WO1996021592A1

WO1996021592A1 - A support for a bicycle rider

Info

Publication number: WO1996021592A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/000523
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Code; David Gordon
Original assignee: A Gear Higher, Llc
Priority date: 1995-01-10
Filing date: 1996-01-05
Publication date: 1996-07-18
Also published as: AU4756796A

Abstract

The invention herein is to assist a bicycle rider in tilting his body and the bicycle toward the desired direction, thereby enabling the rider to navigate curves at high speeds and/or to stabilize the bicycle to mitigate slipping of the bicycle wheels on the track. In addition, the invention includes a method for a bicycle rider to use a support to lift himself off of a bicycle seat while riding a bicycle, thereby enabling him to shift his weight in a desired direction.

Description

6/21592 PCI7US96/00523

A SUPPORT FOR A BICYCLE RIDER

This continuation-in-part (CIP) application is a continua¬ tion of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/370,787, which was filed on January 10, 1995. U.S. Patent Applica- tion Serial No. 08/370,787 is incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Bicycle riders are always searching for means for improving their navigation of curves at high speeds. When a bicycle rider travels on a straight track ("track" hereinafter refers to any riding surface, including, but not limited to, a paved road, a dirt road, or a bicycle track) , the rider's medial sagittal plane and the bicycle's medial sagittal plane, which generally bisects both wheels of the bicycle, are both generally perpendicular to the plane (hereinafter referred to as the "track plane") generally containing the points of contact between the track and the bicycle's wheels. However, when a bicycle rider navigates a curve, the rider usually must tilt his body (and his medial sagittal plane) inwardly toward the inside of the curve. And when a bicycle rider's body is tilted inwardly, the bicycle itself (and the bicycle's medial sagittal plane) usually must be tilted inwardly toward the inside of the curve.

When a bicycle rider navigates a curve, the medial sagittal plane of the rider intersects the track plane at a line that defines two half-planes: half-plane "A" contains the inside of the curve, and half-plane "B" does not contain the inside of the curve. In addition, when a bicycle rider travels on a straight track, the medial sagittal plane of the rider intersects the track plane at a line that defines two half-planes: half-plane "A" contains the left side of the track, and half-plane "B" contains the right side of the track. Whether the bicycle rider is navigating a curve or travelling on a straight track, the two half-planes "A" and "B" together comprise the track plane.

Similarly, when a bicycle rider navigates a curve, the medial sagittal plane of the bicycle intersects the track plane at a line that defines two half-planes: half-plane "C" contains the inside of the curve, and half-plane "D" does not contain the inside of the curve. In addition, when a bicycle rider travels on a straight track, the medial sagittal plane of the bicycle intersects the track plane at a line that defines two half-planes: half-plane "C" contains the left side of the curve, and half-plane "D" contains the right side of the track. Whether the bicycle rider is navigating a curve or travelling on a straight track, the two half-planes "C" and "D" comprise the entire track plane.

When a bicycle rider navigates a curve, the rider usually tilts his body toward the inside of the curve so that his body's medial sagittal plane forms an acute angle (herein¬ after referred to as the "tilt angle of the rider" or the "tilt angle of his [the rider's] body") with half plane "A." The bicycle, in turn, also is usually tilted toward the inside of the curve so that the bicycle's medial sagittal plane forms an acute angle (hereinafter referred to as the "tilt angle of the bicycle") with half-plane "C." Generally, to increase his speed around a curve, a bicycle rider must decrease the tilt angle of his body while decreasing the tilt angle of the bicycle to compensate for the centrifugal force acting on his body and the bicycle. The centrifugal force increases as the bicycle rider's speed around the curve increases. Therefore, the faster a bicycle rider negotiates a curve, the more he must co pen- sate for the centrifugal forces by decreasing the tilt angle of his body while decreasing the tilt angle of the bicycle. However, as the tilt angle of the bicycle de¬ creases, the stability of the bicycle decreases because the bicycle wheels will tend to slip toward the outside of the curve. Indeed, if a bicycle rider decreases the tilt angle of his body too much, the tilt angle of the bicycle will decrease so that the wheels of the bicycle will slip on the track, causing the bicycle to fall to the track. In addition, the bicycle pedal that is closer to the inside of the curve may scrape the track.

To mitigate the slipping of the bicycle wheels toward the outside of the curve and/or to mitigate the scraping of the pedal on the track, a bicycle rider navigating a curve usually must increase the tilt angle of the bicycle (i.e., tilt the bicycle toward the vertical position) , although the tilt angle of the bicycle should not exceed 90 degrees. The rider will do this usually by increasing the tilt angle of his body and the bicycle, which usually results in an increased turning radius and/or a loss of speed around the curve. An increased turning radius means that the bicycle rider must ride a greater distance to navigate the curve. A better way for a bicycle rider to navigate a curve at a high speed (while mitigating slipping of the wheels and scraping of the pedal on the track) is to increase the tilt angle of the bicycle by decreasing the tilt angle of his body, thereby lowering the combined center of gravity of the rider and the bicycle. In fact, a bicycle rider navigating a curve can mitigate or eliminate slipping of the wheels and scraping of the pedal on the track by tilting the bicycle so that the tilt angle of the bicycle is greater than the tilt angle his body. A bicycle rider who navigates a curve in this way enjoys the best of both worlds. Because of the relatively large tilt angle of the bicycle, the rider can maintain his speed while navigating the curve and can also mitigate the slipping of the wheels and the scraping of the pedal on the track. Moreover, a bicycle rider can navigate curves at even higher speeds if he can further decrease the tilt angle of his body (i.e., lower his center of gravity) ; and he can further mitigate the slipping of the wheels and/or the scraping of the pedal on the track if he can further increase the tilt angle of the bicycle (although the tilt angle of the bicycle should not be so large as to prevent the bicycle rider from successfully navigating the curve) .

However, a bicycle rider navigating a curve cannot decrease the tilt angle of his body and increase the tilt angle of the bicycle with impunity. When a bicycle rider decreases the tilt angle of his body, he usually also decreases the tilt angle of the bicycle. Conversely, when a bicycle rider increases the tilt angle of the bicycle, he usually also increases the tilt angle of his body. Thus, a bicycle rider who wants to navigate a curve at a high speed, to mitigate the slipping of the wheels on the track, and/or to mitigate the scraping of the pedal on the track should use a means that would allow him to decrease the tilt angle of his body and/or increase the tilt angle of the bicycle.

If the track surface is slippery (e.g., a wet track or a dirt track) , the bicycle wheels during braking will tend to slip to the left or right side of the track, even if the track itself is straight. The left side of the track is defined as being on the left-hand side of the rider riding the bicycle. The right side of the track is defined as being on the right-hand side of the rider riding the bicycle. To mitigate such slipping and to prevent the bicycle from falling down, a bicycle rider usually must shift his weight toward the rear portion of the bicycle to increase the traction of the rear wheel, which tends to slip during braking on a slippery track. Thus, a bicycle rider who wants to mitigate the slipping of the wheels on a slippery track during braking should use a means that would allow him to quickly shift his weight in the desired direction, namely toward the rear portion of the bicycle.

With the invention herein, the inventors attempt to assist a bicycle rider in tilting his body and the bicycle toward the desired direction, thereby enabling the rider to navigate curves at high speeds and/or to stabilize the bicycle to mitigate uncontrolled slipping of the bicycle wheels on the track.

SUMMARY

In broad fashion, one embodiment of the invention is a support attached to a shoe. Another embodiment is a support for assisting a rider of a vehicle on a track. The vehicle is a bicycle having a seat, a frame, and two wheels, the two wheels meeting the track at points of contact, a track plane being defined by a plane generally containing the points of contact between the track and the bicycle's wheels. The bicycle's medial sagittal plane intersects the track plane to form an angle called the "tilt angle of the bicycle." The rider's medial sagittal plane intersects the track plane to form an angle called the "tilt angle of the rider" or the "tilt angle of his (the rider's) body." The rider uses the support to lift himself off of the bicycle seat to facilitate the shifting of his center of gravity, to facilitate the changing of the tilt angle of his body, and/or to facilitate the changing of the tilt angle of the bicycle. For example, when a bicycle rider is navigating a curve, he can use the support to lift himself off of the seat so that he can lean toward the inside of the curve, thereby lowering his center of gravity and decreasing the tilt angle of his body by a certain amount without necessarily decreasing the tilt angle of the bicycle by the same amount. The support itself is attached to the rider's shoe, to the bicycle's frame, or to both the rider's shoe and the bicycle's frame. In one embodiment, where the support is attached to the rider's shoe, a portion of the support is shaped to engage the bicycle frame (particularly the chain stay, but also other parts of the frame as well; hereinafter, the chain stay may be movable or immovable) . This portion of the support may be concave along a longitudinal axis to form an arc of approximately 120 degrees to 150 degrees, and the portion may be convex along a transverse axis. In another embodiment where the support is attached to the frame, a portion of the support is shaped to engage the bicycle rider's shoe. In another embodiment, a part of the support is attached to the rider's shoe and a complementary part of the support is attached to the frame; and the two parts of the support are shaped to engage each other. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a bicycle shoe having a sole shaped to engage a bicycle frame, wherein the sole is concave for receiving and engaging the bicycle frame.

Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for use by a bicycle rider for lifting himself off of a bicycle seat and shifting himself in a desired direction while riding a bicycle, the bicycle having a frame, a main gear, a main gear axle, a central movement, a rear gear, a rear axle, and pedals, the apparatus comprising a means for preventing the pedals from moving counterclockwise about the main gear axle without braking the bicycle. In one alternative, the central movement has a stop plate, the preventing means comprising: (a) a locking pin for engag- ing the stop plate, whereby the main gear is prevented from rotating counterclockwise about the main gear axle; and (b) a cable for controlling engagement of the locking pin with the stop plate. In another alternative, the rear gear has a threaded portion and the rear axle has a first notch, the preventing means comprising: (a) a threaded collar rotata- bly mounted on the rear axle, the threaded portion of the rear gear being engaged with the threaded collar; (b) a fixed frame member attached to the frame, the fixed frame member having a second notch; and (c) a means for stopping the threaded collar from rotating counterclockwise around the rear axle, whereby the first notch of the rear gear engages with the second notch of the fixed frame member to prevent the rear gear from rotating counterclockwise around the rear axle.

In addition, the invention comprises a method for a bicycle rider to use a support attached to his shoe to lift himself off of a bicycle seat while riding a bicycle. One method for a bicycle rider to use the claimed invention while navigating a curve is as follows: (a) pedalling the bicycle's pedals until the support on the rider's shoe (preferably, the shoe closer to the inside of the curve) is next to and above the bicycle's chain stay; (b) moving his shoe toward the chain stay so that the support is directly above the chain stay; (c) moving his shoe downwardly to engage the support with the chain stay; (d) extending his legs with the support engaged with the chain stay, lifting himself off of the seat, and shifting his weight (and center of gravity) in the desired direction.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method for a bicycle rider to lift himself off of a bicycle seat and to shift his weight in a desired direction while riding a bicycle having a chain stay, the method comprising: (a) engaging a shoe of the rider with the chain stay; (b) lifting himself off of the seat by leaning on the chain stay and extending his legs; and (c) shifting his weight in a desired direction. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. All of this is presented by way of example only and not limitation, obvious modifications being understood to be a portion of this document.

Figure A shows a right side view of a standard bicycle.

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodi- ment of the invention and the means for securing it to the bicycle rider's left shoe.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the member of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a rear sectional view of the member of Figure 1 along the line 3-3 in Figure 4.

Figure 4 shows a bottom plan view of the member of Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay with the member of Figure 1 engaged with the chain stay and the member attached to the bicycle rider's left shoe.

Figure 7 shows a left side partial sectional view through the member of Figure 6, the member being engaged with the chain stay.

Figure 8a shows a right side view of another embodiment of the device, the bracket being attached to the bicycle frame chain stay.

Figure 8b shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay, with the bracket of Figure 8a attached to the chain stay and engaged with the bicycle rider's right shoe.

Figures 9a and 9b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9a shows a right side view of a bicycle frame with a portion of the main gear removed to show a locking pin engaged with a stop plate. Figure 9b shows a magnified right side sectional view through the cable of Figure 9a, the cable controlling engagement of the locking pin with the stop plate.

Figures 10a and 10b show another embodiment of the inven¬ tion. Figure 10a shows a rear view of the member attached to a bicycle shoe. Figure 10b shows a left side view of a bicycle frame with the projection attached to the chain stay for engaging the member, when the member is attached to the bicycle rider's right shoe.

Figures 11a, lib, and lie show another embodiment of the invention. Figure 11a shows a rear view and Figure lie shows a right side view of the member attached to a left bicycle shoe. Figure lie shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay with the projection attached to the chain stay for engaging the member of Figures 11a and lie, when the member is attached to the bicycle rider's left shoe.

Figure 12 shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay of another embodiment of the invention, the member having a first portion attached to the bicycle rider's left shoe and a second portion engaged with the chain stay of the bicycle frame.

Figures 13a and 13b show another embodiment of the inven- tion. Figure 13a shows a partial sectional rear view of a left bicycle shoe with the first portion of the member attached to the heel portion of the shoe inside a cavity and with the member in the extended position, wherein the second portion of the member projects outward from the medial side of the shoe. Figure 13b shows a right side view of the left shoe of Figure 13a with the second portion of the member retracted into the cavity.

Figures 14a and 14b show another embodiment of the inven- tion. Figure 14b shows a left side view of a bicycle frame with a peg attached to the chain stay by means of the peg's connecting portion. Figure 14a shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay with the peg attached to the chain stay by means of the peg's connecting portion, the bicycle rider's left shoe being engaged with the peg.

Figures 15a and 15b show another embodiment of the inven¬ tion. Figure 15a shows a right side view of a bicycle frame with a peg attached to the chain stay, the peg being in the nonextended position. Figure 15b shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay with the peg attached to the chain stay by means of the peg's connecting portion, the peg being in the extended position.

Figures 16a and 16b show another embodiment of the inven¬ tion. Figure 16b shows a left side view of a bicycle frame with a stop attached to the chain stay and the seat stay. Figure 16a shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay and the seat stay. In Figure 16a, the bicycle rider's left shoe is engaged with the chain stay; and the stop is attached to the chain stay and the seat stay.

Figures 17a and 17b show another embodiment of the inven¬ tion. Figure 17b shows a left side view of a bicycle frame 22 with a bracket attached to the seat stay. Figure 17a shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay and the seat stay with the bracket attached to the seat stay.

Figures 18a and 18b show another embodiment of the inven¬ tion. Figure 18a shows a right side view of a left bicycle shoe, whose heel portion is shaped to receive and engage the chain stay. Figure 18b shows a rear sectional view of the right bicycle shoe, whose heel portion has a concave portion, which is shaped to receive and engage the bicycle frame.

Figures 19a and 19b show another embodiment of the inven- tion. Figure 19a shows a right side view of a left bicycle shoe with a slot provided in the heel portion for receiving the second portion of the member. Figure 19b shows an exploded rear sectional view of a right bicycle shoe with the first portion of the member being inserted into the slot, the first portion being attached to the shoe by means of a screw.

Figure 20 shows another embodiment of the invention.

Figures 21a, 21b, and 22 show another embodiment of the invention. Figures 21a and 22 are cross sections through the rear axle. Figure 21b is a cross section through the threaded collar.

DESCRIPTION

Figure A shows a right side view of a prior-art standard bicycle (hereinafter referred to as the "standard bicy- cle"), the bicycle comprising a frame 22, a front wheel 28 attached by means of its axle 46 to the front part of the frame 22, and a rear wheel 30 attached by means of the rear axle 48 to the rear part of the frame 22. The rear part of the frame is comprised of the chain stay 24 and the seat stay 26. A bicycle rider powers the bicycle forward by straddling the seat 32, putting his left foot on the left pedal 42, putting his right foot on the right pedal 44, and moving the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise around the main gear axle 50. (The movement of the pedals 42 and 44 around the main gear axle 50 is clockwise when the bicycle is viewed from the right side, as shown in Figure A. Although each pedal also can spin about its own axis, this description is concerned with and analyzes only the clockwise or counter- clockwise movement of the pedals 42 and 44 around the main gear axle 50.) The left pedal 42 is connected to the left pedal arm 38, and the right pedal 44 is connected to the right pedal arm 40. The pedal arms 38 and 40 are connected to the main gear axle 50. By moving the pedals clockwise around the main gear axle 50, the bicycle rider moves the left pedal arm 40 and the right pedal arm 38 clockwise around the main gear axle 50. The pedal arms in turn rotate the main gear axle 50 and the main gear 36 clock¬ wise, and the clockwise rotation of the main gear 36 causes the chain 34 to move clockwise around the main gear axle 50. The clockwise movement of the chain 34 causes the rear gear 52 and the rear wheel 30 to rotate clockwise around the rear axle 48, thereby moving the bicycle forward.

If a standard bicycle is moving forward, the rear wheel 30 will continue to move clockwise and the bicycle will continue to move forward even if the bicycle rider stops pedalling. Furthermore, with a standard bicycle, the bicycle rider can move the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 without moving the rear wheel 30 counterclockwise around the rear axle 48 and without impeding the forward movement of the bicycle. In fact, with a standard bicycle, the bicycle rider can move the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 with little effort. A bicycle rider slows down or stops a standard bicycle by means of a hand brake, which is not shown in Figure A.

By contrast, a bicycle rider slows down or stops the first variation of the standard bicycle (hereinafter referred to as the "first variation of the standard bicycle") by means of a foot brake, which is engaged when the bicycle rider moves the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50. The foot brake, which is not shown in Figure A, is actually engaged when the bicycle rider can no longer move the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50. Once it is engaged, the foot brake slows down or stops the movement of the rear wheel 30. In addition, once the foot brake is engaged, the bicycle rider can no longer move the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50, unless the foot brake is released by moving the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 clockwise around the main gear axle 50. Then, the rider can again move the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 counterclock- wise around the main gear axle 50, but only until the foot brake is reengaged.

In the second variation of the standard bicycle (hereinaf¬ ter referred to as the "second variation of the standard bicycle") , the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 move whenever the rear wheel 30 moves. For example, when the rear wheel 30 moves clockwise around the rear axle 48 (e.g., when the bicycle moves forward), the rear gear 52 necessarily rotates clockwise around the rear axle 48; and the chain 34, the main gear 36, the pedal arms 38 and 40, and the pedals 42 and 44 necessarily move clockwise around the main gear axle 50. Similarly, when the rear wheel 30 moves counterclockwise around the rear axle 48 (e.g., when the bicycle moves backward) , the rear gear 52 necessarily rotates counterclockwise around the rear axle 48; and the chain 34, the gear 36, the pedal arms 38 and 40, and the pedals 42 and 44 necessarily move counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50. In fact, the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 are stationary with respect to the main gear axle 50 only when the rear wheel 30 is station- ary. The second variation of the standard bicycle usually has no brakes whatsoever.

