Towing Attachments Patents (Class 280/292)
  • Publication number: 20080179860
    Abstract: A system for towing a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The system includes a tow arm connectable to a distal portion of a towing vehicle. The system additionally includes a tow mode mechanism connectable to a distal portion of a towed vehicle and connectable with the tow arm. The tow mode mechanism automatically places the towed vehicle in a tow mode when the towing vehicle begins to tow the towed vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Oliver A. Bell
  • Patent number: 7370874
    Abstract: A light-weight mechanical frame an accessory for harnessing together a multiple of bicycles, unicycles, tricycles or other human-powered vehicles and toys, consisting of a center-of-frame 360° horizontal pivot with four or more unequal length arms radiating horizontally outward therefrom FIG. 1. At each arm, member, outer extremity extend lineally downward legs. Although the legs can descend at any angle, at their extreme lower ends are verticle axels, or pintles which are 360° pivoting connections for the cycles. Cycles thus mounted to a frame are harnessed and interconnected into symbiotic action capable of executing intricate riding patterns. Lone cycle riding becomes a team effort, all for one and one for all. The frame and cycles cannot start, turn or stop without coordinated teamwork—and leadership.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Charles W Ross
  • Patent number: 7341265
    Abstract: A frame structure for foldable baby trailer is disclosed to include a bottom frame formed of two side bars and a front bar and a rear bar, two vertical side frames each having two bottom frame bars respectively pivoted to the side bars and an arched top frame bar pivoted to the bottom frame bars, a transverse top bar detachably connected to the arched top frame bars of the two vertical side frames, a trailer bar pivoted to the front side of said side bar of the bottom frame and selectively locked between an extended position and a received position, and a bumper detachably connected between the side bars of the bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Cheh-Kang Liu
  • Patent number: 7334808
    Abstract: A tow device having a mounting bracket adapted for vehicle mounting, a spring-loaded bobbin, a hollow telescoping rod, a tow line, and a handle. The hollow telescoping rod, which can be automatically extended, has one end attached to the mounting bracket while the other end is mounted for pivotal movement. The tow line extends longitudinally through the hollow telescoping rod and is attached to the handle at one end and the spring-loaded bobbin at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Edward C. Fatzinger
  • Publication number: 20070257467
    Abstract: There is disclosed a bicycle to which a trailer can be connected and from which the trailer can be detached without jeopardizing the integrity thereof. The bicycle includes a frame and two hooks. The frame includes two rear ends. Each of the hooks includes a first end detachably connected to a related one of the rear ends of the frame and a second end for connection to the trailer. A positioning device is used to precisely position each of the hooks with respect to a related one of the rear ends of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Louis CHUANG
  • Patent number: 7234719
    Abstract: A bicycle towing device for towing a trailing bicycle behind a leading bicycle including a leading bicycle connection interconnected to a trailing bicycle connection by a tow bar. The trailing bicycle connection is connectable to both upper and lower locations on the trailing bicycle such that the center of gravity of the force pulling the trailing bicycle is centered on the trailing bicycle to provide stable maneuverability of the trailing bicycle. The leading bicycle connection and the trailing bicycle connection include pivotal joints that allow limited degrees of rotational movement with respect to the tow bar. In this manner of attachment, the tow bar is pivotal with respect to both the leading bicycle connection and the trailing bicycle connection to account for differences in height between the bicycles while forcing the trailing bicycle to lean at substantially the same exact angle as the leading bicycle at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Curtis Frederick Giese
  • Patent number: 7207586
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch assembly including first and second complementary hitch bracket members adapted and arranged for attachment to opposites sides of the bicycle frame rear wheel drop out. Each bracket member includes a main body portion con figured on one side for abutting relation with the bicycle rear wheel drop out and on the other side for receiving the trailer tongue tube to provide center pulling of the trailer. The bicycle quick release skewer which holds the rear wheel clamped to the drop out member likewise secures both brackets to the drop out member. Each of the brackets has a fastener arrangement for enabling securing the bracket to the trailer drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Richard C. Everett, Oscar E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7140630
