Abstract:
A bicycle transmission system is provided herein. The bicycle transmission system includes a sprocket or ring that is capable of sliding amongst an infinite number of lateral positions relative to a crank arm. The movement of the sprocket or ring facilitates an optimal chain path from the sprocket or ring to another sprocket or ring in the transmission system and, therefore, increases the efficiency with which power is transferred through the system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure is generally directed toward transmission systems and specifically toward bicycle transmission systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular sport. Indeed, bicycles are designed for many purposes from mountain bikes to road bikes, from single speed commuter bikes to ultra light-weight triathlon and time trial bikes, from cruiser bikes to downhill bikes, etc. Many advances in bike technology have come in the form of new materials used for both the frame and components. There has also been a great deal of technological progress in the design of bike components such as brakes, seats, handles, transmission systems, etc. 
         [0003]    Transmission systems of most bicycles have multiple speeds that allow the rider to select the appropriate gear ratio to suit the particular riding conditions encountered during a ride. One of the most popular types of gearing assemblies for multi-speed bicycles utilize a chain extending between a set of front chainwheels, which are often referred to as a crankset, and a set of rear gears, which are often referred to as sprockets or a cassette. The crankset is usually equipped to receive pedals and, therefore, are the gears that the rider turns. Power is transferred from the crankset to the cassette via the chain and the cassette is often coupled to a wheel or multiple wheels. Thus, the rotation of the cassette under force of the chain causes the wheel of the bike to spin, thereby propelling the bike along its path. 
         [0004]    Multiple derailleurs are often used to switch the sprocket on which the chain is positioned. When a bike transmission system has multiple sprockets (e.g., gears) on both the front crankset and the rear cassette, the bike transmission system is usually equipped with two derailleurs, one for the front gears and one for the back gears. 
         [0005]    Other bike transmission systems employ a single front sprocket on the crankset and multiple sprockets on the cassette. In these systems, there is still usually at least one derailleur used to switch the chain from sprocket to sprocket on the rear cassette. 
         [0006]    Regardless of whether the transmission system employs a single sprocket or multiple sprockets on the crankset, when the bicycle transmission shifts, the chain connects from the front cassette to the rear cassette at an angle unless the center sprocket(s) are being used. The angled position of the chain between the front crankset and the rear cassette results in two problems. 
         [0007]    First, when the chain is angled, the chain joints become misaligned with each other, and therefore, are constantly bent. This adds unnecessary friction to each joint in the chain. Second, the chain is reaching both the front and rear sprockets at an angle. Both of these conditions lead to unnecessary friction on the entire bicycle transmission system. As can be appreciated, this added friction decreases the efficiency of power transmission from the rider to the wheels. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    It is, therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure to provide a bicycle transmission system that overcomes the above-mentioned shortcomings. Specifically, a floating front ring is proposed herein that provides a smooth and more accurate chain path for bicycle transmission systems. The floating front ring described herein can be incorporated into bicycle transmission systems that employ either a single sprocket or multiple sprockets on the crankset, although it is particularly useful for transmission designs that employ a single sprocket. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the crankset utilizes a sprocket or set of sprockets that can freely slide horizontally in and out (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the rotational path of the sprocket) to substantially align the chain with the chosen sprocket on the rear cassette. With the chain properly aligned, the efficiency of the transmission system is substantially increased, regardless of the gears chosen by the rider. 
         [0010]    Another advantage of the floating front ring described herein is that an aligned chain also helps a bicycle transmission system shift between gears more smoothly as well as maintain its position on the sprocket during use. This occurs because the chain is fed straight from the sprocket on the crankset to the sprocket on the cassette—the angular displacement of the chain is substantially eliminated. 
         [0011]    Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with reference to a floating front ring on the crankset, it should be appreciated that the relative position of the crankset to the cassette is not limited to a specific position. For example, a bicycle transmission system with a crankset positioned behind the cassette (e.g., as in many adaptive bicycle designs) could also benefit from embodiments of the present disclosure. Further still, the crankset does not necessarily need to be configured to be connected to a pedal and driven by a rider&#39;s foot. Rather, the crankset can be configured to be connected to handles or the like. Stated another way, embodiments of the present disclosure can be utilized in any type of transmission system utilizing a chain or similar type of coupling means (e.g., wire, rope, etc.) between a first rotating member and a second rotating member 
         [0012]    It is one aspect of the present disclosure to provide a bicycle chain ring that is able to substantially freely slide back and forth (e.g., outwardly toward and inwardly away from a pedal or crank) to maintain a straight line between the chain ring and a desired sprocket on a secondary part of the gear system (e.g., rear gear, cassette, etc.). 
