Patent ID: 6723029
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: B62M

Abstract:
A drive mechanism for a cycle or similar exercise equipment having a cycle frame and a driving rear wheel comprising:a right pedal assembly and a left pedal assembly, each structured for reciprocating movement between a top and a bottom position; a single sprocket wheel mounted to the cycle frame, the single sprocket wheel positioned at the top of the cycle frame above the driving rear wheel, the sprocket wheel having a horizontal axis; a drive shaft mounted to the cycle frame, the drive shaft mounted at the top of the cycle frame and in the same horizontal axis as the single sprocket wheel; means for mounting the sprocket wheel on the drive shaft; an elongated pedal chain terminating in a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the right pedal assembly and the second end attached to the left pedal assembly, the pedal chain passing around a portion of the sprocket wheel and engaging the sprocket wheel in a driving relationship, the pedal chain pulling the right pedal to the top position when the left pedal is pushed to the bottom position and pulling the left pedal to the top position when the right pedal is pushed to the bottom position, the pedal chain providing a rotational force to the sprocket wheel; a gear mechanism substantially vertically oriented above the rear wheel and operatively connected to the drive shaft for imparting a driving force to the rear wheel when either the right pedal or the left pedal is pushed to its bottom position, the gear mechanism comprising a top gear shaft, a first drive gear mounted to the drive shaft by means of a first clutch for engaging the drive shaft in a driving relationship when the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction and for permitting the first drive gear to rotate freely about the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, a second drive gear mounted to the drive shaft by means of a second clutch for engaging the drive shaft in a driving relationship when the drive shaft is rotated in the second direction and for permitting the second drive gear to rotate freely about the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated in the first direction, a reversing gear simultaneously engaging both the first and second drive gears to rotate the first and second drive gears simultaneously in opposite directions when either pedal is pushed downward to its bottom position, the reversing gear mounted on the top gear shaft for providing power to the rear wheel when either pedal is pushed to its bottom position; the movement of the right pedal or left pedal from their respective top to bottom positions causing the pedal chain to rotate the sprocket wheel and drive shaft in the first direction when the right pedal is pushed forward from its top position to its bottom position, and in the second direction opposite the first direction when the left pedal is pushed from its top position to its bottom position; at least two rear drive gears mounted on the top gear shaft and above the rear wheel; at least two rear wheel sprocket gears mounted to the rear wheel below the at least two rear drive gears; a rear wheel drive chain substantially vertically oriented and connecting in a driving manner the at least two rear drive gears to the at least two rear wheel sprocket gears; and gear derailleur means for moving the rear wheel drive chain to either of the rear drive gears or either of the two rear wheel sprocket gears.