Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Patent a~pli- ~;on of:
Charle Bourbeau for a:
BICYCLE COUPLING DEVIOE
S FIELD OF THE rNVENTION:
The present invention relates to the field of bicycle acce~s~ s and is p~l;~ulall~ COn~ d with a device
for coupling a pair of bicycles.
10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
With relatively recent trends towards overall well being through fitness, exercise and leisure activities the use
of bicycles is b~.-o..- .p i~ popular. Conco ',~, there also exists a trend for families to
perform outdoor activities together. Hence, the use of bicycles for farnily oriented rides is beco ~g part
15 of ourcc"lt~...pol~ lifestyle.
For families with young children, the child typically rides in a jump seat or a trailer attached to the bicycle of
the parent. As the child grows older, the latter no longer wishes to ride in the jump seat or trailer but
rather wishes to i--d~r ' ~l~ ride a child bicycle. During the ~ period that may last for several
20 years, the child has limited physical ,:, ~' ' 5COIllp~ to that of a young adult and thus, the starnina of
many adults will generally outhst that of their young children.
Cons~u~ontly, the bicycle ride must be planned within the rap~ ;F~ of the child so as not to exhaust the
lattff. The ride must either be kept short or planned with frequent resting periods. FwlL,.lllol~, the ride
25 must be - ~ at the child's pace which may be co"D;de, ~Iy slower then that of an adult This type of
situation can be LUDII~t;~8 both to the child p~,;.Dulvd to perform beyond his or her capacity and for the
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adult who may fell l~,stl - ~ Both the child and the adult will thus be p.~ t~ from enjoying together a
~laliv~ long ride.
Various types of devices have been ,~,.u~sed in the past in an attempt to ~i;..,u.,.~_nl the hc;.~,;nal)o.e
mentioned piot' - 1 For example, U.S. Patent 5,067,738 teaches a single wheel trailer for carrying an
occupant. The frame of the trailer includes a towbar member and two ~ ~. i~l fork members for
retaining the single wheel. A hitch cv....e~,led to a driving bicyde tows the trailer. A pedal assembly
coupled to the frame enables the occupant to power the trailer. Although this structure enables the
occupant of the trailer to either help power the bicycle or could be towed by the prime mover, it does not
10 allow the occupant of the trailer to ride ' r ~ '~ from the prime mover even for short periods of time.
The prior art also discloses various types of towing bars for coupling two bicycles in a tandem-like
cul.rl~uldtion. For example, U.S. Patent 4,261,592 issued April 14, 1981 and naming Jacques Dusseuil as
inventor, discloses a coupling device whaein a coupling bar is fixed to each of the two bicycles making up
15 the tandem by an universal joint s~ designed to increase stability of the tandem unit. This type of
structure intended to be used with bicycles of S~b~ lly equal height, both ridden by adults, is not suitable
for -~ ;ons wherein an adult forms a tandem with a child's bicycle.
Indeed, the col Ii~suldlion of the towbar disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,261,592 is such that the steering wheel of
20 the l~u... Jl~ p ~ -~ bicycle is in contact with the ground surface. I~llplop~ -'i,, of such rear
bicycle steering wheel may F ~ create a biasing force that will tend to render the tandem unstable and
thuspol '~ u~. Also,thefrontwheelofthel~.. dl~ po~ edbicycleeventhoughuseless
and even pvt~ uuj as a steering COlll~.~.lt being in contact with the ground surface creates a
frictional and a drag force that increases the load on the Lu.~t~.. dl)l F ~ ~d bicycle ~ t; ~g to pull the
l~walJly pvr;~ioned bicycle in when for example a child wishes to rest.
