GB2537435A - Device for a wheeled transport apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A support member for a wheeled transport apparatus such as a childs bicycle/bike or scooter, having a flexible arm 1, a handle 5 and attachment means 2. The attachment means is for attachment of the flexible arm to the wheeled transport apparatus and may be removably attached to the flexible arm. The arm may be resiliently deformable, articulated or jointed. The joints may restrict the arm from being flexible in at least one direction. The device may have a detachable handle and it may have a retractable strap 4. The support pole provides a means by which a parent or carer can assist a child who is learning to ride a bicycle to balance, steer and propel the bicycle.

Description

DEVICE FOR A WHEELED TRANSPORT APPARATUS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for a wheeled transport apparatus, in particular a device for steering a wheeled transport apparatus; more particularly a device for maintaining steering control over a wheeled transport apparatus such as a child's bike, tricycle or scooter.

Background

Due to increasing concerns over environmental and fiscal matters, increasing numbers of people are riding self-propelled wheeled transport devices such as bicycles, tricycles, rickshaws or scooters.

At some point, increasingly, most children start to learn to ride on a wheeled cycle, such as a tricycle or bicycle, often this being on a small tricycle at around age 3.

The next step is often a small bicycle with stabilisers and/or a scooter.

Children just starting this phase of learning often lack the confidence and physical strength to manage any more than a few minutes.

It is often necessary or convenient for a parent or carer to take the child for longer 25 walks than this and often end up having to pull and/or push the child on the bike/scooter, or carry the bike/scooter themselves.

A child's bike or scooter is usually small and low in height, and even when being pushed by an adult it is often necessary for the adult or carer to stoop or bend over uncomfortably to reach it.

Prior Art

Accordingly, a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following: United States patent application US 2010 186 545 (RAY) discloses an adjustable auxiliary hand grip device for a vehicle having a handlebar used alternately with an existing handlebar, the device comprising: a base permanently attached to a handle bar support on a vehicle having a handlebar, the base comprising a quick-release lock mechanism having a horizontal split sleeve and a lever arm for alternately tightening the split sleeve in a lock position and expanding the split sleeve in a release position; an adjustable auxiliary hand grip T-bar comprising a horizontal lock arm fitting within the split sleeve with a pivotable fit in the release position and a locked stationary fit in the lock position, an extension shaft extending orthogonally from the lock arm, a horizontal hand grip cross arm secured orthogonally to an outer end of the extension shaft, so that the extension arm pivoted and locked in a position forward of the handlebar permits normal use of the handlebar with the rider in a crouched forward position and the extension arm pivoted and locked in a position above and rearward of the handlebar enables a rider on a vehicle seat to grip the hand grip cross arm for operation of the vehicle while the rider sits in an upright position on the seat to straighten the back of the rider to relieve back stress, thereby forming an auxiliary adjustable hand grip device for a vehicle having a handlebar which hand grip device may be quickly released, repositioned, and locked in any position as desired without the use of a tool.

Granted United States patent US 7 540 519 (COYLE) discloses a bicycle trainer, which is comprised of a. inner stability bars; wherein the inner stability bars have a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the inner stability bars is attached to the bicycle; wherein the second end of the inner stability bar is placed inside an outer stability bar; b. outer stability bars; wherein the outer stability bars have a first end and a second end; wherein the outer stability bars are hollow; wherein the second end of the outer stability bar is attached to a handle bar bracket; c. handle bar bracket; said handle bar bracket has a first end and a second end; wherein the handle bar bracket is comprised of a set of forks; said fork is in the general shape of an inverted U; wherein the first end of the handle bar bracket is attached to the outer stability bars; wherein the second end of the handle bar bracket is attached to the tire of the bicycle; wherein the handle bar bracket is secured to a handle bar; d. a handle; wherein one end of a long cylindrical handle is attached to the back wheel of the bicycle; wherein the second end of the long cylindrical handle ends at the brake handle; wherein a means to brake the bicycle is provided on the second end of the handle of the device wherein appropriate mechanical linkage is provided between the means to brake on the back wheel of the bicycle; e. a means to conned to the bolt of the seat.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 444 556 (COLLING) discloses an apparatus for assisting control of a child's cycle, the apparatus comprising an arm, a handle located at a first end of the arm and first and second attachment means provided at the opposed second end of the arm for connecting the arm to a handlebar of a cycle and wherein the attachment means are interposed by an engagement part of the arm which can be pressed against the handlebar stem and/or handlebar of the cycle to slow or stop the cycle.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for a wheeled transport apparatus; the device including a flexible arm, a handle and attachment means; wherein the attachment means is for attachment of the flexible arm to the apparatus and the handle is for movement of the flexible arm.

In contrast to the known art therefore and without limitation, the present invention 20 provides a system that may be equipped to any wheeled transport device to enable a parent or carer to safely train someone to ride a wheeled transport device The flexible arm is comprised at least in part of a multi-jointed or resiliently deformable construction such as a gooseneck. The arm may maintain a comfortable guiding shape under normal use, but, when difficulties are encountered or the rider of the apparatus makes unexpected movements, the arm may be tautened and/or straightened.

In this way, the arm, having an axis defined between the attachment means and handle, is advantageously flexible around this axis but rigid in axial length. In such way, flexure in the arm is eliminated by tautening of the arm, such as in situations where the arm is straightened to its longest direct axial length by the apparatus moving away from the handle.

In a further embodiment the axial length may be straightened and flexure removed from the arm by a user-activated mechanism. For example in some embodiments the arm may include a deformable chamber, and the chamber may be filled with fluid, such as liquid or air, by pressure displacement or activation by the user, for example by squeezing at the handle.

The attachment of the device to the apparatus is advantageously typically at or near the apparatus' handlebars, such that the device can be effectively and simply used to steer the apparatus; which apparatus is typically a cycle or scooter.

Advantageously the arm's flexibility is encompassed by deformable resilience, such as a flexible and resilient construction.

For example the arm may be embodied by a length of flex in a gooseneck construction attaching a handle to or near the handlebar centre, and used in particular to pull/push/steer a child's bicycle, tricycle or scooter.

The device therefore gives mutual confidence to children who are just learning to ride, and to their parents, carers or users.

It achieves this by allowing the user to pull/push/steer the bike, tricycle or scooter 20 along.

Advantageously the arm is composed of a gooseneck construction such that the arm is both flexible and enabled to maintain a shape, wherein a comfortable holding shape for the user may be maintained so as to limit interference. However where the apparatus deviates from expected routes, the arm can be tautened and the construction straightened for maximum control.

The device enables the adult to gently steer the bike/scooter as it is attached to, or near, the centre of the handle bars and, as a physical connection between the adult and the bike/scooter, it provides excellent sensory feedback to the adult and gives confidence to the child.

There is also a time-saving benefit for the carer as it will be possible for the child to be pulled/pushed at a faster pace than perhaps s/he could manage alone.

Typically, the handle is brightly coloured in order that visibility is maximised for security and sensations of safety, and is detachable, typically being a spherical or semi-spherical ball although further embodiments may be other shapes, as preferred by users, such as resiliently deformable shapes.

Ideally the handle is detachable to enable storage or transport. Furthermore in ideal embodiments the arm may be wrapped about the device or handlebars when not in use.

In preferred embodiments the ball handle shall attach with a screw thread onto the arm.

The handle is ideally formed from plastic, and can be attached and detached from the gooseneck via a screw threaded mount wherein a part or whole of the mount is bipartite.

In some embodiments the handle is shaped similar to a standard bicycle grip. In other embodiments it may be a normal plastic or metal D shape. In preferred embodiments however it is a rubber ball of approximately 16-20cm in circumference, advantageously wherein control can be exercised from a large variety of directions, and wherein the handle may be resiliently deformable for comfort.

This shape allows maximum rotation and control from a plurality of angles.

Preferably the handle is available in a variety of colours and the handle includes a fitted and ideally retractable finger strap or cord.

At the distal end of the arm there is situate a bracket which attaches to the bike, scooter or apparatus with screws to form the attachment means.

The arm subsequently attaches to the bracket via a bayonet mount, which allows it to be easily attached and detached.

In some embodiments opposing magnets in the arm and bracket will help the user 35 attach the arm to the bracket.

In preferred embodiments the bracket is in two parts, roughly semi-circular, which clamp onto or near to the handlebar and frame; the handlebar and fork; the seat-post and frame, or any combination of these combinations and are secured with two threaded screws.

Provided the bracket is attached near the centre of the handlebars the adult will be able to gently steer the bike/scooter. Attaching the bracket near the seat post frame or elsewhere on the frame may allow a greater ability to allow the child freedoms, whilst exercising a failsafe control.

In some further embodiments the device is a multiple-jointed, movable arm, with bidirectional or multi-directional hinged movement. This movement may be inhibited in some respects to provide rigidity where required.

The arm is preferably made from plastic or metal and may be fully flexible or rigid in respect of certain orientations. For example, the arm may be prevented from movement in certain orientations in order that greater control may be exercised, in order that, for example, the bike may not be allowed to drop below a certain orientation.

In some embodiments the arm may be multipartite, such that only a part of the arm may be gooseneck, flexible, multiple jointed, articulated and/or resiliently deformable.

The arm is approximately 30-70cm in length.

In some further embodiments it may be envisaged that the device could have a second arm of similar construction to the first, attached to the first, so as to give added stability when in use.

In these embodiments the two arms, in combination, may attach to two separate 30 locations on or near the handlebar. A handle may combine the arms and/or the arm may combine two attachment means.

Alternatively, the locations may be the handlebar and frame; the handlebar and fork; the seat-post and frame, or any combination of these combinations.

Foam and/or rubber pads may be included which protect the frame, handlebar, seat-post or fork.

Preferably the device can be coiled and stored in a corresponding bag or box and carried when not in use.

In some embodiments the device may include an energy source, such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery. In some embodiments the energy source may be manually operable, for example piezo-electric, energy harvesting or a dynamo.

In some embodiments the handle may include a light source, for safely illuminating the users and/or child's surroundings.

In some embodiments the handle may include a mirror for rear viewing.

In some embodiments the handle may include a horn, so as to warn others of the child, for example an air-horn, or in other embodiments the handle may include a bulb horn.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the preferred embodiment; Figures 4 show views from below and above of the preferred embodiment; Figure 5 shows a second side view of the preferred embodiment; And Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the device, having an exposed gooseneck construction.

Detailed Description of Fiaures

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the device is a flexibly rigid arm which attaches to or near the handlebars.

Further embodiments may additionally or alternatively attach to the frame, fork, or seat-post of a child's bike, trike or scooter.

The pictured and preferred embodiment includes the following: Gooseneck arm (1) of coiled metal and/or plastic construction, which in further embodiments may include foam and/or rubber pads; Magnetic bayonet locking system formed by a bracket (2) that is left in place on the 15 wheeled transport device and a bayonet fixing (3) on the am' end; Retractable finger strap for transport and/or storage (4); Plastic, metal or rubber ball handle (5).

Further embodiments include a quick release grip, clamp or locking type means.

The device thereby allows the user to pull/push/steer or otherwise maintain control over the child's bike or scooter without bending down difficultly and thereby reduces the risk of injury. With the use of a gooseneck and a ball handle, the adult can now adjust the arm to their desired comfort for their height, and thus walk normally without stooping down.

The arm takes seconds to attach and seconds to dismantle due to the bayonet locking 30 system and the removable arm.

In use, the user attaches the bike arm bracket to their child's bicycle, tricycle, scooter or wheeled transport apparatus. This can remain on their child's bicycle or scooter for long periods of time.

The user pushes the gooseneck arm into the bayonet lock of the bracket located on the child's bike or scooter and twists to lock into place.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated 5 that variations may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. Claims 1. A device for a wheeled transport apparatus; the device including a flexible arm, a handle and attachment means; wherein the attachment means is for attachment of the flexible arm to the apparatus and the handle is for movement of the flexible arm.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the arm has an axis defined between the attachment means and handle, at least part of the arm is configured to be flexibly displaced around the axis but the axis is rigid in axial length.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the attachment means is separable and a first bracket is semi-permanently attached to the device.
4. 4. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the arm is resiliently deform able.
5. 5. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the arm is articulated.
6. 6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the arm has a gooseneck construction at least in part.
7. 7. A device according to any preceding claim having a multi-jointed arm.
8. 8. A device according to claim 7 wherein some of the joints are prevented from full-joint operation in a direction.
9. 9. A device according to any preceding claim having a detachable handle.
10. 10. A device according to any preceding claim having a retractable strap.
11. 11. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.
12. 12. A wheeled transport device training system incorporating a device according to any preceding claim.
13. 13. A wheeled transport device including a device or system according to any preceding claim.