Abstract:
A bicycle tire provides a first sidewall and a second sidewall each including an interior portion and an exterior portion. A rim attaching portion is connected to an inner circumference of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A tire tread portion is connected to an outer circumference of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A portion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall proximate to the inner circumference of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a varying thickness.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Non-Provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/159,279 filed on Mar. 11, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to tires. In particular, the present invention relates to bicycle tires that reduce the probability of flat tires. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Pinch flatting of tires, such as bicycle tires, occurs when an under-inflated tire makes forceful impact with sharp objects (e.g., rocks, ledges, etc.) causing the tire to quickly compress. During the compression, the inner-tube is pinched between the hard edge of the wheel rim and the object causing the impact, ultimately puncturing the inner-tube and creating a flat tire. 
         [0006]    Increasing rigidity of the tire sidewall by increasing thickness of the entire sidewall can reduce tire compression, but problems associated with this include greater overall tire weight and the tire becoming too stiff and losing ability to conform to the terrain/surface, which is necessary for better traction, and also increases cost of production and/or material. 
         [0007]    Liners can be applied to the inside of the tire to disperse force from the concentrated area, but have a disadvantage of large cost increase. Tubeless tire systems do not have inner-tubes to pinch, but converting a tube type of tire to a tubeless system requires the expense of new rims designed specifically for tubeless tires, and purchasing tires exclusively designed to work with tubeless rims. The rim lip can be shaped differently to disperse force from a concentrated area, but this has a major disadvantage of increasing cost for replacing an entire rim. 
         [0008]    Clincher tires may unintentionally “pop” off the rim, which is known as roll-off.  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6  illustrate tire and rim system  100  including a clincher tire with sidewall portion  105  and rim  130 . Tube  102  is shown in dashed lines for illustration for systems that include tubes (i.e., not tubeless). A clincher bicycle tire having sidewall portion  105  fits onto the rim  130  where the bead  120  of the tire engages (or hooks onto) the inside lip of the rim  130 , then the tire is inflated either by inflating the inner-tube  102  or directly into the tire in a tubeless system in order to pressure seal the engagement between tire sidewall and rim  130 . While the tire sidewall portion  105  is designed to deform in shape in certain circumstances either from leaning a bicycle during maneuvering or cornering, the tire sidewall portion  105  can become deformed to a point where the likelihood of the tire separating from the rim  130  is increased. The unintended separation of the bead from the rim (area  610  separating from area  130 , i.e., roll-off) is shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 8  and is highly undesirable because of the sudden loss of traction and control. 
         [0009]    Tubular clincher tires claim to eliminate tire roll-off when properly installed, but one problem is that tubular tires (having the tube sewn directly into the tire) are difficult to repair if punctured and likely require replacement of the complete tire. Also, manufacturing tubular tires is more labor intensive and thus more costly. 
         [0010]    Another problem that can arise with bicycle tires is when a tire spins independently from the rim, which is known as “slipping.” For bicycle braking systems designed to stop a wheel, above certain speed thresholds, applying brakes (which are designed to stop the rim/wheel) does not stop the momentum of the tire. Therefore, the tire continues to spin independently from the rim. When this “slip” occurs, it causes less control and safety for a rider. This “slipping” condition may occur in tube and tubeless tires as well. Because of the friction between the tire and inner-tube in a tube tire system, “slipping” ultimately causes movement of the inner-tube thereby ripping the inner-tube valve stem that is inserted through the rim, which causes a flat. 
         [0011]    Converting to a tubeless tire system, where tire slipping does not cause flats, has the drawbacks noted above in that converting tire systems from a tube to a tubeless system requires the expense of new rims designed specifically for tubeless tires, and purchasing tires exclusively designed to work with tubeless rims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0012]    In a first aspect the present invention provides a bicycle tire including a first sidewall and a second sidewall each including an interior portion and an exterior portion. A rim attaching portion is connected to an inner circumference of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A tire tread portion is connected to an outer circumference of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A portion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall proximate to the inner circumference of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a varying thickness. 
         [0013]    In a second aspect the present invention provides a bicycle tire and rim assembly including a rim and a tire. The tire comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall each including an interior portion and an exterior portion, a rim attaching portion coupled to an inner circumference of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and cushioning means adjacent the rim attaching portion for preventing pinching a tube against the rim during compression. 
         [0014]    In a third aspect the present invention provides a bicycle tire and rim assembly including a rim and a tire. The tire comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall each including an interior portion and an exterior portion, a rim attaching portion coupled to an inner circumference of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and means adjacent the rim attaching portion for preventing the tire from rolling off the rim during lateral twisting forces between the rim and tire. 
         [0015]    In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a bicycle tire and rim assembly including a rim and a tire. The tire comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall each including an interior portion and an exterior portion, a rim attaching portion coupled to an inner circumference of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and means adjacent the rim attaching portion for preventing pinching a tube against the rim during compression and means for preventing the tire from rolling off the rim during lateral twisting forces between the rim and tire. 
