Abstract:
An apparatus for producing and storing electrical energy includes a conventional bicycle having a plurality of gear ratios and a generator that includes a drive roller on a shaft that is in frictional engagement with an outer circumference of a rear tire of the bicycle. The bicycle is adapted for stationary use with a stand or independent use without the stand and is capable of producing electricity in either case. The generator charges a battery that may be transported with the bicycle. An inverter converts DC into AC. A mass is optionally added to a bicycle crank or wheel to smooth out the pedaling process. A pivoting modified stand is described.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention, in general relates to electrical generators and, more particularly, to bicycles that are capable of generating electric energy when pedaled. 
   The use of a bicycle to generate electricity is, to some degree, known. However, current and prior designs have certain limitations. 
   For example, current known designs offer only one speed, thereby only one range of resistance, subject only to the speed of pedaling and the load on the generator. A wide range is required. For example, a young person of limited physical strength is in need of a gear ratio that permits as easy pedaling as possible (i.e., a high gear ratio resulting in less revolutions of the generator per revolution of the bicycle pedal). Whereas, a strong athletic person needs a much lower gear ratio if they are to receive a proper workout. 
   Therefore, there is a need for multiple speeds. 
   An additional problem that multiple speeds would solve is that it would permit a user to initiate usage by beginning in a low gear, one that is easy to pedal. As speed increases, the gear could be changed to accommodate the higher speed. 
   Also, if additional electrical load were placed on the system, the gear could be lowered for easier pedaling. This would allow the non-athletic person to utilize the system even when there was a substantial electrical load and therefore, substantial mechanical resistance. 
   Also, the way the alternator is driven is important for a variety of reasons. Prior art designs that utilize a belt drive, for example, waste energy. It also makes the bicycle difficult to disconnect, if necessary, from its charging station. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for an improved drive system. 
   There is also a need for a battery gauge to indicate the level of charge stored in a DC battery. 
   An especially important need is that of using the bicycle as a bicycle when it is desired, one that does not provide any resistance from the generator. To accomplish this, the bicycle must be readily separable from the stand (i.e., charging station) to which it is supported. 
   Another especially important need is that when a bicycle is being ridden on the road, there are times when it is desirable to generate electricity, for example, when coasting downhill, and times when it is inappropriate to generate electricity, for example, when pedaling up a steep hill. It is desirable to provide a bicycle that can be adjusted to generate and store electricity or not when it is being ridden on the road. 
   Another problem is that the load placed on the rider when generating electricity provides uneven resistance to pedaling. For example, when the pedals are straight up and down, it is especially difficult to maintain rotation of the crank (that part to which the pedals are attached). 
   Accordingly, there exists today a need for an electric generating convertible bicycle that helps to ameliorate the above-mentioned difficulties. 
   Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device. 
   2. Description of Prior Art 
   Generating systems are, in general, known. For example, the following patents describe various types of these devices: 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,224 to Gagne, May 8, 2001; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,986 to Chen, Nov. 26, 1996; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,859 to Tagney, Jr., Oct. 12, 1993; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,865 to Auspurger et al., Sep. 24, 1991; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,047 to Hall, Jan. 21, 1983; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,893 to Holmes, Nov. 3, 1981; and 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,210,634 to Stern, Oct. 5, 1965; and 
   Foreign Patent No. JP 357186006A to Nakamatsu, published date Nov. 16, 1982; and 
   Foreign Patent No. DE 019515597A1 to Werfel, Rath, and Beyer, published date Nov. 28, 1996. 
   While the structural arrangements of the above described devices, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that is readily convertible from an electric generating station to a bicycle that is capable of being ridden. 
   It is also an important object of the invention to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a plurality of speeds for use in driving a generator. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a plurality of speeds for use in driving a generator which can be changed during use. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a roller attached to a generator and adapted for contact with a rear wheel of the bicycle. 
   Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a battery gauge. 
   Yet another important object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that does not require a great deal of time to disconnect from a charging station for use as a conventional type of a bicycle. 
   Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that can be used in remote locations or impoverished areas that do not have electricity available to generate conventional alternating current, such as 120 VAC. 
   Still one further important object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that can be used for electrical generation needs during power outages. 
   Still one further useful object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that can be used to generate and accumulate electrical energy when the bicycle is being ridden on the road. 
   Still one more further and useful object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that can be adapted to generate and accumulate electrical energy when the bicycle is being ridden on the road at certain times under discretion of a rider and prevented from doing so at other times. 
   Still one additional object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a crank that had a mass attached thereto sufficient to add inertia to the crank. 
   Still one further object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a wheel that had a mass attached thereto sufficient to add inertia to the system. 
   Still a second further object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a stand that is adapted to convert by pivoting from a first position for use as a fixed electrical power generating station into a second position for use as a portable electrical power generating station. 
   Still a third further object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a stand that is adapted to convert by pivoting from a first position for use as a fixed electrical power generating station into a second position for use as a conventional bicycle. 
   Still a fourth further object of the invention is to provide an electric generating convertible bicycle that includes a modified pair of nuts on a rear axle that are adapted to secure a pivoting stand thereto. 
   Briefly, an electric generating convertible bicycle that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a conventional generator/alternator with a roller attached to a shaft that is pivotally attached above a rear wheel of a multiple speed bicycle. The output of the generator is fed to a 12 volt battery. The output of the battery is provided to an inverter which supplies useful 120 VAC electrical power. The bicycle is adapted for stationary attachment to a generating station and is adapted for quick removal and for use on the road. A mass is attached to the crank thereby acting as a flywheel or to the rear wheel. A pivoting modified stand is described that permits pivoting of the stand from a first stationary position into a second mobile position. When the stand is disposed in the first stationary position the bicycle remains in a fixed position and is a self-contained electrical power generating and storage system. When the stand is disposed in the second mobile position the bicycle is a mobile self-contained electrical power generating and storage system that can be enabled for electrical power generation and storage or disabled by a flick of a switch. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of an electric generating convertible bicycle on a generating station. 
       FIG. 2  is a view in perspective of a stand partially shown in FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a view in perspective of an alternate embodiment of a stand partially shown in FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view in cross-section of a portion of a rear axle bolt and modified nut assembly of the stand of FIG.  3 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1  is shown, an electric generating convertible bicycle that, identified in general by the reference numeral  10 . 
   A conventional multiple speed bicycle  12  includes a gear selection lever  14  and cable  16  that leads to a drive gear  18  disposed on the far side of the bicycle  12 . The cable  16  is used to change the drive gear  18  (larger to smaller or opposite) or alternatively, it goes to a driven gear  20  which is similarly changed. It may also go to an internal mechanism in the rear hub. What is important is that the bicycle  12  must include some method for changing an overall gear ratio when it is used. 
   The bicycle  12  includes a front wheel  22  that is in contact with a ground surface. 
   Attached to a shaft that is driven by, or drives, the drive gear  18  is a mass  24 . The mass  24  adds rotational inertia to the drive gear  18  when it is being pedaled. The mass  24  can be attached to a crank, thereby acting as a flywheel. This smoothes out the generation of electrical power and it also provides a smoother ride on the road, an unexpected benefit that is described in greater detail hereinafter. A modified mass  24   a  may also be attached to a rear wheel  34  to further increase rotational inertia. 
   A chain  26  passes over the drive and driven gears  18 ,  20  as is well known in the bicycle arts. 
   A stand  28  includes a first upright member  30  and a second upright member  32  on an opposite side of the rear wheel  34 . 
   The first upright member  30  and the second upright member  32  are attached (welded) to a bottom member  36  that rests on the ground surface (floor). 
   The stand  28  and its component parts are described in greater detail hereinafter. 
   A horizontal generator support member  38  is attached to a bracket  40  that clamps to a conventional pair of rear frame members  42  of the bicycle  12 . The horizontal generator support member  38  helps retain a generator  44  in position over the rear wheel  34 . 
