Patent Abstract:
A recumbent bicycle or recumbent tricycle with a removable rear fork that can be swapped with another rear style fork. The rear fork is clamped so that is cannot turn but can be easily swapped. The rear fork can be swapped according to riding conditions or for aesthetics. The rider may use one fork for stiff characteristics, another shock absorbing fork for off-road, or for any style or color at the discretion of the rider, thus allowing greater flexibility. Also, the bicycle includes removable tandem seat for a second rider with a removable pedal assembly for the second rider. In this way the same bicycle can be single or tandem capable. Another feature is a removable pannier rack assembly which adds more choices and capabilities for the rider. These various combinations are highly appealing to the cyclist community.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to recumbent bicycles and more particularly, to an improved rear wheel attachment method and improved pedal locating and adjustment method—both for recumbent bicycles or tricycles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The recumbent bicycle and recumbent tricycle art is relatively young. As such, many inventors are experimenting with various methods of achieving optimized results associated with the industry in general. 
     Recumbent bicycles and recumbent tricycles generally comprise a main frame coupled to a front wheel and a rear wheel or wheels with a seating area that places the rider in a supine position. In most prior art, the main frame includes a hollow center tube and a beam having a first end, and a second end coupled to the pedals of the recumbent. The first end of the beam commonly telescopes within the center tube to adjust the position of the pedals relative to the seating area to accommodate riders of different height. The beam is held in place within the center tube by a beam clamp. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,555 reveals a recumbent tricycle typical of the industry with an adjustable pedal locating method. The pedal bearing assembly is attached to a tubular support piece that slides inside a coaxial tubular member attached to the primary bicycle frame. The pedal assembly is adjusted by loosening clamping bolts and sliding the pedal assembly further in or out of the support member attached to the primary bicycle in a telescopic fashion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,278 and WO 100015965 A2 both reveal recumbent bicycles typical of the industry with a front and rear-suspension. As can be seen, the assembly of the rear suspension requires components and, or frame design specific to the configuration depicted. Also shown is a similar pedal assembly adjustment method consisting of a pedal bearing assembly attached to a tubular support piece that slides inside a coaxial tubular member which is attached to the primary bicycle frame. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,388 reveals a front-wheel powered recumbent bicycle which has a front wheel shock-absorber. Their invention is, in part, an approach to compensate for the variation of distance between the front wheel center and pedal sprocket center experienced as the front shock translates. The translational motion of the front shock increases or decreases the distance between the noted centers and causes reduced or increased chain tension in the process. 
     If the position of the pedals is adjusted relative to the frame of the vehicle, it is often accomplished with the telescopic motion described above. 
     Existing art, whether bicycle or tricycle, consist of generally similar rear wheel mounting methods. Typical mounting methods consist of permanently affixed primary frame appendages to which the wheel is attached with nut and bolt. 
     Existing art with rear-suspensions generally consist of a frame assembly having front and rear portions connected at one or more pivot points with a shock absorber taking the load of the rider—see prior art. 
     Front shock absorber translation is not typically a problem for chain tension considering the chain on a bicycle or tricycle is usually in the rear of the vehicle. In the prior art of front-wheel powered bicycles with front shock absorbers, the assembly of the front power train is allowed to flex such that chain tension is generally maintained. 
     Panniers are often used on recumbent bicycles and tricycles with various attachment methods. 
     The following is a list of a few disadvantages within the current art of recumbent bicycles and tricycles as it pertains to the invention described herein:
         1) Prior art of adjustable pedal locating methods require a long internal telescoping tube for adjustment, and a long external support tube and does not maximize the adjustment possible for the amount of material used.   2) Prior art of rear suspension designs are relatively complicated, heavy, and do not take full advantage of existing technology.   3) Prior art of rear wheel attachment methods do not use existing front wheel attachment technology (such as forks, bearings, head-tubes, seals etc). This requires many unique parts.   4) Prior art of rear wheel attachment methods do not allow for flexibility in the owners choice of what type of rear wheel attachment may be used.   5) Prior art of rear wheel attachment methods do not allow for use of rigid or shock-absorber type forks interchangeably limiting performance under various riding conditions.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       NOTE: For simplicity of illustration, bearings, O-rings, nuts, bolts, washers and minutiae of common cycling industry hardware are not depicted as they are known to those with skill in the art. When they are shown, it is purely for illustrative purposes and not intended to capture all embodiments of the invention disclosed. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a cyclist seated upon a recumbent bicycle having improved pedal locating and adjustment method, and improved real wheel attachment method. Both revealed in this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the bicycle of  FIG. 1  with enhanced detail of the improved pedal locating and adjustment method, position adjustment, holes and screw. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged side view of the pedal locating and adjustment method of  FIG. 2  showing clamping bolts and position adjustment screw. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective exploded view of the pedal locating and adjustment method of  FIG. 2  detached from support beam. Clamping bolts in exploded view, position adjustment bracket, and support beam leading to primary frame structure also in exploded view. 
