Lever and articulated rod device for bicycle traction

Abstract

A lever and articulated rod device for bicycle propulsion, characterized in that two diagonally installed cranks are rotated from both sides of the bicycle, acting by means of two assemblies comprising a second-class lever and a rod, the two assemblies being symmetrically identical with respect to the longitudinal vertical plane of the bicycle.

Description

Lever and articulated rod device for bicycle traction Technology sector This utility model application is for the registration of a lever device for bicycle propulsion, which, by taking advantage of the lever effect, provides a new way of transmitting the effort applied by the user to the pedals. The technical field to which the device belongs is bicycle mechanics. Background of the invention The application of human energy to rotate an axle and turn a wheel for practical purposes has always been a focus of attention for many scholars. Using levers has been attempted in various ways, and numerous examples exist reflecting the state of the art. Although the deeply ingrained use of bicycles worldwide makes it difficult to access all the work done with varying results, the following references illustrate the current state of the art in lever-driven bicycle propulsion: a) ES1003120 In this case, levers are used, but the resulting arrangement is too large for what a bicycle should be. b) ES1055410U uses two levers and also resorts to a duplication of the bottom bracket axle with a larger box, double transmission chain, two cranksets, etc. which add weight and difficulties in construction, assembly and price; c) ES02332246 uses a plate with a difficult geometric shape and chain tensioning levers to compensate for the zero section of each pedaling revolution, resulting in a complicated and costly assembly; d) ES1055112 which also includes a toggle lever with a classic multiplier gear set. e) ESI288429 U is also operated with levers, but with a reduced rotation of the bottom bracket axle for each step and therefore with a limited angular velocity of the rotating axle. Despite the numerous references that could be added to these in which levers are used for bicycle traction, none provide substantial improvements in the required functionality to change the reality that has prevailed until now for moving a bicycle. Explanation of the invention It is well known that anyone who operates a machine with their own effort to make it function and achieve a certain level of performance experiences a greater or lesser degree of fatigue from the work performed. In any case, all users have experienced the frustration of reaching a standstill, the limitations imposed by the reduced range of motion of the pedal, and, in general, the fatigue from the effort exerted. This new utility model, based on the law of the lever as a machine for transmitting force and displacement, takes advantage of these two circumstances by introducing a difference in the way movement occurs on a conventional bicycle, particularly focusing on the components that receive the applied force. Just like on a bicycle, in this device the effort is also applied with the feet, but instead of pressing directly on the pedal, we press a lever that pushes a stem, both of which are positioned between the pedal and the crank arm. The lever multiplies our effort, the stem transmits it to the crank arm, and the crank arm receives a greater force than the effort applied without the lever. This is the novelty of this device, which comprises a second-class lever (hereafter referred to as the lever) and a stem. The lever supports the pedal at one end, which is forward, and at the other end, the fulcrum is at the rear of the frame. One end of the stem is placed at an intermediate point on the lever, and the other end, pointing downwards, connects to the crank arm. These assemblies, mounted one on each side of the bicycle, are symmetrical with respect to their longitudinal vertical plane. To support the explanation, Figure 1, along with its sections and views, shows the positions of each component of the device. With this configuration, it can be seen that when the pedal of the upper lever is pressed, it begins to descend, and the lever's stem pushes the crank arm, which rotates and, in turn, rotates the chainring. Thus, as the user pedals repeatedly, the cycle of alternating up-and-down presses is completed, producing the rotation of the crank arms and therefore propelling the bicycle. In short, instead of pressing the pedals that directly move the cranks, this device uses pedals mounted on levers. The combined effect of the lever and the stem produces greater force on the cranks and a greater bending moment on the bottom bracket axle. With different possible combinations of the variables used in this device, it's possible to overcome the dead spot problem and the limitations of the effective angle of force applied to the crank, allowing for a full 360-degree range of motion. The inevitable full rotation of the feet on the bicycle is replaced by the up-and-down motion of the lever, which, for some people, is more manageable than making complete circles with their feet.Furthermore, due to its simplicity and versatility of use, this lever system is applicable to all types of cycles, whether for leisure or urban delivery, parcel delivery, mail, or vehicles for transporting people, warehouse vehicles, skates and a long etcetera. Brief description of the drawings The drawings show the geometric arrangement of all the device's components in a general position, reflecting its up-and-down motion. Bicycle parts directly connected to or in contact with the device are shown with dashed lines; these include the chainring (p) and the cranks (b). The component markings are: (1) levers, (F) fulcrums, (C) load points, (V) stems, and (P) power / pedal points. The left-side parts are marked in the drawings using the same criteria as the right-side parts, distinguished by (d) for right side and (i) for left side. FIG. 1.