axis of movement;

an elongated generally forwardly facing cam surface on said cam arm engageable by said roller means and being effective during rearward upward movement of said roller means to drive said pull arm from the rearwardmost position toward the forwardmost position;

a roller guide channel extending along said forwardly facing cam surface;

an elongated generally rearwardly facing cam surface on said cam arm engageable by said roller means and being effective during forward upward movement of said roller means to further drive said pull arm toward the forwardmost position, and a portion of said roller guide channel also extending along said rearwardly facing cam surface.

115. The invention as defined in claim 114 and further comprising:

elongated slot means in said portion of said guide channel for receiving said roller arm means and for permitting relative movement between said roller arm means and said cam means.

116. The invention as defined in claim 115 and wherein said elongated forwardly facing cam surface extends generally parallel to said forwardly facing force transfer surface.

117. The invention as defined in claim 116 and wherein said elongated rearwardly facing cam surface also extends generally parallel to said forwardly facing force transfer surface.

118. The invention as defined in claim 117 and wherein said common pivotal axis is located rearwardly of said axis of rotation of said crank arm means in a substantially horizontal plane including said axis of rotation of said crank arm means.

119. The invention as defined in claim 109 and wherein said rear wheel drive means comprising:

rotatable drive wheel means mounted on said frame means for driving the rear wheel means;

connecting drive means associated with said drive wheel means for transferring force thereto to cause rotation thereof and of said rear wheel means;

at least one idler wheel means mounted on said frame means for association with said connecting drive means;

reciprocable wheel means reciprocably movably mounted relative to said frame means for association with said connecting drive means and for reciprocable movement between a radial innermost position and a radial outermost position relative to said drive wheel means; and

second connecting means for connecting said reciprocable wheel means to said first connecting means and said oscillator means and for causing reciprocable movement of said reciprocable wheel means and movement of said connecting drive means and rotation of said drive wheel means in response to movement of said oscillator means between the rearwardmost position and the forwardmost position thereof.

120. The invention as defined in claim 119 and further comprising:

support and guide means mounted on said frame means for supporting and guiding said reciprocable wheel means and said connecting drive means during movement between the radial innermost position and the radial outermost position.

121. The invention as defined in claim 120 and wherein said support and guide means comprising:

elongated rod means pivotally mounted on said frame means for pivotal movement relative thereto, and extending along the reciprocable path of movement of said reciprocable wheel means, and bracket means mounted between said elongated rod means and said reciprocable wheel means and being reciprocably movable relative to at least one of said elongated rod means and said reciprocable wheel means and having guide and support surfaces engageable therewith to maintain substantially constant straight line displacement of said reciprocable wheel means and said connecting drive means between said radial innermost position and said radial outermost position.

122. The invention as defined in claim 120 and further comprising tension maintaining means for maintaining tension in said connecting drive means during movement of said reciprocable wheel means between said radial innermost position and said radial outermost position.

123. The invention as defined in claim 122 and wherein said tension maintaining means comprising:

spring loaded reel means mounted on said frame means and being associated with one end of said connecting drive means for unwinding of said connecting drive means therefrom against spring bias during movement of said reciprocable wheel means from the radial innermost position to the radial outermost position and for winding of said connecting drive means thereon by spring bias during movement of said reciprocable wheel means from the radial outermost position to the radial innermost position.

124. The invention as defined in claim 122 and wherein said tension maintaining means comprising:

cable means mounted on said frame means and being connected to opposite end portions of said connecting drive means for creating tension therebetween and being movable therewith for maintaining tension therebetween.

125. The invention as defined in claim 119 and wherein said connecting drive means comprising a closed loop member;

a first idler wheel mounted on said frame means and being located generally rearwardly of said drive wheel means and being engageable with a first looped portion of said closed loop member;

a second idler wheel mounted on said frame means and being located generally forwardly and upwardly of said drive wheel means and being engageable with a second looped portion of said closed loop member;

said reciprocable wheel means being engageable with a third looped portion of said closed loop member and being movable forwardly and rearwardly along a generally horizontal path of movement located between said second idler wheel and said drive wheel means; and

a third idler wheel means reciprocably mounted on said frame means and being located above and forwardly of said first idler wheel and being engageable with a fourth looped portion of said closed loop member for reciprocable movement between a radial outermost position and a radial innermost position relative to said drive wheel means corresponding, respectively, to said radial innermost position and said radial outermost position of said reciprocably movable wheel means.