    Abstract: A trailer adapter hitch suitable for converting a manually operated two wheeled barrow to a two wheeled trailer for use with a motorized vehicle is the subject of the present invention. The trailer adapter hitch is generally linear in shape and is light weight, having a trailer hitch at one end for attaching to the pulling hitch of a motorized vehicle and means for attaching securely at two points on the frame of a two wheeled barrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Gary V. Abel
  • Patent number: 7131657
    Abstract: This is a hitch for a connection between a bicycle and a trailer. The hitch includes a connector which is secured to the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle. A joint extends between the connector and a rotatable tube. The rotatable tube is connected to the tongue of the trailer so as to form the hitch having three axes of pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: ZZ Bike, LLC
    Inventor: Brian G. Witt
  • Patent number: 6983947
    Abstract: A bicycle towing device which is positioned between a tow bicycle, such as an adult bicycle, and a towed bicycle, such as a child's bicycle, and enables the towed bicycle to function as a one wheeled bicycle trailed behind the tow bicycle. The bicycle towing device in accordance with the present invention enables the towing of an intact and ridable towed bicycle behind the tow bicycle by lifting the front wheel of the towed bicycle off the ground and, if desired, the towed bicycle can be pedaled while it is being towed by the tow bicycle. When not in use, the bicycle towing device in accordance with the present invention is capable of being collapsed and stored on the tow bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Guy Asbury, Edward Scott Nelson
  • Patent number: 6976690
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that attaches to a bicycle seat stem for allowing connection of a trailering device for pulling by the bicycle. The apparatus has an elongated body with an aperture on one end for receiving a bicycle seat stem and a socket on the opposite end for attaching a trailer or other device. A rack can be combined with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Steve R. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6959938
    Abstract: A folding collapsible baby trailer is disclosed to include a bottom frame, two upright side frame, a transverse top bar, and a trailer bar, the bottom frame being formed of two side bars, a front bar and a rear bar, the front bar and rear bar of the bottom frame being substantially -shaped bars each having an elongated body disposed on the middle below the elevation of the side bars of the bottom frame and two angled end portions respectively extended from two ends of the elongated body and respectively pivoted to distal ends of the first and second upright side frames so that a flat horizontal space is defined above the elongated bodies of the front and rear bars of the bottom frame and below the elevation of the side bars of the bottom frame for receiving the transverse top bar and the upright side frames when the folding collapsible baby trailer collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Ssu-Liu Liu
  • Patent number: 6921099
    Abstract: Apparatus for releasably coupling a vehicle accessory to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, an accessory coupler for coupling a vehicle accessory to the housing, and a hitch pin. The housing comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposed side walls extending between the upper and lower walls, which walls together define a sleeve having an open rearward end. The sleeve has a height between its upper and lower walls and a width between its side walls, the width being substantially greater than the height. The upper and lower walls each have an associated hole centrally positioned widthwise of the sleeve, the holes being aligned on a common axis. The housing is adapted for attachment in an operative position to an upper rearward part of the vehicle with the open end of the sleeve depending rearwardly. In cases where the vehicle is a two-wheeled motorcycle or scooter, the housing preferably is attached to the vehicle in a location above the rear wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Detlef Uwe Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6896275
    Abstract: A folding collapsible frame structure for baby trailer is disclosed to include a bottom frame unit having a transverse front bar curved downwards without hindering movement of a young child in and out of the baby trailer, two upright side frames, respectively pivoted to the bottom frame unit at two sides, a transverse top bar, male and female coupling members respectively provided at the upright side frames and the ends of the transverse top bar for enabling the transverse top bar to be detachably connected between the upright side frames, a trailer bar pivoted to a bottom U-lug at the bottom frame unit and selectively locked between the extended position and the received position by a spring-supported locking member, which is coupled to the trailer bar by a slip joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Ssu-Liu Liu
  • Patent number: 6883819
