Claims:We claim:
1. A linear pedaling system (100), comprising:
a sliding frame (102) comprising a slider (104) to produce a forward stroke upon application of an external force on the slider (104);
a connecting rod (106) slidably connected to the slider (104);
a crank wheel (108) comprising a fixed pin (110);
a slotted rod (112) attached between a base frame (114) and the connecting rod (106), wherein the slotted rod (112) comprises a central slot (116) to accommodate the fixed pin (110); and
a sprocket wheel (118) connected to the crank wheel (108) through a chain (120), and wherein the sprocket wheel (118) comprises a ratchet wheel mechanism for enabling rotation of the crank wheel (108) in the reverse direction without any opposing force.

2. The linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed pin (110) is positioned at a primary distance from center of the crank wheel (108), and wherein the primary distance is less than or equal to radius of the crank wheel (108).

3. The linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
an extendable arm (402) connected to the fixed pin (110) is positioned at a secondary distance from center of the crank wheel (108), and
wherein the secondary distance is greater than radius of the crank wheel (108).

4. The linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a pedal or pushing implement attached to the slider (104) of the sliding frame (102) to enable application of the external force for producing the forward stroke.

5. The linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotation of the crank wheel (108) is induced through the movement of the fixed pin (110) within the central slot (116).

6. The linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crank wheel (108) rotates more than 180o during the forward stroke of the slider (104) movement.

7. The linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear pedaling system (100) is installed at one or more sides of a bicycle for enabling application of the external force for producing only forward strokes for rotating the crank wheel (108), and
wherein the ratchet wheel mechanism enables the crank wheel (108) to rotate in the reverse direction by bringing up the slider (104) without any opposing force.

8. The linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear pedaling system (100) is installed at both sides of a bicycle for enabling a person to ride the bicycle, and
wherein a pulley system is used for connecting both pedals, in order to enable movement of the bicycle.

9. A method for a linear pedaling system (100), comprising:
positioning a slider (104) within a sliding frame (102) for producing a forward stroke upon application of an external force on the slider (104);
slidably connecting a connecting rod (106) to the slider (104);
positioning a fixed pin (110) on a crank wheel (108);
attaching a slotted rod (112) between a base frame (114) and a connecting rod (106), wherein the slotted rod (112) comprises a central slot (116) to accommodate the fixed pin (110); and
connecting a sprocket wheel (118) to the crank wheel (108) through a chain (120) ,
and wherein the sprocket wheel (118) comprises a ratchet wheel mechanism for enabling rotation of the crank wheel (108) in the reverse direction without any opposing force.

10. The method for configuring a linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fixed pin (110) is positioned at a primary distance from center of the crank wheel (108), and wherein the primary distance is less than or equal to radius of the crank wheel (108).

11. The method for configuring a linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising connecting an extendable arm (402) to the fixed pin (110), wherein the extendable arm (402) is positioned at a secondary distance from center of the crank wheel (108), and
wherein the secondary distance is greater than radius of the crank wheel (108).

12. The method for configuring a linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising attaching a pedal to the slider (104) of the sliding frame (102) to enable application of the external force for producing the forward stroke.

13. The method for configuring a linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising inducing the rotation of the crank wheel (108) through the movement of the fixed pin (110) within the central slot (116).

14. The method for configuring a linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising rotating the crank wheel (108) more than 180o during the forward stroke of the slider (104) movement.

15. The method for configuring a linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
installing the linear pedaling system (100) at one or more sides of a bicycle for enabling a person to apply the external force for producing only the forward stroke for the crank wheel (108) rotation; and
enabling the movement of the bicycle by automatically producing the reverse stroke,
wherein the ratchet wheel mechanism enables the crank wheel (108) to rotate in the reverse direction by bringing up the slider (104) without any opposing force.
.
16. The method for configuring a linear pedaling system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
installing the linear pedaling system (100) at both sides of a bicycle for enabling a person to ride the bicycle; and
enabling the movement of the bicycle by connecting both pedals of the bicycle by using a pulley. , Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of invention generally relates to pedaling systems. More specifically, it relates to a linear pedaling system and method that exhibits a rotation angle of more than 180 degrees for a single stroke from a linear input motion.

