AUTOMATIC VARIABLE SPEED TRANSMISSION

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission mechanism (20) for use on a bicycle, for example, wherein pressure on the pedal by the operator increase or decreases the diameter of the drive sprocket wheel to alter the gear ratio correspondingly. The sprocket is provided with opposed segments (21, 22) which are linked to both the sprocket wheel (27) and an inner control disc (32). The segments (21, 22) move radially outwardly and inwardly in unison responsive to limited rotation of the control disc (32) independently of rotation of the sprocket (27). Such rotation is foot controlled by the operator. Pressure on the foot pedal by the operator increases or decreases the working length of the bicycle sprocket chain (28) by making the effective diameter of the sprocket smaller or larger. The position or gear ratio can be indexed by means of a synchronized stepped tooth index (43, 49) to control the required gear diameter and, therefore, the speed. This alters the gear ratio correspondingly. The gear ratio may be maintained without change by a locking device (36, 37) on the sprocket wheel (27) in contact with thecontrol disc (32).

Description: AUTOMATIC VARIABLE SPEED TRANSMISSION This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applica tion Serial No. 314,606, filed 26 October, 1981 and co-pendin herewith. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a variable speed transmis sion mechanism, adapted for use in bicycles for example, wherei the working diameter of the bicycle sprocket wheel or drivin member of the transmission is increased or decreased responsiv to variations in pedal pressure by the feet of the bicycle rider DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Apparatus suitable for varying the effective diameter of bicycle sprocket wheel operable as the driver member of variable speed transmission has been disclosed in the patent t Hunt, U.S. No. 3,798,989. The settings of a sprocket diamete therein illustrated are controlled by a manually operable so called "interposer", which forces a plurality of coacting seg ments radially outwardly, thereby increasing the sprocket wheel diameter. The interposer also releases such segments to effect a retraction of the segments thereby decreasing the diameter of the sprocket wheel. While the Hunt transmission mechanism, above summarized, does not require a plurality of sprockets or cooperating derail- leur mechanisms (such as other conventional bicycle transmis¬ sions require), it does entail a hand-operated transmission shift and is limited to achieve a relatively small number of speed ratios or speed capabilities. ^RE O PI IfO S ^ i . _ . - 2 - SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION By elminating the manually operated "interposer" of Hunt and substituting therefor a foot controlled mechanism for vary¬ ing the effective diameter of the bicycle sprocket wheel, virtu¬ ally unlimited automatic .gear changes may be effected from pedal crank torque. More particularly, according to the present invention, spring means may be provided for provisionally maintaining the sprocket wheel segments in maximum gear ratio; and downward pedal pressure by the bicycle rider increases the sprocket chain tension and thereby overcomes the provisional restraint acting upon the segments so as to move them radially inwardly, thereby decreasing the effective diameter of the sprocket wheel and automatically changing the gear ratio of the present transmis¬ sion. By decreasing the pedal pressure, the operation is rever¬ sed, " thereby to increase the diameter of the sprocket member of the bicycle. Should the operator desire to have a constant diameter, ' it is only necessary to actuate a gear ratio lock which is also pro¬ vided to maintain the sprocket segments locked in the gear of his choice. Means may also be provided for giving an elliptical shape to the sprocket segments so that the effective diameter is increased on the downstroke which is an especially advantageous feature in racing. Furthermore, while the present automatic transmission has been designed primarily for bicycles, it has many other applica¬ tions. That is to say, it is applicable to any transmission member made up of a driver, a driven element, and a flexible drive interconnecting both driver and driven members . Further, according to the invention, means are provided for locking-in the gear selection of choice of the operator and virtually unlimited multiple gear choices are possible. In addi¬ tion to providing an elliptically shaped sprocket wheel, other sprocket wheel configurations may be obtained. Still another feature of the invention is that in modifying the gear ratio there is no other hesitation gap or delay in moving from one speed to another, such changes being automatic. It will also be understood that by modifying conventional transmission arrangements and eliminating the multiple sproc¬ kets, a bicycle constructed according to the present invention will be much lighter than existing gear systems and more compact than such. It will also be much safer in that there is no distraction involved in changing the gear and the operator may keep both