Self-Propelled Vehicle Propelled by an Elliptical Drive Train With Direct Drive Power Transfer System

1 . An apparatus, comprising:

a frame;

a drive wheel coupled to the frame;

a first and second foot link, each including a foot receiving portion for receiving a user's foot;

a direct drive power transfer system coupled to said first and second foot links and said drive wheel such that when the foot links are operated by a user, the direct drive power transfer system applies propulsive force to the drive wheel without the use of a chain or belt.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the direct drive power transfer system includes a pivot axis and first and a second crank arm, where the pivot axis is co-axial with the rotational axis of the drive wheel.

3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the direct drive power transfer system includes a first and a second crank arm and a drive system that allows the drive wheel to rotate more quickly than the first and the second crank arm.

4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the drive system has a fixed input-output ratio.

5 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the drive system permits multiple input-output ratios that are selectable by the user.

6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the drive system is comprised of a series of gears.

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a second wheel is coupled to the frame and said drive wheel and said second wheel each have respective diameters and the diameter of the drive wheel is larger than the diameter of the second wheel.

8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the foot receiving portion is disposed between the first and second ends of each foot link.

9 . An apparatus, comprising:

a frame having a drive wheel rotatably supported thereupon, and a first pivot axis defined thereupon;

a first and a second foot link, each having a first end, a second end, and a foot receiving portion defined thereupon;

a coupler assembly which is in mechanical communication with said pivot axis and with a first end of each of said first and second foot links, said coupler assembly being operative to direct said first ends of said foot links in an arcuate path of travel;

a foot link guide supported by said frame, said guide being operable to engage a second end of each of said foot links, and to direct said second ends along a reciprocating path of travel;

a direct drive power transfer system in mechanical communication with said coupler assembly and with said drive wheel; whereby when the first end of one of said foot links travels in said arcuate path and the second end of that foot link travels in said reciprocal path, a user's foot supported thereupon travels in a generally elliptical path of travel, and said direct drive power transfer system transfers power from said coupler assembly to said drive wheel without the use of a belt or chain, so as to supply propulsive power thereto

10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the coupler assembly pivot axis is coaxial with the rotational axis of the drive wheel.

11 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the coupler assembly includes a first and a second crank arm and the direct drive power transfer system includes a drive system that allows the drive wheel to rotate more quickly than the first and the second crank arms.

12 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the drive system has a fixed input-output ratio.

13 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the drive system permits multiple input-output ratios that are selectable by the user.

14 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein a second wheel is coupled to the frame and the drive wheel and the second wheel have respective diameters and the diameter of the drive wheel is larger than the diameter of the second wheel.

15 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the foot receiving portion is disposed between the first and second ends of each foot link.

16 . An apparatus, comprising:

a frame having a drive wheel rotatably supported thereupon, and a first pivot axis defined thereupon;

a first and a second foot link, each having a first end, a second end, and a foot receiving portion defined thereupon;

a coupler assembly which is in mechanical communication with said pivot axis and with a first end of each of said first and second foot links, said coupler assembly being operative to direct said first ends of said foot links in an arcuate path of travel;

a foot link guide track supported by said frame, said foot link guide track being operable to engage a second end of each of said foot links, and to direct said second ends along a reciprocating path of travel;

a direct drive power transfer system in mechanical communication with said coupler assembly and with said drive wheel; whereby when the first end of one of said foot links travels in said arcuate path and the second end of that foot link travels in said reciprocal path, a user's foot supported thereupon travels in a generally elliptical path of travel, and said direct drive power transfer system transfers power from said coupler assembly to said drive wheel without the use of a belt or chain, so as to supply propulsive power thereto.

17 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the coupler assembly pivot axis is coaxial with the rotational axis of the drive wheel.

18 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the coupler assembly includes a first and a second crank arm and the direct drive power transfer system includes a drive system that allows the drive wheel to rotate more quickly than the first and the second crank arms.

19 . The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the drive system has a fixed input-output ratio.

20 . The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the drive system permits multiple input-output ratios that are selectable by the user.

21 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein a second wheel is coupled to the frame and the drive wheel and the second wheel have respective diameters and the diameter of the drive wheel is larger than the diameter of the second wheel.

22 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the foot receiving portion is disposed between the first and second ends of each foot link.