Abstract:
A propulsion mechanism for propelling a bicycle forward, which is composed of two complex lever machines designed to amplify energy, wherein each machine has the ability to be moved in a reciprocal motion, wherein each machine has an approximate “L” shape, wherein the shorter side is in the approximate vertical position and the longer side is in the approximate horizontal position, wherein the transmission chain is pulled from a vertical point on the lever machine in a pivotal motion, while a separate, but connected hydraulic machine pulls the same transmission chain in a linear motion due to the downward pedaling pressure pulling the master piston, which pushes out hydraulic fluid from the piston chamber against a larger slave piston in its own separate chamber, which causes hydraulic force to be multiplied, which would result in multiplied traveling range per pedal with a sufficient amount of torque.

Description:
[0001]    Continuation-in-part of application No. 61/002,667, filed on Nov. 11, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to fluid mechanisms integrated into human powered bikes, designed to enhance their propulsion performance. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    In the bicycle industry a significant number of inventors have designed bicycles that incorporate systems such as hydraulic or pneumatic powered machines that were intended to make pedaling transportation easy for mankind. 
         [0006]    Although these mechanisms offer a wide variety of propulsion benefits, they lack advantages that the Lever Enhanced Pedaling System (LEPS) offer, which includes certain properties of a lever machine assisted by hydraulic power. Similar systems can be found in hydraulic jacks used to lift trucks and cars for repair. The hydraulic pump is usually located between the area of applied force and load to be lifted. However, this mechanism would be unique when applied to a bicycle format. 
         [0007]    Inventors in this field have invented a myriad of piston driven machines incorporated into bicycles that utilizes the mechanical advantage of compressing air or liquid in order to force one or more radial members connected to its member rear wheel to be propelled forward. These ideas, although possibly efficiently, are different compared to the Lever Enhanced Pedaling System&#39;s (LEPS) Hydraulic Assisted Propulsion Mechanism. 
         [0008]    Some examples of distinguished prior art are the Hydraulic Drive For a Bicycle (U.S. Pat. No. 3,729,213), the Bicycle (U.S. Pat. No. 576,538), the Air Engine (U.S. Pat. No. 614,992), the Motor Bicycle (U.S. Pat. No. 735,628) and Improvements in and Relating to Drive Mechanisms (0063895). 
         [0009]    The Hydraulic Drive For a Bicycle (U.S. Pat. No. 3,729,213) uses two hydraulic cylinders to pump hydraulic fluid through their member hydraulic line to rotate a motor coupled to the bike&#39;s frame which further revolves a linked chain which is wrapped around a larger sprocket and turns the rear wheel as its as its smaller sprocket member is turned. The LEPS uses a master cylinder and piston which pushes hydraulic fluid through a line then pushes fluid up through the bottom of the slave cylinder where hydraulic force is multiplied. The slave piston pulls a transmission chain while being rotated rearwards on the lever machine it is mounted to. This piston pulling of the chain, while the entire hydraulic machine is being pivoted creates a mechanism in which two force multiplying machines are pulling the transmission chain simultaneously. This should generate more range per pedal with an above average amount of torque from both machines. What distinguishes the LEPS&#39;s hydraulic mechanism from the Hydraulic Drive For a Bicycle is that the LEPS does not utilize a hydraulic motor, but rather a slave cylinder and piston in which its purpose is to multiply hydraulic force due to hydraulic fluid pushing against a larger piston surface area as compared to its master counterpart. 
         [0010]    The Bicycle (U.S. Pat. No. 576,538) invented by C. H. Bellamy incorporates a right and left side pneumatic cylinder and piston which pumps air from its master cylinder, while its piston is being pulled by its lever member from between the fulcrum and area of applied force to three separate slave cylinders that operate internally within a hollow circular casing The casing has fastened to its inner circumference internal spur gear teeth, which allows its three spur gears to turn said casing due to separate crank arms being pushed and pulled by member slave pistons. The spokes of the rear wheel are connected to the hollow casing which allows the rear wheel to turn along with the casing. 