hands on the handle bars at all times instead of using one hand to manually operate a gear shit such as the interposer assembly of the Hunt patent above discussed. Still further, the present transmission can be used in reverse gearing with other power sources such as lawnmowers. And the gear itself can work in reverse from shaft torque; with an increase in torque increasing the working diameter of the sproc¬ ket instead of decreasing such diameter. The spring tension can be adjusted for soft or hard gear changes depending on the pedal pressures or shaft torque changes required. To compensate for the variably changing diameter of the present transmission sprocket member, a conventional yieldable slack storing device is provided for maintining the sprocket chain under uniform tension. OMPI SUBSTITUTE SHEET A / .„ wιI?PoO According to one embodiment, an assembly of coacting radial and spiral slots enables retraction and expansion or projection of the bicycle sprocket segments. In another, a linkage assembly replaces the slots to control gear ratio choice and uniform sprocket control. Still another form of the invention contem¬ plates a pinion gear and gear rack mechanism for changing the gear ratios. In a further embodiment, a cam movement is utilized to keep the sprocket change synchronized with the sprocket wheel segments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With the above and other objects in view, as will be apparent, the invention consists in the construction combination and arrangement of parts, all as hereinafter more fully des¬ cribed, claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherei : Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of the radial/spiral slots formed of the present Invention with the sprocket member thereof in the expanded larger diameter working position; Fig. 2 is a similar view of the same arrangement, but in the retracted position of smaller diameter sprocket; « Figs. 3-6 are schematic side views of the preferred embodi¬ ment wherein a linkage assembly replaces the slotted construc¬ tion of Figs. 1 and 2, with the sprocket illustrated in an expanded elliptical position in Figs. 3 and 4, and retracted in Figs. 5 and 6; Fig. 7 is a partial side view of a bicycle fitted out with the preferred embodiment comprising the linkage assembly of SUBSTITUTE S Figs. 3-6 with the sprocket thereof expanded elliptically as seen in Figs. 3 and 4; Fig. 8 is a like view of the bicycle of Fig. 7, but with the sprocket in its retracted form of reduced working diameter as noted in Figs. 5 and 6; Figs. 9 and 10 correspond to the bicycle illustrations of Figs. 7 and 8, respectively, with the addition of a cover plate or shield over the sprocket assembly of the present transmission; Fig. 11 is a plan view of a series of the present sprocket assemblies, all in the expanded mode of increased sprocket diameters; Fig. 12 is a corresponding view of the sprocket designs of Fig. 11, all in the retracted mode of smaller diameter sprockets; Figs. 13 and 14 are illustrative of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising alternative gear locking means for maintaining a constant gear ratio with a pawl projecting from the smaller diameter control disc to interfit with spaced recesses or slots on the larger sprocket wheel; Fig. 14A is a view of an alternative locking means for the gear ratio of the present device characterized in that the male member of the lock is projected from the central control disc and the female portion is disposed adjacent the outer periphery of the sprocket wheel; and Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of industrial applica¬ tions of the invention, and specifically, the use of a cleated belt transmission line in place of the sprocket chain of Fig. 13, for example. SUBSTITUTE SHEET DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now more particularly to the drawings: Fig. 1 thereof is illustrative of one embodiment of the present invention identified for convenience as transmission type "A". As there seen, such transmission 20 may comprise a pair of opposed and spaced sprocket segments 21 and 22 and a pair of opposed and spaced flanged sprocket chain guides 23, 24. The sprockets 21 and 22, together with the guide members 23, 24 are constructed and arranged to be reciprocated in their respec¬ tive radial slots 25, 26 of a sprocket wheel 27 to correspon¬ dingly increase or decrease the effective working length of- the sprocket chain 28, the lines of which are trained over the teeth 29 of the sprocket segments 21 and 22. The segments 21, 22 and the coacting flanged chain guides 23, 24 are simultaneously disposed In the spiral slots 30, 31, respectively, of a separate and independent control disc 32. The gear ratio illustrated in Fig. 1 hereof is the maximum gear ratio obtainable. It may be held fixed in that position as by means of a conventional spiral restraining spring 33. A downward pressure by the bicycle rider on the pedal crank 34 in the direction indicated by the arrow will automatically and correspondingly increase the tension upon chain 28 and thereby simultaneously move both of the " sprocket segments 21, 22 together with both of the flanged roller