         [0013]    It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a crank or crankset that supports the chain ring described herein on shafts or similar float elements that allow said chain ring to slide freely in and out, thereby substantially preventing the chain from bending to reach the desired sprocket on the secondary part of the gear system. 
         [0014]    It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a bicycle crank or crankset that allows the attached sprocket to travel substantially horizontally to prevent the chain from bending when being shifted horizontally by a derailleur. 
         [0015]    It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a device comprising any of the structural features described herein and shown in the drawings forming part of the disclosure. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments a bicycle transmission system is provided that generally comprises:
       a crankset including a float element and at least one sprocket configured to rotate in a first rotational direction and further configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first rotational direction via the float element.       
 
         [0018]    The present invention will be further understood from the drawings and the following detailed description. Although this description sets forth specific details, it is understood that certain embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. It is also understood that in some instances, well-known circuits, components and techniques have not been shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring the understanding of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a crankset in a first configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a crankset in a second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a crankset in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional and exploded view of the crankset along view line  5 - 5 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  depicts a bicycle transmission system with a crankset in the first configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  depicts a bicycle transmission system with a crankset in the second configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a first alternative crankset design in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a second alternative crankset design in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a third alternative crankset design in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a fourth alternative crankset design in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the crankset depicted in  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The ensuing description provides embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the described embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
         [0039]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-6B  a first embodiment of a crankset  100  for use in a bicycle transmission system will be described. Features of the crankset  100  described herein can be included in any of the other crankset designs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, any feature of any crankset design or configuration described herein may be provided in any other crankset design or configuration. 
         [0040]    Furthermore, the crankset components described herein can be manufactured using any type of known manufacturing method. Components of a crankset can be molded, machined, cast, or otherwise produced of any suitable material (e.g., metals, polymers, composites, etc.) and may be connected to one another using any suitable type of mechanical (e.g., fasteners, latches, bolts, screws, friction fittings, snaps, bearings, wheels, rollers, slider mechanism, etc.) or non-mechanical (e.g., glue, adhesives, magnetic, etc.) interface. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  6 A show the crankset  100  in a first configuration, namely a configuration where a sprocket or chain ring  104  of the crankset  100  is in a first position on float elements  116  of the crankset  100 . Even more specifically, the crankset  100  may comprise a plurality of float elements  116  that enable the sprocket  104  to move laterally with respect to a crank arm  108  of the crankset  100 . The first position of the sprocket  104  on the float elements  116  show that the sprocket  104  is completely laterally displaced away from radial extensions  112  of the crankset  100 —the sprocket  104  is at a first distance away from the radial extensions  112  of the crankset  100 , where the first distance corresponds to a maximum displacement distance. 
         [0042]    Traditionally, the radial extensions  112  of a crankset are fixedly secured to the sprocket  104  or set of sprockets and, therefore, do not allow the sprocket or set of sprockets to move relative thereto. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, provide a plurality of float elements  116  that are attached to the radial ends of the radial extensions  112 . Although five float elements  116  are depicted in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-6B , it should be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of float elements  116  may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the number of float elements  116  does not necessarily have to equal the number of arms of radial extensions  112  that connect to the crank arm  108 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  6 B show the crankset  100  in a second configuration, namely a configuration where sprocket  104  of the crankset  100  is in a second position on float elements  116 . The second position of the sprocket  104  on the float elements  116  show that the sprocket  104  is completely laterally displaced toward or adjacent to radial extensions  112 —the sprocket  104  is at a second distance away from the radial extensions  112  of the crankset  100 , where the second distance corresponds to a minimum displacement distance. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the length or size of the float elements  116  dictates the distance between the first position and the second position. The float elements  116  may be sized to correspond to a size of a cassette  604  that will be employed as part of the bicycle transmission system. It may be desirable to have the length of float elements  116  be as short as possible (e.g., to minimize stresses induced on float elements  116 ), but not so short that a chain  608  extending from the sprocket  104  to a sprocket on the cassette  604  has to extend at an angle. Rather, it may be preferable to size the float elements  116  to have a length that causes the sprocket  104 , when positioned in the first position, to be substantially aligned with a first endmost sprocket on cassette  604  and, when positioned in the second position, to be substantially aligned with the opposite endmost sprocket on cassette  604 . 