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Acco~ , there exists a need for an i...~ .~ bicycle-coupling device s~,c~ ~ ~y intended for coupling
an adult bicycle to a child' s bicycle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVEN~ION:
s
It is an object of the present ~ to provide an illlpl ~vcd coupling device for bicycles. In acco, ~Qce
~,-vith an c..lbo ' of the present invention there is provided a coupling device for coupling a first bicycle
to a second bicycle for enabling the first bicycle riding on ground s~face to pull the second bicycle, the first
and second bicycles ,~,~e~ having first and second front wheels, first and second rear wheels, first and
10 second seat posts and first and second head tubes, the coupling device c . i~g a linking bar ha~ing a
generally ~lou~ td ~ SUl_ the linking bar defining a bar first longit~l ' ' end and an opposed bar
second I ~n" ' ' end; a first ?'-' ' means coupled to the linking bar adjacent the first If ~it~
end for ,~ attaching the linking bar to the first bicycle; a second al l v,c h - .- .I means coupled to the
linking bar adjacent the second 1- n~;h- ' ' end for l~ , attaching the linking bar to the second bicycle;
15 the linl~ng bar being configu,~,d and sized such that when the linking bar is attached to the first and second
bicycles ~ by the first and second ~1- ' means with the first front and rear wheels co~.l v~ g
the ground surface the second rear wheel also contacts at ground surface but the second ~ont wheel is in a
spaced ,.,~ h-l~ relative to the ground surface.
20 ~,fc.dbl~, the first S'~tr"hnlf~nt means includes a first bicycle ~1 h -- -lt Co~pol~ ~1 cr rL~u,cd so as to be
rn. ;} ' ' - to a segment of the first bicycle and a first bar -' co. ~;~n - ~ f~Ytr - ' ,, from the bar first
k~n~- ' ' end, the first bar ~Itr ' cc....l.o.n,.\1 being co.~fi?culcd so as to be pivotally and l~C ~y
' -'' - to the first bicycle a~ l -- h -~ r ~ ~
25 Conveniently, the first bicycle ~t ' COIIIPOII~ includes a clamp configured so as to be releasably
clamped around a section of the first bicycle. ~ the clamp includes a pair of jaw members, each of
the jaw members defining a generally arcuate segment cunGg.-if~ and sized for enc..cl;l.s at least a section
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of the first seat post, the arcuate segrnent defining an arcuate segment first p~ ,h~ l edge and an arcuate
segment second p~,. ;~)1.~,. ~1 edge; a jaw linking segment ~ g from the arcuate segment first p~ hc. ~1
edge, the linking segments of both the jaw members being adapted to coo~ for linking together the jaw
llbel ~, a jaw cQ....P~ g segment ~ " v from the arcuate segment second pe. ;~llel al edge, the
S con--~l---g segment of both the jaw members being adapted to coop~ for c~n~ g the first bar
rh.. ~~1 c~ to the first bicycle ~tt~ hmpn~ c~
CQ..~ IJ, each of the jaw linking segm~ontQ has a generally flat CO..fl~;W~ ~ n and a linking segment
aperture ~ 1~ ,A: ~ lL~,.~Lough whereby the first seat post is adapted to be sandwiched between the arcuate
10 segments of the jaw members and the linlcing segment apertures are adapted to be put ~ ~ s~~ ~ ~ 'l~ in
register with each other for receiving the stem section of a linking bolt having a linking bolt head and a
cul.~ r - - ' 6 linking nut; the linking bolt head and the linking nut being adapted to squeeze the linking
segments towards each other.
15 Fl .,f~,. ~l~, a ss L "J flat c.- e B tongue extends from the bar first lon~t. ~' ' end, the CQ ~ .P~vl ;..g
tongue having a tongue aperture ~ ~ 1 .Ai ag th~ lL~uugh; each of the jaw conn~ction segments having a
generally flat ~c ~" ~ion and a ~ -: ~, segment aperture C~L- ' ,,1' ~lhr~,ugh whereby the first seat
post is adapted to be '~.h,hcl between the arcuate segments and the con~P- I;,~p tongue between the jaw
CQ..~f~ ..F. ty~ the c~ - F_,l; ~ig ' a~.lu~es and the tongue aperture being adapted to be put in
20 register with each other so as to allow insertion ofthe stem section of a co.~..Pcl;~g bolt therein, the
coll ~e.,~ bolt having a c~ ~ ~ bolt head and a ~ ~ L nut for Q~Ue~7~ the; ~ - B segments
against the . - 6 tongue.
