Patent Publication Number: US-2010109281-A1

Title: Bicycle handle and system and method for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a bicycle handle and a system and a method for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle handle that reversibly attaches to a seat post of the bicycle. A height of the bicycle handle may be adjustable so that the height of the bicycle handle corresponds to a height of the additional rider. The bicycle handle may have a “T” shape wherein a base of the “T” connects to the seat post of the bicycle. The system and the method for transporting the additional rider may have pegs for feet of the additional rider that attach to the bicycle. 
     It is generally known to transport a rider on a standard bicycle, a tricycle, a motorcycle or other like vehicle. The standard bicycle has one seat. The seat is attached to a frame of the bicycle by a vertical seat post. Tandem bicycles that have two seats are also well known. However, the tandem bicycle may require more space for storage than available and may make riding difficult and/or impossible for a single rider. To transport an additional rider, pegs are attached to the rear axle of the standard bicycle. The pegs extend in a perpendicular direction from the plane of the bicycle tire. An additional rider stands on one or more of the pegs with each leg on one side of the rear tire and a foot on each peg. The pegs support the weight of the additional rider. Thus, the rider and the additional rider are transported by the bicycle. 
     The additional rider usually maintains his/her balance by holding onto the back and/or the shoulders of the rider. Maintaining balance may be difficult for the additional rider, especially during movement of the back and/or the shoulders of the rider, if the bicycle turns and/or if the bicycle traverses irregularities in the road. Further, the additional rider holding the back and/or the shoulders may limit the movement of the rider and may make pedaling and/or steering of the bicycle difficult for the rider. If the rider drives the bicycle for an extended period while being grasped by the additional rider, then the rider may become tired. A tired rider may not adequately control the bicycle. 
     Further, the pegs are typically a round rod-like shape. The round rod-like shape of the pegs makes maintaining balance difficult for the additional rider. Still further, the pegs extend from the bicycle and may contact objects passed by the bicycle which may push the bicycle over and/or alter the course of the bicycle. 
     A need, therefore, exists for a bicycle handle and a system and a method for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle. A further need exists for a bicycle handle that is reversibly attachable to the seat post of the bicycle. Still further, a need exists for a bicycle handle that has an adjustable height. The bicycle handle may have a “T” shape wherein a base of the “T” connects to the seat post of the bicycle. Moreover, a need exists for a system and a method for transporting an additional rider that have pegs for feet of the additional rider that attach to the bicycle. A need exists for pegs that have an upper surface that is flat and that may fold if not in use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a bicycle handle and a system and a method for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle handle that reversibly attaches to a seat post of the bicycle. A height of the bicycle handle may be adjustable so that the height of the bicycle handle corresponds to a height of the additional rider. The bicycle handle may have a “T” shape wherein a base of the “T” connects to the seat post of the bicycle. The bicycle handle may have portions for comfortable gripping by the additional rider. The system and method for transporting the additional rider may have pegs for feet of the additional rider that attach to the rear axle of the bicycle. The pegs may have an upper surface that is flat. The pegs may fold if not in use. The upper surface of the pegs may extend in a forward direction and/or a rearward direction to allow an entirety of the surface of the foot of the additional rider to rest on the upper surface of the pegs. 
     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention a bicycle handle for attachment to a bicycle is provided. The bicycle has a front end, a back end, a first handle, a front wheel located at the front end, a back wheel located at the back end, a seat and a seat post wherein the first handle is adjacent to the front wheel wherein the seat is connected to the back wheel by the seat post and further wherein the bicycle handle attaches to the seat post in a position adjacent to the back wheel and the back end. The bicycle handle has a post having a first end and a second end wherein the first end and the second end define a length of the post. Further, the bicycle handle has a first handlebar that extends from the first end of the post wherein the first handlebar is substantially perpendicular to the post. Still further, the bicycle handle has a second handlebar that extends from the first end of the post wherein the second handlebar is substantially perpendicular to the post. Moreover, the bicycle handle has connecting means attached to the second end of the post. 
     In an embodiment, the bicycle handle has a first rod and a second rod wherein the first rod and the second rod form the post and further wherein movement of the first rod relative to the second rod adjusts the length of the post. 
     In an embodiment, the bicycle handle has a latch that extends from the connecting means wherein the latch moves between a first position and a second position. 