If a bicycle rider who is navigating a curve wants to make the tilt angle of the bicycle significantly different than the tilt angle of his body, the rider usually must lift himself off of the seat 32 by extending his legs and, in effect, by standing on the pedals 42 and 44. Then, he can shift his weight (and his center of gravity) by leaning in the desired direction. If the bicycle rider is navigating a curve, he preferably should lean toward the inside of the curve.

However, if a bicycle rider attempts to stand on the pedals 42 and 44 of a standard bicycle, the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 generally will tend move to a perpendicular position (hereinafter referred to as the "perpendicular position") , where the longitudinal axis of each pedal arm is essentially perpendicular to the track plane. For example, if the bicycle rider stands on the pedals 42 and 44 and shifts most of his weight to his left foot, then the left pedal 42 and the left pedal arm 38 will tend to move around the main gear axle 50 until the left pedal 42 is as close as possible to the ground and the longitudinal axis of the left pedal arm 38 is perpendicular to the ground. At the same time, the right pedal 44 and the right pedal arm 40 will tend to move around the main gear axle 50 until the right pedal 44 is as far as possible from the ground and the longitudinal axis of the right pedal arm 40 is perpendicular to the ground.

On the other hand, if a bicycle rider stands on the pedals 42 and 44 of a standard bicycle and shifts most of his weight to his right foot, then the right pedal 44 and the right pedal arm 40 will tend to move around the main gear axle 50 until the right pedal 44 is as close as possible to the ground and the longitudinal axis of the right pedal arm 40 is perpendicular to the ground. At the same time, the left pedal 42 and the left pedal arm 38 will tend to move around the main gear axle 50 until the left pedal 42 is as far as possible from the ground and the longitudinal axis of the left pedal arm 40 is perpendicular to the ground.

The pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 of a standard bicycle move toward the perpendicular position whenever the bicycle rider stands on the pedals and shifts most of his weight to his left or right foot because the pedals and the pedal arms offer insufficient resistance in any other position. As noted above, the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 of a standard bicycle can be moved counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 with little effort. In addition, the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 of a standard bicycle can be moved clockwise around the main gear axle 50 simply by overcoming the resistance offered by the main gear 36, the chain 34, the rear gear 52, and the rear wheel 30 on the ground.

Currently, when a bicycle rider seeks to navigate a curve at a high speed, the tilt angle of his body is approximate- ly equal to or slightly less than the tilt angle of the bicycle; and the rider may attempt to exert force on the bicycle with his feet, legs, arms, and the rest of his body to try to ensure that the tilt angle of the bicycle is greater than the tilt angle of his body. However, a bicycle rider's ability to ensure that the tilt angle of the bicycle is greater than the tilt angle of his body is limited by his ability to lift himself off the seat 32 by standing on the pedals 42 and 44 and by his ability to shift his weight and his center of gravity in the desired direction. In the perpendicular position where the left pedal 42 is closer to the ground than the right pedal 44, a bicycle rider's left leg is usually fully extended or almost fully extended when he is sitting on the seat 32; and, conse- quently, when he stands on the pedals, he can lift himself off of the seat 32 to only a limited degree or height. Similarly, in the perpendicular position where the right pedal 44 is closer to the ground than the left pedal 42, a bicycle rider's right leg is usually fully extended or almost fully extended when he is sitting on seat 32; and, consequently, when he stands on the pedals, he can lift himself off of the seat 32 only to a limited degree or height. Although his ability to lift himself off of the seat 32 is compromised, a bicycle rider sitting on the seat 32 usually can generate the maximum amount of power with his legs for pedalling if: (1) his left leg is fully or almost fully extended when the pedals and the pedal arms are in the perpendicular position and the left pedal 42 is closer to the ground than the right pedal 44; and (2) his right leg is fully or almost fully extended when the pedals and the pedal arms are in the perpendicular position and the right pedal 44 is closer to the ground than the left pedal 42.

The present invention allows a rider of a standard bicycle to increase the extent to which he can lift himself off of the seat 32 and shift his weight (and center of gravity) toward the inside of a curve without limiting his ability while he is sitting on the seat 32 to fully extend or almost fully extend his legs to generate the maximum amount of power for pedalling. And by allowing a bicycle rider to lift himself off of the seat 32 and shift his weight (and center of gravity) toward the inside of a curve, the invention allows the rider to increase the tilt angle of the bicycle and/or decrease the tilt angle of his body.

In general, the higher a bicycle rider can lift himself off of the seat 32, the more readily he can exert force on the bicycle with his feet, legs, arms, and the rest of his body to try to increase the tilt angle of the bicycle and/or decrease the tilt angle of his body. It is believed that, because a bicycle rider using the invention while navigat¬ ing a curve can lift himself higher off of the seat 32 than can another rider not using the invention, the rider using the invention can more readily than another rider lean toward the inside of the curve by hanging off the side of the bicycle closest to the inside of the curve, thereby exerting the force required to ensure that the tilt angle of the bicycle is greater than the tilt angle of his body. That is, a rider using the invention while navigating a curve can more easily shift his weight and his center of gravity toward the inside of the curve (and closer to the track plane) than can a rider not using the invention. As described above, a bicycle rider who navigates a curve so that the tilt angle of the bicycle is greater than the tilt angle of his body can navigate the curve at a high speed while mitigating the slipping of the wheels and the scrap¬ ing of the pedal on the track. It is believed that a bicycle rider who uses the present invention to mitigate the slipping of the wheels and/or the scraping of the pedal on the track usually will be able to navigate curves at higher speeds than a bicycle rider who does not or cannot shift his weight and his center of gravity so that the tilt angle of the bicycle is greater than the tilt angle of his body.

On the other hand, if a bicycle rider does not want to navigate curves at high speeds, the rider can use the present invention to increase the tilt angle of the bicycle while navigating curves, thereby mitigating the slipping of the wheels and the scraping of the pedal on the track. Furthermore, the invention also is useful when braking on straight, slippery tracks (e.g., wet tracks or dirt tracks) . Because a bicycle rider using the invention while braking on a slippery track can shift his weight to the front or rear portion of the bicycle or to the right or left side of the track more readily than can another rider not using the invention, a rider using the invention can more readily than another rider exert force on the bicycle with his feet, legs, arms, and the rest of his body to shift his weight (and his center of gravity) in the desired direction and/or to tilt the bicycle in the desired direc¬ tion, thereby mitigating the slipping of the wheels on a slippery track.

Broadly, the invention is an apparatus and a method for enabling a rider of a bicycle to more precisely affect the tilt angle and/or the weighting of the bicycle. The invention also enables the rider to shift his weight and center of gravity. The inventors have developed many embodiments of their invention to enable a bicycle rider to lift himself off the seat 32 and to shift his weight and center of gravity in the desired direction (e.g., toward the inside of a curve, toward the left side of the track, toward the right side of the track, toward the front portion of the bicycle, toward the rear portion of the bicycle) . The first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7.

A member 100 has a first portion 101 and a second portion 102. The first portion 101 of the member 100 is attached to a bicycle shoe 104. One such attachment means is shown in Figure 1, where the member 100 is attached to the shoe

104 by means of a bolt 106, a nut 108, and washers 110 and

111. The member 100 also can be attached to the shoe 104 by numerous other means, including, but not limited to: a bolt 106, a bolt 106 with a nut 108, a fastener, a screw, a rivet, a pin, a nail, paste, or glue. The member 100 can also be attached to the shoe 104 by means of the first portion 101 if the first portion 101 itself functions like a bolt, a fastener, a screw, a rivet, a pin, or a nail by attaching directly to the shoe 104. Optionally, the member 100 is attached to the shoe 104 in such a way that the member 100 may be removed from the shoe 104 and reattached to the shoe 104 as often as necessary to suit the needs of the bicycle rider.

Preferably, the member 100 has a hole 116 for attaching the member 100 to the shoe 104 with a bolt 106, a fastener, a screw, a rivet, a pin, a nail, or any other attachment means known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the hole 116 is elongated with an elongated slot 118 as shown in Figure 4 so that one can adjust the position of the member 100 when attaching it to the shoe 104. On the other hand, if the first portion 101 itself functions like a bolt, a fastener, a screw, a rivet, a pin, or a nail by attaching directly to the shoe 104, preferably the shoe 104 has a cavity for receiving the first portion 101 of the member 100; and, under such circumstances, the member 100 preferably has no hole 116 and no elongated slot 118. The member 100 in the bottom plan view shown in Figure 4 has a generally rectangular shape, although the member 100 also can have other shapes (for example, see Figure 5) .

The shoe 104 has two sides defined by the medial sagittal plane generally bisecting the shoe: the medial side containing the instep and the lateral side, which is the side opposite the medial side. Figure 1 shows that the medial sagittal plane of the shoe 104 intersects the sole 114 of the shoe at line 112. The longitudinal axis of the member 100 preferably is generally perpendicular to the medial sagittal plane of the shoe 104. The sole of the shoe 104 has a heel portion 120 and a front portion 121. The plane generally containing the sole 114 of the shoe 104 is hereinafter called the "sole plane."

When the member 100 is attached to the shoe 104, the second portion 102 of the member 100 preferably projects outwardly 96/21592 PCIYUS96/00523

20 from the medial side of the shoe 104. The second portion 102 preferably is shaped to temporarily receive and engage the bicycle frame 22 (see Figure A) . The member 100, the member's attachment to the shoe 104, and the member's engagement with the bicycle frame 22 should be sturdy enough to support most of the bicycle rider's weight when he engages the member 100 with the frame 22, extends his legs to lift himself off the seat 32, and shifts his weight and center of gravity in the desired direction (e.g. toward the inside of a curve, toward the right side of the track, or toward the left side of the track) .

