GB2311262A

GB2311262A - Prone position bicycle

Info

Publication number: GB2311262A
Application number: GB9605908A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tim Elsdale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-03-21
Filing date: 1996-03-21
Publication date: 1997-09-24
Also published as: GB9605908D0

Abstract

A bicycle is constructed to enable a rider to travel in a prone position with his/her shoulders in supports 1 and the front crests of his/her ilium in a fixed or suspended support 3. Propulsion is by pedals 6 mounted on a bottom bracket 5 which is to the rear of the back wheel. The shoulder supports 2 are adjustable within twin top tubes 2 of a carbon fibre frame. A partial or full fairing may be fitted.

Description

PRONE POSITION BICYCLE This invention relates to a prone position bicycle.

Bicycles are well known vehicles which comprise a frame with two wheels upon which the rider sits. On an ordinary bicycle the rider progresses in an upright position and incurs maximum air resistance. Air resistance will be reduced if the rider 1 8 position is hOrizontal. This can be achieved with the rider either lying on his back or his front. There are several types of recumbant bicycles made which have the rider lying on his back. My idea relates to the rider lying on his front.

According to the present invention there is provided a prone position bicycle comprising of two wheels, a frame, a lower body support, shoulder thrust pads, clip on handlebars and other normal cycle accessories, ie brakes, gears, pedals, etc. A fairing is also included as an option.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the assembled bicycle (without the fairing) Figure 2 shows the bicycle with the rider mounted in riding position.

Figure 3 shows the bicycle with the fairing fitted with the rider mounted in riding position.

Figure 4 shows a detail of the lower body support with fixed supports.

Figure 5 shows an alternative lower body support with a web type slung support.

Figure 6 shows a shoulder support. ~~~~ Refering to Figure 1, the rider straddles the bicycle and lowers his pelvic girdle onto the lower body support 3 which is designed so as the main lower body weight is supported on the two front crests of the Ilium. He then leans further forward and grasps the handlebars,4, at the same timeplacing his shoulders into the shoulder supporçts,l, which are adjustable within the twin top tubes,2. He then reaches back with one foot to find the pedal,6, adjusts the pedal position and pushes off in a similar manner to a conventional bicycle. Figure shows the rider in a pedaling position.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. A bicycle on which the rider rides in a head-first virtuallyhorizontal position.

2. A bicycle as in Claim 1 in which the bottom bracket (5 in Fig.l) is outside of the rear end of the rear wheel.

3. A bicycle as in Claims 1 and Claim 2 which supports the rider by means of a pelvic girdle support, either fixed (Fig 4) or suspended (Fig 5).

4. A bicycle as in Claim 3 which uses shoulder 'thrust and support' pads.

5. A bicycle as in Claim 4 which is fitted with a fairing.

6. A pelvic girdle support for bicycle as in claim 5 on which the rider rides in the head first position for supporting the pelvic region of the rider.

7. A bicycle as in claim 5 in which the frame and possibly hip andrshoulder supports are made from carbon fibre or similar composite panels.