Cycling support aid

Abstract

A cycling support aid 1 for supporting a user to learn to ride a bicycle comprises a body portion 2 comprising a first end 4 and a second opposed end 6; a handle portion 8 located at or adjacent the f

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to a cycling support aid for supporting a user when riding a bicycle. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cycling support aid for supporting a user when riding a bicycle. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION When children learn to ride a bicycle, for example when having stabilisers removed, an adult is usually nearby to help push the bicycle along and to keep the bicycle upright whilstthe child practises and their balance improves. Furthermore, children can gettired when riding their bicycle, for example on long trips or up hills, and can benefit from having assistance from an adult to provide additional support, for example to help push the bicycle. Due to the height difference between the adult and the bicycle, this can be tiring and cause back pain due to the need to bend over whilst supporting the child on the bicycle. A number of support aids exist which typically involve providing a handle which is secured by mechanical fixations to a part of the bicycle. These support aids therefore are cumbersome, make transportation of the bicycle difficult, and cannot be removed quickly which could result in additional accidents. There is therefore a need for an improved support aid for supporting a user when riding a bicycle which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cycling support aid for supporting a user when riding a bicycle, the cycling support aid comprising: a body portion comprising a first end and a second opposed end; a handle portion located at or adjacent the first end of the body portion; and a gripping portion located at or adjacent the second opposed end of the body portion, in which the gripping portion defines a recess for receiving and supporting a portion of a bicycle. According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a cycling support aid comprising: obtaining a body portion comprising a first end and a second opposed end; obtaining a handle portion and positioning the handled portion at or adjacent the first end of the body portion; and obtaining a gripping portion defining a recess for receiving and supporting a portion of a bicycle, and positioning the gripping portion at or adjacent the second opposed end of the body portion. The cycling support aid is configured in use to be releasably attachable to a bicycle so that a user can receive support or assistance from a third party, for example parent, when riding a bicycle (for example when learning to ride a bicycle). The gripping portion is shaped and dimensioned to receive a portion of a bicycle (for example a portion of a seat or seat post of a bicycle) so as to, for example provide sufficient support to prevent unintentional movement of the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) in a direction extending at an angle to the direction of movement of the bicycle or to provide an additional propulsion force to the bicycle. For example, the gripping portion provides an abutment surface adjacent the recess (for example, on an inner portion of the gripping portion) configured to abut the portion of a bicycle (for example seat or seat post) and to aid realignment of the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) whilst the user learns to independently ride the bicycle without stabilisers. The aid therefore helps to prevent the bicycle from tipping sideways whilst the user learns to ride the bicycle and gains confidence. The abutment surface also enables a user to provide additional force to the seat post of the bicycle by pushing to aid movement of the bicycle when required. The portion of the bicycle is preferably a portion of a seat or seat post, preferably seat post. It is to be understood that the portion of the bicycle may be any suitable portion for enabling the user to provide a force to aid realignment of the portion of the bicycle during use and / or to provide a force in the direction of travel of the bicycle during use. The body portion is preferably an elongate body portion. The elongate body portion preferably defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second opposed end thereof. The cycling support aid is preferably moveable between a stowed position and an extended position. In one embodiment, the cycling support aid is preferably moveable between a stowed position and a plurality of discrete extended positions. This enables the aid to be easily transported when not in use. For example, the length of the body portion of the aid in the stowed position (as measured between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably about 40 cm, for example about 43 cm. The length of the body portion of the aid in the stowed position is preferably no more than 60 cm, preferably no more than 50 cm, for example about 45 cm. The length of the body portion of the aid in the stowed position is preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 45 cm, for example about 43 cm. The cyclingsupport aid may be moveable between a stowed position and a first extended position. The length of the body portion of the aid in the first extended position (as measured between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably at least 65 cm, preferably at least 70 cm, preferably at least 75 cm. The length of