         [0016]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, as well as a preferred mode of use, reference should be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical clincher tire and rim system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates an improved tire coupled to a rim in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates an improved tire coupled to a rim in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates an improved tire coupled to a rim in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates an improved tire coupled to a rim in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates a typical tire rolling off a rim during compression of the tire; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates an improved tire remaining on a rim during compression of the tire according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates a typical bicycle with the tire rolling off the rim during twisting of the tire relative to the rim due to torque or other twisting forces between the tire and rim; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates a bicycle with the tire remaining on the rim during compression of the tire according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates an improved tire coupled to a rim in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11A  illustrates a bicycle including the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11B  illustrates a front sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12A  illustrates a bicycle including the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12B  illustrates a front sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13A  illustrates a bicycle including the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13B  illustrates a front sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14A  illustrates a bicycle including the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14B  illustrates a front sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a bicycle including the embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 15B  illustrates a front sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. 
         [0039]    The description may disclose several preferred embodiments for tires, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. While the following description will be described in terms of bicycle tires for clarity and to place the invention in context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may have broad application to all types of tire systems, devices and applications. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  illustrates a system  200  including a tire including sidewall portion  110  attached to a rim  130  according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the tire is formed with an additional material  210  formed in the sidewall of the tire. Additional material  210  may comprise a separate material from the tire material bonded or integrated thereto, or may be additional material of the same type. In some embodiments of the invention, the additional material  210  is only added to the portion of the tire that is near the inner circumference portion of the exterior of the sidewall before the bead portion  120  (i.e., rim coupling portion). In one embodiment, the additional material  210  varies in thickness from its beginning to end in a “hump” or “hill” shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the amount of additional material  210  can be determined based on a volumetric equation determined by length, width, and height (i.e., thickness) dimensions throughout the additional material. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments of the invention the additional material  210  allows the tire to compress normally during use (e.g., with a bicycle, a motorized bicycle, carts, etc.), but beyond a particular threshold or range of compression, the additional material  210  performs as a “bumper” to control further compression of the tire. It should be noted that with additional weight, such as from a motor driven bicycle (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11A-B ), compression of the tire occurs easier than with lighter loads, for example a typical non-motorized bicycle with a rider having an average weight. As the tire compresses into the rim  130 , the additional material  210  on the tire adjacent to the edge of the rim  130  minimizes further compression, as well as alters the path of tire compression to prevent an inner-tube  102  from being pinched by the rim edges and the object causing the tire compression. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment of the invention the additional material  210  incorporated onto the exterior of the sidewall of the tire sets a limit that the tire is able to deform under riding conditions that cause additional twisting of the tire relative to the rim due to torque or other twisting forces between the tire and rim, and asymmetric tire compression, such as cornering with additional weight, striking a sharp object, running over a pot hole, etc. The additional material  210  acts as structural reinforcement on the sidewall of the tire close to the edge of the rim  130 , which allows tire deformity as intended and only becomes active when tire deformity reaches the threshold, in which case the reinforcement restricts further tire deformity to prevent roll-off. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments of the invention the additional material  210  is only incorporated at the inner circumference of the external tire sidewall before the bead portion and next to the rim  130  edge. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention reduce overall tire weight in comparison to adding additional thickness to the whole exterior tire sidewall or complete tire. The embodiments of the invention still allow for similar level of tire compression to the sidewall portion  110  as a typical tire tread, such as tire sidewall portion  105 , for better tire traction and are less expensive to produce as compared to reinforcing the entire sidewall of the tire. 
         [0044]    Table I provides ranges of length for distance A  230  and distance B  220  for the additional material  210  for different tire sizes. It should be noted that other embodiments of the invention may have different maximum and preferred ranges of length based on the application and desired compression threshold. It should also be noted that the thickness of the additional material  210  may be adjusted for different compression thresholds. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE I 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 A 
                 B 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Tire Size 
                 Maximum 
                 Preferred 
                 Maximum 
                 Preferred 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 20″ 
                 23.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
                 10.0 mm 
                 1.0-6.0 mm 
               
