Abstract:
A motorcycle wheel attachment for replacement for a rear sheave or sprocket that attaches to the hub of the rear wheel. The outer perimeter of the apparatus resembles the outer perimeter of the replaced motorcycle sheave/sprocket so that the respective drive belt or chain can be affixed around the perimeter. With respect to the belt or chain, the engine and transmission, the attachment functionally replaces the sheave/sprocket. The attachment includes an enclosed inner gear system having a locked and unlocked position. In the locked position, none of the gears rotate with respect to the exterior of the attachment. In the unlocked position, the gears couple to the movement of the exterior of the attachment as well as the drive force exerted by the belt or chain. This coupled movement allows the attachment and wheel to rotate in a reverse direction using the forward drive of the engine, thereby giving the motorcycle reverse power.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   I. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of motorcycles and more particularly to a motorcycle wheel attachment that enables the motorcycle rear wheel to rotate in a reverse direction. 
   II. Description of the Related Art 
   It is well-known that present motorcycles typically lack a reverse gear in the transmission. As such, riders must maneuver their motorcycles using their feet while sitting on the motorcycle or otherwise push the motorcycle when they desire to move it in a reverse direction. This manual maneuvering can be very difficult, particularly when pushing the motorcycle up an incline. Although attempts have been made to alter motorcycle transmissions to add a reverse gear, the prior art has failed and continued to fail to provide a suitable reverse drive mechanism. 
   SUMMARY 
   In general, the invention features a motorcycle wheel attachment that is generally used as a replacement for a rear wheel sheave or sprocket of the motorcycle. In general, the outer perimeter of the attachment apparatus resembles the outer perimeter of the replaced motorcycle sheave/sprocket so that the respective drive belt or chain can be affixed around the perimeter. As such, from the viewpoint of the belt or chain as well as the engine and transmission, the attachment functionally replaces the sheave/sprocket. However, the attachment apparatus includes an enclosed inner gear system having a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, none of the gears rotate with respect to the exterior of the attachment. In the unlocked position, the gears couple to the movement of the exterior of the attachment as well as the drive force exerted by the belt or chain. This coupled movement allows the attachment and thereby the rear motorcycle wheel to rotate in a reverse direction using the forward drive of the engine, thereby allowing the motorcycle to have reverse power. 
   In general, the embodiments described herein typically implement a planetary ring and sun gear arrangement into which a locking mechanism shifts to lock into the planetary ring and sun gear arrangement for a locked forward position, or to shift out of the planetary ring and sun gear arrangement for an unlocked reverse position. In one embodiment, a steel ball arrangement is implemented as the locking mechanism. In another embodiment, a drive lock gear is implemented as a locking mechanism. 
   In general, in one aspect, the invention features a motorcycle attachment apparatus, including an enclosed hub assembly, a shift assembly coupled to the hub assembly and a shift knob connected to the shift assembly. 
   In one implementation, the hub assembly includes an inner wheel drive component, an outer belt driven component coupled to the inner wheel drive component and a shift locking component coupled to the inner wheel drive component and the outer belt driven component. 
   In another implementation, the inner wheel drive component includes an inner guide, a sun gear connected to the inner guide, an inner drive lock plate connected to the sun gear and a shift disk guide connected to the inner drive lock plate. 
   In another implementation, the outer belt driven component includes an outer guide, a ring gear connected to the outer guide, a sprocket connected to the ring gear and an outer drive lock plate connected to the sprocket. 
   In another implementation, the a shift locking component comprises a lock release ring connected to a shift disk. 
   In still another implementation, the shift disk guide is in partial mechanical contact with the shift disk. 
   In yet another implementation, the inner and outer drive lock plates are coplanar and concentrically arranged. 
   In another implementation, the apparatus further includes lock balls located between and coupling the inner and drive lock plates. 
   In another implementation, the inner and outer guides are coplanar and concentrically arranged. 