         [0011]    The LEPS&#39;s hydraulic assisted mechanism is distinguished from the latter bicycle, because it integrates its slave cylinders into its lever machine and its slave cylinder is not stationary because it moves with its member lever machine below the fulcrum. Furthermore, levers used by the LEPS are not curved, but “L” shaped and should have more mechanical leverage because it spreads work effort throughout a longer lever length and has its transmission means pulled closely from its member fulcrum. 
         [0012]    The Air Engine (U.S. Pat. No. 614,992) from M. Schmidt utilizes a pneumatic master cylinder and piston which pumps air into its pneumatic frame reservoir, which holds air until the air is sufficiently compressed for reciprocating the piston of the engine or slave piston which forces the crank arm in rotation. The LEPS is different with regard to this machine because it is hydraulic, not pneumatic. Furthermore the LEPS&#39;s frame does not hold compressed air or liquid, but it has fluid contained in its hydraulic lines as well as the master and slave cylinders. 
         [0013]    The Propelling Mechanism for Bicycle or Similar Vehicles (U.S. Pat. No. 610,956) uses a cylinder and piston which forces air through its piston chamber into a motor which turns the rear wheel connected to it. Again the LEPS is distinguished from this hydraulic powered motor, in that it uses a slave piston within its hydraulic cylinder that pulls the transmission means engaged to the rear wheel sprocket, which rotates said sprocket and turns the rear wheel connect to it. The LEPS does not use a motor rotated by pneumatic force, nor does it have a reservoir within the frame storing air. The LEPS&#39;s force multiplying machines are simple, which are meant to multiplying torque and traveling range at the same time. 
         [0014]    The Motor Bicycle (U.S. Pat. No. 735,628) has similar properties to the first described prior art. This system uses a second class lever and crank arm to push its piston back and forth within its cylinders. The propulsion means is composed of duplicate master cylinders which push air into a radial member, which receives alternate forces of air from each cylinder jetted into its curved triangular chambers forming the outer surface of the radial member. Each piston is pushed and pulled by each crank arm, while the bicycle is being pedaled. The arms attached to each crank arm, the right being 180 degrees and the left being 90 degrees forces their attached arms to push and pull its member pneumatic piston. Then the air is heated before it enters the radial array of triangular chambers which jets air into each the chamber to rotate it, which further turns the attached rear wheel forward. 
         [0015]    The LEPS&#39;s hydraulic assisted propulsion mechanism does not utilize a radial chamber that receives air or liquid. Again the force is multiplied by a lever machine having a long lever to divide pedaling effort throughout its length while integrating a slave cylinder having a piston that receives hydraulic pressure from the master piston chamber which has a piston with a smaller surface area than its slave piston counterpart. Furthermore, the master cylinder pivots on the frame of the bicycle and is not stationary like the latter described invention. 
         [0016]    The Improvements in and Relating to Drive Mechanisms (0063895) utilizes pistons which pulls hydraulic fluid through its cylinders having the ability to pivot from the frame of the bicycle ( FIG. 3 ). Hydraulic fluid is then fed to the hydraulic motor which turns the rear wheel as the rider applies downward pressure to the piston rod connected to the lever machine from which downward pedaling force is applied to. The LEPS uses a similar hydraulic piston which swings from the frame, but a steel cable runs through each piston rod, which allows each piston to reciprocate while the said cable is sustained by pulley wheels mounted to the frame. The LEPS uses duplicate slave pistons within its two hydraulic cylinders where hydraulic force is multiplied. The hydraulic lines of the hydraulic machine can be clearly visible which emphasizes the seriousness of the machine, because it illustrates how the machine functions as opposed to concepts that don&#39;t illustrate how their mechanism actually work. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0017]    The corresponding description of the LEPS&#39;s hydraulic mechanism in conclusion are two lever propulsion machines coupled to the bicycles frame that integrates a hydraulic system into each lever configuration which allows hydraulic force to be an extension of lever mechanical force for the purpose of achieving maximum range and torque. 