               
                 24″ 
                 24.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
                 13.0 mm 
                 1.0-6.0 mm 
               
               
                 26″ 
                 24.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
                 13.0 mm 
                 1.0-6.0 mm 
               
               
                 700C 
                 18.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
                 10.0 mm 
                 1.0-6.0 mm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0045]    Because the additional material  210  is incorporated into the tire sidewall, time, effort and money can be saved due to not having to purchase and install a liner to the inside of the tire. For consumers that do not already have a tubeless tire system, the embodiments of the invention provide pinch flat protection without having to replace their entire wheel. Additionally, the tire including the additional material  210  is compatible with conventional clincher rims and, therefore, does not require any additional expense of changing rims. 
         [0046]    Since tubular clincher tires are difficult to repair if punctured and require tubular specific repair kits, the embodiments of the invention allow for tire repair using conventional clincher tire repair techniques as the tire with additional material  210  is applicable to conventional clincher rims and does not require the added expense of purchasing and replacing the clincher type rim with a tubeless specific rim. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments of the invention the tire and additional material may be made out of various compounds of rubber, rubber compounds mixed with additional materials, such as Kevlar® chips, nylon chips, cotton-chips, various fibers, etc. It should be noted that conventional manufacturing techniques may be used to form, mold, extrude, etc. the tire including the additional material  210 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  illustrates a system  300  including a tire attached to a rim  130  according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the sidewall of the tire is formed with an additional material  310  formed in the interior sidewall of the tire. In some embodiments of the invention, the additional material  310  is only added to the portion of the sidewall of the tire that is near the inner circumference of the interior side of the sidewall before the bead portion  120 . In one embodiment, the additional material  310  varies in thickness from its beginning to end in a “hump” or “hill” shape, with an outer perimeter having a serpentine shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the amount of additional material  310  can be determined based on a volumetric equation determined by length, width, and height (i.e., thickness) dimensions throughout the additional material. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments of the invention the additional material  310  allow the tire to compress normally during use (e.g., with a bicycle, a motorized bicycle, carts, etc.), but beyond a particular threshold or range of compression and lateral force, the additional material  310  performs as a “bumper” to control further compression of the tire. It should be noted that with additional weight, such as from a motor driven bicycle, compression of the tire occurs easier than with lighter loads, for example a typical non-motorized bicycle with a rider having an average weight. As the tread portion of the tire compresses (and changes shape due to lateral force) into the rim  130 , the additional material  310  on the tire adjacent to the edge of the rim  130  on the interior of the sidewall before the bead portion  120  minimizes further compression, as well as alters the path of tire compression to prevent an inner-tube  102  from being pinched (“pinching”) by the rim edges and the object causing the tire compression. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment of the invention the additional material  310  incorporated onto the internal sidewall of the tire sets a limit that the tire is able to deform under riding conditions that cause additional compression and lateral force, such as cornering with additional weight, striking a sharp object, running over a pot hole, etc. The additional material  310  acts as structural reinforcement on the sidewall of the tire close to the edge of the rim  130 , which allows tire deformity as intended and only becomes active when tire deformity reaches the threshold, in which case the reinforcement restricts further tire deformity to prevent pinching. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments of the invention the additional material  310  is only incorporated at the inner circumference of the side wall portion of the internal tire sidewall before the bead portion  120  and next to the rim  130  edge. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention reduce overall tire weight in comparison to adding additional thickness to the whole outer tire sidewall or complete tire. The embodiments of the invention still allow for similar level of tire compression as a typical tire tread portion, such as tire sidewall portion  105 , for better tire traction and are less expensive to produce as compared to reinforcing the entire sidewall of the tire. 
         [0052]    Table II provides ranges of length for distance C  330  and distance D  320  for the additional material  310  for different tire sizes. It should be noted that other embodiments of the invention may have different maximum and preferred ranges of length based on the application and desired compression threshold. It should also be noted that the thickness of the additional material  310  may be adjusted for different compression thresholds. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE II 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 D 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Tire Size 
                 Maximum 
                 Preferred 
                 Maximum 
                 Preferred 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 20″ 
                 25.0 mm 
                 1.0-12.0 mm 
                 14.0 mm 
                 1.0-8.0 mm 
               