         [0045]    Advantageously, the float elements  116  are constructed to enable the sprocket  104  to slide or float freely between the first position (e.g., maximum displacement) and the second position (e.g., minimum displacement). In other words, a smooth or substantially obstruction-free interface between the sprocket  104  and the float elements  116  enables the sprocket  104  to move to any non-incremental position between the first position and the second position. This advantageously allows the crankset  100  to be used with cassettes  604  of varied sizes. 
         [0046]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , because the sprocket  104  is allowed to move along float elements  116  between its first position and second position substantially unobstructed, the chain path between the sprocket  104  of the crankset  100  and the selected sprocket of the cassette is always substantially linear. In other words, the chain  608  will almost always be positioned directly over the teeth of both sets of sprockets and will, therefore, not be creating any unnecessary friction at its chain joints or at the sprocket teeth. This means that rotational forces of the sprocket  104  will be transferred to the cassette  604  with fewer frictional losses as compared to bicycle transmission systems of the prior art. 
         [0047]    With reference now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , additional details regarding the construction of the crankset  100  will be described in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, the crank arm  108  may be attached to one or more radial elements  112 . Each of the radial elements  112  may connect or otherwise interface with the crank arm  108  at a common point (e.g., a proximate end). The proximate end of the crank arm  108  at which the radial elements  112  connect may also coincide with a rotation point of the crankset  100 . Specifically, a crankset  100  may comprise a hub or bearing portion about which the entire crank arm  108  and sprocket(s)  104  rotate. The hub or bearing portion may comprise a bore  532  or the like that enables a pin or shaft extending from an opposite crank arm and through the frame of the bicycle to interconnect with the bore  532  of the crankset  100 . The hub portion may correspond to a common point about which the radial elements  112  are centered. 
         [0048]    The opposite end of the crank arm  108  (e.g., the distal end) may be configured to receive a pedal or a similar type of human interface. The distal end may also comprise a bore  532  that receive a pedal or the like. 
         [0049]    As can be seen in  FIG. 5A , the radial elements  112  may be integrated with the crank arm  108 . In other words, the radial elements  112  and crank arm  108  may be formed as a single unitary piece of material (e.g., metal or composite). The radial elements  112  and crank arm  108  may be formed using any suitable manufacturing process such as, for example, casting, molding, machining, milling, use of any other machine whose toolpaths can be controlled via computer numerical control, or the like. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the radial elements  112  may comprise an outward facing surface (e.g., a surface that faces away from the sprocket  104 ) and an inward facing surface (e.g., a surface that faces toward the sprocket  104 ). The inward facing surface may be substantially flat or planar thereby enabling the sprocket  104  to rest adjacent thereto when the sprocket  104  is in the second position (e.g., a minimum displacement position). Of course, the radial elements  112  may be provided with one or more spacer mechanisms (e.g., plastic washers) that inhibit the sprocket  104  from resting immediately adjacent thereto. 
         [0051]    The exploded view of the float element  116  in  FIG. 5B  shows one way in which the sprocket  104  can be adapted to float or move freely between its first position and second position. While some aspects of the float element  116  are depicted as being separate pieces from the sprocket  104  and/or radial element  112 , it should be appreciated that one or more pieces of the float element  116  may be integrated into or combined with either the radial element  112  or the sprocket  104 . For instance, certain pieces of the float element  116  that are depicted as interfacing with the radial element  112  may be constructed as part of the radial element  112  rather than part of the float element  116 . Likewise, certain pieces of the float element  116  that are depicted as interfacing with the sprocket  104  may be constructed as part of the sprocket  104  rather than part of the float element  116 . 