    Abstract: This invention constitutes a lightweight wheeled chair forming a companion rider device formed of hollow tubular frame members. A tow bar can be attached to the tow bar attachment with a pin coupling assembly. The tow bar attachment is mountable to the front ends of the lower side frame of the chair or it may also be permanently fixed there. The tow bar is downwardly curved from its middle and it has a feet rest. The height of the wheelchair may be adjusted by mounting the back wheels and the castor wheels in different adjusting holes provided in the chair frames and in castor wheel attachement. The present invention is to provide a lightweight wheelchair that can be used as a standalone wheelchair, as well as for a recreational use coupled to a motorized vehicle, such as an electric wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Marvin Byrd
  • Publication number: 20040135341
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for a trailer hitch for motorcycles that allows for easy attachment and an unobtrusive profile. The hitch assembly includes two (2) side pieces connected to a motorcycle by side plates attached to saddlebag support brackets and a cross piece to which a ball hitch is attached. The hitch assembly attaches to the saddlebag support back of the motorcycle, regardless of whether the rear fender is a bob tail, a conventional fender or a low retro style; whether the wheel is a fat tire or not; and whether there are side bags or turn signals or not. Further the hitch assembly in some embodiments can be installed such that it is not visible except for the ball hitch hanging down from the particular fender far enough to attach and detach a trailer tongue. In one embodiment the ball hitch is removably attached. The invention also addresses the potential height disparity between the ball hitch and the trailer tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas W. Versaw
  • Patent number: 6749212
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch or accessory mount uses a trailer tongue or accessory receiving flange on a body with a pin that is rotatably and removably carried in a integrally mounted bicycle frame socket, the body and socket each having a corresponding bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Christopher Mock, Jeffrey Small
  • Publication number: 20030178806
    Abstract: A steering lock, and a method of use, for connecting child's bicycle (2) behind adult bicycle (4), with the front wheel (6) of child's bicycle (2) being elevated so that the adult rider retains steering control. The steering lock comprises receiver (20) or pivot receiver (30) attached to the head tube (13) of child's bicycle (2), a coupler (22) attached to a bicycle tow bar (24) on adult bicycle (4), and a steering lock pin (10). As coupler (22) is secured against receiver member (20) or pivot receiver (30) with quick-release safety pin (25), steering lock pin (10) is forced through aligned holes in head tube (13), steering fork tube (15), and handlebar stem tube (17) on child's bicycle (2) to lock one to the other during tandem travel. Thus, child's bicycle (2) can be expediently converted from independent operation to a tandem configuration multiple times during the same ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Scott Nelson
  • Patent number: 6623021
    Abstract: A steering lock, and a method of use, for connecting child's bicycle (2) behind adult bicycle (4), with the front wheel (6) of child's bicycle (2) being elevated so that the adult rider retains steering control. The steering lock comprises receiver (20) or pivot receiver (30) attached to the head tube (13) of child's bicycle (2), a coupler (22) attached to a bicycle tow bar (24) on adult bicycle (4), and a steering lock pin (10). As coupler (22) is secured against receiver member (20) or pivot receiver (30) with quick-release safety pin (25), steering lock pin (10) is forced through aligned holes in head tube (13), steering fork tube (15), and handlebar stem tube (17) on child's bicycle (2) to lock one to the other during tandem travel. Thus, child's bicycle (2) can be expediently converted from independent operation to a tandem configuration multiple times during the same ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Scott Nelson
  • Patent number: 6607208
    Abstract: A bicycle capable of towing a skateboard rider. A hollow tow pole defining an attachment end and an extended end is attached at the attachment end to a bicycle frame of a bicycle. The first end of a stretchable tow rope is extended inside the hollow tow pole and is attached at or near the attachment end of the hollow tow pole. The second end of the stretchable tow rope is attached to a handle. The handle is positioned at or near the extended end of the hollow tow pole when the stretchable tow rope is in a relaxed or substantially relaxed state and the handle is extended at least two feet beyond the extended end when the stretchable tow rope is in a stretched state. In a preferred embodiment the hollow tow pole is collapsible. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow tow pole is pivotally attached to the bicycle frame. In a preferred embodiment, a stop bar is attached to the top of the hollow tow pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Chris Dartland
  • Patent number: 6592138
    Abstract: A wagon-linking structure comprises a fastening seat and a connection rod. The fastening seat is provided with a first stepped hole and a second stepped hole smaller in hole diameter than the first stepped hole. The connection rod has a shank and a semicircular body. The connection rod is engaged with the fastening seat such that the semicircular body is rotatably received in the first stepped hole of the fastening seat, and that the shank of the connection rod is jutted out of the fastening seat via the second stepped hole of the fastening seat. The fastening seat is fixed with the front end of a wagon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Hsing Li