- Shows in plan view all the elements of the device: the fulcrum (Fd) and the (Fi), the levers (1d) and (1i), the rods (Vd) and (Vi), the load points (Cd) and (Ci) and the power points (Pd) and (Pi). The connecting rods (bd) and (bi), the chainring (pl) and the rear tubes for fixing the fulcrum are shown in dashed lines. View A.- Elevation of the right side of the device. Section BB.- Elevation view of the right side of the device. View C.- Profile of the same elements of the entire assembly. FIG. 2.- View of: the Cartesian coordinates (-a, b) of the fulcrum (Fd) and (Fi) highlighting that its position is in the second quadrant with respect to the bottom bracket axis (EP) and arrangement and rotation of the levers (1d) and (1i). FIG. 3.- Complete device mounted on a bicycle. Generic image of the many that are produced when moving in the up and down cycle of the levers and stems. Preferred embodiment of the invention As an example, a practical implementation of this lever device for bicycle traction, which is the subject of this utility model, is presented. In this preferred embodiment, it is relevant that the coordinates of the fulcrum (Fd) and (Fi) with respect to the bottom bracket axis are in the second quadrant according to FIG.2. Since the two sets are symmetrically equal as stated above, henceforth, for simplicity of explanation, everything that follows mainly refers only to the right side, avoiding repeating it for the left. Following View A, it can be seen that the power arm of the lever (1d) is the distance from the fulcrum (Fd) to the point (Pd) where the corresponding pedal is located, and the load arm is the distance between the fulcrum (Fd) and the load point where the rod is articulated (Vd). The preferred implementation of this device requires the following prior interventions: Assembly intervention: a) Install the fulcrums (Fd) and (Fi) of the levers (1d) and (1i) on the frame and install the corresponding pedals at the power point (Pd) and (Pi). b) Install the rods (Vd) and (Vi) between the load points of the levers (Cd) and (Ci) and the corresponding connecting rods. Operation: With the parts assembled as explained, and considering that the crank arms are positioned 180 degrees apart, when one arm moves down, the other moves up. That is, when the pedal of the lever (1d) on the upper side is pressed, the stem (Vd) moves down and pushes the crank arm (bd) downwards. The crank arm (bi) on the other side will then move up, pushing the stem (bi) upwards, which in turn pushes the lever (1i) upwards. With this arrangement of the components and the appropriate dimensions and fulcrum position, the described assembly eliminates the dead spot, extends the effective range of each pedal stroke to 360 degrees, and achieves greater power at the bottom bracket for increased speed or greater traction with the same or less effort from the user. Industrial application The device covered by this utility model is perfectly feasible in any industry within the sector or related fields, using materials available according to the current state of the art, with particular attention to the lever material, which must be lightweight, firm, and resistant enough to withstand the force applied when the user presses the pedal. Likewise, the friction parts will be manufactured from the appropriate material and, in addition, with the suitable coating or surface treatment to minimize wear. The shape, finish, and appearance of the device's components will be determined according to current aesthetic preferences, as agreed upon by the developer and the manufacturer.

Claims

1. A lever and articulated rod device for bicycle propulsion, characterized in that two diagonally installed cranks are rotated from both sides of the bicycle, acting by means of two assemblies comprising a second-class lever and a rod, the two assemblies being symmetrically identical with respect to the longitudinal vertical plane of the bicycle.

2. A lever and articulated rod device for bicycle propulsion according to claim 1, characterized in that the position and orientation of the two levers, with respect to the direction of travel and in relation to the bottom bracket axle, is such that their fulcrums are located behind and at a greater height than said axle, and their points of application are located in front of it.

3. A lever and articulated rod device for bicycle propulsion according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the Cartesian coordinates in the vertical plane of the two fulcrums with respect to the bottom bracket axle are the same for both. 4.A lever and articulated rod device for bicycle propulsion according to claims 1, 2, and 3, characterized in that the fulcrum axis is horizontal, allowing the levers to describe arcs in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal plane of the bicycle.

5. A lever and articulated rod device for bicycle propulsion according to claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, characterized in that the rod on each side is articulated with one end at the lever's load point and the other at the pedal.

6. A lever and articulated rod device for bicycle propulsion according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, characterized in that the other end of each rod is articulated to the crank arm.