Fluid-controlled bicycle transmission
OwnerCurtis E. Daltoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-speed transmission is provided which employs inflatable diaphragms to alter drive ratio. Particularly applicable to bicycles, the transmission is composed of a diaphragm mounted at the pedal axis and another mounted at the drive wheel axis, with a nylon drive belt connecting the two. These diaphragms are each inflated and deflated by way of pressurized cylinders mounted on the bicycle. Pedaling of the bicycle turns the pedal axis diaphragm which, in turn, drives the rear wheel diaphragm via a nylon drive belt. Pressure tubes carry the pressurized fluids from each of the cylinders to their respective diaphragm. Standard shifter mechanisms are used each of which, when moved, moves a piston within one of the cylinders, changing the pressure in that cylinder and the inflation of its respective diaphragm.
Claims9
A variable-speed transmission for converting rotational energy about a first axis to rotational energy about a second axis, the transmission comprising:
- a first rotational element which rotates about the first axis in response to the application of an external rotational energy source;
- a second rotational element which rotates about the second axis, the second rotational element comprising an inflatable diaphragm having a diameter which increases with increasing fluid pressure within the diaphragm;
- a drive belt linking rotational motion of the first rotational element to rotational motion of the diaphragm and the second rotational element;
- and
- a variable pressure source in fluid communication with the inflatable diaphragm, the pressure source being controllable to change said fluid pressure within the diaphragm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.