Abstract:
A U-shaped balance bar is provided which is pivotably secured to the rear axle of a bicycle, and includes a stop portion to prevent the bar or handle from falling to the ground during use. The purpose of the balance bar is to permit a rider, such as a child, to learn to use a bicycle while a second person, such as a parent or coach, can use the bar or handle to stabilize the bicycle when necessary. Since the bar or handle is pivotable, it easily adjusts to persons of different height and reach, so that they can hold the balance bar comfortably during use. The balance bar has an L-shaped portion stop portion, to prevent the bar or handle from falling onto the ground. This balance bar is of unitary construction, to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/127,613, filed Apr. 1, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices for assisting in training a person in the use of a two-wheel bicycle. More particularly, the invention relates to a pivotable member connected to a bicycle which enables a second person, for example a parent, to assist in maintaining balance of the bicycle while the rider, for example a child, learns to ride the bicycle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of training wheels on bicycles is well known. However, such training wheels still cannot prevent a child from tipping over a bicycle while attempting to ride it. Further, use of training wheels requires manual assembly, and subsequent removal of the training wheels is eventually required. Also, with training wheels on a bicycle, it is inconvenient to remove the training wheels when a second child, who is already an experienced bicycle rider, wishes to use the bicycle. Other types of training aids used in teaching use of a bicycle are known, and are described hereunder. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,750 to Sklar discloses a bicycle stabilizing flexpole trainer. The trainer includes a removable member which is tubular and elongated, and has a padded gripping portion at an end distal from the bicycle. It is attached fixedly, so that it cannot pivot or move, to a rear frame member of the bicycle. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,675 to Fleisher, a bicycle training device is shown for attachment to the frame of a bicycle. The bicycle training device is connected to the rear axle of a bicycle, and is formed as a U-shaped tubular member. The tubular member is bent at an angle, and is fixed to the frame against pivot motion. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,130 to Rubin, a bicycle balance trainer is shown. The bicycle balance trainer includes a bent U-shaped member which is attached near the rear axle of a bicycle. The bent portion is resiliently connected to the straight portions of the U-shaped member, and is extensible so that the straight portions are of variable length according to the preferences of the user. The bent U-shaped member is fixedly connected so that it does not rotate or pivot with respect to the frame of the bicycle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,398 to de Miranda Pinto is directed to a bicycle training handle. The training handle is formed as a forked bar connected to the rear axle of a bicycle, and is pivotally mounted. It includes a bent U-shaped portion which is cushioned. A mechanical linkage is connected to the seat portion of the bicycle and to the forked bar, as shown in FIG. 3 of this patent, to limit a range of pivoting motion of the forked bar. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,222 to Harrison, a bicycle guiding device is shown. The bicycle guiding device is a generally U-shaped member which is fixedly connected to a seat portion and to a rear axle of a bicycle, extending nearly vertically upwards. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,975 to Weisbrodt et al. is directed to a rear bicycle attachment handle. The handle includes a pair of straight members having a connecting member serving as a handle at one end, two ends connectable to the rear axle of a bicycle, a cross member connecting the pair of straight members at a location below the handle portion, and a bracing strut connected to the cross member for attaching the assembly to another portion of the bicycle to secure the assembly so that it is fixedly connected against pivoting motion. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,093 to Hayes, a device is shown which is attachable to a bicycle to allow stabilizing of a learning rider. The device includes a handle having a forked end portion which is fixedly connected to the rear axle of a bicycle, and a bracing member secured to a seat portion of the bicycle to prevent pivotal motion of the device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,944 to Kalmus discloses a bicycle riding training device. The device includes a handle which is releasably attached to a securing portion, and can be made adjustable in length. The securing portion is fixed to extend from the rear of a bicycle seat. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 2,672,351 to Kane, a handle is shown for pushing tricycles. The handle includes a straight tubular member secured to a frame portion located behind the seat, and includes a support member connected to secure the straight tubular member fixedly, preventing pivoting motion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,096 to Geller et al. discloses a guidance apparatus for bicycle training. The apparatus includes a handle portion secured to the bicycle frame behind the seat, and includes a hand brake arrangement secured to the end of the handle to permit the adult to exert a braking force by squeezing the hand brake at the handle portion. The handle portion is secured against pivotal motion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the present invention, a device is provided which meets the aforementioned requirements and needs in the prior art. Specifically, the device according to the present invention provides a unitary U-shaped balance bar which is pivotably secured to a bicycle, and includes a stop portion to prevent the bar or handle from falling to the ground during use. The purpose of the balance bar is to permit a rider, such as a child, to learn to use a bicycle while a second person, such as a parent or coach, can use the balance bar to stabilize the bicycle when necessary. Since the balance bar is pivotable about the rear axle of a bicycle, it adjusts simply to persons of different height so that they can hold it comfortably. The balance bar has a stop portion, which can be an L-shaped portion, to prevent the balance bar from falling onto the ground. This invention provides adjustable height and angle of support along with safety stopping features in a single unitary unit. 
