Tread wheel frame system

• US 6,371,501 B2
• Filed: 03/05/2001
• Issued: 04/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen S. Jenkins
• Original Assignee: Stephen S. Jenkins
• Inventors: Jenkins, Stephen S.
• Primary Examiner(s): DePumpo, Daniel G.
• Application Number:
  US09/798,090
• Publication Number:
  US 20010028157A1
• Time in Patent Office: 407 Days
• Field of Search: 180/165, 180/207, 180/221, 280/253, 280/255, 280/259, 280/215, 280/216, 280/274, 280/276, 280/281.1, 280/293, 280/304, 280/299
• US Class Current: 280/216
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 1/10 involving devices which enable the mechanical storing and releasing of energy occasionally, e.g. arrangement of flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 13/00 Transmissions characterised by use of friction rollers engaging the periphery of the ground wheel for rider propelled cycles with additional source of power B62M6/35, B62M6/75
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 19/00 Transmissions characterised by use of non-mechanical gearing, e.g. fluid gearing
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 2007/005 the cycle being equipped with a pneumatic motor
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/10 Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary combustion engine
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/35 power-driven by friction rollers or gears engaging the ground wheel

Abstract

A Tread Wheel Frame System drives a human-powered cycle by a tread wheel driving a tread of a drive wheel of a cycle rather than driving a drive wheel hub, as conventional cycles do. Most of the driving mechanism, including the tread wheel, a speed ratio mechanism, shifting device, and a power unit device, are safely located above the level of a cycle'"'"'s axles where they are less likely to encounter accidental impact. The tread wheel with the power unit device also does the braking, which eliminates the need for caliper brakes or hub brakes. Accordingly, a drive wheel is lighter, without the need for a heavy hub, or a heavy rim to withstand the wear and heat of friction of caliper brakes. The tread wheel frame is uniquely designed and engineered to be light, yet strong where needed. The best mode includes many features: an energy recapture and storage system that saves energy that would be lost in braking, for assisting in going up hills, thigh levers, extendable pedal cranks for providing more pedal leverage, a frame extension that has no cross bar, and foot room to allow easy, low-level, mounting and dismounting, retractable stand, lean-on device, adjustable steering, and low-mass suspension.

Claims

1. A tread wheel frame system for a human-powered cycle comprising:

an adjustable axle;

a tread wheel rotatably mounted on said adjustable axle;

controlling means, including fittings connected to the ends of said adjustable axle, to control said tread wheel;

rear frame members having upper portions connected respectively to said controlling means;

substantially vertical frame members having upper portions connected respectively to upper ends of said rear frame members;

a saddle tube connected to the upper ends of said substantially vertical frame members;

lower frame members having the rear portions connected respectively to the lower ends of said rear frame members, and having the middle portions connected respectively to the lower ends of said substantially vertical frame members;

a drive wheel disposed substantially below, and being controlled by, said tread wheel;

a drive wheel axle connected to the rear portions of said lower frame members;

a hub assembly connected to the middle portions of said lower frame members;

driving means including pedals, crank arms, crank axle, and drive pulley rotatably connected to said hub assembly, to utilize the power of a pedaling motion;

power transmission means, including a drive belt connected to said drive pulley, to convey power;

a speed ratio mechanism, including a pulley cluster, rotatably mounted on said adjustable axle, driven by said power transmission means;

shifting means, including a derailleur mounted on the middle portion of said rear frame member, to operate said speed ratio mechanism;

transmitting means, including a ratchet integral with said speed ratio mechanism, to convey power to said tread wheel;

a power unit device connected to the middle portion of said saddle tube, in combination with said tread wheel for driving, including braking, said drive wheel;

whereby power transmitted to said drive wheel controls the motion of said cycle.

2. The frame system according to claim 1 further including:

a frame fitting connected to the forward ends of said lower frame members;

a substantially vertical support container releasably held in said frame fitting;

connecting means including retaining pins for connecting said frame fitting to said substantially vertical support container;

a sloping frame member having the lower end connected to the upper portion of said substantially vertical support container;

a steering tube connected to the upper end of said sloping frame member;

an adjustable single steering fitting rotatably connected to said steering tube, a power lever device, mounted on the upper portion of said sloping frame member, for operating said power unit device;

a shift lever device, mounted on the upper portion of said sloping frame member, for operating said shifting means, including a derailleur,

whereby adequate foot room provides low-level mounting and dismounting.

3. The frame system according to claim 2 further including:

a reservoir;

an air tube bracket connected to the middle portion of said saddle tube, said air tube bracket connected to said reservoir;

a stem valve connected to said air tube bracket;

a gauge connected to said air tube bracket,

whereby air pressure is stored, introduced, and monitored.

4. The frame system according to claim 3 further including:

a power unit device controlling means, including a controlling fitting, for controlling said power unit device drive of said tread wheel;

said power unit device controlling means connected to said power unit device and mounted to the middle portion of said saddle tube,

whereby air pressure from said reservoir drives said power unit device to assist driving said cycle;

whereby during gentle braking said power unit device pumps air pressure into said reservoir, thereby recapturing energy;

whereby air pressure is shut off from said power unit device for firm braking.

5. The frame system according to claim 4 further including:

a pump saddle adjustably mounted to the upper end of said saddle tube;

a thigh lever pump connected to the upper portion of said saddle tube;

thigh levers operated by the thigh action of a cycle operator;

connecting means including a spring-loaded spline shaft for engaging said thigh levers with said thigh lever pump, whereby a cycle operator generates air pressure.

6. The frame system according to claim 2 further including:

a retractable stand storable inside said support container;

an adjustable lean-on device detachably connected to the upper end of said support container;

a friction wheel brake mounted through said steering tube,

whereby comfort and safety are provided.

7. The frame system according to claim 1 further including:

steering forks rotatably mounted to said steering tube and controlled by said adjustable single steering fitting;

spring-loaded adjustable axle levers pivotably mounted respectively to distal ends of said steering forks;

a spline axle connected to said spring-loaded adjustable axle levers,

whereby said spring-loaded adjustable axle levers are locked in travel unison by said spline axle, providing a stable, cushioned ride.

8. The frame system according to claim 1 further including:

said crank arms having telescoping portions;

inner portion having pins formed on the proximal ends that respectively engage ends of said crank axle, and having said pedals connected respectively to the distal ends;

outer portions, rotatably mounted respectively to ends of said crank axle, having urging means including ratchets to drive said crank axle;

locking means including spring-loaded pins to locate said crank arms in an extended ratcheting action or contracted engaged action;

controlling means, including said extendable swivel with a limiting device, to define the extended ratcheting action,

whereby a cycle operator will select engaged action or ratcheting action.

9. The frame system according to claim 1 wherein said drive wheel is a rimless wheel, whereby mass is reduced and a softer ride is produced.

10. The frame system according to claim 1 further including:

a saddle adjustably mounted to the upper end of said saddle tube;

thigh levers pivotably connected to said saddle;

spring-loaded rods having upper ends connected respectively to the rear ends of said thigh levers;

pivoting U-shaped ratchet levers pivotably connected respectively to the lower ends of said spring-loaded rods;

crank-axle-mounted ratchet wheels urged to rotate respectively by said pivoting U-shaped ratchet levers, adjusting means, including spring-loaded pawls of said pivoting U-shaped ratchet levers, for backing off under predetermined pressure, whereby knee stress is reduced.

11. The frame system according to claim 1 wherein said power unit device is integral with said tread wheel, wherein mass is reduced.