  • Patent number: 6575485
    Abstract: A shock absorbing suspension system for a lightweight, bicycle pulled trailer, fitted to the frame of a light weight trailer. The trailer suspension system includes a pair of shock absorbers each mounted to cushion the trailer and its contents, which can be a passenger. The suspension system mounts to a trailer frame that has a shock base and an arm base. The shock base includes a shock base pivot and the arm base includes an arm base pivot. A wheel arm attaches to the arm base of the trailer frame. The wheel arm includes a hub end and a pivot end, and the pivot end hingably connects to the arm base pivot. A wheel hub is received into the wheel arm proximate the hub end of the wheel arm. An arm shock bearing is positioned on the wheel arm. A shock, for dampening the hinging of the wheel arm about the arm base pivot, is mounted between the trailer frame and the wheel arm. The shock includes a base bearing and an arm bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Greg R. Durrin
  • Patent number: 6565106
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle with a front wheel drive system and a low profile operator seat that is positioned forward of the rear fork. The rear portion of the frame is telescopically connected to and selectively movable with respect to the front portion of the frame to provide a convenient adjustment that accommodates riders of all sizes. The wheeled vehicle also includes a releasably attached sidecar that can be quickly attached to or released from the vehicle frame by mating engagement of a slotted bracket with a rod, and a locking pin with a spring biased socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Zenon Lopez
  • Patent number: 6561533
    Abstract: An apparatus for hitching two bicycles together including a first hitch which connects the apparatus to one of the bicycles and a second hitch which connects the apparatus to the second bicycle. The second hitch includes a stem which is slid through and secured to the head tube of the second bicycle after the front fork and wheel have been removed from the second bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: David M. Snobl
  • Publication number: 20030062705
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch for securing a trailer to a bicycle, the trailer including a hitch arm and the bicycle having a rear wheel including an axle with an axis of rotation and a frame, the bicycle trailer hitch comprising: a hitch ball including a connector end connectable to the trailer hitch arm, an opposite end formed as a ball and a intermediate portion extending therebetween; and a bicycle-mounted hitch portion including a plate having an aperture extending therethrough, the plate being mountable on the axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle with the axle extending through and rotatable within the aperture and a socket connected to the plate and formed to removably retain the ball of the hitch ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: ALBERTA LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel William Britton, Imad Assaf
  • Publication number: 20030025295
    Abstract: An apparatus for hitching two bicycles together including a first hitch which connects the apparatus to one of the bicycles and a second hitch which connects the apparatus to the second bicycle. The second hitch includes a stem which is slid through and secured to the head tube of the second bicycle after the front fork and wheel have been removed from the second bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: David M. Snobl
  • Patent number: 6491316
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that attaches to a bicycle seat stem for allowing connection of a trailering device for pulling by the bicycle. The apparatus has an elongated body with an aperture on one end for receiving a bicycle seat stem and a socket on the opposite end for attaching a trailer or other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Steve R. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6481739
    Abstract: A docking assembly configured to allow a first medical device to move with a second medical device includes a hitch, a base, and a connector. The hitch is configured to be coupled to the first medical device. The base is spaced apart from the hitch and is configured to be coupled to the second medical device. The connector interconnects the hitch and the base and permits movement of the hitch relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Newkirk
  • Publication number: 20020121763
    Abstract: A towing bracket for attachment to the rear frame of a bicycle, to be used for towing a trailer behind the bicycle. The towing bracket has a hanging member that attaches to the hub nut of the rear wheel of the bicycle, and may have a disk with an attached tab that mates with a slot in the rear frame, with the disk having a number of holes that mate with raised nubs in the hanging member, to prevent rotation of the hanging member about the nut. A collar on the hanging member attaches to a trailer linkage, which in turn attaches to a trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Kahmann
  • Patent number: 6431570
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer assembly 10 is provided and is adapted for use in an off-road environment. As shown, bicycle trailer assembly 10 includes a front yoke 18, which is pivotally coupled to the frame 14 and rear axle 16 of bicycle 12 by use of a pair of substantially identical ball-type joint assemblies 20. Assembly 10 further includes a cargo support or carrying frame 22 which is pivotally coupled to front yoke assembly 18; a rear yoke assembly 24 which is pivotally coupled to frame 22 and which rotatably supports a trailer wheel 28; and an elastomeric member, shock absorber or damper 26 which is operatively disposed between frame 22 and rear yoke 24. As shown in FIG. 6, the trailer assembly 10 further includes storage compartments or panniers 120 which are selectively and removably attached to support frame 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Sean Lennon, Bob Sherman
  • Patent number: 6406050
    Abstract: A motorcycle hitch device for using a motorcycle to pull a trailer. The motorcycle hitch device includes a pair of brackets each attached to the bottom surface of the fender such that the brackets face each other. Each of a pair of saddles is attached to one of the brackets. A hitch portion comprises a plate having a top side and a bottom side. A ball hitch is attached to the top side of the plate. A pair of mountings removably couple the plate to the saddles. Each of the mountings comprising a bar attached to the bottom side of the plate, each of the bars is extendable into one of the saddles. Each of a pair of pins is extendable through one of the saddles and an associated bar for removably securing the bars to the saddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Steven P. Taggart
  • Publication number: 20020070526
    Abstract: A bicycle capable of towing a skateboard rider. A hollow tow pole defining an attachment end and an extended end is attached at the attachment end to a bicycle frame of a bicycle. The first end of a stretchable tow rope is extended inside the hollow tow pole and is attached at or near the attachment end of the hollow tow pole. The second end of the stretchable tow rope is attached to a handle. The handle is positioned at or near the extended end of the hollow tow pole when the stretchable tow rope is in a relaxed or substantially relaxed state and the handle is extended at least two feet beyond the extended end when the stretchable tow rope is in a stretched state. In a preferred embodiment the hollow tow pole is collapsible. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow tow pole is pivotally attached to the bicycle frame. In a preferred embodiment, a stop bar is attached to the top of the hollow tow pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Chris Dartland
  • Publication number: 20010052686
    Abstract: A trailer assembly includes a front segment and a rear segment. The front segment includes a pair of opposed front segment tubes having straight portions which are fixed to a mounting bar. The straight portions merge into arcuate portions symmetrically oriented about an axis co-extensive with the mounting bar and that define a front opening. A hitch block is fixed to the other end of the mounting bar. The rear segment includes a pair of rear segment tubes with linear portions that merge into curved portions that are symmetrically oriented about the longitudinal axis and define a rear opening. The linear portions are spaced apart to define a wheel gap and a wheel is provided in the wheel gap. For operation, the front portion of a surfboard or similar rigid structure is urged forward into the front opening to engage the arcuate portions. The rear portion of the rigid structure is inserted into the rear opening for frictional engagement with the curved portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Edward S. Galik
  • Patent number: 6305702
    Abstract: A quick-release attachment device having a receiver assembly mountable in a concealed position under the rear fender of a motorcycle, the device being useful for quickly connecting and disconnecting load-supporting apparatus such as, for example, a trailer hitch, carrier platform, golf club carrier, or the like. The concealed receiver assembly desirably embodies two laterally spaced, longitudinal support members attachable to the motorcycle frame in a position that is hidden by the rear fender, a transverse support member interconnecting the longitudinal support members, and a downwardly inclined receiver member depending from the transverse support member to receive an upwardly inclined, projecting portion of a load-supporting apparatus that is insertable into the receiver member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: John T. Alford, II
  • Patent number: 6290246
    Abstract: A quick-mounting arrangement for connecting a first bicycle to a second bicycle. The arrangement includes a pivot holder which is integrally formed with a rear fork of the first bicycle. The arrangement includes a quick-release mechanism which is adapted to secure a front fork of the second bicycle to the pivot holder to form a tandem upon the removal of a front wheel of the second bicycle. The pivot holder includes two parallel lugs. Each of the lugs includes a pivot hole adapted to receive the quick-release mechanism to enable the quick-release mechanism to secure the front fork of the second bicycle to the pivot holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Bor-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 6290247
