Patent Abstract:
A durable, full-sized, transformable bicycle that is capable of being comfortably ridden in outdoor or other rougher riding environments and that is capable of being transformed into a cart or the like capable of carrying heavy or awkward loads when transformed.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/930,057, filed Jan. 22, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to bicycles that are transformable into a cart, wheelbarrow, or the like. In particular, the disclosure relates to a transformable bicycle suitable for use in outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, or the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Transformable bicycles are known, however, they are typically transformable, or foldable, for convenience of transporting or storing, and, thus, are sized to be smaller, or less rugged than typical bicycles. Likewise, some transformable bicycles have customized or specialized frames or other components in order to be compactly folded or otherwise transformed. 
     The smaller components (e.g., wheels) or specialized frames are typically due to the compromise between compactness when folded and comfort when ridden as a bicycle. Typically, for most transformable bicycles it is more important that the bicycle fold down to a smaller size for ease of transport (e.g., storing in an automobile trunk or carried onto public transportation) than it is for optimal riding comfort or ease. Such transformable bicycles may be suitable for commuting, light shopping (e.g., smaller or a few packages), or the like. However, small-wheeled or custom framed transformable bicycles are not suitable for use in outdoor or other rougher riding environments. Furthermore, existing transformable bicycles are not suitable for carrying heavy or awkward loads when transformed. Other drawbacks and disadvantages of existing transformable bicycles also may exist. 
     Thus, there exists a need for a durable, full-sized, transformable bicycle that is capable of being comfortably ridden in outdoor or other rougher riding environments and that is capable of being transformed into a cart or the like capable of carrying heavy or awkward loads when transformed. Other needs are also met by the disclosed embodiments. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, disclosed embodiments include a transformable bicycle having a front wheel, a back wheel, a frame having at least one pivot point, at least one brake, a front rack located substantially over the front wheel, a back rack located substantially over the back wheel, and at least one cart handle extension connected to the frame. In some embodiments, pivoting the frame about the at least one pivot point enables the front wheel to be positioned substantially parallel and substantially coaxial with the back wheel. 
     In some embodiments, the least one of the front rack and the back rack further have a rack lock. In some embodiments, when the frame is pivoted about the at least one pivot point the rack lock connects the front rack to the back rack. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the front rack and the back rack further have at least one foldable portion. In further embodiments, the at least one cart handle extension is adjustable. In still further embodiments, the at least one cart handle extension is adjustable in at least one of a rotational aspect and a length. 
     In some embodiments, the transformable bicycle has at least one handlebar and the at least one brake is mounted on the at least one handlebar. In some embodiments, the at least one handlebar is selectively removable and mountable in the at least one cart handle extension. 
     Some disclosed embodiments include a bicycle, convertible into a cart, having a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame having at least one pivot point, further having a socket, wherein the at least one pivot point pivots at least a portion of the frame and positions the front wheel next to and substantially parallel and substantially coaxial with the rear wheel, a right handlebar, a left handlebar, a rack for carrying cargo, at least one brake mounted on either the right or left handlebar, a cart handle extension comprising a socket, and wherein at least one of the right handlebar and the left handlebar are removable and mountable in either the at least one pivot point socket or the cart handle extension socket to form at least one cart handle. 
     In some embodiments, when the frame is pivoted and the front wheel is positioned next to the rear wheel, the rack is positioned substantially over both the front wheel and the rear wheel, and the at least one cart handle is positioned behind the rack. In some embodiments, the at least one brake mounted on at least one of the left handlebar or the right handlebar is movable along with at least one of the left handlebar or the right handlebar when mounted as at least one cart handle. 
     In some embodiments, the rack further comprises at least one foldable portion. In further embodiments, at least one of the cart handles is an adjustable handle. In still further embodiments, the adjustable handle is adjustable in length. Other features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments also exist. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of embodiments of the disclosed transformable bicycle in bicycle configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the transformable bicycle in cart configuration in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a foldable rack in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the transformable bicycle in cart configuration loaded with cargo. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the transformable bicycle in bicycle configuration with the front rack unfolded to carry cargo. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of embodiments of the disclosed transformable bicycle  10  in bicycle configuration. As shown, embodiments of transformable bicycle  10  may comprise the typical components for a full-sized bicycle suitable for riding outdoors over rough terrain (i.e., a so-called “mountain bike,” or the like). As shown, the transformable bicycle  10  may comprise wheels  12 , a frame  14 , handlebars (left  16 , right  17 ), pedals  18 , a chain  20 , one or more gears  22 , a seat  24 , and brakes  26 . As also shown, embodiments of the transformable bicycle  10  may also comprise a front rack  28 , mounted over the front wheel  12 , and a back rack  30 , mounted over the back, or rear, wheel  30 . Additional features of front rack  28  and back rack  30  are discussed below. 