   In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a planetary cage in mechanical contact with the inner and outer guides. 
   In another implementation, at least one planetary gear is located between the ring gear and the sun gear, coupling the ring gear and the sun gear. 
   In another implementation, the outer belt driven component is coupled to the inner wheel drive component by at least one planetary gear. 
   In another aspect, the invention features an apparatus for providing reverse power to a motorcycle having a rear wheel hub and a strut adjacent the rear wheel hub, the apparatus including an inner gear connected to the rear wheel hub, at least one planetary gear in engagement with the inner gear, an outer gear in engagement with the at least one planetary gear, an outer sprocket connected to the outer gear and means for fixing the at least one planetary gear with respect to the rear strut. 
   In another aspect, the invention features a motorcycle attachment apparatus, including an enclosed hub assembly having an inner gear, at least one planetary gear in engagement with the inner gear, an outer gear in engagement with the at least one planetary gear, and an outer sprocket connected to the outer gear, a shift assembly for fixing the at least one planetary gear with respect to the shift assembly and coupled to the enclosed hub assembly and a shift knob connected to the shift assembly for engaging the shift assembly with the at least one planetary gear. 
   One advantage of the invention is that the attachment uses the forward drive power of the motorcycle to power the motorcycle in the reverse direction. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that it can replace an existing wheel hub or be made as an integral part of the motorcycle wheel. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that the attachment can be fitted without modifying the existing motorcycle at all, with the exception of the removal of the existing hub. 
   Another advantage of the invention is reverse power can be engaged for difficult environmental conditions such as slopes, hills, inclines, limited space, road conditions, passengers, rear foot pads, weather conditions, and the like. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that overall motorcycle handling is increased. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that smaller riders can handle larger motorcycles. 
   Another advantage of the invention is that the use of motorcycle/side car combinations and motorcycle trailers is enhanced. 
   Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a motorcycle having an embodiment of a hub assembly attachment apparatus; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a motorcycle wheel having an embodiment of a hub assembly attachment apparatus; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the constituent components of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in a locked position; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in a locked position; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in an unlocked position; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in an unlocked position; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the constituent components of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus, and an embodiment of a corresponding shift assembly; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in a locked position; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in a locked position; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in a locked position; 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in an unlocked position; 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in an unlocked position; 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus in an unlocked position; and 
       FIG. 15  illustrates embodiments of outer gears, planetary gears and inner gears 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In general, the embodiments described herein replace the belt drive sheave or chain drive sprocket at the rear tire hub of any motorcycle that does not incorporate an in-line drive shaft application in order to engage or disengage engine powered reverse action as required. For illustrative purposes, the embodiments disclosed herein have been described for use with Harley-Davidson FLH series models. It is understood that the embodiments described herein can be easily altered to accommodate the structure and dimensions of the rear tire wheel hub assembly and rear strut and swing arm characteristics. 
   The typical embodiments described herein incorporate an internal planetary gear system that can be locked into place for forward motion and released to obtain reverse motion. A typical embodiment replaces the entire existing factory rear belt sheave or sprocket. A shift module is further connected to the motorcycle to enable shift from forward to reverse directions. The module is typically connected to the motorcycle&#39;s swing arm. In a typical implementation, the embodiments can be added with the same effort involved with changing the rear tire. 
   Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to  FIG. 1  that illustrates a side view of a motorcycle  100  having an embodiment of a hub assembly attachment apparatus  200 . The apparatus  200  typically includes three basic components, including a reverse shift knob  300 , a shift assembly  400  and a reverse module  500 . In a typical implementation, the reverse shift knob  300  is connected to a location accessible to the rider, typically on the handle bars  105 , motorcycle frame  106 , saddlebag protection bar or a location  110  adjacent the user&#39;s legs. The shift assembly  400  is typically connected to the strut  115  of the motorcycle  100 . The reverse module  500  is connected directly to wheel  120  of the motorcycle, replacing the existing sheave or sprocket as mentioned above. The existing timing belt or drive chain  125  is replaced and placed around the perimeter of the reverse module. Upon installation, forward power is used as normal. When a reverse direction is desired, the user pulls the shift knob  300  which releases a spring loaded locking mechanism (described below) from a planetary gear system (described below) internal to the reverse module  500 . The planetary gears direct the forward power to a reverse direction on the rear wheel thus giving full forward power to a reverse direction. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a motorcycle wheel  120  having an embodiment of a hub assembly attachment apparatus, or reverse module  500 . The shift assembly  400  is also illustrated as connected to the strut  115 . The timing belt/drive chain is removed for illustrative purposes. It is appreciated that the outer toothed perimeter  501  exists and therefore accurately mimics the removed sheave or sprocket so that the belt or chain “sees” the same perimeter and therefore operates in the same manner as with the original sheave or sprocket. Therefore, there are no operational differences in the forward direction with respect to the chain or belt. In addition, as is appreciated further below, there are no operational differences with respect to the chain or belt when the module  500  is placed in the reverse direction. As is described further below, there are significant operational changes interior to the module  500  as compared to the original sheave or sprocket. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the constituent components of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus, or reverse module  500 . The significant structural and operational features of the module  500  are now described. 
   In general, the module  500  includes a sun gear  505  that connects directly to the hub of the rear wheel  120  as shown above. The sun gear  505  therefore acts as the direct attachment of the module  500  to the motorcycle wheel  120 . The sun gear  505  includes outer gear teeth  506 . The sun gear is surrounded by and connected to a plurality of planetary gears  510  that include outer teeth  511 . The outer teeth  506  of the sun gear are engaged with the outer teeth  511  of the planetary gears  510 . In a typical embodiment, the planetary gears include an inner bushing  512  and stud shaft  513 , which are discussed further in the description below. The module  500  further includes a ring gear  515  having inner teeth  516 . The outer teeth  511  of the planetary gears  510  are engaged with the inner teeth  516  of the ring gear  515 . It is therefore appreciated that the sun gear  505 , the planetary gears  510  and the ring gear  515  are generally coplanar in assembled form and that the planetary gears  510  are held in between the sun gear  510  and the ring gear  515 . 
   A planetary cage  520  is generally in mechanical contact with a portion of the ring gear  515 , generally lying flush against the ring gear  515 . Typically, an inner busing  518  and outer bushing  519  are interposed between the mechanical contact between the gear ring  515  and the planetary cage  520 . The planetary cage  520  generally includes a planetary wall  521  having planetary chambers  522  into which the planetary gears  510  are held and contained. Although held and contained within the planetary chambers  522 , the planetary gears  510  are free to rotate within the planetary chambers  522  when the module  500  is in the unlocked position as further described below. The planetary cage  520  further includes a series of female lock keys  523  which each include a cylindrical chamber  524  into which a resilient body  525  is held. In general, the resilient body  525  is a compression spring that protrudes slightly from the chamber  524  when the spring is uncompressed, which is when the module  500  is in the locked position. Sitting atop each resilient body  525  is a lock ball  530 , typically a ball bearing. Furthermore, a resilient body  525  is located within each of the stud shafts  513  of each of the planetary gears  510 . A lock ball  530  is further located atop each of the resilient bodies  525  located in the stud shafts  513 . An outer planetary guide  535  having a lip  536  is in mechanical contact with the planetary cage  520 . Furthermore, an inner planetary guide  540  having a lip  541  is in mechanical contact with the planetary cage  520 . In this arrangement, the planetary cage  520  is cradled on the lips  536 ,  541  of the outer and inner guides  535 ,  540 . The outer and inner guides  535 ,  540  typically include outer indentations  537 ,  542  having O-rings  538 ,  543 . 
   The module  500  further includes an inner drive lock plate  545  and an outer drive lock plate  550 . The inner and outer drive lock plates  545 ,  550  are generally coplanar and concentric, the inner drive lock plate  545  being concentrically arranged with the outer drive lock plate  550 . The inner drive lock plate  545  includes a series of generally semi-circular indentations  546 . The outer drive lock plate  550  generally includes a series of generally semi-circular indentations  551 . When the module  500  is in the locked position, the lock balls  530  are located between the inner and outer drive lock plates  545 ,  550  and within the indentations  546 , 551 . This location of the lock balls  530  thereby couples the inner and outer drive lock plates  545 ,  550  to one another and prevents them from rotating with respect to one another. It is understood that there is a finite spacing between the concentrically arranged inner and outer drive lock plates  545 ,  550 . A lock release ring  555  is generally arranged just above and generally parallel the inner and outer drive lock plates  545 ,  550 . The lock release ring  555  includes a series of male lock keys  556  that are mated with the female lock keys  523  on the planetary cage  520 . When the module  500  is in the locked position, the male lock keys are generally located adjacent and in between the lock balls  530 . It is appreciated from  FIG. 3  that some of the male lock keys  556  protrude further than other of the male lock keys  556 . In general, there are a number of male lock keys  556  that are positioned above the planetary gears  510  adjacent the lock balls  530  positioned above the planetary gears  510 . The remaining of the male lock keys  556  are positioned adjacent the chambers  524 , the protruding male lock keys  556  being positioned with slots  526  that are coupled to and adjacent the chambers  524 . The male lock keys  556  further include an angled edge  557  that tapers from the connection point of the male locks keys  556  to the lock release ring  555  to the end of the male lock keys  556 . 
   The lock release ring  555  is connected to a shift disk  560  that includes outer engagement teeth  561 . A shift disk guide  565  is in mechanical contact with the shift disk  560 . In general, the shift disk  560  includes and inner lip  562  in which the shift disk guide is in mechanical contact. In a typical embodiment, a bushing  566  is interposed between the shift disk guide  565  and the lip  562  of the shift disk  560 . In addition, the shift disk guide  565  includes an outer indentation  567  in which an O-ring  568  is located. 
   In the fully assembled state, the sun gear  505  is connected to the inner guide  540  from one side as shown. The other side of the sun gear  505  is connected to the inner drive lock plate  545  from the other side. The inner drive lock plate is further connected to the shift disk guide  565 . Each of the sun gear  505 , the inner guide  540 , inner drive lock plate  545  and shift disk guide  565  include through holes  570  into which suitable connection devices  571 , such as screws connect the sun gear  505 , the inner guide  540 , inner drive lock plate  545  and shift disk guide  565  to one another as described. As mentioned above, the sun gear  505  connects directly to the motorcycle wheel hub. This connection is achieved via connections holes  508 . 
   The module  500  further includes a belt/chain sprocket  580  that includes outer sprocket teeth  581  and an inner lip  582 . The sprocket  580  is for direct connection to the belt or chain of the motorcycle  100 , which replaced the prior sheave/sprocket as described above. 
   In the fully assembled state, the outer drive lock plate  550  is connected to one side of the lip  582  of the sprocket  580  as shown. The ring gear  515  is connected to the other side of the lip  582  of the sprocket  580  as shown. The ring gear  515  is further connected to the outer guide  535  of the planetary cage  520 . Each of the ring gear  515 , the outer guide  535 , the outer drive lock plate  550 , and the sprocket  580  include through holes  585  into which suitable connection devices  586 , such as screws connect the ring gear  515 , the outer guide  535 , the outer drive lock plate  550 , and the sprocket  580  connect as described. 
