Endless belt power transmission systems or components – Pulley with expansible rim means or pulleys with alternately... – Structure for variably adjusting radius of rim section
Patent
1987-10-21
1989-07-25
Massie, Jerome W.
Endless belt power transmission systems or components
Pulley with expansible rim means or pulleys with alternately...
Structure for variably adjusting radius of rim section
474 50, 474163, F16H 5554
Patent
active
048509396
ABSTRACT:
A rotable sprocket assembly transmits force from a chain into rotation of a bicycle wheel. Sprocket segments having peripheral teeth are mounted on a pair of sprocket housings so that the combined periphery of the sprocket segments is substantially circular. The housings are stationary relative to each other and each is oriented in a plane which is normal to a central rotational axis. The sprocket segments are slidable relative to the housing in a radial direction so as to vary the diameter of the combined sprocket segments. Each sprocket segment is formed from a plurality of hinged subsegments, with each subsegment having a single tooth. The sprocket segments of one housing overlap the adjacent sprocket segments on the other housing so that the pairs of overlapping teeth combine to effectively form a single tooth. The sprocket segments are movable angularly relative to the sprocket housings, so that in combination with the radial displacement of the sprocket segments, the total number of effective teeth on the sprocket assembly can be varied in increments of one tooth. The sprocket segments are retained in a desired radial position by a disengageable latch mechanism. A shift actuator causes disengagement of the latch and angular displacement of the sprocket segments to a desired position. Movement of the shift actuator is accomplished manually or automatically through a motor and an electronic control system. The wheel and sprocket assembly permit removal of the wheel without requiring removal of the sprocket assembly.
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Chilcote Keith C.
Mahlowski Robert J.
Autra-Bike Co., Inc.
Massie Jerome W.
Smith Matthew
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