Pedal cycle propulsion mechanism - is operated by vertical movement of riders feet on end of bell crank

摘要

The movement performed by the rider is a purely stamping movement up and down. The levers can be appreciably larger than those conventionally used, and their axes can be staggered by 6 deg. The propulsion movement can be provided by a system of connecting rods. The system greatly reduces the effort required, or allows a great increase in speed. The levers operated by the rider's feet are bell cranks with a long forward facing horizontal arm and a short downward facing arm connected to a crank. The other end of the crank is connected to the sprocket in place of the usual pedal and there is the usual chain drive to the rear wheel. The fulcrum of the bell crank is near the rear wheel hub.