   It is therefore appreciated that the sun gear  505 , the inner guide  540 , inner drive lock plate  545  and shift disk guide  565  are connected together and therefore are effectively a single piece when assembled. This single piece can be considered the inner wheel drive component. In addition, it is further appreciated that the ring gear  515 , the outer guide  535 , the outer drive lock plate  550 , and the sprocket  580  are connected together and therefore also effectively a single piece. This single piece can be considered an outer belt driven component. Furthermore, the lock release ring  555  is connected to the shift disk  560  and therefore are effectively another single piece. This third piece can be considered the shift locking component. The inner wheel drive component and the outer belt driven component are coupled together via the planetary gears  510 , but are inhibited from moving with respect to each other and therefore locked together via the lock balls  530 . In addition, the shift locking component is held adjacent the inner wheel drive component and the outer belt driven component with the lock release ring  555  positioned above the inner and outer drive lock plates  545 ,  550  as described above. Therefore, in this locked position, the module  500  moves as a single unit, virtually identical the prior and replaced sprocket/sheave. Therefore, when installed, the sun gear  505  is connected directly to the motorcycle wheel hub via the through-holes  508  and the belt or chain is placed around the perimeter of the sprocket  580 . In this locked (or forward) state, the module  500  receives drive power from the engine via the belt or chain and power is transferred directly to the wheel as normal. 
     FIG. 3  further illustrates an embodiment of the shift assembly  400 , which generally includes a main body  405  that is adapted to be connected to the swing arm of the motorcycle as described above. The placement of the shift assembly is such that locking teeth  410  of the shift assembly  400  are aligned with the teeth  561  of shift disk  560 . In this way, when a shift knob  300  is engaged by the rider, the locking teeth  410  engage and disengage with the teeth  561  of the shift disk  560 . The knob  300  thereby allows the locking teeth  410  to extend and retract form a portion of the main body  405 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  500  in the locked position. In this locked position, the module  500  rotates as a single unit as described above. Therefore, as shown, the sun gear  505 , attached directly to the hub of the rear wheel, the shift disk guide  565  and the shift disk  565  all rotate together in the normal forward position. Therefore, from the perspective of the motor, the belt/chain and the rest of the motorcycle, there are no functional differences than with the prior sprocket/sheave. The teeth  410  of the shift assembly  400  are shown as disengaged from the teeth  561  of the shift disk  560 . 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  500  in a locked position. The figure illustrates, among other things, the sun gear  505 , the planetary gears  510 , inner bushing  512  and stud shaft  513 , the ring gear  515 , the planetary cage  520 , the inner busing  518  and outer bushing  519 , the resilient bodies  525 , the lock balls  530 , the outer planetary guide  535 , the inner planetary guide  540 , the inner drive lock plate  545  and the outer drive lock plate  550 , the lock release ring  555 , the shift disk  560  and the belt/chain sprocket  580 . The components are connected together as described with respect to  FIG. 3 . In this locked state, the lock balls  530  are held between the inner drive lock plate  545  and the outer drive lock plate  550  that lock all of the components together as a single unit  500 . 
