Bicycle Accessory

Abstract

In various embodiments a bicycle accessory to facilitate carrying, lifting, and transporting a bicycle is provided. The accessory includes a casing comprising an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having first and second sides, the second side having an exit slot; a reel within the interior cavity of the casing; a torsion spring retracting assembly coupled to the reel and within the interior cavity of the casing; and a retractable strap extending from the exit slot of the casing, the retractable strap having distal and proximal ends, wherein the proximal end of the retractable strap is affixed to the reel and the torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity. The retractable strap is configured for extension of the distal end from the casing, at a first portion on the bicycle, and extended to a second portion on the bicycle thereby creating a means by which to carry.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,970 which is entitled “BICYCLE ACCESSORY”, which was filed on May 17, 2013, and which is incorporated in full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to the field of accessories for carrying otherwise difficult to carry items, such as bicycles and the like which are difficult to carry. More specifically, the technology relates to accessories for attachment and use with, or with original manufacture with, bicycles that facilitate carrying, lifting, and transporting a bicycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bicycles and associated systems by which to carry a bicycle or multiple bicycles are well known in the art.

A bicycle is a human-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle. In at least one common version a bicycle generally includes two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other.

Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century in Europe and now number more than a billion worldwide, twice as many as automobiles. They are the principal means of transportation in many regions. They also provide a popular form of recreation, and have been adapted for use as children's toys, general fitness, military and police applications, courier services, and bicycle racing.

The basic shape and configuration of a typical upright, or safety bicycle, has changed little since the first chain-driven model was developed around 1885. Many details have been improved, especially since the advent of modern materials and computer-aided design. These have allowed for a proliferation of specialized designs for many types of cycling.

The bicycle's invention has had an enormous effect on society, both in terms of culture and of advancing modern industrial methods. Several components that eventually played a key role in the development of the automobile were invented for the bicycle, including ball bearings, pneumatic tires, chain-driven sprockets, and tension-spoke wheels.

Over the years, bicycles have been and are employed for many uses and applications. Bicycles provide utility in application, such as for example, in transportation, bicycle commuting, and utility cycling. Bicycles are useful for work in various applications, such as for example, in mail delivery, paramedics, police, couriering, and general delivery. Bicycles are useful for sport and recreation in various applications, such as for example, bicycle touring, mountain biking, BMX, physical fitness, and play. Bicycles are useful for racing in various applications, such as for example, track racing, criterium, roller racing and time trial to multi-stage events like the Tour of California, Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España, the Volta a Portugal, among others. Bicycles are useful for the military in various applications, such as for example, scouting, troop movement, supply of provisions, patrol, and bicycle infantry. Bicycles are useful for entertainment and performance in various applications, such as for example, artistic cycling, Freestyle BMX.

Bicycles can be categorized in different ways: such as by function, by number of riders, by general construction, by gearing or by means of propulsion. The more common types include utility bicycles, mountain bicycles, racing bicycles, touring bicycles, hybrid bicycles, cruiser bicycles, and BMX Bikes. Less common are tandems, low-riders, tall bikes, fixed gear, folding models, amphibious bicycles and recumbent.

The average adult bicycle weighs roughly 30 pounds. However, this can vary and is dependent among many factors. Additionally, as new technologies advance, materials of lighter weight are utilized in the manufacture of bicycles.

Firstly, road bikes have a variety of weights depending on the purpose, quality, and manufacturing date. Older road bikes could weigh as much as 35 or even 40 pounds. Nowadays, the everyday road cyclist owns a bicycle that weighs usually between 15 and 25 pounds. Furthermore, carbon fiber has begun to become more utilized for bicycle frames, wheels, and even components of the bicycle. The UCI, which regulates professional road bike races, has set a weight limit for use on road bikes. Every bike used in bike races must weigh at least 15 pounds as a minimum. Some people have been able to produce and design full size, completely functioning bicycles that weigh as little as 7 pounds.

Next, there are mountain bikes, which can weigh a mere 15 pounds at the professional cross-country cycling level and yet up to 40 pounds for a strong downhill bike with full suspension systems.

Carriers for bicycles are also well known in the background art and come in many varieties and implementations.

A bicycle carrier is a device attached to an automobile or bus for transporting bicycles. Automobile mounted bike carriers can be attached to the roof, rear trunk, or rear tow hitch, depending on the vehicle.