BACKGROUND
[002] Bicycles have been around for over a century and the pedal system has not evolved much except for an increasing number of gears and the gear shifting system. Basically, it consists of a rotational motion of the pedals in order to rotate a first gear connected to a second gear by way of a chain.
[003] In recent years, various guises of linear reciprocal pedaling have seen the day and they are used on both traditional frame bicycles. This new type of reciprocal pedaling procures advantages over rotational pedaling but there is still room for improvement.
[004] For the typical bicycle to move in the forward direction, the bicyclist applies force to the pedals causing them to rotate in the same rotational direction as the wheels of the bicycle for forward motion.
[005] For bicycle riding, the rider’s balance and momentum help maintain the stability of the bicycle while traveling along the path. For disabled persons with single leg, it is a difficult task to balance and ride the bicycle. Therefore, the disabled person may face problem to bring back the pedal to the original position after a forward stroke and as a result applying force becomes a difficult task.
[006] Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is a need for a linear pedaling system and method for increasing rotation angle in forward stroke, which enables the single leg disabled persons to easily drive the bicycle, and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.

 
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[007] The principal object of this invention is to provide a linear pedaling system and method which provides a larger amount of rotation of crank wheel in forward stroke, when compared to existing bicycles.
[008] Another object of the invention is to provide a linear pedaling system that enables motion of the bicycle by converting linear input into rotation motion.
[009] Another object of the invention is to redesign an existing typical cycle into a linear pedaling cycle for a single leg disabled person as well as for a normal person.
[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a linear pedaling system that allows the rotation of the crank wheel with increased torque.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a linear pedaling system that automatically induces a reverse stroke thus aiding the disabled person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0012] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0013] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a linear pedaling system, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0015] Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of the linear pedaling system, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0016] Fig. 3A depicts a perspective view of the linear pedaling system with slider at bottom-most position, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0017] Fig. 3B depicts a perspective view of the linear pedaling system with slider at top position, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0018] Fig. 4A depicts a perspective view of the linear pedaling system with an extendable arm, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0019] Fig. 4B depicts a top view of the linear pedaling system with an extendable arm, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0020] Fig. 5 depicts a method for configuring the linear pedaling system, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0021] Fig. 6 depicts a method of using the linear pedaling system by a single leg disabled person, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0022] Fig. 7 depicts a method of using the linear pedaling system by a normal person, in accordance with an embodiment.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0023] The present invention discloses a system and method for linear pedaling which provides maximum rotation of more than 180 degree of a crank wheel in forward stroke.
[0024] According to an aspect of the invention, a linear pedaling system comprises a sliding frame which is configured with a slider to slide along the sliding frame and produce a forward stroke when an external force is applied on the slider. The slider is connected with a connecting rod which moves along with the slider. A crank wheel is configured with a fixed pin which is positioned at a primary distance from the center of the crank wheel.
[0025] A slotted rod is configured with one end connected to a base frame and other end connected to the connecting rod. The slotted rod comprises a central slot into which the fixed pin of the crank wheel is inserted. This induces rotation of the crank wheel along with the movement of the slotted rod through the connecting rod during the forward stroke.
[0026] A sprocket wheel is connected to the crank wheel through a chain that has a ratchet wheel installed in it which helps the slider to come back to its original position using the leg without any opposing force.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0028] The present invention discloses a linear pedaling system and method that incorporates a unique designed quick return mechanism. The linear pedaling system generates a forward stroke for pedaling and helps to rotate the crank wheel more than 180o using a single leg. The linear pedaling system is utilized by single leg disabled person as well as by normal person.
[0029] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a linear pedaling system 100. The system 100 comprises a sliding frame 102 which is configured with a slider 104. The slider 104 slides along the sliding frame 102 when an external force is applied on the slider 104. The slider 104 is connected with a connecting rod 106. The connecting rod 106 moves along with the slider 104.
[0030] The slider 104 movement initiates a forward stroke when an external force is applied on the slider 104. In an embodiment, the sider 104 is connected to a paddle, so that the external force may be applied through a pedal or pushing implement for producing the forward stroke.
