Spring-based Mechanism for Saving Labor of a Bicycle Rider

Abstract

A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.

1 - 5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . A mechanism for use with a bicycle having a first gear mounted on an axle of a chain wheel, the mechanism being disposed externally of the bicycle and comprising:
 a housing for mounting a shaft therein;   a second gear operatively connected to the shaft;   a first set of bearings disposed at one end of the shaft;   a second set of bearings disposed at the other end of the shaft;   a spring disposed in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing;   a third gear in mesh with the second gear;   a clutch operatively connected to the third gear; and   a fourth gear operatively connected to the clutch and being in mesh with the first gear.   
   
   
       7 . A mechanism for use with a bicycle, comprising;
 an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel of the bicycle and operatively connected to a first set of bearings via a first transmission assembly;   a housing for mounting a first shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is disposed at one end of the first shaft;   a second set of bearings disposed at the other end of the first shaft;   a spring disposed in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the first shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing;   a second shaft operatively connected to the first transmission assembly opposing the axle;   a first clutch disposed externally of the other end of the housing distal the axle, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever,   a second clutch operatively connected to the second shaft; and   a second transmission assembly operatively interconnecting the second clutch and a rear wheel of the bicycle.   
   
   
       8 . The mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the first transmission assembly comprises a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear in mesh with the first bevel gear, and a third bevel gear in mesh with the second bevel gear and disposed opposite the first bevel gear. 
   
   
       9 . The mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the second transmission assembly comprises a front sprocket wheel, a rear sprocket wheel, and a chain run around the front sprocket wheel and the rear sprocket wheel. 
   
   
       10 . The mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the second transmission assembly comprises a front pulley, a rear pulley, and a rope run around the front pulley and the rear pulley 
   
   
       11 . The mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the second transmission assembly comprises a front pulley, a rear pulley, and a chain run around the front pulley and the rear pulley.