     The balance bar according to the present invention is used to aid and assist the parent or guardian of a child who is just starting to learn how to ride a bicycle without the aid of training wheels. The balance bar according to the present invention provides the parent or guardian with greater stability, control, and upright posture while not crowding the child near the seat or handlebars of the bicycle, as is typical where the parent holds the frame, seat, or handlebars of the bicycle to attempt to provide stability. In this manner, the balance bar provides the child or rider with great viewing capability and comfort along with greater confidence during the learning process. In addition, the parent or guardian is able to assist the child for a much longer period of time in a comfortable upright walking or jogging position. This is a significant improvement to the usual crouch/squatting position that is typical when the parent or guardian is holding onto the frame, seat, or handlebars of the bicycle. 
     The balance bar according to the present invention is formed preferably as a steel or metal member which is U-shaped, having a curved end serving as a handle portion and having two distal ends which are connected to the rear axle of the bicycle. The handle portion preferably includes a resilient cover, such as a foam or rubber cushion, to facilitate manual gripping. The two distal ends of the balance bar are preferably flattened, having axially aligned apertures therein to receive the rear axle of a bicycle, and thereby permit ready attachment to the rear axle of the bicycle. The U-shaped steel member is preferably formed from hollow tubing having an outer diameter, which has preferably been selected from a range of from one-half inch to one inch in diameter. 
     Nylon locking nuts and flat or resilient washers are preferably used to secure the U-shaped steel member according to the present invention. The stop portion can be formed as an L-shaped portion on one or both distal ends of the U-shaped steel member according to the present invention. This stop portion permits raising and lowering of the bar or handle according to the present invention within a predetermined range, and prevents the bar or handle from falling onto the ground. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top elevational view of a balance bar according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the balance bar of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic, side elevational view of the balance bar of FIGS. 1 and 2 mounted on a bicycle. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the rear axle shown in FIG.  4 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A U-shaped balance bar  20  is shown in FIG. 1 in top elevational view. The balance bar  20  is preferably formed of a unitary rod  1  having a first rod portion  13  forming a first arm  21 , a second rod portion  15  forming a bend  24 , a third rod portion  17  forming a second arm  23 , and a fourth rod portion  19  forming a first stop member  30 . The first and third rod portions  13 ,  17  are sized to extend from the rear axle  40  to a location extending beyond the radius of the rear tire  42 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the first rod portion  13 , second rod portion  15 , third rod portion  17  and fourth rod portion  19  are formed from a unitary rod  11  connecting the first arm  21  with the bend  24 , the bend with the second arm  23 , and at least one of the first arm  21  and second arm  23  with at least one stop member  30 . 
     Preferably, a resilient material  22  covers the bend  24 , which serves as a handle  25  when the U-shaped balance bar apparatus  20  is installed on the rear axle  40  of a bicycle  100 . 
