Props And Steadying Devices Patents (Class 280/293)
  • Patent number: 5564726
    Abstract: A training attachment for a bicycle is provided. The training attachment is used by a trainer for assisting a trainee rider of the bicycle in maintaining balance. The bicycle includes a frame carrying a seat, front and rear wheels, and a handle bar for steering. The training attachment includes an elongate control bar and a mounting plate with a resilient spacer. The mounting plate serves to attach a proximal end of the control bar to the frame of the bicycle, and to support a free end of the control bar in an outwardly extending access position for use by the trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventors: Steven R. Hearn, Michael J. Remesi
  • Patent number: 5562215
    Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle support apparatus includes a kickstand-receiving support member adapted to rest on a support surface and be interposed between the ends of the kickstand and the support surface. A riser member is adapted to interlock with the kickstand-receiving support member. Also, the riser member is adapted to partially rest on the support surface, and a tire-supporting member is adapted for receiving a rear tire of a two-wheeled vehicle. The tire-supporting member includes a first tire-receiving portion adapted to receive a bottom portion of the tire. The tire-supporting member is interposed between the rear tire and the support surface. The riser member includes a ramp portion located at a leading end of the riser member. The kickstand-receiving support member includes a centrally located tongue portion and a pair of platform portions which straddle the tongue portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Nelson E. Blakey, Ronald L. Williams
  • Patent number: 5558348
    Abstract: A child's vehicle such as a tricycle or other pedaling or walking toy includes a goose neck handle firmly removably fixed to the lower rear end so that an adult standing behind the vehicle has complete control over the vehicle. This avoids having to stoop over or keep one or both hands on the vehicle or child during training. Two forms of handle-vehicle connections are illustrated for different type toys. In either form, the point of connection is such that the front of the vehicle may readily be elevated by depressing the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: George T. Becka
  • Patent number: 5531494
    Abstract: The handle device of the invention extends from a hand hold at one end of an elongated member to a cross member at the other end. The cross member is connected to straps for ready attachment to and detachment from a child's vehicle. A pair of interengageable surfaces, such as Velcro.RTM. material, are positioned on each strap to enable the free end of the strap to be secured after being looped around a structural part of a child's vehicle. One engageable surface of the pair is fixed to the cross member, and the second engageable surface of the pair is on the free end of the strap. A pair of additional engageable surfaces for anchoring the free ends of the straps is positioned on the cross member between the parts of the straps fixed to the cross member. A duplicate of the cross member may be used for the hand hold and other purposes as well, such as connecting two vehicles together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Singleton Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ogle R. Singleton
  • Patent number: 5503420
    Abstract: A parking accessory for motorcycles has a frame which provides a first compartment for a license plate, and a second compartment behind the first compartment to carry a plate-like kickstand pad which can be removed and placed under the end of the kickstand when it is desired to park the motorcycle. The kickstand pad prevents penetration of the surface on which the motorcycle is resting and consequent loss of upright support of the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventors: Ronald Consiglio, Salvatore Consiglio
  • Patent number: 5501479
    Abstract: An improved kickstand includes a resilient ball placed over the end of the kickstand leg. The ball has a bore corresponding in diameter to that of the kickstand leg. The ball is pressed onto the leg, with the latter penetrating the bore. Preferably, adhesive is placed within the bore to assist in securing the ball in place. An uncomplicated and inexpensive enlarged foot is thus provided to a kickstand for resisting the tendency of the kickstand leg to penetrate soft ground when bearing a portion of the weight of its associated bicycle or motorcycle. Advantages include the lack of projecting structure or gaps to entangle clothing, possessions, and vegetation when the kickstand is in the stowed position. Also, the enlarged foot requires no assembly when parking the vehicle, nor adjustment to accommodate the degree of inclination of the vehicle when parked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventors: Donald E. Fehrenbach, Allan J. Waeghe
  • Patent number: 5499835
    Abstract: A motorcycle stroller including a trike frame. The trike frame has a front end, a rear end and a base with brackets on a lower area thereof. The front end has a housing attached and seated on a front section of the base. The housing has seated thereon a casing. The casing has a front portion with a throat with a front fork, an upper surface and a cavity therein. Included is a handlebar that is attached to the throat at a side opposite the front fork. The rear end of the frame has positioned thereon a storage unit. The storage unit has a bottom wall integral a rear section of the base of the frame, a rear wall, a front wall with a horizontal projection in a plane above the bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls and an opening along an upper edge. The side walls each have a side opening. Included is a lid that has a rear edge hingeablly coupled to the horizontal projection. A front wheel and two rear wheels to support the frame. A seat positioned on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventors: Samuel Skirchak, Jr., Jacqueline A. Skirchak
