Vehicle stabilization apparatus and vehicle formed therewith

A vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has end portions disposed adjacent to the respective sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles and scooters and, more particularly, to a stabilization apparatus attached to the frame of a two-wheeled vehicle that stabilizes such vehicle during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A bicycle is as pedal-driven vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind and in-line with respect to the other. A person who rides a bicycle is a cyclist or bicyclist. Bicycles were introduced in the early 19thcentury, and are useful not only as simple transportation but also for recreation and fitness purposes. Scooters also have two wheels. However, unlike bicycles, scooters are motor-driven.

Because vehicles such as bicycles and scooters have two wheels, a bit of training and practice is required in order to ride such two-wheeled vehicles safely and efficiently. However, for uncoordinated people and people that suffer from balance problems or disorders riding bicycles and scooters is particularly dangerous and generally not recommended regardless of how much practice or training they have. In order to allow uncoordinated people and people with balance disorders to use two-wheeled vehicles, what is therefore needed is an improved stabilization apparatus useful in conjunction with a two-wheeled vehicle, such as bicycle and even a scooter, to provide such two-wheeled vehicle with improved stabilization during use to allow such two-wheeled vehicle to be safely, easily, and efficiently used by uncoordinated people and people challenged with balance disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principle of the invention, a vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle having a front wheel positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel that is in-line with respect to the front wheel, and a stabilization apparatus including a front stabilizer assembly attached to the vehicle proximate to the front wheel, and a rear stabilizer assembly attached to the vehicle proximate to the rear wheel. The front stabilizer assembly includes a first pair of opposed wheels resiliently mounted to a first framework secured to the vehicle to resiliently interact with the ground on either side of the vehicle proximate to the front wheel over which the vehicle is ridden to stabilize the vehicle, and the rear stabilizer assembly includes a second pair of opposed wheels resiliently mounted to a second framework secured to the vehicle to resiliently interact with the ground on either side of the vehicle proximate to the rear wheel over which the vehicle is ridden to stabilize the vehicle. The two-wheeled vehicle is a bicycle in a preferred embodiment.

According to the principle of the invention, a vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed first and second sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A first forward stabilizer wheel and a first rearward stabilizer wheel are each mounted to a first support assembly secured to the frame between the front and rear wheels. The first support assembly supports the first forward stabilizer wheel along the first side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the front wheel of the vehicle, and supports the first rearward stabilizer wheel along the first side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the rear wheel of the vehicle. A second forward stabilizer wheel and a second rearward stabilizer wheel are each mounted to a second support assembly secured to the frame between the front and rear wheels. The second support assembly supports the second forward stabilizer wheel along the second side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the front wheel of the vehicle so as to oppose the first forward stabilizer wheel, and supports the second rearward stabilizer wheel along the second side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the rear wheel of the vehicle so as to oppose the first rearward stabilizer wheel. The first and second forward stabilizer wheels are positioned to interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the first and second sides of the frame proximate to the front wheel of the vehicle to stabilize the vehicle proximate to the front end of the frame of the vehicle. The first and second rearward stabilizer wheels are positioned to interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the first and second sides of the frame proximate to the rear wheel of the vehicle to stabilize the vehicle proximate to the rear end of the frame of the vehicle. The front wheel rotates about a first axis of rotation, the rear wheel rotates about a second axis of rotation, the first and second forward stabilizer wheels are positioned proximate to the first axis of rotation of the front wheel, and the first and second rearward stabilizer wheels are positioned proximate to the second axis of rotation of the rear wheel. The first forward stabilizer wheel is substantially in-line with respect to the first rearward stabilizer wheel. The second forward stabilizer wheel is substantially in-line with respect to the second rearward stabilizer wheel. In a particular embodiment, the vehicle assembly is fashioned with an axle, having a first end portion positioned proximate to the first side of the frame of the vehicle and an opposed second end portion positioned proximate to the second side of the frame of the vehicle, which is mounted to a connector assembly affixed to the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels. The first support assembly is mounted to the first end portion of the axle, and the second support assembly mounted to the second end portion of the axle. The first support assembly is further mounted to the first end portion of the axle for pivotal movement, and the second support assembly is further mounted to the second end portion of the axle for pivotal movement. The axle is mounted to the connector assembly for movement between a raised position toward the frame of the vehicle away from the ground over which the vehicle is driven, and a lowered position away from the frame of the vehicle toward the ground over which the vehicle is driven. The first forward and rearward stabilizer wheels are each mounted to the first support assembly for swiveling movement, and the second forward and rearward stabilizer wheels are each mounted to the second support assembly for swiveling movement.

According to the principle of the invention, a vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed first and second sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has first and second end portions disposed adjacent to the respective first and second sides of the frame. A wheeled stabilizer assembly is carried by each of the first and second end portions of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the first and second sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to stabilize the vehicle as the vehicle is driven over the ground. The member is mounted to the frame of the vehicle for movement between a raised position of the first and second end portions toward the frame of the vehicle away from the ground over which the vehicle is driven, and a lowered position of the first and second end portions away from the frame of the vehicle toward the ground over which the vehicle is driven. The wheeled stabilizer assemblies each include a framework having an attached forward stabilizer wheel disposed proximate the front wheel of the vehicle and an attached rearward stabilizer wheel disposed proximate to the rear wheel of the vehicle. The forward stabilizer wheel is substantially in-line with respect to rearward stabilizer wheel in each of the wheeled stabilizer assemblies. The wheeled stabilizer assemblies are each mounted for pivotal movement to the respective first and second end portions of the member.

According to the principle of the invention, a vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed first and second sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A member is carried by the frame of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and has first and second end portions disposed adjacent to the respective first and second sides of the frame. First and second wheeled stabilizer assemblies are carried by the first and second end portions, respectively, of the member to wheelingly interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven along the first and second sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle to stabilize the vehicle as the vehicle is driven over the ground. The first wheeled stabilizer assembly includes a first elongate support member disposed proximate to and extending along the first side of the frame of the vehicle, the first elongate support member including a first leading end directed toward the front wheel of the vehicle and a first trailing end directed toward the rear wheel of the vehicle, a first front arm attached to the first leading end of the first elongate support member and extending outwardly therefrom with respect to the first elongate support member and the first side of the frame of the vehicle to a first forward wheeled end disposed proximate to and outboard of the front wheel of the vehicle, and a first rear arm attached to the first trailing end of the first elongate support member and extending outwardly therefrom with respect to the first elongate support member and the first side of the frame of the vehicle to a first rearward wheeled end disposed proximate to and outboard of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The second wheeled stabilizer assembly includes a second elongate support member disposed proximate to and extending along the second side of the frame of the vehicle, the second elongate support member including a second leading end directed toward the front wheel of the vehicle and a second trailing end directed toward the rear wheel of the vehicle, a second front arm attached to the second leading end of the second elongate support member and extending outwardly therefrom with respect to the second elongate support member and the second side of the frame of the vehicle to a second forward wheeled end disposed proximate to and outboard of the front wheel of the vehicle, and a second rear arm attached to the second trailing end of the second elongate support member and extending outwardly therefrom with respect to the second elongate support member and the second side of the frame of the vehicle to a second rearward wheeled end disposed proximate to and outboard of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The first elongate support member is substantially parallel with respect to the second elongate support member. The member is mounted to the frame of the vehicle for movement between a raised position of the first and second end portions toward the frame of the vehicle away from the ground over which the vehicle is driven, and a lowered position of the first and second end portions away from the frame of the vehicle toward the ground over which the vehicle is driven. The first forward wheeled end of the first wheeled stabilizer assembly is substantially in-line with respect to the first rearward wheeled end of the first wheeled stabilizer assembly, and the second forward wheeled end of the second wheeled stabilizer assembly is substantially in-line with respect to the second rearward wheeled end of the second wheeled stabilizer assembly.

According to the principle of the invention, a vehicle assembly includes a vehicle including a frame having opposed first and second sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. A first forward stabilizer and a second forward stabilizer are each mounted to a fixture mounted to the frame. The fixture supports the first forward stabilizer along the first side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the front wheel of the vehicle. The fixture supports the second forward stabilizer along the second side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the front wheel of the vehicle so as to oppose the first forward stabilizer. The fixture is movable between a raised position toward the frame of the vehicle away from the ground over which the vehicle is driven, and a lowered position away from the frame of the vehicle toward the ground over which the vehicle is driven. A lock assembly is coupled between the frame and the fixture, and in the lowered position of the fixture the lock assembly is adjustable between a locked position locking the fixture in the lowered position preventing the fixture from moving from the lowered position to the raised position, and an unlocked position releasing the fixture in the lowered position allowing the fixture to move from the lowered position to the raised position. The first and second forward stabilizers are positioned to interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven, along the first and second sides of the frame proximate to the front wheel of the vehicle, to stabilize the vehicle proximate to the front end of the frame of the vehicle. A first rearward stabilizer is mounted to a first support member mounted to the frame. A second rearward stabilizer mounted to a second support member mounted to the frame. The first support member supports the first rearward stabilizer along the first side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the rear wheel of the vehicle. The second support member supports the second rearward stabilizer along the second side of the frame proximate to, and outboard of, the rear wheel of the vehicle so as to oppose the first rearward stabilizer. The first and second rearward stabilizers are positioned to interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven, along the first and second sides of the frame proximate to the rear wheel of the vehicle, to stabilize the vehicle proximate to the rear end of the frame of the vehicle. In a particular embodiment, the first support member is independently movable between a raised position toward the frame of the vehicle away from the ground over which the vehicle is driven, and a lowered position away from the frame of the vehicle toward the ground over which the vehicle is driven. The second support member is also independently movable between a raised position toward the frame of the vehicle away from the ground over which the vehicle is driven, and a lowered position away from the frame of the vehicle toward the ground over which the vehicle is driven. The front wheel rotates about a first axis of rotation, the rear wheel rotates about a second axis of rotation, the first and second forward stabilizers are positioned proximate to the first axis of rotation of the front wheel, and the first and second rearward stabilizers are positioned proximate to the second axis of rotation of the rear wheel. The first forward stabilizer is substantially in-line with respect to the first rearward stabilizer. The second forward stabilizer is substantially in-line with respect to the second rearward stabilizer. A shifter is mounted to the frame, and the shifter is operatively coupled to the lock mechanism for adjusting the lock mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions in response to operation of the shifter. The shifter is further operatively coupled to the fixture in the unlocked position of the lock assembly for moving the fixture between the lowered and raised positions in response to operation of the shifter.