Cc,l... ~:~" a p.. ' knob is mounted on the c B bolt head for ' e manual rotation of
25 the co....P~ bolt. P~. f~,.~1~, the device further c~ rises a generally ,u~' - ' ;~1 sleeve c~ .ol~ ; sized
so as to be i..~. i ' ' - around the first seat post between the arcuate segments and the first seat post, the
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sleeve co...l-o~ - 1 being provided with a friction e -h~ nv means formed on at least one of its surfaces for
reducing relative movement between the first seat post and the arcuate se~nlontc
P~fe~ , the second ~- ' means-include a second bicycle ~1l.~h~ conlpon~.-t~ C~ w~d SO as
5 to be dua.,hdl~le to a segment of the second bicycle and a second bar ptt~ hnl~nt cc"~lponenl c,~tcrld;.lg from
the bar second 'cn~~ ' ' end, the second bar - - ' coll~ lt being colL~ d so as to be
l ~,l~sdlLJl~ ~ - -L '-1~ to the first bicycle ;,~ l i nl~ I collll)on~ t.
Co..~ " the second bicycle a ~'-- co I ~ - include a gripping co. r for gripping the
10 second head tube and a CC! ~ ~f~ g sleeve mounted on the gripping colllpon~ the co.~..e~ v sleeve
defining a CUII~ r ' _ sleeve channel; the second bar ' ~ including a generally
~lonp~ted co~ stem ~ ;..g at an angle from the bar second longihl-lin~l end, the co....f~l;ng stem
being col~u.~d and sized so as to be Y~ , fittingly slideable within the sleeve channel.
15 F~.,f~,.~l~, the gripping colll~,on~llt includes a ' ' v plate having a pair of lateral sL~b;l~lg flanges
e~ B A~b~ '~ pwr ' ' ~ LU~II, each ~l~ ' g flange having a generally arcuate
recesses formed thereon; each .~ " ~ g recess being collG~,u~c;l and sized for fittingly receiving
at least a portion of the Cul r ~,nce of the second head tube; the gripping ~ , ~ - further including a
generally "U" shaped ' ' v co.. l)o~ mounted on the s ' ' v plate for COOp~,~alulg with
20 the ~1 ' ' L recesses so as to encircle and L ~ engage the second head tube.
COII'~ , the ! ' L'' ' B plate has a pair of ~ ' v apertures ~: - - ' ~v 1' . ~tluùugh and wherein the
generally ~~ shaped ' ' e ~ I - includes a generally "U" shaped bolt having threaded end
sections and a cu-l. r ' ~ pair of ' ' e nuts, the end sections being adapted to extend through the
25 ' ' ~ g apertures and the ' ' v nuts being adapted to i' - '-1~ engage the threaded end sections.
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~crc~ , the device further co...p~;~s a lclea~dL'e tocking means mounted on the col-nr.,~ sleeve for
releasably locking the cc.. ~,l;n~ stem within the sleeve channel. Conveniently, the l~,ledsable locking
means includes a locking bolt Ill.ca~l~ mounted on the collll~ling sleeve and adapted to Li~,l;ondll~
engage the ccml~lin~ stem when the latter extends through the sleeve channel.
5 Cul~ " the second col-nF~ means further includes a handle bar locking means for l.,leasd~ly
locking the handle bar in a p.~ dc1el-llil~d rotational orientation relative to the second head tube, the handle
bar locking means being attached to the linking bar.
~Icrc ~1~, the handle bar locking means includes a generally Plr~ ~ and .b. ".~, rigid rod defining a
10 rod first end and a 1~ opposed rod second end; a first rod - ' - means mounted adjacent
the rod first end for attaching the rod to the linking bar; a second rod n I r~ h- ~ ~ 1 means for .~,l~s~ly
g the rod to the second handle bar.
COll~ , the linking bar has a generally flattened "S" shaped c~ u-..t;on defining a bar first segment
15 ~ into a bar second segment, the bar second segment eA~ ~ g into a bar third segment; whereby
when the linking bar is in use, the bar first segment is adapted to extend in a generally ho-i~c,ll~l direction
and in an overlying ~ ' ' r relative to the first rear wheel, the bar second segment is adapted to extend
; "~ ..w~dl~ and du.. 11~.. ~ relative to the bar first segment and the bar third segment is
adapted to extend in a: b~ - ~ ' direction and in an u~ lJhlg ., ' - ', relative to the
20 second front wheel.