guides 23, 24 inwardly in the direction of the sprocket hub 35 as indicated in Fig. 2. The riders choice of gear ratios may be remotely controlled by movement of a gear ratio controller 36 located on the bicycle frame. This operates to unlock the gear ratio lock 37 as the O PI sprocket 22 is clear of the chain 28 thereby permitting the control disc 32 to turn. While maintained in this locked posi¬ tion or mode, there is thus provided a fully automatic transmis¬ sion which is controlled by downward pedal pressure. If the pressure is increased, then the diameter of the sprocket wheel 29 will be correspondingly decreased to the minimum diameter illustrated in Fig. 2 hereof. That minimum gear may be held for all further turns of the sprocket wheel provided only that the pedal pressure on the crank 34 by the bicycle rider remains unchanged. If the pedal pressure is decreased, this will allow the control disc to reverse its direction of motion and thereby increase the effective or working length of chain 28. Should the operator want a constant length, he need .only allow the . gear ratio lock 37 located on the control disc 32 to remain locked in the gear of his choice. The traverse of the flanged roller chain guides 23, 24 travel can be less than that of the sprocket segments 21, 22 thereby imparting an elliptical shape to the sprocket wheel 27 so that the diameter of that wheel is increased on the down- stroke. This is a feature much desired in bicycle racing. As will also be appreciated, with the arrangement and con¬ struction just described, a substantial number of gear ratio changes may be obtained and many different sprocket wheel shapes effected. If desired, the flanged roller guide ' members 23 and 24 can be eliminated entirely. It must also be pointed out that while the present automatic transmission has been designed with particular reference to bicycles, it has many other applica¬ tions. For example, in addition to being utilized for bicycles, it is equally applicable to provide an automatic variable speed transmission for lawnmowers and motorcycles, for automobiles, OMPI mopeds, trucks and tractors, and for other motorized vehicles. It may also be used on other chain-driven, not motorized, articles or implements such as tricycles and bicycles built for two or more riders. Figs. 3-6 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a lightweight transmission particu¬ larly appropriate for racing bicycles where an elliptically shaped sprocket wheel is specially advantageous. The same controls are used here in this embodiment, which is labeled for convenience, transmision type "B", as the controls of transmis¬ sion type "A" above discussed and described. This type "B" transmission is substantially the same as that of the type "A" in respect of the gear ratio controller, gear ratio lock, restraining spring, and other components above described with the exception that here in this embodiment a linkage assembly replaces the radial slot members 25, 26 of sprocket wheel 27 and also replaces the spiral slots 30, 31 of the separate control disc 32. In Figs. 3 and 4, the effective chain length of the bicycle Is increased to its greater ratio whilst in Figs. 5 and 6, the mode is the opposite in that the gear ratio is the smallest obtainable. More particularly. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate both sides of the transmission type "B" in the expanded posi¬ tion. Figs. 5 and 6 show the same two sides, but In the retracted position. In Fig. 3, one side or the outer face (so to speak) of the automatic transmission 38 is seen to comprise a control disc 39 having a central opening 40 large enough in diameter to accom¬ modate a pedal crank shaft 41. A portion of the outer periphery of the control disc 39 is cut out or notched as at 42 to receive teeth 43 in spaced relationship projecting from the inner periphery of the sprocket wheel 44 which interfits with the control disc 39. A bell crank 45 secured to a fitting 46 on the side of the sprocket wheel 44 and associated with a cooperating pin 47 rotatable in a slot 48 to bear against a pawl 49 on the opposite side (see Fig. 4) of the sprocket wheel 44 constitutes means for locking the control disc 39 and the sprocket wheel 44 together against relative movement with respect to each other. A pair of opposed and bifurcated flanged guides 50, 51 for the sprocket chain (not shown) are disposed on either side of both the control disc 39 and the sprocket wheel 44. That is to say, each of the flanged guides 50, 51 has two prongs or legs. The upper leg 52 of the guide 50 is fastened for pivotal movement to the sprocket wheel 44; whilst the upper leg 5-3 of the other guide 51 is pivotally attached to the control disc 39. Similarly, the lower leg 54 of the guide 50 may be pivotally joined to the central control disc 39 with the lower leg 55 of the guide 51 pivoting from the sprocket wheel 44. With the relative arrangement of parts just described, as will be appreciated, between the inside control disc 39 and the outer sprocket wheel 44 in conjunction with the legs 52-55 of the opposed flanged guides 50 and 51 which are attached to both disc 39 and sprocket wheel 44, means are thereby