Patent · US Expired

Vehicle multispeed drive system utilizing arm and leg power

US4303255A · kind A · utility

18Cited by
7References
11Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 4, 1980
Grant dateDec 1, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 4, 2000

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62K3/005
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A drive system for a vehicle permitting the use of an operator's arms and legs to power the vehicle. A multispeed hub assembly is offset from a powered wheel assembly and drives same with a roller chain. Arm and leg power is imparted respectively to a hand crankshaft and a live axle which power is transmitted to the multispeed hub via additional roller chains. A speed control for shifting the multispeed hub is actuated by handgrip rotation during normal hand crank operation to permit speed changes without release of either handgrip. A brake mechanism on the hand crankshaft actuates brake cables actuating caliper brakes upon reverse rotation of the hand crankshaft. The multispeed hub may include an internal coaster brake mechanism in one form of the invention.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.