Abstract:
A Tread Wheel Frame System drives a human-powered cycle by means of a tread wheel driving a tread of a drive wheel of a cycle rather than driving a drive wheel hub, as conventional cycles do. Most of the driving mechanism, including the tread wheel, a speed ratio mechanism, shifting means, and a power unit device, are safely located above the level of a cycle s axles where they are less likely to encounter accidental impact. The tread wheel with the power unit device also does the braking, which eliminates the need for caliper brakes or hub brakes. Accordingly, a drive wheel is lighter, without the need for a heavy hub, or a heavy rim to withstand the wear and heat of friction of caliper brakes. The tread wheel frame is uniquely designed and engineered to be light, yet strong where needed. The best mode includes many features an energy recapture and storage system that saves energy that would be lost in braking, for assisting in going up hills, thigh levers, extendable pedal cranks for providing more pedal leverage, a frame extension that has no cross bar, and foot room to allow easy, low-level, mounting and dismounting, retractable stand, lean-on device, adjustable steering, and low-mass suspension.

Description:
SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser No. 09/225,090 filed Jan. 4, 1999 entitled “Tread Wheel Frame System”, filed in the United States by the same inventor, Stephen S Jenkins, and has the same effect and scope as the prior application, subject to amendments and additions herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to human-powered cycles  
         BACKGROLND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Early vehicles called velocipedes had no brakes or drive mechanism. Later, single speed bicycles featured a “coaster brake” in a rear wheel hub, and a drive mechanism. In Britain, where hills were common, a transmission occupied the rear wheel hub, so braking was moved to wheel rims. For hills a drive mechanism evolved to a multiple speed “derailleur” mounted a few inches off the ground, victim to water, mud, weeds, rocks, and other debris. One improvement of the present invention is that the drive mechanism is mounted safely above the level of axles. Other improvements provide solutions to problems of squealing, chattering, abrading, dragging, uneven, awkward caliper brakes, uncomfortable tissue-damaging saddles, hard ride, waste of operator&#39;s energy output, vehicle falling over, jarring ride, and the intimidating awkwardness of swinging one&#39;s leg over a crossbar, and the tyranny of being trapped astride.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0004]    The feather-soft-ride Tread Wheel Frame System solves many of the drawbacks of cycling that inhibit people from enjoying the remarkable thrill of cycling along quietly under their own power. The high location of the drive mechanism reduces concerns and repairs. The saddle has no horn to damage vital tissues and adjacent thigh levers recover energy and relieve some stress on knees. The stand parks the frame upright. Back stress is reduced by an adjustable lean-on device and by adjustable steering. The absence of a crossbar provides for easy mounting and anxious-free riding which will attract more potential riders. An energy recapture system saves energy normally wasted, such as braking and shock absorbing, and stores this energy in weightless form until it is efficiently used to assist pedaling up hills. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]    [0005]FIG. 1 b  and FIG. 1 c  are respectively LH and RH half views of FIG. 1 a.    
         [0006]    [0006]FIG. 2 is a rear elevation cross-section view of a two-cylinder power unit in contact with a tread wheel.  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of a “derailleur” type shift mechanism, and of controlling fittings supporting respective ends of an axle, with a pulley cluster driving a tread wheel by means of a ratchet as shown in FIG. 9 a.    
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 4 a  is a side elevation cross-section view of a pump saddle, and an adjacent thigh lever pump.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 4 b  is a front elevation exploded view of a thigh lever releasably connected to a shaft of a thigh lever pump.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 5 a  is a side elevation view of a spring-loaded rod connection.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 b  is a rear elevation view of two U-shaped rod-driven ratcheting levers, each straddling a ratchet wheel connected to a center portion of a crank axle supported by a hub mounted above two frame members.  