     
    
     
       FIGURES 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates the right side view of the LEPS&#39;S hydraulic system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates the broke away section of the LEPS&#39;S hydraulic system and how it pulls the transmission chain  20  upwards. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates the second broke away section exposing the slave piston&#39;s  18  placement in its member cylinder  16  and how the hydraulic line  12  is connected to the machine  66 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates the traveling direction of the hydraulic fluid  9  and the hydraulic lines of the master and slave hydraulic machines. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a detailed view of how the master piston  5  pulls hydraulic fluid  9  in its chamber  4 , the inner workings of the reciprocal systems and how hydraulic fluid  9  pushes the slave piston  18  upwards. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a detailed view of how the master piston  5  pulls hydraulic fluid  9  through its rectangular aluminum piece  74  up through its connected hydraulic line  8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates how the transmission means  60  reciprocates within the frame  2  of the LEPS. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates how each “L” shaped plate  70 , that is connected to its piston  18 , pulls its member transmission chain  20  within the vertical walls of each lever machine  30 . 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  rubber seal 
           2  frame 
           3  pedals 
           4  master cylinder 
           5  master piston 
           6  piston rod 
           7  rubber seal 
           8  master hydraulic line 
           9  hydraulic fluid 
           10  hydraulic tube 
           12  slave hydraulic line 
           14  reciprocal cable 
           16  slave cylinder 
           17  rubber seal 
           18  slave piston 
           20  transmission chain 
           22  chain anchor 
           24  lifter shaft 
           26  shaft mount 
           28  wheel bearings 
           30  lever tubes 
           31  vertical plates 
           32  transmission cable 
           34  chain connector 
           36  hydraulic sprocket 
           38  router sprocket 
           40  load sprocket 
           42  reciprocal sprocket 
           44  reciprocal pulley wheel 
           46  fulcrum 
           48  nuts 
           50  chain cylinder 
           52  suspension shaft 
           54  suspension plates 
           56  tube holder 
           58  seat post wings 
           60  transmission means 
           62  radial members 
           64  rear wheel hub 
           66  hydraulic machine 
           68  polygon plates 
           70  “L” shaped plates 
           72  hydraulic machine mounts 
           74  aluminum block 
           76  tube holder bolt 
           78  reciprocal pulley wheels 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0072]    Below is a description of components, assemblies, materials and the mechanical configurations according to drawings illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The Lever Enhanced Pedaling System&#39;s (LEPS) hydraulic assisted propulsion system is composed of a tubular frame  2  which accommodates a linear chain transmission means  60  linking mechanical force from the vertical portion of each lever machine  30  to separate connected radial members on opposite sides of the rear wheel&#39;s hub. The transmission means ( FIG. 2 )  60  is composed of two chains  20  having an end that is bonded to opposite ends of a steel cable  32 . Each bond is constructed out of a steel cylinder  34  which encompasses the portion where each chain  20  end meets opposite ends of the steel cable  32 , which is positioned between the chains  20  lengthwise. Within each steel cylinder  34  is a J.B. weld resin, which is poured into each cylinder  34  and hardened while the end of each cylinder&#39;s  34  member chain  20  is within its walls as well as one end of the steel cable  32 . This steel cable  32  is positioned within the central tube of the frame  2  around the leading groove of the pulley wheel  44  under the wing like seat post cylinder foundation  58 . The pulley wheel  44  is mounted within the central tube of the frame  2  by a threaded rod having its two ends accommodating separate bores on opposite sides of the central tube  2  through the top and bottom surfaces. The threaded rod is fastened in place by at least one lock nut washer between two nuts above and below the central tube of the frame  2 . The pulley wheel  44  is further secured in place by at least one lock nut washer fastened between two nuts above and below the pulley wheel  44 . The pulley wheel&#39;s  44  flat surface is aligned to the length of the central tube of the frame  2  which allows the mid portion of the transmission assembly  60  to be parallel to the length of the central tube  2 . The chain portion  20  of the transmission means is  58  then routed over and rearward around the reciprocal sprocket  42 . Then downwards in front of and under the radial member  62  of the rear wheel hub  64 . The chain  20  is then routed upward, over and rearward to the load sprocket  40  of its member lever machine  30 . The opposite portions of the linear transmission means  60  are integrated into two force multiplying machines. These include the lever machine  30  and the hydraulic machine  66 . There are three classes of lever machines in which the load, fulcrum and area of applied force (pedals) are positioned in three different ways which determines their class. The LEPS uses the second class lever, in which the load being moved is positioned between the fulcrum and the area of applied force. Thus, the load is the points of contact where the transmission chain  20  meets the surface of the load sprocket  40  mounted between the vertical plates of the lever machine  30 . The chain  20  is then routed over and around the load sprocket  60 . Then downward in front of and under the hydraulic sprocket  36 , then upward into a steel square tube  50 , which is welded between two pairs of steel polygon plates  68 . The lower portion of the tube  50  has three bores through opposite surfaces that are aligned to allow three machine screws to accommodate them as well as three opening in the links of the transmission chain  20 . Each machine screw is to be fastened in place. The fourth pair of bores is through the upper portion of the steel tube  50 , which are in alignment with an opening in the link of the transmission chain  20 . The alignments accommodate a threaded shaft which occupies the bores of two pulley wheels  28 . These pulley wheels  28  are to be fastened in place with a nut and lock nut washer. These pulley wheels  28  have the ability to roll on the inner surface of the vertical plates that are facing outwardly on each lever machine  30 . Their purpose is to reduce the friction from the upper edge of the square tube portion of the chain anchor, as it pivots outwardly against the inner wall of the outer vertical plate due to it moving upwards with its coupled slave piston. The upper portion of the chain anchor  22  is pulled by the lifter shaft  24  mounted to said piston  18 . 
         [0073]    Welded to the opposite sides of the polygon plate  68  assembly are separate “L” shaped plates  70  in which the shorter end portion of both “L” shape plates  70  are pointing outwardly. Two aligned bores are through each upper vertical end portion of these “L” shape plates  70 . These bores accommodate a shaft  24  which runs through two aluminum plates  24  that are upright, parallel and welded onto the top edge of the slave piston  18 . The “L” shaped assembly  22  is able to pivot within the bores of the aluminum plates  26 . The slave piston  18  occupies the slave cylinder  16 . The slave cylinder  16  is welded to two plates with curved edges  72  ( FIG. 7 ) having the same radius as the outer diameter of the slave cylinder  16  so that both inner edges and outer surface may establish contact perpendicularly and be welded in place. The other end of the curved edge plates are flat and are to be welded perpendicularly to the inward facing surface of the vertical plate of the lever machine  30 . The curved edge plate&#39;s  72  purpose are the maintain a space between the slave piston  16  and rear frame plates that extends from the rear vertical tube of the frame  2  accommodating the rear wheel axle. These rear extensions are two triangular parallel plates that have an aligned bore which accommodates the fulcrum  46  of the lever machine  30 . Between these plates are the two vertical plates  31  of the lever machine  30 . 
         [0074]    The slave piston  18  is made out of 6061 aluminum ( FIG. 5 ). It would be trimmed on a lathe machine to attain an effective hydraulic fit. The slave piston  18  should be able to tightly fit in the slave cylinder  16  with a low tolerance of plus/minus 0.001″. Furthermore, a horizontal groove is cut into the pistons lower outer wall about ⅛″ wide× 1/16″ deep, which would accommodate a circular rubber seal  17  for the purpose of conforming to the inner walls of the slave cylinder  16  and filling micro gaps left by the aluminum piston  18 . The assembly of rubber  17  and piston should allow hydraulic fluid to push the flat bottom surface of the slave piston  18  upwards within the walls of the slave cylinder  16  causing the upper edge of the slave piston  18  to rise away from the upper edge of the slave cylinder  16 . The slave cylinder  16  has a 0.50″ bore through the center of its bottom surface, which is encompassed by an aluminum cylinder  12  with a 0.675 outer diameter and 0.50 inner diameter. Thus, the cylinder  12  is welded in place where its flat edge meets the flat bottom surface of the slave cylinder  16 . This connection should be completely sealed by the welding process and free from fluid leaks. The bottom edge of this narrow cylinder  12  would be cut at a 45 degree angle which would allow another aluminum cylinder  12  with a 45 degree edge to meet with the vertical cylinder  12  horizontally. This connection would be welded together with a liquid tight seal. The other end of this horizontal cylinder  12  would have a symmetrical 45 degree edge, which would allow a vertical aluminum cylinder  12  with a 45 degree edge to meet with the 45 degree edge of the horizontal cylinder  12 . Furthermore, this connection would be free of fluid leaks and sealed by the welding process. The finished welded assembly of the three cylinders is the slave hydraulic line  12 . The upper end of this hydraulic line  12  is encompassed by a rubber hose  10  that is sealed mechanically with a fastener. This sealed would be free from liquid leaks. The rubber hose  10  is to extend from this connection to the master hydraulic line  8 . The master hydraulic line  8  is constructed out of an aluminum cylinder that is approximately in the vertical positioned and parallel to its member master cylinder  4 . A rectangular aluminum block ( FIG. 5A )  74  has a bore through the length of its body and stops near the end surface. Two vertical holes are through the top surface of the rectangular block  74 . These bores lead to the horizontal bore within the rectangular block  74 . All three bores are ¼″ in diameter. One end of the longer bore is tapped and sealed with a fastener. Thus, the bore and fastened configuration allows hydraulic fluid to travel in a “U” shaped path. The vertical bore near the closed end of the rectangular block  74  is in alignment with the vertical bore next to the piston rod  6 . This connection is sealed liquid tight by the welding process. The other bore is aligned to the vertical cylinder  8  that is parallel to the master cylinder  4 . This alignment is sealed liquid tight by the welding process. The floor of the master cylinder ( FIG. 5A )  4  is composed of two layers of aluminum plates that are welded to an aluminum ring next to the aluminum block  74 . The bottom of the two plates has within its inner gap, which is between its inner circle and master piston  6  is a third rubber seal  1  that is design to prevent hydraulic fluid  9  from leaking between the chambers floor and master piston  6 . 
         [0075]    The piston rod  6  is made out of a steel cylinder which is welded to the master piston  5  member from its bottom surface. The piston  5  has a circular indication that is offset from the outer bottom surface. This allow the welding beads not to conflict when the bottom flat surface of the piston  5  meets the flat floor surface of the master cylinder  4 . Both of these surfaces should meet in order to push the maximum amount of hydraulic fluid out into the slave cylinder  16  for the purpose of achieving maximum range in propulsion. 
         [0076]    The bottom end of the piston rod  6  is welded to a circular piece of steel tubing  56  that would be formed into a “C” like shape with the tube of the lever machine  30  within its walls for being sustained above ground by a bolt  76  which occupies the bores of both components. The top surface of the tube holder  56  has a bore through its center and is encompassed by the end of the piston rod  6 . A steel cable  14  runs through the bore in the tube holder  56  from inside the walls of the cylindrical piston rod  6 , then loops around the tube of the lever machine  30  up into the cylindrical piston rod  6  and is bonded in place by a hardened resin of J.B. weld that was poured into the walls of the piston rod  6  and stopped at its base. 
         [0077]    The loop of the steel cable  14  begins from the top and within the right side piston rod  6 , then around the tube of its member lever machine  30 , then up through the piston rod  6 , then through the bore of the piston  5 , then through the master cylinder  4 , then through its right side symmetrical frame  2  member, then up and over the its mounted pulley wheel  78  member. Furthermore, the steel cable  14  continues to its left symmetrical mounted pulley wheel  78 , then down through its left symmetrical frame  2  side, then through its left side hydraulic and lever machine components; the same steel cable would be bonded to the left force multiplying machines in the same way the reciprocal cable was assembled in the right hydraulic and lever machine components. 
