Patent ID: 6155127
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B62M,F16H,G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
A chainless drive mechanism for a bicycle, comprising:an annular forward inboard casing being adapted for fixed coupling to a central portion of a frame of the bicycle, said forward inboard casing having an aperture centrally extending therethrough;an annular forward outboard casing being coupled to said forward inboard casing, said forward outboard casing having an aperture centrally extending therethrough;an annular forward gear wheel being rotatably positioned between said forward inboard casing and said forward outboard casing, said forward gear wheel having a plurality of concentrically geared rings on a side thereof facing said forward inboard casing;a forward bevel gear being rotatably disposed between said forward gear wheel and said forward inboard casing, said forward bevel gear engaging one of said geared rings of said forward gear wheel;a pedal axle being extended through said apertures of said casings and being fixedly coupled to said forward gear wheel, wherein said pedal axle is operatively coupled to a pair of pedals;a drive shaft means being rotatably coupled to said forward inboard casing, said drive shaft means having a toothed portion being positioned towards an end thereof, said bevel gear engaging said toothed portion of said, said drive shaft means being adapted for rotating a rear wheel of the bicycle;wherein said forward gear wheel has said plurality of concentrically geared rings on a side thereof facing said forward inboard casing, said bevel gear engaging said toothed portion such that said bevel gear is positionable along said toothed portion between opposite ends of said drive shaft means;a forward bevel gear actuator assembly for adjustably positioning said forward bevel gear between said aperture and an outer perimeter of said forward gear wheel such that said bevel gear engages different geared rings as said forward gear wheel moves between said aperture and said outer perimeter of said forward gear wheel, said forward bevel gear actuator having a gear adjusting member and an outer coupling member, said gear adjusting member being rotatably coupled to said forward bevel gear and being slidably coupled to said forward inboard casing, said outer coupling member being positioned adjacent an outer surface of said forward inboard casing and being coupled to said gear adjusting member; andwherein said drive shaft means has a forward tension spring being extended around said toothed portion thereof, said forward tension spring being for biasing said gear adjusting member towards said aperture of said forward inboard casing.