         [0052]    Some of the piece parts that may be included in float element  116  include, without limitation, an attachment end  504 , an attachment main body  508 , a slider bracket  512 , a slider nut  516 , a hollow shaft  520 , a stopper  524 , and a threaded inner surface  528 . The attachment main body  508  may be attached to the distal end of the radial element  112  via the attachment end  504 . As can be seen in  FIG. 5B , the attachment end  504  may comprise a flanged portion having a radius that is larger than a radius of a bore extending through the distal end of the radial element  112 . The attachment end  504  substantially inhibits the float element  116  from being pulled through the bore of the radial element  112 . In some embodiments, the attachment end  504  and attachment main body  508  may be integrated into the radial element  112  (e.g., cast as part of the radial element  112 ) or it may be a separate piece that is attached to the radial element  112  via one or more of welding, snapping, screwing, gluing, fastening, etc. In some embodiments, the attachment end  504  may be separately screwed into or otherwise receive the hollow shaft  520  by extending through the attachment main body  508 . Any type of mechanical interface between the hollow shaft  520  and radial element  112  can be used, meaning that the attachment end  504  and attachment main body  508  may be provided in a variety of different configurations. 
         [0053]    The depicted hollow shaft  520  comprises a generally cylindrical and smooth outer surface and a threaded inner surface  528 . The threaded inner surface  528  may comprise threading throughout the length of the hollow shaft  520  (e.g., the length of the float element  116 ) or it may comprise a partially threaded inner surface that is only threaded near the ends of the hollow shaft  520 . The threaded inner surface  528  may correspond to a female portion of an interface at both ends that, on one end, is adapted to receive a threaded male portion from the attachment main body  508  and, at the other end, is adapted to receive a threaded male portion from the stopper  524 . It should be appreciated, however, that the shaft  520  may not necessarily be hollow and it may comprise male threaded portions at one or both of its ends and the corresponding other parts of the float element  116  (e.g., attachment main body  508  and stopper  524 ) may be equipped with female threaded portions. Moreover, non-threaded interfaces such as snap fits, welded joints, glued portions, or the like may be used to connect the various parts of the float element  116 . Further still, as noted above, the attachment end  504 , attachment main body  508 , hollow shaft  520 , and stopper  524  may be a single unitary piece of material. 
         [0054]    The outer surface of the shaft  520  may be configured to allow the slider nut  516  and slider bracket  512  to slide substantially unobstructed across the length of the shaft  520 . In the depicted embodiment, the slider bracket  512  comprises an inner radius that is sized to receive and fit around the outer surface of the shaft  520 . The slider bracket  512  and slider nut  516  may be configured to connect through a bore in the sprocket  104  and, therefore, mechanically secure the sprocket  104  to the float element  116 . Furthermore, the slider bracket  512  and slider nut  516  may enable the sprocket  104  to slide or float along the length of the shaft  520  anywhere between the stopper  524  and flat main surface of the radial element  112 . In particular, any lateral forces (e.g., forces that are parallel to the length of the shaft  520 ) exerted on the sprocket  104  by the chain  608  may cause the slider bracket  512  to move along the shaft  520  until the lateral forces are no longer present or minimized. 
         [0055]    Although the shaft  520  is depicted in  FIG. 5B  as having a smooth outer cylindrical surface, it should be appreciated that other non-cylindrical shapes could be employed or one or more longitudinal features may be provided along the length of the shaft  520  to help guide the slider bracket  512  along the length of the shaft  520 . For instance, the shaft  520  may comprise one or more ribs (e.g., raised surfaces) or one or more notches (e.g., depressed surfaces) that are substantially continuous along the length of the shaft  520  extending from the attachment main body  508  to the stopper  524 . The inner surface of the slider bracket  512  may have one or more complimentary features if the outer surface of the shaft  520  is provided with one or more features. 
         [0056]    In other words, if the outer surface of the shaft  520  is substantially smooth and cylindrical, then the inner surface of the slider bracket  512  may also be substantially smooth and cylindrical. If the outer surface of the shaft  520  has one or more features (e.g., raised, depressed, etc.) or is not of a substantially cylindrical shape (e.g., has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, an oblong shaped, an elliptical shape, etc.), then the inner surface of the slider bracket  512  may also have one or more complimentary features to match the outer surface of the shaft  520 . 