In a preferred . _' ' - t, the bar first segment has a length ~_L "~ in the range of 12", the bar
second segment has a length ~b~ in the range of 20" and the bar third segment has a length
~ ' ~ ~ ".~ in the range of 10", the bar first and second se~... ~~t~ defining a first angle lh~,h._~-- having
25 a value sub~ "y in the range of 60~; the bar second and third segment defining a second angle
lL~ ,bcl~._.,,l having a value ~bs~ -'~ in the range of 60~.
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In accor~nce with the present invention there is provided a coupling device for coupling a first bicycle to a
second bicycle for enabling the first bicycle riding on ground surface to pull the second bicycle, the first and
second bicycles ~ having first and second front wheels, first and second rear wheels, first and
second seat posts and first and second head tubes, the coupling device c~lnp~ g. a linking bar having a
5 generally Pl~-og~ Cvll~ , the linking bar defining a bar first 1c ~ end and an opposed bar
second longit~l ' -' end; a first ' means coupled to the linking bar adjacent the first longitll~lin
end for ~.,le~d,l~ attaching the linlcing bar to the first bicycle; a second ~tt~ - means coupled to the
linking bar adjacent the second l~m~ .=l end for l~ / attaching the linking bar to the second bicycle;
the linking bar being co,Jfi~ l and si~d so that when the first ! '' -~ ' means is attached to the first seat
lO post and the second ~ .h..~ ~A means is attached to the second head tube the second front wheel is in a
spaced l. ' ---', relative to the ground surface.
Advantages of the present hl~ e.llivn include the fact that the coupling device not only enables the occupant
of the bicycle being towed to either help power the tandem or be towed by the prime mover but also enable
l5 the occupant of the bicycle being towed to ride ;.~ t .lly from the prime mover. Thus for example a
child going on a ride with a parent can first ride ~ d r ' ~ and then as the child becomes tired the
bicycles can be coupled in a tandem-like fashion enabling the parent to tow the resting child.
Another ad~ of the present i". . is that when a pair of bicycles are coupled, the front wheel of the
20 bicycle being pulled is in a spaced l~' -- ', relative to the ground surface. This spaced r~ ti-~nchir
reduces the frictional and drag forces that would vi' ~.;se create an ~ ' -' load for the pulling rider.
Also, since the front wheel of the bicycle being pulled is in a spaced r~l~ti- - ' , relative to the ground
surface this eliminates the risk for the pulled bicycle steering wheel of creating a turning force that would
cl~ ~t~ the tandem.
A further a l~,a,l~ of the present invention resides in that the proposed coupling device includes a means
for ' ' g the '~ of the bicycle being pulled. The rider being pulled can thus use the
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for support. A still further advantage of the present invention resides in that the p. upo~d
coupling device is spe~fi~ y co~ u ~d for coupling a larger bicycle to a smaller bicycle.
The specific co,~;u alion of the towbar also allows the latter to be con~ , mounted to the frame of
5 the larger bicycle when not in use without obstructing the use of the bicycle or creating an e~th~ic~lly
I r~ - effect. Thus, the towing bar may be r ~ , brought along on â ride until a situation arises
wherein it becomes desirable for the larger bicycle to pull the smaller bicycle.
Yet another ~lv v of the present invention resides in that the proposed coupling device is ~
10 designed so as to be readily mounted on most conventional bicydes without requiring special tooling or
manual dexterity.
Fu lL~,.",~ ;, the plOpO50;l coupling device is rnade of relatively simple . - ' ' COlllpC - co,~. v
to conventional forrns of r hlg SO as to provide a coupling device that will be econc -'ly feasible,
15 long lasting and relatively trouble free in op~,.~ion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
An ~ ' ofthe present i... will now be ~ il,cA, by way of example, in ~~f.,,~,,ve to the
20 following drawings in which:
Figure 1, in an d~ liolu~l view, " a child's bicycle being towed by an adult's bicycle using a
coupling device in âCCold ~ with an c.l~ of the present invention.
25 Figure 2, in a partial clc~tio~al view with sections taken out, illu ~ t~,~ a first ~1 l-.- 1 . - .,1 means part of the
coupling device shown in Figure I being attached to a seat post part ofthe parent's bicycle.
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Figure 3, in a p~O~e~ view, " ~tes part of the first attr ~ means shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4, in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a second ~ CV~ JUn~
part of the coupling device shown in Figure 1, the second ~ttr ~~~- ~ ' .; being shown attached to
5 the steering tube of the child's bicycle.
Figure 5, in a F~ O~lh~e view, illuol~ part of the second a ' .-c -tF - - shown in Figure 4.
Figure 6, in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates a second i~tt~hmont COIIll)v
10 shown in Figure 4 with the handle ' ' g s~ J mounted thereon.
Figure 7, in an elevational view, " - ~ a linking bar part of the coupling device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 8, in a ~.~ _ view, illuolll.t-,i, a linking bar part of the coupling device shown in Figure I being
15 l. "v-led mounted to the frame of the bicycle prior to being used for pulling a child's bicycle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a coupling device 10 in ac~ld -e with an embodiment of the present
20 hl~. The coupling device 10 is shown being used to couple in a i ~ ' ' fashion a first bicycle 12
to a second bicycle 14. The first bicycle 12 is shown pos;tit-nPd fiulllw~lly relative to the second bicycle
14.
TypicaUy, the first and second bicydes 12 and 14 are ~-,o~li~_ly c ~ .. -' adult and child bicycles.
The first and second bicycles 12 and 14 respectively include first and second bicycle frames 16, 18. The
first and second bicycle frames 16, 18 respectively include first and second head tubes 20, 22; first and
second seat tubes 24, 26; first and second main tubes 28, 30 and first and second transversal tubes 32, 34.
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The first and second bicycle frames 16, 18 l~o~Jc~ ly rotatably support first and second front wheels 36, 38
having l~oy~li~_ first and second front axles 40, 42. The first and second bicycle frames 16 and 18 also
respectively rotatably support first and second rear wheels 44, 46 having respective first and second rear
axles 48, 50.
A pair of first and second seat stays 49, 51 extend ~ dly and d.~ dl~ from an upper
segment of their l~ol~e~ first and second seat tubes 24, 26 to the l~ ,é.,~iv~; first and second rear axles 48,
50 on opposite sides of the first and second rear wheels 44, 46. A pair of first and second chain stays 52,
54 extend _b~ .. Jly from a lower segment of the respective first and second seat tubes 24, 26
to the respective first and second rear axles 48, 50 on opposite sides ofthe first and second rear wheels 44,
46.
First and second handle bar axles 53, 55 are ~O~ pivotally mounted inside the first and second head
tubes 20, 22. The first and second handle bar axles 53, 55 respectively extend hlle~~ into first and
second forked yokes 56, 58. First and second seat posts 60, 62 are telcO~F "y inserted into their
eO~Je~iv~; first and second seat tubes 24, 26. A COI l cO~) ' g pair of first and second seats 64, 66 are
I c ~pe~ attached to the distal end of the first and second seat posts 60, 62.
First and second drive ll.~ ' 68, 70 typically taking the form of pedals ' "!~ coupled to
COIl~o~ 3 chain and o~l~hto - ~ ~ are adapted to drive the ~O~i~_ first and second rear
wheels 44, 46. It should be I ' olOod that the first and second bicycle 12 and 14 are h~,.~,;,~.~,
d~ d only by a way of example and that the coupling device 10 could be used with other types of
bicycles without ~ e~ ~h~g from the scope of the present invention.
The coupling device 10 includes a linking bar 72. The linking bar 72 has a generally c' ~ - ~
COIlfigUldtiOn defining a bar first ln~t~r " ~~ end 74 and an opposed bar second lon~yt~ ' end 76. The
coupling device 10 also includes first and second bicycle îtt' ' ' means 78 and 80 for pivotally ~ g
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the linking bar 72 re~l,F~ to the first bicycle 12 and the second bicycle 14. The first and second
1 means 78 and 80 are pall;cul~ly well suited for Cl~O ~ 1 and removal of the
second bicycle 14 without the need for manual dexterity or special tooling.