To facilitate engagement of the member 100 with the bicycle frame 22, the second portion 102 of the member 100 prefera¬ bly is shaped to temporarily receive and engage the frame 22. For example, the second portion 102 of the member 100 in Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7 happens to be shaped like a hook to engage or receive the chain stay 24 because the second portion 102 is concave along a longitudinal direc¬ tion, as shown in Figures 3 and 6. The magnitude of the arc 122 in Figure 3 can vary up to 180 degrees and beyond, but preferably is approximately 120 to 150 degrees. For a circle whose perimeter contains the arc 122, preferably the diameter of the circle is slightly greater than the diame¬ ter of the chain stay 24. To further facilitate engagement of the member 100 with the chain stay 24, the second portion 102 is optionally convex along a transverse axis, as shown in Figure 7. For illustration purposes, Figure 7 exaggerates the convexity of the convex curve 124. Such convexity enables a bicycle rider to rock his shoe back and forth without necessarily disengaging the member 100 from the chain stay 24. It also facilitates consistent and constant engagement of the member 100 with the chain stay 24 or other portion of the bicycle frame 22.

Those skilled in the art will know that the second portion 102 of the member 100 can be shaped in many other ways to engage the chain stay 24, the seat stay 26, or other parts of the bicycle frame 22. For example, the longitudinal axis of the seat stay 26 in Figure A forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the track plane when a rider is riding the bicycle. Therefore, to facilitate the engagement of member 100 with the seat stay 26, the second portion 102 should similarly be tilted so that its trans¬ verse axis forms an angle of 45 degrees with the track plane. The second portion 102 can be tilted in this way by many different means. For example, a bicycle rider with a member 100 attached to his shoe 104 can tilt his shoe 104 so that the transverse axis of the second portion 102 forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the track plane. Alternatively, the member 100 can be attached to the shoe 104 so that the transverse axis of the second portion 102 forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the track plane when the sole plane of the shoe 104 is generally parallel to the track plane. Similarly, the second portion 102 of the member 100 can be attached to the first portion 101 of the member 100 so that the plane containing the second portion's longitudinal and transverse axes forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the plane containing the first portion's longitudinal and transverse axes.

Preferably, a bicycle rider attaches the member 100 to the heel portion 120 of each shoe 104 as shown in Figures 1 and

6. Alternatively, the rider can attach the member 100 to the heel portion of only one shoe 104; or he can attach the member 100 to another part of his shoe 104 (including the front portion 121) , provided that the second portion 102 of the member 100 projects outward from the medial side of the shoe 104 for engagement with the bicycle frame 22. The following sections describe four general methods for a rider of a standard bicycle to use the member 100 if the member 100 is attached to the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104. If the member 100 is attached to another part of the shoe 104, such as the front portion 121, then the methods described below can be modified simply by replacing the "heel portion 120" with the name of the other part of the shoe to which the member 100 is attached.

Method 1:

When the rider is riding a standard bicycle (as shown in Figure A) with the front portions 121 of his shoes 104 engaged with the pedals 42 and 44 (either with or without toe pedal clamps or other shoe-retention devices, which are not shown) , the rider can engage the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24 of the frame 22 by, for example, pedalling the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise and/or counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the member 100 on one of his shoes 104 is next to and above the chain stay 24. (If the rider is navigating a curve, he preferably pedals the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise and/or counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the member 100 on the shoe 104 that is closer to the inside of the curve is next to and above the chain stay 24.) Then, the rider can move the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 toward the chain stay 24 so that the second portion 102 of the member 100 is directly above the chain stay 24. If the rider then moves the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downwardly toward the chain stay 24 while preferably keeping the front portion 121 of his shoe 104 engaged with the pedal 42 or 44, the rider can engage the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24. With the second portion 102 of the member 100 engaged with the chain stay 24, the rider can lift himself off of the seat 32 by leaning on the member 100 and extending his legs, thereby enabling him to shift his weight and center of gravity in the desired direction (e.g., toward the inside of a curve, toward the left side of the track, or toward the right side of the track) . The engagement of the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24 is temporary because the rider can simply reverse the steps he followed to engage the second portion 102 with the chain stay 24. One skilled in the art knows that the member 100 can also be used by the rider to temporarily engage the seat stay 26 as well as other parts of the bicycle frame 22.

___ς__2_:

Alternatively, rather than keeping his shoe 104 engaged with the pedal 42 or 44 and pedalling clockwise or counter- clockwise around the main gear axle 50 to move the member 100 into the proper position to engage the chain stay 24, the rider who is using a standard bicycle can simply move one of his shoes 104 off of the pedal 42 or 44 after he preferably stops pedalling. (If the rider is navigating a curve, the shoe 104 that he moves off of the pedal 42 or 44 is preferably the shoe 104 that is closer to the inside of the curve.) Then he can position his shoe 104 next to and above the chain stay 24 so that the second portion 102 of the member 100 is directly above the chain stay 24. If the rider then moves the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downwardly toward the chain stay 24, the rider can engage the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24. With the second portion 102 of the member 100 engaged with the chain stay 24, the rider can lift himself off of the seat 32 by leaning on the member 100 and extend¬ ing his legs, thereby enabling him to shift his weight and center of gravity in the desired direction (e.g. , toward the inside of a curve, toward the left side of the track, or toward the right side of the track) . The engagement of the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24 is temporary because the rider can simply reverse the steps he followed to engage the second portion 102 with the chain stay 24. One skilled in the art knows that the member 100 can also be used by the rider to engage the seat stay 26 as well as other parts of the bicycle frame 22.

Method 3:

The member 100 can be attached to the shoe 104 upside down so that the arc 122 of the second portion 102 of the member 100 faces toward the sole 114 of the shoe 104. Alterna¬ tively, the member 100 can be made so that the arc 122 of the second portion 102 of the member 100 faces toward the sole 114 of the shoe 104 when the member 100 is attached to the shoe 104. By contrast, the arc 122 in Figure 6 faces away from the sole 114 of the shoe 104.

With the arc 122 facing away from the sole 114 of the shoe 104, a bicycle rider can engage the chain stay 24 from below. For example, the rider can pedal the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise and/or counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the member 100 on one of his shoes 104 is next to and below the chain stay 24. (If the rider is navigating a curve, he preferably pedals the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise and/or counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the member 100 on the shoe 104 that is closer to the outside of the curve is next to and below the chain stay 24.) Then, the rider can move the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 toward the chain stay 24 so that the second portion 102 of the member 100 is directly below the chain stay 24. If the rider then moves the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 upwardly toward the chain stay 24 while keeping the front portion 121 of his shoe 104 engaged with the pedal 42 or 44, the rider can engage the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24. With the second portion 102 of the member 100 engaged with the chain stay 24 and the front portion 120 of the shoe 104 engaged with the pedal 42 or 44, the pedal 42 or 44 is temporarily closer to the rear wheel 30 than to the front wheel 28 and, consequently, is temporarily called the "rear pedal." Because the pedal arms 38 and 40 form an angle of approxi¬ mately 180 degrees, the other pedal 42 or 44 is necessarily closer to the front wheel 28 than to the rear wheel 30 and, consequently, is temporarily called the "front pedal." Before the rider can lift himself off of the seat 32, he first should shift most of his weight to the foot that is on the front pedal so that the front pedal and the rear pedal will tend to move clockwise around the main gear axle 50. However, the front and rear pedals' clockwise movement will be limited because the second portion 102 of the member 100 is engaged with the chain stay 24, thereby preventing the rear pedal from moving clockwise. Because the front pedal cannot move clockwise if the rear pedal cannot move clockwise, the rider can temporarily stand on the pedals 42 and 44 and lift himself off of the seat 32, if he shifts most his weight to the foot that is on the front pedal. The rider can then shift his weight and his center of gravity in the desired direction (e.g. , toward the inside of a curve, toward the left side of the track, toward the right side of the track, toward the front portion of the bicycle) . The engagement of the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24 is temporary because the rider can simply move the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downward or pedal counter- clockwise around the main gear axle 50 to disengage the second portion 102 from the chain stay 24. One skilled in the art knows that the member 100 with the arc 122 facing the sole 114 of the shoe 104 can also be used by the rider to engage the seat stay 26 as well as other parts of the bicycle frame 22.