               
                 24″ 
                 26.0 mm 
                 1.0-12.0 mm 
                 17.0 mm 
                 1.0-8.0 mm 
               
               
                 26″ 
                 26.0 mm 
                 1.0-12.0 mm 
                 17.0 mm 
                 1.0-8.0 mm 
               
               
                 700C 
                 20.0 mm 
                 1.0-12.0 mm 
                 14.0 mm 
                 1.0-8.0 mm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0053]    Because the additional material  310  is incorporated into the tire, time, effort and money can be saved due to not having to purchase and install a liner to the inside of the tire. For consumers that do not already have a tubeless tire system, the embodiments of the invention provide pinch flat protection without having to replace their entire wheel. Additionally, the tire including the additional material  310  is compatible with conventional clincher rims and, therefore, does not require any additional expense of changing rims. 
         [0054]    Since tubular clincher tires are difficult to repair if punctured and require tubular specific repair kits, the embodiments of the invention allow for tire repair using conventional clincher tire repair techniques as the tire with additional material  310  is applicable to conventional clincher rims and does not require the added expense of purchasing and replacing the clincher type rim with a tubeless specific rim. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments of the invention the tire and additional material  310  may be made out of various compounds of rubber, rubber compounds mixed with additional materials, such as Kevlar® chips, nylon chips, cotton-chips, various fibers, etc. It should be noted that conventional manufacturing techniques may be used to form, mold, extrude, etc. the tire including the additional material  310 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  illustrates system  400  including a tire with a sidewall portion  110 , additional material  210  and additional material  310  according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the additional material  210  and the additional material  310  both operate together to set a limit that the tire is able to deform under riding conditions that cause additional compression and lateral force, such as cornering with additional weight, striking a sharp object, running over a pot hole, etc. The additional material  210  and additional material  310  act in tandem as structural reinforcement on the sidewall of the tire close to the edge of the rim  130 , which allows tire deformity as intended and only becomes active when tire deformity reaches the threshold, in which case the reinforcement restricts further tire deformity to prevent roll-off via additional material  210  and pinching via additional material  210  and/or  310 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 5  illustrates a system  500  including a tire with sidewall portion  110  attached to a rim  130  according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the tire is formed with an additional material  510  in the tire. In some embodiments of the invention, the additional material  510  is only added to the portion of the tire at the end of bead  520 . The additional material  510  extending from the bead of the tire when mounted onto the rim  130 , rests against the inner sidewall of the rim  130 , directly below the engagement of the rim and bead of the tire. When the tire is inflated, the air pressure pushes the extended material into the sidewall of the rim  130 , which increases surface contact and friction force between the tire and the rim  130  and minimizes tire slipping. The air pressure may be supplied by a tire with a tube or a tubeless tire as well. In one embodiment, the additional material  510  has a portion that has a continuous shape and another portion that varies in shape, so that the additional material  510  may have a “duck bill” shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the amount of additional material  510  can be determined based on a volumetric equation determined by length, width, and height (i.e., thickness) dimensions throughout the additional material. 
         [0058]    In one embodiment of the invention, the additional material  510  is only incorporated at the end of bead portion  520  and next to the inner sidewall of the rim  130 . Therefore, the embodiments of the invention reduce overall tire weight in comparison to adding additional thickness to the whole outer tire sidewall or complete tire. 
         [0059]    Table III provides ranges of length for distance E  330  for the additional material  510  for different tire sizes. It should be noted that other embodiments of the invention may have different maximum and preferred ranges of length based on the application and desired slipping force threshold. It should also be noted that the thickness of the additional material  510  may be adjusted for different compression thresholds. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE III 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 E 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Tire Size 
                 Maximum 
                 Preferred 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 20″ 
                 20.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
               