   However, the module  500  can be placed in an unlocked position in which the inner gear system puts the module  500  into a reverse mode. The reverse shift knob  300  can be engaged by the user which activates the shift assembly  400  as is now described. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  500  in an unlocked position. In this unlocked position, the module  500  no longer rotates as a single unit as described above. Since the shift assembly  400  is fixed to the swing arm, the shift disk  560  as well as the lock release ring  555 , which is connected directly to the shift disk  560 , are also now fixed with respect to the swing arm. Therefore, the shift disk  560  no longer rotates. In order to move the motorcycle in reverse, the rider still puts the transmission into gear, preferably the low first gear and then releases the clutch as normal. However, in this reverse unlocked mode, the module  500  now performs uniquely. With the shift disk  560  and therefore the lock release  555  ring in a fixed position, when power is applied to the sprocket  580 , the entire module  500 , except the shift disk  560  and release ring  555 , momentarily moves in the forward direction. However, since the lock release ring  555  is stationary with respect to the rest of the module  500 , the lock balls  530  now push into the male lock keys  556  and along the angled edge  557 . The angled edge  557  therefore redirects the lock balls  530  into the planetary cage  520 , and more specifically into the cylindrical chambers  524  of the female lock keys  523 . For those lock balls  535  positioned over the planetary gears  510 , the lock balls  530  are redirected into the stud shafts  513 . During this redirection, the resilient bodies  525  are compressed. Furthermore, the male lock keys  556  are held within the female lock key slots  526 . This mated engagement further locks the planetary cage  520  into a fixed position, along with the shift disk  560  and the lock release ring  555 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  500  in an unlocked position. The figure illustrates, among other things, the sun gear  505 , the planetary gears  510 , inner bushing  512  and stud shaft  513 , the ring gear  515 , the planetary cage  520 , the inner busing  518  and outer bushing  519 , the resilient bodies  525 , the lock balls  530 , the outer planetary guide  535 , the inner planetary guide  540 , the inner drive lock plate  545  and the outer drive lock plate  550 , the lock release ring  555 , the shift disk  560  and the belt/chain sprocket  580 . The components are connected together as described with respect to  FIG. 3 . In this unlocked state, the lock balls  530  are now unlocked from between the inner drive lock plate  545  and the outer drive lock plate  550  and held within the chambers  524  and stud shafts  513  as described above. The inner drive lock plate  545  and the outer drive lock plate  550  are now free to move with respect to each other. 
   As described above, the sun gear  505 , the inner guide  540 , inner drive lock plate  545  and shift disk guide  565  are connected together as the inner wheel drive component. In addition, the ring gear  515 , the outer guide  535 , the outer drive lock plate  550 , and the sprocket  580  are connected together as the outer belt driven component. The lock release ring  555  is connected to the shift disk  560  as the shift locking component. In addition, the planetary cage  520  is fixed to the shift locking component. In addition, the inner wheel drive component and the outer belt driven component are coupled together via the planetary gears  510 . With the lock balls  530  removed, the inner wheel drive components and the outer belt driven component can now move independently of each other but be coupled by the planetary gears  510 , which are held fixed in the planetary chambers  522  but free to rotate within the chambers  522 . In a typical embodiment, the bushings  518 ,  519 ,  560  are a heat resistant material that dissipates heat rapidly, such as Teflon, to withstand the frictional heat now present between the inner wheel drive component, the outer belt driven component and the shift locking component. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 15 , the essential components are now discussed that result in a reverse motion. In the reverse mode, the belt or chain  125  applies power from the motor to the sprocket  580  as normal, in the direction indicated by arrow A. This power is directed immediately to the outer drive lock plate  550  and thus to the ring gear  515 . The teeth  516  of the ring gear  515  are in engagement with the teeth  511  of the planetary gears  510 . Therefore, the power of the ring gear  515  is immediately transferred to the planetary gears  510 , rotating them in the direction indicated by arrow B. The teeth  511  of the planetary gears  510  are engaged with the teeth  506  of the sun gear  505 , which rotates the sun gear  505  in the direction indicated by arrow C, which is in the opposite direction of the applied power in the direction indicated by arrow A. Since the sun gear  505  is attached directly to the rear wheel of the motorcycle, the rear wheel now moves in reverse under the power normally directed into the forward direction. Therefore, from the perspective of the motor, the belt/chain and the rest of the motorcycle, there are still no functional differences than with the prior sprocket/sheave, except the reverse power is available when the shift assembly  400  is engaged with the shift disk  560 . 
   When the rider no longer desires the reverse direction, the rider engages the shift knob  300  which removes the locking teeth  410  from engagement with the teeth  561  on the shift disk  560 . Since the lock balls  530  are spring loaded, they typically restore to their position between the inner drive lock plate  545  and the outer drive lock plate  550 , thereby locking the module  500  once again for forward motion. 
