Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-08
2001-09-11
Schwartz, Christopher P. (Department: 3613)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C280S292000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286847
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to bicycle accessories and more particularly, relates to a device for coupling bicycles together so as to form a tandem bicycle arrangement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Tandem bicycles are well known in the art and are popular. With conventional tandem bicycles, the pedals are connected to a common drive chain for pedaling the bicycle. As such, both cyclists, when pedaling, must do so at the same rhythm.
Tandem bicycles are also relatively long and thus difficult to transport, particularly on small automobiles. On the contrary, two single bicycles can easily be stored side to side on most conventional bicycle racks which may be mounted on an automobile.
One can couple two single bicycles together to form a tandem to thus provide the advantages of a tandem bicycle. However, the coupling of the two bicycles to form the tandem bicycle is difficult to do in a manner in which a stable arrangement is reached.
The prior art does suggest that one can connect two single bicycles to provide a tandem bicycle arrangement. One such arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,908 issued in 1984 which shows two standard bicycles connected by removing the front wheel and fork of the rear bicycle and placing an adapter on the frame of the rear bicycle which is then mounted to the rear axle of the leading bicycle. The desirability of connecting two bicycles together to form a tandem bicycle is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 1,300,343 to Carswell which issued in 1919 and which shows another arrangement wherein a tandem bicycle arrangement is achieved. In this patent, the tines of the fork of the rear bicycle are coupled to a coupling link which is a forged tee having a ball bearing hob into which the fork connects. Still further examples of proposals in the prior art for tandem bicycle arrangements are exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,307,893; 4,261,592; and 5,039,120.
The prior art does suffer from certain disadvantages. In some instances, the front wheel of the rear bicycle must be removed and then stored which is an inconvenience. The combination of two single bicycles does pose certain stability problems. Thus, if the area proximate the seat of the lead bicycle is connected to the portion adjacent the handle bar of the trailing bicycle by a cable type arrangement, the assembly is unstable when the cable is stretched out. However, the rear can never do more than provide is own mode of power—i.e. it can not assist in pushing the leading bicycle.
The use of a rigid bar having a universal joint or the like does not assist. If the trailing bicycle pushes in a direction other than the direction in which the bicycles are traveling, an oblique reaction force is exerted which tends to incline the bicycle toward the outside. The cyclist may attempt to correct this by turning the handle bar one way or another to provide a certain degree of stability. However, the two cyclists are generally not able to coordinate their movements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coupling assembly for connecting two bicycles together which overcomes above disadvantages.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a coupling assembly for a pair of bicycles wherein the assembly may be easily mounted and removed from the bicycles.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compact coupling assembly for connecting two bicycles which provides for adjustments for different situations and bicycle configurations.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling device comprising an elongated assembly, the elongated assembly having a first connecting device located at one end of the elongated assembly for connection to a trailing bicycle; a second connecting device located at an opposite end thereof for connection to a leading bicycle; an interconnecting portion extending between the first connecting device and the second connecting device; the interconnecting portion comprising a rigid segment and a flexible segment, the flexible segment permitting movement in all planes while being substantially inextensible in the longitudinal axis; and the rigid segment being longitudinally adjustable to vary the length of the coupling device.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combination of a leading bicycle and a trailing bicycle and a coupling device interconnecting the leading bicycle and the trailing bicycle, the coupling device comprising an elongated assembly, the elongated assembly having a first connecting device located at one end of the elongated assembly connected to the trailing bicycle; a second connecting device located at an opposite end thereof connected to the leading bicycle; an interconnecting portion extending between the first connecting device and the second connecting device; the interconnecting portion comprising a rigid segment and a flexible segment, the flexible segment permitting movement in all planes while being substantially inextensible in the longitudinal axis; and the rigid segment being longitudinally adjustable to vary the length of the coupling device; the first connecting device extending about a downwardly extending shaft of a handle bar of the trailing bicycle, the second connecting device extending about and encircling a seat post of the leading bicycle.
In greater detail, the coupling device of the present invention permits a leading bicycle and a trailing bicycle to be attached together and wherein each bicycle may have a rider thereon.
The coupling device permits adjustability both to vary the length of the coupling device as may be required between different bicycles and also to permit the coupling together of bicycles which may be of different sizes. This is accomplished through the use of the flexible segment. The flexible segment preferably permits movement in all planes and also permits a rotational or torsional movement. At the same time, the flexible segment is preferably substantially inextensible so as to not permit movement in the longitudinal axis of the coupling device. In one embodiment, the flexible segment will be in the form of a helically wound member which is of sufficient strength to substantially prevent movement in the longitudinal axis while permitting some movement in the other planes. In this respect, it will be understood that the flexible segment may be in the form of a <<spring>>, but which spring is substantially inextensible under the forces normally encountered. Alternatively, a flexible segment of a suitable rubber or thermoplastic material could be utilized.
The connecting device for connection to the trailing bicycle preferably includes first and second jaw members which are pivotably connected to a base. The first and second jaw members would each have a gripping segment which together would define an encircling portion designed to encircle a shaft of a bicycle handle bar. The gripping segments are preferably provided with a bushing such that the gripping segments are free to rotate about the shaft—i.e. they do not firmly grip the shaft of the bicycle handle bar.
Similarly, the second connecting device is designed to encircle a seat post or related portion thereabout of the leading bicycle. Again, a bushing may be provided so as to permit rotational movement of the connecting device about the seat post.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4261592 (1981-04-01), Busseuil
patent: 4307893 (1981-12-01), Ragland
patent: 4729576 (1988-03-01), Roach
patent: 2264424 (1999-09-01), None
Bartz C. T.
Holland & Knight LLP
Schwartz Christopher P.
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