  • Patent number: 5498015
    Abstract: A bicycle repair stand particularly well suited for tandem bicycles supports the bicycle from one side only by being connected to the crank arm assembly through the dust cap threads and/or the fixing bolt threads of the crank arm axle. A third embodiment includes the locking bolt of the stand being connected to a stand arm having a clamp at its outer end engaging a crank arm connected to the axle. In all embodiments the crank arm is allowed to fully rotate without interference from the stand. The stand post may be pivoted from a first position where the bicycle is mounted and dismounted from the stand to a second position where the adjacent wheel is raised off the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: Jerry J. Trout, Paul G. Borthwick
  • Patent number: 5492354
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an auxiliary wheel on a bicycle wheel. A resiliently flexible arm, such as a coil spring, laterally spaces from a wheel of the bicycle a smaller auxiliary wheel. A pintle is connected to the arm at an end remote from the bicycle wheel for mounting the auxiliary wheel for rotation parallel to the rotation of the bicycle wheel. A shank is connected to an end of the resilient arm remote from the pintle for radially offsetting the arm downwardly from an axle of the bicycle wheel, and a bracket mechanism for coupling the shank to the frame at the axle to secure it in fixed relation to the bicycle wheel. Preferably the amount of radial offset can be adjusted to fit one size of the apparatus on at least two of the most popular sizes of children's bicycles, namely 12" and 16" (wheel diameter) bicycles. The radial adjustment can also be used to compensate for variations in tire depth and inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Charles D. Rainey
  • Patent number: 5489030
    Abstract: A new and novel bicycle work stand utilized to effect repairs and adjustments to a bicycle. The bicycle work stand is constructed having a base member with spaced apart legs and an end portion. At least two spaced apart hooking means having cradle areas, extension arms and non-abrasive material covering the cradle areas of the at least two spaced apart hooking means are fixedly attached to the end portion of the base member. A support plate having support ears, V-shaped notches and non-abrasive material covering the support ears is fixedly attached to ends of the extension arms of the at least two spaced apart hooking means. A bottom bracket of a bicycle is removably engaged by the at least two spaced apart hooking means so that the cradle areas of the spaced apart hooking means removably contact an underneath portion of the bottom bracket of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Steven A. Kolbeck, Patrick R. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5487554
    Abstract: A bicycle training device is provided which extends upwardly and rearwardly from the rear of a bicycle to allow an individual to support a rider in an upright position on the bicycle. The training device includes two generally U-shaped members which connect behind the bicycle. A grippable section is thus formed substantially parallel to the ground at an adjustable height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: William A. May
  • Patent number: 5484153
    Abstract: For obviating marring of a soft surface, a flat plate of metal construction material held by the weight in an interposed position over the soft surface and beneath a leg of a kickstand of a parked motorcycle against the urgency of a return spring, such that when released from the interposed position as when the kickstand leg is raised, the plate assumes a non-use storage position and the spring urgency obviates what would be an unacceptable rattling noise as might otherwise be caused by the typical bumpy travel of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Robert Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 5474319
    Abstract: A stabilizer system, primarily for supporting a pedal bicycle and its rider upright at the halt, comprises a spring-loaded telescopic arm (26) which is connected at its upper end by a pivot (21) adjacent the rear wheel spindle (12) to a bracket secured to the spindle (12). A bolt (31) pivoted to the bracket engages the gusset plate (13) to resist clockwise motion of the bracket and a gas strut (28) extends between the bracket and the arm (26). At the lower end of the arm (26) is a cross-shaft (33) carrying stabilizer wheels (34,35). The arm can be lowered by a cable (46) to move a roller (36) on the cross shaft beneath the tire of the wheel (11) so that a large part of the weight of the rider is transferred to the ground through the rear wheel (11), the roller (36), the cross shaft (33) and the stabilizer wheels (34,35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Donald W. Shepherd
    Inventor: Donald W. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5470089
    Abstract: A scooter comprising a frame having a downwardly extending frame support member having an upper end and a lower end, a back fork including a stem having two spaced prongs extending therefrom, and a platform coupled between the lower end and the stem to support a user; a rigid yoke connected to the frame support member; a front fork including a stem with two prongs extending downwards therefrom, the stem disposed within the yoke; a steering column having a upper end and a lower end, the lower end coupled to the stem of the front fork within the yoke; handlebars coupled to the upper end of the steering column so that the front fork can be directionally pivoted by the operator in relation to the frame; a front wheel mounted between the prongs of the front fork for rotation; and a back wheel mounted between the prongs of the back fork for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventors: Damaras E. Whitson, Birdie Bogdanovich