Method 4:

Alternatively, rather than keeping his shoe 104 engaged with the pedal 42 or 44 and pedalling clockwise or counter¬ clockwise around the main gear axle 50 to move the member 100 into the proper position to engage the chain stay 24 (as described in Method 3 above) , the bicycle rider can simply move one of his shoes 104 off of the pedal 42 or 44 after he preferably stops pedalling. (If the rider is navigating a curve, the shoe 104 that he moves off of the pedal 42 or 44 is preferably the shoe 104 that is closer to the outside of the curve.) With the arc 122 facing away from the sole 114 of his shoe 104, the rider can position his shoe 104 next to and below the chain stay 24 so that the second portion 102 of the member 100 is directly below the chain stay 24. If the rider then moves the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 upwardly, the rider can engage the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24. With the second portion 102 of the member 100 engaged with the chain stay 24, the rider should move the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise and/or counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the pedals 42 and 44 are engaged with the front portions 121 of his shoes 104. With the second portion 102 of the member 100 engaged with the chain stay 24 and the front portion 121 of the shoe 104 engaged with the pedal 42 or 44, the pedal 42 or 44 is temporarily closer to the rear wheel 30 than to the front wheel 28 and, consequently, is temporarily called the "rear pedal." Because the pedal arms 38 and 40 form an angle of approximately 180 degrees, the other pedal 42 or 44 is necessarily closer to the front wheel 28 than to the rear wheel 30 and, consequently, is temporarily called the "front pedal." Before the rider can lift himself off of the seat 32, he first should shift most of his weight to the foot that is on the front pedal so that the front pedal and the rear pedal will tend to move clockwise around the main gear axle 50. However, the front and rear pedals' clockwise movement will be limited because the second portion 102 of the member 100 is engaged with the chain stay 24, thereby preventing the rear pedal from moving clockwise. Because the front pedal cannot move clockwise if the rear pedal cannot move clockwise, the rider can temporarily stand on the pedals 42 and 44 and lift himself off the seat 32, if he shifts most his weight to the foot that is on the front pedal. The rider can then shift his weight and his center of gravity in the desired direction (e.g., toward the inside of a curve, toward the left side of the track, toward the right side of the track, toward the front portion of the bicycle) . The engagement of the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24 is temporary because the rider can simply move the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downward or pedal counterclock¬ wise around the main gear axle 50 to disengage the second portion 102 from the chain stay 24. One skilled in the art knows that the member 100 with the arc 122 facing the sole 114 of the shoe 104 can also be used by the rider to engage the seat stay 26 as well as other parts of the bicycle frame 22.

Because they are easier, Methods 1 and 2 are generally preferable to Methods 3 and 4.

The four methods described above for using the member 100 with a standard bicycle generally must be modified to enable a bicycle rider to use the member 100 with the first and second variations of the standard bicycle. To use Method 1 when riding the first variation of the standard bicycle, the rider should preferably pedal clockwise rather than counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the member 100 is next to and above the chain stay 24, because the rider's ability to move the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 is limited by the foot brake in the first variation of the standard bicycle. Then, the rider can move the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 toward the chain stay 24 so that the second portion 102 of the member 100 is directly above the chain stay 24. If the rider then moves the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downward while keeping the front portion 121 of his shoe 104 engaged with the pedal 42 or 44, the rider can engage the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24. To move the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downward in this way, the rider must momentarily pedal counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50. However, such momentary counterclockwise pedalling is usually insufficient to engage the foot brake. With the second portion 102 of the member 100 engaged with the chain stay 24, the rider then can lift himself off the seat 32 by extending his legs. The engagement of the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the chain stay 24 is temporary because the rider can disengage simply by reversing the steps he followed to engage the second portion 102 with the chain stay 24. One skilled in the art knows that the member 100 can also be used by the rider to engage the seat stay 26 as well as other parts of the bicycle frame 22.

A rider of the first variation of the standard bicycle can use Method 2 without modifying the method, although he should avoid pedalling counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 if he wants to avoid inadvertently engaging the foot brake.

A rider of the first variation of the standard bicycle who is using Method 3 should make one modification: in one of the first steps of the method, the rider should pedal the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise rather than counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the member 100 on one of his shoes is next to and below the chain stay 24. The rest of Method 3 can be used without modification, although the rider may momentarily pedal counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 to disengage the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the chain stay 24. However, such momentary counterclockwise pedalling is usually insuffi¬ cient to engage the foot brake. The rider also can disen¬ gage the second portion 102 of the member 100 simply by moving the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downward. A rider of the first variation of the standard bicycle who is using Method 4 should make one modification: when the second portion 102 of the member 100 is engaged with the chain stay 24, the rider should move the pedals 42 and 44 clockwise rather than counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 until the pedals 42 and 44 are engaged with the front portions 121 of his shoes 104. The rest of Method 4 can be used without modification, although the rider may momentarily pedal counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 to disengage the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the chain stay 24. However, such momentary counterclockwise pedalling is usually insufficient to engage the foot brake. The rider also can disengage the second portion 102 of the member 100 simply by moving the heel portion 120 of his shoe 104 downward.

For a rider of the second variation of the standard bicy¬ cle, Methods 1, 3, and 4 are inappropriate because the pedals 42 and 44 and the pedal arms 38 and 40 move whenever the rear wheel 30 moves. However, the rider of the second variation of the standard bicycle can use Method 2, provid¬ ed that his shoes 104 are not hit by the moving pedals 42 or 44 or pedal arms 38 or 40 when the second portion 102 of the member 100 is engaged with the chain stay 24, seat stay 26, or any other part of the frame 22.

Of course, use of the member 100 is optional. Indeed, the methods described above for using the member 100 with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle are applicable to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 20, where the bicycle rider does not use a member 100. The methods described for using the member 100 are the same as the methods for not using the member 100, except that the bicycle rider who does not use the member 100 engages his shoe 104m (prefera¬ bly the heel portion 120m, although he can engage other parts of his shoe 104m, including the front portion) rather than the member 100 with the chain stay 24 (although he can engage his shoe 104m with other parts of the bicycle frame) before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he should disengage his shoe 104k from the chain stay 24.

Figure 5a shows a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the present invention. Member 100' in Figure 5a is the same as member 100 in Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7, except that the second portion 102' of member 100' is narrower than the first portion 101' of member 100'. Member 100' can also be used with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle in the same ways as member 100.

Figure 5b shows a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the present invention. Member 100" in Figure 5b is the same as member 100 in Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7, except that member 100" is shaped like a popular representation of a bone. Member 100" can also be used with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle in the same ways as member 100.

Figure 12 shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay 24 of another embodiment of the present invention, the member 100a having a first portion 101a attached to the bicycle rider's left shoe 104a and a second portion 102a engaged with the chain stay 24 of the bicycle frame 22. Preferably, the member 100a is attached to the heel portion 120a of the shoe 104a, but it can be attached to other parts of the shoe 104a, including the front portion. Member 100a in Figure 12 is the same as member 100 in Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7, except that the second portion 102a of the member 100a is shaped so that the portion of the shoe 104a attached to the first portion 101a of the member 100a is below the chain stay 24 when the second portion 102a of the member 100a is engaged with the chain stay 24. By contrast, the second portion 102 of the member 100 in Figure 6 is shaped so that the portion of the shoe 114 attached to the first portion 101 of the member 100 is above the chain stay 24 when the second portion 102 of the member 100 is engaged with the chain stay 24. Overall, the member 100a happens to be generally S-shaped in Figure 12. Nevertheless, member 100a can be used with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle in the same ways as member 100.

Figures 13a and 13b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13a shows a partial sectional rear view of a left bicycle shoe 104b with the first portion 101b of the member 100b attached to the heel portion 120b of the shoe 104 inside a cavity 134 and with the member 100b in the extended position, wherein the second portion 102b projects outward from the medial side of the shoe 104b. The first portion 101b of the member 100b also can be attached to other parts of the shoe 104b, including the front portion 121b. Like the second portion 102 of the member 100 in Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7, the second portion 102b of the member 100b in Figure 13a happens to be hook-shaped to receive and engage the bicycle frame 22, particularly the chain stay 24, although those skilled in the art will know that the second portion 102b of the member 100b can be shaped to engage other parts of the frame 22, including the seat stay 26. The first portion 101b of the member 100b comprises a spring means for retracting the second portion 102b of the member 100b inside the cavity 134, as shown in Figure 13b. Figure 13b shows a right side view of the left shoe 104b with the second portion 102b of the member 100b retracted into the cavity 134. The second portion 102b, consequently, is not visible in Figure 13b. By pressing the button 132, the bicycle rider can release the spring means of the first portion 101b of the member 100b so that the member 100b returns to the extended position of Figure 13a, wherein the second portion 102b projects outward from the medial side of the shoe 104b. With the member 100b in the extended position, member 100b as shown in Figure 13a can be used with the standard bicycle and the first and second varia¬ tions of the standard bicycle in the same ways as member 100.

Figures 19a and 19b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19a shows a right side view of a left bicycle shoe 104c with a slot 134c provided in the heel portion 120c for receiving the second portion 102c of the member 100c. Figure 19b shows an exploded rear sectional view of a right bicycle shoe 104c with the first portion 101c of the member 100c being inserted into the slot 134c, the first portion 101c being attached to the shoe 104c by means of a screw 106c. The first portion 101c of the member 100c also can be attached to other parts of the shoe 104c, including the front portion 121c. Those skilled in the art will know that the member 100 can be attached to the shoe 104 by numerous other means, including, but not limited to: a bolt, a bolt with a washer and a nut, a rivet, a pin, a nail, paste, or glue. The member 100c can also be attached to the shoe 104c by means of the first portion 10lc if the first portion 101c itself functions like a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a pin, or a nail by attach¬ ing directly to the shoe 104.

Like the second portion 102 of member 100 in Figure 1 through 4, 6, and 7, the second portion 102c of the member 100c in Figure 19b is shaped to receive and engage the bicycle frame 22, particularly the chain stay 24, although those skilled in the art know that the second portion 102c of the member 100c, like the second portion 102 of the member 100, can be shaped to receive and engage other parts of the frame 22, such as the seat stay 26. Thus, the member 100c in Figure 19b can function and can be used with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle in the same ways as the member 100. In Figure 19b, the second portion 102c of the member 100c happens to be curved.

Optionally, the shoe 104c has near the member 100c a concave portion 128 that is shaped to receive and engage the bicycle frame 22, particularly the chain stay 24, although those skilled in the art know that the concave portion 128 of the shoe 104c can be shaped to receive and engage other parts of the frame 22, such as the seat stay 26. As shown in Figure 19b, the second portion 102c of the member 100c and the concave portion 128 of the shoe 104c work together to engage the frame 22 and, more particular¬ ly, the chain stay 24.