According to the principle of the invention, a vehicle assembly includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame having opposed first and second sides, opposed front and rear ends, and a front wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the front end of the frame positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel mounted for rotation to the frame proximate to the rear end of the frame and that is substantially in-line with respect to the front wheel. First and second stabilizer assemblies are positioned along the first and second sides, respectively, of the frame to interact with the ground over which the vehicle is driven. The first and second stabilizer assemblies extend along the first and second sides of the frame proximate to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle, to stabilize the vehicle as the vehicle is driven over the ground. The first and second stabilizer assemblies each include a forward stabilizer disposed proximate to the front wheel of the vehicle and attached to a forward support member mounted to the frame for movement between a lowered position of the forward stabilizer and a raised position of the forward stabilizer, a rearward stabilizer disposed proximate to the rear wheel of the vehicle and attached to a rearward support member mounted to the frame, and a lock assembly coupled between the frame and the forward support member, and in the lowered position of the fixture the lock assembly is adjustable between a locked position locking the fixture in the lowered position of the forward stabilizer preventing the fixture from moving from the lowered position of the forward stabilizer to the raised position of the forward stabilizer, and an unlocked position releasing the fixture in the lowered position of the forward stabilizer allowing the fixture to move from the lowered position of the forward stabilizer to the raised position of the forward stabilizer. The rearward support member is movable between a raised position toward the frame of the vehicle away from the ground over which the vehicle is driven, and a lowered position away from the frame of the vehicle toward the ground over which the vehicle is driven. The forward stabilizer is substantially in-line with respect to the rearward stabilizer. A shifter mounted to the frame. The shifter is operatively coupled to the lock mechanism for adjusting the lock mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions. The shifter is further operatively coupled to the forward stabilizer in the unlocked position of the lock assembly for moving the forward support member between the lowered and raised positions of the forward stabilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed toFIG. 1in which there is seen a bicycle10including a frame11having a front or forward end denoted generally at12, and an opposed rear or rearward end denoted generally at13. Front end12of frame11may be considered the front end of bicycle10, and rear end13of frame11may be considered the rear end of bicycle10. Frame11consists of a top tube20and an opposed down tube21that extend between front12and rear13. Top and bottom tubes20and21are connected at front12with a head tube22, and are connected at rear13with an upright seat tube23. Opposed seat stays24(only one shown) are connected to top tube20and seat tube23proximate to rear13of frame11, and opposed chain stays25(only one shown) are connected to bottom tube21and seat tube23at rear13of frame11. Seat stays24extend downwardly and rearwardly from top tube20and seat tube23, chain stays25extend rearwardly of bottom tube21and seat tube23, and seat stays24and chain stays25meet and connect at rear13of frame11and are coupled to a rear hub26of a rear wheel27.

At front12of frame11, handlebars30are connected to head tube22with a headset31that is connected to the upper end of a fork stem (not shown) that extends downwardly through head tube22to front forks32, which extend downwardly and terminate with free ends33connected to a front hub34of a front wheel35. Front wheel35is positioned in front of rear wheel27, and rear wheel27is in-line with respect to front wheel35. A seat40is mounted to a seat post41that extends into and is rigidly connected to seat tube23. Bicycle10is pedal-driven, and includes a pedal-driven drive train50consisting of pedals51(only one shown) attached to crank arms52(only one shown) rigidly connected to a bottom bracket53that is, in turn, rigidly connected to a chainring54. An endless chain55concurrently encircles and operatively couples chainring54to cassette56formed in rear hub26to impart rotation to rear wheel27in response to rotation of chainring54made through a pedaling action applied to pedals51, such as by a user seated on seat40. Drive train50is a conventional form of a pedaled drive train commonly found among conventional bicycles.

Bicycle10is exemplary of a non-motorized two-wheeled vehicle, is entirely conventional and is generally representative of any one of a variety of commercially available bicycles. Accordingly, further details of bicycle not herein specifically disclosed will readily occur to those having ordinary skill and are not discussed in further detail.

In accordance with the principle of the invention, bicycle10is formed with a stabilization apparatus denoted generally at60. The combination of bicycle10and stabilization apparatus60forms a vehicle or bicycle assembly according to the principle of the invention. Apparatus60consists of a main or front stabilizer assembly denoted at61, and an opposed trailing or rear stabilizer assembly denoted at62. Assemblies61and62are wheeled assemblies which are attached to bicycle10and, more particularly, to frame11of bicycle10. Assemblies61and62interact with the ground and cooperate together to stabilize bicycle10during use to assist a user using bicycle10in the normal manner in balancing bicycle, and this is particularly useful for users that suffer from balance disorders or who are uncoordinated. Front assembly61is attached to bicycle10proximate to front12of bicycle10forwardly of bottom bracket53, and rear assembly62is attached to bicycle10proximate to rear13of bicycle10rearwardly of bottom bracket53.

ReferencingFIG. 2, assembly61consists of framework formed by opposed front stays70and71rigidly affixed to frame11. In the present embodiment, the framework formed by front stays70and71is secured to top and bottom tubes20and21of frame11. Stays70and71are fashioned of strong, rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or the like, are located on either side of top and bottom tubes20and21of frame11, and are clamped together to clamp onto and embrace top and bottom tubes20and21with fasteners74, which may be rivets, nut-and-bolt assemblies, or the like. Stays70and71extend downwardly with respect to top and bottom tubes20and21of frame11, and terminate with free ends70A and71A rigidly affixed, with welding or with fasteners such as rivets or screws or nut-and-bolt assemblies or the like, to a support80, which, as seen inFIG. 1, is located just rearwardly of front wheel35of bicycle10and forwardly of bottom bracket53.

Support80is elongate, substantially horizontal, has opposed ends81and82, and, like stays70and71, is preferably fashioned of strong, rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or the like. Elongate flexible arms84and85are attached at either end of support80. Arm84has a proximal end84A affixed, with welding or with fasteners such as rivets or screws or nut-and-bolt assemblies or the like, to support80proximate to end81of support80, and extends rearwardly of support80, and front wheel35of bicycle10as shown inFIG. 1, to a distal end84B journaled to a wheel87. Arm85has a proximal end85A affixed, with welding or with fasteners such as rivets or screws or nut-and-bolt assemblies or the like, to support80proximate to end82of support80, and extends rearwardly of support80, and front wheel35of bicycle10as shown inFIG. 1, to a distal end85B journaled to a wheel88. Wheels87and88are located at either end of support80, and this is best illustrated inFIG. 4, which is a fragmented, front elevation view of assembly62,FIG. 5, which is a fragmented, rear elevation view of assembly62, andFIG. 6, which is a fragmented, bottom plan view of assembly62. Wheels87and88are also located on either side of frame11of bicycle10as shown inFIG. 1.

Wheels87and88are conventional caster wheels or other like or similar wheel form, and conventional hubs87A and88A are used to journal wheels87and88to distal ends84B and85B of arms84and85, respectively, as best illustrated inFIG. 6. Arms84and85are preferably formed of flat strips of spring steel, or other flexible and resilient material or combination of materials. The flexible, resilient character of arms84and85biases wheels87and88into engagement against the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and permits wheels87and88to interact with the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and reciprocally displace with respect to the ground and bicycle10as bicycle10is used in the normal manner. As a matter of illustration and reference,FIG. 3is a side elevation view of assembly61illustrating arm84attached between wheel87and support80, whereby the double, arcuate arrowed line A is indicative of the reciprocal movement of wheel87provided by arm84.

ReferencingFIG. 7, assembly62consists of framework formed by opposed rear stays90and91rigidly affixed to frame11. In the present embodiment, the framework formed by rear stays90and91is attached to seat stays24and chain stains25of frame11. Stays90and91are fashioned of strong, rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or the like, are located on either side of the respective seat stays24and chain stays25of frame11, and are clamped together to clamp onto and embrace seat stays24and chain stays25with fasteners94, which may be rivets, nut-and-bolt assemblies, or the like. Stays90and91extend downwardly with respect to seat stays24and chain stays25of frame11, and terminate with free ends90A and91A rigidly affixed, with welding or with fasteners such as rivets or screws or nut-and-bolt assemblies or the like, to a support100, which, as shown inFIG. 1, is located just forwardly of rear wheel27under and opposing bottom bracket53.

Support100is elongate, substantially horizontal, has opposed ends101and102, and, like stays90and91, is preferably fashioned of strong, rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, or the like. Elongate flexible arms104and105are attached at either end of support100. Arm104has a proximal end104A affixed, with welding or with fasteners such as rivets or screws or nut-and-bolt assemblies or the like, to support100proximate to end101of support100, and extends rearwardly of support100, and toward rear wheel27as shown inFIG. 1, to a distal end104B journaled to a wheel107. Arm105has a proximal end105A affixed, with welding or with fasteners such as rivets or screws or nut-and-bolt assemblies or the like, to support100proximate to end102of support100, and extends rearwardly of support100, and toward rear wheel27as shown inFIG. 1, to a distal end105B journaled to a wheel108. Wheels107and108are located at either end of support100, and this is best illustrated inFIG. 9, which is a fragmented, front elevation view of assembly62,FIG. 10, which is a fragmented, rear elevation view of assembly62, andFIG. 11, which is a fragmented, bottom plan view of assembly62. Wheels107and108are also located on either side of frame11of bicycle10as shown inFIG. 1.

Wheels107and108are conventional caster wheels or other like or similar wheel form, and conventional hubs107A and108A are used to journal wheels107and108to distal ends104B and105B of arms104and105, respectively, as best illustrated inFIG. 11. Arms104and105are preferably formed of flat strips of spring steel, or other flexible and resilient material or combination of materials. The flexible, resilient character of arms104and105biases wheels107and108into engagement with the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and permits wheels107and108to interact with the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and to reciprocally displace with respect to the ground and bicycle10as bicycle10is used in the normal manner. As a matter of illustration and reference,FIG. 8is a side elevation view of assembly62illustrating arm104attached between wheel107and support100, whereby the double, arcuate arrowed line B is indicative of the reciprocal movement of wheel107provided by arm104.

Wheels87and88of assembly61define two wheeled contact points of stabilization apparatus60proximate to front end12of bicycle10on either side of frame11and front wheel35of bicycle10, and wheels107and108of assembly62define two wheeled contact points of stabilization apparatus60proximate to rear end13of bicycle10on either side of frame11and rear wheel27of bicycle10. As such, wheels87,88,107, and108of stabilization apparatus60form four wheeled contact points, two on either side of bicycle10, to stabilize bicycle10during the normal use thereof as bicycle is ridden over the ground. Wheels87and107on one side of bicycle10and wheels88and108on the opposing side of bicycle10form a four-point wheeled footprint, whereby wheels87,88,107, and108engage against and wheelingly interact with the ground over which bicycle10is ridden stabilizing bicycle10during the normal use thereof to assist users that are uncoordinated or may suffer from a balance disorder in safely riding bicycle10. As previously explained, the flexible, resilient character of arms84and85biases wheels87and88into engagement against the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and permits wheels87and88to interact with the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and reciprocally displace with respect to the ground and bicycle10as bicycle10is used in the normal manner, the flexible, resilient character of arms104and105biases wheels107and108into engagement with the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and permits wheels107and108to interact with the ground over which bicycle10is ridden and to reciprocally displace with respect to the ground and bicycle10as bicycle10is used in the normal manner. Moreover, the flexible, resilient character of arms84and85not only biases wheels87and88into engagement against the ground over which bicycle10is ridden but also permit wheels87and88to reciprocate with respect to bicycle10and the ground over which bicycle10is ridden to allow bicycle10to be leaned somewhat to each side to allow bicycle10to be easily turned to the left and to the right with ease while ensuring wheels87and88remain in contact with the ground to provide the required stabilization, in accordance with the principle of the invention. Similarly, the flexible, resilient character of arms104and105not only biases wheels107and108into engagement against the ground over which bicycle10is ridden but also permit wheels107and108to reciprocate with respect to bicycle10and the ground over which bicycle10is ridden to allow bicycle10to be leaned somewhat to each side to allow bicycle10to be easily turned to the left and to the right with ease while ensuring wheels107and108remain in contact with the ground to provide the required stabilization, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

The frameworks of the front and rear stabilizer assemblies61and62can be secured to frame11at any suitable location and in any way suitable to rigidly secure them in place so as to operate in accordance with the teachings provided by this specification. Also,FIG. 12is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a stabilizer assembly110for use with a stabilization apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention. In common with stabilizer assembly61, stabilizer assembly110shares the front stays (only stay70is depicted), support80, and the wheels attached to support80with the arms (only wheel87and arm84are depicted). In assembly110, a wheel111, such as conventional caster wheel or other wheel form like that of wheel87, is journaled with a conventional hub112to support80. In this embodiment, wheel111is available to make wheeled contact with the ground over which the bicycle to which assembly110is attached to is ridden when the bicycle is turned too far to the left or to the right, and this provides additional stabilization. Assembly110inFIG. 12has one wheel111journaled to support80, and more can be journaled to support80as may be desired. Stabilizer assembly62of stabilization apparatus60may be similarly modified according to the assembly depicted inFIG. 12.

FIG. 13is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a stabilizer assembly120for use with a stabilization apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention. In common with stabilizer assembly61, stabilizer assembly110shares the front stays70and71and attached arm support80. In this embodiment an elongate rigid extension121is affixed to end81of arm support80, and an elongate rigid extension122is affixed to end82of arm support80. Extensions121and122extend outwardly with respect to ends81and82, respectively, of arm support80, and terminate with outer ends121A and122A, respectively. Arm84and wheel87are attached at end121A of extension121, and arm85and wheel88are attached at end122A of extension122. In this embodiment, extensions121and122provide a broader footprint of wheels87and88for even further increased stabilization as compared to the narrower footprint of wheels87and88in assembly61. Stabilizer assembly62of stabilization apparatus60may be similarly modified according to the assembly depicted inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14is a fragmented, side elevation view of a stay130for use with a stabilizer assembly of a stabilization apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, in which portions of stay130are cutaway from illustrative purposes. Stay130can be used in place each front stay of assembly61, and/or each rear stay of assembly62. In this embodiment, stay130is formed by a pair of reciprocally mounted elongate stay members131and132including a spring133formed there between that acts against stay members131and132biasing them apart. Stay members131and132reciprocate with respect to each other allowing stay130to assume shortened and lengthened conditions or positions as the bicycle having a stabilizer assembly incorporating stay130is turned to the left and to the right, and spring133functions to urge stay130into its lengthened condition or position to ensure the stabilization wheels associated with stay130remain in contact with the ground over which a bicycle is ridden. The embodiment inFIG. 14is exemplary of a reciprocating stay assembly, and other reciprocating mechanisms can be used in other embodiments, such as pneumatic reciprocating stay members, hydraulic reciprocating stay members, etc.

Stabilization apparatus60is disclosed in connection with bicycle10, which is exemplary of a non-motorized two-wheeled vehicle incorporating a front wheel positioned in front of an opposed rear wheel that is in-line with respect to the front wheel. It is to be understood that a stabilization apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention is not only particularly useful with bicycles, but may also be utilized with equally-exemplary results with scooters and other like or similar motorized two-wheeled vehicles.

Reference is now made toFIG. 15illustrating a vehicle assembly200constructed and arranged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, which includes a vehicle in the form of a bicycle201fitted with a stabilization apparatus202constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention. Bicycle201includes a frame210having a front or forward end denoted generally at211, an opposed rear or rearward end denoted generally at212, and opposed sides including side210A denoted inFIG. 1and opposed side210B denoted inFIG. 2. Side210A is considered the right side of bicycle201and opposed side210B is considered the left side of bicycle201. Front end212of frame210is considered the front end of bicycle201, and rear end212of frame210is considered the rear end of bicycle201. Frame210consists of a top tube220and an opposed bottom or down tube221that extend between front211and rear212. Top and bottom tubes220and221are connected at front211with a head tube222, and are connected at rear212with an upright seat tube223. Opposed seat stays224are connected to seat tube223proximate to rear212of frame210, and opposed chain stays225are connected to down tube221and seat tube223proximate to rear212of frame210. Seat stays224extend downwardly and rearwardly from seat tube223, chain stays225extend rearwardly of bottom tube221and seat tube223, and seat stays224and chain stays225meet and connect at rear212of frame210and are coupled to a rear hub226of a rear wheel227.

At front222of frame210, handlebars230are connected to head tube222with a headset231that is connected to the upper end of a fork stem (not shown) that extends downwardly through head tube222to front forks232, which extend downwardly and terminate with free ends233connected to a front hub234of a front wheel235. Front wheel235is positioned in front of rear wheel227, and rear wheel227is substantially in-line with respect to front wheel235as is typical and well-known with a conventional bicycle. A seat240is mounted to a seat post241that extends into and is rigidly connected to seat tube223.

ReferencingFIGS. 15 and 16in relevant part, bicycle201is pedal-driven, and includes a pedal-driven drive train250consisting of pedals251attached to crank arms252rigidly connected to a bottom bracket253shown inFIG. 16that is, in turn, rigidly connected to a chainring254. Bottom bracket253forms part of frame210, and is located between front and rear wheels235and227attached to frame210. An endless chain255concurrently encircles and operatively couples chainring254to cassette256formed in rear hub226to impart rotation to rear wheel227in response to rotation of chainring254made through a pedaling action applied to pedals251, such as by a user seated on seat240referenced inFIG. 15. Pedals251and crank arms252rotate about axis253A of bottom bracket253. Drive train250is a conventional form of a pedaled drive train commonly found among conventional bicycles, further details of which will readily occur to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Bicycle201is a form of a vehicle. Moreover, bicycle201is exemplary of a non-motorized two-wheeled vehicle, is entirely conventional and is generally representative of any one of a variety of commercially available bicycles, which, in the present example, is a variety of bicycle commonly referred to as a mountain bike. Accordingly, further details of bicycle201not herein specifically disclosed will readily occur to those having ordinary skill and are not discussed in further detail.

In accordance with the principle of the invention, bicycle201is formed with stabilization apparatus denoted generally at202. The combination of bicycle201and stabilization apparatus202forms a vehicle, a bicycle assembly, or a vehicle assembly according to the principle of the invention. Apparatus202includes opposed stabilizer assemblies260and261, and a connector assembly262shown inFIG. 16. Assemblies260and261are wheeled or wheel assemblies which are attached to bicycle201with connector assembly262as shown inFIG. 16, and the connecting point of connector assembly262to frame210is at point between the opposed front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle201. More particularly, assemblies260and261are attached to frame210of bicycle201at a location between opposed front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle201with connector assembly262. Assemblies260and261interact with the ground and cooperate together to stabilize bicycle201during use to assist a user using bicycle201in the normal manner in balancing bicycle, and this is particularly useful for users that suffer from balance disorders or who are uncoordinated. Assembly260is located at and extends along the side210A of frame210of bicycle201, and assembly261is located at and extends along the side210B of bicycle201.

Looking now toFIG. 17, which is an exploded perspective view of apparatus202, assembly260consists of a support assembly270, which is fashioned of aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, or other like or similar substantially rigid material or combination of materials, and which may be integrally formed or formed from a plurality of attached parts attached by way of welding or other form of competent joinery. Assembly260includes an elongate support member271having opposed leading and trailing ends272and273. A front arm275has an inner or proximal extremity or end276attached to leading end272of elongate support member271and extends angularly outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member271to an outer or distal extremity or end277formed with an attached stabilizer wheel278that extends downwardly from outer end277. With outer end277formed with stabilizer wheel278, outer end277is considered a wheeled end. A rear arm285has an inner or proximal extremity or end286attached to leading end282of elongate support member281and extends angularly outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member281to an outer or distal extremity or end287formed with an attached stabilizer wheel288that extends downwardly from outer end287. With outer end287formed with stabilizer wheel288, outer end287is considered a wheeled end. Wheel278is substantially in-line with respect to wheel288, in which case the wheeled end defined at end277is substantially in-line with respect to the wheeled end defined at end287. Stabilizer wheels278and288are each conventional caster wheels, which swivel and rotate.

Assembly261is substantially coextensive with respect to assembly261, is the minor image of assembly260and consists of a support assembly290that, like support assembly270, is fashioned of aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, or other like or similar substantially rigid material or combination of materials, and which may be integrally formed or formed from a plurality of attached parts attached by way of welding or other form of competent joinery. Assembly290includes an elongate support member291having opposed leading and trailing ends292and293. A front arm295has an inner or proximal extremity or end296attached to leading end292of elongate support member291and extends angularly outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member291to an outer or distal extremity or end297formed with an attached stabilizer wheel298that extends downwardly from outer end297. With outer end297formed with stabilizer wheel298, outer end297is considered a wheeled end. A rear arm305has an inner or proximal extremity or end306attached to leading end302of elongate support member301and extends angularly outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member301to an outer or distal extremity or end307formed with an attached stabilizer wheel308that extends downwardly from outer end307. With outer end307formed with stabilizer wheel308, outer end307is considered a wheeled end. Wheel298is substantially in-line with respect to wheel308, in which case the wheeled end defined at end297is substantially in-line with respect to the wheeled end defined at end307. Stabilizer wheels298and308are each conventional caster wheels, which swivel and rotate.

Connector assembly262is formed by a bracket assembly320, a support fixture321, a block322, and an elongate member or axle323having opposed end portions323A and323B, each of which is formed of aluminum, steel, or other like or similar substantially rigid material or combination of materials. Bracket assembly320attaches to frame210of bicycle201between front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle201, support fixture321attaches to bracket assembly320, block322attaches to support fixture321, axle323is held by block322, stabilizer assembly260attaches to, and is supported by, end portion323A of axle323along the side210A of bicycle201as seen inFIG. 15, and stabilizer assembly261attaches to, and is supported by, end portion323B of axle323along the side210B of bicycle201as seen inFIG. 16.

Bracket assembly320includes a base330, a plate331, and threaded fasteners332, which, in this example, are threaded bolts. Base330has opposed upper and lower surfaces340and341, opposed front and rear ends342and343, threaded openings344formed in front end342, threaded openings345formed into base330through upper surface340between front and rear ends342and343, and a generally concave transverse recess346positioned between threaded openings345and front end342that extends between the opposed sides of base330. Front end342is formed with a pair of opposed, substantially parallel extensions347formed on either side of threaded openings344, which project forwardly of front end342.

ReferencingFIGS. 16,18, and20, base330is applied to the underside of frame210of bicycle201at bottom bracket253. Upper surface340of base330is applied to and against the underside of frame210locating bottom bracket253in recess346as seen inFIG. 20, in which front end342of base330extends forwardly with respect to bottom bracket253toward the front end of frame210of bicycle201, and rear end343of base330extends rearwardly with respect to bottom bracket253toward the rear end of frame210of bicycle201along the underside of chain stays225referenced inFIGS. 16,18, and20. Plate331is applied against the top side of chain stays225opposing base330just rearwardly of seat tube223and bottom bracket253as seen inFIGS. 16 and 18, and is secured to base330with threaded fasteners332, which extend through openings formed in plate331and into and through the gap between chain stays225and which are threadably received by threaded openings345(FIG. 17) formed in base330and which are then rotated and tightened thereby rigidly plate331to base330and rigidly securing chain stays225between plate331and base330and rigidly securing locating bottom bracket253in recess346formed in base330.

Looking toFIGS. 17 and 19, support fixture321has opposed upper and lower ends350and351, a pair of opposed, vertical, parallel, substantially coextensive slots352formed therethrough proximate to upper end350, and, as best seen inFIG. 17, a row of openings353formed therethrough extending vertically between lower end351and slots352. Upper end350of support fixture231is applied against front end342of base330between extensions347as best seen inFIG. 19registering slots352with threaded openings344(FIG. 17) formed in front end342of base330. Threaded fasteners356, which in this example are threaded bolts, are applied into and through slots352and are threadably received by threaded openings344(FIG. 17) formed in front end342of base330and are then rotated and tightened thereby rigidly securing support fixture321to front end342of base330. Support fixture321extends downwardly with respect to base330and frame210of bicycle201from upper end350to lower end351, which is attached to block322. As best seen inFIG. 19, washers357encircle threaded fasteners356and are positioned between heads356A of fasteners356and support fixture321.

Block322is formed with a pair of threaded openings360as illustrated inFIG. 17, and is positioned against the back side of support fixture321proximate to lower end351of support fixture321opposing lower face341of base330as best seen inFIG. 20registering threaded openings360with a corresponding pair of the threaded openings353formed in support fixture321. Threaded fasteners361, which in this example are threaded bolts, are applied into and through the corresponding pair of openings353registered with threaded openings360formed in block322, and are then rotated and tightened thereby rigidly securing support block32to support fixture321proximate to lower end351underneath and in opposition to base330thereby suspending block322below bottom bracket253and frame210of bicycle201below and underneath lower surface341of base330. As best seen inFIG. 19, washers363encircle threaded fasteners3361and are positioned between heads361A of fasteners361and support fixture321. Connector assembly262may be readily detached from bicycle201by reversing the steps of installing bracket assembly320onto bicycle201as described above.

A bore or channel370is formed through block322as shown inFIG. 17, which extends transversely with respect to bicycle201from side210A to side210B. Axle or member323extends into and through channel370and is supported in and by channel270transversely with respect to bicycle201locating end portion323A proximate to side210A of bicycle201as shown inFIG. 15, and locating opposed end portion323B proximate to side210B of bicycle201as shown inFIGS. 16,18, and20.

As previously disclosed, stabilizer assembly260attaches to, and is supported by, end portion323A of axle323along the side210A of bicycle201and is supported underneath frame210of bicycle201as seen inFIG. 15, and stabilizer assembly261attaches to, and is supported by, end portion323B of axle323along the side210B of bicycle201and is supported underneath frame210of bicycle as seen inFIG. 16. Support member271is formed with an opening271A formed therethrough illustrated inFIG. 17, which is positioned at an intermediate position between leading and trailing ends272and273, and which is preferably substantially equidistant with respect to leading and trailing ends272and273. End portion323A is applied into and through opening271A and is secured with a pin280, as illustrated inFIG. 15, that captures support member271between end portion323A and block322thereby securing stabilizer assembly260to connector assembly262secured to frame210of bicycle201and supporting stabilizer assembly260proximate to side210A of bicycle201. Pin280is received and secured by an opening281formed in end portion323A illustrated inFIG. 17. Support member291is formed with an opening291A formed therethrough as illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, which is positioned at an intermediate position between leading and trailing ends292and293, and which is preferably substantially equidistant with respect to leading and trailing ends292and293. End portion323B is applied into and through opening291A and is secured with a pin284as shown inFIGS. 16 and 19that captures support member291between end portion323A and block322thereby securing stabilizer assembly261to connector assembly262secured to frame210of bicycle201and supporting stabilizer assembly261proximate to side210B of bicycle201. Pin284is received and secured by an opening285formed in end portion323B illustrated inFIGS. 17-19.

ReferencingFIGS. 15 and 16in relevant part, wheeled stabilizer assemblies260and261are carried by the respective end portions323A and323B of axle or member323on either side210A and210B of frame210of bicycle201underneath frame210of bicycle201positioning support assemblies270and290so as to apply the wheeled ends of stabilizer assemblies260and261against the ground over which bicycle201is driven to permit the wheeled ends of stabilizer assemblies260and261to wheelingly interact with the ground over which bicycle201is driven to stabilize bicycle201as bicycle201is driven over the ground. As such, wheels277and287at wheeled ends278and288of stabilizer assembly260, wheels297and307at wheeled ends298and308of stabilizer assembly261, and front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle201concurrently roll over the ground over which bicycle201is driven such that front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle201operate in the normal manner while wheels277and287of stabilizer assembly260and wheels297and307of stabilizer assembly261are supported against the ground over which bicycle201is ridden such that stabilizer assemblies260and261interact with the ground to stabilize bicycle201as it is driven preventing bicycle201from tipping over, according to the principle of the invention.

With continuing reference in relevant part toFIGS. 15 and 16, with respect to stabilizer assembly260, elongate support member271is disposed proximate to and extends along the side210A of frame210of bicycle201from leading end272directed toward front wheel235of bicycle201and trailing end273directed toward rear wheel227, whereby front arm275attached to leading end272of elongate support member271extends outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member271and side210A of frame210of bicycle201to wheeled end277, which is disposed or otherwise located proximate to and outboard of front wheel235of bicycle201, and rear arm285attached to trailing end273of elongate support member271extends outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member271and side210A of frame210of bicycle201to wheeled end287, which is disposed proximate to and outboard of rear wheel227of bicycle201. With respect to stabilizer assembly261, elongate support member291is disposed proximate to and extends along the side210B of frame210of bicycle201from leading end292directed toward front wheel235of bicycle201and trailing end293directed toward rear wheel229, whereby front arm295attached to leading end292of elongate support member291extends outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member291and side210B of frame210of bicycle201to wheeled end297, which is disposed or otherwise located proximate to and outboard of front wheel235of bicycle201, and rear arm305attached to trailing end293of elongate support member291extends outwardly therefrom with respect to elongate support member291and side210B of frame210of bicycle201to wheeled end307, which is disposed proximate to and outboard of rear wheel229of bicycle201.

When mounted to bicycle201according to this disclosure, stabilizer assemblies260and261are the mirror image of one another, and elongate support members271and291of stabilizer assemblies260and261, respectively, oppose each and are substantially parallel with respect to each other, and are located toward sides210A and210B, respectively, of frame210and underneath frame210so as not to interfere with the normal pedaling action of pedals251and crank arms251, which takes place along the outer side of elongate support members271and291between the leading ends272and292of elongate support members271and291, respectively, and trailing ends273and293of elongate support members271and291, respectively. Moreover, the pedaling action of pedals251and crank arms251takes place along the outer side of elongate support members271and291between front arms275and295of elongate support members271and291, respectively, and rear arms285and305of elongate support members271and291, respectively. With reference toFIG. 15, front wheel235of bicycle201rotates about an axis of rotation denoted at390, rear wheel227rotates about an axis of rotation denoted at391, front or forward stabilizer wheels278and298of stabilizer assemblies260and261, respectively, are positioned proximate to axis of rotation390of front wheel235, and rear or rearward stabilizer wheels288and308of stabilizer assemblies260and261, respectively, are positioned proximate to axis of rotation391of rear wheel227.

Of course, in the use of bicycle201in its normal manner with apparatus202attached thereto as explained in detail and as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, stabilizer assemblies260and261are positioned to ensure that support assemblies270and290are oriented and positioned to ensure that front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle201and the four wheeled ends of stabilizer assemblies260and261concurrently interact with the ground over which bicycle201is driven to permit stabilizer assemblies260and261of apparatus202work in accordance with their intended purpose which is to cooperate together to stabilize bicycle201as it is driven over the ground by preventing bicycle201from tipping over on one side or the other. And so apparatus202is constructed, arranged, and sized to fit onto bicycle201to function in this way. The four wheeled ends of stabilizer assemblies260and261concurrently interact with the ground over which bicycle201is driven to form a four-point wheeled footprint that engage against and wheelingly interact with the ground over which bicycle201is ridden stabilizing bicycle201during the normal use thereof to assist users that are uncoordinated or may suffer from a balance disorder in safely riding bicycle201.

Apparatus202is designed to be removably attached to any bicycle, and bicycles come in different sizes and shapes and have different clearances between the frame and the ground over which the bicycle is ridden. As such, connector assembly262is configured to permit adjustment of stabilizer assemblies260and261between a raised position toward frame210as shown inFIG. 22, and a lowered position away from frame210as shown inFIG. 24, and this reciprocal movement of stabilizer assemblies260and261is denoted generally by the double arrowed line C inFIGS. 22 and 24.

Movement of stabilizer assemblies260and261attached to connector assembly262secured to bicycle201between raised and lowered positions can be carried out through the adjustment of support fixture321, which is mounted to base330for movement between a raised position toward frame210and away from the ground over which bicycle201is driven and a lowered position away from frame210and toward the ground over which bicycle201is driven, the adjustment of block322, which is mounted to support fixture321for movement between a raised position toward frame210and away from the ground over which bicycle201is driven and a lowered position away from frame210and toward the ground over which bicycle201is driven, or through the adjustment of both the support fixture321and block322.

