Training Equipment with Alternative Assembly Modules

Abstract

A training device with alternative modules includes a main frame assembly, a front wheel assembly, a saddle, a pair of handbars and plurality of modular rear frame assemblies. The main frame assembly serves for mounting other components. This plurality of modular rear frame assemblies comprising a balance training rear frame assembly module and a pedal training rear frame assembly module. Either the balance training rear frame assembly module or the pedal training rear frame assembly module is removably attached to the main frame. In this way, could be quickly and conveniently converted from a balance bicycle to a conventional pedal bicycle. A user only needs to remove the fasteners holding the rear frame assembly to the main frame in order to finish such a conversion.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/783,907, filed on Mar. 14, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to training equipment. More specifically, the present invention is training equipment featuring a modular rear frame assembly that allows the bicycle to function as either a balance training device or a conventional pedal training device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bicycle training is often undertaken at an early age when a kid's motor skills have been sufficiently developed. During the training, in general, there are two primary means of aiding kids or novices in learning how to handle a bicycle. One of them would be using the assisting training wheels. Training wheels are commonly attached to the rear wheel of a bicycle in order to prevent crashes and other accidents until the novices have gained a sufficient feel of balance for the bicycle.

An alternative approach to the training wheels is a balance bicycle. A balance bicycle is structurally similar to a conventional pedal bicycle but does not feature pedals or a drive train. Such a design allows a novice user to sit in the bicycle saddle in a normal manner while utilizing his or her feet to propel the bicycle. By utilizing the balance bicycle in this manner, the user is able to gain an understanding of the balance of the bicycle, with minimal risk of falling off from the bicycle. Eventually, the user is able to generate speed and lift his or her feet off of the ground while balancing the bicycle on the two wheels.

In regard to these two approaches, although it is possible to simply remove the pedals and drive train from a conventional pedal bicycle in order to create a balance bicycle, it is usually inconvenient or difficult to do so. The present invention seeks to enhance the bicycle training process as well as to improve the tools and equipment that are commonly used throughout the process.

In light of the foregoing descriptions, one objective of the present invention is to provide training equipment that is able to offer the training benefits of conventional pedal bicycle as well as balance bicycle, as well as making the conversion between these two training modules easy and convenient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the main frame.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the main frame.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the main frame with the slidingly coupling member.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the balance bicycle configuration of the rear frame assembly.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the balance bicycle configuration of the rear frame assembly with the balance corresponding slidingly coupling member.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the balance bicycle configuration of the rear frame assembly.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the conventional pedal bicycle configuration of the rear frame assembly.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the conventional pedal bicycle configuration of the rear frame assembly with the pedal corresponding slidingly coupling member.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the conventional pedal bicycle configuration of the rear frame assembly.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the present invention detailing assembly method of the main frame and rear frame assembly in a balance bicycle configuration.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the present invention in a balance bicycle configuration.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the present invention in a conventional pedal bicycle configuration.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is training equipment with a modular rear frame assembly. The rear frame assembly is available in two primary configurations that allow the training equipment to function as either a balance bicycle or a conventional pedal bicycle. In its primary configuration, the present invention comprises a main frame assembly, a modular rear frame assembly, a front wheel assembly, a saddle, and a steering mechanism such as a pair of handlebars. The main frame serves as a mounting base for the rear frame assembly, the front wheel assembly, the saddle, and the handlebars. The rear frame assembly, which includes different modules, including a balance training rear frame assembly module and a pedal training rear frame assembly module, is removably attached with one of its module to the main frame by means of fasteners. The height of the saddle is adjustable as well.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the rear frame subassembly is available in two primary configurations. The first configuration module features a rear frame and a rear wheel. In this balance bicycle configuration, the chain stay angle of the rear frame assembly is designed in a manner such that the saddle is situated in a lower position in order to allow a user's feet to easily reach the ground. The chain stay angle is the angle between the seat tube and the chain stay. It is noted that the chain stay angle is different from a seat tube angle, which is defined as the angle between the seat tube and the horizontal line.

In the second configuration module, it features pedals and a drive train in addition to the rear frame and rear wheel. In this conventional pedal bicycle configuration, the chain stay angle of the rear frame assembly is designed in a manner such that the saddle and pedals are in an elevated position to provide sufficient clearance for the pedals during use of the bicycle.