   A roller  46  is attached to a shaft that drives the generator  44 . The roller  46  is preferably about three inches in diameter and made of metal, rubber, urethane, or other material with a high coefficient of friction. 
   During use as a generator, the bicycle  12  is mounted by a rider (not shown) and the gear selection lever  14  is set to achieve the desired gear ratio. A pair of pedals  48  are then urged by the rider&#39;s feet to rotate in a conventional manner thereby causing the rear wheel  34  to rotate in the direction shown by arrow  50 . 
   This causes the roller  46  to rotate in a direction opposite that of the arrow  50 . Depending upon the gear ratio, the speed of pedaling, and the load experienced by the generator  44 , a particular level of current and voltage is provided to a battery  52 . 
   Voltage and current regulators, well known in the generating arts, can be attached to the generator  44  or contained within it. 
   Also, the term generator  44  is intended to include any device capable of generating electricity, for example any type of an alternator. Typically, the voltage that is produced by the generator  44  is regulated to approximately fourteen volts (to optimally charge a twelve volt lead-acid battery  52 ). 
   If a different type of a battery (not shown) is used, then the voltage produced is changed accordingly. The intention is to select the electrical components so as to produce a current and voltage output from the generator  44  that is optimally balanced to best charge the battery  52 . 
   The output of the battery  52  (DC) is fed to an inverter  54 . The inverter  54  converts or inverts the DC voltage and current input into a conventional alternating voltage and current output. This output will vary depending upon where the electric generating convertible bicycle  10  is used. In the U.S. an output of 120 VAC at 60 cycles per second is preferred. 
   A lamp  56  is shown with a conventional 120 VAC plug  58  for connection to a duplex receptacle  60  of the inverter  54 . In this mode, the electric generating convertible bicycle  10  is stationary, it cannot move along the ground as it is supported by the stand  28  and its front wheel  22 . When pedaled, electricity is generated and fed to the battery  52 . This energy can be used simultaneous with the actual pedaling or it can be stored in the battery  52  for later use. It is also possible to disconnect the battery  52  from the inverter  54  if the 12 VDC output of the battery  52  is required (instead of the 120 VAC output of the inverter  54 ). 
   Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , the first upright member  30  includes preferably a U-shaped opening  62  at the top. It could, of course, include a simple hole (not shown) instead of the U-shaped opening  62  for reasons as are described below. The second upright member  32  includes an axle hole  64  that is parallel (with respect to a height above the floor) to the U-shaped opening  64 . 
   To attach the bicycle to the stand  28 , an axle  66  on rear wheel  34  is loosened (i.e., two nuts [not shown] one on each side) and a distal one of the two nuts is removed. The axle  66 , with the distal nut having first been removed, is placed through the axle hole  64 . The opposite side (i.e., the proximate side as shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the axle  66  is deposited on the U-shaped opening  62 . The distal nut is then attached to the axle  66 . Both nuts are then tightened thereby securing both the bicycle  12  frame and rear wheel  34  to the stand  28 . If the U-shaped opening  62  is replaced by a second axle hole, then the axle  66  would have to be threaded through a hub of the rear wheel  34  as well as through both axles&#39; holes  64 . 
   The second upright member  32  extends upward beyond the axle  66  and intersects with an end of the horizontal support member  38 . A bolt hole at the upper end of the second upright member  32  aligns with a bolt hole at the end of the horizontal support member  38 . A generator bolt  68  passes through both holes and a hole in the generator  44  case to secure the generator  44  in position. 
   A triangle is formed by the second upright member  32 , the horizontal support member  38  and the pair of rear frame members  42  that retain the generator  44  in the proper position so that proper amount of friction is maintained by the roller  46  on the outside surface of the tire on the rear wheel  34 . The shape of the triangle can be changed by movement of the bracket  40  up or down along the rear frame members  42  and also by using a different mounting hole  70  that can also be provided in the second upright member  32 . This is useful to accommodate bicycles  12  having different sizes for the rear wheel  34 . 
