Patent ID: 6431570
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: B62K

Abstract:
A bicycle trailer for use with a bicycle having a rear axle and a frame, said bicycle trailer comprising:a front yoke having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being adapted to pivotally couple to a rear axle of a bicycle about a first generally horizontal axis; a pair of ball joint assemblies which pivotally couple said first portion to a rear axle of a bicycle, said ball joint assemblies including a draw pin which includes a first end which is threadingly attached to said rear axle and a second end; a ball stud which is fixedly attached to said second end; a skewer which is threadingly attached to said draw pin and which is adapted to abuttingly engage a portion of a frame of a bicycle, effective to divert loads to said frame of said bicycle; and a ball socket which rides upon said ball stud and which is attached to said front yoke, and said second portion having a pair of substantially identical apertures which are separated by a hollow portion; a steering arm which is rotatably disposed through said pair of substantially identical apertures and within said hollow portion; a support frame having a first portion which is attached to said steering arm, thereby allowing a bicycle frame to be rotatable relative to said front yoke about a generally vertical axis, and a second portion having a generally horizontal channel; a pivoting member which is rotably disposed within said generally horizontal channel; a rear yoke having a first portion which is attached to said pivoting member, thereby allowing said rear yoke to pivot relative to said support frame about a generally horizontal axis, and a second portion; a rear wheel which is rotatably coupled to said second portion; and a shock absorbing member which is operatively coupled to said rear yoke and to said support frame and which is effective to damp movement of said rear yoke relative to said support frame.