Bicycle training device

The present invention is directed to a bicycle bearing a training support device. A preferred embodiment of the bicycle generally comprises: a rear wheel fork comprising two rear wheel fork bars; and a training support bar having a handle. The training support bar is attached to the two rear wheel fork bars by an attachment. The attachment comprises an attachment flange which is adapted to engage the two rear wheel fork bars in an attachment position. The attachment flange is attached to the training support bar at an attachment point, and the attachment flange has two pairs of slots which are each adapted to accept a U-bolt closure. Each pair is disposed so as to accord with the position of a respective one of the two rear wheel fork bars. Each pair of slots is also arranged such that one slot extends on one side of the respective rear wheel fork bar, and the other slot extends on the other side of the respective rear wheel fork bar. In addition to the attachment flange, the attachment comprises a U-bolt closure fitted through each of the pairs of slots so as to hold the two rear wheel fork bars against the attachment flange.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to a bicycle training device, and 
more particularly, to a stabilizing bar used for training a novice to ride 
a two-wheel bicycle. Without the aid of a bicycle training device, the 
supervising trainer has to assume an awkward bending position in order to 
support the novice bike rider. In particular, the supervising trainer has 
to bend over to grip the novice bike rider or some portion of the bike, 
usually the seat. In addition, the supervising trainer usually must have 
one hand on the handle bar in order to help steer the bicycle. All the 
while, the supervising trainer must jog alongside the bicycle in order to 
give the novice bike rider the sensation of riding the bicycle. 
As a result of the awkward bending position, several problems may develop 
for the supervising trainer who is assisting in the learning process. The 
awkward bending position may lead to back strain which limits the 
supervising trainer's ability to assist the novice. In addition, the 
supervising trainer may be prone to stumble while in the awkward bending 
position. Consequently, learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle without an 
appropriate bicycle training device may be hazardous for both the 
supervising trainer and the novice. 
In addition, the awkward bending position hinders the learning process. In 
particular, the control exerted by the supervising trainer while in the 
awkward bending position substantially limits the novice's ability to 
guide the bike. As a result, it takes longer for the novice to overcome 
the fear of falling. 
Various bicycle training devices have been offered as a solution to some or 
all of the above-mentioned problems. Generally, the earlier designs 
comprise one or all of the following features: (1) a mounting mechanism 
for a pole comprised of two plates which are compressed together by a 
single bolt; (2) a mounting mechanism for a pole which is not adapted to 
fit varying widths of upper rear forks; (3) a mounting mechanism that 
utilizes a seat tube as an attachment point for a stabilizing bar; (4) a 
pole which is attached to the mounting mechanism by threaded extensions; 
(5) a flexible pole attached to the rear of the bicycle; (6) a pole 
attached to the rear of the bicycle which is too short for the supervising 
trainer to visually monitor the side-to-side motion of the pole; (7) a 
pole attached to the rear of the bicycle which is not substantially 
vertically oriented; or (8) a pole attached to the rear of the bicycle 
which extends beyond the rear axle of the bicycle. The earlier designs, 
however, are inadequate for at least one of several reasons. 
The mounting mechanisms of earlier designs have several shortcomings. For 
instance, a mounting mechanism for a pole comprised of two plates which 
are compressed together by a single bolt is unsafe. Any loosening of the 
single bolt could allow a sudden and total release of the mounting 
mechanism from the bicycle. On the other hand, a mounting mechanism that 
utilizes the seat tube as an attachment point for a stabilizing bar 
prevents the bicycle seat from being placed in its lowest position. 
Finally, a mounting mechanism for a pole which is not adapted to fit 
varying widths of upper rear forks does not allow mounting on various 
sizes of bicycle frames. 
The poles of earlier designs are also inadequate. For example, a pole which 
is attached to the mounting mechanism by threaded extensions is 
impractical for configuring the pole around the seat since any stabilizing 
force applied to the hand grip may unscrew the clamp. On the other hand, a 
flexible pole attached to the rear of the bicycle does not give the 
supervising trainer sufficient control over the bicycle. As a result, a 
flexible pole makes it very difficult for the supervising trainer to 
securely stabilize a child who is leaning too far or in the wrong 
direction. In addition, a pole attached to the rear of the bicycle which 
is too short for the supervising trainer to visually monitor the 
side-to-side motion of the pole does not allow the supervising trainer to 
quickly react when assistance is needed. Furthermore, a pole attached to 
the rear of the bicycle which is not substantially vertically-oriented 
presents a real risk of injury to the supervising trainer should the 
novice stop abruptly. Finally, a pole attached to the rear of the bicycle 
which extends beyond the rear axle of the bicycle may cause the bicycle to 
jack-knife. A jack-knife may occur because a force applied to the pole 
beyond the rear axle creates a moment around the rear tire at the point 
where the rear tire contacts the ground. The moment around the rear tire 
may then cause a lateral motion of the front wheel and a sudden jack-knife 
of the handle bar. 
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome the 
shortcomings of known bicycle training devices. It is also an object of 
the present invention to instill confidence in the mind of the novice that 
he will not fall while learning to ride a bicycle. It is another object of 
the present invention to allow the novice to experience the feeling of 
leaning into a turn. It is still another object of the present invention 
to provide a bicycle training device so that the supervising trainer can 
safely and comfortably assist with the learning process. It is yet another 
object of the present invention to provide a bicycle training device which 
is adapted to fit the majority of the most commonly used two-wheel 
bicycles. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a 
bicycle training device which is reasonable priced. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is directed to a bicycle bearing a training support 
device. A preferred embodiment of the bicycle generally comprises: a rear 
wheel fork comprising two rear wheel fork bars; and a training support bar 
having a handle. The training support bar is attached to the two rear 
wheel fork bars by an attachment. The attachment comprises an attachment 
flange which is adapted to engage the two rear wheel fork bars in an 
attachment position. The attachment flange is attached to the training 
support bar at an attachment point, and the attachment flange has two 
pairs of slots which are each adapted to accept a U-bolt closure. Each 
pair is disposed so as to accord with the position of a respective one of 
the two rear wheel fork bars. Each pair of slots is also arranged such 
that one slot extends on one side of the respective rear wheel fork bar, 
and the other slot extends on the other side of the respective rear wheel 
fork bar. In addition to the attachment flange, the attachment comprises a 
U-bolt closure fitted through each of the pairs of slots so as to hold the 
two rear wheel fork bars against the attachment flange. 
It is preferred that the slots within each of the pairs of slots be 
disposed at an angle to one another, so as to allow the U-bolt closures to 
accommodate and tighten upon rear wheel fork bars of varying separation 
distances. It is also preferred that the bicycle have a rear axle and that 
the handle be disposed above the rear axle. 
The present invention provides a sturdy stabilizing bar mounted vertically 
over the rear wheel. The bar is easily installed with a single wrench on 
most standard size kiddie bikes. The unique design of the mounting bracket 
provides for universal mounting on bicycles with varying upper rear fork 
widths. 
The present invention assists a child who is learning to ride a two-wheeled 
bicycle. The device is designed to allow a parent or other trainer a 
comfortable means of holding a child who is learning to ride upright 
without training wheels. With this bar, the trainer does not need to hunch 
over holding the child's seat, while trying to walk or jog alongside. 
The features and benefits of the present invention in its many embodiments 
include: 
1) Location of Trainer's Hand Grip--The shape of the elongate pole, 
combined with the unique mounting bracket places the trainers hand grip in 
an position above the rear axle of the bicycle at a desirable height for 
the typical trainer (chest height). A lateral stabilizing force applied by 
the trainer is desired at this point for the following reason: If a 
stabilizing force is applied at some point behind the rear axle, the 
stabilizing force applied to the bar creates a moment around the rear tire 
at the point where it contacts the ground and causes a lateral motion on 
the front wheel creating a sudden "jack-knife" of the front steering 
wheel. In addition to being unsafe, it becomes a source of stress for the 
trainee and destroys the trainee's confidence in the trainer's ability to 
stabilize the bicycle. This "jackknife" moment would not normally be 
experienced by a two-wheel bicycle rider. By positioning the hand grip for 
the trainer over the rear axle, and therefore eliminating any moment arm, 
a stabilizing force applied by the trainer will not cause a "jackknife" or 
veering to the side by the front steering wheel. 
2) Rigid (Non-Threaded) Attachment of pole to mounting plate--In order for 
the elongate pole to extend from its mounting plate on the upper rear 
fork, immediately underneath the rear portion of the bicycle seat, to the 
desired point above the rear axle, the pole must be configured in a manner 
that allows it to clear the seat. This offset in the pole requires a 
mounting method for the elongate bar, in conjunction with its mounting 
plate that can resist a torque applied around the longitudinal axis of the 
elongate pole at the point it meets the mounting plate. In essence, the 
pole becomes a large wrench. Earlier designs utilize threaded extensions 
to the elongate pole to create a clamp that compresses on the upper fork. 
These designs would be impractical when configuring the pole around the 
seat and extending to a point above the rear axle, since any stabilizing 
force applied to the hand grip would "un-screw" the clamp. 
3) Rigidity of Design--Some earlier designs "highlight" their feature of 
offering a "flexible" pole. Having trained a cautious six-year old to ride 
a two-wheeler using a stabilizing bar, I would argue that being flexible 
is not desirable. The trainee, in order to concentrate on learning to 
ride, must feel secure in the hands of the trainer. A flexible pole makes 
it very difficult to securely stabilize a child who is leaning too far, or 
leaning the wrong way. The pole and mount design must be rigid to assert 
positive control over the rider. 
4) Dual U-Bolt Clamp for Mounting Plate--Two (2) independent U-Bolts 
provide an extra degree of safety and security over earlier designs that 
rely on a single bolt to provide the compression of two plates. In these 
earlier designs, any loosening of the single bolt could allow a sudden and 
total release of the clamp from the bicycle frame. 
5) Unique Mounting Plate is Universal--The uniqueness of the custom 
designed mounting plate allows for mounting of the elongate pole on 
various sizes of bicycle frames with varying widths of upper rear forks. 
6) Mount is independent of and unrelated to seat height--Some earlier 
designs utilize the seat tube as an attachment point for a stabilizing 
bar. This method of attachment prohibits the seat from being placed in its 
lowest position. (Most of the kids in our neighborhood are learning to 
ride bicycles they can grow into, and therefore need their seats in their 
lowest position so they can touch the ground when they stop.) 
7) Near vertical orientation of pole--The vertical orientation of the pole 
provides an extra degree of safety for the trainer. Since training 
involves jogging along side, or immediately behind the bicycle, it is 
desirable that the pole is not "pointing" out and up at the trainers face 
and chest. Earlier designs that promote a pole aimed rearward represent a 
real risk of injury to the trainer should the trainee stop abruptly. In 
addition, the vertical orientation allows maximum leverage for supporting 
the trainee's weight. 
8) Visual monitoring of stabilizing pole--The height of the pole, combined 
with its vertical orientation, improves the ability of the trainer to 
visually observe the side-to-side motion of the bar. The bar's motion 
represents an amplified view of the trainee's motion, allowing the trainer 
to react when assistance is needed. 
In addition to the novel features and advantages mentioned above, other 
objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent 
from the following descriptions of the drawings and preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
The present invention is directed to a bicycle bearing a training support 
device. FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the 
present invention. A preferred embodiment of the bicycle 10 generally 
comprises: a rear wheel fork 20 comprising two rear wheel fork bars 22, 
24; and a training support bar 30 having a handle 32. The training support 
bar 30 is attached to the two rear wheel fork bars 22, 24 by an attachment 
34. The attachment 34 comprises an attachment flange 36 which is adapted 
to engage the two rear wheel fork bars 22, 24 in an attachment position. 