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch employs an adjustably positioned universal hitch ball. The bicycle trailer hitch attaches to a hitch receiver mounted on the bicycle frame and encompasses the rear tire of the bicycle. The trailer hitch slides into the hitch brackets and is secured by clevis pins. Height adjustments between the hitch and the trailer are made with two “L” shaped brackets. The lower bracket has the ball joint attached. The trailer tongue is attached to the ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Gary L. Schafer, Diane Schafer
  • Patent number: 6286847
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a leading bicycle to a trailing bicycle which includes an elongated assembly having a first connecting device located at one end of the elongated assembly for connecting to the shaft of a handle bar of the trailing bicycle, a second connecting device located at an opposite end for connection to a leading bicycle about a seat post thereof, and an interconnecting portion extending between the first connecting device and second connecting device, the interconnecting portion having a rigid segment and a flexible segment, the rigid segment having a telescopic arrangement for length adjustment, the flexible segment permitting movement in all planes including a torsional or rotational movement while being substantially inextensible in the longitudinal axis. The arrangement permits both bicycles to be ridden at the same time in a tandem type arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Henri Perrin
  • Patent number: 6270092
    Abstract: A portable cart, for use in camping, hunting and other outdoors activities carries canoes, small boats, game, injured parties or hauled cargo by hand. The portable cart can be converted to a canoe or boat cart which can be folded down and transported within the canoe or boat, or to a game cart for transporting game over long, rough terrain, or to a cargo hauling gear cart, all of which can broken down into a carrying position, by hand or by back. The portable cart can be carried by hand or as a backpack over rough terrain. Its width can be varied to accommodate watercraft of varying widths. The cart has optional removable clamps for clamping a conventional transportable carrier, such as a stretcher or stokes-type rescue carrier bed, thereto. Another optional bicycle pull clamp includes an ant-tipping attachment resisting centrifugal force urging said cart to tip over during a directional turn of the cart-hauling bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Charles W. Darling, III
  • Patent number: 6270100
    Abstract: A tow bar for attaching two bicycles in tandem arrangement consisting of a hollow rod, tube, or pipe having an attaching strap traversing the length of the interior of the rod or pipe, with the strap being secured to frame members of each bicycle via a friction clamp at each bicycle without the need for tools. Further, the tow bar consists of an assembly of four or more segments that have removeable couplings by which each such segment is attached to an adjacent segment, thereby facilitating ease of assemble and disassembly of the tow bar. Such segments, when disassembled, can be easily stored in a conventional bicycle pouch that can be attached to a frame member of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas M. Wunderlich
  • Publication number: 20010002745
    Abstract: An improved device for height and/or track width adjustment on vehicles for transport of children and/or trailers which can be attached to two-wheel conveyances, with an optionally retrofittable adapter means (27) for height and/or track width adjustment is characterized by the following features
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventor: Herbert Weber
  • Patent number: 6199892
    Abstract: Convertible receiver hitch cover that fits at least first and second receiver tubes having respective first and second bores of respective first and second cross-sections. The cover includes a faceplate having a periphery, a front side and a backside. A shaft extends from the backside of the faceplate, wherein the shaft has a first end proximal to the faceplate and a second end distal from the faceplate. The shaft has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the first bore of the first receiver tube. A removable spacer is adapted to fit over the shaft and has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the second bore of the second receiver tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: James E. Dahl
  • Patent number: 6193252
    Abstract: A trailing rod assembly is provided to couple front ends of two lower beams of a baby carrier to a bicycle chain stay. The trailing rod assembly includes a substantially S-shape rod, a front coupler mounted to a front end of the rod, a rear coupler mounted to a rear end of the rod, a wheel seat mounted to a mediate portion of the rod, and a beam-fixing seat mounted between the wheel seat and the rear coupler. The front coupler includes a main plate, a movable plate, a fixing knob, and a flexible tube, wherein the chain stay is securely held between the main plate and the movable plate. The wheel seat includes an L-shape slot for retaining an axle of a front wheel of the baby carrier. The rear coupler includes a lower plate, an upper plate, and two fixing knobs, wherein the rear end of the rod is soldered to a surface of a mediate groove of the lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Wan-Hsin Lin
  • Patent number: 6182990