  • Patent number: 5465989
    Abstract: Hand-powered and controlled two-wheeled cycle for use of disabled persons having reduced leg functions. The cycle provides a rapid and efficient means of mobility for leg-disabled persons. A preferred embodiment comprises a cycle having a low rider position, hand-powered and controlled front-drive crank and variable gear propulsion means, braking means, and remotely controlled outrigger means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: William D. Grove
  • Patent number: 5461984
    Abstract: A track traveling system for enabling a two-wheeled vehicle to travel along a single rail of a railroad track has an elongated guide component (18) having vertically spaced apart guidance surfaces (24, 26) and a stabilizer component (20) that has a proximal end (28) releasably couplable to the axle and fork of a bicycle and a distal end (36) that has confronting rollers to movably bear against the vertically spaced apart guidance surfaces (24, 26) whereby the elongated guide component (18) and stabilizer component (20) cooperate to stabilize and guide the two-wheeled vehicle along a single rail of a railroad track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: F. Jay Andress, III
  • Patent number: 5454579
    Abstract: A foot-propelled vehicle includes an auxiliary wheel unit and a unicycle suspended on the auxiliary wheel unit, wherein the wheel of the unicycle is suspended from a spring so that when the pedals of the unicycle are forced downward and propelled, the wheel of the unicycle is turned on the ground causing the vehicle to move. When the pedals are released from the pressure, the spring immediately pulls the wheel of the unicycle upwards from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Chin-yih Chen
  • Patent number: 5421611
    Abstract: A self positioning elevating and supporting device carried at the rearward end portion of a snowmobile which upon being released from an inoperative position self positions itself to elevate and support in elevated position the rearward end portion of a snowmobile raising the underlying track arrangement thereof above the supporting ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventors: Michael Peterson, Douglas Koppy, Michael Anderson
  • Patent number: 5419575
    Abstract: A stabiliser system, primarily for supporting a pedal bicycle and its rider upright at the halt, comprises a spring-loaded telescopic arm (25) pivoted at its upper end adjacent the rear wheel spindle (12) and having at its lower end a cross-shaft (26) carrying stabiliser wheels (27). The arm can be lowered by back-pedalling to draw a cable (22) onto a spool (31) on the pedal spindle (18). The cross-shaft also carries a flanged roller (51). When the arm is lowered by back-pedalling as the rider comes to a halt, the cross-shaft (26) is drawn beneath the rear wheel and the tire (13) is engaged by the roller and the rear wheel is lifted off the ground, a large part of the weight of the rider being transferred to the ground through the rear wheel, the roller, the cross-shaft and the stabiliser wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Donald W. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5407222
    Abstract: A bicycle guidance device has a handle and at least one extension for positioning the handle above and behind the seat of the bicycle. The extension preferably attaches to the bicycle in the vicinity of the rear axle, and can be pivotally engaged to the axle bolt. A pivotal positioning member is pivotally connected to the bicycle in the vicinity of the seat support, and is operatively and slidably connected to at least one of the extensions to permit the securement of the handle in a desired position. A method for teaching bicycle riding is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: In Venture Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5395130
    Abstract: An attachment for a two wheeled bicycle allowing a mentor to provide a graduated correcting and stabilizing force to the bicycle for aiding a novice rider to maintain balance and gain confidence. The attachment comprises two substantially parallel rigid tubular members having an inside diameter being fastened to a bicycle frame and a hairpin shaped handle having a resilient connection to the members. The hairpin includes a U-shaped portion having extended straight parallel limbs. The end of each straight limb is connected to a spring-like bendable element which is inserted partly or fully into the tubular members. The spring-like elements have a sliding interference fit within the interior of the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Mary Ann C. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5382040
    Abstract: A bicycle training aid which may be used as an aid in teaching an individual to ride a bicycle is disclosed. The aid is strapped onto the back of a novice cyclist. An instructor who walks alongside the cyclist is able to hold onto a rearwardly extending handle of the aid to assist the rider in maintaining balance while cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: John Nanassi
  • Patent number: 5372375
    Abstract: A bicycle stand includes a flexible supporting arm adapted to be retracted into coiled condition within an associated housing. When extended from the housing, the arm is angularly oriented by guide means on the housing. A brake keeps the supporting arm extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas P. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 5368323