5 Referring now more ~re~ficPIly to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown in greater details the first ~
means 78. The first ~ h, ,~1 means 78 includes the first bicycle a - ' co...ix - 84 co,L~,ul cd so
as to be ~tr ' ' ' ~ to a segment of the first bicycle 12. The first ~11;-- l ....- ~1 means 78 also includes a first
bar ~t. ' ~ 82 ~ ' g from the bar first lo~t~.l; r o~ end 74. The first bar ;.l l; h. "~ .,l
CC.lllp~ 82 is cc,l~u~d so as to be pivotally and l.,leajdbl~ ~ ~ 'F, to the first bicycle -tt~hmF~t
CO..I~ - 84.
The first bicycle ~ pOl.F -1 84 pn_f~"dl/l~ includes a clamp colLgul-,d so as to be .~,1~1~
clamped around a section of the first bicycle 12. The clamp pl ~f~,. ~Iy includes a pair of jaw members 86.
Each jaw member 86 defines a generally arcuate segment 90; 5,, ~d and sized for cn~ ' g at least a
15 section ofthe first seat post 60. The arcuate segment defines an arcuate segment first pcfi~ el~1 edge and
an opposed arcuate segment second p.,~ lh,.~l edge.
Each jaw member also defines a ja~v '~ segment 88 e ' g from the arcuate segment first pc.ipll~,.al
edge. The linking segments 88 of both jaw members 86 are adapted to coo~.ale for linl~ng together the
20 jaw members 86.
Each jaw member 86 further defines a jaw ,~ - 6 segment 92 e. ~ ' lg from the arcuate segment
second p. . ' ol edge. The jaw conn~~ segments 92 of both jaw members 86 are adapted to
coop~.~1c for securing the first bar ~t--'-- co...l~o-~ A 82 to the first bicycle - - ' co...l-o~l~..1 84.
P~cfc.~l~ each of the jaw linking 3',, - : 88 has a generally flat colLgul~lion and a linking segment
aperture e ' 1,, IL~,.clhuugh. In use, the first seat post 60 is adapted to be sandwiched between the
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arcuate segments 90 of the jaw members 86 and the linking segment apertures are adapted to be put
S~ in register with each other for receiving a linking bolt 87. The head of the linking bolt 87 and
a co~ or.~ .g washer are adapted to squeeze the linking segrnents 88 towards each other,
A ~ul~71~llially flat Cn~ g tongue 98 extends i--lcE~ from the bar first lon~it~ in~l end 78. The
' g tongue 98 has a tongue aperture lO0 eA ~' 3 ~L~e~ ugh Similarly, each of the jaw
conl~ g segments 92 has a generally flat coufi~ul~lion and a CQnl~ g segment aperture ~.l. ".1' ~,
LLOI ellll ou~L.
l O In use, when the first seat post 60 is ~JallJ.W' ' - i between the arcuate segments 90 of the jaw members 86,
the co~ ,l;ng segment aperhlres and the tongue aperture lO0 are all aligned in register with each other so
as to allow for insertion of the stern portion of a co ~ ~f~ b bolt 93. The head of the col-~u- l ;.~g bolt 93
and a CC~ o~ e co~ ;~ washer are used for s~ue~ the jaw col. ~ g segrnents 92 towards
each other,
A 1,l~ ' ~ '-- knob 95 is pl-,fe.~l,~ mounted on the bolt head ofthe cc~ n,,, bolt 93 for r '~ ~ B
manual rotation of the co....~ g bolt 93. The knob 95 ~ll ereldl~ defmes a generally disc shaped
collfi~ " having finger receiving recesses formed on its pe.il)h~ l edge.
