U.S. patent application number 09/785820 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-12 for all-terrain bicycle.
Invention is credited to Trubiano, Antoine.
Application Number | 20010007388 09/785820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22808106 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010007388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trubiano, Antoine |
July 12, 2001 |
All-terrain bicycle
Abstract
An all-terrain bicycle is comprised of a bicycle frame having a
front and a rear fork to which is removably secured a front and a
rear wheel. Each wheel has a circular rim which is interconnected
to the hub by spokes. The rear wheel has sprockets secured to the
central hub and which is interconnected to a driving sprocket by a
chain or other such belt-like drive connector. Each of the rims is
provided with a surface engaging support shoes assembly to provide
support of the bicycle on a surface. Such bicycles are particularly
useful for riding on soft and also irregular surfaces which are
deformable such as sand, snow or the like.
Inventors: |
Trubiano, Antoine;
(Montreal, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David M. Carter
Carter & Schnedler, P.A.
P.O. Box 2985
Asheville
NC
28802
US
|
Family ID: |
22808106 |
Appl. No.: |
09/785820 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09785820 |
Feb 16, 2001 |
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09216688 |
Dec 16, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/210 ;
280/281.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 15/00 20130101;
B62K 3/04 20130101; B62K 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/210 ;
280/281.1 |
International
Class: |
B62K 003/00 |
Claims
1. An all-terrain bicycle comprising a bicycle frame having a front
and a rear fork to which is removably secured a front and a rear
wheel, each said wheel having a circular rim, spoke means
interconnecting a central hub of each of said wheel to said rim,
said rear wheel having sprocket means secured to said central hub,
means to impart rotation to said sprocket means, a seat and
handlebars secured to said frame, each said rim having a surface
engaging support shoes assembly attached thereto to provide support
of said bicycle on a surface.
2. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
surface engaging support shoes assembly is comprised of a plurality
of support plate members attached about an outer periphery of each
said rim.
3. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 2 wherein each said
support plate members are connected to said outer periphery by a
pivoting connection whereby each said support plate member can
pivot independently along an axis transverse to the plane of said
rim.
4. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
support plate members are removably connectable to said rim through
said pivoting connection.
5. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
support plate members are disposed in side-by-side relationship
throughout said outer periphery of each said rim.
6. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 3 wherein each said
support plate members have a flat outer rectangular surface, and a
V-like shape longitudinal cross-section, said axis transverse to
the plane of said rim being a longitudinal central axis of said
rectangular surface.
7. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 3 wherein each said
support plate members have a flat outer rectangular surface, a
projecting rib disposed at mid-length of said flat outer
rectangular surface and extending transverse to a longitudinal axis
of said rectangular surface.
8. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 7 wherein said
projecting rib is formed integrally with said support plate members
which are molded from plastics material.
9. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 7 wherein said
projecting rib is a molded insert of rubber or rubber-like material
and constitutes a tire-like member for said bicycle when driven on
a hard surface.
10. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
pivoting connection is constituted by a pair of spaced-apart
attachment flanges projecting from a rear wall of each said support
plate members, a removable fastener connectable between said
attachment flanges and adapted to extend through a connecting
cavity formed in a circumferential side wall of said rim, said
connecting cavity being dimensioned to permit said fastener to
articulate within said connecting cavity to permit said support
member to pivot along said axis transverse to the plane of said
rim.
11. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 10 wherein said rim
has an outer peripheral wall which is of dome-shape cross-section
to receive thereon in frictional contact a curved transverse cavity
formed in said rear wall of said support plate member, said outer
peripheral wall transferring a load on said bicycle onto said
concave cavity.
12. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 11 wherein a
projecting rib is disposed at mid-length of said flat outer
rectangular surface and aligned with said curved transverse
cavity.
13. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 2 wherein each said
support plate members have a flat outer rectangular surface, said
plate members forming thin opposed flexible shoulder portions
capable of flexing when subjected to upward forces.
14. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 3 wherein each said
support plate members are molded as a unitary member, said pivoting
connection being constituted by an upstanding rib formed in a rear
wall of each said support plate members, and a curved channel of
arcuate cross-section formed in a top wall of said upstanding rib
and adapted to receive captive in sliding frictional fit therein a
portion of an outer peripheral annular section of said rim, said
rim having means to connect said support plate members thereto.
15. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 14 wherein said
means to connect said support plate members thereto is constituted
by a connecting gap formed in said rim and extending through said
annular section, and an insert to close said gap.
16. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 15 wherein a
transverse projecting rib is disposed at mid-length of said support
plate member in an outer rectangular surface thereof and aligned
with said upstanding rib.
17. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 14 wherein said
upstanding rib on opposed sides of said curved channel defines an
abutment wall spaced from a circumferential side wall of said rim
whereby to permit said support member to pivot along said axis
transverse to the plane of said rib.
18. An all-terrain bicycle comprising a bicycle frame having a
front and a rear fork to which is removably secured a front and a
rear wheel, each said wheel having a circular rim, spoke means
interconnecting a central hub of each of said wheel to said rim,
said rear wheel having sprocket means secured to said central hub,
means to impart rotation to said sprocket means, a seat and
handlebars secured to said frame, each said rim having a tire
secured thereto, said tire having a plurality of surface engaging
support shoes attached therealong about an outer periphery thereof
to provide support of said bicycle on a surface.
19. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 18 wherein each said
surface engaging support shoes is comprised of a support plate
member attached about said outer periphery of each said tire in
closely spaced relationship, said support plate member being
connected to said outer periphery by a pivoting connection whereby
each said support plate member can pivot independently along an
axis transverse to the outer periphery of said tire.
20. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
surface engaging support shoes are integrally formed with said
tire.
21. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
support plate member is removably connectable to said tire through
said pivoting connection.
22. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 19 wherein said
support plate member has a flat outer rectangular surface, a
projecting rib disposed at mid-length of said flat outer
rectangular surface and extending transverse to a longitudinal axis
of said rectangular surface.
23. An all-terrain bicycle as claimed in claim 19 wherein said
support plate member is provided with a rear projection on a rear
face thereof and projecting on both sides of said tire to limit
pivotal displacement on said axis transverse to said outer
periphery of said tire by abutting against said tire.
24. A tire for an all-terrain bicycle, said tire comprising a
circumferential generally U-shaped membrane having opposed side
walls engageable at a rear end thereof in a bicycle rim, said tire
having a wide, surface-engaging, outer circumferential wall
projecting outwardly from said opposed side walls.
25. A tire as claimed in claim 24 wherein said wide
surface-engaging outer circumferential wall is integrally formed
with said tire and defines flexible wing sections projecting
outwardly from said opposed side walls.
26. A tire as claimed in claim 25 wherein a projecting rim is
disposed at mid-length of an outer face of said circumferential
wall and extends about the entire circumference of said
circumferential wall.
27. A tire as claimed in claim 24 wherein said wide,
surface-engaging, outer circumferential wall is constituted by a
surface-engaging support shoes assembly.
28. A tire as claimed in claim 27 wherein said surface-engaging
support shoes assembly is comprised of a plurality of transversely
extending support plate members attached about an outer peripheral
wall portion of said U-shaped membrane.
29. A tire as claimed in claim 28 wherein said support plate
members are removably secured to said U-shaped membrane by
attachment means.
30. A tire as claimed in claim 29 wherein said support plate
members have a flat outer rectangular surface, the longitudinal
axis of which extends on an axis transverse to the longitudinal
axis of said U-shaped membrane.
31. A tire as claimed in claim 30 wherein said support plate
members are each provided with a rear projection on a rear face
thereof and projecting spaced a predetermined distance from said
opposed side walls to limit pivotal displacement of said support
plate member on said axis transverse to said U-shaped membrane.
32. A tire as claimed in claim 24 wherein metal studs are secured
to said wide, surface-engaging, outer circumferential wall to grip
into an ice covered ground surface.
33. A tire as claimed in claim 30 wherein metal studs are secured
into said flat outer rectangular surface to grip into an ice
covered ground surface.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an all-terrain bicycle
having wheels provided with a surface engaging support plate
assembly connected to its rim making the bicycle particularly
adapted for riding over soft and also irregular surfaces, such as
sand, snow, etc.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] All-terrain motorized vehicles are known and are very
popular nowadays. Also, the conventional bicycle has been modified
and equipped with special shock absorbers and modified tires
whereby the rider can drive over irregular terrain and not be
subjected to the shocks imparted by such irregular terrain. These
are commonly referred to as "mountain bikes" The wheels are still
of the conventional construction whereby an inflatable tire is
secured about the rims. However, these tires are larger in
cross-section than the conventional touring bicycle and are
provided with various types of thread formations to provide better
surface engagement. These "mountain bikes" are popular for driving
along rough trail surfaces such as mountain trails where the
bicycle encounters irregular hard packed terrain encumbered with
stones, branches, mud and other like obstacles. However, such
bicycles are not practical for driving into very soft ground
surfaces where there is no hard support for the tires and the tires
will sink into the surface and cause the rider to fall.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] It is a feature of the present invention to provide an
all-terrain bicycle which is specifically adapted for riding on
soft and also irregular terrain surfaces such as sand, snow or
other like soft surfaces.
[0004] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a
novel bicycle wheel construction particularly adapted for riding on
soft and also irregular terrain surfaces.
[0005] According to the above features, from a broad aspect, thee
present invention provides an all-terrain bicycle which comprises a
bicycle frame having a front and a rear fork to which is removably
secured a front and a rear wheel. Each of the wheels have a
circular rim. Spoke means interconnect a central hub of each of the
wheels to the rim. The rear wheel has sprocket means secured to the
central hub thereof. Means is provided to impart rotation to the
sprocket means. A seat and handlebars are secured to the frame.
Each of the rims have a surface engaging support shoes assembly
attached thereto to provide support of the bicycle on a
surface.
[0006] According to a still further broad aspect of the present
invention there is provided an all-terrain bicycle as
above-described and wherein each of the rims has a tire secured
thereto and wherein the tire has a plurality of surface engaging
support shoes attached therealong about an outer periphery thereof
to provide support of said bicycle on a surface.
[0007] According to a still further broad aspect of the present
invention there is provided a tire for an all-terrain bicycle. The
tire comprises a circumferential generally U-shaped membrane having
opposed side walls engageable at a free end thereof in a bicycle
rim. The tire has a wide, surface-engaging, outer circumferential
wall projecting outwardly from the opposed side walls.
[0008] According to a still further broad aspect of the present
invention the surface-engaging outer circumferential wall is
integrally formed with the tire and defines flexible wing sections
projecting outwardly from the opposed walls.
[0009] According to a still further broad aspect of the present
invention the surface-engaging outer circumferential wall is
constituted by a surface-engaging support shoes assembly comprising
a plurality of transversely extending support plate members
attached about an outer peripheral wall portion of the U-shaped
membrane of the tire.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an all-terrain bicycle
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a fragmented section view showing an embodiment
of the pivoting connection of the support plate member to the rim
of the bicycle wheel;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a side view showing the disposition of the
connecting cavity formed in the rim of the wheels;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a section-view showing an embodiment of the
construction of the support plate member and its connection to the
rim of the bicycle wheel;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a fragmented section-view showing a still further
embodiment of the pivoting connection of the support plate member
as well as a further embodiment of the plate members;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a fragmented side view showing the construction of
the rim and the gap formed therein to permit support plate members
to be connected to the rim in sliding fit therewith;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the construction of the
insert secured to the rim to close the connecting gap;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partly fragmented, showing the
construction of two tires formed in accordance with the present
invention and each having a different wide, surface-engaging, outer
circumferential wall;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view showing
the construction of the tire having about its outer circumferential
wall a surface-engaging support shows assembly;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a fragmented perspective view showing the tire of
FIG. 7 wherein the wide, surface-engaging, outer circumferential
wall is integrally formed with the tire, all along the
circumference thereof;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view illustrating how a support
plate member of the support shows assembly is secured to the
U-shaped membrane of the tire;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a support plate member having
metal studs secured therein; and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a fragmented perspective view, similar to FIG. 9,
but illustrating a modified outer surface of the outer
circumferential wall.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, there is shown generally at 10 an all-terrain bicycle
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The bicycle
is comprised of a frame 11 having a front fork 12 and a rear fork
13. Shock absorbers 14 are secured to the front fork 12 as is well
known in the art. A front wheel 15 and a rear wheel 16 are
respectively connected to the front fork 12 and the rear fork 13.
The front and rear wheels are provided with a central hub 15' and
16' respectively which are interconnected to the rims 15" and 16"
by spokes 17' and 17", respectively.
[0025] The rear wheel 16 is provided with a sprocket set 18
connected to its hub 16' and driven by a drive sprocket 19 secured
to the frame 11 beneath the seat 20, as is well known in the art.
Foot engaging paddles 20 rotate the drive sprocket 19 and through
its chain link connection 21, or other such belt-like drive
connector, drives the sprocket set 18 to impart movement to the
bicycle 10. Brakes are also provided on the front and/or rear
wheels and actuated by brake hand levers 22, as is well known in
the art. Thus far, a conventional bicycle has been described.
[0026] The present invention relates to the construction of the
wheels 15 and 16. As hereinshown these wheels are provided with a
surface engaging support shoes assembly 25 secured respectively to
the rims 15" and 16" of the wheels 15 and 16. This support shoes
assembly provides support of the bicycle 10 on any type of surface,
being a hard surface, such as a hard, flat surface, but
particularly conceived for soft and also irregular surfaces, such
as sand, snow, mud, etc.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the surface engaging support
shoes assembly is comprised of a plurality of support plate members
26 which are attached about an outer periphery 27 of each of the
rims 15" and 16". These support plate members 26 are connected to
the outer periphery by a pivoting connection such as the one
illustrated and designated by reference numeral 27 in FIG. 2A,
whereby each of the support plate members 26 can pivot
independently along an axis 28 (see FIG. 1) which is transverse to
the plane of the rim. The pivoting connection 27 permits each of
the support plate members 26 to be removably connected to the rim
in a side-by-side relationship throughout the outer periphery of
the rims. These support plate members can be disposed in very close
side-by-side relationship or slightly spaced part as is desirable.
Ideally, the support plate members 26 are from approximately one to
two inches wide and from two to seven inches long and spaced apart
about one quarter inch.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the support plate members are provided
with a flat, outer rectangular surface 29 and have a V-like shaped
longitudinal cross-section as is more apparent from the support
plate member 26', see FIG. 3, and with the partial cross-section as
shown in FIG. 2A. The axis 28 which is transverse to the plane of
the rim is the longitudinal central axis of the rectangular surface
29.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2A, the pivoting connection 27 is
constituted by a pair of spaced-apart attachment flanges 30
projecting from a rear wall 31 of each of the support plate members
26. A removable fastener 32 is connected between cavities 33
provided in the attachment flanges 30 and this fastener member
extends through a longitudinal connecting cavity 34 as shown in
FIG. 2B and disposed in the side wall 35 of the rim 15" and 16".
The removable fastener 32 extends within this longitudinal cavity
in close fit therein but can articulate therein to positions as
shown by phantom lines 35, in FIG. 2A, to permit the said
independent pivoting of the support plate members along the axis 28
which is transverse to the plane of the wheel. Accordingly, as the
bicycle is displaced over an irregular surface, the support plates
will pivot independently when moving over an irregular surface
while at the same time providing a large support surface area on
the soft surface.
[0030] It is pointed out that in use, the rider operating the
bicycle 10 has his hands positioned on the handles 29 of the
handlebar 28 and balances the bicycle on the rim 15" and 16".