         FIG. 5  is comprised of three views of various pedal position adjustment methods, including a depiction wherein the pedals are attached to the support beam and the support beam translates through a handlebar mounted tube. 
         FIG. 6  is comprised of two views of the real wheel attachment method herein revealed. One in perspective view, the other in profile and depicting angles of adjustment, fore and aft,  103  and  102  respectively. 
         FIG. 7  is merely illustrative, and is comprised of an exploded view of the recumbent bicycle of  FIG. 1  depicting two types of rear forks. 
         FIG. 8  is comprised of several perspective and profile views of the primary frame member of recumbent bicycle revealed in  FIG. 1  and is illustrative of various frame embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is comprised of two views, profile and perspective, of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  depicting Panniers removeably attached to the primary frame member. 
         FIG. 10  is comprised of two views of the detachable Pannier mounting method. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a rear-wheel powered recumbent bicycle utilizing the improved pedal adjustment method of  FIG. 2  with fairing attached. 
         FIG. 12  is a profile view of the recumbent bicycle of  FIG. 1  embodied with a chain tensioner mounted to the improved pedal adjustment method assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 13  is a view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable pedal location assembly support member with a centrally located pivot that allows vertical height adjustment of the adjustable pedal location assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  having an alternative ‘under frame’ handlebar embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a profile view of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  having an alternative ‘under frame’ handlebar embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a profile view of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  having an alternative ‘tandem rider’ embodiment for two riders at the same time with both riders facing forward. 
         FIG. 17  is a profile view of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  having an alternative ‘tandem rider’ embodiment for two riders at the same time with one rider facing forward and the other rider facing aft, or in the reverse direction. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an adjustable pedal assembly used for the tandem rider embodiments shown in  FIG. 16  that is removable by removing the fasteners. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable pedal assembly shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates how the revealed pedal location method, for the same amount of support material, advantageously increases the pedal adjustment distance. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a tricycle embodiment utilizing on all three wheels bicycle forks only used on front wheels in existing art. Each rigid fork may be interchanged for shock-absorbing designs providing advantage to the owner with increased options. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of bicycle forks. 
         FIG. 23  is a profile view of an alternative embodiment utilizing a support beam with a truss. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     The various embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described herein are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. Rather, the scope and breadth afforded this document should only be limited by the claims provided herein while applying either the plain meaning to each of the terms and phrases in the claims or the meaning clearly and unambiguously provided in this specification. 
     TERMINOLOGY 
     The terms and phrases as indicated in parenthesis (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. 
     The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “embodiments”, “variations”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) or variation(s) is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in one variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or variation. 
     The term “couple”, “coupled”, “connected”, “joined”, “welded”, “glued”, “attached” or “fixed” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. 
     The phrases “upright-style bicycle” and “upright-style bicycle frame” and similar phrases refer to bicycles and frames respectively wherein the rider typically sits upright on a small seat/saddle typically leaning forwardly bracing his/her arm/hands against a pair of handlebars. The “upright-style bicycle” is the most common and well known type of bicycle and accordingly the phrase as used herein does not deviate from that commonly held meaning. In contrast, a “recumbent bicycle” or “recumbent tricycle” is one in which the rider leans generally rearwardly in a supine position and the seat typically includes a back rest for support. 
     The term “road bike” refers to the style of bike that is most commonly used for riding on the road, street, or other paved, bitumen, or cement surfaces. This is opposed to the term “mountain bike” which refers to the style of bike that is most commonly used for riding where a “road bike” is not. 
     The term “group” refers to a group of components commonly sold as a set or kit and used to complete the assembly of a bike on a particular bicycle frame of the rider&#39;s choice. A group typically includes a rear derailleur, a front derailleur, a set of front and rear brakes, brake levers and shifters, hubs and sometimes, a seat post and/or pedals. 
