Spoke mounted drive hub for a cycle and system for propulsion therefore
US6571899B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62M6/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drive hub configured to mount to the spokes of an off-the-shelf spoked wheel on a vehicle such as, for example, a bicycle, so as to allow said wheel to be driven by a motor mounted to the frame of the vehicle. The hub has an outer face including a channel or belt track for engaging a drive belt from the motor, and the inner side of the hub has formed therein spoke slots configured to accept and lock upon spokes situated on the front or rear wheel of the bicycle, and are situated such that the hub is self-centering upon installation, namely, when all of the slots are lined up to engage spokes on the bicycle, the hub is appropriately centered on said wheel. Each spoke slot is of a width so as to accept an individual spoke, with there being provided ridges, notches or the like in each slot for engaging and locking about the spoke to resist removal of the hub from the wheel, once mounted thereupon. The hub is driven by a small motor (electric or gasoline) mounted to the frame of the unit, via, for example, a friction belt drive system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.