   If desired, wing nut(s) can be used to retain the bracket  40  to the rear frame members  42 . When the bicycle is to be removed from the stand  28  for “stand-alone” use as a conventional bicycle (i.e., ridden on the road), the nuts that retain the axle  66  are loosened as are the nuts or wing nuts that retain the bracket  40  to the pair of rear frame members  42 . The bicycle  12  is removed from the stand  28 , leaving all of the electrical components behind. The nuts that secure the axle  66  are tightened and the bicycle  12  is ready for independent use. To again install the bicycle on the stand  28 , the process steps are repeated in reverse. 
   As such, an electric generating convertible bicycle  10  is provided. When attached to the stand  28  it can be used to charge the battery  52  for instantaneous or future use. When disconnected from the stand  28 , it can be used for normal transportation. Changing the gear ratio provides optimum use both on the road and when charging the battery  52 . 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , if desired, according to a modification the battery  52  can be downsized to include a smaller size and weight and attached to the bicycle  12 , whether the bicycle  12  is on or off the stand  28 . A simple plate and strap (not shown) attached to the horizontal support member  38 , for example, could be used to retain the battery  52 . 
   In this instance, when the bicycle  12  is detached from the stand  28 , the horizontal support member  38  remains attached to the pair of pair of rear frame members  42 . The generator bolt  68  is reinserted through the second upright member  32  and generator  44  casing to secure the generator  44  to the horizontal support member  38 . The horizontal support member  38  is provided with a pivot axle at the bracket  40  so that it can rotate about the pivot axle to a small degree. When the horizontal support member  38  is pivoted upward, the generator  44  is elevated above the rear wheel  34  thereby removing contact of the roller  46  with the rear tire. When the horizontal support member  38  is pivoted downward, the generator  44  is lowered until contact of the roller  46  with the rear tire occurs, thereby causing friction of a rotating tire (when the bicycle  12  is being ridden on the street) to turn the roller  46  and produce electricity and charge the battery  52 . 
   Another potentially simpler way is to include a switch  53  with a pair of electrical conductors  53   a  that can be closed (i.e., turned on) to complete an electrical circuit that adds a load or opened (i.e., turned off) to remove the load, the load being the battery  52  to charge. 
   A second lever  72  and a second cable  74  are provided. The second cable  74  is connected at one end to the second lever  72  and at an opposite end to an actuator  76 . The actuator  76  is pivotally mounted to a seat post  78  at one end and to the horizontal support member  38  at an opposite end. Urging the second lever  72  in one direction shortens the overall length of the actuator  76  which causes the horizontal support member  38  to pivot upward and lift the generator  44  off of the rear tire. Urging the second lever  72  in an opposite direction as compared to the one direction lengthens the actuator which causes the horizontal support member  38  to pivot downward and press the roller  46  of the generator  44  into frictional contact with the rear tire. 
   As the rider travels, the second lever  72  is urged in the one direction to stop producing electricity and lighten the load and in the opposite direction to produce electricity and increase the load that is experienced. When the load is increased, this is experienced by the rider as an increase) in the force required to rotate the drive gear  18  and as is felt by the rider as more resistance on the pedals  48 . 
   Accordingly, a method is disclosed whereby the bicycle  12  can be ridden normally on the street (i.e., road) and electricity can either be generated for charging the battery  52  or not, either mode being at the discretion of the rider. If the rider is straining to climb a hill, the second lever  72  is used to raise the generator  44  and instantaneously lighten the load the rider is experiencing. If the rider is coasting down a steep hill, the second lever  72  is lowered to engage and power the generator  44  thereby instantaneously increasing the load and providing a secondary or emergency source of additional braking (an unexpected benefit), while simultaneously generating electricity and storing it for later use. 
