US3789696A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pedal extenders for bicycle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-01-10
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Granted: 1974-02-05
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Expires: 1993-01-10
Abstract
Abstract An improvement in pedal extenders for bicycles or the like characterized by a pair of extensible crank arms having an outer portion carrying the pedal and movable longitudinally of an inner portion; radially extending screws and nuts connected with respective outer portions for moving them in the appropriate direction; first and second gears for effecting rotation of the screws in respective directions; respective sets of idler gears and sprockets that normally rotate with the crank arms during pedaling of the bicycle; and a positive engaging means for positively engaging a respective set of idler gears and sprockets to stop rotation thereof for effecting movement of the pedals and the outer portions in a respective direction radially. The positive engaging means has a handle movable in two directions with respect to its neutral position for moving the pedals radially; for example, inwardly for greater speed or outwardly for delivering greater torque to the powered wheel of the bicycle. The specific details of the apparatus are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 W Beam
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:31
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M3/00; B62M3/02; B62M3/04; A; A63; A63B; A63B22/00; A63B22/06; A63B22/0605; A63B2022/0611; A63B2022/0623; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/18; Y10T74/18568; Y10T74/18576; Y10T74/18752; Y10T74/21; Y10T74/2164
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
366 words
In a wheeled vehicle that is powered by manually operable pedals that are drivingly connected with at least one of the vehicle''s wheels and mounted for rotation on a pedal crank having its shaft portion journalled in the vehicle''s frame, the improvement comprising: a. a pair of crank arms, each having an inner portion that is connected with said shaft portion so as to rotate in unison therewith; and an outer portion that is slidable longitudinally of said inner portion responsive to a force in the appropriate direction; each outer portion carrying its respective pedal; b. force generating means for generating said force; said force generating means being connected with said outer portion and including respective radially extending screws; said force generating means incorporating a nut means for generating respective said forces responsive to rotation of respective said screws in respective directions; c. first gear means for effecting rotation of said screws in a first direction; said first gear means being connected with said screws; d. second gear means for effecting rotation of said screws in a second direction; said second gear means being connected with said screws; e. first idler gears and sprockets journalled on said shaft portion and engaging said first gear means; said first idler gears and sprockets normally rotating as said first gear means is rotated with its respective crank arms about the axis of said shaft portion; f. second idler gears and sprockets journalled on said shaft portion and engaging said second gear means; said second idler gears and sprockets normally rotating as said second gear means rotates with its respective crank arm about the axis of said shaft portion; G. positive engaging means for positively engaging a respective set of said idler gears and sprockets to stop rotation thereof for effecting movement of said pedals and said outer portions in a respective direction radially; said positive engaging means having a handle means movable in two directions with respect to its neutral position and being connected therewith such that said positive engaging means can engage only one set of idler gears and sprockets at a time to prevent damage to the vehicle yet provide positive action without relying on friction alone.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
366 words
In a wheeled vehicle that is powered by manually operable pedals that are drivingly connected with at least one of the vehicle''s wheels and mounted for rotation on a pedal crank having its shaft portion journalled in the vehicle''s frame, the improvement comprising: a. a pair of crank arms, each having an inner portion that is connected with said shaft portion so as to rotate in unison therewith; and an outer portion that is slidable longitudinally of said inner portion responsive to a force in the appropriate direction; each outer portion carrying its respective pedal; b. force generating means for generating said force; said force generating means being connected with said outer portion and including respective radially extending screws; said force generating means incorporating a nut means for generating respective said forces responsive to rotation of respective said screws in respective directions; c. first gear means for effecting rotation of said screws in a first direction; said first gear means being connected with said screws; d. second gear means for effecting rotation of said screws in a second direction; said second gear means being connected with said screws; e. first idler gears and sprockets journalled on said shaft portion and engaging said first gear means; said first idler gears and sprockets normally rotating as said first gear means is rotated with its respective crank arms about the axis of said shaft portion; f. second idler gears and sprockets journalled on said shaft portion and engaging said second gear means; said second idler gears and sprockets normally rotating as said second gear means rotates with its respective crank arm about the axis of said shaft portion; G. positive engaging means for positively engaging a respective set of said idler gears and sprockets to stop rotation thereof for effecting movement of said pedals and said outer portions in a respective direction radially; said positive engaging means having a handle means movable in two directions with respect to its neutral position and being connected therewith such that said positive engaging means can engage only one set of idler gears and sprockets at a time to prevent damage to the vehicle yet provide positive action without relying on friction alone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer portion is tubular and telescopingly engages its said inner portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said inner and outer portions of said crank arms are telescopingly engaged and shaped to prevent relative rotational movement therebetween and to hold the pedals properly positioned laterally with respect to the respective inner portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said positive engaging means have respective members each carrying first and second pins for engaging the first and second sprockets of said first and second idler gears and sprockets responsive to movement of said members in respective directions with respect to the center of rotation of said first and second sprockets.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said respective members are in the form of a yoke and said yoke is connected with said handle means for effecting movement in a respective direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said members slidably encompass said shaft portion so as to effect radial movement of said first and second pins with respect to the center of rotation of said first and second sprockets.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |