초록 ▼

An attachment for a bicycle is disclosed, permitting use of the bicycle in water, with relatively efficient propulsion and steering, and also on land, without removal of the attachment. Floats of the attachment are positioned on either side of the bicycle, connected by frame members which are remova

An attachment for a bicycle is disclosed, permitting use of the bicycle in water, with relatively efficient propulsion and steering, and also on land, without removal of the attachment. Floats of the attachment are positioned on either side of the bicycle, connected by frame members which are removably attached to forward and rearward portions of the bicycle frame. The front wheel of the bicycle is provided with a solid circular disc, closing the space within the rim, so that the front wheel acts as a rudder in water when steered. Connected to the rear wheel spokes are a series of impeller cups or vanes which strike the water in the bottom of their stroke of movement to drive the bicycle forward. The floats may be of a lightweight foam material, or may be inflatable. For use as an exercising device, the bicycle may be provided with a resistance device engaged against the rear wheel, and the bicycle may be elevated on blocks, via the floats.

대표청구항 ▼

An amphibious attachment capable of fitting a wide variety of sizes and styles of bicycles, comprising: a pair of elongated floats spaced apart to accomodate a bicycle frame and wheels between them, the floats extending substantially the entire length of a bicycle and each being unitary and continuo

An amphibious attachment capable of fitting a wide variety of sizes and styles of bicycles, comprising: a pair of elongated floats spaced apart to accomodate a bicycle frame and wheels between them, the floats extending substantially the entire length of a bicycle and each being unitary and continuous throughout such length; a pair of transverse frame members connecting the floats at forward and rearward locations and maintaining the floats rigidly in spaced relationship, each transverse frame member comprising a generally vertical member extending up from each float and a generally horizontal member spanning between and affixed to the tops of the vertical members, each vertical member having a threaded portion extending to its lower end and taller than the height of a float, with two nuts engaged on each threaded portion; the floats each including two longitudinally slotted openings extending through the height of the float, with the threaded portion of one of said vertical members extending through each slotted opening, one nut above and one below the float at each opening, engaged against the top and bottom of the float, so that the relative fore-and-aft position of each transverse frame member with respect to the floats and therefore the separation between the frame members can be adjusted by movement within the slotted openings and so that the height of each transverse frame member with respect to the floats can be adjusted by raising or lowering the nuts, thereby facilitating connection to different sizes and configurations of bicycles; centrally positioned front connecting means on the forward transverse frame member for removably connecting it to the front fork-retaining sleeve of the bicycle frame, including means for accommodating various configurations of bicycle frames; centrally positioned rear connecting means on the rearward transverse frame member for removably connecting it to a generally upright member of the bicycle frame, below the seat, including means for accommodating various configurations of bicycle frames; a rigid circular disc and means for mounting it substantially flushly on the front wheel of the bicycle, within the space encompassed by the front wheel rim, so that the front wheel becomes a steerable rudder; and a series of impeller vanes and means for mounting them on the rear wheel of the bicycle, so that the rear wheel becomes a propelling means; whereby the amphibious attachment may be fitted to nearly any bicycle of conventional configuration, adapting it for use in water, suspended by the floats with the front and rear wheels partially submerged, so that the bicycle may be propelled by pedalling and steered by steering of the front wheel.