         [0012]    FIG  5   c  is an enlarged side elevation cross-section view of a U-shaped ratcheting lever, engaged with a portion of a ratcheting wheel of FIG. 5 b , showing spring-loaded ratchet pawls that back off one notch under adjustable pressure.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 a  is a side elevation cross-section view of a pin formed on end of inner shaft of extendable pedal crank passing through a crank axle.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 b  shows FIG  6   a  where pin is released from crank axle, thereby allowing a ratcheting action by the pedal cranks, which action rotates the crank axle  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 c  is a front elevation cross-section view of ratchet of FIG. 6 a  and FIG. 6 b.    
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 d  is an inner elevation cross-section view of ratchet of FIG. 6 c.    
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of extendable swivel, controlling motion of extended pedal cranks so that as one arcs downward the other is lifted upward, and of a limiting device swung into position, to limit pedal crank from striking ground.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of friction wheel brake showing spring-loaded friction wheel actuated through the hollow of a steerer tube.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 a  is a rear elevation cross-section view of a power unit device(diaphragm pump mode) built into a tread wheel to save weight and space.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 b  is a view of a drive of FIG. 9 a  showing a loop channel for a ball.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 is a front elevation cross-section view of a vertical support container showing a two-legged stand in support mode, and retracted mode in ghost.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 11 is a plan view of a spline axle connecting spring-loaded adjustable axle levers, to move in unison.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  shows the considered best mode where the fundamental Tread Wheel Frame System is enhanced by additional frame configuration, and ancillary structures to add comfort, safety, reliability, efficiency, and energy storage and recovery. Tread Wheel  1  rotates on adjustable axle  2  which controls tread wheel  1  drive of drive wheel  3 , which has no rim, by controlling means  4   a  and  4   b , including fittings, which are connected respectively to rear frame members  5   a  and  5   b , upper ends of which are connected respectively to the upper portions of substantially vertical frame members  9   a  and  9   b , whose upper ends are connected to saddle tube  8  which is shaped like an inverted Y. The lower ends of rear frame members  5   a  and  5   b  are connected respectively to the rear portions of lower frame members  6   a  and  6   b , whose middle portions are connected to the lower ends of substantially vertical frame members  9   a  and  9   b.  Drive wheel axle  7  of drive wheel  3  is detachably connected to the rear portions of lower frame members  6   a  and  6   b , whose middle portions are connected to hub assembly  16 , which has bearings supporting the rotation of crank axle  17 . Driving means, to utilize the power of a pedaling motion, include pedals  13   a  and  13   b , pedal cranks  14   a  and  14   b , crank axle  17 , and drive pulley  15 . They drive power transmission means  18 , including a drive belt, connecting drive pulley  15  to speed ratio mechanism  10 , including a pulley cluster, rotatably mounted on adjustable axle  2 . Transmitting means  11 , including a ratchet integral with speed ratio mechanism  10  drives tread wheel  1 , which drives drive wheel  3 , which moves the cycle. Speed ratio mechanism  10 , is shifted by shifting means  12 , including a derailleur, mounted on the middle portion of rear frame member  5   a.  FIG. 3 shows symbolic examples of tread wheel  1 , adjustable axle  2 , controlling means  4   a  and  4   b , speed ratio mechanism  10 , and shifting means  12 . Cycle braking is accomplished by power unit device  20  connected to saddle tube  8 , in contact with tread wheel  1 . FIG. 2 shows a symbolic example of a power unit device FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  show the front portions of lower frame members  6   a  and  6   b  connected to frame fitting  30 , which has retaining pins  32   a  a d  32   b  for releasably holding substantially vertical support container  31  inside. This permits easy disassembly for putting cycle in automobile trunk. The lower end of sloping frame member  35  is connected to the upper portion of substantially vertical support container  31 , and the upper end is connected to steering tube  41 . Power lever device  40  to operate power unit device  20 , and shift lever device  29  to operate shifting means  12 , are connected to the upper portion of sloping frame member  35  for accessible, simple, operation. Adjustable single steering fitting  36  is rotatably connected to steering tube  41 .  