Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-27
2001-09-11
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 2167)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286850
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices for assisting in training a person in the use of a two-wheel bicycle. More particularly, the invention relates to a pivotable member connected to a bicycle which enables a second person, for example a parent, to assist in maintaining balance of the bicycle while the rider, for example a child, learns to ride the bicycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of training wheels on bicycles is well known. However, such training wheels still cannot prevent a child from tipping over a bicycle while attempting to ride it. Further, use of training wheels requires manual assembly, and subsequent removal of the training wheels is eventually required. Also, with training wheels on a bicycle, it is inconvenient to remove the training wheels when a second child, who is already an experienced bicycle rider, wishes to use the bicycle. Other types of training aids used in teaching use of a bicycle are known, and are described hereunder.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,750 to Sklar discloses a bicycle stabilizing flexpole trainer. The trainer includes a removable member which is tubular and elongated, and has a padded gripping portion at an end distal from the bicycle. It is attached fixedly, so that it cannot pivot or move, to a rear frame member of the bicycle.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,675 to Fleisher, a bicycle training device is shown for attachment to the frame of a bicycle. The bicycle training device is connected to the rear axle of a bicycle, and is formed as a U-shaped tubular member. The tubular member is bent at an angle, and is fixed to the frame against pivot motion.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,130 to Rubin, a bicycle balance trainer is shown. The bicycle balance trainer includes a bent U-shaped member which is attached near the rear axle of a bicycle. The bent portion is resiliently connected to the straight portions of the U-shaped member, and is extensible so that the straight portions are of variable length according to the preferences of the user. The bent U-shaped member is fixedly connected so that it does not rotate or pivot with respect to the frame of the bicycle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,398 to de Miranda Pinto is directed to a bicycle training handle. The training handle is formed as a forked bar connected to the rear axle of a bicycle, and is pivotally mounted. It includes a bent U-shaped portion which is cushioned. A mechanical linkage is connected to the seat portion of the bicycle and to the forked bar, as shown in
FIG. 3
of this patent, to limit a range of pivoting motion of the forked bar.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,222 to Harrison, a bicycle guiding device is shown. The bicycle guiding device is a generally U-shaped member which is fixedly connected to a seat portion and to a rear axle of a bicycle, extending nearly vertically upwards.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,975 to Weisbrodt et al. is directed to a rear bicycle attachment handle. The handle includes a pair of straight members having a connecting member serving as a handle at one end, two ends connectable to the rear axle of a bicycle, a cross member connecting the pair of straight members at a location below the handle portion, and a bracing strut connected to the cross member for attaching the assembly to another portion of the bicycle to secure the assembly so that it is fixedly connected against pivoting motion.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,093 to Hayes, a device is shown which is attachable to a bicycle to allow stabilizing of a learning rider. The device includes a handle having a forked end portion which is fixedly connected to the rear axle of a bicycle, and a bracing member secured to a seat portion of the bicycle to prevent pivotal motion of the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,944 to Kalmus discloses a bicycle riding training device. The device includes a handle which is releasably attached to a securing portion, and can be made adjustable in length. The securing portion is fixed to extend from the rear of a bicycle seat.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,672,351 to Kane, a handle is shown for pushing tricycles. The handle includes a straight tubular member secured to a frame portion located behind the seat, and includes a support member connected to secure the straight tubular member fixedly, preventing pivoting motion.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,096 to Geller et al. discloses a guidance apparatus for bicycle training. The apparatus includes a handle portion secured to the bicycle frame behind the seat, and includes a hand brake arrangement secured to the end of the handle to permit the adult to exert a braking force by squeezing the hand brake at the handle portion. The handle portion is secured against pivotal motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides a unitary U-shaped balance bar which is pivotably secured to a bicycle, and includes a stop portion to prevent the bar or handle from falling to the ground during use. The purpose of the balance bar is to permit a rider, such as a child, to learn to use a bicycle while a second person, such as a parent or coach, can use the balance bar to stabilize the bicycle when necessary. Since the balance bar is pivotable about the rear axle of a bicycle, it adjusts simply to persons of different height so that they can hold it comfortably. The balance bar has a stop portion, which can be an L-shaped portion, to prevent the balance bar from falling onto the ground. This invention provides adjustable height and angle of support along with safety stopping features in a single unitary unit.
The balance bar according to the present invention is used to aid and assist the parent or guardian of a child who is just starting to learn how to ride a bicycle without the aid of training wheels. The balance bar according to the present invention provides the parent or guardian with greater stability, control, and upright posture while not crowding the child near the seat or handlebars of the bicycle, as is typical where the parent holds the frame, seat, or handlebars of the bicycle to attempt to provide stability. In this manner, the balance bar provides the child or rider with great viewing capability and comfort along with greater confidence during the learning process. In addition, the parent or guardian is able to assist the child for a much longer period of time in a comfortable upright walking or jogging position. This is a significant improvement to the usual crouch/squatting position that is typical when the parent or guardian is holding onto the frame, seat, or handlebars of the bicycle.
The balance bar according to the present invention is formed preferably as a steel or metal member which is U-shaped, having a curved end serving as a handle portion and having two distal ends which are connected to the rear axle of the bicycle. The handle portion preferably includes a resilient cover, such as a foam or rubber cushion, to facilitate manual gripping. The two distal ends of the balance bar are preferably flattened, having axially aligned apertures therein to receive the rear axle of a bicycle, and thereby permit ready attachment to the rear axle of the bicycle. The U-shaped steel member is preferably formed from hollow tubing having an outer diameter, which has preferably been selected from a range of from one-half inch to one inch in diameter.
Nylon locking nuts and flat or resilient washers are preferably used to secure the U-shaped steel member according to the present invention. The stop portion can be formed as an L-shaped portion on one or both distal ends of the U-shaped steel member according to the present invention. This stop portion permits raising and lowering of the bar or handle according to the present invention within a predetermined range, and prevents the bar or handle from falling onto the ground.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanyi
Cuff Michael
Flagg Rodger H.
Olszewski Robert P.
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