provided for limited relative movement between the disc 39 and sprocket 44; and also means for unlimited simultaneous rotary motion of the disc 39 and sprocket 44; In unison and to the same degree or extent. Looking now at Fig. 4, we see the opposite side or face of the relative arrangement between the disc 39 and the sprocket wheel 44 discussed above in connection with the attachment thereto of the opposed flanged guide members 50, 51. That is to say, in Fig. 4 there are comprised two opposed sprocket segments OMPI SUBSTITUTE SHEET 56 and 57 both of which are bifurcated in the same way as are the legs 52-55 of the opposed flange guides 50 and 51. More particularly, the left hand leg 58 of the upper sprocket segment 56 is fixed for limited pivotal movement to one portion of the sprocket wheel 44 whilst the right hand leg 59 of the upper segment 56 is pivotally secured for limited rotary movement to the inner control disc 39. In the same way, the bottom or lower sprocket segment 57 is bifurcated to comprise a left hand projection or leg 60 which Is pivotally secured to the inner control disc 39 with the right hand member or leg 61 of the lower segment 57 being pivotally attached to the outer sprocket wheel 44. With the arrangement just described wherein (as seen in Fig. 4),- the right hand leg 59 of the upper segment 56 is pivotally attached to the inner control disc 39 and the left hand leg 60 of the lower segment 57 is attached in the same way to the same control disc 39; and with the left hand leg 58 of the upper segment 56 and the right hand leg 61 of the lower segment 57 being similarly pivotally attached to the outer sprocket wheel 44, means are thus provided for limited relative movement between the inside disc 39 and the outer sprocket 44 to thereby permit expansion and contraction or increase and de¬ crease in diameter of the two segments 56, 57. At the same time, the lock means 45-49 (above discussed) are provided for prevent¬ ing relative movement between the disc 39 and the .sprocket wheel 44 thus preventing either the increase or the decrease in extension of the segments 56, 57. Figs. 5 and 6 also illustrate the structure of the prefer¬ red form of the present invention and correspond respectively to the illustrations of the previously discussed Figs. 3 and 4. That is to say, Fig. 5 corresponds to the structure of Fig. 3 and presents one side of the present transmission "B" r but shown in the retracted position of a smaller effective diameter for the sprocket segment 56, 57. The Fig. 6 shows the other side of the preferred automatic transmission "B", also in the retracted position of the two coacting segments 56 and 57. Referring now more particularly to these last mentioned Figs. 5 and 6, each of the two gear segments 56, 57 comprise two legs 58, 59 and 60, 61 (respectively) one of which Is attached to the control disc 39 with the other leg being attached to the sprocket wheel 44. The structure and operation of this assembly of the two wheels 39 and 44 and the two segments 56 and 57 corresponds to that of Figs. 3 and 4. The same thing applies with respect to the two guide members as seen In Figs. 5 and 6. There each of the guide members 50 and 51 has two legs 52, 54 and 53, 55 (respectively), one of which is attached to the inner control disc 39 with the other leg being attached to the outer sprocket wheel 44. As will be appreciated in the arrangement just discussed, with the rotation of the inner control disc 39 and the outer sprocket wheel 44 in unison, the position of the two segments 56, 57 and of the two guides 50, 51 will be changed in correspondence therewith. This effects an automatic change in the gear ratio of the transmission which may be fixed as above explained by locking the teeth portions 42 of the control disc 39 in v/hatever position the operator desires with respect to the grooves 43 on the inner periphery of the sprocket wheel 44. With the arrangement just described, as will be apparent, pressure on the pedal crank 34 will effect rotary movement of the control disc 39 independently of rotation of the outer sprocket wheel 44 except as limited by the attachment of one leg 52, 55 of the guide members 50, 51 and one leg 58, 61 of each of the sprockets 56, 57 to the outer sprocket wheel 44. To that extent, rotation of the control disc 39 in one direction will operate to simultaneously retract both of the guide members 50, O PI 51 and both of the segments 56 and 57. On the other hand, when and if the operator of the bicycle desires to maintain a fixed gear ratio, it is only necessary to put into effect the locking means 45-49 between the control disc 39 and the sprocket wheel 44 such that rotation of the control disc 39 will cause the sprocket wheel 44 simultaneously to rotate in the same direction and to the same degree: but only to the extent permitted by the attachment of one leg 52 and 55 of each of the two sprocket segments 56 and 57 to the sprocket wheel 44. Thus, the maximum gear ratio is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 and the minimum gear ratio in Figs. 5 and 6. Instead of maintaining a particular gear ratio by means of the pin and.slot locking arrangement 45-49, other conventional