Bikes may be mounted in the carriers by clamping both wheels and providing some additional vertical support, by clamping the rear wheel and the front dropouts (necessitating the removal of the front wheel, which may be mounted separately on blades), or by clamping the top tube (usually in the case of rear hitch mounted carriers.) There is a device available that connects from the stem to the seat post, to provide a top tube equivalent suitable for mounting in these carriers for step-through frame bicycles that do not have a top tube. Carriers that clamp on the front dropouts may also provide a built-in locking mechanism.

Carriers have been developed especially for the rear of pickup trucks, SUVS, and the like that attach either to the bed or its sides. Special long carriers have been developed to support long-wheelbase recumbent bikes and tandems.

Carrying a bike up the stairs to an apartment is a pain, especially for short bikers, some female bikers and bikers without the needed upper body strength. It is extremely awkward, and as often as not, one ends up with grease on their hands and clothing and banging the bike against the walls and/or stairs.

Most riders either hoist the bike triangle uncomfortably on their shoulder or pick up their bike by the top tube, which requires the rider to bend their elbow at an uncomfortable angle. This causes stress and strain on the elbow and shoulder and makes carrying the bike feel harder than it needs to be.

One solution is to firmly grasp the seat post with the right hand and put the left hand under the top tube near the front of the bike, carrying it upstairs on one's right side with the drivetrain facing away from them.

Another technique is to grab the bike by the seat tube with both hands and lift it so that the bike remains upright. When both hands are on the seat tube, the bike will tilt nose down so it's more parallel to the stair angle. One has to be alert for the handlebars catching something.

Another method is holding the bike by the joint at the seat tube (keeping the hand at shoulder height) and holding the top tube with the other hand on the handlebar. In this method the bike is resting on the muscle of the arm and not exactly on the bony part of the shoulder.

Yet another approach is to put copper pipe insulation foam on the top tube of the bike. The insulation foam is generally available at most hardware stores.

Another approach is to unload panniers or any other heavy detachable bags or locks beforehand to make it lighter.

Still another technique is to position the top tube over your shoulder with the down tube right behind it.

If the steps to be climbed are very narrow one can carry the bike with one's left hand gripping the stem and handlebars and one's right hand on the top tube. Then if one needs to rest to shift their grip or lock the door behind them, they can turn the handlebars so the front wheel is caught in a step and pull the brake to keep it from moving.

Another approach is to stand with the bike to your left. Grab the steer tube with the right hand; left hand under the top tube at the intersection with the seat tube. Lift the bike over the left shoulder, but rest it on the left hand instead of the shoulder. Let the front wheel turn 90 degrees toward the right so you have clearance to turn around the landing.

One attempt to address this issue with a bicycle accessory is a bicycle frame handle from Walnut Studiolo, who has created a bicycle frame handle with a trade name of Little Lifter. See online at http://walnutstudiolo.com/collections/bicycle-accessories/products/bicycle-frame-handle-the-little-lifter. It consists of a 7.5″ strap of leather which connects to a bicycle frame via adjustable buckles, above the derailleur, making the bike easy to lift and carry. The Little Lifter lowers the bike's center of gravity, reducing strain on the elbow, and making it easier to control the bike as you head into the subway or down a crowded sidewalk.

Another attempt to address this issue with having a bicycle accessory is a light weight durable strap by Yanko Design with a trade name of Lift. See the Lift by Yanko Design online at http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/04/04/until-we-can-ride-up-stairs/.

These and other problems related to transporting a bike, especially up and down stairs, need to be addressed.

The foregoing information reflects the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and is tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing information does not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a bicycle accessory for attachment and use with bicycles that facilitate carrying, lifting, and transporting a bicycle.

In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a bicycle accessory to facilitate the carrying, lifting, and transporting of a bicycle. The bicycle accessory includes: a casing comprising an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having a first side and a second side, the second side having an exit slot; a reel disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; a torsion spring retracting assembly coupled to the reel and disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; and a retractable strap extending from the exit slot of the casing, the retractable strap having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the retractable strap is affixed to the reel and the torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity. The retractable strap is configured for extension of the distal end from the casing, disposed at a first portion on the bicycle, and extended outwardly to and coupled to a second portion on the bicycle thereby creating a means by which to carry the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment, the bicycle accessory also includes: a cam; a bracket; and a lever. The cam, the bracket, and the lever collectively form a strap engagement assembly configured for securely holding the retractable strap in an extended position when the lever engages the cam to press against the retractable strap.

