Importance

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Abstract

An arm and leg powered cycle using a linear reciprocating motion of arm and leg drive members to provide power. An elongated bicycle chassis has a forward and a rear wheel, a seat with a back rest for the operator, and lower and central support members. The arm drive member includes a rotatably mounted housing in which a plunger linearly reciprocates when an operator 'rows' the plunger, using handlebars attached thereto. Pulling on the arm plunger tightens a cable attached at one end to the plunger and at the other end to a chain engaging sprocket, the sprocket being constrained to rotation in one direction by a one-way dog. The chain engaging sprocket engages a drive chain on the pulling or 'drive' stroke, thereby pulling the chain through the stroke. This motion is transferred to drive the rear wheel through a series of gears and a transmission chain. Pushing on the leg drive member creates a drive stroke of the same type, also providing power to the drive chain. The arms and legs may be used either jointly or independently to power the vehicle. Steering is accomplished by shaping the arm plunger and the associated housing sheath so as to allow linear reciprocation but not rotation relative to one another. Thus, tilting of the handlebars rotates the drive housing which through a series of gears, turns a steering fork on which the front wheel is mounted, thereby steering the cycle.

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First Claim