Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-03
2001-12-18
DePumpo, Daniel G. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C280S301000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331012
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to bicycle training wheels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bicycle training wheel assembly which utilizes vertical spring loaded strut assemblies connected to a pivoting frame for aiding in control of the vertical placement of the bicycle to which the assembly is attached.
A bicycle is a very popular means of transportation for people around the world. Children especially use the bicycle as a primary mode of transportation. The earlier a child learns to ride, the quicker he or she begins to experience a degree of independence. Children normally begin riding a tricycle before learning to ride a bicycle. The transition between the tricycle and the bicycle is often bridged by placing training wheels on the bicycle to assist in balancing the bicycle.
The conventional fixed training wheel provides a pair of side-mounted wheels on a bicycle. The wheels are fixed in place when initially installed on the bicycle. Typically, the initial placement puts the wheels' surface on the ground, thereby providing tricycle-like stability to the two-wheel bicycle. As the bicycle rider gains skill and confidence, the wheels are adjusted upward with respect to the ground so that the training wheels no longer ride along the ground and the rider must improve his or her balance to ride the bicycle. Eventually, the rider gains ability to the point that the training wheels are removed.
Conventional training wheels typically consist of rigid brackets which are mounted onto the rear axle of the bicycle. However, such brackets have no “give” since they are normally formed of thick metal bars. During a sharp turn, when the bicycle tilts significantly into the turn, the bicycle weight is transferred from the main rear wheel to the training wheel on the side on which the bicycle tilts. When the bicycle tilts excessively and the center of gravity extends beyond the training wheel, restoring balance when coming out of a turn becomes very difficult resulting in an increased risk of falling.
Accordingly, there is a need for a bicycle training wheel assembly which helps control the vertical positioning of the bicycle to which it is attached. Such a bicycle training wheel assembly should be adjustable to meet the needs of various rider weights and abilities. What is further needed is a bicycle training wheel assembly which includes a pivoting bracket to insure a fully smooth articulated motion. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resides in an, adjustable spring loaded training wheel assembly for bicycle balance training. A spring loaded strut assembly helps control the vertical orientation of the bicycle that the assembly is mounted to. The assembly assists the rider to hold a vertical range with fluid spring assisted motion. The rider is allowed to lean into turns through an adjustable range of increasing or decreasing side travel and spring compression. The assembly is designed to fit a wide range of bicycles. The spring compression capacity is adjustable and interchangeable to meet the needs for the various abilities and weights of riders.
The training wheel assembly is generally comprised of a totally articulated three point pivoting assembly having an upper frame segment which is attachable to a bicycle, and a lower frame segment which is pivotally attached at a first end to the upper first segment. A wheel is rotatably attached to a second end of the lower frame segment. A strut assembly is interconnected between—the upper—frame segment and the lower frame segment. The strut assembly includes a hollow sleeve, a spring disposed within the sleeve, and a shaft adjustable relative to one end of the strut assembly so that an end of the shaft is in contact with the spring.
The upper frame segment includes a first hinge component and the lower frame segment includes a second hinge component which cooperatively form a pivoting hinge when associated with one another. The upper frame segment also includes multiple height adjustment apertures for adjustably attaching the assembly to a bicycle.
The sleeve of the strut assembly includes a first tubular member slidably disposed over at least a portion of a second tubular member to form a substantially enclosed cavity in which the spring is disposed. The strut assembly is pivotally connected to both the upper and lower frame segments.
The shaft is typically threadingly received within the sleeve and includes a handle attached to an end thereof for adjusting the position of the shaft relative to an end of the strut assembly to increase or decrease the compression of the spring within the sleeve.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 590568 (1897-09-01), Erwin
patent: 720860 (1903-02-01), Von Trutzschler
patent: 1077210 (1913-10-01), Alesani
patent: 2439755 (1948-04-01), Schwinn
patent: 2450979 (1948-10-01), Moller
patent: 4595213 (1986-06-01), Tsuchie
patent: 4810000 (1989-03-01), Saunders
patent: 5064213 (1991-11-01), Storch
patent: 5100163 (1992-03-01), Egley et al.
patent: 5352403 (1994-10-01), Egley
patent: 687358 (1930-08-01), None
Eisenmann, II Al A.
Yatron Peter J.
DePumpo Daniel G.
Kelly Bauersfeld Lowry & Kelley LLP
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