In at least one embodiment of the bicycle accessory, the bicycle accessory is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of a bicycle.

In at least one embodiment, the bicycle accessory also includes a clamp affixed to the first side of the casing, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the casing to the first portion on the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment of the bicycle accessory, the retractable strap of the bicycle accessory, once extended from the casing, is configured to couple to a handlebar support bracket.

In at least one embodiment of the bicycle accessory, at least a portion of the proximal end has hook-and-loop material disposed thereon.

In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a bicycle system having a built-in means to facilitate the carrying, lifting, and transporting of a bicycle. The bicycle system includes: a bicycle; a casing comprising an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having a first side and a second side, the second side having an exit slot; a reel disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; a torsion spring retracting assembly coupled to the reel and disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; and a retractable strap extending from the exit slot of the casing, the retractable strap having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the retractable strap is affixed to the reel and the torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity. The retractable strap is configured for extension of the distal end from the casing, disposed at a first portion on the bicycle, and extended outwardly to and coupled to a second portion on the bicycle thereby creating a means by which to carry the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment, the bicycle system also includes: a cam; a bracket; and a lever. The cam, the bracket, and the lever collectively form a strap engagement assembly configured for securely holding the retractable strap in an extended position when the lever engages the cam to press against the retractable strap.

In at least one embodiment of the bicycle system, the bicycle accessory is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment, the bicycle system is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of the bicycle and also includes a clamp affixed to the first side of the casing, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the casing to the first portion on the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment of the bicycle system, the retractable strap of the bicycle accessory, once extended from the casing, is configured to couple to a handlebar support bracket.

In at least one embodiment of the bicycle system, at least a portion of the proximal end has hook-and-loop material disposed thereon.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle. The method includes: utilizing a bicycle accessory comprising: a casing comprising an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having a first side and a second side, the second side having an exit slot; a reel disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; a torsion spring retracting assembly coupled to the reel and disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; and a retractable strap extending from the exit slot of the casing, the retractable strap having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the retractable strap is affixed to the reel and the torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity; wherein the retractable strap is configured for extension of the distal end from the casing, disposed at a first portion on the bicycle, and extended outwardly to and coupled to a second portion on the bicycle thereby creating a means by which to carry the bicycle; coupling the casing to the first portion on the bicycle; extending outwardly the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle; coupling the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle; lifting the bicycle by the now extended retractable strap; and transporting the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment, the method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle also includes: utilizing a bicycle accessory further comprising: a cam; a bracket; and a lever; wherein the cam, the bracket, and the lever collectively form a strap engagement assembly configured for securely holding the retractable strap in an extended position when the lever engages the cam to press against the retractable strap; turning the lever; and engaging the cam to hold the retractable strap in a secure position while the bicycle accessory is in a position configured to carry, lift, and transport the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment of the method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle, the bicycle accessory is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of the bicycle, and the method further includes coupling the casing to the seat support bracket on the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment of the method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle, the retractable strap of the bicycle accessory, once extended from the casing, is configured to couple to a handlebar support bracket, and the method further includes coupling the retractable strap to the handlebar support bracket on the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment, the method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle further includes: utilizing a clamp affixed to the first side of the casing, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the casing to the first portion on the bicycle; and coupling the clamp to the first portion on the bicycle, thereby coupling the bicycle accessory to the first portion on the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment of the method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle, at least a portion of the proximal end has hook-and-loop material disposed thereon.

In at least one embodiment, the method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle further includes: releasing the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle; retracting the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle; and releasing the casing from the first portion on the bicycle.

In at least one embodiment, the method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle further includes disengaging the cam to release the retractable strap from the secure position.

The bicycle accessory facilitates the lifting and carrying of a bicycle, e.g. upstairs or downstairs. The bicycle accessory is comprised of a casing configured for forming a carrying structure engaging at least two portions of a bicycle and providing a support thereto. After the bicycle has been transported, the bicycle accessory is configured for returning to its initial non-carrying state.