Looking toFIG. 21, slots352through support fixture321are elongate and substantially vertically with respect to the ground over which bicycle201is ridden. When threaded fasteners356are loosened, support fixture321may be moved relative to base330between a raised position as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22locating stabilizer assemblies260and261secured to member323secured to block322fastened to support fixture321at a raised position, and a lowered position as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24locating stabilizer assemblies260and261secured to member323secured to block322fastened to support fixture321at a lowered position. Slots352are substantially equal in length, and the amount of travel of support fixture321between its raised and lowered positions is limited by the length of slots352, which limit the travel of threaded fasteners356through slots352when support fixture321is moved between its raised and lowered positions. After support fixture321is disposed at a desired location, threaded fasteners356are tightened to secure support fixture321in place relative to base330. Of course, movement of support fixture321between its raised and lowered positions results in the corresponding movement of axle or member323attached to support fixture321via block322between a raised position of end portions323A and323B toward frame210of bicycle201away from the ground over which bicycle201is driven, and a lowered position of end portions323A away from frame210of bicycle201toward the ground over which bicycle201is driven. With stabilizer assemblies260and261attached to end portions323A and323B, respectively, it is to be understood that this movement of end portions323A and323B between raised and lowered positions through the movement of member323between raised and lowered positions provides corresponding movement of stabilizer assemblies260and261between raised and lowered positions.

Looking back toFIG. 17, block322that carries member323is formed with the pair of threaded openings360, which are aligned with a corresponding pair of the openings353formed into and through support fixture321and secured in place with threaded fasteners361, and this permits movement of block321relative to support fixture321between a raised position as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24locating stabilizer assemblies260and261secured to member323secured to block322fastened to support fixture321at corresponding raised position, and a lowered position as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22locating stabilizer assemblies260and261secured to member323secured to block322fastened to support fixture321at a corresponding lowered position. InFIGS. 21 and 22, threaded fasteners361are threadably received by threaded openings360(FIG. 17) in block322securing block322to support fixture321, and threaded fasteners361are received in a corresponding lower pair of openings353(FIG. 17) in support fixture321that corresponds to the lowered position of block32. InFIGS. 23 and 24, threaded fasteners361are threadably received by threaded openings360(FIG. 17) in block322securing block322to support fixture321, and threaded fasteners361are received in a corresponding upper pair of openings353(FIG. 17) in support fixture321that corresponds to the raised position of block32. Of course, movement of block322between its raised and lowered positions results in the corresponding movement of axle or member323carried by block322between a raised position of end portions323A and323B toward frame210of bicycle201away from the ground over which bicycle201is driven, and a lowered position of end portions323A away from frame210of bicycle201toward the ground over which bicycle201is driven. With stabilizer assemblies260and261attached to end portions323A and323B, respectively, it is to be understood that this movement of end portions323A and323B between raised and lowered positions through the movement of block322between raised and lowered positions provides corresponding movement of stabilizer assemblies260and261between raised and lowered positions.

Looking back in relevant part toFIGS. 15 and 16, axle or member323extends transversely with respect to frame210of bicycle201between front and rear wheels235and227, and defines an axis395therethrough from end portion323A to end portion323B, which is substantially parallel with respect to axis390of rotation of front wheel235, axis391of rotation of rear wheel227, and axis253A of rotation of bottom bracket253that is located above and that opposes axis395of axle or member323. Axis253A and axis395reside in a substantially vertical plane with respect to the length of bicycle201from its front end to its rear end. Support assembly270held by end portion323A of axle or member323is free to pivot about axis395of axle or member323to permit stabilizer assembly260to freely pivotally displace as needed as bicycle201as driven over the ground. Support assembly290held by end portion323B of axle or member323is, like support assembly270, free to pivot about axis395of axle or member323to permit stabilizer assembly261, like stabilizer assembly260, to freely pivotally displace as needed as bicycle201is driven over the ground. Preferably, there is sufficient clearance between end portion323A of axle or member323and opening271A (FIG. 17) formed in support assembly270through which end portion323A is received to permit the pivotal movement of stabilizer assembly260with respect to end portion323A of axle or member323. Likewise, there is preferably sufficient clearance between end portion323B of axle or member323and opening291A (FIG. 17) formed in support assembly290through which end portion323B is received to permit the pivotal movement of stabilizer assembly261with respect to end portion323B of axle or member323.

Attention is now directed toFIG. 25, which is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a stabilization apparatus500constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, and toFIG. 26, which is an exploded perspective view of stabilization apparatus500first illustrated inFIG. 25. Stabilization apparatus500is constructed of the same material or combination of materials described in connection with the previous stabilization apparatus embodiments, and, in general, includes a forward or front stabilizing assembly501, an opposed rearward or rear stabilizing assembly502, a connector assembly503, and a lock assembly504. Connector assembly503is used to connect forward and rearward stabilizing assemblies501and502to a vehicle to be stabilized so as to form a vehicle assembly which is shown and denoted generally at540inFIGS. 29-31and34-39. Forward stabilizing assembly501extends in a forward direction from connector assembly503to provide vehicle stabilization at a front end of a vehicle to be stabilized, and rearward stabilizing assembly502extends in the opposite rearward direction from connector assembly503to provide vehicle stabilization at a rear end of a vehicle to be stabilized.

Referring toFIGS. 29 and 30, the vehicle to be stabilized in conjunction with stabilization apparatus500is a bicycle denoted at541, which is shown as it would appear fitted with stabilization apparatus500forming vehicle assembly540stabilized by stabilization apparatus500according to the principle of the invention. In common with bicycle201previously discussed, and referring toFIGS. 29 and 30in relevant part, bicycle541shares the usual frame210, front or forward end211, rear or rearward end212, opposed sides210A and210B, top tube220, bottom or down tube221, head tube222, seat tube223, seat stays224, chain stays225, rear hub226and rear wheel227, handlebars230, headset231, front forks232having free ends233connected to front hub234of front wheel235that is positioned in front of rear wheel227, which is substantially in-line with respect to front wheel235as is typical and well-known with a conventional bicycle. Like bicycle201, bicycle541additionally shares the usual seat240, seat post241, a drive train250consisting of pedals251, crank arms252, bottom bracket253, the usual front chainrings denoted at254, endless chain255, and rear cassette256. In common with bicycle201, in bicycle541pedals251and crank arms252rotate about axis253A of bottom bracket253. Front wheel235of bicycle341rotates about an axis of rotation denoted at390, and rear wheel227rotates about an axis of rotation denoted at391.

Bicycle541is a form of a vehicle. Moreover, bicycle541is exemplary of a non-motorized two-wheeled vehicle, is entirely conventional and is generally representative of any one of a variety of commercially available bicycles, which, in the present example, is a variety of bicycle commonly referred to as a mountain bike. Accordingly, further details of bicycle541not herein specifically disclosed will readily occur to those having ordinary skill and are not discussed in further detail.

Referring in relevant part toFIGS. 25,26,27and28, forward and rearward stabilizing assemblies501and502are wheeled or wheel assemblies in the present embodiment characterized in that they have wheeled ends that wheelingly interact with the ground over which a vehicle to be stabilized is driven, which, in this example, is bicycle541as referenced inFIGS. 29 and 30.

Forward stabilizing assembly501consists of a fixture510that includes diametrically opposed, elongate, coextensive and spaced-apart forward support members511A and511B, which are the minor image of one another and are identical in every respect and bear common reference numerals. Forward support members511A and511B each include an elongate proximal arm515having opposed inner and outer ends515A and515B, and an elongate distal arm516having opposed inner and outer ends516A and516B. Inner end515A is formed with a coupling in the form of a collar517, and inner end515A is considered a coupling end in the form of a collared end. Collars517of forward support members511A and511B are used to mount or attach fixture510to connector assembly503. Inner end516A of distal arm516is attached to outer end515B of proximal arm515, and extends angularly outwardly therefrom with respect to proximal arm515to outer end516B that is formed with an attached stabilizer, which, in the present embodiment, is a wheel518that extends downwardly from outer end516B. With outer end516B formed with stabilizer wheel518, outer end516B is considered a stabilizer/stabilizing end in the form of a wheeled end and each of the forward support members511A and511B is, therefore, considered to be a wheeled forward support member. Stabilizer wheel518is conventional caster wheel, which swivels and rotates. Proximal arms515are diametrically opposed and are parallel and spaced-apart and extend concurrently in the same forward direction from collars517at inner ends515A to outer ends515B attached to inner ends516A of distal arms516, which are diametrically opposed and extend forwardly and diverge angularly outwardly away from one another in the same forwardly direction from inner ends516A to the wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501, namely, outer ends516B formed with attached and diametrically opposed wheels518, respectively. A plate or brace519is positioned between, and is rigidly affixed via welding directly to proximal arms515between inner ends515A and outer ends515B of proximal arms515, which rigidly affixes or otherwise rigidly attaches forward support member511A to forward support member511B.

Rearward stabilizing assembly502includes diametrically opposed, elongate, coextensive and spaced-apart rearward support members530A and530B, which are the minor image of one another and are identical in every respect and bear common reference numerals. Rearward support members530A and530B each include an elongate proximal arm531having opposed inner and outer ends531A and531B, and an elongate distal arm532having opposed inner and outer ends532A and532B. Inner end531A is a coupling end as it is formed with a coupling in the form of an enlargement or head534formed with opposed upper and lower through holes534A and534B. Upper through hole534A is a guide hole and is elongated with respect to lower through hole534B and is downwardly arcuate or curved in a vertical direction toward lower through hole534B. Head534is a coupling, and each head534is used to pivotally connect, mount or attach a corresponding one of the rearward support member530A and530B to connector assembly503. Inner end532A of distal arm532is attached to outer end531B of proximal arm531, and extends angularly outwardly therefrom with respect to proximal arm531to outer end532B that is formed with an attached stabilizer, which, in the present embodiment, is a wheel528that extends downwardly from outer end532B. With outer end532B formed with stabilizer wheel538, outer end532B is considered a stabilizer/stabilizing end in the form of a wheeled end and each of rearward support members530A and530B is, therefore, considered to be a wheeled rearward support member. Stabilizer wheel528is conventional caster wheel, which swivels and rotates. Proximal arms531are diametrically opposed and are parallel and spaced-apart and extend concurrently in the same rearward direction from heads534at inner ends531A to outer ends531B attached to inner ends532A of distal arms532, which are diametrically opposed and extend rearward and angle outwardly away from one another in the same rearward direction from inner ends532A to outer ends532B formed with attached and diametrically opposed wheels528, respectively.

As stated above, bicycle541is formed with stabilization apparatus denoted generally at500, and the combination of bicycle541and stabilization apparatus500forms a vehicle, a bicycle assembly, or a vehicle assembly540according to the principle of the invention. Connector assembly503is used to connect stabilization apparatus500to bicycle541, and connector assembly503will now be discussed in detail with reference in relevant part toFIGS. 25,26,27, and28.

Connector assembly503includes a bracket550, a support fixture551, and a block552, each of which is formed of aluminum, steel, or other like or similar substantially rigid material or combination of materials. Bracket550attaches to frame210of bicycle541between front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle541, support fixture551attaches to bracket550, block552attaches to support fixture551, and forward and rearward stabilizing assemblies501and502attach to block552, in accordance with the principle of the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 27-28in relevant part, bracket550has opposed upper and lower surfaces560and561, opposed front and rear ends562and563, threaded openings564formed in front end562used to accept threaded fasteners to secure support fixture551, a transverse seat565formed in upper surface560toward rear end563of bracket550and that extends between the opposed sides of bracket550and which is used to receive therein a portion of the frame a bicycle, an opening566near rear end563that extends through bracket55from lower surface561to seat565at upper surface560to receive a threaded fastener used to secure bracket550to the frame of a bicycle, and a transverse receiving area or recess567formed in upper surface560toward front end562of bracket550and that extends between the opposed sides of bracket550and which accepts the bottom bracket of a bicycle in the installation of bracket550to a bicycle.