locking means may be substituted therefor. Fig. 7 represents the application of the transmission assem¬ bly seen in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 to an otherwise conventional bicycle frame 62 wherein the automatic transmission is seen in its expanded position with the gear segments 56 and 57 engaging the links 63 of the sprocket chain 64 and the gear in maximum ratio. Fig. 8 is a similar view of the transmission, but with the gear ratio in its minimum mode with the links 63 of the sprocket chain 64 riding over the opposed guide members 50 and 51 and only one of the two sprocket wheel segments 56, 57; namely, the segment 56. Conventional means for maintaining uniform tension of the sprocket chain around the sprockets 56, 57 of the bicycle chain may be seen at 65 in Figs. 7 and 8. Figs. 9 and 10 also illustrate the arrangements of Figs. 7 and 8 with the maximum and minimum gear ratios, except that in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, an outer shield or plate member 66 is OMPI IPO secured to the transmission 39 as by the lugs 66— and is superposed over the outer face of the gear transmission 38. Fig. 11, as above indicated, illustrates a plurality of automatic transmission sprockets 67-73 according to the present invention. The sprocket 67 at the top is illustrative of the sprockets and flange roller guides discussed above in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, whilst the remaining assemblies illustrate the automatic transmissions of Figs. 3 and 4, but all in the expanded or maximum gear ratio mode. Fig. 12 is another illustration of the sprockets of Fig. 11, except that in this instance, all of the transmission sprockets 67-73 are shown in their respective retracted posi¬ tions or minimum gear ratios. As will be noted, in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the two flanged guide members are omitted from the sprocket 71. This results in a lighter weight transmission assembly especially adapted to use of bicycles so equipped as "exerciser" bicycles which remain stationary while the operator cranks the bicycle pedals. Before proceeding to a discussion of those facets of the invention comprised in Figs. 13-15, inclusive, it is deemed appropriate to make the following additional comments with res¬ pect to the preceding figures. That is to say, in respect to Figs. 3 and 4, and more particularly referring to the teeth or depressions 43 spaced around a relatively small portion of the outer periphery of the control disc 39, such may be deemed superfluous, in actual practice, since they play no part in the operation of the device of Figs. 3 and 4. One should also note the presence of the restraining or rolling spring in Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings which spring is necessary in the operation of the sprockets automatic feature. As seen in these figures, that loading spring is positioned slightly above the bottom bifurcated bar arrangement which accommodates the rear wheel of the bicycle assembly. It is also important to note the flanged guides 50, 51 of Figs. 4 and 5 which allows the tooth sprocket 56, 57 to increase in diameter symmetrically in a pitched sprocket chain. This design makes the device particularly efficient since it results in having half or more of the chain laying on the flanged guides rather than engaging or disengaging the sprocket teeth. The left hand side of Fig. 13 illustrates pictorially the compressed or low gear ratio position of a bicycle equipped with the present device whereas the right hand portion of the same figure constitutes a representation of the same device in the high ratio position which is to say that the cooperating sproc¬ kets and side flanges or guides are in the outermost position. In contrast, the same members in low ratio position on the left hand side of Fig. 13 show the same structural members in the compressed or minimum diameter position. Fig. 14 shows an exploded view of the cooperating bicycle transmission parts of Fig..13 with the alternative gear locking means for securing a constant gear ratio in place of the comparable gear lock arrangement 45-48 of Figs. 3 and 4. In the exploded view of Fig. 14, the alternative gear ratio locking means is shown. The assembly there pictured comprises a conventional bicycle frame, rear wheel, and pedals on either side of such frame affixed to a central hub. Next to the right hand pedal is a cover plate 72 over which an outer shield, preferably of metal (not shown) , may be provided to eliminate or OMPI minimize the hazard of the clothing of the bicycle rider catch¬ ing in the sprocket mechanism. Next to the cover plate 72 are the sprocket members 73 over which the bicycle sprocket chain rides in cooperation with the side flanges or guide members 74 which, as indicated above, allows the tooth sprocket to increase in diameter symmetrically in the pitched chain by reason of the fact that the chain lies on these flanged guide members 74 as they rotate during operation of the bicycle. Next to the coacting flanges 74 and sprockets 73 there is the sprocket wheel 75 and the cooperating control disc 76 and a retaining spring 77. Intermediate the sprocket wheel 75 and control disc 76 is a lever arm 78 pivotally attached to.