Bicycle riding training aid

Abstract

A bicycle support device that includes a stabilization platform, the platform interfacing with bicycle training wheels. When the training wheels are engaged within the cavities of the stabilization platform, the rear wheel of the bicycle is elevated. The elevation, in combination with a slot within the platform, allows the rear wheel of the bicycle to rotate freely.

Claims

1. A device to support a bicycle with a first training wheel and a second training wheel, the device stabilizing the bicycle while allowing a bicycle rear wheel to spin freely, the device comprising: a. a stabilization platform having a substantially planar shape; b. the stabilization platform including: i. a central wheel slot partially surrounding, without contacting, the rear wheel of the bicycle; ii. a first wheel cavity and a second wheel cavity; iii. the first wheel cavity and second wheel cavity interfacing with the first and second training wheels to elevate and support the bicycle; c. whereby the bicycle is positioned to place the first and second training wheels within the first wheel cavity and second wheel cavity, rendering the bicycle stationary, and allowing the rear wheel to rotate within the central wheel slot.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the stabilization platform further comprises: a. a first strap slot, the first strap slot adjacent to the first wheel cavity; and b. a second strap slot, the second strap slot adjacent to the second wheel cavity.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a. a first cinch strap and a second cinch strap; b. wherein the first cinch strap passes over the first training wheel, through the first strap slot, under the stabilization platform, and around to the first training wheel; c. wherein the second cinch strap passes over the second training wheel, through the second strap slot, under the stabilization platform, and around to the second training wheel; d. the first and second cinch strap constructed to tighten around the first and second training wheels, securing the first and second training wheels to the stabilization platform.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a. a removable front wheel support; b. the removable front wheel support slidably interfacing with the central wheel slot; c. whereby the removable front wheel support is detached from the stabilization platform and placed beneath a bicycle front wheel, immobilizing the bicycle front wheel to increase bicycle stability.

5. The device of claim 3, further comprising: a. a third cinch strap; b. wherein the third cinch strap connects a bicycle down tube with a bicycle front wheel, thereby stabilizing the bicycle front wheel.

6. The device of claim 1, the stabilization platform comprised of: a. a left surface, a right surface, a rear surface, a front surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface; b. the central wheel slot separating the front surface into two surfaces.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a. a removable front wheel support; b. the removable front wheel support slidably interfacing with the central wheel slot; c. whereby the removable front wheel support is detached from the stabilization platform and placed beneath a bicycle front wheel, immobilizing the bicycle front wheel to increase bicycle stability.

8. A bicycle support device for stabilizing a bicycle with training wheels, the bicycle support device comprising: a. a platform, the platform having: i. a first wheel cavity and a second wheel cavity; and ii. a central slot; b. wherein the first wheel cavity supports a first training wheel and the second wheel cavity supports a second training wheel; and c. wherein when the first and second training wheels interface with the first and second wheel cavities a rear wheel of the bicycle aligns with the central slot and rotates freely.

9. The bicycle support device of claim 8, further comprising: a. a first strap slot adjacent to the first wheel cavity; b. a second strap slot adjacent to the second wheel cavity; c. a first strap; and d. a second strap; e. whereby the first strap passes through the first strap slot and over the first training wheel to secure the first training wheel to the platform; and f. whereby the second strap passes through the second strap slot and over the second training wheel to secure the second training wheel to the platform.

10. The bicycle support device of claim 8, further comprising a front wheel stabilizer, a. the front wheel stabilizer having a center cut out; b. whereby a front wheel of the bicycle interfaces with the center cut out of the front wheel stabilizer.

11. The bicycle support device of claim 10, further comprising a front wheel stabilization strap, the front wheel stabilization strap wrapped around a bicycle frame and the front wheel securing the orientation of the front wheel.

12. The bicycle support device of claim 8, further comprising a fender, the fender at least partially covering the rear wheel.

13. A device to stabilize a child's bicycle for practice, the child's bicycle including a front wheel, rear wheel, two training wheels, handlebars, and down tube, the device comprising: a. a platform that supports the training wheels within training wheel cavities; i. the platform elevating the rear wheel to prevent contact with an underlying surface; ii. the rear wheel permitted to turn freely; b. whereby the child's bicycle is placed onto the platform, allowing for bicycle riding practice without concern of the bicycle tipping over.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the cavities are a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity for engaging a first training wheel, the second cavity for engaging a second training wheel.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the platform includes a central wheel slot, the central wheel slot providing sufficient space for unhindered movement of the rear wheel without the rear wheel contacting the platform or an underlying surface.