         [0057]    The slider bracket  512  is depicted as having a main flange part that connects to an extended threaded section (e.g., a male threaded section). The threaded section may extend through the bore of the sprocket  104  and the slider nut  516  may have a corresponding threaded section (e.g., a female threaded section) to interface with the threaded section of the slider bracket  512 . The slider nut  516  may tighten down around the slider bracket  512  and hold the slider bracket  512  securely to the sprocket  504 . 
         [0058]    The materials used for the shaft  520  and the slider bracket  512  as well as any other portion that interfaces therewith should be chosen to have a minimal static and dynamic coefficient of friction. As some non-limiting examples, one or more of the following materials or combinations of materials could be used for the shaft  520  and/or slider bracket  512 : metal-on-metal interface (e.g., metal slider bracket  512  and metal shaft  520 ), metal-on-polymer interfaces (e.g., metal slider bracket  512  and polymer shaft  520  or vice versa), polymer-on-polymer interfaces (e.g., plastic slider bracket  512  and plastic shaft  520 ), etc. In more specific embodiments, the materials may be chosen so as to maintain the static coefficient of friction between the shaft  520  and slider bracket  512  to be about or less than 0.2 (e.g., for Polyethene on steel interfaces). In a more preferred embodiment, the materials may be chosen so as to maintain the static coefficient of friction between the shaft  520  and slider brackets  512  to be about or less than 0.04 (e.g., for steel on Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or any other type of synthetic fluoropolymer or highly-ordered polymer or highly-ordered pyrolytic). In some embodiments, the materials for the shaft  520  and slider bracket  512  may be selected from one or more of the following: steel, aluminum, copper, brass, ceramic, graphite, PTFE, nylon, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), composites, wood, etc. 
         [0059]    It may also be possible to decrease the friction between the shaft  520  and slider bracket  512  by using either friction-reducing devices or lubricants. As one example, the slider bracket  512  may be equipped with a plurality of internal ball bearings that are made of any suitable material and enable the slider bracket  512  to move freely across the shaft  520 . As another example, the interface between the slider bracket  512  and shaft  520  may be treated with one or more surface lubricants (e.g., graphite or talc) that help reduce the coefficient of friction between the two components. 
         [0060]    As can be seen in  FIG. 5B , the slider nut  516  may be provided to face the outer end of the float element  116 . However, it should be appreciated that the slider nut  516  can be provided on the inward facing side of the slider nut  516  such that it contacts the radial element  112  when the sprocket  104  is in a minimum displacement position and the flange portion of the slider bracket  512  may contact the stopper  524  when the sprocket  104  is in a maximum displacement position. 
         [0061]    The embodiments of  FIGS. 1-6B  show the crankset  100  as comprising five radial elements  112  and five float elements  116 . It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example,  FIGS. 7-10  depict cranksets with different numbers of float elements  116 .  FIGS. 7-9 , for instance, depict a crankset  100  with four float elements  116 . 
         [0062]    Another feature of the crankset  100  in  FIGS. 7-9  is the utilization of a different type of crank arm  108  configuration. Specifically, the crank arm  108  is depicted as having two arms that extend from its distal end (e.g., the end which connects with the pedal  708 ) in a generally triangular shape. The crank arm  108  is also planar on both its inward and outward facing surfaces and the float elements  116  are integrated into the crank arm  108 . More specifically, the crank arm  108  and float elements  116  are provided as a single unitary piece and there is no need for threaded sections, screws, or nuts for creating the float element  116  or for interfacing the float element  116  with the crank arm  108 . 
