Freewheel clutch for a pedal vehicle and method of transmitting power using a freewheel clutch

摘要

Clutch for a pedal vehicle having pedals and a frame and a method of transmitting power from the pedals, wherein the clutch is shiftable in two rotational directions. The clutch includes a drive shaft which can rotate in each of two directions upon corresponding rotation of the pedals in each of the two directions. A catch element is fixedly secured to the drive shaft. A driven shaft is provided. An engagement mechanism is arranged between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. A fixed member is provided. A holding element frictionally engages the fixed member. A spring element is biased to release the engagement mechanism from engagement with the driven shaft. The clutch allows the pedal vehicle to be moved in each of the two directions with or without corresponding movement of the pedals. The method of transferring power with the clutch provides for moving the pedals to cause the first shaft to rotate from a freewheel position in one of a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, whereby the engagement mechanism is moved into an engagement position so as to rotate the second shaft and preventing the pedals from moving and allowing the second shaft to the rotate freely in either the clockwise or counterclockwise directions.