     There are hundreds of tiny components associated with the cycling industry that are so common as to be redundant and therefore are excluded from the descriptions herein; Items such as wheel detail, tire detail, bearing detail, shifter detail, brake detail, sprocket detail, washers, nuts, bolts, bearings, O-rings, wheel hubs, spokes, cables and the like. Those individuals with ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure can, from the descriptions and diagrams provided herein easily and obviously understand and determine exactly what is required to manufacture, assemble, or buy items not shown. 
     An Embodiment of a Unique Recumbent Bicycle with Improved Rear Wheel Attachment Method: 
     An embodiment of a front wheel drive recumbent bicycle  1  is illustrated all or in part in  FIGS. 1-22 . Referring primarily to  FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the bicycle is generally characterized by a relatively short wheelbase that is comparable to a traditional upright-style bicycle. The bicycle having a front end and a rear end. The front where the riders&#39; feet  4  are depicted. The rear terminating behind and lower than the rider  60 . The front end also called ‘forward’ or ‘fore’, the rear end also call ‘rearward’ or ‘aft’. 
     Again referring all or in part in  FIG. 1 , starting at the rear of the bicycle and moving forward, the bicycle comprises a rear wheel support  48 , also referred to herein as a rear fork; a seat pan  47  and seat back  20  that are attached to the bicycle&#39;s main frame structure  45  with fixed or adjustable attachment at the seat pan mount  46  and seat back support  49 ; a front wheel support  44 , and an adjustable pedal location assembly  7  to accommodate riders of different sizes. The components of the bicycle including the wheel set comprised of front wheel  40  and rear wheel  42 , the drivetrain comprising front derailleur  5 , rear derailleur  10 , bottom bracket  6 , pedals  8 , cogs or freewheel  41  and chain  9 . The bicycle further comprising the handlebars  3  and the front brakes  43  and rear brakes  999  including brake/shift levers  2 . The drivetrain, handlebars and brake/shift levers are all typically interchangeable with those that are found in the bicycle industry such that specialized components are not required to outfit the recumbent bicycle of the present embodiment. The general position of a rider  60  when seated on the bicycle  1  is shown. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 22 , a front wheel support  44  is shown, and is also known in the cycling industry as a “front fork” or “forks” or “fork”. The forks have a steerer tube  112 . The steerer tube  112  is commonly used by inserting it through a “head tube”  66  having bearings  110 , and the handlebars  3  clamp to the steerer tube  112 . By fastening the forks and handlebars together, when the handlebars are turned, they turn the front wheel in the direction desired. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 1 , both the front wheel support  44  and the rear wheel support  48  are common “front fork” styles used in the bicycle industry. In this embodiment, a “front fork”, depicted as the rear wheel support  48 , is uniquely utilized to attach the real wheel  42  to the rear end of the frame  45  using the rear head tube  61 . The rear fork  48  is rigidly clamped to the frame  45  and is not permitted to turn. No bearings are utilized for the rear fork  48 . Using a front fork to support a rear wheel embodies in  FIG. 1  a unique recumbent bicycle with improved rear wheel attachment method. 
     An Embodiment of a Unique Pedal Locating and Adjustment Method for Front Wheel Drive Recumbent Bicycles: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment in perspective view of an adjustable pedal locating assembly  7  as previously described in  FIG. 1  is shown. The frame  45  supports the front wheel support  44 , also called a front fork, which supports the front wheel  40 . The steerer tube  112  (see  FIG. 22  for detail) of the front fork  44  slips through the front head tube  66 , and protrudes through and beyond the front head tube  66 . The adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  slips over the steerer tube of the front fork  44  and is clamped to the steerer tube  112  with the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member fasteners  65 . The handlebars  3  are similarly clamped to the steerer tube with handlebar fastener  64  as is common to the cycling industry. The front fork  44 , handlebars  3 , and adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  are thus rigidly connected together and allowed to pivot in the head tube in unison in the same way a common bicycle handlebar turns the front wheel using bearings not shown. Refer to  FIG. 7  for an exploded view with more detail. Slipping over the outside of the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70  is a bottom bracket support component  67 , to which the bottom bracket  6  is rigidly and permanently attached. The bottom bracket  6  is typical of components used in the cycling industry and houses bearings for the pedals, as are the front sprocket  63 , pedals  8  and pedal arms  69 . The chain  9  is also shown. A front derailleur support beam  71  extends from the bottom bracket  6  and is positioned such that a front derailleur may be attached to it in the common fashion that is used in the cycling industry by those with skill in the art. The front derailleur support beam  71  may also support lights or water bottles using mounting holes  72 . The Adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  could be used to support lights, water bottles or other such attachments with mounting flange  83 . The sprocket  63  shown in this embodiment is a ‘single speed’. Mounting of a front derailleur is obvious to those with skills in the art using the front derailleur support beam  71 . An alignment screw  73  and alignment holes  74  are provided to optionally locate the pedals further in the fore or aft position and provide correct orientation for pedaling. Bottom bracket support component fasteners  75  are used to adjustably clamp the bottom bracket support component  67  to the pedal location assembly support member  70 . The uniquely combined sliding bottom bracket support component  67  and adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  embody in  FIG. 2  a unique pedal locating and adjustment method for front wheel drive recumbent human powered vehicles. 