20 The first ~tr ' means 78 pn,f~.dl~ further includes a generally eyli~ldlical sleeves co..~l~ol- .l 94 sized
so as to be .ns~. i ' k between the arcuate segment 90 and the first seat post 60. The sleeve co~ . po~ d 94
is p.~f~,.~l~ provided with a friction ~ ~ means formed on at least one and pl~,f~,.dl~l~/ both of its outer
surfaces for ' . ~ ~ its friction so as to reduce the relative lln~ between the seat post 60 and the
arcuate segments 90. The sleeves cc,..~po \ ~1 94 is pl~,fe~ provided with a generally p~ k"
25 p~ Jh~ l flange . ~ ~ g ul~e~ull~ from its lower most p~" ',~ ~1 edge.
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Referring now more s",~ f ''~ to Figures 4 through 6, there is shown in greater details the second
~tt.~hm~Pnt means 80. The second Ptt."~hmPnt means 80 includes a second bicycle ~tt~chmPnt cu".pollcl~t
104 col~ul~;l and sized so as to be ' ' 1~ to a segment of the second bicycle 14. The second
1",.. ~,t means also includes a second bar ~tt~r~hnl~nt cc)~-pùll~nl 102 PYtPn~iin~. from the second
5 lr ~ end 76.
The second bar ~ h .-~1co~p~ - 102 is cu~ urod so as to be "lc- ~ t~ ~tt~ -~ Ll~ to the second
bicycle ~~tt~chn Pnt co.,.l~. 1 104. The second bicycle ~1~~~ ..1 co...l~n ..1 includes a gripping
co ~?~~ 1 for gripping the second head tube 22 and a c - - 3 sleeve 120 mounted on the gripping
10 COIllpol1~ The co~ ,I;.. g sleeve 120 defines a cc,ll~-r. - J' B sleeve channel 122.
The second bar ~ - ~ 102 includes a generally ~c ~ 6 stem 124 c,. ' B at
an angle from the bar second k n~tlll" -' end 76. The colll~ g stem 124 is cu-.Lgulcd and sized so as
to be sl b. ~, fittingly slideable within the sleeve channel 122.
The gripping: , I".,f~,.~l~ includes a ' ' ~ plate 106 having a pair of lateral ~ flanges
112~ p~ Iyll,c,~ Ulll. Each ~ flange112hasagenerallyarcuate
~ ~ 6 recess 114 formed thereon. Each ~ recess 114 is ~ 5,, ~d and sized so as to fittingly
receive at least a portion of the c... r ~,nce of the second head tube 22.
The gripping c _ ~ - further incl'udes a generally "~ shaped 1~ ~ ' 3 ~ - ~ " ' ~, mounted
on the ' ' 6 plate 106 for coup~ with the sl;~ G recesses 114 so as to encircle and r,i~ y
engage the second head tube 22. In a preferred ~ ' of the ~ . the ' ' ,, plate has a pair
of ~;' " 6 apertures 110 ~: " 6 Ih~.~ ILuu~d
The generally"~'-shaped ' ' e C~---r-- includes at least one and l,~,~ly two "~'-shaped bolts
116 having threaded end sections and a cc",~ , set of st~ i7~n~ nuts 118. The end sections of the
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"U"-shaped bolts 116 are adapted to extend through the ,1. ~.;1i,; .~ apertures 110 and the s~ g~ nuts
118 are adapted to be threadaly mounted on the threaded end sections so that the "U"-shaped bolts 116 can
be used for c.~ g the head tube 22 against the ~ g recesses 114.
The configuration of both the cC~l~n~ stem 124 and the s',eeve channel 122 are such that the mere action
of ~a~it~liOl~l forces prevents the ~,c.. f~ .g stem 124 from being inad~_.t~lltly retracted from the sleeve
channel 122. However, in order to further secure the cc~ g stem 123 within the sleeve channel 122 a
r~le a '~ le locking means is pl~f~,l~l~ provided. The l~ '' - locking means not only further secures the
co~ r ,1; ~8 stem 124 within the sleeve channel 122 but also prevents the connr~l; g stem 124 from vibrating
10 or UIL~ .;~ moving within the channel 122.
The second bicycle ~ cc,...~ 104 thus pr. f~,l~l~ further includes a l.~ 'le locking means
mounted on the coni-F~ g sleeve 120 for n 1~ locking the cc - - B stem 124 within the sleeve
channel 122. The l~,l~'~'e locking means pl~,f, Idbl~ takes the fonn of a locking bolt 130 e.l.~.r..l;.,g
15 throug'n a wall of the ~ 6 sleeve 120 so as to r. ;~ engage the exterior surface of the
co~ 8 stem 124 when the latter is inserted within the sleeve channel 122.