     The first arm  21  has a first distal end  28 , and the second arm  23  has a second distal end  29 . Preferably, the first and second distal ends  28 ,  29  are flattened into a compact configuration in proximity to the first and second apertures  26 ,  27 . The first and second apertures  26 ,  27  are positioned in axial alignment with each other, and sized to receive the first and second ends  92 ,  94  of the rear axle  40  through the first and second apertures  26 ,  27 . This is accomplished by flexing the first and second arms  21 ,  23  at installation, and securing the first and second arms  21 ,  23  to the respective first and second ends  92 ,  94  of the rear axle  40 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the second distal end  29  terminates in a stop member  30 , which extends approximately at a right angles to the second arm  23 , facing towards the first arm  21 . Alternately, the stop member  30  may be positioned at the first distal end  28  of the first arm  21 , with the first stop member  30  facing the second arm  23 . First and second stop members  30 ,  32  may also be used to provide redundant stop members  30 ,  32  for added safety. The first and/or second stop member  30 / 32  engages the bicycle frame  14  at a location forward of the rear axle  40 . This keeps the U-shaped balance bar  20  positioned above horizontal to avoid snagging objects along the around as the rider advances on the bicycle  100 . The U-shaped balance bar apparatus  20  may be adjustably positioned between a substantially vertical position and a plurality of above horizontal positions to suit the size and reach of the person assisting the balance of the rider (not shown). 
     The first arm  21  has a first aperture  26 , and the second arm  23  has a second aperture  27  located in axial alignment near the distal ends  28 ,  29  of the first and second arms  21 ,  23 . The first aperture  26  and second aperture  27  are axially aligned for receiving the opposing ends  92 ,  94  of a rear axle  40  of a bicycle  100 , so that the balance bar  20  can be mounted to the rear axle  40  of the bicycle  100 . 
     The first arm  21  and second arm  23  are each preferably approximately thirty-two and one-half inches long, and the bend  24  is preferably curved about a radius of approximately 3 and one-half inches, so that the total length of the formed balance bar  20  is approximately 36 inches. The first and second arms  21  and  23  are preferably separated by a distance of approximately 7 inches. 
     While these sizes are representative of one preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the first arm  21  and second arm  23  are sized to extend from proximity of the rear axle  40  and are sized to extend beyond the radius of the rear tire  42 , with the bend portion  24  forming a handle  25  there-between. Thus, the U-shaped balance bar apparatus  20  disclosed herein is adaptable for use on either new or existing bicycles of varying sizes. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the balance bar of FIG.  1 . The stop member  30  is seen in end view in this drawing, as is the second arm  23  and the second aperture  27 . The resilient material  22  on the handle portion  25  is schematically shown in dashed outline in FIGS. 1 and 2, and can extend for a greater or lesser length than that shown in the drawings. Preferably, the resilient material  22  is made of foam or rubber material. Further, the resilient material  22  can be made to extend substantially over most of the length of the balance bar  20  if so desired. All such variations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, the first and second ends  28  and  29  are flattened, as shown, in proximity to the first and second axially aligned apertures  26  and  27 . The axially aligned apertures  26 ,  27  extend through the flattened portions of the first and second distal ends  28 ,  29 . The stop member  30  on second arm  23  is clearly shown extending at right angles towards the first arm  21  in this view in FIG.  3  and FIG.  5 . Note that a radius  34  may be provided between the flattened portion  31  of the first and/or second stop member  30 ,  32 , as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic, side elevational view of the balance bar  20  of FIGS. 1 and 2 mounted on a bicycle  100 . The bicycle  100  has a frame  14 , a seat  12 , and a rear tire  42  as shown in FIG.  4 . As can be seen in this view, the balance bar  20  is pivotably supported on a rear axle  40  of the bicycle  100 , so that it can pivot between an uppermost substantially vertical position A and a lowermost above horizontal position B. The rear sprocket  16  of the bicycle  100  may be mounted to the rear axle  40  either inside the frame  14 , as shown in FIG. 5, or outside the frame  14  as shown in FIG. 4, as both inner and outer configurations are known and practiced in the art. 
     The stop member  30  is positioned to engage a portion of the frame  14  at position B, so that it limits the lowermost position of the balance bar  20  to an above horizontal position. This prevents the balance bar  20  from falling onto the ground. If the balance bar  20  were to fall onto the ground while a child is riding, there is a possibility that the balance bar  20  might catch on something on the ground, causing the rider fall. The positions A and B in FIG. 4 are schematically shown, and will vary by the location and size of the frame  14  of the specific model of bicycle  100  and the position of the stop  30  in relation to the second aperture  27  on the balance bar  20 . 
