Abstract: A bike carrier that retains the wheels of a bike in a tray between pivoting retention arms with ratchets that hold the arms against the tires. The retention arms are quickly adjustable for different sized tires without tools. An embodiment provides a bike wheel main tray assembly pivotally mounted on a trailer hitch drawbar at an operational horizontal position and a compact vertical position selectable via a trigger at the back of the tray assembly. The main wheel tray assembly has a tray for each wheel of a bike. The two trays pivot between a compact position for shipping and storage and an operational position that is automatically locked. An add-on tray assembly provides wheel trays for a second bike. It connects to the main tray assembly without tools, and provides a trigger at the back connected to the pivot selector of the main tray assembly.

Abstract: At a given insertion depth (D) of a drawbar (22, 60) in a trailer hitch receiver tube (24, 68), a pin arm (26, 56, 74) attached to the drawbar extends forward beside the receiver tube and holds a captive pin (21, 51, 76) beside a pin receiving hole (30, 71) in the receiver tube. A spring (36) urges the captive pin into the pin receiving hole to retain the drawbar in the receiver tube. The pin arm may be attached to the drawbar via a crossbar (40, 70, 73). Receiver tubes of different sizes (24, 68) may be accommodated by a drawbar size adapter (62) that slips over the drawbar, enlarging it, and by a vertical adjustment mechanism (83) for the pin arm (74) that aligns the pin with the pin receiving hole in either a smaller (24) receiver tube or a larger (68) receiver tube.

Abstract: An arm (26, 56) attached to a trailer hitch drawbar (22) at an attachment point behind a given depth (D) of insertion of the drawbar into a trailer hitch receiver tube (24). At this depth a pin receiving hole (22A) in the drawbar aligns with a pin receiving hole (24A) in the receiver tube. The arm extends forward beside the drawbar to a position beside the pin receiving hole in the drawbar. A captive pin (21, 71) on the forward end of the arm is urged by a spring to slide into the aligned receiving holes (22A, 24A). The pin has a range of motion (T) sufficient for insertion into the pin receiving holes and retraction of the pin to clear the outer surface of the receiver tube when the drawbar is inserted into the receiver tube. A knob (42) on the pin provides for manual retraction.

Abstract: A bike carrier that retains the wheels of a bike in a tray between pivoting retention arms with ratchets that hold the arms against the tires. The retention arms are quickly adjustable for different sized tires without tools. An embodiment provides a bike wheel main tray assembly pivotally mounted on a trailer hitch drawbar at an operational horizontal position and a compact vertical position selectable via a trigger at the back of the tray assembly. The main wheel tray assembly has a tray for each wheel of a bike. The two trays pivot between a compact position for shipping and storage and an operational position that is automatically locked. An add-on tray assembly provides wheel trays for a second bike. It connects to the main tray assembly without tools, and provides a trigger at the back connected to the pivot selector of the main tray assembly.

Abstract: A first support arm 2 fixed to a base 1, a second support arm 3 pivotally attached to the base. A cam operated by a foot lever 6B controls the pivot position of the second arm, moving it toward or away from the first arm to clamp or release the rear axle of a bicycle between the arms. An inward-facing cup 2A, 3A on each arm holds the ends of the bicycle axle. The cups are vertically adjustable on the arms. Adjustments optimize the frame for any size bicycle wheel. A resistance unit 7 attached to the base has a tire contact roller 7E. A centrifugal clutch in the resistance unit urges a rotating friction plate against a stationary friction pad, providing ideal ride resistance ranging from zero at start-up to full hill-climbing resistance that supports a rider standing on the bicycle pedals at maximum output.

Abstract: A first support arm 2 fixed to a base 1, a second support arm 3 pivotally attached to the base. A cam operated by a foot lever 6B controls the pivot position of the second arm, moving it toward or away from the first arm to clamp or release the rear axle of a bicycle between the arms. An inward-facing cup 2A, 3A on each arm holds the ends of the bicycle axle. The cups are vertically adjustable on the arms. Adjustments optimize the frame for any size bicycle wheel. A resistance unit 7 attached to the base has a tire contact roller 7E. A centrifugal clutch in the resistance unit urges a rotating friction plate against a stationary friction pad, providing ideal ride resistance ranging from zero at start-up to full hill-climbing resistance that supports a rider standing on the bicycle pedals at maximum output.