In one embodiment, the bicycle accessory is comprised of:

• • a. A support/bracket/console
  • b. An eccentric/cam mounted on Support/Bracket/Console;
  • c. A Reel/Drum having a strap
  • d. A torsion spring;
  • e. A lever that is configured for turning the Eccentric/Cam;
  • f. A casing having a cover;
  • g. A hook-and-loop, e.g. VELCRO, segment disposed at the loose end of the Strap, configured for attaching to handlebars of a bicycle, to the head tube or any other convenient part at the front of the bicycle; and
  • h. A clamp disposed at the back side of the casing and configured for attaching the bicycle accessory to the vertical tube, i.e., the seat post which supports a bicycle saddle/seat.

The bicycle accessory can optionally be attached with the clamp to a head tube (or to any convenient part at the front of the bicycle). In that scenario the loose end of the strap is attached with the segment to the seat post or any other convenient part of the bicycle.

In one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein the method of using the bicycle accessory is as follows:

• • a. The bicycle accessory is attached to the seat post or the seat mast (under the saddle) with the aid of the clamp.
  • b. When one needs to carry the bike over any obstacle or up the stairs, the strap is pulled out of the casing towards the handlebars and is fixed to the handlebars or the head set (or any convenient part at the front of the bicycle) with the aid of the segment.
  • c. The lever is turned to stop the strap from being pulled further out of the casing.
  • d. When the strap is being extended, the strap is turning the reel/drum and is tightening the torsion spring.
  • e. When the lever is turned, it also turns the eccentric/cam, which blocks/stops the strap from being pulled further out, pressing it against the support/bracket/console. The effort, which is created in the strap when the bicycle is lifted up, is pushing the eccentric/cam even more into the position that prevents the strap from being pulled further out of the casing. This causes the Strap to be firmly blocked/stopped such that it will not be extended further out during the lifting/carrying of the bicycle.
  • f. After carrying the bicycle, the segment is detached from the handlebars (or other convenient front part of the bicycle) and the lever is rotated in the opposite direction.
  • g. When the lever is turned back the eccentric/cam is releasing/unblocking the strap.
  • h. When the strap is released/unblocked, the torsion spring starts to turn the reel/drum back into its initial position. The reel/drum is pulling the strap back into the casing and turns/wraps the strap around the reel/drum. Thus, the strap is pulled back into the casing using the energy that has accumulated in the torsion spring.

Advantageously, the technology described herein provides a bicycle accessory for attachment and use with bicycles that facilitate carrying, lifting, and transporting a bicycle. Other known bicycles and carrier systems fail to achieve these objectives.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle accessory, illustrating, in particular, a bracket, cam, reel, strap, and torsion spring, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle accessory depicted in FIG. 1, and further illustrating, in particular, the external elements of a bicycle accessory such as the lever, clamp, exterior casing, and segment, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates the bicycle accessory depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 deployed on a bicycle prior to lifting and transporting the bicycle, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; and

FIG. 4 illustrates the rotation of the lever element of the bicycle accessory, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a bicycle accessory 100 for attachment and use with bicycles 200, and a bicycle system, that facilitates the ease with which on can carry, lift, and transport a bicycle 200.

Referencing FIGS. 1 through 4, in one exemplary embodiment the technology described herein provides a bicycle accessory 100, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, configured for facilitating the lifting and transporting of a bicycle 200, as depicted in FIG. 3.

The bicycle accessory 100 is comprised of an exterior casing 7 or housing. The casing 7 has a clamp 9 attached thereon by which coupling can be made to at least a first portion of a bicycle. The clamp 9 is affixed to the first side of the casing 7, wherein the clamp 9 is configured to couple the casing 7 to the first portion on the bicycle 200. In at least one embodiment, the clamp 9 is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of a bicycle 200.

The interior of the bicycle accessory 100 is comprised of a torsion spring 5 within a reel 3. The reel 3 has a retractable strap 4 having one end affixed thereon. The interior of the bicycle accessory 100 is further comprised of a cam 2, which is operably connected, e.g. mounted, to bracket 1 and casing 7. The strap 4 origination point is affixed to the reel 3 and terminates in segment 8, after passing under cam 2 and exiting the interior of casing 7. Segment 8 is formed from hook-and-loop material, e.g. VELCRO hook and loop fasteners, and is configured for releasable attachment to a bicycle seat support 220, or other desired structure of a bicycle 200.

