The transmission is for transmitting a reciprocating pedal movement into a rotational movement and comprises a pair of pedals suspended for reciprocating movement, two rotating cam members (29) rotating around respective cam axes (33), each rotating cam member (29) having a peripheral cam surface (31), the rotating cam members (29) being coupled to a rotating member (35) through a respective one-way clutch. Flexible tension members (63) are connecting either pedal to a respective one of the rotating cam members (29), which are eccentric to provide for a gearing ratio between angular movement of the rotating cam member (29) and translational movement of the respective pedal to vary, such that the gearing ratio has a minimum value when the pedal is in an intermediate position between its extended position and its retracted position, and major values when the pedal is in its retracted or extended position.

A family of vehicles is presented which exploit dynamic controls to stabilize in-line two wheeled vehicles. The stabilization results in improved safety at high speeds and on uncooperative surfaces. Stabilization affords balance at zero speed without auxiliary support means. Transformational wheel base length affords high visibility at low speeds and low drag at high speeds. In wheel chair configurations transforming wheel base length allows navigation up and down stairs.

The invention allows a rider to operate a bicycle in a recumbent position, and steer the bicycle using a direct underseat steering system. The recumbent position, compared to the typical upright riding position, greatly reduces air resistance and required effort. The direct underseat steering system is mechanically simple, which makes is less costly to manufacture, and the direct steering system is also less likely than linkage-based systems to be damaged in a crash. The frame geometry allows the manufacturer to use inexpensive materials and techniques, while still providing the rider adequate stiffness and durability.

Vehicle (110) including a frame (114), a seat mounted to the frame (114), wheels (116, 118) rotatably mounted on the frame (114), and drive mechanisms (112) for causing rotation of one wheel (116). Each drive mechanism (112) includes an arm (132) pivotally attached to the frame (114) at one end, a weight (136) and attached pedal (138) at an opposite end of the arm (132), and a guide member (142) including a bump (150) and that moves in conjunction with movement of the weight (136). The guide member (142) has a first end region at which it is pivotally attached to the frame (114) and a second, opposite end region which is free. A roller (140) attached to the arm (132) moves along the guide member (142) during pivotal movement of the arm (132) to cause pivoting of the guide member (142) as the roller (140) engages with the bump (150). An energy transfer system (148) converts pivotal movement of the guide member (142) into motive power to rotate the wheel (116).

An all limb powered and steered front wheel drive land vehicle comprises a seat (133), a front wheel (115), a rear wheel (155), a front drive component (66) and a frame (1) wherein; the seat (133) and a rear wheel (155) are mounted on a rear portion of the frame (1); wherein the front wheel (115) and front drive component (66) are mounted on a front portion of the frame (1); wherein the front drive component (66) comprises a drive mechanism (61) for driving the front wheel (115) and a connecting rod (23)comprising two hand grips for driving the drive mechanism (61) and a lever (31) comprising two foot pegs for driving the connecting rod (23) and a fulcrum (105) mounting the lever (31) to the frame (1). Employing all four limbs of a comfortably seated rider for power and steering, this high performance bicycle converts into a tricycle by removing the rear wheel (155) and replacing it with an axle (192) and a left rear wheel (190) and a right rear wheel (191).

Vehicle including a frame, a seat mounted to the frame, wheels rotatably mounted on the frame, and drive mechanisms for causing rotation of one wheel. Each drive mechanism includes an arm pivotally attached to the frame at one end, a weight and attached pedal at an opposite end of the arm, and a guide member including a bump and that moves in conjunction with movement of the weight. The guide member has a first end region at which the guide member is pivotally attached to the frame and a second, opposite end region which is free. A roller attached to the arm moves along the guide member during pivotal movement of the arm to cause pivoting of the guide member as the roller engages with the bump. An energy transfer system converts pivotal movement of the guide member into motive power to rotate the wheel.

A two wheel tandem vehicle is propelled by hand-grasped poles. A front wheel on a forward member and a rear wheel on a rearward member align along a longitudinal axis. The forward member pivots about a substantially vertical steering axis. A saddle and footholds support the rider and together with an accessory contact means allow the rider to balance and steer the device. The rider's hands do not contact the vehicle but are used to propel the vehicle with the poles.

A novel cycle device including a transmission assembly (or assemblies) that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such an assembly is provided in one or more of a modular, fixed or movable configuration according reduced complexity of implementation, improved efficiency of operation, and useful assembly modularity for manufacture and repair. Such a device may further include an improved means for selecting between direct and overdrive functions of a fixed transmission assembly. Additionally, a removable front transmission assembly comprising a steering fork with handlebars is also encompassed herein.

A cycle includes a fork and a first wheel is mounted to the fork. A steerer tube is connected to the fork. The steerer tube has a longitudinal axis. The cycle includes a pair of second wheels. A pair of downtubes is rotationally mounted to the steerer tube about the longitudinal axis. The pair of downtubes have a fixed inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis. Each one of the down tubes respectively connects one wheel of the pair of second wheels to the steerer tube for pivoting the pair of second wheels together and apart.

A vehicle O, such as a tricycle, has a pair of rear wheels 14 mounted to a first sub-frame 12, and a second sub-frame 16 pivotally coupled to the first sub-frame and arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis 18 relative to said first sub-frame. Relative rotation between the first and second sub-frames is provided, such as by one or more elastomeric couplings or bearings e.g. torsional pivot 98. At least one front wheel 22 is coupled to the second sub-frame via forks and a steering head. A seat 20 for a rider is supported by the second sub-frame. Handlebars 28 are coupled to the steering head via at least one steering member, such as a mechanical link 60 or hydraulic, magnetic or electrical link The cycle is steered by acombination of handlebar and/or lean steer. Steering can be damped by a damper 79. Handlebar steer involves manipulating the handlebars to act on the steering arm which rotates the steering head and therefore also the front wheel(s) to steer the front wheel(s). Lean steer articulates the second sub-frame relative to the first sub-frame and causes the front wheel(s) to steer via movement of the steering head coupled to the second sub-frame. Steering can transition or be trimmed (feathered) between these two modes dependent on speed and terrain.