               
                 24″ 
                 20.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
               
               
                 26″ 
                 20.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
               
               
                 700C 
                 20.0 mm 
                 1.0-10.0 mm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0060]    Because the additional material  510  is incorporated into the tire, the tire including the additional material  510  is compatible with conventional clincher rims and, therefore, does not require any additional expense of changing rims. 
         [0061]    Since tubular clincher tires are difficult to repair if punctured and require tubular specific repair kits, the embodiments of the invention allow for tire repair using conventional clincher tire repair techniques as the tire with additional material  510  is applicable to conventional clincher rims and does not require the added expense of purchasing and replacing the clincher type rim with a tubeless specific rim. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments of the invention the tire and additional material  510  may be made out of various compounds of rubber, rubber compounds mixed with additional materials, such as Kevlar® chips, nylon chips, cotton-chips, various fibers, etc. It should be noted that conventional manufacturing techniques may be used to form, mold, extrude, etc. the tire including the additional material  510 . 
         [0063]    Some embodiments may incorporate any combination of embodiments from  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5 . That is, additional material  210 , additional material  310 , and additional material  510  can be included in embodiments of the invention in any combination. 
         [0064]      FIG. 6  illustrates a conventional tire having a sidewall  105  attached to a rim  130 . As illustrated, the tire tread portion  609  is being compressed (e.g., from additional weight of a motor, rider, etc.) and undergoing lateral force from friction as the tire is angled (as in a turn) against a ground surface. In this situation, the tire has its bead  610  separating from the rim  130  (i.e., rolling off) as the tire only has a standard homogeneous sidewall  630  that is deforming from the compression force. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7  illustrates tire attached to a rim  130  according to the embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, the tire tread portion  709  is being compressed (e.g., from additional weight of a motor, rider, etc.) and undergoing lateral force from friction as the tire is angled (as in a turn) against a ground surface. In this situation, the tire has its bead  120  remaining in contact with the rim  130  as the tire has a sidewall  110  and  720  that has additional support from additional material  210  that prevents deforming of the tire from the compression force. 
         [0066]      FIG. 8  illustrates a typical tire attached to a rim where the tire wall is separating from the rim due to compression and lateral force (i.e., roll-off) as in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  illustrates a tire according to an embodiment of the invention going through the same compression as with the tire in  FIG. 8 . Due to the incorporation of the additional material (e.g., additional material  210 , additional material  310 , additional material  510 , or any combination), the tire remains on the rim during the same compression and lateral force that would cause the tire to separate from the rim as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment  1000  including a combination of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5  that prevents roll-off, pinching as well as slipping, as previously described. 
         [0069]      FIG. 11A  illustrates an example bicycle  1100  including system  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 11B . As illustrated the bicycle  1100  includes a motor  1110  (e.g., an electric motor, a gas motor, a gas/electric motor, etc.) that adds additional weight to the bicycle. 
         [0070]      FIG. 12A  illustrates an example bicycle  1100  including system  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 12B . As illustrated the bicycle  1100  includes a motor  1110  (e.g., an electric motor, a gas motor, a gas/electric motor, etc.) that adds additional weight to the bicycle. 
         [0071]      FIG. 13A  illustrates an example bicycle  1100  including system  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 13B . As illustrated the bicycle  1100  includes a motor  1110  (e.g., an electric motor, a gas motor, a gas/electric motor, etc.) that adds additional weight to the bicycle. 
         [0072]      FIG. 14A  illustrates an example bicycle  1100  including system  500  illustrated in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 14B . As illustrated the bicycle  1100  includes a motor  1110  (e.g., an electric motor, a gas motor, a gas/electric motor, etc.) that adds additional weight to the bicycle. 
         [0073]      FIG. 15A  illustrates an example bicycle  1100  including system  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 15B . As illustrated the bicycle  1100  includes a motor  1110  (e.g., an electric motor, a gas motor, a gas/electric motor, etc.) that adds additional weight to the bicycle. 
         [0074]    In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description. 
         [0075]    Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
         [0076]    While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.