Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-15
2001-01-09
Hurley, Kevin (Department: 3619)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170844
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to dual bicycle connecting kits, and more particularly to dual bicycle connecting kits that provide for the bicycles to be joined in a side-by-side relationship and provide for enhanced operation of the joined bicycles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bicycle connecting kits of various types are known in the art. Such devices are typically used for connecting or coupling a pair of bicycles in side-by-side or parallel relationship. It is well known that bicycles are growing ever more popular. Their relatively low purchase and operating costs make them available to most people. Often, two persons will go bicycle riding together. Therefore, it is desirable and fun for two bicycles to be coupled together in a side-by-side relationship for simultaneous operation of the two bicycles.
When the bicycles are coupled together in a side-by-side arrangement, the two bicycles operate as a single unit and provide a very stable device which can be enjoyed even by those who lack confidence in their sense of balance or who for other reasons are not able to use a standard bicycle. For example, the side-by-side connected bicycles can be useful for certain types of invalid persons who may require supervision and/or assistance so that such a bicycle can serve a rehabilitation function. In addition to the above advantages, the sociability afforded by the side-by-side connection can make such a bicycle just plain fun to ride, whether for couples or friends.
Various devices have been proposed for connecting two bicycles in a side-by-side relationship. However, previous dual bicycle connecting kits have inherent disadvantages. One of the disadvantages with prior art dual bicycle connecting kits is that they require that both riders of the dual bicycle steer the bicycle independently. This feature makes it more difficult for two persons to operate the connected side-by-side bicycles. For example, one bicycle rider may want to turn left while the other bicycle rider simultaneously wants to turn right thereby preventing either bicycle rider from completing a turn. This can provide for a very dangerous situation should a turn need to be completed quickly to avoid an accident.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes these and other problems inherit in existing dual bicycle connecting kits. The present invention provides a dual bicycle connecting kit that provides for only one of the bicycles to have the ability to dictate the direction that the connected bicycles are going to travel. In other words, both bicycles allow the riders to power the bicycles but only one rider can steer the bicycles. Also, the kit is designed so as to require minimal structural modification to the existing two bicycles to join them in a side-by-side relationship.
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel dual bicycle connecting kit for joining two bicycles in a side-by-side relationship.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel dual bicycle connecting kit that can be provided in kit form and can easily connect two bicycles in a side-by-side relationship.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel dual bicycle connecting kit that connects two bicycles and maintains one handle bar in a fixed position while allowing the second handle bar to steer the connected bicycles.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel dual bicycle connecting kit that requires minimal modification of the bicycles.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel dual bicycle connecting kit which is simple in design and inexpensive to construct, and is durable and rugged in structure.
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings of the invention.
These and other objects are achieved by a novel dual bicycle connecting kit of the present invention. In one form of the invention, a dual bicycle connecting kit is provided which can join a first bicycle and a second bicycle in a side-by-side relationship. The kit may comprise a fixed handle bar coupling assembly attached to the first bicycle; one or more frame coupling assemblies attached at one end to the first bicycle and attached at the other end to the second bicycle. Also, one or more steering coupling assemblies may be attached at one end to the first bicycle and attached at the other end to the second bicycle. Another feature of the kit is that a canopy assembly may be provided having a canopy support frame and a canopy wherein the canopy support frame is attached to the first bicycle and the second bicycle and the canopy is attached to the canopy support frame. Alternate embodiments may provide a seat assembly having a seat support frame and seat wherein the seat support frame is attached to the first bicycle and the second bicycle and the seat is attached to the seat support frame. Still further alternate embodiments may have a basket assembly having a basket support frame and a basket wherein the basket support frame is attached to the first bicycle and the second bicycle and the basket is attached to the basket support frame.
REFERENCES:
patent: 750480 (1904-01-01), McLarty
patent: 1170148 (1916-02-01), Grogan
patent: 3713671 (1973-01-01), Boyer
patent: 3768834 (1973-10-01), Singleton
patent: 3794352 (1974-02-01), Popp
patent: 3865401 (1975-02-01), Kingsly
patent: 3866945 (1975-02-01), Bingham
patent: 3902738 (1975-09-01), Gandrud
patent: 3938827 (1976-02-01), Johnson
patent: 4093258 (1978-06-01), Ansel
patent: 4288089 (1981-09-01), Thiessen
patent: 4290620 (1981-09-01), Chika
patent: 4834410 (1989-05-01), Parker
patent: 5511809 (1996-04-01), Sagi
Sirenetta publication.
Hurley Kevin
Welsh & Katz Ltd.
LandOfFree
Dual bicycle connecting kit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Dual bicycle connecting kit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dual bicycle connecting kit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2557881