Machine element or mechanism – Gearing – Interchangeably locked
Patent
1998-07-16
2000-05-23
Bucci, David A.
Machine element or mechanism
Gearing
Interchangeably locked
74372, 192 843, F16H 308
Patent
active
060653612
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved gear system. More particularly, the improved gear system of the present invention is intended for, but is not limited to, use on bicycles and similar conveyances presently utilising gears and gear levers.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
At present, bicycles typically employ a gear system known as the Derailleur system. This system usually comprises two or more large sprocket wheels, rigidly associated to the pedal-crank. A "derailer" or gear lever is manipulated by a rider to locate the chain about one or other of the pedal-crank sprocket wheels. A further "derailer" or gear lever is manipulated by the rider to locate the chain about one of several sprocket wheels rigidly associated with a rear wheel. The ratio between the diameter of the chosen pedal-crank sprocket and the chosen rear-wheel sprocket determining the gear ratio.
The above described prior art gear system requires significant maintenance in that the gears are fragile and are exposed to moisture and grit. Further, the size of the sprockets used is limiting physically and reduces ground clearance under the bicycle. The Derailleur system was not originally intended for "mountain bike" use.
Further disadvantages of the prior art gear systems are the need for at least two index cables, it is not possible to change gear when stationary and gear ratios are duplicated within the gear range. For example, a 21 speed Derailleur gear system has 10 duplicated gears.
The improved gear system of the present invention has as one object thereof to overcome substantially the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an improved gear system characterised by providing at least one gear-wheel about a shaft, the shaft or gear-wheel having at least one pawl member located therein, the or each pawl member being caused to move into and out of engagement with either the gear-wheel normally rotating freely with respect to the shaft passing therethrough or with the shaft passing therethrough and about which the gear-wheel normally rotates freely, the engagement of the or each pawl member with the gear-wheel or the shaft thereby causing that gear to rotate with the shaft, wherein the movement of the or each pawl member is governed magnetically.
Preferably, a roving magnet is provided within the shaft and the or each pawl member is magnetised in a manner whereby positioning of the roving magnet directly alongside the pawl member causes that pawl member to be repulsed or attracted by the roving magnet and to either project partially from the shaft and into a recess provided in the gear-wheel or to project partially from the gear-wheel and into a recess provided in the shaft.
At least a pair of pawl members are preferably provided in the shaft for engagement with each of the gear-wheels associated therewith.
In accordance with the present invention there is further provided an improved gear system characterised by a pair of substantially parallel shafts, each shaft having provided thereabout at least two gear-wheels, at least one of the gear-wheels being fixed with respect to its shaft and at least one being able to rotate freely thereabout, the gear-wheels on each shaft being arranged so as to engage the gear-wheels on the other shaft, thereby forming gear-wheel pairs, wherein a rotary force applied to one shaft is transferred to the other shaft through the gear-wheels associated therewith and under the influence of a roving magnet provided within one or both shafts, the positioning of which is determined by a user, the or each roving magnet causing one or more pawl members provided in the or each shaft adjacent each free gear-wheel to move into and out of engagement therewith, the free gear-wheels being caused to rotate with the shaft when engaged by the or each pawl member associated therewith.
Preferably, a free or pawl gear-wheel is provided on one shaft adjacent a fixed gear-wheel on the othe
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patent: 5542310 (1996-08-01), Lee
patent: 5611556 (1997-03-01), Davidow
patent: 5862903 (1999-01-01), Gruden et al.
Martin William Wesley
Newton Michell
Bucci David A.
Charles Marcus
Preload International Limited
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