Lever 6 is rotatably connected to cam 2 via the bracket 1. The lever 6, bracket 1, and the cam 2 assembly is configured for releasably holding/releasing strap 4, depending on the position of the lever 6 and the corresponding movement of cam 2 in relation to strap 4.

The casing 7, lever 6, bracket 1, cam 2, reel 3, torsion spring 5 are made of a durable material, e.g. stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or the like, and are preferably made of a metal appropriate for the utility of the corresponding element. The strap 4 is preferably made of nylon or any other commercially available material that is appropriate for its function.

In an exemplary embodiment of the technology described herein the bicycle accessory operates as follows:

• • a. The bicycle accessary 100 is attached to the seat support 220 or the seat mast (under the saddle) using clamp 9.
  • b. When one needs to carry a bike 200 over any obstacle or up the stairs, the strap 4 is pulled out of the casing 7 towards the handlebars and is fixed to the handlebar support 210, or the handlebars or the head set (or any convenient part at the front of the bicycle) with the aid of segment 8.
  • c. The lever 6 is turned in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4 to stop the strap 4 from being pulled further out of the casing 7.
  • d. When the strap 4 is being pulled out, the strap 4 is turning the reel 3 and is tightening the torsion spring 5.
  • e. When the lever 6 is turned, it also turns the cam 2, which stops the strap 4 from being pulled further out, pressing it against bracket 1. The lifting effort which is transfers to strap 4 when the bicycle 200 is lifted up pushes the cam 2 further into a position that prevents the strap 4 from being pulled further out of the casing 7. Thus the Strap 4 is firmly stopped and does not pull further out while the bicycle is being lifted and carried.
  • f. After the carrying of the bicycle 200 is completed, the segment 8 is detached from the handlebar support 210 (or other convenient front part of the bicycle) and the lever 6 is turned in the opposite direction.
  • g. When the lever 6 is turned back, the cam 2 releases the strap 4.
  • h. When the strap 4 releases the torsion spring 5 turns the reel 3 back into its initial position. (The reel 3 pulls strap 4 back into the casing 7 and wraps the strap 4 around the reel 3. This results in strap 4 being pulled back into the casing 7 using the energy that has accumulated in the torsion spring 5.

In another embodiment of the technology described herein, a support device for a bicycle, comprises:

• • a. a casing having an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having a first side and a second side, the second side having an exit slot;
  • b. a clamp affixed to the first side of the casing;
  • c. a retractable strap extending from the exit slot, the retractable strap having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein at least a portion of the proximal end has hook-and-loop material disposed thereon and the distal end is affixed to a reel and torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity;
  • d. a strap engagement assembly comprised of a cam, a bracket and a lever, the strap engagement assembly configured for securely holding the retractable strap in an extended position when the lever engages the cam to press against the strap.

A method of using a bicycle accessory comprises:

• • a. obtaining a bicycle accessory having a first non-extendable releasable attachment, a second extendable releasable attachment, a holding assembly for the second extendable releasable attachment and a releasing assembly for the second extendable releasable attachment;
  • b. obtaining a bicycle having a seat support and a handlebar support;
  • c. attaching the first non-extendable releasable attachment to the seat support;
  • d. extending the second extendable releasable attachment towards the handlebar support;
  • e. engaging the holding assembly;
  • f. attaching the second extendable releasable attachment to the handlebar support;
  • g. lifting the bicycle;
  • h. transporting the bicycle;
  • i. releasing the second extendable releasable attachment from the handlebar support;
  • j. disengaging the holding assembly; and
  • k. releasing the first non-extendable releasable attachment from the seat support.

Table of Reference Numbers

Reference
Number Description
1      Bracket
2      Cam
3      Reel
4      Strap
5      Torsion Spring
6      Lever
7      Casing
8      Segment
9      Clamp
100    Bicycle Accessory
200    Bicycle
210    Handlebar Support
220    Seat Support

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A bicycle accessory to facilitate the carrying, lifting, and transporting of a bicycle, the bicycle accessory comprising:

a casing comprising an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having a first side and a second side, the second side having an exit slot;

a reel disposed within the interior cavity of the casing;

a torsion spring retracting assembly coupled to the reel and disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; and

a retractable strap extending from the exit slot of the casing, the retractable strap having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the retractable strap is affixed to the reel and the torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity;

wherein the retractable strap is configured for extension of the distal end from the casing, disposed at a first portion on the bicycle, and extended outwardly to and coupled to a second portion on the bicycle thereby creating a means by which to carry the bicycle.

