Bicycle tire cradle

An apparatus that enables movement of a bicycle with either a damaged wheel or a flat tire. The apparatus consists of a support member which has an upper surface to engage the outside of a bicycle tire. The support member also provides a device to secure the apparatus to the disable tire and rim. The support member also provides for attaching at least one wheel thereto in order to provide rolling contact with the ground surface during the movement of the bicycle with a damaged wheel or a flat tire.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to bicycle tires and, more particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus to enable movement of a bicycle having a flat tire without having to carry such bicycle and/or riding such bicycle with such tire being deflated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception of the present invention, it has been known that when a tire becomes deflated on a bicycle it has been necessary to either push the bicycle or to ride such bicycle with the tire deflated. In the latter case such tire can become damaged beyond repair and in the former case if such tire is the rear tire it may cause injury to the person moving the bicycle due to the pedals moving as a result of the tire rotation. Such moving pedals would tend to strike the leg of such person if they were not careful. In either case this is not a desirable event.

Another alternative to riding the bicycle or pushing it would be to carry it. Depending on the distance such bicycle must be carried this may not be a viable option. Of course one could always abandon the bicycle with the thought of picking it up later. However, in this case one is risking the possibility of someone taking it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus that enables movement of a bicycle having either a damaged wheel or a flat tire. The apparatus consists of a tire support member that has an upper surface for engagement with the outer surface of a tire and is secured to the tire by means that are engaged with the tire support member. The support member has at least one wheel rotatably engaged to the support member which provides rolling contact with a ground surface during the movement of the bicycle with either a damaged wheel or a flat tire.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus to enable movement of a bicycle having a deflated tire in a relatively safe manner without having to carry such bicycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to enable movement of a bicycle having a deflated tire which can be attached to the bicycle when not in use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to enable movement of a bicycle having a deflated tire which is relatively simple to operate.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to enable movement of a bicycle having a deflated tire which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to enable movement of a bicycle having a deflated tire which will enable coasting the bicycle on downhill grades.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to enable movement of a bicycle having a deflated tire which is relatively lightweight.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to a much more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding of the invention, identical components which have identical functions have been designated with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing Figures.

Reference is now directed, more particularly, toFIGS. 1 through 4. Illustrated therein is a presently preferred embodiment of the bicycle tire cradle, generally designated10, produced according to the instant invention.

Such bicycle tire cradle10includes a support member16having an upper surface14for engagement by an outer surface of a tire (not shown) and one or more straps6to bind the disabled tire and rim to the tire support member16. There is at least one wheel4rotatably engaged to the support member16for providing rolling contact with a ground surface during movement of such bicycle having a damaged wheel and a flat tire.

Illustrated inFIG. 1, the support member16is formed of either a block-like member, an L-shaped member, or a channel-like member. In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member16is preferably formed as a channel-like member which includes two opposing side panels2extending vertically above the upper surface14of the support member16to a height substantially equivalent to a combined height of a flattened tire and of a rim. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated herein, the support member16, when formed from a channel-like member, the channel-like member is made from either plastic or metal, preferably plastic.

There is a means, generally designated20, engageable with the tire support member16for securing such tire and rim to the tire support member16is at least one of a strap-like member, a rope, a chain, or a clamp. Illustrated in the drawings is a strap-like member6. Preferably, the means20for securing tire support member16to a tire and rim is a pair of strap-like members6, each secured at first ends thereof to opposite sides of said the tire support member16. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strap-like members6are made of a nylon fabric. The second end of one strap-like member6engages a second end of a second strap-like member6by at least one of Velcro®, adjustable buckle, snap, and knot, preferably Velcro®.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of wheels4are rotatably engaged to such tire support member16. The pair of wheels4are formed from one of rubber, plastic, and metal, preferably rubber and are affixed to the tire support member16by either an axle, a bolt, or a stud, preferably an axle8. Each of the pair of wheels4includes an internal bearing (not shown) to engage axle8.

Illustrated inFIG. 4is an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the bicycle tire cradle10includes only one wheel4.