Adjustable pedal drive mechanism

• US 6,699,161 B1
• Filed: 11/13/2000
• Issued: 03/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Danny E. Speas
• Original Assignee: Danny E. Speas
• Inventors: Speas, Danny E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lucchesi, Nicholas D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TAM M
• Application Number:
  US09/709,524
• Time in Patent Office: 1,205 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482/57-59, 482/60-63, 741/30, 741/38, 745/941, 745/942, 280/210, 280/214, 280/220, 280/221, 280/223, 280/236, 280/255, 280/259, 280/260, 280/261
• US Class Current: 482/61
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/0452 the foot support being substantially below said axes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/157 Ratchet-wheel links; Overrunning clutches; One-way clutches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/20 using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/16 for cycling , i.e. arrangements on or for real bicycles
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 1/28 characterised by the use of flexible drive members, e.g. chains
• 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 9/00 Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like cycle chain guards B62J13/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2164 Cranks and pedals

Abstract

An adjustable pedal drive mechanism for bicycles and exercise machines includes a pedal arm attachment plate assembly on each side of the cycle or machine frame. Each plate assembly provides adjustment of the pivotally attached pedal arm, for altering its arcuate travel path and limits. Each pedal arm and plate includes a mechanism for infinitesimally adjusting the corresponding tension member (cable, chain, etc.) to predetermined positional limits, for altering the system'"'"'s mechanical advantage. The mechanical ratios of each pedal arm are independently adjustable by handlebar controls. The tension member is reciprocated back and forth with corresponding strokes of the corresponding pedal arm, producing rotary force to the rear wheel with each pedal stroke. The rear wheel sprockets/pulleys drive one way mechanisms (ratchets, cam and roller, etc.) on the rear wheel hub. A stationary stand may be provided for a bicycle incorporating the mechanism, for use as an exercise machine.

Claims

1. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction; and

means for adjustably positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm as desired, relative to the frame of the device including;

a lateral pedal arm plate bushing affixed across the frame;

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly affixed to one another and pivotally secured to the frame through said pedal arm plate bushing;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point, and a separate bushing attachment point for pivotally securing each said plate assembly to said pedal arm plate bushing of the frame; and

said pivot end of said left and said right pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point respectively of said left and said right plate assembly.

2. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm.

3. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm, comprises:

each said pedal arm having a generally intermediately positioned guide shoe disposed thereon;

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point and a lower arcuate edge with a pedal arm retainer spaced apart therefrom and extending therealong; and

said pivot end of each said pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point of the corresponding said plate assembly, and said guide shoe of each said pedal arm being laterally captured between the corresponding said plate assembly, and pedal arm retainer for arcuately moving therebetween and for precluding significant lateral movement of each said pedal arm.

4. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said, first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm.

5. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm, comprises:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

a first and a second one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said first and said second one way drive means; and

each said first and said second one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for transmitting force from each said pedal arm to the at least one driven wheel in said first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm by alternatingly rotating each said first and said second one way drive means.

6. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm.

7. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 6, wherein said means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm, comprises:

each said pedal arm having a first and a second tension member roller thereon, for rotationally connecting the corresponding said tension member to each said pedal arm; and

each said tension member passing around said first tensions member roller of the corresponding said pedal arm, thence continuing to the corresponding said one way drive means, thence returning and passing around said second tension member roller of, the corresponding said pedal arm, for increasing travel of each said tension member when the corresponding said pedal arm is operated.

8. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 7, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective stroke length of each said pedal arm relative to the corresponding said pivot end thereof through a predetermined range, by selectively adjusting the position of each said tension member roller along the corresponding said pedal arm.

9. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically linking the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for independently transmitting power from each said pedal arm to the at least one driven wheel according to selective operation of each said pedal arm as desired.

10. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

11. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said second stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

12. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges, independently of one another.

13. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including electrically powered means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

14. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 13, further including means for remotely controlling said electrically powered ratio adjusting means from the pedal driven device during operation thereof.

15. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for automatically adjusting each said tension member for compensating for changes in the travel path thereof.

16. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said tension member being selected from the group consisting of roller chains and flexible cables.

17. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each said pedal arm includes a selectively extendible and retractable distal portion.

18. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 1, further including a stand for supporting the pedal driven device and for using the pedal driven device as a stationary exercise machine.

19. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 18, wherein said stand includes means for adjusting for different pedal driven devices having different dimensions from one another.

20. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to is claim 18, wherein said stand includes means for selectively increasing rotational resistance for the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device.

21. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction; and

intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm, including;

each said pedal arm having a generally intermediately positioned guide shoe disposed thereon;

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point and a lower arcuate edge with a pedal arm retainer spaced apart therefrom and extending therealong; and

said pivot end of each said pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point of the corresponding said plate assembly, and said guide shoe of each said pedal arm being laterally captured between the corresponding said plate assembly and pedal arm retainer for arcuately moving therebetween and for precluding significant lateral movement of each said pedal arm.

24. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm.

25. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 24, wherein said means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm, comprises:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

a first and a second one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said first and said second one way drive means; and

each said first and said second one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for transmitting force from each said pedal arm to the at least one driven wheel in said first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm by alternatingly rotating each said first and said second one way drive means.

26. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm.

27. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 26, wherein said means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm, comprises:

each said pedal arm having a first and a second tension member roller thereon, for rotationally connecting the corresponding said tension member to each said pedal arm; and

each said tension member passing around said first tension member roller of the corresponding said pedal arm, thence continuing to the corresponding said one way drive means, thence returning and passing around said second tension member roller of the corresponding said pedal arm, for increasing travel of each said tension member when the corresponding said pedal arm is operated.

28. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 27, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective stroke length of each said pedal arm relative to the corresponding said pivot end thereof through a predetermined range, by selectively adjusting the position of each said tension member roller along the corresponding said pedal arm.

29. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically linking the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for independently transmitting power from each said pedal arm to the at least one driven wheel according to selective operation of each said pedal arm as desired.

30. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

31. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said second stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

32. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges, independently of one another.

33. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including electrically powered means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

34. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 33, further including means for remotely controlling said electrically powered ratio adjusting means from the pedal driven device during operation thereof.

35. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for automatically adjusting each said tension member for compensating for changes in the travel path thereof.

36. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said tension member being selected from the group consisting of roller chains and flexible cables.

37. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, wherein each said pedal arm includes a selectively extendible and retractable distal portion.

38. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 21, further including a stand for supporting the pedal driven device and for using the pedal driven device as a stationary exercise machine.

39. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 38, wherein said stand includes means for adjusting for different pedal driven devices having different dimensions from one another.

40. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 38, wherein said stand includes means for selectively increasing rotational resistance for the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device.

22. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm; and

means for adjustably positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm as desired, relative to the frame of the pedal driven device.

23. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 22, wherein said means for adjustably positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm relative to said frame of said pedal driven device, comprises:

a lateral pedal arm plate bushing affixed across the frame;

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly affixed to one another and pivotally secured to the frame through said pedal arm plate bushing;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point, and a separate bushing attachment point for pivotally securing each said plate assembly to said pedal arm plate bushing of the frame; and

said pivot end of said left and said right pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point respectively of said left and said right plate assembly.

41. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction; and

means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm including;

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

a first and a second one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said first and said second one way drive means; and

each said first and said second one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of said at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of said at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for transmitting power from each said pedal arm to said at least one driven wheel in said first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm by alternatingly rotating each said first and said second one way drive means.

46. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm.

47. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 46, wherein said means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm, comprises:

each said pedal arm having a first and a second tension member roller thereon, for rotationally connecting the corresponding said tension member to each said pedal arm; and

each said tension member passing around said first tension member roller of the corresponding said pedal arm, thence continuing to the corresponding said one way drive means, thence returning and passing around said second tension member roller of the corresponding said pedal arm, for increasing travel of each said tension member when the corresponding said pedal arm is operated.

48. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 47, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective stroke length of each said pedal arm relative to the corresponding said pivot end thereof through a predetermined range, by selectively adjusting the position of each said tension member roller along the corresponding said pedal arm.

49. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically linking the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of the at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for independently transmitting power from each said pedal arm to the at least one driven wheel according to selective operation of each said pedal arm as desired.

50. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

51. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said second stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

52. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges, independently of one another.

53. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including electrically powered means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

54. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 53, further including means for remotely controlling said electrically powered ratio adjusting means from the pedal driven device during operation thereof.

55. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for automatically adjusting each said tension member for compensating for changes in the travel path thereof.

56. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said tension member being selected from the group consisting of roller chains and flexible cables.

57. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, wherein each said pedal arm includes a selectively extendible and retractable distal portion.

58. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 41, further including a stand for supporting the pedal driven device and for using the pedal driven device as a stationary exercise machine.

59. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 58, wherein said stand includes means for adjusting for different pedal driven devices having different dimensions from one another.

60. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 58, wherein said stand includes means for selectively increasing rotational resistance for the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device.

42. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm; and

means for adjustably positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm as desired, relative to the frame of the pedal driven device.

43. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 42, wherein said means for adjustably positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm relative to said frame of said pedal driven device, comprises:

a lateral pedal arm plate bushing affixed across the frame;

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly affixed to one another and pivotally secured to the frame through said pedal arm plate bushing;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point, and a separate bushing attachment point for pivotally securing each said plate assembly to said pedal arm plate bushing of the frame; and

said pivot end of said left and said right pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point respectively of said left and said right plate assembly.

44. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm; and

intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm.

45. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 44, wherein said intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm, comprises:

each said pedal arm having a generally intermediately positioned guide shoe disposed thereon;

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point and a lower arcuate edge with a pedal arm retainer spaced apart therefrom and extending therealong; and

said pivot end of each said pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point of the corresponding said plate assembly, and said guide shoe of each said pedal arm being laterally captured between the corresponding said plate assembly and pedal arm retainer for arcuately moving therebetween and for precluding significant lateral movement of each said pedal arm.

61. A pedal driven device having a frame with a lateral pedal arm plate bushing disposed thereacross, a pedal shaft bushing located on said frame, at least one driven wheel having a hub, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and a stationary exercise stand therefor, including in combination:

a left and a right pedal arm extending from said adjustable pedal drive mechanism;

each said pedal arm having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm further having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

said stand having an elongate base with a first end and an opposite second end;

a pair of spaced apart first end braces extending upwardly from said first end of said base, for removably securing said pedal shaft bushing of said pedal driven device therebetween;

a pair of medially disposed supports extending upwardly from said base, for supporting said frame forwardly of said hub of said at least one driven wheel and for holding said at least one driven wheel clear of said base;

a pair of pivotally mounted brake arms extending from said second end of said base of said stand;

each of said brake arms having a distal end opposite said second end of said base of said stand;

a brake drum rotatably disposed between said distal end of each of said brake arms of said stand, for adjustably positioning against said at least one driven wheel of said pedal driven device; and

one of;

means for adjustable positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm relative to said frame of said device,

intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm, and

means for driving said at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm.

62. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, wherein said means for adjustably positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm relative to said frame, comprises:

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly affixed to one another and pivotally secured to said frame through said pedal arm plate bushing;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point, and a separate bushing attachment point for pivotally securing each said plate assembly to said pedal arm plate bushing of said frame; and

said pivot end of said left and said right pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point respectively of said left and said right plate assembly.

63. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, wherein said intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm comprises:

each said pedal arm having a generally intermediately positioned guide shoe disposed thereon;

a left side and an opposite right side pedal arm plate assembly;

each said plate assembly including a pedal arm attachment point and a lower arcuate edge with a pedal arm retainer spaced apart therefrom and extending therealong; and

said pivot end of each said pedal arm being pivotally attached to said pedal arm attachment point of the corresponding said plate assembly, and said guide shoe of each said pedal arm being laterally captured between the corresponding said plate assembly and pedal arm retainer for arcuately moving therebetween and for precluding significant lateral movement of each said pedal arm.

64. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, wherein said means for driving said at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm, comprises:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within said at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

a first and a second one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said first and said second one way drive means; and

each said first and said second one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of said at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of said at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for transmitting force from each said pedal arm to said at least one driven wheel in said first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm by alternatingly rotating each said first and said second one way drive means.

65. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61 further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within said at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm.

66. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 65, wherein said means for increasing travel of each said tension member for each said stroke of each said pedal arm, comprises:

each said pedal arm having a first and a second tension member roller thereon, for rotationally connecting the corresponding said tension member to each said pedal arm; and

each said tension member passing around said first tension member roller of the corresponding said pedal arm, continuing to the corresponding said one way drive means, thence returning and passing around said second tension member roller of the corresponding said pedal arm, for increasing travel of each said tension member when the corresponding said pedal arm is operated.

67. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 66, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective stroke length of each said pedal arm relative to the corresponding said pivot end thereof through a predetermined range, by selectively adjusting the position of each said tension member roller along the corresponding said pedal arm.

68. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61 further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within said at least one driven wheel of said pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically linking the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said one way drive means accepting rotary force and engaging with said hub of said at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation, and rotating freely and disengaging from said hub of said at least one driven wheel in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation, for independently transmitting power from each said pedal arm to said at least one driven wheel according to selective operation of each said pedal arm as desired.

69. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

70. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said second stroke of each said pedal arm through a predetermined range.

71. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, further including means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges, independently of one another.

72. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, further including electrically powered means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

73. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 72, further including means for remotely controlling said electrically powered ratio adjusting means from the pedal driven device during operation thereof.

74. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

means for automatically adjusting each said tension member for compensating for changes in the travel path thereof.

75. The pedal driven device, adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and exercise stand combination according to claim 61, further including:

a hub having a left and a right side, disposed within the at least one driven wheel of the pedal driven device;

one way drive means disposed to each said side of said hub;

each said one way drive means rotationally engaging said hub independently of one another;

a left and an opposite right tension member for mechanically connecting the corresponding said pedal arm with the corresponding said one way drive means; and

each said tension member being selected from the group consisting of roller chains and flexible cables.

76. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 61, wherein each said pedal arm includes a selectively extendible and retractable distal portion.

77. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

means for adjustably positioning said pivot end of each said pedal arm as desired, relative to the frame of the device; and

means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least one of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

78. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 77, wherein said means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio is electrically powered.

79. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 78, further including means for remotely controlling said electrically powered ratio adjusting means from the pedal driven device during operation thereof.

80. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

intermediate lateral bracing means for each said pedal arm; and

means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least one of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

81. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 80, wherein said means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio is electrically powered.

82. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 81, further including means for remotely controlling said electrically powered ratio adjusting means from the pedal driven device during operation thereof.

83. In a pedal driven device having a frame and at least one driven wheel, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, including:

a left and a right pedal arm each having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

means for driving the at least one driven wheel in a first direction of rotation during both said first and said second stroke direction of each said pedal arm; and

means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least one of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

84. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 83, wherein said means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio is electrically powered.

85. A pedal driven device having a frame with a lateral pedal arm plate bushing disposed thereacross, a pedal shaft bushing located on said frame, at least one driven wheel having a hub, an adjustable pedal drive mechanism, and a stationary exercise stand therefor, including in combination:

a left and a right pedal arm extending from said adjustable pedal drive mechanism;

each said pedal arm having a pivot end;

each said pedal arm further having a reciprocating arcuate travel path about a corresponding said pivot end, comprising a first stroke direction and opposite second stroke direction;

said stand having an elongate base with a first end and an opposite second end;

a pair of spaced apart first end braces extending upwardly, from said first end of said base, for removably securing said pedal shaft bushing of said pedal driven device therebetween;

a pair of medially disposed supports extending upwardly from said base, for supporting said frame forwardly of said hub of said at least one driven wheel and for holding said at least one driven wheel clear of said base;

a pair of pivotally mounted brake arms extending from said second end of said base of said stand;

each of said brake arms having a distal end opposite said second end of said base of said stand;

a brake drum rotatably disposed between said distal end of each of said brake arms of said stand, for adjustably positioning against said at least one driven wheel of said pedal driven device; and

means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio of at least one of said first and said second stroke of each said pedal arm through predetermined ranges.

86. The adjustable pedal drive mechanism according to claim 85, wherein said means for infinitesimally adjusting the effective mechanical ratio is electrically powered.