         [0063]    Yet another feature of the crankset  100  in  FIGS. 7-9  is the integration of the slider bracket  512  and slider nut  516  into the sprocket  104 . More specifically, the sprocket  104  is depicted as having a chain guard  704  surrounding and protecting the sprocket  104  in a known fashion. The sprocket  104  also has bores provided therein which are fit to receive and move laterally along the float elements  116 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  shows how additional float elements  116  can be provided along different parts of the sprocket  104 . In particular, the crankset  100  of  FIG. 10  boasts eight float elements  116 . Some or all of the float elements  116  may be integrated into the crank arm  108 . On the other hand, some of all of the float elements  116  may be similar to the float elements  116  of  FIGS. 1-6B  and are configured to attach to the crank arm  108 . Further still, some of the float elements  116  may be integral to the crank arm  108  and some of the float elements  116  may be separately constructed components. It should also be noted that some of the float elements  116  are provided at one distance from the hub of the sprocket  104  (e.g., a first radium away from the center of rotation) and others of the float elements  116  are provided at a different distance from the hub of the sprocket  104 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 11-13  depict yet another crankset  100  design where different types of float elements are employed. In particular, rather than employing float elements  116  that rely on a shaft design and the utilization of a sliding action, the crankset  100  of  FIGS. 11-13  employ a specially configured main body  1104 . The main body  1104  of the crankset  100  comprises one or more slots, tracks, or rails  1112  that interface with one or more wheels  1108 . The wheels  1108  may be connected to the sprocket  104  via an axel or pin-type configuration. In particular, radial elements  1116  may be provided on the sprocket  104  and each radial element  1116  may comprise a notch to receive the wheels  1108  and a pin or axel on which the wheels  1108  are allowed to rotate. The wheels  1108  then fit on or into the tracks  1112 . As lateral forces are exerted on the sprocket  104  by the chain  608 , the sprocket  104  is free to move along the length of the main body  1104  due to the interface between the wheels  1108  and tracks  1112 . 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, the tracks  1112  may be provided as minor depressions or recesses in the main body  1104 . The wheels  1108  may fit into the tracks  1112  and be free to roll or move within the tracks  1112 . 
         [0067]    The main body  1104  may be a solid piece of material or it may be hollow. In some embodiments, the main body  1104  is a hollow piece of material (e.g., metal, composite, carbon fiber, polymer, etc.) with a cylindrical outer surface. The cylindrical outer surface may comprise a number of recesses extending laterally along the length of the cylinder to establish the tracks  1112 . The depth of the tracks  1112  does not have to be extraordinarily deep, but should be sized to ensure that the wheels  1108  stay in the tracks  1112  while also allowing the sprocket  104  to move freely along the length of the main body  1104 . The tracks  1112  may end as the proximal and distal ends of the main body  1104  and these track ends may correspond to the limits of the sprocket&#39;s  104  movement. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 14-16  depict still another crankset  100  design with a different realization of float elements  116 . In this particular design, the crankset  100  still comprises a main body  1404  with slots  1412 , but the slots  1412  comprise a different configuration than the tracks  1112  of  FIGS. 11-13 . In particular, the slots  1412  may be configured to have radial elements  1416  of the sprockets  104  pass there through. A rolling or sliding portion  1408  may be provided at the ends of the radial elements  1416 . The rolling or sliding portion  1408  may extend outwardly (e.g., have a thickness larger than the thickness of the radial elements  1416 ) and may move along the slots  1412 . Even more specifically, the slots  1412  may comprise a t-shaped cross-section and bearing components of the rolling or sliding portion  1408  may be set underneath the outer surface of the main body  1404 . By positioning the rolling or sliding portion  1408  inside the slot  1412 , the bearings or moving components of the rolling or sliding portion  1408  are further protected from dirt, debris, and other particulates that could otherwise harm the operation of the rolling or sliding portion  1408 . Furthermore, the bearings provided on the rolling or sliding portion  1408  or any other float element  116  described herein can be sealed or unsealed to further limit the amount of debris reaching the moving parts thereof 
         [0069]    It should also be appreciated that bearings or wheels may be integrated into the main body  1404  rather than the portion of the sprocket  104 . Accordingly, the sprocket  104  may comprise a substantially non-moving piece of material whereas the main body  1404  may comprise one or more moving pieces (e.g., bearings) that enable the free movement of the sprocket  104  along the length of the main body  1404 . 
         [0070]    Based on the discussions herein, it should be appreciated that any number of designs can be used to achieve the overall purpose of the float elements  116 . Indeed, any type of track, rail, wheel, slide, post, notch, etc. can be used to enable the float elements  116  to operate as described. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to the specific designs of the float elements  116  and cranksets  100  described herein. 
         [0071]    While illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.