Continuously variable all speed transmission
OwnerPhillip L. Kerrinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A continuously variable all speed transmission apparatus employs a conically-shaped driven surface which is frictionally contacted by a taut endless compliant transmission member that extends to a circular power source such as the pedal hub of a bicycle. The driven surface is centered upon an axis upon which an axle is disposed that causes rotation of a wheel such as a bicycle wheel. A shifting mechanism moves the contact site of the transmission member axially along the driven surface, thereby producing variation in the rotational speed of the wheel. The transmission member includes a central wire and a series of rollers disposed upon the wire in a manner to rotate about the wire without moving longitudinally thereupon.
Claims12
A continuously variable all speed transmission apparatus comprising:
- a) a conically-shaped driven surface centered upon a horizontally disposed axis of rotation,
- b) a circular power source rotating upon a shaft parallel to said axis of rotation,
- c) an endless compliant transmission member oriented in a plane substantially orthogonal to said axis of rotation and having inside and outside perimeters, said inside perimeter tautly contacting both said conically-shaped surface and said power source, said transmission member being comprised of a central wire of endless loop configuration and a multitude of identical rollers installed upon said wire and adapted to rotate about said wire while resisting movement along the length of said wire, said transmission member being disposed in a manner to define upper and lower portions that move in opposite directions,
- d) shifting means for moving said transmission member axially with respect to said axis of rotation while maintaining said inside perimeter in contact with said driven surface,
- e) a housing which rotatably supports said conically-shaped driven surface,
- f) track means associated with said housing for controlling the movement of said shifting means, and
- g) spring-activated tensioning means interactive with said upper and lower portions of said transmission member to maintain said transmission member at a uniform tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.