Steplessly variable belt drive for bicycle

US5407395A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Hubert Kramer · Bocholt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 27, 1994
• Grant date: Apr 18, 1995
• Expiry date: May 27, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H9/10
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A steplessly variable-ratio drive has a drive wheel having a hub rotatable about a drive axis, adapted to be normally rotated in a forward direction about the axis, and having at least three angularly equispaced pivots radially equispaced from the axis. Respective segments each have an inner end pivoted at the respective pivot on the hub, an outer end radially offset from the respective pivot, and a radially outwardly convex curved outer surface. Respective springs braced generally radially between the outer ends of the segments and the inner ends of the adjacent segments urge the outer ends radially outward. A driven wheel has a hub rotatable about a driven axis substantially parallel to the drive axis, adapted to be normally rotated in the forward direction about the driven axis, and having a plurality of angularly equispaced pivots radially equispaced from the driven-wheel axis. Respective segments each have an inner end pivoted at the respective pivot on the driven-wheel hub, an outer end radially offset from the respective pivot, and a radially outwardly convex curved outer surface. A belt is spanned over and interconnects the wheels.