Accordingly, the outer end 37 of the rims receives the load on the
bicycle and permits the user to balance himself on the bicycle
regardless of the irregularities and softness of the support
surface. Therefore, the bicycle will move along while the plates
articulate on their axis 28. To facilitate this articulation, the
outer end 37 of the rim is rounded and moves within a dome-shaped
cavity 38 provided on the rear wall 31 between the attachment
flanges 30 to provide smooth articulation of the support plate
members 26.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2A, a projecting rib 40 may be formed at
substantially mid-length of the flat outer rectangular surface 29
and aligned with the curved transverse cavity 38. The purpose of
this projecting rib is to provide support for the wheel when the
bicycle is driven on a hard surface, such as an asphalt or cement
surface. This may simulate the width of a standard rubber tire and
provide less friction on that surface for ease of displacement of
the bicycle. A few of these projecting ribs 40 are illustrated on
some of the support plate members 26 as shown in FIG. 1. It is also
pointed out that these support plate members 26 are molded as a
unitary part from plastics material with the projecting rib 40
formed integral therewith.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a still further
embodiment of the construction of the support plate members 26. As
hereinshown, the support plate members 26' are molded from plastics
material and define tapering flat outer rectangular flexible
shoulder portions 41 capable of flexing when the bicycle is driven
on an irregular surface. These shoulder portions would flex
upwardly if the support plate member is driven over an irregular
surface.
[0033] The connection of the support plate member 26' to the frame
can be effected through a pair of attachment flanges 42 and a
fastener 43 connected directly to a reinforced outer rim portion 44
wherein there is no articulation between the rim and the
connection. The only articulation would be in the flexing of the
outer end portions of plate shoulders 41. However, if desirable a
pivoting connection such as described in FIG. 2A may also be
provided. Although the outer rectangular surface 29 is hereinshown
as a flat surface, an insert 45 of rubber-like material could be
molded in a cavity 46 provided in the surface 29 and extending
transversely along the plane 47 of the wheel 15" and 161". This
rubber insert would provide better simulation of a bicycle tire
when the bicycle is used on a hard surface, as above-described.
[0034] The support plate members 26 may also be provided of
different sizes and configuration to suit the use of the bicycle as
these support plate members are removably securable to the rim.
However, the configuration of such would be limited by the spacing
of the fork members 12 and 13. Although not shown herein, these
fork members could also be modified to adapt to support plate
members of difference sizes. Although not shown, these fork members
may have an outer curvature in the area where the support plate
members pass to form a large opening capable of accepting plate
members of different sizes. This would be particularly useful if
large plates are secured to the rim to facilitate the use of the
bicycle on snow where the support surface is very soft and requires
support plate members having larger support surfaces.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, there will be described a
further embodiment of the pivoting connection. As hereinshown, the
support plate member 26" is molded from plastics material as a
unitary member and provided with an upstanding rib 50 formed in the
rear wall 51 thereof. A curved channel 52 of arcuate cross-section
is formed in the top wall 53 of the upstanding rib 50 and adapted
to receive captive therein and in sliding frictional fit, a portion
of an outer peripheral annular section 54 of the rim 15" and
16'.
[0036] The rim 15" is provided with a side wall 55 above the
annular section 54. The side wall 55 is connected to the central
hub by spoke means, as hereinshown large flange-like spokes 56 to
provide a rigid rim. As shown in FIG. 5, the annular section 54 is
provided with a gap 57 whereby to provide a means to connect the
support plate members 26" to the annular section 54. Accordingly,
the upstanding rib 50 is disposed with its curved channel 52 in
alignment with the open ends 54' of the annular section 54 aligned
with the ends of the curve channel and it is slid thereover in
frictional sliding fit to assume its position as shown in FIG. 4.
