초록 ▼

A folding, pedal-driven vehicle having a universal joint transmission system is provided. A human-powered ground vehicle having a motive power input assembly that includes foot pedals to drive a front-wheel of the vehicle through a universal joint drive gear system is also provided. Folding, recumbe

A folding, pedal-driven vehicle having a universal joint transmission system is provided. A human-powered ground vehicle having a motive power input assembly that includes foot pedals to drive a front-wheel of the vehicle through a universal joint drive gear system is also provided. Folding, recumbent vehicles for one or two riders are also provided and each includes a transmission system having a pedal-drive power input assembly pivotally connected to a universal joint which in turn is pivotally connected to a drive connection for driving a front wheel of the vehicle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ It is claimed:] [1.] A human powered ground vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame having a forward end and a rearward end; a steering column hingedly connected to said vehicle frame and extending across said vehicle frame; a motive power input assembly supported by said frame and adapted to derive m

[ It is claimed:] [1.] A human powered ground vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame having a forward end and a rearward end; a steering column hingedly connected to said vehicle frame and extending across said vehicle frame; a motive power input assembly supported by said frame and adapted to derive motive power from a physical exertion of force by a driver, said motive power input assembly including at least one pedal member adapted to revolve about a laterally extending axis which traverses said vehicle frame through an area located forward of said steering column; a plurality of wheels, including a front wheel mounted for rotation proximate said steering column, and at least one rear wheel mounted for rotation proximate said rearward end of said vehicle; and means for transmitting power from said motive power input assembly to said front wheel, thereby permitting said vehicle to be driven, wherein said means for transmitting power includes a gear system rotatably mounted to said vehicle frame for rotation about a central axis that is fixed with respect to said vehicle frame, a chain arrangement including at least one chain drive gear, said chain drive gear being rotatably mounted to said steering column for rotation about a central axis that is fixed with respect to said steering column, and an intermediate power transmitting assembly, wherein said intermediate power transmitting assembly includes a universal joint mechanically and directly connecting said gear system to said chain drive gear, said universal joint comprising a two-way pivoting member, said two-way pivoting member being pivotally connected to said gear system for pivoting movement of said two-way pivoting member about a first universal joint axis of rotation, and said two-way pivoting member being pivotally connected to said chain drive gear for pivoting movement of said chain drive gear about a second universal joint axis of rotation, and wherein said first and second universal joint axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to one another.