     Pedal Assembly and Chain Tensioner Embodiment: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 3 , a depiction of a pedal assembly is shown in side view  62 . The alignment screw  73  is shown in exploded view. On the bottom side of the pedal assembly is a tubular appendage  76  which is attached to the bottom bracket support component  67 . The tubular appendage  76  supports a chain tensioner assembly  78 . In this embodiment, the chain tensioner assembly  78  is comprised of an idler arm  80 , an idler wheel  79 , a spring  82 , a spring pivot on the support bracket  77 , a spring attachment on the idler arm  81  and a pivot point  84 . In this embodiment the chain tensioner is depicted as providing tension to the chain  9  on the side of the front sprocket  63  which experiences highest tension during the pedaling process. The embodiment depicted is only meant to convey the utility of a chain tensioner, the technology for which is common in the industry. As force increases or decreases in the chain  9 , the idler arm  80  is allowed to pivot about pivot point  84  with spring  82  keeping tension on the chain  9 . When a shock absorbing front shock is installed, the distance between the front wheel center and the front sprocket  63  centers will fluctuate either during a bump, or rebound. The purpose of the chain tensioner is to keep the chain  9  tight on the front sprocket  63  as the distance between the centers just described fluctuates. The embodiment depicted is only meant to convey the utility of a chain tensioner, the technology for which is common in the industry. A chain tensioner could also be mounted on the wheel near the rear derailleur. 
     Pedal Assembly Adjustment Embodiment: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 4 , a depiction of the pedal assembly  7  is shown. The pedal assembly  7  is comprised of the bottom bracket support component  67  of this embodiment, the bottom bracket  6 , and all previously described attachments including the bottom bracket support component fasteners  75 . The bottom bracket support component  67  and the bottom bracket  6  are permanently joined and in this embodiment are supported by gussets  86 . The pedal assembly  7  of this embodiment is longitudinally adjustable on the adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70 . Pedal assembly  7  adjustment is accomplished by loosening the bottom bracket support component fasteners  75  and alignment screw  73 , and sliding the entire assembly fore or aft relative to pedal location assembly support member  70 . The Adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  has alignment holes  74  at regular intervals axially located on the adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70 , which the pedal assembly alignment hole  85  aligns with, and the alignment screw  73  is inserted through both to provide vertical alignment. After the desired position is attained and the alignment screw  73  is inserted, the crank set support component fasteners  75  are re-tightened and this provides a clamping force upon the adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  to rigidly locate the pedal assembly  7  upon the adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70 . This is merely an embodiment of one fastening method. Other methods are common to those with skill in the art. 
     Alternative Pedal Beam Embodiment: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 23  an alternative embodiment of the adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  is shown having a support truss  156 . The adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  and support truss  156  are integral and joined together as one unit. Assembly of this unit would require that it be placed adjacent to the head tube  66  and the front fork  44  steerer tube is then inserted. Fasteners  155  and  157  fasten the adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  and support truss  156  to the steerer tube, and then the handlebar is attached as normal. 
     Pivotable Pedal Support Beam Embodiment: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 13 , an alternative configuration of the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member is shown in side view  145  and perspective view  141 . In this embodiment, the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  143  is permitted to pivot about a base  142  in a turret like fashion. The base  142  is allowed to pivot around a base mount member  144  which can be adjustably fastened to the front fork steerer tube with a clamping piece and fasteners  145 . The assembly  141  is attached to a front wheel drive recumbent vehicle. Alternatively, for a rear wheel drive recumbent, base mount  144  would be permanently attached to the frame and not able to pivot with the wheel. Yet in both variations the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  143  is permitted to pivot about a base  142  in a turret like fashion. When the desired location has been achieved, the fasteners  146  are tightened, preventing relative motion. 