Once the support plate members 26 have been inserted all along the
outer periphery of the rim a last support plate member is slid onto
the annular section 54" of an insert 59, as shown in FIG. 6, and
connected to the upstanding side wall 55 of the rim by means of an
attachment flange 58 secured to the annular section 54". The
connecting flange 58 fits within a connecting groove 60 formed in
the upstanding side wall. A fastener (not shown) extends through
the threaded hole 61 provided in the connecting flange 58 and in
the upstanding side wall 55 of the rim within the connecting
channel 60.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4 an upstanding projecting rib 62 may also
be molded integral with the support plate member 26" and disposed
mid-length of the support plate member in the outer rectangular
surface 63 thereof and aligned with the upstanding rib 50. As also
shown in FIG. 4, the upstanding rib 50 is provided with an angled
abutment wall 64 provided on opposed sides of the curve channel and
spaced from the outer surfaces 55' of the upstanding side wall 55
of the rim whereby to permit the support member 26" to pivot along
the transverse axis 28 along a limited arc defined by the spacing
between the outer surfaces 55 of the upstanding side wall and the
surfaces 64. To replace a damaged support plate member, it is slid
along the rim to the insert 59 which is then removed and
reinstalled with a new support plate member.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 9, there is illustrated the
construction of tires which are adapted to fit about the standard
rim of bicycles, which rims are well known in the art. One of the
tires, namely tire 70, is comprised of a circumferential, generally
U-shaped membrane 71 having opposed side walls 72 and which are
engageable at a free end 73 in a bicycle rim 74 as illustrated in
FIG. 10. The tire 70 has a wide, surface-engaging outer
circumferential wall 75 which projects outwardly from opposed side
wall 72 thereof to constitute flexible wing sections 76. The outer
circumferential wall 75 is integrally formed with the tire and is
provided with a projecting rib 77 disposed at mid-length of the
outer surface 78 of the circumferential wall and extends about the
entire circumference of the wall.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there will be described the
construction of the tire 80 which is also comprised of a U-shaped
membrane 81 having opposed side walls 82 but wherein the wide,
surface-engaging, outer circumferential wall is constituted by a
surface engaging support shoes assembly 83. The surface engaging
shoes assembly, as better seen in FIG. 8, is comprised of a
plurality of transversely extending rectangular support plate
members 84 attached about the outer peripheral wall portion 85 of
the U-shaped membrane 81. These support plate members 84 may also
be molded with the U-shaped membrane 81. On the other hand, they
could be removably secured to the U-shaped membrane by attachment
means, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 10, the attachment means is constituted by
a rivet 86 having a head 87 positioned internally of the U-shaped
membrane 81 whereby to secure the rectangular support plate member
84 thereto. After a plurality of plates 84 have been secured about
the outer circumference of the U-shaped membrane 81 a protective
tape 88 is placed on the inside surface 89 of the U-shaped
membrane, all along its inner circumference whereby to protect the
heads 87. A standard tube 90 is then positioned within the tire to
inflate the tire on the rim 74 of the all-terrain bicycle.
[0041] Referring again to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the support
plate members have a flat, outer rectangular surface 91 having its
central longitudinal axis 92 extending transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the U-shaped membrane 81. These support plate
members 84 may also have metal studs 93 secured in the outer flat
surfaces 91 thereof to provide gripping on ice covered surfaces, if
desired. It is pointed out that a plurality of different types of
tires may be provided to accommodate the all-terrain bicycle on
various terrain. For example, the tire 70, as shown in FIG. 7,
would be convenient for use on soft sand or snow surfaces.
Similarly, the tire 80 as shown in FIG. 7 could be for that
purpose. A modified tire 80 may also be provided in which these
studs 93 are disposed on the support plate members for operating
the all-terrain vehicle on icy surfaces.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, the support plate members 84 may also
be provided with a rear projecting members 94 and 94' on a rear
face 95 of the support plate members. These projecting members are
spaced a predetermined distance from the opposed side walls 82 of
the U-shaped membrane 81 to limit pivotal displacement of the
support plate members on their transverse axis 92. As the support
plate members pivot in the direction as indicated by arrow 96,
these projecting members 94 and 94' will abut with the outer
surface of the side walls 82 thereby providing shock absorbency and
limiting the pivotal displacement. The shock absorbency is provided
by the inflated tire against which the projecting members abut
thereby cushioning the pivoting plate member and providing for a
smooth ride of the all-terrain bicycle.
[0043] FIG. 12 shows a further modification of the tires 70 as
shown in FIG. 7. As hereinshown, the outer surface 78 of the outer
circumferential wall 75 is a smooth, flat surface. As previously
described, the purpose of the rib 77, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, is
to provide less friction when the all-terrain vehicle is used on a
hard surface such as a concrete or asphalt road.
[0044] It is pointed out that it is within the ambit of the present
invention to cover any obvious modifications of the construction of
the support plate members and its pivotal connection as well as the
rims of the wheels, provided such modifications fall within the
scope of the appended claims. For example only, it is conceivable
that the entire support shoes assembly be mounted or molded on a
rim engaging band which is then secured in a channel formed about
the outer periphery of the rim.
* * * * *