In this way, the training equipment of the present invention can be quickly and conveniently converted from a balance bicycle into a conventional pedal bicycle and vice versa. This is accomplished by removing one configuration of the rear frame assembly and attaching the other configuration of the rear frame assembly. The conversion process is convenient as both configurations of the rear frame subassembly are fully preassembled and do not require additional assembly or modification prior to use.

The interior structure of the main frame maintains consistent structural integrity and strength of the equipment in both configurations of the training equipment. The main frame, front wheel subassembly, saddle, and handlebar remain consistent through both configurations of the present invention in order to reduce component redundancy. Additionally, the main frame is designed in a manner such that the fasteners used to mount the rear frame assembly do not protrude from the exterior surface of the main frame. The present invention improves upon current methods of converting conventional pedal bicycles into pedal bicycles that generally including selectively removing some components from the bicycles, which often leads to the converted balance bicycles retaining certain unnecessary components and weight that may make it difficult for users to control the bicycles. By offering a fully modular rear frame subassembly, the present invention provides a much more functional and convenient alternative. With offering easy options for both a balance bicycle and a conventional pedal bicycle, the present invention greatly improves and enhances the bicycle training process for novice users.

The present invention is training equipment with a modular rear frame subassembly. In one of its embodiments, the present invention comprises a main frame, a rear frame subassembly, a front wheel subassembly, a saddle, and a handlebar. The rear frame subassembly is available in two primary configurations that allow the bicycle to be converted from a balance bicycle to a conventional pedal bicycle and vice versa.

In reference to FIG. 1-3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the main frame assembly 100 comprises an angled main frame extrusion member 101 with a first main frame end 102 and a second main frame end 103. The first main frame end of the angled main frame extrusion member is further coupled to a cylindrical saddle tube 104. The second main frame end of the angled main frame extrusion member is further coupled to a cylindrical tube 105 that is capable of accommodating both a handlebar 400 and a front wheel assembly 500. The angled main frame extrusion member further comprises two circular main frame mounting points 106 into which fasteners are inserted during assembly of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main frame assembly 100 may further comprise a slidingly coupling member 107. This slidingly coupling member is able to slide into its corresponding slidingly coupling member located in another component of the present invention, such as in the rear wheel frame. The slidingly coupling member and its corresponding member may adopt a male-female format or any suitable manner to couple together. In this way, the main frame and the rear wheel frame are secured together tightly yet removably. Therefore, such coupling can provide both security and flexibility.

The present invention further comprises a modular rear frame assembly that is available in two primary configurations. The first configuration is the balance training rear frame assembly module 200. It allows the present invention to function as a balance bicycle and comprises a balance rear wheel frame 201 and a rear wheel 202. Referring to FIG. 4-6, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the balance rear wheel frame comprises an angled balance extrusion member 203 with a first balance end 204 and a second balance end 205. The first balance end of the angled balance extrusion coupled with a U-shaped member 206. The two arms 207 of the U-shaped member each comprise a rear wheel mounting point 208 for securing the balance rear wheel frame to the rear wheel. The second balance end of the angled balance extrusion comprises two balance mounting points 209 that correspond to the two main frame mounting points 106 of the main frame. These two groups of mounting points can be tightly engaged by fasteners 211. As seen in FIG. 5, the balance rear wheel frame 201 further comprises a corresponding slidingly coupling member 210 that is corresponding to the slidingly coupling member 107.

The second configuration of the modular rear frame assembly is a pedal training rear frame assembly module 300. It allows the present invention to function as a conventional pedal bicycle, and comprises a pedal rear wheel frame 301, a rear wheel 202, pedals 302, and a drive train 303. Referring to FIG. 7-9, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second configuration of the pedal rear wheel frame 301 comprises an angled pedal extrusion of member 304 with a first pedal end 305 and a second pedal end 306. The angle 310 of the second configuration of the pedal rear wheel frame is greater than the angle of the first configuration of the balance rear wheel frame. As in the first configuration, the first pedal end of the pedal rear wheel frame comprises a U-shaped member 206 with each arm 207 of the U-shaped member comprising a rear wheel mounting point 208 for the rear wheel. The second end of the rear wheel frame comprises two pedal mounting points 307 that correspond to the two main frame mounting points 106 of the main frame. The pedal rear wheel frame further comprises a corresponding slidingly coupling member 308 that is corresponding to the slidingly coupling member 107. The second configuration of the rear wheel frame further comprises a pedal and drive train mounting point 309 located at the vertex of the angled pedal extrusion.