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  shows reservoir  22  connected to air tube bracket  23 , which is connected to saddle tube  8 . Stem valve  25  and air pressure gauge  24  are connected to air tube bracket  23  to introduce and monitor air pressure for reservoir  22 .  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  show power unit device controlling means  21 , connected to the middle portion of saddle tube  8 , which controls power unit device  20 , including controlling air pressure. Shutting off air pressure prevents power unit device  20  from turning which brakes tread wheel  1  and drive wheel  3 . Restricting air pressure flow from power unit device  20  while cycling downhill gives gentle braking and pumps air pressure into reservoir  22  for recapture and storing energy. Air pressure stored in reservoir  22  directed to power unit device  20 , by power unit device controlling means  21 , assists pedaling up hills.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  show pump saddle  26  and thigh lever pump  27  detachably connected to the upper portion of saddle tube  8 . Thigh levers  28   a  and  28   b , detachably engaged to spring-loaded spline shaft  48  of thigh lever pump  27 , are operated by the thigh action of a cycle operator to generate air pressure. A cycle operator moving up and down on pump saddle  26  generates air pressure. FIG. 4 a  shows a symbolic example of saddle pump  26  and thigh lever pump  27 . FIG. 4 b  shows a symbolic example of thigh lever  28   a  detached from spring-loaded spline shaft  48 . Air pressure generated is stored in reservoir  22 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 a  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  show retractable stand  33  extended from substantially vertical support container  31  to hold a cycle upright. FIG. 10 also shows it retracted inside, in ghost. An adjustable lean-on device  34  is detachably connected to the upper end of substantially vertical support container  31  which provides comfort. Friction wheel brake  39  operated through steering tube  41  provides gentle braking control that will not lock up and throw a cycle operator forward. FIG. 8 shows the knee-action that keeps friction wheel brake  39  in contact, even with the flexing of spring-loaded adjustable axle levers  37   a  and  37   b.    
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  show steering forks  47  rotatably mounted to steering tube  41  and controlled by adjustable single steering fitting  36 . Spring-loaded adjustable axle levers  37   a  and  37   b  are pivotably mounted to distal ends of steering forks  47  to provide a cushioned ride. FIG. 11 shows spline axle  38  locking spring-loaded adjustable axle levers  37   a  and  37   b  in travel unison.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  show pedal cranks  14   a  and  14   b  that quickly and easily telescope and extend to provide more leverage for climbing hills. FIG. 6 a  shows pedal crank  14   a  retracted for normal use where a pin formed on the end of the inner portion of pedal crank  14   a  engages an opening in the end of crank axle  17 . FIG. 6 b  shows pedal crank  14   a  extended floor hill-climbing use where the inner portion of pedal crank  14   a  is disengaged from crank axle  17 , which is now driven by ratchet  50  shown in FIG. 6 c.  Locking means  49  locates pedal crank  14   a  in either retracted position or extended position. Regulating means  19 , in combination with extended pedal cranks  14   a  and  14   b , confine a ratcheting action to a forward quarter-turn, which is the most effective quadrant of pedaling. FIG. 7 shows the extendable swivel of regulating means  19  connected to extended pedal cranks  14   a  and  14   b  and defines a teeter-totter motion of pedals  13   a  and  13   b  that is similar to climbing stairs, and is just as easy. The lower portion of regulating means  19  is a limiting device that blocks the teeter-totter motion from traveling too low.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 1 a,  FIG. 1 b,  and FIG. 1 c  show drive wheel  3 , which does not need a rim for caliper brakes to brake against, because tread wheel  1  brakes the tread of drive wheel  3 , not a rim. Therefore low mass drive wheel  3  contributes to a low unsprung mass (the mass that reacts directly, up and down, to bumps), resulting in a soft ride Braking is accomplished by shutting off air pressure to power unit device  20  which traps air inside. This trapped cushion of air prevents power unit device  20  from turning, which prevents tread wheel  1  from turning, which prevents drive wheel  3  from turning This air cushion braking is the finest form of braking. It is gentle, it is smooth, it runs cool because there is no harsh, noisy, damaging, friction, as with caliper braking, it is quiet, and it lasts indefinitely.  
