Bicycle Training Wheel Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bicycle training wheel assembly that uses uniquely, spherical wheel made of rubber or polyurethane substances of optimal consistency for this utility, as opposed to using the conventional cylindrical wheel. The foregoing properties of the said spherical wheel provide bounce and shock absorption. This invention allows the rider to obtain better balance and stability while learning to ride the bicycle. The assembly attaches to both sides of the rear wheel axle of the bicycle.

Claims

1. The training wheel assembly attached to both sides of the bicycle wheel axle uses spherical wheel that consists of rubber or polyurethane substances of optimal consistency for this utility. The malleable and spongy properties of the spherical wheel provide bounce and shock absorption, not found in training wheel assembly made with conventional cylindrical wheel.

2. The properties of the spherical wheel mentioned in 1 above enable the rider to obtain balance and stability in learning to ride the bicycle. When the bicycle tilts to one side and the spherical wheel is engaged against the ground, the centrifugal contact so made, provides a bounce to push the bicycle in the opposite direction. This event, together with the natural inertial inclination of the rider to pull the bicycle to the other side, results in another bounce. These actions and events teaches the rider to balance the bicycle.

3. The properties of the spherical wheel mentioned in 1 above also provide a cushion against fall in case the bicycle tilts significantly to one side. When greater pressure is exerted on the spherical wheel that results from excessive tilt, the spherical wheel with its properties of shock absorption, and its inherent properties of central equilibrium, restrains the bicycle from toppling over and thus provides relief to the learner from possible injury.

4. Upon completion of the primary function of learning to ride the bicycle, the training wheel assembly can be detached from the rear bicycle wheel axle and disassembled. The disassembled components of the training wheel assembly can then be reconstituted to create books and hangers for small objects and tools.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The following drawings form part of the specification and are to be construed in conjunction therewith:

[0016] FIG. 1 on Sheet 1 is a side elevation view of the completed training wheel assembly, marked by the arrow (1) that is affixed to the bicycle rear wheel axle by a threaded nut (part 1a) and fastened by a clamp (part 1b) to the left side fork of the bicycle for stability of the assembly.

[0017] FIG. 2 on Sheet 2 is a perspective view of the training wheel linkage assembly, showing the manner in which all components are assembled together. These components are numbered 2 for bracket, 3 for arm, 4 for spherical wheel, and 5 for axle. These components of the assembly are identified by arrows.

[0018] The bracket (component 2) is an intermediary that is used to assemble the bicycle wheel axle to the arm (component 3), spherical wheel (component 4) and the axle (component 5) together. The bracket is made of steel and comprises parts 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d. Part 2a is a groove through which the bicycle rear wheel axle is fastened to the bracket by a threaded nut in FIG. 1, Part 1a. Part 2b is a groove used to attach a hook for small objects and tools in the secondary use of the assembly components and is shown by FIG. 4 on Sheet 4. Part 2c is a representative view of several threaded grooves placed vertically in the middle part of the bracket. These grooves allow the arm (4) to be fastened to it by threaded screws (part 6) at varying height from the ground. Part 2d is an extension of the bracket and is affixed to the bicycle fork by a clamp (FIG. 1, part 1a) to provide stability to the training wheel assembly.

[0019] The arm (component 3) is made from C Channel section steel and comprises parts 3a and 3b. Part 3a is a representative view of several threaded grooves placed vertically at equal intervals, in the upper part of the arm. The arm slides snugly and effortlessly against the bracket at a desired height from the ground at which point it is affixed by screws (part 6) to the bracket (component 2). The C Channel section steel arm is designed to provide additional strength and support to the arm when affixed to the bracket. Part 3b is a groove through which the threaded end of the axle (component 5) is passed to be fastened by a spring washer (part 8) and threaded nut (part 9).

[0020] The spherical wheel (component 4) is composed of rubber or polyurethane substances of optimal consistency for this utility. A groove through the diameter of the said wheel allows cylindrical tubing (part 4a) that is made of plastic or steel, to be inserted in the groove to facilitate the axle (component 5) to pass through the tubing.

[0021] The axle (component 5) is a metal object, threaded at one end. The threaded end of the axle is passed through the tubing (part 4a). A threaded nut (part 7) is affixed to the axle to hold the spherical wheel in place, leaving only a small space for mobility of the wheel. The remainder of the threaded end of axle is now passed through the groove (part 3b) of the arm (component 3). The assembly is completed by affixing a spring washer (part 8) and a threaded nut (part 9) to the remaining part of the threading in the axle.

[0022] FIG. 3 is another view of the assembly arm in FIG. 2 (component 3), reconstituted as hanger for small objects. Only the spherical wheel (component 4) is detached from the arm. The arm is then reconstituted and affixed to a wall by wood screw (part 10).

[0023] FIG. 4 is another view of the bracket in FIG. 2 (component 2), reconstituted to use part 2b and 2c of the component as a placeholder for hooks (part 11) to hang small objects and tools. The bracket is affixed to a wall by a wood screw (part 12).