126. The invention as defined in claim 125 and wherein:

said third idler wheel means being movable generally upwardly and downwardly along an upwardly forwardly inclined path of movement.

127. The invention as defined in claim 109 and wherein said frame means comprising:

a first pair of spaced generally horizontal parallel frame members extending between said crank arm means and said rear wheel means;

a second pair of spaced generally vertical parallel frame members extending upwardly from the rotation of axis of said crank arm means;

a third pair of spaced generally vertical parallel frame members extending upwardly from the rear wheel means;

the first, second and third pairs of spaced parallel frame members defining a drive system cavity therebetween; and

said cam means and said oscillator means and said connecting means and said rear wheel drive means being located within said drive system cavity.

128. The invention as defined in claim 127 and further comprising:

safety guard means mounted on said frame means for covering the side openings between the first, second and third pairs of frame members to prevent accidental contact by a bicycle rider with the drive system.

129. The invention as defined in claim 128 and wherein:

said safety guard means comprising a plurality of elongated spaced spoke-like members.

130. The invention as defined in claim 119 and wherein:

said connecting drive means comprising an unclosed connecting member being looped around and engageable with said reciprocable wheel means and having a terminal portion fixedly attached to said frame means;

a first idler wheel mounted on said frame means for engagement with an intermediate loop portion of said unclosed connecting member and being located rearwardly of said drive wheel means;

said reciprocable wheel means being movable forwardly and rearwardly along a generally horizontal path of movement located forwardly of said drive wheel means;

a wheel reel means mounted on said frame means and being located above and forwardly of said first idler wheel for connection to the second end portion of said unclosed connecting member and for unwinding a length of said unclosed connecting member during forward movement of said reciprocable wheel means and for unwinding up to the length of said unclosed connecting member during rearward movement of said reciprocable wheel means.

131. Apparatus for varyingly applying input force during repetitive power input cycles of a rotary or reciprocating input system of a bicycle or the like operatively connected to a rotary output system of a bicycle in which the input system is subject to varying magnitude and direction of application of input force and varying effective resistance of the output system during each power input cycle, comprising:

means for varying the magnitude and direction of the transmitted input force during each power input cycle by continuously varying the effective radial and circumferential location of application of the transmitted input force in accordance with the varying effective resistance characteristics encountered by the input system; and

means for continuously maintaining the application of the transmitted input force to the rotary output system throughout each power input cycle.

132. The invention as defined in claim 131 and wherein said means being constructed and arranged for:

varying the rear wheel position relative to the pedal position during each 360°

input force application cycle so that the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is variably transferred to the pedals in a predetermined manner.

133. The invention as defined in claim 131 and wherein said means being further constructed and arranged for:

reducing the amount of input force required to overcome the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation at each rear wheel position during each 360°

input force application cycle while varying the rear wheel position relative to the pedal position during each 360°

input force application cycle so that the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation is variably transferred to the pedals during each 360°

input force application cycle in a predetermined manner.

134. The invention as defined in claim 131 and wherein said means being further constructed and arranged for:

varying the effective resistance of the rear wheel to rotation in accordance with and relative to pedal positions.

135. The invention as defined in claim 131 and wherein said means being further constructed and arranged for:

variously matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the resistance to rotation of the rear wheel.

136. The invention as defined in claim 131 and wherein said means being further constructed and arranged for:

variously matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the minimum resistance to rotation of the rear wheel.

137. The invention as defined in claim 131 and wherein said means being further constructed and arranged for variously matching the maximum input force capability of the rider with the maximum force transmittal capability of the drive system.

138. The invention as defined in claim 131 and further comprising:

variable speed change means connected to and operable by said means for providing a range of selectable driving speeds for the bicycle.

139. The invention as defined in claim 131 and further comprising:

speed ratio changing means for selectively changing the selectable driving speeds provided by said variably speed change means.

140. The invention as defined in claim 131 and wherein said variable speed change means comprising oscillator means pivotally mounted on the bicycle for oscillating movement between a rearward position and a forward position defining a force transfer work range.