     In an embodiment, the bicycle handle has handle portions on the first handlebar and the second handlebar wherein the first handlebar and the second handlebar are manufactured from a first material, the handle portions are manufactured from a second material and the second material is softer than the first material. 
     In an embodiment, the bicycle handle has a fastener attached to the connecting means wherein the connecting means has an open configuration and a closed configuration and adjustment of the fastener moves the connecting means between the open configuration and the closed configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the bicycle handle has a latch on the post wherein the latch moves between a first position and a second position wherein moving the latch from the first position to the second position adjusts the length of the post. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle is provided. The bicycle has a first handlebar, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a seat and a seat post wherein the first handlebar is adjacent to the front wheel and the seat is connected to the rear wheel by the seat post and further wherein the system attaches to the seat post in a position adjacent to the back wheel. The system has a post having a first rod and a second rod wherein the first rod has a first end and a second end and the second rod has a first end and a second end and further wherein the second end of the second rod is connected to the first end of the first rod and further wherein a length of the post is defined by a distance between the first end of the second rod and the second end of the first rod. Further, the system has a third rod that extends from the first end of the second rod; and a fourth rod that extends from the first end of the second rod. Still further, the system has connecting means attached to the second end of the second rod. 
     In an embodiment, the system has a spring connected to the first rod and the second rod. 
     In an embodiment, the system has an opening at the first end of the first rod wherein the second end of the second rod is located within the opening. 
     In an embodiment, the system has a latch on the post wherein the latch moves between a first position and a second position wherein moving the latch from the first position to the second position adjusts the length of the post. 
     In an embodiment, the system has a button on the post wherein pressing the button allows movement of the first rod relative to the second rod. 
     In an embodiment, the system has pegs adjacent to the connecting means wherein each of the pegs has a flat surface. 
     In an embodiment, the system has pegs adjacent to the connecting means wherein each of the pegs rotates from a horizontal position to a downward position. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle is provided. The bicycle has a first handle, a seat post, a front wheel and a rear wheel wherein the first handle is adjacent to the front wheel. The method has the steps of: connecting a second handle to the seat post wherein the second handle has a post having a first end and a second end and further wherein the first end and the second end define a length of the post wherein a first handlebar and a second handlebar are connected to the first end of the post and further wherein the second end of the post connects to the seat post of the bicycle wherein the second handle has a connector attached to the second end of the post wherein the connector attaches to the seat post of the bicycle and de-attaches from the seat post of the bicycle; and moving the bicycle wherein the bicycle is moved with the additional rider holding the second handle. 
     In an embodiment, the method has the step of adjusting the length of the post of the second handle. 
     In an embodiment, the method has the step of attaching pegs to the rear wheel of the bicycle wherein each of the pegs has a flat surface. 
     In an embodiment, the method has the step of attaching pegs to the rear wheel of the bicycle wherein the pegs rotate from a downward position to a substantially horizontal position. 
     In an embodiment, the method has the step of moving a latch on the post of the second handle from a first position to a second position wherein the first position is located opposite to the second position. 
     In an embodiment, the method has the step of moving a latch on the connector from a first position to a second position wherein the first position is located opposite to the second position. 
     In an embodiment, the method has the step of removing the second handle from the bicycle wherein de-attaching the connector from the seat post removes the second handle from the bicycle and further wherein reconnecting the connector to the seat post of the bicycle re-attaches the second bicycle handle to the bicycle. 
     It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a bicycle handle and a system and a method for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a bicycle handle reversibly attachable to a seat post of the bicycle. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a bicycle handle having an adjustable height. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a bicycle handle having portions for comfortable gripping by an additional rider. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for transporting an additional rider that has pegs that attach to the bicycle. 
     Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for transporting an additional rider that has pegs having an upper surface that is flat. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for transporting an additional rider that has pegs that fold if not in use. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for transporting an additional rider that has pegs having an upper surface that extends forward and/or rearward to allow an entirety of the surface of the foot of the additional rider to rest on the upper surface of the pegs. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a bicycle handle and a system and a method for transporting an additional rider that allows the rider to be free from the grasp of the additional rider. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a bicycle handle and a system and a method for transporting an additional rider that allows the additional rider to maintain their balance while in a standing position on the bicycle. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective side view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a system attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective side view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a footpeg attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a front view of an additional bicycle handle in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a front view of an additional bicycle handle in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an additional bicycle handle in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a connector for an additional bicycle handle in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a connector for an additional bicycle handle in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective view of a connector for an additional bicycle handle in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a footpeg attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a footpeg attached to a bicycle. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a footpeg attached to a bicycle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention generally relates to a bicycle handle and a system and a method for transporting an additional rider on a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle handle that may reversibly attach to a seat post of the bicycle. A height of the bicycle handle may be adjustable so that the height of the bicycle handle corresponds to a height of the additional rider. The bicycle handle may have a “T” shape wherein a base of the “T” connects to the seat post of the bicycle. The bicycle handle may have portions for comfortable gripping by the additional rider. The system and the method for transporting the additional rider may have pegs for feet of the additional rider that may attach to the bicycle. The pegs may have an upper surface that is flat. The pegs may fold if not in use. The upper surface of the pegs may extend in a forward direction and/or a rearward direction to allow an entirety of the surface of the foot of the additional rider to rest on the upper surface of the pegs. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  illustrates a bicycle  1  in an embodiment of the present invention. The bicycle  1  may have a frame  2  having a seat  10 , a seat post  11 , a left seat stay  12 , a right seat stay  13 , a left chain stay  14  and a right chain stay  15 . The left chain stay  14  may be attached to the left seat stay  12  at a left connection point  16 , and/or the right chain stay  15  may be attached to the right seat stay  13  at a right connection point  17 . A rear wheel  18  may reside between the left seat stay  12  and the right seat stay  13  and/or between the left chain stay  14  and the right chain stay  15 . The rear wheel  18  may be connected to a rear axle  19  that may reside between the left connection point  16  and the right connection point  17 . A top tube  18  may be attached to the seat post  11 . The top tube  18  may be attached to a head tube  19  that may be substantially perpendicular to the top tube  18 . Forks  20  may project from the head tube  19  and/or may be connected to a front axle  21  and/or a front wheel  22 . Pedals  23  may be connected to the frame  2  by a bracket  24 . A bicycle handle  25  may be attached to the head tube  19 . A down tube  26  may extend from the head tube  19  and connect to the seat post  11  at the bracket  24  as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A rider may ride the bicycle  1  by sitting on the seat  10  and turning the pedals  23 . 
     A left footpeg  30  and/or a right footpeg  31  may attach to the left connection point  16  and/or the right connection point  17 , respectively, of the frame  2  of the bicycle  1 . The left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31  may connect to the rear axle  19 . An additional rider may place a left foot and/or a right foot on the left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31 , respectively, and thereby ride on the bicycle  1  in a standing position. 
     As generally illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31  may have upper surfaces  40 . The upper surfaces  40  may be substantially planar to maximize surface area upon which the additional rider may place the left foot and/or the right foot. The upper surfaces  40  may have grooves  41  that extend into the upper surfaces  40 . The grooves  41  may prevent the left foot and/or the right foot from slipping from the left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31 , respectively. The upper surfaces  40  may extend in a forward direction and/or a rearward direction relative to the bicycle  1  to maximize surface area upon which the additional rider may place the left foot and/or the right foot. In a preferred embodiment, the left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31  may be an oval shape so that a length  32  of the left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31  may be greater than a width  33  of the left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , an additional bicycle handle  40  may be secured to the frame  2  of the bicycle  1  so that an additional rider  11  may grasp the additional bicycle handle  30  while standing on the left footpeg  30  and/or the right footpeg  31 . Securing the additional bicycle handle  40  to the seat post  11  of the frame  2  of the bicycle  1  may anchor the additional bicycle handle  30  in a fixed position relative to the bicycle  1 . Preferably, disconnection of the additional bicycle handle  30  may not occur during operation of the bicycle  1 . The additional bicycle handle  40  may be connected to the seat post  11  by a connector  39  and/or may be disconnected from the seat post  11  by unfastening the connector  39 . 
