Patent Application
20130115577
The present invention relates to bicycle training aids and, more particularly, to a device that can teach toddlers and children how to ride a bicycle with light assistance from a trainer.
Conventional bicycle assistance devices include training wheels that may minimize the possibility of a bicycle from tipping over. Children using training wheels may become dependent upon the training wheels and may not gain the confidence and balance needed to navigate a two-wheeled bicycle. Often a trainer, such as a parent or sibling, for example, may hold onto the bicycle when the rider is learning to ride on two wheels. Often, the only place to hold onto is the seat of the bicycle. This may be uncomfortable for the trainer. Moreover, by holding onto the seat, it may be difficult to fully control the bicycle from tipping from side to side.
As can be seen, there is a need for a bicycle riding training aid that can teach a rider to have the confidence and balance to navigate the bicycle without requiring the trainer to bend over to hold onto the bicycle or bicycle seat.
In one aspect of the present invention, a bicycle trainer comprises a handle disposed on one end of the bicycle trainer; and a plurality of connection pieces adapted to attach to a bicycle, the plurality of connection pieces including at least one lower connection piece and an upper connection piece.
In another aspect of the present invention, a bicycle trainer comprises a handle disposed on one end of the bicycle trainer; first and second lower connection pieces adapted to attached to opposite sides of a rear wheel stud of a bicycle; and an upper connection piece having a connector to connect to a rear wheel fork of the bicycle.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a bicycle training aid that may teach children and toddlers how to ride a bike with light assistance from a trainer. With conventional bicycle training methods, a user must hold onto the bicycle to help balance the rider, which may be tiring or may cause back pain. With the bicycle trainer of the present invention, the trainer may hold onto a handle that is readily attached to the bicycle. The handle may be used to balance the bicycle while the rider learns to provide their own balance and control of the bicycle. The bicycle trainer may be easily removed from the bicycle for convenient storage and transportation.
Referring now to
The first and second lower connection pieces 16, 18 may include upper first and second wheel connection pieces 16-1, 18-1 and lower first and second wheel connection pieces 16-2, 18-2. Similarly, the stabilizer bar 20 may include upper stabilizer bar 20-2 and lower stabilizer bar 20-2, as shown in greater detail in
The upper stabilizer bar 20-1 may further include a length adjustment mechanism 30. This length adjustment mechanism 30 may be similar to those known in the art and may include pins and holes. In some embodiments, the length adjustment mechanism 30 may include tubes that fit inside each other. A clamping member may have an arm 40 (see
As discussed above, the lower stabilizer bar 20-2 may attach between rear wheel forks 24. A connection feature 32 may be provided to attach the lower stabilizer bar 20-2 to the forks 24. In some embodiments, this connection feature 32 may include a first plate and a second plate that sandwiches the rear wheel forks 24. In some embodiments, the connection feature 32 may attach to a connection, such as a bar or a hole in a connection bar (not shown) that is already present on the bicycle.
The handle 12 may extend from the connection pieces 14, typically from the upper stabilizer bar 20-1. The handle 12 may be attached to an extension tube 36 that may fit into the stabilizer bar 20. The extension tube 36 may be raised from or lowered into the connection piece 20 to adjust the height of the handle 12 relative to the bicycle.
To use the bicycle trainer 10, a user may first affix the lower first and second connection pieces 16-2, 18-2 to the bicycle rear wheel studs 22. The user may then affix the lower stabilizer bar 20-2 to the bicycle rear wheel fork 24. Then, the remainder of the bicycle trainer 10 may be removable attached to the connection pieces 16-2, 18-2 and 20-2. The length and angle of the stabilizer bar 20 may be adjusted with the length adjustment mechanism 30 and the pivot mechanism 34. The height of the handle 12 may then be adjusted to a confortable height for the user. A rider may get on the bicycle and the trainer/user may help balance the rider as they ride, as shown in
While the above description refers to the bicycle trainer 10 as a device for teaching children how to ride a bicycle, the device may also be used for exercising. For example, a child may ride the bicycle while the trainer may jog, power walk, or walk behind the bicycle, getting exercise while the rider steers the bicycle.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