     The purpose and effect of the pivotable support member is to raise or lower the position of the pedals relative to the rider seat pan height  148  as shown with arrow  147 . Pedal height adjustment of this kind is advantageous for individual riders to be able to local the height of the pedals in the location preferred for their unique physiology providing optimal comfort. 
     Chain Tensioner: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 12 , a depiction of another embodiment of a chain tensioner is shown in view  131 . In view  131  is shown the frame  45 , front forks  44  embodied as shock absorbing design, handlebars  3 , embodiment of an adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70 , adjustable pedal locating assembly  7  and a chain tensioner  78 . When a shock absorbing front shock  44  is installed, the distance between the front wheel center  136  and the sprocket center  133  will fluctuate either during a bump, or rebound of the shock. The purpose of the chain tensioner  78  is to keep the chain  9  tight on the sprocket  63  as the distance between the centers just described fluctuates. The embodiment depicted is only meant to convey the utility of a chain tensioner, the technology for which is common in the industry. A chain tensioner could also be mounted on the wheel near the rear derailleur on the opposite side of the wheel sprocket at location indicated by  135 . It may also be desirable to have a chain tensioner on the high tension side of the sprocket  63  as shown or the low tension side of the sprocket at the location indicated by leader arrow  134  or some permutation thereof. 
     An Embodiment of a Uniquely Combined Handlebar and Pedal Locating Method for a Front Wheel Drive Recumbent Bicycles: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 5 , several perspective views are shown. In view  87 , pedal assembly  88  is embodied with an alternative location method. View  87  shows pedal assembly  88 , consisting of a bottom bracket  6 , pedals  8 , and other common components known to those with skill in the art. The bottom bracket  6  is permanently attached to a support piece  89  and is retained and located using threaded embossments  90  permanently affixed to the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70  and regularly spaced. This embodiment would achieve similar results as the other embodiments described herein. In view  97 , pedal assembly  95  is embodied with an alternative locating method. View  97  shows pedal assembly  95  as being retained and located using an oblong rod  98  and pin  99  with the rod being rigidly affixed to the pedal assembly  95 , inserted through holes in the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70  and regularly spaced. This embodiment would achieve similar results as the other embodiments described herein. In view  92 , pedal assembly  96  is embodied with an alternative locating method. View  92  shows pedal assembly  96  as being retained on the end of the adjustable pedal location assembly support member  70  and sliding through a handlebar mounted adjustment and support tube  94 . The adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70  is retained with any number of fasteners  93 . The handlebar mounted adjustment and support tube  94  is rigidly attached to the handlebars  91  forming an integral member. The handlebar unit  91  is then clamped to the front fork  44  steerer tube as shown in other embodiments depicted herein.  40  is the front wheel. A chain  9  is also shown. This embodiment would achieve similar results as the other embodiments described herein but is different in that the adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70  slides through the handlebar piece. The uniquely combined adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70  and integral handlebar support tube  94  embody in  FIG. 5  a uniquely combined handlebar and pedal locating method for a front wheel drive recumbent bicycles. 
     Range of Pedal Adjustment Over Prior Art Details: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 20 , a depiction of the prior art is compared to that of the pedal adjustment revealed herein. Shown in view  149  is the prior art with a clamping area  150  and adjustment length  151 . Shown in view  152  is the revealed art with a clamping area  154  and adjustment length  153 . It is shown that for a comparable clamping length where  150  and  154  are equal to one another, an improved adjustment length is realized in the revealed art. It is evident that prior art adjustment length  151  is of a reduced length than that of the revealed art adjustment length  153  even though approximately the same amount of material is used for the support beam. This diagram illustrates one of the advantages of the revealed art over prior art. By using less material, weight is saved on the vehicle—which is greatly advantageous on human powered vehicles. 
