Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-19
2002-11-19
Hurley, Kevin (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C280S503000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06481735
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to equipment for bicycles, and more particularly to a trailer for carrying a load behind a bicycle.
BACKGROUND
Bicyclists often need to carry loads when cycling. While it is possible for a rider to carry relatively small loads in a backpack or similar device, this may become uncomfortable over long periods. Furthermore, other arrangements must be made to carry large and/or heavy loads. One option is to carry the load in a basket attached to the bicycle. However, this may cause the operation or handling of the bicycle to change, especially if the load is relatively heavy and effects the balance of the bike.
An alternative solution involves placing the load in a separate vehicle that is coupled to the bicycle. For example, the load may be placed in a trailer that is towed behind the bicycle. However, prior designs of these trailers have been found to have awkward and/or undependable coupling mechanisms for connecting the trailer to the bicycle. In addition, prior designs lack a safe mechanism for loading the trailers when uncoupled from the bicycle. Further, many of the prior designs are unnecessarily complicated and expensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides an apparatus for carrying a load behind a bicycle. The apparatus includes a carriage adapted to carry a load, and at least one wheel rotatably connected to the carriage. A hitch assembly is coupled to the carriage and includes at least one latch mechanism removably connectable to a bicycle to couple the carriage to the bicycle. The latch mechanism is adapted to removably connect to a skewer assembly receivable in the hub of a rear wheel of the bicycle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3347559 (1967-10-01), Robinson
patent: 3567249 (1971-03-01), Robinson
patent: 4511155 (1985-04-01), Galloway
patent: 4725067 (1988-02-01), Lundy
patent: 5454577 (1995-10-01), Bell
patent: 5516131 (1996-05-01), Novotny
patent: 5785333 (1998-07-01), Hinkston et al.
patent: 5791668 (1998-08-01), Lenardson
patent: 6099011 (2000-08-01), Beaudoin et al.
patent: 6182990 (2001-02-01), Everett
patent: 6203033 (2001-03-01), Knoll
patent: 6270092 (2001-08-01), Darling, III
Excerpts from Bob Trailers, Inc. website, printed Apr. 6, 2000.
Hurley Kevin
Kolisch & Hartwell, P.C.
Luby Matt
Yakima Products, Inc.
LandOfFree
Apparatus for carrying a load behind a bicycle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for carrying a load behind a bicycle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for carrying a load behind a bicycle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2993069