Abstract: A trailer hitch drawbar 1 having a cam bar 4 mounted along one side such that rotating the cam bar extends or retracts the side of the cam bar 4a along the side of the drawbar. This cam action firmly wedges the drawbar inside a receiver tube 9. An adjustment set screw 2 is provided to set the cam for optimum expansion force in a given receiver tube. A locking pin 5 extends from the drawbar when the cam bar is rotated to the lock position. The locking pin is operated by a second cam surface 4b on the cam bar moving against the inner end of the locking pin. The pin extends into the standard locking pin hole 11 in the receiver tube to prevent longitudinal slippage of the drawbar in the receiver tube. An adjustable drawbar stop 13 sets the penetration depth of the drawbar into the receiver tube to align the locking pin with the locking hole in the receiver tube. This allows instant insertion and locking of the drawbar without searching for pin alignment.

Abstract: A compact, covered front wheel drive assembly that replaces the handlebars on an existing bicycle frame. It drives the front wheel while standard bicycle foot pedals and drive train drive the rear wheel. However, it can also be operated independently of the foot pedals, or locked for use of the foot pedals alone. It has drive ratios and shifting that are independent of the rear drive train, and are configured for selectable, comfortable hand cranking rates, including normal bicycle cruising speed. Shift levers are mounted within reach of a rider's thumbs, without removing a hand from the cranks. A brake lever on each handle holds the brake cables forward at all times, eliminating interference both with the hand cranks and with obstacles brushing beside the bicycle.

Abstract: An adjustment nut for a cam operated quick-release axle having a mechanism to stop the adjustment nut at a predetermined position. In the preferred embodiment, the adjustment nut 20 has a set-screw 21. On initial installation, the closing force of the cam lever is tested and adjusted by rotating the adjustment nut 20 until proper force is obtained, as with existing instructions for cam operated quick-release fasteners. At this point, the set-screw 21 is tightened against the end of the skewer. Wheel removal is performed by opening the cam and loosening the adjustment nut 20 for adequate clearance of the safety tabs 33. These operations are reversed for wheel installation. Unlike existing quick-release fasteners, readjustment of the cam clamping force is not needed, since it is fixed with the set-screw 21. The set-screw 21 is coated with a material to create additional friction to prevent it's loosening through subsequent operations.

Abstract: A piston (1) slidably mounted in a case (14), with an actuator cable (22) routed around a first cable guide (15) on the brake case, thence beside the piston to a second cable guide (6) on the end of the piston, which redirects it 180 degrees to return beside the piston to a cable end holder (12) on the case. The actuator cable runs parallel to the piston on both sides, transferring twice its tension to the piston. A cam (60) is provided for full control of the brake gain relative to the tension of the main cable from the hand lever. This adapts the brake to a given hand lever, and provides both fast braking response and high power via a variable gain curve on each stroke. Floating pads are provided for automatic toe. All brake position adjustments relative to the rim are easy and are independent of each other. Quick means are provided for changing the tire and pads, and these operations do not reset the brake position adjustments.

Abstract: A control rod (20) through a hollow axle (30) has a lever-operated cam (2) on one end which pushes a follower (8) against a first safety drop-out (50). On the opposite end of the control rod is an adjustment nut (15) surrounded by a safety interlock slide (11). When the cam is loose, a compression spring (19) urges the safety slide inward toward the second drop-out (50) where it is retained by a conventional safety tab or lip (51). The compression spring imparts enough tension on the control rod to pull the cam follower against the first drop-out, thus retaining the axle in the drop-outs despite a loose cam. To release the axle, first the cam is opened, then the slide is pulled outward with the fingers while the thumb pushes the adjustment nut inward, as with a hypodermic needle. Installation of the axle is the reverse of these steps, ending with closing the cam, with no need to readjust the nut.

Abstract: A rack for holding bicycles and other velocipeds by their tires only. For use as a carrier on motor vehicles, or for display racks and the like. Comprises an elongated U-channel track into which are set the bicycle wheels. An inverted U-shaped arm at each end of the track contacts the nearest tire of the bicycle above its axle level. At least one of the arms pivots, to clamp the tires between the two arms and between the arms and the track, restraining the bicycle in all directions by its tires, and to quickly release the bicycle with only one operation.

Abstract: A tension adjustment and retention device for a cam/lever quick-release bicycle axle fastener, having a washer (8) that provides two different thicknesses via two alternate rotational positions. When the cam is loose, rotating the washer 90 degrees with the fingers causes a quick change in clearance between the washer and the drop-out, for removal or mounting of the axle. For axle mounting, a pre-set clamping clearance is restored precisely. A safety interlock slide (60) may optionally be added for automatic, undefeatable, secondary engagement between the axle and safety drop-outs. To remove the wheel, the cam is loosened, washer (8) is rotated to maximize clearance, then the slide is pulled away from the drop-out against a spring. In all embodiments, no tools are needed to quickly remove or re-attach the axle to the drop-outs, and no readjustment of cam tension is needed as with current quick-release adjustment nuts.