[0031] A crank wheel 108 is secured with a fixed pin 110. The fixed pin 110 is positioned at a primary distance from center of the crank wheel 108. In an embodiment, the primary distance of the fixed pin 110 position is far from the center which may be less than or equal to the radius of the crank wheel 108.
[0032] A slotted rod 112 with its one end connected to a base frame 114 and another end connected to the connecting rod 106. The slotted rod 112 comprises a central slot 116. The slotted rod 112 is fitted onto the fixed pin 110 of the crank wheel 108, so that the fixed pin 110 is inserted into the central slot 116.
[0033] In an embodiment, the base frame 114 may be a fixed rigid frame which rigidly supports the movement of the slotted rod 112 along the crank wheel 108.
[0034] When the connected rod 106 moves along with the slider 104, the slotted rod 112 moves and thereby the fixed pin 110 starts moving in the central slot 116 along with the movement of the slotted rod 112.
[0035] In an embodiment, the central slot 116 formed in the slotted rod 112 may be a long rectangular slit with curved ends which aids the movement of the slotted rod 112. The length of the central slot 116 of the slotted rod 112 is equal to the diameter of the crank wheel 108.
[0036] The fixed pin 110 movement in the central slot 116 induces rotation of the crank wheel 108 enabling the crank wheel 108 to move forward in the forward stroke. The crank wheel 108 rotates more than 180o which will be the maximum rotation during the forward stroke of the slider 104 movement.
[0037] A sprocket wheel 118 is connected to the crank wheel 108 through a chain 120. Once the crank wheel 108 rotates its maximum rotation, the sprocket wheel 118 in connection with the crank wheel 108 rotates through the chain 120. Additionally, due to the ratchet wheel mechanism installed in the sprocket (118), the crank wheel (108) rotates in the reverse direction by bringing the slider (104) to the top, by using the leg without any opposing force..
[0038] In an embodiment, the slider 104 slides in a back and forth motion within the sliding frame 102 to accomplish the forward stroke and to bring the slider 104 up to the top. In other embodiment, additional mechanical components such as bearings may be used in the sliding frame 102 for smooth movement of the slider 104. Further, stopping components may be incorporated at the topmost and bottommost parts of the sliding frame 102 to limit the extent of the movement of the slider 104 in the sliding frame 102.
[0039] In an embodiment, the sliding frame 102 may be configured with parallel bars which are connected at their ends. The sliding frame 102 may also be configured as a “C” shape channel frame. As depicted in the figure, the sliding frame 102 is a rectangular shaped frame. Further, the sliding frame 102 may be designed with variable length and size.
[0040] In an embodiment, the links between the moving components such as the connecting rod 106 and the slotted rod 112 may be connected using fastening elements that allow for easy movement of the components.
[0041] In an embodiment, the linear pedaling system 100 is installed at one side of a bicycle for enabling a single leg disabled person to apply the external force for producing only the forward stroke for the crank wheel 108 rotation. The forward stroke allows the crank wheel 108 to rotate more than 180o. Further, due to the ratchet wheel mechanism installed in the sprocket (118), the crank wheel (108) rotates in the reverse direction by bringing the slider (104) to the top using the leg without any opposing force.
[0042] In an embodiment, the linear pedaling system 100 is installed at both sides of the bicycle for enabling a normal person to ride the bicycle by connecting both pedals using a pulley system. The pulley connection of the pedals allows the rider for cycling using both the pedals, where if one pedal goes down, simultaneously another pedal goes up.
[0043] In an embodiment, each side of the bicycle comprises the chain 120 connecting the crank wheel 108 and the sprocket wheel 118, and one flywheel with installed ratchet mechanism inside the sprocket wheel 118.
[0044] Alternatively, the connection between the pedals is not made and left independent for implementing independent pedaling at each side of the bicycle.
[0045] In an embodiment, each pedal of the bicycle is fixed with a closure strap for secure placement of the rider foot on the pedal. The closure strap may be similar to the straps used in sandals to put the foot so that the foot can maintain a continuous contact with the pedal. This is helpful to the people who have a single leg disability to ride a cycle.
[0046] Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of the linear pedaling system 100.
[0047] In an embodiment, the base frame 114 and the sliding frame 102 are connected by a supporting frame 202 which will be fixed at rear side supporting the crank wheel 108.
[0048] Fig. 3A depicts a perspective view of the linear pedaling system 100 with slider at bottom-most position.
[0049] In an embodiment, when the external force is applied to the pedal to achieve the forward stroke, the slider 104 moves in the sliding frame 102 reaching bottom-most position of the sliding frame 102. As depicted in the figure, during the forward stroke, the fixed pin 110 moves in the central slot 116 reaching the centre of the central slot 116 through which the crank wheel 108 rotates forward in a clockwise direction. The forward stroke allows the crank wheel 108 to rotate more than 180o.
[0050] Fig. 3B depicts a perspective view of the linear pedaling system 100 with slider at top position.