16. The device of claim 13, further comprising: a. a removable front wheel support; b. the removable front wheel support including wheel containment cavity to interface with the front wheel, preventing the front wheel from rotating, and thereby stabilizing the handlebars.

17. The device of claim 13, further comprising: a. a strap slot located adjacent to each training wheel cavity, resulting in a first strap slot and a second strap slot; b. the first strap slot to receive a first cinch strap, the second strap slot to receive a second cinch strap; c. the first cinch strap and second cinch strap to tighten around the training wheels and through the platform, thereby securing the bicycle to the platform.

18. The device of claim 13, the platform comprised of: a. a left surface, a right surface, a rear surface, a front surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface; b. the central wheel slot separating the front surface into two surfaces.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising: a. a removable front wheel support; b. the removable front wheel support slidably interfacing with the central wheel slot; c. whereby the removable front wheel support is detached from the stabilization platform and placed beneath a bicycle front wheel, immobilizing the bicycle front wheel to increase bicycle stability.

20. The bicycle support device of claim 19, further comprising a fender, the fender at least partially covering the rear wheel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a bicycle training aid.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the first embodiment of the bicycle training aid.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a bicycle interfaced with the first embodiment of the bicycle training aid.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a bicycle interfaced with the first embodiment of the bicycle training aid.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a bicycle training aid.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the bicycle training aid.

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the second embodiment of the bicycle training aid packed for storage.

[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a bicycle in use with the second embodiment of the bicycle training aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a bicycle training aid is shown. The bicycle training aid 1 includes stabilization platform 8, which includes a left surface 10, right surface 12, rear surface 14, front surface 16, top surface 18, and bottom surface 20.

[0031] A first wheel cavity 30 is placed to one side of the stabilization platform 8, the first wheel cavity 30 to interface with a training wheel (not shown). A first strap slot 32 is placed adjacent to the first wheel cavity.

[0032] In some embodiments, a strap channels 31 may be located on the front surface 16 aligned with the wheel cavities 30/40. The strap channel 31 provides additional horizontal stability for the optional cinch straps 34/44.

[0033] A second wheel cavity 40 is placed in a mirrored position with respect to the centerline of the stabilization platform 8. A corresponding second strap slot 42 is placed near the second wheel cavity 40.

[0034] The center of the stabilization platform 8 includes central wheel slot 50 to allow for free motion of the bicycle's rear wheel (not shown). The central wheel slot 50 is open on one end, separating the front surface 16 into two surfaces. The benefit of having an open end is that the bicycle 70 can be rolled onto the stabilization platform 8 with minimal lifting.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, a bicycle interfaced with the first embodiment of the bicycle training aid is shown.

[0036] Bicycle 70 includes training wheels 72 and training wheel brackets 74. Optional fender 76 encloses part of the bicycle rear wheel 78. The optional fender 76 affixes to the bicycle 70, by methods commonly known in the art. An optional third cinch strap 46 is shown connecting the bicycle down tube 82 to the bicycle front wheel 80, limiting or preventing the turning motion of the handlebars 84.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a rear view of a bicycle interfaced with the first embodiment of the bicycle training aid is shown.

[0038] Shown within stabilization platform 8 are first wheel cavity 30 with first cinch strap 34 shown passing through first strap slot 32 and around the front surface 16. Also shown is second wheel cavity 40 with second cinch strap 44 passing through second strap slot 42 and around the front surface 16.

[0039] The central wheel slot 50 is shown with the bicycle rear wheel 78 within, allowing the wheel 78 to freely rotate.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a second embodiment of a bicycle training aid is shown.

[0041] The second embodiment includes a removable front wheel support 60. The removable front wheel support 60 slides out of the stabilization platform 8. The interface between the removable front wheel support 60 and platform 8 is a groove 62 and rail 64.

[0042] A wheel containment cavity 66 holds the front wheel of the bicycle (not shown). The cavity 66 includes a bottom that prevents the front wheel of the bicycle from contacting the underlying surface. Optional support feet 68 are placed under the removable front wheel support 60, increasing the friction between the removable front wheel support 60 and the underlying surface. The optional support feet 68 may be made of rubber or other suitable high-friction material.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, a view of the second embodiment of the bicycle training aid packed for storage is shown.

[0044] The removable front wheel support 60 is installed within the stabilization platform 8 using the combination of the groove 62 and rail 64, allowing for storage or transportation.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 8, a bicycle in use with the second embodiment of the bicycle training aid is shown.

[0046] The bicycle front wheel 80 sits within the removable front wheel support 60, stabilizing the bicycle front wheel 80, and thereby the handlebars.

[0047] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description.

[0048] It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.