- the outer periphery of the sprocket wheel 75. At the free end of the pivoted lever 78 is a pawl 79 adapted to engage with the teeth on the outer circumference of the control disc 76. The actuating control for the lever arm 78 and pawl 79 extends as by means of a convenient cable 80 to the handlebars of the bicycle and under the control of the rider. By thus actuating the pail member 79, the position or gear ratio; that is to say, the position of the control disc 76 relative to that of the coacting flanges 74 and sprocket 73 is maintained in .a constant ratio. As will be seen in Fig. 14, the control disc 76 has a series of spaced teeth in cooperating slots to receive the pawl 79 at the free end of the pivoted lever arm 78. As a further alternative locking means, Fig. 14A comprises an arrangement wherein the slots are on the outer sprocket wheel instead of the centrally disposed control disc and the locking pinion is projec¬ ted from the central control disc. That is to say, as per Fig. 14A, that alternative gear locking arrangement comprises the control disc member 76 cooperating with the outer sprocket member 81 and projecting from the control disc 76 is a lever arm O ?I SUBSTITUTE SHE 82 comprising a pinion 83 adapted to engage the spaced recesses 84 around the outer portion of sprocket member 81. Fig. 13 is illustrative of the low and high ratio positions of the present device and as there seen in the left hand portion of that figure, the two sprocket arms and cooperating pair of flanges are in the position of minimal diameter. In contrast, in the right hand portion of that figure, the sprocket members are enlarged to their greatest extent and the cooperating flanges are likewise, so as to impart the highest gear ratio. Fig. 15 is Indicative of the application of the present invention to industrial modes rather than the operation.. of bicycles and is intended to indicate the application of the present device to modes of any sort, for example, automobile transmissions or lawnmowers or other industrial applications-. As further illustrated therein, the invention in such mode contem¬ plates the substitution of a cleated belt 85 for the sprocket chain of Figs. 1-14. To cooperate with the cleated belt 85 (as also noted in Fig. 15 hereof), the sprockets and flanges of Figs* 1-14 are replaced by slotted segments 86 and coacting flange guides 87. The recesses of the member 86 are adapted to engage the teeth on the underside of the belt 85 and the flange members 87 are preferably flanged on both sides as clearly seen in Fig. 15. The industrial application shown on the left hand top portion of that figure illustrates a transmission as, for example, an automobile transmission with relatively high input adapted to produce relatively small output. The application immediately thereunder that one, also on the left hand side of Fig. 15, illustrates the reverse or a minimum input and a maximum output. In the middle of that figure, and on the right hand side thereof, there is a constant ratio between the input and the output. It will thus be understood that the present device is a wide application industrially over and above its suitability for providing a gear assembly for bicycles as seen in the other figures of the present drawings. Overall, on the position or gear ratio can be indexed by means of a synchronized stepped tooth index to control the required gear diameter and, therefore, the desired speed of the vehicle or other articles which comprises a transmission device. O PI S UB S

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An automatic variable speed transmission comprising: a. a variable diameter transmission member having a plural¬ ity of radially movable drive segments; b. actuating means controlling said drive segments to vary the effective diameter of said transmission member by radially moving said drive segments outwardly or inwardly in a direction away from or toward a central crank shaft; c. said actuating means comprising restraining means , for holding said segments in a fixed position thereby preventing movement of the segments radially, and torque means for counter¬ acting said restraining means and moving the segments radially and in unison in the same direction and to the same degree. 2. The transmission of Claim 1, wherein the restraining means for holding the segments In a fixed position comprises spring means. 3. The transmission of Claim 1, wherein the torque means for counteracting the restraining means comprises a crank. 4. The transmission of Claim 3, wherein the crank is a foot controlled mechanism. 5. The transmission of Claim 4, wherein the foot controlled mechanism is a bicycle pedal. 6. The transmission of Claim 1, further characterized in that lock means are provided for preventing radial movement of said segments in any direction. OMPI IPO 7. The transmission of Claim 1, further characterized in that said mechanism includes a sprocket chain in contact with at least one of said segments and means for maintaining said sprocket chain under substantially uniform tension while said segments are moved radially in either direction. 