     Embodiments of the transformable bicycle  10  also comprise a left cart handle extension  50  and a right cart handle  34 . In some embodiments, when in the bicycle configuration, the left handlebar  16  and right handle bar  17  are substantially perpendicular with the frame  14  as shown in  FIG. 1  to permit normal riding of the transformable bicycle  10 . Additional features enabling the transformation of handlebars ( 16 .  17 ) into cart handles ( 32 ,  34 ) are as discussed below. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view of the transformable bicycle  10  in cart configuration in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown, embodiments of transformable bicycle  10  may comprise a frame  14  with two pivot points ( 36 ,  38 ). First pivot point  36  may be located at or near the front of frame  14  (e.g., under handlebars  16 ,  17 ) and second pivot point  38  may be located at or near the rear of the frame  14  (e.g., under seat  24 ). Location of the pivot points ( 36 ,  38 ) in such a manner enables the front and rear wheels  12  to be positioned substantially parallel, and substantially coaxial, to one another as shown in  FIG. 2 . As also shown, embodiments of transformable bicycle  10  may also comprise a stand, such as kick stand  40 , that enables the transformable bicycle  10  to be stood upright in either bicycle or cart configuration. 
     For some embodiments first and second pivot points ( 36 ,  38 ) may be held in place by implementation of a suitable locking device. For example, a locking pin (not shown) may be selectively inserted through corresponding holes in frame  14  to selectively secure the pivot points ( 36 ,  38 ) in the desired position. In some embodiments it is preferable that the pivoting and locking can be accomplished without the use of any tools or other implements. Other locking devices are also possible. 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 2 , for some embodiments, when the frame  14  is pivoted from bicycle to cart configuration, handle bars ( 16 ,  17 ) may be removed from the head clamp  49  and inserted into appropriate receptors to form cart handles ( 32 ,  34 ). For example, left handlebar  16  may be inserted into left cart handle extension  50  to form left cart handle  32  and right handlebar  17  may be inserted into an appropriate socket on the second pivot point  38  to form right cart handle  34 . In some embodiments, left and right handlebars ( 16 ,  17 ) may be locked into place in the respective receptors through a pin-and-hole arrangement, threading, a compression fit lock, or the like. Preferably, the removal, rearrangement, and locking of the handlebars ( 16 , 17 ) into place as cart handles ( 32 ,  34 ) may be accomplished by hand without the need for other tools. Other embodiments may allow for the pivoting and locking of both left and right cart handles ( 32 ,  34 ) in order to allow for wider or narrower handle positions as desired. In some embodiments it is preferable that the pivoting and locking can be accomplished without the use of any tools or other implements. 
     As also illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  embodiments of transformable bicycle  10  may comprise foldable front ( 28 ) and back ( 30 ) racks. Some embodiments may comprise one or more foldable portions for each rack ( 28 ,  30 ). For example, front rack  28  may have a single foldable portion  282  and back rack  30  may have two foldable portions  302 ,  304 . Of course, other configurations for the foldable portions are also possible. As shown, front rack  28  and back rack  30  may comprise a suitable number of hinges  306  to enable the foldable portions (e.g.,  282 ,  302 ,  304 ) to fold out to a substantially flat position. As shown in  FIG. 3 , hinges  306  also enable the racks (e.g., back rack  30 ) to be folded into a smaller configuration that may be preferable in some circumstances (e.g., when riding in bicycle configuration). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , front rack  28  and back rack  30  substantially align when in cart configuration and, for some embodiments, may be locked into position by a suitable rack lock  42 . In some embodiments, rack lock  42  may comprise a pin and through-hole arrangement, however, other rack locks  42 , such as hooks, clasps, or the like, are also possible. In embodiments where front rack  28  and back rack  30  are extended and locked into position, they provide a relatively large and sturdy platform on which relatively heavy or awkward objects can be loaded and carried. 
     For example,  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the transformable bicycle  10  in cart configuration loaded with a cargo  44 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the cargo may comprise a full sized hay bale (e.g., approximately 16″×24″×48″). 
     Likewise, one or more of the racks ( 28 ,  30 ) may be unfolded while in bicycle configuration as well in order to facilitate the transport of larger cargo  44  while riding. For example,  FIG. 5  is a side view of the transformable bicycle  10  in bicycle configuration with front rack  28  unfolded to carry cargo  44  comprising a chain saw and back rack partially unfolded to carry cargo  44  comprising a tool box or fuel canister. In such a manner the transformable bicycle  10  may be ridden in bicycle mode out to a remote forest trail, or the like, while transporting the appropriate tools to cut trees and then converted to cart configuration to transport the cut logs back to a convenient location. Another potential application of the disclosed transformable bicycle is to ride the bicycle in bicycle configuration out to a relatively remote hunting spot. Then, after harvesting a game animal, put the transformable bicycle into cart configuration and use the locked racks ( 28 ,  30 ) to transport the cargo  44  (i.e., the animal carcass) to a convenient location. Of course, other applications are also possible. 
       FIG. 4  also illustrates other features of some embodiments of transformable bicycle  10 . As shown, for some embodiments, it may be desirable that brakes  26  and associated cables (cables and other brake components not shown for clarity) may be relocated along with the handlebars ( 16 ,  17 ) (e.g., for use when in bicycle configuration) to be usable with left cart handle  32  and right cart handle  34  to enable braking of the wheels  12  during cart configuration operations. Other movable brake  26  schemes are also possible. 
     In addition, for some embodiments left cart handle  32  and right cart handle  34  may be further adjustable for additional user comfort and ease by including grips  46  and a handle adjustment portion  48  that enables the handles  32 ,  34 , to be rotated, extended, or contracted according to user preference. For example, adjustment portion  48  may comprise a pin-and-hole arrangement to allow the positioning of the handles  32 ,  34 , or adjustment portion may comprise threaded portions, hand-adjustable compression fittings, or the like. 
     Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations are would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1