2. The bicycle accessory of claim 1, further comprising:

a cam;

a bracket; and

a lever;

wherein the cam, the bracket, and the lever collectively form a strap engagement assembly configured for securely holding the retractable strap in an extended position when the lever engages the cam to press against the retractable strap.

3. The bicycle accessory of claim 1, wherein the bicycle accessory is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of a bicycle.

4. The bicycle accessory of claim 1, further comprising:

a clamp affixed to the first side of the casing, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the casing to the first portion on the bicycle.

5. The bicycle accessory of claim 1, wherein the retractable strap of the bicycle accessory, once extended from the casing, is configured to couple to a handlebar support bracket.

6. The bicycle accessory of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the proximal end has hook-and-loop material disposed thereon.

7. A bicycle system having a built-in means to facilitate the carrying, lifting, and transporting of a bicycle, the bicycle system comprising:

a bicycle;

a casing comprising an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having a first side and a second side, the second side having an exit slot;

a reel disposed within the interior cavity of the casing;

a torsion spring retracting assembly coupled to the reel and disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; and

a retractable strap extending from the exit slot of the casing, the retractable strap having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the retractable strap is affixed to the reel and the torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity;

wherein the retractable strap is configured for extension of the distal end from the casing, disposed at a first portion on the bicycle, and extended outwardly to and coupled to a second portion on the bicycle thereby creating a means by which to carry the bicycle.

8. The bicycle system of claim 7, further comprising:

a cam;

a bracket; and

a lever;

wherein the cam, the bracket, and the lever collectively form a strap engagement assembly configured for securely holding the retractable strap in an extended position when the lever engages the cam to press against the retractable strap.

9. The bicycle system of claim 7, wherein the bicycle accessory is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of the bicycle.

10. The bicycle system of claim 7, wherein the bicycle accessory is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of the bicycle.

a clamp affixed to the first side of the casing, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the casing to the first portion on the bicycle.

11. The bicycle system of claim 7, wherein the retractable strap of the bicycle accessory, once extended from the casing, is configured to couple to a handlebar support bracket.

12. The bicycle system of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the proximal end has hook-and-loop material disposed thereon.

13. A method to carry, lift, and transport a bicycle, the method comprising:

utilizing a bicycle accessory comprising: a casing comprising an external cover, an interior cavity, the external cover having a first side and a second side, the second side having an exit slot; a reel disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; a torsion spring retracting assembly coupled to the reel and disposed within the interior cavity of the casing; and a retractable strap extending from the exit slot of the casing, the retractable strap having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the retractable strap is affixed to the reel and the torsion spring retracting assembly within the interior cavity; wherein the retractable strap is configured for extension of the distal end from the casing, disposed at a first portion on the bicycle, and extended outwardly to and coupled to a second portion on the bicycle thereby creating a means by which to carry the bicycle;

coupling the casing to the first portion on the bicycle;

extending outwardly the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle;

coupling the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle;

lifting the bicycle by the now extended retractable strap; and

transporting the bicycle.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

utilizing a bicycle accessory further comprising: a cam; a bracket; and a lever; wherein the cam, the bracket, and the lever collectively form a strap engagement assembly configured for securely holding the retractable strap in an extended position when the lever engages the cam to press against the retractable strap;

turning the lever; and

engaging the cam to hold the retractable strap in a secure position while the bicycle accessory is in a position configured to carry, lift, and transport the bicycle.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the bicycle accessory is configured to couple to a seat support bracket of the bicycle, the method further comprising:

coupling the casing to the seat support bracket on the bicycle.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the retractable strap of the bicycle accessory, once extended from the casing, is configured to couple to a handlebar support bracket, the method further comprising:

coupling the retractable strap to the handlebar support bracket on the bicycle.

17. The method of claim 13, the method further comprising:

utilizing a clamp affixed to the first side of the casing, wherein the clamp is configured to couple the casing to the first portion on the bicycle; and

coupling the clamp to the first portion on the bicycle, thereby coupling the bicycle accessory to the first portion on the bicycle.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the proximal end has hook-and-loop material disposed thereon.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

releasing the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle;

retracting the retractable strap to the second portion on the bicycle; and

releasing the casing from the first portion on the bicycle;

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

disengaging the cam to release the retractable strap from the secure position.