       Other Modes  
       [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 a , FIG. 5 b,  and FIG. 5 c  show a mode that reduces the stress on knees, a suitable mode for long rides, rolling hills, and unconditioned cycle operators. FIG. 5 a  shows the upper end of spring-loaded rod  43   a  connected to the pivoting rear end of thigh lever  28   a.  FIG. 5 b  shows the lower ends of spring-loaded rods  43   a  and  43   b  pivotably connected respectively to the end portions of pivoting U-shaped ratchet levers  44   a  and  44   b  which urge in turn respectively crank-axle-mounted ratchet wheels  45   a  and  45   b  which rotates crank axle  17 . FIG. 5 c  shows adjusting means  46   a  and  46   b,  including spring-loaded pawls, of pivoting U-shaped ratchet levers  44   a  and  44   b , that back off under pre-determined pressure. A cycle operator&#39;s thigh action exerts half the pressure on thigh levers  28   a  and  28   b  and half the pressure on knees. Adjusting means  46   a  and  46   b  maintains this division of pressure, as shown in FIG. 5 c , by the part of a pawl in contact, releasing at a pre-determined pressure which allows another part of the pawl to engage contact later. In this manner, thigh levers  28   a  and  28   b  cannot exceed half the pressure of the thigh action. This is necessary because at least half the pressure is needed to keep a cycle operator&#39;s feet on pedals  13   a  and  13   b.    
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 a  shows power unit device  20  integral with tread wheel  1  on adjustable axle  2 . Speed ratio mechanism  10 , also on adjustable axle  2 , drives transmitting means  11 , including a ratchet, which drives tread wheel  1 , which drives drive wheel  3 . When cycle operator chooses to assist this drive, air pressure from reservoir  22  forces the diaphragm of power unit device  20  along adjustable axle  2 , which is fixed from rotating, thereby forcing ball  51  along fixed loop channel  52 , shown in FIG. 9 b.  This forces power unit device  20  integral with tread wheel  1  to rotate, thereby assisting driving drive wheel  3 .  
       Operation or Function  
       [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 shows the considered best mode where the basic Tread Wheel Frame System is enhanced by an additional frame configuration with no top tube (cross bar), and foot room for easy mounting and dismounting; frame separation capability for fitting in an auto trunk; hidden stand; lean-on device, simple controls (power and shift), adjustable handlebars, gentle brake, and soft ride FIG. 1 shows human-powered drive group including: pedals, crank arms, and drive pulley, rotating on a hub, driving a quiet, grease-free, rust-free belt, driving a pulley cluster shifted by a derailleur, a ratchet in the pulley cluster driving a large tread wheel; driving a drive wheel of a cycle. The pulley cluster, derailleur, power unit device, and tread wheel enjoy a high location, safe from rocks and ground debris. FIG. 1 shows a lightweight energy recapture group includes: a safe ripstop nylon reservoir that will leak when punctured but will not pop, a large tread wheel that will not slip when wet as will a small diameter wheel, a saddle pump, and a thigh lever pump driven by thigh action of a cycle operator, to supply air pressure to the reservoir, a power unit device that uses the recaptured air pressure energy to assist pedaling up hills. This power unit device also pumps air pressure during gentle braking down hills, and stops rotating for firm, cool, braking.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 shows telescoping pedal cranks that extend to provide more leverage, more effectively, for climbing steep hills. The pedal cranks are controlled to only a forward quarter-turn ratcheting action as defined by an extendable swivel, and limited from striking the ground. This forward ratcheting action simulates the same motions as climbing up stairs, and with the same ease.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 1 also shows a rimless wheel on a minimum mass suspension thereby achieving a minimum unsprung mass. This provides a soft ride. This advanced concept wheel is made possible by tread wheel drive that does not require heavy rims for inefficient braking, and heavy hubs for driving.  
