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US 2015/0028560 A1Published application
Human-powered drivetrain
OwnerWilliam Leland Goininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments described herein are configured to receive forces generated by a user moving their appendages, and convert the force into mechanical force and/or energy. More specifically, embodiments may convert axial and/or tangential force into rotational force. The rotational force may be utilized to power devices, drivetrains, vehicles, such as bicycles, tricycles, kayaks, boats, etc.
Claims20
A human-powered drivetrain comprising:
- a first rigid projection configured to move, the first rigid projection including a first pedal, the first rigid projection including a first plurality of projections positioned on a first surface of the first rigid projection;
- a second rigid projection configured to move, the second rigid projection including a second pedal, the second rigid projection including a second plurality of projections positioned on a first surface of the second rigid projection;
- a first gear including a first plurality of mating teeth, the mating teeth being configured to interface with the first plurality of projections position on the first surface of the first rigid projection, wherein the first gear is configured to rotate;
- a second gear including a second plurality of mating teeth, the second mating teeth being configured to interface with the second plurality of projections position on the second surface of the second rigid projection, wherein the second gear is configured to rotate;
- and
- an axle including the first gear positioned on a first end of the axle and the second gear positioned on the first end of the axle, wherein the axle is configured to rotate in a first direction responsive to the first gear or the second gear being rotated, wherein the first rigid projection and the second rigid projection are configured to be moved independently of one another.
3 more elements
A method for a human-powered drivetrain comprising:
- moving a first rigid projection, the first rigid projection including a first pedal, the first rigid projection including a first plurality of projections positioned on a first surface of the first rigid projection;
- moving a second rigid projection, the second rigid projection including a second pedal, the second rigid projection including a second plurality of projections positioned on a first surface of the second rigid projection;
- interfacing a first plurality of mating teeth disposed on a first gear with the first plurality of projections positioned on the first rigid projection, wherein the first gear is configured to rotate;
- interfacing a second plurality of mating teeth disposed on a second gear with the second plurality of projections positioned on the second rigid projection, wherein the second gear is configured to rotate;
- rotating an axle in a first direction responsive to the first gear rotating or the second gear rotating;
- an axle including the first gear positioned on a first end of the axle and the second gear positioned on the first end of the axle, wherein the axle is configured to rotate in a first direction responsive to the first gear or the second gear being rotated, and the first rigid projection and the second rigid projection are configured to move independently of one another.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.