the body portion of the aid in the first extended position is preferably no more than 90 cm, preferably no more than 85 cm, preferably no more than 80 cm. The length of the body portion of the aid in the first extended position is preferably between 65 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 65 cm and 85 cm, preferably between 65 cm and 80 cm, preferably between 70 cm and 85 cm, preferably between 70 cm and 80 cm, for example about 75 cm. The cycling support aid may be moveable between a stowed position and a second extended position. The length of the body portion of the aid in the second extended position (as measured between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably at least 95 cm, preferably at least 100 cm, preferably at least 105 cm. The length of the body portion of the aid in the second extended position is preferably no more than 120 cm, preferably no more than 115 cm, preferably no more than 110 cm. The length of the body portion of the aid in the second extended position is preferably between 95 cm and 120 cm, preferably between 100 cm and 120 cm, preferably between 100 cm and 115 cm, preferably between 105 cm and 120 cm, preferably between 105 cm and 115 cm, for example about 110 cm. The body portion preferably comprises at least one telescopic portion configured in use to adjust the separation between the first and second ends thereof. In one embodiment, the aid further comprises at least one locking mechanism for locking at least one portion of the telescopic portion in position relative to a further portion of the telescopic portion of the body portion. The body portion is preferably composed of metal, for example aluminium. The gripping portion may be integrally formed with the body portion. The gripping portion may be releasably mounted on the second opposed end of the body portion. For example, the gripping portion may comprise a threaded portion configured for threaded engagement with a correspondingly threaded portion provided on the second opposed end of the body portion. The gripping portion may be configured for snap-fit or push-fit engagement with the second opposed end of the body portion. In one embodiment, the aid is configured in use to be secured to the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post of a bicycle) only by friction. For example, the gripping portion is preferably configured in use for push-fit engagement with a portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post of a bicycle). The aid is free from any engagement mechanism to secure the second end of the elongate body portion, by mechanical fixings, to a bicycle. As such the aid can be removed substantially instantaneously from the seat post by withdrawing in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the user. The aid can be removed without requiring a user to remove an engagement mechanism thereby providing for increased safety during use for the user. The gripping portion preferably comprises a first end located adjacent a second opposed end of the elongate body portion and an opposed second end. The gripping portion preferably defines an opening providing access to the recess (i.e. to allow passage of the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) therethrough). The gripping portion is preferably open-ended. The opening may be located at or adjacent the opposed second end of the gripping portion. Preferably the opening is provided at the opposed second end of the gripping portion. The gripping portion is preferably configured in use to engage a portion of a bicycle (for example seat or seat post of a bicycle) by movement of the aid towards the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body portion. The gripping portion is preferably configured in use to engage a portion of a bicycle (for example seat or seat post of a bicycle) by movement of the aid towards the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) in a direction extending substantially parallelto the intended direction of travel of the bicycle. Preferably, the aid is configured such that movement of the aid towards the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) in a direction extending substantially parallel to an axis extending between the first and second ends of the body portion (for example to a longitudinal axis defined by the body portion) and / or in the direction of travel of the bicycle enables the portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) to be received within the recess (for example by passing through an open-end of a gripping portion into the recess). Preferably, the depth of the recess defined by the gripping portion (as measured between the first and second ends of the gripping portion) is at least 5 cm, preferably 5.5 cm, for example 6 cm. The depth of the recess defined by the gripping portion is preferably no more than 10cm, preferably no more than 8 cm, preferably no more than 7 cm. Thedepth of the recess defined by the gripping portion is preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 7 cm, preferably between 5.5 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 5.5 cm and 7 cm, for example 6 cm. In one embodiment, the gripping portion is open-ended defining an opening to allow passage of the seat post into the recess. The opening provided by the gripping portion preferably has a diameter of at least 4 cm, preferably at least 4.5 cm, preferably about 5 cm. The opening provided by the gripping portion preferably has a diameter of no more than 10 