Patent ID: 6644677
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: B62K

Abstract:
An ergonomic tandem bicycle suitable for riders with some limited physical capabilities, said bicycle comprising:a frame comprising a plurality of interconnected bars, said frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, said frame including a front end and a rear end; a steering column having an upper end and a lower end, said steering column being rotatably coupled to said front end of said frame nearer said upper portion, a front wheel being rotatably attached to said lower end of said steering column; a rear wheel including a rear axle being rotatably coupled to said frame on said rear end nearer said lower portion; handlebars for grasping onto by the driver being attached to said upper end of said steering column, said handlebars having a plurality. of grip portions; a transmission assembly for propelling the bicycle being coupled to said lower portion of said frame, said transmission assembly including; a front pedal sprocket, a rear pedal sprocket, and a gear mechanism; an endless drive chain member for transferring energy from each of said pedal sprockets to said gear mechanism of said rear wheel, said chain member being positioned on and engaging said sprockets and said gear mechanism; a plurality of idler gears for reducing slack in said chain member and ensuring continuous contact with each of said pedal sprockets, each of said idler gears being coupled to said lower portion of said frame and engaging said chain member; a seat being coupled to said upper portion of said frame, said seat having a top surface and a bottom surface, said seat having a front edge and a rear edge, a first horizontal portion being positioned adjacent to said front edge, a second horizontal portion being positioned adjacent to said rear edge; a post for supporting said first portion of said seat being attached to said bottom surface and being extendable into said frame on said upper portion such that said seat may be raised or lowered with respect to said frame; a plurality of telescoping rods for supporting said second portion of said seat having top ends and a bottom ends, each of said top ends being coupled to said bottom surface, each of said bottom ends being coupled to said frame proximate said rear axle; and a backrest for supporting the rider's back while riding being attached to and extending upwardly from said seat, and wherein said first portion of said seat being positioned lower relative to said second portion, said first portion being positioned substantially behind said front pedal sprocket such that a driver positioned on said first portion assumes a partially recumbent position while riding.