[0051] In an embodiment, once the the crank wheel 108 starts rotating, the sprocket wheel 118 automatically rotates through the chain 120. When the crank wheel 108 rotates more than 180o along with the fixed pin 110. Further, due to the ratchet wheel mechanism installed in the sprocket (118), the crank wheel(108) rotates in the reverse direction by bringing the slider (104) to the top using the leg without any opposing force which aids the single leg disabled person to apply the external force for the next forward stroke.
[0052] Fig. 4A depicts a perspective view of the linear pedaling system 400 with an extendable arm.
[0053] In an embodiment, the crank wheel 108 is alternately fixed with an extendable arm 402 at its center. The fixed pin 110 is secured at the end of the extendable arm 402. The extendable arm 402 enables extended position of the fixed pin 110, where the fixed pin 110 is provided at a secondary distance from the center of the crank wheel 108 for increased torque.
[0054] In an embodiment, the extendable arm 402 may be alternately fixed at any desired area on the crank wheel 108.
[0055] In an embodiment, the secondary distance is greater than the primary distance, where the secondary distance is greater than radius of the crank wheel 108. Since, the torque for the movement of the crank wheel 108 depends on the distance of the fixed pin 110 from the center of the crank wheel 108, the fixed pin 110 is placed greater than the radius of the crank wheel 108 for increased rotational force.
[0056] Fig. 4B depicts a top view of the linear pedaling system 400 with an extendable arm.
[0057] Fig. 5 depicts a method 500 for configuring the linear pedaling system. The method 500 begins with positioning the slider within the sliding frame, as depicted at step 502, for sliding along the sliding frame and producing a forward stroke when an external force is applied on the slider. Subsequently, the method 500 discloses connection of the slotted rod in between the base frame and the slider through a connecting rod, as depicted at step 504, for moving along with the slider. The slotted rod further comprises a central slot.
[0058] Thereafter, the method 500 discloses positioning of the fixed pin on the crank wheel at a primary distance from the center of the crank wheel, as depicted at step 506. Later, the method 500 discloses insertion of the fixed pin of the crank wheel into the central slot of the slotted rod, as depicted at step 508, for inducing rotation of the crank wheel along with the movement of the slotted rod. The movement of the slotted rod is achieved through the connecting rod movement during the forward stroke when an external force is applied.
[0059] Thereafter, the method 500 discloses connection of the sprocket wheel to the crank wheel through the chain, as depicted at step 510, for enabling automatic reverse stroke and inducing continuous rotation of the crank wheel without applying the external force.
[0060] Fig. 6 depicts a method 600 of using the linear pedaling system by a single leg disabled person. The method 600 begins with installing the linear pedaling system at one side of a bicycle for single leg disabled person, as depicted at step 602. Subsequently, the method 600 discloses downward movement of the slider within the sliding frame, as depicted at step 604, when the external force is applied on the pedal of the bicycle.
[0061] Thereafter, the method 600 discloses movement of the slotted rod through the connecting rod, as depicted at step 606, where the connecting is in moving connection with the slider. Later, the method 600 discloses movement of the fixed pin in the central slot of the slotted rod, as depicted at step 608, for rotation of the crank wheel more than 180°.
[0062] Subsequently, the method 600 discloses forward movement of the bicycle till the slider moves to the bottom-most position in the sliding frame, as depicted at step 610. Later, due to the ratchet wheel mechanism installed in the sprocket, the crank wheel rotates in the reverse direction by bringing the slider to the top using the leg without any opposing force, as depicted at step 612.
[0063] Further, the method 600 is repeated from step 604 for continuous motion of the bicycle.
[0064] Fig. 7 depicts a method 700 of using the linear pedaling system by a normal person. The method 700 begins with installing the linear pedaling system at both sides of the bicycle for normal person, as depicted at step 702. Subsequently, the method 700 discloses connection of pedals at both sides with a cable running through a pulley system, as depicted at step 704.
[0065] Thereafter, the method 700 discloses upward movement of one pedal during the downward movement of the other pedal through the external force, as depicted at step 706. Subsequently, the pedal movement is made independent to each other by removing the pulley and cable connection, as depicted at step 708, thus implementing independent pedaling at each side of the bicycle.
[0066] The advantages of the current invention comprise a linear pedaling system which provides a larger amount of rotation of the crank wheel in forward stroke than existing bicycles. The proposed linear pedaling system enables motion of the bicycle by converting linear input into rotation motion.
[0067] The linear pedaling system allows redesigning an existing typical cycle into a linear pedaling cycle for a single leg disabled person as well as for a normal person. The system allows the rotation of the crank wheel with increased torque. The rate of change of torque that rotates the crank wheel is less when compared to conventional systems. Further, due to the ratchet wheel mechanism installed in the sprocket, the crank wheel rotates in the reverse direction by bringing up the slider to the top using the leg without any opposing force.
[0068] Applications of the current invention comprise cycles and other vehicles or machinery equipment which is driven by human muscular strength and simulators.
[0069] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.