Abstract: A quick-release bicycle axle fastener for standard hollow axles and standard safety drop-outs, comprising a control rod through the axle; a mount attached to one or both ends of the control rod; a cam lever attached to each mount; a washer with a finger grip, slidably mounted on the control rod inboard of the mount, shaped to engage the safety drop-out when pressed against it; and a spring urging the washer against the drop-out at all times. The cam forces the washer inward against the drop-out for clamping attachment of the wheel axle to the drop-out. When cam pressure is released, the interlock washer continues to be urged against the drop-out by the spring for safety until the washer is pulled outward by the fingers of a user. When the wheel is re-installed, the washer automatically shifts into engagement with the coupling surface of the drop-out, providing an automatic, undefeatable safety backup for the cam.

Abstract: A centrifugal resistance device for stationary exercise apparatus that is operatively associated with a rotatable shaft; the centrifugal resistance device comprises a slotted ring, braking material and a fixed cover means; the slots of the slotted ring house friction material that is free to move radially and act frictionally against the fixed cover means positioned about the slotted ring, the fixed cover means is fashioned by those skilled in the art as to act also as a heat dissipating means; tension is varied by increasing or decreasing the RPMs of the rotatable axle.

Abstract: A centrifugal resistance device for stationary exercise apparatus that is operatively associated with a rotatable shaft; the centrifugal resistance device comprises a slotted ring, braking material and a fixed cover; the slots of the slotted ring house friction material that is free to move radially and act frictionally against the fixed cover positioned about the slotted ring, the fixed cover is fashioned by those skilled in the art as to act also as a heat dissipating device; tension is varied by increasing or decreasing the RPMs of the rotatable axle.

Abstract: A quick-release axle attachment mechanism for velocipeds and motorcycles. It has a cam lever 1-5 on each end of the axle 49. The cam rotation axis is perpendicular to the axle. The cam pushes a slide 15 inward against the drop-out 43, clamping the drop-out against the bearing jam nut 51. When the cam is rotated for wheel removal, a spring 13 continues to hold the slide against the drop-out. A safety tab 47, or other coupling surface on the drop-out, engages the slide to prevent wheel removal until the slide is pulled outward with the fingers. To remove a wheel, both cams are rotated to the slack position, then both slides are pulled outward. The double safety interlock of the two slides prevents accidental wheel release. The cam lever can be made of plastic.

Abstract: A simple, user-installable device for raising the handlebars of bicycles to allow an upright sitting posture, comprising a section of tubing, with one end (2) adapted to receive the handlebar stem (8), and the other end (1) adapted for insertion into the steering shaft (7). It is fixed in the steering shaft via an expansion device (5), and the handlebar stem is fixed in the extender via its own expansion device. An optional shock absorber may be included in the extender. In this embodiment, the upper end of the extender is enlarged to contain a slidable hollow plunger (21) which receives the handlebar stem. The plunger is damped to isolate frame vibration from the user's arms. This also reduces shock on the front wheel by isolating the mass of the handlebars from the fork. In addition to raising the handlebars, the stem extender can be designed to accept a replacement stem of different diameter than the original.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer has a horizontal frame. Pivotal hub capturing supports are attached to the frame. A bicycle wheel hub is situated between the supports where opposed hub capturing structure attaches to the hub and holds the wheel secure and upright. At least one of the supports has a quick release for capturing the hub. The quick release has a piston with a socket for fitting around the hub. The socket on the piston is urged towards the hub by a spring biased cam having a lever attached thereto. The structure supporting the rear wheel of a bicycle may be used to support the front of the bicycle. The rear and front wheel portions may be connected by a telescoping arrangement to allow for different lengths in bicycles. The rear tire rests upon and is in frictional engagement with a roller attached to the frame. The roller is tensionable by way of a brake actuated with an easily accessible push-pull cable.

Abstract: A push-button quick release safety hub comprising of a pair of supports (12) each having an opening (18) on one end with a coupling surface (14) on the exterior end of the supports (12). Sliding members (40), (41) encase each axle end (28) and slide to interlock with the coupling surfaces (14) of the supports (12). A spring (44) encased within each sliding member (40), (41) urges the member toward the outer end of the coupling surface (14) of the support (12). A connecting rod (48) in the center of the axle (26) is attached to the sliding member (40). A push-button (52) is attached to the other end of the connecting rod (48). The other sliding member (41) has an outer lip (42) and encases the push-button (52). While pressing the push-button (52) with your thumb and pulling the outer lip (42) on the sliding member (41) with your two fingers, the sliding members (40), (41) will be disengaged from the coupling surfaces (14) of the supports (12), and then the hub assembly can be removed.