Gearing system and method of use

• US 9,447,852 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2014
• Issued: 09/20/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paul Thomas Williams
• Original Assignee: Paul Thomas Williams
• Inventors: Williams, Paul Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Dondero, William E
• Assistant Examiner(s): Reese, Robert T
• Application Number:
  US14/264,730
• Publication Number:
  US 20140323253A1
• Time in Patent Office: 875 Days
• Field of Search: 474/49, 474/69
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 2009/002 Non-circular chain rings or sprockets
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 9/04 of changeable ratio
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 9/24 using chains or toothed belts, belts in the form of links; Chains or belts specially adapted to such gearing

Abstract

Embodiments include a gear shifting system that eliminates the use of a derailleur and is capable of integrating with existing controls on the bike.

Claims

1. A rear sprocket assembly comprising:

(a) a first sprocket having an inner and an outer face and a central opening for attachment to a wheel hub;

(b) a second sprocket having an inner and outer face and a central opening for attachment to a wheel hub;

(c) at least a first tooth plate having a base and two or more pins, wherein the pins are positioned perpendicular to the base;

(d) a locking bar having a locking bar stop having an angled head overhang that forms a slot with the base;

wherein (i) the first and second sprocket are positioned parallel with the inner faces of the first and second sprocket facing each other forming a groove between inner faces of the first and second sprockets;

(ii) the second sprocket is operatively coupled to the tooth plate, wherein the tooth plate can be positioned in an engaged position wherein the pins traverse the groove formed between the sprockets by being positioned through openings in the first and second sprockets and a disengaged position wherein the teeth are substantially positioned on the outer face of the second sprocket, the tooth plate being moveable connected to the second sprocket by a hinge and positioned at first distance from the short axis of the first and second sprocket.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second tooth plate positioned at second distance from the short axis of the first and second sprockets.

3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fixed gear positioned proximal to the short axis of the sprockets relative to the tooth plate.

4. A gear shifting system comprising:

(a) the rear sprocket assembly of claim 1 operatively coupled to a cover assembly comprising (i) a removable cover that houses the rear sprocket assembly and is configured to allow a chain or belt to be operatively coupled to the rear sprocket assembly;

(ii) a tensioner configured to maintain tension on a chain or belt engaging the rear sprocket assembly, and (iii) a shifter configured to engage and disengage one or more tooth plates of the rear sprocket assembly.

5. A vehicle comprising the assembly of claim 1 or the gear system of claim 4.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the vehicle is a bicycle or a scooter.

7. A machine comprising the assembly of claim 1 or the gear system of claim 4.