    Abstract: A safety bar structure arranged for retrofit relative to an associated bicycle wheel is arranged to include projecting support rails extending radially beyond the rear bicycle wheel, wherein the support rails rotatably mount a pair of support wheels to prevent rotation of the bicycle frame about the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen W. Young
  • Patent number: 5358267
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bicycle leg shield which includes a pair of side frames detachably hingedly mounted to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Stella O. Wakefield
  • Patent number: 5358265
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved automatically actuated motorcycle lift stand. The stand comprises upper and lower stand units on each side of the motorcycle. This configuration enables independent raising of the motorcycle when resting on either side, as well as providing a normal parking function. Also disclosed is an improved linear actuator comprising a plurality of concentric telescoping members. Two embodiments of single groove ball return elements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Winfred E. Yaple
  • Patent number: 5351981
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kickstand attachment which provides a substantially increased weight bearing surface area. The present invention permits the bicycle to remain in an upright position on soft surfaces or on a particulate surface without the kickstand penetrating the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Janko U.S.A.
    Inventor: Jan B. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5352403
    Abstract: An improved adjustable training wheel apparatus for attachment to a bicycle as an aid to developing balancing skills when first learning to ride a bicycle, the training wheel apparatus allows a restricted range of adjustably dampened axial movement thereby providing more realistic training by more closely approximating the actual degree of balancing necessary to ride the bicycle without the training wheel apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Larry P. Egley
  • Patent number: 5346238
    Abstract: A stand for a bicycle that supports it at an angle. The stand includes a single elongated member which attaches to the bicycle at two locations by means of a slotted member which encircles the crank spindle and a yokeless shoulder member which supports a chain stay to support the bicycle. The opposite end of the elongated member serves to contact the ground. The stand is readily installed and removed, and is stored in a second location on the bicycle when the bicycle is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Greenfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Greenfield
  • Patent number: 5338204
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for bicycle riding instruction includes at least two auxiliary wheels mounted to the bicycle and movable between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position and a control rod for imparting directional forces to the bicycle and for moving the auxiliary wheels between the raised and lowered positions, the method for bicycle riding instruction including the steps of controlling and guiding the movement of the bicycle with the auxiliary wheels lowered, moving the auxiliary wheels into a raised position while the bicycle is in motion, controlling and guiding the bicycle movement with the auxiliary wheels in the raised position, and, finally, removing the auxiliary wheels and controlling and guiding bicycle movement with the auxiliary wheels removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: John Herndon
  • Patent number: 5330221
    Abstract: An auxiliary device attachable to a bicycle to aid in learning the stunt known as "popping wheelies" balance on the rear wheel of the bicycle, the device including a rearwardly extending support frame, a rear frame pivotally attached at one end to the support frame and pivotally attached at the other end to a member that is lengthwise adjustably attached to the support frame with a pair of wheels on an axle flexibly attached to the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Steven W. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5306030
    Abstract: A child's vehicle such as a tricycle or other pedaling or walking toy includes a goose neck handle firmly removably fixed to the lower rear end so that an adult standing behind the vehicle has complete control over the vehicle. This avoids having to stoop over or keep one or both hands on the vehicle or child during training. Two forms of handle-vehicle connections are illustrated for different type toys. In either form, the point of connection is such that the front of the vehicle may readily be elevated by depressing the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: George T. Becka
  • Patent number: 5303944
    Abstract: A bicycle riding training device or handle which is attachable to a bicycle and which can be easily adjusted and portion removed and reattached after being secured to the bicycle. A clamping portion is attached to the bicycle and a handle portion is locked into the clamping portion or unlocked from the clamping portion when it is no longer needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Allan L. Kalmus
  • Patent number: 5293786
    Abstract: A kickstand for a bicycle includes a bracket, a slot formed in the bracket, a plate slidably engaged with the bracket, and a bolt engaged through the plate and the slot of the bracket so as to couple the plate to the bracket. The plate is adjustable relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Jack Hsu
  • Patent number: 5265897