       OPERATION DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0078]    The hydraulic assisted propulsion mechanism would operate according to the drawings illustrated. When downward force is applied to the pedal  3  of the lever machine  30 , the tube of the lever would pull down the piston rod  6  assembly coupled to the mid portion of the lever machine&#39;s tube with a pivotal connection at the tube holder  56 . The piston rod assembly would include the tube holder  56 , its fastener components, the steel piston rod  6 , the steel cable bonded  14  within the piston rod  6  and the piston  5  with its rubber seal. The piston would push hydraulic fluid through the bore in floor of the master cylinder  4  through its hydraulic line  8 . The hydraulic fluid would be transferred from the master hydraulic line  8  through the rubber hydraulic line  10 . The hydraulic fluid would then flow through slave hydraulic line  12  connected to the rubber hydraulic line  10 . The slave hydraulic line  12  would lead to the bottom center of the slave cylinder  16 , which would allow hydraulic fluid to be pushed through the slave cylinder. This fluid would then push the slave piston  18  upwards with multiplying force because it would be pushing up against a larger surface area compared to the surface area of the master piston  5 . Furthermore, because the master hydraulic assembly is being operated between the fulcrum and area of applied force on its member lever machine  30 , this would produce more leverage than the force of a rider&#39;s weight bearing directly down on the tube holder  56 . 
         [0079]    The travel range of the hydraulic slave piston  18  would be about half the traveling range of the master piston  5 . As a result, this would provide an above average amount of torque for a bicycle, but this amount of chain  20  movement alone would be insufficient for one downward pedal. So the hydraulic machine  66  would be more efficient being attached to a member lever machine  30  that would pivot and pull the transmission chain  20  at a distance equal to more than the distance traveled by the slave piston  18 . The combination of both force multiplying machines would provide at least one revolution per pedal with an above average amount of torque. This combination of high torque to traveling range ratio should allow the rider to accelerate faster on the LEPS&#39;s hydraulic propulsion mechanism than other single speed bikes in its class. 
       ADVANTAGES 
       [0080]    Based on the inventions mechanical nature, the LEPS&#39;s Hydraulic Propulsion Mechanism has a number of advantages that is obvious due to these reasons:
       (a) The hydraulic assistant mechanism should provide less effort to propel a rider from one point to another point while the person is pedaling the bike;   (b) The mechanism is easy to build compared to other hydraulic systems, which should reduce manufacturing cost;   (c) A hydraulic assisted mechanism would provide engineers with a greater range of pedaling performance configurations because fluid easily conforms to a great multitude of mechanical designs;   (d) Because the LEPS&#39;s hydraulic machine has a simple design, that means that the machine would also be durable because of its simplicity;       
 
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE 
       [0085]    Accordingly, the reader should visualize that the LEPS&#39;s hydraulic assisted propulsion mechanism is able to perform a variety of advanced pedaling functions that should benefit a bicyclist. 
         [0086]    Firstly, the LEPS is able to accommodate the combinations of lever and hydraulic machines for the purpose of exploiting their force multiplying mechanical advantages in order to achieve maximum traveling speeds. 
         [0087]    Secondly, the LEPS&#39;s hydraulic system is easy to construct provided that the master cylinder and slave cylinder components are composed of seamless modified tubes; furthermore, that the master and slave pistons are molded on a lathe machine. 
         [0088]    Thirdly, various numerical specifications for speed, torque and traveling range could be easily manipulated simply by using these numbers to mathematically reverse hydraulic formulas to determine the inner volume of each master and slave cylinders as well as the surface area of their respective pistons. 
         [0089]    Finally, a multi speed system could be easily constructed into the vertical plates to allow the load sprocket to move closer or away from its member fulcrum to increase pedaling range or reduce effort. 
         [0090]    In conclusion, because the lever machine and hydraulic machine combination could be used with a multi speed system, as well as single speed models, the scope of the invention should be based on the independent claim that defines the essential elements of both force multiplying compound machines instead of the illustrations presented.