       Other Modes  
       [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 a , FIG. 5 b , and FIG. 5 c  show a human-powered driving mechanism that reduces the stress on a cycle operator&#39;s knees. This concept is appropriate for long rides, rolling hills, and unconditioned cycle operators. A cycle operator&#39;s thigh action operates thigh levers that drive ratchets mounted directly to a crank axle. Pawls of the ratchets back off a notch under pre-determined pressure, so that the stress on the cycle operator&#39;s knees remains at about 50%. This percentage is necessary to keep a cycle operator&#39;s feet from slipping off the pedals. The effect is remarkable and generates enthusiasm for riding longer distances with more enjoyment.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 9 a  and FIG  9   b  show a mode where a power unit device is integral with a tread wheel, which reduces mass, and takes up less room.  
       Conclusions  
       [0038]    There has always been a need for a lightweight human-powered transportation device to extend the range of walking, and better the speed to save time. Now environment protection emphasizes the need for non-polluting transportation. A comfortable, simple to operate, easy to mount and dismount, transportation device extends the spectrum of users to casual, weekend athletes. There is a need for lightweight energy recovery, and energy storage until useful. So much of an operator&#39;s energy is wasted, and effort stressed unnecessarily. By insight, hard work, and good fortune, this novel invention has been inspired to satisfy all these needs to an extent never before thought possible. Concentrated urban areas will benefit the most, as people who would normally drive their cars discover the incomparable exhilaration of rushing along silently under their own power  
         [0039]    Of course claims define scope, and elements of this disclosure include all the undisclosed parts necessary for their function. All possible combinations apply  
       Reference List  
       [0040]    [0040] 1  tread wheel  2  adjustable axle  3  drive wheel  4   a  and  4   b  controlling means  5   a  and  5   b  rear frame members  6   a  and  6   b  lower frame members  7  drive wheel axle  8  saddle tube (Inverted Y shape)  9   a  and  9   b  substantially vertical frame members  10  speed ratio mechanism (pulley cluster)  11  transmitting means (a pulley cluster ratchet driving a tread wheel)  12  shifting means (derailleur)  13   a  and  13   b  pedals  14   a  and  14   b  pedal cranks  15  drive pulley  16  hub assembly  17  crank axle  18  power transmission means (drive belt)  19  regulating means (extendable swivel connects to extended cranks to restrict pedals to a teeter-totter motion, and a limiting device)  20  power unit device(to brake, drive, or pump air)  21  power unit device controlling means (controlling fitting)  22  reservoir (to store air pressure)  23  air tube bracket (supports reservoir and conducts air pressure)  24  air pressure gauge  25  stem valve (tire stem valve)  26  pump saddle (with no saddle horn)  27  thigh lever pump  28   a  and  28   b  thigh levers (operated by cycle operator&#39;s thigh action)  29  shift lever device(for derailleur)  30  frame fitting (releasably holding substantially vertical support container)  31  substantially vertical support container (contains retractable stand and supports adjustable lean-on device)  32   a  and  32   b  retaining pins (to hold together the two halves of a cycle)  33  retractable stand (to extend, and support a cycle upright)  34  lean-on device (adjustable, and detachable from support container, to support cycle operator)  35  sloping frame member  36  adjustable single steering fitting  37   a  and  37   b  spring-loaded adjustable axle levers  38  spline axle  39  friction wheel brake  40  power lever device (connected to upper portion of said sloping frame member, to operate a power unit device, to control said tread wheel)  41  steering tube  42  steering forks  43   a  and  43   b  spring-loaded rods  44   a  and  44   b  pivoting U-shaped ratchet levers  45   a  and  45   b  crank-axle-mounted ratchet wheels  46   a  and  46   b  adjusting means (pawls to back off under pre-determined pressure)  47  steering forks  48  spring-loaded spline shaft  49  locking means  50  ratchet  51  ball  52  loop channel.