The present invention further comprises a front wheel subassembly. The front wheel subassembly comprises a front wheel frame and a front wheel. The front wheel frame comprises a U-shaped member with a cylindrical extrusion protruding from the cusp of the U-shaped member. The arms of the U-shaped member each comprise a mounting point for securing the front wheel frame to the front wheel. The cylindrical extrusion of the front wheel frame comprises a mounting point for securing the front wheel subassembly to the second end of the main frame.

The present invention further comprises a saddle 600. The saddle comprises a seat that is designed such that a user may comfortably sit during use of the present invention. The saddle further comprises a cylindrical mounting point for securing the saddle to the saddle tube of the main frame. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the saddle height is adjustable by means of a locking neck clamp.

The present invention further comprises a handlebar. The handlebar comprises two grasping points for a user's hands and may be rotatably mounted to the second end 103 of the main frame.

The present invention is assembled in the manner shown in FIG. 10. The main frame of the present invention serves as a mounting base for the rear frame subassembly, the front wheel subassembly, the saddle, and the handlebar. The rear frame subassembly is secured to the main frame by means of fasteners inserted through the mounting points found in both the main frame and the rear frame assembly. The interior structure of the main frame is designed such that the fasteners do not protrude through the exterior of the main frame and cause a safety hazard. The saddle is slotted into the saddle tube at the first end of the main frame. The handlebar is inserted into the top end of the cylindrical tube at the second end of the main frame while the front wheel subassembly is inserted into the bottom end of the cylindrical tube.

In the present invention, it has provided a fully modular bicycle that could be quickly and conveniently converted from a balance bicycle to a conventional pedal bicycle. The first configuration of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 is a balance bicycle. The rear frame assembly of this configuration is angled and the saddle is lowered in a manner such that a user is able to plant his or her feet onto the ground while seated in the saddle. This allows the user to utilize the bicycle to gain a better understanding and feel for the balance of the bicycle.

Later on, as the user becomes accustomed to the bicycle, he or she may generate speed and lift his or her feet from the ground while balancing the bicycle on its two wheels. Once the user is sufficiently trained in riding a bicycle, the training equipment can be converted to another configuration. In this second configuration, as shown in FIG. 12, it would be a pedal bicycle.

In this pedal bicycle configuration, the rear frame has featured a greater angle than that of the first configuration. When the rear frame assembly is mounted to the main frame of the bicycle, the greater angle of the rear wheel frame causes the pedals of the bicycle to be elevated from the ground, providing sufficient clearance during riding. The user may adjust the height of the saddle for comfort. The conversion of the bicycle from a balance bicycle to a pedal bicycle is quick and convenient. The user only needs to remove the fasteners holding the rear frame assembly to the main frame. The user then attaches the appropriate other rear frame assembly and inserts the fasteners to hold the new rear frame assembly to the main frame. The present invention does not require additional assembly or modification as all major components of the bicycle are preassembled.

Moreover, in the present invention, it maintains structural integrity and strength of the components of the bicycle during use. The mounting points of the main frame and rear frame assembly are covered by weld plates in order to maintain consistent structural integrity and strength. Furthermore, in the present invention, it has eliminated redundancy of components. The main frame, front wheel assembly, saddle, and handlebar remain consistent through both configurations of the present invention. Additionally, the present invention significantly lowers the overall weight of the bicycle in the balance bicycle configuration. This is particularly useful as the lower weight affords novice users with a greater degree of control over the bicycle.

Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A training equipment with alternative modules, comprising

a main frame assembly;

a front wheel assembly;

a saddle;

a steering mechanism, wherein steering mechanism is a pair of handbars;

a plurality of modular rear frame assemblies; and

said main frame assembly serving as a mounting base for said front wheel assembly, said steering mechanism, said saddle, steering mechanism and said plurality of modular rear frame assemblies.

2. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 1, comprising

said plurality of modular rear frame assemblies comprising a balance training rear frame assembly module and a pedal training rear frame assembly module; and

said balance training rear frame assembly module being removably attached to said main frame, or

said pedal training rear frame assembly module being removably attached to said main frame.

3. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 1, said main frame assembly comprising

an angled main frame extrusion member;

a saddle tube;

a cylindrical tube; and

a slidingly coupling member.

4. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 3, comprising

said angled main frame extrusion member comprising a first main frame end, a second main frame end and two main frame mounting points;

said first main frame end being coupled to said saddle tube; and

said second main frame end being coupled to said cylindrical tube.

5. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 4, comprising

said saddle tube accommodating said saddle; and

said cylindrical tube accommodating said steering mechanism and said front wheel assembly.

6. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 2, said balance training rear frame assembly module comprising

a balance rear wheel frame; and

a rear wheel.

7. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 6, said balance rear frame comprising

an angled balance extrusion member;

a U-shaped member;

a balance corresponding slidingly coupling member; and

said slidingly coupling member and said balance corresponding slidingly coupling member being securely and removably coupled together.

8. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 7, comprising

said angled balance extrusion member comprising a first balance end, a second balance end and two balance mounting points;

said first balance end being coupled to said U-shaped member;

said U-shaped member comprising two arms;

each of said aims comprising a rear wheel mounting point; and

said two balance mounting points being located at said second balance end.

9. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 8, comprising

said rear wheel mounting point securing said rear wheel to said balance rear wheel frame;

said two balance mounting points being corresponding to said two main frame mounting points; and

said two balance mounting points being respectively engaged with said two main frame mounting points by fasteners.

10. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 2, said pedal training rear frame assembly module comprising

a pedal rear wheel frame;

a rear wheel;

pedals; and

a drive train.

11. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 10, said pedal rear frame comprising

an angled pedal extrusion member;

a U-shaped member;

a pedal corresponding slidingly coupling member; and

a pedal and drive train mounting point.

12. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 11, comprising

said angled pedal extrusion member comprising a first pedal end, a second pedal end and two pedal mounting points;

said first pedal end being coupled to said U-shaped member;

said U-shaped member comprising two arms;

each of said aims comprising a rear wheel mounting point;

said two pedal mounting points being located at said second pedal end; and

said pedal and drive train mounting point being located at a vertex of said angled pedal extrusion member.

13. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 12, comprising

said rear wheel mounting point securing said rear wheel to said pedal rear wheel frame;

said two pedal mounting points being corresponding to said two main frame mounting points; and

said two pedal mounting points being respectively engaged with said two main frame mounting points by fasteners.

14. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 12, comprising

said slidingly coupling member and said pedal corresponding slidingly coupling member being securely and removably coupled together.

15. A training equipment with alternative modules, comprising

a main frame assembly;

a front wheel assembly;

a saddle;

a steering mechanism, wherein steering mechanism is a pair of handbars;

a plurality of modular rear frame assemblies;

said main frame assembly serving as a mounting base for said front wheel assembly, said steering mechanism, said saddle, steering mechanism and said plurality of modular rear frame assemblies;

said main frame assembly comprising an angled main frame extrusion member, a saddle tube, a cylindrical tube, and a slidingly coupling member;

said plurality of modular rear frame assemblies comprising a balance training rear frame assembly module and a pedal training rear frame assembly module; and

said balance training rear frame assembly module being removably attached to said main frame, or

said pedal training rear frame assembly module being removably attached to said main frame.

16. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 14, comprising

said balance training rear frame assembly module comprising a balance rear wheel frame, and a rear wheel;

said angled balance extrusion member comprising a first balance end, a second balance end and two balance mounting points;

said first balance end being coupled to said U-shaped member;

said U-shaped member comprising two arms;

each of said aims comprising a rear wheel mounting point;

said two balance mounting points being located at said second balance end;

said rear wheel mounting point securing said rear wheel to said balance rear wheel frame;

said two balance mounting points being corresponding to said two main frame mounting points; and

said two balance mounting points being respectively engaged with said two main frame mounting points by fasteners.

17. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 15, comprising

said pedal training rear frame assembly module comprising a pedal rear wheel frame, a rear wheel, pedals, and a drive train;

said pedal rear frame comprising an angled pedal extrusion member, a U-shaped member, a pedal corresponding slidingly coupling member;

said slidingly coupling member and said pedal corresponding slidingly coupling member being securely and removably coupled together;

a pedal and drive train mounting point;

said angled pedal extrusion member comprising a first pedal end, a second pedal end and two pedal mounting points;

said first pedal end being coupled to said U-shaped member;

said U-shaped member comprising two arms;

each of said aims comprising a rear wheel mounting point;

said two pedal mounting points being located at said second pedal end;

said pedal and drive train mounting point being located at a vertex of said angled pedal extrusion member;

said rear wheel mounting point securing said rear wheel to said pedal rear wheel frame;

said two pedal mounting points being corresponding to said two main frame mounting points; and

said two pedal mounting points being respectively engaged with said two main frame mounting points by fasteners.

18. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 15, comprising

said angled main frame extrusion member comprising a first main frame end, a second main frame end and two main frame mounting points;

said first main frame end being coupled to said saddle tube;

said second main frame end being coupled to said cylindrical tube;

said saddle tube accommodating said saddle; and

said cylindrical tube accommodating said steering mechanism and said front wheel assembly.

19. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 16, comprising

said balance rear frame comprising an angled balance extrusion member, a U-shaped member, and a balance corresponding slidingly coupling member; and

said slidingly coupling member and said balance corresponding slidingly coupling member being securely and removably coupled together.

20. A training equipment with alternative modules, comprising

a main frame assembly;

a front wheel assembly;

a saddle;

a steering mechanism, wherein steering mechanism is a pair of handbars;

a plurality of modular rear frame assemblies;

said main frame assembly serving as a mounting base for said front wheel assembly, said steering mechanism, said saddle, steering mechanism and said plurality of modular rear frame assemblies;

said main frame assembly comprising an angled main frame extrusion member, a saddle tube, a cylindrical tube, and a slidingly coupling member;

said plurality of modular rear frame assemblies comprising a balance training rear frame assembly module and a pedal training rear frame assembly module;

said balance training rear frame assembly module being removably attached to said main frame, or

said pedal training rear frame assembly module being removably attached to said main frame;

said angled main frame extrusion member comprising a first main frame end, a second main frame end and two main frame mounting points;

said first main frame end being coupled to said saddle tube;

said second main frame end being coupled to said cylindrical tube;

said saddle tube accommodating said saddle; and

said cylindrical tube accommodating said steering mechanism and said front wheel assembly.

21. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 20, comprising

said balance training rear frame assembly module comprising a balance rear wheel frame, and a rear wheel;

said balance rear frame comprising an angled balance extrusion member, a U-shaped member, and a balance corresponding slidingly coupling member;

said slidingly coupling member and said balance corresponding slidingly coupling member being securely and removably coupled together;

said angled balance extrusion member comprising a first balance end, a second balance end and two balance mounting points;

said first balance end being coupled to said U-shaped member;

said U-shaped member comprising two arms;

each of said aims comprising a rear wheel mounting point;

said two balance mounting points being located at said second balance end;

said rear wheel mounting point securing said rear wheel to said balance rear wheel frame;

said two balance mounting points being corresponding to said two main frame mounting points; and

said two balance mounting points being respectively engaged with said two main frame mounting points by fasteners.

22. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 20, comprising

said pedal training rear frame assembly module comprising a pedal rear wheel frame, a rear wheel, pedals, and a drive train;

said angled pedal extrusion member comprising a first pedal end, a second pedal end and two pedal mounting points;

said first pedal end being coupled to said U-shaped member;

said U-shaped member comprising two arms;

each of said aims comprising a rear wheel mounting point;

said two pedal mounting points being located at said second pedal end;

said pedal and drive train mounting point being located at a vertex of said angled pedal extrusion member;

said rear wheel mounting point securing said rear wheel to said pedal rear wheel frame;

said two pedal mounting points being corresponding to said two main frame mounting points; and

said two pedal mounting points being respectively engaged with said two main frame mounting points by fasteners.

23. The training equipment with alternative modules as set forth in claim 22, comprising

said pedal rear frame comprising an angled pedal extrusion member, a U-shaped member, a pedal corresponding slidingly coupling member, and a pedal and drive train mounting point; and

said slidingly coupling member and said pedal corresponding slidingly coupling member being securely and removably coupled together.