Abstract:
A bicycle trailer with a platform and a single pneumatic bicycle tire is herein disclosed. The front of the trailer&#39;s platform is supported by a gooseneck-shaped arm extending upward to connect with the seat post of a conventional bicycle, thereby providing clearance for the rear wheel of the bicycle. The connection is made with a quick-connect universal-type joint so that a user can easily hitch and unhitch the trailer. The platform is situated to have a low center of gravity which results in stability and less pedaling effort. The narrow width allows the trailer to traverse narrow paths making it ideal for transporting camping supplies, hunting supplies, school books, equipment to and from sports areas, or groceries from a store.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jul. 9, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to bicycles, and in particular, to a pivoting attachable platform adaptable to existing bicycles for purposes of transporting cargo via the bicycle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Bicycles have constituted a common and popular form of transportation and exercise for hundreds of years. The appeal of bicycles lies in their cheap, environmentally friendly nature, the simplicity of the design, and the ability to experience the outdoors while covering large distances. Whether used primarily for transportation or recreation, there are many accessories which are advantageous to have while riding a bicycle, such as cargo for transportation, beverages for hydration, recreational objects for use at a destination, additional passengers, and the like. 
     As a result of the simple and efficient nature of bicycles, many conventional models do not provide particularly thorough capabilities for the transportation of anything except for the rider. While many bikes may be provided with small front-mounted baskets or water bottle holders, these are hardly sufficient for a number of applications, most notably that of the transportation of any load of significant weight or volume. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide bicycle trailer attachments. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,859, issued in the name of McClellan, describes a trailer for motor bikes. The McClellan apparatus attaches to the rear wheel of a motor bike and provides a small railed surface behind the bike. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,800, issued in the name of Christensen et al., describes a bicycle trailer for small children. The Christensen apparatus provides a small enclosure adapted for the transportation of additional passengers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,371, issued in the name of Levad, describes a bicycle cargo trailer. The Levad apparatus is adapted for the secure transportation of long flat cargo such as surf boards, ladders, and the like. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a bicycle trailer exist, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. D 340,429, D 351,575, D 404,692 and D 477,797. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are not adapted to carry and securely retain various types and shapes of cargo. Also, many such apparatuses are not easily retrofittable to a variety of existing and emerging models of bicycles. In addition, many such apparatuses do not pivot in multiple directions or even at all. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide a method of allowing a user to quickly and easily detach and reattach the apparatus once initially installed. Accordingly, there exists a need for an attachable bicycle trailer without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide an attachable bicycle trailer which is retrofittable and suitable for the secure transportation of cargo and which is simple and quick to use and store. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a frame, a plurality of hooks, a platform, a pair of hand apertures, a fender, a quick release hinge, a universal joint, a clamping collar, and a wheel. First, second, and third bars connect the frame and hinge, hinge and universal joint, and universal joint and clamp respectively. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise the frame of a perimeter of the platform and a plurality of hooks adapted to receive a fastening cord. The platform is adapted to receive cargo items, and the fastening cord may be passed through and secured to the hooks in order to maintain the cargo at a substantially stable position during transport. The platform is of a height low to the ground in order to avoid small anomalies in terrain while also providing a low center of gravity for the smooth navigation of the cargo. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a plurality of forks and an axle attached to the forks, with the forks positioned parallel to the first bar. The axle is adapted to couple to the bicycle wheel. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the quick release hinge of a conventional quick release hinge biased between open and closed positions. The hinge allows a user to quickly engage or disengage the first and second bars with each other. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the quick release hinge of first and second flanges coupled to the first and second bars respectively, a rod positioned through the flanges, a cam and cam washer attached to the rod, a hinge pin mated to the flanges, and a spring pin attached to the hinge pin. In this manner, a user can rotate the cam in order to selectively lock or unlock the hinge assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the universal joint of first and second yokes attached to end portions of the second and third bars, respectively. The universal joint and clamping collar allow the apparatus to pivot and move in concordance with the motion of the bicycle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the clamping collar of a plurality of arcuate stationary collars and a cam lever. The stationary collars are adapted to be removably attachable to a conventional bicycle seat portion by actuating the cam lever and selectively motioning the collars into a secure open or closed position. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a fender adapted to encompass a wheel of the bicycle. The fender is constructed of a weatherproof durable material and positioned so as to protect the cargo from water, debris, and the like which may be sprayed upward by the wheel. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of quickly and securely attaching the trailer to a bicycle, securely fastening cargo to the platform of the trailer, allowing for pivoting motion of the trailer during transport, and quickly and easily detaching the platform portion of the apparatus if need be. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an attachable bicycle trailer  10  attached thereto a bicycle  90 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the attachable bicycle trailer  10  depicting an undercarriage portion, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the attachable bicycle trailer  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  A is a close-up view of a quick release hinge  50  depicting a closed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  B is a close-up view of the quick release hinge  50  depicting a deployed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up view a universal joint  60  and a clamping collar  70 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the attachable bicycle trailer  10  depicting an enclosure accessory  85 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  attachable bicycle trailer 
               12  first bar 
               14  second bar 
               16  third bar 
               20  frame 
               24  first bar fastener 
               25  hook 
               26  hook fastener 
               29  fork 
               30  platform 
               33  axle 
               34  axle fastener 
               35  hand aperture 
               40  fender 
               41  fender fastener 
               50  quick-release hinge 
               51  cam 
               52  cam washer 
               53  rod 
               54  rod fastener 
               55  first flange 
               56  second flange 
               58  hinge pin 
               59  spring pin 
               60  universal joint 
               62  first yoke 
               64  second yoke 
               66  joint 
               70  clamping collar 
               71  stationary collar 
               72  hinge 
               73  cam lever 
               80  wheel 
               87  housing fastening means 
               90  bicycle 
               95  seat portion 
               100  weld 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for an attachable bicycle trailer (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a removably attachable wheeled platform  30  for hauling large amounts of cargo to a desired location via a conventional bicycle  90 . The apparatus  10  comprises a frame  20 , a plurality of hooks  25 , a platform  30 , a pair of hand apertures  35 , a fender  40 , a quick release hinge  50 , a universal joint  60 , a clamping collar  70 , and a wheel  80 . Said apparatus  10  is attached to a rear lower seat portion  95  of a bicycle  90 . Said apparatus  10  provides a stable transport for camping supplies, hunting supplies, school books, equipment to and from sports areas, or groceries from a store. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  attached thereto a bicycle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a first bar  12 , a second bar  14 , a third bar  16 , a frame  20 , a plurality of hooks  25 , a platform  30 , a fender  40 , and a wheel  80 . Said apparatus  10  comprises a frame  20 , thereby providing a rigid structure for all other components to be fitted and mounted thereon. Said frame  20  takes the form of a tubular rectangular structure and is positioned low to the ground, thereby retaining a low center of gravity to provide stability during use. A front portion of the frame  20 , closest to the bicycle  90 , angles slightly upward, thereby providing clearance to a rear bicycle  90  tire. Said frame  20  is preferably a one (1) inch diameter measuring approximately thirty-two-and-a-half (32½) inches in length and approximately twenty-one (21) inches in width. 
     Said frame  20  comprises a plurality of hooks  25 , thereby providing an attachment means to rope, bungee cords, or the like to secure cargo onto the apparatus  10 . The hooks  25  are conventional threaded eye bolts inserted therethrough the frame  30  and are equidistantly spaced along said frame  20 . The hooks  25  are secured to an underside of the frame therewith hook fasteners  26  which are preferably nuts threaded onto the hooks  25  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a platform  30  which is suspended on an upper surface of the frame  20 , thereby providing a deck to position a variety of cargo items thereon. Said platform  30  comprises a pair of hand apertures  35 , thereby providing a gripping means to the apparatus  10  for a lifting and a storage means. Said hand apertures  35  are located on each side portion of the platform  30  at an intermediate location. The platform  30  is similar thereto the shape of the frame  20  and is fastened to said frame  20  therewith a pair of first bar fasteners  24  (also see  FIG. 2 ). Said first bar fasteners  24  are preferably a combination of bolts and nuts, yet other fastening devices may be incorporated therewithout limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said platform  30  is fabricated from a plastic or nylon composite material approximately one-quarter (¼) of an inch thick. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises an arcuate fender  40 , thereby providing a barrier to partially encompass a wheel  80  and prevent water and debris from coming in contact with the cargo as like conventional fenders thereon motor vehicles. The wheel  80  is a conventional quick-connect bicycle tire approximately fourteen (14) inches in diameter. The fender  40  is fabricated from a material similar thereto the platform  30  and is attached to the frame  20  with fender fasteners  41  (see  FIG. 3 ) which are preferably screws; however, other fastening devices may be incorporated therewithout limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said fender  40  is located thereon a rear upper portion of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises three (3) tubular bars  12 ,  14 ,  16 , thereby providing a hinging means, a pivoting means, and an attachment means to the bicycle  90 . A first bar  12  is attached to an underside portion of the frame  20  in a parallel manner therewith welding  100 , yet other fastening means may be incorporated (see  FIG. 2 ). Said first bar  12  extends upwardly at an angle and is attached, also by welding  100 , to an end portion of a quick release hinge  50  (see  FIGS. 4A and 4B ), thereby providing a hinging and folding means to the apparatus  10 . An opposite end portion of the quick-release hinge  50  is attached to a slightly curved second bar  14  therewith similar welding  100  techniques. An opposite end portion of the second bar  14  is attached to a universal joint  60  (see  FIG. 5 ) therewith welding  100 , thereby providing a pivoting means to the apparatus  10 . An opposite end portion of the universal joint  60  is attached to a horizontal third bar  16  therewith welding  100 . Said third bar is attached to a clamping collar (also see  FIG. 5 ), thereby providing an attachment meant to a lower seat portion  95  thereon the bicycle  90 . Said tubular bars  12 ,  14 ,  16  are fabricated from durable rust-resistant material such as, but not limited to: aluminum, stainless steel, coated steel, or the like and may comprise a weather resistant finish. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an undercarriage portion and  FIG. 3 , a front view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a first bar  12 , a pair of forks  29 , an axle  33 , and a wheel  80 . The first bar  12  provides structural stability and an attachment means to the apparatus  10 . Said first bar  12  is attached to an intermediate vertical position thereon the platform  30  therewith first bar fasteners  24  and is fabricated from a durable rust-resistant material such as, but not limited to: aluminum, stainless steel, or the like. Said first bar fasteners  24  are preferably bolts and nuts, yet other fastening devices may be incorporated therewithout limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said first bar  12  provides an attachment means to a pair of tubular forks  29  located on a lower rear portion of the underside of the apparatus  10 . Each fork  29  is welded  100  to side portions of the frame and first bar  12 , thereby providing additional support to the apparatus  10  and an attachment means to the axle  33 . The first bar  12  also provides stability thereto the apparatus  10  during periods of rest or a stopped position, thereby allowing the weight of the apparatus  10  to rest thereupon said first bar  12 . The forks  29  are preferably fabricated from materials similar thereto the first bar  12 . 
     Each metal fork  29  provides an attachment means to the wheel  80 . Said forks  29  are positioned downwardly parallel to the first bar  12  and provide an insertion means for the wheel  80  axle  33 . Each end portion of said axle  33  is preferably partially threaded, thereby providing a fastening means thereto each fork  29 . Each end portion of the axle  22  is secured to the forks  29  therewith a pair of axle fasteners  34 . Said axle fasteners  34  are preferably threaded nuts, yet other fastening means may be utilized therewithout limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a close-up view of a quick-release hinge  50  depicting a closed state and  FIG. 4B  close-up view of the quick-release hinge  50  depicting a deployed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a quick-release hinge  50 , thereby allowing the second bar  14  and third bar  16  to detach from the first bar  12 . Said hinge  50  provides a folding means, thereby condensing the apparatus  10  and enabling storage. Said quick-release hinge  50  is similar thereto conventional quick-release fasteners which provide a trouble-free locking and unlocking method. Said quick-release hinge  50  comprises a cam  51 , a cam washer  52 , a rod  53 , a rod fastener  54 , a pair of flanges  55 ,  56 , a hinge pin  58 , and a spring pin  59 . Said quick-release hinge  50  is located therebetween the first bar  12  and second bar  14  and is attached to each bar  12 ,  14  therewith welding  100 . 
     A first flange  55  is welded  100  to the first bar  12  and comprises an intermediately located aperture (not shown), thereby providing attachment means to the second flange  56  and insertion means to the rod  53 . A second flange  56  is welded  100  to the second bar  14  and comprises an extruded “U”-shaped slot (not shown), thereby allowing the rod  53  to rest therein. The first flange  55  is connected to the second flange  56  by means of a conventional hinge pin  58 , thereby providing rotation to the apparatus  10 . Said hinge pin  58  is secured therewith a conventional spring pin  59 . 