8. The combination in a bicycle comprising a frame, front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on said frame, a variable speed transmission mounted on said frame and comprising a rear sprocket " assembly for driving said rear wheel, a forward sproc¬ ket assembly fixed to the frame between said wheels for rotation about the axis of a pedal crank, and a sprocket chain connecting said rear and forward sprocket assemblies, of means embodied in said forward sprocket assembly for changing the gear ratio of said transmission to correspondingly vary the speed of said transmission, said means comprising a pedal crank mounted on a rotatable drive shaft, a control disc mounted on the drive shaft to rotate therewith, a sprocket wheel in contact with and concentrically disposed about the outer edge periphery of said control disc, a plurality of opposed toothed sprocket segments attached to said control disc and to said sprocket wheel for limited radial movement of said segments to vary the effective diameter of said sprocket wheel and the effective length of said sprocket chain, means for rotating the control disc and sprocket wheel in unison in the same direction and to the same degree thereby preventing radial- movement of said sprocket segments, and means for limited rotation of said control disc inde¬ pendently of rotation of said sprocket wheel to thereby effect limited simultaneous radial movement of said sprocket segments in unison in the same direction and to the same degree. 9. The combination of Claim 8, further characterized in that the plurality of toothed sprocket segments are diametric¬ ally opposed to each other. SUBSTITUTE 10. The combination of Claim 8, further characterized in that a plurality of sprocket chain guides are attached to said control disc and to said sprocket wheel in spaced relationship with respect to each other about the periphery of said sprocket wheel. 11. The combination of Claim 10, further characterized in that said chain guides are flanged. 12. The combination of Claim 8, further characterized in that each of said sprocket segments is bifurcated to comprise one leg pivotally attached to said sprocket wheel and another leg pivotally secured to said control disc to enable the . seg¬ ments to move radially and in unison. 13. The combination of Claim 10, further characterized in that each of said chain guides is bifurcated. 14. The combination of Claim 13, further characterized in that each of said bifurcated chain guides comprises a leg pivotally attached to said control disc and a second leg pivot¬ ally attached to said sprocket wheel thereby enabling said guides to move radially in unison with radial movement of said segments. 15. The combination of Claim 14, further characterized in that locking means associated with the control disc and the sprocket wheel are provided for preventing relative movement between said control disc and said sprocket wheel. 16. The combination of Claim 15, wherein said locking means comprises a bell crank lever secured to one side of said sprocket wheel and communicating with a coacting pin and slot assembly on the obverse side of such sprocket wheel. OMPI WIPO 17. The combination of Claim 15, wherein said locking means comprises a lever arm pivoted at one end to said sprocket wheel, and a pawl attached to the other end of said lever arm and constructed and arranged to selectively engage a plurality of teeth on the outer periphery of said control disc and means under the manual control of the bicycle rider to selectively move said pawl, one at a time, into and out of engagement with the teeth of said control disc. 18. The combination of Claim 15, wherein said locking means comprises a lever arm projecting outwardly of said control disc, a plurality of spaced slots secured to and facing inwardly of the marginal outer edge of said sprocket wheel, and means intermediate the lever arm and the slots for controlling rela¬ tive movement of the control disc and the sprocket wheel with respect to * each other. 19. The combination of Claim 18, further characterized in that the means intermediate the lever arm and the slots for controlling relative movement of the control disc and sprocket wheel with respect to each other is a pawl projecting from said lever arm and adapted to engage one of said slots on said sprocket wheel. 20. The combination of Claim 19, wherein said means for controlling relative movement of said control disc and sprocket wheel comprises a cam adapted to move said pawl into and out of said slots. 21. A variable ratio transmission comprising a variable diameter input means, a variable diameter output means, and means interposed between said output means and input means, to simultaneously rotate both of said input and output means. OMPI \ -JWTW» 22. A variable ratio transmission according to Claim 21, further characterized in that said means interposed between the input and output means is a belt. 23. The variable ratio transmission of Claim 22, further characterized in said belt is a cleated belt. OMPI WIPO

Inventors: WALKER HAROLD L, WALKER, HAROLD, L.
Applicants: WALKER HAROLD L, WALKER, HAROLD, L.
Application year: 1982
Main classification: F16H11
IPC codes: B62M9