     In a variation, the stop member  30  can be positioned so that it reduces or enlarges the permitted range of travel, limiting the distance between the positions A and B. These and other variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     The balance bar or handle  20  according to the present invention is used to aid and assist the parent or guardian of a child or ridger who is just starting to learn how to ride a bicycle  100  without the aid of training wheels (not shown). The U-shaped balance bar  20  according to the present invention provides the parent or guardian with greater stability, control, and upright posture while not crowding the child near the seat  12  or handlebars  18  of the bicycle  100 . In this manner, the balance bar  20  of the present invention provides the child or other user with greater viewing capability and comfort along with greater confidence during the process of learning to ride a bicycle  100 . 
     In addition, the parent or guardian is able to assist the rider for a much longer period of time in a comfortable upright walking or jogging position. This provides a significant improvement to the usual crouch/squatting position that is typical when the parent or guardian is holding onto the frame  14 , seat  12 , or handlebars  18  of the bicycle  100 . The adjustably positioned balance bar  20  is easily positioned to suit either tall or short users, without the need for tools to position the balance bar  20  at a preferred position when pushing or balancing a bicycle  100  to aid a beginning user in learning to ride a bicycle  100 . 
     The balance bar  20  according to the present invention is preferably formed as a unitary tubular member, having a round, square, rectangular, or multisided cross-sectional profile. The balance bar  20  is preferably made of a metal material selected from steel, stainless steel and aluminum. The balance bar  20  is of a generally U-shaped configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. A curved portion  24  extends beyond the rear tire  40  of the bicycle  100 , and extends between the first arm  21  and the second arm  23 , serving as a handle portion  25 . The handle portion  25  of the balance bar  20  preferably is covered with a resilient material  22 , for example a cushioned foam material, or rubber material or plastic material, to facilitate manual gripping. 
     The first and second distal ends  28  and  29  of the balance bar  20  are preferably flattened  31  to provide a more compact assembly on the rear axle  40  of the new or existing bicycle  100 . First and second axially aligned apertures  26  and  27  extend through the flattened portion  31  of the first and second arms  21 ,  23 . The axially aligned apertures  26 ,  27  are sized to be closely received about the opposing distal ends  92 ,  94  of the rear axle  40  of the bicycle  100 . The U-shaped balance bar  20  is preferably formed from hollow steel tubing having an outer diameter which is is selected to be approximately between one-half an inch to one inch in diameter, with three-fourths of an inch in diameter being preferred. 
     As shown in FIG. 5, threaded nuts  36 , such as nylon locking nuts, are preferably provided to secure the U-shaped balance bar  20  to the opposing distal ends  92 ,  94  of the hub  40  according to the present invention. This would preferably also include the use of washers  38 , such as flat washers, or resilient washers  38  which are preferably positioned between the balance bar  20  and the locking nuts  36 , to reduce the frictional force applied to the nylon locking nuts  36 , and to allow the balance bar  20  to be adjustably positioned during use without the need for tools. 
     The use of washers  38  eliminates any loosening effect on the U-shaped balance bar  20  as it is moved between substantially vertical position and a plurality of above-horizontal positions during use. The locking nuts  36  are tightened sufficiently to maintain the adjustable height and angle of the balance bar  20  between positions A and B shown in FIG. 4, while maintaining a frictional force to maintain the position of the balance bar  20  wherever the user moves it, without being unduly difficult to move. Washers  38  useful for this purpose may include nylon washers, plastic washers, rubber washers, brass washers, metal flat washers, or the like. 
     The locking nuts  36  and washers  38  are aligned and threaded onto the external threaded ends  92 ,  94  of the rear axle  40 . The opposing threaded ends  92 ,  94  are often called a skewer which is preferably sized to receive the frame  14  as well as the balance bar  20 , and the locking nuts  36  and washers  38 , as best shown in FIG.  5 . Other configurations of the locking nuts  36  and washers  38  may be adapted for use on various existing rear axle configurations, including cam-release levers (not shown), acorn nuts (not shown), etc. and such adaptations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. 
     The stop portion  30  can be formed as an L-shaped portion on one (or even both) of the first and second distal ends  29  and  30  of the U-shaped steel member  20  according to the present invention, as shown in FIG.  1 . This stop portion  30  permits manual raising, lowering and positioning of the bar or handle  20  within a predetermined range (A to B) shown in FIG. 4, and prevents the balance bar  20  from falling onto the ground during use. 
     The invention being thus described, it will be evident that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.