     A rod  53  therewith an integral cam  51  and cam washer  52  is inserted through the “U”-shaped slot thereon the second flange  56  and aperture thereon the first flange  55 , thereby providing a secured state. To lock the quick-release hinge  50  the cam  51  is rotated downwardly, thereby allowing the cam washer  52  to slidably engage the second flange  56 . To unlock the hinge  50  the cam  51  is rotated upwardly. The end portion of the rod  53  that is inserted through the first flange  55  is partially threaded and secured therewith a rod fastener  54  which is preferably a threaded nut, yet other fastening devices may be incorporated therewithout limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a close-up view a universal joint  60  and a clamping collar  70 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Said universal joint  60  and clamping collar  70  provide a pivoting means to the apparatus  10  and an attachment means to the bicycle. The apparatus  10  pivots and moves therewith respect to the bicycle. Said universal joint  60  and clamping collar  70  are fabricated from metal materials such as, but not limited to: aluminum, stainless steel, or coated steel. 
     The apparatus  10  comprises the conventional universal joint  60 , thereby providing the pivoting means to the apparatus  10 . Said universal joint  60  comprises a first yoke  62 , second yoke  64 , and a joint  66 . An end portion of the second bar  14  comprises a first yoke  62  and an end portion of the third bar  15  comprises a second yoke  64  each attached therewith welding  100  techniques. Each yoke  62 ,  64  is joined together therewith a joint  66 . This combination of the yokes  64 ,  66  and joint  66  create the above-mentioned pivoting means. 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a clamping collar  70 , thereby providing the attachment means to the rear portion of the seat  95 . Said clamping collar  70  is preferably a conventional quick-release cam action device which encompasses the tubular portion of the seat  95 . Said clamping collar  70  comprises a pair of stationary collars  71 , a plurality of hinges  72 , and a cam lever  73 . Each stationary collar  71  comprises an arcuate shape which may open and close thereto remove or attach the clamping collar  70  to the seat  95 . The stationary collar  71  opens and closes via a plurality of conventional hinges  72 . Said stationary collars  71  are attached therewith welding  100  methods to an end portion of the third bar  16 , thereby encompassing a tubular portion of the lower seat  95  portion. The clamping collar  70  is secured therewith a conventional cam lever  73  which comprises a common digit operated lever and hinging means. Said cam lever  73  is rotated outwardly to open or remove the clamping collar  70  and rotated inwardly to close or attach said clamping collar  70 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a side view of the apparatus  10  depicting an enclosure accessory  85 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a removably attachable housing  85 , thereby providing a secure enclosure. Said housing  85  prevents the cargo from being damaged from undesirable weather conditions or other elemental conditions. Said housing  85  is preferably an aerodynamic dome-shape and fastens to the frame  20  therewith an appropriate housing fastening means  87  such as, but not limited to: clamps, bolts and nuts, or the like. Said housing  85  is preferably an aftermarket component available from manufactures which deal with goods of this type. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 through 6 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; unfolding the quick-release hinge  50 ; locking said quick-release hinge  50 , thereby mating each flange  55 ,  56  and rotating the cam  51  to a locked position; attaching the clamping collar  70  to the tubular portion therebelow the seat  95  thereon the bicycle  90 , thereby encompassing the stationary collars  71 , thereby rotating the hinges  72  and positioning therebelow said seat  95  portion and fastening therewith the cam lever  73 ; placing cargo thereon the platform  30  and securing with rope or bungee cords; as necessary, placing the housing  85  on top of the frame  20  and attaching with the housing fastening means  87  if desired; traveling to a desired destination while hauling the apparatus  10 ; and, enjoying the freedom of transporting cargo items while bicycling. 
     The method of uninstalling and storing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: rotating the cam lever  73  thereby turning the hinges  72  and detaching the stationary collars  71  from the seat  95 ; unlocking the clamping collar  70  from the bicycle  90 ; rotating the cam  51 , thereby freeing the second flange  56  and hinging the quick release hinge  50 ; folding the second bar  14  thereonto the first bar  12 ; utilizing the hand apertures  35  to lift the apparatus  10  to a desired location; and enjoying the ease of storing the apparatus  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.