     Rear Wheel Support Angle Adjustment Details: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 6 , a depiction of the rear wheel attachment method as previously described in  FIG. 1  is shown in view  100  in perspective. The rear wheel  42 , is attached to a rear wheel support  48  (also known as a fork). The rear wheel support  48  is a “front fork” commonly used in the bicycle industry for attaching a bicycle&#39;s front wheel, but in the revealed art it is used to attach the rear wheel instead. The rear wheel  42  is retained with a hub bolt  106  common to the industry. The rear wheel support  48  is inserted into and retained to the frame  45  with a rear head tube  61  that is permanently attached to the frame  45 . No bearings are used and the inner diameter of the rear head tube  61  is such that when clamped to the fork, clamping force rigidly retains the fork in the desired location. This clamping method is obvious to those with skill in the art and could be achieved in many other ways. In this embodiment, the rear head tube  61  is permanently affixed to frame  45  by using methods known to those with skill in the art (such as welding). In this embodiment, clamping force is accomplished with a top fastener  104  and bottom fastener  105  which provide clamping force upon the steerer tube of the rear wheel support  48  (also known as a fork). Utilizing a “front fork” to attach a rear wheel is unique and advantageous to the cycling industry for several reasons. One, the rear wheel support  48  can be exchanged by the owner to any brand or style they choose providing a high level of choice for the owner. A few examples are Aluminum forks, Steel forks, Carbon Fiber forks, or shock absorbing forks. Each fork style has performance characteristics that cyclists find beneficial under varying riding conditions (such as racing or touring, on or off road). Two, the rear wheel support  48  can be a “shock absorbing” fork. This is highly advantageous in that it significantly reduces the complexity over prior art in accomplishing a “full suspension” recumbent bicycle when used in conjunction with a shock absorbing fork on the front wheel. It also significantly reduces complexity over prior art when using a rear shock absorbing fork instead of complicated pivoting mechanism of prior art. Third, the frame geometry and ride height of the rider can be adjusted by adjusting the clamping location of the rear head tube  61  on the rear wheel support  48 . Adjusting the ride height up or down by adjusting the clamping position upon the steerer tube of the rear fork. This simple adjustment method is comparable to how seat posts are adjusted in prior art. The rear wheel support  48  is a ‘front fork’ commonly used in the industry to support the front wheel of a bicycle, but in the revealed art, a front fork is used instead to support the rear wheel. The utility of this embodiment is very advantageous because a rider may, when riding their bike on hard paved surfaces that are smooth, want to use rigid forks in both the front and rear positions because there are pedaling energy efficiencies gained. It is common knowledge to those in the cycling sport that shock absorbing suspensions consume energy when pedaling. This is minimized with rigid frame and wheel support construction. Alternatively, the rider may want to ride their bike on bumpy dirt roads, in which case, with the revealed art, the rider may, at their discretion, swap the rigid forks in both the front and the rear and use instead shock absorbing forks in both the front and rear, and thus transform their “rigid frame” human powered vehicle into a “fully-suspended” human powered vehicle at their leisure. Using the shock absorbing forks will drastically increasing the riders comfort when riding on bumpy roads or tracks and provides highly advantageous options for the rider when configuring their bicycle. Alternatively, the rider may choose to have a shock absorbing fork in the front and rigid in the rear or some combination thereof based upon their own belief of the “best” combination. Cyclists will find this ability highly advantageous. Touring cyclists who ride for extended durations upon their bikes, perhaps for months, over unanticipated and unpredictable terrain will find this ability especially desirable. Carrying a spare fork for alternating conditions and being able to swap it out with the other would be highly advantageous and desirable. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 6 , a depiction of the rear wheel attachment method as previously described in  FIG. 1  is shown in view  101  in profile. In this embodiment the rear wheel support  48  is perpendicular to the frame  45 . Depending upon the desired performance characteristics, the angle of the rear wheel support  48  may be adjusted by varying the attachment angle of the rear head tube  61  creating an angle that is not perpendicular to the main frame  45 , but is instead leaning in the direction of angle  102  or angle  103 . In this embodiment, the rear head tube  61  angles  102  and  103  are not intended to be manually adjusted, and the attachment is depicted as permanent as would be built by the frame manufacturer. One can easily envision that in other embodiments, the head tube  61  could be made to be adjustable rather than fixed to the frame  45 . This would be trivial to those with skill in the art and may be beneficial for certain types of cycling or frame loading situations or sports such as ‘touring’ or ‘racing’ either ‘on’ or ‘off’ road. 
     Exploded View of Rear Wheel Support Frame: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 7 , an exploded view  107  of the frame  45  is shown. Frame  45  has a front end  111  and a rear end  108 . A partial view of the seat pan  47  is shown with attachment embossments  46 . 
     The Adjustable pedal locating assembly support member  70  is shown. The handlebars  3  are shown. The front fork  44  is shown. The front fork steerer tube  112  is shown. Also shown is a rear fork  48  which does not have shock absorbers, and for reference a rear fork which has shock absorbers  109 . The rear forks can be used interchangeably, as can the front forks, which must be wider at the axle mounts to allow for the wider wheel hub having sprockets attached (not depicted). 