    Abstract: A stable lightweight cargo trailer for a bicycle with a demountable bicycle type wheel having a collapsible frame assembly, the trailer including an upper elongate frame member defining an upper limit of a cargo compartment and a lower frame member having a portion defining a lower limit of the cargo compartment, the upper frame member and the lower frame portion being pivotally connected by intermediate end and side members such that the upper frame member is foldable from an extended position to a collapsed position allowing the upper frame member to collapse to overly said lower frame member into a compact configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Richard C. Everett
  • Patent number: 6161852
    Abstract: A sulky which is to be connected to and drawn by a horse. The sulky comprises a seat, and an arrangement that receives a driver in a sitting position with his(her) feet located at a substantially lower level than the seat. This arrangement has means which support at least the legs of the driver in this sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Tomas Bergling
  • Patent number: 6155582
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Charle Bourbeau
  • Patent number: 6148772
    Abstract: A dog exercising/walking device for mounting to a bicycle. The device includes a mounting bracket having portions that engage and retain the device to the bicycle's frame. A resilient member having first and second ends is coupled to the mounting bracket at its first end such that its second end extends laterally away from the mounting bracket. The member is resiliently flexible in directions lateral to the length of the member. A dog tethering attachment ring is secured to the second end of the member allowing lead strap from the dog to be attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Alberta Peaks, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Keyek-Frannsen
  • Patent number: 6135479
    Abstract: A tricycle pushing device for pushing a child's tricycle therewith. The tricycle pushing device includes an elongate shaft having opposite proximal and distal ends with a pushing head coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The pushing head has a generally U-shaped upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the pushing head comprises a spaced apart and substantially parallel pair of elongate fingers defining a generally U-shaped slot therebetween designed for receiving therein a rear post of a tricycle. The lower portion of the pushing head has front, intermediate and rear regions. The front and rear regions are spaced apart from one another to define a space therebetween designed for receiving therein a perimeter lip downwardly depending from a foot kick plate of a tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Richard A. Tibay, Cynthia M. Tibay
  • Patent number: 6135059
    Abstract: A modified scooter that has a frame with a low center portion. A rider stands on this center portion. A front wheel is mounted to a fork and has steering control as in the case of a normal scooter. Extending forward from the frame is a curved tow member. The curved tow member acts as a transfer bow. It is designed to fasten to a tow rope, which is then attached to a dog or dogs. The position and attachment point of the transfer bow are designed to transfer the pulling force to a point low on the center of gravity of the scooter. This keeps the scooter stable under all operating conditions. The scooter can be a hauling sled also. By lengthening the frame and adding additional wheels, the scooter can carry loads. The transfer bow can be attached to other types of wheeled vehicles as well to achieve similar results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Robert A. Brock
  • Patent number: 6099008
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch for joining a trailer, having a trailer tongue, to a bicycle, having a bicycle frame and a rear wheel, including a rear-wheel axle having an axis-of-rotation therethrough, mounted on a rear wheel mounting structure of the bicycle frame, includes a hitch mount secured to the rear axle of the bicycle, including a frame-contacting member mounted on the bicycle frame; and a hitch mount body rotatably mounted on said frame-contacting member; a hitch-mount retainer mechanism for securing said hitch mount to the bicycle frame; and a hitch connector fixed to the trailer tongue and removably receivable on said hitch mount body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Burley Design Cooperative
    Inventor: Stephen Patrick Caffey
  • Patent number: 6099011
    Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch is disclosed, for attaching a forward arm of a bicycle trailer to a rear frame of a bicycle. The bicycle trailer hitch comprises a base mounting plate having two discs provided with grooves to position respectively the chain stay and the seat stay of a bicycle rear frame. A side plate covers and squeezes the chain stay and the seat stay against the base mounting plate under the action of tightening means which comprise a releasable-adjustable fastener coupled between the base mounting plate and the side plate. The base mounting plate is provided with flexible connecting means to link the forward arm of the trailer. The bicycle trailer hitch is easy and quick to install and release, and allows a firm and secure attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Maurice Beaudoin, Richard Beaudoin