     The additional bicycle handle  40  may be connected to the seat post  11  of the frame  2  of the bicycle  1  if the additional rider is riding the bicycle  1 . The additional bicycle handle  30  may be disconnected from the seat post  11  of the frame  2  of the bicycle  1  if the rider rides the bicycle without the additional rider. The additional bicycle handle  40  may be connected to the seat post  11  of the frame  2  of the bicycle  1  at any point between the seat  10  and the left seat stay  12  and the right seat stay  13 . 
     As generally shown in  FIG. 3A , the additional bicycle handle  40  may be a “T” shape. The additional bicycle handle  40  may have a left bar  41 , a right bar  42  and a linkage post  43 . The linkage post  43  may curve to allow the additional bicycle handle  40  to connect to the seat post  11  and extend above the seat  10 . The linkage post  43  may be attached to the connector  39  at a first end  44  of the linkage post  43 . The left bar  41 , the right bar  42  and/or the linkage post  43  may be integrally formed, welded together or connected by any means known to one having ordinary skill in the art. The left bar  41  and/or the right bar  42  may be connected to the linkage post  43  at a second end  45  of the linkage post  43 . 
     The left bar  40  and/or the right bar  41  may have handle portions  60 . The handle portions  60  may be manufactured from a material that is less rigid than a material from which the linkage post  43  and/or the frame  2  of the bicycle  2  are manufactured. The less rigid material of the handle portions  60  may allow the additional rider to comfortably grasp the additional bicycle handle  40 . In a preferred embodiment, the handle portions  60  may be manufactured from rubber, and/or the linkage post  43  may be manufactured from metal. The material of the handle portions  60  and/or the linkage post  43  should not be limited to a specific material. It should be understood that the material of the handle portions  60  and/or the linkage post  43  may be any material as known to one having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The linkage post  43  may have a first bar  50  and/or a second bar  51 . The first bar  50  may have a smaller radius than the second bar  51 . The second bar  51  may be hollow. The first bar  50  may insert into an opening  52  in the second bar  51 . The first bar  50  may be inserted further into the second bar  51  to decrease a height  53  of the linkage post  43 . The first bar  50  may be pulled from the opening  52  of the second bar  51  to increase the height  53  of the linkage post  43 . The opening  52  may have a seal  54  so that after the height of the linkage post  43  is adjusted, the seal  54  holds the first bar  50  in a fixed position relative to the second bar  51 . An increase and/or a decrease of the height  53  of the linkage post  43  may allow a position of the additional bicycle handle  30  to be adjusted to correspond to a height of the additional rider. Adjusting the position of the additional bicycle handle  40  to correspond to the height of the additional rider may allow the additional rider to comfortably grasp the additional bicycle handle  40 . 
     As generally shown in  FIG. 3B , a spring  55  may be connected to the first bar  50  and/or may be located inside the second bar  51 . The spring  55  may prevent movement of the first bar  50  relative to the second bar  51 . For example, the spring  55  may counteract a weight of the additional rider and/or may prevent the weight of the additional rider from pushing the first bar  50  further within the second bar  51 . 
     The second bar  51  may have a button  56 . The button  56  may maintain a position of the second bar  51  within the first bar  50 . Pushing the button  56  may allow the second bar  51  to move to a new position relative to the first bar  50 . Pushing the button  56  and/or movement of the second bar  51  relative to the first bar  50  may adjust the height  43  of the linkage post  43 . 
     The second bar  51  may have a latch  57 . A first position of the latch  57  may maintain a position of the second bar  51  within the first bar  50 . A second position of the latch  57  may allow movement of the second bar  51  relative to the first bar  50 . Positioning of the latch  57  and/or movement of the second bar  51  relative to the first bar  50  may adjust the height  43  of the linkage post  43 . 
     As generally shown in  FIG. 4 , the left bar  41  and the right bar  42  may be angled relative to each other so that the left bar  41  and the right bar  42  are not co-linear. The left bar  41  and the right bar  42  may be angled in a direction toward the additional rider to provide a comfortable grip for the additional rider. 