    Abstract: A skewer assembly for holding the front fork of a bicycle. The fork has a pair of clevises each with a pair of arms. A skewer housing body has a pair of end faces extending around opposite ends of a passage which extends between them. A skewer rod adjustment and clamp act to hold the clevises against the end faces. The diameter of the skewer rod is substantially equal to the spacing between the clevis arm so the rod can fit closely over the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Charles W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5259638
    Abstract: A device for facilitating training youngsters to ride bicycles comprises an elongated tube with a handle on one end and with a clamping mechanism on the other by which the device is clamped rigidly, but detachably, to the bicycle frame. The tube and its handle are pivotable relative to the bicycle frame up, down and sideways, in a manner whereby the height and orientation of the handle relative to the bicycle is adjustable to permit an adult to hold the bicycle upright without having to stoop while running alongside the bicycle while training a youngster to ride the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventors: Marc Krauss, Gerald Rich, Moishe Geller
  • Patent number: 5257803
    Abstract: A support platform is adapted to prevent kickstands and other load carrying members from sinking into an underlying surface. The support platform is generally disc shaped and is provided with a channel or cut-out therein which aids in establishing and/or maintaining an alignment between the kickstand and the support platform as the kickstand is being lowered onto the support platform. The support platform is particularly suited for mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Ronald W. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5242183
    Abstract: A bicycle accessory is provided for stabilizing a bicycle while the operator of the bicycle pops a wheelee. The accessory acts as a safety by providing one or more wheelee wheels behind the rear wheel to limit the upward excursion of the front wheel of the bicycle. The accessory is attachable and detachable from conventional bicycles of various sizes and designs. The accessory is adjustable in size for compatibility and operator preference. The accessory is convertible between receiving one or two wheelee wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventors: Robert Oberg, Wilbur Oberg
  • Patent number: 5234225
    Abstract: A hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or engine operated motorcycle center stand assembly having a ground-contacting lower stand unit rotatable about an axis on an upper stand unit. Parking is accomplished by rotation of said lower stand into said ground-contacting position, followed by downward pivoting of said upper stand unit, thereby raising said rear end of said motorcycle. The stand is raised by reversing the sequence. Ground contacting area, stand width, and stability are increased while simultaneously retaining maximum road clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: Winfred E. Yaple
  • Patent number: 5232237
    Abstract: A protector (14) for preventing the front forks (12) of a bicycle (10) from resting on the ground (20) when the front wheel has been removed is disclosed. The protector (14) includes a bracket (26) for being attached to one fork (12), a shoe (30) for engaging the ground (20) and a link (28) attaching the shoe (30) to the bracket (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Avery R. Patrick
  • Patent number: 5228708
    Abstract: The present apparatus consists of a frame with a tubular structure, made of the following elements: a number of vertical studs supporting atop cushioned member of a nearly circular shape, the studs rest on a lower frame component having the same bowed shape and a number of casters with braking devices. The frame is selectively completed by a bow-shaped component also cushioned and with fastening means at it sends to allow mounting to the cushioned member. The apparatus also includes a removable an d interchangeable square-shaped seat and a cross-shaped seat having detachable fastening elements, respectively, in relation to ring-shaped pieces in the studs. A flexible and non-extensible band is also provided to be attached to the rings and to surround the body of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Isabel Verdugo
  • Patent number: 5154096
    Abstract: Guidance apparatus for bicycle training allowing supervising adult to control the balance of inexperience bicycle rider, comprising a elongated tubular shaft having a top and bottom end, said bottom end including means to fixedly secured the latter to the rear portion of a bicycle frame with said top end extending substantially behind above the bicycle seat, an elongated handle element mounted on said top end of said shaft so as to be able to adjust the balance of rider on said bicycle by lateral movement of said handle and to provide with safety feature to control the motion of said rider by holding on to said handle or by using standard bicycle hand-brake system connected to said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventors: Rami Geller, Avry Dotan
  • Patent number: 5133569
    Abstract: A training wheel assembly includes a pair of training wheels and a pair of mounting members for mounting the training wheels in outwardly spaced relation to opposite sides of a rear wheel of a bicycle. The training wheel assembly is adjustable for moving the training wheels thereof inwardly relative to the rear wheel of a bicycle in order to reduce the amount of support provided by the training wheels without increasing the tendency of the bicycle to yaw or wobble from side-to-side during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Playskool, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Rieber, Richard A. Daley
  • Patent number: 5118126