The second . - - E. means 80 pl~,f.,l~,l~ also includes a handle bar locking means for locking said second
handle bar 55 in a pl~t~ -~ I.t -' ~~ ,;l, relative to said second head tube 22. The handle
20 bar locking means is adapted to be attached both to the linking bar 72 and to the second handle bar 55.
The hand bar locking means includes a generally f1o.~l!;. a d and Jb. "~, rigid rod 126 defining a rod first
end and a I ~ opposed rod second end. A first rod --- ' means 128 for t~tt' ' ' B the rod
126 to the linking bar 72 is mounted adjacent the rod first lo~i~u~ end. A second rod ~tte ~hmfnt
means 142 for attaching the rod 126 to the second handle bar 55 is mounted adjacent the rod second
25 lon~ lin~l end.
CA 02246701 1998-09-24
One of the main ~,Lal~leri~Lics of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 7, resides in the specific
configuration and size ofthe linking bar 72. Indeed, since the device 10 is adapted to be used l)lerel~ly
although not ~ to attach the bicycle of a child to the bicycle of an adult, the linking bar 72 is
~lerel~ly given a specific geo...~hy adapted to at least partially cu,.,~ c-~e for the frame and wheel height
Jirrel~,.lces. Ful lhclll.ol e, the linking bar 72 is given a specific gCOll.~tly such that the front wheel 38 of the
second bicyde 14 wiD be in a spaced rel~ ', relative to the ground surface 32 when the second bicycle
14 is being towed by the first bicycle 12.
The linking bar 72 pl~,f~ has a generaDy flattened "S" shaped colLgul~lion defining a first bar segment
134e~ " g intoasecondbarsegment 136inturn,~ into a thirdbarsegment 138. Thefirstbar
segment 134 is adapted to extend in a generaDy holi~ulltal direction and in an overlying l~lat: ', relative
to the rear wheel 44 of the first bicycle 12 when the device is in use. The first bar segment 134 ~lerel~l~
bends hlte~ into the second bar segment 136. The second bar segment 136 is adapted to extend
.y lea. ~aldly and do ....~. aldl~ relative to the first bar segment 134 when the device 10 is in use.
The second bar segment 136, in turn, ~l~,f~ly bends ~e,, ~ "~ into the third bar segrnent 138. The third
bar segment 138 is adapted to extend in a ~b;~ t;~ , h~ direction and in an overlying r~n -i-- ' .
relative to the forked tubes 58 of the front wheel 38 of the second bicycle 14 when the device is in use.
The length of the first bar segment 134 is such that it extends beyond the rear wheel 44 of the first wheel 12.
Similarly, the length of the third bar segment 138 is such that is extends beyond the distal end of the forked
tubes 58. The length and the direction ofthe second bar segment 136 are such that the front wheel 38 will
be in a spaced r~' - - ', relative to the ground surface 132. As ...- ~;. n~d pl~ ~, this feature is
particularly hll~l i since it prevents the creation of frictional and drag forces enhance, r~ ; -. s puDing
25 of the second bicycle 14 by the first bicycle 12.
CA 02246701 1998-09-24
As illu~ ted mo~e "x r ~ in Figure 8, the specific configuration of the linking bar 72 also aUows the
latter to be mounted on the first bicycle 12 when it is not used for pulling the second bicycle 14. The
linking bar 72 can thus be carried to a location where it will be used for pulling the bicycle 14 without being
CUUII~ ~ull.e or illlel rel ing with the movement of the rider of the first bicycle 12 . Indeed, its specific
5 co.~ ion suh~; d; 1~ col-.,;.t,onds to that of the frame 16 of the first bicycle 12. The first bar segment
134 extends generally in the direction of the main tube 28 while the second bar segment 136 extends
s~b~ in the direction of the seat stays 49. A set of straps 140 is adapted to be used for releasably
securing the linking bar 72 to the first bicycle 12.
16