     As previously set forth, the additional bicycle handle  40  may be connected to the seat post  11  by a connector  39  and/or may be disconnected from the seat post  11  by unfastening the connector  39 . The connector  39  may be an “O” clamp  200  as generally shown in  FIG. 5 . The clamp  200  and the linkage post  43  may be integrally formed, welded together or connected by any means known to one having ordinary skill in the art. A bolt  201  may extend through the clamp  200 . The bolt  201  may be located on a side of the seat post  11  that may be opposite in position to the linkage post  43 . The seat post  43  may be positioned within the clamp  200 . A nut  202  may attach to the bolt  201  and may maintain a connection of the clamp  200  to the seat post  11 . The connection of the clamp  200  to the seat post  11  may connect the linkage post  43  to the seat post  11 . To connect the additional bicycle handle  40  to the seat post  11 , the clamp  200  may be placed around the seat post  11 , the bolt  201  may be inserted through the clamp  200  and/or the nut  202  may be tightened on the bolt  201 . To remove the additional bicycle handle  40  from the seat post  11 , the nut  202  may be loosened on the bolt  201 , the bolt  201  may be disconnected from the clamp  200  and/or the clamp  200  may be disconnected from the seat post  11 . 
     The connector  39  may be a latch clamp  300  as generally shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The latch clamp  300  and the linkage post  43  may be integrally formed, welded together or connected by any means known to one having ordinary skill in the art. A latch  301  may be connected to the latch clamp  300 . The latch  301  may be in an “open” position as generally illustrated in  FIG. 6A , or the latch  301  may be in a “closed” position as generally illustrated in  FIG. 6B . The seat post  43  may be positioned within the latch clamp  300 . Positioning the latch  301  in the “closed” position may connect the latch clamp  301  to the seat post  11 . Connection of the latch clamp  300  to the seat post  11  may connect the linkage post  43  to the seat post  11 . To connect the additional bicycle handle  40  to the seat post  11 , the latch clamp  300  may be placed around the seat post  11 , and/or the latch  301  may be closed. To remove the additional bicycle handle  40  from the seat post  11 , the latch  301  may be opened, and/or the latch clamp  300  may be disconnected from the seat post  11 . 
     The connector  39  should not be limited to a specific embodiment of the connector  39  previously described. It should be understood that the connector  39  may be any connecting means known to one having ordinary skill in the art. 
     As generally shown in  FIG. 7 , an adaptor  102  may be connected to the rear axle  19 . The footpeg  100  may have a projection  101  that may connect the footpeg  100  to the adaptor  102 . The adaptor  102  may be connected to the projection  101  by a bolt  103 . The bolt  103  may extend through the adaptor  102  and/or the projection  101 . A nut  104  may attach to the bolt  103  and may maintain a connection of the projection  101  to the adaptor  102 . The connection of the adaptor  102  to the rear axle  19  may connect the footpeg  100  to the rear axle  19 . The adaptor  102  may connect to the rear axle  19  via threading on the rear axle  19  and/or within the adaptor  102 . The connection of the footpeg  100  to the adaptor  102  and the connection of the footpeg  100  to the rear axle  19  should not be limited to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the connection of the footpeg  100  to the adaptor  102  and the connection of the footpeg  100  to the rear axle  19  may be by any means known to one having ordinary skill in the art. 
     As generally shown in  FIG. 8A , the footpeg  100  may be in a horizontal position. The horizontal position may orient the footpeg  100  substantially perpendicular to the rear wheel  18 . As generally shown in  FIG. 8B , the footpeg  100  may rotate away from the horizontal position. The footpeg  100  may rotate around the bolt  103  to a downward position substantially parallel to the rear wheel  18 . The footpeg  100  may rotate to the downward position substantially parallel to the rear wheel  18  if the footpeg  100  is not in use by the additional rider. Rotating the footpeg  100  to the downward position substantially parallel to the rear wheel  18  may prevent the footpeg  100  from extending from the bicycle  1  and/or contacting objects passed by the bicycle  1  during use of the bicycle  1 . The nut  104  may be tightened on the bolt  103  to maintain the downward position substantially parallel to the rear wheel  18 . 
     Conversely, if the additional rider may use the bicycle  1 , the footpeg  100  may rotate from the downward position to the horizontal position as generally shown in  FIG. 8A . The footpeg  100  may rotate to the horizontal position by rotation around the bolt  103 . The nut  104  may be loosened on the bolt  103  to allow rotation of the footpeg  100  from the downward position substantially parallel to the rear wheel  18 . If the footpeg  100  is rotated to the horizontal position, the nut  100  may be tightened on the bolt  103  to maintain the horizontal position of the footpeg  100 . 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.