     Various Frame Embodiments: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 8 , several views of various frame embodiments are shown. The purpose of the views of  FIG. 8  are to convey the idea that the frame has been embodied as generally straight and tubular, but in fact could be many shapes or profiles. In view  113  is shown the embodiment of the frame  45  as primarily discussed in the bulk of this document. Frame  45  is essentially a straight tube having a front and rear with a front head tube  66  and a rear head tube  61 . A seat  114  is shown. In view  115  is shown the embodiment of a frame  116 . Frame  116  is a bent tube having a front and rear with a front head tube  66  and a rear head tube  61 . A seat  114  is shown. In view  117  is shown the embodiment of a frame  118 . Frame  116  has a tubular front end, and a tubular rear end, connected by a generally flat section of material. Frame  116  still has a front head tube  66  and a rear head tube  61  in the same locations. A seat  114  is shown. 
     Pannier Embodiments: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 9 , in view  119  and perspective view  998  a recumbent bicycle of  FIG. 1  is shown with panniers  120  attached. The panniers  120  are attached to frame  45  at the rear end of the bike, which in this embodiment has a rearward protrusion  121 , with an attachment screw  122 . Attachment screw  122  can be removed, thereby releasing the pannier support member  123  and the panniers  120 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 10 , in view  124  is shown the rear end of frame  45 , rearward protrusion  121 , and the pannier attachment  123 . The pannier attachment  123  is embodied as a tube which slides over the rearward protrusion  121 . In view  125  is shown a perspective of the rear end of frame  45  with the pannier attachment  123  detached. The pannier attachment screw  122  is shown detached also. The pannier attachment  123  is embodied as a tube which slides over the rearward protrusion  121  and retained with attachment screw  122 . The panniers  120 , attach to the pannier attachment  123 . 
     An Embodiment of a Unique Recumbent Bicycle Having an Improved Pedal Locating and Adjustment Method for Rear Wheel Drive Recumbent Bicycles; and, an Embodiment of a Unique Combination of Said Improved Pedal and Adjustment Method as Well as Improved Rear Wheel Attachment Method: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 11 , in view  126  is shown the bicycle generally embodied in  FIG. 1  except in this embodiment, the bicycle is embodied as a rear wheel powered bicycle having a fairing  127  with a front attachment  128  and a rear attachment  129 . Fairings are typically translucent or clear and provide for improved aerodynamic characteristics compared with the unfaired variation and may also provide protection from the wind and rain. In this embodiment, the concept is almost identical to the front wheel driven bicycle of  FIG. 1 . However, the frame  45  extends beyond the front head tube  66  and forms a protruding extension  130  to which the sliding bottom bracket support component  67  is attached in the same manner described in  FIG. 2 . The extension is part of the frame and does not pivot. This is necessary for the rear wheel drive configuration. The front wheel and handle bars turn in common fashion to that of existing art. The uniquely combined sliding bottom bracket support component  67  and protruding extension  130  embody in  FIG. 11  a unique recumbent bicycle having an improved pedal locating and adjustment method for rear wheel drive recumbent bicycles.  FIG. 11  also embodies a unique combination of said improved pedal and adjustment method as well as improved rear wheel attachment method. 
     Underframe Steering Embodiment: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 14 , a perspective view of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  with an alternative ‘under frame’ handlebar embodiment shown. In similar fashion to that previously described the front forks  44  support underframe handlebars  139  and the adjustable pedal locating assembly  7 . The front forks  44  are supported by and attached to the frame  45  in similar fashion as is common in the bicycle industry. In this embodiment, the underframe handlebars  139  are located adjacent to the front header tube  66 , but on the bottom side of the front header tube  138  instead of the top side of the front header tube  137 . It is an intuitively obvious progression of thought that the adjustable pedal locating assembly  7  and the underframe handlebars  139  could be swapped in their positions and attached to the front forks  44 . In an alternative embodiment not shown, the front forks  44  could have the handlebars advantageously welded or permanently attached to them, further simplifying the assembly and reducing weight. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 15 , a perspective view of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  with an alternative ‘under frame’ handlebar embodiment is shown. In similar fashion to that previously described the front forks  44  support underframe handlebars  139  and the adjustable pedal locating assembly  7 . The front forks  44  are supported by and attached to the frame  45  using the front header tube  66  in similar fashion as is common in the bicycle industry and described previously herein. The seat  47  is also shown. In this embodiment, the underframe handlebars  139  are located adjacent to the front header tube  66 , but on the bottom side of the front header tube  138  instead of the top side of the front header tube  137 . It is an intuitively obvious progression of thought that the adjustable pedal locating assembly  7  and the underframe handlebars  139  could be swapped in their positions and attached to the front forks  44 . In an alternative embodiment not shown, the front forks  44  could have the handlebars advantageously welded or permanently attached to the front forks  44  to further simplify the assembly and reduce weight. 
