Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
1997-04-16
2001-03-27
Boehler, Anne Marie (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C297S215120, C297S354100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206399
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Background of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to bicycles, and, more particularly, to apparatus adjustably affixed to the bicycle for securing and supporting the back of a user to aid in providing more efficient and comfortable usage of the bicycle.
2. Description of Related Art
The usual bicycle seat has a relatively large, generally horizontal portion for holding the buttocks and a smaller portion forwardly thereof for crotch support. A predominant mode of use of this seat is for the rider to remain seated on the seat while operating the pedals.
A different mode of operation is contemplated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,462 where the seat 40 is angularly positioned such that the cyclist in a rest position is leaning the buttocks backwardly against the seat and partially presenting body weight downwardly on the seat.
In U.S. Pat. No. 553,722 in addition to a conventional seat 2 there is provided a support 16 spring-mounted to the bicycle frame just behind the seat against which a rider can brace his back enabling strong pedal exertion without lifting from the seat and wasting energy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to apparatus for use with a bicycle which increases efficiency of energy transfer to the bicycle and, at the same time, is more comfortable for the individual powering the bicycle whether it is operated at the slow, medium or top speed at which a given individual user is capable. The invention is especially advantageous when used in bicycle racing where exertion must be maintained at a high level for a relatively long period of time.
It is a fundamental concept and aspect of the present invention to provide a support means against which the back of the user of a bicycle can brace during forward thrusting against the pedals for simultaneously providing an increase in the pedal thrust motion and a resting aspect for the back thereby adding to the efficiency of operation by preserving strength and lasting power of the user.
According to a first embodiment, the back support and bracing means includes a generally C-shaped arm one end of which includes a slotted cylindrical connector for sliding receipt onto the upper end portion of the bicycle seat tube. Optionally, either a quick release finger operated clamp or a nut and bolt arrangement can be used for securing the arm to the seat tube. The opposite end of the arm has a plate onto which a removable pad positioned to face toward and slightly downwardly of the back of a bicycle user. The pad is constructed of plastic foam, for example, such that in view of its high wear usage in being repeatedly contacted by the back of the bicycle user, replacement can be easily made either routinely periodically or when needed.
An alternative version includes a ball joint connection between the plate and C-shaped arm providing multi-directional pad adjustment. A still further embodiment includes a variable connector linking two parts forming the C-shaped arm such that they may be adjusted with respect to each other to produce a changing aspect of the pad.
In use, on thrusting forward with the feet and legs to drive the pedals, this moves the back slightly rearwardly and upwardly to the point where the back engages the pad on the support means. From that moment on, further thrusting is aided by bracing the back against the pad which action simultaneously has a resting effect on the back to further enhance overall efficiency of bicycle use.
In yet another embodiment the C-shaped arm is formed into arc of smaller radius such that the pad continuously bears against the lower back region of a cyclist which is especially advantageous in racing.
In still yet another version, a generally C-shaped arm adjustably interconnects at one end to the regular seat post and has a padlike cushion on the other end for contacting the buttocks or just below the kidney region.
REFERENCES:
patent: 553722 (1896-01-01), Prall
patent: 620688 (1899-03-01), Wood
patent: 626852 (1899-06-01), Bemis
patent: 1113833 (1914-10-01), Ruff
patent: 1139184 (1915-05-01), Johnson
patent: 4108462 (1978-08-01), Martin
patent: 4313639 (1982-02-01), Ware
patent: 4466660 (1984-08-01), Mabie
patent: 4475770 (1984-10-01), Persons
patent: 5026119 (1991-06-01), Frank et al.
patent: 5501476 (1996-03-01), Howell
patent: 791658 (1935-12-01), None
patent: 812421 (1937-05-01), None
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