cm, preferably no more than 8 cm, preferably no more than 6 cm. The opening provided by the gripping portion preferably has a diameter of between 4 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm, for example about 5 cm. The gripping portion preferably comprises a pair of spaced apart arm portions. Each arm portion of the gripping portion has a first end located at or adjacent the first end of the gripping portion, and an opposed second free end. At least a portion of the arm portions adjacent the opposed second free ends thereof extend substantially parallel to each other. The pair of spaced apart arm portions of the gripping portion are preferably spaced apart from each other at the second end of the gripping portion defining an opening extending therebetween. The recess of the gripping portion is preferably defined between inner surfaces of the pair of spaced apart arm portions. The pair of spaced apart arm portions preferably extend in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. In one embodiment, the gripping portion is substantially U-shaped or Y-shaped. The gripping portion preferably comprises gripping material (for example textured or high friction material) located on inner portions of the gripping portion (for example on inner surfaces of the pair of arm portions) which are configured in use to contact a portion of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post of a bike). The gripping portion may comprise soft plastic material. The handle is preferably composed of foam. The handle portion is preferably integrally formed with the body portion. The handle portion may be releasably engaged to the body portion. In one embodiment, the handle portion preferably comprises a threaded portion for releasably engaging a corresponding threaded portion provided on the first end of the body portion. The aid is easily detached from a bicycle without requiring unlocking of a mechanical fixation. The aid therefore does not form a physical extension of the bicycle and therefore does not hinder transportation of the bicycle, for example in a car, when not being used by the user. The aid is easily stowed by placing in the stowed position, making transportation and storage of the aid easy. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying Figures: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES Figures 1A to 1C are schematic illustrations of the cycling support aid according to one embodiment of the present invention being placed in the stowed position, a first extended position and a second extended position; Figure 2 is a photograph of the cycling support aid of Figure 1 in a stowed position with the gripping portion removed; Figure 3 is a photograph of the cycling support aid of Figure 1 in a stowed position with the gripping portion attached to the elongate body portion; Figure 4 is a photograph of the cycling support aid of Figure 1 in a second extended position; and Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the cycling support aid of the present invention being used in various scenarios. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the Figures, the cycling support aid 1 comprises an elongate body portion 2 comprising a first end 4 and a second opposed end 6. The elongate body portion defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends 4, 6 thereof. A handle portion 8 is located at the first end 4 of the elongate body portion 2. The handle portion 2 is composed of foam and substantially encompasses the first end 4 of the elongate body portion 2. It is to be understood that the handle portion 8 may be removably connected to the first end 4 of the elongate body portion 2. Furthermore, the handle portion 8 may be composed of any suitable material and is not to be limited to being composed of foam. For example, the handle portion may be composed of any material capable of improving grip of the user, i.e. a high friction material. A gripping portion 10 is located at the second opposed end 6 of the elongate body portion 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion 10 is releasably engageable to the second end 6 of the elongate body portion 2. The gripping portion 10 comprises a first end 12 comprising a threaded portion 14forthreaded engagement with a corresponding threaded portion (not shown) provided at the second opposed end 6 of the elongate body portion 2. It is howeverto be understood that the gripping portion 10 may form an integral part of the aid 1 (for example an integral party of the elongate body portion 2). The gripping portion 10 defines a recess 16 configured in use to receive and support a seat post of a bicycle. The gripping portion 10 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a portion of a bicycle (for example seat or seat post of a bicycle) and to provide sufficient support to prevent unintentional movement of the bicycle (for example seat or seat post) in a direction extending at an angle to the direction of movement of the bicycle. For example, the gripping portion 10 provides an abutment surface 18 adjacent the recess 16 configured to abut the seat post and to aid realignment of the seat post whilst the user learns to independently ride the bicycle without stabilisers. The aid 1 therefore helps to prevent the bicycle from tipping sideways whilst the user learns to ride the bicycle and gains confidence. The aid 1 may be configured in use to be secured to the seat post of a bicycle only by friction. For example, the gripping portion 10 is preferably configured in use for push-fit engagement with a seat post of a bicycle. It is important that the aid 1 does not form a mechanical engagement with the seat post, whether permanent or temporary, so that the aid 1 can be removed instantly when required without requiring further adaption (for example release of a locking mechanism) by a user. For example, the aid 1 of the present invention can be removed instantly, without requiring a release of a locking mechanism present between the gripping portion and the seat post, when the user has gained sufficient confidence to continue cycling without requiring the additional support on the seat post, or to avoid an accident. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion 10 comprises a first end 12 located adjacent the second opposed end 6 of the elongate body portion 2 and an opposed second end 20. The gripping portion 10 is substantially Y-shaped and defines an opening 22 providing access to the recess 16 (i.e. to allow passage of the seat post therethrough). The gripping portion 10 is open-ended. The opening22 is located at the opposed second end 20 of the gripping portion 10. The gripping portion 10 is configured in use to engage a seat post of a bicycle by movement of the aid towards a seat post in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body portion 2. The aid 1 is configured such that movement of the aid 1 towards a seat post in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body portion 2 enables the seat post to be received within the recess 16 (for example by passing through an open-end of a gripping portion 10 into the recess 16). The depth of the recess 16 defined by the gripping portion 10 (as measured between the first 12 and second 20 ends of the gripping portion 10) is about 5 cm. The gripping portion 10 comprises a pair of spaced apart arm portions 42. Each arm portion 24 of the gripping portion 10 has a first end 26 located at or adjacent the first end 12 of the gripping portion 10, and an opposed second free end 28. At least a portion of the arm portions 24 adjacent the opposed second free ends 28 thereof extend substantially parallel to each other. The pair of spaced apart arm portions 24 of the gripping portion are spaced apart from each other at the second end 20 of the gripping portion 10 defining an opening 22 extending therebetween. The recess 16 of the gripping portion is defined between inner surfaces 18 of the pair of spaced apart arm portions 24. The pair of spaced apart arm portions 24 extend in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body portion 2. The gripping portion 10 comprises gripping material located on inner surfaces 18 of the gripping portion 10 (for example on inner surfaces of the pair of arm portions 24) which are configured in use to contact a seat post of a bike. The cycling support aid 1 is moveable between a stowed position (Figures 1A, 2 and 3) and two discrete extended positions (Figure 1B, 1C and 4). This enables the aid to be easily transported when not in use. For example, the length of the elongate body portion of the aid in the stowed position (as measured between the first and second ends thereof) is preferably about 43 cm. The length of the elongate body portion of the aid in the first extended position (as measured between the first and second ends thereof) is about 75 cm. The length of the elongate body portion of the aid in the second extended position (as measured between the first and second ends thereof) is about 110 cm. It is to be understood that the elongate body portion may be moveable between the stowed and extended positions by any suitable mechanism, for example by folding. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate body portion 2 comprises three telescopic portions 2a, 2b, 2c slideably mounted to allow for adjustment of the separation between the first and second ends thereof. The aid 1 further comprises locking mechanisms 30 configured in use to lock adjacent telescopic portions 2a, 2b, 2c in position. In use, the user obtains the aid 1 and moves the aid 1 from the stowed position to one of the discrete extended positions as required. The user then positions the opening 22 of the gripping portion 10 adjacent the seat post of the bicycle and holds the handle portion 8. Once aligned, the user pushes the gripping portion 10 into contact with the seat post such that the seat post is received through the opening 22 and into recess 16 and abuts the abutment surface 18 provided in the inner surface of the arm portions 24. The user can then provide sufficient support to the seat post of the bicycle, as a result of the gripping portion 10 for example to prevent unintentional movement at an angle to the direction of travel of the bicycle or to provide an additional propulsion force to the bicycle, whilst walking, running or cycling behind the bicycle. The immediate release of the aid 1 from the seat post of the bicycle ensures that the aid 1 can be moved easily to avoid an accident without requiring further interference from the userto disengage the gripping portion 10. Furthermore, the immediate release of the aid 1 enables the aid 1 to be removed once the user has sufficient confidence and skill to cycle unaided whether temporarily or permanently. Should the user require further support, the gripping portion 10can be quickly aligned and positioned to support the seat post again without additional interference from the user and the requirement to fasten the aid 1 to the bike using locking mechanisms.

