Abstract:
The present invention relates to a unique convertible ride-on vehicle. The ride-on vehicle of the present invention includes at least one font wheel, at least two rear wheels mounted on a rear axle, a frame supported by the at least one front wheel and the at least two rear wheels, a torque input mechanism, a torque transfer mechanism for transferring torque from the torque input mechanism to the rear wheels. The ride-on vehicle of the present invention is convertible between a first, tricycle configuration in which the rear wheels are spaced apart on the rear axle and a second, bicycle configuration in which the rear wheels are in close proximity to each other. Finally, the present application discloses a clean, simple method and apparatus for adjusting the tension of a chain or belt utilized to drive a ride-on vehicle.
Abstract:
A separable tandem bicycle includes a front bicycle frame, a rear bicycle frame, and a connecting member which interconnects a front seat tube of the front bicycle frame and a down tube of the rear bicycle frame. The connecting member is detachable from the front seat tube and is foldable over the down tube. A handle bar is detachably mounted to the connecting member. Due to the separable and foldable construction, the tandem bicycle can be put in a package with a reduced size and can be easily stored or transported conveniently.
Abstract:
A trailer cycle (10) includes a trailer cycle frame (52) having a main tube (54) which extends toward the lead cycle (12). A hitch mechanism (14) is located between the lead cycle and the trailer cycle. A lead-cycle hitch portion (34) is joined to the lead cycle substantially vertically above the hub of the lead-cycle rear wheel (26). A flexible hitch portion (82) is interposed between the trailer cycle frame and the lead cycle hitch portion and is housed in an orthogonal member (84) which contains an adjustable vertical, or pitch, pivot mechanism and a similarly adjustable yaw pivot mechanism. The orthogonal member is constructed and arranged to prevent motion about the roll axis of the trailer cycle relative to the lead cycle. A lead-cycle-hitch engaging member is located at the lower end of the yaw pivot mechanism and selectively engages and releases the lead-cycle hitch portion. A locking mechanism is provided which secures the trailer cycle to the lead. A trailer-cycle hitch portion is fixed to the free end of the main tube and is flexibly connected to the vertical pivot mechanism.
Abstract:
A bicycle construction for tandem operation includes an auxiliary drive means which may be attached to a conventional single operator bicycle between the main drive means and the rear wheel to permit operation by two occupants. The auxiliary drive means comprises a pair of first auxiliary sprockets each connected to an associated one of a pair of independently supported rotary pedals each of which is coupled to an associated fork of a forked rear wheel support. A pair of second auxiliary sprockets is mounted on the main drive means, each of the second auxiliary sprockets being coupled to a respective one of the main rotary pedals. A pair of support columns coupled to the bicycle frame may be provided to serve as an auxiliary seat support, at one end, and as an auxiliary rotary pedal support at its other end. The auxiliary crank arms associated with the auxiliary rotary pedals may be coupled to eccentrically mounted bearing for adjusting the spacing between the auxiliary drive means and the main drive means.
Abstract:
The Dude Tandem has been developed to assist a companion of a person in a motorized wheelchair or scooter to travel with them at the rear of their vehicle on a seat. It will relieve the companion of any discomfort or fatigue from walking and trying to keep up. The Dude Tandem is a new device, which has been welcomed by the public as a much needed convenience.
Abstract:
A coupling device for coupling an adult bicycle to a child's bicycle. The coupling device includes a linking bar having a generally flattened "S"-shaped configuration such that the front wheel of the child's bicycle is in a spaced relationship relative to the ground surface when the child's bicycle is being towed by the adult's bicycle. The linking bar can be readily attached to both the adult's bicycle and the child's bicycle by respective attachment components. A releasable locking structure is provided for stabilizing the handle bar of the child's bicycle thus allowing a child to grasp onto the a handle bar for stability while being pulled by the adult's bicycle.
Abstract:
A coupling device for coupling a second bicycle to a first bicycle, both the bicycles having front and rear wheels mounted on corresponding axles, both the bicycles also having a bicycle frame, each of the bicycle frames including a seat post, a handle bar, a forked yoke, a pair of rear axle supporting plates and a head tube. The coupling device includes a linking bar, a first bicycle attachment component for pivotally attaching the linking bar to the first bicycle; a second bicycle attachment component for pivotally attaching the linking bar to the second bicycle. One of the main features of the device is a wheel supporting component for releasably supporting the front wheel of the second bicycle. Another main feature of the device is a stabilizing component for stabilizing the handlebar of the second bicycle when the linking bar is attached to the second bicycle and for supporting linking bar when the latter is not attached to the second bicycle. The stabilizing component includes a pair of stabilizing arms and a pair of stabilizing adapters, the stabilizing adapters being adapted to be attached to the rear axle supporting plates of the first bicycle. Each of the stabilizing arms is pivotally attached to the linking bar. Each of the stabilizing arm is provided with an arm attachment component adjacent the arm distal end for selectively attaching the arm distal end to the forked yoke of the second bicycle and to one of the stabilizing adapters.
Abstract:
A bicycle towing device in which a plurality of aligned rigid bars are connected by means of a coupling so that one bar can rotate with respect to the other along the alignment axis of the bars. Hub and pin arrangements are connectable to the free ends of the bars and have axes of rotation perpendicular to the alignment axis of the rods. The hub and pin arrangements are connectable to the respective vehicles to allow one vehicle to move with respect to the other while being towed.
Abstract:
Bicycles are adapted to be combined by removing the front wheel of a trailing one of the bicycles and attaching the front fork ends to the rear axle of a leading one of the bicycles, resulting in a three-wheeled tandem bicycle with two drive wheels. To allow for relative pitching motion of the coupled bicycles, the attachment includes bearings. Each bearing may include a brass sleeve over the rear axle and a separable end cap on each fork end, the cap held to the fork by screws. The sleeve is longer than the width of the fork end to prevent binding. Each fork includes a yaw-correction torsion spring that resists angular rotation of the handlebars of the trailing bicycle relative to the rear axle of the leading bicycle. The yaw-correction spring may include a flat tine portion of the fork. The tine preferably slides into the upper part of the fork in a slot. Coil springs may also be provided between the upper and lower parts of each fork to resist road shock and to further control relative movements of the bicycles.
Abstract:
A single wheeled trailer for carrying an occupant is provided. The frame of the trailer is comprised of tow bar members of rectangular cross section and two non-symmetrical rear fork members which retain the single wheel. A hitch connected to a driving bicycle tows the trailer. A pedal assembly coupled to the frame enables the occupant to power the trailer wheel. The occupant of the trailer is forward facing and may help power the bicycle or be towed by the prime mover. The frame design allows ease of mounting and dismounting of the child.