   This provides, especially for less developed areas of the world, an ability to use the bicycle  12  for normal daily commuting while simultaneously generating and storing electricity for subsequent connection to the inverter  54  and use. The bicycle  12  can be used as a mobile generator when it is separated from the stand  28  and modified as described so that it can carry the battery  52  and control the position of the generator  44  with respect to the rear wheel  34 . 
   If desired, a battery gauge  80  is attached to the bicycle  12  and is electrically connected to the battery  52  to indicate the level of charge of the battery  52 . This is useful because if the battery  52  had a full charge, the rider would not generally benefit (unless braking was needed) from engagement of the generator  44  with the rear wheel  34 . The battery gauge  80  can be detached from the bicycle  12 , if desired. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , is shown an modified stand  100 . The modified stand  100  is shown in a first position where the bottom member  36  is disposed on the ground. In the first position, the bicycle  12  (not shown in this view for added clarity of the modified stand  100 ) is adapted for stationary use as an electrical power generating station. 
   The bottom assembly  102  of the modified stand  100  is adapted to pivot into a second position where the bottom member  36  is raised above the ground, roughly at the same height above the ground as is the axle  66 . 
   A modified first upright member  30   a  and a modified second upright member  32   a  each include a hole and are secured to the axle  66 , as is described in greater detail below. The axle  66 , it is noted, is a standard part that is supplied by the manufacturer of the bicycle  12  with the bicycle  12 . 
   However, the standard axle nuts are removed for use with the modified stand  100  and a pair of modified bolts  104  (see  FIG. 4 ) are used. The modified bolts  104  each include, preferably, an extension handle  106  that is used to manually tighten or loosen each of the modified bolts  104 . Each modified bolt  104  is threaded into a corresponding pair of modified elongated nuts  108 , one elongated nut  108  being attached to each side of the axle  66 . 
   To attach the modified stand  100  to the bicycle  12 , each of the conventional nuts are removed from the axle  66  and one each of the elongated nuts  108  are attached to both sides of the axle sufficient to secure the rear wheel  34  to the rear frame members  42  of the bicycle  12 . 
   Each elongated nut  108  includes an extension of the inner threads along its extended longitudinal axis (as compared to the nuts that were removed). The extended threads (of the proper pitch and direction of rotation) allow for entry at an opposite end of each elongated nut  108  of each of the modified bolts  104 . 
   The modified bolts  104  pass through a pair of holes, one each in an upper end of the modified first upright member  30   a  and the modified second upright member  32   a  and through a pair of holes, one each in a lower end of a third upright member  110  and a fourth upright member  112 . 
   To raise or lower the bottom assembly  102 , each extension handle  106  is grasped on each side of the axle  66  and loosened about one turn sufficient to allow the bottom assembly  102  to pivot the bottom assembly  102  about the axis of the axle  66  into either the first or second position, as desired. Once pivoted, the extension handles  106  are used to tighten the bottom assembly  102  in position. 
   The third upright member  110  and the fourth upright member  112  extend upwards from the axle  66  to the horizontal generator support member  38  and to a parallel second support member  38   a  each of which are attached to the bracket  40  that clamps to the conventional pair of rear frame members  42 . The generator  44  and the roller  46  are shown in dashed lines. 
   A battery plate  114  is attached intermediate the horizontal generator support member  38  and the second support member  38   a . The battery  52  (and if desired, the inverter  54 ) are secured to the battery plate  114 . 
   As such, the electric generating convertible bicycle  10  becomes a fully self-contained electrical energy generating and storage system that can be used in a stationary mode (i.e., when the modified stand  100  is in the first, lower position) and as a conventional road worthy bicycle  12  for commuting and the like (i.e., when the modified stand  100  is in the second, raised position). 
   Additionally, the bicycle  12  can be used to generate and store electricity when it is being ridden or it can be disabled from doing so, for example by flipping the switch  53  into an off (open) position. 
   If desired, the horizontal generator support member  38  and the second support member  38   a  can be modified to pivot (i.e., to lift the generator  44  off of the rear wheel  34 ) by use of the actuator  76 . 
   The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.