The methods described above for using the member 100 of Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7 with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle are applicable to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 19b with the optional concave portion 128. In the methods described above, the bicycle rider first engages the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he disengages the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the frame 22. The methods for using the member 100c and the optional concave portion 128 of the bicycle shoe 104c are the same as the methods described above for using the member 100, except that the bicycle rider using the embodiment shown in Figure 19b should first engage both the concave portion 128 of the shoe 104c and the second portion 102c of the member 100c with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he should disengage both the concave portion 128 and the second portion 102c from the frame 22.

Figures 18a and 18b show another embodiment of the present invention. The heel portion 12Od of the bicycle shoe 104d is shaped to receive and engage the bicycle frame 22, particularly the chain stay 24, although those skilled in the art will know that the heel portion 102d can be shaped to engage other parts of the frame 22, such as the seat stay 26. Other portions of the bicycle shoe I04d, such as the front portion 12Id, also can shaped to receive and engage the bicycle frame 22. Figure 18a shows a right side view of a left bicycle shoe 104d, whose heel portion 12Od is shaped to receive and engage the chain stay 24. Figure 18b shows a rear sectional view of the right bicycle shoe 104d, whose heel portion 12Od has a concave portion 128d, which is shaped to receive and engage the bicycle frame 22. Optionally, the heel portion 12Od has an arched protrusion 130 projecting from the concave portion 128d to further receive and engage the frame 22.

The methods described above for using the member 100 of Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7 with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle are applicable to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 18a and 18b. In the methods described above, the bicycle rider first engages the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he disengages the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the frame 22. The methods for using the concave portion 128d and the arched protrusion 130 of the heel portion 12Od of the shoe 104d are the same as the methods described above for using the member 100, except that the bicycle rider using the embodiment shown in Figures 18a and 18b should first engage both the concave portion 128d and the arched protrusion 130 with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he should disengage both the concave portion I28d and the arched protrusion 130 from the frame 22.

Figures 10a and 10b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10a shows a rear view of the member lOOe attached to a bicycle shoe 104e. The member 100β is attached to the heel portion 12Oe of the left bicycle shoe 104e by being integrally molded into the heel portion 12Oe. The member 100a also can be attached to other parts of the shoe 104e, including the front portion. Those skilled in the art will know that the member 10Oe can be attached to the shoe 104β by numerous other means, including, but not limited to: a bolt, a bolt with a nut, a bolt with a washer and a nut, a screw, a rivet, a pin, a nail, paste, or glue. The second portion 102e of the member lOOe is shaped to engage the projection 136, which optionally has a notch 138 to facilitate the engagement of the second portion 102e with the projection 136. Figure lOb shows a left side view of a bicycle frame 22 with the projection 136 attached to the chain stay 24 for engaging the member lOOe, when the member lOOe is attached to the bicycle rider's right shoe 104e. The projection 136 can be at¬ tached to the chain stay 24 by numerous means, including, but not limited to, a screw; a nut and a bolt; a nut, a bolt, and a washer; a nail; a rivet; a pin; glue; paste; or welding. The frame 22 can also be manufactured so that the projection 136 is an integral part of the frame 22. Those skilled in the art will know that the projection 136 can be attached to other parts of the frame 22, including the seat stay 26.

Figures 11a, lib, and lie show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11a shows a rear view and Figure lie shows a right side view of the member lOOf attached to a left bicycle shoe 104f. The first portion lOlf of the member lOOf is attached to the heel portion 12Of of the left bicycle shoe 104f. The first portion lOlf of the member lOOf also can be attached to other parts of the shoe 104f, including the front portion. Those skilled in the art will know that the first portion lOlf of the member 10Of can be attached to the shoe 104f by numerous means, including, but not limited to: a bolt, a bolt with a nut, a bolt with a washer and a nut, a screw, a rivet, a pin, a nail, paste, or glue. The second portion 102f of the member lOOf is shaped to engage the projection 136f, which optionally has a peg 142 to facilitate the engagement of the second portion 102e with the projection 136f. The second portion 102f of the member lOOf happens to be curved in Figure 11a. Figure lie shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay 24 with the projection 136f attached to the chain stay 24 for engaging the member 10Of, when the member lOOf is attached to the bicycle rider's left shoe 104f. The projection 136 can be attached to the chain stay 24 by numerous means, including, but not limited to, a screw; a nut and a bolt; a nut, a bolt, and a washer; a nail; a rivet; a pin; glue; paste; or welding. The bicycle frame 22 can also be manufactured so that the projection 136f is an integral part of the frame 22. Those skilled in the art will know that the projection 136 can be attached to other parts of the frame 22, including the seat stay 26.

The methods described above for using the member 100 of Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7 with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle are applicable to the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 10a, 10b, 11a, lib, and lie. In the methods described above, the bicycle rider first engages the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he disengages the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the frame 22. The methods for using the member lOOe or lOOf and the projection 136 or 136f are the same as the methods described above for using the member 100, except that the bicycle rider using the embodiments shown in Figures 10a, 10b, 11a, lib, and lie should first engage the member lOOe with the projection 136 or engage the member lOOf with the projection 136f before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction, he should disengage the member 100e from the projection 136 or disengage the member lOOf from the projection 136f.

Figures 8a and 8b show another embodiment of the present invention, namely a bracket 150 attached the chain stay 24 of a bicycle frame 22, the bracket 150 being shaped to receive and engage the bicycle rider's shoe 104g. Figure 8a shows a right side view of the bicycle frame 22 with the bracket 150 attached to the chain stay 24. Figure 8b shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay 24, with the bracket 150 of Figure 8a attached to the chain stay 24 and engaged with the bicycle rider's right shoe I04g. The bracket 150 shown in Figure 8a and 8b happens to be several inches long with a generally right angle, the bracket 150 being welded to the upper portion of the chain stay 24. Of course, the bracket 150 can be attached to the chain stay 24 by numerous means, including, but not limited to: a screw; a nut and a bolt; a nut, a bolt, and a washer; a nail; a rivet; a pin; glue; paste; or welding. The bicycle frame 22 can also be manufactured so that the bracket 150 is an integral part of the frame 22. In addition, the bracket 150 can be attached to other parts of the frame 22, including the seat stay 26. Figures 17a and 17b show another embodiment of the present invention, namely a bracket 150h attached the seat stay 26 of a bicycle frame 22, the bracket 150h being shaped to receive and engage the bicycle rider's shoe 104h (the shoe 104h is not shown in Figures 17a and 17b) . Figure 17b shows a left side view of the bicycle frame 22 with the bracket 150h attached to the seat stay 26. Figure 17a shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay 24 and the seat stay 26 with the bracket 15Oh attached to the seat stay 26. The bracket 105h shown in Figures 17a and 17b happens to be several inches long with a generally right angle, the bracket 15Oh being curved to attach to the seat stay 26. Of course, the bracket 15Oh can be attached to the seat stay 26 by numerous means, including, but not limited to: a screw; a nut and a bolt; a nut, a bolt, and a washer; a nail; a rivet; a pin; glue; paste; or welding. The bicycle frame 22 can also be manufactured so that the bracket 150 is an integral part of the frame 22. In addition, the bracket 15Oh can be attached to other parts of the frame 22, including the chain stay 24.

The methods described above for using the member 100 of Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7 with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle are applicable to the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 8a, 8b, 17a, and 17b. In the methods described above, the bicycle rider first engages the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he disengages the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the frame 22. The methods for using the bracket 150 or 15Oh are the same as the methods described above for using the member 100, except that the bicycle rider using the embodiments shown in Figures 8a, 8b, 17a, and 17b should first engage his shoe 104g or 104h (preferably the heel portion of his shoe 104g or 104h, although he also can engage other parts of his shoe 104g or 104h, including the front portion) with the bracket 150 or 150h before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he should disengage his shoe 104g or 104h from the bracket 150 or 15Oh.

Figures 14a and 14b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14b shows a left side view of a bicycle frame 22 with a peg 160 attached to the chain stay 24 by means of the peg's connecting portion 162. Figure 14a shows a rear sectional view of through the chain stay 24 with the peg 160 attached to the chain stay 24 by means of the peg's connecting portion 162, the bicycle rider's left shoe 104i being engaged with the peg 160. The connecting portion 162 in Figures 14a and 14b happens to curve around the chain stay 24. The peg 160 is designed to receive and engage the bicycle rider's shoe 104i (preferably the heel portion 120i of the shoe 1041, although the peg 160 can be shaped to engage other parts of the shoe 104i, including the front portion 121i, which is not shown in Figures 14a and 14b) . Of course, the peg 160 can be attached to the chain stay 24 by numerous means, including, but not limited to, a screw; a nut and a bolt; a nut, a bolt, and a washer; a nail; a rivet; a pin; glue; paste; or welding. The bicycle frame 22 also can be manufactured so that the peg 160 is an integral part of the frame 22. In addition, the peg 160 can be attached to other parts of the frame 22, including the seat stay 26.

Figures 15a and 15b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15a shows a right side view of a bicycle frame 22 with a peg 160j attached to the chain stay 24, the peg 10 j being in the nonextended position. Figure 15b shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay 24 with the peg 160j attached to the chain stay 24 by means of the peg's connecting portion 162j, the peg 160j being in the extended position. When the peg 160j is in the extended position as shown in Figure 15b, the peg 160j is designed to receive and engage the bicycle rider's shoe 104j (pref¬ erably the heel portion 12Oj of the shoe 104j, although the peg 16Oj can be shaped to engage other parts of the shoe 104j, including the front portion 121j, which is not shown in Figures 15a and 15b) . The peg 160 can be attached to the chain stay 24 by numerous means, including, but not limited to, a screw; a nut and a bolt; a nut, a bolt, and a washer; a nail; a rivet; a pin; glue; paste; or welding. The bicycle frame 22 can also be manufactured so that the peg 160 is an integral part of the frame 22. Those skilled in the art will know that the peg 160 can be attached to other parts of the frame 22, including the seat stay 26. The connecting portion 162j optionally has a protruding portion 166, which provides additional support to the peg 160j when the peg is in the extended position. The bicycle rider can control whether the peg 160j is in the extended or the nonextended position by means of a cable 164, which is used to move the peg 160j.

The methods described above for using the member 100 of Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7 with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle are applicable to the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 14a, 14b, 15a, and 15b, provided that the bicycle rider using the embodiment in Figures 15a and 15b first puts the peg 160j in the extended position. In the methods described above, the bicycle rider first engages the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he disengages the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the frame 22. The methods for using the peg 160 or 160j are the same as the methods described above for using the member 100, except that the bicycle rider using the embodi¬ ments shown in Figures 14a, 14b, 15a, and 15b should engage his shoe 104i or 104j (preferably the heel portion 1201 or 120j of his shoe 104i or 104j, although the rider can engage the other parts of his shoe 104i or 104j, including the front portion 121i or 121j) with the peg 160 or 160j before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he should disengage his shoe 104i or 104j from the peg 160 or 160j.

Figures 16a and 16b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16b shows a left side view of a bicycle frame 22 with a stop 170 attached to the chain stay 24 and the seat stay 26. Figure 16a shows a rear sectional view through the chain stay 24 and the seat stay 26. In Figure 16a, the bicycle rider's left shoe 104k is engaged with the chain stay 24; and the stop 170 is attached to the chain stay 24 and the seat stay 26. The stop 170 facilitates the proper placement by the bicycle rider of his shoe 104k to engage the chain stay 24. The stop 170 in Figures 16a and 16b happens to be several inches wide and solid, although preferably stop 170 has holes punched in it to minimize its weight. The stop 170 can be attached to the chain stay 24 and the seat stay 26 by numerous means, including, but not limited to: a screw; a nut and a bolt; a nut, a bolt, and a washer; a nail; a rivet; a pin; glue; paste; or welding. The bicycle frame 22 also can be manufactured so that the stop 170 is an integral part of the frame 22.

The methods described above for using the member 100 of Figures 1 through 4, 6, and 7 with the standard bicycle and the first and second variations of the standard bicycle are applicable to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 16a and 16b. In the methods described above. the bicycle rider first engages the second portion 102 of the member 100 with the frame 22 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he disengages the second portion 102 of the member 100 from the frame 22. The methods for using the stop 170 are the same as the methods described above for using the member 100, except that the bicycle rider using the embodiment shown in Figures 16a and 16b should engage his shoe 104k (preferably the heel portion, although he can engage other parts of his shoe 104k, including the front portion) with the chain stay 24 before lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight in the desired direction; then, when he is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, he should disengage his shoe 104k from the chain stay 24.

Figures 9a and 9b show another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9a shows a right side view of a bicycle frame 22 with a chain stay 24, a central movement 182, and a stop plate 181. Figure 9b shows a magnified right side sectional view through the cable of Figure 9a. The central movement 182 comprises a stop plate 181, the stop plate 181 being attached to the left pedal arm 38 and the right pedal arm 40 (the pedal arms 38 and 40 are not shown in Figures 9a and 9b) . The stop plate 181 has a notch 183 for receiv¬ ing and engaging the locking pin 180. As shown in Figure 9b, one side 188 of the notch 183 has an approximately right angle, while the other side 189 of the notch 183 has a gradual slope. Preferably, the stop plate 181 has two notches 183, but it could have fewer or more than two notches 183. Normally, the spring 186 is compressed; and the locking pin 180 is retained in the cavity 185 so that the locking pin 180 does not interfere with the rotation of the stop plate 181. The locking pin 180 is retained in the cavity 185 by means of a cable 184, which in one embodiment extends into the cavity 185 and engages with the locking pin 180 (specifically, under the lip 187 of the locking pin 180) . When the bicycle rider retracts the cable 184 from the cavity 185, the spring 186 expands and pushes a portion of the locking pin 180 out of the cavity 185 and into the notch 183, thereby engaging the stop plate 181. When the locking pin 180 is engaged with the stop plate 181, the pedals 42 and 44, the pedal arms 38 and 40, and the stop plate 181 are prevented from moving counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 (where clockwise and counterclockwise are determined by viewing the right side of the bicycle as shown in Figure A) . And because the locking pin 180 prevents the pedals 42 and 44 from moving counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50, a bicycle rider who engages the locking pin 180 with the stop plate 181 can lift himself off of the seat 32 by standing on the relatively immobile pedals 42 and 44 and can thereby shift his weight in the desired direction. When a bicycle rider is finished lifting himself off the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, the bicycle rider can disengage the locking pin 180 from the stop plate 181 by pedalling clockwise, which will cause the stop plate 181 to rotate clockwise around the main gear axle 50. The sloping side 189 of the notch 183 will then force the locking pin 180 to compress the spring 186 and to retract into the cavity 185, where the retaining pin 187 can engage the locking pin 180. Alternatively, the rider can disengage the locking pin 180 from the stop plate 181 by means of the cable 184.

The method for using the embodiment shown in Figures 9a and 9b is as follows: When the rider is pedalling the pedals 42 and 44 around the main gear axle 50 on a standard bicycle (see Figure A) or the first variation of the standard bicycle, the locking pin 180 must be retained in the cavity 185 so that the locking pin 180 does not inter- fere with the rotation of the stop plate 181. If the bicycle rider wants to lift himself off of the seat 32 and/or to shift his weight, he first should align the notch 183 with the locking pin 180 by pedalling clockwise and/or counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50, thereby moving the pedal arms 38 and 40 and the stop plate 181 until the notch 183 and the locking pin 180 are generally aligned. Then, the rider should retract the cable 184 from the cavity 185. The spring 186 then expands and pushes a portion of the locking pin 180 out of the cavity 185 and into the notch 183, thereby engaging the stop plate 181. When the locking pin 180 is engaged with the stop plate 181, the pedals 42 and 44, the pedal arms 38 and 40, and the stop plate 181 are prevented from moving counterclock¬ wise around the main gear axle 50 (where clockwise and counterclockwise are determined by viewing the right side of the bicycle as shown in Figure A) . The rider can lift himself off of the seat 32 by standing on the relatively immobile pedals 42 and 44 and can thereby shift his body weight in the desired direction. When the bicycle rider is finished lifting himself off of the seat 32 and/or shifting his weight, the rider can disengage the locking pin 180 from the stop plate 181 by pedalling clockwise around the main gear axle 50. Alternatively, the rider can disengage the locking pin 180 from the stop plate 181 by means of the cable 184. Preferably, he disengages the locking pin 180 from the stop plate 181 by means of the cable 184 and by simultaneously pedalling clockwise around the main gear axle 50. A rider cannot use this embodiment of the present invention with the second variation of the standard bicycle because the pedal arms 38 and 40 and the pedals 42 and 44 of the second variation must be able to move at all times. A rider can use this embodiment with the first variation of a standard bicycle, although he should avoid pedalling counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50 if he wants to avoid inadvertently engaging the foot brake.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the stan¬ dard bicycle (see Figure A) is modified so that the main gear 36 cannot rotate counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50; or the standard bicycle is modified so that the rear gear 52 cannot rotate counterclockwise around the rear axle 48. Optionally, the main gear 36 or the rear gear 52 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise only temporari¬ ly, with the bicycle rider being able to determine when the main gear 36 or the rear gear 52 is temporarily prevented from moving counterclockwise. If the main gear 36 or the rear gear 52 cannot rotate counterclockwise, then the pedal arms 38 and 40 and the pedals 42 and 44 cannot move coun¬ terclockwise around the main gear axle 50. A rider can lift himself relatively high off the seat 32 by standing on the pedals 42 and 44 and attempting to move the pedals 42 and 44 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50; and/or he can shift his weight in the desired direction. If the main gear 50 or the rear gear 52 cannot rotate counterclockwise, the pedals 42 and 44 will be relatively immobile when the rider stands on them in this way. Therefore, the rider will be able to lift himself relative- ly high off the seat 32 and/or shift his weight in the desired direction.

Figures 21a, 21b, and 22 illustrate such an embodiment where the bicycle rider can determine when to temporarily prevent the rear gear 52 from rotating counterclockwise. In Figure 21a, the rear gear 52 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise because the first notched section 215 of the rear gear 52 is engaged with the second notched section 216 of the fixed frame member 204. The fixed frame member 204, which is attached to the chain stay 24, does not move relative to the rear axle 48 or relative to the first notched section 215. The primary thread 212 of the rear gear 52 is engaged with the secondary thread 213 of the threaded collar 205. In Figure 21a, the threaded collar 205 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise around the rear axle 48 by the primary pin 208, which protrudes from the chain stay 24 into the primary hole 214 in the threaded collar 205. Figure 21b, which is a cross section through the threaded collar 205, shows the primary pin 208 protrud¬ ing into the primary hole 214 in the threaded collar 205. The embodiment shown in Figure 21a temporarily prevents the rear gear 52 from rotating counterclockwise, but it does not necessarily prevent the rear gear 52 from rotating clockwise.

With the rear gear 52 temporarily prevented from rotating counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 21a, the pedal arms 38 and 40 and the pedals 42 and 44 cannot move counterclock¬ wise around the main gear axle 50, as shown in Figure A. Thus, a rider can lift himself relatively high off the seat 32 by standing on the pedals 42 and 44 and attempting to move the pedals 42 and 44 counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50; and/or he can shift his weight in the desired direction.

In order to begin to propel the bicycle forward by pedal¬ ling, the bicycle rider must disengage the primary pin 208 from the primary hole 214. The primary pin 208 can be disengaged from the primary hole 214 by means of the primary cable 209, which enables the bicycle rider to control whether the primary pin 208 protrudes from the chain stay 24 into the primary hole 214 or whether the primary pin 208 is withdrawn from the primary hole 214. Preferably, the primary hole 214 in the threaded collar 205 slopes, as shown in Figure 21b, to facilitate withdrawal of the primary pin 208 from the primary hole 214 when the bicycle rider begins to pedal clockwise. As the bicycle rider withdraws the primary pin 208 from the primary hole 214 and pedals clockwise so that the rear gear 52 rotates clockwise around the rear axle 48, the secondary spring 211 forces the primary thread 212 of the rear gear 52 to move along the secondary thread 213 of the threaded collar 205 until the primary protrusion 207 on the rear gear 52 is engaged with the secondary protrusion 206 on the hub 201 of the rear wheel 30, as shown in Figure 22 (Figure 22 does not show the rear wheel 30) . When the primary protrusion 207 is engaged with the secondary protrusion 206, as shown in Figure 22, the bicycle rider can propel the bicycle forward by pedalling clockwise, which will cause the rear gear 52 to rotate clockwise around the rear axle 48. And because the primary protrusion 207 is engaged with the secondary protrusion 206, the hub 201 of the rear wheel 30 will be forced to rotate clockwise around the rear axle 48 when the rear gear 52 rotates clockwise around the rear axle 48.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 22, the bicycle rider can propel the bicycle forward by pedalling clockwise. If he wants to temporarily prevent the rear gear 52 from rotating counterclockwise, he can release the primary pin 208 by means of the primary cable 209 and pedal clockwise or counterclockwise until the primary hole 214 in the threaded collar 205 is aligned with the primary pin 208 and the primary pin 208 protrudes into the primary hole 214. Then, the threaded collar 205 is temporarily prevented from rotating counterclockwise around the rear axle 48; and if the bicycle rider pedals counterclockwise, the primary thread 212 of the rear gear 52 will move along the second¬ ary thread 213 of the threaded collar 205 until the first notched section 215 of the rear gear 52 is engaged with the second notched section 216 of the fixed frame member 204, as shown in Figure 21a. As explained above, the rear gear 52 is thus temporarily prevented from rotating counter¬ clockwise; and the pedal arms 38 and 40 and the pedals 42 and 44 cannot move counterclockwise around the main gear axle 50. Then the bicycle rider can lift himself relative¬ ly high off of the seat 32 by standing on the pedals 42 and 44 and attempting to move the pedals 42 and 44 counter¬ clockwise around the main gear axle 50; and/or he can shift his weight in the desired direction. A bicycle rider can use the embodiment shown in Figures 21a, 21b, and 22 with a properly modified standard bicycle (see Figure A) . He cannot use this embodiment with the first and second variations of a standard bicycle.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for a bicycle rider to lift himself off of a bicycle seat and to shift his weight in a desired direction. The method has the following steps: (a) the bicycle rider stabilizes one of his feet while he rides on the bicycle; (b) the bicycle rider lifts himself off of the seat by leaning on his stabilized foot and extending his legs; and (c) the bicycle rider shifts his weight in a desired direction. The bicycle rider can stabilize one of his feet in step (a) in many ways, such as by engaging his shoe with part of the bicycle (e.g., the bicycle frame 22, the chain stay 24, and/or the seat stay 26) . Figure 20 shows a method for a bicycle rider to lift himself off of a bicycle seat and to shift his weight in a desired direction while riding a bicycle having a chain stay. In this method, the bicycle rider engages his shoe with the chain stay; the bicycle rider lifts himself off the bicycle seat by leaning on the chain stay and extending his legs; and the bicycle rider shifts his weight in a desired direction.

The invention described herein can be used in other circum- stances, as well. Because the invention facilitates tilting of the bicycle and/or shifting of the bicycle rider's weight in the desired direction, the invention can be used by a bicycle rider to facilitate tricks (e.g., wheelies, sharp turns, reversing direction, changing velocity, jumps, and aerial maneuvers) .

In fact, the invention can be used by any bicycle rider who would like to facilitate tilting of the bicycle and/or shifting of his weight in the desired direction. For example, in Hawaii several bicycle tour operators offer downhill bicycle rides which last over one hour. A bicycle rider on one of these downhill tours could use the inven¬ tion to facilitate varying his position on the bicycle and/or varying the position of bicycle, thereby mitigating fatigue, cramps, and/or boredom.

Furthermore, the invention can be used in other sports (e.g., skateboarding and snowboarding) to facilitate shifting the user's weight in a desired direction and/or tilting the skateboard or the snowboard in a desired direction, thereby facilitating various maneuvers, includ¬ ing, but not limited to: turns, changing direction, changing velocity, aerial maneuvers, flipping the board, and jumps. The support attached to the user's shoe also can be used in mountain climbing and/or rock climbing to facilitate engagement of the user's shoe with the mountain and/or rock.

Preferably, the embodiments of the present invention are made of strong, light materials, such as high-grade metals, ceramics, or polymers, including, but not limited to: aluminum, steel, graphite, rubber, plastic, nylon, or fiberglass.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, the specification also lists many other embodiments. Therefore, the spirit and the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A support for assisting a rider of a vehicle on a track.

2. A support as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a bicycle having a seat, a frame, and two wheels, the two wheels meeting the track at points of contact, a track plane being defined by a plane generally containing the points of contact between the track and the wheels of the bicycle, the medial sagittal plane of the bicycle inter¬ secting the track plane to form a tilt angle of the bicy¬ cle, the rider using the support to lift himself off of the seat and shift his weight in a desired direction.

3. A support as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the rider uses the support to change the tilt angle of the bicycle.

4. A support as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the support is attached to a shoe of the rider.

5. A support as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the support is attached to the frame.

6. A support as claimed in Claim 2, wherein a part of the support is attached to the rider's shoe and a complementary part of the support is attached to the frame.

7. A support as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the support has a first portion for attaching the support to the rider's shoe, and wherein the support has a second portion shaped to engage the frame.

8. A support as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the second portion of the support is concave along a longitudinal axis to form an arc.

9. A support as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the arc is approximately 120 degrees to 150 degrees.

10. A support as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the second portion of the support is convex along a transverse axis.

11. A support as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the support is attached to a heel portion of the shoe.

12. A support as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the second portion is shaped to engage a chain stay of the frame.

13. A support as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the support is shaped to engage a shoe of the rider.

14. A support as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the support is attached to a chain stay of the frame.

15. A support as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the support is attached to a seat stay of the frame.

16. A support as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the part of the support attached to the shoe and the complementary part of the support attached to the frame are shaped to engage each other.

17. A bicycle shoe having a sole shaped to engage a bicycle frame.

18. A bicycle shoe as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the sole is concave for receiving and engaging the bicycle frame.

19. A bicycle shoe as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the sole is shaped to receive and engage a chain stay of the bicycle frame.

20. A method for a bicycle rider to lift himself off of a bicycle seat and to shift his weight in a desired direc¬ tion, the method comprising: (a) stabilizing his foot;

(b) lifting himself off of the seat by leaning on his stabilized foot and extending his legs; and

(c) shifting his weight in the desired direction.

21. A method as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the bicycle has a chain stay and step (a) comprises engaging a shoe of the rider with the chain stay.

22. A method for a bicycle rider to use a support for lifting himself off of a bicycle seat and shifting his weight in a desired direction while riding a bicycle having a chain stay, the support being attached to his shoe, the method comprising:

(a) pedalling the bicycle's pedals until the support on the shoe is next to and above the chain stay;

(b) moving his shoe toward the chain stay so that the support is directly above the chain stay;

(c) moving his shoe downwardly to engage the support with the chain stay; and

(d) extending his legs with the support engaged with the chain stay, lifting himself off of the seat, and shifting his weight in the desired direction.

23. A support attached to a shoe.

24. An apparatus for use by a bicycle rider for lifting himself off of a bicycle seat and shifting himself in a desired direction while riding a bicycle, the bicycle having a frame, a main gear, a main gear axle, a central movement, a rear gear, a rear axle, and pedals, the appara¬ tus comprising a means for preventing the pedals from 6/21592 PCI7US96/00523

53 moving counterclockwise about the main gear axle without braking the bicycle.

25. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the central movement has a stop plate, the preventing means comprising:

(a) a locking pin for engaging the stop plate, whereby the main gear is prevented from rotating counterclockwise about the main gear axle; and

(b) a cable for controlling engagement of the locking pin with the stop plate.

26. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the rear gear has a threaded portion and the rear axle has a first notch, the preventing means comprising:

(a) a threaded collar rotatably mounted on the rear axle, the threaded portion of the rear gear being engaged with the threaded collar;

(b) a fixed frame member attached to the frame, the fixed frame member having a second notch; and

(c) a means for stopping the threaded collar from rotating counterclockwise around the rear axle, whereby the first notch of the rear gear engages with the second notch of the fixed frame member to prevent the rear gear from moving counterclockwise around the rear axle.