Bracket550of connector assembly503is secured to bicycle541in the installation of stabilization apparatus500to bicycle541. With respect to the installation of bracket550to bicycle541with reference toFIG. 31, bracket550is applied to the underside of frame210of bicycle541at bottom bracket253. Upper surface560of bracket550is applied to and against the underside of frame210locating bottom bracket253in recess567and locating a lug570affixed to the underside frame210at chainstays225in seat565. Front end562of bracket550extends forwardly with respect to bottom bracket253toward the front end of frame210of bicycle541as shown inFIG. 30, and rear end563of bracket550extends rearwardly with respect to bottom bracket253toward the rear end of frame210of bicycle541along the underside of chain stays225as shown inFIG. 30. Referring back toFIG. 31, lug570is affixed to frame210, such as by welding or by forming frame210integrally with lug570. Lug570is considered part of or otherwise an extension of frame210and seat565relates to lug570so as to permit lug570to be received by or otherwise to fit within seat565. Bracket550is affixed to lug570of frame210with a threaded fastener denoted at571inFIGS. 26,27, and31, which is applied through opening560of bracket550and is threaded into a corresponding threaded opening formed in lug570and which is tightened through rotation to rigidly affix bracket550to frame210of bicycle542and thus to rigidly secure and locate bottom bracket253in recess567formed in base bracket550. Bracket550can be rigidly affixed to lug570in other ways, such as with two or more threaded fasteners, one or more rivets, welding, a clamp, etc.

Looking toFIGS. 25-31, support fixture551is secured between bracket550and block552. ReferencingFIGS. 25-28and31in relevant part, support fixture551has opposed upper and lower ends580and581, and a pair of opposed, elongate, vertical, parallel, substantially coextensive slots582formed therethrough proximate to upper end580. Upper end580of support fixture231is applied against front end562of bracket550registering slots582with threaded openings564formed in front end562of bracket550. Threaded fasteners586in the form of threaded bolts are applied into and through slots582and are threaded into threaded openings564formed in front end562of bracket550and are then rotated and tightened to rigidly secure support fixture551to front end562of bracket550. Support fixture551extends downwardly with respect to bracket550and frame210of bicycle541from upper end580to lower end581, which is attached to block552. Washers587encircle threaded fasteners586and are positioned between heads586A of fasteners586and support fixture551.

Block552has opposed front and rear ends552A and552B and is formed with a pair of forward upper and lower threaded openings590A and590B extending into front end552A. Front end552A is positioned directly against the back side of support fixture551proximate to lower end581of support fixture551opposite to lower surface561of bracket550registering upper and lower threaded openings590A and590B with a corresponding pair of upper and lower openings591A and591B formed through support fixture551near lower end581. There is a lock plate600that has opposed, elongate, vertical slots601formed on either side of a central bolt-receiving opening602. Lock plate600is applied directly against the front side of support fixture551registering bolt-receiving opening602with upper opening591A and registering slots601with a corresponding pair of opposed threaded openings604formed in support fixture551on either side of upper opening591A. Threaded fasteners605are applied into and through slots601of lock plate600and are threaded into threaded openings604and are then tightened via rotation to rigidly securing lock plate600to the front side of support fixture551near lower end581. Slots601are vertically elongate and permit a user to adjust lock plate600up-and-down as needed in order to register or otherwise align bolt-receiving opening602with upper opening591A before tightening down lock plate600with threaded fasteners605.

Support fixture551is secured to block552with upper and lower threaded fasteners607and608. Upper fastener607is applied into and completely through bolt-receiving opening602of lock plate600and is applied to upper opening591A and is threaded into upper threaded opening590A of block552. Lower fastener608is applied to lower opening591B and is threaded into lower threaded opening590B. Upper and lower fasteners607and608are then tightened through rotation to rigidly secure support fixture551to block552. As seen inFIG. 32, upper opening591A is formed with a counterbore609into which is received head607A of upper threaded fastener607. Head607A of upper fastener607is tightened against counterbore609to rigidly secure block552.

Block552is rigidly secured to support fixture551proximate to lower end581of support fixture551underneath and in opposition to bracket550as shown inFIG. 31thereby suspending block552below bottom bracket253and frame210of bicycle541below and underneath lower surface561of bracket550. A washer593encircles lower threaded fastener608and is positioned between head608A of lower threaded fastener608and support fixture551. Connector assembly503may be readily detached from bicycle541by reversing the steps of installing connector assembly503onto bicycle341as described above.

Forward stabilizing assembly501attaches to block552. The attachment between forward stabilizing assembly501and block552is a pivotal attachment or coupling to permit forward stabilizing assembly501to pivot or pivotally move or adjust at block552between a raised position with respect to bicycle541to disengage forward stabilizing assembly501from the ground over which bicycle541is driven to secure forward stabilizing assembly501from vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501, as shown inFIG. 39, when vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501not required or needed, and a lowered position with respect to bicycle541to engage forward stabilizing assembly501with the ground over which bicycle541is driven to engage forward stabilizing assembly501for vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501, as shown inFIGS. 29,30,34,36, and37, when vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501is required or needed.

Brace519has opposed inner and outer extremities519A and519B. Inner extremity519A is directed toward collars517, and outer extremity519B is directed toward distal arms516. A receiving area or gap610is defined between proximal arms515of forward support members511A and511B of fixture510, and this receiving area or gap610extends and is defined between inner extremity519A of brace519and collars517formed in inner ends515A. Forward stabilizing assembly501is located under frame210of bicycle541and lower end581of support fixture551and front end552A of block552are positioned in gap610locating the portions of proximal arms515extending from brace519to collars517on either side of support fixture551and block552under bottom bracket253of bicycle541as shown inFIG. 31. To form the pivotal coupling between forward stabilizing assembly501and block552of connector assembly503, opposed threaded pivot bolts611are applied to collars517about which collars517can pivot between the raised and lowered positions of forward stabilizing assembly501and threaded pivot bolts611are threaded into corresponding, diametrically opposed threaded openings614(only one shown) formed in either side of block552between front and rear ends552A and552B of block552, and threaded pivot bolts613are tightened via rotation securing collars517of fixture510to block552on either side of block552thereby securing fixture510, and, in turn, forward stabilizing assembly501, to block552of connector assembly503.

Forward support members511of fixture510of forward stabilizing assembly501extend forwardly toward front wheel235and front end211of bicycle541from collars517to stabilizer wheels518carried by distal arms516. Forward stabilizer assembly501is pivotally coupled to block552and is thus supported by block552at the pivotal coupling between fixture210of forward stabilizing assembly501and block552. One forward support member511A of forward stabilizing assembly501is positioned along the side210A of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541, and the other forward support member511B of forward stabilizing assembly501is positioned along the side210B of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541. Forward support member511A of fixture210of forward stabilizing assembly501supports one stabilizer wheel518of forward stabilizing assembly501along the side210A of frame210proximate to, and outboard of, front wheel235of bicycle541, forward support member511B of fixture210of forward stabilizing assembly501supports the other stabilizer wheel518of forward stabilizing assembly501along the side210B of frame210proximate to, and outboard of, front wheel235of bicycle541, and stabilizer wheel518of forward support member511A opposes stabilizer wheel518of forward support member511B.

Like forward stabilizing assembly501, rearward support members530of rearward stabilizing assembly502attach to block552. The attachment between each of the rearward support members530of rearward stabilizing assembly502and block552is a pivotal attachment or coupling to permit rearward support members530to pivot or pivotally move or adjust at block552between raised and lowered positions with respect to bicycle541. As a matter of illustration and reference,FIGS. 29 and 30show rearward support members530A and530B as they would appear pivoted into a lower position, and it is to be understood that inFIG. 30rear support member530A is not shown as it is hidden behind rear support member530B.FIGS. 34 and 35show rearward support member530B as it would appear pivoted into a raised position relative to bicycle541, while rearward support member530A is shown as it would appear pivoted into a lowered position relative to bicycle541.FIG. 36shows rearward support member530A as it would appear pivoted into a raised position relative to bicycle541, while rearward support member530B is shown as it would appear pivoted into a raised position relative to bicycle541.FIGS. 37 and 38show rearward support member530A as it would appear pivoted into a lowered position relative to bicycle541, while rearward support member530B is shown as it would appear pivoted into a lowermost position relative to bicycle541. Rearward support members530A and530B are pivotally coupled independently to block552to permit independent pivotal movement of rearward support members530A and530B between their respective raised and lowered positions and also the lowermost positions such as demonstrated by rearward support member530B inFIGS. 37 and 38.

Looking toFIGS. 26,27, and28in relevant part, rearward stabilizing assembly502is located under frame210of bicycle541. To pivotally couple rearward support members530to block552of connector assembly503, heads534are located on either side of block552near rear end552A of block552and opposed lower threaded bolts620are applied to lower through holes534B about which heads534can pivot between the raised and lowered positions of rearward support members530and lower threaded bolts620are threaded into corresponding, diametrically opposed lower threaded openings622(only one shown) formed in either side of block552between threaded opening614and rear end552B of block552, and lower threaded bolts620and then tightened through rotation securing heads534to block552on either side of block552near rear end552A of block552thereby securing rearward stabilizing assembly502to block552of connector assembly503. Upper threaded bolts624are applied to upper through holes534A and upper threaded bolts624are threaded into corresponding, diametrically opposed upper threaded openings625(only one shown) formed in either side of block552over lower threaded openings622and between threaded opening614and rear end552B of block552, and upper threaded bolts625are tightened via rotation securing upper threaded bolts624in place to block522while permitting upper threaded bolts624to run back-and-forth through upper through holes534A in response to the pivoting of rearward support members530A and530B between their raised and lowered positions.

Looking toFIGS. 29 and 30, forward support members511A and511B of fixture510of forward stabilizing assembly501extend forwardly under frame210of bicycle541toward front wheel235and front end211of bicycle541from collars517to stabilizer wheels518carried by distal arms516. One forward support member511A of forward stabilizing assembly501is positioned along the side210A of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541, and the other forward support member511B of forward stabilizing assembly501is positioned along the side210B of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541. Forward support members511A and511B of forward stabilizing assembly501are located on either side210A and210B of frame210of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541positioning forward support members511A and511B so as to apply the wheels518of the wheeled ends of forward support members511A and511B against the ground over which bicycle541is driven on either side of front wheel235to permit the wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501to wheelingly interact with the ground over which bicycle541is driven to stabilize bicycle541as bicycle541is driven over the ground. As such, that stabilizers in the form of wheels518of the wheeled ends516B of forward stabilizing assembly501oppose one another on either of sides210A and210B of frame210of bicycle541and are located to concurrently roll over the ground over which bicycle541is driven such that front wheel235of bicycle541operates in the normal manner while wheels518of forward stabilizing assembly501are positioned against the ground over which bicycle541is ridden on either side of bicycle541in the lowered position of forward stabilizing assembly501such that forward stabilizing assembly501interacts with the ground on either side of bicycle541to stabilize bicycle541along front end211of bicycle541as it is driven to prevent bicycle541from tipping over, according to the principle of the invention.

