Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An Ellipticycle features a conventional bicycle front wheel assembly which is joined by two parallel lengths of bicycle tubing to a cast aluminum gear case within which a multiple speed transmission is enclosed. A crank shaft extends out through bearings in the left and right side halves of the gear case at its forward end with a crank arm fixed on each end of the crank shaft. A pedal beam is rotatably mounted near its center on a spindle fixed in the end each crank arm. A cam roller bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end engages a short length of steel angle riveted on the inside of each pedal beam providing a downward force to counter balance the weight of the rider on the cantilevered forward portion of the pedal beam. A length of aluminum tubing is bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end and encloses a drive shaft which passes out through bearings in the gear case. Power is delivered from the crank shaft to the transmission by a conventional bicycle chain coupling a large sprocket fixed on the crank shaft with a smaller sprocket fixed with multiple spur gears on a parallel shaft rotatably mounted in the gear case. A one way clutch is mounted on the outboard end of the drive shaft on each side between a pair of ball bearings inside the aluminum tube. Each rear wheel is fixed on an integral extension of the one way clutch on that side which drives the wheel yet permits differential rear wheel speeds on turns.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim