Aerodynamic coasting bicycle and method of use

• US 7,322,592 B2
• Filed: 11/30/2004
• Issued: 01/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Marilyn S. Francis, Nalan A. Francis
• Original Assignee: Marilyn S. Francis, Nalan A. Francis
• Inventors: Francis, Nalan A., Francis, Marilyn S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ellis; Christopher P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WALTERS, JOHN DANIEL
• Application Number:
  US10/999,556
• Publication Number:
  US 20050140115A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,155 Days
• Field of Search: 280/87.01, 280/281.1, 280/152.2, 280/288.4, 280/152.1, D12/181, D12/182, 296/78.1
• US Class Current: 280/152.2
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 19/00 Cycle frames cycle frames specially adapted for one particular kind of cycle specified in groups B62K1/00 - B62K17/00, see the relevant group
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 19/48 Fairings forming part of frame
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 1/00 Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles rider propulsion with additional source of power B62M6/00; propulsion by ground-engaging rods B62M29/02

Abstract

An aerodynamic coasting bicycle and method of use are disclosed. In one form, an aerodynamic cycling apparatus includes a main frame including a rear wheel mount and a front wheel mount. The main frame includes a light-weight material and a front wheel is coupled to the front wheel mount. A front wheel cover substantially covers an interior portion of the front wheel. A gearless rear wheel is coupled to the rear wheel mount and includes a rear wheel cover substantially covering an interior portion of the rear wheel.

Claims

1. An aerodynamic cycling apparatus comprising:

a main frame including a rear wheel mount and a front wheel mount, the main frame constructed of light-weight materials and no mechanical drive assembly;

a front wheel coupled to the front wheel mount, the front wheel including a front wheel cover substantially covering an interior portion of the front wheel;

a gearless rear wheel coupled to the rear wheel mount, the rear wheel including a rear wheel cover substantially covering an interior portion of the rear wheel;

a front aerodynamic cover substantially surrounding the front wheel and a front portion of the main frame, the front aerodynamic cover formed to allow placement of a user'"'"'s legs between the main frame and the front aerodynamic cover;

a rear aerodynamic cover substantially covering the rear wheel and a rear portion of the main frame;

a rear spoiler coupled to the rear aerodynamic cover; and

a rear view mirror assembly integrated as a part of the front aerodynamic cover to allow the user to view objects.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the main frame comprises an elongated frame.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein the main frame further comprises:

a length at least five (5) feet; and

a height no greater than three (3) feet.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the main frame comprises a braking system operably coupled to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein the main frame comprises aluminum.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the main frame comprises titanium.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the front and rear aerodynamic covers comprise a plastic material.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the front and rear aerodynamic covers comprise a fiberglass material.

9. An apparatus for use with a coasting bicycle to provide aerodynamics during comprising:

a front aerodynamic cover operable to be coupled to a front portion of a main frame of a bicycle along each side of a front wheel of the bicycle, the front aerodynamic cover sized to cover at least fifty (50) percent of the front wheel'"'"'s laterally exposed face; and

a rear aerodynamic cover operable to be coupled to a rear portion of a main fame of the bicycle along each side of the rear wheel of the bicycle, the rear aerodynamic cover sized to cover at least fifty (50) percent of the rear wheel'"'"'s laterally exposed faces.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9 further comprising:

a front wheel cover operable to be coupled to the front wheel to substantially cover an interior portion of the front wheel; and

a rear wheel cover operable to be coupled to the rear wheel to substantially cover an interior portion of the rear wheel.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 10 further comprising a rear spoiler operable to be coupled to a rear portion of the main frame of the bicycle.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 9 further comprising a rear spoiler operable to be coupled to the rear aerodynamic cover.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the front aerodynamic cover includes at least one rear view mirror.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the front and rear aerodynamic covers comprise a plastic material.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the main frame comprises aluminum.