Seeking Feedback on new gear system

[vectrgear]

I'm interested in what might be new and patentable about this particular expanding chainwheel gearing system.

Such systems date back to at least 1894, and I'm sitting here looking at a drawing and description of one from 1905 that's neater, more robust and with a wider range than this 'Vectrgear'.   They've appeared from time to time since, but for whatever reasons, they've never caught on.

I don't think I should disclose what I think is patentable about my expanding gearing system, but suffice it to say, it is not the fact that the gear expands.

I should like to see the 1905 patent you were looking at.  In my research, most attempts have sought to expand the whole circumference of the gear at once, which, if it can be done, requires complicated mechanics.

It seems to me that prior attempts to commercialize expanding gearing systems for bicycles have been complicated, and thus heavy and expensive; for these reasons they did not succeed or catch on.  I hope mine will succeed because it is simple, and thus light and inexpensive to produce.  I would like to see it catch on, at least for certain applications and for a certain market, but resistance to the idea has built up over the last 125 years.

[vectrgear]

The simplest answer is to build a few tool-room models and let a bunch of rider try them out.  That will tell you far more about the practicality and desirability then the opinions of a bunch of Internet posters who have never seen or used it.  The video tells us nearly nothing.

You're right, of course, but I have been trying to gauge whether there was enough interest to invest in such prototypes (or testing models).  The video is just meant to show a proof of concept: that gears can be made to change while maintaining a constant chainline.  Obviously potential buyers need to know more than that to decide practicality.  I hoped it would give me some indication of the desirability of a practical product.  Despite most commenters offering critiques and objections, it continues to generate interest, and, I take it, that indicates desirability.

[DaveB]

..... it continues to generate interest, and, I take it, that indicates desirability.

That's a reach.  "Interest" can mean only curiosity and a desire to see if it works at all, not intent to purchase.

[vectrgear]

That's a reach.  "Interest" can mean only curiosity and a desire to see if it works at all, not intent to purchase.

Meh, maybe you're right now.  Simpler than building tool room models is not building them.  Thanks for the advice!