Claims

1. A cycling support aid for supporting a user to learn to ride a bicycle, the cycling support aid comprising:a body portion comprising a first end and a second opposed end;a handle portion located at or adjacent the first end of the body portion;anda gripping portion located at or adjacent the second opposed end of the body portion, in which the gripping portion defines a recess for receiving and supporting a portion of a bicycle in which the gripping portion comprises a first end located adjacent the second opposed end of the body portion, and a second opposed end, and in which the gripping portion defines an opening at the second opposed end thereof, and in which the aid is free from any engagement mechanism to secure the second opposed end of the body portion by mechanical fixings to a bicycle, in which the body portion comprises at least one telescopic portion configured in use to adjust the separation between the first and second ends thereof, and in which the support aid is moveable between a stowed position and a plurality of discrete extended positions.

2. A cycling support aid as claimed in claim 1, in which the body portion is an elongate body portion.

3. A cycling support aid as claimed in claim 2, in which the elongate body portion defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second opposed end thereof.

4. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one locking mechanism for locking at least one portion of the telescopic portion in position relative to a further portion of the telescopic portion of the body portion.

5. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the gripping portion is integrally formed with the body portion.

6. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the gripping portion is releasably mounted on the second opposed end of the body portion.

7. A cycling support aid as claimed in claim 6, in which the gripping portion comprises a threaded portion configured for threaded engagement with a correspondingly threaded portion provided on the second opposed end of the body portion.

8. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the aid is configured in use to be secured to a portion of a bicycle only by friction.

9. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the gripping portion is configured in use for push-fit engagement with a portion of a bicycle.

10. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the gripping portion is configured in use to engage a portion of a bicycle by movement of the aid towards a seat post in a direction extending substantially parallel to an axis extending between the first and second opposed ends of the body portion.

11. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the gripping portion is configured in use to engage a seat post of a bicycle.

12. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the recess has a depth of at least 5 cm.

13. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the opening of the gripping portion is configured in use to receive a seat post of a bicycle therethrough into the recess.

14. A cycling support aid as claimed in claim 13, in which the opening provided at the second end of the gripping portion has a diameter of at least 4 cm.

15. A cycling support aid as claimed in eitherof claims 13 and 14, in which the gripping portion comprises a pair of spaced apart arm portions extending away from the first end towards the second end of the gripping portion, in which the opening is provided between the pair of spaced apart arm portions at the second end of the gripping portion, and in which the recess is defined between the pair of spaced apart arm portions.

16. A cycling support aid as claimed in claim 15, in which each arm portion has a first end located at or adjacent the first end of the gripping portion, and an opposed second free end, and in which at least a portion of the arm portions adjacent the opposed second free end thereof extend substantially parallel to each other.

17. A cycling support aid as claimed in either of claims 15 and 16, in which the pair of spaced apart arm portions extend in a direction extendingsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

18. A cycling support aid as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, in which the gripping portion is substantially U-shaped.

19. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the gripping portion comprises gripping material located on inner portions of the gripping portion which are configured in use to contact a seat post of a bike.

20. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the handle portion is composed of foam.

21. A cycling support aid as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the handle portion is integrally formed with the body portion.

22. A cycling support aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, in which the handle portion is releasably engaged to the body portion.

23. A method for manufacturing a cycling support aid comprising:obtaining a body portion comprising a first end and a second opposed end, in which the body portion comprises at least one telescopic portion configured in use to adjust the separation between the first and second ends thereof, and in which the support aid is moveable between a stowed position and a plurality of discrete extended positions.;obtaining a handle portion and positioning the handled portion at or adjacent the first end of the body portion; andobtaining a gripping portion defining a recess for receiving and supporting a portion of a bicycle, in which the gripping portion comprises a first end located adjacent the second opposed end of the body portion, and a second opposed end, and in which the gripping portion defines an opening at the second opposed end thereof, and in which the aid is free from any engagement mechanism to secure the second opposed end of the body portion by mechanical fixings to a bicycle, and positioning the gripping portion at or adjacent the second opposed end of the body portion.

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