The attachment flange 36 is attached to the training support bar 30 at an 
attachment point. 
As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment flange 36 has two pairs of slots 38, 40 
which are each adapted to accept a U-bolt closure. Each pair 38, 40 is 
disposed so as to accord with the position of a respective one of the two 
rear wheel fork bars 22, 24. Each pair of slots 38, 40 is also arranged 
such that one slot extends on one side of a respective rear wheel fork 
bar, and the other slot extends on the other side of the respective rear 
wheel fork bar. As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment 34 also comprises two 
U-bolt closures 42, 44. As indicated in FIG. 4, the two U-bolt closures 
42, 44 fit through the pairs of slots 38, 40 so as to hold the two rear 
wheel fork bars 22, 24 against the attachment flange 36. 
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, it is preferred that the slots within each 
of the pairs of slots 38, 40 be disposed at an angle to one another, so as 
to allow the U-bolt closures 42, 44 to accommodate and tighten upon rear 
wheel fork bars of varying separation distances. As shown in FIG. 1, it is 
also preferred that the bicycle 10 have a rear axle 12 and that the handle 
32 be disposed above the rear axle 12. 
FIG. 5 shows the dimensions of a preferred embodiment of the attachment 
flange of the present invention. In this embodiment, the attachment flange 
is substantially symmetrical across the vertical axis. In addition, the 
hole size is approximately 0.75 inches, the slots are approximately 0.3125 
inches by 1 inch, the thickness of the attachment flange is approximately 
0.1875 inches, and the attachment flange is made of mild carbon steel. 
FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the training support 
device of the present invention. In this embodiment, the training support 
bar is approximately 40 inches long, and it is welded to the attachment 
flange. 
In order to install the training support device of the present invention, 
the device is clamped to the upper, rear fork of the bicycle frame, just 
below the rear portion of a standard seat. The training support device's 
universal mounting plate may be designed to fit on the majority of bike 
frames most commonly used by children. The slotted holes in the plate 
provide a range of positions for the two u-bolts which allow the plate to 
be mounted to both narrow and wide rear forks. Although the mounting plate 
was designed specifically for most 16" and 20" bicycles, it may also fit 
on many of the smaller 12" bikes as well. Typical installation steps are 
as follows: 
Step 1--If space is tight, remove any reflectors or caliper brakes that are 
mounted on the upper rear fork under the seat. 
Step 2--Place the clear vinyl frame pads (optional; may be of material such 
as split polymeric tubing to fit over the frame members) on each side of 
the bicycle's upper rear fork frame tubes. 
Step 3--Position mounting plate on top of frame pads in a manner that will 
allow the u-bolts to clamp around each side of the upper, rear fork and 
pass through the slots located on each side of the mounting plate. 
Step 4--Insert u-bolts up from the bottom so the curved portion of each 
u-bolt rests against the padded frame tubing and the nuts will clamp down 
on the top of the mounting plate. 
Step 5--Place flat washer over bolt, followed by lock washer and nut. 
Step 6--Tighten all four nuts evenly until bar is secure, and avoid denting 
the bicycle's frame by avoiding overtightening. 
Note: The handle grip used by the trainer should be positioned 
approximately over the rear axle of the bicycle. The bend in the preferred 
embodiment of the present invention is bent to accomplish this on the 
majority of bicycle frames. If the angle of the upper, rear fork on a 
given bicycle is such that the handle is too far forward or too far back, 
the bar may be bent or otherwise repositioned using a tube bender or shim 
between the mounting plate and rear fork to adjust the angle of the bar. 
The preferred embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be 
exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The 
preferred embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the 
principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may 
practice the invention. Having shown and described preferred embodiments 
of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many 
variations and modifications may be made to affect the described 
invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the 
same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the 
intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the 
scope of the claims.