Rearward support members530A and530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502extend rearwardly under frame210of bicycle541toward rear wheel227and rear end212of bicycle541from heads534to stabilizer wheels538carried by distal arms516. One rearward support member530A of rearward stabilizing assembly502is positioned along the side210A of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541, and the other rearward support member530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502is positioned along the side210B of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541. Rearward support member530A of rearward stabilizing assembly502supports one stabilizer wheel538of rearward stabilizing assembly502along the side210A of frame210proximate to, and outboard of, rear wheel227of bicycle541, rearward support member530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502supports the other stabilizer wheel538of rearward stabilizing assembly502along the side210B of frame210proximate to, and outboard of, rear wheel227of bicycle541, and stabilizer wheel538of rearward support member530B opposes stabilizer wheel538of rearward support member530B. Rearward support members530A and530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502are located on either side210A and210B of frame210of bicycle541underneath frame210of bicycle541positioning rearward support members530A and530B so as to apply the wheeled ends of rearward support members530A and530B against the ground over which bicycle541is driven on either side of rear wheel227to permit the wheeled ends of rearward stabilizing assembly502to wheelingly interact with the ground over which bicycle541is driven to stabilize bicycle541as bicycle541is driven over the ground. As such, wheels538at the wheeled ends532B of rearward support members530A and530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502are located to roll over the ground over which bicycle541is driven on either side of bicycle541such that rear wheel227of bicycle541operates in the normal manner while wheels538of rearward stabilizing assembly502are positioned against the ground over which bicycle541is ridden on either side of bicycle541in the lowered positions of rearward support members530A and530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502such that rearward stabilizing assembly502interacts with the ground on either side of bicycle541to stabilize bicycle541along rear end212of bicycle541as it is driven to prevent bicycle541from tipping over, according to the principle of the invention.

Forward support member511A and rearward support member530A are disposed proximate to and extend along the side210A of frame210of bicycle341from wheeled end516B of forward support member511A alongside front wheel235of bicycle541to wheeled end532B of rearward support member530A alongside rear wheel227of bicycle541, whereby distal arm516of forward support member511A extends outwardly from proximal arm515of forward support member511A and side210A of frame210of bicycle541to wheeled end516B, which is disposed or otherwise located proximate to and outboard of front wheel235of bicycle341, and whereby distal arm532of rearward support member530A extends outwardly from proximal arm531of rearward support member530A and side210A of frame210of bicycle541to wheeled end532B, which is disposed or otherwise located proximate to and outboard of rear wheel227of bicycle541. With this arrangement, wheel518of wheeled end516B of forward support member511A is in-line with respect to wheel538of wheeled end532B of rearward support member530A. Forward support member511A of forward stabilizing assembly501along the side210A of bicycle541and rearward support member530A of rearward stabilizing assembly502along the side210A of bicycle541cooperate as a right-side stabilizer/stabilizing assembly along the side210A of bicycle541, which is the right side of bicycle541.

Forward support member511B and rearward support member530B are disposed proximate to and extend along the side210B of frame210of bicycle341from wheeled end516B of forward support member511B alongside front wheel235of bicycle541to wheeled end532B of rearward support member530B alongside rear wheel227of bicycle541, whereby distal arm516of forward support member511B extends outwardly from proximal arm515of forward support member511B and side210B of frame210of bicycle541to wheeled end516B, which is disposed or otherwise located proximate to and outboard of front wheel235of bicycle341, and whereby distal arm532of rearward support member530B extends outwardly from proximal arm531of rearward support member530B and side210B of frame210of bicycle541to wheeled end532B, which is disposed or otherwise located proximate to and outboard of rear wheel227of bicycle541. With this arrangement, wheel518of wheeled end516B of forward support member511B is in-line with respect to wheel538of wheeled end532B of rearward support member530B. Forward support member511B of forward stabilizing assembly501along the side210B of bicycle541and rearward support member530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502along the side210B of bicycle541cooperate as a left-side stabilizer/stabilizing assembly along the side210B of bicycle541, which is the left side of bicycle541.

When mounted to bicycle341according to this disclosure, the described left- and right-side stabilizer assemblies oppose and are the minor image of one another, and are located on the opposite sides210A and210B, respectively, of frame210and underneath frame210so as not to interfere with the normal pedaling action of pedals251and crank arms251, which takes place along the outer side of the described left- and right-side stabilizer assemblies. With reference toFIG. 29, front wheel235of bicycle341rotates about axis of rotation denoted at390, rear wheel227rotates about axis of rotation denoted at391, front or forward stabilizer wheels518of forward stabilizing assembly are positioned proximate to axis of rotation390of front wheel235, and rear or rearward stabilizer wheels538of rearward stabilizing assembly502are positioned proximate to axis of rotation391of rear wheel227.

Of course, in the use of bicycle541in its normal manner with stabilization apparatus500attached thereto as explained above, front and rear wheels235and227of bicycle541, the two wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501and the two wheeled ends of rearward stabilizing assembly502concurrently interact with the ground over which bicycle341is driven to permit forward and rearward stabilizing assemblies501and502to work in accordance with their intended purpose which is to cooperate together to stabilize bicycle541as it is driven over the ground by preventing bicycle541from tipping over on one side or the other. And so stabilization apparatus500is constructed, arranged, and sized to fit onto bicycle541to function in this way. The four wheeled ends of stabilization apparatus500concurrently interact with the ground over which bicycle541is driven to form a four-point wheeled footprint that engage against and wheelingly interact with the ground over which bicycle541is ridden stabilizing bicycle541during the normal use thereof to assist users that are uncoordinated or may suffer from a balance disorder in safely riding bicycle541.

Stabilization apparatus500is designed to be removably attached to any bicycle, and bicycles come in different sizes and shapes and have different clearances between the frame and the ground over which the bicycle is ridden. As such, connector assembly262is configured to permit adjustment of the pivotal connecting points of forward and rearward stabilizing assemblies501and502at block552between a raised position toward frame210and a lowered position away from frame210as shown inFIG. 22, and a lowered position away from frame210. This adjustment is provided by slots582formed in support fixture551. Slots582of support fixture551function identically to that of slots352of support fixture321of apparatus202, and the reciprocal adjustment of support fixture551with slots582is carried out in the exact same manner as the adjustment of support fixture321with slots352of support fixture321discussed in detail in connection with apparatus202.

Referring toFIGS. 28 and 29, fixture510of forward stabilizing assembly501pivots between its raised and lowered positions at collars517about a pivot axis517A defined by collars517, which pivot axis517A extends transversely with respect to frame210of bicycle541between front and rear wheels235and227and is substantially parallel with respect to axis390of rotation of front wheel235, axis391of rotation of rear wheel227, and axis253A of rotation of bottom bracket253that is located above and that opposes pivot axis571A of forward stabilizing assembly501. Rearward support members530A and530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502pivot between their raised and lowered positions at lower threaded bolts620about a common pivot axis620A defined by lower threaded bolts620, which pivot axis620A extends transversely with respect to frame210of bicycle541between front and rear wheels235and227and is located just rearward of pivot axis517A and is substantially parallel with respect to pivot axis517A, axis390of rotation of front wheel235, axis391of rotation of rear wheel227, and axis253A of rotation of bottom bracket253that is located above and that opposes pivot axis620A of rearward support members530A and530B of rearward stabilizing assembly502.

Rearward support members530A and530B are each mounted for independent pivotal movement to block552for independent pivotal movement between their raised and lowered positions and also the lowermost position as demonstrated by rearward support member530B inFIGS. 37 and 38. This permits rearward support members530A and530B to pivotally displace about pivot axis620A as bicycle541is driven over the ground to absorb bumps and divots or depressions in the ground over which bicycle541is driven. As rearward support members530A and530A pivot about pivot axis620A, upper threaded bolts624translate back-and-forth through the corresponding elongated through holes534A, which interact with upper threaded bolts624to limit the uppermost and lowermost positions of rearward support members530A and530B. As a matter of example, inFIG. 35rearward support member530B is shown as it would appear in its raised position, which is the uppermost raised position of rearward support member530B, andFIG. 40is a section view taken along line40-40ofFIG. 35which illustrates upper threaded bolt624as it would appear functioning as an abutment interacting with a rear closed end630of through hole534A by abutting directly against rear closed end630of through hole534A limiting the rearward support member530B from pivoting upwardly beyond its raised position, which, in this example, is the uppermost raised position of rearward support member530B. The lowered position of rearward support member530B, as with rearward support member530A, is between the raised/uppermost position of rearward support member530B and the lowermost position of rearward support member530B. InFIG. 38rearward support member530B is shown as it would appear in its lowermost position, andFIG. 40is a section view taken along line40-40ofFIG. 35which illustrates upper threaded bolt624as it would appear functioning as an abutment interacting with a front closed end631of through hole534A by abutting directly against front closed end631of through hole534A that is opposite to rear closed end630of through hole534A limiting the rearward support member530B from pivoting downwardly beyond its lowermost position. The arrange of, and the interaction between, through hole534and upper threaded bolt624forms an abutment assembly coupled between block552of connector assembly503and rearward support member530B which limits movement of rearward support member530B between its raised and lowermost positions. This discussion of rearward support member530B applies in every respect to rearward support member530A as they are identical.

As explained above, fixture210of forward stabilizing assembly501is mounted to block552of connector assembly503for pivotal movement at block552between a raised position with respect to bicycle541to disengage the wheels518of the wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501from the ground over which bicycle541is driven to secure forward stabilizing assembly501from vehicle stabilization, as shown inFIG. 39, when vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501is not needed or required by a rider of bicycle541, and a lowered position with respect to bicycle541to engage the wheels518of the wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501with the ground over which bicycle541is driven to engage forward stabilizing assembly501for vehicle stabilization, as shown inFIGS. 29,30,34,36, and37, when vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501is needed or required by a rider of bicycle541. And so fixture210movable between a raised position toward210frame of bicycle541away from the ground over which bicycle541is driven when vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501is not required, such as by a rider riding bicycle541, and a lowered position away from frame210of bicycle541and toward the ground over which bicycle541is driven when vehicle stabilization by forward stabilizing assembly501is required, such as by a rider riding bicycle541. According to the principle of the invention, lock assembly504is coupled between frame210and fixture210of forward stabilizing assembly501, and in the lowered position of fixture210of forward stabilizing assembly501the lock assembly504is adjustable between an unlocked position as shown inFIG. 33releasing fixture in the lowered position thereof allowing fixture541to pivot/move from its lowered position to its raised position, and a locked position shown inFIG. 32locking fixture in the lowered position thereof to engage the wheels518of the wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501with the ground over which bicycle541is driven to engage forward stabilizing assembly501for vehicle stabilization, as shown inFIGS. 29,30,34,36, and37, and preventing fixture210from moving from the lowered position thereof to the raised position thereof.