   Alternate Embodiment 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the constituent components of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  600 , and an embodiment of a corresponding shift assembly  700 . In general, the embodiment now described implements the same basic planetary system as with the other embodiments described above. The shift assembly  700  is connected to the strut/swing arm of the motorcycle similarly to the embodiments described above. The shift assembly generally includes a main body  705  and lock pin  710  that is spring loaded by spring  715 . 
   In general, a wheel hub inner bearing housing  605  is connected to the rear wheel of the motorcycle. An outer cover  606  rests against the housing  605 . An outer sprocket  610  similarly accepts the belt/chain of the motorcycle. A drive plate  615  is connected to a drive plate lock gear  620 . The drive plate  615  includes a stationary cam  616  in engagement with a moveable cam  617  that is connected to a drive lock shift lever  625 . A compression spring  630  typically keeps the cams  616 ,  617  engaged when the module  600  is in the locked position and moves together as a single unit. A planetary drive lock ring  650  is further connected to the drive plate  615 . 
   An inner planetary ring  635  is connected to the wheel hub inner bearing housing  605 . An outer planetary ring  640  is connected to the outer sprocket  610 . Planetary gears  645  are interposed and in engagement with the inner and outer planetary rings  635 ,  640 . The planetary gears  645  include stud shaft  646  that are connected to the drive plate  615  and the drive plate lock gear  620 . In the locked position, the drive plate lock gear  620  is in engagement with the outer planetary ring  640 . 
   When the rider engages the shift knob  300 , a cable pulls the drive lock shift lever  625  which rotates the moveable cam  617  which rotates with respect to the fixed cam  616 , thereby pulling the drive plate  615 , drive plate lock gear  620  and planetary drive lock ring  650 . This lifting action disengages the drive plate lock gear  620  from the outer planetary ring  640 . During this lifting process, a number of indentations  651  on the planetary drive lock ring are also lifted toward the locking pin  710  of the shift assembly. After either a direct engagement or a small rotation, the locking pin engages with one of the indentations  651  thereby holding the drive plate  615 , drive plate lock gear  620  and planetary drive lock ring  650  fixed with respect to the strut. Since the stud shafts  646  are also connected to the drive plate  615 , drive plate lock gear  620  and planetary drive lock ring  650 , the planetary gears  645  are also held stationary. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 15 , the essential components are now discussed that result in a reverse motion. In the reverse mode, the belt or chain  125  applies power from the motor to the sprocket  610  as normal, in the direction indicated by arrow A. This power is directed immediately to the outer planetary ring  640 . The teeth  641  of the outer planetary ring  640  are in engagement with the teeth  647  of the planetary gears  645 . Therefore, the power of the outer planetary ring  640  is immediately transferred to the planetary gears  645 , rotating them in the direction indicated by arrow B. The teeth  647  of the planetary gears  645  are engaged with the teeth  636  of the inner planetary ring  635 , which rotates the inner planetary ring  635  in the direction indicated by arrow C, which is in the opposite direction of the applied power in the direction indicated by arrow A. Since the inner planetary ring  635  is attached to the wheel hub inner bearing housing  605  that is directly to the rear wheel of the motorcycle, the rear wheel now moves in reverse under the power normally directed into the forward direction. Therefore, from the perspective of the motor, the belt/chain and the rest of the motorcycle, there are still no functional differences than with the prior sprocket/sheave, except the reverse power is available when the shift assembly  700  is engaged with the planetary drive lock ring  650 . 
   The following figures illustrate the module  600  in the locked position.  FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  600  in a locked position.  FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  600  in a locked position, showing the planetary drive lock ring  650  removed from the locking pin  700 .  FIG. 11  illustrates another top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  600  in a locked position. 
   The following figures illustrate the module  600  in the unlocked position.  FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  600  in an unlocked position.  FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  600  in an unlocked position, showing the planetary drive lock ring  650  lifted from the module  600  as described above and engaged with the locking pin  700 .  FIG. 14  illustrates another top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub assembly apparatus  600  in an unlocked position. 
   The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.