    Abstract: A hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or engine operated motorcycle center stand assembly having a ground-contacting lower stand unit rotatable about an axis on an upper stand unit. Parking is accomplished by rotation of said lower stand into said ground-contacting position, followed by downward pivoting of said upper stand unit, thereby raising said rear end of said motorcycle. The stand is raised by reversing the sequence. Ground contacting area, stand width, and stability are increased while simultaneously retaining maximum road clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Winfred E. Yaple
  • Patent number: 5100163
    Abstract: A first support member is removably attached to the bicycle and a hinge end of a second support member is hingedly attached to an attachment end of the first support member that allows radial movement of the second support member in relation to the first support member. A wheel is rotatively connected to the second support member, at a wheel end of the second support member, distal from the hinge end. An adjustable preloaded strut is attached, at a first end of the strut, to the first support member. The adjustable preloaded strut is also attached, at a second end of the strut, to the second support member. An adjustable stop member is on one of two rotation restriction lobes to restrict the radial movement of the second support member toward the first support member. Hinge rotation stop tabs are on the hinge that connects the first and second support members to limit the amount of radial movement of the second support member away from the first support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Larry P. Egley, Patricia A. Egley
  • Patent number: 5071150
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a tricycle arrangement mounts its associated seat overlying a rear axle, wherein the rear axle mounts a plurality of spaced wheels, with a forward wheel medially positioned relative to the rear wheels. A sprocket and chain drive directs rotative energy to rotatably drive the rear wheels. A rear stabilizer wheel is positioned rearwardly of the rear wheels. The stabilizer wheel is normally spaced above a ground support surface in a first position and is in contact with the ground support surface in a second position when the forward wheel is spaced above the ground and pivoted about the rear drive wheels. A counter-weight structure is optionally utilized to enhance such pivotment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Richard L. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5064213
    Abstract: A stabilizing device for a bicycle includes two hinged portions on each side of the rear wheel axles, one hinged portion being attached to the bicycle frame, and the other hinged portion supporting a training wheel. Compression spring acts between each pair of associated hinged portions to increase the restoring forces on the bicycle when it tilts to one side on a turn, while the spring on the other side maintains the training wheel in contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Paul Storch
  • Patent number: 5054803
    Abstract: A bicycle training wheel assembly comprises a brace having an inner mounting member for attachment to a rear fork member of a bicycle frame and at least one side support member connected to and extending from the inner mounting member. The assembly further comprises an elongate arm having an auxiliary wheel rotatably mounted to an outer end thereof and having an inner end pivotally mounted to the side support member of the brace. This allows the arm to pivot laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bicycle frame to thereby raise and lower the auxiliary wheel through a predetermined range of angular movement. The arm may be selectively locked at one of a plurality of angular adjustment positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Paul N. Ellingsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5029894
    Abstract: A motorcycle is provided with retractable stop-support side wheels (1) parallel to the back wheel (44). The side wheels (1) lock in place when down at each side of the motorcycle for stop-and-start driving, for parking and for handling the motorcycle when it is not being ridden. Hydraulic cylinders (14) are employed to activate struts (2) on which the side wheels (1) are positioned pivotally at either the outside edge of crash bars (5) of motorcycles having suitable crash bars or between top mounting positions (59) for crash bars and bottom crash-bar and foot-rest mounting means (58) for motorcycles not equipped with suitable crash bars. An attachment angle bracket (3) is shaped for various types of motorcycles for pivotal attachment of the struts (2). Manual or automatic operations with selective-speed up-and-down actuation are optional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: David M. Willman
  • Patent number: 5028066
    Abstract: This is a baby toy which matures with the baby from infancy through childhood, accelerating and enhancing baby's mental and physical development, encouraging fitness, and helping baby develop coordination skills at an earlier age. The toy is an enhanced tricycle with stepwise removable parts, which comprise one or more of the following: push and guide handle, foot rest, back support, seat belt, left and right restrainers with or without spacers which allow adjustment of a snap-in front restrainer, the side restrainers also preventing the handlebars from being rotated by the occupant, child proof parking brake to allow the tricycle to be safely stored or parked, and a sun shade. The push and guide handle allows pushing while walking behind the toy vehicle, guiding and controlling the direction of toy's travel, while allowing the occupant child to participate in the propulsion and guidance processes as soon as the child is ready.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: George V. Garth