Referring in relevant part toFIGS. 25-33, lock assembly504and its operation will now be discussed in detail. Lock assembly504consists of a bolt assembly700, a support701for bolt assembly700, a guide block702, and a lever703operatively coupled to bolt assembly700for operating bolt assembly700, namely, adjusting bolt assembly700between its locked and unlocked positions and for raising and lowering fixture210between its raised and lowered positions. Bolt assembly700, support, and guide block702are carried by fixture210, and lever703is carried by frame210of bicycle541.

With specific reference toFIGS. 32 and 33, bolt assembly700consists of a bolt710having a head part710A and an opposite tail part710B, and a bolt housing711. Bolt housing711has opposed front and rear ends711A and711B, and bolt710is mounted partially within bolt housing711through front end711A for reciprocal movement in the direction indicated by double arrowed line712between an extended locked or locking position shown inFIG. 32and a retracted unlocked or unlocking position shown inFIG. 33. Bolt710has opposed head and tail parts710A and710B, and an intermediate part710C therebetween. Intermediate part710C extends through an intermediate wall714formed inside bolt housing711, and head part710A of bolt710is located along one side of intermediate wall714toward front end711A of bolt housing711, and tail part710B of bolt710is located on the other side of intermediate wall714toward rear end711B of bolt housing711. A conventional compression spring716within bolt housing711encircles intermediate portion710C of bolt710between intermediate wall714and head part710A of bolt710and acts between intermediate wall714and head part710A biasing bolt710away from its unlocked/retracted position and toward its locked/extended position.

A face plate720has a central bolt-receiving opening721and is affixed to a back side of support701with opposed pins722, and support701is formed with a cylindrical central opening724that registers or otherwise aligns with bolt-receiving opening721of face plate720. Front end711A of bolt housing711is a cylindrical collar, which is press fit into opening724formed through support701in a direction from a front side of support701, and head part710A extends partially outward from front end711A of bolt housing711and extends through bolt-receiving opening721of face plate720. There is a clearance shown between front end711A of bolt housing711and opening724of support701for illustrative purposes with the understanding that there is a rigid, press fit between front end711A of bolt housing711and opening724of support701.

A pair of opposed, elongate, parallel slots730are formed through brace519near inner end519A. Slots730are positioned between and are parallel with respect to proximal arms515of fixture210. The underside of support701is applied against the top side of brace519over slots730near inner end519A between proximal arms515locating bolt assembly700between proximal arms515such that bolt assembly700located above the top side of brace519and is parallel with respect to proximal arms515of fixture210and extends rearwardly in a direction from front end711A of bolt housing711at support701located near inner end519A of brace519to rear end711B of bolt housing711directed toward outer end519B of brace519. Support701is rigidly secured in place to brace519with threaded fasteners731directed through slots730from the underside of brace519and which are threaded into corresponding threaded openings (not shown) formed in the underside of support701and threaded fasteners731are tightened via rotation tightening down threaded fasteners731thereby rigidly securing support701to the top side of brace519near inner end519A and, in turn, rigidly securing bolt assembly700in place over the top side of brace519.

In the lowered position of forward stabilizing assembly501, head part710A of bolt710opposes and registers with or is otherwise aligned with bolt-receiving opening602formed in lock plate600rigidly affixed to support fixture551as shown inFIGS. 32 and 33. In the extended/locking position of bolt710in the lowered position of forward stabilizing assembly501as shown inFIG. 32, head part710A is extended into and is received by bolt-receiving opening602locking lock plate600to head part710A of bolt710securing/engaging lock assembly504between forward stabilizing assembly501and connector assembly503securing forward stabilizing assembly501in its lowered vehicle-stabilizing position to permit forward stabilizing assembly501to engage the wheels518of the wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501with the ground over which bicycle541is driven to engage forward stabilizing assembly501for vehicle stabilization while concurrently preventing forward stabilizing assembly from moving out of its lowered position and into its raised position. In the retracted/unlocking position of bolt710in the lowered position of forward stabilizing assembly501as shown inFIG. 33, head part710A is retracted out of bolt-receiving opening602of lock plate602releasing bolt710from lock plate602releasing/dis-engaging lock assembly504from connector assembly503to permit forward stabilizing assembly501to pivot/move from its lowered vehicle-stabilizing position to its raised position to disengage the wheels518of the wheeled ends of forward stabilizing assembly501from the ground over which bicycle541is driven to secure forward stabilizing assembly501from vehicle stabilization. Lever703is operatively coupled to bolt assembly700for operating bolt assembly700, namely, adjusting bolt assembly700between the extended/locked position of bolt710and the retracted/unlocked position of bolt710, and also for raising and lowering fixture210between its raised and lowered positions, as will now be discussed.

Lever703is an operator interface and is used by the rider of bicycle541for operating bolt assembly700in the manner discussed above. Looking toFIG. 30, lever703is a conventional hand-operated lever secured to frame210with a conventional bracket734. In this embodiment, lever703is secured to top tube220of frame210near head tube222to provide convenient access to lever703from a rider riding bicycle541. Lever703is operatively coupled to bolt assembly700with a cable740coupled between lever703and tail part710B of bolt710as seen inFIGS. 32 and 33. Cable703extends between lever703and tail part710B of bolt710and has an upper end740A attached to lever703via conventional welding or crimping techniques and an opposed lower end740B as shown inFIGS. 32 and 33that extends into and through rear end711B of bolt housing711and is affixed to tail part710B via conventional welding or crimping techniques.

An opening750is formed through brace519near inner end519A. The underside of guide block702is applied against the top side of brace519over opening750at outer end519A and guide block702is received directly against rear end711B of bolt housing711. Guide block702is rigidly secured in place to brace519with a threaded fastener748provided with an applied washer748A and which is directed through opening750from the underside of brace519and which is threaded into corresponding threaded openings (not shown) formed in the underside of guide block702and threaded fastener748is tightened via rotation tightening down threaded fastener748thereby rigidly securing guide block702to the top side of brace519at outer end519B.

A cable guide751and a pair of cable stays752are formed in a side of guide block702. Cable stays752are conventional and are threadably secured into a pair of corresponding threaded openings formed on the inner side of cable guide751between rear end711B of bolt housing711and cable guide751. Cable740is applied to cable guide751, and is retained in cable guide751with cable stays752.

Cable740runs through a cable bracket assembly760secured to frame210of bicycle541between lever703and guide block702. Cable bracket assembly760is secured to down tube221under lever703and over guide block702in the present embodiment as seen inFIG. 30, and cable740extends vertically between cable bracket assembly760and guide block702. Cable bracket assembly760consists of opposed, identical clamp parts761that are received over either side of down tube222and are secured together with threaded fasteners762in the form of threaded bolts, which are tightened via rotation clamping down tube221by and between clamp parts761. A conventional cable nipple764is threaded into a threaded opening765formed in a supporting lug767that is, in turn, threaded onto a threaded post768formed in one of the clamp parts761. Cable740extends concurrently through threaded opening765and nipple764between lever703and guide block702and holds the length of cable740between cable bracket assembly760and guide block702vertically upright.

In the lowered position of forward stabilizing assembly501in the extended/locked position of bolt710as shown inFIG. 32, lever703may be moved along a lever stroke path from an open position thereof as shown inFIGS. 29,30,34,36, and37to a closed position thereof as shown inFIG. 39, which shortens the length of cable740between cable bracket assembly760and guide block702causing cable740to act on bolt710in the direction indicated by arrowed line770inFIG. 33overcoming the bias applied by spring716displacing bolt710from its extended/locked position ofFIG. 32to its retracted/unlocked position ofFIG. 33releasing forward stabilizing assembly501from its locked position to allow stabilizing assembly501to be pivoted from its lowered position to its raised position as may be required or desired a rider riding bicycle541. As lever703is moved along its lever stroke path from its open position toward its closed position as shown inFIG. 39, at an intermediate position of lever703between its open position and its closed position spring716becomes fully overcome and compressed between head part710A of bolt and intermediate wall714of bolt housing711and the length of cable740running from tail part710B of bolt710and through cable guide751of guide block702and from guide block702to cable bracket assembly760and from cable bracket assembly760to lever703is pulled tight or otherwise rigidified between bolt710and lever703rigidly coupling lever703to forward support assembly501at bolt710, whereby continued movement of lever703toward and into its closed position as shown inFIG. 39acts on and picks up or otherwise pulls forward stabilizing assembly501, namely, fixture210and its attached components, upwardly in the direction indicated by arrowed line771inFIG. 39pivoting forward stabilizing assembly501at its pivotal attachment to block552from the lowered position of forward stabilizing assembly501to the raised position of forward stabilizing assembly501as shown inFIG. 39.

To move forward stabilizing assembly back to its lowered position and to relock lock assembly504between forward stabilizing assembly501and connector assembly503to secure forward stabilizing assembly501back into its lowered position to secure forward stabilizing assembly501for vehicle stabilization, the foregoing operation for unlocking forward stabilizing assembly501from its lowered position and raising forward stabilizing assembly501from its lowered position to its raised position need only be reversed. Specifically, lever703need only be released or otherwise moved along its lever stroke path from its closed position as shown inFIG. 39to its open position as shown inFIGS. 29,30,34,36, and37, causing the length of length of cable740running from tail part710B of bolt710and through cable guide751of guide block702and from guide block702to cable bracket assembly760to lengthen resulting in the pivoting of forward stabilizing assembly501at the pivotal connection of forward stabilizing assembly501to block552from its raised position to its lowered position away from frame210of bicycle541and toward and against the ground over which bicycle541is ridden registering head part710A of bolt710with respect to bolt-receiving opening602of lock plate602as shown inFIG. 33. The continued releasing of lever703along its stroke path from the closed position of lever703to the open position of lever703in the lowered position of forward stabilizing assembly501releases spring716causing spring716to act between head part710A of bolt710and intermediate wall714of bolt housing711displacing bolt710in the direction indicated by arrowed line772moving bolt710from its retracted/unlocking position as shown inFIG. 33to its extended/locking position as shown inFIG. 32causing forward stabilizing assembly501to be once again locked into is lowered vehicle-stabilizing position, in accordance with the principle of the invention. Cable740reciprocates back and forth in response to movement of lever703along its lever stroke path between its open and closed positions. To reduce cable friction along guide block702that could damage cable740, a protective sheath780set into cable guide751is applied around cable740as best seen inFIGS. 31-33.

The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.