초록 ▼

The invention is a torque monitor which attaches to the crank arm of a bicycle pedaling mechanism. A drive link is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a mounting assembly which is rigidly attached to the bicycle crank arm. The end of the drive link opposite the attached end is adapted to receiv

The invention is a torque monitor which attaches to the crank arm of a bicycle pedaling mechanism. A drive link is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a mounting assembly which is rigidly attached to the bicycle crank arm. The end of the drive link opposite the attached end is adapted to receive a bicycle pedal, and is free to move a limited distance relative to the bicycle crank arm. As a positive torque is maintained during a pedaling cycle the free end of the drive link is forced toward the bicycle crank arm. If a negative torque is created, the free end of the drive link is force away from the bicycle crank arm and against a movement limiter. As the torque applied to the drive link changes, the movement of the free end provides both an audible and a tactile feedback to make a rider aware that an improper negative torque is being applied during the pedaling cycle. Drive links of varied lengths may be utilized to change the effective length of the bicycle crank arm.

대표청구항 ▼

A torque monitor for attachment to a pedal crank arm of a bicycle, said torque monitor comprising: a drive link having a pivotal end and a free end; mounting means for pivotally attaching said pivotal end of said drive link to said pedal crank arm; limiting means for restricting movement of said fre

A torque monitor for attachment to a pedal crank arm of a bicycle, said torque monitor comprising: a drive link having a pivotal end and a free end; mounting means for pivotally attaching said pivotal end of said drive link to said pedal crank arm; limiting means for restricting movement of said free end of said drive link with respect to said pedal crank arm; and wherein said free end of said drive link includes an aperture for reception of a bicycle pedal, whereby a force applied to said pedal in a direction toward said pedal crank arm will drive the free end of said drive link toward said pedal crank arm and against said limiting means, and a force in a direction away from said pedal crank arm will drive the free end of said drive link away from said pedal crank arm and against said limiting means.