An apparatus for linearly driving a vehicle or machine. The apparatus includes a frame, at least one drive wheel, and at least one rotatable driver comprising a pulley or a sprocket, rotatably mounted with respect to the frame. Further, the system includes a flexible, elongated power transmitter comprising a belt, a chain, or a cable, the transmitter being mounted for reciprocating linear motion with respect to the frame and passing around and engaging the rotatable driver to rotate the driver in at least a first rotational direction. The apparatus also has a first and second pedal to engage the power transmitter in a first and second direction. The first and second pedals are mounted to the frame in a manner that permits only non-arcuate, linear reciprocating motion of the pedals with respect to the frame. The second pedal is connected to the first pedal such that motion of the first pedal in a first linear direction causes the second pedal in an opposite, second linear direction, and the motion of the first pedal in the second linear direction causes motion of the second pedal in the first linear direction.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
Applicant hereby claims priority to the following applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/056,045, filed on Sep. 2, 1997; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/062,860, filed on Oct. 16, 1997; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/062,620, filed on Oct. 22, 1997; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/070,044, filed on Dec. 30, 1997.
A man-propelled vehicle includes a frame with a seat, two pedals, and two hand-operated handles, each linked with the frame by actuating devices capable of communicating to them an alternating translational motion. The actuating devices are coupled with unidirectional rotary transmission devices on a drive shaft by links adapted to drive in rotation the rotary transmission device when the pedals and operating handles are actuated.
A cycle having front wheel forks with a front wheel, a steering device connected to the front wheel forks, and rear stays with a rear wheel that has a free-wheeling hub. The cycle of this invention also includes a frame which connects the forks and the stays, a scat that can be fastened to the frame, a rear wheel drive, and foot actuating means for the rear wheel drive. The frame is formed by an individual essentially horizontal rail. The foot actuating devices are displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The foot actuating devices are formed by a foot rest for both feet. The seat can be displaced on the rail in a longitudinal direction of the rail, and the steering device is formed by handlebars between which the rail extends. The handlebars are provided with hand grips.
A recumbent bicycle having a single stroke linear type of pedaling wherein both legs protract and retract simultaneously so that a single push is made instead of alternating pushes. Various other adjustements are posssible to accomodate the length of a user legs and the degree of extension desired.
Disclosed is a recumbent bicycle having a frame with at least one tubular member having a lumen. Mounted to the frame are a rear wheel assembly and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can include a first gear, a second gear, and a chain that extends from the first gear to the second gear and through the lumen of the at least one tubular member. Pedals and crank arms can mount to the second gear, which is slidable relative to the first gear to vary the position of the second gear relative to a seat mounted to the frame. A suspension assembly can mount a pair of front wheels to the frame at a location intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the frame. The bicycle enables riders of different leg lengths to use the recumbent bicycle, while the suspension assembly cushions the rider during use.