     Tandem Embodiments: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 16 , a profile view of an alternative embodiment of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  having an alternative ‘tandem rider’ embodiment for 2 riders at the same time with both riders facing forward. A front wheel  40  and a rear wheel  42  are shown. Attached to and extending from the frame  45  rearward protrusion  121  in similar fashion to that shown for the pannier attachment described in  FIG. 10 , is a tandem seat attachment  317 . The tandem seat attachment  317  is comprised of a tubular member to which is attached a rear seat  316  that is facing forward in the same direction of the front seat  47 . In front of the rear seat  316  is embodied a tandem adjustable pedal locating assembly  315 . The tandem adjustable pedal locating assembly  140  position is adjustable along the axis of the frame  45 . The rear seat  316  could also be permanently attached to frame  45  by extending frame  45  beyond that which is depicted to support the rear seat  316 . Advantageously, the front fork assembly including wheel, sprocket and all other drivetrain components—except perhaps the chain—could be duplicated entirely and used in the rear as well. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 17 , a profile view of an alternative embodiment of the recumbent bicycle in  FIG. 1  having an alternative ‘tandem rider’ embodiment for two riders at the same time with one rider facing forward and one rider facing aft in the opposite direction. A front wheel  40  and a rear wheel  42  are shown. Attached to and extending from the frame  45 , a rearward protrusion  121  is shown in similar fashion to that shown for the pannier attachment described in  FIG. 10 . An adjustable pedal locating assembly  7  which has been slid over and clamped to attachment member  319 . The pedal assembly  7  attachment member  319  is comprised of a tubular member supporting the pedal assembly  7 . Attachment member  319  is rigidly attached to frame  45 . The pedal assembly  7  position is adjustable along the axis of the attachment member  319 . A front seat  47  is facing forward, and a rear seat  318  is facing in the opposite direction. Two riders can ride this tandem recumbent bicycle and would face in the opposite direction to one another. The pedal assembly  7  attachment member  319  shown could also be permanently attached to frame  45  by extending the rearward protrusion  121  beyond that which is depicted and eliminating detachable member  319 . Advantageously, the front fork assembly including wheel, sprocket and all other drivetrain components—except perhaps the chain—could be duplicated entirely and used in the rear. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 18 , a perspective view is shown of an adjustable pedal assembly used for the tandem rider embodiments shown in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 . The frame  45  supports the pedal assembly bottom half  323  and pedal assembly top half  321 . The top half  321  and bottom half  323  are clamped together around the frame  45  and held in place frictionally by clamping force provided by bolts  322 . To the top half  321  is rigidly attached the bottom bracket  6  support member  320 . The remainder of the assembly is similar to that depicted in  FIG. 2 . By loosening bolts  322 , the pedal assembly may slide forward or aft on the frame  45  to adjust the location of the assembly relative to the rider. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 19 , an exploded perspective view of the adjustable pedal assembly of  FIG. 18  is shown. The embodiment shown depicts in exploded view the pedal assembly bottom half  323 , pedal assembly top half  321 , and bolts  322 . In this embodiment, the bolt holes  324  are threaded. 
     This simplicity and multi-use of components across three frame embodiments (the single rider, tandem riders both forward facing, and tandem riders one facing forward the other aft), is cause for efficiency in maintainability and cost reduction during manufacture. For example, during manufacture, additional frame members and assembly jigs are not required for all three modes of construction. 
     Tricycle Embodiment: 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 21 , a tricycle embodiment is shown wherein each of the three wheels is supported using the front fork  44  of a bicycle. In this embodiment, each fork—normally only used on the front wheel of a bicycle, could be interchanged with a shock absorbing design. The ability to swap forks and interchange them at the will of the owner is highly advantageous. Also shown in this embodiment is the pedal adjustment method shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 21  embodies a unique recumbent tricycle having an improved pedal locating and adjustment method.  FIG. 21  also embodies a unique recumbent tricycle with improved rear wheel attachment method.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1